Chapter 47

Kan Ze Secretly Presents a False Surrender; Pang Tong Ingeniously Proposes the Chained Ships

Now Kan Ze, whose courtesy name was Derun, was a native of Shanyin in Kuaiji. His family was poor, but he loved learning. While laboring in the employ of others, he would borrow books to read; once he had read a book through, he never forgot it. He was eloquent and quick in debate, and possessed uncommon courage. Sun Quan summoned him to serve as an adviser, and of all his colleagues, Kan Ze was closest to Huang Gai. Knowing him to be both bold and persuasive, Huang Gai wished him to deliver the false letter of surrender. Kan Ze gladly consented, saying, “If a true man passes through life without winning merit or founding a great achievement, is he not little better than the grass and trees that rot away together? Since you are willing to sacrifice yourself in service to your lord, why should I grudge my paltry life?” Huang Gai rolled down from his bed, bowed, and thanked him. Kan Ze said, “This matter admits no delay. I shall set out at once.” Huang Gai replied, “The letter is already written.”

Kan Ze took the letter and that very night disguised himself as a fisherman. Steering a small boat, he made for the northern bank. The cold stars filled the sky, and by the third watch he had reached Cao Cao’s naval stockade. Soldiers patrolling the river seized him and reported to Cao Cao that same night. Cao Cao said, “Can he be a spy?” The soldiers replied, “He is only a fisherman, but he calls himself Kan Ze, an adviser of Eastern Wu, and says he has a secret matter to disclose.” Cao Cao ordered him brought in. The soldiers led Kan Ze into the tent, where lamps and candles shone brilliantly. Cao Cao sat bolt upright behind his low table and asked, “If you are an adviser of Eastern Wu, what brings you here?” Kan Ze replied, “Men say that Chancellor Cao thirsts for worthy men, but judging by that question, the report is far from true. Huang Gongfu, you have misjudged your man!”

Cao Cao said, “Eastern Wu and I are on the point of battle. How could I fail to question you when you come here secretly?” Kan Ze replied, “Huang Gongfu is a veteran minister who has served three generations of the Sun family. Yet now, before all the generals, Zhou Yu has had him cruelly beaten without cause, and his indignation is beyond endurance. He therefore desires to surrender to you, Chancellor, as a means of avenging himself, and he confided his plan to me. Gongfu and I are as close as flesh and bone, so I have come directly to deliver his secret letter. I do not know whether you, Chancellor, will accept him.” Cao Cao said, “Where is the letter?” Kan Ze took it out and presented it. Cao Cao opened it and read it by the lamplight. The letter said in substance:

I, Gai, have received great favor from the Sun family and by rights should never harbor a divided heart. Yet if the present situation is considered, the troops of Jiangdong’s six commanderies are opposed to a million soldiers from the heartland. That the few cannot withstand the many is plain to all beneath Heaven. Every officer and soldier of Eastern Wu, whether wise or foolish, knows that resistance is impossible. But the stripling Zhou Yu, narrow-minded and shallow-witted, prides himself on his abilities and rashly seeks to pit an egg against a stone. Moreover, he arrogates to himself the power to bestow favor and inflict punishment: the innocent are chastised, while the meritorious go unrewarded. I am a veteran minister, yet he has humiliated and broken me without cause, and in my heart I truly hate him! I have heard that you, Chancellor, deal sincerely with all men and receive worthy officers with an open mind. I therefore desire to lead my followers over in surrender, that I may win merit and wipe away my shame. Grain, fodder, carts, and weapons will all be brought by ship and presented to you. With tears of blood I bow and make this declaration: I beg you above all not to doubt me.

At his table Cao Cao turned the letter over and read it more than ten times. Suddenly he struck the table, opened his eyes wide, and cried furiously, “Huang Gai has used the ruse of self-torture and sent you with a false letter of surrender so that you may seize some advantage from within. How dare you come here to mock me!” He ordered his attendants to drag Kan Ze out and behead him. They crowded around Kan Ze and pulled him away, but his expression did not alter; instead, he threw back his head and laughed aloud. Cao Cao had him brought back and rebuked him: “I have already seen through your treacherous scheme. Why do you laugh?” Kan Ze replied, “I am not laughing at you. I am laughing because Huang Gongfu does not know how to judge men.” Cao Cao asked, “How does he not know how to judge men?” Kan Ze said, “If you mean to kill me, then kill me. Why ask so many questions?” Cao Cao said, “From childhood I have thoroughly studied the books of war and know well the ways of deceit and fraud. This scheme of yours might deceive another, but how could it deceive me?” Kan Ze replied, “Then tell me what part of the letter is a treacherous scheme.” Cao Cao said, “I shall point out the flaw so that you may die without complaint! If you truly came to present a letter and surrender, why did you not plainly fix a date? What answer can you make to that?”

When Kan Ze heard this, he laughed loudly and said, “It is a wonder you feel no shame, but dare boast that you have thoroughly studied the books of war! You had better withdraw your army while there is still time. If you engage in battle, Zhou Yu will surely capture you! Ignorant fool! What a pity that I must die unjustly at your hands!” Cao Cao said, “Why do you call me ignorant?” Kan Ze replied, “You understand neither stratagem nor reason. Are you not therefore ignorant?” Cao Cao said, “Then tell me in what respects I am wrong.” Kan Ze replied, “You lack the courtesy due to worthy men. Why should I say anything? There is nothing left but death.” Cao Cao said, “If what you say is reasonable, I shall naturally respect and accept it.” Kan Ze said, “Have you never heard the saying, ‘One who betrays his lord and acts in secret cannot set a fixed date’? If a date were agreed upon now, but the opportunity suddenly failed to arise, while your side came to meet him as arranged, the whole affair would inevitably be exposed. He can only watch for his chance and act. How could he settle the time beforehand? You do not understand this principle, yet seek to put an innocent man unjustly to death. You are truly an ignorant fool!”

At these words Cao Cao’s expression changed. He left his seat and apologized, saying, “I failed to perceive the matter clearly and have mistakenly offended your dignity. I beg you not to take it to heart.” Kan Ze said, “Huang Gongfu and I offer our whole hearts in surrender, as infants look to their parents. How could there be any deceit?” Cao Cao was overjoyed and said, “If you two accomplish this great service, then when ranks and titles are bestowed hereafter, you shall surely stand above all others.” Kan Ze replied, “We have not come for rank or emolument, but only to obey Heaven and follow the will of the people.” Cao Cao ordered wine brought and entertained him.

A short while later, a man entered the tent and whispered in Cao Cao’s ear. Cao Cao said, “Bring me the letter.” The man presented a secret dispatch. Cao Cao read it, and his face showed considerable pleasure. Kan Ze thought to himself, “This must be Cai Zhong and Cai He reporting that Huang Gai has been punished. Cao Cao is pleased because this proves that our surrender is genuine.” Cao Cao said, “I must trouble you, sir, to return to Jiangdong and arrange matters with Huang Gongfu. Have him first send word across the river, and I shall dispatch troops to receive him.” Kan Ze replied, “I have already left Jiangdong and cannot return. I beg you, Chancellor, to send some other trustworthy man.” Cao Cao said, “If another goes, I fear the matter may be exposed.” Kan Ze refused repeatedly, but after a long while he said, “If I must go, I dare not remain here any longer. I shall set out at once.”

Cao Cao bestowed gold and silk upon him, but Kan Ze declined them. Taking his leave, he departed from the camp, boarded his little boat once more, and returned to Jiangdong. There he met Huang Gai and related everything that had happened in detail. Huang Gai said, “Had it not been for your powers of debate, all my suffering would have been in vain.” Kan Ze said, “I shall now go to Gan Ning’s camp and learn what news there is of Cai Zhong and Cai He.” Huang Gai replied, “Excellent.” Kan Ze went to Gan Ning’s camp, and Gan Ning received him. Kan Ze said, “Yesterday, General, you were humiliated by Zhou Gongjin because you tried to save Huang Gongfu. I find it most unjust.” Gan Ning smiled but made no reply.

While they were speaking, Cai He and Cai Zhong arrived. Kan Ze glanced meaningfully at Gan Ning, who understood his intent and said, “Zhou Gongjin relies solely on his own ability and gives not the least thought to men like us. Now that I have been humiliated, I am ashamed to face the people of Jiangdong!” With that, he ground his teeth, pounded the table, and shouted aloud. Kan Ze then pretended to whisper privately in Gan Ning’s ear. Gan Ning lowered his head without speaking and heaved several long sighs.

Seeing that both Kan Ze and Gan Ning appeared inclined to revolt, Cai He and Cai Zhong sought to draw them out. “Why are you troubled, General?” they asked. “And what injustice troubles you, sir?” Kan Ze replied, “How could you know the bitterness in our hearts?” Cai He said, “Can it be that you wish to forsake Wu and go over to Cao Cao?” Kan Ze turned pale. Gan Ning drew his sword, sprang to his feet, and cried, “Our design has already been discovered! We must kill them to silence them!”

Cai He and Cai Zhong cried in alarm, “You two need not fear! We too have a confidential matter to reveal.” Gan Ning said, “Speak quickly!” Cai He replied, “The two of us were sent by Lord Cao to make a false surrender. If you two have any desire to submit to him, we can present you.” Gan Ning said, “Is what you say really true?” The two replied in one voice, “How would we dare deceive you?” Gan Ning feigned delight and said, “If that is so, then Heaven itself has granted us this opportunity!” The two Cais said, “We have already reported to the Chancellor how Huang Gongfu and you, General, were humiliated.” Kan Ze said, “I have already delivered Huang Gongfu’s letter to the Chancellor. I came here especially to see Xingba and arrange for us to surrender together.” Gan Ning said, “Once a true man encounters an enlightened lord, he should offer him his whole heart.” The four then drank together and freely discussed their secret intentions. Cai Zhong and Cai He at once wrote a letter secretly informing Cao Cao that Gan Ning would join them as an agent within. Kan Ze separately composed another letter and sent a man to deliver it secretly to Cao Cao. In it he explained in full that Huang Gai wished to come but had not yet found a suitable opportunity; Cao Cao need only watch for a ship approaching with a blue pennant at its prow, for that would be Huang Gai’s vessel.

Now Cao Cao received both letters in succession, but doubts still unsettled his mind. He assembled his advisers and said, “Gan Ning of Jiangdong, humiliated by Zhou Yu, offers to serve as an agent within; Huang Gai, after being punished, sent Kan Ze to tender his surrender. Neither story can yet be trusted fully. Who dares go straight into Zhou Yu’s camp and learn the truth?” Jiang Gan stepped forward and said, “The other day I went to Eastern Wu in vain and returned without accomplishing anything. I remain deeply ashamed. Now I am willing to risk my life by going again, and I shall make certain of the truth before returning to report to you, Chancellor.” Cao Cao was overjoyed and immediately ordered Jiang Gan to board a boat. Jiang Gan took a small craft and went straight to the edge of the southern naval stockade, where he sent a man ahead to announce him.

When Zhou Yu heard that Jiang Gan had come again, he was delighted. “The success of my plan depends entirely upon this man!” he said. He then instructed Lu Su, “Invite Pang Shiyuan here and have him do thus and thus for me.” Now Pang Tong of Xiangyang, whose courtesy name was Shiyuan, had taken refuge in Jiangdong to escape the disorders of war. Lu Su had once recommended him to Zhou Yu, but Pang Tong had not yet gone to meet him. Zhou Yu had previously sent Lu Su to ask Pang Tong for a plan, saying, “What strategy should we use to defeat Cao Cao?” Pang Tong had replied privately, “To defeat Cao Cao’s army, you must attack with fire. But on the broad surface of the Great River, if one ship catches fire, the others will scatter in every direction. Unless someone offers him a ‘chain-link stratagem’ and persuades him to fasten his ships together, the plan cannot succeed.” Lu Su reported this to Zhou Yu, who was greatly impressed by the proposal. Zhou Yu therefore said to Lu Su, “No one but Pang Shiyuan can carry out this stratagem for me.” Lu Su replied, “But Cao Cao is crafty and cunning. How can Pang Tong go to him?”

Zhou Yu pondered without reaching a decision, for he could find no opportunity. Then word suddenly came that Jiang Gan had returned. Zhou Yu was overjoyed. On one hand, he instructed Pang Tong to carry out the stratagem; on the other, he seated himself in his tent and sent for Jiang Gan. When Jiang Gan saw that no one had come to welcome him, doubts arose in his mind. He ordered his boat moored at a secluded stretch of the bank, then entered the stockade and met Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu assumed an angry expression and said, “Ziyi, why have you deceived me so outrageously?” Jiang Gan smiled and replied, “I remembered that you and I were once as brothers, so I came especially to speak to you from my heart. Why do you say I have deceived you?” Zhou Yu said, “If you mean to persuade me to surrender, you must wait until the seas run dry and the rocks crumble! Last time, remembering our former friendship, I invited you to drink your fill, let you become thoroughly drunk, and shared my couch with you. Yet you stole my private letter and departed without a farewell. When you returned and reported to Cao Cao, he killed Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, thereby ruining my affair. Why have you come again today? You can harbor no good intention! If not for our old friendship, I would cut you in two with a single stroke. I had intended to send you back across the river, but within a day or two I shall defeat the rebel Cao, while if I keep you in the army, you will surely divulge some secret.” He then ordered his attendants, “Take Ziyi to the hermitage on the western hills to rest. Once I have defeated Cao Cao, it will not be too late to send him across the river.”

Jiang Gan was about to speak again, but Zhou Yu had already withdrawn behind the tent. The attendants gave Jiang Gan a horse and escorted him to a small hermitage behind the western hills, leaving two soldiers to wait upon him. In the hermitage Jiang Gan was anxious and depressed, unable either to sleep or eat. That night the stars shone brightly in the dew-filled sky. Walking alone behind the hermitage, he heard the sound of someone reading aloud. Following the sound at random, he came to several thatched rooms beside a rocky cliff, with lamplight shining from within. Jiang Gan peered inside and saw a man who had hung his sword before the lamp and was reciting the military writings of Sun Wu and Wu Qi. “This must be an extraordinary man,” Jiang Gan thought. He knocked at the door and asked to be received. The man opened the door and came out to greet him, his bearing plainly uncommon. Jiang Gan asked his name, and he replied, “My surname is Pang, my given name Tong, and my courtesy name Shiyuan.” Jiang Gan said, “Can you be Master Fledgling Phoenix?” Pang Tong replied, “I am.” Jiang Gan was delighted. “I have long heard your great name,” he said. “Why do you now live in seclusion here?” Pang Tong answered, “Zhou Yu prides himself on his lofty talents and cannot tolerate other men of worth. For that reason I have withdrawn to this place. And who are you, sir?” Jiang Gan replied, “I am Jiang Gan.”

Pang Tong invited him into the thatched hermitage, where they sat together and spoke freely. Jiang Gan said, “With your abilities, sir, where could you go and fail to prosper? If you are willing to join Cao Cao, I shall present you to him.” Pang Tong replied, “I too have long wished to leave Jiangdong. Since you are willing to present me, we should set out at once. If we delay and Zhou Yu hears of it, he will surely have me killed.”

Thus Pang Tong and Jiang Gan went down the mountain that very night. Reaching the riverbank, they found Jiang Gan’s original boat and rowed swiftly toward the northern shore. When they arrived at Cao Cao’s stockade, Jiang Gan entered first and gave a full account of all that had happened. Hearing that Master Fledgling Phoenix had come, Cao Cao personally went out of his tent to welcome him. When host and guest had taken their proper seats, Cao Cao said, “Zhou Yu is young; relying on his talents, he treats others with contempt and refuses to heed sound counsel. I have long heard of your great name, sir. Now that you have honored me with your presence, I beg you not to withhold your instruction.” Pang Tong replied, “I have long heard that you, Chancellor, employ troops according to sound principles. I should now like to behold the disposition of your army.”

Cao Cao ordered horses prepared and first invited Pang Tong to inspect the land camp with him. Riding side by side, they ascended a height and looked out over it. Pang Tong said, “It rests against the hills and draws support from the forests; front and rear attend to one another; its entrances and exits have proper gates; its avenues of advance and retreat wind and turn. Even if Sun Wu and Wu Qi were reborn, or Sima Rangju returned to life, they could do no better than this.” Cao Cao said, “Do not praise me too highly, sir. I still look to you for instruction.” They then went together to inspect the naval stockade. Facing south, it was divided into twenty-four gates, all guarded by covered warships and fighting vessels arranged like walls and battlements. Smaller boats were sheltered within; lanes ran between them for passage, and every formation rose and fell in ordered ranks. Pang Tong laughed and said, “The Chancellor’s reputation for the use of troops is indeed deserved!” Then, pointing toward the southern bank, he said, “Zhou Yu! Zhou Yu! Your destruction is fixed for a certain day!”

Cao Cao returned to camp in great delight. He invited Pang Tong into his tent, set out wine, and drank with him while they discussed the principles of war. Pang Tong spoke with lofty eloquence and answered every question with effortless fluency. Cao Cao admired him deeply and treated him with the utmost courtesy. Feigning drunkenness, Pang Tong said, “May I ask whether there are any skilled physicians in the army?” Cao Cao asked why he wished to know. Pang Tong replied, “Many among the naval forces are ill and require skilled physicians to treat them.” At that time Cao Cao’s troops, unaccustomed to the climate and waters, were suffering from vomiting and other sicknesses, and many had died. Cao Cao was already troubled by this matter, so when he suddenly heard Pang Tong speak of it, how could he fail to inquire further? Pang Tong said, “Your method of training the naval forces is excellent, Chancellor, but unfortunately it is incomplete.” Cao Cao repeatedly asked him to explain. Pang Tong said, “I have a plan by which every man in the fleet, high or low, may be kept free of sickness, and your success may be secured.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed and asked him to reveal this marvelous plan. Pang Tong said, “In the Great River, the tide rises and falls, while wind and waves never cease. Northern soldiers are unaccustomed to traveling by ship; when tossed and pitched in this way, they soon fall ill. If the large and small ships were arranged together, perhaps thirty to a row or fifty to a row, and linked from bow to stern with iron rings and chains, with broad planks laid across them, then not only men but even horses could pass from ship to ship. Sailing in such a formation, you could let the winds blow, the waves surge, and the tides rise and fall—what would there be to fear?” Cao Cao left his seat and thanked him, saying, “Without your excellent counsel, sir, how could I defeat Eastern Wu?” Pang Tong replied, “It is merely the shallow opinion of a foolish man. You, Chancellor, must judge it for yourself.” Cao Cao immediately issued orders summoning all the smiths in the army. Through the night they forged great linked rings and clamps with which to fasten the ships together. When the troops heard of it, they were all delighted. A later poet wrote:

At Red Cliffs raging battle called for fire;In plans and calculations all conspired.Had Pang Tong not proposed his linking scheme,How could Gongjin have won renown supreme?

Pang Tong further said to Cao Cao, “Among the heroes of Jiangdong, I have observed many who resent Zhou Yu. With my three-inch tongue I shall persuade them on your behalf, Chancellor, and induce them all to surrender. Then Zhou Yu, isolated and without support, will surely be captured by you. Once Zhou Yu is destroyed, Liu Bei will be of no further consequence.” Cao Cao said, “If you indeed accomplish this great service, sir, I shall petition the Son of Heaven to confer upon you a rank among the Three Excellencies.” Pang Tong replied, “I do not act for wealth or honor, but only because I wish to save the countless people. When you cross the river, Chancellor, you must take care not to slaughter them.” Cao Cao said, “I act on Heaven’s behalf to enforce the Way. How could I bear to massacre the people?” Pang Tong bowed and requested a proclamation guaranteeing the safety of his clan. Cao Cao asked, “Where do your family and kinsmen now reside?” Pang Tong replied, “They live close to the river. If I receive such a proclamation, their safety may be assured.”

Cao Cao ordered a proclamation written, signed, and sealed, then gave it to Pang Tong. Pang Tong bowed in thanks and said, “After I depart, advance your army quickly. Do not wait until Zhou Yu discovers what is afoot.” Cao Cao agreed.

Pang Tong took his leave and went to the riverbank. Just as he was about to board a boat, he suddenly saw a man on the bank, dressed in a Daoist robe and wearing a bamboo cap. The man seized Pang Tong and said, “What audacity you have! Huang Gai employs the ruse of self-torture; Kan Ze delivers a false letter of surrender; and now you come to offer the chain-link stratagem. Do you fear that the flames may not burn them utterly away? Such ruthless devices may deceive Cao Cao, but they cannot deceive me!” Pang Tong was so terrified that his soul nearly fled his body. Truly:

Say not the southeast alone can victory claim;Who says the northwest boasts no worthy name?

Who, after all, was this man? Read the next chapter to learn.

Kan Ze Secretly Presents a False Surrender; Pang Tong Ingeniously Proposes the Chained Ships

Now Kan Ze, courtesy name Derun, was a native of Shanyin in Kuaiji. His family was poor, but he loved learning. He hired himself out as a laborer and often borrowed books from others to read. After reading something once, he never forgot it. He was eloquent and quick-witted, and even in his youth he possessed courage. Sun Quan summoned him to serve as an adviser, and he became especially close to Huang Gai. Knowing that Kan Ze was eloquent and bold, Huang Gai wanted him to deliver the false letter of surrender. Kan Ze readily agreed, saying, “If a true man lives in this world without winning merit and establishing a great enterprise, is he not little better than the grass and trees that rot away? Since you are willing to sacrifice your life to repay your lord, why should I begrudge my insignificant life?” Huang Gai rolled out of bed, bowed to him, and thanked him. Kan Ze said, “This matter cannot be delayed. I will leave at once.” Huang Gai said, “The letter is already written.”

Kan Ze took the letter and that very night disguised himself as a fisherman, boarded a small boat, and headed toward the northern bank. The cold stars filled the sky that night, and by the third watch he had already reached Cao Cao’s naval camp. Soldiers patrolling the river seized him and reported to Cao Cao that same night. Cao Cao said, “Could he be a spy?” The soldiers replied, “He is only a fisherman, but he calls himself Kan Ze, an adviser of Eastern Wu, and says he has come on secret business to see you.” Cao Cao ordered them to bring him in. The soldiers led Kan Ze inside. The lamps and candles in the tent blazed brightly, and Cao Cao sat erect behind his desk. He asked, “Since you are an adviser of Eastern Wu, what have you come here for?” Kan Ze replied, “People say Chancellor Cao thirsts for worthy men, but judging from that question, the claim hardly seems true. Huang Gongfu, you have misjudged him!”

Cao Cao said, “Eastern Wu and I may go to war at any moment. How could I fail to question you when you come here secretly?” Kan Ze said, “Huang Gongfu is a veteran officer who has served three generations of the Sun family. Yet Zhou Yu had him brutally beaten without cause before all the generals, filling him with unbearable resentment. He therefore wishes to surrender to you, Chancellor, as a means of taking revenge, and he specially consulted me about it. Gongfu and I are as close as flesh and bone, so I came directly to present his secret letter. I do not know whether you, Chancellor, are willing to accept him.” Cao Cao asked, “Where is the letter?” Kan Ze took it out and presented it. Cao Cao opened it and read it by lamplight. The letter read:

I, Huang Gai, have received great favor from the Sun family and ought never to harbor divided loyalties. Yet, considering the present situation, how can the troops of Jiangdong’s six commanderies withstand the million-man army of the central realm? The disparity in numbers is obvious to everyone in the empire. Every civil and military officer of Eastern Wu, whether wise or foolish, knows that victory is impossible. But that youngster Zhou Yu, narrow-minded, shallow, and stubborn, overestimates his own ability and recklessly seeks to strike stone with an egg. Moreover, he arbitrarily dispenses rewards and punishments, inflicting penalties on the innocent and withholding rewards from those who have earned merit. I am a veteran officer, yet he has humiliated and abused me without cause, and I truly hate him for it! I have respectfully heard that you, Chancellor, treat others with sincerity and humbly welcome worthy men. I wish to lead my followers in surrendering to you, so that I may win merit and wipe away my disgrace. I shall also bring provisions, carts, weapons, and equipment aboard my ships and offer them all to you. With tears of blood, I bow and make this declaration. I beg you above all not to doubt me.

At his desk, Cao Cao turned the letter over and read it more than ten times. Suddenly he struck the desk, opened his eyes wide, and shouted furiously, “Huang Gai has used the ruse of self-inflicted suffering and sent you with a false letter of surrender so that you can exploit an opportunity here. How dare you come and make a fool of me!” He ordered his attendants to drag Kan Ze out and behead him. The attendants crowded around Kan Ze and hauled him away, but his expression did not change. Instead, he threw back his head and laughed loudly. Cao Cao ordered them to bring him back and shouted, “I have seen through your treacherous scheme. Why are you laughing?” Kan Ze replied, “I am not laughing at you. I am only laughing because Huang Gongfu is a poor judge of men.” Cao Cao asked, “How is he a poor judge of men?” Kan Ze said, “If you are going to kill me, then kill me. Why ask so many questions?” Cao Cao said, “I have studied military texts since childhood and thoroughly understand every form of deceit and trickery. This scheme of yours might fool someone else, but how could it fool me?” Kan Ze said, “Then tell me which part of the letter is a treacherous scheme.” Cao Cao replied, “I will point out the flaw so that you may die without resentment! If you truly came to offer a letter of surrender, why did you not specify the date? What explanation can you give for that?”

When Kan Ze heard this, he laughed loudly and said, “How shameless of you to boast that you have studied military texts! You had better withdraw your army at once! If you fight, Zhou Yu will certainly capture you! You ignorant fool! What a pity that I must die unjustly at your hands!” Cao Cao asked, “Why do you call me ignorant?” Kan Ze replied, “You understand neither strategy nor reason. Does that not make you ignorant?” Cao Cao said, “Then tell me where I am wrong.” Kan Ze replied, “You show no courtesy toward worthy men, so why should I say anything? I have only death before me.” Cao Cao said, “If your explanation is reasonable, I will naturally respect and accept it.” Kan Ze said, “Have you never heard the saying, ‘One who betrays his lord and acts in secret cannot set a fixed date’? Suppose we agreed on a date now, but when it came he could not find an immediate opportunity to act, while your forces came to meet him from this side. The whole affair would inevitably be exposed. He can only watch for a favorable opportunity and act. How could he set a date in advance? You fail to understand such a simple principle and mean to put an innocent man to an unjust death. You truly are an ignorant fool!”

At these words, Cao Cao’s expression changed. He left his seat and apologized, saying, “I failed to understand the matter and mistakenly offended your dignity. I hope you will not take it to heart.” Kan Ze said, “Huang Gongfu and I sincerely wish to surrender, yearning for you as an infant yearns for its parents. How could there be any deceit?” Cao Cao was overjoyed and said, “If the two of you accomplish this great service, the ranks and titles you receive in the future will surely surpass those of all others.” Kan Ze said, “We have not come for rank or salary, but truly to obey Heaven and follow the will of the people.” Cao Cao brought out wine and entertained him.

A short while later, someone entered the tent and whispered in Cao Cao’s ear. Cao Cao said, “Bring me the letter.” The man presented a secret report. After reading it, Cao Cao looked greatly pleased. Kan Ze thought to himself, “This must be Cai Zhong and Cai He reporting that Huang Gai was punished. That is why Cao Cao is pleased, believing my account of his surrender to be genuine.” Cao Cao said, “I must trouble you, sir, to return to Jiangdong and arrange matters with Huang Gongfu. Send word across the river beforehand, and I will have troops ready to meet him.” Kan Ze replied, “I have already left Jiangdong and cannot return. I ask you, Chancellor, to send some other trustworthy man.” Cao Cao said, “If anyone else goes, I fear the affair may be exposed.” Kan Ze repeatedly declined, but after a long while he said, “If I must go, I dare not remain here any longer. I should leave at once.”

Cao Cao presented him with gold and silk, but Kan Ze refused them. He took his leave, departed the camp, boarded his small boat again, and returned to Jiangdong. He went to see Huang Gai and gave him a detailed account of everything that had happened. Huang Gai said, “Had it not been for your eloquence, sir, all my suffering would have been in vain.” Kan Ze said, “I will now go to Gan Ning’s camp and find out what Cai Zhong and Cai He are doing.” Huang Gai said, “Excellent.” Kan Ze went to Gan Ning’s camp, where Gan Ning received him. Kan Ze said, “Yesterday, General, you were humiliated by Zhou Gongjin for trying to save Huang Gongfu. I am deeply outraged on your behalf.” Gan Ning smiled but did not answer.

As they were speaking, Cai He and Cai Zhong arrived. Kan Ze gave Gan Ning a meaningful look. Understanding his intent, Gan Ning said, “Zhou Gongjin relies entirely on his own abilities and gives no thought at all to men like us. Now that I have been humiliated, I am ashamed to face anyone east of the Yangtze!” When he finished, he ground his teeth, pounded the table, and cried out loudly. Kan Ze then pretended to whisper in Gan Ning’s ear. Gan Ning lowered his head without speaking and heaved several long sighs.

Seeing that Kan Ze and Gan Ning both appeared to harbor thoughts of rebellion, Cai He and Cai Zhong tried to draw them out, saying, “Why are you distressed, General? And what injustice troubles you, sir?” Kan Ze replied, “How could you know the suffering in our hearts?” Cai He said, “Can it be that you wish to turn against Wu and go over to Cao Cao?” Kan Ze turned pale. Gan Ning drew his sword and sprang to his feet, saying, “Our secret has been discovered! We must kill them to silence them!”

Cai He and Cai Zhong cried out in alarm, “Do not worry, gentlemen! We also have a secret from our hearts to tell you.” Gan Ning said, “Speak at once!” Cai He said, “The two of us were sent by Lord Cao to pretend to surrender. If you gentlemen truly wish to submit to him, we can introduce you.” Gan Ning asked, “Are you telling the truth?” The two replied in unison, “How would we dare deceive you?” Gan Ning pretended to be delighted and said, “If so, Heaven itself has granted us this opportunity!” The two Cais said, “We have already reported to the Chancellor how Huang Gongfu and you, General, were humiliated.” Kan Ze said, “I have already delivered Huang Gongfu’s letter to the Chancellor. I came here especially to see you, Xingba, and arrange for us to surrender together.” Gan Ning said, “Once a true man encounters an enlightened lord, he should naturally devote himself to him wholeheartedly.” The four then drank together and discussed their innermost intentions. The two Cais immediately wrote a secret report to Cao Cao, saying that Gan Ning and Kan Ze would serve together as agents inside Wu. Kan Ze separately wrote another letter and secretly sent someone to deliver it to Cao Cao. The letter explained in full that Huang Gai wished to come but had not yet found an opportunity. Cao Cao need only watch for ships approaching with blue pennants at their prows; those would be Huang Gai’s ships.

Now Cao Cao received both letters in succession, but remained uncertain and suspicious. He gathered his advisers and said, “Gan Ning of Jiangdong was humiliated by Zhou Yu and is willing to act as our agent within his camp. Huang Gai was punished and sent Kan Ze to offer his surrender. Neither case can yet be fully trusted. Who dares go directly into Zhou Yu’s camp and learn the truth?” Jiang Gan stepped forward and said, “The other day I went to Eastern Wu in vain and accomplished nothing, for which I feel deeply ashamed. Now I am willing to risk my life by going again. I will make certain of the truth and return to report it to you, Chancellor.” Cao Cao was overjoyed and immediately ordered Jiang Gan to board a boat. Jiang Gan took a small craft directly to the edge of the southern naval camp and sent someone ahead to announce him.

When Zhou Yu heard that Jiang Gan had come again, he was delighted and said, “The success of my plan depends entirely upon this man!” He then instructed Lu Su, “Invite Pang Shiyuan here and have him do such and such for me.” Pang Tong of Xiangyang, courtesy name Shiyuan, had taken up residence in Jiangdong to escape the turmoil. Lu Su had previously recommended him to Zhou Yu, but Pang Tong had not yet gone to meet him. Zhou Yu had first sent Lu Su to ask Pang Tong for a plan, saying, “What strategy should we use to defeat Cao Cao?” Pang Tong secretly told Lu Su, “To defeat Cao Cao’s army, you must use a fire attack. But on the broad Yangtze, if one ship catches fire, all the others will scatter. The plan can succeed only if someone offers him a ‘chain-link stratagem’ and has him fasten all his ships together.” Lu Su reported this to Zhou Yu, who deeply admired the proposal and said, “No one but Pang Shiyuan can carry out this plan for me.” Lu Su said, “I only fear that Cao Cao is too cunning. How can he go there safely?”

Zhou Yu pondered without reaching a decision, wondering how he might find an opportunity, when word suddenly came that Jiang Gan had returned. Zhou Yu was overjoyed. On the one hand, he instructed Pang Tong how to carry out the scheme; on the other, he seated himself in his tent and sent someone to invite Jiang Gan in. When Jiang Gan saw that Zhou Yu had not come to welcome him, doubts and misgivings filled his mind. He ordered his boat moored at a secluded part of the bank, then entered the camp to see Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu glared at him and said, “Ziyi, why have you deceived me so outrageously?” Jiang Gan smiled and said, “I thought that you and I were old friends and brothers, so I came especially to speak to you from my heart. How can you say I deceived you?” Zhou Yu said, “If you mean to persuade me to surrender, the seas will dry up and the rocks crumble before that happens! Last time, for the sake of our old friendship, I invited you to drink your fill, get thoroughly drunk, and share my bed. But you stole my private letter and left without saying goodbye. You reported back to Cao Cao, who killed Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, causing my plan to fail. Why have you come again today? You certainly harbor no good intentions! If I did not consider our old friendship, I would cut you in two with a single stroke! I originally meant to send you back across the river, but within the next day or two I am going to destroy the rebel Cao. Yet if I keep you in the army, secrets are sure to leak out.” He ordered his attendants, “Escort Ziyi to the monastery in the western hills to rest. Once I have defeated Cao Cao, it will not be too late to send him across the river.”

Jiang Gan tried to speak again, but Zhou Yu had already withdrawn behind the tent. The attendants brought Jiang Gan a horse and escorted him to a small monastery behind the western hills, assigning two soldiers to wait on him. In the monastery, Jiang Gan was troubled and depressed, unable to eat or sleep in peace. That night the stars filled the sky and dew lay everywhere. He went out alone and strolled behind the monastery, where he heard someone reading aloud. Following the sound at random, he came to several thatched rooms beside a rocky cliff, with lamplight shining from within. Jiang Gan peered inside and saw a man with a sword hanging before the lamp, reciting the military writings of Sun Wu and Wu Qi. Jiang Gan thought that this must be an extraordinary man, so he knocked on the door and asked to meet him. The man opened the door and came out to welcome him, and his bearing was clearly far from ordinary. Jiang Gan asked his name. The man replied, “My surname is Pang, my given name is Tong, and my courtesy name is Shiyuan.” Jiang Gan said, “Can you be Master Young Phoenix?” Pang Tong replied, “I am.” Delighted, Jiang Gan said, “I have long heard of your great reputation. Why are you living in seclusion in such a remote place?” Pang Tong replied, “Zhou Yu prides himself on his great talent and cannot tolerate other able men, so I have withdrawn to live here. Who might you be, sir?” Jiang Gan replied, “I am Jiang Gan.”

Pang Tong invited him into the thatched cottage, and they sat together and spoke openly. Jiang Gan said, “With your abilities, sir, where could you go and not prosper? If you are willing to join Cao Cao, I will introduce you.” Pang Tong said, “I have long wished to leave Jiangdong. Since you are willing to introduce me, we should set out at once. If we delay and Zhou Yu hears of it, he will certainly have me killed.”

That very night, Pang Tong and Jiang Gan went down the mountain together. At the riverbank they found Jiang Gan’s original boat and rowed swiftly across to the northern shore. When they reached Cao Cao’s camp, Jiang Gan went in first and gave a full account of all that had happened. Hearing that Master Young Phoenix had come, Cao Cao personally left his tent to welcome him. Once host and guest had taken their seats, Cao Cao said, “Zhou Yu is young, and because he relies on his own talent, he treats others arrogantly and refuses to use sound advice. I have long heard of your great reputation, sir. Now that you have honored me with your presence, I beg you not to withhold your instruction.” Pang Tong replied, “I have always heard that you, Chancellor, conduct your campaigns according to sound principles. I would now like to inspect the disposition of your forces.”

Cao Cao ordered horses prepared and first invited Pang Tong to inspect the land camp with him. Riding side by side, they climbed to high ground and looked out over it. Pang Tong said, “It stands beside mountains and relies on forests for protection; front and rear support each other; there are gates for entry and exit; and its winding approaches allow both advance and retreat. Even if Sun Wu and Wu Qi were reborn, or Rangju returned to life, they could do no better than this.” Cao Cao said, “Please do not praise me too highly, sir. I still hope for your instruction.” He then took Pang Tong to inspect the naval camp. There were twenty-four gates facing south, all defended by covered assault ships and warships arranged like city walls. Smaller boats were sheltered within, with lanes through which they could come and go, and every movement followed proper order. Pang Tong laughed and said, “The Chancellor’s reputation for commanding armies is well deserved!” Then, pointing toward the south bank, he said, “Zhou Yu! Zhou Yu! Your appointed day of destruction is surely at hand!”

Cao Cao returned to camp in great delight, invited Pang Tong into his tent, and set out wine for them to drink as they discussed military strategy. Pang Tong spoke with lofty eloquence and answered every question without hesitation. Cao Cao greatly admired and respected him and treated him with the utmost courtesy. Pretending to be drunk, Pang Tong asked, “May I ask whether there are any good physicians in the army?” Cao Cao asked why he needed one. Pang Tong replied, “Many of the naval troops are ill and require skilled physicians to treat them.” At the time, Cao Cao’s soldiers were unaccustomed to the climate and water, and all suffered from vomiting; many had died. Cao Cao was already worried about this, so when he suddenly heard Pang Tong mention it, how could he fail to ask further? Pang Tong said, “Your method of training the naval forces is excellent, Chancellor, but unfortunately it is incomplete.” Cao Cao repeatedly asked him to explain. Pang Tong said, “I have a plan that will free every sailor, high and low, from sickness and ensure a safe and successful campaign.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed and asked him to reveal this marvelous plan. Pang Tong said, “On the Yangtze, the tides rise and fall and the wind and waves never cease. The northern soldiers are not accustomed to traveling by boat. Tossed and jolted about, they naturally fall ill. But if you match large ships and small ships together, arranging them in rows of thirty or fifty, and link them from bow to stern with iron rings and chains, then lay broad planks across them, not only men but even horses will be able to cross from ship to ship. Sailing in this manner, no matter how the winds, waves, and tides rise and fall, what will there be to fear?” Cao Cao left his seat and thanked him, saying, “Without your brilliant plan, sir, how could I defeat Eastern Wu?” Pang Tong replied, “This is only my shallow opinion. You, Chancellor, must judge it for yourself.” Cao Cao immediately issued orders summoning all the army’s blacksmiths to forge massive iron rings and spikes throughout the night and chain the ships together. When the troops heard of it, they were all delighted. A later poet wrote:

At Red Cliffs, raging battle turned upon a fire attack;All the plans and calculations worked toward the same end.Had Pang Tong not devised the stratagem of chained ships,How could Gongjin ever have achieved his mighty triumph?

Pang Tong also said to Cao Cao, “I have observed that many of Jiangdong’s outstanding men resent Zhou Yu. With my three-inch tongue, I can persuade them on your behalf, Chancellor, and have them all come over to you. Zhou Yu will then stand alone without support and must inevitably be captured by you. Once Zhou Yu is defeated, Liu Bei will be of no further use.” Cao Cao said, “If you truly accomplish this great service, sir, I will petition the Son of Heaven to appoint you to the rank of one of the Three Excellencies.” Pang Tong replied, “I do not seek wealth or honor. I only wish to save the common people. When you cross the river, Chancellor, you must take care not to slaughter them.” Cao Cao said, “I act on Heaven’s behalf to uphold the Way. How could I bear to massacre the people?” Pang Tong bowed and asked him to issue a proclamation to reassure and protect his family and kin. Cao Cao asked, “Where does your family presently live, sir?” Pang Tong replied, “Right beside the river. If I receive such a proclamation, they can be kept safe.”

Cao Cao ordered a proclamation written, signed, and sealed, then handed it to Pang Tong. Pang Tong bowed in thanks and said, “After I leave, advance your army quickly. Do not wait until Zhou Yu realizes what is happening.” Cao Cao agreed.

Pang Tong took his leave and went to the riverbank. Just as he was about to board a boat, he suddenly saw a man on the bank wearing a Daoist robe and a bamboo cap. The man seized Pang Tong and said, “You are remarkably bold! Huang Gai used the ruse of self-inflicted suffering, Kan Ze delivered the false letter of surrender, and now you have come to offer the chain-link stratagem. Your only fear must be that the fire will not burn them all to ashes! These ruthless schemes of yours may deceive Cao Cao, but you cannot deceive me!” Pang Tong was so terrified that his soul nearly fled his body. As the verse says:

Do not say the southeast alone can master victory;Who claims the northwest has no men of talent?

Who was this man? Read on to learn what follows.