Chapter 48

Cao Cao Feasts and Composes Verse on the Yangzi; The Northern Army Chains Its Warships

Now when Pang Tong heard these words, he was startled and wheeled around to look at the speaker. It was none other than Xu Shu. Seeing an old friend, Pang Tong’s heart settled. He glanced about, and when he saw no one nearby, he said, “If you expose my scheme, it will be a pity for the people of the eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze, for you will have delivered them all to destruction!” Xu Shu laughed. “And what of the lives of the eight hundred and thirty thousand men and horses here?” Pang Tong said, “Does Yuanzhi truly intend to thwart my plan?” Xu Shu replied, “I remain grateful for Imperial Uncle Liu’s profound kindness and have never forgotten my duty to repay it. Cao Cao drove my mother to her death, and I have already declared that I will devise no scheme for him as long as I live. How could I now be willing to ruin your excellent plan? But I too am here with the army. Once it is defeated, jade and stone will be destroyed together; how can I escape disaster? You must teach me some means of getting away. Then I shall seal my lips and withdraw far from here.” Pang Tong laughed. “With such lofty judgment and far-seeing wisdom as yours, Yuanzhi, surely this can present no difficulty!” Xu Shu said, “I beg you to instruct me, Master.” Pang Tong leaned close to Xu Shu’s ear and whispered a few words. Xu Shu was overjoyed and bowed his thanks. Pang Tong then took leave of Xu Shu, went down to his boat, and returned to the lands east of the Yangtze.

That very night, Xu Shu secretly sent trusted men through the various camps to spread a rumor. The next day, soldiers gathered in groups of three and five, whispering with their heads together. Before long, an informer reported to Cao Cao: “Word is spreading through the army that Han Sui and Ma Teng of Xiliang have rebelled and are fighting their way toward the capital at Xu.” Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hastily assembled his advisers to deliberate. “Since leading the army south,” he said, “the men I have feared are Han Sui and Ma Teng. Though the truth or falsehood of this rumor has not yet been determined, we cannot fail to guard against them.”

Before he had finished, Xu Shu stepped forward and said, “The Prime Minister has graciously accepted me into his service, and I regret that I have not rendered even the smallest service in return. I ask for three thousand men, that I may hasten by night to San Pass and hold the defile. If any emergency arises, I shall send word at once.” Cao Cao was delighted. “If Yuanzhi goes, I shall have no further concern. There are already troops at San Pass; you may take command of them as well. I shall immediately assign you three thousand infantry and appoint Zang Ba as your vanguard. Set out this very night, and permit no delay.” Xu Shu took leave of Cao Cao and departed with Zang Ba. This was Pang Tong’s stratagem for saving Xu Shu. A later poet wrote:

Each day Cao Cao marched south, his heart was torn with care,Lest Ma Teng and Han Sui should rise in arms and dare.One word from Young Phoenix set Xu Shu safely free,Like a fish that slips the hook and swims the open sea.

After Cao Cao had sent Xu Shu away, his mind was somewhat at ease. He mounted his horse and first inspected the land camps along the river, then the naval stockades. He boarded a great ship on which a commander’s banner had been raised amidships, while the naval camps extended on either side. A thousand bows and crossbows lay concealed aboard, and Cao Cao took his place on the upper deck. It was the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, in the winter of the twelfth year of Jian’an. The sky was clear and bright, the breeze gentle, and the waves still. Cao Cao ordered, “Set wine and music aboard the great ship. This evening I mean to feast with my generals.”

As evening drew on, the moon rose above the eastern hills, shining as brightly as day. The broad sweep of the Yangtze looked like a long band of white silk stretched across the land. Cao Cao sat aboard the great ship, attended on either side by several hundred guards, all clad in brocade robes and embroidered jackets, bearing spears and halberds. The civil and military officers took their seats according to rank. Cao Cao saw the painted beauty of Mount Nanping; eastward he gazed upon the bounds of Chaisang, westward upon the river at Xiakou, southward toward Mount Fan, and northward toward Wulin. The vastness on every side filled his heart with delight. He addressed the assembled officers: “Since first I raised a righteous army, I have purged the realm of villains and removed its scourges. I vowed to cleanse all within the four seas and pacify the whole empire. Only the southlands remain beyond my grasp. Now I command a million valiant troops, and with all of you exerting yourselves in my service, how can we fail? Once the southlands have submitted, the empire will be at peace, and I shall share wealth and honor with you all, that together we may rejoice in an age of tranquillity.” The civil and military officers all rose and offered their thanks. “May we soon sing the song of victory. For the rest of our lives, we shall depend upon the shelter of the Prime Minister’s good fortune.” Cao Cao was greatly pleased and ordered his attendants to pour the wine.

They drank until midnight, and when Cao Cao was flushed with wine, he pointed toward the southern bank and said, “Zhou Yu and Lu Su do not understand the workings of Heaven. Fortunately, men have come over to us who will prove a deadly affliction within their very hearts. Heaven itself is aiding me.” Xun You said, “Prime Minister, do not speak of it, lest the secret be leaked.” Cao Cao laughed loudly. “The gentlemen seated here, together with my close attendants, are all men of my innermost confidence. What harm can there be in speaking?” Then he pointed toward Xiakou and said, “Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang—you do not reckon the strength of ants, yet would shake Mount Tai. How foolish you are!” Turning to his generals, he continued, “I am fifty-four years old this year. If I gain the southlands, there is a certain private desire that will delight me. In former days, Lord Qiao and I were the closest of friends, and I knew that both his daughters possessed beauty worthy of a kingdom. Later, contrary to expectation, they became the wives of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. I have now built the new Bronze Bird Terrace beside the Zhang River. If I gain the southlands, I shall take the Two Qiaos as my wives and lodge them upon the terrace to amuse my declining years. Then all my wishes will be fulfilled.” When he had spoken, he laughed aloud. Du Mu of the Tang dynasty wrote:

A broken halberd, sunk in sand, its iron not yet gone—I scour and wash it, recognizing relics of an age withdrawn.Had the east wind not lent young Zhou the aid he needed there,Deep in spring on Bronze Bird Tower, the Two Qiaos would languish fair.

As Cao Cao laughed and talked, he suddenly heard crows calling as they flew southward. He asked, “Why are the crows crying at night?” His attendants replied, “The crows see the bright moon and mistake it for dawn; therefore they leave their trees and call.” Cao Cao laughed again. By now he was drunk. Taking up his long spear, he stood upon the deck, poured a libation into the river, drained three full cups, then leveled the spear and addressed his generals: “With this spear in hand, I broke the Yellow Turbans, captured Lü Bu, destroyed Yuan Shu, and subdued Yuan Shao. I drove deep beyond the northern frontier and pressed on as far as Liaodong. Ranging unhindered throughout the realm, I have not altogether betrayed the aspirations of a great man. Now, confronted by this scene, I am filled with heroic emotion. I shall compose a song, and you shall join in the refrain.” He sang:

Before the wine, let us sing—How long does human life endure?It is like the morning dew;The days gone by are all too many.

My spirit rises, bold and ardent,Yet sorrowing thoughts are hard to forget.What can dispel my grief?Only Du Kang’s wine.

Blue, blue the collar of the scholar;Long, long the yearning in my heart.Only because of youHave I murmured these lines until now.

Yo, yo, the deer call,Grazing on duckweed in the wild.I have honored guests;Let zithers sound and reed pipes play.

Bright, bright as the moon—When can my longing cease?Sorrow rises from withinAnd cannot be cut away.

Across the paths and over the lanes,You deign to come and visit me.Long parted, we meet and feast,Our hearts remembering former kindness.

The moon is bright, the stars are few;Crows and magpies fly south.Three times they circle the trees,Finding no branch on which to rest.

A mountain never wearies of height;The sea never wearies of depth.The Duke of Zhou spat out his food,And all the world gave him its heart.

When the song was ended, the others joined in, and all laughed merrily together. Suddenly one man among the guests stepped forward and said, “At a time when two great armies confront each other and the officers and men must hazard their lives, why does the Prime Minister utter such inauspicious words?” Cao Cao looked at him. It was Liu Fu, styled Yuanying, a native of Xiang in the state of Pei and Inspector of Yangzhou. Liu Fu had established himself at Hefei, founded the provincial administration, gathered the scattered refugees, established schools, greatly expanded the military farms, and promoted good government and instruction. He had served Cao Cao for many years and won much merit. Cao Cao now leveled his spear and demanded, “What was inauspicious in my words?” Liu Fu replied, “‘The moon is bright, the stars are few; crows and magpies fly south. Three times they circle the trees, finding no branch on which to rest.’ Those words are inauspicious.” Cao Cao flew into a rage. “How dare you spoil my pleasure!” With a single thrust of his spear, he stabbed Liu Fu to death. Everyone was horrified, and the feast came to an end.

The next day, when Cao Cao had sobered, his remorse knew no bounds. Liu Fu’s son, Liu Xi, petitioned for his father’s body so that he might take it home for burial. Cao Cao wept and said, “Yesterday, in my drunkenness, I mistakenly killed your father. My regret comes too late. He shall be buried with the full honors due one of the Three Excellencies.” He also assigned soldiers to escort the coffin, and that same day it was borne home for burial. The following day, Mao Jie and Yu Jin, commanders of the naval forces, came to Cao Cao’s tent and reported, “All ships, great and small, have been joined and chained together. Every banner and article of war is ready. We ask the Prime Minister to issue his commands and appoint a day for the advance.”

Cao Cao went aboard the great warship at the center of the fleet and took his seat. He summoned all his generals and gave each his orders. Both the naval and land forces were divided under banners of five colors. In the navy, Mao Jie and Yu Jin commanded the center under yellow banners; Zhang He commanded the van under red banners; Lü Qian commanded the rear under black banners; Wen Ping commanded the left under blue banners; and Lü Tong commanded the right under white banners. Among the cavalry and infantry, Xu Huang commanded the van under red banners; Li Dian commanded the rear under black banners; Yue Jin commanded the left under blue banners; and Xiahou Yuan commanded the right under white banners. Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong were appointed to coordinate support between the land and naval forces, while Xu Chu and Zhang Liao were charged with guarding the lines and supervising the battle. The remaining valiant generals were each assigned to their proper divisions.

When the orders had been given, three rolls of drums sounded from the naval stockade, and the warships of each division emerged through separate gates. That day, a sudden northwesterly wind arose. Every ship hoisted sail and drove through the surging waves, yet remained as steady as if upon level ground. The northern soldiers aboard the ships leaped eagerly into action, thrusting with spears and wielding swords. The banners of the van, rear, left, and right divisions never became confused. More than fifty small boats also moved to and fro, patrolling, signaling warnings, and urging on the men. Cao Cao stood upon the commander’s platform and watched the maneuvers. His heart was filled with joy, for he believed he had found an infallible means to victory. He ordered the sails and awnings furled and all the ships returned to their stockades in proper order. Cao Cao then entered his command tent and said to his assembled advisers, “If Heaven had not ordained that I should prevail, how could I have gained Young Phoenix’s marvelous scheme? With the ships linked by iron chains, we truly can cross the Yangtze as though walking on level ground.” Cheng Yu said, “With all the ships chained together, they are indeed stable. But if the enemy should attack with fire, it will be difficult to evade them. We cannot fail to guard against this.” Cao Cao laughed loudly. “Though Cheng Zhongde shows far-reaching foresight, there are still matters beyond his sight.” Xun You said, “Zhongde’s words are entirely sound. Why does the Prime Minister laugh at them?”

Cao Cao said, “Every fire attack must depend upon the force of the wind. It is now the depths of winter, when there are only west and north winds. How could there be an east or south wind? I am stationed to the northwest, while the enemy’s troops are all on the southern bank. If they use fire, they will burn their own men. What have I to fear? Had this been the time of the Little Spring in the tenth month, I would have taken precautions long ago.” All present prostrated themselves and said, “The Prime Minister’s lofty insight is beyond the reach of any of us.” Cao Cao turned to the generals. “The troops from Qing, Xu, Yan, and Dai are unaccustomed to traveling by ship. Without this scheme, how could they cross the perils of the Great River?” At this, two generals stepped boldly from the ranks and said, “Though we junior officers are men of You and Yan, we too can handle boats. We now ask for twenty patrol craft, that we may sail straight to the northern mouth of the river and return after seizing the enemy’s banners and drums, thereby proving that the northern army can also fight afloat.”

Cao Cao looked at them. They were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, former generals under Yuan Shao. Cao Cao said, “You were both born and raised in the north, and I fear you are not adept at handling boats. The troops of the southlands travel constantly upon the water and are thoroughly trained and practiced. Do not lightly make a child’s game of your lives.” Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan cried loudly, “If we fail to win, we shall willingly submit to military law.” Cao Cao said, “All the warships have already been chained together. Only the small craft remain, and each holds no more than twenty men. I fear they will not be suited for battle.” Jiao Chu said, “If we used great ships, what would be remarkable in that? We beg you to grant us a little more than twenty small craft. Zhang Nan and I will each lead half, and this very day we shall sail straight to the southern naval stockade. We will return only after capturing banners and slaying generals.” Cao Cao said, “I shall give you twenty boats and assign five hundred picked men to you, all armed with long spears and powerful crossbows. At daybreak tomorrow, the ships of the main stockade will put out onto the river and make a show of force from a distance. I shall also send Wen Ping with thirty patrol boats to cover your return.” Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan withdrew in delight. At the fourth watch the next morning, food was prepared, and by the fifth watch all was ready. Soon drums rolled and gongs rang within the naval stockade. The ships all came out and spread across the water. Along the broad Yangtze, blue and red signal banners mingled together. Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan led twenty scout boats through the stockade and set out toward the south bank.

On the southern bank, the thunderous din of drums had been heard the day before, and Cao Cao’s naval maneuvers had been observed from afar. Scouts reported the matter to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu climbed to a hilltop to inspect the scene, but Cao Cao’s forces had already withdrawn. The next day, another thunderous clamor of drums suddenly arose. The soldiers hastened to high ground and saw small boats driving through the waves toward them. They hurriedly reported to the central command. Zhou Yu asked who among his officers dared go out first. Han Dang and Zhou Tai stepped forward together and said, “We volunteer to serve as the vanguard and break the enemy.” Zhou Yu was delighted. He passed orders that every stockade was to be strictly guarded and that no one was to move rashly. Han Dang and Zhou Tai each led five scout boats out, one division to the left and one to the right.

Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, relying solely on their fierce courage, came racing forward in their swift-oared boats. Han Dang wore a breastplate across his chest and stood in the prow with a long spear in his hand. Jiao Chu’s boat arrived first, and he ordered his men to loose a storm of arrows at Han Dang’s vessel. Han Dang shielded himself with a buckler. Jiao Chu leveled his long spear and engaged him. Han Dang thrust once and killed Jiao Chu. Zhang Nan came charging after him with a great shout. From the flank, Zhou Tai’s boat darted out at an angle. Zhang Nan stood in the prow with his spear leveled while arrows flew thickly from both sides. Zhou Tai held a shield on one arm and a sword in the other hand. When the two boats were seven or eight feet apart, Zhou Tai sprang into the air and leaped straight aboard Zhang Nan’s vessel. His sword rose and fell, and he struck Zhang Nan into the water, then slaughtered the boatmen in disorder. The remaining boats pulled hard at their oars and fled. Han Dang and Zhou Tai urged their boats in pursuit. Halfway across the river, they met Wen Ping’s boats coming toward them. The two sides arrayed their vessels and began to fight.

Zhou Yu led his generals to the hilltop and gazed toward the northern reaches of the river. Armored warships and fighting vessels crowded the surface from bank to bank, their banners, signals, and streamers all arranged in perfect order. He turned his gaze back to where Wen Ping was locked in combat with Han Dang and Zhou Tai. Han Dang and Zhou Tai attacked with all their strength. Wen Ping could not withstand them and turned his boats in flight. Han Dang and Zhou Tai swiftly urged their craft after him. Fearing that the two men would penetrate too deeply into dangerous waters, Zhou Yu waved his white signal banner and ordered the gongs sounded. The two generals then swung their oars about and returned.

From the hilltop, Zhou Yu watched the warships across the river until they had all entered their naval stockade. Turning to his generals, he said, “The northern warships are as dense as reeds, and Cao Cao is a man of many schemes. What plan can we use to defeat him?” Before anyone could answer, they suddenly saw the wind snap the central yellow banner in Cao Cao’s camp and carry it fluttering into the river. Zhou Yu laughed loudly. “That is an omen of disaster!”

Even as he watched, a furious gale suddenly arose, and the waves of the river beat against the banks. A gust swept past, whipping the corner of a banner across Zhou Yu’s face. In that instant, a thought flashed into his mind. He gave a great cry, toppled backward, and spat blood from his mouth. The generals rushed to lift him, but he was already unconscious. Truly:

In one brief hour he laughed, then cried aloud;How could the southern host defeat the northern crowd?

What became of Zhou Yu’s life will be revealed in the next chapter.

Cao Cao Feasts and Composes Verse on the Yangzi; The Northern Army Chains Its Warships

When Pang Tong heard this, he was startled. He quickly turned to look at the man and saw that it was Xu Shu. Recognizing his old friend, Pang Tong’s mind was finally put at ease. He looked around and, seeing no one nearby, said, “If you expose my plan, then what a pity for the people of Jiangnan’s eighty-one prefectures—for you will have delivered them all to their deaths!” Xu Shu laughed and said, “And what of the lives of the eight hundred and thirty thousand soldiers here?” Pang Tong said, “Yuanzhi, do you truly intend to ruin my plan?” Xu Shu replied, “I remain grateful for Imperial Uncle Liu’s great kindness and have never forgotten my duty to repay him. Cao Cao drove my mother to her death, and I have already declared that I will never devise another strategy for him as long as I live. How could I now be willing to ruin your excellent plan? But I am here with the army, and once it is defeated, jade and stone alike will be destroyed. How can I escape disaster? You must teach me a way to get away. Then I will keep silent and withdraw far from here.” Pang Tong laughed and said, “With Yuanzhi’s foresight and discernment, surely this will present no difficulty!” Xu Shu said, “I ask you, sir, to instruct me.” Pang Tong went close to Xu Shu’s ear and quietly spoke a few words. Xu Shu was delighted and bowed in thanks. Pang Tong then took leave of Xu Shu, went ashore, and returned to Jiangdong.

That very night, Xu Shu secretly sent trusted men through the camps to spread a rumor. The next day, soldiers gathered in groups of three and five, whispering together. An intelligence agent soon reported to Cao Cao, “A rumor is circulating through the army that Han Sui and Ma Teng of Xiliang have rebelled and are fighting their way toward Xudu.” Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly assembled his advisers to discuss the matter. He said, “Ever since I led the army south, the only men who have troubled me have been Han Sui and Ma Teng. Though we do not yet know whether this rumor is true or false, we cannot fail to guard against them.”

Before he had finished speaking, Xu Shu stepped forward and said, “The Prime Minister has honored me by accepting me into his service, yet I regret that I have not rendered the slightest achievement in return. Please give me three thousand troops, and I will travel day and night to San Pass and hold its strategic approaches. If there is an emergency, I will send another report.” Cao Cao was pleased and said, “If Yuanzhi goes, I will have nothing to worry about. There are already troops at San Pass, and you shall command them as well. I will immediately assign you three thousand infantrymen and appoint Zang Ba as your vanguard. Set out day and night without delay.” Xu Shu took leave of Cao Cao and departed with Zang Ba. This was Pang Tong’s plan for saving Xu Shu. A later poet wrote:

Each day Cao Cao marched south, his worries grew:Ma Teng and Han Sui might raise their spears anew.One word from Young Phoenix delivered Xu Shu,Just like a swimming fish freed from the hook.

After sending Xu Shu away, Cao Cao felt somewhat reassured. He mounted his horse and first inspected the land camps along the river, then the naval camp. He boarded a large ship with a banner bearing the word “Commander” erected at its center. Naval stockades stood on both sides, and a thousand bows and crossbows lay hidden aboard the ship. Cao Cao took his place on the upper deck. It was the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, in the winter of the twelfth year of Jian’an. The sky was clear, the wind gentle, and the waves calm. Cao Cao ordered, “Set out wine and arrange music aboard the great ship. Tonight I wish to hold a gathering for all my generals.”

As evening approached, the moon rose over the eastern hills, shining as brightly as day. The broad stretch of the Yangtze looked like a length of white silk laid across the land. Cao Cao sat aboard the great ship, attended on either side by several hundred guards, all dressed in brocade robes and embroidered jackets, carrying halberds and holding spears. The civil and military officers sat in order according to rank. Cao Cao saw the picturesque slopes of Mount Nanping; to the east he looked toward the territory of Chaisang, to the west upon the river at Xiakou, to the south toward Mount Fan, and to the north toward Wulin. The vastness on every side delighted him, and he said to the assembled officers, “Ever since I first raised a righteous army, I have eliminated villains and removed dangers for the realm. I swore to bring peace to all within the four seas and pacify the entire empire. Only Jiangnan has yet to come into my possession. Now I command a million valiant soldiers and can also rely upon all of you to devote your lives to my cause. Why should we fear that we will not succeed? Once Jiangnan has submitted, the empire will be free of conflict, and I will share wealth and honor with all of you as we enjoy an age of peace.” All the civil and military officers rose and offered their thanks, saying, “May we soon return singing songs of victory. For the rest of our lives, we will all depend upon the Prime Minister’s favor and protection.” Cao Cao was overjoyed and ordered his attendants to pour the wine.

They drank until midnight, and when Cao Cao was deep in his cups, he pointed toward the southern bank and said, “Zhou Yu and Lu Su do not understand the times or Heaven’s will. Fortunately, some of their men have surrendered to us and become a threat at the very heart of their forces. Heaven is helping me.” Xun You said, “Prime Minister, do not speak of this. I fear the secret may leak out.” Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, “All the gentlemen at this banquet, as well as my personal attendants, are my trusted men. What harm can there be in speaking of it?” He then pointed toward Xiakou and said, “Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, you do not understand that the strength of ants cannot shake Mount Tai. How foolish you are!” Turning to his generals, he said, “I am fifty-four years old this year. If I obtain Jiangnan, there is something in particular that will please me. In former days, Lord Qiao and I were the closest of friends, and I knew that both his daughters were beauties fit to grace a kingdom. Later, to my surprise, they became the wives of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. I have now built the new Bronze Bird Terrace on the banks of the Zhang River. If I obtain Jiangnan, I will take the Two Qiaos as my wives and place them in the terrace to entertain me in my declining years. Then all my wishes will be fulfilled.” When he finished, he laughed loudly. Du Mu of the Tang dynasty wrote:

A broken halberd lies in sand, its iron not yet gone;I wash and polish it and recognize a vanished age.Had the east wind not brought young Zhou the aid he needed,Deep in spring, Bronze Bird would have locked away the Two Qiaos.

As Cao Cao laughed and talked, he suddenly heard crows calling as they flew south. Cao Cao asked, “Why are these crows crying out at night?” His attendants replied, “The crows see the bright moon and mistake it for dawn, so they leave the trees and call out.” Cao Cao laughed again. By now he was drunk. Taking up his long lance, he stood aboard the ship, poured a libation into the river, and drained three full cups. Then, holding his lance crosswise, he addressed the generals: “With this lance I defeated the Yellow Turbans, captured Lü Bu, destroyed Yuan Shu, and overcame Yuan Shao. I penetrated deep beyond the northern frontier and marched all the way to Liaodong. I have moved unhindered across the empire and have not betrayed the aspirations of a great man. Now, faced with this scene, I am filled with emotion. I will compose a song, and all of you shall join me.” He sang:

Before the wine, let us sing:How long does human life endure?It is like the morning dew;The days gone by are all too many.

My heart is stirred with ardor,Yet sorrowful thoughts cannot be forgotten.What can dispel my sorrow?Only Du Kang’s wine.

Green, green are the collars of the scholars;Long, long have they dwelled in my heart.It is only for your sakeThat I have pondered and murmured until now.

The deer call to one anotherAs they graze on duckweed in the fields.I have honored guests;Let zithers be played and reed pipes blown.

Bright, bright as the moon—When can it ever cease?Sorrow rises from within meAnd cannot be cut off.

You cross the paths and fieldways,Condescending to come visit me.After long separation, we feast and converse,Our hearts mindful of former kindness.

The moon is bright, the stars are few;Crows and magpies fly south.They circle the trees three times,But find no branch on which to rest.

A mountain never tires of being high;The sea never tires of being deep.The Duke of Zhou spat out his food to receive worthy men,And all beneath Heaven gave him their hearts.

When the song was finished, everyone joined in, and all laughed merrily together. Suddenly, one man among those seated stepped forward and said, “When two great armies are confronting each other and the officers and soldiers must devote their lives to the struggle, why does the Prime Minister utter such inauspicious words?” Cao Cao looked at him. It was Liu Fu, courtesy name Yuanying, Inspector of Yangzhou and a native of Xiang County in Pei Commandery. Liu Fu had begun his work at Hefei, where he established the provincial administration, gathered refugees and displaced people, founded schools, greatly expanded the agricultural colonies, and promoted good government and education. He had served Cao Cao for many years and achieved much. Now Cao Cao held his lance crosswise and asked, “What is inauspicious about my words?” Liu Fu replied, “‘The moon is bright, the stars are few; crows and magpies fly south. They circle the trees three times, but find no branch on which to rest.’ Those are inauspicious words.” Cao Cao flew into a rage and shouted, “How dare you spoil my pleasure!” With a single thrust of his lance, he stabbed Liu Fu to death. Everyone was horrified, and the banquet came to an end.

The next day, when Cao Cao had sobered up, he was overcome with remorse. Liu Fu’s son, Liu Xi, petitioned for permission to take his father’s body home for burial. Cao Cao wept and said, “Yesterday, in my drunkenness, I accidentally killed your father. My regret now comes too late. He shall be buried with the grand honors accorded to one of the Three Excellencies.” He also assigned soldiers to escort the coffin, which was sent home for burial that very day. The following day, Mao Jie and Yu Jin, commanders of the naval forces, came before Cao Cao’s tent and reported, “All the ships, large and small, have been properly arranged and chained together. Every banner, standard, weapon, and item of military equipment is ready. We ask the Prime Minister to issue his orders and set a date for the advance.”

Cao Cao took his seat aboard the great warship at the center of the fleet and summoned all his generals to receive their orders. Both the naval and land forces were divided under banners of five colors. In the navy, Mao Jie and Yu Jin commanded the center under yellow banners; Zhang He commanded the vanguard under red banners; Lü Qian commanded the rear under black banners; Wen Ping commanded the left under blue-green banners; and Lü Tong commanded the right under white banners. Among the cavalry and infantry, Xu Huang commanded the vanguard under red banners; Li Dian commanded the rear under black banners; Yue Jin commanded the left under blue-green banners; and Xiahou Yuan commanded the right under white banners. Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong were appointed to coordinate support between the land and naval routes, while Xu Chu and Zhang Liao were appointed to patrol, provide protection, and supervise the fighting. The remaining valiant generals were each assigned to their respective units.

When the orders had been given, three rolls of the drums sounded throughout the naval camp, and the warships of each unit sailed out through separate gates. That day, a strong northwesterly wind suddenly arose. Every ship raised its sails and surged through the waves, yet remained as steady as if traveling on level ground. The northern soldiers aboard the ships leaped about energetically, practicing with spears and swords. The banners and streamers of the front, rear, left, and right divisions were kept perfectly distinct. More than fifty small boats also moved back and forth, patrolling, keeping watch, and urging on the troops. Cao Cao stood on the command platform and watched the maneuvers. He was delighted and considered the method certain to bring victory. He ordered the sails furled and the ships returned to camp in proper sequence. Cao Cao then entered his command tent and said to his advisers, “If Heaven’s mandate were not helping me, how could I have obtained Young Phoenix’s marvelous plan? With the ships chained together, crossing the river truly is as easy as walking on level ground.” Cheng Yu said, “With all the ships chained together, they are certainly stable. But if the enemy attacks with fire, it will be difficult for them to maneuver out of the way. We cannot fail to guard against that.” Cao Cao laughed loudly and said, “Though Cheng Zhongde considers distant dangers, there are still things he fails to see.” Xun You said, “Zhongde’s words are entirely correct. Why does the Prime Minister laugh at him?”

Cao Cao said, “Any fire attack must rely upon the wind. It is now the depths of winter, when there are only westerly and northerly winds. How could there be an easterly or southerly wind? I occupy the northwest, while the enemy’s forces are all on the southern bank. If they use fire, they will only burn their own troops. What have I to fear? If it were the mild early-spring weather of the tenth month, I would have taken precautions long ago.” Everyone bowed low and said, “The Prime Minister’s insight is beyond that of the rest of us.” Cao Cao turned to the generals and said, “The men of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Dai are unaccustomed to traveling by ship. Without this plan, how could they cross the dangers of the great river?” Just then, two generals stepped boldly out from the ranks and said, “Though we junior officers are men of You and Yan, we too know how to handle ships. We ask for twenty patrol boats so that we may sail straight to the Northern River Mouth, seize enemy banners and drums, and return, thus proving that the northern army can also fight from ships.”

Cao Cao looked at them and saw that they were Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, both former generals under Yuan Shao. Cao Cao said, “You were both born and raised in the north, so I fear you are not comfortable aboard ships. The soldiers of Jiangnan constantly travel on the water and are highly trained and experienced. You must not lightly treat your lives as playthings.” Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan cried out, “If we fail to win, we will willingly submit to military law!” Cao Cao said, “All the warships have already been chained together. Only the small boats remain available. Each can hold twenty men, but I fear they will not be suitable for battle.” Jiao Chu said, “If we used great ships, what would be remarkable about it? We ask that you give us a little more than twenty small boats. Zhang Nan and I will each command half. Today we will sail straight to the Jiangnan naval camp, and we will not return until we have seized banners and killed a general.” Cao Cao said, “I will give you twenty boats and assign five hundred elite soldiers armed with long spears and powerful crossbows. At dawn tomorrow, I will send the main fleet out from the camp to form a show of force in the distance. I will also order Wen Ping to command thirty patrol boats and support your return.” Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan withdrew in delight. The next day, food was prepared during the fourth watch, and by the fifth watch all preparations were complete. Soon drums and gongs sounded throughout the naval camp. All the ships sailed out and spread across the water. Blue-green and red banners mingled along the broad sweep of the Yangtze. Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan led twenty scout boats through the camp and headed toward Jiangnan.

Meanwhile, on the southern bank, they had heard the thunderous beating of drums the day before and, looking into the distance, had seen Cao Cao drilling his navy. Scouts reported the matter to Zhou Yu, who went to the top of a hill to observe, but Cao Cao’s forces had already withdrawn. The next day, they suddenly heard drums shaking the heavens once again. Soldiers hurried to high ground to look and saw small boats charging through the waves. They immediately rushed a report to headquarters. Zhou Yu asked who among those under his command dared go out first. Han Dang and Zhou Tai stepped forward together and said, “We will serve as the vanguard and break the enemy.” Zhou Yu was pleased and ordered every camp to strengthen its defenses and not move rashly. Han Dang and Zhou Tai each led five scout boats out, one force to the left and the other to the right.

Jiao Chu and Zhang Nan, relying solely upon their reckless courage, came flying over the water in their swiftly rowed boats. Han Dang wore a chest guard and held a long spear as he stood in the bow of his boat. Jiao Chu’s boat arrived first, and he ordered his soldiers to loose a shower of arrows at Han Dang’s vessel. Han Dang raised a shield to ward them off. Jiao Chu leveled his long spear and engaged Han Dang. With a single thrust, Han Dang stabbed Jiao Chu to death. Zhang Nan came up behind him, shouting fiercely. From the flank, Zhou Tai’s boat suddenly appeared. Zhang Nan stood in the bow with his spear leveled while arrows flew wildly from both sides. Zhou Tai held a shield on one arm and a sword in his other hand. When the two boats were seven or eight feet apart, Zhou Tai launched himself through the air and landed directly on Zhang Nan’s boat. His sword rose and fell, cutting Zhang Nan into the water. He then slaughtered the soldiers rowing the boat. The surviving boats were swiftly rowed back in flight. Han Dang and Zhou Tai urged their boats in pursuit, but halfway across the river they met Wen Ping’s ships coming toward them. The two sides formed their boats into battle lines and began fighting.

Zhou Yu led his generals to the hilltop and gazed into the distance. On the waters north of the river, armored warships were arrayed across the surface, with their banners, standards, signal flags, and streamers all in perfect order. He looked back and saw Wen Ping locked in combat with Han Dang and Zhou Tai. Han Dang and Zhou Tai attacked with all their strength. Unable to resist them, Wen Ping turned his boats and fled. Han Dang and Zhou Tai hurriedly urged their boats after him. Fearing that the two men would penetrate too deeply into dangerous enemy territory, Zhou Yu waved the white signal flag and ordered the gongs sounded. The two commanders then swung their oars around and returned.

From the hilltop, Zhou Yu watched the warships on the opposite side of the river until all of them had entered their naval camp. He turned to his generals and said, “The warships north of the river are as dense as reeds, and Cao Cao is full of schemes. What plan can we use to defeat him?” Before anyone could answer, they suddenly saw the central yellow banner in Cao Cao’s camp snapped by the wind and blown into the river. Zhou Yu laughed loudly and said, “That is an ill omen!”

As he continued watching, a violent wind suddenly arose, and waves on the river pounded against the bank. A gust swept past and whipped the corner of a banner across Zhou Yu’s face. A thought suddenly struck him. He gave a great cry, fell backward, and vomited blood. When the generals hurried to lift him up, he was already unconscious. Indeed:

One moment he suddenly laughed, the next he suddenly cried;How could the southern army be made to defeat the north?

What became of Zhou Yu’s life will be revealed in the next chapter.