Chapter 57

Sleeping Dragon Mourns at Chaisang; Young Phoenix Governs Leiyang

Now Zhou Yu, his breast filled with rage, fell from his horse. His attendants hastily rescued him and carried him back to his ship. The soldiers reported, “Xuande and Kongming are drinking and making merry on the summit of the hill ahead.” Zhou Yu flew into a fury and, grinding his teeth, cried, “You say I cannot take the Western Riverlands? I swear I shall take them!” While he was still raging, a man came to report that the Marquis of Wu had sent his younger brother, Sun Yu. Zhou Yu received him and related the whole affair. Sun Yu said, “I have come by my brother’s command to assist the Commander-in-Chief.” Zhou Yu thereupon ordered the army to hasten onward. When they reached Baqiu, a report came that Liu Feng and Guan Ping were leading troops upstream and had blocked the waterway. Zhou Yu grew still more furious. Suddenly another report came that Kongming had sent a man with a letter. Zhou Yu broke the seal and read it. The letter said:

“Zhuge Liang, Military Adviser and General of the Gentlemen of the Household of the Han, addresses this letter to His Excellency Gongjin, Commander-in-Chief of Eastern Wu: Since our parting at Chaisang, I have thought of you constantly and never forgotten you. I hear that you intend to seize the Western Riverlands, but in my humble judgment this must not be attempted. The people of Yizhou are hardy and its terrain perilous; though Liu Zhang is unenlightened and weak, he is well able to defend himself. If you now weary your army on a distant expedition, transporting supplies over ten thousand li, and hope to win complete success, not even Wu Qi could frame a sure plan for it, nor Sun Wu bring it to a favorable end. Cao Cao suffered defeat at Red Cliffs, but can his resolve to avenge himself have faded even for an instant? If you now raise an army for a distant campaign and Cao Cao should take advantage of your exposed position to descend upon you, all Jiangnan will be ground to powder. I cannot bear to sit by and watch this happen, and therefore write especially to inform you. I trust you will give the matter your discerning consideration.”

When Zhou Yu had finished reading, he heaved a long sigh. He called for paper and brush and wrote a letter to the Marquis of Wu; then he assembled his officers and said, “It is not that I do not wish to spend my utmost loyalty in the service of the state, but Heaven has cut short my allotted span. Serve the Marquis of Wu well, all of you, and together accomplish the great enterprise.” When he had finished speaking, he fainted. Slowly he revived, looked up to Heaven, and sighed deeply: “Since Heaven brought Yu into the world, why did it also bring Liang?” He cried this several times and died. He was thirty-six years old. A later poet lamented him:

At Red Cliffs he bequeathed a hero’s blazing fame;While still a youth, his noble name rang far.From strings and song he knew the subtle meaning;With a cup of wine he thanked a worthy friend.He once received three thousand hu in audience,And often drove a hundred thousand troops.At Baqiu his appointed span came to its end;Who mourns him there must grieve with wounded heart.

Zhou Yu’s coffin was laid in state at Baqiu. His officers sealed the letter he had left behind and sent a swift messenger to report to Sun Quan. When Sun Quan heard that Zhou Yu was dead, he burst into loud weeping. He opened the letter and read it; Zhou Yu had recommended Lu Su to succeed him. The substance of the letter was:

“I, Yu, though a man of ordinary talent, received extraordinary favor from Your Highness. Entrusted as one of your closest confidants and given command of soldiers and horses, how could I dare not exhaust the strength of my limbs in striving to repay you? But life and death cannot be foreseen, and the length of one’s years is decreed by fate. Before my humble ambition could be fulfilled, my frail body has already perished. How boundless is my dying regret! At present Cao Cao remains in the north, and the frontiers are not yet at peace; Liu Bei is lodging among us, which is like rearing a tiger. What course the affairs of the empire will take cannot yet be known. This is the season when the ministers of the court must postpone their meals until nightfall, and the time when Your Highness must bestow your deepest concern upon affairs of state. Lu Su is loyal and resolute, and never careless in the conduct of affairs; he can take over my duties. ‘When a man is about to die, his words are good.’ If Your Highness will deign to heed this counsel, then though I die, I shall not perish!”

When Sun Quan had finished reading, he wept and said, “Gongjin possessed the talent to assist a king, yet now he has suddenly died before his time. On whom can I rely? Since his last letter expressly recommends Zijing, how could I dare not follow his counsel?” That very day he appointed Lu Su Commander-in-Chief and placed all the troops and horses under his command; at the same time, he ordered Zhou Yu’s coffin conveyed home for burial.

Now Kongming was in Jingzhou. Observing the heavens by night, he saw a general’s star fall to earth and laughed, saying, “Zhou Yu is dead.” At daybreak he informed Xuande. Xuande sent men to investigate, and indeed Zhou Yu had died. Xuande asked Kongming, “Now that Zhou Yu is dead, what should we do?” Kongming replied, “The man who succeeds Yu in command of the army will surely be Lu Su. I have observed the signs in the heavens and seen the stars of generals gathering in the east. I should use the mourning rites as a pretext to make a journey into Jiangdong, and there seek out a worthy man to assist my lord.” Xuande said, “I fear only that the officers and soldiers of Wu may harm you.” Kongming replied, “Even while Yu lived, I did not fear him. Now that he is dead, what cause have I for concern?” He therefore took Zhao Yun and five hundred soldiers, prepared the sacrificial offerings, boarded a ship, and went down to Baqiu to mourn. On the way he learned that Sun Quan had already appointed Lu Su Commander-in-Chief and that Zhou Yu’s coffin had been taken back to Chaisang. Kongming went directly to Chaisang, where Lu Su received him with full courtesy. Zhou Yu’s officers all wished to kill Kongming, but when they saw Zhao Yun following at his side with sword in hand, they dared not act. Kongming ordered the sacrificial offerings arranged before the bier. He personally poured a libation of wine, knelt upon the ground, and read this funeral oration:

“Alas, Gongjin! Unhappily you have died before your time. Long life and short are ordained by Heaven, yet how can men not grieve?

My heart truly aches; I pour this cup of wine. If your spirit has awareness, partake of my offering!

I mourn your youthful studies, and your friendship with Bofu; upholding honor and scorning wealth, you yielded your own dwelling to him.

I mourn you at the age of manhood, when like the great peng you spread your wings over ten thousand li; you resolved to found a sovereign enterprise and carved out your dominion in Jiangnan.

I mourn your vigorous strength, when you held distant Baqiu; Jingsheng harbored anxious fears, while the Rebel-Quelling General knew no care.

I mourn your grace and bearing, and your worthy match with Xiao Qiao; as the son-in-law of a minister of Han, you brought no shame upon the court.

I mourn your lofty spirit, when you remonstrated against sending hostages; at first your wings did not droop, and in the end you soared aloft.

I mourn you at Poyang, when Jiang Gan came to persuade you; you acted with effortless ease, showing noble tolerance and exalted purpose.

I mourn your vast talents and your civil and military strategy; with an attack by fire you broke the enemy, turning strength into weakness.

I recall you in those days, your heroic figure radiant with valor. I weep that you died so young and bow to the earth until I bleed.

Your heart was loyal and righteous, your heroic spirit sublime. Your life ended after three cycles, but your name shall endure for a hundred generations.

My grief for you is deep; my sorrowing bowels are tied in a thousand knots. Only my own heart knows that this anguish shall never cease.

The vast heavens are darkened, and the whole army mourns. Your lord weeps in sorrow, and your friends shed streaming tears.

“I, Liang, though lacking in talent, begged for plans and sought out counsels. I aided Wu in resisting Cao and supported the Han by securing Liu.

We gave each other aid like the two horns of a formation, answering head and tail. Whether in survival or destruction, what fear or sorrow could there be?

Alas, Gongjin! In life and death we part forever! I shall preserve my steadfast fidelity as you vanish into the dark beyond.

If your spirit has awareness, let it witness my heart. From this day forth, beneath Heaven there is no one left who truly understands me!

Alas, the anguish! I humbly pray that you accept this offering!”

When Kongming had finished the rites, he prostrated himself and wept aloud, tears gushing like a spring, and his lamentation did not cease. The officers said among themselves, “Everyone claimed that Gongjin and Kongming were at odds, but now that we have witnessed the depth of feeling in his sacrifice, we see that all such talk was false.” Seeing Kongming’s profound grief, Lu Su too was moved to sorrow. He thought to himself, “Kongming is by nature a man of deep feeling. It was only Gongjin’s narrowness of heart that brought about his death.” A later poet sighed:

The Sleeping Dragon in Nanyang had scarcely waked,When one more shining star fell over Shucheng.Since Heaven had already brought Gongjin to birth,Why need the mortal world produce Kongming?

Lu Su gave a banquet in Kongming’s honor. When the feast was over, Kongming took his leave to return. Just as he was about to board his ship, he saw a man beside the river, dressed in a Daoist robe and bamboo cap, with a black sash and plain shoes. Seizing Kongming with one hand, the man laughed loudly and said, “You angered young Zhou to death, and now you come to mourn him. Do you openly mock Eastern Wu as a land without men?” Kongming looked closely and saw that it was Master Young Phoenix, Pang Tong. Kongming too laughed heartily. The two went aboard hand in hand and told each other what was in their hearts. Kongming then left Pang Tong a letter and enjoined him, “I judge that Sun Zhongmou will never place you in an important position. If anything proves unsatisfactory, come to Jingzhou and join me in supporting Xuande. He is generous, benevolent, and rich in virtue, and he will surely not fail the learning you have acquired over a lifetime.” Pang Tong agreed, and they parted. Kongming returned to Jingzhou.

Now Lu Su escorted Zhou Yu’s coffin to Wuhu, where Sun Quan received it, wept, and offered sacrifices before it. He ordered Zhou Yu buried with great honors in his native district. Zhou Yu had two sons and one daughter; the elder son was Xun and the younger Yin. Sun Quan provided generously for them all. Lu Su said, “I am a mediocre man of little ability, and have mistakenly received Gongjin’s high recommendation. In truth, I am unequal to this office. I wish to nominate a man to assist my lord. Above, he understands the patterns of Heaven; below, he comprehends the configurations of Earth. In strategy he is no whit inferior to Guan Zhong or Yue Yi, and in grasping the crucial springs of action he may be ranked with Sun Wu and Wu Qi. In former days Zhou Gongjin often followed his advice, and Kongming too profoundly admires his wisdom. He is now in Jiangnan; why not entrust him with high office?”

Sun Quan was delighted to hear this and at once asked the man’s name. Lu Su replied, “He is a native of Xiangyang. His surname is Pang, his given name Tong, and his style Shiyuan. His Daoist appellation is Master Young Phoenix.” Sun Quan said, “I too have long heard his name. Since he is now here, invite him at once to an audience.” Lu Su accordingly invited Pang Tong to appear before Sun Quan. After Pang Tong had performed the customary courtesies, Sun Quan observed his thick eyebrows, upturned nose, swarthy face, and short beard. His appearance was strange, and Sun Quan felt no liking for him. He asked, “What is the chief principle of the learning you have pursued throughout your life?” Pang Tong replied, “One need not cling rigidly to any principle; one must respond to circumstances as they arise.” Sun Quan asked, “How does your talent and learning compare with Gongjin’s?” Pang Tong laughed and said, “My talent and learning are entirely different from Gongjin’s.” Sun Quan had always been exceedingly fond of Zhou Yu. Seeing Pang Tong speak lightly of him, he was more displeased than ever and said, “You may withdraw for now. When I have need of you, I shall send for you.”

Pang Tong heaved a long sigh and departed. Lu Su asked, “Why will my lord not employ Pang Shiyuan?” Sun Quan replied, “He is an arrogant scholar. What use would there be in employing him?” Lu Su said, “During the fierce battle at Red Cliffs, it was this man who proposed the chained-ships stratagem, thereby achieving the foremost merit. Surely my lord knows of this.” Sun Quan replied, “At that time Cao Cao himself wished to nail his ships together; the success was not necessarily due to this man. I swear I will not employ him.” Lu Su went out and said to Pang Tong, “It is not that I failed to recommend you, but the Marquis of Wu refuses to employ you. You must be patient.” Pang Tong lowered his head and sighed deeply without speaking. Lu Su asked, “Can it be that you have no desire to remain in Wu?” Pang Tong did not answer. Lu Su said, “You possess the talent to restore order and save the age. Where could you go without prospering? Tell me frankly: where do you intend to go?” Pang Tong replied, “I intend to offer my services to Cao Cao.” Lu Su said, “That would be casting a bright pearl into darkness. You should go to Jingzhou and offer your services to Imperial Uncle Liu; he will certainly entrust you with great responsibilities.” Pang Tong replied, “That is indeed my true intention. What I said before was only a jest.” Lu Su said, “I shall write a letter recommending you. If you assist Xuande, you must see that the houses of Sun and Liu do not attack one another, but unite their strength to destroy Cao Cao.” Pang Tong replied, “That has ever been my lifelong desire.” He obtained Lu Su’s letter and went directly to Jingzhou to see Xuande.

At this time Kongming had not yet returned from his tour of inspection through the four commanderies. The gate officer reported that Pang Tong, a celebrated scholar of Jiangdong, had come expressly to offer his services. Xuande had long heard Pang Tong’s name and ordered that he be invited in. When Pang Tong saw Xuande, he merely bowed with clasped hands and did not kneel. Xuande, seeing Pang Tong’s ugly appearance, was likewise displeased. He asked, “Was your journey from afar difficult?” Pang Tong did not at once bring out the letters of recommendation from Lu Su and Kongming, but answered only, “I heard that the Imperial Uncle was recruiting worthy men and receiving scholars, so I came expressly to offer my services.” Xuande said, “Jing and Chu have only recently been somewhat pacified, and unfortunately I have no vacant office. Several hundred li southeast of here is a district called Leiyang, which lacks a magistrate. I must ask you to condescend to take that office. When another post becomes vacant, I shall give you more important employment.”

Pang Tong thought, “How slightingly Xuande treats me! I had hoped to move him by displaying my talents and learning.” But seeing that Kongming was absent, he had no choice but to force himself to take leave and depart. Upon reaching Leiyang, Pang Tong paid no attention to government affairs, but drank wine and made merry all day long. He ignored every matter involving taxes, grain, petitions, and lawsuits. Someone reported to Xuande that Pang Tong had utterly neglected the affairs of Leiyang. Xuande said angrily, “How dare this wretched pedant throw my laws and regulations into disorder!” He summoned Zhang Fei and instructed him, “Take your attendants and inspect the districts of southern Jingzhou. If you find anyone acting unjustly or unlawfully, investigate him on the spot. Since there may be points in the business that are unclear, you may take Sun Qian with you.”

Zhang Fei received his instructions and went with Sun Qian to Leiyang. The soldiers, people, and officials all came beyond the city walls to welcome them, but the magistrate alone was nowhere to be seen. Zhang Fei asked, “Where is the magistrate?” His subordinate officials replied, “Since Magistrate Pang assumed office, nearly a hundred days have passed. He has attended to none of the district’s affairs, but drinks every day from dawn until night and remains continually in the realm of drunkenness. Today he has not yet recovered from last night’s wine and is still lying abed.”

Zhang Fei was enraged and wished to seize him. Sun Qian said, “Pang Shiyuan is a man of extraordinary intelligence and must not be treated lightly. Let us first go to the district office and question him. If his conduct is truly unreasonable, it will not be too late to punish him afterward.” Zhang Fei entered the district office, took his seat in the main hall, and ordered the magistrate to appear before him. Pang Tong came out supported by attendants, his cap and robes in disarray and still heavy with drink. Zhang Fei said angrily, “My elder brother regarded you as a man of worth and appointed you district magistrate. How dare you utterly neglect the district’s affairs?” Pang Tong laughed and said, “What affairs of the district does the general say I have neglected?” Zhang Fei replied, “You have been in office for more than a hundred days and have spent every day in drunkenness. How could you not have neglected public business?” Pang Tong said, “This is merely a small district of a hundred li, with a trifling amount of official business. What difficulty could there be in deciding it? Sit a while, General, and watch me dispose of it.”

He immediately summoned the clerks and ordered them to bring out all the business accumulated over the past hundred days for judgment. The clerks came crowding into the hall, carrying armfuls of case records and presenting petitions. Plaintiffs and defendants knelt all around below the steps. Pang Tong wrote judgments with his hand, pronounced decisions with his mouth, and listened to testimony with his ears. He distinguished right from wrong with perfect clarity and made not the slightest error. The people all knocked their heads upon the ground and bowed in submission. Before half the day had passed, he had decided every matter accumulated over the hundred days. Casting his brush to the ground, he turned to Zhang Fei and said, “Where are the affairs I have neglected? As for Cao Cao and Sun Quan, I regard them as plainly as the lines upon my palm. How could this petty district be worth my concern?”

Zhang Fei was astounded. He left his seat and apologized, saying, “Your talent is immense, Master, and I, a lesser man, have failed to show you proper respect. I shall recommend you to my elder brother with all my strength.” Pang Tong then brought out Lu Su’s letter of recommendation. Zhang Fei asked, “Why did you not present it when you first met my brother?” Pang Tong replied, “Had I produced it at once, it would have seemed that I had come seeking favor solely by relying upon a letter of recommendation.” Zhang Fei turned to Sun Qian and said, “But for you, we should have lost a man of great worth.” He then took leave of Pang Tong and returned to Jingzhou to see Xuande, to whom he gave a full account of Pang Tong’s abilities. Xuande was greatly startled and said, “That I treated a great worthy so poorly was my fault!” Zhang Fei presented Lu Su’s letter of recommendation. Xuande broke the seal and read it. The substance of the letter was:

“Pang Shiyuan is not a talent to be confined within a district of a hundred li. Only if he is appointed Administrator or Assistant Governor will he have scope to stretch the legs of his thoroughbred genius. If you judge him by his appearance, I fear you will fail the learning he has acquired, and in the end he will be employed by another. That would truly be a pity.”

When Xuande had finished reading, he was sighing with regret when suddenly it was announced that Kongming had returned. Xuande received him, and after the customary courtesies Kongming’s first question was, “Has Military Adviser Pang been well of late?” Xuande replied, “He has lately been governing Leiyang, but his love of wine has led him to neglect affairs.” Kongming laughed and said, “Shiyuan is not a talent to be confined within a district of a hundred li. The learning within his breast surpasses mine tenfold. I once gave Shiyuan a letter of recommendation. Has he presented it to my lord?” Xuande replied, “Only today did I receive Zijing’s letter; I have not seen yours.” Kongming said, “When a great worthy is placed in a petty office, he often uses wine to cloud his mind and grows weary of attending to business.” Xuande said, “But for what my brother has told me, I should almost have lost a great worthy.”

He immediately ordered Zhang Fei to go to Leiyang and invite Pang Tong to Jingzhou. Xuande descended the steps to beg Pang Tong’s pardon. Only then did Pang Tong bring out Kongming’s letter of recommendation. Xuande read in it that Master Young Phoenix should be placed in high office immediately upon his arrival. Xuande rejoiced and said, “Long ago Sima Decao said, ‘Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix—gain either one, and you can bring peace to the empire.’ Now I have obtained them both. The house of Han can be restored!” He therefore appointed Pang Tong Deputy Military Adviser and General of the Gentlemen of the Household. Together with Kongming, Pang Tong assisted in forming strategy and drilling the soldiers while they awaited the call to campaign.

Before long, someone reported to Xuchang that Liu Bei had Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong as his strategists, was recruiting soldiers and buying horses, accumulating fodder and stockpiling grain, and forming an alliance with Eastern Wu, and that sooner or later he would surely raise an army for a northern expedition. When Cao Cao heard this, he assembled his advisers to discuss a campaign to the south. Xun You proposed, “Zhou Yu has only just died. We may first seize Sun Quan and then attack Liu Bei.” Cao Cao said, “If I march on a distant campaign, I fear Ma Teng will attack the Xu capital. During the campaign at Red Cliffs there were false rumors in the army that Western Liang had invaded. Now I cannot leave that danger unguarded.” Xun You said, “In my humble opinion, it would be better to issue an imperial edict appointing Ma Teng General Who Conquers the South and ordering him to campaign against Sun Quan. Lure him into the capital and first eliminate him; then there will be no cause for concern during the southern expedition.” Cao Cao was delighted. That very day he sent a man bearing the imperial edict to Western Liang to summon Ma Teng.

Now Ma Teng’s style was Shoucheng, and he was a descendant of Ma Yuan, the Han General Who Calms the Waves. His father was Ma Su, styled Zishuo, who during the reign of Emperor Huan had served as commandant of Langan County in Tianshui. Later he lost his office and wandered into Longxi, where he lived among the Qiang people. He married a Qiang woman, who gave birth to Ma Teng. Ma Teng stood eight feet tall and had an imposing and extraordinary appearance. By nature he was mild and good, and many people respected him. In the closing years of Emperor Ling’s reign, many of the Qiang rebelled. Ma Teng recruited a local militia and defeated them. During the middle years of the Chuping era, he was appointed General Who Conquers the West for his merit in suppressing rebels, and he became a sworn brother of Han Sui, the General Who Guards the West.

Upon receiving the edict that day, Ma Teng consulted with his eldest son, Ma Chao, saying, “Ever since Dong Cheng and I received the Girdle Edict, I have been pledged with Liu Xuande to destroy the traitor. Unhappily Dong Cheng is dead, and Xuande has suffered repeated defeats. Moreover, I have been isolated in the remote region of Western Liang and unable to assist him. Now I hear that Xuande has obtained Jingzhou. Just as I was about to fulfill my former purpose, Cao Cao has instead summoned me. What should I do?” Ma Chao replied, “Cao Cao summons Father in the Son of Heaven’s name. If you do not go, he will surely accuse us of defying the imperial command. You should take advantage of his summons and go directly to the capital, then find an opportunity to act from within. In that way your former purpose may be fulfilled.”

Ma Teng’s nephew Ma Dai remonstrated, “Cao Cao’s heart is unfathomably treacherous. If Uncle goes, you will surely perish by his hand.” Ma Chao said, “I am willing to muster every soldier in Western Liang and follow Father into Xuchang, there to rid the empire of this scourge. Why should that not be done?” Ma Teng replied, “You must remain here, commanding the Qiang troops and defending Western Liang. I shall take only my second son, Ma Xiu, my third son, Ma Tie, and my nephew Ma Dai. When Cao Cao sees that you remain in Western Liang and that Han Sui is here to assist you, he will presumably not dare to harm me.” Ma Chao said, “If Father goes, you must on no account enter the capital rashly. You must respond to circumstances and carefully observe Cao Cao’s movements.” Ma Teng replied, “I have plans of my own. There is no need for excessive concern.”

Ma Teng accordingly led five thousand troops from Western Liang. He sent Ma Xiu and Ma Tie ahead as the vanguard and left Ma Dai in the rear to provide support. The column wound onward toward Xuchang and encamped twenty li from the city. When Cao Cao learned that Ma Teng had arrived, he summoned Huang Kui, Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate, and instructed him, “Ma Teng is now to campaign in the south. I appoint you military counselor for the expedition. Go first to Ma Teng’s camp and convey my regards to his army. You may tell Ma Teng that because the road from Western Liang is long and transporting grain is exceedingly difficult, he cannot take many troops with him. I shall send a larger army to join him in the advance. Tomorrow, have him enter the city for an audience with the Emperor, and I shall then provide him with grain and fodder.”

Huang Kui accepted the command and went to see Ma Teng, who set out wine to receive him. When Huang Kui was half drunk, he said, “My father, Huang Wan, died during the disorders caused by Li Jue and Guo Si, and I have always harbored bitter grief over it. I never imagined that today we should again encounter a traitor who deceives his sovereign.” Ma Teng asked, “Who is this traitor who deceives his sovereign?” Huang Kui replied, “The traitor who deceives his sovereign is Cao Cao. Can it be that you do not know this and must ask me?” Ma Teng feared that Cao Cao had sent Huang Kui to probe him, and hastily checked him, saying, “There are eyes and ears close at hand. Do not speak recklessly.” Huang Kui rebuked him: “Can it be that you have utterly forgotten the Girdle Edict?” When Ma Teng saw that Huang Kui had spoken the secret in his heart, he privately told him the truth. Huang Kui said, “Cao Cao wants you to enter the city for an audience with the Emperor; his intention cannot be good. You must not enter lightly. Tomorrow you should draw up your troops beneath the city. When Cao Cao comes out to inspect the army, kill him there on the reviewing ground, and the great undertaking will succeed.”

When the two had settled their plans, Huang Kui returned home, his indignation still unabated. His wife questioned him repeatedly, but he refused to speak. Now his concubine, Li Chunxiang, was secretly carrying on an affair with Miao Ze, his wife’s younger brother. Miao Ze desired to possess Chunxiang but had no means of doing so. Seeing Huang Kui filled with resentment, the concubine said to Miao Ze, “Gentleman Attendant Huang returned today after discussing military affairs, and he seems exceedingly angry. I do not know why.” Miao Ze said, “You may provoke him by saying, ‘Everyone says that Imperial Uncle Liu is humane and virtuous, while Cao Cao is a treacherous hero. Why is that?’ Then see what he says.”

That night Huang Kui indeed came to Chunxiang’s chamber. His concubine provoked him with those words. Emboldened by wine, Huang Kui said, “You are only a woman, yet even you know right from wrong. How much more must I know it! The cause of my resentment is that I wish to kill Cao Cao.” His concubine asked, “If you wish to kill him, how will you set about it?” Huang Kui replied, “I have already made an agreement with General Ma. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao reviews the troops outside the city, we shall kill him.” The concubine told Miao Ze, and Miao Ze reported the matter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao secretly summoned Cao Hong and Xu Chu and gave them their instructions; then he summoned Xiahou Yuan and Xu Huang and likewise told them what to do. Each received his orders and departed. Meanwhile, Cao Cao first had Huang Kui’s entire household, young and old, taken into custody.

The next day Ma Teng led the soldiers and horses of Western Liang toward the city. When they had nearly reached it, he saw a cluster of red banners ahead bearing the insignia of the Chancellor. Ma Teng assumed that Cao Cao had personally come to review the army and spurred his horse forward. Suddenly there came the report of a cannon. As the red banners parted, bows and crossbows loosed their missiles together. The officer charging at the head was Cao Hong. Ma Teng hastily wheeled his horse around, but battle cries arose on both sides. Xu Chu came charging from the left, Xiahou Yuan from the right, while Xu Huang led troops against the rear, cutting the Western Liang army in two and trapping Ma Teng and his two sons in the heart of the encirclement.

Seeing that matters had gone awry, Ma Teng fought desperately to break through. Ma Tie was soon shot dead amid a storm of arrows. Ma Xiu followed Ma Teng, charging left and dashing right, but they could find no way out. Both men suffered grave wounds, and when the horses beneath them were shot down, father and son were captured. Cao Cao ordered Huang Kui and Ma Teng and his son brought before him in bonds. Huang Kui cried aloud, “I am innocent!” Cao Cao ordered Miao Ze to confront him with the evidence. Ma Teng cursed him furiously: “Wretched pedant, you have ruined my great undertaking! That I cannot slay this traitor for the sake of the state is the will of Heaven!” Cao Cao ordered them dragged away. Ma Teng continued cursing without pause and was put to death together with his son Ma Xiu and Huang Kui. A later poet praised Ma Teng:

Father and sons alike shone fierce and bright;One house was famed for loyalty and faith.They gave their lives to save the state from peril,And swore to die repaying sovereign grace.Their blood-chewed oath of covenant remained;Their righteous purpose was to slay the traitor.Western Liang acclaimed their noble lineage:Worthy descendants of the Wave-Calming General.

Miao Ze said to Cao Cao, “I desire no additional reward. I ask only that Li Chunxiang be given to me as my wife.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “For the sake of one woman, you destroyed your brother-in-law’s entire household. What use have I for such an unrighteous man?” He ordered Miao Ze and Li Chunxiang beheaded in the marketplace together with every member of Huang Kui’s household, young and old. None who witnessed it failed to sigh. A later poet lamented:

For private lust Miao Ze destroyed a loyal lord;Before he gained Chunxiang, she too lost her life.Even the treacherous hero would not pardon them:In vain the petty villain schemed and plotted.

Cao Cao ordered that the soldiers from Western Liang be pacified, proclaiming to them, “Ma Teng and his sons plotted rebellion. The matter has nothing to do with the rest of you.” At the same time, he sent men with orders to secure the passes and prevent Ma Dai from escaping.

Now Ma Dai had remained in the rear with a thousand soldiers. Men who had escaped from outside Xuchang soon returned and reported the disaster to him. Ma Dai was greatly alarmed. He had no choice but to abandon his troops, disguise himself as a traveling merchant, and flee by night. After killing Ma Teng and the others, Cao Cao resolved to campaign in the south. Suddenly a man reported, “Liu Bei is training his soldiers and horses and preparing his weapons and equipment. He intends to seize the Riverlands.” Cao Cao was startled and said, “If Liu Bei obtains the Riverlands, his wings will be fully grown. How shall we then deal with him?”

Before he had finished speaking, a man below the steps came forward and said, “I have a plan that will keep Liu Bei and Sun Quan from acting in concert and will bring both Jiangnan and the Western Riverlands into the Chancellor’s hands.” Thus it was:

The heroes of the Western Riverlands now faced the blade;The champions of the southern realm would likewise suffer woe.

Who was the man who offered this plan? Read on.

Sleeping Dragon Mourns at Chaisang; Young Phoenix Governs Leiyang

Now Zhou Yu’s breast was filled with rage, and he fell from his horse. His attendants hurriedly rescued him and carried him back to the ship. The soldiers reported, “Xuande and Kongming are drinking and making merry on the summit of the mountain ahead.” Zhou Yu flew into a fury, gnashed his teeth, and said, “You think I cannot take the Western Riverlands? I swear I will take them!” While he was still seething with hatred, a messenger reported that the Marquis of Wu had sent his younger brother, Sun Yu. Zhou Yu received him and told him the whole affair. Sun Yu said, “I have come on my brother’s orders to assist the Commander-in-Chief.” He then ordered the army to press forward. When they reached Baqiu, a messenger reported that Liu Feng and Guan Ping were leading troops upstream and had blocked the water route. Zhou Yu grew still more enraged. Suddenly, another report came that Kongming had sent someone with a letter. Zhou Yu broke the seal and read it. The letter said:

“Zhuge Liang, Military Adviser and General of the Household of the Han, presents this letter to His Excellency Gongjin, Commander-in-Chief of Eastern Wu: Since we parted at Chaisang, I have thought of you constantly and have never forgotten you. I hear that you intend to take the Western Riverlands, but in my humble opinion, this cannot be done. The people of Yizhou are strong and its terrain is difficult. Though Liu Zhang is foolish and weak, he is still capable of defending himself. Now you would weary your army on a distant expedition and transport supplies over ten thousand li, hoping to achieve complete success. Even Wu Qi could not lay out a sure plan for it, and Sun Wu could not bring it to a successful conclusion. Cao Cao suffered defeat at Red Cliffs, but could he have forgotten for even a moment his resolve to avenge himself? If you now raise an army for a distant campaign and Cao Cao takes advantage of the opening to attack, Jiangnan will be ground to dust. I cannot bear to stand by and watch, and so I write especially to inform you. I trust you will give this your discerning consideration.”

When Zhou Yu finished reading, he heaved a long sigh. He called for paper and brush and wrote a letter to the Marquis of Wu. Then he assembled his generals and said, “It is not that I do not wish to devote all my loyalty to repaying my state, but Heaven has brought my allotted span to an end. Serve the Marquis of Wu well, and together accomplish his great enterprise.” As soon as he finished speaking, he lost consciousness. After a while he revived, looked up to Heaven, and sighed deeply. “Since Heaven gave birth to Yu, why did it also give birth to Liang?” He cried this several times and died. He was thirty-six years old. A later poet lamented:

At Red Cliffs he left a legacy of heroic might;While still a youth, his splendid fame took flight.With strings and song, he grasped refined intent;With cups of wine, good friends were kindly sent.He once received three thousand hu of grain,And often drove a hundred thousand men.At Baqiu, where at last his life was done,Those who mourn him grieve for such a one.

Zhou Yu’s coffin was laid in state at Baqiu. His generals sealed the letter he had left behind and sent a messenger racing to report to Sun Quan. When Sun Quan heard that Zhou Yu was dead, he burst into loud sobs. He opened the letter and read it; in it Zhou Yu recommended Lu Su to succeed him. The letter read in part:

“I, Yu, though a man of ordinary ability, was honored with exceptional favor. You entrusted me as a trusted confidant and placed the armies under my command. How could I dare not exhaust all the strength of my limbs in seeking to repay you? Yet life and death cannot be foreseen, and the length of one’s days is ordained. Before my humble aspirations could be fulfilled, this insignificant body has already perished. My lasting regret knows no bounds! At present Cao Cao remains in the north, and the frontiers are not yet at peace. Liu Bei is merely lodging with us, which is much like raising a tiger. What may happen in the realm still cannot be known. This is truly a time when the officers of the court must delay their meals in their concern for state affairs, and a day when Your Highness must give them your deepest thought. Lu Su is loyal and resolute, and he never treats affairs carelessly. He can assume my duties. ‘When a man is about to die, his words are good.’ If you deign to consider this counsel, then even in death, Yu will be immortal!”

When Sun Quan finished reading, he wept and said, “Gongjin possessed the talent to assist a king, yet now he has suddenly died before his time. On whom can I rely? Since his last letter specifically recommended Zijing, how could I dare not follow his advice?” That very day, he appointed Lu Su commander-in-chief and placed all the troops and horses under his command. At the same time, he ordered Zhou Yu’s coffin sent home for burial.

Now Kongming was in Jingzhou. One night, while observing the heavens, he saw a general’s star fall to the earth and said with a smile, “Zhou Yu is dead.” At daybreak he informed Xuande. Xuande sent someone to investigate, and Zhou Yu had indeed died. Xuande asked Kongming, “Now that Zhou Yu is dead, what should we do?” Kongming replied, “The man who succeeds Yu in command will certainly be Lu Su. From my observation of the heavens, generals’ stars are gathering in the east. I should use the mourning rites as a pretext to make a journey to Jiangdong, and while there seek out a worthy man to assist my lord.” Xuande said, “I only fear that the officers and soldiers of Wu may harm you.” Kongming replied, “I did not fear them while Yu was alive. Now that Yu is dead, what is there to fear?” He therefore took Zhao Yun and five hundred soldiers, prepared sacrificial offerings, boarded a ship, and sailed to Baqiu to mourn. Along the way he learned that Sun Quan had already appointed Lu Su commander-in-chief and that Zhou Yu’s coffin had been returned to Chaisang. Kongming went directly to Chaisang, where Lu Su received him with due courtesy. Zhou Yu’s officers all wanted to kill Kongming, but when they saw Zhao Yun following him with sword at his side, they did not dare act. Kongming had the offerings arranged before the spirit tablet. He personally poured a libation of wine, knelt on the ground, and read this funeral eulogy:

“Alas, Gongjin! Unhappily, you died before your time.The length of life is fixed by Heaven—how could men not grieve?My heart is truly stricken; I pour this cup of wine.If your spirit still has consciousness, accept this offering of mine!

I mourn your youthful studies and your friendship with Bofu;Upholding honor, scorning wealth, you gave your house for him to use.I mourn you at the age of twenty, when like a roc you soared ten thousand li;You laid the foundations of hegemony and carved out Jiangnan as your domain.I mourn you in your vigorous prime, guarding Baqiu far away;Though Jingsheng harbored anxious thoughts, the Rebel-Crushing General had no fear.I mourn your graceful bearing and your lovely bride, Xiao Qiao;As son-in-law to a minister of Han, you brought no shame upon the court.I mourn your bold spirit when you urged against sending a hostage;Though at first your wings hung low, in the end you spread them wide.I mourn you at Poyang, when Jiang Gan came to persuade you;You handled him with effortless ease, showing noble breadth and lofty purpose.I mourn your vast ability and your strategies in letters and war;With fire you broke the enemy and turned the strong into the weak.I think of you in those days, heroic in bearing and brilliant in spirit.I weep that you died so young, bowing to the earth until blood flows.Your heart was loyal and righteous; your heroic spirit remains.Your life ended after three twelve-year cycles, but your name will endure a hundred generations.My grief for you is deep and true; sorrow knots my entrails a thousand times.Only my own heart can know that my mourning will never cease.The vast heavens have grown dark, and all three armies grieve.Your lord weeps in sorrow, and your friends shed streaming tears.

“I, Liang, though lacking talent, offered plans and sought out strategies.I helped Wu resist Cao, upheld Han, and secured Liu.We gave each other support like horns, corresponding as head and tail.Whether in life or death, what was there to fear or worry over?Alas, Gongjin! In life and death, we are parted forever!I shall simply preserve my integrity as you vanish into the dark unknown.If your soul retains awareness, let it look into my heart.From this day on, beneath Heaven, I have no kindred spirit left!Alas, how grievous! I humbly pray that you accept this offering!”

When Kongming finished the sacrifice, he prostrated himself and wept aloud. His tears gushed like a spring, and his grief was unending. The generals said to one another, “Everyone claimed that Gongjin and Kongming were at odds, but judging by the emotion with which he has offered this sacrifice, those were all empty rumors.” When Lu Su saw Kongming’s profound grief, he too was moved to sorrow and thought to himself, “Kongming is naturally a man of deep feeling. It was only Gongjin’s narrow-mindedness that brought about his own death.” A later poet lamented:

The Sleeping Dragon had not yet awakened from his sleep in Nanyang,When another brilliant star descended upon Shucheng.Since Heaven had already brought Gongjin into being,What need was there for Kongming to appear in the mortal world?

Lu Su held a banquet to entertain Kongming. When the banquet ended, Kongming took his leave. Just as he was about to board his ship, he saw a man by the riverbank dressed in a Daoist robe and bamboo cap, with a black sash and plain shoes. The man seized Kongming with one hand and laughed loudly. “You enraged Zhou Yu to death, and now you come to mourn him! Do you openly mock Eastern Wu for having no capable men?” Kongming looked closely at the man and saw that it was Master Young Phoenix, Pang Tong. Kongming also burst out laughing. The two went hand in hand aboard the ship and each confided his thoughts to the other. Kongming then left Pang Tong a letter and instructed him, “I expect that Sun Zhongmou will certainly be unable to employ you in a position worthy of your talents. If anything displeases you, come to Jingzhou and help Xuande with me. He is generous, benevolent, and deeply virtuous, and he will certainly not fail the learning you have acquired throughout your life.” Pang Tong agreed, and they parted. Kongming returned to Jingzhou.

Now Lu Su escorted Zhou Yu’s coffin to Wuhu, where Sun Quan received it. He wept and offered sacrifices before it, then ordered that Zhou Yu be given a lavish burial in his native district. Yu had two sons and one daughter. His elder son was Zhou Xun, and his younger son was Zhou Yin. Sun Quan provided generously for them all. Lu Su said, “I am a mediocre man of no distinction, and Gongjin mistakenly honored me with a powerful recommendation. In truth, I am not equal to this office. I wish to recommend a man to assist my lord. Above, this man comprehends astronomy; below, he understands geography. In strategy he is no less capable than Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, and in grasping the crucial workings of affairs he can stand beside Sun Wu and Wu Qi. In the past, Zhou Gongjin often followed his counsel, and Kongming deeply admires his wisdom as well. He is now in Jiangnan. Why not place him in an important position?”

Sun Quan was delighted to hear this and immediately asked the man’s name. Lu Su replied, “He is a native of Xiangyang. His surname is Pang, his given name is Tong, and his courtesy name is Shiyuan. His Daoist title is Master Young Phoenix.” Sun Quan said, “I too have heard his name for a long time. Since he is now here, invite him to come and see me at once.” Lu Su therefore invited Pang Tong to an audience with Sun Quan. After Pang Tong had performed the proper courtesies, Sun Quan saw that he had thick eyebrows, an upturned nose, a dark face, and a short beard. His appearance was strange, and Sun Quan disliked him. He asked, “What is the principal focus of your lifelong studies?” Pang Tong replied, “One need not cling to fixed rules. One should adapt to circumstances.” Sun Quan asked, “How does your talent and learning compare with Gongjin’s?” Pang Tong smiled and said, “My talent and learning are entirely different from Gongjin’s.” Sun Quan had always been especially fond of Zhou Yu. Seeing Pang Tong treat him lightly made him even more displeased, and he said, “You may withdraw for now. When I have use for you, I will invite you back.”

Pang Tong heaved a long sigh and left. Lu Su asked, “Why will my lord not employ Pang Shiyuan?” Sun Quan replied, “He is an arrogant scholar. What good would it do to employ him?” Lu Su said, “During the fierce fighting at Red Cliffs, this man devised the linked-ships strategy and rendered the foremost service. My lord must surely know of it.” Sun Quan replied, “Cao Cao already wished to nail his ships together at the time. It was not necessarily this man’s achievement. I swear I will not employ him.” Lu Su went out and said to Pang Tong, “It is not that I failed to recommend you, but the Marquis of Wu refuses to employ you. Please be patient.” Pang Tong lowered his head and sighed deeply without speaking. Lu Su asked, “Can it be that you have no interest in remaining in Wu?” Pang Tong did not answer. Lu Su said, “You possess the talent to restore order and save the age. Where could you go without succeeding? Tell me frankly where you intend to go.” Pang Tong replied, “I intend to go and join Cao Cao.” Lu Su said, “That would be casting a bright pearl into darkness. You should go to Jingzhou and join Imperial Uncle Liu. He will certainly place you in an important position.” Pang Tong replied, “That is truly what I intended. My earlier words were only a joke.” Lu Su said, “I will write a letter recommending you. If you assist Xuande, you must ensure that the houses of Sun and Liu do not attack one another, but join forces to defeat Cao.” Pang Tong said, “That has always been my lifelong aspiration.” He then asked Lu Su for the letter and went directly to Jingzhou to see Xuande.

At that time Kongming was away inspecting the four commanderies and had not yet returned. A gate official reported that Pang Tong, a renowned scholar from Jiangdong, had come expressly to offer his services. Xuande had long heard Pang Tong’s name and immediately ordered that he be invited in. When Pang Tong saw Xuande, he bowed deeply with clasped hands but did not kneel. Xuande saw that Pang Tong was ugly and also felt displeased. He asked him, “It cannot have been easy for you to come so far?” Pang Tong did not immediately present Lu Su’s letter or Kongming’s recommendation, but merely replied, “I heard that Imperial Uncle recruits worthy and talented men, so I came expressly to offer my services.” Xuande said, “Jing and Chu have only recently been pacified, and unfortunately I have no vacant position. Several hundred li southeast of here is a county called Leiyang. It lacks a magistrate, so I must ask you to accept that office. When another post becomes vacant, I will give you an important appointment.”

Pang Tong thought, “How poorly Xuande treats me! I had hoped to impress him with my talent and learning.” But since Kongming was absent, he had no choice but to take his leave and reluctantly depart. When Pang Tong reached Leiyang County, he paid no attention to government affairs and spent every day drinking for pleasure. He ignored all matters involving taxes, grain, petitions, and lawsuits. Someone reported to Xuande that Pang Tong had allowed all the affairs of Leiyang County to fall into neglect. Xuande angrily said, “How dare that worthless scholar disrupt my laws and regulations!” He summoned Zhang Fei and instructed him, “Take your attendants and inspect the counties of southern Jingzhou. If you find anyone acting unjustly or unlawfully, investigate the matter on the spot. In case there are affairs you do not fully understand, take Sun Qian with you.”

Zhang Fei received his orders and went with Sun Qian to Leiyang County. The soldiers, civilians, and officials all came outside the walls to welcome them, but the county magistrate alone was nowhere to be seen. Zhang Fei asked, “Where is the magistrate?” His subordinates replied, “Magistrate Pang has been in office for more than a hundred days, but he has paid no attention to any of the county’s affairs. Every day he drinks from dawn until night and remains constantly drunk. Today he has not yet recovered from last night’s wine and is still lying in bed.”

Zhang Fei was furious and wanted to seize him. Sun Qian said, “Pang Shiyuan is a man of great wisdom and must not be treated lightly. Let us first go to the county office and question him. If he has truly acted improperly, it will not be too late to punish him.” Zhang Fei entered the county office, seated himself in the main hall, and ordered the magistrate to appear. Pang Tong came out supported by attendants, still drunk and with his robes and cap in disorder. Zhang Fei angrily said, “My elder brother considered you a worthy man and made you a county magistrate. How dare you neglect all the county’s affairs?” Pang Tong smiled and asked, “What affairs does the general believe I have neglected?” Zhang Fei replied, “You have been in office for more than a hundred days and have spent every day drunk. How could you not have neglected government affairs?” Pang Tong said, “This is merely a small county covering a hundred li. What difficulty can there be in deciding its few minor affairs? General, sit for a while and wait for me to settle them.”

He immediately summoned the clerks and ordered them to bring out all the official business accumulated over the past hundred days for judgment. In a commotion, the clerks carried armfuls of case files into the hall and presented the petitions. The defendants all knelt around the foot of the steps. Pang Tong wrote judgments with his hand, issued decisions with his mouth, and listened to testimony with his ears. He distinguished right from wrong clearly and made not the slightest error. The people all knocked their heads on the ground and bowed before him. In less than half a day, he finished judging every matter that had accumulated over a hundred days. He threw down his brush and said to Zhang Fei, “Where are the affairs I neglected? As for Cao Cao and Sun Quan, I see through them as plainly as the lines on my palm. How could a small county like this be worth my concern?”

Zhang Fei was greatly astonished. He left his seat and apologized, saying, “You possess extraordinary talent, sir. I was disrespectful. I will recommend you to my elder brother with all my strength.” Pang Tong then produced Lu Su’s letter of recommendation. Zhang Fei asked, “Why did you not produce it when you first met my elder brother?” Pang Tong replied, “If I had produced it at once, it would have seemed that I had come seeking advancement solely by relying on a letter of recommendation.” Zhang Fei turned to Sun Qian and said, “If not for you, we would have lost a great worthy.” He then took leave of Pang Tong, returned to Jingzhou, and gave Xuande a full account of Pang Tong’s abilities. Xuande was greatly shocked and said, “It was my fault that I treated a great worthy so poorly!” Zhang Fei presented Lu Su’s letter of recommendation. Xuande opened and read it. The letter said in part:

“Pang Shiyuan’s talents are not confined to governing a district of a hundred li. Only if he is appointed Administrator or Assistant Inspector will he have room to display his thoroughbred’s stride. If you judge him by his appearance, I fear you will fail to honor his learning, and in the end he will be employed by another. That would truly be regrettable.”

After Xuande finished reading, he was sighing with regret when suddenly a messenger reported that Kongming had returned. Xuande received him, and after they had exchanged the proper courtesies, Kongming’s first question was, “Has Military Adviser Pang been well lately?” Xuande replied, “He has recently been governing Leiyang County, but he loves wine and has neglected his duties.” Kongming laughed and said, “Shiyuan’s talents are not confined to governing a district of a hundred li. The learning in his breast surpasses mine tenfold. I once gave Shiyuan a letter of recommendation. Has he presented it to my lord?” Xuande said, “Only today did I receive Zijing’s letter. I have not yet seen yours.” Kongming said, “When a great worthy is placed in a minor office, he will often muddle through with wine and grow weary of attending to business.” Xuande said, “If not for what my younger brother told me, I would nearly have lost a great worthy.”

He immediately ordered Zhang Fei to go to Leiyang County and invite Pang Tong to Jingzhou. Xuande descended the steps to apologize to him. Only then did Pang Tong produce Kongming’s letter of recommendation. Xuande read the letter, which said that when Young Phoenix arrived, he should immediately be placed in an important position. Xuande joyfully said, “Sima Decao once told me, ‘Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix—gain either one, and you can bring peace to the realm.’ Now I have gained both of them. The house of Han can be restored!” He therefore appointed Pang Tong Deputy Military Adviser and General of the Household. Together with Kongming, Pang Tong was to assist in devising strategy, train the soldiers, and await the call to campaign.

Before long, someone reported in Xuchang that Liu Bei had Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong as his advisers, was recruiting soldiers and purchasing horses, stockpiling fodder and grain, and forming an alliance with Eastern Wu, and that sooner or later he would certainly raise an army for a northern expedition. When Cao Cao heard this, he assembled his advisers to discuss a southern campaign. Xun You proposed, “Zhou Yu has only recently died. We can first take Sun Quan and then attack Liu Bei.” Cao Cao said, “If I go on a distant campaign, I fear Ma Teng will attack the capital at Xu. During the campaign at Red Cliffs, false rumors circulated in the army that an invasion from Xiliang had begun. Now we cannot fail to guard against it.” Xun You said, “In my humble opinion, it would be better to issue an imperial edict appointing Ma Teng General Who Campaigns in the South and ordering him to attack Sun Quan. Lure him into the capital and first eliminate him. Then there will be no danger during the southern campaign.” Cao Cao was delighted. That very day, he sent an envoy carrying an imperial edict to summon Ma Teng from Xiliang.

Now Ma Teng’s courtesy name was Shoucheng, and he was a descendant of Ma Yuan, the Han General Who Calms the Waves. His father’s name was Ma Su, and his courtesy name was Zishuo. During the reign of Emperor Huan, he served as commandant of Langan County in Tianshui. Later he lost his office and wandered through Longxi, where he lived among the Qiang people. He married a Qiang woman, who gave birth to Ma Teng. Ma Teng stood eight chi tall and had an imposing and extraordinary appearance. He was gentle and kind by nature, and many people respected him. In the final years of Emperor Ling’s reign, many Qiang people rebelled, and Ma Teng raised a militia and defeated them. In the middle years of the Chuping era, he was appointed General Who Campaigns in the West for his achievements in suppressing rebels, and he became sworn brothers with Han Sui, General Who Guards the West.

On receiving the edict, Ma Teng consulted his eldest son, Ma Chao, saying, “Ever since Dong Cheng and I received the Girdle Edict and agreed with Liu Xuande to join in destroying the traitor, Dong Cheng has unfortunately died and Xuande has suffered repeated defeats. I have also been isolated here in Xiliang and have been unable to assist Xuande. Now I hear that Xuande has gained Jingzhou. I was just about to fulfill my former aspiration, yet Cao Cao has instead summoned me. What should I do?” Ma Chao replied, “Cao Cao has summoned Father in the emperor’s name. If you refuse to go, he will certainly accuse us of defying an imperial command. We should take advantage of his summons and go directly to the capital, then act from within. In that way, our former aspiration can be fulfilled.”

Ma Teng’s nephew Ma Dai warned him, “Cao Cao’s intentions are unfathomable. If Uncle goes, you will surely be harmed by him.” Ma Chao said, “I am willing to raise every soldier in Xiliang, follow Father into Xuchang, and rid the realm of this scourge. Why should that be impossible?” Ma Teng replied, “You must command the Qiang troops yourself and defend Xiliang. I will take only my second son, Ma Xiu, my third son, Ma Tie, and my nephew Ma Dai. When Cao Cao sees that you remain in Xiliang and that Han Sui is there to assist you, I expect he will not dare harm me.” Ma Chao said, “If Father goes, you must not lightly enter the capital. You should adapt to circumstances and watch his movements.” Ma Teng replied, “I have my own arrangements. There is no need for so much concern.”

Ma Teng therefore led five thousand Xiliang troops toward Xuchang. He first appointed Ma Xiu and Ma Tie to command the vanguard and left Ma Dai in the rear to provide support. The army advanced in a long, winding column and encamped twenty li from Xuchang. When Cao Cao learned that Ma Teng had arrived, he summoned Huang Kui, Palace Attendant of the Chancellery, and instructed him, “Ma Teng is now setting out on a southern campaign. I appoint you his military adviser. Go first to Ma Teng’s camp to greet and reward the troops. You may tell Ma Teng this: ‘The road from Xiliang is long, and transporting grain is extremely difficult, so you cannot bring too many soldiers and horses. I will send another large force to advance together with you. Tomorrow, have Ma Teng enter the city for an audience with the emperor, and I will then provide him with grain and fodder.’”

Huang Kui accepted the order and went to see Ma Teng, who held a banquet for him. When Huang Kui had drunk until he was half intoxicated, he said, “My father, Huang Wan, died during the disaster caused by Li Jue and Guo Si, and I have always harbored bitter grief over it. I never imagined that today we would again encounter a traitor who deceives his sovereign.” Ma Teng asked, “Who is this traitor who deceives his sovereign?” Huang Kui replied, “The traitor who deceives his sovereign is Cao Cao. Can it be that you do not know this and must ask me?” Ma Teng feared Cao Cao had sent Huang Kui to probe him, so he hurriedly stopped him, saying, “There are eyes and ears close by. Do not speak recklessly.” Huang Kui rebuked him, “Have you completely forgotten the Girdle Edict?” Seeing that Huang Kui had voiced his own secret thoughts, Ma Teng privately told him the truth. Huang Kui said, “Cao Cao wants you to enter the city for an audience with the emperor. His intentions cannot be good. You must not enter lightly. Tomorrow, deploy your troops beneath the city walls. When Cao Cao comes out of the city to review the army, kill him at the review ground, and the great enterprise will succeed.”

After the two settled their plan, Huang Kui returned home, but his anger had not subsided. His wife questioned him repeatedly, but he refused to say anything. Unknown to him, his concubine Li Chunxiang was having an affair with Miao Ze, his wife’s younger brother. Miao Ze wanted to possess Chunxiang but had no means of doing so. When the concubine saw Huang Kui’s anger, she said to Miao Ze, “Attendant Huang returned today from discussing military affairs and seems extremely indignant. I do not know why.” Miao Ze said, “You can provoke him by saying, ‘Everyone says that Imperial Uncle Liu is benevolent and virtuous, while Cao Cao is a treacherous hero. Why is that?’ Then see what he says.”

That night, Huang Kui indeed came to Chunxiang’s room. The concubine provoked him with these words. Taking advantage of his drunkenness, Huang Kui said, “Even though you are only a woman, you know the difference between evil and righteousness. How much more must I know it? What angers me is that I want to kill Cao Cao.” The concubine asked, “If you want to kill him, how will you do it?” Huang Kui replied, “I have already made an agreement with General Ma. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao reviews the troops outside the city, we will kill him.” The concubine told Miao Ze, and Miao Ze reported it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao secretly summoned Cao Hong and Xu Chu and gave them detailed instructions. He then summoned Xiahou Yuan and Xu Huang and likewise gave them detailed instructions. Each accepted his orders and departed. Meanwhile, Cao Cao first had Huang Kui’s entire household, young and old, arrested.

The next day, Ma Teng led the Xiliang troops toward the city. Just as they were drawing near, he saw a cluster of red banners ahead bearing the insignia of the Chancellor. Ma Teng assumed that Cao Cao had come in person to review the army and spurred his horse forward. Suddenly, a cannon boomed. As the red banners opened, bows and crossbows all fired together. The general leading the attack was Cao Hong. Ma Teng hurriedly wheeled his horse around, but battle cries rose from both sides. Xu Chu charged from the left, Xiahou Yuan charged from the right, and Xu Huang led troops in from the rear. They cut the Xiliang army in two and trapped Ma Teng and his two sons at the center of the encirclement.

Seeing that matters had gone wrong, Ma Teng fought desperately to break out. Ma Tie had already been killed by a hail of arrows. Ma Xiu followed Ma Teng, charging left and right, but they could not escape. Both men suffered severe wounds, and the horses beneath them were shot down by arrows. Father and son were both captured. Cao Cao ordered Huang Kui and Ma Teng and his son brought forward in bonds. Huang Kui shouted, “I am innocent!” Cao Cao ordered Miao Ze to confront him with the evidence. Ma Teng cursed him bitterly: “Worthless scholar! You have ruined my great enterprise! That I cannot kill the traitor for the sake of the state is Heaven’s will!” Cao Cao ordered them dragged away. Ma Teng continued cursing without cease, and he was put to death together with his son Ma Xiu and Huang Kui. A later poet praised Ma Teng:

Father and son shared a glorious, heroic end;One house was famed for loyalty without bend.They gave their lives to save the state from woe,And swore to die repaying what they owed.The blood-chewed oath remained as once declared;Their righteous pledge to kill the traitor endured.Xiliang acclaimed their noble line as one;He did not shame the Wave-Calming General’s name.

Miao Ze said to Cao Cao, “I do not desire any additional reward. I ask only that Li Chunxiang be given to me as my wife.” Cao Cao laughed and said, “For the sake of a single woman, you destroyed your elder sister’s husband and his entire family. What use is there in keeping such an unrighteous man alive?” He ordered Miao Ze and Li Chunxiang beheaded in the marketplace along with Huang Kui’s whole household, young and old. None of the onlookers failed to sigh with regret. A later poet lamented:

For selfish lust, Miao Ze destroyed a loyal man;Before gaining Chunxiang, he lost his life instead.Even the treacherous hero would not pardon such a deed;In vain he plotted and proved himself base.

Cao Cao ordered the Xiliang soldiers pacified and issued a proclamation to them: “Ma Teng and his sons plotted rebellion. The matter has nothing to do with the rest of you.” At the same time, he sent men with orders to secure the passes and not allow Ma Dai to escape.

Now Ma Dai had been following in the rear with a thousand troops. Soldiers who had escaped from outside Xuchang soon returned and reported the news to him. Ma Dai was greatly alarmed. He had no choice but to abandon his troops and horses, disguise himself as a traveling merchant, and flee through the night.

After Cao Cao killed Ma Teng and the others, he resolved to campaign in the south. Suddenly, a man reported, “Liu Bei is training his troops and horses and preparing his weapons and equipment. He intends to take the Riverlands.” Cao Cao was alarmed and said, “If Liu Bei gains the Riverlands, his wings will be fully formed. How can we deal with him then?”

Before he finished speaking, a man below the steps came forward and said, “I have a plan that will prevent Liu Bei and Sun Quan from cooperating. Both Jiangnan and the Western Riverlands will fall to the Chancellor.” Indeed:

The heroes of the Western Riverlands now face death,And the champions of the south will suffer calamity again.

Who was the man who offered this plan? Read the next chapter to find out.