Chapter 56

Cao Cao Holds a Grand Banquet at Bronze Bird Terrace; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu a Third Time

Now Zhou Yu had been dealt a crushing defeat in a single stroke by the three forces Zhuge Liang had posted in ambush beforehand under Guan Yu, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. Huang Gai and Han Dang hurried to his rescue and got him aboard ship, but countless men of the river forces were lost. From afar Zhou Yu saw Liu Bei, Lady Sun, and all their carriages, horses, and attendants halted safely atop the hill. How could he not be enraged? His arrow wound had not yet healed, and under the violent surge of anger it burst open again. He fainted and fell to the ground. His officers revived him, then set sail and fled. Kongming ordered that they not be pursued, and returned with Liu Bei to Jingzhou, where they celebrated and rewarded the officers.

Zhou Yu returned to Chaisang, while Jiang Qin and the rest led their troops back to Nanxu to report to Sun Quan. Sun Quan was overcome with fury and wished to appoint Cheng Pu commander-in-chief and raise an army to seize Jingzhou. Zhou Yu also sent a memorial requesting troops to avenge his humiliation. Zhang Zhao remonstrated: “That must not be done. Cao Cao thinks day and night of avenging his defeat at Red Cliffs. Only because he fears that Sun and Liu are united has he not dared to send an army. If, in a moment of anger, my lord now seeks to devour his own ally, Cao Cao will surely take advantage of the opening and attack. Then the state will be in peril.” Gu Yong said, “How could there be no spies from the capital of Xu among us? If Cao Cao learns that Sun and Liu are at odds, he will certainly send someone to form an alliance with Liu Bei. Fearing Eastern Wu, Liu Bei will surely go over to Cao Cao. If that happens, when will the Southlands ever know peace? The best plan now is to send a man to the capital of Xu with a memorial appointing Liu Bei Governor of Jingzhou. When Cao Cao learns of it, fear will keep him from sending troops against the southeast; and Liu Bei, moreover, will bear my lord no resentment. Afterward, let a trusted agent employ a scheme of estrangement to make Cao and Liu attack one another. We may then exploit the opening and lay our own plans. That would be the proper course.” Sun Quan said, “Yuanzan’s words are excellent. But who can serve as envoy?” Gu Yong replied, “There is a man here whom Cao Cao respects and admires. He may be sent.” Sun Quan asked who it was. Gu Yong said, “Hua Xin is here. Why not send him?” Sun Quan was delighted and at once dispatched Hua Xin to the capital of Xu bearing the memorial. Hua Xin accepted the command and set out. Upon arriving at the capital, he sought an audience with Cao Cao, but heard that Cao had assembled his ministers in Ye Commandery to celebrate the completion of Bronze Bird Terrace. Hua Xin therefore went on to Ye Commandery and awaited an audience.

Ever since his defeat at Red Cliffs, Cao Cao had constantly thought of revenge. Yet he suspected that Sun Quan and Liu Bei would combine their strength, and so did not dare advance lightly. In the spring of the fifteenth year of Jian’an, Bronze Bird Terrace was completed. Cao Cao therefore held a grand assembly of civil and military officers in Ye Commandery and gave a banquet in celebration. The terrace stood directly overlooking the Zhang River. In the center rose Bronze Bird Terrace; to the left stood another called Jade Dragon Terrace, and to the right one called Golden Phoenix Terrace, each a hundred feet high. Two bridges spanned the heights and linked them together. With a thousand gates and ten thousand chambers, gold and azure shone in mingled splendor.

That day Cao Cao wore a jeweled golden crown upon his head, a green brocade robe upon his body, a jade girdle at his waist, and pearl-embroidered shoes on his feet. He sat aloft while the civil and military officers stood in attendance below the terrace. Wishing to see the military officers compete in archery, Cao Cao ordered an attendant to hang a red brocade battle robe from Western Chuan upon the branch of a trailing willow. Beneath it he set up an archery target, with a line marked at a hundred paces. The military officers were divided into two companies. Members of the Cao clan all wore red, while the other officers and men wore green. Each carried a carved bow and fine arrows and sat mounted, reins in hand, awaiting orders. Cao Cao proclaimed: “Whoever strikes the red center of the target shall receive the brocade robe. Whoever misses shall be fined one cup of water.” The command had scarcely been given when a young general galloped out from the red-robed company. The onlookers saw that it was Cao Xiu. He raced his horse back and forth, making three passes; then he nocked an arrow, drew his bow to the full, and loosed. The shaft struck the red center squarely. Gongs and drums sounded together, and all the company cheered. Looking down from the terrace, Cao Cao was overjoyed. “This is the thousand-li colt of my house!” he exclaimed. He was just about to have the brocade robe taken down and awarded to Cao Xiu when a horseman dashed out from the green-robed company and cried, “The prime minister’s brocade robe should first be won by one outside his clan. His kinsmen ought not to press ahead of the rest!”

Cao Cao looked and saw that the man was Wen Ping. The officers said, “Let us see Wen Zhongye’s skill with the bow.” Wen Ping raised his bow, spurred his horse, and shot an arrow that also struck the red center. Everyone cheered as gongs and drums sounded in a tumult. Wen Ping shouted, “Quickly, bring me the robe!” Just then another general galloped from the red-robed company and cried sternly, “Wenlie shot first! How dare you contend for the prize? Watch me settle the matter between you!” Drawing his bow to the full, he shot an arrow, and that shaft too struck the red center. The crowd cheered in unison. They saw that the archer was Cao Hong. Cao Hong was about to claim the robe when another general rode out from the green-robed company, flourished his bow, and called, “What is remarkable about the shooting of you three? Watch mine!” The onlookers saw that it was Zhang He. Zhang He galloped forward, twisted around in the saddle, and shot backward. His arrow also struck the red center. All four shafts stood clustered together in the bull’s-eye. Everyone cried, “Fine shooting!” Zhang He said, “The brocade robe must surely be mine!”

Before he had finished speaking, a general galloped out from the red-robed company and shouted, “What is so extraordinary about turning in the saddle and shooting backward? Watch me seize the red center!” The onlookers saw that it was Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan spurred his horse to the boundary, wheeled in the saddle, and shot an arrow that struck squarely amid the other four. Gongs and drums sounded together. Reining in his horse and lowering his bow, Xiahou Yuan called aloud, “Can this arrow win the brocade robe?” At once a general rode out from the green-robed company and shouted, “Leave the robe there for me, Xu Huang!” Xiahou Yuan said, “What manner of shooting can you display to take my robe?” Xu Huang replied, “There is nothing remarkable in striking the red center. Watch me take the brocade robe alone!” He raised his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot from afar at the willow twig. The shaft neatly severed the twig, and the brocade robe fell to the ground. Xu Huang galloped over, snatched it up, put it on, and rode swiftly before the terrace, where he saluted and cried, “My thanks for the robe, Prime Minister!” Cao Cao and all the officers praised him with admiration. Xu Huang had only just reined in his horse to turn back when a green-robed general suddenly sprang out beside the terrace and shouted, “Where do you think you are taking that brocade robe? Leave it for me at once!” The onlookers saw that it was Xu Chu. Xu Huang said, “The robe is already mine. How dare you seize it by force?” Xu Chu made no reply but charged straight at him to snatch the robe. When the two horses drew close, Xu Huang struck at Xu Chu with his bow. Xu Chu caught the bow in one hand and dragged Xu Huang from his saddle. Xu Huang, unable to free the bow, turned and leaped down from his horse. Xu Chu also dismounted, and the two seized each other and began to fight. Cao Cao hurriedly sent men to separate them. By then the brocade robe had been torn to shreds. Cao Cao ordered both men to come up onto the terrace. Xu Huang glared with bristling brows and furious eyes; Xu Chu gnashed his teeth. Each still meant to fight the other. Cao Cao laughed and said, “I merely wished to behold the valor of you gentlemen. Why should I begrudge a single brocade robe?” He then ordered all the generals onto the terrace and bestowed on each a bolt of Shu brocade. The generals offered their thanks one by one. Cao Cao commanded them to sit according to rank. Music rose on every side, and delicacies from land and water were laid out together. Civil officials and military officers took turns presenting cups, while host and guests pledged one another amid the crossing of goblets.

Cao Cao turned to the civil officials and said, “The military officers have taken their pleasure in riding and archery, and have fully displayed their might and courage. You gentlemen are all men of profound learning. Having ascended this lofty terrace, can you fail to offer fine compositions commemorating the splendor of this occasion?” The officials all bowed and said, “We shall gladly obey your honored command.”

Among the civil officials present were Wang Lang, Zhong Yao, Wang Can, Chen Lin, and others, who came forward and presented poems and compositions. Many of the verses praised the towering merit and virtue of Cao Cao and suggested that he deserved to receive the Mandate. When Cao Cao had read them all, he laughed and said, “Your excellent works praise me far beyond my deserts. I was born dull and unlearned and began my career only after being recommended as Filial and Incorrupt. Later, when the realm fell into great disorder, I built a quiet retreat fifty li east of Qiao. My wish was to read there in spring and summer, hunt and practice archery in autumn and winter, and wait until peace returned to the empire before entering public service. I never expected the court to summon me as Commandant of the Northern District. I then changed my purpose and devoted myself wholly to winning merit for the state by suppressing rebels. I hoped only that after my death the tablet beside my tomb might read: ‘The Tomb of Lord Cao, Former General Who Pacified the West under the Han.’ That would have fulfilled the desire of my life. Yet since the days when I campaigned against Dong Zhuo and destroyed the Yellow Turbans, I have eliminated Yuan Shu, defeated Lü Bu, annihilated Yuan Shao, and subdued Liu Biao, thereby bringing peace to the realm. As chancellor, I have attained the highest rank possible for a subject. What more could I desire? Had the state lacked me alone, who knows how many men would have proclaimed themselves emperor and how many king? Some, seeing the weight of my authority, indulge in wild conjectures and suspect that I harbor disloyal intentions. That is a grave error. I often recall how Confucius praised the consummate virtue of King Wen, and those words remain ever bright within my heart. Yet if I were asked to surrender my troops and retire to the fief of Marquis of Wuping, that I truly could not do. I sincerely fear that once I relinquished military power, others would do me harm. If I fell, the state itself would be imperiled. Therefore I cannot pursue an empty reputation only to incur a real calamity. Surely none of you fully understands my heart.” All rose and bowed, saying, “Not even Yi Yin or the Duke of Zhou could surpass the prime minister.” A later poet wrote:

When slander spread, the Duke of Zhou knew fear;When Wang Mang courted worthies, meek was his air.Had either died before his deeds were done,Who could have judged him false or true thereafter?

Cao Cao drank several cups in succession and gradually became deeply intoxicated. He called to his attendants to bring brush and inkstone, intending to compose a poem on Bronze Bird Terrace himself. He had only just lowered his brush when a report suddenly came: “Hua Xin, envoy from Eastern Wu, has submitted a memorial recommending Liu Bei as Governor of Jingzhou. Sun Quan has given his sister in marriage to Liu Bei, and more than half of the nine commanderies along the Han River now belong to him.” When Cao Cao heard this, his hands and feet lost all composure, and he cast his brush to the ground. Cheng Yu said, “Amid ten thousand troops, with arrows and stones raining upon him, the prime minister’s heart has never been shaken. Why, then, are you so startled now to hear that Liu Bei has gained Jingzhou?” Cao Cao replied, “Liu Bei is a dragon among men, but throughout his life he has never found the water. Now that he has gained Jingzhou, it is as though a captive dragon has entered the open sea. How could my heart remain unmoved?” Cheng Yu said, “Does the prime minister understand Hua Xin’s purpose in coming?” Cao Cao replied, “Not yet.” Cheng Yu said, “Sun Quan has always been wary of Liu Bei and wishes to attack him, but he fears that the prime minister will strike while his own lands lie exposed. Therefore he has sent Hua Xin as envoy to recommend Liu Bei for office. He seeks only to set Liu Bei’s mind at ease and thwart the prime minister’s designs.”

Cao Cao nodded. “That is so.” Cheng Yu said, “I have a plan that will make Sun Quan and Liu Bei devour one another. The prime minister may then take advantage of their struggle and defeat both enemies at a single beat of the drum.” Cao Cao was delighted and asked for the plan. Cheng Yu said, “The man upon whom Eastern Wu relies is Zhou Yu. If the prime minister now memorializes the throne to appoint Zhou Yu Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery and Cheng Pu Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, while retaining Hua Xin at court and giving him an important post, Zhou Yu will surely make himself Liu Bei’s enemy. Would it not be best for us to act while they are destroying one another?” Cao Cao said, “Zhongde’s words accord perfectly with my own mind.” He summoned Hua Xin onto the terrace and rewarded him lavishly. When the banquet ended that day, Cao Cao led his civil and military officers back to Xuchang. He memorialized the throne to appoint Zhou Yu Grand Administrator with full command over Nan Commandery and Cheng Pu Grand Administrator of Jiangxia. Hua Xin was made Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and retained in the capital of Xu. When the imperial commissions reached Eastern Wu, Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu each accepted his office.

After taking command of Nan Commandery, Zhou Yu thought all the more fiercely of revenge. He sent a letter to the Marquis of Wu asking that Lu Su be ordered to recover Jingzhou. Sun Quan accordingly summoned Lu Su and said, “You once guaranteed Jingzhou to Liu Bei. Now Liu Bei delays and will not return it. How long do you intend to wait?” Lu Su said, “The written agreement states plainly that he will return it once he has obtained Western Chuan.” Sun Quan rebuked him: “He speaks only of taking Western Chuan, yet to this day he has not moved a single soldier. Must he wait until everyone has grown old?” Lu Su said, “I am willing to go and speak to him.” He thereupon took ship and came to Jingzhou.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei and Kongming were in Jingzhou amassing provisions and fodder and drilling their troops. Men of ability from near and far flocked to them. Suddenly word came that Lu Su had arrived. Liu Bei asked Kongming, “Why has Zijing come?” Kongming replied, “Sun Quan recently memorialized the throne to appoint my lord Governor of Jingzhou. That was a stratagem prompted by his fear of Cao Cao. Cao Cao then appointed Zhou Yu Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery because he wishes our two houses to devour one another, allowing him to profit in between. Now Lu Su has come because Zhou Yu, having accepted his post as grand administrator, means to demand Jingzhou from us.” Liu Bei asked, “How shall I answer him?” Kongming said, “If Lu Su raises the matter of Jingzhou, my lord must burst into loud weeping. When your grief has reached its most pitiful height, I shall come out and offer consolation.”

Their plan settled, they received Lu Su into the residence. After the formal courtesies, they took their seats. Lu Su said, “Now that Imperial Uncle has become the son-in-law of Eastern Wu, you are Lu Su’s lord as well. How could I dare sit in your presence?” Liu Bei smiled and said, “Zijing and I are old friends. Why be so modest?” Lu Su then sat down. When tea had been served, he said, “I have come today by the honored command of the Marquis of Wu expressly on the matter of Jingzhou. Imperial Uncle has occupied it on loan for a long time, yet it has not been returned. Now that our two houses are joined by marriage, you should honor the bonds of kinship and deliver it back without delay.” Hearing this, Liu Bei covered his face and burst into tears. Startled, Lu Su asked, “Why does Imperial Uncle grieve so?” But Liu Bei only continued to weep. Kongming emerged from behind a screen and said, “I have been listening for some time. Does Zijing know why my lord is weeping?” Lu Su replied, “I truly do not.” Kongming said, “What is difficult to see? When my lord borrowed Jingzhou, he promised to return it after taking Western Chuan. But consider the matter carefully: Liu Zhang of Yizhou is my lord’s kinsman, and both are flesh and blood of the imperial house of Han. If my lord raises troops to seize his cities, he fears the scorn of outsiders. Yet if he does not seize them and returns Jingzhou, where can he find refuge? If he fails to return it, however, he cannot face his honored brother-in-law. The matter is truly difficult on both sides, and so anguish wrings these tears from him.” Kongming’s words touched Liu Bei’s deepest feelings. He truly beat his breast, stamped his feet, and wailed aloud. Lu Su consoled him: “Imperial Uncle, trouble yourself no further. Discuss the matter carefully with Kongming and seek a lasting solution.” Kongming said, “May I trouble Zijing, when you return to the Marquis of Wu, not to begrudge us the effort of a few words? Explain to him fully the distress of our circumstances and entreat him to grant us a little more time.” Lu Su asked, “What if the Marquis of Wu refuses?” Kongming replied, “Since the Marquis of Wu has given his own sister in marriage to Imperial Uncle, how could he refuse? I trust Zijing will speak well on our behalf.”

Lu Su was a generous and humane elder. Seeing Liu Bei in such bitter grief, he had no choice but to agree. Liu Bei and Kongming bowed their thanks. After the banquet, they escorted Lu Su to his ship. He went directly to Chaisang, where he met Zhou Yu and related the whole affair. Zhou Yu stamped his foot and cried, “Zijing, you have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap yet again! When Liu Bei depended upon Liu Biao, he often harbored designs to swallow up his domain. How much less would he spare Liu Zhang of Western Chuan? If he continues to put us off like this, you yourself will inevitably be implicated. I have a plan from which Zhuge Liang cannot escape. Zijing must make another journey.” Lu Su said, “I should like to hear your ingenious plan.” Zhou Yu said, “You need not see the Marquis of Wu. Go back to Jingzhou and tell Liu Bei: ‘Since the houses of Sun and Liu are joined in marriage, they are now one family. If Liu Bei cannot bear to seize Western Chuan, we of Eastern Wu will raise an army and take it for him. Once we have obtained Western Chuan, it shall serve as the bride’s dowry, and Jingzhou may then be returned to Eastern Wu.’” Lu Su said, “Western Chuan is far away, and taking it will not be easy. Might this plan of the commander-in-chief prove unworkable?” Zhou Yu laughed. “Zijing, you are truly an honest elder! Do you imagine I really mean to seize Western Chuan for him? I shall use that only as a pretext. My true purpose is to take Jingzhou while inducing him to make no preparations. The forces of Eastern Wu, on their way through Jingzhou to conquer Chuan, will ask him for provisions and supplies. Liu Bei will certainly come out of the city to welcome and reward the army. Then we shall seize the opportunity to kill him, capture Jingzhou, avenge my humiliation, and free you from blame.”

Lu Su was delighted and immediately returned to Jingzhou. Liu Bei consulted with Kongming. Kongming said, “Lu Su certainly has not seen the Marquis of Wu. He has merely gone to Chaisang, where he and Zhou Yu devised some scheme to lure us into a trap. Whatever he says, my lord need only watch me. When I nod, agree to everything without reserve.” Their plan settled, Lu Su entered and was received. After the courtesies, he said, “The Marquis of Wu greatly praised Imperial Uncle’s noble virtue and then conferred with his generals. He has resolved to raise an army and conquer Chuan on Imperial Uncle’s behalf. Once Western Chuan is taken, it will be exchanged for Jingzhou and provisionally treated as the bride’s dowry. Since the troops must pass through your lands, however, we hope you will furnish some supplies and provisions.” On hearing this, Kongming hastily nodded and said, “How rare is the goodwill of the Marquis of Wu!” Liu Bei clasped his hands and gave thanks, saying, “This is all due to Zijing’s skillful advocacy.” Kongming said, “When your mighty host arrives, we shall go far out to welcome and reward it.” Lu Su secretly rejoiced. After the banquet, he took his leave and returned.

Liu Bei asked Kongming, “What is the meaning of this?” Kongming laughed aloud. “Zhou Yu’s death is near! Such a scheme could not deceive even a child!” Liu Bei asked him to explain. Kongming said, “This is the stratagem called ‘Borrowing a Road to Destroy Guo.’ Conquering Chuan is the empty pretext; seizing Jingzhou is the true purpose. They expect my lord to leave the city to welcome and reward the army. Then they will take you by force, charge into the city, attack where we are unprepared, and strike us by surprise.” Liu Bei asked, “What are we to do?” Kongming replied, “Set your mind at ease, my lord. Prepare the concealed bow to capture the fierce tiger, and arrange the fragrant bait to hook the giant sea turtle. When Zhou Yu arrives, even if he does not die, nine-tenths of the breath will be knocked out of him.” He summoned Zhao Yun and gave him his instructions: “Proceed thus and thus. I shall make all the other arrangements myself.” Liu Bei was overjoyed. A later poet lamented:

Zhou Yu devised a plan to seize Jingzhou,But Zhuge foresaw each move and struck the first.He trusted fragrant bait upon the Yangtze,Nor knew a hidden hook awaited him.

Lu Su returned to Zhou Yu and reported that Liu Bei and Kongming were delighted and unsuspecting, and were preparing to leave the city to welcome and reward the army. Zhou Yu laughed aloud. “So this time they have fallen into my trap!” He ordered Lu Su to report the plan to the Marquis of Wu and requested that Cheng Pu lead troops in support. By then Zhou Yu’s arrow wound had almost completely healed, and his body was free of pain. He appointed Gan Ning vanguard; he himself followed in the second division with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng; Ling Tong and Lü Meng commanded the rear. With fifty thousand troops by land and water, he advanced toward Jingzhou. Aboard his ship, Zhou Yu laughed again and again, convinced that Kongming had fallen into his snare. When the vanguard reached Xiakou, Zhou Yu asked, “Has anyone come from Jingzhou to meet us?” A man reported, “Imperial Uncle Liu has sent Mi Zhu to see the commander-in-chief.” Zhou Yu summoned him and asked what arrangements had been made to welcome and reward the army. Mi Zhu replied, “My lord has made every preparation.” Zhou Yu asked, “Where is Imperial Uncle?” Mi Zhu said, “He awaits you at the gate of Jingzhou, where he will offer the commander-in-chief a cup of wine.” Zhou Yu said, “I am sending troops on a distant campaign for the sake of your house. The ceremonies for rewarding the army must not be slighted.” Mi Zhu received the message and returned ahead of him.

The warships stood densely ranked upon the river and advanced in order. As they drew near Gong’an, not a single military vessel appeared, nor had anyone come out to meet them from afar. Zhou Yu urged the ships forward more swiftly. When they were little more than ten li from Jingzhou, the river lay silent and still. Scouts returned and reported: “Two white banners have been planted upon the walls of Jingzhou, but not a single person can be seen.” Zhou Yu grew suspicious and ordered the ships brought to shore. He disembarked in person, mounted a horse, and, accompanied by Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, Ding Feng, and a number of other officers, led three thousand picked guards straight toward Jingzhou. Upon reaching the city, they saw no movement at all. Zhou Yu reined in his horse and ordered his soldiers to call at the gate. A voice from the walls asked who had come. The soldiers of Wu answered, “It is Zhou Yu, commander-in-chief of Eastern Wu, in person.” Before the words had died away, a wooden clapper sounded. Spears and swords rose all at once along the walls. Zhao Yun appeared in the gate tower and called, “What is the commander-in-chief’s true purpose in coming here?” Zhou Yu replied, “I am going to seize Western Chuan on behalf of your lord. Can it be that you still know nothing of it?” Zhao Yun said, “Military Adviser Kongming has already seen through the commander-in-chief’s scheme of ‘Borrowing a Road to Destroy Guo,’ and therefore left Zhao Yun here. My lord has declared: ‘Liu Zhang and I are both kinsmen of the imperial house of Han. How could I bear to betray righteousness and seize Western Chuan? If you of Eastern Wu truly conquer Shu, I shall let down my hair and retire into the mountains rather than break faith before the world.’” When Zhou Yu heard this, he reined about and started back. Just then a man bearing a command pennant rode up before him and reported: “Our scouts have discovered four armies closing in at once. Guan Yu is advancing from Jiangling, Zhang Fei from Zigui, Huang Zhong from Gong’an, and Wei Yan by the narrow road from Yiling. No one knows how many troops the four armies contain. Their battle cries shake the country for more than a hundred li around, and all are shouting that they mean to capture Zhou Yu!” Zhou Yu gave a great cry from horseback. His arrow wound burst open once more, and he fell from his horse. Truly:

One move ahead, a foe is hard to meet;Plans made time after time all end in air.

Whether Zhou Yu lived or died will be revealed in the next chapter.

Cao Cao Holds a Grand Banquet at Bronze Bird Terrace; Zhuge Liang Provokes Zhou Yu a Third Time

Now Zhou Yu had been routed in a single blow by the three forces Zhuge Liang had stationed in ambush beforehand under Guan Yu, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. Huang Gai and Han Dang hurriedly rescued him and got him aboard ship, but countless naval troops were lost. In the distance he saw Liu Bei, Lady Sun, and all their carriages, horses, and attendants halted safely atop the hill. How could Zhou Yu not be enraged? His arrow wound had not yet healed, and the surge of fury caused it to burst open. He fainted to the ground. His officers revived him, and they set sail and fled. Kongming ordered his men not to pursue, then returned with Liu Bei to Jingzhou, where they celebrated and rewarded all the commanders.

Zhou Yu returned to Chaisang. Jiang Qin and the rest of his party returned to Nanxu and reported to Sun Quan. Sun Quan was furious beyond measure and intended to appoint Cheng Pu commander-in-chief and raise an army to seize Jingzhou. Zhou Yu also submitted a letter requesting that troops be mobilized to avenge the humiliation. Zhang Zhao advised, “You must not. Cao Cao thinks day and night of avenging his defeat at Red Cliffs. He has refrained from sending troops only because he fears that Sun Quan and Liu Bei are united. If, in a moment of anger, my lord now tries to swallow up his own ally, Cao Cao will certainly take advantage of the opening to attack, and the state will be in danger.” Gu Yong said, “Surely Xudu has spies here. If Cao Cao learns that Sun Quan and Liu Bei are at odds, he will certainly send someone to win Liu Bei over. Fearing Eastern Wu, Liu Bei will surely go over to Cao Cao. If that happens, when will the Southlands ever know peace? The best plan now is to send someone to Xudu with a memorial recommending Liu Bei as Governor of Jingzhou. Once Cao Cao learns of it, he will be afraid and will not dare send troops against the southeast. It will also keep Liu Bei from resenting my lord. After that, send a trusted agent to employ a scheme of estrangement and make Cao Cao and Liu Bei attack each other. We can then exploit the opening and deal with them. That would be the proper course.” Sun Quan said, “Yuanshan’s proposal is excellent. But who can serve as envoy?” Gu Yong said, “There is a man here whom Cao Cao respects and admires. He can be sent.” Sun Quan asked who it was. Gu Yong replied, “Hua Xin is here. Why not send him?” Sun Quan was delighted and at once sent Hua Xin to Xudu bearing the memorial. Hua Xin accepted the order and departed. He went straight to Xudu to seek an audience with Cao Cao, but heard that Cao Cao had assembled his officials in Ye Commandery to celebrate at Bronze Bird Terrace, so he proceeded to Ye Commandery and waited for an audience.

Ever since his defeat at Red Cliffs, Cao Cao had constantly thought of revenge. He hesitated only because he suspected Sun Quan and Liu Bei would combine their strength, and therefore did not dare advance lightly. In the spring of the fifteenth year of Jian’an, Bronze Bird Terrace was completed. Cao Cao assembled all his civil and military officials in Ye Commandery and held a banquet in celebration. The terrace directly overlooked the Zhang River. Bronze Bird Terrace stood in the center; to the left was a tower called Jade Dragon Terrace, and to the right one called Golden Phoenix Terrace, each a hundred feet high. Two bridges spanned the upper levels and connected them. With a thousand gates and ten thousand doors, gold and kingfisher blue shone together in splendor.

That day Cao Cao wore a gold crown set with jewels, a robe of green silk brocade, a jade belt, and pearl-adorned shoes, and sat high above them. His civil and military officials stood in attendance below the terrace. Wishing to watch his military officers compete in archery, Cao Cao had an attendant hang a battle robe of red Sichuan brocade from a drooping willow branch. An archery target was set up below it, with the boundary marked at a hundred paces. The military officers were divided into two teams. Members of the Cao clan all wore red, while the other officers and soldiers all wore green. Each carried a carved bow and fine arrows, sat mounted with reins in hand, and awaited the command. Cao Cao proclaimed, “Whoever hits the bull’s-eye will receive the brocade robe. Whoever misses will be punished with a cup of water.” The order had just been given when a young general galloped out from the red-robed team. Everyone looked and saw that it was Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu raced his horse back and forth, making three passes. He nocked an arrow, drew the bow to its full extent, and loosed. The arrow struck the exact center of the bull’s-eye. Gongs and drums sounded together, and everyone cheered. Watching from the terrace, Cao Cao was delighted and said, “This is my family’s thousand-li colt!” He was about to have someone take down the brocade robe and give it to Cao Xiu when a rider suddenly dashed out from the green-robed team and shouted, “The prime minister’s brocade robe ought to be won first by one of us outside the clan. His own kinsmen should not push ahead of the rest.”

Cao Cao looked and saw that the man was Wen Ping. The officials said, “Let us see Wen Zhongye’s archery.” Wen Ping took up his bow, spurred his horse forward, and shot an arrow, which also struck the bull’s-eye. Everyone applauded as gongs and drums rang in a tumult. Wen Ping shouted, “Quickly, bring me the robe!” Just then another general galloped from the red-robed team and cried sternly, “Wenlie shot first. What right do you have to contend for it? Watch me split both your arrows!” He drew his bow to the full and fired. His arrow also hit the bull’s-eye. Everyone cheered together. They looked and saw that it was Cao Hong. Cao Hong was about to take the robe when another general rode out from the green-robed team, raised his bow, and called, “What is so remarkable about the shooting of you three? Watch me!” Everyone looked and saw that it was Zhang He. Zhang He galloped forward, twisted around in the saddle, and shot backward. His arrow also struck the bull’s-eye. All four arrows were clustered tightly in its center. Everyone exclaimed, “Excellent archery!” Zhang He said, “The brocade robe ought to be mine!”

Before he had finished speaking, a general galloped out from the red-robed team and shouted, “What is so extraordinary about turning in the saddle and shooting backward? Watch me seize the bull’s-eye!” Everyone looked and saw that it was Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan galloped to the boundary, twisted around, and shot an arrow. It struck the very center of the other four arrows. Gongs and drums sounded together. Xiahou Yuan reined in his horse, lowered his bow, and shouted, “Does this arrow win me the brocade robe?” At once a general rode out from the green-robed team and shouted, “Leave the robe for me, Xu Huang!” Xiahou Yuan said, “What other feat of archery can you perform to take my robe?” Xu Huang replied, “Hitting the bull’s-eye is nothing remarkable. Watch me take the brocade robe itself!” He took up his bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the willow branch in the distance. His shot severed the branch cleanly, and the brocade robe fell to the ground. Xu Huang galloped over, snatched up the robe, put it on, and rode to the front of the terrace, where he called out respectfully, “Thank you for the robe, Prime Minister!” Cao Cao and all the officials praised him admiringly. Xu Huang had just reined his horse around to return when a green-robed general suddenly sprang out beside the terrace and shouted, “Where are you taking that brocade robe? Leave it for me at once!” Everyone looked and saw that it was Xu Chu. Xu Huang said, “The robe is already mine. How dare you try to seize it by force?” Xu Chu made no reply but galloped straight at him to snatch the robe. As the two horses drew close, Xu Huang struck at Xu Chu with his bow. Xu Chu caught hold of the bow with one hand and dragged Xu Huang from the saddle. Xu Huang could not quickly free himself from the bow, so he rolled over and dismounted. Xu Chu also dismounted, and the two grappled and fought. Cao Cao hurriedly ordered men to separate them. By then the brocade robe had been torn to shreds. Cao Cao ordered both men up onto the terrace. Xu Huang glared with raised brows and angry eyes, while Xu Chu ground and clenched his teeth. Each still wanted to fight the other. Cao Cao laughed and said, “I merely wished to see the valor of you gentlemen. Why would I begrudge a single brocade robe?” He then ordered all the generals onto the terrace and presented each with a bolt of Sichuan brocade. The generals each expressed their thanks. Cao Cao ordered them to sit according to rank. Music rose in competing strains, and delicacies from land and water were served together. Civil officials and military commanders took turns offering cups, and toasts passed back and forth.

Cao Cao turned to the civil officials and said, “The military commanders have taken their pleasure in riding and archery, and have fully displayed their might and valor. You gentlemen are all men of profound learning. Now that you have ascended this lofty terrace, can you refrain from presenting fine compositions to commemorate this splendid occasion?” The officials all bowed and said, “We are honored to obey your command.”

Among the civil officials present were Wang Lang, Zhong Yao, Wang Can, Chen Lin, and others, who presented poems. Many of the poems praised Cao Cao’s towering achievements and virtue and suggested that he deserved to receive the Mandate. Cao Cao read them all, then smiled and said, “Your excellent works praise me far too highly. I was originally ignorant and unrefined, and first entered office after being nominated for filial devotion and integrity. Later, when the empire fell into chaos, I built a study retreat fifty li east of Qiao. I intended to read in spring and summer and hunt with bow and arrow in autumn and winter, waiting for peace to return to the empire before entering public service. Unexpectedly, the court summoned me to serve as Commandant of the Northern District, and so I changed my purpose. I devoted myself entirely to fighting rebels and winning merit for the state, hoping only that after my death my tombstone might be inscribed: ‘The Tomb of Lord Cao, Former General Who Pacified the West under the Han.’ That would have fulfilled my lifelong ambition. But since the campaigns against Dong Zhuo and the Yellow Turbans, I have eliminated Yuan Shu, defeated Lü Bu, destroyed Yuan Shao, and subdued Liu Biao, thereby bringing peace to the empire. I now serve as prime minister and have reached the highest honor attainable by a subject. What more could I desire? If the state did not have me, no one knows how many men would proclaim themselves emperors or how many would proclaim themselves kings. Some see the great power I hold and make wild conjectures, suspecting me of disloyal ambitions. This is a grave error. I constantly reflect upon what Confucius said of the perfection of King Wen, and those words remain vivid in my heart. Yet if anyone expects me to relinquish my troops and return to occupy only my enfeoffed office as Marquis of Wuping, that is truly impossible. I genuinely fear that the moment I surrender military authority, others will harm me. If I am defeated, the state itself will be endangered. Therefore I cannot pursue an empty reputation and expose myself to real disaster. Surely none of you gentlemen truly understands my intentions.” Everyone rose and bowed, saying, “Even Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou could not equal the prime minister.” A later poet wrote:

When slander spread, the Duke of Zhou was filled with fear;When Wang Mang sought men’s hearts, he humbled himself before the worthy.Had either man died at that moment in his career,Who could have known the truth or falsehood of his entire life?

Cao Cao drank several cups in succession and, before he knew it, became deeply intoxicated. He called for his attendants to bring brush and inkstone, intending to compose a poem on Bronze Bird Terrace himself. He had just set brush to paper when a sudden report came: “Hua Xin, envoy from Eastern Wu, has submitted a memorial recommending Liu Bei as Governor of Jingzhou. Sun Quan has married his younger sister to Liu Bei, and most of the nine commanderies along the Han River now belong to Liu Bei.” At this news, Cao Cao’s hands and feet shook in alarm, and he dropped his brush to the ground. Cheng Yu said, “Amid an army of ten thousand, with arrows and stones striking from all sides, the prime minister has never shown fear. Why are you so startled now merely because you hear that Liu Bei has gained Jingzhou?” Cao Cao replied, “Liu Bei is a dragon among men, but all his life he has never found the waters he needed. Now that he has gained Jingzhou, it is as though a trapped dragon has entered the open sea. How could I not be shaken?” Cheng Yu said, “Does the prime minister understand Hua Xin’s purpose in coming?” Cao Cao replied, “Not yet.” Cheng Yu said, “Sun Quan has always been wary of Liu Bei and wishes to attack him, but fears that the prime minister will take advantage of the opening and strike. That is why he sent Hua Xin as his envoy to recommend Liu Bei for office. He means only to reassure Liu Bei and block the prime minister’s ambitions.”

Cao Cao nodded and said, “That is so.” Cheng Yu continued, “I have a plan that will cause Sun Quan and Liu Bei to devour each other. The prime minister can then exploit the opportunity and defeat both enemies with a single roll of the drum.” Cao Cao was delighted and asked him to explain. Cheng Yu said, “Eastern Wu relies upon Zhou Yu. If the prime minister now submits memorials appointing Zhou Yu Governor of Nanjun and Cheng Pu Governor of Jiangxia, while retaining Hua Xin at court and giving him an important post, Zhou Yu will inevitably make himself Liu Bei’s enemy. We can then act while they are fighting each other. Would that not be excellent?” Cao Cao said, “Zhongde’s words accord perfectly with my own intentions.” He summoned Hua Xin onto the terrace and bestowed lavish rewards upon him. When the banquet ended that day, Cao Cao led his civil and military officials back to Xuchang. He submitted memorials appointing Zhou Yu Governor of Nanjun with overall command and Cheng Pu Governor of Jiangxia. He made Hua Xin Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and kept him in the capital at Xudu. When the official commission arrived in Eastern Wu, Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu each accepted his post.

After receiving the governorship of Nanjun, Zhou Yu thought even more intensely of revenge. He submitted a letter to the Marquis of Wu, asking that Lu Su be ordered to recover Jingzhou. Sun Quan therefore summoned Lu Su and said, “You once guaranteed the loan of Jingzhou to Liu Bei. Now Liu Bei keeps delaying and will not return it. How long are we supposed to wait?” Lu Su said, “The written agreement clearly states that he will return it once he has obtained the Western Riverlands.” Sun Quan rebuked him: “He only talks of taking the Western Riverlands, but to this day he has not sent out a single soldier. Must we wait until everyone grows old?” Lu Su said, “I am willing to go and speak to him.” He then boarded a vessel and set out for Jingzhou.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei and Kongming were stockpiling grain and fodder throughout Jingzhou and training their troops. Scholars and men of ability from near and far flocked to them. Suddenly it was reported that Lu Su had arrived. Liu Bei asked Kongming, “Why has Zijing come?” Kongming replied, “Sun Quan recently recommended my lord as Governor of Jingzhou. That was a measure taken out of fear of Cao Cao. Cao Cao appointed Zhou Yu Governor of Nanjun because he wants our two houses to devour each other so that he may profit in the middle. Now Lu Su has come because Zhou Yu, having accepted the governorship, means to demand the return of Jingzhou.” Liu Bei asked, “How should I answer him?” Kongming said, “If Lu Su brings up the matter of Jingzhou, my lord must burst into loud weeping. When your grief reaches its height, I will come out and offer consolation.”

Once the plan had been settled, Lu Su was received into the residence. After the formal greetings, they took their seats. Lu Su said, “Now that the Imperial Uncle has become Eastern Wu’s son-in-law, he is my lord as well. How could I dare sit in his presence?” Liu Bei smiled and said, “Zijing and I are old friends. Why be so humble?” Lu Su then sat down. When the tea had been finished, Lu Su said, “I have come under the honored command of the Marquis of Wu specifically concerning Jingzhou. The Imperial Uncle has occupied it on loan for a long time, but has not yet seen fit to return it. Now that our two houses are joined by marriage, you should consider the bonds of kinship and hand it back promptly.” On hearing this, Liu Bei covered his face and began to weep bitterly. Lu Su was startled and asked, “Why does the Imperial Uncle behave this way?” Liu Bei continued weeping without pause. Kongming emerged from behind a screen and said, “I have been listening for some time. Zijing, do you know why my lord is weeping?” Lu Su said, “I truly do not.” Kongming replied, “What is so difficult to understand? When my lord first borrowed Jingzhou, he promised to return it after obtaining the Western Riverlands. But consider the matter carefully: Liu Zhang of Yizhou is my lord’s kinsman, and both are flesh and blood of the Han house. If my lord raises an army to seize his cities, he fears outsiders will spit upon his name. Yet if he does not take the Western Riverlands and returns Jingzhou, where is he to find a place to live? If he does not return Jingzhou, however, it will reflect badly upon his honored brother-in-law. He truly faces an impossible choice, and so his anguish brings forth tears.” When Kongming had finished, his words touched Liu Bei’s deepest feelings. Liu Bei began pounding his chest, stamping his feet, and wailing aloud in genuine grief. Lu Su consoled him, saying, “The Imperial Uncle must not distress himself. Discuss the matter at length with Kongming and seek a proper solution.” Kongming said, “May I trouble you, Zijing, when you return to see the Marquis of Wu, not to begrudge us the effort of a few words? Explain this painful difficulty to him earnestly and ask him to grant us a little more time.” Lu Su said, “What are we to do if the Marquis of Wu refuses?” Kongming replied, “Since the Marquis of Wu has given his own sister in marriage to the Imperial Uncle, how could he refuse? I hope, Zijing, that you will report the matter tactfully.”

Lu Su was a generous and kindly elder. Seeing Liu Bei in such anguish, he had no choice but to agree. Liu Bei and Kongming bowed and thanked him. When the banquet was over, they escorted Lu Su to his ship. He went straight to Chaisang, met Zhou Yu, and related the whole affair. Zhou Yu stamped his foot and said, “Zijing, you have fallen into another of Zhuge Liang’s schemes! When Liu Bei depended upon Liu Biao, he often intended to swallow up his territory. How much less would he hesitate before Liu Zhang of the Western Riverlands? If he keeps evading the matter this way, you, my elder friend, will inevitably be implicated. I have a plan that Zhuge Liang cannot escape. Zijing, you must make another trip.” Lu Su said, “I would like to hear your excellent plan.” Zhou Yu said, “You need not go to see the Marquis of Wu. Return directly to Jingzhou and tell Liu Bei: ‘Since the Sun and Liu houses have become related by marriage, they are now one family. If a member of the Liu clan cannot bear to seize the Western Riverlands, then we of Eastern Wu will raise an army and take it for him. Once the Western Riverlands have been secured, we will give them to him as his bride’s dowry, and he can return Jingzhou to Eastern Wu.’” Lu Su said, “The Western Riverlands are exceedingly distant and will not be easy to take. Commander, could this plan perhaps be unworkable?” Zhou Yu laughed and said, “Zijing, you truly are an honest elder. Do you think I really intend to take the Western Riverlands for him? I will use that only as a pretext. My true purpose is to seize Jingzhou while making sure he takes no precautions. The army of Eastern Wu, on its way through Jingzhou to subdue the Western Riverlands, will ask him for money and provisions. Liu Bei will surely come out of the city to welcome and reward the troops. At that moment we will seize the opportunity to kill him, storm the city, take Jingzhou, avenge my humiliation, and release you from your predicament.”

Lu Su was delighted and immediately returned to Jingzhou. Liu Bei consulted with Kongming. Kongming said, “Lu Su certainly has not seen the Marquis of Wu. He has merely gone to Chaisang, devised some scheme with Zhou Yu, and now comes to lure us into it. Whatever he says, my lord need only watch for me to nod, and then agree to everything without hesitation.” Once the plan was settled, Lu Su entered for an audience. After the formal greetings, he said, “The Marquis of Wu greatly praises the Imperial Uncle’s noble virtue. He has therefore consulted his generals and decided to raise an army to subdue the Western Riverlands on the Imperial Uncle’s behalf. Once he has taken the Western Riverlands, they will be exchanged for Jingzhou, with the Western Riverlands serving for the time being as the bride’s dowry. Since the army must pass through your territory, however, we hope you will provide some money and provisions.” On hearing this, Kongming quickly nodded and said, “How kind of the Marquis of Wu!” Liu Bei clasped his hands and thanked Lu Su, saying, “This is all due to Zijing’s skillful advocacy.” Kongming said, “When your mighty army arrives, we will go far out to welcome and reward it.” Lu Su was secretly delighted. After the banquet, he took his leave and returned.

Liu Bei asked Kongming, “What does this mean?” Kongming laughed loudly and said, “Zhou Yu’s death is near! A scheme like this could not deceive even a child!” Liu Bei again asked what he meant. Kongming replied, “This is the stratagem of ‘borrowing a road to destroy Guo.’ He claims he will take the Western Riverlands, but in truth he means to seize Jingzhou. He will wait until my lord comes out of the city to reward his army, then seize you, kill his way into the city, and attack us unprepared, taking us completely by surprise.” Liu Bei said, “Then what are we to do?” Kongming replied, “Set your mind at ease, my lord. Simply prepare a hidden bow to capture the fierce tiger, and arrange fragrant bait to hook the giant sea turtle. When Zhou Yu arrives, even if he does not die, nine-tenths of the life will go out of him.” He then summoned Zhao Yun and gave him his instructions: “Do this and this. I will make all the other arrangements myself.” Liu Bei was delighted. A later poet lamented:

Zhou Yu devised a plan to seize Jingzhou,But Zhuge foresaw it and made the better move.He trusted the fragrant bait upon the Yangtze,Never knowing a hidden hook awaited the fish.

Lu Su returned to Zhou Yu and told him that Liu Bei and Kongming were delighted and unsuspecting, and were preparing to leave the city to reward the army. Zhou Yu laughed loudly and said, “So this time they have finally fallen into my scheme!” He ordered Lu Su to report to the Marquis of Wu and asked that Cheng Pu be sent with troops to provide support. By this time Zhou Yu’s arrow wound had gradually healed and his health was restored. He appointed Gan Ning vanguard, while he himself formed the second division with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng. Ling Tong and Lü Meng commanded the rear division. With a great army of fifty thousand advancing by land and water, they set out for Jingzhou. Aboard his ship, Zhou Yu laughed from time to time, convinced that Kongming had fallen into his trap. When the vanguard reached Xiakou, Zhou Yu asked, “Has anyone from Jingzhou come forward to receive us?” A man reported, “Imperial Uncle Liu has sent Mi Zhu to see the commander.” Zhou Yu summoned Mi Zhu and asked what arrangements had been made to reward the army. Mi Zhu said, “My lord has prepared and arranged everything.” Zhou Yu asked, “Where is the Imperial Uncle?” Mi Zhu replied, “He is waiting at the gate of Jingzhou to exchange cups with the commander.” Zhou Yu said, “We are sending an army on a distant expedition for the sake of your house. The ceremony of rewarding our troops must not be treated lightly.” Mi Zhu received his instructions and returned ahead of them.

The warships advanced in order, densely arrayed across the river. As they drew near Gong’an, there was not a single military vessel to be seen and not one person had come out to welcome them from afar. Zhou Yu urged the ships forward more quickly. When they were a little over ten li from Jingzhou, the surface of the river lay utterly still and deserted. The scouts returned and reported, “Two white flags have been raised over Jingzhou, but not a single person can be seen.” Zhou Yu grew suspicious. He ordered the ships brought alongside the bank, went ashore in person, mounted his horse, and took Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, Ding Feng, and a group of officers with him. Leading three thousand elite personal troops, he went straight toward Jingzhou. When he reached the foot of the walls, there was still no movement. Zhou Yu reined in his horse and ordered his soldiers to call at the gate. Someone on the wall asked who was there. The Wu soldiers replied, “It is Commander Zhou of Eastern Wu in person.” Before they had finished speaking, a wooden clapper suddenly sounded, and spears and swords were raised all along the wall. Zhao Yun appeared atop the gate tower and said, “Commander, what is the true purpose of this expedition?” Zhou Yu replied, “I am going to take the Western Riverlands on behalf of your lord. Can it be that you still know nothing of this?” Zhao Yun said, “Military Adviser Kongming has already seen through the commander’s stratagem of ‘borrowing a road to destroy Guo,’ and therefore left Zhao Yun here. My lord has said: ‘Liu Zhang and I are both kinsmen of the imperial house. How could I bear to betray righteousness and seize the Western Riverlands? If you of Eastern Wu truly take Shu, I will unbind my hair and retire into the mountains rather than break faith with the world.’” When Zhou Yu heard this, he wheeled his horse around to return. Just then a man carrying a command flag rode up before him and reported, “Our scouts have discovered four armies attacking together from four directions. Guan Yu is coming from Jiangling, Zhang Fei from Zigui, Huang Zhong from Gong’an, and Wei Yan by the narrow road from Yiling. No one knows how many troops the four armies have. Their battle cries shake the country for more than a hundred li in every direction, and all are shouting that they mean to capture Zhou Yu.” Zhou Yu gave a great cry from horseback. His arrow wound burst open again, and he fell from his horse. Truly:

When one move is superior, the foe cannot prevail;Though schemes be laid again and again, all come to nothing.

Whether Zhou Yu lived or died will be revealed in the next chapter.