Chapter 33

Cao Pi Takes Lady Zhen Amid the Turmoil; Guo Jia’s Posthumous Plan Pacifies Liaodong

Now Cao Pi, seeing the two women weeping, drew his sword and was about to kill them. Suddenly a red radiance filled his eyes. He checked his sword and asked, “Who are you?” One of the women replied, “I am Lady Liu, wife of General Yuan.” Pi asked, “Who is this young woman?” Lady Liu said, “She is Lady Zhen, wife of my second son, Yuan Xi. Because Xi went away to take command in Youzhou, and Lady Zhen was unwilling to travel so far, she remained here.”

Pi dragged the young woman forward and saw that her hair was disheveled and her face begrimed. Wiping her face with his sleeve, he looked upon her and saw that Lady Zhen had skin like jade and features like a flower, with beauty enough to overthrow a kingdom. He then said to Lady Liu, “I am the son of Chancellor Cao. I shall protect your household; you need not fear.” Then, resting his hand upon his sword, he seated himself in the hall.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao led his generals into the city of Jizhou. As he was about to pass through the gate, Xu You galloped forward, pointed at the gate with his whip, and called to Cao Cao, “Ah Man! Without me, how could you ever have entered this gate?” Cao Cao laughed heartily. But when the other generals heard this, they all felt indignant. On reaching Yuan Shao’s residence, Cao Cao asked, “Who has entered here already?” The guards replied, “The heir-apparent is within.” Cao Cao summoned him out and rebuked him. Lady Liu came forth, bowed, and said, “Had it not been for the heir-apparent, my household could not have been preserved. I beg to offer Lady Zhen to wield broom and dustpan in his service.” Cao Cao ordered Lady Zhen to be summoned forth to bow before him. Looking at her, he said, “She is truly a wife for my son!” He then commanded Cao Pi to take her as his wife.

After Cao Cao had pacified Jizhou, he went in person to Yuan Shao’s tomb and offered sacrifice. Bowing twice, he wept most bitterly. Turning to his generals, he said, “In former days, when Benchu and I first raised troops together, he asked me, ‘If our enterprise does not prosper, what region might serve as our base?’ I asked him, ‘What is your own intent?’ Benchu replied, ‘I would hold the Yellow River to the south, bar the approaches from Yan and Dai in the north, unite the hosts of the desert, and face south to contend for the empire. Might that not bring success?’ I answered, ‘I shall employ all the wisdom and strength under Heaven and direct it according to the Way; then nothing will be impossible.’ Those words seem to have been spoken but yesterday, yet now Benchu is dead. How can I keep from shedding tears?” All those present sighed. Cao Cao bestowed gold, silks, grain, and rice upon Yuan Shao’s wife, Lady Liu. He then issued an order: “The people of Hebei have suffered the calamities of war. Let all their taxes for this year be remitted.” At the same time, he wrote a memorial reporting the matter to the court and assumed the governorship of Jizhou himself.

One day, Xu Chu was galloping in through the eastern gate when he met Xu You. Xu You called to him, “Without me, how could men like you ever pass in and out of this gate?” Xu Chu angrily replied, “We risked death a thousand times and ten thousand, braving bloody battle to seize this city. How dare you boast so?” Xu You cursed him, saying, “You are all mere common brutes, not worth mentioning!” Xu Chu flew into a rage, drew his sword, and killed Xu You. Carrying the head, he went to Cao Cao and said that Xu You had behaved with such insolence that he had killed him. Cao Cao said, “Ziyuan was an old friend of mine and spoke only in jest. Why did you kill him?” He severely rebuked Xu Chu and ordered Xu You buried with full honors. He then had a search made throughout Jizhou for worthy men. The people of Ji said, “The Commandant of Cavalry, Cui Yan, whose style is Jigui, is a native of Dongwucheng in Qinghe. Many times he offered counsel to Yuan Shao, but Shao would not heed him. For that reason, he pleaded illness and remained at home.”

Cao Cao at once summoned Cui Yan and appointed him Assistant Administrator of the province. He said to him, “Yesterday I examined the household registers of this province. Altogether they account for three hundred thousand people. It may truly be called a great province.” Cui Yan replied, “Today the empire is falling apart and the Nine Provinces are split asunder. The two Yuan brothers contend against one another, while the bones of the people of Ji lie exposed across the wilderness. Yet instead of making it your first concern to inquire into local conditions and rescue the people from misery, Chancellor, you begin by reckoning up the household registers. Is this what the men and women of the province expected of your enlightened lordship?”

On hearing this, Cao Cao’s expression changed, and he apologized to Cui Yan, treating him thereafter as an honored guest. Having secured Jizhou, Cao Cao sent men to learn what had become of Yuan Tan. At that time, Tan had led his army in plundering Ganling, Anping, Bohai, Hejian, and other places. When he heard that Yuan Shang had been defeated and had fled to Zhongshan, he led his army against him. Shang had no heart for battle and fled straight to Youzhou to seek refuge with Yuan Xi. Tan received the surrender of all Shang’s troops and then sought to recover Jizhou. Cao Cao sent a messenger summoning him, but Tan refused to come. Cao Cao was furious. He dispatched a letter breaking off their marriage alliance, then personally led a great army against him and marched straight to Pingyuan.

When Yuan Tan heard that Cao Cao was coming in person at the head of his army, he sent a messenger to seek aid from Liu Biao. Liu Biao asked Xuande to advise him. Xuande said, “Cao Cao has now broken Jizhou, and the momentum of his arms is at its height. Before long, the Yuan brothers are certain to be taken by him, so there would be no profit in aiding them. Moreover, Cao Cao has long harbored designs upon Jingzhou and Xiangyang. We should merely train our troops and stand on the defensive; we must not act rashly.” Liu Biao asked, “Then how shall I decline their request?” Xuande replied, “You may write to the Yuan brothers on the pretext of reconciling them and excuse yourself in courteous terms.”

Liu Biao approved his advice and first sent a letter to Yuan Tan. In substance, it read:A gentleman fleeing adversity does not go over to an enemy state. Recently I heard that you bent the knee and surrendered to Cao Cao. In doing so, you forgot your forebears, cast aside the bonds between brothers, and bequeathed shame to your allies. If the lord of Jizhou has failed in his duties as a younger brother, you should humble your heart and accommodate him. Once affairs are settled, let the world judge which of you is right and which is wrong. Would that not be an act of lofty righteousness?

He also wrote to Yuan Shang:The lord of Qingzhou is by nature stern and impetuous and has lost sight of right and wrong. You should first destroy Cao Cao and thereby finally avenge your late honored father. Once affairs are settled, you may then determine which of you is right and which is wrong. Would that not be best? But if you remain deluded and do not turn back, you will be like the hounds Hanlu and Dongguo, exhausting themselves in pursuit while leaving the peasant to seize the prize.

When Yuan Tan received Liu Biao’s letter, he understood that Liu Biao had no intention of sending troops. He also knew that he could not withstand Cao Cao. He therefore abandoned Pingyuan and fled to defend Nanpi. Cao Cao pursued him there. At the time, the weather was bitterly cold and all the waterways were frozen, so the grain boats could not move. Cao Cao ordered the local people to break the ice and haul the boats, but when the people heard the order, they fled. Cao Cao was enraged and intended to have them seized and executed. When the people learned of this, they went in person to the camp and gave themselves up. Cao Cao said, “If I do not put you to death, my commands will carry no force; yet if I kill you, I cannot bear it. Go quickly and hide yourselves in the mountains. Do not let my soldiers capture you.” The people all departed in tears.

Yuan Tan led his troops out of the city to confront Cao Cao’s army. When the two battle lines had been formed, Cao Cao rode forth, pointed his whip at Tan, and cursed him: “I treated you generously. Why did you turn against me?” Tan replied, “You invaded my territory, seized my cities, and laid hands upon my wife and children—yet you accuse me of turning against you?” Cao Cao was furious and sent Xu Huang into battle. Tan ordered Peng An to meet him. Their horses crossed, and in fewer than several bouts Xu Huang cut Peng An down beneath his horse. Tan’s army broke and fled back into Nanpi. Cao Cao sent his troops to surround the city on all sides. In alarm, Tan sent Xin Ping to Cao Cao to negotiate a surrender. Cao Cao said, “Yuan Tan is an erratic young whelp, forever changing his mind. I find it hard to trust him. Your younger brother Xin Pi is already in my high employ. You too may remain here.” Xin Ping replied, “The Chancellor is mistaken. I have heard that when the lord is honored, his minister shares the glory; when the lord is troubled, his minister shares the disgrace. I have served the Yuan family for many years. How could I turn my back on them?”

Knowing that Xin Ping could not be retained, Cao Cao sent him back. Xin Ping returned to Yuan Tan and reported that Cao Cao would not accept his surrender. Tan shouted at him, “Your younger brother now serves Cao Cao. Do you too harbor a divided heart?” At these words, Xin Ping’s breast swelled with indignation, and he fell senseless to the ground. Tan ordered his men to carry him out, and in a short while he died. Tan himself regretted what he had done. Guo Tu said to him, “Tomorrow drive all the common people before us, with the army following behind them, and fight Cao Cao to the death.”

Yuan Tan followed his counsel. That night, he drove out all the people of Nanpi and made them take up swords and spears and await orders. At daybreak the next morning, all four gates were thrown open. With the army driving them from behind, the people rushed forth in one mass amid tremendous shouting and advanced straight upon Cao Cao’s camp. The two armies fell into a confused melee. From the hour of the Dragon until noon, neither side gained the advantage, and the slain lay everywhere. Seeing that he had not yet won a complete victory, Cao Cao rode up a hill and beat the war drum with his own hands. When the officers and soldiers saw him, they exerted all their strength and surged forward. Yuan Tan’s army was utterly defeated, and countless common people were killed. Cao Hong, displaying his might, burst through the battle line and came face-to-face with Yuan Tan. He raised his sword and hewed wildly, killing Tan in the midst of the fighting. Seeing the army in total disorder, Guo Tu galloped back toward the city. Yue Jin caught sight of him, took up his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot him down into the city moat, where both horse and rider plunged together.

Cao Cao led his troops into Nanpi and reassured the people. Suddenly, a body of soldiers arrived. They were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, officers under Yuan Xi. Cao Cao personally led troops out to meet them. The two generals reversed their weapons, removed their armor, and came expressly to surrender. Cao Cao enfeoffed them as ranked marquises. Then Zhang Yan, the Black Mountain bandit, came with an army of one hundred thousand to surrender. Cao Cao appointed him General Who Pacifies the North. He issued an order that Yuan Tan’s head be displayed as a warning and that anyone who dared to mourn him should be executed. The head was hung outside the northern gate. One man, wearing a plain cap and mourning clothes, wept beneath it. Cao Cao’s attendants seized him and brought him in. When Cao Cao questioned him, he proved to be Wang Xiu, Assistant Administrator of Qingzhou. He had been dismissed for remonstrating with Yuan Tan, but upon learning of Tan’s death, he had come to mourn him.

Cao Cao said, “Do you know my order?” Wang Xiu replied, “I do.” Cao Cao asked, “Are you not afraid to die?” Wang Xiu answered, “While he lived, I accepted his summons to office. If I failed to mourn him in death, I would be unrighteous. If fear of death made me forget righteousness, how could I stand in the world? If I may recover and bury Yuan Tan’s body, I shall have no regret even if I am put to death.” Cao Cao said, “Why are there so many righteous men in Hebei? What a pity that the Yuan family could not employ them! Had they known how to use such men, how would I ever have dared look this land squarely in the face?” He therefore ordered Yuan Tan’s body recovered and buried, treated Wang Xiu as an honored guest, and appointed him Palace Gentleman in Charge of Metals. Then he asked, “Yuan Shang has now joined Yuan Xi. What strategy should be used to take them?” Wang Xiu made no reply. Cao Cao said, “He is a loyal minister.” He then asked Guo Jia, who said, “Have the surrendered Yuan generals Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan, and the others attack them.” Cao Cao followed his advice. He ordered Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan, Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, Ma Yan, and Zhang Yi each to lead his own troops and advance against Youzhou in three columns. At the same time, he sent Li Dian and Yue Jin to join Zhang Yan, strike Bingzhou, and attack Gao Gan.

Now Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi, learning that Cao Cao’s troops were approaching, judged that they could not meet them in battle. They abandoned the city, led away their forces, and traveled night and day to Liaoxi, where they sought refuge with the Wuhuan. Wuhuan Chu, Inspector of Youzhou, assembled all the officials of the province, and together they smeared their lips with sacrificial blood and swore an oath while discussing their plan to abandon the Yuan family and submit to Cao Cao. Wuhuan Chu spoke first: “I know that Chancellor Cao is the hero of this age. We shall now go and surrender to him. Whoever refuses to obey will be executed.” They swore the blood oath in turn until it came to the Assistant Administrator, Han Heng. Han Heng flung his sword to the ground and cried aloud, “I received immense kindness from Lord Yuan and his sons. Now my lords are defeated and in flight, yet I had not the wisdom to save them nor the courage to die for them! Already I have fallen short of righteousness. As for facing north and surrendering to Cao Cao, I will never do it!”

Everyone changed color. Wuhuan Chu said, “When undertaking a great enterprise, one must establish a great principle. Whether the enterprise succeeds does not depend upon one man. Since Han Heng is so resolved, let him follow his own will.” He had Han Heng thrust outside. Wuhuan Chu then left the city to receive the three columns of troops and went straight to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was delighted and promoted him to General Who Guards the North. Suddenly, a scout arrived to report: “Yue Jin, Li Dian, and Zhang Yan have attacked Bingzhou, but Gao Gan is holding Hukou Pass and they cannot take it.” Cao Cao personally marshaled his troops and went there. The three generals came to meet him and said, “Gao Gan is resisting us at the pass, and it is difficult to attack.” Cao Cao assembled his generals to discuss a plan for defeating Gao Gan. Xun You said, “To defeat him, we must use a feigned surrender.”

Cao Cao approved. He summoned the surrendered generals Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and whispered instructions in their ears. Lü Kuang and the others led several dozen soldiers straight to the foot of the pass and called out, “We were originally veteran officers of the Yuan family and surrendered to Cao Cao only because we had no choice. Cao Cao is treacherous and deceitful, and he treats us meanly. We have now returned to support our former lord. Open the gate quickly and admit us!” Gao Gan did not believe them and merely had the two generals come up to the pass to speak. The two removed their armor, abandoned their horses, and entered. They told Gao Gan, “Cao Cao’s army has only just arrived. While its men are still unsettled, you can raid its camp tonight. We are willing to lead the attack.”

Gao Gan gladly followed their advice. That night, he put the two Lüs in the lead and set out with more than ten thousand troops. As they neared Cao Cao’s camp, tremendous shouting arose behind them and ambush forces sprang up on all sides. Gao Gan knew that he had fallen into a trap and hurried back toward Huguan. But Yue Jin and Li Dian had already seized the pass. Gao Gan forced a way through and escaped, intending to seek refuge with the Chanyu. Cao Cao led his troops to hold the pass and sent men in pursuit of Gao Gan. When Gao Gan reached the Chanyu’s territory, he encountered the Worthy Prince of the Left of the northern tribes. Gan dismounted, prostrated himself, and said, “Cao Cao is swallowing up every territory. He now intends to invade Your Highness’s lands. I implore you to send aid, that together we may recover what has been lost and preserve the north.” The Worthy Prince of the Left replied, “I have no feud with Cao Cao. Why should he invade my lands? Do you wish to make me incur the enmity of the Cao family?” He angrily dismissed Gao Gan. Gan reflected that he had nowhere else to go and was forced to seek refuge with Liu Biao. When he reached Shanglu, however, he was killed by Commandant Wang Yan, who sent his head to Cao Cao. Cao Cao enfeoffed Wang Yan as a ranked marquis.

With Bingzhou pacified, Cao Cao consulted his officers about marching west against the Wuhuan. Cao Hong and the others said, “Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have lost their armies and generals and are utterly exhausted and at the end of their strength. They have fled far into the desert. If we now lead our army west against them and Liu Bei and Liu Biao take advantage of our absence to raid the undefended capital of Xudu, we shall be unable to return in time to save it, and the disaster will be grave. It would be best to turn back and advance no farther.” Guo Jia said, “What you gentlemen say is mistaken. Though our lord’s might shakes the empire, the people of the desert rely upon the remoteness of their frontier and will surely make no preparations. If we take advantage of their unpreparedness and strike them suddenly, we are certain to defeat them. Moreover, Yuan Shao showed kindness to the Wuhuan, while his sons Shang and Xi are still alive; they must be eliminated. Liu Biao is no more than an armchair talker. He knows that his own ability is insufficient to control Liu Bei. If he entrusts Bei with great authority, he will fear being unable to restrain him; if he gives him little authority, Bei will not serve him. Though you leave the state undefended and campaign afar, my lord, you need have no concern.” Cao Cao said, “Fengxiao’s words are entirely correct.”

He therefore led forward the three divisions of his army, great and small, together with several thousand carts. All around them stretched a vast expanse of yellow sand, while fierce winds rose on every side. The roads were rugged, and both men and horses found travel difficult. Cao Cao began to think of turning back and asked Guo Jia’s counsel. At this time Guo Jia had fallen ill from the unaccustomed climate and lay sick in a carriage. Cao Cao wept and said, “Because I wished to pacify the desert, I made you travel so far through such hardships, until now you have fallen ill. How can my heart be at peace?” Guo Jia replied, “I have received the Chancellor’s immense favor. Even if I died, I could not repay one part in ten thousand.” Cao Cao said, “The northern terrain is so rugged that I am thinking of turning back. What do you advise?” Guo Jia replied, “In war, speed is precious. We have come a thousand miles to strike the enemy, but our baggage train is so heavy that we cannot seize an advantage swiftly. We would do better to take light troops and travel by forced marches, emerging suddenly to take them unprepared. We need only find someone who knows the roads to serve as guide.”

Cao Cao therefore left Guo Jia in Yizhou to recover and sought a local guide to lead the way. Someone recommended Tian Chou, a former officer of Yuan Shao’s, who knew the region thoroughly. Cao Cao summoned and questioned him. Tian Chou said, “During summer and autumn this road is covered by water—too shallow for carts and horses to pass, yet too deep for boats—and is exceedingly difficult to travel. It would be better to turn back, pass through Lulong Gap, cross the perilous heights of Baitan, and emerge into the undefended country. From there we can approach Liucheng and take the enemy unprepared. Maodun may then be captured in a single battle.”

Cao Cao followed his advice, appointed Tian Chou General Who Pacifies the North, and made him local guide and leader of the vanguard. Zhang Liao followed next, while Cao Cao himself guarded the rear. With light cavalry, they advanced at double speed. Tian Chou led Zhang Liao forward to White Wolf Mountain, where they encountered Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, who had joined Maodun and several tens of thousands of horsemen and were advancing to meet them. Zhang Liao galloped back to report to Cao Cao. Cao Cao reined in his horse and climbed a height to look. He saw that Maodun’s troops had no proper formations and stood scattered and disordered. Cao Cao said to Zhang Liao, “The enemy’s ranks are in disorder. We may strike at once.” He then handed Zhang Liao his command banner. Zhang Liao led Xu Chu, Yu Jin, and Xu Huang down the mountain in four columns and launched a fierce assault. Maodun’s forces fell into utter confusion. Zhang Liao spurred forward and cut Maodun down beneath his horse, whereupon all the remaining troops surrendered. Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang led several thousand horsemen away to seek refuge in Liaodong.

Cao Cao gathered his army and entered Liucheng. He enfeoffed Tian Chou as Marquis of Liuting and charged him with guarding Liucheng. Tian Chou wept and said, “I am merely a man who fled in violation of righteousness. That I have received such generous favor and been preserved alive is already more good fortune than I deserve. How could I sell the stronghold of Lulong in order to seek rank and reward? Even upon pain of death, I dare not accept the marquisate.” Cao Cao admired his righteousness and instead appointed him Consultant. Cao Cao reassured the Chanyu’s people and obtained ten thousand fine horses, then turned his army homeward that very day. The weather was cold and dry, and for two hundred li there was no water. The army also lacked provisions and had to kill horses for food. Only after digging three or four zhang into the earth did the soldiers find water. When Cao Cao returned to Yizhou, he richly rewarded those who had earlier counseled against the campaign. He said to his generals, “Previously, I took a desperate risk by campaigning far away and succeeded only by good fortune. Though we won, it was through Heaven’s protection and must not be taken as a precedent. Your remonstrance was the plan of perfect safety, and therefore I reward you. In the future, never hesitate to speak.”

By the time Cao Cao reached Yizhou, Guo Jia had been dead for several days, and his coffin rested in the public offices. Cao Cao went to offer sacrifice and wept bitterly, saying, “Fengxiao’s death is Heaven’s ruin of me!” Turning to the officials, he said, “You gentlemen are all about my own age. Fengxiao alone was the youngest. I had intended to entrust future affairs to him, but unexpectedly he has died in the prime of life, and my heart is shattered!” Guo Jia’s attendants presented a sealed letter he had written as he lay dying, saying, “Before Lord Guo died, he wrote this letter with his own hand and charged us: ‘If the Chancellor follows what is written here, the affair of Liaodong will be settled.’” Cao Cao opened the letter and read it, nodding and sighing. None of those present understood its meaning.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led the others in and reported, “Gongsun Kang, Administrator of Liaodong, has long refused submission. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have gone to seek refuge with him and will surely become a future danger. We should take advantage of their inaction and march swiftly against them. Then Liaodong may be won.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “There is no need to trouble you gentlemen to display your tigerlike might. Within a few days, Gongsun Kang will send me the heads of the two Yuans of his own accord.” None of the generals believed him.

Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang led several thousand horsemen into Liaodong. The Administrator of Liaodong, Gongsun Kang, was a native of Xiangping and the son of Gongsun Du, General of Martial Might. When he learned that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were coming to seek refuge, he assembled his subordinate officials to discuss the matter. Gongsun Gong said, “While Yuan Shao lived, he always intended to swallow up Liaodong. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have lost their army and generals and have nowhere else to shelter. Their coming here to seek refuge is the turtledove’s design to usurp the magpie’s nest. If we receive them, they will inevitably plot against us later. Better to lure them into the city, kill them, and present their heads to Lord Cao. Lord Cao will certainly treat us generously.” Gongsun Kang said, “I fear only that Cao Cao may lead his army into Liaodong. If so, it would be better to accept the two Yuans and make them aid us.” Gongsun Gong replied, “Send someone to learn what Cao Cao is doing. If his army comes to attack, retain the two Yuans; if it makes no move, kill them and send their heads to Lord Cao.” Gongsun Kang followed his advice and sent men to gather intelligence.

Now when Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang reached Liaodong, the two secretly conferred, saying, “Liaodong has several tens of thousands of soldiers, enough to contend with Cao Cao. For the moment we shall seek refuge here. Later we must kill Gongsun Kang and seize his territory. Once we have built up our strength, we can resist the Central Plains and recover Hebei.”

Their plan settled, they went to see Gongsun Kang. Kang lodged them at the posthouse, pleading illness and refusing to receive them at once. Before many days had passed, his spy returned and reported, “Cao Cao’s army is encamped at Yizhou and shows no intention of advancing into Liaodong.” Gongsun Kang was delighted. He first concealed executioners behind the wall hangings, then summoned the two Yuans inside. After the formal courtesies, he ordered them seated. The weather was bitterly cold. Seeing that there were no mats or cushions upon the couch, Yuan Shang said to Kang, “I should like a mat spread for me.” Kang glared at him and said, “The heads of you two are about to travel ten thousand li! What need have you of a mat?” Yuan Shang was greatly alarmed. Kang shouted, “Why do you not strike?” The executioners rushed out, forced the two men onto the mat, and cut off their heads. The heads were placed in wooden boxes, and messengers were sent to deliver them to Cao Cao in Yizhou.

At that time, Cao Cao remained in Yizhou with his army motionless. Xiahou Dun and Zhang Liao came in and reported, “If we are not going down into Liaodong, we should return to Xudu, lest Liu Biao conceive some design.” Cao Cao said, “As soon as the heads of the two Yuans arrive, we shall withdraw.” Everyone secretly laughed. Suddenly, word came that Gongsun Kang of Liaodong had sent men bearing the heads of Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang. Everyone was astounded. The envoy presented Gongsun Kang’s letter. Cao Cao laughed heartily and said, “It has happened exactly as Fengxiao foresaw!” He richly rewarded the envoy and enfeoffed Gongsun Kang as Marquis of Xiangping and appointed him General of the Left. The officials asked, “How is this exactly what Fengxiao foresaw?” Cao Cao then brought out Guo Jia’s letter and showed it to them. In substance, it read:I have now heard that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have gone to seek refuge in Liaodong. Your enlightened lordship must on no account send troops against them. Gongsun Kang has long feared that the Yuan family would swallow up his territory, and when the two Yuans come to him, he is certain to distrust them. If you attack him with troops, they will join forces to resist you, and you will not swiftly subdue them. But if you leave them at ease, Gongsun Kang and the Yuans will inevitably plot against one another. The situation itself makes this certain.

Everyone leaped with delight and praised the plan. Cao Cao led the officials once more to offer sacrifice before Guo Jia’s spirit tablet. Guo Jia had died at the age of thirty-eight. He had accompanied Cao Cao on campaign for eleven years and had performed many extraordinary services. A later poet praised him:Heaven gave birth to Guo Fengxiao,A hero foremost among the brave.Within his belly lay the classics and histories;Within his breast were hidden armored hosts.In forming plans he rivaled Fan Li;In making decisions he matched Chen Ping.Alas that he perished before his time—A pillar of the Central Plains had fallen.

Cao Cao led his army back to Jizhou and sent men ahead to escort Guo Jia’s coffin to Xudu for burial. Cheng Yu and the others urged him, saying, “Now that the north is pacified and we are returning to Xudu, we should quickly devise a plan for advancing south of the Yangtze.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “I have cherished this ambition for a long time. What you gentlemen say accords exactly with my intent.” That night, he lodged in the corner tower east of Jizhou’s city wall and, leaning upon the railing, raised his eyes to observe the heavens. Xun You was at his side. Cao Cao pointed and said, “The ascendant aura in the south shines brilliantly. I fear that region cannot yet be taken.” Xun You replied, “Before the Chancellor’s heavenly might, who will not submit?”

As they watched, they suddenly saw a shaft of golden light rise from the earth. Xun You said, “There must be treasure beneath the ground.” Cao Cao descended from the tower and ordered men to dig where the light had appeared. Thus it was:The patterns of the stars now pointed south;A golden treasure rose at once in the north.What object they found remains unknown. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.

Cao Pi Takes Lady Zhen Amid the Turmoil; Guo Jia’s Posthumous Plan Pacifies Liaodong

Now Cao Pi saw the two women weeping and drew his sword to kill them. Suddenly, a red glow filled his vision. He lowered his sword and asked, “Who are you?” One of the women replied, “I am Lady Liu, wife of General Yuan.” Pi asked, “Who is this young woman?” Lady Liu said, “She is Lady Zhen, wife of my second son, Yuan Xi. Because Xi was sent to govern Youzhou, Lady Zhen refused to travel so far and therefore remained here.”

Pi pulled the young woman closer and saw that her hair was disheveled and her face dirty. He wiped her face with his sleeve and looked at her. Lady Zhen had skin like jade and a flowerlike face, with beauty enough to topple a kingdom. He then said to Lady Liu, “I am the son of Chancellor Cao. I will protect your family, so do not be afraid.” He then rested his hand on his sword and sat in the hall.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao led his generals into the city of Jizhou. Just as he was about to pass through the gate, Xu You galloped forward, pointed at the gate with his whip, and called out to Cao Cao, “Ah-Man, if not for me, how could you have entered this gate?” Cao Cao laughed heartily. When the other generals heard this, they were all indignant. Cao Cao reached the gate of Yuan Shao’s residence and asked, “Who entered here before me?” The guard replied, “The heir is inside.” Cao Cao summoned Cao Pi and rebuked him. Lady Liu came out and bowed, saying, “Had it not been for the heir, my family could not have been preserved. I wish to offer Lady Zhen to serve him with broom and dustpan.” Cao Cao ordered Lady Zhen brought out to bow before him. Looking at her, Cao Cao said, “She is truly fit to be my son’s wife!” He then ordered Cao Pi to take her as his wife.

After pacifying Jizhou, Cao Cao personally went to Yuan Shao’s tomb, set out sacrificial offerings, bowed twice, and wept bitterly. Turning to his generals, he said, “Long ago, when Benchu and I first raised armies together, Benchu asked me, ‘If our undertaking fails, what region could we rely upon?’ I asked him, ‘What do you have in mind?’ Benchu said, ‘I would hold the Yellow River to the south, block access through Yan and Dai to the north, absorb the multitudes of the desert, and then turn south to contend for the realm. Might that not succeed?’ I replied, ‘I will employ the wisdom and strength of all under Heaven and command them according to the Way. Then nothing will be beyond my reach.’ That conversation seems like yesterday, yet now Benchu is dead. I cannot keep from shedding tears for him!” Everyone sighed. Cao Cao bestowed gold, silk, grain, and rice on Yuan Shao’s wife, Lady Liu. He then issued an order: “The people of Hebei have suffered the ravages of war. All their taxes and levies for this year are hereby remitted.” At the same time, he wrote a memorial reporting to the imperial court and assumed the office of Governor of Jizhou himself.

One day, Xu Chu was riding through the eastern gate when he encountered Xu You. Xu You called to him, “Without me, how could any of you come and go through this gate?” Xu Chu angrily replied, “We went through countless mortal dangers and fought bloody battles to capture this city. How dare you boast!” Xu You cursed him, saying, “You are all nothing but common brutes, hardly worth mentioning!” Xu Chu flew into a rage, drew his sword, and killed Xu You. Carrying his head, he went to Cao Cao and explained how insolently Xu You had behaved and that he had killed him. Cao Cao said, “Ziyuan was an old friend of mine. He was only joking with you. Why did you kill him?” Cao Cao severely reprimanded Xu Chu and ordered that Xu You be given a lavish burial. He then sent men throughout Jizhou to seek out worthy scholars. The people of Jizhou said, “The Commandant of Cavalry Cui Yan, courtesy name Jigui, is a native of Dongwucheng in Qinghe. He offered Yuan Shao advice several times, but Yuan Shao would not follow it. Because of this, he claimed illness and remained at home.”

Cao Cao immediately summoned Cui Yan and appointed him an Administrative Aide of Jizhou. He then said to him, “Yesterday I examined the household registers of this province. They record a total population of three hundred thousand. This may truly be called a great province.” Cui Yan replied, “The realm is now disintegrating and the Nine Provinces have been torn apart. The two Yuan brothers are fighting each other, and the bones of Jizhou’s people lie exposed across the fields. Yet instead of urgently inquiring into local conditions and rescuing the people from their misery, Chancellor, you begin by counting and checking the household registers. Can this be what the men and women of this province expected from an enlightened lord?”

When Cao Cao heard this, his expression changed and he apologized, treating Cui Yan thereafter as an honored guest. Having pacified Jizhou, Cao Cao sent men to learn what Yuan Tan was doing. At the time, Tan was leading troops in plundering Ganling, Anping, Bohai, Hejian, and other places. When he heard that Yuan Shang had been defeated and had fled to Zhongshan, he led his army against him. Shang had no heart for battle and fled straight to Youzhou to seek refuge with Yuan Xi. Tan accepted the surrender of all Shang’s troops and intended to make another attempt on Jizhou. Cao Cao sent a messenger to summon him, but Tan did not come. Cao Cao was furious. He sent a letter breaking off their marriage alliance, then personally led a great army against Tan and advanced directly to Pingyuan.

When Yuan Tan heard that Cao Cao was personally leading an army against him, he sent a messenger to ask Liu Biao for help. Liu Biao invited Xuande to discuss the matter. Xuande said, “Cao Cao has now conquered Jizhou, and the strength of his army is at its height. Before long, both Yuan brothers will certainly be captured by Cao Cao, so helping them would be useless. Moreover, Cao Cao has always intended to seize Jingzhou and Xiangyang. We should merely train our troops and defend ourselves. We must not move rashly.” Liu Biao asked, “Then how should I refuse him?” Xuande said, “You can write to both Yuan brothers, professing a desire to reconcile them, and decline in tactful language.”

Liu Biao agreed with his advice and first sent Yuan Tan a letter, which read in part:A noble man fleeing disaster does not go over to the enemy state. Recently I heard that you bent your knee and surrendered to Cao Cao. In doing so, you forgot your forebears, abandoned the bonds between brothers, and brought shame upon your allies. If the lord of Jizhou has failed in his duty as a younger brother, you should humble yourself and accommodate him. Once affairs are settled, let all under Heaven judge which of you is right and which is wrong. Would this not be an act of the highest righteousness?

He also wrote to Yuan Shang:The lord of Qingzhou is by nature harsh and impetuous and has lost sight of right and wrong. You should first eliminate Cao Cao and thereby finally avenge your honored father. Once affairs are settled, you may determine who is right and who is wrong. Would that not be best? If you remain deluded and refuse to turn back, you will be like the hounds Hanlu and Dongguo exhausting themselves in pursuit while leaving a peasant to claim the prize.

When Yuan Tan received Liu Biao’s letter, he understood that Liu Biao had no intention of sending troops. He also realized that he could not withstand Cao Cao. He therefore abandoned Pingyuan and fled to defend Nanpi. Cao Cao pursued him as far as Nanpi. The weather was bitterly cold, and all the waterways had frozen, so the grain ships could not move. Cao Cao ordered the local people to break the ice and haul the ships along, but when the people heard the order, they fled. Cao Cao was furious and intended to arrest and execute them. When the people heard of this, they went personally to the camp to surrender themselves. Cao Cao said, “If I do not kill you, my orders will not be enforced. Yet if I kill you, I cannot bear it. Quickly go hide in the mountains, and do not let my soldiers capture you.” The people all departed in tears.

Yuan Tan led his army out of the city to confront Cao Cao’s forces. The two armies drew up facing each other. Cao Cao rode forward, pointed his whip at Tan, and cursed him, saying, “I treated you generously. Why did you turn against me?” Tan replied, “You invaded my territory, seized my cities, and took possession of my wife and children. Yet you accuse me of turning against you?” Cao Cao was furious and sent Xu Huang out to fight. Tan ordered Peng An to meet him. Their horses crossed, and in only a few bouts Xu Huang cut Peng An down from his horse. Tan’s army broke and fled back into Nanpi. Cao Cao sent his troops to surround the city on all sides. In alarm, Tan sent Xin Ping to Cao Cao to arrange his surrender. Cao Cao said, “Yuan Tan is a fickle young man who repeatedly goes back on his word. I find it difficult to trust him. Your younger brother Xin Pi already holds an important position under me. You may remain here as well.” Xin Ping said, “Chancellor, you are mistaken. I have heard that when the lord is honored, his ministers share his glory, and when the lord suffers, his ministers share his disgrace. I have long served the Yuan family. How could I betray them?”

Cao Cao knew he could not persuade Xin Ping to remain and therefore sent him back. Xin Ping returned to Yuan Tan and reported that Cao Cao would not accept his surrender. Tan rebuked him, saying, “Your younger brother now serves Cao Cao. Do you also harbor divided loyalties?” Hearing this, Xin Ping’s chest filled with rage. He collapsed unconscious to the ground. Tan ordered men to carry him out, and he died moments later. Tan regretted his words. Guo Tu said to him, “Tomorrow, drive all the common people ahead of us, with our army following behind, and fight Cao Cao in a decisive battle to the death.”

Tan followed his advice. That night, he drove out all the people of Nanpi and ordered every one of them to carry a sword or spear and await commands. At dawn the next day, all four gates were thrown open. With the army driving them from behind, the people surged out in front amid deafening shouts and charged straight toward Cao Cao’s camp. The two armies became locked in a confused battle that lasted from the hour of the dragon until noon, with neither side gaining the advantage and corpses covering the ground. When Cao Cao saw that he had not yet secured a complete victory, he rode up a hill and personally beat the war drum. At the sight of him, his officers and soldiers rallied and fought forward with all their strength. Tan’s army was utterly defeated, and countless civilians were killed. Cao Hong charged fiercely through the enemy formation and came face-to-face with Yuan Tan. He raised his saber and struck wildly, finally killing Tan in the midst of the battle. Seeing the army in complete chaos, Guo Tu galloped back toward the city. Yue Jin caught sight of him, fitted an arrow to his bow, and shot him down into the moat, where both horse and rider fell.

Cao Cao led his army into Nanpi and reassured the people. Suddenly, a force of troops arrived. They were commanded by Yuan Xi’s officers Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan. Cao Cao personally led troops out to meet them. The two generals reversed their weapons, removed their armor, and came expressly to surrender. Cao Cao enfeoffed them as marquises. Zhang Yan, the Black Mountain bandit, also brought an army of one hundred thousand men to surrender, and Cao Cao appointed him General Who Pacifies the North. Cao Cao ordered Yuan Tan’s head displayed as a warning and proclaimed that anyone who dared mourn him would be executed. The head was hung outside the northern gate. One man, wearing a plain cloth cap and mourning clothes, wept beneath it. Cao Cao’s attendants seized him and brought him forward. Cao Cao questioned him and learned that he was Wang Xiu, Administrative Aide of Qingzhou. He had been banished for remonstrating with Yuan Tan, and now, learning of Tan’s death, he had come to mourn him.

Cao Cao said, “Do you know my order?” Wang Xiu replied, “I do.” Cao Cao asked, “Are you not afraid to die?” Wang Xiu replied, “While he lived, I accepted his summons to office. If I failed to mourn him after his death, I would be unrighteous. If I feared death and forgot righteousness, how could I stand in the world? If I may recover and bury Yuan Tan’s body, I will have no regret even if I am executed.” Cao Cao said, “Why are there so many righteous men in Hebei? What a pity the Yuan family could not employ them! Had they been able to do so, how would I ever have dared cast a direct glance at this land?” He ordered Yuan Tan’s body recovered and buried, treated Wang Xiu as an honored guest, and appointed him Palace Cadet General of the Treasury. Cao Cao then asked him, “Yuan Shang has now joined Yuan Xi. What strategy should I use to capture them?” Wang Xiu did not answer. Cao Cao said, “He is a loyal minister.” He then asked Guo Jia, who replied, “You can have the Yuan family’s surrendered generals, Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, attack them.” Cao Cao followed his advice and ordered Jiao Chu, Zhang Nan, Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, Ma Yan, and Zhang Yi each to lead their own troops and advance against Youzhou by three separate routes. At the same time, he ordered Li Dian and Yue Jin to join forces with Zhang Yan, attack Bingzhou, and strike Gao Gan.

Now when Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi learned that Cao Cao’s troops were approaching, they realized they could not meet them in battle. They abandoned the city, led away their troops, and traveled day and night to Liaoxi, where they sought refuge with the Wuhuan. Wuhuan Chu, Inspector of Youzhou, assembled the officials of Youzhou, and together they smeared their lips with sacrificial blood and swore an oath while discussing how to abandon the Yuans and join Cao Cao. Wuhuan Chu spoke first: “I know Chancellor Cao is the hero of this age. I am now going to surrender to him. Anyone who refuses to obey will be executed.” They took the blood oath one after another until it came to Administrative Aide Han Heng. Han Heng threw his sword to the ground and cried out, “I received great favor from Lord Yuan and his sons. Now my lords have been defeated and driven into exile, yet I lacked the wisdom to save them and the courage to die for them! I have already fallen short of righteousness! But as for facing north and surrendering to Cao Cao, I will never do it!”

Everyone turned pale. Wuhuan Chu said, “In undertaking a great enterprise, one must establish a great principle of righteousness. Whether it succeeds or fails does not depend upon a single man. Since Han Heng’s resolve is such, he may do as he pleases.” He had Han Heng pushed out. Wuhuan Chu then left the city to welcome the three approaching armies and went directly to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was delighted and promoted him to General Who Guards the North. Suddenly, a scout arrived to report, “Yue Jin, Li Dian, and Zhang Yan attacked Bingzhou, but Gao Gan has fortified Hukou Pass, and they cannot take it.” Cao Cao personally mustered his troops and went there. The three generals met him and reported, “Gao Gan is defending the pass, and it is difficult to attack.” Cao Cao assembled his generals to discuss a plan for defeating Gao Gan. Xun You said, “To defeat Gao Gan, we must use a false-surrender stratagem.”

Cao Cao agreed. He summoned the surrendered generals Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and whispered instructions into their ears. Lü Kuang and the others led several dozen soldiers directly to the foot of the pass and called out, “We were originally veteran officers of the Yuan family, but circumstances forced us to surrender to Cao Cao. Cao Cao is deceitful by nature and treats us poorly. We have now returned to support our former lord. Open the gate quickly and admit us!” Gao Gan did not believe them and merely ordered the two generals to come up to the pass and speak. The two men removed their armor, abandoned their horses, and entered. They said to Gao Gan, “Cao Cao’s army has only just arrived. We can take advantage of the fact that its morale is not yet settled and raid its camp tonight. We are willing to lead the way.”

Gao Gan was delighted and followed their advice. That night, he ordered the two Lüs to lead more than ten thousand troops forward. As they neared Cao Cao’s camp, tremendous shouts suddenly erupted behind them and ambushing troops rose on every side. Gao Gan realized that he had fallen into a trap and hurried back to Huguan. But Yue Jin and Li Dian had already seized the pass. Gao Gan fought his way free and fled to seek refuge with the Shanyu. Cao Cao led troops to block the pass and sent men in pursuit of Gao Gan. When Gao Gan reached the Shanyu’s territory, he encountered the Wise King of the Left of the northern tribes. Gao Gan dismounted and prostrated himself, saying, “Cao Cao is annexing every territory, and now he intends to invade Your Highness’s lands. I beg you to provide aid, so that together we may recover the lost territory and preserve the north.” The Wise King of the Left said, “I have no feud with Cao Cao. Why would he invade my territory? Are you trying to make me incur the enmity of the Cao family?” He rebuked Gao Gan and drove him away. Gao Gan saw no other course and decided to seek refuge with Liu Biao. When he reached Shanglu, Commandant Wang Yan killed him and sent his head under guard to Cao Cao. Cao Cao enfeoffed Wang Yan as a marquis.

After Bingzhou had been pacified, Cao Cao discussed an expedition west against the Wuhuan. Cao Hong and the others said, “Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have been defeated, their generals are gone, and their power and strength are exhausted. They have fled far into the desert. If we now lead our army west to attack them and Liu Bei and Liu Biao take advantage of our absence to raid the undefended capital at Xudu, we will be unable to return in time to save it, and the disaster will be grave. It would be best to withdraw our army and advance no farther.” Guo Jia said, “What you gentlemen have said is mistaken. Although our lord’s might shakes the realm, the people of the desert rely on the remoteness of their frontier and will certainly make no preparations. If we take advantage of their unpreparedness and strike them suddenly, we are certain to defeat them. Moreover, Yuan Shao showed kindness to the Wuhuan, while his sons Shang and Xi are still alive. They cannot be left uneliminated. Liu Biao is merely an armchair talker. He knows his own ability is insufficient to control Liu Bei. If he gives Bei heavy responsibilities, he will fear being unable to restrain him; if he gives Bei only minor responsibilities, Bei will not serve him effectively. Even if you leave the country undefended and campaign far away, my lord, you need have no concern.” Cao Cao said, “Fengxiao’s words are entirely correct.”

Cao Cao therefore led all three divisions of his army, great and small, together with several thousand carts, and advanced. Before them stretched vast expanses of yellow sand, with fierce winds rising on every side. The roads were rugged and difficult, and men and horses could barely proceed. Cao Cao began to consider turning back and asked Guo Jia’s advice. At this time, Guo Jia had fallen ill because he was unaccustomed to the climate and water, and lay sick in a cart. Cao Cao wept and said, “Because I wished to pacify the desert, I made you travel far through terrible hardships, and now you have fallen ill. How can my heart be at ease?” Guo Jia said, “I am deeply grateful for the Chancellor’s great kindness. Even if I die, I could not repay one ten-thousandth of it.” Cao Cao said, “The northern land is so rugged that I am thinking of withdrawing. What do you say?” Guo Jia replied, “In war, speed is precious. We have come a thousand miles to attack the enemy, but our baggage train is so cumbersome that we cannot move swiftly enough to seize an advantage. It would be better to travel by forced marches with lightly equipped troops and suddenly appear before them, taking them unprepared. We need only find someone familiar with the roads to guide us.”

Cao Cao therefore left Guo Jia in Yizhou to recover and sought a local guide to lead the way. Someone recommended Yuan Shao’s former general Tian Chou, who knew the region well. Cao Cao summoned him and asked his advice. Tian Chou said, “In summer and autumn this route is flooded. Where the water is shallow, carts and horses cannot pass, and where it is deep, boats cannot navigate. Travel is extremely difficult. It would be better to turn back and go through the mouth of Lulong, cross the dangerous heights of Baitan, and emerge into undefended territory. From there, you can approach Liucheng and take the enemy unprepared. Modu can then be captured in a single battle.”

Cao Cao followed his advice, enfeoffed Tian Chou as General Who Pacifies the North, and appointed him local guide to lead the vanguard. Zhang Liao followed behind him, while Cao Cao personally commanded the rear. They advanced by forced marches with lightly equipped cavalry. Tian Chou led Zhang Liao ahead as far as White Wolf Mountain, where they encountered Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, who had joined Modu and several tens of thousands of cavalry and were advancing toward them. Zhang Liao hurriedly reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao reined in his horse, climbed to high ground, and looked out. He saw that Modu’s troops had no proper formations and were scattered and disordered. Cao Cao said to Zhang Liao, “The enemy is in disorder. We can attack at once.” He then handed his command banner to Zhang Liao. Zhang Liao led Xu Chu, Yu Jin, and Xu Huang down the mountain in four divisions and launched a fierce assault. Modu’s forces fell into complete confusion. Zhang Liao spurred forward and cut Modu down from his horse, after which all the remaining troops surrendered. Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang led several thousand cavalry away to seek refuge in Liaodong.

Cao Cao gathered his army and entered Liucheng. He enfeoffed Tian Chou as Marquis of Liuting and appointed him to defend Liucheng. Tian Chou wept and said, “I am merely a man who abandoned righteousness and fled into hiding. Through your great kindness, I was spared and kept alive, which is already more good fortune than I deserve. How could I sell out the stronghold of Lulong to obtain rewards and emoluments? I would rather die than accept a marquisate.” Cao Cao admired his righteousness and appointed him Consultant. Cao Cao reassured the Shanyu’s people, took possession of ten thousand fine horses, and withdrew his army that same day. The weather was cold and dry, and for two hundred li there was no water. The army also lacked provisions and had to kill horses for food. They had to dig thirty or forty feet into the ground before finding water. When Cao Cao returned to Yizhou, he richly rewarded those who had previously advised against the expedition. He said to his generals, “Previously, I took a great risk in making this distant expedition and succeeded only by good fortune. Although we were victorious, it was through Heaven’s protection and must not be taken as a precedent. Your advice was the safest course, and that is why I reward you. In the future, never hesitate to speak your minds.”

By the time Cao Cao reached Yizhou, Guo Jia had been dead for several days, and his coffin rested in the government offices. Cao Cao went to make offerings and cried bitterly, saying, “Fengxiao’s death is Heaven’s ruin of me!” Turning to the assembled officials, he said, “You gentlemen are all about my own age. Only Fengxiao was younger. I intended to entrust future affairs to him, but never expected him to die in the prime of life. My heart is shattered!” Guo Jia’s attendants presented Cao Cao with a sealed letter that Guo Jia had written just before his death. They said, “Lord Guo wrote this letter with his own hand as he lay dying and instructed us, ‘If the Chancellor follows what is written in this letter, the matter of Liaodong will be settled.’” Cao Cao opened the letter and read it, nodding and sighing. None of the others understood what it meant.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led the officers in to report, saying, “Gongsun Kang, Administrator of Liaodong, has long refused to submit. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have fled to him, and they are certain to become a future threat. We should take advantage of their failure to act and march against them at once. Then Liaodong can be taken.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “There is no need to trouble you gentlemen to display your tigerlike might. Within a few days, Gongsun Kang will deliver the heads of the two Yuans to us himself.” None of the generals believed him.

Meanwhile, Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang led several thousand cavalry to Liaodong. The Administrator of Liaodong was Gongsun Kang, a native of Xiangping and the son of Gongsun Du, General of Martial Might. When he learned that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang were coming to seek refuge with him, he assembled his subordinate officials to discuss the matter. Gongsun Gong said, “While Yuan Shao was alive, he always intended to annex Liaodong. Now Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have been defeated, their generals are gone, and they have nowhere to shelter. They have come here to seek refuge, but their true intention is like that of a turtledove taking over a magpie’s nest. If you receive them, they will certainly plot against you later. It would be better to lure them into the city, kill them, and present their heads to Lord Cao. Lord Cao will certainly treat us generously.” Gongsun Kang said, “I only fear that Cao Cao will lead an army into Liaodong. Perhaps it would be better to receive the two Yuans and use them to help us.” Gongsun Gong said, “We can send men to gather information. If Cao Cao’s army comes to attack, then keep the two Yuans. If it makes no move, kill them and send them to Lord Cao.” Gongsun Kang agreed and sent men to investigate.

Now when Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang reached Liaodong, the two secretly discussed their plans. They said, “Liaodong has an army of tens of thousands, enough to contend with Cao Cao. We will seek refuge here for the time being. Later, we will kill Gongsun Kang and seize his territory, build up our strength, resist the Central Plains, and recover Hebei.”

Having settled on this plan, they went to see Gongsun Kang. Kang lodged them at the posthouse, claiming that he was ill and refusing to meet them at once. Before many days had passed, his spies returned and reported, “Cao Cao’s army is stationed in Yizhou, and he has no intention of advancing into Liaodong.” Gongsun Kang was delighted. He first concealed swordsmen and axmen behind the wall hangings and then ordered the two Yuans brought in. After they had exchanged formal greetings, he ordered them to sit. The weather was bitterly cold, and Yuan Shang saw that there were no mats or cushions on the couch. He said to Gongsun Kang, “Please have sitting mats laid down.” Gongsun Kang glared at him and said, “The heads of you two are about to travel ten thousand li! What need have you for mats?” Yuan Shang was horrified. Gongsun Kang shouted, “Why have you not struck yet?” The swordsmen and axmen rushed out and, right there by the seats, cut off both men’s heads. The heads were placed in wooden boxes and sent to Yizhou to be presented to Cao Cao.

At the time, Cao Cao remained in Yizhou, keeping his army in place. Xiahou Dun and Zhang Liao came in and reported, “If we are not going to march into Liaodong, we should return to Xudu. We fear Liu Biao may conceive some scheme.” Cao Cao said, “As soon as the heads of the two Yuans arrive, we will withdraw.” Everyone laughed inwardly. Suddenly, it was reported that Gongsun Kang of Liaodong had sent envoys bearing the heads of Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang. Everyone was astonished. The envoy presented a letter. Cao Cao laughed heartily and said, “It has turned out exactly as Fengxiao predicted!” He richly rewarded the envoy and enfeoffed Gongsun Kang as Marquis of Xiangping and General of the Left. The officials asked, “How has it turned out exactly as Fengxiao predicted?” Cao Cao produced Guo Jia’s letter and showed it to them. It read in part:I have now heard that Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have gone to seek refuge in Liaodong. My enlightened lord must on no account send troops against them. Gongsun Kang has long feared annexation by the Yuan family and will certainly be suspicious when the two Yuans seek refuge with him. If you attack them with troops, they will join forces to meet you, and you will not be able to defeat them quickly. But if you leave them alone, Gongsun Kang and the Yuans will inevitably plot against one another. The situation itself makes this certain.

Everyone leaped with delight and praised the plan. Cao Cao led the officials in holding another sacrifice before Guo Jia’s spirit tablet. Guo Jia had died at the age of thirty-eight. He had accompanied Cao Cao on campaigns for eleven years and performed many extraordinary services. A later poet praised him:Heaven gave birth to Guo Fengxiao,A hero foremost among outstanding men.Within his belly lay the Classics and histories;Within his breast, hidden armored hosts.His schemes were worthy of Fan Li;His decisions rivaled Chen Ping’s.Alas, his life was lost too soon,And the Central Plains’ great pillar fell.

Cao Cao led his army back to Jizhou and sent men ahead to escort Guo Jia’s coffin to Xudu for burial. Cheng Yu and the others urged him, “Now that the north has been pacified, when we return to Xudu we should quickly devise a strategy for advancing south of the Yangtze.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “I have had this intention for a long time. What you gentlemen propose agrees perfectly with my own wishes.” That night, he lodged in a corner tower on the eastern wall of Jizhou, leaned against the railing, and looked up to observe the heavens. Xun You was beside him. Cao Cao pointed and said, “The southern quarter shines brilliantly with ascendant energy. I fear it cannot yet be conquered.” Xun You said, “Before the Chancellor’s heavenly might, who would not submit?”

As they watched, they suddenly saw a beam of golden light rise from the ground. Xun You said, “There must be treasure buried beneath the earth.” Cao Cao went down from the tower and ordered men to dig where the light had appeared. Truly:The stars now pointed toward the southern lands,While golden treasure rose at once out of the north.What they found remains unknown. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.