Chapter 25

Guan Yu Sets Three Conditions at Earthen Hill; Cao Cao Relieves the Siege of Baima

Now Cheng Yu offered a plan: “Guan Yu is a match for ten thousand men; he cannot be taken without strategy. We should select some of Liu Bei’s former soldiers who have surrendered and send them into Xiapi. When they see Lord Guan, they are to say that they have escaped back, then lie hidden in the city as our agents. Next we shall lure Lord Guan out to battle, feign defeat, and draw him elsewhere, while picked troops cut off his road of return. Only then may we persuade him to submit.” Cao Cao approved the plan and at once ordered several dozen surrendered soldiers from Xuzhou to go straight to Xiapi and offer themselves to Lord Guan. Taking them for men from the old army, Lord Guan kept them and suspected nothing.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led five thousand men as the vanguard and came to challenge him. Lord Guan would not come out, so Xiahou Dun sent men beneath the city walls to revile him. Enraged, Lord Guan led three thousand horse and foot out of the city and engaged Xiahou Dun. After somewhat more than ten bouts, Xiahou Dun wheeled his horse and fled. Lord Guan pursued, while Xiahou Dun alternately fought and retreated. After chasing him about twenty li, Lord Guan feared that Xiapi might be imperiled and turned his troops back. Suddenly a cannon boomed: Xu Huang appeared on the left and Xu Chu on the right, their two forces barring the road. Lord Guan tried to force a passage, but the ambushers on both sides had a hundred stout crossbows arrayed, and arrows flew like locusts. Unable to pass, Lord Guan reined in his troops and turned back, only to be met in battle by Xu Huang and Xu Chu. Fighting with all his might, Lord Guan drove the two men off and led his troops toward Xiapi, but Xiahou Dun again blocked his way and attacked.

Lord Guan fought until sunset, but with no road left by which to return, he could only make for an earthen hill, where he stationed his troops on the summit to rest awhile. Cao Cao’s soldiers surrounded the hill on every side. From the height, Lord Guan looked toward Xiapi and saw flames soaring into the sky. The soldiers who had feigned surrender had secretly opened the city gates, allowing Cao Cao himself to lead the main army into the city; he had merely ordered the fires lit to disturb Lord Guan’s mind.

Seeing the fires rise in Xiapi, Lord Guan was seized with alarm. Several times during the night he charged down the hill, but each time a storm of arrows drove him back. When at last dawn came, he was preparing to marshal his men and break through once more when he suddenly saw a rider galloping up the hill. Looking closely, he recognized Zhang Liao. Lord Guan went forward and said, “Wenyuan, have you come to fight me?” Zhang Liao replied, “No. Remembering the old affection between us, I have come especially to see you.” He cast aside his saber, dismounted, exchanged courtesies with Lord Guan, and sat with him on the hilltop. Lord Guan said, “Wenyuan, can it be that you have come to persuade me to surrender?” Zhang Liao replied, “Not so. In former days, elder brother saved my life. How could I fail to save yours today?” Lord Guan said, “Then you mean to aid me?” Zhang Liao replied, “Not that either.” Lord Guan said, “If you will not aid me, what have you come here for?”

Zhang Liao said, “Xuande’s fate is unknown, and whether Yide lives or dies is likewise uncertain. Last night Lord Cao captured Xiapi, yet neither soldiers nor civilians suffered harm. He has assigned men to guard Xuande’s family and forbidden anyone to disturb them. Since he has treated them in this fashion, I have come especially to inform you.” Lord Guan angrily replied, “These words are meant only to make me submit. Though I stand now in desperate straits, I look upon death as a return home. You must leave at once. I shall descend the hill and meet them in battle.” Zhang Liao laughed aloud. “Would not all the world mock you for such words?” Lord Guan said, “If I die upholding loyalty and righteousness, how could the world mock me?” Zhang Liao replied, “If you die now, you will incur three offenses.” Lord Guan said, “Then tell me what those three offenses are.”

Zhang Liao said, “When Liu Bei and you first swore brotherhood, you vowed to live and die together. Now Liu Bei has merely suffered defeat, yet you would die in battle at once. If he should reappear and seek your aid, only to find you forever beyond his reach, would you not have betrayed the oath you swore in former days? That is your first offense. Liu Bei entrusted his family to your care. If you die in battle now, the two ladies will have no one upon whom to depend, and you will have betrayed the weighty trust Liu Bei placed in you. That is your second offense. Your martial skill surpasses that of other men, and you are also versed in the Classics and histories; yet instead of thinking how to join Liu Bei in restoring the House of Han, you merely wish to plunge into boiling water and tread through fire to display the courage of a common man. How can that be called righteousness? That is your third offense. Since you stand guilty of these three offenses, I could not refrain from warning you.”

Lord Guan pondered for a long while, then said, “You say I have three offenses. What would you have me do?” Zhang Liao replied, “Lord Cao’s soldiers surround you on every side. If you do not surrender, you must die; but a futile death will profit no one. Better to submit to Lord Cao for the present while seeking news of Liu Bei. Once you learn where he is, you may go and join him. First, you can protect the two ladies; second, you will not violate the oath sworn in the Peach Garden; and third, you will preserve your useful life. These are three advantages. I urge you to consider them carefully.”

Lord Guan said, “You have named three advantages; I have three conditions. If the Prime Minister will accept them, I shall lay aside my armor. If he will not, I would rather die bearing those three offenses.” Zhang Liao said, “The Prime Minister is broad-minded and magnanimous. What could he refuse? I should like to hear your three conditions.” Lord Guan said, “First, the Imperial Uncle and I swore an oath to uphold the House of Han together. Therefore I shall submit only to the Emperor of Han, not to Cao Cao. Second, the two sisters-in-law must be supported from the Imperial Uncle’s stipend, and no one, high or low, shall be permitted to approach their gate. Third, the moment I learn where Imperial Uncle Liu has gone, no matter whether it be a thousand or ten thousand li away, I must be allowed to take my leave and go to him. If even one of these three conditions is denied, I will never surrender. Wenyuan, I ask you to report them without delay.”

Zhang Liao agreed, mounted his horse, and returned to Cao Cao. He first explained that Lord Guan would submit to Han, but not to Cao Cao. Cao Cao laughed. “I am the Prime Minister of Han; Han and I are one. That condition may be granted.” Zhang Liao continued, “The two ladies ask to be supported from the Imperial Uncle’s stipend, and no one, high or low, is to be permitted to approach their gate.” Cao Cao said, “I shall double what is paid to them from the Imperial Uncle’s stipend. As for maintaining a strict division between those within and those without, that is proper household law. What objection could there be?” Zhang Liao then said, “The moment he learns where Xuande is, no matter how far away, he must be allowed to go.” Cao Cao shook his head. “If so, what use is there in my maintaining Yunzhang? This condition is difficult to grant.” Zhang Liao said, “Have you not heard Yu Rang’s distinction between treatment as an ordinary man and treatment as a knight of the realm? Liu Xuande has done no more than treat Yunzhang with great kindness. If the Prime Minister shows him even greater kindness and thereby binds his heart, why fear that Yunzhang will not submit?” Cao Cao said, “Wenyuan’s words are most sound. I agree to all three conditions.”

Zhang Liao returned to the hill and reported this to Lord Guan. Lord Guan said, “Though matters stand thus, ask the Prime Minister to withdraw his army for the moment, so that I may enter the city, see my two sisters-in-law, and inform them of the matter before I surrender.” Zhang Liao went back once more and reported these words to Cao Cao. Cao Cao immediately issued orders for the army to withdraw ten li. Xun Yu said, “You must not. I fear there may be treachery.” Cao Cao replied, “Yunzhang is a righteous man. He will never break his word.” He then led the army away. Lord Guan brought his troops into Xiapi. Seeing that the people were safe and all remained undisturbed, he proceeded straight to the residence to see his two sisters-in-law.

When Ladies Gan and Mi heard that Lord Guan had arrived, they hurried out to receive him. Bowing at the foot of the steps, he said, “That my two sisters-in-law have suffered such fright is my fault.” The two ladies asked, “Where is the Imperial Uncle now?” Lord Guan replied, “I do not know where he has gone.” They asked, “What does second brother-in-law intend to do now?” Lord Guan said, “I went out of the city and fought to the death, but was trapped upon an earthen hill. Zhang Liao urged me to surrender, and I set three conditions. Cao Cao has agreed to them all, and so he withdrew his army and allowed me to enter the city. Since I had not obtained your wishes in the matter, I did not dare decide on my own.” The two ladies asked what the three conditions were, and Lord Guan recounted each of them in full. Lady Gan said, “Yesterday, when Cao Cao’s army entered the city, we both thought we were certain to die. Yet not a hair of our heads was touched, and not one soldier dared enter our gate. Since brother-in-law has already given his word, why need you ask the two of us? We fear only that Cao Cao may later refuse to let you go in search of the Imperial Uncle.” Lord Guan replied, “Set your minds at ease. I have my own plan.” The two ladies said, “Brother-in-law must decide for himself. There is no need to consult us women in every matter.”

Lord Guan took his leave, then led several dozen horsemen to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao came out beyond the camp gate to receive him. Lord Guan dismounted and entered to bow, and Cao Cao hastily returned the courtesy. Lord Guan said, “I am a defeated general, deeply indebted to you for sparing my life.” Cao Cao replied, “I have long admired Yunzhang’s loyalty and righteousness. My good fortune in meeting you today is enough to fulfill the hopes of a lifetime.” Lord Guan said, “Wenyuan reported my three conditions on my behalf. Since the Prime Minister has graciously accepted them, I trust he will not go back upon his word.” Cao Cao replied, “Once my word is given, how would I dare break faith?” Lord Guan said, “If I learn where the Imperial Uncle is, I shall cross flood and fire to join him. At that time, I fear I may have no opportunity to take formal leave, so I humbly beg your forgiveness beforehand.” Cao Cao said, “If Xuande still lives, you must certainly go to him. I fear only that he may have perished amid the chaos of battle. For now, set your mind at ease. There will still be time to seek news of him.”

Lord Guan bowed his thanks, and Cao Cao prepared a banquet in his honor. The next day, the army struck camp and returned to Xuchang. Lord Guan made ready the carriages, invited his two sisters-in-law to enter, and personally guarded their carriage along the way. When they stopped for the night at a posthouse, Cao Cao, wishing to confound the proper distinction between lord and subject, arranged for Lord Guan and his two sisters-in-law to share a single chamber. Lord Guan, however, took a candle and stood outside the door from dusk until dawn without the least sign of weariness. Seeing him conduct himself so, Cao Cao respected and admired him all the more. Upon reaching Xuchang, Cao Cao assigned Lord Guan a residence. Lord Guan divided the estate into two courts and posted ten veteran soldiers to guard the inner gate, while he himself occupied the outer quarters. Cao Cao brought Lord Guan to court to have audience with Emperor Xian, who appointed him Lieutenant General. Lord Guan gave thanks for the imperial favor and returned to his residence.

The next day, Cao Cao held a great banquet, assembling all his civil counselors and warriors. He treated Lord Guan with the courtesies due a guest and invited him to take the seat of honor. He also presented him with damask, brocade, and vessels of gold and silver. Lord Guan sent them all to his two sisters-in-law for safekeeping. From the time Lord Guan arrived in Xuchang, Cao Cao treated him with extraordinary generosity: a small feast every three days and a great banquet every five. He also gave him ten beautiful women to attend him. Lord Guan sent them all beyond the inner gate and ordered them to wait upon his two sisters-in-law. Every third day, he would bow outside the inner gate and inquire personally after their well-being. Only after the two ladies had finished asking for news of the Imperial Uncle and said, “Brother-in-law may now retire,” did Lord Guan dare withdraw. When Cao Cao heard of this, he expressed unending admiration for Lord Guan.

One day, Cao Cao noticed that the green brocade battle robe worn by Lord Guan had grown old. He took his measure and had a battle robe fashioned from rare brocade as a gift. Lord Guan accepted it, but wore it beneath his clothes, keeping the old robe over it as before. Cao Cao laughed and said, “Yunzhang, why are you so frugal?” Lord Guan replied, “It is not frugality. The old robe was bestowed upon me by Imperial Uncle Liu. When I wear it, it is as though I see my elder brother’s face. I dare not forget my elder brother’s former gift for the sake of the Prime Minister’s new one, and so I wear the old robe on top.” Cao Cao sighed. “A true man of righteousness!” Yet though his words expressed admiration, in his heart he was displeased.

One day, while Lord Guan was at his residence, a sudden report came: “The two ladies in the inner court have fallen to the floor weeping. No one knows why. The general is requested to enter at once.” Lord Guan straightened his garments, knelt outside the inner gate, and asked why his two sisters-in-law were grieving. Lady Gan replied, “Last night I dreamed that the Imperial Uncle had fallen into a pit in the earth. When I awoke, I discussed it with Lady Mi, and we thought he must now lie beneath the Nine Springs. That is why we weep together.” Lord Guan said, “Dreams cannot be relied upon. This has come only from my sisters-in-law’s longing for him. I beg you not to grieve.”

As they were speaking, a messenger from Cao Cao happened to arrive, inviting Lord Guan to a banquet. Lord Guan took leave of his two sisters-in-law and went to see Cao Cao. When Cao Cao saw the traces of tears on his face, he asked the reason. Lord Guan replied, “My two sisters-in-law were weeping bitterly from longing for my elder brother. I could not help but grieve in my own heart.” Cao Cao smiled, spoke words of consolation, and repeatedly pressed wine upon him. When Lord Guan was drunk, he stroked his beard and said, “Unable in life to repay the state, yet betraying my elder brother—what use is such a man?” Cao Cao asked, “Yunzhang, have you ever counted the hairs in your beard?” Lord Guan replied, “There are several hundred, more or less. Every autumn, three or five hairs fall out. In winter I generally wrap it in a black gauze bag for fear that it may break.” Cao Cao had a bag made of figured gauze and gave it to Lord Guan to protect his beard. The next morning, they attended court and had audience with the Emperor. Seeing a figured gauze bag hanging before Lord Guan’s breast, the Emperor asked what it was. Lord Guan memorialized, “Your servant’s beard is rather long, and the Prime Minister bestowed this bag upon me to hold it.” The Emperor ordered him to spread it out in the hall, and the beard reached below his belly. The Emperor exclaimed, “Truly, a lord of splendid beard!” From that time on, everyone called him the Lord of the Splendid Beard.

One day, Cao Cao invited Lord Guan to a banquet. As the feast ended, he escorted him out of the residence and noticed that his horse was thin. Cao Cao asked, “Why is your horse so lean?” Lord Guan replied, “My humble frame is rather heavy. The horse cannot bear my weight, and so it is always thin.” Cao Cao ordered his attendants to prepare another horse, and in a short while they led one forward. Its body was red as glowing charcoal, and its form was exceedingly powerful and majestic. Pointing to it, Cao Cao said, “Do you recognize this horse?” Lord Guan replied, “Can it be Red Hare, the horse once ridden by Lü Bu?” Cao Cao said, “It is.” He then presented it to Lord Guan, together with saddle and bridle. Lord Guan bowed twice in gratitude. Cao Cao was displeased and said, “I have repeatedly given you beautiful women, gold, and silk, yet you never once bowed to me. Today I give you a horse, and you are so delighted that you bow twice. Why do you hold men cheap and beasts dear?” Lord Guan replied, “I know this horse can travel a thousand li in a single day. Now that I have had the good fortune to obtain it, once I learn where my elder brother is, I can be at his side within a day.” Cao Cao was struck speechless and regretted his gift. Lord Guan then took his leave. A later poet sighed:

His might awed the Three Kingdoms, his valor won renown;One house he split in two, his righteousness to crown.In vain the traitor minister plied him with hollow grace—How could he know Guan Yu would never serve Cao’s place?

Cao Cao asked Zhang Liao, “I have not treated Yunzhang ungenerously, yet he constantly thinks of leaving. Why is this?” Zhang Liao replied, “Allow me to sound out his feelings.” The next day, he went to see Lord Guan. After they had exchanged courtesies, Zhang Liao said, “Since recommending you to the Prime Minister, I have never failed in my duty to you.” Lord Guan replied, “I am deeply grateful for the Prime Minister’s great kindness. Yet though my body is here, my heart remains with the Imperial Uncle; never for a moment has he left my thoughts.” Zhang Liao said, “Your words are mistaken. A man who lives in this world without distinguishing the greater obligation from the lesser is no true man. Xuande’s treatment of you could hardly surpass the Prime Minister’s. Why, then, do you think only of leaving?” Lord Guan replied, “I know full well that Lord Cao has treated me with extraordinary kindness. But I received great favor from Imperial Uncle Liu, and I swore to die with him. I cannot betray him. I shall not remain here in the end. I mean only to render some signal service in repayment of Lord Cao before I depart.” Zhang Liao asked, “If Xuande has already left this world, where will you go?” Lord Guan replied, “I shall follow him beneath the earth.”

Zhang Liao knew that Lord Guan could never be persuaded to stay. He therefore took his leave, returned to Cao Cao, and reported everything truthfully. Cao Cao sighed and said, “A man who serves a lord yet never forgets his first allegiance is truly a righteous knight of the realm!” Xun Yu said, “He declares that he will leave only after rendering service. If he is given no opportunity to render service, he may not depart so soon.” Cao Cao agreed.

Meanwhile, Xuande, residing with Yuan Shao, was troubled day and night. Yuan Shao asked, “Why is Xuande always sorrowful?” Xuande replied, “I have no news of my two younger brothers, while my wife and household have fallen into the hands of the villain Cao. Above, I cannot repay the state; below, I cannot protect my family. How could I not grieve?” Yuan Shao said, “I have long wished to advance upon the imperial capital of Xu. Now that spring has grown warm, it is the perfect time to raise an army.” He then began discussing a strategy for defeating Cao Cao. Tian Feng remonstrated: “When Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou earlier, the imperial capital of Xu was empty, yet you failed to advance at that time. Now Xuzhou has fallen and Cao Cao’s troops are at the height of their vigor. We must not underestimate them. Better to pursue a protracted strategy, waiting until a breach appears before we move.”

Yuan Shao said, “Let me consider it.” He then asked Xuande, “Tian Feng advises me to hold fast. What do you think?” Xuande replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor who deceives his sovereign. If Your Excellency does not punish him, I fear you will forfeit the cause of righteousness before the world.” Yuan Shao said, “Xuande’s words are excellent.” He therefore prepared to raise an army. Tian Feng again remonstrated. Yuan Shao angrily cried, “You men flaunt your literary learning and despise warfare, causing me to forfeit the great cause of righteousness!” Tian Feng knocked his head upon the ground and said, “If you do not heed your servant’s honest counsel, the campaign will bring disaster.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage and intended to execute him. Only Xuande’s strenuous pleas saved him, and he was cast into prison instead. When Ju Shou learned that Tian Feng had been imprisoned, he gathered his clan, distributed all his family wealth, and bade them farewell, saying, “I go now with the army. If we win, there will be no limit to my glory; if we lose, I shall not preserve even my life!” All wept as they saw him off.

Yuan Shao appointed his great general Yan Liang as vanguard and sent him to attack Baima. Ju Shou remonstrated: “Yan Liang is narrow-minded. Though fierce and valiant, he must not be entrusted with an independent command.” Yuan Shao said, “He is one of my foremost generals, beyond the measure of men like you.” The great army advanced to Liyang, and Liu Yan, Governor of Dongjun, sent an urgent appeal to Xuchang. Cao Cao immediately convened a council to raise troops against the enemy. When Lord Guan heard of it, he entered the Prime Minister’s residence and said, “I hear that the Prime Minister is raising an army. I wish to serve in the vanguard.” Cao Cao replied, “I would not presume to trouble you, General. When occasion arises, I shall come and request your aid.” Lord Guan then withdrew. Cao Cao led out one hundred fifty thousand troops, marching in three columns. Along the way, further urgent dispatches arrived from Liu Yan. Cao Cao took fifty thousand men ahead of the rest and personally hastened to Baima, where he encamped beside an earthen hill. Looking across the level and open country before the hill, he saw Yan Liang’s vanguard of one hundred thousand picked troops drawn up in battle array. Cao Cao was appalled. Turning to Song Xian, one of Lü Bu’s former generals, he said, “I have heard that you were a fierce general under Lü Bu. You may now go and fight Yan Liang.”

Song Xian accepted the command, snatched up his spear, mounted his horse, and rode straight before the lines. Yan Liang sat his horse beneath the commanding banner, his saber held crosswise. Seeing Song Xian approach, he gave a mighty shout and spurred his horse to meet him. They had fought fewer than three bouts when Yan Liang raised his saber and brought it down, slaying Song Xian before the battle line. Cao Cao exclaimed in astonishment, “A truly valiant general!” Wei Xu said, “He has slain my comrade. Let me go and avenge him!” Cao Cao consented. Wei Xu mounted with spear in hand, rode straight before the lines, and loudly reviled Yan Liang. Without wasting a word, Yan Liang met him in a single pass and brought his saber down upon his head, cleaving Wei Xu from his horse. Cao Cao asked, “Who now dares oppose him?” Xu Huang answered the call and rode out. He fought Yan Liang for twenty bouts, then was defeated and returned to his own formation. All the generals trembled. Cao Cao withdrew his troops, and Yan Liang likewise led his army away.

Having lost two generals in succession, Cao Cao was deeply troubled. Cheng Yu said, “I can recommend one man capable of opposing Yan Liang.” Cao Cao asked who it was. Cheng Yu replied, “No one but Lord Guan will do.” Cao Cao said, “I fear that once he has rendered service, he will leave.” Cheng Yu replied, “If Liu Bei still lives, he must have gone to Yuan Shao. If Yunzhang is now sent to break Yuan Shao’s army, Yuan Shao will certainly suspect Liu Bei and put him to death. Once Liu Bei is dead, where could Yunzhang go?” Cao Cao was overjoyed and immediately sent men to summon Lord Guan. Lord Guan went at once to take leave of his two sisters-in-law. They said, “While brother-in-law is away, you may be able to seek news of the Imperial Uncle.”

Lord Guan accepted their charge and departed. Taking up his Green Dragon saber, he mounted Red Hare and, with several attendants, rode straight to Baima to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao explained, “Yan Liang has slain two generals in succession and his valor seems irresistible. I have therefore invited Yunzhang here especially to discuss the matter.” Lord Guan replied, “Allow me to observe him.” Cao Cao set out wine to entertain him. Suddenly a report came that Yan Liang was challenging them to battle, and Cao Cao led Lord Guan up the earthen hill to watch. Cao Cao and Lord Guan sat together while the generals stood around them. Pointing to Yan Liang’s formation below the hill, its banners bright, its spears and sabers densely arrayed, its ranks orderly and imposing, Cao Cao said to Lord Guan, “See how mighty are the men and horses of Hebei!” Lord Guan replied, “To my eyes, they are nothing but clay chickens and earthen dogs!” Cao Cao pointed again. “Beneath the commander’s canopy, the man in the embroidered robe and golden armor who sits his horse holding a saber—that is Yan Liang.” Lord Guan raised his eyes and looked, then said to Cao Cao, “To me, Yan Liang is no more than a head displayed for sale with a marker stuck beside it!” Cao Cao said, “You must not take him lightly.” Lord Guan rose and said, “Though I possess little ability, I am willing to enter that host of ten thousand, take his head, and present it to the Prime Minister.” Zhang Liao said, “There are no idle words in war. Yunzhang, you must not be rash.”

Lord Guan sprang fiercely onto his horse, gripped the Green Dragon saber with its blade trailing behind him, and galloped down the hill. His phoenix eyes opened wide, his silkworm brows rose on end, and he charged straight into the enemy formation. The army of Hebei parted before him like waves cleft by a ship. Lord Guan rode directly at Yan Liang. Yan Liang was beneath the commander’s canopy, and when he saw Lord Guan bearing down upon him, he was just about to ask his name; but Lord Guan’s Red Hare was swift and had already reached him. Taken completely unawares, Yan Liang was struck by a single thrust of Yunzhang’s saber and toppled beneath his horse. Lord Guan instantly dismounted, cut off Yan Liang’s head, tied it beneath his horse’s neck, sprang back into the saddle, and rode out of the formation with saber in hand as though passing through deserted ground. The soldiers and generals of Hebei were thunderstruck and fell into disorder without fighting. Cao Cao’s army seized the advantage and attacked. The dead could not be counted, and immense numbers of horses and weapons were captured. Lord Guan spurred his horse back up the hill, where all the generals congratulated him. He presented Yan Liang’s head before Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “General, you are truly a man divine!” Lord Guan replied, “What I have done is hardly worth mentioning. My younger brother Zhang Yide can take the head of a chief general from amid an army of a million as easily as reaching into a bag to draw out an object.” Cao Cao was greatly startled. Turning to those around him, he said, “If ever you encounter Zhang Yide, you must not underestimate him.” He ordered them to write the warning inside the lower flaps of their robes so they would remember it.

Meanwhile, Yan Liang’s defeated troops fled back and met Yuan Shao halfway. They reported that a mighty warrior with a red face and long beard, wielding a great saber, had ridden alone into their formation, slain Yan Liang, and departed, whereupon their army had suffered a crushing defeat. Yuan Shao asked in alarm, “Who was this man?” Ju Shou replied, “It must have been Guan Yunzhang, the younger brother of Liu Xuande.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. Pointing at Xuande, he cried, “Your brother has slain my beloved general. You must have conspired with him. What use is there in keeping you alive?” He summoned the executioners and ordered them to drag Xuande away and behead him. Indeed:

At first he sat an honored guest beside his lord;Today he nearly joins the prisoners below the stair.

Whether Xuande lived or died will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Guan Yu Sets Three Conditions at Earthen Hill; Cao Cao Relieves the Siege of Baima

Now Cheng Yu offered a plan: “Guan Yu is a match for ten thousand men. He cannot be taken without strategy. We should send some of Liu Bei’s soldiers who surrendered to us into Xiapi. They can tell Lord Guan that they have escaped back, then lie hidden in the city as our agents. Next, we lure Lord Guan out to battle, feign defeat, and draw him elsewhere. Our best troops can then cut off his retreat, after which we may persuade him to surrender.” Cao Cao followed his plan. He immediately ordered several dozen surrendered soldiers from Xuzhou to go straight to Xiapi and place themselves under Lord Guan’s command. Lord Guan took them for his former troops and kept them without suspicion.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led five thousand troops as the vanguard and came to challenge him. When Lord Guan refused to come out, Xiahou Dun sent men beneath the city walls to hurl insults at him. Lord Guan flew into a rage and led three thousand men and horses out of the city to fight Xiahou Dun. After some ten exchanges, Xiahou Dun wheeled his horse and fled. Lord Guan pursued him, while Xiahou Dun alternately fought and retreated. After chasing him about twenty miles, Lord Guan grew concerned that something might happen to Xiapi and turned his troops back. Suddenly a cannon boomed. Xu Huang appeared on the left and Xu Chu on the right, their two forces blocking the road. Lord Guan tried to force a way through, but the ambushers on both sides had a hundred powerful crossbows arrayed against him, and the arrows flew like locusts. Unable to pass, Lord Guan drew his troops back again, only to be engaged by Xu Huang and Xu Chu. Fighting with all his strength, Lord Guan drove the two men back and led his troops toward Xiapi, but Xiahou Dun blocked him once more and attacked.

Lord Guan fought until sunset, but with no road left by which to return, he had no choice but to lead his troops onto an earthen hill, where they encamped on the summit and rested for the moment. Cao Cao’s troops surrounded the hill on every side. From the heights, Lord Guan looked toward Xiapi and saw flames soaring into the sky. The soldiers who had pretended to surrender had secretly opened the city gates, allowing Cao Cao to lead his main army into the city. Cao Cao had ordered the fires lit solely to unsettle Lord Guan.

Seeing fires rise in Xiapi, Lord Guan became alarmed. Several times during the night he charged down the hill, but each time he was driven back by volleys of arrows. At daybreak, just as he was preparing his troops for another charge down the hill, he suddenly saw a man galloping up. Looking closely, he saw it was Zhang Liao. Lord Guan went forward and said, “Wenyuan, have you come to fight me?” Zhang Liao replied, “No. Remembering the friendship between us from former days, I have come especially to see you.” He laid aside his saber, dismounted, and exchanged courtesies with Lord Guan, after which they sat on the summit. Lord Guan said, “Wenyuan, can it be that you have come to persuade me to surrender?” Zhang Liao said, “No. In the past, Elder Brother saved my life. How could I fail to save yours today?” Lord Guan asked, “Then do you intend to help me?” Zhang Liao replied, “Not that either.” Lord Guan said, “If you will not help me, then why have you come?”

Zhang Liao said, “No one knows whether Xuande is alive or dead, and neither is it known whether Yide has survived. Last night Duke Cao captured Xiapi, but neither the soldiers nor the people were harmed. He assigned men to guard Xuande’s family and forbade anyone to disturb them. Since he has treated them in this way, I have come especially to inform you.” Lord Guan said angrily, “You are saying this only to persuade me. Though I am now trapped with no way out, I regard death as a return home. Leave at once. I will go down the hill and fight.” Zhang Liao laughed loudly. “Will not the whole world laugh at you for saying such a thing?” Lord Guan said, “If I die upholding loyalty and righteousness, how could the world laugh at me?” Zhang Liao replied, “If you die now, you will be guilty of three offenses.” Lord Guan said, “Tell me what those three offenses are.”

Zhang Liao said, “When Imperial Uncle Liu and you first swore brotherhood, you vowed to live and die together. Now the Imperial Uncle has only just suffered defeat, yet you intend to die in battle. If he should reappear and seek your help, only to find you gone forever, would you not have betrayed the oath you swore in those days? That is your first offense. Imperial Uncle Liu entrusted his family to you. If you die in battle now, the two ladies will have no one to rely on, and you will have betrayed the weighty trust placed in you by the Imperial Uncle. That is your second offense. Your martial skill surpasses that of other men, and you are also well versed in the classics and histories. Yet instead of thinking how to join the Imperial Uncle in restoring the House of Han, you seek only to plunge into boiling water and walk through fire to display the courage of an ordinary brute. How can that be called righteousness? That is your third offense. Since you face these three offenses, I could not refrain from telling you.”

Lord Guan pondered for a while, then said, “You say I face three offenses. What would you have me do?” Zhang Liao replied, “Duke Cao’s troops surround you on every side. If you refuse to surrender, you will certainly die, and a futile death will accomplish nothing. It would be better to submit to Duke Cao for the present while seeking news of Imperial Uncle Liu. Once you learn where he is, you can go and join him. First, you will be able to protect the two ladies. Second, you will not violate the oath sworn in the Peach Garden. Third, you will preserve your useful life. These are three advantages. You should consider them carefully.”

Lord Guan said, “You have spoken of three advantages; I have three conditions. If the Prime Minister can accept them, I will lay aside my armor. If he does not, I would rather die bearing those three offenses.” Zhang Liao said, “The Prime Minister is broad-minded and magnanimous. What could he not tolerate? I would like to hear your three conditions.” Lord Guan said, “First, the Imperial Uncle and I swore an oath to support the House of Han together. Therefore, I will surrender only to the Emperor of Han, not to Cao Cao. Second, the two sisters-in-law must be supported with the Imperial Uncle’s stipend, and no one, high or low, may approach their gate. Third, as soon as I learn where Imperial Uncle Liu has gone, whether he is a thousand miles away or ten thousand, I must be free to take my leave. If even one of these three conditions is lacking, I will never surrender. Wenyuan, please report them at once.”

Zhang Liao agreed, mounted his horse, and returned to see Cao Cao. First, he explained that Lord Guan would surrender to the Han but not to Cao Cao. Cao Cao laughed. “I am the prime minister of the Han, so the Han and I are one. I can accept that.” Zhang Liao continued, “The two ladies ask to receive the Imperial Uncle’s stipend, and no one, high or low, is to approach their gate.” Cao Cao said, “I will give them twice the Imperial Uncle’s stipend. As for strictly barring all outsiders from their quarters, that is simply proper household discipline. Why should there be any question about it?” Zhang Liao then said, “As soon as he learns where Xuande is, he will go to him, no matter how far away.” Cao Cao shook his head. “If that is so, what use is there in my supporting Guan Yu? This condition is difficult to accept.” Zhang Liao said, “Have you not heard the distinction Yu Rang made between being treated as an ordinary man and being treated as a man of the realm? Liu Xuande has shown Guan Yu no more than great kindness. If the Prime Minister shows him still greater kindness and thereby wins his heart, why fear that Guan Yu will not submit to you?” Cao Cao said, “What you say is entirely right, Wenyuan. I will accept all three conditions.”

Zhang Liao returned to the hill and reported this to Lord Guan. Lord Guan said, “Even so, please ask the Prime Minister to withdraw his army for the moment, so that I may enter the city, see my two sisters-in-law, and tell them what has happened. After that, I will surrender.” Zhang Liao returned once more and relayed these words to Cao Cao. Cao Cao immediately gave orders for his army to withdraw ten miles. Xun Yu said, “You must not. I fear it may be a trick.” Cao Cao replied, “Guan Yu is a righteous man. He will not break his word.” He then led the army back. Lord Guan brought his troops into Xiapi. Seeing that the people were safe and undisturbed, he went directly to the residence to see his two sisters-in-law.

When Ladies Gan and Mi heard that Lord Guan had arrived, they hurried out to welcome him. Lord Guan bowed at the foot of the steps and said, “It is my fault that my two sisters-in-law have suffered such alarm.” The two ladies asked, “Where is the Imperial Uncle now?” Lord Guan replied, “I do not know where he has gone.” They asked, “Second Brother, what do you intend to do now?” Lord Guan said, “I went out of the city and fought to the death, but was trapped on an earthen hill. Zhang Liao urged me to surrender, and I set three conditions. Cao Cao has agreed to them all. That is why he withdrew his troops and allowed me to enter the city. I did not know my sisters-in-law’s wishes, so I did not dare decide on my own.” The two ladies asked what the three conditions were. Lord Guan recounted them fully. Lady Gan said, “When Cao Cao’s army entered the city yesterday, we thought we would surely die. Yet not a hair on our heads was touched, and not a single soldier dared enter our gate. Since you have already given your word, why ask the two of us? We fear only that Cao Cao may refuse to let you seek the Imperial Uncle later.” Lord Guan said, “Do not worry, Sisters-in-law. I have my own plan.” The two ladies said, “Decide for yourself, Second Brother. There is no need to consult us women about everything.”

Lord Guan took his leave, then led several dozen horsemen to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao came out of the camp gate in person to receive him. Lord Guan dismounted, entered, and bowed, while Cao Cao hastily returned the courtesy. Lord Guan said, “As a defeated general, I am deeply grateful for the favor of being spared.” Cao Cao replied, “I have long admired your loyalty and righteousness, Yunchang. My good fortune in meeting you today fulfills the hopes of a lifetime.” Lord Guan said, “Wenyuan conveyed my three conditions, and the Prime Minister was kind enough to accept them. I trust you will not go back on your word.” Cao Cao said, “Once I have spoken, how could I break faith?” Lord Guan said, “If I learn where the Imperial Uncle is, I will go to him even if I must pass through flood or fire. When that time comes, I fear I may not have the opportunity to take my leave in person, and I humbly ask you to forgive me.” Cao Cao replied, “If Xuande is still alive, you must certainly go to him. I fear only that he may have died amid the chaos of battle. For now, set your mind at ease. There will still be time to search for news of him.”

Lord Guan bowed his thanks. Cao Cao held a banquet in his honor. The next day, Cao Cao withdrew his army and returned to Xuchang. Lord Guan prepared the carriages and equipment, invited his two sisters-in-law to board, and personally escorted their carriage on the journey. When they stopped for the night at a post station, Cao Cao sought to confuse the proper relationship between lord and subject by arranging for Lord Guan and his two sisters-in-law to share a single room. Lord Guan instead held a candle and stood outside the door from night until dawn without the slightest sign of weariness. Seeing him act in this way, Cao Cao respected and admired him all the more. Upon reaching Xuchang, Cao Cao assigned Lord Guan a residence. Lord Guan divided it into two courtyards and stationed ten veteran soldiers to guard the inner gate, while he himself lived in the outer quarters. Cao Cao brought Lord Guan to court to meet Emperor Xian, who appointed him General of the Household. Lord Guan thanked the emperor for his favor and returned home.

The next day, Cao Cao gave a great banquet for all his advisers and warriors. He treated Lord Guan with the courtesy due a guest and invited him to take the seat of honor. He also presented him with damask and brocade, along with vessels of gold and silver. Lord Guan gave everything to his two sisters-in-law for safekeeping. From the time Lord Guan arrived in Xuchang, Cao Cao treated him with great generosity: a small banquet every three days and a grand banquet every five. He also gave Lord Guan ten beautiful women to serve him. Lord Guan sent them all inside the inner gate and ordered them to wait upon his two sisters-in-law. Every third day, he would bow outside the inner gate and respectfully ask after their well-being. Only after the two ladies had finished asking for news of the Imperial Uncle and said, “You may go now, Second Brother,” would Lord Guan dare withdraw. When Cao Cao heard of this, his admiration for Lord Guan knew no bounds.

One day, Cao Cao noticed that the green brocade battle robe Lord Guan wore had grown old. He had Lord Guan’s measurements taken, selected a rare brocade, and presented him with a new battle robe. Lord Guan accepted it and wore it beneath his clothes, but continued to wear the old robe over it. Cao Cao laughed and said, “Yunchang, why are you so frugal?” Lord Guan replied, “I am not being frugal. The old robe was given to me by Imperial Uncle Liu. When I wear it, it is as if I see my elder brother’s face. I dare not forget my elder brother’s old gift because of the Prime Minister’s new one, and so I wear the old robe on top.” Cao Cao sighed. “A truly righteous man!” Yet though he praised and admired him aloud, in his heart he was displeased.

One day, while Lord Guan was at his residence, someone suddenly reported, “The two ladies in the inner courtyard have collapsed to the ground weeping. We do not know why. General, please go in at once.” Lord Guan straightened his clothing, knelt outside the inner gate, and asked his two sisters-in-law why they were grieving. Lady Gan said, “Last night I dreamed that the Imperial Uncle had fallen into a pit. When I awoke, I discussed it with Lady Mi, and we thought he must now be beneath the Nine Springs. That is why we are weeping together.” Lord Guan replied, “Dreams cannot be trusted. This is only because you miss him so deeply. Please do not grieve.”

As they were speaking, a messenger happened to arrive from Cao Cao, inviting Lord Guan to a banquet. Lord Guan took leave of his two sisters-in-law and went to see Cao Cao. When Cao Cao saw tears on his face, he asked the reason. Lord Guan said, “My two sisters-in-law were weeping bitterly because they miss my elder brother. I could not keep my own heart from grieving.” Cao Cao smiled, consoled him, and repeatedly urged him to drink. When Lord Guan was drunk, he stroked his beard and said, “If a man lives unable to repay his country and instead betrays his elder brother, he is a man in vain!” Cao Cao asked, “Yunchang, do you know how many hairs are in your beard?” Lord Guan replied, “Several hundred, perhaps. Every autumn, I lose three or five hairs. In winter, I usually wrap it in a black gauze bag for fear it may break.” Cao Cao had a bag made of gauze and brocade and gave it to Lord Guan to protect his beard. The next day, at the morning audience, Lord Guan appeared before the emperor. Seeing a gauze-and-brocade bag hanging over Lord Guan’s chest, the emperor asked what it was. Lord Guan replied, “My beard is rather long, Your Majesty. The Prime Minister gave me this bag to hold it.” The emperor ordered him to let it down in the hall. It fell past his belly. The emperor said, “What a splendid lord of the beautiful beard!” From then on, everyone called him Lord of the Beautiful Beard.

One day, Cao Cao invited Lord Guan to a banquet. As the gathering ended, Cao Cao escorted him out of the residence and noticed that his horse was thin. Cao Cao asked, “Why is your horse so thin?” Lord Guan replied, “My unworthy body is rather heavy, and the horse cannot bear my weight. That is why it is always thin.” Cao Cao ordered his attendants to prepare another horse. A short while later, they led one out. Its body was the color of burning charcoal, and it had an exceptionally magnificent bearing. Cao Cao pointed to it and asked, “Do you recognize this horse?” Lord Guan said, “Can it be Red Hare, the horse Lü Bu used to ride?” Cao Cao replied, “It is.” He then gave the horse to Lord Guan, together with its saddle and bridle. Lord Guan bowed twice in thanks. Cao Cao was displeased and said, “I have repeatedly given you beautiful women, gold, and silk, yet you never bowed to me. Today I give you a horse, and you are so delighted that you bow twice. Why do you value an animal more than people?” Lord Guan replied, “I know this horse can travel a thousand miles in a day. Now that I have had the good fortune to receive it, if I learn where my elder brother is, I can see him within a single day.” Cao Cao was stunned and immediately regretted his gift. Lord Guan took his leave. A later poet sighed:

His might awed the Three Kingdoms, marking him a hero;He split one house in two, so lofty was his honor.In vain the treacherous minister plied him with hollow courtesies—How could he know that Guan Yu would never submit to Cao?

Cao Cao asked Zhang Liao, “I have treated Yunchang generously, yet he always thinks of leaving. Why?” Zhang Liao replied, “Allow me to sound out his feelings.” The next day, he went to see Lord Guan. After they had exchanged courtesies, Zhang Liao said, “Since recommending you to the Prime Minister, I have never failed to speak on your behalf.” Lord Guan replied, “I am deeply grateful for the Prime Minister’s great kindness. But though my body is here, my heart remains with the Imperial Uncle, and I have never ceased thinking of him.” Zhang Liao said, “You are mistaken, Elder Brother. A man who cannot distinguish what carries greater or lesser weight in life is no true man. Xuande may not have treated you any better than the Prime Minister. Why, then, do you think only of leaving?” Lord Guan replied, “I know full well that Duke Cao has treated me with great generosity. But I received profound kindness from Imperial Uncle Liu and swore to die with him. I cannot betray him. I will not remain here in the end. But before I leave, I must accomplish some service to repay Duke Cao.” Zhang Liao asked, “If Xuande has already passed from this world, where will you go?” Lord Guan replied, “I would willingly follow him beneath the earth.”

Zhang Liao realized that Lord Guan could never be persuaded to stay, so he took his leave. He returned to Cao Cao and reported everything truthfully. Cao Cao sighed. “A man who serves a lord yet never forgets his original allegiance is truly a righteous man of the realm!” Xun Yu said, “He says he will leave only after rendering you service. If you give him no chance to perform any service, he may not leave so soon.” Cao Cao agreed.

Meanwhile, Xuande was with Yuan Shao, troubled day and night. Yuan Shao asked, “Xuande, why are you always so worried?” Xuande replied, “I have no news of my two younger brothers, and my wife and family have fallen into the hands of the traitor Cao. Above, I cannot repay my country; below, I cannot protect my family. How could I not be worried?” Yuan Shao said, “I have long intended to march on the capital at Xu. Now that spring has brought warm weather, it is the perfect time to raise an army.” He began discussing plans to defeat Cao Cao. Tian Feng remonstrated, “When Cao Cao was attacking Xuzhou, the capital at Xu lay empty, yet we failed to advance then. Now Xuzhou has fallen and Cao Cao’s troops are at the height of their strength. We must not underestimate the enemy. It would be better to hold out against him over the long term and wait for an opening before we act.”

Yuan Shao said, “Let me think about it.” He then asked Xuande, “Tian Feng advises me to hold my ground. What do you think?” Xuande replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor who deceives his sovereign. If Your Excellency does not punish him, I fear you will forfeit your righteous standing before the world.” Yuan Shao said, “Xuande’s words are excellent.” He then resolved to raise an army. Tian Feng remonstrated again. Yuan Shao angrily said, “You people play with words and despise military action, causing me to lose my righteous standing!” Tian Feng knocked his head against the ground and said, “If you refuse to heed my loyal counsel, the campaign will fail.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage and wanted to have him beheaded. Xuande pleaded forcefully for Tian Feng, so Yuan Shao merely had him imprisoned. When Ju Shou learned that Tian Feng had been jailed, he gathered his kinsmen, distributed all his family wealth, and bade them farewell, saying, “I am leaving with the army. If we win, there will be no limit to our power and prestige; if we lose, I will not be able to preserve my own life!” Everyone shed tears as they saw him off.

Yuan Shao appointed his senior general Yan Liang as vanguard and sent him to attack Baima. Ju Shou remonstrated, “Yan Liang is narrow-minded. Though valiant, he cannot be entrusted with an independent command.” Yuan Shao said, “He is one of my foremost generals, not a man whom the likes of you can judge.” The main army advanced to Liyang, and Liu Yan, the governor of Dong Commandery, sent an urgent appeal to Xuchang. Cao Cao hurriedly convened a council to discuss raising troops to meet the enemy. When Lord Guan heard the news, he went to the prime minister’s residence and said to Cao Cao, “I hear the Prime Minister is raising an army. I wish to serve in the vanguard.” Cao Cao replied, “I would not presume to trouble you, General. If a need arises, I will come and ask you.” Lord Guan then withdrew. Cao Cao led out an army of one hundred fifty thousand, divided into three columns. On the march, he received repeated urgent dispatches from Liu Yan. Cao Cao personally took fifty thousand troops ahead to Baima and encamped beside an earthen hill. Looking into the broad, open plain beyond the hill, he saw Yan Liang’s vanguard of one hundred thousand elite troops drawn up in battle formation. Cao Cao was appalled. Turning to Song Xian, one of Lü Bu’s former generals, he said, “I have heard that you were a fierce general under Lü Bu. You may now go and fight Yan Liang.”

Song Xian accepted the order, seized his spear, mounted his horse, and rode straight before the lines. Yan Liang sat on his horse beneath the standard at the camp gate, holding his saber crosswise. When he saw Song Xian approaching, Yan Liang gave a great shout and spurred forward to meet him. Before they had fought three exchanges, Yan Liang raised his saber and brought it down, cutting Song Xian dead before the lines. Cao Cao exclaimed in shock, “He is truly a valiant general!” Wei Xu said, “He has killed my comrade. Let me go avenge him!” Cao Cao gave permission. Wei Xu mounted his horse, took up his spear, and rode straight before the lines, loudly cursing Yan Liang. Without answering a word, Yan Liang engaged him. At the first exchange, he brought his saber down on Wei Xu’s head and split him from his horse. Cao Cao asked, “Who now dares face him?” Xu Huang immediately rode out and fought Yan Liang for twenty exchanges, but was defeated and returned to his own formation. All the generals trembled. Cao Cao withdrew his troops, and Yan Liang also led his army away.

Having lost two generals in succession, Cao Cao was deeply troubled. Cheng Yu said, “I can recommend one man capable of matching Yan Liang.” Cao Cao asked who it was. Cheng Yu replied, “No one but Lord Guan.” Cao Cao said, “I fear that once he has rendered me service, he will leave.” Cheng Yu replied, “If Liu Bei is alive, he must have gone to Yuan Shao. If you now have Yunchang defeat Yuan Shao’s army, Yuan Shao will certainly suspect Liu Bei and have him killed. Once Liu Bei is dead, where could Yunchang go?” Cao Cao was delighted and immediately sent someone to summon Lord Guan. Lord Guan went at once to take leave of his two sisters-in-law. They said, “Second Brother, while you are away, you may be able to learn some news of the Imperial Uncle.”

Lord Guan accepted their request and departed. Carrying his Green Dragon Saber, he mounted Red Hare and, accompanied by several attendants, rode straight to Baima to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao explained, “Yan Liang has killed two of my generals in succession, and his valor is irresistible. I have invited you here especially to discuss the matter, Yunchang.” Lord Guan said, “Allow me to observe him.” Cao Cao offered him wine. Suddenly a report came that Yan Liang was issuing a challenge. Cao Cao led Lord Guan up the earthen hill to watch. Cao Cao and Lord Guan sat while the other generals stood around them. Pointing to Yan Liang’s formation below the hill, with its bright banners, dense ranks of spears and sabers, and imposing order and discipline, Cao Cao said to Lord Guan, “How mighty are the men and horses of Hebei!” Lord Guan replied, “To my eyes, they are nothing but clay chickens and pottery dogs.” Cao Cao pointed again. “The man beneath the commander’s canopy, wearing an embroidered robe and golden armor and sitting on horseback with saber in hand—that is Yan Liang.” Lord Guan raised his eyes and looked. Then he said to Cao Cao, “In my eyes, Yan Liang is no more than a head offered for sale with a marker stuck in it!” Cao Cao replied, “You must not underestimate him.” Lord Guan rose and said, “Though I have little ability, I am willing to enter his army of ten thousand, take his head, and present it to the Prime Minister.” Zhang Liao said, “There are no idle boasts in the army. Yunchang, you must not be careless.”

Lord Guan sprang resolutely onto his horse. Holding the Green Dragon Saber low and backward, he galloped down the hill, his phoenix eyes wide and his silkworm brows raised straight up. He charged directly into the enemy formation, and the Hebei troops split before him like waves parting. Lord Guan rode straight for Yan Liang. Yan Liang was beneath his commander’s canopy. Seeing Lord Guan charge toward him, he was just about to ask who he was, but Lord Guan’s Red Hare was so swift that it had already reached him. Caught unprepared, Yan Liang was struck by a single thrust of Yunchang’s saber and fell beneath his horse. Lord Guan immediately dismounted, cut off Yan Liang’s head, tied it beneath Red Hare’s neck, leaped back onto the horse, and rode out of the formation with saber in hand as though passing through deserted ground. The Hebei officers and soldiers were terrified and fell into disorder without even fighting. Cao Cao’s troops seized the opportunity to attack. The dead were beyond counting, and immense numbers of horses, weapons, and other equipment were captured. Lord Guan spurred his horse back up the hill, where all the generals congratulated him. He presented Yan Liang’s head to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “General, you are truly a divine warrior!” Lord Guan replied, “What I have done is hardly worth mentioning. My younger brother Zhang Yide can take the head of a senior general from within an army of a million as easily as reaching into a bag to retrieve an object.” Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. Turning to those around him, he said, “If you encounter Zhang Yide in the future, you must not underestimate him.” He ordered them to write this inside the flaps of their robes so they would remember it.

Meanwhile, Yan Liang’s defeated troops fled back and met Yuan Shao halfway. They reported that a valiant general with a red face and long beard, wielding a great saber, had ridden alone into their formation, slain Yan Liang, and ridden away, causing their crushing defeat. Yuan Shao asked in shock, “Who was this man?” Ju Shou said, “It must have been Guan Yunchang, Liu Xuande’s younger brother.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. Pointing at Xuande, he said, “Your brother has slain my beloved general! You must have conspired with him. What use is there in keeping you alive?” He summoned the executioners and ordered them to drag Xuande out and behead him. Just so:

When first they met, he sat among the honored guests;But on this day, he nearly became a prisoner at the foot of the steps.

Whether Xuande lived or died will be revealed in the next chapter.