Chapter 32

Yuan Shang Contends for Jizhou; Xu You Diverts the River Zhang by Stratagem

Now after Yuan Shang had slain Shi Huan, he grew proud of his own valor. Without waiting for the troops of Yuan Tan and the others to arrive, he personally led several tens of thousands of men out of Liyang to meet the vanguard of Cao Cao’s army. Zhang Liao rode forth first. Yuan Shang leveled his spear and engaged him, but before three bouts had passed, he could no longer parry or ward off Zhang Liao’s blows and fled in utter defeat. Zhang Liao pressed his advantage and charged after him. Unable to maintain command, Yuan Shang hastily led his army back to Jizhou. When Yuan Shao heard that Yuan Shang had returned defeated, he suffered another shock. His old illness flared up again; he vomited several pecks of blood and fell unconscious to the ground. Lady Liu anxiously had him carried into his chamber, but his condition steadily worsened. She urgently summoned Shen Pei and Feng Ji to Yuan Shao’s bedside to discuss the arrangements after his death. Yuan Shao could only point with his hand and was unable to speak. Lady Liu asked, “May Shang succeed as heir?” Yuan Shao nodded. Shen Pei thereupon wrote out a testament beside the couch. Yuan Shao turned over, gave a great cry, vomited more than a peck of blood, and died. A later poet wrote:

Through generations of high office, his great name was raised;In youthful pride, unchecked, he ranged where’er he pleased.In vain he gathered three thousand worthy guests;To no avail he held a million warriors.A sheep beneath a tiger’s hide, he failed to win renown;With phoenix plumes but chicken’s heart, no enterprise could thrive.Most pitiful of all, one grief still rends the heart:His household strife was merely passed on to two brothers.

After Yuan Shao’s death, Shen Pei and the others took charge of the funeral rites. Lady Liu at once had all five of Yuan Shao’s beloved concubines put to death. Fearing that their spirits might meet Yuan Shao again beneath the Nine Springs, she had their hair shorn, their faces mutilated, and their corpses disfigured—such was the viciousness of her jealousy. Yuan Shang, fearing vengeance from the concubines’ families, had them all arrested and killed as well. Shen Pei and Feng Ji installed Yuan Shang as General-in-Chief and Grand Marshal, and as Governor of the four provinces of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing, then sent messengers to announce the death. By this time Yuan Tan had already led his army out of Qingzhou. When he learned that his father was dead, he consulted Guo Tu and Xin Ping. Guo Tu said, “My lord was not in Jizhou, so Shen Pei and Feng Ji must have installed Xianfu as their master. We should go there at once.” Xin Ping said, “Shen Pei and Feng Ji will surely have laid their plans beforehand. If we hurry there now, we shall certainly fall victim to their schemes.” Yuan Tan asked, “Then what should we do?” Guo Tu replied, “We may encamp outside the city and observe their movements. I shall go there personally and investigate.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. Guo Tu entered Jizhou and went to see Yuan Shang. After the formal courtesies, Yuan Shang asked, “Why has my elder brother not come?” Guo Tu replied, “He has fallen ill in the army and is unable to present himself.” Yuan Shang said, “By our father’s dying command, I have been established as lord, while my elder brother has been appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. Cao Cao’s army is now pressing upon our borders. I ask my brother to command the vanguard, and I shall soon follow with troops to support him.” Guo Tu said, “There is no one in the army with whom he may devise sound plans. I beg that Shen Zhengnan and Feng Yuantu be sent to assist him.” Yuan Shang replied, “I too rely upon these two to devise plans for me from morning to night. How can I spare them?” Guo Tu said, “Then what if one of the two were sent?” Yuan Shang had no choice but to order the two men to draw lots, with the one who drew the marked lot to go. Feng Ji drew it, so Yuan Shang commanded him to carry the seal and ribbon of office and accompany Guo Tu to Yuan Tan’s army. When Feng Ji reached Yuan Tan’s camp with Guo Tu, he saw that Yuan Tan was not ill and became uneasy. He presented the seal and ribbon, but Yuan Tan flew into a rage and wished to behead him. Guo Tu secretly remonstrated: “Cao Cao’s army is now pressing upon our borders. For the present, keep Feng Ji here and treat him courteously, so that Shang’s mind may be set at ease. After Cao Cao has been defeated, it will not be too late to contend for Jizhou.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. He immediately struck camp and marched to Liyang, where he confronted Cao Cao’s army. Yuan Tan sent his general Wang Zhao out to battle, and Cao Cao dispatched Xu Huang to meet him. The two commanders had fought only a few bouts when Xu Huang cut Wang Zhao from his horse with a single stroke. Cao Cao’s army seized the advantage and charged, routing Yuan Tan’s forces. Yuan Tan gathered his defeated troops within Liyang and sent a messenger to ask Yuan Shang for aid. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei and sent only a little more than five thousand men to assist him. Cao Cao learned through scouts that the relief force had arrived and sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to intercept it midway. They surrounded it from both ends and slew every man. When Yuan Tan learned that Yuan Shang had allotted him only five thousand troops, and that these had all been slaughtered on the road, he was furious and summoned Feng Ji to rebuke him. Feng Ji said, “Permit me to write to my lord and ask him to come in person to the rescue.” Yuan Tan ordered Feng Ji to write the letter and sent a messenger to deliver it to Yuan Shang in Jizhou. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei, who said, “Guo Tu is rich in schemes. The reason he left without contesting the succession before was that Cao Cao’s army stood on our border. If Cao Cao is defeated now, he will certainly come to contend for Jizhou. Better not send reinforcements, but borrow Cao Cao’s strength to eliminate Yuan Tan.”

Yuan Shang followed his advice and refused to send troops. When the messenger returned with this report, Yuan Tan flew into a rage, immediately beheaded Feng Ji, and began discussing surrender to Cao Cao. A spy soon secretly reported this to Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei, saying, “If Tan surrenders to Cao Cao and joins forces with him to attack us, Jizhou will be in danger.” He therefore left Shen Pei and the general Su You to defend Jizhou, while he himself led a great army to Liyang to rescue Yuan Tan. Yuan Shang asked who in the army dared command the vanguard. The brothers Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang volunteered. Yuan Shang mustered thirty thousand men, appointed them as the van, and sent them ahead to Liyang. When Yuan Tan heard that Yuan Shang was coming in person, he was overjoyed and abandoned all thought of surrendering to Cao Cao. Yuan Tan stationed his troops inside the city, while Yuan Shang encamped outside, their positions forming mutually supporting horns.

Before many days had passed, Yuan Xi and Gao Gan also led their armies to the outskirts of the city. They encamped in three separate positions and sent troops out each day to confront Cao Cao. Yuan Shang suffered repeated defeats, while Cao Cao’s army won victory after victory. In the third month of spring, in the eighth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao divided his forces and attacked by several routes. Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang, and Gao Gan were all soundly defeated and abandoned Liyang in flight. Cao Cao pressed on with his army as far as Jizhou. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang entered the city and held it firmly, while Yuan Xi and Gao Gan encamped thirty li away, making an empty show of strength. Cao Cao’s troops attacked for many days but could not take the city. Guo Jia advised him: “The Yuan clan set aside the elder son and established the younger. Between the brothers, each strives to seize power, and each has formed his own faction. Press them hard, and they will aid each other; relax the pressure, and they will quarrel. It would be better to turn the army south toward Jingzhou and campaign against Liu Biao while awaiting some change among the Yuan brothers. Once that change has come about, we may attack them and settle everything in a single stroke.”

Cao Cao approved his counsel. He appointed Jia Xu Administrator of Liyang and left him to guard it, while Cao Hong led troops to defend Guandu. Cao Cao then led the main army toward Jingzhou. When Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang learned that Cao Cao’s army had withdrawn of its own accord, they congratulated each other. Yuan Xi and Gao Gan each took leave and departed. Yuan Tan consulted Guo Tu and Xin Ping, saying, “I am the eldest son, yet I have been unable to inherit my father’s estate. Shang was born of my stepmother, yet he has inherited the great rank. In my heart, I cannot accept it.” Guo Tu said, “My lord may assemble troops outside the city and pretend merely to invite Xianfu and Shen Pei to a banquet. Conceal executioners there and kill them; then the great affair will be settled.” Yuan Tan followed his advice. Just then Wang Xiu, an Assistant Governor, arrived from Qingzhou, and Yuan Tan told him of the plan. Wang Xiu said, “Brothers are like a man’s right and left hands. If, while struggling against another, a man cuts off one of his own hands and says, ‘I shall surely win,’ how can that be possible? If one casts off his brothers and refuses to cherish them, whom under Heaven will he cherish? Those slanderers are sowing discord among your own flesh and blood in pursuit of a moment’s profit. I beg you to stop your ears and not listen to them.”

Yuan Tan angrily rebuked Wang Xiu and dismissed him, then sent a man to invite Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei, who said, “This must be a scheme of Guo Tu’s. If my lord goes, you will surely fall prey to their treachery. Better seize the opportunity and attack them.” Yuan Shang followed his advice, donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led fifty thousand troops out of the city. When Yuan Tan saw Yuan Shang approaching with an army, he knew that the plot had been exposed. He too immediately put on his armor, mounted, and engaged Yuan Shang. On seeing Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang cursed him fiercely. Yuan Tan cursed him in return: “You poisoned our father to death and usurped his rank. Have you now come to kill your elder brother as well?” The two personally crossed weapons, and Yuan Tan suffered a crushing defeat. Yuan Shang braved the arrows and stones in person, charging and pressing the slaughter. Yuan Tan led his defeated army in flight to Pingyuan, and Yuan Shang withdrew his troops. Yuan Tan again consulted Guo Tu about advancing. He appointed Cen Bi as commander and sent him forward with an army, while Yuan Shang personally led troops out from Jizhou.

The two armies formed their battle lines, with banners and drums facing one another. Cen Bi rode out and hurled abuse at the opposing ranks. Yuan Shang wished to fight him himself, but the general Lü Kuang spurred forth, brandishing his saber, and engaged Cen Bi. After the two had fought numerous bouts, Lü Kuang cut Cen Bi from his horse. Yuan Tan’s army was defeated once more and again fled to Pingyuan. Shen Pei urged Yuan Shang to advance, and he pursued as far as Pingyuan. Unable to withstand him, Yuan Tan withdrew into the city and held it firmly, refusing to come out. Yuan Shang surrounded and attacked the city from three sides. Yuan Tan consulted Guo Tu, who said, “There is little grain in the city, while the enemy is at the height of his vigor. We cannot match his strength. In my humble opinion, we should send someone to offer submission to Cao Cao and induce him to lead an army against Jizhou. Yuan Shang will then be compelled to return to its rescue. General, you may lead our troops to strike him from behind, and Shang can be captured. If Cao Cao defeats Shang’s army, we may gather in its troops and supplies and use them to resist Cao Cao. Since Cao Cao’s army will have come from afar, its provisions cannot be maintained, and he will certainly withdraw of his own accord. We may then occupy Jizhou once more and plan further advances.”

Yuan Tan accepted the plan and asked, “Who can serve as envoy?” Guo Tu replied, “Xin Pi, the younger brother of Xin Ping, whose courtesy name is Zuozhi, is now Magistrate of Pingyuan. He is a man of eloquence and may be sent.” Yuan Tan immediately summoned Xin Pi, who came gladly. Yuan Tan wrote a letter and entrusted it to him, sending three thousand soldiers to escort him beyond the frontier. Traveling by night beneath the stars, Xin Pi carried the letter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was then encamped at Xiping on a campaign against Liu Biao, who had sent Xuande to lead the vanguard against him. Before the two armies had engaged, Xin Pi arrived at Cao Cao’s camp. After the formal courtesies, Cao Cao asked the purpose of his visit. Xin Pi fully explained Yuan Tan’s request and presented the letter.

After reading it, Cao Cao kept Xin Pi in the camp and assembled his civil and military officers for consultation. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Tan has been pressed too hard by Yuan Shang and has come to surrender only because he has no other choice. He cannot be trusted.” Lü Qian and Man Chong also said, “The Prime Minister has already led his army here. How can he abandon Liu Biao and go to aid Yuan Tan?” Xun You said, “The words of these three gentlemen are not well judged. In my humble estimation, the realm is now in turmoil, yet Liu Biao sits secure between the Yangtze and Han rivers and dares not stretch forth a foot. It is clear that he has no ambition beyond his own region. The Yuan clan possesses the lands of four provinces and several hundred thousand armored troops. Had the two sons remained united and jointly preserved the estate they inherited, no one could know how the affairs of the realm might end. But now the brothers attack one another, and one, driven to extremity, has turned to us. We should raise our army and first destroy Yuan Shang, then watch for the next change and destroy Yuan Tan as well. The realm will then be settled. This opportunity must not be lost.”

Cao Cao was delighted. He invited Xin Pi to drink with him and asked, “Is Yuan Tan’s surrender genuine or false? And can Yuan Shang’s army truly be defeated with certainty?” Xin Pi replied, “Illustrious Duke, do not ask whether the surrender is genuine or false; consider only the situation. The Yuan clan has suffered defeat year after year. Its armies are exhausted abroad, and its counselors have been executed within. Slander and estrangement divide the brothers, and their domain has split in two. Famine has come upon them as well; Heaven sends calamity, and the people are distressed. Wise and foolish alike know that their power is collapsing like earth and shattered tiles. This is the time appointed by Heaven for the destruction of the Yuan clan. If the Illustrious Duke now leads his army against Ye, and Yuan Shang does not return to its rescue, he will lose his lair. If he does return, Yuan Tan will follow and strike him from behind. With the Illustrious Duke’s might, to attack such weary troops will be like a swift wind sweeping autumn leaves. If you abandon this design and attack Jingzhou instead, you will find Jingzhou a rich and prosperous land, its state harmonious and its people obedient; it cannot yet be shaken. Moreover, of all the troubles throughout the realm, none is greater than that of Hebei. Once Hebei is pacified, your hegemony will be established. I beg the Illustrious Duke to consider this carefully.” Cao Cao was overjoyed and said, “My only regret is that I did not meet Xin Zuozhi sooner!” That very day he ordered the army to turn back and seize Jizhou. Xuande, fearing that Cao Cao had some scheme in mind, dared not pursue him and led his troops back to Jingzhou.

Now when Yuan Shang learned that Cao Cao’s army had crossed the Yellow River, he hurriedly withdrew his own forces to Ye and ordered Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to cover the rear. Seeing Yuan Shang retreat, Yuan Tan raised all the troops of Pingyuan and pursued him. Before he had gone several tens of li, a cannon boomed and two forces sprang out at once: Lü Kuang on the left and Lü Xiang on the right. The two brothers blocked Yuan Tan’s path. Yuan Tan reined in his horse and called to them: “While my father lived, I never treated you two generals with neglect. Why do you now follow my younger brother and press me so?”

When the two commanders heard this, they dismounted and surrendered to Yuan Tan. Yuan Tan said, “Do not surrender to me; surrender to Prime Minister Cao.” They accordingly followed Yuan Tan back to camp. When Cao Cao’s army arrived, Yuan Tan brought the two commanders before him. Cao Cao was delighted and promised his daughter to Yuan Tan in marriage, immediately appointing Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as go-betweens. Yuan Tan asked Cao Cao to attack and seize Jizhou. Cao Cao said, “At present our grain and fodder cannot keep pace, and transporting them is arduous. I shall divert the waters of the Qi from the Ji River into the White Canal, opening a supply route, and then advance.” He ordered Yuan Tan to remain in Pingyuan for the time being. Cao Cao withdrew his own army to Liyang, enfeoffed Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as ranked marquises, and kept them with the army for service. Guo Tu said to Yuan Tan, “I fear Cao Cao’s promise of his daughter in marriage is not sincere. Now he has also rewarded Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and taken them into his own army. By this he means to win the hearts of the people of Hebei, and in the end he will surely bring disaster upon us. My lord should engrave two seals of generalship and secretly have them sent to the two Lü brothers, commanding them to act as our agents within. Once Cao Cao has defeated Yuan Shang, we may seize the opportunity to deal with him.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. He had two seals of generalship engraved and secretly sent them to the two Lü brothers. Once they had received them, the two men went straight to Cao Cao and reported the matter, presenting the seals. Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, “Tan has secretly sent you these seals because he wants you to aid him from within. Once I have defeated Yuan Shang, he means to take advantage of the situation and act against me. Accept the seals for the time being. I have plans of my own.” From that moment, Cao Cao intended to kill Yuan Tan.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei: “Cao Cao’s troops are now transporting provisions into the White Canal. He will certainly come to attack Jizhou. What are we to do?” Shen Pei replied, “Issue a proclamation ordering Yin Kai, Magistrate of Wu’an, to encamp at Maocheng and keep open the supply route from Shangdang. Order Ju Shou’s son, Ju Hu, to defend Handan and support us from a distance. My lord should advance against Pingyuan and press Yuan Tan hard. First eliminate Yuan Tan, and then defeat Cao Cao.” Yuan Shang was delighted. He left Shen Pei and Chen Lin to defend Jizhou, appointed the two generals Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to command the vanguard, and marched through the night to attack Pingyuan. When Yuan Tan learned that Yuan Shang’s army was drawing near, he appealed urgently to Cao Cao for aid. Cao Cao said, “This time Jizhou will certainly be mine.”

As he spoke, Xu You happened to arrive from Xuchang. Hearing that Yuan Shang had again attacked Yuan Tan, he entered Cao Cao’s presence and said, “Prime Minister, do you sit here waiting for a thunderbolt from Heaven to strike the two Yuans dead?” Cao Cao laughed and said, “I have already determined my plan.” He ordered Cao Hong to advance first and attack Ye, while he personally led another army against Yin Kai. When Cao Cao’s forces entered his territory, Yin Kai led out his troops to meet them. Yin Kai rode forth, and Cao Cao called, “Where is Xu Zhongkang?” Xu Chu answered the summons, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Yin Kai. Taken completely unawares, Yin Kai was cut from his horse by a single stroke of Xu Chu’s saber, and the rest of his troops broke and fled. Cao Cao induced them all to surrender, then immediately marched on Handan. Ju Hu advanced with his troops to meet him. Zhang Liao rode out and engaged Ju Hu, but before three bouts had passed, Ju Hu was utterly defeated and Zhang Liao pursued him. The two horses were not far apart when Zhang Liao hastily took up his bow and shot. At the twang of the string, Ju Hu fell from his horse. Cao Cao directed his troops in a sweeping charge, and the enemy scattered in every direction.

Cao Cao then led his great army to the walls of Jizhou. Cao Hong had already drawn close to the city. Cao Cao ordered the whole army to build earthen mounds all around the walls, while secretly digging tunnels to attack the city from below. Shen Pei had established a strong defense and enforced his regulations with great severity. Feng Li, the officer guarding the eastern gate, had neglected his patrol duties after becoming drunk, and Shen Pei punished him harshly. Nursing resentment, Feng Li slipped out of the city and surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked him how the city might be broken. Feng Li replied, “The earth inside the postern is thick. A tunnel may be dug through it to gain entry.” Cao Cao therefore ordered Feng Li to lead three hundred stalwart men and dig a tunnel into the city under cover of night.

Now after Feng Li’s desertion, Shen Pei personally climbed the walls each night to inspect the troops. That night, while in the tower above the postern, he looked out and saw no lights beyond the city. Shen Pei said, “Feng Li must be leading troops in through a tunnel.” He hastily summoned picked soldiers to carry stones and seal the tunnel mouth. The passage was closed, and Feng Li and all three hundred stalwart men died beneath the earth. Having suffered this reverse, Cao Cao abandoned the tunneling scheme and withdrew his army to the bank of the Huan River to await Yuan Shang’s return. Yuan Shang was attacking Pingyuan when he heard that Cao Cao had already defeated Yin Kai and Ju Hu and that a great army had surrounded Jizhou. He therefore withdrew his troops and returned to the rescue. His officer Ma Yan said, “If we take the main road, Cao Cao will certainly have laid an ambush. We should take the lesser road, emerge from the western hills through the mouth of the Fu River, and raid Cao Cao’s camp. The siege will certainly be broken.”

Yuan Shang followed his advice and personally led the main army in advance, leaving Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to cover the rear. A spy soon reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “If he comes by the main road, I shall avoid him; if he comes by the lesser road through the western hills, he can be captured in a single battle. I judge that Yuan Shang will certainly light a fire as a signal and order the men within the city to respond. I can divide my troops and strike him.” He then assigned all his forces their positions.

Yuan Shang came out through the Fu River pass, marched east to Yangping, and encamped at Yangping Pavilion, seventeen li from Jizhou, with one side of his camp resting against the Fu River. He ordered his soldiers to heap up firewood and dry grass and burn it at night as a signal. Then he sent his Registrar, Li Fu, disguised as a commander in Cao Cao’s army, straight to the foot of the city walls, where he shouted, “Open the gate!” Shen Pei recognized Li Fu’s voice and admitted him into the city. Li Fu said, “Yuan Shang has deployed his army at Yangping Pavilion and is waiting for support. If troops come out from the city, they too are to raise a fire as a signal.” Shen Pei ordered grass to be piled and burned within the city so that messages might pass between them. Li Fu said, “There is no grain in the city. Send out the old and weak, the maimed soldiers, and the women to surrender. The enemy will surely be off guard, and we can send troops out behind the people to attack them.” Shen Pei accepted his proposal.

At dawn the next day, a white banner was raised upon the wall, bearing the words: “THE PEOPLE OF JIZHOU SURRENDER.” Cao Cao said, “The city is without grain, so they are sending the old and weak out to surrender. Troops will certainly follow behind them.” He ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Huang each to lead three thousand men and lie in ambush on either side. Cao Cao himself mounted his horse and had his standard and canopy borne to the foot of the walls. Sure enough, the city gate opened, and the people came out supporting the aged and carrying their children, with white banners in their hands. As soon as the last civilians had emerged, troops suddenly charged from the city. Cao Cao gave a wave of his red flag, and Zhang Liao and Xu Huang rushed out with their forces from both sides and fell upon them. The city troops had no choice but to retreat inside again. Cao Cao galloped after them and reached the drawbridge, but bolts rained down from the city. One struck his helmet and almost pierced through its crown. His commanders hurriedly rescued him and brought him back to the lines. Cao Cao changed his clothes and horse, then led his commanders to attack Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang came out in person to meet him.

At that moment, troops from every route attacked together. The two armies became locked in a confused battle, and Yuan Shang suffered a crushing defeat. He withdrew his troops to the foot of the western hills and established a camp there, while sending men to hasten the arrival of Ma Yan and Zhang Yi. He did not know that Cao Cao had already sent Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to persuade those two commanders to submit. Ma Yan and Zhang Yi came with the Lü brothers and surrendered, and Cao Cao likewise enfeoffed them as marquises. That very day he advanced against the western hills, first ordering Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, Ma Yan, and Zhang Yi to cut Yuan Shang’s supply route.

Yuan Shang knew that the western hills could not be held, so by night he fled to Yikou. Before his camp had been properly established, flames rose on every side and ambushing troops rushed out together. Men had no time to don armor, nor horses to be saddled. Yuan Shang’s army collapsed utterly. After retreating fifty li, with his position hopeless and his strength exhausted, he had no choice but to send Yin Kui, Inspector of Yuzhou, to Cao Cao’s camp to ask for surrender. Cao Cao pretended to grant the request, but during the night sent Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to raid Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang abandoned all his seals and ribbons, his insignia and battle-ax, his clothing and armor, and all his baggage, and fled toward Zhongshan. Cao Cao returned with his army to attack Jizhou. Xu You offered a plan: “Why not breach the Zhang River and drown the city?”

Cao Cao approved the plan and first sent soldiers to dig a trench around the outside of the city, forty li in circumference. From the walls Shen Pei saw Cao Cao’s troops digging, but the trench was extremely shallow. He laughed secretly and said, “They mean only to breach the Zhang River and flood the city. A deep channel might bring in the water, but what use can one so shallow be?” He therefore made no preparations against it.

That night Cao Cao increased the workers tenfold, and all labored together at the excavation. By daybreak, the trench was two zhang wide and two zhang deep. The waters of the Zhang River were diverted into the city and rose several feet. With the grain exhausted as well, soldiers began starving to death. Outside the city, Xin Pi used the tip of his spear to display Yuan Shang’s seals, ribbons, and garments, calling upon those within to surrender. Shen Pei was enraged. He took more than eighty members of Xin Pi’s household, old and young alike, beheaded them upon the city wall, and cast their heads down. Xin Pi wailed without cease. Shen Pei’s nephew Shen Rong had long been on close terms with Xin Pi. When he saw Xin Pi’s family slaughtered, he conceived a bitter hatred. Secretly he wrote a letter offering to open a gate, tied it to an arrow, and shot it down from the wall. A soldier picked it up and presented it to Xin Pi, who gave the letter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao first issued an order: upon entering Jizhou, no one was to harm any member of the Yuan household, old or young; soldiers and civilians who surrendered were to be spared.

At dawn the next day, Shen Rong threw the western gate wide open and admitted Cao Cao’s troops. Xin Pi spurred his horse in first, and the officers and soldiers followed him into Jizhou, cutting their way forward. Shen Pei was in the southeastern gate tower when he saw that Cao Cao’s army had entered the city. Leading a few horsemen down from the wall, he fought desperately and encountered Xu Huang in mounted combat. Xu Huang captured Shen Pei alive, bound him, and took him out of the city. On the way they met Xin Pi. Grinding his teeth, Xin Pi pointed his whip at Shen Pei’s head and cried, “Murderous villain! Today you die!” Shen Pei reviled him: “Traitorous wretch! You brought Cao Cao here to break my Jizhou. I regret only that I did not kill you!”

Xu Huang untied Shen Pei and brought him before Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked, “Do you know who opened the gate and admitted me?” Shen Pei replied, “I do not.” Cao Cao said, “It was offered by your nephew Shen Rong.” Shen Pei angrily said, “The young fool was worthless, and so matters have come to this!” Cao Cao said, “Yesterday, when I came beneath the walls, why were there so many crossbow bolts from within the city?” Shen Pei replied, “Would that there had been more! Would that there had been more!” Cao Cao said, “You were loyal to the Yuan clan, and could hardly have acted otherwise. Will you now surrender to me?” Shen Pei answered, “I will not surrender! I will not surrender!” Xin Pi fell weeping to the ground and bowed, saying, “More than eighty members of my household were all murdered by this villain. I beg the Prime Minister to execute him and avenge this hatred!” Shen Pei said, “In life I was a minister of the Yuan clan; in death I shall be a ghost of the Yuan clan. I am not like you treacherous villains, who slander, flatter, and fawn! Behead me at once!” Cao Cao ordered him taken away. As he was about to suffer execution, Shen Pei shouted at the executioner, “My lord is in the north. You must not make me face south when I die!” He knelt facing north, stretched out his neck, and received the blade. A later poet lamented:

Hebei abounded in men of fame,But who could equal Shen Zhengnan?His life was lost through a benighted lord;His heart stood peer to those of ancient days.Loyal and forthright, he concealed no word;Honest and able, he coveted no gain.Even at death he faced the northern sky,And all who yielded bowed their heads in shame.

After Shen Pei’s death, Cao Cao honored his loyalty and righteousness and ordered him buried north of the city. The commanders asked Cao Cao to enter. He was just about to set out when executioners brought a man before him. Cao Cao looked and saw that it was Chen Lin. He said to him, “When you formerly composed that proclamation for Benchu, it would have been enough to denounce me. Why did you insult my father and grandfather as well?” Chen Lin replied, “Once an arrow is set upon the string, it must be loosed.” Those around Cao Cao urged him to put Chen Lin to death, but Cao Cao valued his talent, pardoned him, and appointed him to his staff.

Now Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Pi, whose courtesy name was Zihuan, was eighteen years old at the time. When Cao Pi was born, a mass of cloud, blue and purple in color and round as the canopy of a carriage, hung over the chamber and did not disperse throughout the day. A diviner skilled in reading the vapors secretly told Cao Cao, “This is the aura of a Son of Heaven. Your honored heir will attain a rank beyond words.” At eight years of age, Cao Pi could compose literary works and displayed uncommon talent. He was widely versed in ancient and modern learning, skilled at riding and archery, and fond of swordplay. When Cao Cao took Jizhou, Cao Pi accompanied his father in the army. Leading his personal guard, he went straight to Yuan Shao’s residence, dismounted, drew his sword, and entered. A commander barred his path and said, “The Prime Minister has given orders that no one is permitted to enter Yuan Shao’s residence.” Cao Pi angrily drove him back, took up his sword, and entered the rear hall. There he saw two women embracing each other and weeping. He stepped forward, intending to kill them. Truly:

Four generations of dukes and lords have vanished like a dream;Now all the flesh and blood of one household meets calamity.

Whether they lived or died remains unknown. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.

Yuan Shang Contends for Jizhou; Xu You Diverts the River Zhang by Stratagem

After Yuan Shang had beheaded Shi Huan, he became proud of his own courage. Without waiting for Yuan Tan and the others to arrive with their troops, he personally led tens of thousands of men out of Liyang to meet the vanguard of Cao Cao’s army. Zhang Liao rode out first. Yuan Shang leveled his spear and charged into battle, but in fewer than three exchanges he could no longer parry or hold him off, and fled in a crushing defeat. Zhang Liao pressed the advantage and swept down on his forces. Unable to control the situation, Yuan Shang hurriedly led his army back to Jizhou. When Yuan Shao heard that Yuan Shang had returned defeated, he suffered another shock. His old illness flared up again, and he vomited several pecks of blood before collapsing unconscious to the ground. Lady Liu hurriedly had him carried into his bedchamber, but his condition steadily worsened. She urgently summoned Shen Pei and Feng Ji to Yuan Shao’s bedside to discuss arrangements for after his death. Yuan Shao could only point with his hand and was unable to speak. Lady Liu asked, “May Shang succeed you as heir?” Yuan Shao nodded. Shen Pei immediately wrote out a testament beside the bed. Yuan Shao rolled over, gave a great cry, vomited more than another peck of blood, and died. A later poet wrote:

For generations high ministers, his house had won great fame;In youthful pride, he let ambition range unchecked.In vain he gathered three thousand worthy guests;To no purpose he commanded a million heroic troops.A sheep beneath a tiger’s hide, he failed to win success;With phoenix plumes but a chicken’s heart, he could achieve no great affair.Yet still more pitiful, and saddest of all:His family’s troubles merely passed on to two brothers.

After Yuan Shao’s death, Shen Pei and the others took charge of the funeral arrangements. Lady Liu immediately had all five of Yuan Shao’s favorite concubines put to death. Fearing that their spirits might meet Yuan Shao again in the Nine Springs below, she had their hair shaved off, their faces mutilated, and their corpses disfigured. Such was the cruelty of her jealousy. Yuan Shang feared that the concubines’ families might cause trouble, so he had them all seized and killed as well. Shen Pei and Feng Ji installed Yuan Shang as Grand Marshal and General, with authority as governor of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing provinces, and sent messengers to announce the death. By this time Yuan Tan had already left Qing Province with his army. When he learned that his father had died, he consulted Guo Tu and Xin Ping. Guo Tu said, “Since my lord was not in Jizhou, Shen Pei and Feng Ji must have installed Xianfu as their lord. We must go there quickly.” Xin Ping said, “Shen Pei and Feng Ji must already have laid their plans. If we hurry there now, we are certain to fall victim to their scheme.” Yuan Tan asked, “Then what should we do?” Guo Tu replied, “We can station our army outside the city and watch what they do. I will go in personally to investigate.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. Guo Tu entered Jizhou and went to see Yuan Shang. After the formal greetings, Yuan Shang asked, “Why has my elder brother not come?” Guo Tu replied, “He has fallen ill in camp and cannot come to see you.” Yuan Shang said, “By our father’s dying command, I have been established as lord, while my elder brother has been appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. Cao Cao’s army is now pressing upon our borders. I ask my brother to command the vanguard, and I will soon mobilize troops to support him from behind.” Guo Tu said, “There is no one in the army with whom he can devise sound plans. I ask that Shen Zhengnan and Feng Yuantu be sent to assist him.” Yuan Shang said, “I myself depend on these two to devise plans for me day and night. How can I spare them?” Guo Tu said, “Then why not send one of the two?” Yuan Shang had no choice but to order them to draw lots, with the one selected to go. Feng Ji drew the marked lot, so Yuan Shang ordered him to carry the official seal and ribbon and accompany Guo Tu to Yuan Tan’s army. Feng Ji went with Guo Tu to Yuan Tan’s camp. When he saw that Yuan Tan was not ill, he grew uneasy and presented the seal and ribbon. Yuan Tan flew into a rage and wanted to behead Feng Ji. Guo Tu secretly advised him, “Cao Cao’s army is pressing upon our borders. For now, merely keep Feng Ji here as an honored guest to reassure Yuan Shang. Once Cao Cao has been defeated, it will not be too late to contend for Jizhou.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. He immediately broke camp and set out, advancing to Liyang to confront Cao Cao’s army. Yuan Tan sent his general Wang Zhao out to fight, and Cao Cao sent Xu Huang to meet him. The two fought only a few exchanges before Xu Huang cut Wang Zhao down from his horse with a single stroke. Cao Cao’s troops seized the opportunity and swept forward, inflicting a crushing defeat on Yuan Tan’s army. Yuan Tan gathered his defeated forces inside Liyang and sent a messenger to Yuan Shang for help. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei and sent only a little more than five thousand men to assist him. Cao Cao’s scouts learned that the reinforcements had arrived, so he sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to intercept them halfway. They surrounded the force from both ends and killed them all. When Yuan Tan learned that Yuan Shang had dispatched only five thousand men, who had then been ambushed and slaughtered on the way, he was furious and summoned Feng Ji to berate him. Feng Ji said, “Allow me to write to my lord and ask him to come personally to the rescue.” Yuan Tan immediately ordered Feng Ji to write the letter and sent a man to deliver it to Yuan Shang in Jizhou. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei. Shen Pei said, “Guo Tu is full of schemes. The reason he left last time without disputing the succession was that Cao Cao’s army was at our borders. If Cao Cao is defeated now, Guo Tu will certainly come to contend for Jizhou. Better not to send reinforcements, but instead use Cao Cao’s strength to eliminate Yuan Tan.”

Yuan Shang followed his advice and refused to send troops. When the messenger returned with the reply, Yuan Tan was furious and immediately had Feng Ji beheaded. He then began discussing surrender to Cao Cao. Spies soon secretly reported this to Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei, saying, “If Yuan Tan surrenders to Cao Cao and joins forces with him to attack us, Jizhou will be in danger.” He therefore left Shen Pei and the general Su You to hold Jizhou while he personally led a large army to Liyang to rescue Yuan Tan. Yuan Shang asked who in the army dared command the vanguard, and the brothers Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang volunteered. Yuan Shang selected thirty thousand troops and appointed them as the vanguard, sending them ahead to Liyang. When Yuan Tan heard that Yuan Shang was coming in person, he was delighted and abandoned the proposal to surrender to Cao Cao. Yuan Tan stationed his troops inside the city, while Yuan Shang camped outside, their forces forming mutually supporting horns.

Before many days had passed, Yuan Xi and Gao Gan also led their armies to the city’s outskirts. The troops were encamped in three places, and every day they went out to hold Cao Cao in check. Yuan Shang suffered repeated defeats, while Cao Cao’s forces won victory after victory. In the third month of spring in the eighth year of Jian’an, Cao Cao divided his forces and launched attacks along several routes. Yuan Tan, Yuan Xi, Yuan Shang, and Gao Gan were all decisively defeated and abandoned Liyang in flight. Cao Cao led his army in pursuit as far as Jizhou. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang entered the city and defended it tenaciously, while Yuan Xi and Gao Gan established camps thirty li from the city and made a great show of strength. Cao Cao’s army attacked for several days but could not take the city. Guo Jia advised, “The Yuan family displaced the elder son and installed the younger. The brothers now compete for power, each establishing his own faction. If pressed hard, they will rescue each other; if given breathing room, they will fight among themselves. Better to turn the army south toward Jing Province and campaign against Liu Biao while awaiting a change between the Yuan brothers. Once that change occurs, attack them, and they can be pacified in a single stroke.”

Cao Cao approved his advice. He appointed Jia Xu administrator of Liyang and ordered him to defend it, while Cao Hong led troops to hold Guandu. Cao Cao then led his main army toward Jing Province. When Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang heard that Cao Cao’s army had withdrawn of its own accord, they congratulated each other. Yuan Xi and Gao Gan each took their leave and departed. Yuan Tan consulted Guo Tu and Xin Ping, saying, “I am the eldest son, yet I cannot inherit my father’s estate. Shang was born to my stepmother, yet he has inherited the great rank. I truly cannot accept it.” Guo Tu said, “My lord can marshal his troops outside the city and merely invite Xianfu and Shen Pei to a banquet. Conceal armed executioners there and kill them, and the great matter will be settled.” Yuan Tan followed his advice. Just then Wang Xiu, an assistant administrator, arrived from Qing Province, and Yuan Tan told him of the plan. Wang Xiu said, “Brothers are like the left and right hands. If, while struggling against another man, you cut off your own hand and say, ‘I am sure to win,’ how could that possibly be so? If a man casts off his brothers and does not treat them as kin, who in the world will treat him as kin? Those slanderers are driving flesh and blood apart in pursuit of momentary gain. I beg you to stop your ears and not listen to them.”

Yuan Tan became angry and shouted Wang Xiu away, then sent a man to invite Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei. Shen Pei said, “This must be one of Guo Tu’s schemes. If my lord goes, you are certain to fall victim to his treachery. Better to seize the opportunity and attack him.” Yuan Shang followed his advice. He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led fifty thousand troops out of the city. When Yuan Tan saw Yuan Shang approaching with an army, he knew the plot had been exposed. He too immediately armed himself, mounted his horse, and engaged Yuan Shang. At the sight of Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang cursed him furiously. Yuan Tan cursed back, “You poisoned our father to death and usurped his rank, and now you have come to kill your elder brother!” The two fought each other in person, and Yuan Tan was decisively defeated. Yuan Shang personally braved arrows and stones, charging and sweeping down on the enemy. Yuan Tan led his defeated army in flight toward Pingyuan, and Yuan Shang withdrew his troops. Yuan Tan again consulted Guo Tu about advancing and appointed Cen Bi as general to lead an army forward. Yuan Shang personally led his army out of Jizhou.

The two battle lines formed opposite each other, their banners and drums in full view. Cen Bi rode out and hurled abuse at the enemy formation, and Yuan Shang wanted to fight him personally. But the general Lü Kuang spurred forward, brandishing his saber, and engaged Cen Bi. The two fought for many exchanges before Lü Kuang cut Cen Bi down from his horse. Yuan Tan’s troops were defeated again and fled once more to Pingyuan. Shen Pei urged Yuan Shang to advance, and they pursued the enemy as far as Pingyuan. Unable to withstand them, Yuan Tan withdrew into Pingyuan and defended it without coming out. Yuan Shang surrounded the city on three sides and attacked. Yuan Tan consulted Guo Tu. Guo Tu said, “There is little grain in the city now, while the enemy’s forces are at the height of their strength. We cannot match them. In my humble opinion, we should send a man to offer surrender to Cao Cao and have Cao lead an army against Jizhou. Yuan Shang will certainly return to rescue it. General, you can lead your army out and strike him from the other side, and Yuan Shang can then be captured. If Cao Cao defeats Yuan Shang’s army, we can gather up its supplies and troops and use them to resist Cao Cao. Cao Cao’s army will have come from far away and will be unable to maintain its food supply, so it will certainly withdraw of its own accord. We can then occupy Jizhou once more and plan further advances.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice and asked, “Who can serve as our envoy?” Guo Tu replied, “Xin Pi, the younger brother of Xin Ping, whose courtesy name is Zuozhi, is now magistrate of Pingyuan. He is an eloquent man and can be appointed as envoy.” Yuan Tan immediately summoned Xin Pi, who came gladly. Yuan Tan wrote a letter and entrusted it to Xin Pi, then sent three thousand troops to escort him beyond the frontier. Traveling day and night, Xin Pi carried the letter to Cao Cao. At that time Cao Cao had stationed his army at Xiping to campaign against Liu Biao, and Liu Biao had sent Xuande to lead the vanguard against him. Before the two sides had engaged, Xin Pi arrived at Cao Cao’s camp. After the formal greetings, Cao Cao asked the purpose of his visit. Xin Pi explained in full Yuan Tan’s request and presented the letter.

After reading the letter, Cao Cao kept Xin Pi in camp and assembled his civil and military officers to deliberate. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Tan is being pressed so hard by Yuan Shang that he has no choice but to offer surrender. He cannot be trusted.” Lü Qian and Man Chong also said, “Since the Prime Minister has already led his army here, how can he abandon Liu Biao and go to help Yuan Tan?” Xun You said, “The words of these three gentlemen are not sound. In my humble judgment, the empire is now in turmoil, yet Liu Biao sits securely between the Yangtze and Han rivers and does not dare extend his reach. It is clear that he has no ambitions beyond his own region. The Yuan family holds the territory of four provinces and has hundreds of thousands of armored troops. If the two sons were united and preserved the estate they inherited, the future of the empire would be impossible to predict. Now the brothers are attacking each other, and in desperation one has turned to us. We should lead our army first to eliminate Yuan Shang, then watch how matters change and destroy Yuan Tan as well. The empire will then be settled. This opportunity must not be lost.”

Cao Cao was delighted. He invited Xin Pi to drink with him and said, “Is Yuan Tan’s surrender genuine or false? And can Yuan Shang’s army truly be defeated?” Xin Pi replied, “Illustrious Lord, do not ask whether it is genuine or false. It is enough merely to consider the situation. The Yuan family has suffered defeat after defeat for years. Its armies are exhausted abroad, and its advisers have been executed at home. Slander and estrangement divide the brothers, and their realm has split in two. Famine has come on top of all this, with natural disasters and human hardship. Wise and foolish alike know that their house is collapsing like earth and shattered tiles. This is Heaven’s appointed time to destroy the Yuan family. If you now lead your army against Ye, and Yuan Shang does not return to rescue it, he will lose his lair. If he does return, Yuan Tan will follow and attack him from behind. With your might, Illustrious Lord, striking their weary multitude will be like a violent wind sweeping away autumn leaves. If you abandon this plan and attack Jing Province instead, you will be assaulting a rich and prosperous land whose government is harmonious and whose people are obedient. It cannot yet be shaken. Moreover, of all the threats in the realm, none is greater than the one north of the Yellow River. Once the north is pacified, your hegemony will be achieved. I beg you to consider this carefully.” Cao Cao said with great delight, “My only regret is that I met Xin Zuozhi so late!” That very day he ordered the army to turn back and seize Jizhou. Fearing that Cao Cao had some hidden plan, Xuande did not dare pursue him, but led his army back to Jing Province.

When Yuan Shang learned that Cao Cao’s army had crossed the Yellow River, he hurriedly led his forces back toward Ye, ordering Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to guard the rear. When Yuan Tan saw Yuan Shang’s army retreat, he mobilized all the troops of Pingyuan and pursued him. They had traveled fewer than several dozen li when a cannon blast sounded and two forces emerged at once. Lü Kuang came from the left and Lü Xiang from the right, and the two brothers blocked Yuan Tan’s way. Yuan Tan reined in his horse and said to them, “While my father lived, I never treated either of you generals with disrespect. Why do you now follow my younger brother and persecute me?”

On hearing this, the two generals dismounted and surrendered to Yuan Tan. Yuan Tan said, “Do not surrender to me. You may surrender to Prime Minister Cao.” The two then followed Yuan Tan back to camp. When Cao Cao’s army arrived, Yuan Tan brought the two men to see him. Cao Cao was delighted and promised Yuan Tan his daughter in marriage, immediately appointing Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as matchmakers. Yuan Tan asked Cao Cao to attack and seize Jizhou. Cao Cao said, “At present our grain and fodder supplies are not reaching us, and their transport is arduous. I will open a channel from the Ji River to divert the Qi River into the White Canal, thereby establishing a supply route, and then advance.” He ordered Yuan Tan to remain at Pingyuan for the time being. Cao Cao led his army back to Liyang, enfeoffed Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as ranked marquises, and kept them with the army for service. Guo Tu said to Yuan Tan, “I fear Cao Cao’s offer of his daughter in marriage is not sincere. Now he has also rewarded Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and taken them into his army. He means to win over the people north of the Yellow River. In the end, he is certain to become a threat to us. My lord should have two seals of generalship carved and secretly send them to the two Lüs, instructing them to act as our agents inside his camp. Once Cao Cao has defeated Yuan Shang, we can seize the opportunity to deal with him.”

Yuan Tan followed his advice. He had two seals of generalship carved and secretly sent them to the two Lüs. After accepting them, the two men took the seals directly to report the matter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, “Yuan Tan secretly sent you these seals because he wants you to help him from within. Once I have defeated Yuan Shang, he intends to seize the opportunity to act. Accept the seals for now. I have plans of my own.” From that moment, Cao Cao intended to kill Yuan Tan.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shang consulted Shen Pei, saying, “Cao Cao’s troops are now transporting grain through the White Canal. He is certain to attack Jizhou. What are we to do?” Shen Pei replied, “Send an official dispatch ordering Yin Kai, magistrate of Wu’an, to garrison Maocheng and keep open the grain route from Shangdang. Order Ju Hu, the son of Ju Shou, to defend Handan and provide distant support. My lord can advance against Pingyuan and attack Yuan Tan with all speed. First eliminate Yuan Tan, and then defeat Cao Cao.” Yuan Shang was delighted. He left Shen Pei and Chen Lin to defend Jizhou, appointed the generals Ma Yan and Zhang Yi as his vanguard, and marched through the night to attack Pingyuan. When Yuan Tan learned that Yuan Shang’s army was approaching, he sent an urgent appeal to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “This time I am certain to obtain Jizhou.”

As he was speaking, Xu You happened to arrive from Xuchang. When he heard that Yuan Shang was again attacking Yuan Tan, he went in to see Cao Cao and said, “Prime Minister, are you sitting here waiting for a thunderbolt from Heaven to strike both Yuans dead?” Cao Cao laughed and said, “I have already calculated everything.” He ordered Cao Hong to advance first and attack Ye, while he personally led another army against Yin Kai. When the army entered his territory, Yin Kai led troops out to meet it. Yin Kai rode forward, and Cao Cao called, “Where is Xu Zhongkang?” Xu Chu answered the summons, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Yin Kai. Taken completely by surprise, Yin Kai was cut down from his horse by a single stroke of Xu Chu’s saber, and the rest of his men broke and fled. Cao Cao accepted the surrender of them all, then immediately marched on Handan. Ju Hu advanced with his army to meet him. Zhang Liao rode out and engaged Ju Hu, who was decisively defeated in fewer than three exchanges. Zhang Liao pursued him from behind. The two horses were not far apart when Zhang Liao quickly took his bow and shot. Ju Hu fell from his horse as the bowstring sounded. Cao Cao directed his troops to sweep forward, and the enemy scattered in flight.

Cao Cao then led his main army to Jizhou. Cao Hong had already drawn near the city walls. Cao Cao ordered his forces to build earthen mounds around the city and secretly dig tunnels to attack it. Shen Pei’s defenses were solid and his discipline extremely strict. Feng Li, the officer guarding the eastern gate, failed in his patrol duties because he was drunk, and Shen Pei punished him severely. Nursing a grudge, Feng Li secretly escaped from the city and surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked him how the city could be taken. Feng Li replied, “The earth inside the sally gate is thick. A tunnel can be dug through it to enter the city.” Cao Cao ordered Feng Li to lead three hundred strong men and dig a tunnel into the city under cover of night.

After Feng Li’s defection, Shen Pei personally climbed the walls every night to inspect the troops. That night, while in the tower above the sally gate, he saw that there were no lights outside the city. Shen Pei said, “Feng Li must be leading troops in through a tunnel.” He quickly summoned picked soldiers to carry stones and strike the sally gate’s drop barrier. The gate was sealed, and Feng Li and all three hundred strong men died beneath the earth. After suffering this reverse, Cao Cao abandoned the tunneling plan and withdrew his army to the banks of the Huan River to await Yuan Shang’s return. While attacking Pingyuan, Yuan Shang heard that Cao Cao had already defeated Yin Kai and Ju Hu and that his great army had surrounded Jizhou. He therefore withdrew his troops and returned to the rescue. His general Ma Yan said, “If we take the main road, Cao Cao is certain to have an ambush waiting. We should take the smaller road, come out through the western hills at the mouth of the Fu River, and raid Cao Cao’s camp. That will certainly lift the siege.”

Yuan Shang followed his advice and personally led the main army ahead, leaving Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to guard the rear. Spies soon reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “If he comes by the main road, I will avoid him. If he comes by the smaller road through the western hills, he can be captured in a single battle. I expect Yuan Shang will light a fire as a signal for the men in the city to come out and support him. I can divide my forces and strike them.” He then assigned the troops accordingly.

Yuan Shang emerged from the Fu River pass and traveled east to Yangping, where he stationed his army at Yangping Pavilion, seventeen li from Jizhou, with one side resting against the Fu River. He ordered the soldiers to pile up firewood and dry grass and burn it at night as a signal. Then he sent his registrar, Li Fu, disguised as a commandant in Cao Cao’s army, straight to the city walls. Li Fu shouted, “Open the gate!” Shen Pei recognized Li Fu’s voice and admitted him into the city. Li Fu said, “Yuan Shang has deployed his army at Yangping Pavilion and is waiting for support. When the troops in the city come out, they are also to light a fire as a signal.” Shen Pei ordered grass piled up and burned inside the city to exchange signals. Li Fu said, “There is no grain in the city. Send the old and weak, the wounded soldiers, and the women out to surrender. The enemy will not be on guard against them, and we can send troops out behind the civilians to attack.” Shen Pei followed his proposal.

At daybreak the next morning, a white banner was raised over the city, bearing the words: “The People of Jizhou Surrender.” Cao Cao said, “The city has no grain, so they are sending the old and weak civilians out to surrender. Troops are certain to follow them.” Cao Cao ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Huang each to lead three thousand soldiers and lie in ambush on either side. Cao Cao himself mounted his horse and had his command canopy carried to the foot of the walls. Sure enough, the city gates opened, and the people emerged carrying their aged and young and holding white banners. As soon as all the civilians had come out, soldiers burst from the city. Cao Cao gave a signal with a red flag, and the two forces under Zhang Liao and Xu Huang rushed out together and attacked furiously. The troops from the city had no choice but to retreat inside. Cao Cao galloped after them and reached the drawbridge, where crossbow bolts poured from the city like rain. One struck Cao Cao’s helmet and nearly pierced the crown of his head. His generals hurriedly rescued him and brought him back to the formation. Cao Cao changed his clothes and horse, then led his generals to attack Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang came out to meet him.

At that moment, troops from every direction converged on the battlefield. The two armies fought in confusion, and Yuan Shang suffered a crushing defeat. He led his troops back to the western hills and made camp, then sent men to hurry the forces of Ma Yan and Zhang Yi forward. He did not know that Cao Cao had already sent Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to induce the two generals to surrender. Ma Yan and Zhang Yi came with the two Lüs and submitted to Cao Cao, who also enfeoffed them as ranked marquises. That same day Cao Cao advanced to attack the western hills, first sending the two Lüs, Ma Yan, and Zhang Yi to cut Yuan Shang’s supply route.

Realizing that he could not hold the western hills, Yuan Shang fled by night to Yikou. Before his camp had been fully established, fires sprang up on every side and ambush troops rushed out together. His men had no time to put on their armor, nor the horses their saddles. Yuan Shang’s army collapsed and fled fifty li. With his situation desperate and his strength exhausted, he had no choice but to send Yin Kui, inspector of Yu Province, to Cao Cao’s camp to ask for surrender. Cao Cao pretended to accept it, but that very night sent Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to raid Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang abandoned all his seals and ribbons, ceremonial insignia and axes, clothing, armor, baggage, and equipment, and fled toward Zhongshan. Cao Cao returned with his army to attack Jizhou. Xu You proposed, “Why not breach the banks of the Zhang River and flood the city?”

Cao Cao approved the plan and first sent soldiers to dig a moat outside the city, extending forty li around it. From the walls, Shen Pei saw Cao Cao’s troops digging the moat, but it was extremely shallow. He laughed to himself and said, “They intend to breach the Zhang River and flood the city. If the moat were deep, it might flood us, but what use can anything this shallow be?” He therefore made no preparations.

That night Cao Cao increased the labor force tenfold, and all worked together to excavate the moat. By daybreak it was twenty feet wide and twenty feet deep. He diverted the Zhang River into the city, where the water rose several feet. Grain had also run out, and soldiers were dying of starvation. Outside the city, Xin Pi displayed Yuan Shang’s seals, ribbons, and clothing on the tip of a spear and called on the people within to surrender. Shen Pei was furious. He took more than eighty members of Xin Pi’s family, old and young alike, beheaded them on the city wall, and threw their heads down. Xin Pi wept and wailed without cease. Shen Pei’s nephew Shen Rong had long been on close terms with Xin Pi. When he saw Xin Pi’s family murdered, he harbored bitter resentment. He secretly wrote a letter offering to open the gate, tied it to an arrow, and shot it down from the wall. A soldier picked it up and presented it to Xin Pi, who gave the letter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao first issued an order that once they entered Jizhou, no one was to harm any member of the Yuan family, old or young, and that all soldiers and civilians who surrendered were to be spared.

At daybreak the next morning, Shen Rong threw the western gate wide open and allowed Cao Cao’s troops to enter. Xin Pi spurred his horse in first, and the officers and soldiers followed him into Jizhou, fighting their way forward. Shen Pei was in the southeastern gate tower when he saw that Cao Cao’s army had entered the city. Leading only a few horsemen, he descended from the wall to fight to the death and met Xu Huang in combat. Xu Huang captured Shen Pei alive, bound him, and took him out of the city. On the way they encountered Xin Pi. Gnashing his teeth, Xin Pi pointed his whip at Shen Pei’s head and said, “Murderous villain! Today you die!” Shen Pei cursed Xin Pi furiously: “Traitorous wretch! You brought Cao Cao here to take my Jizhou. I regret only that I did not kill you too!”

Xu Huang untied Shen Pei and brought him before Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “Do you know who opened the gate to receive me?” Shen Pei replied, “I do not.” Cao Cao said, “It was your nephew Shen Rong who offered it.” Shen Pei said angrily, “The worthless boy has brought us to this!” Cao Cao said, “Yesterday, when I came beneath the walls, why were there so many crossbow bolts fired from the city?” Shen Pei replied, “I regret there were too few! Too few!” Cao Cao said, “You are loyal to the Yuan family, so you could hardly have acted otherwise. Are you now willing to surrender to me?” Shen Pei replied, “I will not surrender! I will not surrender!” Xin Pi fell to the ground, weeping, and pleaded, “More than eighty members of my family were all murdered by this villain. I beg the Prime Minister to execute him and avenge this hatred!” Shen Pei said, “In life I was a minister of the Yuan family; in death I will be a ghost of the Yuan family. I am not like you slanderous, flattering, fawning villains! Behead me at once!” Cao Cao ordered him taken away. As he was about to be executed, Shen Pei shouted at the executioner, “My lord is in the north. You must not make me die facing south!” He knelt facing north and stretched out his neck to receive the blade. A later poet lamented:

The north had many men renowned,But who could equal Shen Zhengnan?His life was lost through a foolish lord,His heart stood level with the men of old.Loyal and upright, he concealed no word;Honest and able, he harbored no greed.Facing north even at the brink of death,He put all those who surrendered to shame.

After Shen Pei’s death, Cao Cao admired his loyalty and integrity and ordered him buried north of the city. His generals asked Cao Cao to enter the city. Cao Cao was just about to set out when he saw armed executioners escorting a man toward him. Looking more closely, he saw that it was Chen Lin. Cao Cao said to him, “When you wrote that denunciation for Benchu, it would have been enough to list my crimes. Why did you also insult my grandfather and father?” Chen Lin replied, “Once the arrow was on the bowstring, it had to be released.” Those around Cao Cao urged him to execute Chen Lin, but Cao Cao valued his talent, pardoned him, and appointed him to his staff.

Cao Cao’s eldest son was Cao Pi, whose courtesy name was Zihuan. He was eighteen years old at the time. When Cao Pi was born, a mass of blue-purple vapor, round as the canopy of a carriage, appeared over the house and remained there all day without dispersing. A diviner skilled in reading vapors secretly told Cao Cao, “This is the aura of a Son of Heaven. Your noble heir will rise to an indescribable eminence.” At the age of eight, Cao Pi could compose literary works and displayed extraordinary talent. He was widely learned in both ancient and contemporary affairs, skilled at riding and archery, and fond of swordsmanship. When Cao Cao captured Jizhou, Cao Pi accompanied his father in the army. Leading his personal guards ahead, he went straight to Yuan Shao’s residence, dismounted, drew his sword, and entered. A general barred his way and said, “The Prime Minister has given orders that no one is permitted to enter Yuan Shao’s residence.” Cao Pi shouted him aside and entered the rear hall with sword in hand. There he saw two women embracing each other and weeping, and he stepped forward intending to kill them. Truly:

Four generations of lords and ministers have vanished like a dream;Now disaster falls once more upon an entire family.

What became of their lives remains unknown. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.