Chapter 51

Cao Ren Battles the Armies of Wu; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu a First Time

Now Kongming intended to behead Guan Yu. Xuande said, “When the three of us swore brotherhood, we vowed to share life and death. Though Guan Yu has now broken the law, I cannot bear to violate our former covenant. I beg you to record his offense for the present and allow him to redeem it through meritorious service.” Only then did Kongming pardon him.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yu recalled his troops and mustered his officers. Each man’s merit was recorded and reported to the Marquis of Wu. All the surrendered soldiers were sent across the river. After richly rewarding the entire army, Zhou Yu advanced to seize Nanjun. His vanguard encamped by the river, the army being divided into five camps, front and rear, with Zhou Yu in the center.

As Zhou Yu was discussing his plan of advance with the others, a report suddenly came: “Liu Xuande has sent Sun Qian to congratulate the Commander-in-Chief.” Zhou Yu ordered that he be admitted. When Sun Qian had performed the proper courtesies, he said, “My lord has specially commanded me to offer thanks for the Commander-in-Chief’s great kindness, and to present these modest gifts.” Zhou Yu asked, “Where is Xuande?” Sun Qian replied, “He has now moved his army to Youjiang.” Zhou Yu started. “Is Kongming also at Youjiang?” Sun Qian said, “Kongming is there with my lord.” Zhou Yu said, “Return ahead of me, sir. I shall come in person to offer my thanks.”

Zhou Yu accepted the gifts and sent Sun Qian back first. Lu Su asked, “Why did the Commander-in-Chief appear so startled just now?” Zhou Yu said, “Liu Bei has stationed troops at Youjiang, so he must intend to seize Nanjun. We have expended so many soldiers and horses, so much money and grain, and now Nanjun lies almost within our grasp. Yet they harbor wicked designs and mean to take what is ready-made—as though Zhou Yu were already dead!” Lu Su asked, “What plan should we use to drive them away?” Zhou Yu said, “I shall go speak with him myself. If matters go well, so much the better; if not, before he can seize Nanjun, I shall put an end to Liu Bei!” Lu Su said, “I am willing to accompany you.” Zhou Yu and Lu Su therefore led three thousand light cavalry straight to Youjiang.

Sun Qian returned first to Xuande and told him that Zhou Yu would come in person to offer his thanks. Xuande asked Kongming, “What is his purpose in coming?” Kongming laughed. “Would he come all this way merely to thank you for those trifling gifts? He comes only because of Nanjun.” Xuande said, “If he brings troops with him, how are we to receive him?” Kongming said, “When he arrives, answer him thus and thus.” They then arrayed their warships at Youjiang and drew up their troops and horses along the shore.

When it was reported that Zhou Yu and Lu Su were approaching with troops, Kongming sent Zhao Yun with several horsemen to welcome them. Seeing the imposing strength of the army, Zhou Yu felt deeply uneasy. When he reached the camp gate, Xuande and Kongming came out and escorted him into the command tent. After they had exchanged the proper courtesies, a banquet was laid in his honor. Xuande raised his cup and thanked Zhou Yu for his arduous fighting.

After several rounds of wine, Zhou Yu said, “Could it be that the Governor of Yuzhou has moved his army here with the intention of taking Nanjun?” Xuande replied, “I heard that the Commander-in-Chief meant to take Nanjun, so I came to assist you. If the Commander-in-Chief does not take it, then I certainly shall.” Zhou Yu laughed. “We of the Southland have long desired to annex the lands along the Han River. Now that Nanjun is already in our grasp, how could we fail to take it?” Xuande said, “Victory and defeat cannot be foretold. When Cao Cao withdrew, he left Cao Ren to defend Nanjun and the surrounding region, and he must have devised some extraordinary scheme. Moreover, Cao Ren’s valor is irresistible. I fear only that the Commander-in-Chief may not be able to take the city.” Zhou Yu said, “If I fail to take it, then you may do as you please.” Xuande said, “Kongming and Zijin are here as witnesses. Commander-in-Chief, you must not regret your words.”

Lu Su hesitated and made no reply. Zhou Yu said, “Once a true man has given his word, how could he regret it?” Kongming said, “The Commander-in-Chief’s words are entirely fair. Let the Southland attempt the capture first. If the city does not fall, why should my lord not take it?” Zhou Yu and Lu Su then took leave of Xuande and Kongming, mounted their horses, and departed. Xuande asked Kongming, “Sir, you instructed me to answer as I did, and though I said the words readily enough, the more I turn them over in my mind, the less reasonable they seem. I am now alone and destitute, without so much as a place to set my foot. I hoped to obtain Nanjun as a temporary refuge; but if we first allow Zhou Yu to take it, the city will belong to the Southland. How, then, can I settle there?” Kongming laughed aloud. “In the beginning I urged you to take Jingzhou, but you would not listen. Have you forgotten that today?” Xuande said, “Formerly it was Liu Jingsheng’s territory, and therefore I could not bear to seize it. Now it belongs to Cao Cao, so by rights I may take it.” Kongming said, “My lord need not worry. Let Zhou Yu fight to his heart’s content. Sooner or later, I shall have you seated in state within Nanjun.” Xuande asked, “How is this plan to be accomplished?” Kongming replied, “We need only do thus and thus.” Xuande was overjoyed. He remained encamped at the river mouth and kept his army motionless.

Zhou Yu and Lu Su, meanwhile, returned to camp. Lu Su asked, “Why did the Commander-in-Chief agree that Xuande might take Nanjun?” Zhou Yu said, “I can take Nanjun with a snap of my fingers. It costs me nothing to grant him an empty favor.” He then asked the officers beneath his command, “Who dares lead the attack on Nanjun?” One man answered at once and stepped forward. It was Jiang Qin. Zhou Yu said, “You shall command the vanguard, with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as your deputies. Take five thousand picked troops and cross the river first. I shall follow with the main army to support you.”

At Nanjun, Cao Ren had instructed Cao Hong to defend Yiling, so that the two places might support each other like the horns of an ox. A report came: “The troops of Wu have crossed the Han River.” Cao Ren said, “The best course is to hold fast and refuse battle.” The valiant cavalry officer Niu Jin stepped forward indignantly and said, “If an enemy reaches the city walls and we do not go out to fight, that is cowardice. Besides, our army has only just suffered defeat, and this is precisely the time to revive its fighting spirit. Lend me five hundred picked troops, and I shall fight them to the death.”

Cao Ren consented and ordered Niu Jin to lead five hundred men into battle. Ding Feng galloped out to meet him. After four or five bouts, Ding Feng feigned defeat, and Niu Jin led his men in pursuit, charging into the enemy formation. Ding Feng directed his troops to surround Niu Jin within their lines for a full li. Niu Jin charged left and right but could not break free. From the city wall Cao Ren saw Niu Jin trapped at the heart of the encirclement. He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led several hundred stalwart horsemen of his own command out of the city. Wielding his saber with all his might, he cut his way into the ranks of Wu. Xu Sheng rode out to oppose him but could not withstand him. Cao Ren fought through to the center of the ring and rescued Niu Jin. Looking back, he saw that several dozen horsemen were still trapped in the enemy formation and unable to escape. He therefore wheeled about and charged in once more, rescuing them from the heavy encirclement. Jiang Qin barred his path, but Cao Ren and Niu Jin fought fiercely and scattered his men. Cao Ren’s younger brother Cao Chun also led troops forward in support. After a confused melee, the army of Wu fled in defeat, and Cao Ren returned victorious. Jiang Qin went back to Zhou Yu after his defeat. Zhou Yu angrily ordered his execution, but the other officers pleaded for him and secured his pardon.

Zhou Yu at once mustered his army, intending to fight Cao Ren in person. Gan Ning said, “Commander-in-Chief, you must not act rashly. Cao Ren has now ordered Cao Hong to hold Yiling, so that the two positions support each other. Give me three thousand picked troops, and I shall go straight to seize Yiling. The Commander-in-Chief may then take Nanjun.” Zhou Yu approved his counsel and first ordered Gan Ning to lead three thousand soldiers against Yiling. Spies had already reported this to Cao Ren, who consulted Chen Jiao. Chen Jiao said, “If Yiling is lost, Nanjun cannot be defended. We must hasten to its relief.” Cao Ren therefore ordered Cao Chun and Niu Jin to lead troops secretly to reinforce Cao Hong. Cao Chun first sent a messenger to inform Cao Hong and told him to come out of the city and lure the enemy on. When Gan Ning reached Yiling, Cao Hong came out to engage him. After more than twenty bouts, Cao Hong fled in defeat, and Gan Ning seized Yiling. At dusk, the troops of Cao Chun and Niu Jin arrived. The two forces joined and surrounded Yiling.

A scout galloped back to report to Zhou Yu that Gan Ning was trapped within Yiling. Zhou Yu was greatly alarmed. Cheng Pu said, “We must divide our troops at once and send a force to rescue him.” Zhou Yu replied, “This place commands a vital approach. If we divide our army to rescue him and Cao Ren leads troops to attack us, what then?” Lü Meng said, “Gan Xingba is a great commander of Jiangdong. How can we fail to rescue him?” Zhou Yu said, “I wish to go in person to his aid, but whom can I leave here to assume my command?” Lü Meng replied, “Leave Ling Gongxu here in your place. I shall lead the van, and the Commander-in-Chief shall bring up the rear. In less than ten days, we shall assuredly return in triumph.” Zhou Yu said, “I do not know whether Ling Gongxu is willing to take my place for a time.” Ling Tong said, “If the term is ten days, I can undertake it. Beyond ten days, the responsibility would be more than I could bear.”

Zhou Yu was delighted. He left more than ten thousand troops under Ling Tong and that very day led the main army toward Yiling. Lü Meng said to Zhou Yu, “South of Yiling lies a remote, narrow road that offers easy access from Nanjun. We should send five hundred soldiers to fell trees and block the way. If the enemy is defeated, they will certainly flee by that road. Their horses will be unable to pass, so they must abandon them and escape on foot. We shall then gain their horses.”

Zhou Yu followed this advice and dispatched the troops. As the main army neared Yiling, Zhou Yu asked, “Who can break through the encirclement and enter the city to aid Gan Ning?” Zhou Tai volunteered. Saber in hand, he spurred his horse straight into Cao’s army and fought his way directly to the foot of the city wall. When Gan Ning saw Zhou Tai arrive, he came out of the city to meet him. Zhou Tai said, “The Commander-in-Chief is personally leading the army here.” Gan Ning issued orders for his soldiers to put their equipment in order and eat their fill, ready to strike from within.

When Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Niu Jin heard that Zhou Yu’s army was approaching, they first sent a messenger to Nanjun to inform Cao Ren, while dividing their forces to resist the enemy. When the army of Wu arrived, Cao’s troops went out to meet it. Just as battle was joined, Gan Ning and Zhou Tai charged out along two separate routes. Cao’s army fell into great confusion, and the troops of Wu closed in from every side. Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Niu Jin indeed fled along the narrow road; but piles of felled timber blocked their way, and their horses could go no farther. They all abandoned their mounts and escaped on foot. The troops of Wu captured more than five hundred horses. Zhou Yu drove his army through the night toward Nanjun and encountered Cao Ren’s forces coming to relieve Yiling. The two armies met and fought a confused battle. By then it was dark, and each side withdrew its troops.

Cao Ren returned to the city and consulted his officers. Cao Hong said, “Now that we have lost Yiling, our position is perilous. Why not open the Prime Minister’s last instructions and see whether they offer a way out of this danger?” Cao Ren said, “Your words accord exactly with my own thoughts.” He opened the letter and read it, then rejoiced greatly. He immediately issued orders for food to be prepared at the fifth watch. At dawn, every soldier and horse, high and low, was to abandon the city. Banners were to be planted all along the walls to create a false show of strength, while the army was to divide and march out through three gates.

After rescuing Gan Ning, Zhou Yu drew up his army outside Nanjun. When he saw Cao’s troops emerging through three gates, he ascended the command platform to observe them. He saw banners planted loosely along the battlements but no men standing guard. He also saw that every soldier had a bundle tied at his waist. Zhou Yu privately concluded that Cao Ren had already prepared to flee. He descended from the platform and issued orders, dividing his forces into left and right wings. If the vanguard won, it was to press forward in pursuit and not retreat until the gong sounded. Cheng Pu was ordered to command the rear, while Zhou Yu himself led the force assigned to take the city. When the battle drums thundered, Cao Hong rode out and challenged them. Zhou Yu advanced beneath the standard at the gate and sent Han Dang out to engage Cao Hong. After more than thirty bouts, Cao Hong fled in defeat. Cao Ren himself came out to continue the fight, and Zhou Tai spurred forward to meet him. After more than ten bouts, Cao Ren also fled, and his formation fell into disorder.

Zhou Yu signaled both wings to charge, and Cao’s army suffered a great defeat. Zhou Yu personally led his troops in pursuit as far as the walls of Nanjun, but Cao’s forces did not enter the city and instead fled northwest. Han Dang and Zhou Tai led the vanguard in relentless pursuit. Seeing the city gates standing wide open and no one on the walls, Zhou Yu ordered his troops to seize the city. Several dozen horsemen charged in first. Behind them, Zhou Yu lashed his horse onward and rode straight into the barbican. From the gate tower Chen Jiao saw Zhou Yu enter the city in person and secretly exclaimed in admiration, “The Prime Minister’s marvelous strategy is truly divine!”

A wooden clapper sounded, and bows and crossbows on both sides loosed together, their bolts falling like a sudden rainstorm. Those who had vied to enter first all plunged into hidden pits. Zhou Yu hastily reined his horse about, but a crossbow bolt struck him squarely in the left ribs, and he toppled from the saddle. Niu Jin charged out of the city to capture him. Xu Sheng and Ding Feng risked their lives to rescue him. Cao’s troops poured out of the city, while the soldiers of Wu trampled one another, countless men falling into the trenches and pits. As Cheng Pu hurriedly recalled the army, Cao Hong and Cao Ren led two forces back to the attack. The army of Wu was utterly defeated. Fortunately, Ling Tong came charging in from the flank with a body of troops and held Cao’s army at bay. Cao Ren led his victorious troops into the city, while Cheng Pu gathered the defeated army and returned to camp. Ding Feng and Xu Sheng brought Zhou Yu safely to his tent and summoned the army surgeon. Using iron pincers, the surgeon extracted the arrowhead, then applied wound medicine and bound up the injury. The pain was unbearable, and Zhou Yu could neither eat nor drink. The surgeon said, “The arrowhead was poisoned, so the wound cannot heal quickly. If anger agitates him, it will break open again.” Cheng Pu ordered the whole army to guard each camp closely and forbade anyone to venture out lightly. Three days later, Niu Jin led troops forward to challenge them, but Cheng Pu held his army in place. Niu Jin hurled abuse until sunset before returning. The next day he came again to revile them and demand battle. Fearing that Zhou Yu might become angry, Cheng Pu did not dare inform him. On the third day, Niu Jin came directly outside the camp gate and shouted insults, crying again and again that he meant to capture Zhou Yu. Cheng Pu consulted the officers, intending to withdraw the army for the time being, return to the Marquis of Wu, and decide later what should be done.

Although Zhou Yu suffered from the pain of his wound, he had formed a plan of his own. He already knew that Cao’s soldiers often came before the camp to hurl abuse, yet none of his officers reported it to him. One day Cao Ren personally led a great army forward, beating drums, raising battle cries, and demanding combat. Cheng Pu remained behind the defenses and refused to come out. Zhou Yu summoned the officers into his tent and asked, “Where are those drums and shouts coming from?” The officers replied, “The soldiers are being put through their drills.” Zhou Yu said angrily, “Why do you deceive me? I already know that Cao’s troops come constantly before our camp to revile us. Since Cheng Demou shares command of the army, how dare he sit by and watch?” He ordered someone to summon Cheng Pu to the tent and questioned him. Cheng Pu replied, “I saw that Gongjin was suffering from his wound, and the surgeon said you must not be provoked to anger. Therefore, when Cao’s troops challenged us, I did not dare report it.” Zhou Yu asked, “If you gentlemen will not fight, what do you intend?” Cheng Pu said, “All the officers wish to withdraw the army and return to Jiangdong for a time. Once your arrow wound has healed, we can make further plans.”

When Zhou Yu heard this, he sprang indignantly from his couch and said, “A true man who receives his lord’s bounty should die upon the battlefield and count himself fortunate if his corpse is returned wrapped in horsehide! How could the great affairs of the state be abandoned for the sake of one man?” With that, he donned his armor and mounted his horse. Every officer and soldier was astounded. Zhou Yu led several hundred horsemen out before the camp. He saw Cao’s army already arrayed for battle, with Cao Ren mounted beneath the standard at the gate. Flourishing his whip, Cao Ren shouted abuse: “Zhou Yu, you whelp! You are surely doomed to die before your time, and you no longer dare even look our army in the face!”

Before Cao Ren had finished reviling him, Zhou Yu suddenly rode out from among his horsemen and cried, “Cao Ren, you scoundrel! Do you see Zhou Yu?” Cao’s troops were all alarmed at the sight. Cao Ren looked back at his officers and said, “Revile him with all your might!” The entire army raised their voices and showered him with abuse. Zhou Yu flew into a rage and ordered Pan Zhang to ride out. Before the two sides could engage, Zhou Yu suddenly gave a great cry, spurted blood from his mouth, and fell from his horse. Cao’s troops charged forward. Zhou Yu’s officers advanced to hold them off, fought a confused battle, rescued him, and carried him back to his tent.

Cheng Pu asked, “Commander-in-Chief, how fares your honored person?” Zhou Yu said to him in a low voice, “This is my plan.” Cheng Pu asked, “How is the plan to work?” Zhou Yu replied, “In truth, my wound causes me little pain. I acted so because I want Cao’s troops to believe I am mortally ill; they will then surely grow careless. Send trusted soldiers into the city to feign surrender and tell them that I am dead. Cao Ren will certainly come tonight to raid our camp. I shall place ambushes on every side to receive him, and then Cao Ren may be captured in a single stroke.” Cheng Pu said, “A magnificent plan!” He immediately raised cries of mourning within the tent. The soldiers were greatly alarmed, and word spread everywhere that the Commander-in-Chief’s arrow wound had broken open and killed him. Every camp put on mourning.

In the city, Cao Ren consulted his officers, saying that Zhou Yu’s rage had inflamed him, causing his wound to burst so that blood had spurted from his mouth and he had fallen from his horse; before long, he would surely die. While they were still discussing this, a report suddenly came: “More than ten soldiers from the camp of Wu have come to surrender. Among them are two who were originally Cao soldiers and were taken captive.” Cao Ren hastily summoned them and questioned them. The soldiers said, “Today, before the battle lines, Zhou Yu’s wound burst open. He died as soon as he returned to camp. All his officers have now donned mourning and are lamenting him. Because we suffered humiliation at Cheng Pu’s hands, we have come especially to surrender and report this news.”

Cao Ren was overjoyed. He immediately proposed that they raid the camp that very night, seize Zhou Yu’s corpse, cut off his head, and send it to Xudu. Chen Jiao said, “This plan must be carried out at once, without delay.” Cao Ren ordered Niu Jin to lead the vanguard and placed himself in command of the center, with Cao Hong and Cao Chun bringing up the rear. He left only Chen Jiao with a small number of soldiers to guard the city and mobilized all the rest. At the first watch they marched out of the city and went straight to Zhou Yu’s main camp. On reaching the camp gate, they saw not a single man, but only empty banners and spears planted there. Realizing that they had fallen into a trap, they hastily began to withdraw. Signal blasts erupted on every side. Han Dang and Jiang Qin attacked from the east; Zhou Tai and Pan Zhang from the west; Xu Sheng and Ding Feng from the south; and Chen Wu and Lü Meng from the north. Cao’s army was utterly routed. All three divisions were scattered, and neither head nor tail could aid the other.

Cao Ren led little more than a dozen horsemen out of the heavy encirclement and there encountered Cao Hong. Gathering the defeated remnants of their troops, they fled together. The fighting continued until the fifth watch. When they were not far from Nanjun, a drum sounded and Ling Tong appeared with another force to block their road, cutting them down in a fierce attack. Cao Ren led his troops away on a diagonal course, only to encounter Gan Ning, who attacked them savagely once more. Cao Ren dared not return to Nanjun, but fled straight along the highroad to Xiangyang. After pursuing them for some distance, the army of Wu returned.

Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu gathered their troops and went straight to the walls of Nanjun. They saw banners spread everywhere, and from the gate tower a general called out, “Commander-in-Chief, forgive my offense! By order of the Military Adviser, I have already taken the city. I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan!” Zhou Yu flew into a rage and immediately ordered an assault. A storm of arrows shot down from the walls. Zhou Yu ordered the army to withdraw for further deliberation. He sent Gan Ning with several thousand troops to seize Jingzhou, and Ling Tong with several thousand to seize Xiangyang. Afterward, there would still be time to take Nanjun.

Just as the assignments were being made, a scout suddenly galloped up and reported: “After taking Nanjun, Zhuge Liang used the military tallies to issue a false urgent summons, ordering Jingzhou’s garrison to march through the night to the rescue. He then sent Zhang Fei to seize Jingzhou by surprise.” Another scout came galloping up and reported: “Xiahou Dun was at Xiangyang when Zhuge Liang sent a man carrying the military tallies, falsely claiming that Cao Ren needed aid. Xiahou Dun was lured into leading his troops out, whereupon Guan Yu seized Xiangyang by surprise. Both cities have fallen to Liu Xuande without the slightest effort.” Zhou Yu cried, “How did Zhuge Liang obtain the military tallies?” Cheng Pu replied, “He captured Chen Jiao, so naturally all the tallies fell into his hands.” Zhou Yu gave a great cry, and his wound burst open. Truly:

Of all those cities, not one falls to me;For whom, then, have I borne this bitter toil?

What became of his life will be revealed in the next chapter.

Cao Ren Battles the Armies of Wu; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu a First Time

Now Zhuge Liang wanted to execute Guan Yu. Liu Bei said, “When the three of us swore brotherhood, we vowed to live and die together. Though Guan Yu has broken the law, I cannot bear to violate our former oath. I hope you will record his offense for now and allow him to redeem it through meritorious service.” Only then did Zhuge Liang pardon him.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yu recalled his troops and mustered his generals. He recorded each man’s achievements and reported them to the Marquis of Wu. All the surrendered soldiers they had taken were sent across the river. After richly rewarding the entire army, he advanced to capture Nanjun. His vanguard camped beside the river, with five camps arranged from front to rear. Zhou Yu occupied the central camp.

As Zhou Yu was discussing plans for the advance with his officers, a sudden report came: “Liu Bei has sent Sun Qian to congratulate the Commander-in-Chief.” Zhou Yu ordered that he be admitted. After Sun Qian had paid his respects, he said, “My lord has specially ordered me to thank the Commander-in-Chief for his great kindness and to present these modest gifts.” Zhou Yu asked, “Where is Liu Bei?” Sun Qian replied, “He has moved his troops and is now encamped at the mouth of the You River.” Startled, Zhou Yu asked, “Is Zhuge Liang also at the mouth of the You River?” Sun Qian said, “Zhuge Liang is there with my lord.” Zhou Yu said, “Go back ahead of me. I will come in person to return his courtesy.”

Zhou Yu accepted the gifts and sent Sun Qian back first. Lu Su asked, “Why was the Commander-in-Chief startled just now?” Zhou Yu said, “Liu Bei has stationed troops at the mouth of the You River, so he must intend to seize Nanjun. We have spent so many soldiers and horses and used so much money and grain, and now Nanjun is ours for the taking. Yet they harbor treacherous designs and want to take it ready-made. They must think Zhou Yu is dead!” Lu Su asked, “What plan should we use to make them withdraw?” Zhou Yu said, “I will go speak with him myself. If things go well, fine. If not, before he can seize Nanjun, I will finish Liu Bei off!” Lu Su said, “I am willing to go with you.” Zhou Yu and Lu Su then led three thousand light cavalry straight to the mouth of the You River.

First, Sun Qian returned to Liu Bei and reported that Zhou Yu would come in person to return his courtesy. Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang, “What is his purpose in coming?” Zhuge Liang laughed. “How could he be willing to come and thank you merely for those modest gifts? He is coming solely because of Nanjun.” Liu Bei said, “If he brings troops with him, how should we receive him?” Zhuge Liang said, “When he comes, answer him thus and so.” They then arrayed their warships at the mouth of the You River and drew up their troops and horses on the bank.

When word came that Zhou Yu and Lu Su were approaching with troops, Zhuge Liang sent Zhao Yun with several riders to receive them. Seeing how imposing Liu Bei’s forces were, Zhou Yu felt deeply uneasy. When they reached the camp gate, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang welcomed them into the command tent. After they had exchanged all the proper courtesies, a banquet was laid for them. Liu Bei raised his cup and thanked Zhou Yu for his part in the fierce battle.

After several rounds of wine, Zhou Yu said, “Governor Liu, have you moved your troops here because you intend to seize Nanjun?” Liu Bei said, “I heard that the Commander-in-Chief intended to take Nanjun, so I came to assist you. If the Commander-in-Chief does not take it, I certainly will.” Zhou Yu laughed. “We in the Southland have long wished to annex the Han River region. Now Nanjun is already in our grasp. How could we not take it?” Liu Bei said, “Victory and defeat cannot be predicted. Before Cao Cao withdrew, he left Cao Ren to guard Nanjun and the surrounding region, and he must have devised some extraordinary plan. What is more, Cao Ren’s valor is irresistible. I merely fear that the Commander-in-Chief may not be able to take it.” Zhou Yu said, “If I cannot take it, then you may do as you please and take it yourself.” Liu Bei said, “Zhuge Liang and Lu Su are here as witnesses. The Commander-in-Chief must not regret his words.”

Lu Su hesitated and made no reply. Zhou Yu said, “Once a true man has given his word, how could he regret it?” Zhuge Liang said, “What the Commander-in-Chief says is perfectly fair. Let the Southland try to take it first. If it cannot, why should my lord not take it?” Zhou Yu and Lu Su took leave of Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, mounted their horses, and departed. Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang, “Just now, sir, you instructed me to answer him that way. Though I said it at the time, the more I think it over, the less reasonable it seems. I am now alone and destitute, without any place to set my foot. I want Nanjun so that I may have somewhere to live for the time being. If we first let Zhou Yu take it, the city will belong to the Southland. Then how can we establish ourselves there?” Zhuge Liang laughed loudly. “At first I urged you to take Jingzhou, but you would not listen. Have you forgotten that today?” Liu Bei said, “Before, it was Liu Biao’s territory, so I could not bear to take it. Now it is Cao Cao’s territory, so by rights I should seize it.” Zhuge Liang said, “You need not worry, my lord. Let Zhou Yu fight to his heart’s content. Sooner or later, I will have you seated in honor within the city of Nanjun.” Liu Bei asked, “What plan will accomplish that?” Zhuge Liang said, “We need only do thus and so.” Liu Bei was overjoyed. He remained encamped at the river mouth, holding his troops motionless.

Zhou Yu and Lu Su, meanwhile, returned to camp. Lu Su asked, “Why did the Commander-in-Chief also promise Liu Bei that he could take Nanjun?” Zhou Yu said, “I can take Nanjun with a snap of my fingers, so it cost me nothing to do him an empty favor.” He then asked the officers beneath his command, “Who dares go first and seize Nanjun?” One man stepped forward at once. It was Jiang Qin. Zhou Yu said, “You will be the vanguard, with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as your deputy commanders. Take five thousand elite troops and cross the river first. I will follow with troops to support you.”

At Nanjun, Cao Ren ordered Cao Hong to guard Yiling so that the two positions could support each other. A man reported, “The forces of Wu have crossed the Han River.” Cao Ren said, “The best policy is to defend firmly and not give battle.” The valiant cavalry officer Niu Jin stepped forward indignantly and said, “When an army has reached the foot of our walls, refusing to go out and fight is cowardice. Moreover, our army has just suffered defeat, so this is precisely the time to restore its fighting spirit. Give me five hundred elite troops, and I am willing to fight to the death.”

Cao Ren agreed and ordered Niu Jin to lead five hundred soldiers out to battle. Ding Feng spurred forward to meet him. After they had fought four or five bouts, Ding Feng feigned defeat, and Niu Jin led his troops in pursuit, following him into the formation. Ding Feng directed his troops to close in on Niu Jin from all sides and surround him within the formation. Niu Jin charged left and right but could not break out. From the city wall, Cao Ren saw Niu Jin trapped in the center of the encirclement. He put on his armor, mounted his horse, and led several hundred stout riders of his personal command out of the city. Wielding his saber with all his might, he carved his way into the Wu formation. Xu Sheng came to meet him but could not hold him back. Cao Ren fought his way to the center, rescued Niu Jin, and then looked back and saw that several dozen riders were still trapped in the formation and unable to escape. He wheeled around and charged in again, rescuing them from the heavy encirclement. Jiang Qin came up to block his way, but Cao Ren and Niu Jin fought fiercely and scattered his troops. Cao Ren’s younger brother Cao Chun also led troops forward to support them. After a confused melee, the Wu forces fled in defeat, and Cao Ren returned victorious. Jiang Qin returned from his defeat to report to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu angrily ordered him executed, but the other generals pleaded for his pardon.

Zhou Yu immediately mustered his troops, intending to fight Cao Ren in person. Gan Ning said, “The Commander-in-Chief must not act rashly. Cao Ren has now ordered Cao Hong to hold Yiling, placing the two positions so they can support each other. Give me three thousand elite soldiers, and I will go straight to seize Yiling. The Commander-in-Chief can then take Nanjun.” Zhou Yu approved his argument and first ordered Gan Ning to lead three thousand soldiers in an attack on Yiling. Cao Ren had already learned of this from his spies and consulted Chen Jiao. Chen Jiao said, “If Yiling is lost, Nanjun will also be impossible to defend. We must hurry to its rescue.” Cao Ren therefore ordered Cao Chun and Niu Jin to lead troops secretly to reinforce Cao Hong. Cao Chun first sent a man to inform Cao Hong and instructed him to leave the city and lure the enemy on. Gan Ning led his troops to Yiling, and Cao Hong came out to engage him. After more than twenty bouts, Cao Hong fled in defeat. Gan Ning seized Yiling. At dusk, Cao Chun and Niu Jin arrived with their troops. Joining forces with Cao Hong, they surrounded Yiling.

A scout galloped to report to Zhou Yu that Gan Ning was trapped inside the city of Yiling. Zhou Yu was greatly alarmed. Cheng Pu said, “We must quickly detach troops to rescue him.” Zhou Yu said, “This position is strategically vital. If we divide our forces to rescue him and Cao Ren leads troops to attack us, what will we do?” Lü Meng said, “Gan Ning is one of Jiangdong’s great generals. How can we fail to rescue him?” Zhou Yu said, “I wish to go to his rescue myself, but whom can I leave here to assume my duties?” Lü Meng said, “Leave Ling Tong to take charge. I will lead the vanguard, and the Commander-in-Chief can guard the rear. In less than ten days, we are certain to return in triumph.” Zhou Yu said, “I do not know whether Ling Tong is willing to assume my duties temporarily.” Ling Tong said, “If the term is ten days, I can do it. Beyond ten days, I will not be equal to the responsibility.”

Zhou Yu was delighted. He left more than ten thousand troops under Ling Tong’s command and that very day led the main army toward Yiling. Lü Meng said to Zhou Yu, “South of Yiling there is an out-of-the-way narrow road that provides an extremely convenient route to Nanjun. We can send five hundred soldiers to cut down trees and block the road. If the enemy is defeated, they will certainly flee by that route. Their horses will be unable to pass, forcing them to abandon the animals and escape on foot. We can then take their horses.”

Zhou Yu followed his advice and sent troops to carry out the task. As the main army approached Yiling, Zhou Yu asked, “Who can break through the encirclement and enter the city to rescue Gan Ning?” Zhou Tai volunteered. At once he took up his saber, spurred his horse, and charged straight into Cao Cao’s forces, fighting his way directly to the foot of the city wall. Seeing Zhou Tai arrive, Gan Ning came out of the city himself to meet him. Zhou Tai said, “The Commander-in-Chief is personally leading troops here.” Gan Ning passed down orders for his soldiers to put their equipment in perfect order, eat their fill, and prepare to attack from within.

When Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Niu Jin heard that Zhou Yu’s troops were approaching, they first sent a man to Nanjun to inform Cao Ren, while dividing their own troops to resist the enemy. When the Wu forces arrived, Cao Cao’s troops went out to meet them. As soon as the armies engaged, Gan Ning and Zhou Tai charged out along two separate routes. Cao Cao’s troops fell into great confusion, and the Wu forces closed in and attacked from every side. Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Niu Jin fled down the narrow road as expected, but felled timber blocked their way, and their horses could not pass. They all abandoned their mounts and escaped on foot. The Wu forces captured more than five hundred horses. Zhou Yu drove his troops onward through the night toward Nanjun and encountered Cao Ren’s army coming to relieve Yiling. The two armies met and fought a confused battle. By then it was late, so both sides withdrew their troops.

Cao Ren returned to the city and consulted his officers. Cao Hong said, “Now that Yiling has been lost, our position is critical. Why not open the plan left by the Prime Minister and see what it says, so that we may escape this danger?” Cao Ren said, “Your words accord exactly with my own thoughts.” He opened the letter and read it, then rejoiced. He immediately passed down orders to prepare food at the fifth watch. At dawn, every unit, great and small, was to abandon the city. Flags were to be planted all over the walls to create a false show of strength, while the army divided and marched out through three gates.

After rescuing Gan Ning, Zhou Yu arrayed his troops outside the city of Nanjun. Seeing Cao Cao’s forces emerge through three separate gates, he climbed the command platform to observe them. He saw flags planted here and there along the battlements, but no one guarding them. He also saw that every soldier had a bundle tied around his waist. Zhou Yu thought to himself that Cao Ren must have prepared his escape in advance. He descended from the platform and issued orders, dividing two forces into left and right wings. If the vanguard was victorious, it was to press forward in pursuit and not retreat until the gong sounded. He ordered Cheng Pu to command the rear army, while Zhou Yu himself led troops to take the city. When the battle drums sounded between the two formations, Cao Hong rode out and challenged them. Zhou Yu personally advanced beneath his standard and sent Han Dang out to engage Cao Hong. After more than thirty bouts, Cao Hong fled in defeat. Cao Ren himself then came out to fight, and Zhou Tai spurred his horse forward to meet him. After more than ten bouts, Cao Ren also fled in defeat, and his formation fell into disorder.

Zhou Yu signaled the troops on both wings to charge, and Cao Cao’s army suffered a crushing defeat. Zhou Yu personally led his troops in pursuit as far as the walls of Nanjun, but Cao Cao’s troops did not enter the city and instead fled toward the northwest. Han Dang and Zhou Tai led the vanguard in vigorous pursuit. Zhou Yu saw that the city gate stood wide open and that there were no men on the walls, so he ordered his troops to rush into the city. Several dozen riders entered first. Behind them, Zhou Yu spurred his horse forward and galloped straight into the barbican. From the gate tower, Chen Jiao saw Zhou Yu enter the city in person and secretly applauded, saying, “The Prime Minister’s marvelous strategy is truly godlike!”

A wooden clapper sounded, and bows and crossbows discharged at once from both sides, their missiles falling like a sudden rainstorm. All those who had fought to enter first tumbled into concealed pits. Zhou Yu urgently reined in his horse to turn back, but a crossbow bolt struck him squarely in the left ribs, and he toppled from his mount. Niu Jin charged out from within the city to capture Zhou Yu. Xu Sheng and Ding Feng risked their lives to save him. Cao Cao’s troops burst out of the city, and the Wu soldiers trampled one another, with countless men falling into the trenches and pits. As Cheng Pu hurriedly tried to recall the army, Cao Hong and Cao Ren divided their troops into two forces and attacked again. The Wu army suffered a crushing defeat. Fortunately, Ling Tong led a force in from the flank and held off Cao Cao’s troops. Cao Ren led his victorious army back into the city, while Cheng Pu gathered the defeated troops and returned to camp. Ding Feng and Xu Sheng rescued Zhou Yu and carried him into his tent. They summoned an army surgeon, who used iron pincers to extract the arrowhead, then applied wound medicine and dressed the injury. The pain was unbearable, and Zhou Yu could neither eat nor drink. The surgeon said, “The arrowhead was poisoned, so the wound cannot heal quickly. If anger agitates him, it will reopen.” Cheng Pu ordered the entire army to guard each camp closely and forbade anyone to venture out rashly. Three days later, Niu Jin led troops out to challenge them, but Cheng Pu held his forces back and did not move. Niu Jin cursed them until dusk before returning. The next day, he came again and hurled abuse to provoke battle. Fearing that Zhou Yu would become angry, Cheng Pu did not dare report it to him. On the third day, Niu Jin came directly outside the camp gate and shouted abuse, repeatedly declaring that he would capture Zhou Yu. Cheng Pu consulted the other officers and proposed withdrawing the army for the time being, returning to see the Marquis of Wu, and then deciding what to do.

Although Zhou Yu was suffering from the pain of his wound, he had plans of his own. He already knew that Cao Cao’s troops often came before the camp to shout abuse, yet none of his generals had reported it to him. One day, Cao Ren personally led a large army forward, beating drums and raising battle cries as he came to challenge them. Cheng Pu refused to leave the camp. Zhou Yu summoned the generals into his tent and asked, “Where are those drums and battle cries coming from?” The generals replied, “The soldiers are being drilled within the camp.” Zhou Yu angrily said, “Why do you deceive me? I already know that Cao Cao’s troops often come before our camp and revile us. Since Cheng Pu shares command of the army, how dare he sit by and watch?” He ordered a man to invite Cheng Pu into his tent and questioned him. Cheng Pu said, “I saw that you were suffering from your wound, and the surgeon said you must not be angered. Therefore, though Cao Cao’s troops came to challenge us, I did not dare report it to you.” Zhou Yu asked, “If all of you refuse battle, what do you intend to do?” Cheng Pu replied, “The generals all wish to withdraw the army and return to Jiangdong for the time being. Once your arrow wound has healed, we can make further plans.”

When Zhou Yu heard this, he sprang indignantly from his bed and said, “Once a true man accepts his lord’s stipend, he should die on the battlefield and count himself fortunate if his corpse is wrapped in horsehide and brought home! How can the great affairs of the state be abandoned for the sake of one man like me?” When he finished speaking, he immediately put on his armor and mounted his horse. Every officer and soldier was astonished. He then led several hundred riders out before the camp. They saw Cao Cao’s army already drawn up in formation, with Cao Ren himself seated on horseback beneath his standard. Brandishing his whip, Cao Ren shouted abuse: “Zhou Yu, you whelp! You are surely doomed to an untimely death and will never again dare look my army in the face!”

Before Cao Ren had finished cursing, Zhou Yu suddenly rode out from among his cavalry and shouted, “Cao Ren, you brute! Do you see Zhou Yu?” At the sight of him, all Cao Cao’s troops were shocked and alarmed. Cao Ren looked back at his officers and said, “Curse him with all your might!” The whole army raised their voices and hurled abuse. Zhou Yu flew into a rage and sent Pan Zhang out to fight. Before the combatants could engage, Zhou Yu suddenly gave a great cry, spurted blood from his mouth, and fell from his horse. Cao Cao’s troops charged forward, but the Wu generals rushed up and held them off. After a confused battle, they rescued Zhou Yu and brought him back to his tent.

Cheng Pu asked, “Commander-in-Chief, how is your health?” Zhou Yu privately told him, “This is a plan of mine.” Cheng Pu asked, “What plan do you have?” Zhou Yu said, “In truth, I am not in much pain. I did this so that Cao Cao’s troops would believe I was gravely ill, which will surely make them underestimate us. Send trusted soldiers into the city to pretend to surrender and tell them that I am dead. Cao Ren will certainly come to raid our camp tonight. I will arrange ambushes on every side to meet him, and then we can capture Cao Ren in a single stroke.” Cheng Pu said, “This plan is excellent!” He immediately began wailing in mourning within the command tent. The soldiers were greatly alarmed, and word spread everywhere that the Commander-in-Chief’s arrow wound had reopened and killed him. Every camp displayed mourning banners.

Meanwhile, Cao Ren was consulting his officers in the city. He said that Zhou Yu’s anger had flared up, causing his wound to burst open, so that he had spurted blood from his mouth and fallen from his horse, and would surely die before long. While they were discussing this, a sudden report came: “More than ten soldiers from the Wu camp have come to surrender. Among them are two who were originally Cao soldiers and were taken captive.” Cao Ren quickly ordered them brought in and questioned them. The soldiers said, “Today, Zhou Yu’s wound burst open before the battle line. He died as soon as he returned to camp. All the generals are now wearing mourning and wailing for him. We suffered humiliation at Cheng Pu’s hands, so we have come especially to surrender and report this matter.”

Cao Ren was overjoyed. He immediately discussed raiding the camp that very night, seizing Zhou Yu’s corpse, cutting off his head, and sending it to Xudu. Chen Jiao said, “This plan must be carried out quickly, without delay.” Cao Ren made Niu Jin the vanguard and placed himself in command of the center, with Cao Hong and Cao Chun bringing up the rear. He left only Chen Jiao with a small number of soldiers to guard the city and mobilized all the remaining troops. At the first watch, they marched out of the city and headed straight for Zhou Yu’s main camp. When they reached the camp gate, they saw no one there, only flags and spears planted as a decoy. Realizing they had fallen into a trap, they hurriedly tried to withdraw. Signal blasts sounded at once on every side. From the east came Han Dang and Jiang Qin; from the west came Zhou Tai and Pan Zhang; from the south came Xu Sheng and Ding Feng; and from the north came Chen Wu and Lü Meng. Cao Cao’s troops suffered a crushing defeat. All three columns were scattered, and neither head nor tail could come to the other’s aid.

Cao Ren led a dozen or so riders out through the heavy encirclement and happened upon Cao Hong. Together they gathered the battered remnants of their troops and fled. The fighting continued until the fifth watch. When they were not far from Nanjun, a drum sounded, and Ling Tong led another force out to block their way and cut them down. Cao Ren led his troops away diagonally, only to encounter Gan Ning, who inflicted another fierce slaughter. Cao Ren did not dare return to Nanjun and instead headed straight for the main road to Xiangyang. The Wu forces pursued for some distance and then returned.

Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu gathered their troops and went straight to the foot of Nanjun’s walls. They saw flags filling the city, while a general on the gate tower called out, “Commander-in-Chief, forgive me! Acting on the military adviser’s orders, I have already taken the city. I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan!” Zhou Yu flew into a rage and immediately ordered an attack on the city. A storm of arrows shot down from the walls. Zhou Yu ordered a temporary withdrawal to confer. He sent Gan Ning with several thousand troops straight to seize Jingzhou and Ling Tong with several thousand troops straight to seize Xiangyang, intending afterward to return and take Nanjun.

While Zhou Yu was making these assignments, a scout suddenly galloped up and reported, “After Zhuge Liang took Nanjun, he used its military tallies to issue false orders by night, summoning Jingzhou’s garrison troops to the rescue. He then sent Zhang Fei to make a surprise attack and seize Jingzhou.” Another scout galloped up and reported, “Xiahou Dun was at Xiangyang. Zhuge Liang sent a man carrying a military tally, falsely claiming that Cao Ren was asking for help, and lured Xiahou Dun into leading his troops out. He then sent Guan Yu to make a surprise attack and seize Xiangyang. Both cities were taken without the slightest effort and now belong to Liu Bei.” Zhou Yu said, “How did Zhuge Liang obtain the military tallies?” Cheng Pu replied, “He captured Chen Jiao, so naturally all the military tallies fell into his hands.” Zhou Yu gave a great cry, and his wound burst open.

Just so:Of all these cities and commanderies, not one falls to me;For whom, then, have I borne all this bitter toil?

What became of his life will be revealed in the next chapter.