Chapter 31

Cao Cao Defeats Yuan Shao at Cangting; Liu Bei Seeks Refuge with Liu Biao in Jingzhou

Now Cao Cao, taking advantage of Yuan Shao’s defeat, set his troops in order and pressed after him without respite. Yuan Shao, wearing only a cloth kerchief and an unlined robe, fled with more than eight hundred horsemen to the northern bank at Liyang, where his general Jiang Yiqu came out from camp to receive him. Yuan Shao related all that had happened, and Jiang Yiqu summoned and reassured the scattered troops. When they heard that Yuan Shao was there, they swarmed back around him like ants, and the army recovered its strength. They then discussed returning to Jizhou. While on the march, they passed a night among barren hills. From his tent Yuan Shao heard the distant sound of weeping, and privately went to listen. It was a gathering of defeated soldiers, each lamenting the anguish of a slain elder brother, a lost younger brother, an abandoned companion, or a dead kinsman. Beating their breasts, they cried bitterly, and all said, “Had Lord Yuan heeded Tian Feng’s counsel, how could we have suffered this calamity?” Yuan Shao was filled with remorse. “Because I did not heed Tian Feng’s counsel,” he said, “my army has been defeated and my generals lost. When I return, how shall I have the face to meet him?”

The next day, as Yuan Shao rode on, Feng Ji arrived with troops to receive him. Yuan Shao said to him, “Because I did not heed Tian Feng’s counsel, I have suffered this defeat. Now that I am returning, I am ashamed to face the man.” Thereupon Feng Ji slandered Tian Feng, saying, “When Feng heard in prison that my lord’s army had been defeated, he clapped his hands and laughed aloud, saying, ‘It has turned out exactly as I foretold!’” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. “How dare that wretched pedant laugh at me! I shall certainly kill him!” He at once ordered a messenger to carry a jeweled sword ahead to the prison in Jizhou and put Tian Feng to death.

Now Tian Feng was in prison. One day a jailer came to him and said, “Congratulations, Assistant Administrator.” Tian Feng asked, “What cause is there for congratulation?” The jailer replied, “General Yuan has returned after a crushing defeat. You are certain to be held in high esteem now.” Tian Feng laughed. “Now I shall die!” he said. The jailer asked, “Everyone else rejoices for you. Why do you speak of death?” Tian Feng replied, “General Yuan is outwardly generous but inwardly jealous, and he gives no thought to loyalty or sincerity. Had he won and returned in joy, he might still have pardoned me. But now that he has lost and feels ashamed, I have no hope of living.”

The jailer did not believe him. Suddenly the messenger arrived bearing the sword and conveyed Yuan Shao’s command that Tian Feng’s head be taken. Only then was the jailer dismayed. Tian Feng said, “I knew all along that I must die.” The jailers all shed tears. Tian Feng said, “A true man born beneath Heaven who fails to recognize his rightful lord and yet serves him is a man without wisdom! If I meet death today, what is there to regret?” He then cut his own throat in prison. A later poet wrote:

Yesterday Ju Shou died within the host;Today Tian Feng perishes in jail.When Hebei’s pillars all are snapped asunder,How can Benchu not lose his house and realm?

After Tian Feng’s death, all who heard of it sighed with sorrow. Yuan Shao returned to Jizhou, vexed and distracted, and paid no attention to affairs of government. His wife, Lady Liu, urged him to appoint an heir. Yuan Shao had three sons. The eldest, Yuan Tan, styled Xianzhong, had been sent to govern Qingzhou. The second, Yuan Xi, styled Xianyi, had been sent to govern Youzhou. The third, Yuan Shang, styled Xianfu, was the son of Yuan Shao’s second wife, Lady Liu. Handsome in face and imposing in bearing, he was greatly beloved by his father and therefore kept at his side. Ever since the defeat at Guandu, Lady Liu had urged Yuan Shao to name Yuan Shang as his heir. Yuan Shao therefore consulted Shen Pei, Feng Ji, Xin Ping, and Guo Tu. As it happened, Shen Pei and Feng Ji had long supported Yuan Shang, while Xin Ping and Guo Tu supported Yuan Tan. Each pair served the interests of its own chosen lord.

Yuan Shao now said to the four men, “Our troubles abroad have not yet ceased, but our domestic affairs must be settled without delay. I intend to discuss the appointment of an heir. My eldest son, Tan, is unyielding by nature and fond of killing. My second son, Xi, is weak and irresolute and unlikely to accomplish anything. My third son, Shang, has the bearing of a hero and treats worthy men and scholars with courtesy and respect. I wish to appoint him. What are your opinions?” Guo Tu said, “Of the three sons, Tan is the eldest, and he is now stationed abroad. If my lord sets aside the elder to establish the younger, it will sow the seeds of disorder. At present the power of our army has suffered a setback, and enemy troops press upon our borders. How can we allow father and sons, elder and younger brothers, to fall into strife among themselves? My lord should first attend to a plan for resisting the enemy. The appointment of an heir may be discussed at a later time.”

Yuan Shao hesitated and could not decide. Suddenly it was reported that Yuan Xi had led sixty thousand troops from Youzhou, Yuan Tan fifty thousand from Qingzhou, and Yuan Shao’s nephew Gao Gan another fifty thousand from Bingzhou, all arriving in Jizhou to assist in the war. Yuan Shao rejoiced, reorganized his forces, and marched out to fight Cao Cao. Cao Cao, meanwhile, led his victorious army to the river and drew it up along the bank. Local people came to welcome him, bearing baskets of food and jars of drink. Seeing several elders whose beards and hair were entirely white, Cao Cao ordered them admitted to his tent, gave them seats, and asked, “How old are you, venerable sirs?” They replied, “We are all nearly a hundred years old.” Cao Cao said, “My soldiers have alarmed and disturbed your countryside, and this weighs heavily upon me.” The elders replied, “In the time of Emperor Huan, a yellow star appeared in the celestial divisions of Chu and Song. Yin Kui of Liaodong, who was skilled in observing the heavens, passed a night here and told us, ‘A yellow star has appeared among the signs of Heaven and shines directly upon this place. Fifty years from now, a true sovereign shall arise between Liang and Pei.’ Reckoning the years from then, it has now been exactly fifty years. Yuan Benchu burdened the people with heavy levies, and they all resented him. The Prime Minister has raised an army of benevolence and righteousness to comfort the people and punish the guilty. In the single battle at Guandu, you destroyed Yuan Shao’s host of a million men. This precisely fulfills what Yin Kui foretold, and the teeming multitudes may now hope for peace.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “How could I dare claim such words as yours?” He then presented the elders with wine, food, silk, and cloth and sent them away. He issued an order throughout the army: anyone who went into the countryside and killed so much as a household’s chickens or dogs would be punished as though for killing a person. Army and populace alike were awed into submission, and Cao Cao secretly rejoiced.

A report came that Yuan Shao had assembled the troops of four provinces, numbering between two and three hundred thousand, and had advanced to encamp at Cangting. Cao Cao led his army forward and established camp. The next day the two armies faced each other, each drawn up in battle array. Cao Cao led his generals out before the ranks, while Yuan Shao likewise came to the front with his three sons, his nephew, and all his civil and military officers. Cao Cao called out, “Benchu, your schemes are exhausted and your strength spent. Why do you still not think of surrender? If you wait until the blade is at your neck, regret will come too late!” Yuan Shao was furious. Turning to his generals, he cried, “Who dares ride out?” Yuan Shang, eager to display his prowess before his father, brandished two swords and galloped out from the lines, riding back and forth. Cao Cao pointed at him and asked his generals, “Who is that?” One who knew him replied, “That is Yuan Shao’s third son, Yuan Shang.”

Before the words were finished, one of Cao Cao’s officers had already charged out with leveled spear. Cao Cao saw that it was Shi Huan, a subordinate of Xu Huang. The two horsemen met, but before three bouts had passed, Yuan Shang wheeled his horse and fled obliquely. Shi Huan pursued. Yuan Shang took up his bow, fitted an arrow, twisted around, and shot backward. The arrow struck Shi Huan squarely in the left eye, and he fell dead from his horse. Seeing his son victorious, Yuan Shao pointed with his whip, and his massed troops surged forward into a confused melee. A great slaughter followed, until both sides sounded the gongs and withdrew to their camps. Cao Cao then consulted his generals on a plan to defeat Yuan Shao. Cheng Yu proposed the stratagem of “Ambush on Ten Sides” and advised Cao Cao, “Withdraw your army to the river and conceal ten bodies of troops in ambush. Entice Yuan Shao to pursue us to the bank. With no road of retreat, our men will be compelled to fight to the death, and we can defeat him.”

Cao Cao approved the plan. He divided his forces into five bodies on either side. On the left, the first was commanded by Xiahou Dun, the second by Zhang Liao, the third by Li Dian, the fourth by Yue Jin, and the fifth by Xiahou Yuan. On the right, the first was commanded by Cao Hong, the second by Zhang He, the third by Xu Huang, the fourth by Yu Jin, and the fifth by Gao Lan. Xu Chu served as vanguard of the central army. The next day the ten bodies advanced first and took up their ambush positions to left and right. At midnight Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to lead troops forward and feign an assault on the enemy camp. The soldiers in all five of Yuan Shao’s camps rose as one. Xu Chu turned his army and fled. Yuan Shao led his troops in pursuit, their cries never ceasing. By dawn they had chased the enemy to the river, where Cao Cao’s army had no road of escape. Cao Cao shouted, “There is no way forward! Why do you not fight to the death?” His troops turned about and charged with all their strength. Xu Chu galloped at their head and slew more than ten enemy officers by his own hand. Yuan Shao’s army fell into chaos. Yuan Shao hastily withdrew, while Cao Cao’s forces pursued from behind.

As Yuan Shao’s army fled, a drum suddenly thundered, and Xiahou Yuan charged out on the left while Gao Lan attacked on the right. Yuan Shao gathered his three sons and his nephew around him and fought desperately through a blood-soaked path to escape. Before they had gone ten li, Yue Jin burst out on the left and Yu Jin on the right, slaughtering Yuan Shao’s troops until corpses lay across the countryside and blood flowed in channels. After they had gone only a few li farther, Li Dian on the left and Xu Huang on the right fell upon them and cut them down. Yuan Shao and his sons, terrified and dismayed, fled into their former camp and ordered the army to prepare food. Just as they were about to eat, Zhang Liao attacked from the left and Zhang He from the right, charging straight into the camp. Yuan Shao mounted in panic and fled toward Cangting. Men and horses were exhausted and wished to rest, but Cao Cao’s great army came on behind them, and Yuan Shao fled for his life.

As he hurried on, Cao Hong blocked his way from the left and Xiahou Dun from the right. Yuan Shao cried out, “Unless we fight to the death, we shall surely be captured!” Exerting all their strength, they broke through and escaped the encirclement. Yuan Xi and Gao Gan were both wounded by arrows. Nearly all their troops and horses perished. Yuan Shao embraced his three sons and wept bitterly, then suddenly fainted. Those around him hastened to revive him, but he continued to vomit fresh blood. Sighing, he said, “I have fought scores of battles in my life, yet never imagined that today I would be reduced to such a wretched plight! Heaven is destroying me! Return, each of you, to your own province, and swear to decide supremacy with the traitor Cao once and for all!” He ordered Xin Ping and Guo Tu to accompany Yuan Tan with all haste to Qingzhou and put its defenses in order, for fear that Cao Cao might invade. Yuan Xi was to return to Youzhou and Gao Gan to Bingzhou, each to muster troops for future deployment. Yuan Shao himself returned to Jizhou with Yuan Shang and the others to recover from his illness, leaving Yuan Shang, Shen Pei, and Feng Ji temporarily in charge of military affairs.

After Cao Cao’s great victory at Cangting, he richly rewarded the whole army and sent men to investigate the true state of affairs in Jizhou. His spies returned and reported, “Yuan Shao lies sick in bed. Yuan Shang and Shen Pei are guarding the city closely. Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, and Gao Gan have all returned to their own provinces.” Everyone urged Cao Cao to attack at once. Cao Cao said, “Jizhou has abundant stores of grain, and Shen Pei is a resourceful strategist. The city cannot be taken in haste. The crops are now standing in the fields, and I fear harming the people’s livelihood. It will not be too late to seize the province after the autumn harvest.” While they were still deliberating, a letter suddenly arrived from Xun Yu reporting: “At Runan, Liu Bei has obtained the several tens of thousands of troops under Liu Pi and Gong Du. Hearing that the Prime Minister had led his army on campaign in Hebei, he ordered Liu Pi to guard Runan and personally led troops to take advantage of your absence and attack Xuchang. The Prime Minister must return swiftly with his army to resist him.” Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. He left Cao Hong to station troops along the river and make a great show of strength, while he personally led the main army toward Runan to meet Liu Bei.

Now Xuande, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and the others, led his army toward the capital of Xu. As they approached the region of Rangshan, they encountered Cao Cao’s troops advancing upon them, so Xuande made camp beneath the mountain. He divided his forces into three bodies: Guan Yu stationed his troops at the southeastern corner, Zhang Fei at the southwestern corner, while Xuande and Zhao Yun established their camp due south. When Cao Cao’s army arrived, Xuande came out amid beating drums and battle cries. Cao Cao drew up his ranks and called for Xuande to parley. Xuande rode out beneath the standard at the gate. Pointing his whip, Cao Cao reviled him: “I treated you as an honored guest. Why have you betrayed righteousness and forgotten kindness?” Xuande replied, “You bear the empty title of a minister of Han, but in truth you are a traitor to the realm! I am a kinsman of the imperial house, and by the Emperor’s secret edict I have come to punish a rebel!” Thereupon, from horseback, he recited the Girdle Edict in a ringing voice.

Cao Cao flew into a rage and ordered Xu Chu to give battle. From behind Xuande, Zhao Yun leveled his spear and rode out. The two generals fought for thirty bouts without either gaining the advantage. Suddenly mighty shouts arose. From the southeastern corner Guan Yu came charging, while from the southwestern corner Zhang Fei led his troops in an assault. The three forces attacked at once. Cao Cao’s troops, weary from their long march, could not withstand them and fled in utter defeat. Xuande returned victorious to camp.

The next day Xuande sent Zhao Yun out to challenge the enemy, but Cao Cao’s troops did not emerge. For ten days they remained within their camp. Xuande then sent Zhang Fei to challenge them, but Cao Cao’s troops still did not come out. Xuande grew increasingly suspicious. Suddenly it was reported that Gong Du, while transporting provisions, had been surrounded by Cao Cao’s army. Xuande hastily ordered Zhang Fei to rescue him. Then came another report that Xiahou Dun had led troops around their rear and was making straight for Runan. Xuande was greatly alarmed. “If this is so,” he said, “I shall be attacked from front and rear and have nowhere to return!” He immediately dispatched Guan Yu to the rescue. Thus both armies departed.

Before many days had passed, a mounted messenger arrived to report that Xiahou Dun had already captured Runan, that Liu Pi had abandoned the city and fled, and that Guan Yu was now surrounded. Xuande was greatly alarmed. Another report came that Zhang Fei, after going to rescue Gong Du, had also been encircled. Xuande urgently wished to withdraw, yet feared that Cao Cao’s troops would attack from behind. Suddenly it was reported that Xu Chu was outside the camp challenging him to battle, but Xuande dared not ride out. He waited until dawn, ordered his soldiers to eat their fill, then sent the infantry ahead with the cavalry following, while false watch signals continued to sound within the empty camp. Xuande and his men had gone several li from camp and were rounding a hill when torches suddenly blazed on every side. From the hilltop came a great shout: “Do not let Liu Bei escape! The Prime Minister has been waiting here especially for him!” Xuande looked about in panic for a road of escape. Zhao Yun said, “My lord, do not be troubled. Only follow me.” Leveling his spear and urging on his horse, Zhao Yun hewed open a path, with Xuande following behind, his paired swords drawn.

In the midst of the fighting, Xu Chu came up in pursuit and battled fiercely with Zhao Yun. Yu Jin and Li Dian then arrived from behind. Seeing the danger of the situation, Xuande fled across the wilds. When the shouts behind him gradually receded, he turned toward deep mountains and secluded paths and escaped alone on horseback. He struggled on until dawn, when a body of troops suddenly charged out from the side. Xuande was greatly alarmed, but on looking he saw that it was Liu Pi leading more than a thousand defeated horsemen and escorting Xuande’s household. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, and Mi Fang were also with them. They explained, “Xiahou Dun’s army attacked with tremendous force, so we abandoned the city and fled. Cao Cao’s troops pursued us, but fortunately Guan Yu held them off, allowing us to escape.” Xuande said, “I do not know where Guan Yu is now.” Liu Pi replied, “My lord, let us continue on. We can attend to that afterward.”

They had gone several li when a roll of drums sounded and a body of troops poured out ahead. The general at their head was Zhang He, who shouted, “Liu Bei, dismount quickly and surrender!” Xuande was about to retreat when he saw a red flag waving on the hilltop and another army surge from a mountain hollow. Its leading general was Gao Lan. With no road open before or behind, Xuande raised his face to Heaven and cried, “Why does Heaven reduce me to such desperate straits? Since matters have come to this, I had better die!” He was about to draw his sword and cut his own throat when Liu Pi hastily restrained him. “Allow me to fight to the death,” he said, “and seize a road to save my lord.” With that, he rode against Gao Lan. Before three bouts had passed, Gao Lan cut him from his horse with a single stroke.

Xuande was in a panic and was just about to fight in person when Gao Lan’s rear ranks suddenly fell into confusion. A general came charging through the formation; his spear flashed, and Gao Lan pitched backward from his horse. Xuande looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. Overjoyed, he watched as Zhao Yun spurred forward with leveled spear, scattered the rear force, then rode against the front ranks and fought Zhang He single-handed. Zhang He battled Zhao Yun for more than thirty bouts before turning his horse and fleeing in defeat. Zhao Yun pressed the advantage and charged after him, but Zhang He’s troops barred the mountain pass. The road was narrow, and there was no way through.

As Zhao Yun fought to seize the road, Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang arrived with three hundred men. Attacking from both sides, they drove Zhang He back. They all passed through the defile, occupied the commanding heights, and made camp. Xuande sent Guan Yu to search for Zhang Fei. As it happened, when Zhang Fei had gone to rescue Gong Du, he found that Gong Du had already been killed by Xiahou Yuan. Zhang Fei fought with all his strength and drove Xiahou Yuan back, then pursued him at length, only to be surrounded by troops under Yue Jin. Guan Yu encountered the defeated soldiers on the road, followed their trail, drove off Yue Jin, and returned with Zhang Fei to Xuande.

A report came that the main body of Cao Cao’s army was approaching in pursuit. Xuande ordered Sun Qian and the others to escort the women and children ahead, while he, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun brought up the rear, fighting as they withdrew. When Cao Cao saw that Xuande had gone far away, he recalled his troops and did not pursue. Xuande fled in wretched disorder with fewer than a thousand defeated soldiers. Coming to a river, he called to the local people and asked its name. It was the Han River. Xuande made a temporary camp there. The local people recognized him and presented sheep and wine, which the men shared in a feast upon the sandy bank. Xuande sighed and said, “Gentlemen, you all possess the talents of men who might aid a king, yet unhappily you have followed Liu Bei. My destiny is straitened, and I have brought hardship upon you. Today I possess not even enough ground to plant an awl, and I truly fear that I shall ruin your prospects. Why do you not leave me and seek an enlightened lord, that you may win achievement and fame?”

They all covered their faces and wept. Guan Yu said, “Brother, your words are mistaken. In former times, when Emperor Gaozu contended with Xiang Yu for the empire, he was repeatedly defeated by Yu. Yet in the end he won success in a single battle at Jiulishan and founded an imperial inheritance that endured four hundred years. Victory and defeat are the common lot of soldiers. How can you cast down your own resolve?” Sun Qian said, “Success and failure come in their own time; you must not lose heart. Jingzhou is not far from here. Liu Jingsheng holds sway over nine provinces, with strong armies and abundant grain. Moreover, he and you are both kinsmen of the imperial house. Why not go and seek refuge with him?” Xuande said, “I fear only that he will not receive me.” Sun Qian replied, “I am willing to go ahead and persuade him, so that Jingsheng will come beyond his borders to welcome my lord.”

Xuande was overjoyed and immediately ordered Sun Qian to travel through the night to Jingzhou. Upon reaching the commandery, Sun Qian entered and was received by Liu Biao. After the courtesies had been completed, Liu Biao asked, “You serve Xuande. What brings you here?” Sun Qian replied, “Imperial Inspector Liu is a hero of the age. Though his troops are few and his generals scarce, his ambition is to uphold the dynasty and restore the state. Liu Pi and Gong Du of Runan had no former ties of kinship or friendship with him, yet they repaid him even with their deaths. My lord and the Imperial Inspector are both descendants of the imperial house of Han. Now the Imperial Inspector has recently been defeated and wished to go east of the Yangtze to seek refuge with Sun Zhongmou. I remonstrated with him, saying, ‘You must not turn your back on kin to seek out a stranger. General Liu of Jingzhou treats worthy men with courtesy and humbles himself before scholars, so that men of talent flock to him as water flows eastward. How much more warmly must he receive one of his own clan?’ Therefore the Imperial Inspector has sent me ahead to report and pay my respects, and he awaits only my lord’s command.”

Liu Biao was delighted. “Xuande is my younger brother,” he said. “I have long wished to meet him but have never had the opportunity. If he is now willing to honor me with a visit, I shall be fortunate indeed.” Cai Mao slanderously objected, “You must not receive him. Liu Bei first followed Lü Bu, afterward served Cao Cao, and most recently joined Yuan Shao, yet in every case he failed to remain to the end. This sufficiently reveals what manner of man he is. If you admit him now, Cao Cao will surely send troops against us and provoke a needless war. Better to behead Sun Qian and present his head to Cao Cao; Cao Cao will then surely hold my lord in high regard.” Sun Qian sternly replied, “I am not a man who fears death. Imperial Inspector Liu is loyal at heart and devoted to the realm; he is not to be compared with Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, or Lü Bu. His former associations with them arose from necessity. Now he has heard that General Liu is a descendant of the Han imperial line and bound to him by the ties of common ancestry, and so he has come a thousand li to seek refuge with you. Why do you offer slanders and show such jealousy of the worthy?”

On hearing this, Liu Biao rebuked Cai Mao: “My decision is already made. Say no more.” Cai Mao withdrew in shame and resentment. Liu Biao then ordered Sun Qian to go ahead and report to Xuande, while he himself traveled thirty li beyond the city walls to welcome him. When Xuande met Liu Biao, he observed every courtesy with the utmost respect, and Liu Biao in turn treated him with great generosity. Xuande presented Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others to Liu Biao, after which Liu Biao entered Jingzhou together with Xuande and assigned residences for him and his followers.

Now Cao Cao learned through his scouts that Xuande had gone to Jingzhou and placed himself under Liu Biao, and he wished to lead an army against him. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Shao has not yet been destroyed. If you hastily attack Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and Yuan Shao rises again in the north, victory or defeat will be impossible to foresee. Better to withdraw the army to the capital of Xu, rest the troops, and husband your strength. When the warm spring weather comes next year, lead your army first to destroy Yuan Shao and afterward seize Jingzhou and Xiangyang. The advantages of both north and south may thus be gained in a single campaign.”

Cao Cao approved his counsel and led his army back to the capital of Xu. In the first month of spring, in the eighth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao again discussed raising troops. He first dispatched Xiahou Dun and Man Chong to guard Runan against Liu Biao, and left Cao Ren and Xun Yu to defend the capital of Xu. He then personally led the main army to Guandu and established his camp there.

Now Yuan Shao had suffered from chills and the vomiting of blood since the previous year, and only now had he begun to recover. He discussed launching an attack on the capital of Xu. Shen Pei remonstrated, “After last year’s defeats at Guandu and Cangting, the spirit of the army has not yet revived. We should continue to deepen our moats and raise our ramparts while restoring the strength of soldiers and people.”

While they were deliberating, it was suddenly reported that Cao Cao had advanced to Guandu and was coming to attack Jizhou. Yuan Shao said, “If we wait until his army reaches our city walls and his generals arrive at the river before resisting him, it will already be too late. I shall personally lead the main army out to meet him.” Yuan Shang said, “Father, you have not yet recovered from your illness and must not go on a distant campaign. I am willing to lead the troops and meet the enemy.” Yuan Shao consented. He then sent men to summon Yuan Tan from Qingzhou, Yuan Xi from Youzhou, and Gao Gan from Bingzhou, so that the four armies might unite to destroy Cao Cao. Thus it was:

Scarcely had war drums thundered at Runan,When battle drums again shook northern Ji.

How victory and defeat were decided will be told in the next chapter.

Cao Cao Defeats Yuan Shao at Cangting; Liu Bei Seeks Refuge with Liu Biao in Jingzhou

Now Cao Cao took advantage of Yuan Shao’s defeat to reorganize his troops and pursue him without pause. Wearing only a plain headcloth and a single robe, Yuan Shao led just over eight hundred horsemen in flight to the north bank at Liyang, where the senior general Jiang Yiqu came out of his camp to receive him. Yuan Shao told Jiang Yiqu all that had happened, and Jiang Yiqu summoned and reassured the scattered troops. When the men heard that Yuan Shao was there, they gathered around him again like ants, and the army recovered its strength. They then discussed returning to Jizhou. During the march, they spent one night on a barren mountain. From inside his tent, Yuan Shao heard weeping in the distance and secretly went to listen. It was a group of defeated soldiers gathered together, recounting the misery of losing elder and younger brothers, abandoning companions, and seeing relatives killed. Each beat his chest and wept bitterly, and they all said, “If only he had listened to Tian Feng, how could we have suffered this disaster?” Yuan Shao deeply regretted his actions and said, “Because I did not listen to Tian Feng, my army has been defeated and my generals lost. When I return now, how can I face him?”

The next day, while Yuan Shao was riding on, Feng Ji arrived with troops to meet him. Yuan Shao said to Feng Ji, “Because I did not listen to Tian Feng, I suffered this defeat. Now that I am returning, I am ashamed to face him.” Feng Ji seized the chance to slander Tian Feng: “When Tian Feng heard in prison that my lord’s army had been defeated, he clapped his hands and laughed, saying, ‘It happened exactly as I predicted!’” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. “How dare that wretched scholar laugh at me! I will have him killed!” He immediately ordered a messenger to take a precious sword ahead to the prison in Jizhou and execute Tian Feng.

Now Tian Feng was in prison. One day, a jailer came to see him and said, “Congratulations, Attendant Officer.” Tian Feng said, “What is there to congratulate me about?” The jailer replied, “General Yuan has returned after a great defeat. You are certain to be highly valued now.” Tian Feng laughed and said, “Now I am going to die!” The jailer asked, “Everyone else is happy for you. Why do you speak of death?” Tian Feng said, “General Yuan is outwardly generous but inwardly jealous, and he gives no thought to loyalty or sincerity. Had he won and been pleased, he might still have pardoned me. But now that he has been defeated, he will feel ashamed. I have no hope of living.”

The jailer did not believe him. Suddenly, the messenger arrived carrying the sword and conveyed Yuan Shao’s order to take Tian Feng’s head. Only then was the jailer shocked. Tian Feng said, “I knew all along that I was certain to die.” All the jailers shed tears. Tian Feng said, “A true man born between Heaven and Earth who fails to recognize his rightful lord and enters his service has no wisdom! If I must die today, what is there to regret?” He then cut his own throat in prison. A later poet wrote:Yesterday Ju Shou died within the army;Today Tian Feng perishes inside the prison.With all Hebei’s pillars and beams broken,How could Benchu not lose his house and realm?

After Tian Feng’s death, everyone who heard of it sighed with regret. Yuan Shao returned to Jizhou, but his mind was troubled and confused, and he paid no attention to government affairs. His wife, Lady Liu, urged him to appoint an heir. Yuan Shao had three sons. His eldest, Yuan Tan, styled Xianzhong, had been sent out to govern Qingzhou. His second son, Yuan Xi, styled Xianyi, had been sent out to govern Youzhou. His third son, Yuan Shang, styled Xianfu, was born to Yuan Shao’s later wife, Lady Liu. He was handsome and imposing, and Yuan Shao loved him greatly, so he kept him by his side. Ever since the defeat at Guandu, Lady Liu had urged Yuan Shao to appoint Yuan Shang as his heir. Yuan Shao therefore consulted Shen Pei, Feng Ji, Xin Ping, and Guo Tu. Shen Pei and Feng Ji had long supported Yuan Shang, while Xin Ping and Guo Tu supported Yuan Tan. Each pair served the interests of its own prospective lord.

Yuan Shao now said to the four men, “Our external troubles have not yet ended, but our domestic affairs must be settled early. I intend to discuss the appointment of my heir. My eldest son, Tan, is hard by nature and fond of killing. My second son, Xi, is weak and unlikely to accomplish anything. My third son, Shang, has the bearing of a hero and treats worthy men and scholars with courtesy and respect. I wish to appoint him. What do you gentlemen think?” Guo Tu said, “Of your three sons, Tan is the eldest, and he is now stationed outside the province. If my lord sets aside the elder and appoints the younger, it will sow the seeds of disorder. At present, the army’s prestige has suffered a setback and enemy troops are pressing our borders. How can you allow father, sons, and brothers to fall into strife among themselves as well? My lord should first devise a strategy to resist the enemy. The matter of appointing an heir can be discussed later.”

Yuan Shao hesitated and could not decide. Suddenly, word came that Yuan Xi was leading sixty thousand troops from Youzhou, Yuan Tan fifty thousand from Qingzhou, and Yuan Shao’s nephew Gao Gan another fifty thousand from Bingzhou. Each had arrived in Jizhou to help in the war. Yuan Shao was delighted. He reorganized his forces and advanced to fight Cao Cao. At the time, Cao Cao had led his victorious army to deploy along the Yellow River, where local people came to welcome him with baskets of food and jars of drink. Cao Cao saw several elders whose beards and hair were entirely white. He ordered them brought into his tent, offered them seats, and asked, “How old are you, venerable sirs?” They replied, “We are all nearly a hundred years old.” Cao Cao said, “My soldiers have alarmed and disturbed your countryside, and that greatly troubles me.” The elders said, “During Emperor Huan’s reign, a yellow star appeared in the region of Chu and Song. Yin Kui of Liaodong, who was skilled in observing the heavens, spent a night here and told us, ‘A yellow star has appeared in the celestial signs and shines directly upon this place. Fifty years from now, a true sovereign will arise in the region of Liang and Pei.’ Counting the years to the present, exactly fifty years have passed. Yuan Benchu imposed heavy levies on the people, and they all resented him. The Prime Minister has raised a righteous and benevolent army to relieve the people and punish the guilty. In a single battle at Guandu, you destroyed Yuan Shao’s host of a million men. This perfectly fulfills what Yin Kui said at the time, and the common people may now hope for peace.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “How could I dare claim the honor of what you have said?” He then gave the elders wine, food, silk, and cloth before sending them away. He issued an order to all three armies that anyone who went into the countryside and killed a family’s chickens or dogs would be punished as though he had killed a person. Soldiers and civilians alike were awed and won over. Cao Cao was secretly delighted as well.

A report came that Yuan Shao had assembled troops from four provinces, totaling between two and three hundred thousand, and had advanced to make camp at Cangting. Cao Cao led his army forward and established his own camp. The next day, the two armies faced each other and formed their battle lines. Cao Cao led his generals out before his formation, while Yuan Shao brought his three sons, his nephew, and his civil and military officers to the front. Cao Cao said, “Benchu, your schemes are exhausted and your strength is spent. Why do you still not consider surrender? If you wait until the blade is at your neck, regret will come too late!” Yuan Shao was furious. Looking back at his generals, he said, “Who dares ride out?” Yuan Shang wished to display his ability before his father, so he flourished a pair of swords, spurred his horse from the formation, and galloped back and forth. Cao Cao pointed at him and asked his generals, “Who is that?” Someone who recognized him replied, “That is Yuan Shao’s third son, Yuan Shang.”

Before he had finished speaking, a general had already ridden out with leveled spear. Cao Cao looked and saw that it was Shi Huan, a subordinate general under Xu Huang. The two riders clashed, but before three bouts had passed, Yuan Shang wheeled his horse and fled at an angle. Shi Huan pursued him. Yuan Shang took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, turned backward in the saddle, and shot. The arrow struck Shi Huan squarely in the left eye, and he fell from his horse and died. Seeing his son victorious, Yuan Shao pointed with his whip, and his massed troops surged forward into a confused battle. After a fierce slaughter, both sides sounded the gongs and withdrew their troops to camp. Cao Cao then discussed with his generals how to defeat Yuan Shao. Cheng Yu proposed a “Ten-Sided Ambush” and advised Cao Cao, “Withdraw the army to the river and conceal ten bodies of troops in ambush. Lure Yuan Shao into pursuing us to the river. With no road of retreat, our men will be certain to fight to the death, and we can defeat Yuan Shao.”

Cao Cao approved the plan. He divided the troops into five units on each side. On the left, the first unit was under Xiahou Dun, the second under Zhang Liao, the third under Li Dian, the fourth under Yue Jin, and the fifth under Xiahou Yuan. On the right, the first unit was under Cao Hong, the second under Zhang He, the third under Xu Huang, the fourth under Yu Jin, and the fifth under Gao Lan. Xu Chu commanded the vanguard of the central army. The next day, the ten units advanced first and took up their ambush positions on the left and right. At midnight, Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to lead troops forward and make a feigned assault on the enemy camp. The men in all five of Yuan Shao’s camps rose at once. Xu Chu turned his troops around and fled. Yuan Shao led his army in pursuit amid unceasing battle cries. By daybreak, they had chased Cao Cao’s army to the river, where it had no road of escape. Cao Cao shouted, “There is no way forward! Why do you soldiers not turn and fight to the death?” The entire army turned around and charged forward with all its strength. Xu Chu galloped at the head and personally cut down more than ten generals. Yuan Shao’s army fell into chaos. Yuan Shao hurriedly retreated, with Cao Cao’s forces pursuing from behind.

As Yuan Shao’s army fled, a drum suddenly sounded. Xiahou Yuan on the left and Gao Lan on the right charged out with their troops. Yuan Shao gathered his three sons and his nephew around him and fought desperately through a bloody path to escape. Before they had gone ten li, Yue Jin attacked from the left and Yu Jin from the right. They slaughtered Yuan Shao’s troops until corpses covered the fields and blood flowed in channels. Before they had gone another few li, Li Dian on the left and Xu Huang on the right intercepted them and launched another attack. Yuan Shao and his sons, terrified and disheartened, fled into their old camp and ordered the entire army to prepare food. Just as they were about to eat, Zhang Liao came from the left and Zhang He from the right and charged straight into the camp. Yuan Shao hurriedly mounted his horse and fled toward Cangting. His men and horses were exhausted and wanted to rest, but Cao Cao’s main army came pursuing from behind, and Yuan Shao fled for his life.

As he fled, Cao Hong on the left and Xiahou Dun on the right blocked his path. Yuan Shao shouted, “Unless we fight to the death, we will certainly be captured!” They charged with all their strength and broke free of the encirclement. Yuan Xi and Gao Gan were both wounded by arrows. Almost all their troops and horses had been lost. Yuan Shao embraced his three sons and wept bitterly, then suddenly fainted. Everyone hurried to revive him, but he kept spitting up fresh blood. He sighed and said, “I have fought dozens of battles, but I never imagined I would be reduced to such misery today! Heaven means to destroy me! Each of you must return to your own province, and we will swear to fight the traitor Cao to the finish!” He ordered Xin Ping and Guo Tu to accompany Yuan Tan with all speed to Qingzhou and reorganize its defenses, for fear that Cao Cao might invade its territory. He ordered Yuan Xi to return to Youzhou and Gao Gan to Bingzhou, where each was to gather troops and horses for future deployment. Yuan Shao then took Yuan Shang and the others into Jizhou to recuperate, ordering Yuan Shang, Shen Pei, and Feng Ji to take temporary charge of military affairs.

After Cao Cao’s great victory at Cangting, he richly rewarded the entire army and sent men to investigate the true condition of Jizhou. His agents returned and reported, “Yuan Shao lies ill in bed. Yuan Shang and Shen Pei are closely guarding the city. Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, and Gao Gan have all returned to their own provinces.” Everyone urged Cao Cao to attack at once. Cao Cao said, “Jizhou has immense stores of grain, and Shen Pei is also a resourceful strategist. The city cannot be taken quickly. The crops are now standing in the fields, and I fear damaging the people’s livelihood. It will not be too late to take the city after the autumn harvest.” While they were discussing this, a letter suddenly arrived from Xun Yu reporting: “Liu Bei has obtained tens of thousands of followers under Liu Pi and Gong Du in Runan. Hearing that the Prime Minister has led his army north to campaign in Hebei, he has ordered Liu Pi to guard Runan and is personally leading troops to exploit the opening and attack Xuchang. The Prime Minister should quickly return with his army to resist him.” Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. He left Cao Hong to station troops along the Yellow River and make a great show of strength, while he personally led the main army toward Runan to confront Liu Bei.

Now Xuande, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and the others, was leading troops in an attempt to make a surprise attack on the capital at Xu. As they approached the area of Rangshan, they encountered Cao Cao’s soldiers advancing to attack them, so Xuande established camp at the foot of Rangshan. He divided his army into three units: Guan Yu stationed his troops at the southeastern corner, Zhang Fei at the southwestern corner, and Xuande and Zhao Yun established their camp directly to the south. When Cao Cao’s army arrived, Xuande led his men out amid a thunder of drums and shouts. Cao Cao formed his battle lines and called on Xuande to come forward and speak. Xuande rode out beneath the gate banner. Pointing his whip, Cao Cao cursed him: “I treated you as an honored guest! Why have you betrayed righteousness and forgotten my kindness?” Xuande replied, “You claim the title of Han prime minister, but in truth you are a traitor to the realm! I am a kinsman of the imperial house of Han, and I have come in obedience to the Emperor’s secret edict to punish a rebel!” He then recited aloud from horseback the Girdle Edict.

Cao Cao was furious and ordered Xu Chu to ride out and fight. From behind Xuande, Zhao Yun leveled his spear and rode forward. The two generals clashed for thirty bouts without either gaining the advantage. Suddenly, tremendous battle cries arose. Guan Yu charged in from the southeastern corner, while Zhang Fei led his troops in from the southwestern corner. The three forces attacked at once. Cao Cao’s troops were exhausted from their long march and could not withstand them. They suffered a great defeat and fled. Xuande returned victorious to camp.

The next day, Xuande sent Zhao Yun out to challenge the enemy, but Cao Cao’s troops did not emerge for ten days. Xuande then sent Zhang Fei to challenge them, but Cao Cao’s troops again refused to come out. Xuande grew increasingly suspicious. Suddenly, word came that Gong Du had been surrounded by Cao Cao’s army while transporting grain. Xuande quickly ordered Zhang Fei to rescue him. Then another report arrived that Xiahou Dun had led troops around to their rear and was heading straight for Runan. Xuande was greatly alarmed. “If this is so, I will have enemies both before and behind me, and nowhere to return to!” He urgently sent Guan Yu to rescue the city. Both armies departed.

Within a day, a mounted messenger arrived to report that Xiahou Dun had already captured Runan, that Liu Pi had abandoned the city and fled, and that Guan Yu was now surrounded. Xuande was greatly alarmed. Another report came that Zhang Fei, who had gone to rescue Gong Du, had also been surrounded. Xuande urgently wished to withdraw his army, but feared an attack from Cao Cao’s troops in the rear. Suddenly, word came that Xu Chu was outside the camp issuing a challenge. Xuande did not dare ride out. He waited until dawn, ordered his soldiers to eat their fill, then sent the infantry ahead with the cavalry following behind, while false watch calls continued to sound inside the camp. Xuande and the others had gone several li from camp and were rounding an earthen hill when torches suddenly flared all around. From the hilltop came a great shout: “Do not let Liu Bei escape! The Prime Minister is waiting here especially for him!” Xuande searched frantically for a way out. Zhao Yun said, “Do not worry, my lord. Just follow me.” Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, Zhao Yun cut open a path, with Xuande following behind, wielding his paired swords.

In the midst of the fighting, Xu Chu caught up and engaged Zhao Yun in a fierce battle. Yu Jin and Li Dian then arrived from behind. Seeing the danger, Xuande fled across the open country. When the shouts behind him gradually faded, he made for deep mountains and remote paths, escaping alone on horseback. He struggled on until daybreak, when a body of troops suddenly charged out from the side. Xuande was greatly alarmed, but when he looked, he saw Liu Pi leading more than a thousand defeated horsemen and escorting Xuande’s family. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, and Mi Fang were also with them. They explained, “Xiahou Dun’s army was too fierce, so we abandoned the city and fled. Cao Cao’s troops pursued us, but fortunately Guan Yu held them back, allowing us to escape.” Xuande said, “I do not know where Guan Yu is now.” Liu Pi replied, “General, let us keep moving. We can look into that later.”

After they had gone several li, a roll of drums sounded, and a body of troops surged out ahead of them. The leading general was Zhang He, who shouted, “Liu Bei, dismount at once and surrender!” Xuande was about to retreat when he saw red banners waving on the hilltop. Another army poured out from a mountain hollow, led by the senior general Gao Lan. With both routes blocked, Xuande raised his face to Heaven and cried, “Why does Heaven reduce me to such desperate straits? Since matters have come to this, I would rather die!” He was about to draw his sword and cut his own throat, but Liu Pi hurriedly stopped him. “Allow me to fight to the death and seize a road to save you, my lord.” With that, he charged forward and engaged Gao Lan. Before three bouts had passed, Gao Lan cut him down from his horse with one stroke of his saber.

Xuande was in a panic and was about to fight personally when Gao Lan’s rear ranks suddenly fell into disorder. A general charged through the formation, and as his spear rose, Gao Lan twisted around and fell from his horse. Xuande looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. He was overjoyed. Zhao Yun spurred his horse, leveled his spear, scattered the rear ranks, and then rode to the front to fight Zhang He alone. Zhang He fought Zhao Yun for more than thirty bouts, then wheeled his horse and fled in defeat. Zhao Yun pressed his advantage and charged, but Zhang He’s troops held the mountain pass. The road was so narrow that Zhao Yun could not break through.

As Zhao Yun fought to seize the road, Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang arrived with three hundred soldiers. Attacking from both sides, they drove Zhang He back. They then emerged from the pass, occupied the strategic mountain heights, and established camp. Xuande sent Guan Yu to search for Zhang Fei. It turned out that when Zhang Fei went to rescue Gong Du, Gong Du had already been killed by Xiahou Yuan. Zhang Fei fought fiercely and drove Xiahou Yuan back, then pursued him for some distance, only to be surrounded by troops under Yue Jin. Guan Yu encountered defeated soldiers on the road, followed their tracks, and drove Yue Jin away. He and Zhang Fei then returned together to see Xuande.

A report came that Cao Cao’s main army was pursuing them. Xuande ordered Sun Qian and the others to escort the women and children ahead, while he, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun remained behind, fighting as they withdrew. When Cao Cao saw that Xuande had gone far away, he recalled his troops and did not pursue. Xuande’s defeated army numbered fewer than a thousand men as it fled in wretched disorder. They eventually reached a river and asked a local what it was. He told them it was the Han River. Xuande set up a temporary camp. The local people recognized him and presented sheep and wine, so everyone gathered to drink on the sandy bank. Xuande sighed and said, “All of you possess the talent to assist a king, yet unfortunately you have chosen to follow Liu Bei. My fate is wretched, and I have brought hardship upon you all. Today I do not possess even enough ground to plant an awl. I truly fear that I will ruin your futures. Why do you not leave me and enter the service of an enlightened lord, so that you may win achievement and fame?”

They all covered their faces and wept. Guan Yu said, “Brother, you are wrong to speak this way. In former times, when Emperor Gaozu contended with Xiang Yu for the empire, he was defeated by Xiang Yu many times. Later, he won a single battle at Jiulishan and founded a dynasty that endured for four hundred years. Victory and defeat are common in war. How can you destroy your own resolve?” Sun Qian said, “Success and failure each have their time. You must not lose heart. Jingzhou is not far from here. Liu Jingsheng holds sway over the Nine Provinces, with strong troops and ample provisions. Moreover, both he and you, my lord, are kinsmen of the imperial house of Han. Why not seek refuge with him?” Xuande said, “I only fear he will not accept me.” Sun Qian said, “I am willing to go ahead and persuade him, so that Jingsheng will come beyond his borders to welcome my lord.”

Xuande was delighted and immediately sent Sun Qian to Jingzhou, traveling through the night. Sun Qian reached the commandery and went in to see Liu Biao. After the formal greetings, Liu Biao asked, “You serve Xuande. Why have you come here?” Sun Qian replied, “Governor Liu is a hero of the age. Though his soldiers are few and his generals scarce, his ambition is to support the dynasty. Liu Pi and Gong Du of Runan had no former ties of friendship or kinship with him, yet even they gave their lives in his service. You, illustrious lord, and Governor Liu are both descendants of the imperial house of Han. Now the Governor has recently suffered defeat and intended to go to Jiangdong and seek refuge with Sun Zhongmou. I advised him, ‘You must not turn your back on kin to seek out strangers. General Liu of Jingzhou treats worthy men with courtesy and humbles himself before scholars, so men of ability flock to him as water flows eastward. How much more welcome, then, would one of his own clan be?’ For this reason, the Governor has specially sent me ahead to present his respects and await your command, illustrious lord.”

Liu Biao was delighted. “Xuande is my younger brother. I have long wished to meet him but never had the opportunity. Now that he is willing to honor me with a visit, I am truly fortunate.” Cai Mao slanderously objected, “You must not accept him. Liu Bei first followed Lü Bu, then served Cao Cao, and recently sought refuge with Yuan Shao, yet he remained loyal to none of them to the end. This is enough to show what kind of man he is. If you accept him now, Cao Cao will certainly send troops against us, provoking needless warfare. It would be better to cut off Sun Qian’s head and present it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao will then be certain to treat my lord with great favor.” Sun Qian said sternly, “I am not a man who fears death. Governor Liu is loyal to the realm and cannot be compared with Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, or Lü Bu. He followed those men before only because he had no other choice. Now he has heard that General Liu is a descendant of the Han dynasty and that the bonds of your common clan are close, and so he has come a thousand li to seek refuge with you. Why do you offer such slander and show such jealousy of a worthy man?”

When Liu Biao heard this, he rebuked Cai Mao: “I have made up my mind. Say no more.” Cai Mao withdrew in shame and resentment. Liu Biao then ordered Sun Qian to go ahead and inform Xuande, while he personally traveled thirty li beyond the city walls to welcome him. When Xuande met Liu Biao, he observed every courtesy with the utmost respect, and Liu Biao treated him with great generosity. Xuande brought Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others forward to pay their respects to Liu Biao. Liu Biao then entered Jingzhou together with Xuande and assigned him a residence.

Now Cao Cao learned through his scouts that Xuande had gone to Jingzhou and sought refuge with Liu Biao, so he wished to lead an army against him. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Shao has not yet been eliminated. If we rush to attack Jingzhou and Xiangyang, Yuan Shao may rise against us from the north, and the outcome will be impossible to predict. It would be better to return the army to the capital at Xu, rest the troops, and build up our strength. When the weather turns warm next spring, we can lead out the army, first destroy Yuan Shao, and then take Jingzhou and Xiangyang. In a single campaign, we can secure the advantages of both north and south.”

Cao Cao agreed and led his troops back to the capital at Xu. In the first month of spring in the eighth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao again discussed mobilizing the army. He first dispatched Xiahou Dun and Man Chong to guard Runan and resist Liu Biao, left Cao Ren and Xun Yu to defend the capital at Xu, and personally commanded the main army as it advanced to Guandu and established camp.

As for Yuan Shao, since the previous year he had been suffering from an illness that began with a chill and caused him to vomit blood. Only now had he begun to recover. He discussed attacking the capital at Xu, but Shen Pei advised him, “After last year’s defeats at Guandu and Cangting, the army’s morale has not yet recovered. We should continue to deepen our moats and raise our ramparts while restoring the strength of the soldiers and the people.”

While they were discussing this, a sudden report arrived that Cao Cao had advanced to Guandu and was coming to attack Jizhou. Yuan Shao said, “If we wait until his troops are beneath our walls and his generals have reached the river before resisting him, it will already be too late. I must personally lead the main army out to meet him.” Yuan Shang said, “Father, you have not fully recovered from your illness and must not undertake a distant campaign. I am willing to lead the troops forward to meet the enemy.” Yuan Shao gave his permission. He then sent men to summon Yuan Tan from Qingzhou, Yuan Xi from Youzhou, and Gao Gan from Bingzhou, so that their four armies might join in defeating Cao Cao. Truly:The war drums have only just sounded in Runan,When battle drums stir the north of Jizhou again.What the outcome would be will be revealed in the next chapter.