Chapter 41

Liu Bei Leads the People Across the River; Zhao Yun Rides Alone to Rescue His Lord

Now Zhang Fei, because Guan Yu had released the waters upstream, led his troops charging in from below and intercepted Cao Ren, plunging into a confused melee. Suddenly he encountered Xu Chu and engaged him in combat. Xu Chu dared not prolong the fight, but forced open a road and escaped. Zhang Fei pursued until he joined Liu Bei and Kongming, and together they followed the river upstream. Liu Feng and Mi Fang had already prepared boats and were waiting for them, so they all crossed the river and made for Fancheng. Kongming ordered the boats and rafts set afire and destroyed.

Meanwhile, Cao Ren gathered his defeated troops and encamped at Xinye, then sent Cao Hong to report to Cao Cao and give a full account of the reverse. Cao Cao flew into a rage. “How dare that village lout Zhuge treat me so!” he cried. He pressed all three armies forward until they covered the hills and choked the countryside, and all made camp outside Xinye. He ordered his soldiers to scour the hills while filling in the White River, then divided the great army into eight columns to seize Fancheng together. Liu Ye said, “Prime Minister, now that you have first come to Xiangyang, you must begin by winning the people’s hearts. Liu Bei has moved the entire population of Xinye into Fancheng. If our troops advance directly, both cities will be ground to powder. It would be better first to send someone to summon Liu Bei to surrender. Even if he refuses, it will still show our concern for the people; and if he comes over, the lands of Jingzhou may be pacified without a battle.”

Cao Cao accepted his counsel and asked, “Who can serve as envoy?” Liu Ye replied, “Xu Shu was on the closest terms with Liu Bei and is now here in our army. Why not order him to make the journey?” Cao Cao said, “If he goes, I fear he will never return.” Liu Ye said, “If he failed to return, he would make himself the laughingstock of all men. Prime Minister, have no doubts.” Cao Cao therefore summoned Xu Shu and said to him, “I now intend to trample Fancheng flat, yet I pity the lives of its many inhabitants. Go and tell Liu Bei that if he will surrender, his offenses shall be pardoned and he shall receive rank; but if he persists in his delusion, soldiers and civilians alike shall be slaughtered, and jade and common stone shall burn together. I know your loyalty and honor, and therefore send you especially. I trust you will not betray my confidence.”

Xu Shu accepted the command and went to Fancheng. Liu Bei and Kongming received him, and together they spoke of their former friendship. Xu Shu said, “Cao Cao has sent me to summon you to surrender, my lord, but this is merely a pretense to win the people’s hearts. He has now divided his forces into eight columns and is advancing after filling in the White River. I fear Fancheng cannot be defended; you should swiftly make plans to withdraw.” Liu Bei wished to keep Xu Shu with him, but Xu Shu declined, saying, “If I do not return, I fear I shall invite the ridicule of others. My aged mother is now dead, leaving me to bear everlasting grief. Though I remain in his camp, I swear never to devise a single plan for him. With Sleeping Dragon to assist you, why should you fear that your great enterprise will not succeed? I beg leave to depart.” Liu Bei dared not detain him by force.

Xu Shu took his leave and returned. On seeing Cao Cao, he reported that Liu Bei had no intention of surrendering. Cao Cao was enraged and advanced his army that very day. Liu Bei asked Kongming for a plan. Kongming said, “We must quickly abandon Fancheng and go to Xiangyang, where we may rest for a time.” Liu Bei said, “But the people have followed me so long. How could I bear to forsake them?” Kongming replied, “Have an announcement made throughout the city: those who wish to follow may go with us, while those who do not may remain behind.” He first sent Guan Yu to the riverbank to prepare the boats, then ordered Sun Qian and Jian Yong to proclaim throughout the city, “Cao Cao’s army is about to arrive. This isolated city cannot long be defended. Any among the people who wish to follow may cross the river with us.”

The people of both counties cried out with one voice, “Though we die, we are willing to follow you, my lord!” That very day they set forth, wailing and weeping. Supporting the old and carrying the young, leading sons and bringing daughters, they streamed endlessly across the river, while cries of grief never ceased on either bank. Watching from his boat, Liu Bei was overcome with anguish and cried, “For my sake alone, the people have been made to suffer this great calamity! What right have I to live?” He made to throw himself into the river, but those around him hurriedly seized and restrained him. None who heard him could keep from weeping. When the boats reached the southern bank, he looked back and saw that some of the people had not yet crossed and were gazing southward in tears. Liu Bei urgently ordered Guan Yu to hasten the boats back for them, and only then mounted his horse. When he reached the eastern gate of Xiangyang, he saw banners planted thickly along the walls and chevaux-de-frise densely arrayed beside the moat. Reining in his horse, Liu Bei called loudly, “My worthy nephew Liu Cong, I desire only to save the people and harbor no other intention. Open the gate quickly!”

When Liu Cong heard that Liu Bei had arrived, he was too frightened to come out. Cai Mao and Zhang Yun went straight to the gate tower and shouted for the soldiers to shoot down a shower of arrows. Outside the city, all the people turned toward the tower and wept. Suddenly a general within the city led several hundred men directly up onto the wall and roared, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, traitors who have sold your country! Lord Liu is a man of benevolence and virtue. He comes now seeking refuge in order to save the people. How dare you deny him entry?” The people looked at the man. He stood eight feet tall and had a face like a ripe date. He was a native of Yiyang, surnamed Wei, named Yan, and styled Wenchang.

At once Wei Yan swung his sword and cut down the soldiers guarding the gate. He opened the gate, lowered the drawbridge, and shouted, “Imperial Uncle Liu, lead your troops quickly into the city, and together we shall kill these traitors who have sold their country!” Zhang Fei spurred his horse forward to enter, but Liu Bei hastily stopped him, saying, “Do not alarm the people!” Wei Yan continued calling on Liu Bei’s forces to come into the city. Just then a general within came galloping out at the head of a body of troops and shouted, “Wei Yan, nameless common soldier! How dare you foment disorder! Do you know the great general Wen Ping?” Wei Yan was enraged. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged to meet him.

The soldiers of both sides fell into a confused battle beside the city, and their shouts shook the heavens. Liu Bei said, “I wished to protect the people, but instead I am harming them! I will not enter Xiangyang.” Kongming said, “Jiangling is a vital stronghold of Jingzhou. We would do better to seize Jiangling first and make it our base.” Liu Bei replied, “That is precisely my own desire.” Thereupon he led the people away from the main road to Xiangyang and made for Jiangling. Many inhabitants of Xiangyang took advantage of the disorder to flee the city and follow Liu Bei. Wei Yan fought Wen Ping from the hour of the Serpent until the hour of the Goat, by which time all the soldiers under him had been lost. He wheeled his horse and fled, but could not find Liu Bei, so he went on his own to seek refuge with Han Xuan, the governor of Changsha.

Liu Bei now traveled with more than a hundred thousand soldiers and civilians, several thousand carts large and small, and countless people carrying shoulder poles and bundles on their backs. As they passed Liu Biao’s tomb, Liu Bei led all his generals in worship before it and wept as he declared, “Your unworthy younger brother Bei possesses neither virtue nor ability and has failed the grave trust you placed in him. The guilt is mine alone and has nothing to do with the people. May your heroic spirit above stoop to save the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang!” His words were filled with such bitter grief that not one among soldiers or civilians failed to shed tears.

Suddenly scouts came galloping in with this report: “Cao Cao’s great army is now encamped at Fancheng. He has sent men to gather boats and rafts, and will cross the river and pursue us this very day.” All the generals said, “Jiangling is a vital stronghold and can readily be defended. But we now have tens of thousands of civilians with us and travel barely ten miles a day. At this rate, when will we ever reach Jiangling? If Cao Cao’s troops arrive, how shall we meet them? It would be best to leave the people behind for the moment and press ahead.” Liu Bei wept and said, “One who undertakes a great enterprise must regard the people as its foundation. Now that they have given themselves to me, how can I forsake them?” When the people heard these words, none remained unmoved. A later poet praised him:

In peril, his humane heart held the people dear;Boarding his boat, his tears moved all the host.To this day, where the Xiang River meets its shore,The village elders still remember their lord.

Liu Bei continued slowly onward, surrounded by the people. Kongming said, “The pursuing army will soon be upon us. We should send Guan Yu to Jiangxia to seek aid from Prince Liu Qi and have him quickly raise troops, take ship, and rendezvous with us at Jiangling.” Liu Bei followed his advice. He immediately wrote a letter and ordered Guan Yu and Sun Qian to lead five hundred soldiers to Jiangxia to seek aid. He commanded Zhang Fei to guard the rear and Zhao Yun to protect the women and children, while all the others attended to the people as they traveled. Each day they went only a little more than ten miles before resting.

Meanwhile, from Fancheng Cao Cao sent men across the river to Xiangyang, summoning Liu Cong to an audience. Liu Cong was too frightened to go, so Cai Mao and Zhang Yun asked permission to make the journey. Wang Wei secretly advised Liu Cong, “Now that you have surrendered and Liu Bei has fled, Cao Cao will surely be relaxed and unprepared. I beg you, General, to muster an elite force and ambush him in dangerous terrain. Cao Cao can then be captured. Once Cao Cao is taken, your might will shake the empire. Though the Central Plain is vast, it may be pacified merely by sending forth proclamations. Such an opportunity is rarely encountered and must not be lost.”

Liu Cong repeated his words to Cai Mao. Cai Mao rebuked Wang Wei, saying, “You know nothing of Heaven’s decree! How dare you speak such wild words?” Wang Wei angrily cursed him: “You traitor who has sold his country! I regret only that I cannot devour your flesh raw!” Cai Mao wished to kill him, but Kuai Yue intervened and stopped him. Cai Mao then went with Zhang Yun to Fancheng, where they bowed before Cao Cao. Their every word and expression was fawning and servile. Cao Cao asked, “How many troops, horses, funds, and provisions does Jingzhou now possess?” Cai Mao replied, “There are fifty thousand cavalry, one hundred fifty thousand infantry, and eighty thousand marines—a total of two hundred eighty thousand. Most of the funds and provisions are stored at Jiangling. What remains in the other districts is also sufficient to supply the army for one year.” Cao Cao asked, “How many warships are there, and who formerly commanded them?” Cai Mao replied, “There are more than seven thousand warships, large and small. The two of us have always commanded them.”

Cao Cao thereupon made Cai Mao Marquis Who Guards the South and Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, and Zhang Yun Marquis Who Assists Submission and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The two men were overjoyed and bowed their thanks. Cao Cao further said, “Now that Liu Jingsheng is dead and his son has submitted, I shall memorialize the Son of Heaven and have him confirmed forever as lord of Jingzhou.” The two men withdrew in great delight. Xun You said, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun are fawning sycophants. Why, my lord, have you granted them such illustrious titles and even placed the navy under their command?” Cao Cao laughed. “How could I fail to judge men? It is only because the northern troops under me are unaccustomed to naval warfare that I am employing these two for the time being. Once the enterprise is accomplished, I shall deal with them otherwise.”

Cai Mao and Zhang Yun returned to Liu Cong and reported in full that Cao Cao had promised to memorialize the throne and preserve him forever as lord of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Liu Cong was overjoyed. The next day, accompanied by his mother, Lady Cai, he carried the seals of office and military tallies across the river in person to welcome Cao Cao with due obeisance. After soothing and reassuring him, Cao Cao led the generals accompanying his campaign forward and encamped outside Xiangyang. Cai Mao and Zhang Yun ordered the people of Xiangyang to burn incense and bow in welcome, and Cao Cao addressed them all with kindly words of comfort. After entering the city and taking his seat in the government hall, he summoned Kuai Yue before him and said reassuringly, “I do not rejoice at gaining Jingzhou; I rejoice at gaining Yidu.” He then appointed Kuai Yue governor of Jiangling and made him Marquis of Fancheng. Fu Xun, Wang Can, and the others were all made Marquises Within the Passes. Liu Cong, however, was appointed Inspector of Qingzhou and ordered to depart at once.

Liu Cong was greatly alarmed on hearing the command and declined, saying, “I do not wish to hold office. I desire only to remain in the homeland of my parents.” Cao Cao said, “Qingzhou is near the imperial capital. I would have you serve at court, so that no one in Jingzhou or Xiangyang can plot against you.” Liu Cong repeatedly declined, but Cao Cao would not permit it. Liu Cong therefore had no choice but to set out for Qingzhou with his mother, Lady Cai. Of his former generals, only Wang Wei accompanied him; all the other officials escorted them to the riverbank and then returned. Cao Cao summoned Yu Jin and secretly instructed him, “Lead a force of light cavalry after Liu Cong and his mother and kill them, thereby removing any future danger.”

Yu Jin accepted the command, led his men in pursuit, and overtook them. He shouted, “By order of the Prime Minister, I have come to kill mother and son! Make haste and surrender your heads!” Lady Cai embraced Liu Cong and wept bitterly. Yu Jin shouted for his soldiers to strike. Wang Wei, furious, fought with all his strength, but was eventually killed by the mass of troops. The soldiers then slew Liu Cong and Lady Cai. Yu Jin returned and reported to Cao Cao, who rewarded him lavishly. Cao Cao next sent men to Longzhong to search for Kongming’s wife and family, but no trace of them could be found. Kongming, as it turned out, had already sent them away to hide in the Three Rivers region. Cao Cao bitterly resented this.

Once Xiangyang had been pacified, Xun You advised, “Jiangling is the key stronghold of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and its stores of money and grain are immense. If Liu Bei occupies it, he will be difficult to dislodge in haste.” Cao Cao said, “Could I possibly have forgotten it?” He immediately ordered that one general be selected from among the commanders at Xiangyang to lead the vanguard and clear the road. But of all the generals, Wen Ping alone was absent. Cao Cao sent men to seek him out, and only then did he come to the audience. Cao Cao asked, “Why have you come so late?” Wen Ping replied, “As a subject, I was unable to preserve my lord’s lands intact. My heart is filled with grief and shame, and I had no face to present myself sooner.” When he had spoken, he sobbed and shed tears. Cao Cao said, “Here is a truly loyal subject!” He appointed Wen Ping governor of Jiangxia, bestowed upon him the title Marquis Within the Passes, and ordered him to lead the army and clear the road. Scouts reported, “Liu Bei is leading the people and travels only a little more than ten miles each day. By our calculation, he is just over three hundred miles away.” Cao Cao ordered each division to select its finest men, forming a force of five thousand armored cavalry, and sent them forward at full speed by night and day, with orders to overtake Liu Bei within one day and one night. The main army followed in successive columns.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei led more than a hundred thousand civilians and somewhat over three thousand troops toward Jiangling, painfully covering one stage after another. Zhao Yun protected the women and children, while Zhang Fei guarded the rear. Kongming said, “Guan Yu has gone to Jiangxia, but we have received no word from him at all. I do not know how matters stand.” Liu Bei said, “May I trouble you, Master Strategist, to make the journey yourself? Liu Qi is grateful for the counsel you gave him in former days. If he sees that you have come in person, the affair will surely succeed.” Kongming agreed and departed ahead with Liu Feng and five hundred soldiers to seek aid at Jiangxia.

That day Liu Bei traveled with Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang. As they went, a sudden violent wind sprang up before his horse, sending dust soaring to the heavens and entirely obscuring the red sun. Startled, Liu Bei asked, “What omen is this?” Jian Yong possessed some understanding of the principles of yin and yang. Concealing his hand in his sleeve, he cast a divination, then exclaimed in alarm, “This is an omen of great disaster, to be fulfilled tonight. My lord, you must quickly abandon the people and flee.” Liu Bei said, “The people have followed me all the way from Xinye. How could I bear to abandon them?” Jian Yong replied, “If my lord clings to them and will not leave them, disaster is not far away.” Liu Bei asked, “What place lies ahead?” Those around him answered, “Ahead is Dangyang County. There is a mountain there called Mount Jing.” Liu Bei then ordered the army to make camp by the mountain.

It was the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, and the chill wind pierced to the bone. Dusk was approaching, and cries of grief filled the countryside. At about the fourth watch, shouts suddenly came rolling from the northwest, shaking the earth. Liu Bei was greatly alarmed. He hastily mounted and led more than two thousand picked troops from his own command to meet the enemy. Cao Cao’s soldiers swept down upon them with irresistible force. Liu Bei fought desperately. At the most perilous moment, Zhang Fei fortunately arrived with his troops, hewed open a road of blood, and rescued Liu Bei, leading him eastward. Wen Ping came forward and blocked their way. Liu Bei cursed him: “Traitor who betrayed your lord! How can you still show your face before men?” Wen Ping’s face filled with shame. He led his troops away toward the northeast. Zhang Fei protected Liu Bei as they fought and retreated. They fled until dawn, when the cries behind them gradually faded into the distance, and only then did Liu Bei rein in his horse to rest. When he looked at those who had followed him, he saw barely a hundred horsemen. The common people, the women and children, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Jian Yong, Zhao Yun, and all the rest had vanished, and no one knew where they were. Liu Bei wept bitterly. “More than a hundred thousand living souls have suffered this great disaster because of their devotion to me. I do not know whether my generals or my family live or die. Even a man of earth or wood could not help but grieve!”

While he was still sunk in misery, Mi Fang suddenly appeared, staggering toward them with several arrows lodged in his face. He cried, “Zhao Zilong has deserted us and gone over to Cao Cao!” Liu Bei rebuked him: “Zilong is my old companion. How could he ever betray me?” Zhang Fei said, “Now that he sees our strength exhausted and our cause desperate, perhaps he has gone over to Cao Cao in pursuit of wealth and rank.” Liu Bei said, “Zilong has followed me through hardship and peril. His heart is firm as iron and stone; wealth and rank could never sway him.” Mi Fang said, “I saw him with my own eyes riding toward the northwest.” Zhang Fei said, “Wait until I seek him out myself. If I meet him, I will stab him dead with one thrust!” Liu Bei said, “Do not suspect him wrongly. Have you forgotten how your second elder brother slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou? There must be some reason for Zilong’s going. I am certain he will never abandon me.”

But Zhang Fei would not listen. Leading more than twenty horsemen, he rode to Changban Bridge. Seeing a stretch of woodland east of the bridge, he devised a stratagem. He ordered the horsemen with him to cut down tree branches, tie them to their horses’ tails, and gallop back and forth through the woods, raising clouds of dust to suggest the presence of hidden troops. Zhang Fei himself leveled his spear across his saddle and stationed his horse on the bridge, gazing westward.

Zhao Yun, meanwhile, had been fighting Cao Cao’s forces since the fourth watch, charging to and fro until daybreak. He could not find Liu Bei and had also lost Liu Bei’s family. He thought to himself, “My lord entrusted his two ladies, Gan and Mi, and his young son, A-Dou, to my care. Now they have been separated from the army. With what face can I go before my lord? Better to fight to the death. Whatever happens, I must discover the whereabouts of my mistresses and the young lord!” Looking back, he saw that only thirty or forty horsemen remained with him. Zhao Yun spurred his horse through the disordered army in search of them. The lamentations of the people from the two counties shook heaven and earth. Countless men, struck by arrows or spears, fled after abandoning sons and daughters alike.

As Zhao Yun rode on, he saw a man lying in the grass. Looking closely, he recognized Jian Yong. Zhao Yun hurriedly asked, “Have you seen the two ladies?” Jian Yong replied, “The two ladies abandoned their carriages and fled carrying A-Dou. I galloped after them, but as I rounded the hillside, a general stabbed me with his spear and knocked me from my horse. My horse was seized. I was unable to fight on, and so I lie here.” Zhao Yun took one of the horses ridden by his followers and lent it to Jian Yong. He then ordered two soldiers to escort Jian Yong ahead and report to their lord: “Though I must ascend to heaven or descend into the earth, I will somehow find my mistresses and the young lord. If I cannot find them, I shall die upon the battlefield!”

With that, he spurred his horse toward Changban Slope. Suddenly someone called loudly, “General Zhao, where are you going?” Zhao Yun reined in and asked, “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am one of Lord Liu’s soldiers assigned to escort the carriages. An arrow struck me down here.” Zhao Yun at once asked for news of the two ladies. The soldier said, “Only a moment ago I saw Lady Gan, her hair disheveled and her feet bare, traveling south with a group of women from among the refugees.”

On hearing this, Zhao Yun paid no further heed to the soldier but urgently galloped south in pursuit. He soon saw a crowd of refugees, several hundred men and women, helping one another along. Zhao Yun called loudly, “Is Lady Gan among you?” From the rear of the crowd, Lady Gan saw Zhao Yun and burst into loud sobs. Zhao Yun dismounted, planted his spear in the ground, and said through his tears, “It is my fault that you were separated, my lady! Where are Lady Mi and the young lord?” Lady Gan replied, “Lady Mi and I were pursued, so we abandoned the carriages and went on foot among the common people. Then another body of troops charged upon us and scattered us. I do not know where Lady Mi and A-Dou have gone. I alone escaped with my life and reached this place.”

While they were speaking, the people raised a cry as another force of soldiers burst forth. Zhao Yun drew up his spear and mounted. Looking ahead, he saw a man bound upon a horse: it was Mi Zhu. Behind him came a general wielding a great sword and leading more than a thousand troops. This was Chunyu Dao, an officer under Cao Ren. He had captured Mi Zhu and was about to take him away and present him as proof of his merit. Zhao Yun gave a tremendous shout, leveled his spear, and spurred his horse straight at Chunyu Dao. Chunyu Dao could not withstand him and was knocked from his horse by a single thrust. Zhao Yun rushed forward, rescued Mi Zhu, and seized two horses. He asked Lady Gan to mount, then hewed open a road of blood and escorted her straight to Changban Slope.

There he saw Zhang Fei sitting his horse on the bridge with spear leveled. Zhang Fei shouted, “Zilong! Why have you betrayed my elder brother?” Zhao Yun replied, “I could not find the ladies or the young lord, and therefore fell behind. How can you speak of betrayal?” Zhang Fei said, “Had Jian Yong not arrived before you and reported the truth, I would never have spared you when we met!” Zhao Yun asked, “Where is our lord?” Zhang Fei replied, “Not far ahead.” Zhao Yun said to Mi Zhu, “Mi Zizhong, escort Lady Gan onward. I must return and search for Lady Mi and the young lord.” When he had spoken, he led several horsemen back along the road by which he had come.

As he rode on, he saw a general approaching at a gallop with more than ten horsemen. The man carried an iron spear and bore a sword on his back. Zhao Yun said nothing but charged straight at him. At the first exchange, he stabbed the general from his horse, and all his followers fled. The slain general was Xiahou En, the officer entrusted with carrying Cao Cao’s personal sword. Cao Cao possessed two precious swords: one was named “Heaven’s Prop,” and the other “Blue Steel.” He wore Heaven’s Prop himself and had Xiahou En carry Blue Steel. The Blue Steel sword could cut iron as though it were mud and was incomparably sharp.

Xiahou En had relied on his own courage and strength and, with the sword on his back, had led men about plundering and pillaging. He never expected to encounter Zhao Yun, who killed him with a single thrust and seized the sword. Seeing the two characters “Blue Steel” inlaid in gold upon the hilt, Zhao Yun knew it was a precious blade. He thrust the sword into his belt, raised his spear, and again charged into the dense encirclement. When he looked back, not one of his horsemen remained; he was utterly alone. Yet Zhao Yun had not the slightest thought of retreat and continued searching everywhere. Whenever he encountered any of the people, he asked for news of Lady Mi. Suddenly a man pointed and said, “The lady is carrying a child. She was wounded in the left thigh by a spear and cannot walk. She is sitting just ahead inside a breach in a wall.”

When Zhao Yun heard this, he hurried forward in search. He found a household whose earthen wall had been damaged by fire. There, beneath the wall beside a dry well, Lady Mi sat weeping with A-Dou in her arms. Zhao Yun hastily dismounted, prostrated himself, and bowed. Lady Mi said, “Now that I have seen you, General, A-Dou may yet live. I pray you take pity on his father, who has wandered homeless for half his life and possesses only this one drop of his blood. Protect this child and bring him safely to his father. Then I shall die without regret!”

Zhao Yun said, “Your suffering, my lady, is my fault. Say no more, but please mount my horse. I shall fight on foot to the death and escort you through the encirclement.” Lady Mi replied, “No. How can you be without a horse, General? This child depends entirely upon your protection. I am gravely wounded already—why should my death matter? I beg you to take the child quickly and leave. Do not let me burden you.” Zhao Yun said, “The shouts are drawing near. The pursuing troops have arrived. Please mount at once, my lady!” Lady Mi said, “I truly cannot go. Do not ruin us both.” She then handed A-Dou to Zhao Yun and said, “This child’s life rests wholly in your hands!”

Again and again Zhao Yun begged Lady Mi to mount, but she steadfastly refused. Battle cries arose on every side. Zhao Yun sternly said, “If you will not heed me, my lady, what shall we do when the pursuers arrive?” Lady Mi cast A-Dou onto the ground, turned, and threw herself into the dry well, where she died. A later poet praised her:

A warrior in battle must rely upon his steed;How could he guard the infant lord while going on foot?She staked one death to preserve the heir of Liu—In courage and resolve, she shamed the men.

Seeing that Lady Mi was dead, Zhao Yun feared Cao Cao’s soldiers might desecrate her corpse. He therefore pushed down the earthen wall and covered the dry well. When this was done, he loosened the cord binding his armor, lowered the protective breastplate, and placed A-Dou safely against his chest. Then he snatched up his spear and mounted. A general had already arrived with a company of infantry. It was Yan Ming, an officer under Cao Hong, who wielded a three-pointed, double-edged blade and came to fight Zhao Yun. In fewer than three exchanges, Zhao Yun stabbed him from his horse, scattered his troops, and burst open a road.

As Zhao Yun rode onward, another body of troops and horsemen barred his way. At their head was a great general whose banner clearly bore the words “Zhang He of Hejian.” Zhao Yun said nothing but leveled his spear and engaged him. After some ten exchanges, Zhao Yun dared not prolong the fight and forced a path of escape. Zhang He pursued from behind. Zhao Yun whipped his horse forward, but suddenly, with a stumble, both horse and rider pitched into a pit. Zhang He charged up with leveled spear to stab him. All at once a beam of red light rolled upward from the pit, and Zhao Yun’s horse sprang into the air and leaped clear. A later poet wrote:

Red light enclosed him as the captive dragon flew;His warhorse burst the siege at Changban through.The destined lord of forty-two years to comeThus gave the general cause to show his godlike might.

Zhang He was greatly startled by the sight and withdrew. Zhao Yun galloped onward, but suddenly two generals behind him shouted, “Zhao Yun, do not flee!” Ahead, two more generals wielding different weapons blocked his path. Those pursuing from behind were Ma Yan and Zhang Yi; those barring the way ahead were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan. All four were surrendered generals formerly under Yuan Shao. Zhao Yun fought fiercely against the four as Cao Cao’s soldiers surged forward together. He then drew the Blue Steel sword and slashed wildly. Wherever his hand rose, garments and armor were cut clean through, and blood gushed like springs. He drove back soldiers and generals alike and broke straight through the dense encirclement.

Meanwhile, from the summit of Mount Jing, Cao Cao saw a general whose might proved irresistible wherever he went and urgently asked those around him who the man was. Cao Hong galloped down the mountain and shouted, “Warrior in the ranks, leave us your name!” Zhao Yun called back, “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan!” Cao Hong returned and reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “He is truly a tiger general! I must take him alive.” He immediately sent mounted messengers to every quarter with this order: “Wherever Zhao Yun appears, no one is to loose a hidden arrow. He must be captured alive.” Because of this, Zhao Yun escaped the peril. This too was owing to A-Dou’s good fortune.

In that battle Zhao Yun, carrying the future Latter Lord against his breast, broke straight through the dense encirclement, hewed down two great standards, and seized three lances. Fighting with spear before and sword behind, he killed more than fifty noted generals from Cao Cao’s camp. A later poet wrote:

Blood dyed his battle robe and stained his armor red;At Dangyang, who dared meet him face-to-face?Of all who broke through ranks to save a lord in peril,None but Zhao Zilong of Changshan stands alone.

Zhao Yun had now fought his way through the encirclement and left the main battle lines behind, his war robe drenched in blood. As he rode on, two more bodies of troops suddenly burst out below a hillside. They were led by the brothers Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen, officers under Xiahou Dun. One wielded a great ax and the other a painted halberd. They shouted, “Zhao Yun, dismount at once and submit to bondage!” Truly:

Scarcely had he escaped alive from the tiger’s den,When the dragon’s pool surged up to bar his way again.

How Zilong escaped in the end will be told in the next chapter.

Liu Bei Leads the People Across the River; Zhao Yun Rides Alone to Rescue His Lord

Now Zhang Fei, because Lord Guan had released the water upstream, led his troops charging in from downstream and intercepted Cao Ren’s forces, plunging them into a confused melee. He suddenly encountered Xu Chu and engaged him in combat. Xu Chu did not dare prolong the fight and broke through to escape. Zhang Fei pursued and joined Xuande and Kongming, and together they followed the river upstream. Liu Feng and Mi Fang had already prepared boats and were waiting for them, so they all crossed the river and headed for Fancheng. Kongming ordered the boats and rafts set on fire and destroyed.

Meanwhile, Cao Ren gathered his surviving troops and encamped at Xinye, then sent Cao Hong to report the defeat in full to Cao Cao. Cao Cao flew into a rage and said, “How dare that village bumpkin Zhuge do such a thing!” He hurried his three armies forward, covering the mountains and filling the countryside, until all had reached Xinye and made camp. He ordered the soldiers to search the hills while filling in the Bai River, then divided the main army into eight columns and sent them all to seize Fancheng. Liu Ye said, “Prime Minister, since you have just arrived in Xiangyang, you must first win the people’s hearts. Liu Bei has now moved all the people of Xinye into Fancheng. If our troops advance directly, both cities will be ground to dust. It would be better first to send someone to summon Liu Bei to surrender. Even if Bei refuses, we will still show that we care for the people. If he does surrender, the territory of Jingzhou can be settled without a battle.”

Cao Cao accepted his advice and asked, “Who can serve as the envoy?” Liu Ye said, “Xu Shu was very close to Liu Bei and is now in our army. Why not order him to make the journey?” Cao Cao said, “If he goes, I fear he will not return.” Liu Ye said, “If he did not return, he would make himself a laughingstock. Prime Minister, do not doubt him.” Cao Cao summoned Xu Shu and said to him, “I now intend to flatten Fancheng, but I pity the lives of its many people. You may go and tell Liu Bei that if he is willing to surrender, his offenses will be pardoned and he will be granted a title. If he persists in his delusion, soldiers and civilians alike will be slaughtered, and jade and common stone will burn together. I know you to be loyal and honorable, so I am sending you especially. I hope you will not fail me.”

Xu Shu accepted the order and went to Fancheng. Xuande and Kongming received him, and together they spoke of their old friendship. Xu Shu said, “Cao Cao sent me to summon you to surrender, my lord, but he is only pretending to win the people’s hearts. He has divided his troops into eight columns and is filling in the Bai River as he advances. I fear Fancheng cannot be held. You should quickly plan to leave.” Xuande wanted Xu Shu to remain, but Xu Shu declined, saying, “If I do not return, I fear I will become a laughingstock. Now that my aged mother is dead, I will bear this hatred to the end of my days. Though I remain with him in body, I swear I will never devise a single plan for him. With Sleeping Dragon assisting you, why should you fear that your great undertaking will not succeed? I ask permission to take my leave.” Xuande did not dare press him to stay.

Xu Shu returned and told Cao Cao that Xuande had no intention of surrendering. Cao Cao was furious and advanced his army that very day. Xuande asked Kongming for a plan. Kongming said, “We should quickly abandon Fancheng and go to Xiangyang to rest for the time being.” Xuande said, “But the people have followed me for so long. How could I bear to abandon them?” Kongming said, “Have it announced everywhere that those willing to follow may go with us, while those unwilling may remain behind.” He first sent Yun Chang to the riverbank to prepare the boats, then ordered Sun Qian and Jian Yong to proclaim throughout the city, “Cao Cao’s army is about to arrive. This isolated city cannot be defended for long. Any of the people who wish to follow may cross the river with us.”

The people of both counties cried out with one voice, “Even if we die, we are willing to follow our lord!” That very day they set out, wailing and weeping. Supporting the old and carrying the young, leading sons and bringing daughters, they streamed endlessly across the river, while cries of grief sounded without cease from both banks. Seeing this from his boat, Xuande wept bitterly and said, “Because of me alone, the people have been made to suffer this great calamity. What right have I to live?” He tried to throw himself into the river, but those beside him hurriedly restrained him. Everyone who heard him burst into tears. When the boats reached the southern bank, Xuande looked back and saw that some of the people had not yet crossed and were gazing southward and weeping. He urgently ordered Yun Chang to hasten the boats and ferry them across, and only then mounted his horse. When they reached Xiangyang’s eastern gate, they saw banners planted all along the walls and dense lines of chevaux-de-frise beside the moat. Xuande reined in his horse and cried out, “My worthy nephew Liu Cong! I wish only to save the people and have no other intention. Open the gate quickly!”

When Liu Cong heard that Xuande had arrived, he was too frightened to come out. Cai Mao and Zhang Yun went straight to the gate tower and shouted at the soldiers to shoot down a hail of arrows. Outside the city, all the people looked toward the gate tower and wept. Suddenly, a general within the city led several hundred men directly up onto the wall and shouted, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, you traitors who have sold your country! Lord Liu is a humane and virtuous man. He has come seeking refuge to save the people. How dare you refuse him?” Everyone looked at the man. He stood eight feet tall, and his face was the color of a dark red date. He was a native of Yiyang, surnamed Wei, given name Yan, and styled Wenchang.

Wei Yan brandished his saber, cut down the soldiers guarding the gate, opened the city gate, and lowered the drawbridge. He shouted, “Imperial Uncle Liu, quickly lead your troops into the city, and together we will kill the traitors who sold their country!” Zhang Fei immediately urged his horse forward to enter, but Xuande hurriedly stopped him, saying, “Do not alarm the people!” Wei Yan kept calling for Xuande’s troops to enter the city. Just then a general inside came galloping out at the head of his troops and shouted, “Wei Yan, you nameless common soldier! How dare you start a rebellion? Do you recognize the great general Wen Ping?” Wei Yan flew into a rage, leveled his spear, spurred his horse forward, and engaged him in combat.

The troops on both sides fell into a confused battle beside the city, and their shouts shook the air. Xuande said, “I meant to protect the people, but instead I am harming them! I do not wish to enter Xiangyang.” Kongming said, “Jiangling is a key stronghold of Jingzhou. We would do better to seize Jiangling first and make it our base.” Xuande said, “That is exactly what I want.” He therefore led the people away from the main road to Xiangyang and headed toward Jiangling. Many of the people inside Xiangyang took advantage of the disorder to flee the city and follow Xuande. Wei Yan fought Wen Ping from the hour of the Snake until the hour of the Goat, by which time all the soldiers under him had been lost. Wei Yan then wheeled his horse and fled, but he could not find Xuande, so he went instead to join Han Xuan, the governor of Changsha.

Xuande was traveling with more than a hundred thousand soldiers and civilians, several thousand carts large and small, and countless people carrying loads on poles or bundles on their backs. When they passed Liu Biao’s tomb, Xuande led his generals in bowing before it and tearfully declared, “Your unworthy younger brother Bei possesses neither virtue nor talent and has failed the grave trust you placed in him. The guilt belongs to Bei alone and has nothing to do with the people. I pray that your heroic spirit will look down and save the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang!” His words were deeply sorrowful, and not one among the soldiers and civilians failed to shed tears.

Suddenly a scout reported, “Cao Cao’s great army is already encamped at Fancheng. He has ordered boats and rafts prepared and will cross the river and pursue us today.” All the generals said, “Jiangling is a vital stronghold and can easily be defended. But with tens of thousands of people around us, we travel only a little over ten miles each day. At this rate, when will we ever reach Jiangling? If Cao Cao’s troops arrive, how can we meet them? It would be best to abandon the people for the time being and go on ahead.” Xuande wept and said, “Anyone undertaking a great cause must take the people as his foundation. Now that they have placed themselves in my hands, how could I abandon them?” When the people heard Xuande’s words, none remained unmoved. A later poet praised him:

In peril, his humane heart remained with the people;Boarding the boats, he shed tears that moved the whole army.To this day, where Xiang River meets the shore,The elders still remember their lord.

Xuande continued slowly onward, surrounded by the people. Kongming said, “The pursuing troops will soon arrive. We should send Yun Chang to Jiangxia to seek aid from Young Master Liu Qi and have him quickly raise troops and come by boat to meet us at Jiangling.” Xuande agreed. He immediately wrote a letter and ordered Yun Chang and Sun Qian to take five hundred soldiers to Jiangxia to seek aid. He ordered Zhang Fei to guard the rear, Zhao Yun to protect the women and children, and all the others to look after the people as they traveled. Each day they covered only a little more than ten miles before resting.

Meanwhile, at Fancheng, Cao Cao sent men across the river to Xiangyang and summoned Liu Cong to meet him. Liu Cong was too frightened to go, so Cai Mao and Zhang Yun asked to go in his place. Wang Wei secretly advised Liu Cong, “Now that you have surrendered and Xuande has fled, Cao Cao is certain to relax his guard and make no preparations. I beg you, General, to organize a picked force, place it at some strategic point, and strike him. Cao Cao can then be captured. Once Cao Cao is captured, your power will shake the empire. Though the Central Plains are vast, they can be settled merely by issuing a proclamation. Such an opportunity is difficult to find and must not be lost.”

Liu Cong repeated Wang Wei’s words to Cai Mao. Cai Mao rebuked Wang Wei, saying, “You know nothing of Heaven’s will! How dare you speak so recklessly?” Wang Wei angrily cursed him: “You traitor who sold your country! I regret that I cannot eat your flesh raw!” Cai Mao wanted to kill him, but Kuai Yue persuaded him not to. Cai Mao then went with Zhang Yun to Fancheng and paid his respects to Cao Cao. Both men were extremely fawning in their words and manner. Cao Cao asked, “How many troops, horses, funds, and provisions does Jingzhou now possess?” Cai Mao replied, “Fifty thousand cavalry, one hundred fifty thousand infantry, and eighty thousand naval troops, making two hundred eighty thousand in all. Most of the funds and provisions are at Jiangling. The supplies in the other places are also sufficient for one year.” Cao Cao asked, “How many warships are there, and who originally commanded them?” Cai Mao replied, “There are more than seven thousand warships, large and small, and the two of us originally commanded them.”

Cao Cao therefore appointed Cai Mao Marquis Who Pacifies the South and Grand Commander of the Navy, and Zhang Yun Marquis Who Assists Submission and Deputy Commander of the Navy. The two men were overjoyed and bowed their thanks. Cao Cao also said, “Now that Liu Jingsheng is dead and his son has submitted, I shall petition the Son of Heaven to make him the permanent ruler of Jingzhou.” The two men withdrew in great delight. Xun You said, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun are fawning sycophants. Why, my lord, have you granted them such distinguished titles and even placed them in command of the navy?” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Do you think I cannot judge men? It is only because the northern troops under my command are unaccustomed to naval warfare that I am using these two for the moment. Once the enterprise is completed, I will deal with them differently.”

Cai Mao and Zhang Yun returned to Liu Cong and gave him a full account of Cao Cao’s promise to petition that he permanently govern Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Liu Cong was overjoyed. The next day, he and his mother, Lady Cai, carried the seals of office and military tallies and personally crossed the river to bow in welcome before Cao Cao. After comforting them, Cao Cao led the officers and generals accompanying him on the campaign to encamp outside Xiangyang. Cai Mao and Zhang Yun ordered the people of Xiangyang to burn incense and bow in welcome. Cao Cao reassured them all with kind words. After entering the city and taking his seat in the government hall, he summoned Kuai Yue before him and said soothingly, “I do not rejoice at obtaining Jingzhou; I rejoice at obtaining Yidu.” He then appointed Kuai Yue governor of Jiangling and Marquis of Fancheng. Fu Xun, Wang Can, and the others were all made Marquises Within the Passes, while Liu Cong was appointed inspector of Qing Province and ordered to depart at once.

Liu Cong was shocked when he heard the order and declined, saying, “I do not wish to hold office. I wish to remain and guard the homeland of my parents.” Cao Cao said, “Qing Province is close to the imperial capital. I am having you serve at court so that no one in Jingzhou or Xiangyang can plot against you.” Liu Cong repeatedly declined, but Cao Cao would not permit it. Liu Cong had no choice but to set out for Qing Province with his mother, Lady Cai. Only his former general Wang Wei accompanied them; all the other officials escorted them to the riverbank and then returned. Cao Cao summoned Yu Jin and instructed him, “Take light cavalry, pursue Liu Cong and his mother, and kill them to eliminate any future danger.”

Yu Jin received the order, led his men in pursuit, and overtook them. He shouted, “I have come on the Prime Minister’s orders to kill you, mother and son! Hand over your heads at once!” Lady Cai embraced Liu Cong and wept loudly. Yu Jin shouted an order for his soldiers to strike. Wang Wei, furious, fought with all his strength but was eventually killed by the mass of soldiers. The soldiers then killed Liu Cong and Lady Cai. Yu Jin returned and reported to Cao Cao, who rewarded him generously. Cao Cao then sent men to Longzhong to search for Kongming’s wife and family, but no one knew where they had gone. Kongming had in fact already sent people to move them into hiding among the Three Rivers. Cao Cao bitterly resented this.

Once Xiangyang had been secured, Xun You advised, “Jiangling is the key stronghold of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and its stores of funds and provisions are immense. If Liu Bei occupies that place, it will be difficult to dislodge him quickly.” Cao Cao said, “Do you think I have forgotten it?” He immediately ordered that one of the generals in Xiangyang be selected to lead troops and clear the road. Yet Wen Ping alone was absent from among the generals. Cao Cao sent men to look for him, and only then did Wen Ping come to see him. Cao Cao asked, “Why have you come so late?” Wen Ping replied, “As a subject, I was unable to help my lord preserve his territory. My heart is filled with grief and shame, and I had no face to come sooner.” When he had finished speaking, he sighed and wept. Cao Cao said, “A truly loyal subject!” He appointed Wen Ping governor of Jiangxia, granted him the title Marquis Within the Passes, and ordered him to lead troops and clear the road. A scout reported, “Liu Bei is leading the people and traveling only a little more than ten miles each day. By our estimate, he has covered only a little over three hundred miles.” Cao Cao ordered each division to select its finest men, forming a force of five thousand armored cavalry, and sent them racing forward through the night with orders to overtake Liu Bei within one day and one night. The main army followed behind in successive columns.

Meanwhile, Xuande was leading more than a hundred thousand people and over three thousand troops slowly toward Jiangling, one stage at a time. Zhao Yun protected the women and children, while Zhang Fei guarded the rear. Kongming said, “Yun Chang went to Jiangxia, but there has been no word from him at all. I do not know what has happened.” Xuande said, “May I trouble you, Military Advisor, to make the journey yourself? Liu Qi is grateful for the advice you gave him in the past. If he now sees that you have come in person, the matter will certainly succeed.” Kongming agreed and went ahead with Liu Feng and five hundred soldiers to seek aid from Jiangxia.

That day Xuande traveled with Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang. As they went, a sudden violent wind rose before his horse, sending dust surging into the sky and completely obscuring the red sun. Xuande was startled and said, “What omen is this?” Jian Yong had considerable understanding of yin and yang. He made a calculation inside his sleeve and exclaimed in alarm, “This is an omen of great disaster, and it points to tonight. My lord, you must quickly abandon the people and escape.” Xuande said, “The people have followed me here all the way from Xinye. How could I bear to abandon them?” Jian Yong said, “If you cannot bring yourself to leave them, disaster is not far away.” Xuande asked, “What place lies ahead?” Those around him replied, “Dangyang County lies ahead. There is a mountain there called Mount Jing.” Xuande then ordered the camp established at the mountain.

It was late autumn, on the verge of winter, and the cold wind pierced to the bone. As dusk approached, cries of grief filled the countryside. Around the fourth watch, shouts suddenly came from the northwest, shaking the earth. Xuande was greatly alarmed. He hurriedly mounted his horse and led more than two thousand elite troops from his own command to meet the enemy. Cao Cao’s troops swept down upon them with irresistible force. Xuande fought desperately. At the most dangerous moment, Zhang Fei fortunately arrived with his troops, cut open a path of blood, rescued Xuande, and fled eastward with him. Wen Ping blocked them from the front. Xuande cursed him, saying, “Traitor who deserted your lord! What face do you still have to show before others?” Wen Ping’s face filled with shame, and he led his troops away to the northeast. Zhang Fei protected Xuande as they fought and retreated. They fled until dawn, when the shouting behind them gradually faded, and only then did Xuande rein in his horse to rest. Looking at those who remained with him, he saw only a little more than a hundred horsemen. The common people and their children, together with Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Jian Yong, Zhao Yun, and all the others, had vanished, and no one knew what had become of them. Xuande wept bitterly and said, “More than a hundred thousand living souls have suffered this great calamity because of their attachment to me. I do not know whether my generals or my family are alive or dead. Even a man of earth or wood could not help but grieve!”

While he was still in anguish, Mi Fang suddenly appeared, staggering toward them with several arrows lodged in his face. He said, “Zhao Zilong has deserted to Cao Cao!” Xuande rebuked him: “Zilong is my old friend. How could he ever betray me?” Zhang Fei said, “Now that he sees our strength exhausted and our position hopeless, perhaps he has deserted to Cao Cao in pursuit of wealth and rank.” Xuande said, “Zilong has shared hardship and danger with me. His heart is like iron and stone and cannot be swayed by wealth or rank.” Mi Fang said, “I saw him with my own eyes heading northwest.” Zhang Fei said, “I will go look for him myself. If I run into him, I will kill him with a single thrust of my spear!” Xuande said, “Do not suspect him wrongly. Have you forgotten how your second elder brother killed Yan Liang and Wen Chou? There must be some reason for Zilong’s actions. I am certain Zilong will not abandon me.”

But Zhang Fei refused to listen. He led more than twenty horsemen to Changban Bridge. Seeing a stretch of woods east of the bridge, Zhang Fei formed a plan. He ordered the horsemen with him to cut down branches, tie them to their horses’ tails, and gallop back and forth within the woods, stirring up clouds of dust to create the appearance of hidden troops. Zhang Fei himself sat astride his horse in the middle of the bridge, holding his spear crosswise and gazing westward.

Zhao Yun, meanwhile, had been fighting Cao Cao’s army since the fourth watch, charging back and forth until dawn. He could not find Xuande and had also lost Xuande’s family. Zhao Yun thought to himself, “My lord entrusted Ladies Gan and Mi and the young lord, A-Dou, to me. Now that we have been separated amid the army, what face would I have to meet my lord? I would rather fight to the death. Whatever happens, I must discover what became of the ladies and the young lord!” He looked back and saw only thirty or forty horsemen following him. Zhao Yun spurred his horse through the disordered army in search of them. The wailing of the people from the two counties shook heaven and earth. Countless people, struck by arrows or wounded by spears, abandoned sons and daughters as they fled.

As Zhao Yun rode on, he saw a man lying in the grass. Looking closer, he saw that it was Jian Yong. Zhao Yun urgently asked, “Have you seen the two ladies?” Jian Yong replied, “The two ladies abandoned their carriage and fled carrying A-Dou. I galloped after them, but when I rounded the hillside, a general stabbed me with his spear and knocked me from my horse. My horse was taken. I could not continue fighting, so I have been lying here.” Zhao Yun took a horse from one of his attendants and lent it to Jian Yong. He then ordered two soldiers to support and protect Jian Yong and told him to go on ahead and report to their lord: “I will search heaven and earth, but one way or another I will find the ladies and the young lord. If I cannot find them, I will die on the battlefield!”

After saying this, Zhao Yun spurred his horse toward Changban Slope. Suddenly, a man shouted, “General Zhao, where are you going?” Zhao Yun reined in his horse and asked, “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am one of Lord Liu’s soldiers assigned to escort the carriages. I was struck down here by an arrow.” Zhao Yun immediately asked for news of the two ladies. The soldier said, “A moment ago, I saw Lady Gan with her hair disheveled and her feet bare, traveling south with a group of women from among the common people.”

When Zhao Yun heard this, he paid no further attention to the soldier but urgently galloped south. He saw a group of several hundred common people, men and women, helping one another along. Zhao Yun shouted, “Is Lady Gan among you?” At the rear of the group, Lady Gan saw Zhao Yun and burst into loud sobs. Zhao Yun dismounted, planted his spear in the ground, and wept as he said, “It is my fault that you were separated, my lady! Where are Lady Mi and the young lord?” Lady Gan said, “Lady Mi and I were being pursued, so we abandoned the carriage and went on foot among the common people. Then we encountered a column of troops that scattered us. I do not know where Lady Mi and A-Dou went. I alone escaped with my life and came here.”

As they were speaking, the people began shouting in alarm as another column of troops emerged. Zhao Yun pulled up his spear, mounted his horse, and looked. A man was bound to the horse of the rider in front—it was Mi Zhu. Behind him came a general carrying a great saber and leading more than a thousand troops. He was Chunyu Dao, a subordinate general of Cao Ren, who had captured Mi Zhu and was about to take him away to claim credit. Zhao Yun gave a great shout, leveled his spear, and galloped straight at Chunyu Dao. Chunyu Dao could not withstand him and was knocked from his horse by a single thrust of Zhao Yun’s spear. Zhao Yun rode forward, rescued Mi Zhu, and seized two horses. He asked Lady Gan to mount one, then cut open a path of blood and escorted her directly to Changban Slope.

There he saw Zhang Fei sitting on his horse in the middle of the bridge with his spear held crosswise. Zhang Fei shouted, “Zilong! Why have you betrayed my elder brother?” Zhao Yun replied, “I could not find the ladies or the young lord, and that is why I fell behind. How can you speak of betrayal?” Zhang Fei said, “If Jian Yong had not come ahead to report the truth, I would never have let you off when I saw you!” Zhao Yun asked, “Where is my lord?” Zhang Fei replied, “Just ahead, not far from here.” Zhao Yun said to Mi Zhu, “Mi Zizhong, protect Lady Gan and go on ahead. I must return and search for Lady Mi and the young lord.” After saying this, he led several horsemen back along the road he had come.

As Zhao Yun rode on, he saw a general carrying an iron spear and bearing a sword on his back, galloping toward him at the head of more than ten horsemen. Without exchanging a word, Zhao Yun charged straight at him. They had met for only one exchange when Zhao Yun stabbed the general from his horse. All his attendants fled. The general was Xiahou En, Cao Cao’s personal sword bearer. Cao Cao possessed two precious swords. One was called “Yitian,” and the other “Qinggang.” He wore the Yitian Sword himself and had Xiahou En carry the Qinggang Sword. The Qinggang Sword could cut through iron as if it were mud and was incomparably sharp.

Xiahou En had relied on his own courage and strength, carrying the sword on his back while leading men around to plunder and loot. He never expected to encounter Zhao Yun, who killed him with a single thrust and took the sword. Seeing the two characters “Qinggang” inlaid in gold on the hilt, Zhao Yun realized it was a precious sword. He sheathed the sword, raised his spear, and fought his way back into the encirclement. Looking around, he saw that not one of his horsemen remained and he was entirely alone. Yet Zhao Yun had not the slightest thought of retreat. He continued searching back and forth, asking every group of common people he encountered for news of Lady Mi. Suddenly, one man pointed and said, “The lady was carrying a child. She was wounded by a spear in her left leg and could no longer walk. She is sitting just ahead, inside a breach in a wall.”

When Zhao Yun heard this, he hurried forward in search of her. He came upon a house whose earthen wall had been damaged by fire. Lady Mi sat beneath the wall beside a dry well, holding A-Dou and weeping. Zhao Yun hurriedly dismounted and bowed to the ground. Lady Mi said, “Now that I have seen you, General, A-Dou may yet live. I beg you to take pity on his father, who has wandered for half his life and has only this one child of his own blood. Please protect this boy and let him see his father again. Then I can die without regret!”

Zhao Yun said, “It is my fault that you have suffered, my lady. There is no need to say more. Please mount my horse. I will go on foot and fight to the death, protecting you until we break through the encirclement.” Lady Mi said, “No. How could you be without a horse, General? This child’s safety depends entirely on your protection. I am gravely wounded already, so why should I regret dying? I beg you to take the child and leave quickly. Do not let me become a burden to you.” Zhao Yun said, “The shouting is drawing near, and the pursuing troops have arrived. Please mount the horse quickly.” Lady Mi said, “I truly cannot go. Do not let both our purposes fail.” She then handed A-Dou to Zhao Yun and said, “This child’s life is entirely in your hands!”

Again and again, Zhao Yun begged Lady Mi to mount the horse, but she steadfastly refused. Shouts arose on every side once more. Zhao Yun said sternly, “If you will not listen to me, my lady, what are we to do when the pursuing troops arrive?” Lady Mi placed A-Dou on the ground, turned, and threw herself into the dry well, where she died. A later poet praised her:

A warrior in battle depends upon the strength of his horse;How could he guard the infant lord while traveling on foot?She resolved to die so Liu’s line might endure;In courage and decision, she proved a hero among women.

When Zhao Yun saw that Lady Mi was dead, he feared Cao Cao’s soldiers might desecrate her body, so he pushed down the earthen wall to cover the dry well. When that was done, he loosened the cord fastening his armor, lowered his breastplate, and tucked A-Dou securely against his chest. Then he took up his spear and mounted his horse. A general had already arrived with a unit of infantry. It was Yan Ming, a subordinate of Cao Hong, who wielded a three-pointed, double-edged blade and came to fight Zhao Yun. In fewer than three exchanges, Zhao Yun knocked him down with a single thrust, scattered his troops, and broke open a path.

As Zhao Yun rode on, another force blocked the road ahead. At its head was a great general beneath a clearly marked banner bearing the large words “Zhang He of Hejian.” Zhao Yun did not answer but leveled his spear and fought. After roughly ten exchanges, Zhao Yun dared not prolong the fight and broke away. Zhang He pursued him from behind. Zhao Yun whipped his horse forward, but unexpectedly, with a sudden crash, horse and rider tumbled into an earthen pit. Zhang He leveled his spear and came to stab him. Suddenly, a red radiance rose swirling from the pit, and Zhao Yun’s horse leaped straight up into the air and sprang out. A later poet wrote:

Red light enveloped him as the trapped dragon flew;His warhorse burst through the encirclement at Changban.The true lord of forty-two years was preserved,And thus the general displayed his divine might.

When Zhang He saw this, he recoiled in astonishment. Zhao Yun urged his horse onward, but two generals suddenly shouted behind him, “Zhao Yun, do not flee!” Two more generals ahead, wielding two different kinds of weapons, blocked his path. Those pursuing from behind were Ma Yan and Zhang Yi, while those blocking him ahead were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan. All four were former subordinates of Yuan Shao who had surrendered. Zhao Yun fought fiercely against the four generals as Cao Cao’s troops surged in together. Zhao Yun drew the Qinggang Sword and slashed wildly. Wherever his hand struck, the blade passed through clothing and armor, and blood gushed like a spring. He drove back the soldiers and generals and broke straight through the encirclement.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao was on the summit of Mount Jing when he saw a general whose might was irresistible wherever he went. Cao Cao urgently asked those around him who the man was. Cao Hong galloped down the mountain and shouted, “Warrior in the army, give your name!” Zhao Yun called back, “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan!” Cao Hong returned and reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “A true tiger general! I must take him alive.” He immediately sent horsemen galloping everywhere with this order: “Wherever Zhao Yun appears, no one is to shoot him with concealed arrows. He must be captured alive.” Because of this, Zhao Yun escaped the danger. This, too, was due to A-Dou’s good fortune.

In this battle, Zhao Yun held the future ruler against his chest and broke straight through the encirclement. He cut down two great banners and seized three lances. Fighting with spear and sword from beginning to end, he killed more than fifty renowned generals from Cao Cao’s camp. A later poet wrote:

Blood dyed his battle robe and soaked his armor red;At Dangyang, who dared contend with him?Of all who charged through armies to save a lord in peril,There was only Zhao Zilong of Changshan.

Zhao Yun had now fought his way through the encirclement and left the main formation behind, his battle robe drenched in blood. As he rode on, two more forces suddenly emerged from below a hillside. They were led by the brothers Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen, subordinate generals of Xiahou Dun. One wielded a great ax and the other a decorated halberd. They shouted, “Zhao Yun, dismount at once and submit to capture!” Truly:

He had barely escaped alive from the tiger’s den,When he met a dragon’s pool with waves surging high.

How Zilong escaped will be told in the next chapter.