Chapter 42

Zhang Fei Makes Havoc at Long Slope Bridge; Liu Bei Flees Defeat to the Hanjin Crossing

Now Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen barred Zhao Yun’s way and engaged him in battle. Zhao Yun leveled his spear and thrust. Zhong Jin came first, swinging his great axe to meet him. Their horses crossed, and before three bouts had passed, Zhao Yun struck him from the saddle with a single spear thrust, then broke through and rode on. Behind him, Zhong Shen came galloping in pursuit with his halberd, so close upon Zhao Yun’s horse that its blade flickered over his back. Zhao Yun abruptly wheeled his mount, bringing the two horses breast to breast. With his left hand he held his spear and warded off the painted halberd; with his right he drew the precious Qinggang Sword and slashed. Helmet and skull alike were cleft halfway through, and Zhong Shen fell dead from his horse. The remaining soldiers scattered and fled. Thus escaping, Zhao Yun rode toward Changban Bridge, but soon heard a tremendous clamor behind him. It was Wen Ping, leading troops in pursuit. By the time Zhao Yun reached the bridge, both man and horse were utterly spent. There he saw Zhang Fei, spear in hand, sitting his horse upon the bridge. Zhao Yun cried aloud, “Yide, aid me!” Zhang Fei replied, “Zilong, ride on quickly! I shall deal with the pursuers myself.”

Zhao Yun spurred across the bridge. After riding more than twenty li, he found Xuande and the others resting beneath some trees. Zhao Yun dismounted, prostrated himself, and wept. Xuande wept as well. Gasping for breath, Zhao Yun said, “For Zhao Yun’s crime, ten thousand deaths would still be too light! Lady Mi was gravely wounded and refused to mount my horse. She cast herself into a well and died. I could only push down an earthen wall to cover her. Then, carrying the young lord in my arms, I broke through the encircling host. Thanks to my lord’s immense good fortune, I was blessed to escape. A short while ago, the young lord was still crying in my arms, but he has made no sound for some time. I fear he may not have survived.” He opened his armor to look. It turned out that A-Dou was merely sleeping and had not yet awakened. Zhao Yun exclaimed joyfully, “By good fortune, the young lord is unharmed!” With both hands he presented the child to Xuande. Xuande took him and flung him to the ground, saying, “For the sake of an infant like you, I nearly lost one of my great generals!” Zhao Yun hastily picked A-Dou up from the ground, then wept and bowed, saying, “Even if Yun’s liver and brains were smeared upon the earth, I could never repay such kindness!” A later poet wrote:

From Cao Cao’s host the flying tiger sprang;Within Zhao Yun’s arms the young dragon slept.No other means could soothe his loyal heart,So Liu Bei cast his own son before the horse.

Meanwhile, Wen Ping led his troops in pursuit of Zhao Yun as far as Changban Bridge. There he saw Zhang Fei, his tiger whiskers bristling upward and his great round eyes opened wide, gripping his serpent spear as he sat his horse upon the bridge. He also saw clouds of dust rising behind the woods east of the bridge. Suspecting an ambush, he reined in his horse and dared not advance.

Before long, Cao Ren, Li Dian, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Xu Chu, and the others all arrived. When they saw Zhang Fei glaring fiercely, spear held crosswise, sitting his horse upon the bridge, they feared it might be another stratagem of Zhuge Kongming. None dared approach. They halted their formations and drew up in a single line west of the bridge, then sent a swift messenger to report to Cao Cao. On hearing the news, Cao Cao mounted at once and came forward from behind the ranks. Zhang Fei opened his great round eyes wide. Dimly, amid the rearward troops, he saw a green silk parasol, yak-tail standards, ceremonial axes, and banners approaching. He guessed that Cao Cao, being doubtful, had come in person to observe. Zhang Fei raised his voice in a mighty shout: “I am Zhang Yide of Yan! Who dares fight me to the death?” His voice rang like a tremendous thunderclap. All who heard it in Cao Cao’s army trembled in their thighs. Cao Cao hastily ordered his parasol removed, then turned to those around him and said, “I once heard Yunzhang say that Yide could take the head of a chief general from amid an army of a million as easily as drawing an object from a bag. Now that we have met him today, he must not be underestimated.”

Before he had finished speaking, Zhang Fei glared and shouted once more: “Zhang Yide of Yan is here! Who dares come forth and fight to the death?” Seeing Zhang Fei’s awesome bearing, Cao Cao began to think of retreating. Zhang Fei saw the formations of Cao Cao’s rear army begin to shift, so he leveled his spear and shouted again: “You will not fight, yet you will not retreat! What is the reason for this?”

Before the echoes of his shout had died away, Xiahou Jie, beside Cao Cao, was so terrified that his courage shattered, and he toppled from his horse. Cao Cao at once turned his mount and fled. Thereupon all his soldiers and generals rushed away together toward the west. Truly it was said: How could a yellow-mouthed child endure the crash of a thunderbolt? How could a sickly woodcutter bear the roar of tigers and leopards? In that instant, countless men threw down their spears and dropped their helmets. The men surged like a tide, and the horses plunged like a collapsing mountain, trampling one another underfoot. A later poet wrote:

At Changban Bridge the air with slaughter burned;Spear leveled, horse held fast, his round eyes glared.One shout resounded like a thunderclap—Alone he drove back Cao’s million men.

Cao Cao, terrified by Zhang Fei’s might, galloped westward. His cap and hairpin both fell away, and he fled with his hair streaming loose. Zhang Liao and Xu Chu caught up and seized his bridle rings. Cao Cao was frantic and bewildered. Zhang Liao said, “Prime Minister, do not be alarmed. Zhang Fei is only one man—why fear him so deeply? If we turn our army back at once and attack, Liu Bei may yet be captured.” Only then did Cao Cao’s composure somewhat return. He ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Chu to go back to Changban Bridge and discover what had happened.

Now Zhang Fei, seeing Cao Cao’s army retreat in a single rush, did not dare pursue. He quickly summoned back the twenty-odd horsemen who had accompanied him, had them remove the branches tied to their horses’ tails, and ordered them to tear down the bridge. Then he turned his horse and returned to Xuande, to whom he related in full how he had destroyed the bridge. Xuande said, “My brother is brave indeed, but regrettably you have miscalculated.” Zhang Fei asked why. Xuande replied, “Cao Cao is deeply cunning. You should not have broken down the bridge. He will certainly pursue us now.” Zhang Fei said, “One shout from me drove him back several li. How would he dare pursue us again?” Xuande answered, “Had you left the bridge intact, he would have feared an ambush and dared not advance. Now that you have destroyed it, he will conclude that we have no troops and are afraid, and he will certainly come after us. He has a host of a million. Even if the Yangtze and Han rivers lay before him, he could fill them and cross. Why should he fear one broken bridge?” They therefore set out at once, taking a side road toward Hanjin and making for the road to Mianyang.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao had sent Zhang Liao and Xu Chu to investigate at Changban Bridge. They returned and reported, “Zhang Fei has destroyed the bridge and departed.” Cao Cao said, “He broke the bridge as he withdrew because he was afraid.” He then issued orders to assign ten thousand soldiers to build three floating bridges with all speed, so that the army could cross that very night. Li Dian said, “I fear this may be another deceitful stratagem of Zhuge Liang. We must not advance rashly.” Cao Cao replied, “Zhang Fei is merely a man of brute courage. What deceitful stratagem could he devise?” He then sent down orders to advance with the utmost speed.

As Xuande drew near Hanjin, he suddenly saw great clouds of dust rising behind him. Drums rolled to the heavens, and battle cries shook the earth. Xuande said, “A great river lies before us, and pursuing troops are behind us. What are we to do?” He hastily ordered Zhao Yun to prepare to meet the enemy. Cao Cao commanded his army, saying, “Liu Bei is now a fish in the cauldron and a tiger in the pit. If we do not capture him at this moment, it will be like releasing a fish into the sea or setting a tiger free in the mountains. Let every general exert himself and press forward!” The generals received the order, and each displayed his might as they raced in pursuit. Suddenly drums sounded behind a hillside, and a body of troops and horsemen charged out, shouting, “I have been waiting here for a long time!”

At their head was a great general bearing the Green Dragon saber and mounted upon the Red Hare. It was none other than Guan Yunzhang. He had gone to Jiangxia and obtained ten thousand troops and horsemen; then, learning of the great battle at Dangyang and Changban, he had come expressly by this road to intercept Cao Cao. The moment Cao Cao saw Yunzhang, he reined in his horse and turned to his generals, saying, “We have fallen into another of Zhuge Liang’s stratagems!” He gave orders for the entire army to retreat at once.

Yunzhang pursued them for more than ten li, then turned back and escorted Xuande and the others to Hanjin, where boats were already waiting. Yunzhang invited Xuande, Lady Gan, and A-Dou to board and be seated. He then asked, “Why do I not see my second sister-in-law?” Xuande related all that had happened at Dangyang. Yunzhang sighed and said, “When we hunted at Xutian in former days, had you followed my counsel, we would not suffer today’s calamity.” Xuande replied, “At that time, I too feared breaking the vessel while striking the rat.”

As they spoke, they suddenly heard war drums sounding loudly from the southern bank. Boats thick as ants came sailing downwind toward them, their sails raised. Xuande was greatly alarmed. As the vessels drew near, they saw a man in a white robe and silver armor standing at the prow of one ship. He cried aloud, “Uncle, have you fared well since we parted? Your unworthy nephew has offended by arriving late!” Xuande looked and saw that it was Liu Qi. Liu Qi came aboard Xuande’s vessel, bowed weeping, and said, “I heard that Uncle was hard-pressed by Cao Cao, so your nephew came expressly to receive and assist you.” Xuande was overjoyed, and the two forces joined and proceeded together. While they were still aboard relating the circumstances, they suddenly saw warships drawn up in a line to the southwest, racing toward them before the wind with shrill whistles.

Liu Qi said in alarm, “Your nephew has already brought every soldier from Jiangxia here. These warships now barring our way must belong either to Cao Cao or to Jiangdong. What are we to do?”

Xuande went to the prow and looked. He saw a man in a silk headcloth and Daoist robe seated at the bow of a vessel. It was Kongming, with Sun Qian standing behind him. Xuande hastily invited them aboard and asked how Kongming came to be there. Kongming replied, “After reaching Jiangxia, I first ordered Yunzhang to land at Hanjin and come to your aid. I calculated that Cao Cao would certainly pursue you, and that my lord would not come by way of Jiangling but would take a slanting route toward Hanjin instead. I therefore asked the young lord to come ahead and receive you, while I went directly to Xiakou and mustered all the troops there to bring them to your aid.”

Xuande was delighted. After all the forces had joined, they discussed plans for defeating Cao Cao. Kongming said, “The city of Xiakou is strongly situated and possesses considerable money and provisions, so it can be defended for a long time. I ask my lord to station himself at Xiakou. The young lord should return to Jiangxia, put the warships in order, and prepare the weapons and equipment. With the two forces supporting one another like a beast’s horns, we can withstand Cao Cao. If we all return to Jiangxia together, our position will instead become isolated.” Liu Qi said, “The Military Adviser’s words are excellent. Yet in my humble opinion, I should invite Uncle to go temporarily to Jiangxia. Once the troops and horses there have been properly arranged, it will not be too late for him to return to Xiakou.” Xuande said, “My worthy nephew’s words are also sound.” He therefore left Yunzhang with five thousand men to guard Xiakou, while Xuande, Kongming, and Liu Qi went together to Jiangxia.

Cao Cao, having seen Yunzhang lead troops out to intercept him by the overland route, suspected an ambush and did not dare continue the pursuit. He also feared that Xuande might reach Jiangling first by water, so he marched his army toward Jiangling through the night. Deng Yi, the Administrative Officer of Jingzhou, and Liu Xian, the Assistant Inspector, had already learned in full what had happened at Xiangyang. Concluding that they could not resist Cao Cao, they led the soldiers and people of Jingzhou out beyond the city walls and surrendered.

Cao Cao entered the city and restored order among the people. He released Han Song from prison and promoted him to Grand Herald. All the other officials likewise received ranks and rewards. Cao Cao then conferred with his generals, saying, “Liu Bei has now gone to Jiangxia. I fear he may unite with Eastern Wu, allowing the menace to spread. What plan should we use to defeat him?” Xun You said, “Now that the might of our army has been greatly displayed, we should send an envoy bearing a proclamation to Jiangdong, inviting Sun Quan to join us in a hunt at Jiangxia. Together we may capture Liu Bei, divide the lands of Jingzhou, and bind ourselves in lasting alliance. Sun Quan will certainly become alarmed and suspicious, and will come to submit. Then our enterprise will succeed.”

Cao Cao adopted the plan. On the one hand, he issued the proclamation and sent an envoy to Eastern Wu; on the other, he mustered his cavalry, infantry, and naval forces, numbering altogether eight hundred and thirty thousand, though he falsely claimed a million. Advancing by both land and water, ships and horsemen moved abreast down the river. From the Jingzhou gorges in the west to Qi and Huang in the east, his linked camps and stockades stretched for more than three hundred li.

The tale now divides. Sun Quan of Jiangdong was encamped in Chaisang Commandery. When he heard that Cao Cao’s great army had reached Xiangyang, that Liu Cong had surrendered, and that Cao Cao was now marching day and night by forced stages to seize Jiangling, he assembled his advisers to discuss a plan of defense. Lu Su said, “Jingzhou borders our state. Its rivers and mountains make it naturally strong, and its people are numerous and prosperous. If we can occupy and possess it, it will provide the foundation for imperial rule. Liu Biao has only just died, and Liu Bei has only just suffered defeat. I ask to be sent to Jiangxia to offer condolences. Taking that occasion, I shall persuade Liu Bei to rally Liu Biao’s generals and unite with us in heart and purpose to defeat Cao Cao. If Liu Bei is pleased and agrees, then our great enterprise may succeed.” Sun Quan was delighted and accepted his proposal. He immediately dispatched Lu Su with gifts to Jiangxia to offer condolences.

When Xuande reached Jiangxia, he discussed sound plans with Kongming and Liu Qi. Kongming said, “Cao Cao’s power is great, and it will be difficult to resist him directly. It would be better to seek support from Sun Quan of Eastern Wu. If north and south are held against each other, we may profit between them. Why should this not be done?” Xuande said, “Jiangdong has many men of ability. They must have far-reaching designs of their own. Why would they be willing to accommodate us?” Kongming laughed and said, “Cao Cao now leads a host of a million and crouches like a tiger over the Yangtze and Han. How could Jiangdong fail to send someone to learn the truth of the situation? If someone comes here, I shall borrow a sailful of wind and go straight to Jiangdong. Relying upon my three-inch, never-rotting tongue, I shall persuade the armies of north and south to devour one another. If the southern army wins, we shall join it in destroying Cao Cao and seize the lands of Jingzhou. If the northern army wins, we may take advantage of its momentum to seize Jiangnan.” Xuande said, “Your argument is most profound. But how are we to bring someone here from Jiangdong?”

While they were still speaking, a messenger reported that Sun Quan of Jiangdong had sent Lu Su to offer condolences and that his vessel had already reached the bank. Kongming laughed and said, “The great enterprise is accomplished!” He then asked Liu Qi, “When Sun Ce died in former years, did Xiangyang send anyone to offer condolences?” Liu Qi replied, “Jiangdong bears a blood feud against my family for the killing of a father. How could there be any exchange of congratulations or condolences between us?” Kongming said, “Then Lu Su has not come to offer condolences. He has come to investigate our military situation.” He then said to Xuande, “When Lu Su arrives, if he asks about Cao Cao’s movements, my lord must simply say that he knows nothing. If Lu Su asks again and again, my lord need only tell him to ask Zhuge Liang.”

Their plan settled, they sent someone to welcome Lu Su. Lu Su entered the city and performed the rites of condolence, and Liu Qi accepted his gifts. Liu Qi then invited Lu Su to meet Xuande. After they had exchanged courtesies, he invited them into the rear hall to drink wine. Lu Su said, “I have long heard of the Imperial Uncle’s great name, but never had the opportunity to pay my respects. Now, fortunately, I have met you, which is truly a comfort. I recently heard that the Imperial Uncle fought Cao Cao and must therefore know the truth of his strength. May I ask approximately how many troops Cao Cao commands?” Xuande replied, “My soldiers are few and my generals scarce. The moment I heard Cao Cao had arrived, I fled. I know nothing at all of his true strength.” Lu Su said, “I have heard that the Imperial Uncle employed the stratagems of Zhuge Kongming and twice burned Cao Cao’s army, making him lose his soul and courage. How can you say that you know nothing?” Xuande replied, “Only by asking Kongming can you learn the details.” Lu Su asked, “Where is Kongming? I should like to meet him.”

Xuande ordered Kongming invited to meet him. After Lu Su and Kongming had exchanged courtesies, Lu Su said, “I have long admired your talent and virtue, sir, but have never had the honor of meeting you. Now, fortunately, we have encountered one another. I should like to hear your judgment of the present dangers and prospects.” Kongming replied, “I have already discerned all of Cao Cao’s treacherous designs. I regret only that our strength is insufficient, and so we have withdrawn before him for the time being.” Lu Su asked, “Does the Imperial Uncle intend to remain here now?” Kongming replied, “Lord Liu has an old friendship with Wu Chen, Governor of Cangwu, and intends to seek refuge with him.” Lu Su said, “Wu Chen has little grain and few troops and cannot even protect himself. How could he shelter another?” Kongming replied, “Though Wu Chen’s domain is not a place where we can remain for long, we shall rely on him temporarily. We have other sound plans.”

Lu Su said, “General Sun holds six commanderies like a crouching tiger. His troops are elite and his provisions abundant. Moreover, he deeply respects the worthy and treats men of learning with honor, so the heroes of Jiangdong have flocked to his allegiance. For your present plans, nothing would be better than sending a trusted confidant to establish ties with Eastern Wu, so that together we may pursue a great enterprise.” Kongming said, “Lord Liu has never had any old friendship with General Sun, and I fear our arguments would be wasted. Furthermore, there is no trusted confidant available to send.” Lu Su said, “Your elder brother, sir, now serves as an adviser in Jiangdong and longs each day to see you. Though I lack ability, I am willing to accompany you to meet General Sun and discuss our great enterprise together.” Xuande said, “Kongming is my master. I cannot be parted from him even for an instant. How can he go?”

Lu Su earnestly pressed Kongming to accompany him. Xuande pretended to refuse. Kongming said, “The matter is urgent. I ask to accept the mission and make this journey.” Only then did Xuande consent. Lu Su took his leave of Xuande and Liu Qi, then boarded his vessel with Kongming and set course for Chaisang Commandery. Truly it was said:

Only because Zhuge Liang sailed forth in a light boat,Cao Cao’s mighty host was halted in a single day.

What ultimately came of Kongming’s journey will be told in the next chapter.

Zhang Fei Makes Havoc at Long Slope Bridge; Liu Bei Flees Defeat to the Hanjin Crossing

Meanwhile, Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen barred Zhao Yun’s way and engaged him in battle. Zhao Yun leveled his spear and thrust. Zhong Jin charged first, swinging a great axe to meet him. Their horses crossed, and in fewer than three bouts Zhao Yun knocked him from his horse with a single thrust. Zhao Yun forced a path through and rode on. Zhong Shen came pursuing from behind with his halberd, riding so close that his horse’s head nearly touched Zhao Yun’s horse’s tail, while the halberd’s blade flickered just behind Zhao Yun’s heart. Zhao Yun quickly wheeled his horse around, bringing the two men chest to chest. Holding his spear in his left hand, Zhao Yun parried the decorated halberd, then drew the precious Qinggang sword with his right and slashed. Helmet and head together were cleaved halfway through, and Zhong Shen fell from his horse dead. The rest scattered and fled. Having broken free, Zhao Yun rode toward the Longban Bridge. Suddenly, tremendous shouting arose behind him. It was Wen Ping leading troops in pursuit. By the time Zhao Yun reached the bridge, both man and horse were exhausted. Seeing Zhang Fei sitting on his horse upon the bridge with spear leveled, Zhao Yun cried out, “Yide, help me!” Zhang Fei said, “Zilong, go quickly. I will deal with the pursuing troops myself.”

Zhao Yun galloped across the bridge. After riding more than twenty li, he saw Xuande and the others resting beneath some trees. Zhao Yun dismounted, prostrated himself, and wept. Xuande wept as well. Gasping for breath, Zhao Yun said, “For my crime, even ten thousand deaths would be too light! Lady Mi was gravely wounded and refused to mount the horse. She threw herself into a well and died. I could only push down an earthen wall to cover her. Holding the young lord in my arms, I broke through the encirclement. Thanks to my lord’s great good fortune, I was lucky enough to escape. Just a moment ago, the young lord was still crying in my arms, but he has not stirred for some time. I fear he may not have survived.” He loosened his armor to look. It turned out that A-Dou was fast asleep and had not yet awakened. Zhao Yun rejoiced and said, “Fortunately, the young lord is unharmed!” He presented him to Xuande with both hands. Xuande took the child and threw him to the ground, saying, “For the sake of an infant like you, I nearly lost one of my great generals!” Zhao Yun hastily picked A-Dou up from the ground, then wept and bowed, saying, “Even if my liver and brains were smeared across the earth, I could never repay you!” A later poet wrote:From Cao Cao’s army the flying tiger broke free;Within Zhao Yun’s arms the little dragon slept.With no other way to soothe his loyal officer’s heart,He cast his own child down before the horse.

Meanwhile, Wen Ping led his troops in pursuit of Zhao Yun as far as the Longban Bridge. There he saw Zhang Fei, his tiger whiskers bristling and his great round eyes opened wide, holding his serpent spear as he sat mounted upon the bridge. He also saw great clouds of dust rising behind the woods east of the bridge. Suspecting an ambush, he reined in his horse and did not dare advance.

Before long, Cao Ren, Li Dian, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Xu Chu, and the others all arrived. They saw Zhang Fei glaring fiercely, his spear held crosswise as he sat mounted upon the bridge. Fearing that this was another stratagem of Zhuge Kongming’s, none dared advance. They halted their ranks and formed a line west of the bridge, then sent a man galloping back to report to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao heard, he quickly mounted and came forward from behind the ranks. Zhang Fei opened his great round eyes wide and dimly saw the blue silk parasol, ceremonial yak-tail standards, axes, and banners of the rear army approaching. He guessed that Cao Cao had grown suspicious and had come to see for himself. Zhang Fei raised his voice in a thunderous shout: “I am Zhang Yide of Yan! Who dares fight me to the death?” His voice was like a mighty thunderclap. When Cao Cao’s soldiers heard it, their legs all trembled. Cao Cao hastily ordered his parasol removed, then looked back at those around him and said, “I once heard Yun Chang say that Yide could take the head of a chief general amid an army of a million as easily as reaching into a bag to retrieve an object. Now that we have encountered him today, we must not underestimate him.”

Before he had finished speaking, Zhang Fei opened his eyes wide and shouted again, “Zhang Yide of Yan is here! Who dares come and fight me to the death?” Seeing Zhang Fei’s imposing spirit, Cao Cao began to think of retreating. Zhang Fei saw the ranks of Cao Cao’s rear army beginning to shift. Leveling his spear, he shouted once more, “You will not fight, yet you will not retreat! What are you waiting for?”

Before the echo of his shout had died away, Xiahou Jie, who was beside Cao Cao, was so terrified that his heart and gall bladder seemed to burst, and he toppled backward from his horse. Cao Cao immediately turned his horse and fled. At once, every soldier and general fled westward together. Truly: How could a mere yellow-mouthed child bear the sound of a thunderbolt? How could a sickly woodcutter endure the roar of tigers and leopards? Countless men threw down their spears and lost their helmets. The men surged like a tidal wave, and the horses collapsed like a landslide as they trampled one another. A later poet wrote:At Longban Bridge the air filled with murderous force;Spear held crosswise, he sat mounted, his round eyes wide.One mighty shout crashed like a thunderclap,And he alone drove back Cao Cao’s million troops.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao, terrified by Zhang Fei’s might, spurred his horse and fled westward. His cap pin fell away, and he raced on with his hair streaming loose. Zhang Liao and Xu Chu caught up and seized his reins. Cao Cao was frantic and completely at a loss. Zhang Liao said, “Prime Minister, do not be alarmed. Zhang Fei is only one man. Why fear him so deeply? If we turn our army back at once and attack, Liu Bei can be captured.” Only then did Cao Cao’s expression settle somewhat. He ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Chu to return to the Longban Bridge and learn what had happened.

Now Zhang Fei, seeing Cao Cao’s army retreat in a mass, did not dare pursue. He quickly called back the twenty-odd riders who had accompanied him, had them remove the branches tied to their horses’ tails, and ordered them to demolish the bridge. He then turned his horse around and went to see Xuande, giving him a full account of how he had destroyed the bridge. Xuande said, “My brother is brave indeed, but unfortunately you failed to consider the strategy.” Zhang Fei asked why. Xuande said, “Cao Cao is full of schemes. You should not have destroyed the bridge. He will certainly pursue us now.” Zhang Fei said, “One shout from me drove him back several li. How would he dare pursue us again?” Xuande said, “Had you not destroyed the bridge, he would have feared an ambush and would not have dared advance. Now that you have demolished it, he will conclude that we have no troops and are afraid, and he will certainly pursue. He has a million men. Even if he had to cross the Yangtze and the Han, he could fill them in and pass over them. Why would he fear one broken bridge?” They therefore set out immediately, taking a side road diagonally toward Hanjin and making for the road to Mianyang.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao sent Zhang Liao and Xu Chu to investigate the situation at the Longban Bridge. They returned and reported, “Zhang Fei destroyed the bridge and left.” Cao Cao said, “He destroyed the bridge before leaving because he was afraid.” He then issued an order assigning ten thousand soldiers to build three pontoon bridges at once, so that the army could cross that very night. Li Dian said, “I fear this may be a deceptive stratagem of Zhuge Liang’s. We must not advance rashly.” Cao Cao said, “Zhang Fei is merely a man of brute courage. How could he devise such a stratagem?” He issued his commands and ordered the army to advance with all speed.

As Xuande drew near Hanjin, he suddenly saw great clouds of dust rising behind him. Drums thundered to the sky, and shouts shook the earth. Xuande said, “A great river lies ahead, and pursuing troops are behind us. What are we to do?” He quickly ordered Zhao Yun to prepare to resist the enemy. Cao Cao issued an order throughout his army: “Liu Bei is now a fish in the cooking pot and a tiger in a pit. If we do not capture him now, it will be like releasing a fish into the sea or letting a tiger return to the mountains. All generals, press forward with all your strength!” The generals received the order, and each displayed his might as they raced in pursuit. Suddenly, drums sounded behind a hillside, and a force of soldiers and cavalry came charging out, shouting, “I have been waiting here for a long time!”

At their head was a great general holding the Green Dragon saber and riding the Red Hare horse. It was Guan Yun Chang. He had obtained ten thousand troops in Jiangxia and, after learning of the great battle at Longban near Dangyang, had deliberately come by this road to intercept the enemy. The moment Cao Cao saw Yun Chang, he reined in his horse, looked back at his generals, and said, “We have fallen into another of Zhuge Liang’s stratagems!” He ordered the entire army to retreat at once.

Yun Chang pursued them for more than ten li, then turned his army back and escorted Xuande and the others to Hanjin, where boats were already waiting. Yun Chang invited Xuande, Lady Gan, and A-Dou to board and take their seats. Yun Chang asked, “Why do I not see my second sister-in-law?” Xuande told him what had happened at Dangyang. Yun Chang sighed and said, “When we hunted at Xutian in former days, had you followed my wishes, we would not be suffering today’s calamity.” Xuande said, “At the time, I too feared smashing the vessel while striking at the rat.”

As they were speaking, they suddenly heard war drums booming on the southern bank of the river. Boats thick as ants came sailing downwind with their sails raised. Xuande was greatly alarmed. When the boats drew near, he saw a man in a white robe and silver armor standing in the bow of one vessel. The man called loudly, “Uncle, have you been well since we last parted? Your unworthy nephew is at fault for arriving late!” Xuande looked and saw that it was Liu Qi. Liu Qi came aboard, wept, and bowed, saying, “When I heard that Uncle was trapped by Cao Cao, I came especially to support you.” Xuande was overjoyed, and they joined their forces and traveled on together. While they were in the boat recounting what had happened, warships suddenly appeared to the southwest, arrayed in a straight line and rushing downwind toward them with shrill calls.

Liu Qi said in alarm, “I have brought all the troops of Jiangxia here. These warships now blocking our way must belong either to Cao Cao or to Jiangdong. What are we to do?”

Xuande went to the bow to look and saw a man in a silk headcloth and Daoist robe seated in the bow of one of the vessels. It was Kongming, with Sun Qian standing behind him. Xuande hurriedly invited them aboard and asked why he was there. Kongming said, “After I arrived in Jiangxia, I first ordered Yun Chang to go ashore at Hanjin and await you. I calculated that Cao Cao would certainly pursue you, and that my lord would not come by way of Jiangling but would take a diagonal route toward Hanjin. I therefore asked the young lord to come ahead and meet you while I went directly to Xiakou and brought all the troops there to assist you.”

Xuande was delighted. They joined together and discussed a strategy for defeating Cao Cao. Kongming said, “Xiakou is a strongly fortified city with ample money and provisions, and it can be held for a long time. I ask my lord to station himself at Xiakou. The young lord should return to Jiangxia, put the warships in order, and prepare the weapons and military equipment. With the two forces supporting each other like the horns of an animal, we can withstand Cao Cao. If we all return to Jiangxia together, our position will instead become isolated.” Liu Qi said, “The Military Adviser’s words are excellent. But in my humble opinion, I would ask Uncle to go temporarily to Jiangxia. Once the soldiers and horses have been properly reorganized, it will not be too late to return to Xiakou.” Xuande said, “My worthy nephew’s words are also right.” He therefore left Yun Chang behind with five thousand troops to defend Xiakou, while Xuande, Kongming, and Liu Qi went together to Jiangxia.

Meanwhile, when Cao Cao saw Yun Chang lead troops out to intercept him on the overland route, he suspected an ambush and did not dare pursue. He also feared that Xuande might reach Jiangling first by water, so he hurried his troops toward Jiangling day and night. Deng Yi, the Administrative Aide of Jingzhou, and Liu Xian, the Assistant Administrator, already knew all that had happened at Xiangyang. Realizing that they could not resist Cao Cao, they led the soldiers and people of Jingzhou out of the city to surrender.

Cao Cao entered the city and restored order among the people. He released Han Song from prison and appointed him Grand Herald. All the other officials also received titles and rewards. Cao Cao consulted his generals, saying, “Liu Bei has now gone to Jiangxia. I fear that he will ally himself with Eastern Wu, allowing this danger to spread. What plan should we use to destroy him?” Xun You said, “Our military might is now greatly ascendant. Send an envoy bearing a proclamation to Jiangdong and invite Sun Quan to join us in a hunt at Jiangxia, so that together we may capture Liu Bei, divide the territory of Jingzhou, and establish a lasting alliance. Sun Quan will certainly become alarmed and suspicious and come to surrender. Then our enterprise will succeed.”

Cao Cao followed his plan. On the one hand, he issued a proclamation and dispatched an envoy to Eastern Wu. On the other, he mustered a combined force of 830,000 cavalry, infantry, and naval troops, which he falsely claimed numbered one million. They advanced by both land and water, ships and cavalry proceeding side by side along the river. Their positions stretched westward to the Jing Gorges and eastward to Qi and Huang, their linked camps and stockades extending for more than three hundred li.

The story now divides. Sun Quan of Jiangdong was stationed with his troops in Chaisang Commandery. When he heard that Cao Cao’s great army had reached Xiangyang, that Liu Cong had surrendered, and that Cao Cao was now marching by forced stages day and night to seize Jiangling, he assembled his advisers to discuss a plan for defense. Lu Su said, “Jingzhou borders our state. Its rivers and mountains form strong natural defenses, and its people are prosperous and wealthy. If we could occupy and possess it, it would furnish the resources needed for an imperial enterprise. Liu Biao has only just died, and Liu Bei has only just been defeated. I ask to be sent to Jiangxia to offer condolences. I will use the occasion to persuade Liu Bei to rally Liu Biao’s generals so that, united in purpose, we may defeat Cao Cao together. If Liu Bei is pleased and accepts our proposal, our great enterprise can succeed.” Sun Quan was delighted and followed his advice. He immediately sent Lu Su with ceremonial gifts to Jiangxia to offer condolences.

Meanwhile, Xuande had arrived in Jiangxia and was discussing a sound strategy with Kongming and Liu Qi. Kongming said, “Cao Cao’s power is great, and it will be difficult to resist him quickly. It would be better to seek the support of Sun Quan of Eastern Wu. Let north and south oppose each other while we profit between them. Why should we not?” Xuande said, “Jiangdong has many talented men. They must have far-reaching plans of their own. Why would they be willing to accommodate us?” Kongming laughed and said, “Cao Cao has now brought a million men and crouches like a tiger over the Yangtze and Han Rivers. How could Jiangdong fail to send someone to learn the truth of the situation? If someone comes here, I will borrow the wind to fill a sail and go directly to Jiangdong. With my three-inch, never-rotting tongue, I will persuade the armies of north and south to devour one another. If the southern army wins, we will join them in destroying Cao Cao and seize the territory of Jingzhou. If the northern army wins, we can take advantage of the momentum to seize Jiangnan.” Xuande said, “Your argument is excellent. But how can we get someone from Jiangdong to come here?”

As they were speaking, a man reported that Sun Quan of Jiangdong had sent Lu Su to offer condolences and that his boat had already reached the shore. Kongming laughed and said, “Our great enterprise will succeed!” He then asked Liu Qi, “When Sun Ce died in former days, did Xiangyang send anyone to offer condolences?” Liu Qi said, “Jiangdong bears a blood feud against my family for the killing of Sun Ce’s father. How could there be any exchange of congratulations and condolences between us?” Kongming said, “Then Lu Su has not come to offer condolences. He has come to learn about the military situation.” He then said to Xuande, “When Lu Su arrives, if he asks about Cao Cao’s movements, my lord should simply claim not to know. If he asks again and again, my lord should merely tell him to ask Zhuge Liang.”

Their plan settled, they sent men to welcome Lu Su. Lu Su entered the city and offered his condolences. After the gifts had been accepted, Liu Qi invited Lu Su to meet Xuande. When the formal greetings were finished, he invited him into the rear hall for wine. Lu Su said, “I have long heard of the Imperial Uncle’s great name but have never had the opportunity to pay my respects. Now that I am fortunate enough to meet you, I am truly gratified. I recently heard that the Imperial Uncle fought Cao Cao and must therefore know the true condition of his forces. May I ask approximately how many troops Cao Cao has?” Xuande said, “I had few troops and fewer generals. The moment I heard that Cao Cao had arrived, I fled, so I know nothing of the true condition of his forces.” Lu Su said, “I heard that the Imperial Uncle used Zhuge Kongming’s plans to set two fires that frightened the soul out of Cao Cao and struck terror into his heart. How can you say you know nothing?” Xuande said, “Only by asking Kongming can you learn the details.” Lu Su said, “Where is Kongming? I would like to meet him.”

Xuande had Kongming invited out to meet him. After Lu Su and Kongming had exchanged formal greetings, Lu Su said, “I have long admired your talent and virtue, sir, but never had the opportunity to pay my respects. Now that I am fortunate enough to meet you, I would like to hear your view of the present dangers and prospects.” Kongming said, “I already understand all of Cao Cao’s treacherous designs. I only regret that our strength is insufficient, and so we are avoiding him for the time being.” Lu Su said, “Does the Imperial Uncle intend to remain here now?” Kongming said, “The Imperial Uncle has an old friendship with Wu Chen, the Administrator of Cangwu, and intends to go to him.” Lu Su said, “Wu Chen has few provisions and weak forces. He cannot even protect himself, so how could he shelter another?” Kongming said, “Though Wu Chen’s territory is not a place where we can remain long, we will rely on him temporarily. We have another sound plan.”

Lu Su said, “General Sun holds six commanderies like a crouching tiger. His troops are elite, his provisions abundant, and he shows the highest respect and courtesy to worthy and talented men. The heroes of Jiangdong have largely given him their allegiance. In planning for the Imperial Uncle now, nothing would be better than sending a trusted confidant to form an alliance with Eastern Wu so that together we may pursue a great enterprise.” Kongming said, “Liu Bei and General Sun have never had any prior friendship, so I fear that mere words would be wasted. Moreover, there is no trusted confidant available to send.” Lu Su said, “Your elder brother, sir, now serves as an adviser in Jiangdong and longs every day to see you. Though I have little ability, I am willing to accompany you to meet General Sun so that we may discuss the great enterprise together.” Xuande said, “Kongming is my teacher. I cannot be separated from him even for a moment. How can he go?”

Lu Su earnestly urged Kongming to accompany him. Xuande pretended to refuse permission. Kongming said, “The situation is urgent. Please allow me to undertake this mission.” Only then did Xuande consent. Lu Su took leave of Xuande and Liu Qi, then boarded a boat with Kongming and headed toward Chaisang Commandery. Truly:Only because Zhuge Liang departed in a little boatWere Cao Cao’s troops brought to a halt in a single day.What ultimately came of Kongming’s journey will be told in the next chapter.