Chapter 26

Yuan Shao Loses Troops and Generals; Guan Yu Hangs Up His Seal and Leaves the Gold

Now Yuan Shao was about to have Xuande beheaded. Xuande stepped forward calmly and said, “My lord, will you heed only one side’s account and cast aside the friendship of former days? Since I became separated from my men after losing Xuzhou, I have not known whether my second brother Yunchang still lives. Many men under Heaven resemble one another. Must every man with a red face and long beard therefore be Guan Yu? Why does my lord not investigate?” Yuan Shao was a man of no fixed judgment. On hearing Xuande’s words, he rebuked Ju Shou: “By mistakenly listening to you, I nearly killed a good man.” He once more invited Xuande to sit in the command tent, and they discussed how to avenge Yan Liang. At that moment a man below the dais answered and stepped forward, saying, “Yan Liang was as a brother to me. Now that he has been slain by the traitor Cao, how can I fail to avenge him?”

Xuande looked at the man. He stood eight feet tall, with a face like a xiezhi, and was none other than Wen Chou, the famed general of Hebei. Yuan Shao was overjoyed. “No one but you can avenge Yan Liang. I shall give you one hundred thousand troops. Cross the Yellow River at once and pursue and destroy the traitor Cao!” Ju Shou said, “You must not. Our best course now is to remain encamped at Yanjin and divide our forces at Guandu. If we rashly cross the river and some unforeseen change occurs, none of our host will be able to return.” Yuan Shao angrily replied, “It is always men like you who slow the army’s spirit, dragging out the days and months and obstructing great affairs! Have you never heard that ‘in war, speed is of the essence’?” Ju Shou withdrew and sighed: “Above, ambition overflows; below, men strive only for achievement. O vast and rolling Yellow River—shall I ever cross you?” Thereafter he pleaded illness and ceased attending the councils.

Xuande said, “I have received great favor from you, my lord, yet have had no means to repay it. I wish to accompany General Wen: first, to requite your kindness; second, to seek reliable news of Yunchang.” Yuan Shao was pleased and ordered Wen Chou and Xuande to lead the vanguard together. Wen Chou said, “Liu Xuande is a general repeatedly defeated and is inauspicious to an army. Since my lord insists that he go, I shall allot him thirty thousand troops and have him command the rear division.” Thus Wen Chou led seventy thousand men forward, while Xuande followed with thirty thousand.

Meanwhile, when Cao Cao saw that Yunchang had slain Yan Liang, his admiration and respect for him increased twofold. He memorialized the court, and Yunchang was enfeoffed as Marquis of Hanshou Village; an official seal was cast and presented to Lord Guan. Suddenly word came that Yuan Shao had sent his great general Wen Chou across the Yellow River and that he had already occupied the heights above Yanjin. Cao Cao first ordered the inhabitants removed to the western bank, then personally led his army to meet the enemy. He issued an order: the rear army was to become the van and the van the rear; the grain and fodder were to go first, with the troops behind. Lü Qian asked, “What is your purpose in putting the provisions ahead and the troops behind?” Cao Cao replied, “When provisions are in the rear, they are often plundered, so I have ordered them placed in front.” Lü Qian said, “But if we encounter the enemy and they seize them, what then?” Cao Cao replied, “Wait until the enemy arrives; then you will understand.”

Lü Qian remained doubtful and perplexed. Cao Cao ordered the grain wagons and baggage train to proceed along the river to Yanjin. He himself remained with the rear army. When he heard shouts arise from the van, he hastily sent men to investigate. They reported: “Wen Chou, the great general of Hebei, has arrived with his troops. Our men have all abandoned the grain and fodder and are fleeing in every direction. The rear army is far away—what are we to do?” Pointing with his whip at two earthen mounds, Cao Cao said, “We may shelter there for the moment.” Men and horses hurried up the mounds. Cao Cao ordered the soldiers to remove their clothing and armor and rest awhile, and had all their horses turned loose. Wen Chou’s army swept upon them. Cao Cao’s generals cried, “The enemy is here! We must quickly gather the horses and withdraw to Baima!” Xun You hastily stopped them, saying, “These are precisely the bait with which we may lure the enemy. Why retreat instead?” Cao Cao swiftly glanced at Xun You and smiled. Xun You understood his purpose and said no more.

After Wen Chou’s troops had seized the provision wagons and baggage, they came on to snatch the horses. The soldiers broke ranks and became hopelessly entangled among themselves. Cao Cao then ordered all his officers and men to charge down from the earthen mounds and attack. Wen Chou’s army fell into great confusion. Cao Cao’s troops closed in around them, while Wen Chou stood forth and fought alone. His soldiers trampled one another underfoot, and though he tried to halt and restrain them, he could not. He had no choice but to wheel his horse and flee. From atop the mound, Cao Cao pointed and said, “Wen Chou is a famous general of Hebei. Who can capture him?” Zhang Liao and Xu Huang spurred out together, shouting, “Wen Chou, do not flee!” Wen Chou looked back and saw the two generals gaining on him. Holding his iron spear in place, he took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot straight at Zhang Liao. Xu Huang cried, “Rebel general, do not loose that arrow!” Zhang Liao ducked his head and swerved sharply. The arrow struck his helmet and shot away its pin and tassel. Zhang Liao pressed the pursuit with all his might, but Wen Chou sent another arrow into the cheek of his mount. The horse fell to its foreknees, and Zhang Liao was thrown to the ground.

Wen Chou wheeled his horse and came back at him, but Xu Huang swiftly swung his great ax and barred his way, engaging him in fierce combat. Then Xu Huang saw Wen Chou’s troops arriving in a mass behind him. Judging that he could not withstand them, he turned his horse and withdrew. Wen Chou pursued him along the river. Suddenly he saw more than ten riders, their banners fluttering, with one general at their head galloping toward him, broadsword in hand. It was Guan Yunchang. He thundered, “Rebel general, do not flee!” He crossed weapons with Wen Chou, but before they had fought three bouts, Wen Chou lost heart, turned his horse, and fled along the winding riverbank. Lord Guan’s horse was swift. He overtook Wen Chou and struck him from behind with a single stroke, cutting him down from the saddle. From atop the mound Cao Cao saw Lord Guan slay Wen Chou and drove his whole army forward in a sweeping assault. More than half the Hebei troops fell into the river, while Cao Cao recovered all the provisions and horses.

Yunchang led several riders in charges east and west, breaking through wherever he went. In the midst of the slaughter, Liu Xuande arrived behind them with his thirty thousand troops. Scouts in the van learned what had happened and reported to Xuande: “Once again it was the red-faced, long-bearded warrior who slew Wen Chou.” Xuande hurriedly galloped forward to look. Across the river he saw a cluster of horsemen darting back and forth as if in flight, beneath a banner bearing the seven words: “Guan Yunchang, Marquis of Hanshou Village.” Xuande silently thanked Heaven and Earth: “So my brother truly is with Cao Cao!” He was about to call out and meet him when a great mass of Cao Cao’s troops surged forward, and he had no choice but to withdraw his army. Yuan Shao came to his support at Guandu, where they established fortified camps. Guo Tu and Shen Pei went in to see Yuan Shao and said, “This time it was again Guan Yu who killed Wen Chou, while Liu Bei falsely claims to know nothing of it.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage and cursed, “How dare that long-eared traitor treat me so!”

A short while later Xuande arrived, and Yuan Shao ordered that he be dragged out and beheaded. Xuande said, “What crime have I committed?” Yuan Shao replied, “You deliberately had your brother destroy another of my great generals. How can you say you are guiltless?” Xuande said, “Allow me one word before I die. Cao Cao has always feared and hated me. Now that he knows I am with you, my lord, he fears that I will assist you, and so he deliberately sent Yunchang to kill your two generals. He knew that you would surely be enraged. He is borrowing your hand to kill Liu Bei. I beg you, my lord, to consider this.” Yuan Shao said, “Xuande speaks rightly. You men nearly caused me to bear the infamy of murdering a worthy.” He shouted for the guards to withdraw and invited Xuande to sit in the command tent.

Xuande gave thanks, saying, “I have received the favor of your lordship’s magnanimous mercy, yet have no way to repay it. I wish to send a trusted man with a secret letter to Yunchang, so that he may learn where Liu Bei is. He will surely hasten here by night and day to assist you, my lord, in destroying Cao Cao and avenging Yan Liang and Wen Chou. What does your lordship think?” Yuan Shao was overjoyed. “If I gain Yunchang, he will be worth ten Yan Liangs and Wen Chous.” Xuande composed a letter, but as yet had no one to deliver it. Yuan Shao ordered the army to withdraw to Wuyang, where its connected camps stretched for scores of li; there he held his troops in place and made no move. Cao Cao then sent Xiahou Dun with troops to guard the strategic pass at Guandu, while he himself led the army back to the capital at Xuchang. There he gave a great banquet for all his officers to celebrate Yunchang’s achievement. He said to Lü Qian, “The reason I placed the provisions in front that day was to use them as bait for the enemy. Xun Gongda alone understood my intent.” All present sighed in admiration.

In the midst of the banquet, a sudden report arrived: “The Yellow Turbans Liu Pi and Gong Du are running rampant in Runan. Cao Hong has fought them repeatedly without success and begs that reinforcements be sent.” When Yunchang heard this, he stepped forward and said, “Guan Yu is willing to render the service of a dog or horse and destroy the rebels of Runan.” Cao Cao replied, “Yunchang has established great merit, for which I have not yet richly rewarded him. How could I burden him with another campaign?” Lord Guan said, “If Guan Yu remains idle too long, sickness is sure to arise. I beg to make one more expedition.” Cao Cao admired his valor. He assigned him fifty thousand troops, appointed Yu Jin and Yue Jin as his deputy generals, and ordered them to depart the next day. Xun Yu privately said to Cao Cao, “Yunchang’s heart is set on returning to Liu Bei. If he learns any news of him, he will surely leave. You must not keep sending him on campaigns.” Cao Cao replied, “Once he has won this victory, I shall not let him face the enemy again.”

Now Yunchang led his army near Runan and established camp. That night two spies were seized outside the encampment and brought before him. Yunchang looked at them and recognized one of the two: it was Sun Qian. Lord Guan rebuked his attendants and ordered them to withdraw, then asked Sun Qian, “Since our forces scattered, I have heard nothing of your whereabouts. What brings you here now?” Sun Qian replied, “After fleeing the disaster, I wandered as a refugee through Runan and was fortunate enough to be taken in by Liu Pi. But why are you now with Cao Cao, General? And I do not know whether Ladies Gan and Mi remain safe and well.”

Lord Guan then related the whole course of events in detail. Sun Qian said, “I recently heard that Lord Xuande is with Yuan Shao. I wished to go and join him but had no opportunity. Liu Pi and Gong Du have now submitted to Yuan Shao and are helping him attack Cao Cao. Fortunately, General, you have also come here. They therefore sent a soldier to guide me and ordered me to act as a spy and bring you this news. Tomorrow the two of them will feign defeat in battle. You should quickly escort the two ladies to Yuan Shao’s camp and reunite with Lord Xuande.” Lord Guan said, “Since my brother is with Yuan Shao, I shall surely hasten to him by night and day. I regret only that I slew two of Yuan Shao’s generals, and fear that matters may now have changed.” Sun Qian said, “I shall first go and discover the true state of affairs there, then return to report to you, General.” Lord Guan said, “If I may see my elder brother once more, I will not shrink from ten thousand deaths. When I return to Xuchang this time, I shall take leave of Cao Cao.” That night he secretly sent Sun Qian away.

The next day Lord Guan led out his troops, and Gong Du came forth in full armor to offer battle. Lord Guan said, “Why have you rebelled against the imperial court?” Gong Du replied, “You are a man who has betrayed his lord. How can you turn and reproach me?” Lord Guan said, “How have I betrayed my lord?” Gong Du replied, “Liu Xuande is with Yuan Benchu, yet you follow Cao Cao. Why is that?” Lord Guan answered no further but urged his horse forward, flourishing his blade. Gong Du immediately fled, and Lord Guan pursued him. Gong Du turned and called back to Lord Guan, “The grace of one’s former lord must never be forgotten. Press forward quickly, my lord, and I shall yield Runan to you.” Lord Guan understood his meaning and drove his troops on in a sweeping attack. Liu Pi and Gong Du pretended to lose and fled in feigned defeat, scattering in every direction. Yunchang took possession of the towns and districts, restored peace among the people, and then led his army back to Xuchang. Cao Cao came out beyond the city walls to welcome him and rewarded the soldiers for their labors.

When the banquet was over, Yunchang returned home and paid his respects to his two sisters-in-law outside their door. Lady Gan said, “Uncle, you have twice gone out with the army. Have you learned any news of the Imperial Uncle?” Lord Guan replied, “Not yet.” After he withdrew, the two ladies wept bitterly behind the door. “The Imperial Uncle must be dead! Our second brother fears that we sisters will grieve, and so conceals the truth and will not tell us.”

While they were still weeping, an old soldier who had accompanied the expedition heard their unceasing cries and called from outside the door, “My ladies, do not weep. Our lord is now with Yuan Shao in Hebei.” The ladies asked, “How do you know this?” The soldier replied, “While I was following General Guan on campaign, someone told him so before the battle lines.” The ladies hastily summoned Yunchang and reproached him: “The Imperial Uncle has never failed you. Now that you have received Cao Cao’s favors, have you utterly forgotten the old bond of honor? Why did you not tell us the truth?” Lord Guan bowed his head to the ground and said, “My brother is indeed now in Hebei. I did not dare let you know, my sisters-in-law, for fear the matter might leak out. This affair must be planned slowly; we must not seek undue haste.” Lady Gan said, “Uncle, you must act promptly.” Lord Guan withdrew and pondered a way to leave, unable to sit or stand in peace.

It happened that Yu Jin had discovered that Liu Bei was in Hebei and reported it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao sent Zhang Liao to sound out Lord Guan’s intentions. Lord Guan was sitting in gloomy thought when Zhang Liao entered and congratulated him: “I hear that while you were before the battle lines, brother, you learned news of Xuande. I have come especially to offer my congratulations.” Lord Guan said, “Though my former lord still lives, I have not yet been able to see him. What cause is there for joy?” Zhang Liao asked, “How does your friendship with Xuande compare with the friendship between you and me?” Lord Guan replied, “You and I are joined as friends. Xuande and I are friends who are also brothers, brothers who are also sovereign and minister. How can the two bonds be discussed together?” Zhang Liao said, “Now that Xuande is in Hebei, will you go and follow him?” Lord Guan replied, “How could I ever break the words I spoke before? Wenyuan, you must convey my respects to the Prime Minister.” Zhang Liao returned and reported Lord Guan’s words to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “I have a plan of my own to keep him here.”

While Lord Guan was still pondering, word suddenly came that an old acquaintance had arrived to visit him. But when the visitor was shown in, Lord Guan did not recognize him. He asked, “Who are you, sir?” The man replied, “I am Chen Zhen of Nanyang, a subordinate of Yuan Shao.” Lord Guan was greatly startled. He hastily dismissed his attendants and asked, “Your coming here, sir, must have some purpose.” Chen Zhen drew out a sealed letter and handed it to Lord Guan. Lord Guan examined it and saw that it was from Xuande. In substance, it read:

Since you and I swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, we have vowed to die together. Why, then, have you deserted me halfway, casting aside affection and severing honor? If you are resolved to win rank and fame and seek wealth and nobility, then I beg you to offer up Liu Bei’s head and thereby complete your achievement! A letter cannot exhaust all I would say. I await death at your command!

When Lord Guan had finished reading the letter, he wept bitterly and said, “It is not that I did not wish to seek my brother; I simply did not know where he was. How could I seek wealth and honor and betray our former oath?” Chen Zhen said, “Xuande longs most earnestly for you. Since you have not betrayed your former oath, you should go quickly to see him.” Lord Guan replied, “A man who lives between Heaven and Earth but does not remain constant from beginning to end is no gentleman. When I came, I came openly and clearly; when I leave, I must leave no less openly and clearly. I shall now write a letter. I trouble you, sir, to take it first and inform my elder brother. Allow me to take leave of Cao Cao, and I shall bring my two sisters-in-law to meet him.” Chen Zhen asked, “What will you do if Cao Cao refuses permission?” Lord Guan replied, “I would sooner die. How could I consent to remain here long?” Chen Zhen said, “Write your reply quickly, my lord, and spare Lord Liu further anxious waiting.” Lord Guan wrote in answer:

I have heard that honor does not betray the heart, and loyalty does not shrink from death. From childhood, Yu has read the books and gained some slight knowledge of ritual and righteousness. Whenever I read of Yang Jiao’ai and Zuo Botao, I never fail to sigh again and again and shed tears. When I formerly defended Xiapi, there was no accumulated grain within and no relieving army without. I wished to die at once, but because the safety of my two sisters-in-law weighed upon me, I dared not sever my head and cast away my body, thereby failing the trust placed in me. Thus I submitted to temporary restraint, hoping for a later reunion. Only when I recently reached Runan did I learn news of you, elder brother. I shall at once take leave of Cao Cao in person and return with my two sisters-in-law. If Yu harbors any divided heart, may gods and men alike destroy him. Though I bare my liver and drain my gall, paper and brush cannot exhaust what is in my heart. The day when I shall bow before you is near. I humbly beg you to understand and judge me truly!

Chen Zhen took the letter and departed. Lord Guan went inside and told his two sisters-in-law, then immediately proceeded to the Prime Minister’s residence to bow and take leave of Cao Cao. Cao Cao knew his purpose and therefore hung a placard at the gate stating that he was receiving no visitors. Lord Guan returned in dejection. He ordered the attendants who had formerly followed him to prepare the carriages and horses and stand ready morning and evening. He also instructed everyone in the residence that all the gifts previously bestowed upon him were to be left behind and that not the smallest part was to be taken. The next day he again went to the Prime Minister’s residence to offer his thanks and take leave, but the same placard hung at the gate. Lord Guan went back several times in succession, but never gained admittance. He then visited Zhang Liao’s house, intending to explain the matter to him, but Zhang Liao also pleaded illness and would not come out. Lord Guan thought, “This is Cao Cao’s way of refusing to let me depart. But my resolve to go is fixed. How can I remain?” He at once wrote a letter thanking Cao Cao and taking his leave. In substance, it read:

From my youth, Yu has served the Imperial Uncle, and we swore to live and die together. August Heaven and Sovereign Earth truly heard those words. When Xiapi fell, I asked three conditions, all of which you graciously accepted. I have now learned that my former lord is with Yuan Shao’s army. When I recall our oath of former days, how could I permit myself to break it? Though new favor has been great, old allegiance is hard to forget. I therefore respectfully present this letter to announce my departure and humbly beg your understanding. As for any kindness still left unrepaid, I pray that I may requite it on another day.

When he had finished, he sealed the letter securely and sent a man to deliver it to the Prime Minister’s residence. At the same time, he sealed up one by one all the gold and silver he had repeatedly received and placed them in the storehouse. He hung the seal of the Marquis of Hanshou Village in the main hall and invited the two ladies to enter their carriage. Lord Guan mounted Red Hare, took the Green Dragon blade in hand, and led the attendants who had followed him in former days, escorting the carriage and baggage wagons straight out through the northern gate. The gate officers barred his way. Lord Guan glared, held his blade crosswise, and gave one mighty shout. All the gate officers fell back and made way. Once outside the gate, Lord Guan said to his followers, “Escort the carriage and baggage wagons and go on ahead. If anyone pursues us, I shall deal with him myself. You must not alarm the two ladies.” The attendants pushed the carriage forward and set out along the main road.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao was still discussing Lord Guan’s affair and had reached no decision when his attendants reported that Lord Guan had presented a letter. Cao Cao immediately read it through and cried in astonishment, “Yunchang has gone!” Suddenly the officer guarding the northern gate galloped in to report: “Lord Guan forced his way through the gate and departed. With carriages, baggage, saddled horses, and more than twenty people, he has gone north.” Then men from Lord Guan’s residence arrived and reported: “Lord Guan sealed up all the gold, silver, and other objects bestowed upon him. The ten beautiful women remain separately housed in the inner chambers. His seal as Marquis of Hanshou Village hangs in the main hall. He took none of the attendants assigned to him by the Prime Minister, but only his original followers and his personal baggage, and has left through the northern gate.” Everyone was aghast. One general stepped boldly forward and said, “I ask for three thousand armored cavalry. I shall go and capture Guan Yu alive and present him to the Prime Minister!” They looked and saw that it was General Cai Yang. Truly:

Seeking to leave the dragon’s fathomless lair,He meets three thousand troops as fierce as wolves and tigers.

Cai Yang wished to pursue Lord Guan. What came of it will be told in the next chapter.

Yuan Shao Loses Troops and Generals; Guan Yu Hangs Up His Seal and Leaves the Gold

Now Yuan Shao wanted to execute Liu Bei. Liu Bei stepped forward calmly and said, “My lord, will you listen only to one side of the story and cast aside our former friendship? Since I became separated from my men in Xuzhou, I have not even known whether my second brother, Yunchang, is alive. There are many people in the world who resemble one another. Must every man with a red face and long beard be Guan Yu? Why does my lord not investigate?” Yuan Shao was a man with no fixed judgment. When he heard Liu Bei’s words, he rebuked Ju Shou, saying, “By mistakenly listening to you, I nearly killed a good man.” He again invited Liu Bei to sit in the command tent and discussed how to avenge Yan Liang. A man below the dais answered and stepped forward, saying, “Yan Liang was like a brother to me. Now that he has been killed by the villain Cao, how can I fail to avenge him?”

Liu Bei looked at the man. He stood eight feet tall and had a face like a xiezhi. It was Wen Chou, the famous general of Hebei. Yuan Shao was delighted and said, “No one but you can avenge Yan Liang. I will give you one hundred thousand troops. Cross the Yellow River at once and pursue and destroy the villain Cao!” Ju Shou said, “You must not. The best policy now is to remain encamped at Yanjin and divide our forces at Guandu. If we rashly cross the river and some unexpected change occurs, none of our men will be able to return.” Yuan Shao angrily said, “All of you do nothing but slow the army’s resolve and drag matters out day after day, obstructing great affairs! Have you never heard that ‘in war, speed is precious’?” Ju Shou went out and sighed, “The man above is swollen with his own ambition, while those below strive only for achievement. O broad and endless Yellow River, shall I ever cross you again?” He then claimed illness and ceased attending the councils.

Liu Bei said, “I have received great kindness from you, my lord, but have had no way to repay it. I wish to accompany General Wen: first, to repay your generosity, and second, to investigate the truth about Yunchang.” Yuan Shao was pleased and ordered Wen Chou and Liu Bei to command the vanguard together. Wen Chou said, “Liu Xuande is a repeatedly defeated general and will bring the army bad fortune. Since my lord insists that he go, I will give him thirty thousand troops and have him form the rear force.” Wen Chou therefore led seventy thousand troops ahead, while Liu Bei followed with thirty thousand.

Meanwhile, when Cao Cao saw that Yunchang had slain Yan Liang, his admiration and respect for him increased greatly. He submitted a memorial to the court, which enfeoffed Yunchang as Marquis of Hanshou Village, and had a seal cast and presented to Lord Guan. Suddenly it was reported that Yuan Shao had sent his great general Wen Chou across the Yellow River and that he had already occupied the heights above Yanjin. Cao Cao first sent men to move the inhabitants to the west of the river, then personally led his troops to meet the enemy. He issued an order: the rear army was to become the vanguard, and the vanguard the rear; the grain and fodder were to go first, with the soldiers behind. Lü Qian said, “What is your intention in placing the grain and fodder ahead and the troops behind?” Cao Cao said, “When the provisions are in the rear, they are often plundered, so I have ordered them placed in front.” Lü Qian said, “But if the enemy comes upon them and seizes them, what will we do?” Cao Cao said, “Wait until the enemy arrives. I will know how to handle it then.”

Lü Qian remained doubtful and uncertain. Cao Cao ordered the provisions and baggage train to proceed along the river as far as Yanjin. Cao Cao was with the rear army when he heard shouting erupt from the vanguard. He quickly sent someone to investigate, and the man returned to report, “Wen Chou, the great general of Hebei, has arrived with his troops. Our men have all abandoned the grain and fodder and are fleeing in every direction. The rear army is still far away. What are we to do?” Pointing with his whip to two earthen mounds, Cao Cao said, “We can take temporary refuge there.” Men and horses hurried up the mounds. Cao Cao ordered the soldiers to remove their clothes and armor and rest for a while, and to turn all their horses loose. Wen Chou’s troops rushed upon them. The generals said, “The enemy is here! We must quickly gather the horses and retreat to Baimajin!” Xun You hurriedly stopped them and said, “This is precisely the bait with which we can lure the enemy. Why would you retreat instead?” Cao Cao quickly glanced at Xun You and smiled. Xun You understood his intention and said no more.

After Wen Chou’s troops had seized the provision carts and equipment, they also came to snatch the horses. The soldiers abandoned their formations and became hopelessly mixed together. Cao Cao then ordered all his officers and troops to charge down from the earthen mounds and attack. Wen Chou’s army fell into great confusion. Cao Cao’s troops closed in and surrounded them, while Wen Chou stood his ground and fought alone. His soldiers trampled one another, and though Wen Chou tried to stop and restrain them, he could not. He had no choice but to turn his horse and flee. From atop the mound, Cao Cao pointed and said, “Wen Chou is a famous general of Hebei. Who can capture him?” Zhang Liao and Xu Huang spurred out together, shouting, “Wen Chou, do not flee!” Wen Chou looked back and saw the two generals overtaking him. He steadied his iron spear, took up his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot directly at Zhang Liao. Xu Huang shouted, “Enemy general, do not shoot!” Zhang Liao ducked his head and dodged, but the arrow struck his helmet and shot away its pin and tassel. Zhang Liao exerted himself and pursued again, but Wen Chou shot another arrow that struck his warhorse in the cheek. The horse dropped to its front knees, throwing Zhang Liao to the ground.

Wen Chou turned his horse and came back again. Xu Huang hurriedly whirled his great ax and intercepted him in combat. Then he saw all the troops behind Wen Chou arriving together. Realizing that he could not withstand them, Xu Huang turned his horse and withdrew. Wen Chou pursued him along the river. Suddenly he saw more than ten riders with banners fluttering in the wind. At their head, a general came galloping forward with a sword in hand. It was Guan Yunchang. He shouted, “Enemy general, do not flee!” He crossed horses with Wen Chou, but before they had fought three bouts, Wen Chou lost his nerve, turned his horse, and fled along the bend of the river. Lord Guan’s horse was swift. He caught up with Wen Chou and struck him from behind with one blow, cutting him down from his horse. From atop the earthen mound, Cao Cao saw Lord Guan kill Wen Chou and drove his entire force forward in a sweeping assault. More than half of the Hebei troops fell into the water, and Cao Cao recovered all the provisions and horses.

Yunchang led several riders charging east and west through the enemy. While the fighting was still underway, Liu Bei arrived behind them with thirty thousand troops. Scouts ahead learned what had happened and reported to Liu Bei, “Once again it was the red-faced, long-bearded man who killed Wen Chou.” Alarmed, Liu Bei swiftly spurred forward to look. Across the river, he saw a cluster of horsemen racing back and forth as if in flight, and on their banner were written the seven characters: “Guan Yunchang, Marquis of Hanshou Village.” Liu Bei silently thanked Heaven and Earth, saying, “So my brother truly is with Cao Cao!” He wanted to call out and meet him, but Cao Cao’s troops came surging forward in great numbers, so he had no choice but to withdraw his army. Yuan Shao brought up support at Guandu and established a fortified encampment. Guo Tu and Shen Pei went in to see Yuan Shao and said, “This time, too, it was Guan Yu who killed Wen Chou, yet Liu Bei pretends to know nothing.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage and cursed, “How dare that big-eared traitor behave like this!”

A short while later, Liu Bei arrived, and Yuan Shao ordered that he be dragged out and executed. Liu Bei said, “What crime have I committed?” Yuan Shao said, “You deliberately had your brother destroy another of my great generals. How can you say you are innocent?” Liu Bei said, “Allow me to say one thing before I die. Cao Cao has always feared and hated me. Now that he knows I am with you, my lord, he fears I will assist you. For that reason, he deliberately had Yunchang kill your two generals, knowing that you would certainly become angry. He is borrowing your hand to kill Liu Bei. I beg you, my lord, to think carefully about this.” Yuan Shao said, “Xuande’s words are right. You men nearly caused me to bear the infamy of murdering a worthy man.” He shouted for the guards to withdraw and invited Liu Bei to sit in the command tent.

Liu Bei thanked him and said, “I have received the great favor of your magnanimity, my lord, yet I have no way to repay you. I wish to send a trusted man with a secret letter to Yunchang, informing him of Liu Bei’s whereabouts. He will certainly come here day and night with all speed to assist you, my lord, and together we can destroy Cao Cao and avenge Yan Liang and Wen Chou. What do you think?” Yuan Shao was delighted and said, “If I obtain Yunchang, he will be worth ten Yan Liangs and Wen Chous.” Liu Bei composed the letter, but there was still no one available to deliver it. Yuan Shao ordered his army to withdraw to Wuyang, where his linked camps stretched for several dozen li, and held his troops without moving. Cao Cao then ordered Xiahou Dun to lead troops in guarding the strategic pass at Guandu, while he himself returned with the army to the capital, Xudu. There he held a grand banquet for all his officers to celebrate Yunchang’s achievement. He said to Lü Qian, “The reason I formerly placed the provisions in front was to use them as bait for the enemy. Only Xun Gongda understood my intention.” Everyone sighed in admiration.

In the middle of the banquet, a sudden report arrived: “The Yellow Turbans Liu Pi and Gong Du are running rampant in Runan. Cao Hong has repeatedly fought them without success and begs that troops be sent to reinforce him.” When Yunchang heard this, he stepped forward and said, “I am willing to render such service as a dog or horse and destroy the bandits of Runan.” Cao Cao said, “Yunchang, you have established great merit, and I have not yet rewarded you generously. How could I trouble you to go campaigning again?” Lord Guan said, “I have been idle too long and am certain to fall ill. I ask to make one more campaign.” Admiring his spirit, Cao Cao assigned him fifty thousand troops, with Yu Jin and Yue Jin as his deputy generals, and ordered them to depart the next day. Xun Yu privately said to Cao Cao, “Yunchang intends to return to Liu Bei. If he learns any news of him, he will certainly leave. You must not keep sending him on campaign.” Cao Cao said, “After he earns merit this time, I will no longer send him against the enemy.”

Yunchang led his army toward Runan and established camp when they drew near. That night, two spies were captured outside the camp and brought in. Yunchang looked at them and recognized one of the two: it was Sun Qian. Lord Guan ordered everyone else away and asked Sun Qian, “Since we were scattered in the rout, I have heard nothing of your whereabouts. What are you doing here now?” Sun Qian said, “After escaping from the disaster, I wandered as far as Runan, where I was fortunate enough to be taken in by Liu Pi. Why are you now with Cao Cao, General? And are Ladies Gan and Mi both well?”

Lord Guan then recounted everything that had happened in full detail. Sun Qian said, “I recently heard that Lord Xuande is with Yuan Shao. I wished to go and join him but have not yet found an opportunity. Liu Pi and Gong Du have now submitted to Yuan Shao and are helping him attack Cao Cao. Fortunately, you have also come here, General, so they specially ordered this soldier to guide me and had me come as a spy to inform you. Tomorrow the two of them will pretend to be defeated in battle. You can then quickly escort the two ladies to Yuan Shao and reunite with Lord Xuande.” Lord Guan said, “Since my brother is with Yuan Shao, I will certainly go to him with all speed, day and night. I only regret that I killed two of Yuan Shao’s generals. I fear circumstances may now have changed.” Sun Qian said, “I will first go there and investigate the true situation, then return and report to you, General.” Lord Guan said, “If I can see my elder brother once more, I will not shrink even from ten thousand deaths. When I return to Xuchang this time, I will take my leave of Cao Cao.” That night, he secretly sent Sun Qian away.

The next day, Lord Guan led out his troops, and Gong Du put on his armor and came forth to battle. Lord Guan said, “Why have you men rebelled against the imperial court?” Gong Du said, “You are a man who has betrayed his lord. Why do you turn around and accuse me?” Lord Guan said, “How have I betrayed my lord?” Gong Du said, “Liu Xuande is with Yuan Benchu, yet you follow Cao Cao. Why is that?” Lord Guan said nothing more, but slapped his horse forward, brandishing his sword. Gong Du immediately fled, and Lord Guan pursued him. Gong Du turned and called back to Lord Guan, “The favor of one’s former lord must never be forgotten. You should advance quickly; I will yield Runan to you.” Lord Guan understood his meaning and drove his troops forward in a sweeping attack. Liu Pi and Gong Du pretended to lose and feigned defeat, then scattered and withdrew. Yunchang took possession of the commanderies and counties, restored order among the people, and returned with his army to Xuchang. Cao Cao went outside the city walls to welcome him and rewarded the soldiers for their service.

After the banquet ended, Yunchang returned home and paid his respects to his two sisters-in-law outside their door. Lady Gan said, “Uncle, you have gone out with the army twice. Have you learned any news of the Imperial Uncle?” Lord Guan replied, “I have not.” After Lord Guan withdrew, the two ladies wept bitterly inside the doorway and said, “The Imperial Uncle must be dead! Second Brother fears that we sisters will grieve, so he is hiding the truth and will not tell us.”

As they were weeping, an old soldier who had accompanied the campaign heard their unceasing cries and called from outside the door, “My ladies, do not weep. Our lord is presently with Yuan Shao in Hebei.” The ladies asked, “How do you know?” The soldier said, “When I followed General Guan on campaign, someone said so on the battlefield.” The ladies urgently summoned Yunchang and reproached him, saying, “The Imperial Uncle has never failed you. Now you have received Cao Cao’s favor and have entirely forgotten your former loyalty. Why did you not tell us the truth?” Lord Guan knocked his head against the floor and said, “My brother truly is in Hebei now. I did not dare let you know, sisters-in-law, because I feared the news might leak out. This matter must be planned gradually and cannot be rushed.” Lady Gan said, “Uncle, you must make haste.” Lord Guan withdrew and pondered how he might leave, unable to sit or stand at ease.

Yu Jin had learned that Liu Bei was in Hebei and reported it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered Zhang Liao to sound out Lord Guan’s intentions. Lord Guan was sitting in distress when Zhang Liao entered and congratulated him, saying, “I heard that you learned news of Xuande while on the battlefield, elder brother, so I came especially to offer my congratulations.” Lord Guan said, “Though my former lord is alive, I have not yet been able to see him. What cause is there for joy?” Zhang Liao said, “How does your bond with Xuande compare with the bond between you and me?” Lord Guan said, “The bond between you and me is the friendship of companions. My bond with Xuande is friendship joined with brotherhood, and brotherhood joined with the bond between sovereign and minister. How can the two be discussed together?” Zhang Liao said, “Now that Xuande is in Hebei, will you go and follow him?” Lord Guan said, “How could I ever break the promise I made before? Wenyuan, you must convey my regards to the prime minister.” Zhang Liao returned and reported Lord Guan’s words to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “I have a plan of my own to keep him here.”

As Lord Guan was pondering the matter, it was suddenly reported that an old acquaintance had come to visit him. But when the visitor was invited in, Lord Guan did not recognize him. Lord Guan asked, “Who are you, sir?” The man replied, “I am Chen Zhen of Nanyang, a subordinate of Yuan Shao.” Lord Guan was greatly startled. He quickly dismissed everyone else and asked, “Sir, you must have some purpose in coming here.” Chen Zhen took out a sealed letter and handed it to Lord Guan. Lord Guan looked at it and saw that it was a letter from Xuande. In summary, it read:Since you and I swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, we have vowed to die together. Why have you now abandoned me midway, casting aside kindness and severing loyalty? If you are determined to win rank and fame and seek wealth and honor, then I ask you to offer up my head and thereby complete your achievement! A letter cannot contain all I have to say. I await your command in death!

When Lord Guan finished reading the letter, he wept bitterly and said, “It is not that I did not wish to seek my brother; I simply did not know where he was. How could I ever seek wealth and honor and betray our former oath?” Chen Zhen said, “Xuande longs for you most urgently. Since you have not betrayed your old oath, you should go and see him at once.” Lord Guan said, “A man who lives between Heaven and Earth but does not remain true from beginning to end is no gentleman. I made matters clear when I came, and I cannot fail to make them clear when I leave. I will now write a letter. Please deliver it first and inform my elder brother. Allow me to take leave of Cao Cao, and I will escort my two sisters-in-law to meet him.” Chen Zhen said, “What will you do if Cao Cao refuses permission?” Lord Guan said, “I would rather die. How could I consent to remain here much longer?” Chen Zhen said, “Write your reply quickly, so that Governor Liu need not continue waiting anxiously.” Lord Guan wrote in reply:I have heard that righteousness does not betray the heart, and loyalty does not seek death. Since my youth, I, Yu, have read books and gained a rough understanding of ritual and righteousness. Whenever I read the story of Yang Jiao’ai and Zuo Botao, I never fail to sigh repeatedly and shed tears. When I previously defended Xiapi, there was no stored grain within and no reinforcing army without. I wished to die at once, but because I bore the grave responsibility of protecting my two sisters-in-law, I did not dare cut off my head and cast away my body, thereby failing the trust placed in me. For that reason, I temporarily submitted myself, hoping for a later reunion. Only recently, upon reaching Runan, did I learn news of you, elder brother. I will immediately take leave of Cao Cao in person and escort my two sisters-in-law back. If I, Yu, harbor any disloyal intention, may gods and men destroy me together. Even if I laid bare my liver and drained my gall, paper and brush could not exhaust what is in my heart. The day when I may bow before you is near. I humbly beg you to understand and judge me truly!

Chen Zhen took the letter and returned. Lord Guan went inside and informed his two sisters-in-law, then immediately went to the prime minister’s residence to bow and take leave of Cao Cao. Knowing why he had come, Cao Cao hung a sign at the gate saying that he was unavailable to visitors. Lord Guan returned home disheartened and ordered the attendants who had followed him in former days to prepare the carts and horses and stand ready morning and evening. He instructed everyone in the household that all the gifts he had received were to be left behind and that not the smallest amount was to be taken away. The next day, he again went to the prime minister’s residence to offer his thanks and take leave, but the sign refusing visitors was again hanging at the gate. Lord Guan went there several times in succession but was never admitted. He then visited Zhang Liao’s house, intending to tell him of the matter, but Zhang Liao also claimed illness and would not come out. Lord Guan thought, “This means Prime Minister Cao will not allow me to leave. But my resolve to go is already fixed. How can I remain any longer?” He immediately wrote a letter thanking Cao Cao and taking his leave. In summary, it said:Since my youth, I, Yu, have served the Imperial Uncle, and we swore to live and die together. August Heaven and Sovereign Earth truly heard those words. When Xiapi fell, the three conditions I requested were graciously accepted. I have now learned that my former lord is presently in Yuan Shao’s army. When I recall the oath we made in former days, how could I permit myself to break it? Though new favors have been generous, old loyalty cannot be forgotten. I therefore respectfully submit this letter to announce my departure and humbly beg you to understand. Any remaining kindness I have not yet repaid, I ask to repay on another day.

After finishing the letter, Lord Guan sealed it securely and sent a man to deliver it to the prime minister’s residence. At the same time, he took all the gold and silver he had received on various occasions, sealed each item, and placed everything in the storehouse. He hung the seal of the Marquis of Hanshou Village in the main hall and asked the two ladies to board their carriage. Lord Guan mounted the Red Hare, took the Green Dragon Saber in his hand, and led the attendants who had followed him in former days, escorting the carriages directly out through the northern gate. The gate officers tried to stop him. Lord Guan glared, held his sword crosswise, and gave a great shout. All the gate officers drew back. Once outside the gate, Lord Guan said to his followers, “Escort the carriages and go on ahead. If anyone pursues us, I will deal with him myself. You must not alarm the two ladies.” His followers pushed the carriage forward and set out along the main road.

Cao Cao was still discussing Lord Guan’s situation without having reached a decision when his attendants reported that Lord Guan had submitted a letter. Cao Cao immediately read it and exclaimed in alarm, “Yunchang has left!” Suddenly the officer guarding the northern gate came galloping in to report, “Lord Guan forced his way through the gate and departed. There were more than twenty people with carriages, equipment, saddles, and horses, all heading north.” Then someone from Lord Guan’s residence came to report, “Lord Guan sealed up all the gold, silver, and other gifts he had received. The ten beautiful women were left in separate inner chambers. His seal as Marquis of Hanshou Village was hanging in the main hall. He took none of the attendants assigned to him by the prime minister, but only his original followers and his personal baggage, and has left through the northern gate.” Everyone was astonished. One general stepped boldly forward and said, “Give me three thousand armored cavalry. I will capture Guan Yu alive and present him to the prime minister!” Everyone looked and saw that it was General Cai Yang. It was just as the verse says:Seeking to leave the sea dragon’s cavern ten thousand fathoms deep,He meets three thousand wolf-and-tiger troops.Cai Yang wished to pursue Lord Guan. What happened in the end will be revealed in the next chapter.