Chapter 5

Cao Cao Issues a Forged Decree and the Lords Rally; Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu at the Pass

Now Chen Gong was about to strike and kill Cao Cao when a sudden thought turned him aside: “I followed him here for the sake of the state. To kill him would be unjust. Better to leave him and go elsewhere.” He sheathed his sword, mounted his horse, and, without waiting for dawn, made his way alone to Dongjun. When Cao Cao awoke and found Chen Gong gone, he reflected, “He heard those two remarks of mine, suspected me of inhumanity, and abandoned me. I must travel quickly and not linger here.” He therefore rode through the night to Chenliu, sought out his father, and told him everything that had happened. He wished to dispose of the family property and recruit a righteous army. His father said, “Our resources are too small; I fear nothing can be accomplished. There is a Filial and Incorrupt candidate here named Wei Hong, a man generous with his wealth and devoted to justice, whose family is immensely rich. If you can gain his support, your undertaking may succeed.”

Cao Cao laid out wine and prepared a banquet, respectfully invited Wei Hong to his home, and said to him, “The house of Han now has no true master. Dong Zhuo monopolizes power, deceives the sovereign, and harms the people; all the realm grinds its teeth in hatred. I wish to exert myself in support of the state, but regret that my strength is insufficient. You, sir, are a man of loyalty and justice. I venture to ask your aid.” Wei Hong said, “I have long cherished the same resolve, regretting only that I had not met a hero. Since Mengde possesses such great ambition, I am willing to devote my family fortune to his aid.” Cao Cao rejoiced. He first issued a forged imperial edict and sent swift riders to circulate it throughout the provinces; then he began recruiting a righteous army and raised a white enlistment banner on which were written the two words “Loyalty and Justice.” Within a few days, men answering the call gathered as densely as falling rain.

One day, a man from Weiguo in Yangping came to join Cao Cao. His surname was Yue, his given name Jin, and his courtesy name Wenqian. Another man, from Julu in Shanyang, also came to join Cao Cao. His surname was Li, his given name Dian, and his courtesy name Mancheng. Cao Cao retained them both as officers at his headquarters. There was also Xiahou Dun, courtesy name Yuanrang, a native of Qiao in the state of Pei and a descendant of Xiahou Ying. From childhood he had trained with spear and staff. At fourteen, while studying martial arts under a master, he killed a man who had insulted his teacher and fled abroad. When he heard that Cao Cao had raised an army, he and his clansman Xiahou Yuan each led a thousand stalwart men to join him. These two were in fact Cao Cao’s kinsmen: Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, had originally been a son of the Xiahou clan but had been adopted into the Cao family, and so they belonged to the same lineage.

Within a few days, Cao Cao’s clansmen Cao Ren and Cao Hong each led more than a thousand troops to his aid. Cao Ren’s courtesy name was Zixiao, and Cao Hong’s was Zilian. Both men were thoroughly versed in cavalry and infantry warfare and highly accomplished in martial skill. Cao Cao was overjoyed and drilled his forces in the countryside. Wei Hong poured out his entire family fortune to procure uniforms, armor, flags, and streamers. Grain arrived from every quarter in quantities beyond counting.

At this time Yuan Shao received Cao Cao’s forged edict. He assembled the civil and military officers under his command, led thirty thousand troops out of Bohai, and came to form an alliance with Cao Cao. Cao Cao composed a proclamation and sent it throughout the commanderies. It read:

We, Cao Cao and the others, solemnly proclaim the great cause of justice to all beneath Heaven: Dong Zhuo deceives Heaven and defies Earth, destroys the state and murders its sovereign; he defiles and disorders the imperial precincts and cruelly destroys living beings. Wolfish, perverse, and devoid of humanity, he has amassed crimes and evils beyond measure. We now act under the Son of Heaven’s secret edict to assemble a great host of righteous troops, swearing to cleanse the realm of China and exterminate the whole band of villains. We look to you to raise righteous armies and join in venting the common indignation, to uphold the imperial house and rescue the common people. Upon receipt of this proclamation, act with all speed!

After Cao Cao sent out the proclamation, the lords of the various regions all raised troops in response:

The first contingent: Yuan Shu, General of the Rear and Administrator of Nanyang.The second contingent: Han Fu, Inspector of Jizhou.The third contingent: Kong Zhou, Inspector of Yuzhou.The fourth contingent: Liu Dai, Inspector of Yanzhou.The fifth contingent: Wang Kuang, Administrator of Henei.The sixth contingent: Zhang Miao, Administrator of Chenliu.The seventh contingent: Qiao Mao, Administrator of Dongjun.The eighth contingent: Yuan Yi, Administrator of Shanyang.The ninth contingent: Bao Xin, Chancellor of Jibei.The tenth contingent: Kong Rong, Administrator of Beihai.The eleventh contingent: Zhang Chao, Administrator of Guangling.The twelfth contingent: Tao Qian, Inspector of Xuzhou.The thirteenth contingent: Ma Teng, Administrator of Xiliang.The fourteenth contingent: Gongsun Zan, Administrator of Beiping.The fifteenth contingent: Zhang Yang, Administrator of Shangdang.The sixteenth contingent: Sun Jian, Marquis of Wucheng and Administrator of Changsha.The seventeenth contingent: Yuan Shao, Marquis of Qixiang and Administrator of Bohai.

The forces of the various routes differed in strength: some numbered thirty thousand, others ten or twenty thousand. Each lord led his civil officials and military commanders toward Luoyang.

Now Gongsun Zan, Administrator of Beiping, was leading fifteen thousand picked troops past Pingyuan County in Dezhou. As they marched, he saw in the distance, among a grove of mulberry trees, a yellow banner and several horsemen coming to meet him. Looking more closely, Gongsun Zan recognized Liu Xuande. He asked, “Worthy brother, what brings you here?”

Xuande replied, “In former days, elder brother, I was indebted to you for securing my appointment as magistrate of Pingyuan. Hearing that your great army was passing this way, I came especially to await you and invite you into the city to rest your horses.”

Pointing to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Gongsun Zan asked, “Who are these men?”

“This is Guan Yu, and this Zhang Fei,” Xuande replied. “They are the brothers with whom I swore brotherhood.”

“Are these the men who helped you defeat the Yellow Turbans?”

“It was entirely through the strength of these two.”

“What offices do they now hold?”

“Guan Yu serves as a mounted archer and Zhang Fei as a foot archer.”

Gongsun Zan sighed. “This is truly burying heroes in obscurity! Dong Zhuo is now bringing disorder to the realm, and all the lords beneath Heaven are going together to punish him. Worthy brother, why not abandon this lowly office and join us in attacking the traitor and exerting yourself in support of the house of Han?”

“I am willing to go,” Xuande replied.

Zhang Fei said, “If you had let me kill that traitor at the time, none of today’s troubles would have arisen.”

Guan Yunchang said, “Now that matters have come to this, we should make ready and depart at once.”

Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei took several horsemen and followed Gongsun Zan. Cao Cao received them. The various lords also arrived one after another, each establishing his own camp and stockade, until the encampments extended for more than two hundred li. Cao Cao slaughtered oxen and horses and convened a great assembly of the lords to discuss the strategy for advancing.

Administrator Wang Kuang said, “Now that we uphold the great cause of justice, we must appoint a leader of the alliance. Once all submit to his commands, we may advance.”

Cao Cao said, “Yuan Benchu’s family has held the rank of Three Excellencies for four generations. His house has many former subordinates throughout the realm, and he descends from renowned ministers of the Han. He may serve as leader of the alliance.”

Yuan Shao declined again and again. Everyone said, “No one but Benchu will do.” Only then did Shao consent.

The next day, they built a three-tiered altar and arrayed upon it banners of the five directions. At its summit they set a white yak-tail standard and yellow battle-axe, the military tallies, and the commander’s seal, then invited Shao to ascend. Shao arranged his robes, girded on his sword, and mounted the altar in solemn fervor. He burned incense and bowed twice. The covenant read:

Misfortune has befallen the house of Han, and the imperial order has lost its guiding authority. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo has seized upon this breach to unleash destruction, bringing calamity upon the Most Exalted and spreading tyranny among the people. We, Yuan Shao and the others, fearing the ruin of the altars of soil and grain, have united righteous troops and together hastened to the nation’s peril. Let all who share this covenant be of one heart and exert their united strength, fulfilling the duty of ministers and harboring no divided purpose. If any violate this covenant, may they forfeit their lives and leave no descendants. May August Heaven, Sovereign Earth, and the luminous spirits of our ancestors bear witness to all we have sworn!

When the covenant had been read, they smeared their lips with sacrificial blood. So impassioned were its words and spirit that tears and mucus streamed down every face. After the blood oath, they descended from the altar. The assembled lords escorted Yuan Shao to the command tent and seated him there, then took their own places in two rows according to rank and age.

After Cao Cao had passed the wine several rounds, he said, “Now that we have established a leader of the alliance, let each obey his commands and together support the state, without calculating whether his own strength is great or small.”

Yuan Shao said, “Though I lack ability, since you gentlemen have raised me to lead the alliance, merit shall certainly be rewarded and guilt certainly punished. The state has established laws, and the army has its discipline. Each of you must observe them and permit no violation.”

All replied, “We await your commands.”

Shao said, “My younger brother Yuan Shu shall supervise all provisions and fodder, supplying the various camps and allowing none to suffer want. We also require one man to serve as vanguard and advance directly to challenge the enemy at Sishui Pass. The rest shall occupy strategic positions and stand ready to support him.”

Sun Jian, Administrator of Changsha, stepped forward and said, “I am willing to command the vanguard.”

Shao said, “Wentai is brave and fierce; he is equal to this charge.”

Sun Jian therefore led the troops of his own command toward Sishui Pass. The officers defending the pass sent a courier on a racing horse to the Chancellor’s residence in Luoyang with an urgent report.

Ever since Dong Zhuo had seized supreme power, he had spent each day feasting and drinking. Li Ru received the emergency dispatch and went straight to report it to him. Dong Zhuo was greatly alarmed and hastily summoned his commanders to deliberate.

Lü Bu, Marquis of Wen, stepped boldly forward and said, “Father, do not be concerned. I regard the lords beyond the pass as no more than grass and chaff. Let me lead an army of tigers and wolves, cut off every one of their heads, and hang them above the gates of the capital.”

Dong Zhuo rejoiced. “With my Fengxian, I may sleep soundly and have no care!”

Before he had finished speaking, a man behind Lü Bu cried in a loud voice, “‘Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken?’ There is no need to trouble the Marquis of Wen to go in person. For me to take the heads of those lords will be as easy as drawing an object from a bag.”

Dong Zhuo looked at him. The man stood nine feet tall, with a tiger’s body, a wolf’s waist, a leopard’s head, and an ape’s arms. He was a native of the lands west of the passes; his surname was Hua and his given name Xiong. Delighted by his words, Dong Zhuo promoted him to Commandant of the Valiant Cavalry and assigned him fifty thousand horse and foot, together with Li Su, Hu Zhen, and Zhao Cen, to race through the night to meet the enemy at the pass.

Among the allied lords was Bao Xin, Chancellor of Jibei. Thinking that since Sun Jian had been made vanguard he might seize the foremost merit, Bao Xin secretly detached his younger brother Bao Zhong with three thousand horse and foot. Bao Zhong took a shortcut directly to the foot of the pass and challenged the defenders.

Hua Xiong led five hundred armored cavalry flying down from the pass and roared, “Rebel general, do not flee!”

Bao Zhong was about to retreat, but Hua Xiong raised his blade and brought it down, cutting him from his horse. A great many officers were captured alive. Hua Xiong sent Bao Zhong’s head to the Chancellor’s residence with the news of victory, and Dong Zhuo promoted him to commander-in-chief.

Now Sun Jian led four commanders directly to the pass. The first was Cheng Pu, courtesy name Demou, a native of Tuyin in Youbeiping, who wielded an iron-ridged serpent spear. The second was Huang Gai, courtesy name Gongfu, a native of Lingling, who wielded an iron whip. The third was Han Dang, courtesy name Yigong, a native of Lingzhi in Liaoxi, who wielded a great saber. The fourth was Zu Mao, courtesy name Darong, a native of Fuchun in Wu Commandery, who wielded twin sabers.

Sun Jian wore gleaming silver armor and a red headcloth. Holding his ancient-style saber crosswise, he sat upon a dapple-maned horse, pointed up at the pass, and cursed, “Wretches who aid evil, why do you not surrender at once?”

Hua Xiong’s deputy Hu Zhen led five thousand troops out of the pass to meet him. Cheng Pu spurred forward with leveled spear and charged straight at Hu Zhen. They had fought only a few bouts when Cheng Pu pierced Hu Zhen through the throat, killing him beneath his horse.

Sun Jian swept his army straight to the foot of the pass, but arrows and stones rained down from above. He withdrew to Liangdong and encamped there, sending a man to report his victory to Yuan Shao and another to press Yuan Shu for provisions.

Someone said to Yuan Shu, “Sun Jian is the Fierce Tiger of Jiangdong. If he breaks through Luoyang and kills Dong Zhuo, it will be nothing less than removing a wolf only to acquire a tiger. If you withhold provisions now, his army will certainly scatter.”

Yuan Shu listened and sent no grain or fodder. Sun Jian’s army ran short of food, and disorder arose in the ranks. Spies reported this at the pass.

Li Su proposed a plan to Hua Xiong: “Tonight I shall lead one force down from the pass by a side road and strike the rear of Sun Jian’s camp. General, assault his front. Sun Jian can then be captured.”

Hua Xiong followed his plan and ordered the soldiers to eat their fill before descending from the pass under cover of night. That night the moon shone white and the wind was clear. It was already midnight when they reached Sun Jian’s camp. With drums pounding and battle cries rising, they drove straight in.

Sun Jian hastily put on his armor, mounted, and came face-to-face with Hua Xiong. They had exchanged only a few bouts when Li Su’s troops arrived at the rear and set fires throughout the camp. Sun Jian’s army scattered in confusion. His commanders became separated in the melee, and only Zu Mao stayed close beside him as they broke through the encirclement and fled.

Hua Xiong pursued them from behind. Sun Jian drew an arrow and shot twice, but Hua Xiong dodged both shafts. As Sun Jian loosed a third, he pulled with such force that he snapped his magpie-painted bow. He had no choice but to cast it away and gallop on.

Zu Mao said, “My lord, the red headcloth you wear catches the eye, and the enemy recognizes you by it. Take it off and let me wear it.”

Sun Jian removed the headcloth and exchanged it for Zu Mao’s helmet; then the two fled by separate roads. Hua Xiong’s troops pursued only the man in the red headcloth, while Sun Jian escaped by a narrow path.

Pressed hard by Hua Xiong, Zu Mao hung the red headcloth upon a half-burned pillar in the courtyard of a house, then slipped into the woods and hid.

From below, in the distant moonlight, Hua Xiong’s troops saw the red headcloth. They surrounded it on all sides but dared not approach. Only after shooting arrows at it did they realize it was a trick, and they advanced to seize it.

Zu Mao burst from behind the woods and swung his twin sabers to cut Hua Xiong down. Hua Xiong gave a tremendous shout and, with a single stroke, hewed Zu Mao from his horse.

The killing continued until daybreak, when Hua Xiong led his troops back into the pass. Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang all found Sun Jian, after which they gathered the army again and established a new camp. Sun Jian was overcome with grief at the loss of Zu Mao and sent a messenger through the night to inform Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao was greatly alarmed. “I never thought Sun Wentai would be defeated by Hua Xiong!”

He at once assembled the lords to deliberate. Everyone arrived except Gongsun Zan, who came late. Yuan Shao invited him into the tent and gave him a place in the ranks.

Shao said, “The other day General Bao’s younger brother disobeyed orders and advanced on his own authority. He lost his life and sacrificed a great many soldiers. Now Sun Wentai has also been defeated by Hua Xiong. The edge of our army’s spirit has been blunted. What are we to do?”

None of the lords spoke.

Yuan Shao raised his eyes and looked around. Behind Gongsun Zan stood three men of extraordinary appearance, all smiling coldly to themselves.

Shao asked, “Who are the men behind Administrator Gongsun?”

Gongsun Zan called Xuande forward and said, “This is Liu Bei, magistrate of Pingyuan, my companion and brother since our youth.”

Cao Cao said, “Can this be Liu Xuande, who defeated the Yellow Turbans?”

“It is,” Gongsun Zan replied, and he had Liu Xuande pay his respects.

Gongsun Zan then recounted in detail Xuande’s achievements and lineage.

Yuan Shao said, “Since you belong to a branch of the imperial house, bring him a seat.”

Xuande modestly declined.

Shao said, “I do not honor your title or fame. I honor you because you are a scion of the imperial house.”

Xuande then took a seat at the very end, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood respectfully behind him with folded hands.

Suddenly a scout came to report: “Hua Xiong has led armored cavalry down from the pass. He has hung Administrator Sun’s red headcloth from a long pole and is reviling us before the camp, challenging us to battle.”

Yuan Shao said, “Who dares go out and face him?”

From behind Yuan Shu emerged the valiant commander Yu She. “This junior commander is willing to go.”

Shao was pleased and ordered Yu She to ride out. Almost at once a report came back: “Yu She fought Hua Xiong for fewer than three bouts and was cut down.”

All were greatly alarmed.

Administrator Han Fu said, “I have the great general Pan Feng, who can behead Hua Xiong.”

Shao urgently ordered him into battle. Pan Feng took up his great axe and mounted. Before long, a rider came flying back with the report: “Pan Feng too has been cut down by Hua Xiong.”

The color left every face.

Yuan Shao said, “What a pity my great generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou have not arrived! If either one were here, what would we have to fear from Hua Xiong?”

Before he had finished speaking, a man below the steps cried out, “This junior commander is willing to go, cut off Hua Xiong’s head, and lay it before the command tent!”

All looked at him. The man stood nine feet tall, with a beard two feet long. His eyes were like those of the crimson phoenix, his brows like reclining silkworms; his face was the color of dark red dates, and his voice rang like a great bronze bell. He stood before the tent.

Yuan Shao asked who he was.

Gongsun Zan replied, “This is Guan Yu, younger brother of Liu Xuande.”

“What office does he now hold?” Shao asked.

“He follows Liu Xuande as a mounted archer.”

From his place in the tent Yuan Shu shouted, “Do you mock us lords as men without great commanders? You are nothing but an archer—how dare you babble here! Drive him out!”

Cao Cao hastily stopped him. “Gonglu, restrain your anger. Since this man has spoken so boldly, he must possess courage and strategy. Let him ride out and try. If he fails, it will not be too late to punish him.”

Yuan Shao said, “If we send an archer into battle, Hua Xiong will certainly laugh at us.”

Cao Cao said, “This man’s bearing is far from common. How would Hua Xiong know that he is an archer?”

Lord Guan said, “If I do not prevail, I ask you to cut off my head.”

Cao Cao ordered a cup of wine warmed and offered it to Lord Guan before he mounted.

Lord Guan said, “Pour the wine and leave it here. I shall return at once.”

He left the tent, took up his saber, and sprang onto his horse. The assembled lords heard the thunderous roll of drums beyond the camp, followed by a tremendous eruption of shouts, as though Heaven were collapsing and Earth splitting, mountains shaking and peaks falling. All were struck with alarm.

Just as they were about to send someone to learn what had happened, the chiming of bridle bells sounded, and a horse reached the central command. Yunchang held Hua Xiong’s head in his hand and flung it upon the ground. The wine was still warm.

A later poet praised him:

His first great deed struck awe through Earth and Heaven;The painted war drums thundered at the gate.Yunchang set down his cup and showed his valor—He slew Hua Xiong while the wine stayed warm.

Cao Cao was overjoyed. Then Zhang Fei stepped out from behind Xuande and cried in a loud voice, “My brother has cut down Hua Xiong! If we do not break through the pass now and capture Dong Zhuo alive, what are we waiting for?”

Yuan Shu flew into a rage and shouted, “We great ministers still yield precedence to one another, yet a common foot soldier under a mere county magistrate dares flaunt his might and swagger here! Drive them all out of the tent!”

Cao Cao said, “Those who win merit should be rewarded. Why reckon whether their station is high or low?”

Yuan Shu said, “If you gentlemen value only a county magistrate, I shall take my leave.”

Cao Cao said, “How can we ruin a great undertaking over a single remark?”

He ordered Gongsun Zan to take Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei back to camp for the time being. The assembled officers then dispersed. Cao Cao secretly sent men bearing beef and wine to comfort the three brothers.

Now the defeated remnants of Hua Xiong’s command reported back at the pass. Li Su hurriedly wrote an emergency dispatch and sent it to Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo quickly assembled Li Ru, Lü Bu, and the others to deliberate.

Li Ru said, “We have now lost our great commander Hua Xiong, while the rebels’ power swells. Yuan Shao leads the alliance, and his uncle Yuan Wei is presently Grand Tutor. Should they coordinate from within and without, the situation would become extremely dangerous. Yuan Wei should be eliminated first. I ask the Chancellor to lead the great army in person and divide the forces for suppression.”

Dong Zhuo approved. He summoned Li Jue and Guo Si, gave them five hundred troops, and ordered them to surround Grand Tutor Yuan Wei’s residence. Without distinction between old and young, they exterminated the entire household. Yuan Wei’s head was sent ahead to be displayed at the pass as a warning.

Dong Zhuo then raised two hundred thousand troops and divided them into two armies. He first ordered Li Jue and Guo Si to lead fifty thousand men and hold Sishui Pass without giving battle. Dong Zhuo himself led one hundred fifty thousand, together with Li Ru, Lü Bu, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and the others, to defend Hulao Pass, fifty li from Luoyang.

When the army reached the pass, Dong Zhuo ordered Lü Bu to take thirty thousand troops and establish a great camp before it. Dong Zhuo himself remained stationed within the pass.

A courier on a racing horse learned of these movements and reported them to Yuan Shao’s main camp. Shao assembled the lords to deliberate.

Cao Cao said, “Dong Zhuo has stationed troops at Hulao and cut across the central route of our allied lords. We should now send half our forces to meet him.”

Yuan Shao therefore assigned eight contingents—those of Wang Kuang, Qiao Mao, Bao Xin, Yuan Yi, Kong Rong, Zhang Yang, Tao Qian, and Gongsun Zan—to meet the enemy at Hulao Pass. Cao Cao led his own army back and forth in support.

The eight lords each set their troops in motion. Wang Kuang, Administrator of Henei, arrived first. Lü Bu led three thousand armored cavalry racing out to meet him.

Wang Kuang drew his forces up in battle formation and reined in beneath the command banner to watch. Lü Bu rode out from his ranks. On his head he wore a purple-gold crown with three prongs clasping his hair; over his body hung a red Sichuan brocade robe embroidered with a hundred flowers; he was armored in linked mail with beast-faced clasps swallowing the shoulders; around his waist was an ornate lion-and-barbarian belt securing his armor. Bow and arrows were at his side, and in his hand he held a painted halberd. Beneath him was the wind-screaming Red Hare.

Truly: among men, Lü Bu; among horses, Red Hare!

Wang Kuang turned and asked, “Who dares go out to fight?”

A commander behind him spurred forward with leveled spear. Wang Kuang saw that it was Fang Yue, the renowned general of Henei.

The two horses met. In fewer than five bouts, Lü Bu thrust Fang Yue from his horse with a single stroke of the halberd, then charged straight at Wang Kuang’s line. Wang Kuang’s army was utterly defeated and fled in all directions. Lü Bu drove east and west through the slaughter as though entering a land without men.

Fortunately, the armies of Qiao Mao and Yuan Yi both arrived and rescued Wang Kuang; only then did Lü Bu withdraw. The three lords, each having lost some troops, retreated thirty li and established camp.

Soon the other five armies arrived. The lords met to deliberate and agreed that Lü Bu was a hero whom no man could withstand.

As they anxiously considered the matter, a junior officer reported, “Lü Bu is challenging us to battle.”

The eight lords mounted together and divided their armies into eight formations. Lü Bu stood upon a high ridge. In the distance they saw his clustered troops and horses, their embroidered banners billowing as he charged first against the lines.

Mu Shun, a commander under Zhang Yang, Administrator of Shangdang, rode out with leveled spear to meet him. Lü Bu lifted his halberd and, with one thrust, pierced him from his horse.

All were greatly alarmed.

Wu Anguo, a commander under Kong Rong, Administrator of Beihai, galloped out wielding an iron hammer. Lü Bu brandished his halberd and spurred forward to meet him. They fought for more than ten bouts, until Lü Bu brought down his halberd and severed Wu Anguo’s wrist. Wu Anguo dropped his hammer and fled.

The troops of all eight contingents surged forward together and rescued him. Lü Bu then withdrew.

The lords returned to camp to deliberate.

Cao Cao said, “Lü Bu’s valor is without equal. We should assemble all eighteen allied lords and devise a sound strategy together. Once Lü Bu is captured, Dong Zhuo will be easy to destroy.”

While they were still deliberating, Lü Bu again led his troops out to challenge them. The eight lords deployed together.

Gongsun Zan brandished his lance and personally fought Lü Bu. After only a few bouts, Gongsun Zan was defeated and fled.

Lü Bu urged Red Hare in pursuit. That horse could travel a thousand li in a day and flew like the wind. As he drew close, Lü Bu raised his painted halberd and thrust at the center of Gongsun Zan’s back.

Then a commander at one side came flying forward, his round eyes opened wide, his tiger whiskers bristling upward, and an eighteen-foot serpent spear leveled in his hands. He shouted, “Three-surnamed house slave, do not flee! Zhang Fei of Yan is here!”

When Lü Bu saw him, he abandoned Gongsun Zan and engaged Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei summoned all his spirit and fought Lü Bu in a furious battle. They exchanged more than fifty bouts without victory or defeat.

Yunchang saw this, struck his horse, and came whirling his eighty-two-catty Green Dragon Crescent Blade to join the attack on Lü Bu. The three horses fought in the shape of the character ding. After thirty more bouts, they still could not bring Lü Bu down.

Liu Xuande drew his paired swords, drove forward his yellow-maned horse, and came slanting in from one side to aid them.

The three surrounded Lü Bu and wheeled about him, fighting like a revolving lantern. The troops of all eight contingents stared in amazement.

Lü Bu parried and blocked, but could no longer hold them off. Looking toward Xuande’s face, he feinted a thrust with his halberd. Xuande hastily dodged. Lü Bu broke open a corner of the encirclement, dragged his painted halberd behind him, and galloped away.

How could the three be willing to let him go? They spurred after him. With a tremendous roar, the troops of all eight contingents swept forward together. Lü Bu’s men fled toward the pass, while Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei followed close behind.

An ancient composition tells especially of the threefold battle of Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei against Lü Bu:

The Han’s allotted years reached Huan and Ling;The blazing crimson sun inclined toward the west.The traitor Dong Zhuo deposed the Young Emperor;The timid Liu Xie woke in terror from his dreams.Cao Cao sent proclamations through the realm;The lords, inflamed with anger, all raised arms.They chose Yuan Shao to lead their covenantAnd swore to aid the throne and settle peace.

Marquis Lü Bu stood unmatched in all the age;The Four Seas praised his mighty gifts and valor.Silver armor sheathed him in a dragon’s scales;A golden crown clasped hair and pheasant plumes.His jeweled belt was gripped by level beasts;Bright phoenixes flew across his brocade robe.His dragon steed leapt up and raised a heavenly wind;His painted halberd flashed like autumn waters.

He left the pass to challenge—who could stand?The lords’ hearts broke, their courage shook with fear.Then Zhang Yide, the man of Yan, sprang forth,An eighteen-foot serpent spear within his hands.His tiger whiskers bristled into golden threads;His round eyes opened wide and flashed like lightning.They fought full fury, neither gaining victory,Till wrath before the lines roused Guan Yunchang.

The treasured Green Dragon blade shone frost and snow;His parrot-colored battle robe flew like a butterfly.Wherever his horse’s hooves fell, ghosts and spirits wailed;Before such wrath, blood surely had to flow.The hero Xuande drew his paired keen blades,Summoning Heaven’s might in deeds of valor.Three men surrounded Lü Bu and fought long;He parried, blocked, and guarded without rest.

Their shouts convulsed the sky and overturned the earth;The killing air spread cold through Ox and Dipper.His strength exhausted, Lü Bu sought escape;He saw the mountain pass and spurred his horse for home.Behind him trailed his painted, sky-square halberd;His scattered gold-bright five-hued banners streamed.Red Hare snapped its tasseled reins and fled;He wheeled and flew atop Hulao Pass.

The three pursued Lü Bu straight to the foot of the pass. There they saw a green silk parasol swaying in the west wind above the walls.

Zhang Fei cried, “That must be Dong Zhuo! What great feat is there in chasing Lü Bu? Better to seize the villain Dong first and tear up the evil by its roots!”

He spurred his horse up toward the pass to capture Dong Zhuo.

Indeed:

To capture bandits, first capture their chief;Extraordinary merit awaits extraordinary men.

What the outcome will be shall be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Cao Cao Issues a Forged Decree and the Lords Rally; Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu at the Pass

Now Chen Gong was about to kill Cao Cao when he suddenly reconsidered: “I followed him here for the sake of the country. It would be wrong to kill him. Better to leave him and go elsewhere.” He sheathed his sword, mounted his horse, and, without waiting for dawn, went off alone to Dong Commandery. When Cao Cao awoke and could not find Chen Gong, he thought, “After hearing those two things I said, he suspected me of being inhumane and left me. I must travel quickly and cannot remain here long.” He therefore went through the night to Chenliu, found his father, and told him everything that had happened. He wished to distribute the family wealth and recruit a righteous army. His father said, “I fear that with so little wealth you will accomplish nothing. There is a Filial and Incorrupt nominee here named Wei Hong, who freely gives away his wealth and upholds righteousness. His family is immensely rich. If you can gain his help, your undertaking may succeed.”

Cao Cao prepared wine and laid out a banquet, respectfully invited Wei Hong to his home, and told him, “The Han house now has no true ruler. Dong Zhuo monopolizes power, deceives the sovereign, and harms the people. All under Heaven grind their teeth in hatred. I wish to devote my strength to supporting the state, but regret that my strength is insufficient. You, sir, are a loyal and righteous man, so I dare ask for your help.” Wei Hong said, “I have long had the same intention, but regretted that I had not met a hero. Since you, Mengde, have such high ambitions, I am willing to use my family wealth to assist you.” Cao Cao was delighted. He first issued a forged imperial edict and sent swift messengers to report it throughout the regions. Then he gathered a righteous army and raised a white recruiting banner on which were written the two words “Loyalty and Righteousness.” Within a few days, men answering the call gathered as thickly as rain.

One day, a man from Weiguo in Yangping arrived to join Cao Cao. His surname was Yue, his given name Jin, and his courtesy name Wenqian. Another man, from Julu in Shanyang, also came to join Cao Cao. His surname was Li, his given name Dian, and his courtesy name Mancheng. Cao Cao kept both as officers attached to his command tent. There was also Xiahou Dun, courtesy name Yuanrang, from Qiao in Pei, a descendant of Xiahou Ying. From childhood he had practiced with spear and staff. At the age of fourteen, while studying martial arts under a teacher, someone insulted his teacher, and Xiahou Dun killed the man and fled to another region. When he heard that Cao Cao had raised troops, he and his younger clansman Xiahou Yuan each led one thousand strong men to join him. These two were originally Cao Cao’s kinsmen: Cao Cao’s father, Cao Song, had originally been a son of the Xiahou family, but had been adopted into the Cao family. They therefore belonged to the same clan.

Within a few days, Cao Cao’s clansmen Cao Ren and Cao Hong each led more than one thousand soldiers to help him. Cao Ren’s courtesy name was Zixiao, and Cao Hong’s was Zilian. Both men were thoroughly trained in cavalry and warfare and highly skilled in martial arts. Cao Cao was delighted and drilled and inspected his troops in the countryside. Wei Hong brought out all his family wealth to provide clothing, armor, flags, and banners. Grain arrived from all directions in numbers beyond counting.

At this time, Yuan Shao received Cao Cao’s forged edict. He gathered the civil and military officers under his command, led thirty thousand soldiers out of Bohai, and came to form an alliance with Cao Cao. Cao Cao composed a proclamation and sent it to all the commanderies. The proclamation read:

We, Cao Cao and the others, respectfully proclaim the great cause of righteousness to all under Heaven: Dong Zhuo deceives Heaven and defies Earth, destroys the state, and murders sovereigns. He has polluted and violated the imperial palace and cruelly harmed living beings. Savage and inhumane, he has heaped crime upon crime! We have now received a secret edict from the Son of Heaven and are assembling a great righteous army. We swear to cleanse the realm of China and exterminate the whole band of villains. We hope that you will raise righteous armies and join in expressing the common outrage, support the imperial house, and rescue the common people. On the day this proclamation arrives, act upon it without delay!

After Cao Cao sent out the proclamation, the lords of the various regions all raised troops in response:

The first contingent: Yuan Shu, General of the Rear and Administrator of Nanyang.The second contingent: Han Fu, Inspector of Jizhou.The third contingent: Kong Zhou, Inspector of Yuzhou.The fourth contingent: Liu Dai, Inspector of Yanzhou.The fifth contingent: Wang Kuang, Administrator of Henei.The sixth contingent: Zhang Miao, Administrator of Chenliu.The seventh contingent: Qiao Mao, Administrator of Dong Commandery.The eighth contingent: Yuan Yi, Administrator of Shanyang.The ninth contingent: Bao Xin, Chancellor of Jibei.The tenth contingent: Kong Rong, Administrator of Beihai.The eleventh contingent: Zhang Chao, Administrator of Guangling.The twelfth contingent: Tao Qian, Inspector of Xuzhou.The thirteenth contingent: Ma Teng, Administrator of Xiliang.The fourteenth contingent: Gongsun Zan, Administrator of Beiping.The fifteenth contingent: Zhang Yang, Administrator of Shangdang.The sixteenth contingent: Sun Jian, Marquis of Wucheng and Administrator of Changsha.The seventeenth contingent: Yuan Shao, Marquis of Qixiang and Administrator of Bohai.

The armies from the various routes differed in size. Some had thirty thousand soldiers, while others had ten or twenty thousand. Each lord led civil officials and military officers and advanced toward Luoyang.

Now Gongsun Zan, Administrator of Beiping, commanded fifteen thousand elite soldiers and passed through Pingyuan County in Dezhou. As he was traveling, he saw in the distance, among a grove of mulberry trees, a yellow banner and several riders coming to meet him. Gongsun Zan looked and saw that it was Liu Xuande. Gongsun Zan asked, “Worthy brother, why are you here?” Xuande replied, “In former days, through your help, elder brother, I was appointed magistrate of Pingyuan County. I have now heard that your great army is passing this way, so I came especially to await you and invite you into the city to rest your horses.” Gongsun Zan pointed to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and asked, “Who are these men?” Xuande said, “They are Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, my sworn brothers.” Gongsun Zan said, “Are these the men who helped you defeat the Yellow Turbans?” Xuande said, “That was entirely due to the strength of these two.” Gongsun Zan asked, “What offices do they now hold?” Xuande answered, “Guan Yu is a mounted archer, and Zhang Fei is a foot archer.” Gongsun Zan sighed and said, “This truly is burying heroes in obscurity! Dong Zhuo is now creating disorder, and the lords throughout the realm are going together to punish him. Worthy brother, why not abandon this lowly office and join us in attacking the traitor, using your strength to support the Han house?” Xuande said, “I am willing to go.” Zhang Fei said, “If you had allowed me to kill that traitor at the time, we would have been spared the troubles of today.” Yunchang said, “Since matters have come to this, we should prepare and go at once.”

Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei took several riders and followed Gongsun Zan. Cao Cao received them. The various lords also arrived one after another. Each set up his own camp and stockade, and together they stretched for more than two hundred li. Cao Cao slaughtered cattle and horses and held a great assembly of the lords to discuss the plan for advancing. Administrator Wang Kuang said, “Now that we have answered the call of righteousness, we must establish an alliance leader. Once everyone submits to his commands, we may advance.” Cao Cao said, “Yuan Benchu’s family has held the Three Ducal Offices through four generations, and his household has many former officials. He is a descendant of famous Han ministers and may serve as alliance leader.” Yuan Shao declined repeatedly. Everyone said, “No one but Benchu will do.” Only then did Yuan Shao agree.

The next day, they built a three-tiered altar, displayed flags of the five directions all around it, and set up a white yak-tail standard, a yellow battle-ax, military tallies, and a commander’s seal. They invited Yuan Shao to ascend the altar. Yuan Shao straightened his robes, put on his sword, and solemnly climbed up. He burned incense and bowed twice. The covenant read:

The Han house has met with misfortune, and imperial rule has lost its proper order. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo has seized the opportunity to inflict unchecked harm. Calamity has reached the Most Exalted Sovereign, and cruelty has spread among the common people. We, Yuan Shao and the others, fear that the state will fall into ruin. We have therefore united righteous armies and together come to meet the nation’s crisis. All who share this alliance shall join hearts and strength to fulfill the duty of ministers, and shall never harbor divided intentions. Whoever violates this covenant shall lose his life and leave no descendants. May Sovereign Heaven, the Earth below, and the bright spirits of our ancestors all bear witness!

When the covenant had been read, they smeared their mouths with sacrificial blood. Moved by the passionate force of its words, everyone wept until tears and mucus streamed down their faces. After the blood oath was complete, they descended from the altar. The others escorted Yuan Shao into the command tent and seated him. They arranged themselves in two rows and sat according to rank and age. After Cao Cao had passed the wine around several times, he said, “Now that an alliance leader has been established, everyone must obey his commands and together support the state. Do not argue over differences in strength.” Yuan Shao said, “Though I lack ability, you gentlemen have chosen me as alliance leader. Merit will certainly be rewarded, and guilt will certainly be punished. The state has established laws, and the army has its discipline. Each of you must observe them and must not violate them.” They all said, “We will obey your commands.”

Yuan Shao said, “My younger brother Yuan Shu shall take overall charge of provisions and fodder, supplying all the camps and allowing none to suffer any shortage. We also need one man to serve as vanguard, advance straight to Sishui Pass, and challenge the enemy. The rest shall occupy strategic positions and provide support.” Sun Jian, Administrator of Changsha, stepped forward and said, “I am willing to lead the vanguard.” Yuan Shao said, “Wentai is brave and fierce and can undertake this duty.” Sun Jian therefore led the troops under his command in a swift attack toward Sishui Pass.

The officers guarding the pass sent a courier on a racing horse to the Chancellor’s residence in Luoyang to report the emergency. Since taking exclusive control of the government, Dong Zhuo had held drinking feasts every day. Li Ru received the urgent report and went directly to inform Dong Zhuo. Greatly alarmed, Dong Zhuo quickly assembled his commanders to discuss the matter. Marquis of Wen Lü Bu stepped forward and said, “Father, do not worry. I regard the lords beyond the pass as no more than weeds. Let me lead an army of tigers and wolves, cut off all their heads, and hang them over the capital gates.” Dong Zhuo was delighted and said, “With my Fengxian here, I may sleep peacefully without worry!”

Before he had finished speaking, a man behind Lü Bu stepped forward and cried in a loud voice, “‘Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken?’ There is no need to trouble the Marquis of Wen to go in person. For me to cut off the heads of those lords will be as easy as taking something from a bag.” Dong Zhuo looked at him. The man was nine chi tall, with the body of a tiger, the waist of a wolf, the head of a leopard, and the arms of an ape. He was from west of the passes. His surname was Hua, and his given name was Xiong. Delighted by his words, Dong Zhuo promoted him to Colonel of Valiant Cavalry and assigned him fifty thousand horse and foot soldiers. Together with Li Su, Hu Zhen, and Zhao Cen, he traveled through the night to the pass to meet the enemy.

Among the allied lords was Bao Xin, Chancellor of Jibei. He thought that since Sun Jian was the vanguard, Sun Jian might claim the first achievement. He therefore secretly ordered his younger brother Bao Zhong to lead three thousand horse and foot soldiers ahead by a minor road and go straight to the foot of the pass to issue a challenge. Hua Xiong led five hundred armored cavalry flying down from the pass and shouted, “Rebel commander, do not run!” Bao Zhong hastily tried to retreat, but Hua Xiong raised his saber and brought it down, cutting him from his horse. He also captured a great many officers alive. Hua Xiong sent a man to carry Bao Zhong’s head to the Chancellor’s residence and report the victory. Dong Zhuo promoted Hua Xiong to commander-in-chief.

Now Sun Jian led four commanders straight to the front of the pass. The first of these four was Cheng Pu, courtesy name Demou, from Tuyin in Youbeiping, who wielded an iron-spined serpent spear. The second was Huang Gai, courtesy name Gongfu, from Lingling, who wielded an iron whip. The third was Han Dang, courtesy name Yigong, from Lingzhi in Liaoxi, who wielded a great saber. The fourth was Zu Mao, courtesy name Darong, from Fuchun in Wu Commandery, who wielded two sabers. Sun Jian wore bright silver armor and a red headcloth, held an ancient ring-pommel saber across his body, and rode a piebald-maned horse. Pointing up at the pass, he cursed, “Wretches who help evil, why do you not surrender at once?”

Hua Xiong’s deputy Hu Zhen led five thousand soldiers out of the pass to meet him. Cheng Pu spurred his horse forward, leveled his spear, and charged straight at Hu Zhen. They fought only a few bouts before Cheng Pu stabbed Hu Zhen through the throat, killing him beneath his horse. Sun Jian waved his army forward and attacked straight up to the pass, where arrows and stones rained down. Sun Jian led his troops back to Liangdong and encamped there. He sent a man to report the victory to Yuan Shao and at the same time pressed Yuan Shu for provisions.

Someone said to Yuan Shu, “Sun Jian is the Fierce Tiger of Jiangdong. If he breaks through to Luoyang and kills Dong Zhuo, it will merely mean getting rid of a wolf and gaining a tiger. If you do not give him provisions now, his army will certainly disperse.” Yuan Shu listened and sent no provisions. Sun Jian’s army ran short of food, and disorder arose among the troops. Spies reported this at the pass. Li Su advised Hua Xiong, “Tonight I will lead a force down from the pass by a minor road and attack the rear of Sun Jian’s camp. General, strike his camp from the front, and Sun Jian can be captured.”

Hua Xiong followed his advice and ordered the soldiers to eat their fill before descending from the pass by night. That night the moon was bright and the wind clear. By the time they reached Sun Jian’s camp, it was midnight. Beating drums and shouting, they charged straight in. Sun Jian hurriedly put on his armor and mounted his horse, only to meet Hua Xiong. Their horses crossed, and they had fought only a few bouts when Li Su’s troops arrived from the rear and were ordered to set fires. Sun Jian’s army fled in confusion. His commanders became separated in the general fighting, and only Zu Mao stayed close to Sun Jian as they broke through the encirclement and fled.

Hua Xiong pursued them from behind. Sun Jian took out his bow and shot two arrows in succession, but Hua Xiong dodged both. When Sun Jian shot a third arrow, he pulled with such force that he broke his painted magpie bow. He had no choice but to throw it away and gallop on. Zu Mao said, “My lord, the red headcloth on your head catches the eye, and the enemy recognizes you by it. Take it off and let me wear it.” Sun Jian removed the headcloth and exchanged it for Zu Mao’s helmet, and the two fled by different routes. Hua Xiong’s troops pursued only the man wearing the red headcloth, so Sun Jian escaped by a minor road. Hard-pressed by Hua Xiong, Zu Mao hung the red headcloth on a partly burned courtyard pillar at a house, then slipped into the woods and hid.

From below, Hua Xiong’s troops saw the red headcloth in the distant moonlight. They surrounded it on every side but did not dare approach. They shot arrows at it and only then realized it was a trick. They advanced and took down the red headcloth. Zu Mao charged out from behind the woods and swung both sabers, intending to cut down Hua Xiong. Hua Xiong gave a great shout and struck Zu Mao beneath his horse with one blow of his saber.

The killing continued until dawn, when Hua Xiong finally led his troops back into the pass. Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang all found Sun Jian, and they gathered the remaining troops and set up camp again. Sun Jian grieved deeply over the loss of Zu Mao and sent a man through the night to inform Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao was greatly alarmed and said, “I never expected Sun Wentai to be defeated by Hua Xiong!” He assembled the lords to discuss the matter. Everyone arrived, but Gongsun Zan came late. Yuan Shao invited him into the tent and gave him a seat among the others. Yuan Shao said, “The other day, General Bao’s younger brother disobeyed orders and advanced without permission, losing his own life and many soldiers. Now Sun Wentai has also been defeated by Hua Xiong. The edge of our courage has been blunted. What are we to do?” None of the lords spoke.

Yuan Shao looked around and saw three men standing behind Gongsun Zan. They had extraordinary appearances and were all smiling coldly. Yuan Shao asked, “Who are the men standing behind Administrator Gongsun?” Gongsun Zan called Xuande forward and said, “This is Liu Bei, magistrate of Pingyuan and my fellow student and brother since childhood.” Cao Cao said, “Can this be Liu Xuande, who defeated the Yellow Turbans?” Gongsun Zan said, “It is.” He at once told Liu Xuande to pay his respects. Gongsun Zan gave a detailed account of Xuande’s achievements and ancestry. Yuan Shao said, “Since he belongs to a branch of the Han imperial house, bring him a seat.” He ordered Liu Bei to sit. Liu Bei modestly declined and thanked him. Yuan Shao said, “I do not honor your fame or rank. I honor you because you are a descendant of the imperial house.” Xuande then sat in the lowest place, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him with folded hands.

Suddenly a scout arrived and reported, “Hua Xiong has led armored cavalry down from the pass. He has hung Administrator Sun’s red headcloth from a long pole and is shouting abuse and challenging us before the camp.” Yuan Shao asked, “Who dares go out to fight him?” From behind Yuan Shu emerged the valiant commander Yu She, who said, “This junior commander is willing to go.” Yuan Shao was pleased and ordered Yu She to ride out. A report soon came back: “Yu She fought Hua Xiong for fewer than three bouts and was killed by him.” Everyone was greatly alarmed.

Administrator Han Fu said, “I have a great commander named Pan Feng, who can kill Hua Xiong.” Yuan Shao immediately ordered him to fight. Pan Feng took up his great ax and mounted his horse. Before long, a rider came racing back to report, “Pan Feng has also been killed by Hua Xiong.” Everyone turned pale. Yuan Shao said, “What a pity that my great commanders Yan Liang and Wen Chou have not yet arrived! If either one were here, why should we fear Hua Xiong?”

Before he had finished speaking, a man below the steps cried out, “This junior commander is willing to go and cut off Hua Xiong’s head and present it beneath your tent!” Everyone looked at him. The man was nine chi tall, with a beard two chi long. He had phoenix eyes, silkworm-shaped brows, a face like a dark red jujube, and a voice like a great bell. He stood before the command tent. Yuan Shao asked who he was. Gongsun Zan said, “This is Guan Yu, Liu Xuande’s younger brother.” Yuan Shao asked what office he currently held. Gongsun Zan said, “He serves Liu Xuande as a mounted archer.”

From his seat in the tent, Yuan Shu shouted, “Do you think we lords have no great commanders? You are only an archer! How dare you speak recklessly? Drive him out!” Cao Cao quickly stopped him and said, “Gonglu, calm your anger. Since this man has made such a bold claim, he must possess courage and strategy. Let him ride out and try. If he fails, it will not be too late to punish him.” Yuan Shao said, “If we send an archer into battle, Hua Xiong will certainly laugh at us.” Cao Cao said, “This man has no ordinary bearing. How would Hua Xiong know that he is an archer?” Lord Guan said, “If I do not win, I ask you to cut off my head.”

Cao Cao ordered a cup of hot wine to be poured and offered it to Lord Guan to drink before mounting. Lord Guan said, “Pour the wine and leave it here. I will return shortly.” He left the tent, took up his saber, and sprang onto his horse.

The assembled lords heard the drums outside the pass thunder and the shouts rise in a great roar, as though Heaven were collapsing and Earth falling in, as though great peaks shook and mountains crumbled. They were all startled. Just as they were about to send someone to learn what had happened, bridle bells rang and a horse reached the central camp. Yunchang carried Hua Xiong’s head and threw it onto the ground. The wine was still warm.

A later poet praised him:

His might secured the first great triumph under Heaven;The painted drums at the camp gate thundered boom on boom.Yunchang set down his cup and showed his heroic courage;Before the wine had cooled, he slew Hua Xiong.

Cao Cao was delighted. Then Zhang Fei stepped out from behind Xuande and shouted, “My elder brother has killed Hua Xiong! If we do not now break through the pass, capture Dong Zhuo alive, and finish the matter here, what are we waiting for?”

Yuan Shu was furious and shouted, “Even we great ministers still show humility to one another. How dare a petty soldier under a mere county magistrate display his power and brag of his might here? Drive them all out of the tent!”

Cao Cao said, “Those who gain merit should be rewarded. Why consider whether they are noble or lowly?”

Yuan Shu said, “Since you gentlemen value only a county magistrate, I should withdraw.”

Cao Cao said, “How can we ruin a great undertaking because of a single remark?” He ordered Gongsun Zan to take Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei back to their camp for the time being. The assembled officers dispersed. Cao Cao secretly sent men with cattle and wine to comfort the three.

Now the defeated remnants of Hua Xiong’s army carried the report back to the pass. Li Su hurriedly wrote an urgent dispatch and sent it to Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo quickly assembled Li Ru, Lü Bu, and the others to discuss the matter.

Li Ru said, “We have now lost our great commander Hua Xiong, and the rebels’ power is immense. Yuan Shao is their alliance leader, while Yuan Shao’s uncle Yuan Wei is currently Grand Tutor. If they should cooperate from within and without, it would cause us serious trouble. We should eliminate him first. I ask the Chancellor to take personal command of the great army and divide the troops for the campaign.”

Dong Zhuo approved his proposal. He summoned Li Jue and Guo Si and ordered them to lead five hundred soldiers to surround the home of Grand Tutor Yuan Wei. Without distinguishing old from young, they killed the whole family and wiped it out. They first sent Yuan Wei’s head to the front of the pass for public display.

Dong Zhuo then mobilized two hundred thousand soldiers and advanced in two divisions. For the first division, he ordered Li Jue and Guo Si to lead fifty thousand soldiers and hold Sishui Pass without engaging in battle. Dong Zhuo himself led one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers, together with Li Ru, Lü Bu, Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and the others, to defend Hulao Pass. This pass was fifty li from Luoyang. When the army reached the pass, Dong Zhuo ordered Lü Bu to lead thirty thousand soldiers and establish a great camp before it. Dong Zhuo himself remained stationed within the pass.

A scout on a racing horse learned of this and brought the report to Yuan Shao’s main camp. Yuan Shao gathered the others to discuss it. Cao Cao said, “Dong Zhuo has stationed troops at Hulao, cutting across the central route of our allied lords. We should now order half our forces to meet him.”

Yuan Shao therefore assigned eight contingents—those of Wang Kuang, Qiao Mao, Bao Xin, Yuan Yi, Kong Rong, Zhang Yang, Tao Qian, and Gongsun Zan—to go to Hulao Pass and meet the enemy. Cao Cao led his army back and forth to provide support. The eight lords each mobilized their troops.

Wang Kuang, Administrator of Henei, arrived first. Lü Bu led three thousand armored cavalry racing out to meet him. Wang Kuang drew up his troops in battle formation and reined in his horse beneath his command banner to look. He saw Lü Bu ride out from the enemy formation. On his head Lü Bu wore a purple-gold crown with three prongs holding his hair. On his body hung a red brocade robe from Western Sichuan embroidered with a hundred flowers. Over it he wore linked armor with beast-faced shoulder guards shaped like swallowing heads. Around his waist was an ornate belt decorated with lions and barbarians, which held his armor tight. He carried bow and arrows and held a painted halberd in his hand. Beneath him was the wind-neighing Red Hare horse. Truly, among men there was Lü Bu, and among horses there was Red Hare!

Wang Kuang turned and asked, “Who dares go out to fight?” A commander behind him spurred forward with spear leveled. Wang Kuang looked and saw that it was Fang Yue, the famous commander of Henei.

The two horses met. In fewer than five bouts, Lü Bu stabbed Fang Yue from his horse with one thrust of his halberd, then charged straight forward with the weapon leveled. Wang Kuang’s army suffered a crushing defeat and scattered in every direction. Lü Bu charged and killed from east to west as though entering a land where no one stood against him.

Fortunately, the armies of Qiao Mao and Yuan Yi both arrived and rescued Wang Kuang, and only then did Lü Bu withdraw. Each of the three lords lost some troops and horses. They retreated thirty li and established camp. The other five armies arrived afterward, and they gathered to discuss the situation, saying that Lü Bu was a hero whom no one could match.

While they were still worried, a junior officer reported, “Lü Bu is challenging us to battle.” The eight lords all mounted their horses, and their armies divided into eight formations. Lü Bu stood on a high ridge. In the distance they saw Lü Bu’s close-packed troops and horses, with embroidered flags fluttering, charging first against their lines.

Mu Shun, a commander under Zhang Yang, Administrator of Shangdang, rode out with his spear leveled to meet him. Lü Bu raised his halberd and, with one thrust, stabbed him from his horse. Everyone was greatly alarmed.

Wu Anguo, a commander under Kong Rong, Administrator of Beihai, galloped out wielding an iron hammer. Lü Bu swung his halberd and urged his horse forward to meet him. They fought for more than ten bouts, until Lü Bu struck with his halberd and severed Wu Anguo’s wrist. Wu Anguo dropped his hammer to the ground and fled. The troops of all eight contingents charged out together and rescued him. Lü Bu then withdrew.

The lords returned to camp to discuss matters. Cao Cao said, “Lü Bu’s heroic courage is unmatched. We should assemble all eighteen allied lords and together devise a sound plan. If we capture Lü Bu, Dong Zhuo will be easy to kill.”

While they were still discussing this, Lü Bu once again led his troops out to challenge them. All eight lords came forth. Gongsun Zan brandished his long spear and personally fought Lü Bu. After only a few bouts, Gongsun Zan was defeated and fled.

Lü Bu urged Red Hare after him. That horse could travel one thousand li in a day and flew like the wind. Lü Bu was about to overtake Gongsun Zan when he raised his painted halberd and thrust at the center of Gongsun Zan’s back.

From the side came a commander with great round eyes opened wide and tiger whiskers bristling upward. Leveling an eighteen-chi serpent spear, he galloped forward and shouted, “Slave of three surnames, do not run! Zhang Fei of Yan is here!”

When Lü Bu saw him, he abandoned Gongsun Zan and fought Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei roused his full spirit and battled Lü Bu fiercely. They fought for more than fifty bouts without either gaining the advantage.

Yunchang saw this, struck his horse, and came to attack Lü Bu from the side, brandishing his eighty-two-jin Green Dragon Crescent Blade. The three horses fought in a formation shaped like the character ding. They fought for another thirty bouts but still could not defeat Lü Bu.

Liu Xuande drew his paired swords, spurred his yellow-maned horse, and charged diagonally into the fight to help them.

The three surrounded Lü Bu and fought him while circling like the revolving frame of a lantern. The troops of all eight contingents stared in amazement.

Unable to keep parrying and blocking them, Lü Bu aimed a feigned thrust of his halberd at Xuande’s face. Xuande quickly dodged. Lü Bu broke open a corner of their formation, dragged his painted halberd behind him, and galloped back. The three had no intention of letting him go and urged their horses after him.

The troops of all eight contingents raised a tremendous shout and charged together. Lü Bu’s army fled toward the pass, with Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei pursuing from behind.

An ancient writer composed a piece devoted to Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei fighting Lü Bu together:

The fate of Han declined under Huan and Ling;The blazing red sun was sinking toward the west.The traitor Dong Zhuo deposed the Young Emperor;The weak Liu Xie trembled even in dreams.Cao Cao sent proclamations throughout the realm;The angry lords all rose and armed their men.They chose Yuan Shao to lead the alliance,Swearing to support the throne and restore peace.Marquis of Wen Lü Bu had no peer on earth;Across the four seas, all praised his heroic greatness.Silver armor guarded him in layers of dragon scales;A golden crown held his hair and bore pheasant tails.His jeweled belt was clasped with a beast’s flat mouth;Phoenixes seemed to fly across his patterned brocade robe.His dragon horse leaped and stirred the winds of Heaven;His painted halberd flashed like autumn waters.Who dared oppose him when he challenged beyond the pass?The lords’ hearts split with terror and alarm.Then Zhang Yide, the man of Yan, sprang forth,Holding an eighteen-chi serpent spear.His tiger whiskers bristled like threads of gold;His round eyes opened wide and flashed like lightning.Their fierce fight still brought neither victory nor defeat,Until anger roused Guan Yunchang before the lines.His precious Green Dragon blade shone like frost and snow;His parrot-colored battle robe fluttered like butterflies.Wherever his horse’s hooves fell, ghosts and spirits howled;When his anger rose, blood was bound to flow.The bold hero Xuande drew his twin-edged swords,Raised Heaven’s majesty, and displayed fierce courage.The three surrounded Lü Bu and fought for a long time;He blocked and parried them without a moment’s rest.Their shouts shook Heaven and overturned the earth;The air of slaughter spread till the Ox and Dipper chilled.His strength exhausted, Lü Bu searched for a way to flee;Seeing the mountain pass afar, he whipped his horse back.He dragged behind him his painted-shafted sky-piercing halberd;His scattered banners flashed with five colors and woven gold.Red Hare snapped its tasseled reins and raced away;Lü Bu turned and flew back up Hulao Pass.

The three pursued Lü Bu straight to the foot of the pass, where they saw a green silk canopy stirring in the west wind above the walls. Zhang Fei shouted, “That must be Dong Zhuo! What great feat is there in pursuing Lü Bu? Better to capture the traitor Dong first and tear out the evil by the roots!” He spurred his horse up toward the pass to seize Dong Zhuo.

Indeed:

To capture the rebels, one must capture their chief;A wondrous achievement truly awaits a wondrous man.

How the contest ended will be explained in what follows.