Chapter 35

Liu Bei Encounters a Recluse at Nanzhang; Shan Fu Meets a Worthy Lord at Xinye

Meanwhile, just as Cai Mao was about to return to the city, Zhao Yun came leading his troops in pursuit. It turned out that while Zhao Yun was drinking, he had suddenly noticed a commotion among the men and horses. He hurried inside to investigate, only to find Liu Xuande missing from the banquet. Greatly alarmed, Zhao Yun rushed back to his lodging, where he heard someone say, “Cai Mao has led troops westward in pursuit.” Zhao Yun snatched up his spear, mounted in all haste, and led the three hundred soldiers he had brought with him racing out through the west gate. There he met Cai Mao face to face and urgently demanded, “Where is my lord?” Cai Mao replied, “The Imperial Uncle fled the banquet, and I do not know where he has gone.”

Zhao Yun was a cautious and meticulous man and would not act rashly. He therefore spurred his horse onward. In the distance he saw a broad stream, with no other road beyond it, so he wheeled around and shouted at Cai Mao, “You invited my lord to a banquet. Why, then, have you brought troops in pursuit of him?” Cai Mao replied, “The officials of all nine commanderies and forty-two districts and counties are gathered here. As commander-in-chief, how could I fail to provide protection?” Zhao Yun said, “Where have you driven my lord?” Cai Mao replied, “I heard that the Imperial Uncle rode alone out the west gate, but when I reached this place, he was nowhere to be seen.”

Zhao Yun remained torn between alarm and suspicion. Riding straight to the stream, he saw only a trail of water on the opposite bank. He thought to himself, “Could horse and rider truly have leaped across?” He ordered his three hundred soldiers to scatter and search, but they found no trace. By the time Zhao Yun turned back, Cai Mao had already entered the city. Zhao Yun seized the gate guards and questioned them closely, but all said that Liu Xuande had galloped out through the west gate. Zhao Yun thought of entering the city again, but feared an ambush; he therefore hastily led his troops back to Xinye.

Now Liu Xuande, having leaped his horse across the stream, rode on as though drunk or dazed, thinking, “For so broad a torrent to be cleared in a single bound—can this be anything but the will of Heaven?” He made his winding way south toward Zhang, urging his horse onward as the sun began to sink in the west. As he traveled, he saw a young herdsman approaching astride an ox, playing a short flute. Xuande sighed, “I am not his equal!” He reined in his horse and watched. The herdboy likewise stopped his ox, lowered his flute, and, after studying Xuande closely, said, “Can you, General, be Liu Xuande, who defeated the Yellow Turbans?” Startled, Xuande asked, “You are but a village child from this remote place. How do you know my name?” The herdboy replied, “I did not know it myself. But I often attend upon my master, and when guests visit him, I have often heard them speak of a certain Liu Xuande, seven feet five inches tall, whose hands hang below his knees and whose eyes can look back upon his own ears, calling him a hero of the age. Now that I see the General’s appearance, I suppose you must be he.”

Xuande asked, “Who is your master?” The herdboy replied, “My master’s double surname is Sima, his given name is Hui, and his style is Decao. He is a native of Yingchuan and is known among Daoists as Master Water Mirror.” Xuande asked, “With whom is your master friendly?” The boy replied, “With Pang Degong and Pang Tong of Xiangyang.” Xuande asked, “What relation is Pang Degong to Pang Tong?” The boy answered, “They are uncle and nephew. Pang Degong’s style is Shanmin, and he is ten years older than my master; Pang Tong’s style is Shiyuan, and he is five years younger than my master. One day, while my master was gathering mulberry leaves in a tree, Pang Tong happened to come visit him. Pang Tong sat beneath the tree, and the two discussed matters together all day without wearying. My master greatly admires Pang Tong and addresses him as his younger brother.” Xuande asked, “Where does your master live now?” The herdboy pointed into the distance and said, “His estate lies in the woods ahead.” Xuande said, “I am indeed Liu Xuande. Lead me there so that I may pay my respects to your master.”

The boy led Xuande onward for more than two li. Reaching the estate, Xuande dismounted and entered as far as the middle gate, where he suddenly heard the exquisite sound of a zither. He told the boy not to announce him yet and turned his head to listen. Suddenly the music ceased. A man came out laughing and said, “The tones of my zither were pure and tranquil, but amid them there suddenly arose a lofty and impassioned note. A hero must have been listening in secret.” The boy pointed to the man and told Xuande, “This is my master, Master Water Mirror.” Xuande saw a man with the bearing of a pine and the bones of a crane, whose presence was far from ordinary. He hurried forward and saluted, the skirts of his robe still wet. Water Mirror said, “You have been fortunate to escape a great calamity today!” Xuande was astonished beyond measure. The boy said, “This is Liu Xuande.”

Water Mirror invited him into his thatched hall, where host and guest took their appointed seats. Xuande saw shelves piled high with books and scrolls, luxuriant pines and bamboo planted outside the windows, and a chessboard and zither resting upon a stone couch. An air of pure serenity pervaded the place. Water Mirror asked, “From where have you come, illustrious sir?” Xuande replied, “I happened to pass this way, and through the young boy’s directions I have been privileged to behold your honored countenance. My joy and good fortune are beyond expression.” Water Mirror laughed and said, “You need not conceal the truth. You must have fled here from some danger.” Xuande then recounted everything that had happened in Xiangyang. Water Mirror said, “I knew it already from the appearance of your complexion.” He then asked Xuande, “I have long heard your illustrious name. Why is it that even now you remain frustrated and without opportunity?” Xuande replied, “My path through life has been beset with adversity, and so I have come to this.” Water Mirror said, “Not so. It is because you lack the right men at your side.” Xuande said, “Though I have little ability, in civil affairs I have Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, Jian Yong, and others of their kind; in military affairs I have Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and their peers. All devote their utmost loyalty to assisting me, and I rely greatly upon their strength.” Water Mirror said, “Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun are each a match for ten thousand men; it is a pity you have no one skilled in employing them. As for Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, and their kind, they are merely pale-faced scholars, not men of talent capable of ordering the realm and saving the age.”

Xuande said, “I too have often humbled myself to seek worthy men hidden in the mountains and valleys, but what can I do when I have not encountered the right ones?” Water Mirror said, “Have you not heard Confucius say, ‘Even in a town of ten households, there must be one loyal and trustworthy man’? How can you say there is no one?” Xuande replied, “I am dull and ignorant and cannot recognize such men. I beg you to instruct me.” Water Mirror said, “Have you heard the children’s rhyme sung throughout the commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang? It runs:

‘In the eighth or ninth year, decline begins;By the thirteenth, not one remains.At last Heaven’s mandate finds its destined lord,And the dragon coiled in mud soars up to Heaven.’

“This rhyme first appeared at the beginning of the Jian’an era. In the eighth year of Jian’an, Liu Jingsheng lost his former wife, and disorder arose within his household. This is what is meant by ‘decline begins.’ ‘Not one remains’ means that Jingsheng is soon to die, and his civil and military officers will scatter until not one remains. As for ‘Heaven’s mandate finds its destined lord’ and ‘the dragon soars up to Heaven,’ these lines must surely be fulfilled in you, General.”

Startled by these words, Xuande offered his thanks and said, “How could I dare claim such a destiny?” Water Mirror replied, “All the extraordinary talents of the realm are now gathered in this region. You should go and seek them.” Xuande urgently asked, “Where are these extraordinary talents? Who exactly are they?” Water Mirror said, “Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix: gain either one of these two, and you can bring peace to the realm.” Xuande asked, “Who are Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix?” Water Mirror clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Good! Good!” When Xuande asked again, Water Mirror said, “It is already late. You may lodge here for the night, General, and tomorrow I shall tell you.” He ordered the boy to prepare food and wine for his guest, while Xuande’s horse was led into the rear courtyard to be fed.

After Xuande had eaten and drunk, he lodged beside the thatched hall. Pondering Water Mirror’s words, he was unable to sleep. Deep in the night, he suddenly heard someone knock at the gate and enter. Water Mirror said, “Yuanzhi, what brings you here?” Xuande rose from his bed and listened in secret. He heard the visitor reply, “I had long heard that Liu Jingsheng cherished the good and abhorred the wicked, and so I went especially to pay my respects. But when I met him, I found he possessed only an empty reputation. He cherishes the good but cannot employ them, and abhors the wicked but cannot remove them. I therefore left him a letter of farewell and came here.” Water Mirror said, “You possess the talent to assist a king. You should choose the right man to serve. Why did you demean yourself by going to see Jingsheng? Besides, heroes and men of outstanding ability are right before your eyes; it is only that you fail to recognize them.” The visitor said, “What you say is true, Master.”

Xuande was overjoyed when he heard this and thought to himself, “This man must be either Sleeping Dragon or Young Phoenix.” He was about to go out and meet him, but feared acting too abruptly. At daybreak, Xuande sought an audience with Water Mirror and asked, “Who was the visitor last night?” Water Mirror replied, “He is a friend of mine.” Xuande asked to meet him. Water Mirror said, “He wished to go and serve an enlightened lord, but he has already departed elsewhere.” Xuande asked his name. Water Mirror laughed and said, “Good! Good!” Xuande asked again, “Who exactly are Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix?” Water Mirror merely laughed once more and said, “Good! Good!” Xuande bowed and begged Water Mirror to leave his retreat and assist him in supporting the House of Han. Water Mirror replied, “I am but an idle rustic of the hills and fields, unfit for service in the world. Others ten times my superior will come to assist you. You should seek them out.”

While they were still speaking, they suddenly heard shouts of men and neighing horses outside the estate. The boy came to report, “A general has arrived at the estate with several hundred men.” Xuande was greatly alarmed and hurried out to look. It was Zhao Yun. Xuande rejoiced. Zhao Yun dismounted, entered, and said, “Last night I returned to the county but could not find my lord. I followed your trail and made inquiries all night before reaching this place. My lord, you must return to the county at once. I fear someone may come there and attack.” Xuande took his leave of Water Mirror and mounted with Zhao Yun to return to Xinye. Before they had gone several li, a body of horsemen approached. When they looked, they saw Guan Yunchang and Zhang Yide. All were delighted at the reunion. Xuande recounted how he had leaped his horse across the Tan Stream, and they all sighed in wonder. Upon reaching the county seat, Xuande consulted with Sun Qian and the others. Sun Qian said, “You should first send a letter to Jingsheng and lodge a complaint concerning this affair.”

Xuande followed his advice and immediately ordered Sun Qian to carry a letter to Jingzhou. Liu Biao summoned him and asked, “I invited Xuande to attend the gathering in Xiangyang. Why did he flee the banquet?” Sun Qian presented the letter and fully described how Cai Mao had plotted to murder Xuande, who had escaped only by leaping his horse across the Tan Stream. Liu Biao flew into a rage and hastily summoned Cai Mao. He rebuked him, saying, “How dare you attempt to harm my brother!” He ordered Cai Mao dragged out and beheaded. Lady Cai came forth weeping and begged that his life be spared, but Liu Biao’s anger had not yet subsided. Sun Qian said, “If you kill Cai Mao, I fear the Imperial Uncle will no longer be able to dwell here in peace.” Liu Biao therefore reprimanded Cai Mao and released him, then sent his eldest son, Liu Qi, back with Sun Qian to apologize to Xuande.

Obeying his father’s command, Liu Qi went to Xinye. Xuande received him and gave a banquet in his honor. When the wine had flowed freely, Liu Qi suddenly began to weep. Xuande asked the reason. Liu Qi said, “My stepmother, Lady Cai, constantly harbors the intention of murdering me. I have no means of escaping disaster and beg my uncle to instruct me.” Xuande advised him, “Be cautious and fulfill your filial duties. Then no calamity will befall you.”

The next day, Liu Qi took his leave in tears. Xuande mounted his horse and escorted him beyond the city walls. Pointing to his horse, Xuande said, “Were it not for this horse, I would already be a man beneath the Yellow Springs.” Liu Qi replied, “It was not the horse’s strength, but my uncle’s immense good fortune.” With that, they parted. Liu Qi departed, shedding tears. Xuande turned his horse and rode back into the city. Suddenly he saw a man in the marketplace approaching in a hempen headcloth and cloth robe, with a black sash and dark shoes, singing loudly as he came. His song ran:

Heaven and earth turn upside down—the fire is dying;The great house is about to fall—one beam cannot sustain it.A worthy man dwells in the mountain vale and longs to serve an enlightened lord;The enlightened lord seeks worthy men, yet does not know me.

Hearing the song, Xuande thought to himself, “Can this man be the Sleeping Dragon or Young Phoenix of whom Water Mirror spoke?” He therefore dismounted and greeted the stranger, invited him into the county offices, and asked his name. The man replied, “I am a native of Yingshang. My surname is Shan and my given name is Fu. I have long heard that the Imperial Uncle welcomes scholars and seeks worthy men, and I wished to come place myself in your service, but did not dare intrude without leave. I therefore sang as I walked through the marketplace, hoping to attract your honored attention.”

Xuande was overjoyed and treated Shan Fu as an honored guest. Shan Fu said, “May I ask to look once more at the horse the Imperial Uncle was riding just now?” Xuande ordered the saddle removed and the horse led below the hall. Shan Fu said, “Is this not the Hex Mark horse? Though it is a thousand-li steed, it will bring harm to its master and must not be ridden.” Xuande replied, “Its curse has already been fulfilled.” He then recounted in full how the horse had leaped across the Tan Stream. Shan Fu said, “On that occasion it saved its master; it did not harm him. In the end, however, it must bring harm to one master. I have a method to avert the calamity.” Xuande asked, “I should like to hear this method.” Shan Fu replied, “If there is anyone against whom you bear a grudge, give him this horse. After it has brought harm to that man, you may ride it again, and naturally nothing will happen to you.”

Xuande’s expression changed when he heard this. “You have only just arrived, sir, yet instead of teaching me the righteous way, you advise me to benefit myself by harming another. I dare not accept such instruction.” Shan Fu laughed and apologized. “I had heard of the Imperial Uncle’s benevolence and virtue, but did not yet dare believe it. I therefore spoke those words merely to test you.” Xuande’s expression also softened. Rising, he thanked Shan Fu and said, “How can my benevolence and virtue be said to reach others? I ask only that you instruct me, sir.” Shan Fu said, “On my way here from Yingshang, I heard the people of Xinye sing:

‘The shepherd of Xinye, the Imperial Uncle Liu—Since he came here, the people prosper.’

“From this it is clear that the Imperial Uncle’s benevolence and virtue do indeed reach the people.” Xuande then appointed Shan Fu as his military adviser and began drilling the troops under his command.

Meanwhile, after Cao Cao returned from Jizhou to the capital at Xudu, he often entertained the intention of seizing Jingzhou. He therefore specially dispatched Cao Ren and Li Dian, together with the surrendered generals Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, and others, at the head of thirty thousand troops. They encamped at Fancheng, watching Jingzhou and Xiangyang like tigers and probing their true strength. At that time Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang reported to Cao Ren, “Liu Bei is now quartering troops at Xinye, recruiting soldiers, buying horses, gathering fodder, and storing grain. His ambition is considerable, and he must be dealt with before it is too late. Since the two of us surrendered to the Prime Minister, we have not yet achieved the slightest merit. We ask for five thousand picked troops so that we may take Liu Bei’s head and present it to the Prime Minister.”

Cao Ren was delighted and gave the two Lü five thousand soldiers to march against Xinye. A scout on horseback galloped to report the news to Xuande. Xuande summoned Shan Fu to discuss the matter. Shan Fu said, “Since enemy troops are coming, they must not be allowed to enter our territory. Have Lord Guan lead one force out on the left to strike the center of the approaching army. Have Zhang Fei lead another force out on the right to strike its rear. You, my lord, should lead Zhao Yun forward to meet the enemy in front. In this way they can be defeated.”

Xuande followed his plan and immediately sent Guan Yu and Zhang Fei away with their forces. Then, together with Shan Fu, Zhao Yun, and the others, he led two thousand men and horses beyond the pass to meet the enemy. Before they had traveled several li, they saw a great cloud of dust rising behind the hills as Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang approached at the head of their army. Both sides discharged arrows to secure the corners of their formations. Xuande rode beneath the gate of banners and shouted, “Who comes there, daring to invade my territory?” Lü Kuang rode out and said, “I am the great general Lü Kuang! By command of the Prime Minister, I have come expressly to seize you!” Xuande was furious and sent Zhao Yun forward. The two generals fought, but in only a few bouts Zhao Yun thrust Lü Kuang from his horse with a single spear stroke. Xuande waved his army forward to attack, and Lü Xiang, unable to withstand them, led his troops in flight.

As they fled, a force suddenly burst out from beside the road. The general at its head was Guan Yunchang. He charged in and dealt them a fierce onslaught. Lü Xiang lost more than half his troops before forcing a path of escape. He had gone less than ten li when another force blocked the road ahead. The leading general leveled his spear and roared, “Zhang Yide is here!” He charged straight at Lü Xiang, who was caught unprepared. Zhang Fei struck him with one thrust of his spear, and Lü Xiang toppled from his horse and died. The remaining troops scattered and fled in every direction. Xuande united his forces and pursued, capturing the greater part of the enemy. He then led his army back to the county seat, showed Shan Fu even greater honor, and rewarded all three armies.

Meanwhile, the defeated troops returned to Cao Ren and reported that both Lü generals had been slain and many soldiers taken alive. Cao Ren was greatly alarmed and consulted Li Dian. Li Dian said, “The two generals underestimated the enemy and perished. For the present, our best course is to hold our troops motionless, report the matter to the Prime Minister, and have him raise a great army for the campaign.” Cao Ren replied, “Not so. Now that both generals have fallen and so many troops have been lost, this vengeance must be exacted without delay. Xinye is no more than a pellet-sized place. Why trouble the Prime Minister’s great army?” Li Dian said, “Liu Bei is a hero among men and must not be taken lightly.” Cao Ren said, “Why are you so cowardly?” Li Dian replied, “The art of war says, ‘Know the enemy and know yourself, and you will win a hundred battles out of a hundred.’ I do not fear battle; I merely fear that victory cannot be assured.” Cao Ren angrily said, “Do you harbor divided loyalties? I am determined to capture Liu Bei alive!” Li Dian replied, “If you go, General, then I will remain to defend Fancheng.” Cao Ren said, “If you refuse to go with me, then you truly do harbor divided loyalties!” Left with no choice, Li Dian joined Cao Ren in mustering twenty-five thousand men and horses. They crossed the river and advanced upon Xinye. Thus it was said:

The lesser generals, borne home as corpses, suffered shame;The chief commander raises troops anew to avenge defeat.

What the outcome of the battle may be will be told in the next chapter.

Liu Bei Encounters a Recluse at Nanzhang; Shan Fu Meets a Worthy Lord at Xinye

Just as Cai Mao was about to return to the city, Zhao Yun led his troops out in pursuit. Zhao Yun had been drinking when he suddenly noticed soldiers and horses on the move. He hurried inside to see what was happening and found that Xuande was no longer at the banquet. Greatly alarmed, Zhao Yun rushed out to the guest quarters, where he heard someone say, “Cai Mao has led troops westward in pursuit.” Zhao Yun snatched up his spear, mounted his horse, and, leading the three hundred soldiers he had brought with him, raced out through the west gate. He ran straight into Cai Mao and urgently demanded, “Where is my lord?” Cai Mao replied, “The Governor fled the banquet. I do not know where he went.”

Zhao Yun was a cautious and meticulous man and would not act rashly, so he spurred his horse onward. In the distance he saw a broad stream, with no other road beyond it, and turned his horse back. He shouted at Cai Mao, “You invited my lord to a banquet. Why have you brought troops in pursuit of him?” Cai Mao replied, “The officials of all nine commanderies and forty-two prefectures and counties are gathered here. As commander-in-chief, how could I fail to protect them?” Zhao Yun said, “Where did you drive my lord?” Cai Mao replied, “I heard that the Governor rode alone out the west gate, but when we arrived here, he was nowhere to be seen.”

Zhao Yun was torn between alarm and suspicion. He rode directly to the stream and saw a trail of water on the opposite bank. He thought to himself, “Could he and his horse have leaped across the stream?” He ordered his three hundred soldiers to scatter and search, but they found no trace of him. By the time Zhao Yun turned back, Cai Mao had already entered the city. Zhao Yun seized the soldiers guarding the gate and questioned them closely. They all said that Governor Liu had galloped out through the west gate. Zhao Yun considered entering the city again, but feared there might be an ambush, so he hurriedly led his troops back to Xinye.

Meanwhile, after Xuande’s horse leaped across the stream, he was dazed as though drunk or delirious. He thought, “For us to clear such a broad ravine in a single leap—could this be anything but the will of Heaven?” He rode slowly toward Nanzhang as the sun began to sink in the west. While traveling on, he saw a shepherd boy approaching astride an ox, playing a short flute. Xuande sighed, “I cannot compare with him!” He reined in his horse and watched. The shepherd boy also stopped his ox, lowered his flute, and studied Xuande closely. Then he said, “General, could you be Liu Xuande, who defeated the Yellow Turbans?” Startled, Xuande asked, “You are only a child from a remote village. How do you know my name?” The shepherd boy replied, “I did not know it myself, but I often attend upon my master, and whenever guests visit him, they frequently speak of a certain Liu Xuande, who stands seven feet five inches tall, whose hands hang below his knees, and whose eyes can look back upon his own ears. They say he is a hero of the age. Now that I see the General’s appearance, I think you must be that man.”

Xuande asked, “Who is your master?” The shepherd boy replied, “My master’s compound surname is Sima, his given name is Hui, and his courtesy name is Decao. He is from Yingchuan and is known as Master Water Mirror.” Xuande asked, “With whom is your master friends?” The boy replied, “He is friends with Pang Degong and Pang Tong of Xiangyang.” Xuande asked, “How is Pang Degong related to Pang Tong?” The boy replied, “They are uncle and nephew. Pang Degong’s courtesy name is Shanmin, and he is ten years older than my master. Pang Tong’s courtesy name is Shiyuan, and he is five years younger than my master. One day, while my master was gathering mulberry leaves in a tree, Pang Tong happened to come visit him. Pang Tong sat beneath the tree, and the two discussed things together without tiring for the entire day. My master is very fond of Pang Tong and calls him his younger brother.” Xuande asked, “Where does your master live now?” The shepherd boy pointed into the distance and said, “His estate is in the woods ahead.” Xuande said, “I am indeed Liu Xuande. Take me to pay my respects to your master.”

The boy led Xuande for a little over two miles. When they reached the estate, Xuande dismounted and entered as far as the middle gate. Suddenly he heard the beautiful sound of a zither. He told the boy not to announce him yet and listened intently. All at once the music stopped. A man came out laughing and said, “The tones of my zither were pure and serene, but suddenly a lofty and impassioned note arose within them. A hero must have been listening in secret.” Pointing to the man, the boy told Xuande, “This is my master, Master Water Mirror.” Xuande looked at him. He had the bearing of an ancient pine and the bones of a crane, and his presence was extraordinary. Xuande hurried forward and bowed, the skirts of his robe still wet. Water Mirror said, “Today, my lord, you were fortunate to escape a great calamity!” Xuande was astonished beyond measure. The boy said, “This is Liu Xuande.”

Water Mirror invited him into the thatched hall, where host and guest took their proper seats. Xuande saw shelves piled high with books, luxuriant pines and bamboo outside the window, and a chessboard and zither upon a stone couch. An air of purity seemed to float about the place. Water Mirror asked, “From where have you come, my lord?” Xuande replied, “I happened to be passing through this area. The boy directed me here, allowing me the honor of seeing you, and I am exceedingly delighted and fortunate.” Water Mirror laughed. “There is no need to conceal the truth. You must have come here while fleeing disaster.” Xuande then told him everything that had happened at Xiangyang. Water Mirror said, “I knew it already from the color of your face.” He then asked Xuande, “I have long heard of your great name, my lord. Why is it that you are still frustrated and have not met with opportunity?” Xuande replied, “My destiny has been beset by hardships, and so I have come to this.” Water Mirror said, “That is not so. It is because you do not have the right men at your side.” Xuande replied, “Though I lack ability, among my civil officers I have men such as Sun Qian, Mi Zhu, and Jian Yong, while among my military officers I have Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun. They devote all their loyalty to assisting me, and I rely greatly upon their strength.” Water Mirror said, “Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun can each stand against ten thousand men, but unfortunately there is no one who knows how to employ them properly. As for men like Sun Qian and Mi Zhu, they are merely pale-faced scholars, not talents capable of ordering the realm and saving the age.”

Xuande said, “I too have humbled myself in seeking worthy men overlooked in the mountains and valleys, but what can I do when I have not met the right one?” Water Mirror replied, “Have you not heard Confucius say, ‘Even in a village of ten households, there is sure to be someone loyal and trustworthy’? How can you say there is no one?” Xuande said, “I am ignorant and unable to recognize such men. I beg you to instruct me.” Water Mirror said, “Have you heard the rhyme sung by the children of the commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang? It goes:

‘In the eighth or ninth year, decline will begin;By the thirteenth, not one will remain.At last Heaven’s mandate will find its rightful place,And the coiled dragon in the mud will soar into the sky.’

“This rhyme first appeared at the beginning of the Jian’an era. In the eighth year of Jian’an, Liu Jingsheng lost his first wife, and disorder then arose within his household. This is what is meant by ‘decline will begin.’ ‘Not one will remain’ means that Jingsheng will soon pass away, and his civil and military officers will scatter until not one remains. As for ‘Heaven’s mandate will find its rightful place’ and ‘the dragon will soar into the sky,’ these lines must refer to you, General.”

Hearing this, Xuande was startled and said humbly, “How could I dare consider myself worthy of this?” Water Mirror said, “All the extraordinary talents under Heaven are now in this region. You should go and seek them.” Xuande quickly asked, “Where are these extraordinary talents? Who exactly are they?” Water Mirror replied, “Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix. If you gain either one of them, you can bring peace to the realm.” Xuande asked, “Who are Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix?” Water Mirror clapped his hands and laughed loudly. “Good! Good!” When Xuande asked again, Water Mirror said, “It is already late. General, stay here for the night, and tomorrow I will tell you.” He then ordered the boy to prepare wine and food for his guest, while Xuande’s horse was led into the rear courtyard to be fed.

After Xuande finished eating and drinking, he slept beside the thatched hall. As he pondered Water Mirror’s words, he found himself unable to sleep. Late in the night, he suddenly heard someone knock at the gate and enter. Water Mirror said, “Yuanzhi, what brings you here?” Xuande rose from his bed and listened in secret. He heard the visitor reply, “I had long heard that Liu Jingsheng favored the good and detested the wicked, so I went especially to pay him a visit. But when I met him, I found that his reputation was empty. He favors the good but cannot employ them, and detests the wicked but cannot remove them. Therefore, I left him a letter of farewell and came here.” Water Mirror said, “You possess the talent to assist a king. You should choose the right man to serve. Why did you lower yourself by going to see Jingsheng? Besides, a true hero and outstanding man is right before your eyes, but you have failed to recognize him.” The visitor replied, “What you say is correct, Master.”

Xuande was delighted to hear this. Thinking that the man must be either Sleeping Dragon or Young Phoenix, he wanted to go out and meet him, but feared it would be rash. At daybreak, Xuande asked to see Water Mirror and said, “Who was the man who came last night?” Water Mirror replied, “He is a friend of mine.” Xuande asked to meet him. Water Mirror said, “That man wishes to serve an enlightened lord, but he has already gone elsewhere.” Xuande asked his name. Water Mirror laughed and said, “Good! Good!” Xuande asked again, “Who exactly are Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix?” Water Mirror merely laughed again. “Good! Good!” Xuande bowed and begged Water Mirror to leave his retreat and assist him in supporting the imperial house of Han. Water Mirror said, “I am merely an idle man of the hills and wilderness, unfit for service in the world. Others ten times more capable than I will come to assist you. You should seek them out.”

While they were still talking, they suddenly heard men shouting and horses neighing outside the estate. The boy came in to report, “A general has arrived at the estate with several hundred men.” Xuande was greatly alarmed and hurried outside to look. It was Zhao Yun. Xuande was overjoyed. Zhao Yun dismounted and came in to see him, saying, “Last night I returned to the county but could not find you, my lord. I made inquiries and followed your trail all night until I reached this place. You must return to the county at once. I fear someone may come and attack it.” Xuande took leave of Water Mirror, then mounted with Zhao Yun and headed toward Xinye. Before they had gone several miles, a body of troops approached. When they looked, they saw Guan Yunchang and Zhang Yide. Everyone was overjoyed to meet. Xuande told them how his horse had leaped across the Tan Stream, and they all sighed in wonder. Upon reaching the county seat, he consulted with Sun Qian and the others. Sun Qian said, “You should first send a letter to Jingsheng informing him of this affair.”

Xuande followed his advice and immediately ordered Sun Qian to carry a letter to Jingzhou. Liu Biao summoned him and asked, “I invited Xuande to attend the gathering at Xiangyang. Why did he flee the banquet?” Sun Qian presented the letter, which gave a full account of Cai Mao’s plot to kill Xuande and how he had escaped only because his horse leaped across the Tan Stream. Liu Biao was furious. He immediately summoned Cai Mao and berated him, saying, “How dare you try to murder my brother!” He ordered Cai Mao to be taken out and beheaded. Lady Cai came forward and tearfully begged that his life be spared, but Liu Biao’s anger had not yet subsided. Sun Qian said, “If you kill Cai Mao, I fear the Imperial Uncle will no longer be able to live here in peace.” Liu Biao then reprimanded Cai Mao and released him. He sent his eldest son, Liu Qi, back with Sun Qian to apologize to Xuande.

In obedience to his father’s command, Liu Qi went to Xinye, where Xuande received him and gave a banquet in his honor. When the wine had begun to flow freely, Liu Qi suddenly shed tears. Xuande asked him why. Liu Qi replied, “My stepmother, Lady Cai, is constantly plotting to harm me. I have no way to escape disaster. I hope, Uncle, that you will instruct me.” Xuande advised him, “Be careful and fulfill your filial duties. Then naturally no harm will come to you.”

The next day, Liu Qi took his leave in tears. Xuande mounted his horse and escorted him beyond the city walls. Pointing to his horse, Xuande said to Liu Qi, “If not for this horse, I would already be a man beneath the springs.” Liu Qi replied, “It was not the horse’s strength, but your own great fortune, Uncle.” With that, they parted. Liu Qi rode away weeping. Xuande turned his horse and reentered the city. Suddenly he saw a man in the marketplace approaching while singing loudly. The man wore a hempen headcloth and a plain cloth robe, with a black sash and black shoes. His song went:

“Heaven and earth are overturned; the fire is about to die.The great house is on the verge of collapse; one beam alone cannot hold it up.A worthy man dwells in the mountain valleys, longing to serve an enlightened lord.The enlightened lord seeks worthy men, yet does not know me.”

Hearing the song, Xuande thought to himself, “Could this man be Sleeping Dragon or Young Phoenix, of whom Water Mirror spoke?” He dismounted and greeted the man, invited him into the county offices, and asked his name. The man replied, “I am from Yingshang. My surname is Shan and my given name is Fu. I have long heard that the Governor welcomes scholars and recruits worthy men, and I wished to come place myself in your service, but I did not dare present myself without invitation. Therefore, I sang in the marketplace in hopes of attracting your honored attention.”

Xuande was overjoyed and treated Shan Fu as an honored guest. Shan Fu said, “May I ask to see once more the horse the Governor was just riding?” Xuande ordered the saddle removed and the horse led beneath the hall. Shan Fu said, “Is this not the Dilu horse? Though it is a thousand-mile steed, it will bring harm to its master. You must not ride it.” Xuande replied, “Its curse has already been fulfilled.” He then gave a full account of how the horse had leaped across the Tan Stream. Shan Fu said, “That was saving its master, not harming him. In the end, it is still bound to harm one master. I have a way to avert the curse.” Xuande said, “I would like to hear it.” Shan Fu replied, “If there is someone against whom you bear a grudge, you may give him this horse. After it has brought harm to that man, you can ride it again, and naturally nothing will happen to you.”

Xuande’s expression changed when he heard this. He said, “You have only just arrived, sir, yet instead of teaching me the righteous way, you tell me to benefit myself by bringing harm upon another. I dare not accept such instruction.” Shan Fu laughed and apologized. “I had heard of the Governor’s benevolence and virtue, but did not dare believe it at once, so I used those words to test you.” Xuande’s expression also softened. He rose and thanked Shan Fu, saying, “How could my benevolence and virtue possibly extend to others? I ask only that you instruct me, sir.” Shan Fu said, “On my way here from Yingshang, I heard the people of Xinye singing:

‘The shepherd of Xinye, Imperial Uncle Liu—Since he came here, the people have prospered.’

“From this it is clear that your benevolence and virtue do indeed extend to the people.” Xuande then appointed Shan Fu as his military adviser and set him to drilling and training his troops.

Meanwhile, after Cao Cao returned from Jizhou to the capital at Xuchang, he continued to harbor the intention of taking Jingzhou. He specially dispatched Cao Ren and Li Dian, together with the surrendered generals Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang, to lead thirty thousand troops and garrison Fancheng. There they watched Jingzhou and Xiangyang like tigers and probed their strengths and weaknesses. At that time, Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang reported to Cao Ren, “Liu Bei is now stationed at Xinye, recruiting soldiers, purchasing horses, gathering fodder, and storing grain. His ambitions are not small, and he must be dealt with quickly. Since the two of us surrendered to the Chancellor, we have not yet earned the slightest merit. We request five thousand picked troops so that we may take Liu Bei’s head and present it to the Chancellor.”

Cao Ren was delighted and gave the two Lüs five thousand troops to attack Xinye. A scout galloped ahead to report the news to Xuande. Xuande summoned Shan Fu to discuss the matter. Shan Fu said, “Since enemy troops are coming, they must not be allowed to enter our territory. Have Lord Guan lead a force out on the left to strike the center of the approaching army. Have Zhang Fei lead a force out on the right to strike its rear. You, my lord, should lead Zhao Yun and advance along the front road to meet the enemy. In this way, they can be defeated.”

Xuande followed his advice and immediately sent Guan Yu and Zhang Fei on their way. Then, together with Shan Fu and Zhao Yun, he led two thousand soldiers and horsemen beyond the pass to meet the enemy. Before they had gone several miles, they saw a great cloud of dust rising behind the hills as Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang arrived with their army. The two sides drew up their formations. Xuande rode out beneath the command banners and shouted, “Who are you, that you dare invade my territory?” Lü Kuang rode forward and replied, “I am the great general Lü Kuang! By the Chancellor’s command, I have come expressly to capture you!” Xuande was furious and sent Zhao Yun out against him. The two generals fought, but after only a few exchanges, Zhao Yun thrust his spear and knocked Lü Kuang dead beneath his horse. Xuande waved his troops forward in a mass attack. Unable to withstand them, Lü Xiang turned and fled with his army.

As Lü Xiang fled, a force suddenly burst out from beside the road. The general at its head was Guan Yunchang, who charged in and attacked. Lü Xiang lost more than half his troops before forcing his way through and escaping. Before he had gone ten miles, another force blocked the road ahead. Its leading general leveled his spear and shouted, “Zhang Yide is here!” He charged straight at Lü Xiang, who was caught unprepared. Zhang Fei struck him with a single thrust of his spear, and Lü Xiang toppled from his horse and died. The remaining troops scattered and fled in every direction. Xuande united his forces and gave chase, capturing most of the enemy alive. He then withdrew his army to the county seat, honored Shan Fu even more highly, and rewarded the entire army.

The defeated troops returned to Cao Ren and reported that the two Lüs had been killed and that many of their soldiers had been captured alive. Cao Ren was greatly alarmed and consulted Li Dian. Li Dian said, “The two generals underestimated the enemy and were killed. Our best course now is to hold our troops in place and report to the Chancellor, asking him to raise a great army for the campaign. That is the best strategy.” Cao Ren replied, “No. Two of our generals have now fallen in battle, and we have lost many soldiers and horses. This grudge must be avenged at once. Xinye is no more than a tiny patch of ground. Why trouble the Chancellor’s great army?” Li Dian said, “Liu Bei is an outstanding man. He must not be taken lightly.” Cao Ren said, “Why are you so afraid?” Li Dian replied, “The art of war says, ‘Know the enemy and know yourself, and you will win every battle.’ I am not afraid to fight; I merely fear that victory cannot be assured.” Cao Ren angrily said, “Do you harbor divided loyalties? I am determined to capture Liu Bei alive!” Li Dian replied, “If you go, General, I will defend Fancheng.” Cao Ren said, “If you refuse to go with me, then you truly do harbor divided loyalties!” Having no choice, Li Dian joined Cao Ren in mustering twenty-five thousand soldiers and horsemen. They crossed the river and advanced toward Xinye. Thus it was said:

“The subordinate commanders suffered the shame of bringing corpses home;Now the chief commander raises another army to avenge defeat.”

What the outcome would be remains unknown. Listen to the explanation in the next chapter.