Chapter 52

Zhuge Liang Cleverly Rebuts Lu Su; Zhao Yun Takes Guiyang by Stratagem

Now Zhou Yu, seeing that Kongming had seized Nanjun and hearing that he had also taken Jingzhou and Xiangyang, could scarcely contain his fury. His rage aggravated his arrow wound, and it was a long while before he regained consciousness. The officers repeatedly urged him to calm himself. Zhou Yu said, “Unless I kill that rustic Zhuge, how can I appease the resentment in my heart? Cheng Demou may assist me in attacking Nanjun. I am determined to recover it for Eastern Wu.”

While they were still deliberating, Lu Su arrived. Zhou Yu said to him, “I intend to raise an army and settle once and for all which side is stronger, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang or ourselves, and then recover the cities. I hope you will assist me, Zijing.” Lu Su replied, “You must not. At present we remain locked in contention with Cao Cao, and victory and defeat have yet to be decided. Our lord is now attacking Hefei but has not taken it. If we begin devouring one another, Cao Cao’s troops may take advantage of the opening and descend upon us; then our position will be perilous. Moreover, Liu Xuande was once on close terms with Cao Cao. If we press him too hard, what are we to do if he surrenders the cities and joins Cao Cao in attacking Eastern Wu?” Zhou Yu said, “We employed the stratagems, lost the soldiers and horses, and spent the money and grain, yet he came and helped himself to the fruits of our labor. How can that not be hateful?” Lu Su said, “Be patient for a while, Gongjin. Allow me to see Xuande in person and reason with him. If he will not listen, it will not be too late to take up arms then.” The officers said, “Zijing’s words are excellent.”

Thereupon Lu Su took his attendants and went straight to Nanjun. Arriving beneath the walls, he called for the gate to be opened. Zhao Yun came out and asked his business. Lu Su said, “I wish to see Liu Xuande. I have something to say to him.” Zhao Yun replied, “My lord and the military adviser are in the city of Jingzhou.” Lu Su therefore did not enter Nanjun but hurried directly to Jingzhou. There he saw the banners arrayed in perfect order and the army presenting a magnificent spectacle. Inwardly admiring, he said, “Kongming is truly no ordinary man!” The soldiers reported within the city that Lu Zijing had come seeking an audience. Kongming ordered the gates thrown wide and received Lu Su in the government hall. When the formal courtesies had been exchanged, host and guest took their places. After tea, Lu Su said, “My lord, the Marquis of Wu, and the commander-in-chief, Gongjin, have instructed me to convey their earnest representations once more to the Imperial Uncle. Previously, Cao Cao led a million men southward in name, but his true purpose was to destroy the Imperial Uncle. Fortunately, Eastern Wu defeated Cao Cao’s army and saved the Imperial Uncle. Therefore, all nine commanderies of Jingzhou rightfully belong to Eastern Wu. Now the Imperial Uncle has used deceitful stratagems to seize Jingzhou and Xiangyang, leaving Jiangdong to spend its money, provisions, troops, and horses in vain while the Imperial Uncle serenely enjoys the profit. I fear this is contrary to justice.”

Kongming said, “Zijing, you are a man of discernment. Why do you also speak in this fashion? As the common saying goes, ‘Everything must return to its rightful owner.’ The nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang are not the territory of Eastern Wu; they are the patrimony of Liu Jingsheng. My lord is Jingsheng’s younger kinsman. Though Jingsheng is dead, his son still lives. What objection can there be if the uncle assists his nephew and takes possession of Jingzhou?” Lu Su said, “If it were indeed occupied by the young lord Liu Qi, there might still be some justification; but the young lord is in Jiangxia and assuredly not here.” Kongming said, “Would you like to see the young lord, Zijing?” He then ordered his attendants to invite the young lord to come out. Two servants appeared from behind a screen, supporting Liu Qi between them. Liu Qi said to Lu Su, “My illness prevents me from observing the proper courtesies. Pray do not take offense, Zijing.” Lu Su was startled and sat speechless. After a long while, he said, “And what will happen when the young lord is no longer here?” Kongming replied, “So long as the young lord lives, we shall hold it for him. When he is no longer here, other arrangements may be discussed.” Lu Su said, “When the young lord is gone, you must return the cities to Eastern Wu.” Kongming said, “What you say is right, Zijing.” He then gave a banquet in Lu Su’s honor.

When the banquet ended, Lu Su took his leave, departed the city, and returned to camp that very night, where he related everything that had happened. Zhou Yu said, “Liu Qi is in the bloom of youth. How can we expect him to die? When will Jingzhou ever be returned to us?” Lu Su replied, “Set your mind at ease, Commander-in-Chief. Leave the matter to me, Lu Su. I shall make certain that Jingzhou and Xiangyang are restored to Eastern Wu.” Zhou Yu asked, “What wise plan have you, Zijing?” Lu Su said, “I observed that Liu Qi has ruined himself with wine and women. His illness has penetrated to his very vitals. His face is now wasted and gaunt; he gasps for breath and vomits blood. Within half a year at most, he is certain to die. When we then go to claim Jingzhou, Liu Bei will have no excuse with which to put us off.” Zhou Yu’s anger had still not subsided when a messenger suddenly arrived from Sun Quan. Zhou Yu ordered him admitted. The messenger said, “Our lord has surrounded Hefei, but repeated battles have brought no victory. He specially commands the commander-in-chief to withdraw the main army and also to dispatch troops to Hefei to assist him.” Zhou Yu had no choice but to recall his army and return to Chaisang to recuperate. He ordered Cheng Pu to command the warships and troops and proceed to Hefei, there to await Sun Quan’s orders.

Now Liu Xuande, having gained Jingzhou, Nanjun, and Xiangyang, was greatly delighted and began discussing plans for the distant future. Suddenly a man came into the hall to offer counsel. Xuande looked and saw that it was Yi Ji. Remembering the kindness Yi Ji had shown him in former days, Xuande treated him with the utmost respect, gave him a seat, and asked his advice. Yi Ji said, “If you wish to devise a lasting plan for Jingzhou, why not seek out a worthy man and consult him?” Xuande asked, “Where is such a worthy man to be found?” Yi Ji replied, “Among the Ma brothers of Jingzhou and Xiangyang are five men, all renowned for their talents. The youngest is named Su, with the style Youchang. The most worthy among them has white hairs between his brows. His name is Liang, and his style is Jichang. In their native district there is a saying about them:

‘Of the Ma clan’s five Changs,White Brows is the finest.’

“Why do you not seek this man out and consult with him?” Xuande at once sent for him. When Ma Liang arrived, Xuande received him with exceptional courtesy and asked him for a plan to preserve Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Ma Liang said, “Jingzhou and Xiangyang are exposed to enemies on every side; I fear they cannot be held for long. You may have the young lord Liu Qi remain here to nurse his illness, summoning and reassuring his father’s former followers so that they will defend the region. You should then submit a memorial appointing the young lord Inspector of Jingzhou, thereby settling the hearts of the people. Afterward, campaign southward against the four commanderies of Wuling, Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling, accumulating money and grain there as your foundation. This is the plan for the distant future.”

Xuande was overjoyed and asked, “Which of the four commanderies should we take first?” Ma Liang replied, “West of the Xiang River, Lingling is the nearest and may be taken first. Wuling should come next. Then, east of the Xiang River, take Guiyang. Leave Changsha until last.” Xuande thereupon appointed Ma Liang an administrative aide, with Yi Ji as his deputy. He consulted Kongming, then sent Liu Qi back to Xiangyang and replaced Guan Yu there, bringing Guan Yu back to Jingzhou. He then mobilized his army to take Lingling, appointing Zhang Fei commander of the vanguard and Zhao Yun commander of the rear guard, while Kongming and Xuande commanded the center. Their force numbered fifteen thousand men. Guan Yu was left to defend Jingzhou, while Mi Zhu and Liu Feng guarded Jiangling.

Now Liu Du, Administrator of Lingling, heard that Xuande’s army was approaching and consulted with his son Liu Xian. Liu Xian said, “Set your mind at ease, Father. Though he has warriors as valiant as Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, our own province has Xing Daorong, whose strength is a match for ten thousand men. He can withstand them.” Liu Du therefore ordered Liu Xian and Xing Daorong to lead more than ten thousand troops thirty li beyond the city and encamp with the mountains at their back and water before them. A scout reported, “Kongming himself is approaching at the head of an army.” Daorong promptly led his troops out to battle. When the two formations were drawn up opposite each other, Daorong rode forth, wielding a great mountain-cleaving ax, and cried in a terrible voice, “How dare you rebels invade our borders!” In the opposing formation appeared a cluster of yellow banners. The gate flags parted, and a four-wheeled carriage was pushed forward. Seated erect within it was a man wearing a silk cap and a cloak of crane down, with a feather fan in his hand. Beckoning to Xing Daorong with his fan, he said, “I am Zhuge Kongming of Nanyang. Cao Cao led a host of a million men against me, but with the casual application of a minor stratagem, I destroyed them so utterly that not a scrap of armor returned. How can men such as you oppose me? I have come now to offer you peace and amnesty. Why do you not surrender at once?”

Daorong laughed loudly and said, “The fierce battle at Red Cliffs was planned by young Zhou. What had it to do with you, that you dare come here spouting lies?” Whirling his great ax, he charged straight at Kongming. Kongming immediately turned his carriage and withdrew into the formation, whose gates closed once more. Daorong charged directly after him, whereupon the formation swiftly divided and fled to either side. In the distance Daorong saw a cluster of yellow banners in the center and supposed that Kongming was beneath them, so he pursued the yellow banners alone. As he rounded the foot of a hill, the yellow banners halted. Suddenly their center opened. The four-wheeled carriage was nowhere to be seen; instead, a general came leaping forward on horseback, spear leveled, and with a thunderous shout charged straight at Daorong. It was Zhang Yide. Daorong whirled his great ax and met him. They had fought only a few bouts when Daorong’s strength began to fail. He turned his horse and fled. Yide pursued close behind, while deafening battle cries arose and ambush troops surged out from both sides. Daorong fought desperately and broke through, only to find a mighty general barring the road ahead, who cried, “Do you recognize Zhao Zilong of Changshan?”

Daorong knew he could not overcome him, and with nowhere left to flee, he had no choice but to dismount and beg to surrender. Zilong bound him and took him to the camp to appear before Xuande and Kongming. Xuande shouted an order to behead him, but Kongming hastily intervened. He asked Daorong, “If you capture Liu Xian for me, I will permit you to surrender.” Daorong repeatedly declared himself willing. Kongming said, “What method will you use to capture him?” Daorong replied, “If the military adviser will release me and let me return, I shall know how to persuade him. Tonight, let the military adviser lead troops in a raid upon the camp. I shall respond from within, capture Liu Xian alive, and present him to you. Once Liu Xian has been taken, Liu Du will surrender of his own accord.” Xuande did not believe him. Kongming said, “General Xing is not speaking falsely.” He therefore released Daorong and let him return. Once back in camp, Daorong told Liu Xian the truth about everything that had happened. Liu Xian asked, “What are we to do?” Daorong replied, “We can turn his own stratagem against him. Tonight we shall conceal troops outside the camp and leave only empty banners and pennants standing within. When Kongming comes to raid the camp, we shall capture him on the spot.”

Liu Xian followed his plan. Sure enough, during the second watch that night, a body of troops arrived at the camp entrance, each man carrying a bundle of straw, and together they set the camp ablaze. Liu Xian and Daorong attacked from two sides, and the troops who had started the fire retreated. Liu Xian and Daorong pressed their advantage and pursued. After chasing them for more than ten li, they suddenly found that the enemy troops had vanished. Liu Xian and Daorong were greatly alarmed and hurried back to their own camp. The flames had not yet died down when a general burst out of the camp: it was Zhang Yide. Liu Xian called to Daorong, “We cannot enter the camp! Let us go and raid Kongming’s camp instead.” They therefore turned their troops back again. Before they had gone ten li, Zhao Yun led a force charging out obliquely against them and with a single thrust of his spear struck Daorong from his horse. Liu Xian hastily wheeled his mount and fled, but Zhang Fei came racing up behind him, captured him alive, and dragged him across his saddle. Bound, Liu Xian was taken before Kongming. He pleaded, “Xing Daorong instructed me to do this. It was truly not my own intention.” Kongming ordered his bonds removed, gave him clothes to put on and wine to steady his nerves, then had him escorted into the city to persuade his father to surrender. If Liu Du refused, Kongming warned, the city would be stormed and his entire household put to death.

Liu Xian returned to Lingling and saw his father, Liu Du. He gave a full account of Kongming’s kindness and urged his father to surrender. Liu Du followed his advice. He raised the white flag of surrender over the city, threw open the gates, and, bearing the official seal and cord of office, went out of the city and proceeded directly to Xuande’s main camp to submit. Kongming ordered Liu Du to remain Administrator of the commandery, while his son Liu Xian was sent to Jingzhou to serve with the army. All the inhabitants of Lingling Commandery rejoiced.

After Xuande entered the city and completed the work of reassuring the people, he rewarded the officers and men of the three armies. Then he asked his generals, “Lingling has now been taken. Who dares go and take Guiyang Commandery?” Zhao Yun answered, “I am willing to go.” Zhang Fei strode forward eagerly and cried, “I too am willing!” The two began contending for the assignment. Kongming said, “After all, Zilong answered first. Zilong alone shall go.” Zhang Fei refused to accept this and insisted on going. Kongming ordered them to draw lots, saying that whoever drew the winning lot would go. Once again, it fell to Zilong. Zhang Fei said angrily, “I need no one’s assistance. Give me just three thousand troops, and I will go alone and take the city without fail.” Zhao Yun said, “I too shall take only three thousand troops. If I fail to gain the city, I am willing to suffer the penalty prescribed by military law.” Kongming was greatly pleased. He had Zhao Yun write and sign a military pledge, then selected three thousand elite troops and gave them to him. Zhang Fei still would not submit, but Xuande angrily ordered him to withdraw.

Zhao Yun led his three thousand men directly toward Guiyang. Scouts had already carried word to Zhao Fan, Administrator of Guiyang. Zhao Fan hastily assembled his officers to deliberate. Chen Ying and Bao Long, commandants in the government army, volunteered to lead troops out to battle. Both men had originally been hunters from the mountain country of Guiyang. Chen Ying was skilled in the use of the flying fork, while Bao Long had once shot and killed two tigers. Relying upon their courage and strength, the two said to Zhao Fan, “If Liu Bei comes, we are willing to lead the vanguard.” Zhao Fan said, “I have heard that Liu Xuande is an Imperial Uncle of the Great Han. Moreover, Kongming is rich in stratagems, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are exceedingly brave. Zhao Zilong, who now leads the army against us, passed through Cao Cao’s host of a million men at Changban in Dangyang as though no one were there. How many troops and horses can Guiyang possess? We must not meet him in battle. Our only course is to surrender.” Chen Ying said, “Allow me to go out and fight. If I cannot capture Zhao Yun, it will still not be too late for the Administrator to surrender.”

Unable to dissuade him, Zhao Fan had no choice but to consent. Chen Ying led three thousand troops out of the city to meet the enemy and soon saw Zhao Yun approaching at the head of his army. Chen Ying drew up his formation, spurred his horse forward, and raised his fork. Zhao Yun rode forth with leveled spear and rebuked Chen Ying, saying, “My lord Liu Xuande is the younger kinsman of Liu Jingsheng. He is now assisting the young lord Liu Qi in governing Jingzhou and has come expressly to comfort the people. Why do you meet him as an enemy?” Chen Ying cursed him, saying, “We submit only to Chancellor Cao! How could we obey Liu Bei?” Zhao Yun was enraged. Leveling his spear, he spurred his horse and charged straight at Chen Ying, who flourished his fork and rode to meet him. Their horses crossed, and after four or five bouts Chen Ying knew he was no match for Zhao Yun. He wheeled his horse and fled. Zhao Yun pursued. Looking back and seeing Zhao Yun’s horse drawing near, Chen Ying hurled his flying fork at him. Zhao Yun caught it and flung it back. Chen Ying dodged in haste, but Zhao Yun’s horse was already upon him. Zhao Yun captured him alive, dragged him across his horse, then cast him to the ground and ordered his soldiers to bind him and take him back to camp. The defeated troops scattered in every direction. Upon entering the camp, Zhao Yun berated Chen Ying: “A man of your small worth dared oppose me! I shall not kill you now, but will release you and let you return. Tell Zhao Fan to come and surrender without delay.”

Chen Ying apologized for his offense and fled away in abject terror. Returning to the city, he told Zhao Fan everything that had occurred. Zhao Fan said, “I wished to surrender from the beginning, but you insisted on fighting, and this is the result.” He angrily dismissed Chen Ying, then, bearing the official seal and cord of office, led a dozen horsemen out of the city to submit at Zhao Yun’s main camp. Zhao Yun came out to meet him, received him with the courtesies due a guest, arranged a banquet, and drank with him, accepting his seal and cord of office. After several rounds of wine, Zhao Fan said, “Your surname is Zhao, General, and mine is Zhao as well. Five hundred years ago we must have belonged to one family. You are a native of Zhending, and I too am a native of Zhending, making us fellow townsmen besides. If you do not disdain me, it would be my greatest good fortune to become your sworn brother.” Zhao Yun was delighted, and each stated his age. Zhao Yun and Zhao Fan had been born in the same year, but Zhao Yun was four months older, so Zhao Fan bowed to him as elder brother. Being fellow townsmen, of the same age, and bearing the same surname, the two found themselves in perfect accord. When the banquet ended that evening, Zhao Fan took his leave and returned to the city.

The following day, Zhao Fan invited Zhao Yun into the city to reassure the people. Zhao Yun ordered his soldiers not to stir and took only fifty horsemen with him into the city. The inhabitants knelt along the road holding incense to welcome him. When Zhao Yun had completed the work of pacification, Zhao Fan invited him into the government residence for a banquet. When they were half drunk, Zhao Fan again invited Zhao Yun into the innermost hall, where fresh cups were brought and more wine poured. Zhao Yun had become slightly intoxicated when Zhao Fan suddenly summoned a woman to pour wine for him. Zilong saw that she was dressed in plain white mourning garments and possessed beauty sufficient to overthrow a kingdom or topple a city. He asked Zhao Fan, “Who is this woman?” Zhao Fan replied, “She is Lady Fan, the widow of my elder brother.” Zilong’s expression changed, and he treated her with reverence. When Lady Fan had poured the wine, Zhao Fan asked her to sit. Zhao Yun politely declined the honor. Lady Fan then excused herself and returned to the inner apartments. Zhao Yun said, “Why did you trouble your honored sister-in-law to offer me wine, worthy brother?” Zhao Fan smiled and replied, “There is a reason behind it, and I beg you, elder brother, not to object. My elder brother passed away three years ago, and my sister-in-law has lived as a widow ever since. But this cannot be a lasting settlement, and I have often urged her to remarry. She said, ‘I will marry only a man who possesses three qualities together. First, he must be accomplished in both the civil and military arts, with a name renowned throughout the realm. Second, he must be dignified and handsome, with a bearing surpassing that of ordinary men. Third, he must bear the same surname as my late husband.’ Tell me, where in all the world could such a fortunate coincidence be found? Yet now you, honored elder brother, possess a stately appearance, your name resounds throughout the four seas, and you bear the same surname as my elder brother. You fulfill my sister-in-law’s conditions exactly. If you do not find her too plain, I am willing to provide her dowry and give her to you as your wife, binding our families in kinship for generations. What do you say?”

At these words Zhao Yun sprang up in a fury and cried sternly, “Since I have become your sworn brother, your sister-in-law is my sister-in-law as well! How could I commit such an act and throw human relations into disorder?” Zhao Fan’s face filled with shame and indignation. He replied, “I treated you with the best of intentions. How can you behave with such discourtesy?” He then glanced toward his attendants, revealing an intention to do Zhao Yun harm. Zhao Yun perceived it at once. With one blow of his fist he knocked Zhao Fan to the floor, strode straight out through the gates of the residence, mounted his horse, and left the city.

Zhao Fan hastily summoned Chen Ying and Bao Long to consult with them. Chen Ying said, “He has gone away in a rage. We have no choice but to fight him.” Zhao Fan replied, “I fear we cannot defeat him.” Bao Long said, “The two of us will feign surrender and enter his army. The Administrator can then lead troops out to challenge him, and we two will seize him on the battlefield.” Chen Ying said, “We must take some troops with us.” Bao Long replied, “Five hundred horsemen will be enough.”

That night the two men led five hundred soldiers directly to Zhao Yun’s camp and offered to surrender. Zhao Yun already knew their surrender was false, but ordered them admitted. The two generals came before his tent and said, “Zhao Fan intended to entrap you, General, with a beauty scheme. He was only waiting for you to become drunk so that he could have you carried into the inner hall and murdered, then take your head to Chancellor Cao to claim merit. Such conduct is utterly inhumane. When we saw you leave in anger, we knew we would certainly be implicated as well, and so we have come to surrender.” Zhao Yun pretended to be delighted, arranged wine, and drank deeply with the two men. When both were thoroughly drunk, Zhao Yun had them bound inside the tent. He seized their followers and questioned them, and they confirmed that the surrender was indeed a ruse. Zhao Yun then summoned the five hundred soldiers, gave them all food and wine, and proclaimed, “Those who sought to harm me were Chen Ying and Bao Long. The matter has nothing to do with the rest of you. If you obey my plan, you will all receive rich rewards.” The soldiers bowed their thanks. Zhao Yun immediately had the surrendered generals Chen Ying and Bao Long beheaded. He then ordered the five hundred soldiers to lead the way, while he followed with one thousand troops. Traveling throughout the night, they reached the walls of Guiyang and called for the gates to be opened.

The men on the walls heard them say that Generals Chen Ying and Bao Long had killed Zhao Yun and returned with their troops, and that they wished to see the Administrator to discuss affairs. Those atop the walls held out torches and looked down; the soldiers were indeed their own men. Zhao Fan hurried out of the city, but Zhao Yun shouted to his attendants to seize him. Zhao Yun then entered the city, and once he had reassured the people and restored order, he sent an urgent report to Xuande. Xuande and Kongming came personally to Guiyang. Zhao Yun received them and escorted them into the city, then thrust Zhao Fan down before the steps. Kongming questioned him, and Zhao Fan gave a full account of how he had offered his sister-in-law to Zhao Yun in marriage. Kongming said to Zhao Yun, “This too would have been an excellent match. Why did you act as you did?” Zhao Yun replied, “Zhao Fan had already become my sworn brother. If I then married his sister-in-law, I would incur the contempt and abuse of others: that is the first reason. If the woman remarried, she would lose the honor of her fidelity: that is the second. Zhao Fan had only just surrendered, and his heart could not be fathomed: that is the third. My lord has only newly brought the Jiang and Han regions under control and has not yet rested securely upon his pillow. How could I, for the sake of one woman, neglect my lord’s great enterprise?” Xuande said, “Now that the great matter is settled, what if I arrange the marriage for you?” Zhao Yun replied, “There is no lack of women beneath Heaven. My only fear is that my reputation may not be established. If it is, why should I worry about finding a wife?” Xuande said, “Zilong is a true man!” He therefore released Zhao Fan and ordered him to remain Administrator of Guiyang, while Zhao Yun received rich rewards.

Zhang Fei cried loudly, “So Zilong alone is allowed to win merit, while I alone am deemed useless! Give me just three thousand troops to take Wuling Commandery, and I will capture its Administrator, Jin Xuan, alive and present him to you!” Kongming was greatly pleased and said, “There is no harm in letting Yide go, but he must obey me in one matter.” Truly:

The military adviser wins through many a wondrous scheme;The warriors vie to be first in earning battle honors.

What condition Kongming was about to impose will be revealed in the next chapter.

Zhuge Liang Cleverly Rebuts Lu Su; Zhao Yun Takes Guiyang by Stratagem

Now Zhou Yu, seeing that Kongming had seized Nan Commandery and then hearing that he had also taken Jingzhou and Xiangyang, was naturally furious. His anger aggravated his arrow wound, and it was quite some time before he regained consciousness. The officers repeatedly tried to console him. Zhou Yu said, “Unless I kill that rustic Zhuge Liang, how can I ever appease the resentment in my heart? Cheng Demou can help me attack Nan Commandery. We must take it back for Eastern Wu.”

While they were discussing this, Lu Su arrived. Zhou Yu said to him, “I intend to raise an army and settle once and for all who is superior, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang or ourselves, and retake the cities. Zijing, I hope you will help me.” Lu Su said, “You must not. At present we are still locked in a struggle with Cao Cao, with victory and defeat not yet decided. Our lord is now attacking Hefei but has been unable to take it. If we turn upon and devour one another, and Cao Cao’s troops exploit the opening to attack, our position will be perilous. Moreover, Liu Xuande was once on close terms with Cao Cao. If we press him too hard and he offers the cities to Cao Cao, then joins him in attacking Eastern Wu, what will we do?” Zhou Yu said, “We devised the strategies, lost the soldiers and horses, and spent the money and grain, while he stepped in to reap the ready-made gains. How can that not be hateful?” Lu Su said, “Gongjin, be patient for now. Allow me to meet Xuande in person and reason with him. If he refuses to listen, it will not be too late to resort to arms.” The officers said, “Zijing’s advice is excellent.”

Lu Su therefore took his attendants and went straight to Nan Commandery. Arriving beneath the walls, he called for the gate to be opened. Zhao Yun came out and asked his business. Lu Su said, “I have something to discuss with Liu Xuande.” Zhao Yun replied, “My lord and the military adviser are in the city of Jingzhou.” Lu Su did not enter Nan Commandery, but proceeded directly to Jingzhou. There he saw banners arrayed in perfect order and the army presenting a magnificent sight. Lu Su secretly marveled, “Kongming is truly an extraordinary man!” The soldiers went into the city and reported that Lu Zijing wished to see them. Kongming ordered the gates thrown wide open and received Lu Su in the government hall. After exchanging formal courtesies, host and guest took their respective seats. When the tea had been finished, Lu Su said, “My lord, the Marquis of Wu, and Commander-in-Chief Gongjin have instructed me to convey their position once more to the Imperial Uncle. Previously, Cao Cao led an army of a million south of the Yangtze, ostensibly to conquer the region but in truth intending to destroy the Imperial Uncle. Fortunately, Eastern Wu defeated Cao Cao’s army and saved the Imperial Uncle. All nine commanderies of Jingzhou should therefore rightly belong to Eastern Wu. Now the Imperial Uncle has used cunning schemes to seize Jingzhou and Xiangyang, causing Jiangdong to spend its money, provisions, troops, and horses in vain while the Imperial Uncle calmly enjoys all the profit. I fear this does not accord with reason.”

Kongming said, “Zijing, you are a man of great wisdom. Why do you also speak this way? As the common saying goes, ‘Everything must return to its rightful owner.’ The nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang are not the territory of Eastern Wu, but the inheritance of Liu Jingsheng. My lord is Jingsheng’s younger brother. Though Jingsheng is dead, his son still lives. What is improper about an uncle assisting his nephew and taking possession of Jingzhou?” Lu Su said, “If it were truly occupied by Young Lord Liu Qi, there might still be some justification. But the young lord is in Jiangxia, not here.” Kongming said, “Would you like to see the young lord, Zijing?” He immediately ordered his attendants to invite the young lord out. Two attendants then helped Liu Qi emerge from behind a screen. Liu Qi said to Lu Su, “My illness prevents me from observing the proper courtesies. Please do not take offense, Zijing.” Lu Su was taken aback and sat in silence. After a long while, he said, “What will happen when the young lord is no longer alive?” Kongming said, “So long as the young lord lives, we shall hold it for him. When he is no longer alive, we can discuss the matter further.” Lu Su said, “Once the young lord is gone, you must return the cities to Eastern Wu.” Kongming said, “What you say is correct, Zijing.” He then arranged a banquet for him.

After the banquet, Lu Su took his leave and departed the city. He returned to camp that same night and gave a full account of what had happened. Zhou Yu said, “Liu Qi is still in the prime of youth. How can we count on his dying soon? When will Jingzhou ever be returned to us?” Lu Su said, “Do not worry, Commander-in-Chief. Leave it to me, Lu Su. I will make certain that Jingzhou and Xiangyang are restored to Eastern Wu.” Zhou Yu said, “What brilliant plan do you have, Zijing?” Lu Su said, “From what I have observed, Liu Qi has indulged excessively in wine and women, and his illness has reached the vital organs. His face is now gaunt and wasted, and he gasps for breath and coughs blood. In no more than half a year, he is certain to die. When we then go to claim Jingzhou, Liu Bei will have no excuse for refusing us.” Zhou Yu’s anger had still not subsided when a messenger suddenly arrived from Sun Quan. Zhou Yu ordered that he be admitted. The messenger said, “Our lord has surrounded Hefei, but repeated battles have brought no victory. He has specially ordered the Commander-in-Chief to withdraw the main army and dispatch troops to Hefei to assist him.” Zhou Yu had no choice but to withdraw to Chaisang to recuperate. He ordered Cheng Pu to lead the warships and soldiers to Hefei and place them at Sun Quan’s disposal.

Now that Liu Xuande had gained Jingzhou, Nan Commandery, and Xiangyang, he was overjoyed and began discussing long-term plans. Suddenly a man came into the hall to offer counsel. Xuande looked and saw that it was Yi Ji. Grateful for Yi Ji’s kindness to him in the past, Xuande treated him with the greatest respect, invited him to sit, and asked his advice. Yi Ji said, “If you wish to learn of a long-term plan for Jingzhou, why not seek out a worthy man and ask him?” Xuande said, “Where is such a worthy man?” Yi Ji said, “There are five brothers of the Ma family in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and all are renowned for their talent. The youngest is named Su, with the courtesy name Youchang. The worthiest among them has white hairs between his eyebrows. His name is Liang, and his courtesy name is Jichang. The people of their home district have a saying about them: ‘Of the Ma family’s five Changs, White-Brow is the finest.’ Why do you not seek this man out and consult with him?” Xuande immediately ordered that Ma Liang be invited. When Ma Liang arrived, Xuande received him with exceptional courtesy and asked him for a strategy to preserve Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Ma Liang said, “Jingzhou and Xiangyang are exposed to enemies on all four sides, and I fear they cannot be held for long. You can have Young Lord Liu Qi recuperate here and summon and reassure his father’s former followers to defend the territory. You should also submit a memorial recommending that the young lord be appointed Inspector of Jingzhou, in order to reassure the people. Then campaign south against the four commanderies of Wuling, Changsha, Guiyang, and Lingling, and accumulate money and grain there to establish a secure foundation. That is the long-term plan.”

Xuande was delighted and asked, “Which of the four commanderies should we take first?” Ma Liang said, “West of the Xiang River, Lingling is the nearest and can be taken first. Wuling should come next. Then cross to the east of the Xiang River and take Guiyang. Changsha should be last.” Xuande appointed Ma Liang as an administrative officer, with Yi Ji as his deputy. He consulted Kongming and sent Liu Qi back to Xiangyang, while Guan Yu returned to Jingzhou in his place. Then he mobilized troops to take Lingling, appointing Zhang Fei as the vanguard and Zhao Yun to bring up the rear, while Kongming and Xuande commanded the central army. Their force numbered fifteen thousand. Guan Yu was left to guard Jingzhou, while Mi Zhu and Liu Feng guarded Jiangling.

When Liu Du, Administrator of Lingling, heard that Xuande’s army was approaching, he consulted with his son Liu Xian. Liu Xian said, “Do not worry, Father. Though he has warriors as valiant as Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, our own province has Xing Daorong, whose strength can withstand ten thousand men. He can oppose them.” Liu Du therefore ordered Liu Xian and Xing Daorong to lead more than ten thousand troops out of the city and establish a camp thirty li away, with the mountains at their back and a river beside them. A scout reported, “Kongming is personally leading an army this way.” Xing Daorong immediately led his troops out to battle. When the two armies had drawn up opposite each other, Xing Daorong rode forward wielding a great mountain-cleaving ax and shouted fiercely, “How dare you rebels invade our territory!” Across from him he saw a cluster of yellow banners. When the gate flags parted, a four-wheeled carriage was pushed forward. Seated upright inside was a man wearing a silk cap and a crane-feather cloak and holding a feather fan. Beckoning to Xing Daorong with the fan, he said, “I am Zhuge Kongming of Nanyang. Cao Cao led an army of a million against me, but with one small stratagem I destroyed them so completely that not a scrap of armor returned. How can men like you oppose me? I have come now to offer you amnesty. Why do you not surrender at once?”

Xing Daorong laughed loudly and said, “The fierce battle at Red Cliffs was planned by Zhou Yu! What did it have to do with you? How dare you come here boasting with your lies!” Swinging his great ax, he charged straight at Kongming. Kongming immediately had his carriage turned around and withdrew into the formation, whose gate closed again behind him. Xing Daorong charged directly after him, but the formation suddenly split apart and retreated in two directions. In the distance Xing Daorong saw a cluster of yellow banners in the center and assumed that Kongming was there, so he pursued the yellow banners alone. As he rounded the foot of a mountain, the yellow banners halted. Suddenly they parted in the center, but the four-wheeled carriage was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a general leaped forward on horseback with his spear leveled. With a thunderous roar he charged straight at Xing Daorong. It was Zhang Yide. Xing Daorong swung his great ax to meet him, but after only a few exchanges his strength began to fail. He wheeled his horse and fled. Yide pursued close behind with earthshaking shouts, while ambushing troops emerged from both sides. Xing Daorong fought desperately and broke through, only to find a great general blocking his path ahead. The general cried, “Do you recognize Zhao Zilong of Changshan?”

Xing Daorong realized that he could not defeat him and had nowhere left to flee, so he dismounted and begged to surrender. Zilong bound him and brought him to the camp before Xuande and Kongming. Xuande shouted for him to be beheaded, but Kongming hurriedly stopped him and asked Xing Daorong, “If you capture Liu Xian for me, I will accept your surrender.” Xing Daorong repeatedly declared that he was willing. Kongming said, “What method will you use to capture him?” Xing Daorong replied, “If the military adviser is willing to release me, I have a persuasive story prepared. Tonight, lead your troops in a raid on the camp, and I will act as your agent inside. We will capture Liu Xian alive, and I will present him to you. Once Liu Xian has been captured, Liu Du will surrender of his own accord.” Xuande did not believe him. Kongming said, “General Xing is not speaking falsely.” He therefore released Xing Daorong and allowed him to return. Once back at the camp, Xing Daorong told Liu Xian the truth about everything that had happened. Liu Xian said, “What are we to do?” Xing Daorong replied, “We can turn their own stratagem against them. Tonight, station our troops in ambush outside the camp. Leave only empty banners and flags standing inside. When Kongming comes to raid the camp, we will capture him.”

Liu Xian followed the plan. Sure enough, during the second watch that night, a body of troops arrived at the entrance to the camp, every man carrying a bundle of straw. They all set fire to the camp at once. Liu Xian and Xing Daorong attacked from two sides, and the fire-raising troops retreated. Liu Xian and Xing Daorong’s two forces pursued them, taking advantage of their flight. After chasing them for more than ten li, they found that the troops had completely disappeared. Greatly alarmed, Liu Xian and Xing Daorong hurried back to their own camp. The flames there had not yet died down when a general suddenly charged out of the camp. It was Zhang Yide. Liu Xian called to Xing Daorong, “We cannot reenter the camp! Let us raid Kongming’s camp instead!” They therefore turned their troops around once more. Before they had gone ten li, Zhao Yun led a force charging diagonally from the side and killed Xing Daorong with a single thrust of his spear, knocking him from his horse. Liu Xian hurriedly wheeled his horse and fled, but Zhang Fei pursued from behind, captured him alive from his horse, bound him, and brought him before Kongming. Liu Xian pleaded, “Xing Daorong told me to do this. It was truly not my own intention.” Kongming ordered that he be untied, gave him clothes to wear and wine to calm his nerves, and had him escorted into the city to persuade his father to surrender. If Liu Du refused, Kongming warned, the city would be stormed and his entire household exterminated.

Liu Xian returned to Lingling and met his father, Liu Du. He gave a full account of Kongming’s kindness and urged his father to surrender. Liu Du followed his advice. He raised a flag of surrender above the city, threw the gates wide open, and carried the official seal and insignia out of the city. He went straight to Xuande’s main camp and formally surrendered. Kongming ordered Liu Du to remain Administrator of the commandery, while his son Liu Xian was sent to Jingzhou to serve with the army. All the inhabitants of Lingling Commandery rejoiced.

After Xuande entered the city and finished reassuring the people, he rewarded the three armies for their service. Then he asked his officers, “Lingling has been taken. Who dares take Guiyang Commandery?” Zhao Yun replied, “I am willing to go.” Zhang Fei strode forward eagerly and said, “I am willing to go too!” The two men began arguing over the assignment. Kongming said, “Zilong did answer first, after all. Let Zilong go.” Zhang Fei refused to accept this and insisted upon going. Kongming told them to draw lots, saying that whoever drew the winning lot would go. Once again, it was Zilong who won. Zhang Fei angrily said, “I do not need anyone’s help! Give me just three thousand soldiers, and I will go alone and take the city without fail.” Zhao Yun said, “I too will take only three thousand soldiers. If I fail to capture the city, I am willing to suffer the penalty prescribed by military law.” Kongming was delighted. He had Zhao Yun write and sign a military pledge, then selected three thousand elite troops and gave them to him. Zhang Fei remained dissatisfied, but Xuande sternly ordered him to withdraw.

Zhao Yun took his three thousand troops and advanced directly toward Guiyang. Scouts had already reported the news to Zhao Fan, Administrator of Guiyang. Zhao Fan hurriedly assembled his officers for a council. Chen Ying and Bao Long, both commandants in the government army, volunteered to lead troops into battle. The two men had originally been hunters from the mountain villages of Guiyang. Chen Ying was skilled with the flying fork, while Bao Long had once shot and killed two tigers. Confident in their courage and strength, the two said to Zhao Fan, “If Liu Bei comes, we are willing to serve as the vanguard.” Zhao Fan said, “I have heard that Liu Xuande is an Imperial Uncle of the Great Han. Moreover, Kongming is rich in stratagems, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei possess extraordinary courage. Zhao Zilong, who is leading the troops here now, charged through Cao Cao’s million-man army at Changban near Dangyang as though no one were there to oppose him. How many soldiers and horses can Guiyang muster? We must not meet them in battle. Our only course is to surrender.” Chen Ying said, “Allow me to go out and fight. If I cannot capture Zhao Yun, it will still not be too late for the Administrator to surrender.”

Unable to dissuade him, Zhao Fan had no choice but to agree. Chen Ying led three thousand troops out of the city to meet the enemy and soon saw Zhao Yun approaching at the head of his army. Chen Ying drew up his battle formation, spurred his horse forward, and brandished his fork. Zhao Yun rode out with his spear leveled and rebuked Chen Ying, saying, “My lord, Liu Xuande, is Liu Jingsheng’s younger brother. He now assists Young Lord Liu Qi in governing Jingzhou and has come here especially to bring peace to the people. Why do you oppose us?” Chen Ying cursed him and said, “We acknowledge only Chancellor Cao! How could we submit to Liu Bei?” Zhao Yun was furious. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Chen Ying, who twirled his fork and met him. The two horses crossed, and they fought for four or five exchanges. Realizing that he was no match for Zhao Yun, Chen Ying wheeled his horse and fled. Zhao Yun pursued. When Chen Ying looked back and saw Zhao Yun’s horse drawing near, he hurled his flying fork at him. Zhao Yun caught it and threw it back at Chen Ying. Chen Ying hurriedly dodged, but Zhao Yun’s horse was already upon him. Zhao Yun captured him alive from his horse, threw him to the ground, and ordered his soldiers to bind him and take him back to camp. Chen Ying’s defeated troops scattered in every direction. Back in camp, Zhao Yun berated Chen Ying, saying, “How could a man of your paltry ability dare oppose me? I will not kill you today, but release you to return. Tell Zhao Fan to come and surrender at once.”

Chen Ying apologized for his offense and scurried away in terror. When he returned to the city, he told Zhao Fan everything that had happened. Zhao Fan said, “I wanted to surrender from the beginning, but you insisted on fighting, and this is the result.” He dismissed Chen Ying with a rebuke, then carried the official seal and insignia and led a dozen horsemen out of the city to surrender at Zhao Yun’s main camp. Zhao Yun came out to welcome him, treated him with the courtesies due a guest, arranged wine for them to drink together, and accepted the seal and insignia. After several rounds of wine, Zhao Fan said, “Your surname is Zhao, General, and mine is Zhao as well. Five hundred years ago, we must have been one family. You are a native of Zhending, and so am I, which makes us fellow townsmen as well. If you would not disdain me, it would be my greatest good fortune to become your sworn brother.” Zhao Yun was delighted, and they each stated their ages. Zhao Yun and Zhao Fan had been born in the same year, but Zhao Yun was four months older, so Zhao Fan bowed to him as his elder brother. The two were from the same hometown, born in the same year, and bore the same surname, and they got along extremely well. When the banquet ended that evening, Zhao Fan took his leave and returned to the city.

The next day, Zhao Fan invited Zhao Yun into the city to reassure the people. Zhao Yun ordered his soldiers not to move and took only fifty horsemen with him into the city. The inhabitants knelt along the road holding incense to welcome him. When Zhao Yun had finished reassuring the people, Zhao Fan invited him into the government residence for a banquet. When they were half-drunk, Zhao Fan again invited Zhao Yun farther inside, into the rear hall, where the cups were washed and more wine was poured. Zhao Yun had become slightly intoxicated when Zhao Fan suddenly summoned a woman to pour wine for him. Zilong saw that she was dressed in plain white mourning clothes and possessed beauty capable of toppling a kingdom or a city. He asked Zhao Fan, “Who is this woman?” Zhao Fan replied, “She is my widowed sister-in-law, Lady Fan.” Zilong’s expression immediately changed, and he treated her with respect. After Lady Fan had poured the wine, Zhao Fan asked her to sit. Zhao Yun politely declined. Lady Fan then took her leave and returned to the rear quarters. Zhao Yun said, “Worthy brother, why did you trouble your sister-in-law to pour wine for me?” Zhao Fan smiled and said, “There is a reason behind it, and I beg you, elder brother, not to refuse. My elder brother died three years ago. My sister-in-law has lived as a widow ever since, but that cannot be a permanent solution, so I have often urged her to remarry. She said, ‘I will marry only a man who meets three conditions. First, he must be accomplished in both civil and military arts and renowned throughout the world. Second, he must be handsome and imposing, with exceptional bearing. Third, he must have the same surname as my late husband.’ Where in the world, you might ask, could one find so perfect a coincidence? But now, honored elder brother, you have a magnificent appearance, your name resounds throughout the land, and you bear the same surname as my late brother. You exactly fulfill everything my sister-in-law asked for. If you do not consider her too unattractive, I am willing to provide her dowry and give her to you as your wife, joining our families for generations to come. What do you say?”

When Zhao Yun heard this, he sprang up in a fury and cried sternly, “Since I have sworn brotherhood with you, your sister-in-law is also my sister-in-law! How could I commit such an act and violate the proper bonds of human society?” Zhao Fan’s face filled with shame, and he replied, “I treated you with good intentions! Why are you so discourteous?” He then glanced meaningfully at the men around him, revealing an intention to harm Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun had already noticed. With a single punch he knocked Zhao Fan down, went straight out through the residence gate, mounted his horse, and rode out of the city.

Zhao Fan hurriedly summoned Chen Ying and Bao Long to discuss the situation. Chen Ying said, “The man has left in anger. We have no choice but to fight him.” Zhao Fan said, “I am only afraid that we cannot defeat him.” Bao Long said, “The two of us will pretend to surrender and go into his army. Then, Administrator, lead your troops out and challenge him to battle. Once he enters the field, the two of us will capture him.” Chen Ying said, “We will have to take some troops with us.” Bao Long said, “Five hundred horsemen will be enough.”

That night, the two men led five hundred soldiers straight to Zhao Yun’s camp and offered to surrender. Zhao Yun already knew inwardly that their surrender was false, but he ordered them admitted. The two officers came before his tent and said, “Zhao Fan intended to ensnare you with a beautiful woman, General. He planned to wait until you were drunk, help you into the rear hall, and murder you there, then take your head to Chancellor Cao and claim the credit. Such conduct is utterly inhumane. When we saw you leave in anger, we knew that we would inevitably be implicated, and so we have come to surrender.” Zhao Yun pretended to be delighted and arranged wine for the two men to drink their fill. Once both were completely drunk, Zhao Yun had them bound inside the tent. He seized their subordinates and questioned them, and they confirmed that the surrender had indeed been a deception. Zhao Yun summoned the five hundred soldiers, gave them all wine and food, and announced, “The men who wished to harm me were Chen Ying and Bao Long. None of you bear any blame. If you obey my plan, you will all be richly rewarded.” The soldiers bowed and thanked him. Zhao Yun had the supposed defectors Chen Ying and Bao Long beheaded at once. Then he ordered the five hundred soldiers to lead the way while he followed with one thousand troops. Traveling through the night, they reached the walls of Guiyang and called for the gate to be opened.

When the guards on the wall asked what had happened, they were told that Generals Chen Ying and Bao Long had killed Zhao Yun and returned with the troops, and that they wished to consult the Administrator on official business. The men on the wall shone torches down and saw that these were indeed their own troops. Zhao Fan hurried out of the city, but Zhao Yun shouted to his men to seize him. Zhao Yun then entered the city and restored order among the people before dispatching an urgent report to Xuande. Xuande and Kongming personally traveled to Guiyang. Zhao Yun welcomed them into the city and pushed Zhao Fan down below the steps. When Kongming questioned him, Zhao Fan gave a full account of his offer to marry his sister-in-law to Zhao Yun. Kongming said to Zhao Yun, “This would have been a fine match. Why did you react in this way?” Zhao Yun replied, “Zhao Fan had sworn brotherhood with me. If I married his sister-in-law, people would revile me. That is the first reason. If the woman remarried, she would lose her high moral integrity. That is the second. Zhao Fan had only just surrendered, and his true intentions were impossible to judge. That is the third. My lord has only recently secured the Jiang and Han regions, and his position is not yet stable. How could I, Yun, jeopardize my lord’s great enterprise for the sake of one woman?” Xuande said, “Now that the great undertaking here is settled, what if I arrange for you to marry her?” Zhao Yun replied, “There is no shortage of women in the world. So long as I establish a good reputation, why should I fear that I will never find a wife?” Xuande said, “Zilong is a true man!” He released Zhao Fan, allowed him to remain Administrator of Guiyang, and richly rewarded Zhao Yun.

Zhang Fei shouted, “Why should Zilong be the only one to win merit? Am I the only useless man here? Give me just three thousand soldiers, and I will take Wuling Commandery and capture its Administrator, Jin Xuan, alive to present before you!” Kongming was delighted and said, “There is no harm in letting Yide go, but you must agree to one condition.” Truly:

The military adviser wins through wondrous schemes;The officers and soldiers vie to earn glory in battle.

What condition Kongming was about to name will be revealed in the next chapter.