Chapter 59

Xu Chu Strips to Fight Ma Chao; Cao Cao Blots a Letter to Divide Han Sui

That night the two armies fought in confusion until dawn, when each withdrew its troops. Ma Chao encamped at the mouth of the Wei River and divided his forces day and night to attack from front and rear. Within the Wei, Cao Cao chained boats and rafts together to form three floating bridges connecting with the southern bank. Cao Ren led troops to establish a stockade along both sides of the river, linking grain carts and wagons together as a barricade. When Ma Chao heard of this, he ordered every soldier to carry a bundle of straw and fire-making materials, then joined forces with Han Sui and attacked the stockade. They heaped up the bundles and set them fiercely ablaze. Cao Cao’s troops could not withstand them and abandoned the stockade in flight. The wagons, carts, and floating bridges were all burned to ashes. The forces of Western Liang won a great victory and cut off the Wei River. Unable to establish a camp, Cao Cao grew deeply anxious. Xun You said, “We can take sand and earth from the banks of the Wei and build a walled fortification that will be strong enough to hold.” Cao Cao assigned thirty thousand soldiers to carry earth and build the walls. But Ma Chao sent Pang De and Ma Dai, each with five hundred cavalry, to charge back and forth against them; moreover, the sandy soil would not hold, and whatever they built promptly collapsed. Cao Cao had no remedy.

It was now the end of the ninth month. The weather suddenly turned bitterly cold, while dense red clouds blanketed the sky and did not clear for days. Cao Cao sat brooding in his camp. Suddenly a man reported, “An old gentleman has come to see the Prime Minister and wishes to offer a plan.” Cao Cao had him admitted. The man had the bones of a crane and the bearing of a pine, with an ancient and venerable appearance. When questioned, he proved to be a native of Jingzhao who lived in seclusion on Mount Zhongnan. His surname was Lou, his courtesy name Zibo, and his Daoist name the Recluse Dreaming of Plums. Cao Cao received him with the courtesies due a guest. Zibo said, “The Prime Minister has long wished to cross the Wei and establish a camp. Why do you not seize this opportunity to build it now?” Cao Cao replied, “On sandy ground, ramparts cannot be raised. What excellent counsel can the recluse bestow upon me?” Zibo said, “The Prime Minister employs troops with divine skill—can it be that you do not understand the seasons? For days the clouds have gathered thickly. Once the north wind rises, there is certain to be a great freeze. After the wind begins, drive your soldiers to carry earth and pour water over it. By dawn, your earthen walls will be complete.”

Cao Cao was greatly enlightened and rewarded Zibo lavishly. Zibo declined the gifts and departed. That night a mighty north wind arose. Cao Cao drove all his soldiers to carry earth and pour water over it. As they had no vessels for holding water, they made bags of raw silk, filled them, and drenched the earth; as they built, it froze. By dawn, the sand and earth had frozen solid, and the walls were complete. Scouts reported this to Ma Chao. He led out troops to inspect them and was greatly astonished, suspecting that Cao Cao had received divine aid. The next day Ma Chao assembled his main army and advanced to the beat of drums. Cao Cao rode out of camp in person, with only Xu Chu following behind. Flourishing his whip, Cao Cao shouted, “Mengde has come here alone on horseback! Let Ma Chao come out and speak with me!” Ma Chao rode forth with leveled spear. Cao Cao said, “You mocked me because I could not establish a camp. Now Heaven has built it for me in a single night. Why do you not surrender at once?”

Ma Chao was enraged and meant to spur forward and seize him, but behind Cao Cao he saw a man with strange eyes opened round, a steel saber in his hand, reining in his horse as he stood. Suspecting that this was Xu Chu, Ma Chao raised his whip and asked, “I hear there is a Tiger Marquis in your army. Where is he?” Xu Chu lifted his saber and roared, “I am Xu Chu of Qiao Commandery!” Divine light shot from his eyes, and a terrible majesty bristled about him. Ma Chao dared not move, but reined about and withdrew. Cao Cao likewise returned to camp with Xu Chu. All who watched from the two armies were struck with awe. Cao Cao said to his generals, “So the rebel knows that Zhongkang is the Tiger Marquis?” From then on, everyone in the army called Xu Chu the Tiger Marquis. Xu Chu said, “Tomorrow I shall certainly capture Ma Chao.” Cao Cao said, “Ma Chao is brave and fierce. You must not take him lightly.” Xu Chu replied, “I swear to fight him to the death!” He immediately sent a challenge declaring that the Tiger Marquis alone challenged Ma Chao to a decisive battle the next day. Ma Chao received the letter and cried furiously, “How dare he insult me so!” He wrote in reply that on the following day he swore to kill the Tiger Madman.

The next day both armies marched out and drew up their formations. Ma Chao placed Pang De on the left wing and Ma Dai on the right, while Han Sui commanded the center. Ma Chao leveled his spear, urged forward his horse, and halted before the ranks, shouting, “Tiger Madman, come out quickly!” Beneath the commander’s banner, Cao Cao looked back at his generals and said, “Ma Chao’s valor is no less than Lü Bu’s.” Before he had finished speaking, Xu Chu galloped out, brandishing his saber. Ma Chao met him with leveled spear. They fought for more than a hundred bouts without deciding victory or defeat. Their horses grew weary, so each returned to his lines, changed mounts, and rode out again. They fought for another hundred bouts, still without a decision. Xu Chu’s fighting blood rose. He galloped back into his formation, stripped off his helmet and armor, and, with the muscles of his bare body bulging, grasped his saber, vaulted onto his horse, and returned to fight Ma Chao to the death. Both armies were aghast. The two fought for more than thirty further bouts. Then Xu Chu, exerting all his might, raised his saber and hacked at Ma Chao. Ma Chao dodged the stroke and thrust his spear straight at Xu Chu’s heart. Xu Chu cast aside his saber and caught the spear under his arm. The two struggled for possession of it from horseback. Xu Chu’s strength was immense; with a sharp crack he snapped the shaft, and each seized one half and struck wildly at the other from horseback. Fearing that harm might come to Xu Chu, Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Yuan and Cao Hong to ride out together and attack Ma Chao from both sides. Seeing Cao Cao’s generals come forth together, Pang De and Ma Dai signaled the iron cavalry on both wings, which charged across the field and plunged into the melee. Cao Cao’s troops fell into disorder. Xu Chu was struck by two arrows in the arm. The generals retreated in haste into the stockade, while Ma Chao pursued them all the way to the riverbank, inflicting losses on more than half of Cao Cao’s army. Cao Cao ordered the gates barred and forbade anyone to come out. Ma Chao returned to the mouth of the Wei and said to Han Sui, “Of all the savage fighters I have ever seen, none can compare with Xu Chu. He truly is a Tiger Madman!”

Cao Cao, meanwhile, judged that Ma Chao could be defeated by stratagem. He therefore secretly ordered Xu Huang and Zhu Ling to cross the river with all their troops and establish a camp on the western bank, so that they might attack from front and rear. One day, from the city wall, Cao Cao saw Ma Chao leading several hundred horsemen straight up to the stockade, sweeping back and forth as swiftly as flight. Cao Cao watched for a long while, then flung his helmet to the ground and said, “If that young Ma does not die, I shall have no burial place!” Hearing this, Xiahou Yuan grew furious and cried sternly, “I would rather die on this spot! I swear to destroy the Ma rebel!” He led out more than a thousand of his own troops, flung wide the stockade gates, and raced directly after Ma Chao. Cao Cao called urgently for him to stop, but could not restrain him. Fearing that he might come to harm, Cao Cao hurriedly mounted and went forward in person to support him. When Ma Chao saw Cao Cao’s troops approaching, he turned his van into the rear guard and his rear guard into the van, then arrayed them in a single line. When Xiahou Yuan arrived, Ma Chao engaged him in battle. In the midst of the fighting, Ma Chao sighted Cao Cao in the distance. Abandoning Xiahou Yuan, he charged straight at Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed, wheeled his horse, and fled. His troops fell into chaos.

While Ma Chao was in pursuit, a sudden report came that one of Cao Cao’s armies had already established a camp west of the river. Ma Chao was greatly alarmed. Losing all desire to continue the pursuit, he hastily recalled his troops and returned to camp to confer with Han Sui. “Cao Cao’s troops have taken advantage of our exposed position to cross to the west bank,” he said. “Our army now faces enemies both before and behind. What are we to do?” The subordinate general Li Kan said, “It would be better to cede territory and sue for peace, so that both sides may suspend hostilities for the time being. Once we have weathered the winter and spring brings warmth, we can make other plans.” Han Sui said, “Li Kan’s proposal is excellent. We should follow it.” Ma Chao remained hesitant and undecided. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan both urged that they seek peace. Han Sui therefore sent Yang Qiu as envoy straight to Cao Cao’s stockade with a letter offering to cede territory and make peace. Cao Cao said, “Return to your camp for now. Tomorrow I shall send someone with my answer.” Yang Qiu took his leave. Jia Xu entered and asked Cao Cao, “What does the Prime Minister intend?” Cao Cao replied, “What is your own view?” Jia Xu said, “In war, deception is never to be rejected. You may pretend to accept their offer, then employ a scheme of estrangement to make Han Sui and Ma Chao suspect each other. After that, they may be broken with a single roll of the drums.” Cao Cao clapped his hands in delight and said, “The loftiest insights under Heaven often coincide. Wenhe’s plan is precisely what I already had in mind.” He therefore sent a reply saying, “Wait until I gradually withdraw my army, and I shall restore to you the land west of the river.” At the same time, he ordered floating bridges constructed, as though preparing to retreat. When Ma Chao received the letter, he said to Han Sui, “Though Cao Cao has agreed to peace, that cunning hero is unfathomable. If we make no preparations, we shall instead fall under his control. Let my uncle and me take turns deploying our troops. Today you face Cao Cao while I face Xu Huang; tomorrow I shall face Cao Cao while you face Xu Huang. Thus we shall guard separately against his treachery.”

Han Sui followed this plan, but someone promptly reported it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao turned to Jia Xu and said, “My purpose is accomplished!” He then asked, “Who is to face me tomorrow?” The man replied, “Han Sui.” The next day Cao Cao led his generals out of camp, surrounded on the left and right, while he alone sat conspicuous on horseback in the center. Many of Han Sui’s soldiers had never seen Cao Cao and came out from their ranks to look at him. Cao Cao shouted, “Do you soldiers wish to see Lord Cao? I too am only a man. I do not have four eyes and two mouths; I merely possess rather more cunning!”

The soldiers all showed fear. Cao Cao sent a man across the lines to say to Han Sui, “The Prime Minister respectfully invites General Han to confer with him.” Han Sui immediately rode out. Seeing that Cao Cao wore neither armor nor weapons, he too discarded his armor and came out lightly clad on a single horse. The two brought their horses head to head, each holding his reins as they talked. Cao Cao said, “Your father and I were recommended together as Filial and Incorrupt, and I always served him as I would an uncle. You and I also entered official life together, and many years have passed without our noticing. What is the general’s honorable age now?” Han Sui replied, “I am forty.” Cao Cao said, “When we were in the capital in former days, we were both in the green springtime of youth. Who would have thought that we should already reach middle age? How I wish the realm might be at peace, so that we could share its pleasures!” He spoke at length only of old times and never once mentioned military affairs. When he had finished, he laughed heartily. They conversed for a full two hours before turning their horses and parting, each returning to his own camp.

Someone quickly reported the affair to Ma Chao. Ma Chao hurried to Han Sui and asked, “What did Cao Cao say to you before the lines today?” Han Sui replied, “He merely recounted old affairs from the capital.” Ma Chao said, “How could he have said nothing of military business?” Han Sui replied, “If Cao Cao did not speak of it, why should I alone have done so?” Ma Chao’s suspicions deepened, but he said nothing and withdrew.

Cao Cao, meanwhile, returned to his camp and said to Jia Xu, “Do you understand the purpose of my conversation before the lines?” Jia Xu replied, “The idea was ingenious, but it is not yet enough to divide the two men. I have a plan that will make Han Sui and Ma Chao turn upon and slaughter each other.” Cao Cao asked what the plan was. Jia Xu said, “Ma Chao is merely a bold warrior and understands nothing of secret intrigues. Let the Prime Minister write a letter in his own hand addressed solely to Han Sui. Make the wording obscure in places, and at all the crucial passages cross out and alter the text yourself. Then seal it and send it to Han Sui, deliberately allowing Ma Chao to learn of it. Ma Chao will certainly demand to see the letter. When he finds all its essential passages crossed out and altered, he will suppose that Han Sui erased them himself for fear that Ma Chao might discover some secret matter. This will perfectly confirm the suspicions raised by your private mounted conference. Once suspicion arises, disorder is certain to follow. I shall also secretly establish contact with the generals under Han Sui and set them at odds with one another. Ma Chao may then be dealt with.” Cao Cao said, “The plan is excellent.” He at once wrote a letter, crossing out and altering all the important passages. He then sealed it securely and, to make a display of the matter, sent numerous attendants to deliver it to Han Sui’s camp. Having presented the letter, they returned.

Sure enough, someone reported the matter to Ma Chao. His suspicions deepened further, and he went straight to Han Sui and demanded to see the letter. Han Sui handed it to him. When Ma Chao saw that parts of the writing had been crossed out and altered, he asked, “Why is everything in this letter so blurred with corrections?” Han Sui said, “The letter came like this. I do not know why.” Ma Chao said, “Who would ever send another man a rough draft? My uncle must have feared that I would learn the particulars and crossed them out beforehand.” Han Sui said, “Perhaps Cao Cao mistakenly sealed up and sent the draft.” Ma Chao said, “That I cannot believe. Cao Cao is a meticulous man. How could he make such an error? You and I have joined forces to destroy the enemy—why have you suddenly conceived a different purpose?” Han Sui said, “If you do not trust my heart, tomorrow I shall lure Cao Cao into conversation before the lines. You may burst out from within our formation and kill him with a single thrust of your spear.” Ma Chao said, “If you do that, it will prove my uncle’s sincerity.” The two made their agreement.

The next day Han Sui led five generals—Hou Xuan, Li Kan, Liang Xing, Ma Wan, and Yang Qiu—out before the lines. Ma Chao concealed himself in the shadow of the camp gate. Han Sui sent a man to the front of Cao Cao’s stockade to shout, “General Han invites the Prime Minister to come out and converse.” Cao Cao ordered Cao Hong to lead several dozen horsemen directly before the lines to meet Han Sui. Halting his horse several paces away, Cao Hong leaned forward in the saddle and said, “Do not fail in what the Prime Minister conveyed to the general last night.” With that, he turned his horse and rode back. When Ma Chao heard this, he was enraged. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged at Han Sui and tried to stab him. The five generals barred his way and persuaded the two to return to camp. Han Sui said, “Worthy nephew, do not suspect me. I harbor no evil intent.” But Ma Chao would not believe him. He departed filled with hatred and resentment. Han Sui conferred with the five generals, saying, “How can this matter be explained?” Yang Qiu said, “Ma Chao relies on his valor and has always sought to domineer over my lord. Even if he defeats Cao Cao, how would he ever consent to yield precedence to you? In my humble opinion, it would be better to submit secretly to Lord Cao. Then in days to come you will not fail to receive the rank of marquis.” Han Sui said, “Ma Teng and I once swore brotherhood. How can I bear to betray him?” Yang Qiu said, “Matters have come to this. There is no other course.” Han Sui asked, “Who can carry the message?” Yang Qiu replied, “I am willing to go.” Han Sui therefore wrote a secret letter and sent Yang Qiu to Cao Cao’s camp to discuss their surrender.

Cao Cao was overjoyed. He promised to enfeoff Han Sui as Marquis of Western Liang and appoint Yang Qiu Administrator of Western Liang, while all the others would receive offices and noble ranks. They agreed to use fire as their signal and together plotted against Ma Chao. Yang Qiu bowed farewell and returned to Han Sui, to whom he related everything in detail: “We have agreed to light a fire tonight, then act together from within and without.” Han Sui was delighted. He ordered his soldiers to pile dry firewood behind the central army’s command tent, while each of the five generals hung sword and saber at his side and stood ready. Han Sui then discussed arranging a banquet to entice Ma Chao there and kill him at the feast, but he remained hesitant and had not yet decided.

Unknown to them, Ma Chao had already learned every detail. Taking several close attendants with him, he went ahead with sword in hand, while ordering Pang De and Ma Dai to follow in support. Ma Chao slipped secretly into Han Sui’s tent, where he saw the five generals speaking privately with Han Sui. He heard Yang Qiu say, “There must be no delay. Act quickly!” Ma Chao flew into a rage. Brandishing his sword, he rushed in and roared, “How dare you pack of traitors plot to murder me!” All were greatly alarmed. Ma Chao brought his sword down straight at Han Sui’s face. Han Sui frantically raised a hand to ward off the blow, and his left hand was severed. The five generals drew their sabers and rushed at Ma Chao together. Ma Chao bounded out of the tent, where the five surrounded him and attacked in a confused melee. Alone, Ma Chao wielded his precious sword and fought all five. Wherever the sword’s bright gleam flashed, fresh blood sprayed: he struck down Ma Wan and hewed Liang Xing to the ground, while the other three generals fled for their lives. Ma Chao rushed back into the tent to kill Han Sui, but attendants had already rescued him. A blaze then rose behind the tent, and the troops in every camp began to move. Ma Chao hurriedly mounted his horse. Pang De and Ma Dai also arrived, and all sides became entangled in a chaotic battle. As Ma Chao led his troops in an attempt to break out, Cao Cao’s forces closed in from every direction: Xu Chu was before him, Xu Huang behind, Xiahou Yuan on the left, and Cao Hong on the right, while the soldiers of Western Liang slaughtered one another. Ma Chao lost sight of Pang De and Ma Dai, and with more than a hundred horsemen took up a position on the bridge over the Wei.

As the sky began to brighten, Ma Chao saw Li Kan leading a force beneath the bridge. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he gave chase. Li Kan trailed his spear and fled. Just then Yu Jin came up behind Ma Chao. Yu Jin drew his bow and shot at him. Hearing the twang of the bowstring behind him, Ma Chao quickly swerved aside; the arrow instead struck Li Kan ahead of him, and he fell from his horse dead. Ma Chao wheeled about to kill Yu Jin, but Yu Jin spurred away. Ma Chao returned to the bridge and held his ground. Cao Cao’s troops closed in from front and rear, with the Tiger Guard in the van, and shot volleys of arrows at Ma Chao from both sides. Ma Chao swept them aside with his spear, and the shafts fell clattering to the ground. He ordered his mounted followers to charge back and forth, but Cao Cao’s encirclement was too dense and solid for them to break through. With a mighty roar, Ma Chao charged from the bridge into the land north of the river, but all his followers were cut off behind him. Alone, Ma Chao dashed this way and that through the enemy formation, until a concealed crossbow shot brought down the horse beneath him. Ma Chao fell to the ground, and Cao Cao’s troops closed in.

At that moment of mortal peril, a body of troops suddenly came charging from the northwest. It was Pang De and Ma Dai. The two rescued Ma Chao, gave him a remount from the army, and, wheeling about, carved a bloody path through the enemy and fled toward the northwest. When Cao Cao heard that Ma Chao had escaped, he transmitted an order to all his generals: “Whether by day or night, you must pursue that young Ma until you overtake him. Whoever takes his head shall be rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold and enfeoffed as marquis of ten thousand households. Whoever captures him alive shall be appointed a great general.” The generals received the order. Each eager to win the prize, they pursued in a long, unbroken line. Ma Chao paid no heed to the exhaustion of men or horses and thought only of flight. His mounted followers gradually scattered. Of the infantry who could not keep up, many were captured. At last, with only a little more than thirty horsemen remaining, he fled with Pang De and Ma Dai toward Longxi and Lintao.

Cao Cao pursued in person as far as Anding. Only when he learned that Ma Chao had gone far beyond reach did he recall his troops and return to Chang’an. All the generals assembled there. Han Sui, having lost his left hand, was now a cripple. Cao Cao ordered him to rest his troops and horses in Chang’an and conferred upon him the office of Marquis of Western Liang. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan were both enfeoffed as marquises and ordered to guard the mouth of the Wei. Cao Cao then gave orders for the army to return to the capital at Xu. Yang Fu, an Assistant Officer of Liangzhou whose courtesy name was Yishan, came directly to Chang’an to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked why he had come. Yang Fu said, “Ma Chao possesses the valor of Lü Bu and has won the deep devotion of the Qiang people. If the Prime Minister does not take advantage of his present momentum and exterminate him, then once Ma Chao has had time to recover his strength, the commanderies west of Longshan will no longer belong to the state. I beg the Prime Minister not to withdraw his army yet.” Cao Cao said, “I had intended to leave troops behind to campaign against him. Unfortunately, there are many troubles in the Central Plain, and the south has not yet been pacified, so I cannot remain here long. You must safeguard the region for me.”

Yang Fu accepted the charge. He also recommended Wei Kang as Inspector of Liangzhou and proposed that they lead troops together to garrison Jicheng against Ma Chao. Before departing, Yang Fu petitioned Cao Cao, saying, “A powerful force must be left in Chang’an to serve as our support.” Cao Cao replied, “I have already made the arrangements. Set your mind at ease.” Yang Fu took his leave and departed. The generals all asked Cao Cao, “When the rebels first occupied Tong Pass and the route north of the Wei lay open, why did the Prime Minister not advance through Hedong to attack Fengyi, but instead hold at Tong Pass and delay for so long before crossing northward and establishing a fortified camp?” Cao Cao said, “When the rebels first held Tong Pass, if I had gone to Hedong as soon as I arrived, they would certainly have divided the forces of their various camps among all the river crossings, and then the western bank would have been impossible to reach. I therefore massed my troops before Tong Pass, causing the rebels to concentrate all their strength in the south and leave the western bank unprepared. Thus Xu Huang and Zhu Ling were able to cross. Only afterward did I lead the army across to the north. I linked carts together and erected palisades to form a covered passage, then built walls of ice, all to make the rebels think me weak, inflate their arrogance, and leave them unprepared. I then cleverly employed a scheme of estrangement while conserving my soldiers’ strength, and in a single stroke I shattered them. This is precisely what is meant by ‘the thunderbolt falls before a man can cover his ears.’ The transformations of warfare are certainly not confined to a single path.”

The generals asked further, “Whenever the Prime Minister heard that the enemy had added soldiers and increased its numbers, a look of delight came over your face. Why was that?” Cao Cao replied, “The region within the passes is remote. Had the various rebels each relied on their own rugged strongholds, they could not have been subdued in less than one or two years. But now they all gathered in one place. Though their numbers were great, their hearts were not united, and they could easily be divided. Thus they could be destroyed in a single stroke, and that was why I rejoiced.” The generals bowed and said, “The Prime Minister’s divine foresight is beyond any of us!” Cao Cao said, “I also relied upon the efforts of all of you, civil and military alike.” He richly rewarded the entire army and left Xiahou Yuan to garrison Chang’an. The surrendered troops were divided among the various commands. Xiahou Yuan recommended Zhang Ji, courtesy name Derong, a native of Gaoling in Fengyi, to serve as Intendant of Jingzhao and guard Chang’an together with him. Cao Cao then led the army back to the capital. Emperor Xian ordered out the imperial carriage and went beyond the city walls to welcome him. By imperial decree, Cao Cao was granted the privilege of receiving homage without being addressed by name, of entering court without hurrying, and of ascending the palace hall wearing sword and shoes, in accordance with the precedent of Xiao He, Chancellor of Han. From that time onward, his might shook the realm both at home and abroad.

When news of this reached Hanzhong, it swiftly alarmed Zhang Lu, Administrator of Hanning. Zhang Lu was a native of Feng in Pei. His grandfather Zhang Ling had composed Daoist scriptures on Mount Huming in western Sichuan to delude the people, and everyone revered him. After Zhang Ling’s death, his son Zhang Heng continued his practices. Any commoner who wished to study the Way contributed five pecks of rice, and the followers became commonly known as the “Rice Rebels.” When Zhang Heng died, Zhang Lu continued the practices. In Hanzhong, Zhang Lu styled himself “Teacher-Lord.” Those who came to study the Way were all called “Demon Soldiers.” Their leaders were called “Libationers,” while those who commanded large followings were called “Chief Libationers of a Diocese.” Sincerity and good faith were upheld above all, and fraud and deceit were forbidden. If anyone fell ill, an altar was erected, and the sick person was placed in a quiet chamber, where he reflected upon his own transgressions and confessed them openly. Only then were prayers offered on his behalf. Those responsible for conducting the prayers were called “Libationers Who Supervised the Ordinances.” The method of prayer was to write down the sick person’s name and declare his intention to confess his guilt. Three copies of the document were prepared, known as the “Petitions to the Three Officials.” One copy was burned on a mountaintop as a memorial to Heaven, one was buried in the earth as a memorial to Earth, and one was sunk beneath the water as a petition to the Official of the Waters. If the sick person then recovered, he presented five pecks of rice in thanks. Charitable hostels were also built, stocked with cooked rice, firewood, meat, and other provisions. Travelers were allowed to take and eat whatever quantity they required. Those who took too much would suffer Heaven’s punishment. Anyone within the territory who violated the law was always pardoned three times. Only if he failed to reform was punishment imposed. There were no civil officials anywhere; everything was administered by the Libationers. In this manner Zhang Lu had held Hanzhong as an independent power for thirty years. The imperial government considered the region too remote to subdue by force, so it merely appointed Zhang Lu General of the Household Who Guards the South and Administrator of Hanning, requiring only that he maintain communications and offer tribute.

That year, when Zhang Lu heard that Cao Cao had defeated the armies of Western Liang and that his might shook the realm, he gathered his followers and said, “Ma Teng of Western Liang has been executed, Ma Chao has newly suffered defeat, and Cao Cao will certainly invade my Hanzhong. I wish to style myself King of Hanning and command our troops against Cao Cao. What do you gentlemen think?” Yan Pu said, “The people of the Han River region comprise more than a hundred thousand households. We have wealth and abundant grain, while steep defenses guard us on every side. Now that Ma Chao has newly been defeated, no fewer than several tens of thousands of the people of Western Liang have fled through the Ziwu Valley into Hanzhong. In my humble opinion, Liu Zhang of Yizhou is muddleheaded and weak. It would be better first to seize the forty-one prefectures of western Sichuan as our foundation. It will not be too late to assume the title of king afterward.” Zhang Lu was delighted and began discussing the raising of troops with his younger brother Zhang Wei. But spies had already carried the news into Sichuan.

Now Liu Zhang of Yizhou, whose courtesy name was Jiyu, was the son of Liu Yan and a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu under the Han. During the Yuanhe era of Emperor Zhang, one branch of the family had been transferred to the fief of Jingling, and its collateral descendants had settled there. Later Liu Yan rose to the office of Governor of Yizhou, but in the first year of Xingping he died from a malignant ulcer. Zhao Wei, Administrator of Yizhou, and others jointly supported Liu Zhang as Governor of Yizhou. Liu Zhang had once put Zhang Lu’s mother and younger brother to death, and thus there was enmity between them. Liu Zhang appointed Pang Xi Administrator of Baxi to resist Zhang Lu.

At this time Pang Xi learned that Zhang Lu intended to raise an army and seize Sichuan, and he hastened to report the news to Liu Zhang. Weak and irresolute by nature, Liu Zhang was deeply troubled when he heard it and urgently summoned his officials to deliberate. Suddenly one man stepped forward proudly and said, “Set your mind at ease, my lord. Though I possess little ability, with this three-inch tongue of mine, which no argument can wear away, I shall make Zhang Lu fear even to cast a direct glance at western Sichuan.” Thus it was said:Because a counselor in the land of Shu stepped forth,A hero of Jingzhou was drawn there in his course.Who this man was will be revealed in the next chapter.

Xu Chu Strips to Fight Ma Chao; Cao Cao Blots a Letter to Divide Han Sui

That night the two armies fought in confusion until daybreak, when each side withdrew its troops. Ma Chao encamped at the mouth of the Wei River and divided his forces day and night to attack Cao Cao’s front and rear. On the Wei River, Cao Cao chained boats and rafts together to form three floating bridges connecting with the southern bank. Cao Ren led troops to establish a camp along both sides of the river, linking supply carts and wagons together as a barricade. When Ma Chao heard of this, he ordered every soldier to carry a bundle of dry grass and fire-starting materials, then joined forces with Han Sui and attacked the camp. They piled up the bundles of grass and set them fiercely ablaze. Cao Cao’s troops could not withstand them and abandoned the camp. The wagons and floating bridges were all burned and destroyed. The Xiliang troops won a great victory and blocked the Wei River. Cao Cao was unable to establish a camp and grew deeply worried. Xun You said, “We can use sand and earth from the Wei River to build an earthen city that will be strong enough to defend.” Cao Cao assigned thirty thousand soldiers to carry earth and build the walls. Ma Chao then sent Pang De and Ma Dai, each with five hundred cavalry, to make repeated assaults. Moreover, the sandy soil was unstable, and the walls collapsed as soon as they were built. Cao Cao had no way to proceed.

It was now the end of the ninth month. The weather suddenly turned cold, dense crimson clouds covered the sky, and they did not clear for several days. Cao Cao sat despondently in his camp. Suddenly someone reported, “An old man has come to see the Prime Minister and wishes to present a plan.” Cao Cao invited him in. The man had the bones of a crane and the bearing of a pine, with an ancient, weathered appearance. Upon questioning him, Cao Cao learned that he was from Jingzhao and lived as a recluse on Mount Zhongnan. His surname was Lou, his courtesy name was Zibo, and his Daoist name was the Recluse Who Dreams of Plum Blossoms. Cao Cao received him with the courtesy due a guest. Zibo said, “Prime Minister, you have long wished to cross the Wei and establish a camp. Why do you not take advantage of the present weather to build it?” Cao Cao said, “The ground is sandy, so no rampart will stand. What good plan can you offer me, Master Recluse?” Zibo said, “The Prime Minister commands troops with divine skill. Can it be that you do not understand the weather? Clouds have gathered for several days. Once the north wind rises, there is certain to be a hard freeze. After the wind begins, order the soldiers to carry earth and pour water over it. By daybreak, the earthen city will be complete.”

Cao Cao suddenly understood and rewarded Zibo generously, but Zibo refused the gifts and departed. That night a strong north wind arose. Cao Cao drove all his soldiers to carry earth and pour water over it. Since they had no vessels for carrying water, they made bags of silk and filled them, pouring water as they built. The earth froze as fast as it was laid. By daybreak, the sand and earth had frozen solid, and the earthen city was complete. Spies reported this to Ma Chao. He led troops out to inspect it and was astonished, suspecting that divine powers had assisted Cao Cao. The next day Ma Chao assembled his entire army and advanced to the beat of drums. Cao Cao rode out of camp himself with only Xu Chu behind him. Raising his whip, Cao Cao shouted, “Mengde has come here alone on horseback! Let Ma Chao come out and speak with me!” Ma Chao rode out with his spear leveled. Cao Cao said, “You mocked me because I could not build my camp. Now Heaven has completed it for me in a single night. Why do you not surrender at once?”

Ma Chao was enraged and intended to charge forward and seize Cao Cao, but then he saw a man behind Cao Cao glaring with strange, round eyes, a steel saber in his hand, holding his horse motionless. Suspecting that this was Xu Chu, Ma Chao raised his whip and asked, “I hear that there is a Tiger Marquis in your army. Where is he?” Xu Chu raised his saber and shouted, “I am Xu Chu of Qiao Commandery!” His eyes flashed with divine light, and his imposing presence was magnificent. Ma Chao did not dare move and reined in his horse to return. Cao Cao also led Xu Chu back to camp. All who had watched from the two armies were struck with awe. Cao Cao said to his generals, “Even the rebels know that Zhongkang is the Tiger Marquis?” From then on, everyone in the army called Xu Chu the Tiger Marquis. Xu Chu said, “Tomorrow I will certainly capture Ma Chao.” Cao Cao said, “Ma Chao is valiant. You must not underestimate him.” Xu Chu said, “I swear to fight him to the death!” He immediately sent a challenge stating that the Tiger Marquis alone challenged Ma Chao to a decisive battle the following day. When Ma Chao received it, he said furiously, “How dare he insult me like this!” He wrote his answer upon it, swearing to kill the Tiger Fool the next day.

The next day both armies left camp and drew up their formations. Ma Chao placed Pang De on the left wing, Ma Dai on the right, and Han Sui in command of the center. Ma Chao leveled his spear, urged his horse forward, and halted before the formation, shouting, “Tiger Fool, come out at once!” Beneath his command banner, Cao Cao looked around at his generals and said, “Ma Chao’s valor is no less than Lü Bu’s.” Before he had finished speaking, Xu Chu spurred out, brandishing his saber. Ma Chao met him with his spear. They fought for more than a hundred bouts without either gaining the advantage. Their horses became exhausted, so each returned to his lines, changed mounts, and rode out again. They fought for over another hundred bouts, still without a victor. Xu Chu’s fighting blood rose. He galloped back to his formation, stripped off his helmet and armor, and, with the muscles standing out all over his bare body, took up his saber, vaulted onto his horse, and came back to fight Ma Chao to the death. Both armies were astounded. The two fought for over thirty more bouts. Xu Chu summoned all his might, raised his saber, and slashed at Ma Chao. Ma Chao dodged the blow and thrust his spear straight at Xu Chu’s heart. Xu Chu dropped his saber and trapped the spear under his arm. The two struggled for possession of it from horseback. Xu Chu was tremendously strong; with a sharp crack, he snapped the spear shaft, and each man seized one half and flailed at the other from horseback. Fearing that Xu Chu might come to harm, Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Yuan and Cao Hong to ride out together and attack Ma Chao from both sides. When Pang De and Ma Dai saw Cao Cao’s generals coming out together, they signaled the armored cavalry on both wings, who charged recklessly into the melee. Cao Cao’s troops fell into disorder. Xu Chu was struck by two arrows in the arm. The generals hurriedly withdrew into camp, while Ma Chao drove straight to the riverbank, killing or wounding more than half of Cao Cao’s troops. Cao Cao ordered the camp gates sealed and forbade anyone to come out. Ma Chao returned to the mouth of the Wei and said to Han Sui, “Of all the fierce fighters I have ever seen, none can compare to Xu Chu. He truly is a Tiger Fool!”

Cao Cao, meanwhile, judged that Ma Chao could be defeated by stratagem. He secretly ordered Xu Huang and Zhu Ling to cross the entire army to the west side of the river and establish a camp, so they could attack Ma Chao from front and rear. One day, from the city wall, Cao Cao saw Ma Chao leading several hundred horsemen directly before the camp, galloping back and forth as if in flight. Cao Cao watched for a long time, then threw his helmet to the ground and said, “If that Ma boy does not die, I will have no burial place!” When Xiahou Yuan heard this, he was filled with indignation and cried sternly, “I would rather die here than fail to destroy that Ma rebel!” He led more than a thousand of his own troops, flung open the camp gates, and charged straight after Ma Chao. Cao Cao urgently tried to stop him but could not. Fearing that Xiahou Yuan would come to harm, he hurriedly mounted his own horse and rode out to support him. When Ma Chao saw Cao Cao’s troops approaching, he turned his vanguard into the rear guard and his rear guard into the vanguard, then spread them in a single line. When Xiahou Yuan arrived, Ma Chao engaged him in battle. Amid the confusion, Ma Chao caught sight of Cao Cao in the distance. Abandoning Xiahou Yuan, he charged directly at Cao Cao. Cao Cao was terrified, wheeled his horse, and fled. His troops fell into chaos.

As Ma Chao was pursuing him, a sudden report arrived that one of Cao Cao’s armies had already established a camp west of the river. Ma Chao was greatly alarmed and lost all interest in the pursuit. He hurriedly recalled his troops and returned to camp, where he consulted Han Sui, saying, “Cao Cao’s troops took advantage of our exposed position and have crossed west of the river. Our army is now under attack from both front and rear. What are we to do?” The officer Li Kan said, “It would be better to cede territory and request peace, so both sides can suspend hostilities for now. Once we have endured the winter and spring brings warm weather, we can make other plans.” Han Sui said, “Li Kan’s proposal is excellent. We should follow it.” Ma Chao remained hesitant and undecided. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan also urged them to seek peace. Han Sui therefore sent Yang Qiu as an envoy directly to Cao Cao’s camp with a letter proposing to cede territory and make peace. Cao Cao said, “Return to your camp for now. Tomorrow I will send someone with my reply.” Yang Qiu took his leave. Jia Xu came in to see Cao Cao and asked, “What does the Prime Minister intend?” Cao Cao said, “What is your opinion?” Jia Xu said, “There can never be too much deception in war. Pretend to agree, and then use a scheme of estrangement to make Han Sui and Ma Chao suspect one another. Then they can be defeated at the first beat of the drum.” Cao Cao clapped his hands in delight and said, “The finest ideas in the world often coincide. Wenhe’s plan is exactly what I already had in mind.” He sent a written reply saying, “Wait until I gradually withdraw my troops, and I will return the territory west of the river to you.” At the same time, he ordered floating bridges built to create the appearance that he intended to withdraw. After receiving the letter, Ma Chao said to Han Sui, “Though Cao Cao has agreed to peace, that treacherous hero is impossible to predict. If we make no preparations, we may instead fall under his control. You and I, Uncle, should alternate our deployments. Today you face Cao Cao while I face Xu Huang; tomorrow I will face Cao Cao while you face Xu Huang. We will guard separately against both forces to prevent any trickery.”

Han Sui followed the plan, but someone had already reported it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao looked at Jia Xu and said, “My plan has succeeded!” He asked, “Who is to face me tomorrow?” The man replied, “Han Sui.” The next day Cao Cao led his generals out of camp, surrounded on both sides by his attendants. Cao Cao alone rode conspicuously in the center. Since many of Han Sui’s soldiers had never seen Cao Cao, they came out of formation to look at him. Cao Cao shouted, “Do you soldiers wish to see Lord Cao? I am only a man like any other. I do not have four eyes and two mouths; I merely possess more cunning!”

All the soldiers showed fear. Cao Cao sent a man across the space between the formations to say to Han Sui, “The Prime Minister respectfully invites General Han to a private conversation.” Han Sui immediately rode out. Seeing that Cao Cao wore no armor and carried no weapons, he too removed his armor and rode out alone in light clothing. Their horses met head to head, and each held his reins as they spoke. Cao Cao said, “Your father and I were both nominated as Filial and Incorrupt, and I always treated him as an uncle. You and I also entered official life together, and many years have passed before we knew it. How old are you now, General, in the prime of life?” Han Sui replied, “I am forty.” Cao Cao said, “When we were in the capital, we were both young men in the springtime of life. Who would have thought we would already be middle-aged? If only the realm could know peace, so that we might enjoy it together!” He spoke at length only about old times and did not mention military affairs at all, laughing heartily when he had finished. They conversed for two hours before turning their horses and parting, each returning to his own camp.

Someone soon reported the incident to Ma Chao. Ma Chao hurried to Han Sui and asked, “What did Cao Cao say to you before the armies today?” Han Sui said, “He merely reminisced about old times in the capital.” Ma Chao said, “How could he have said nothing about military affairs?” Han Sui replied, “Cao Cao did not mention them. Why should I alone have done so?” Ma Chao became deeply suspicious but said nothing and withdrew.

When Cao Cao returned to camp, he said to Jia Xu, “Do you understand the purpose of my conversation before the lines?” Jia Xu replied, “Though the idea was ingenious, it is not yet enough to drive the two men apart. I have a plan that will make Han Sui and Ma Chao attack and kill each other.” Cao Cao asked what it was. Jia Xu said, “Ma Chao is merely a brave warrior and does not understand secret maneuvering. Prime Minister, write a letter in your own hand addressed solely to Han Sui. Make the wording vague in places, then personally cross out and alter the crucial passages. Seal it and send it to Han Sui, while deliberately allowing Ma Chao to learn of it. Ma Chao will certainly demand to see the letter. When he finds that all the important passages have been altered or blotted out, he will assume that Han Sui erased them himself because he was afraid Ma Chao would learn some important secret. This will confirm his suspicions about your private meeting on horseback. Once suspicion arises, disorder is sure to follow. I will also secretly establish contact with Han Sui’s officers and have them sow discord among one another. Then Ma Chao can be dealt with.” Cao Cao said, “This is an excellent plan.” He immediately wrote a letter, altering and blotting out all its crucial passages. He then sealed it securely and deliberately sent a large escort to deliver it to Han Sui’s camp. After handing over the letter, they returned.

As expected, someone reported the matter to Ma Chao. His suspicions deepened, and he went directly to Han Sui and demanded to see the letter. Han Sui gave it to him. Seeing the altered and blotted-out writing, Ma Chao asked, “Why is everything in this letter altered and obscured?” Han Sui said, “That is how the original letter arrived. I do not know why.” Ma Chao said, “Who would send someone a rough draft? You must have been afraid I would learn the details, Uncle, and blotted them out beforehand.” Han Sui said, “Perhaps Cao Cao mistakenly sealed and sent the rough draft.” Ma Chao said, “I do not believe that either. Cao Cao is a meticulous man. How could he make such a mistake? You and I joined forces to destroy this enemy, Uncle. Why have you suddenly conceived disloyal intentions?” Han Sui said, “If you do not trust me, tomorrow I will lure Cao Cao into conversation before the lines. You can charge out from within our formation and kill him with a single spear thrust.” Ma Chao said, “If you do that, it will prove your sincerity.” The two agreed on the plan.

The next day Han Sui led five generals—Hou Xuan, Li Kan, Liang Xing, Ma Wan, and Yang Qiu—out before the lines. Ma Chao concealed himself in the shadow of the gate. Han Sui sent someone to the front of Cao Cao’s camp to shout, “General Han invites the Prime Minister to come out and talk.” Cao Cao ordered Cao Hong to lead several dozen horsemen straight out before the lines to meet Han Sui. When they were several paces apart, Cao Hong leaned forward in the saddle and said, “Do not make any mistake regarding the message the Prime Minister conveyed to you last night.” As soon as he had spoken, he turned his horse and went back. Hearing this, Ma Chao flew into a rage, leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and thrust at Han Sui. The five generals stopped him and persuaded him to return to camp. Han Sui said, “Worthy Nephew, do not suspect me. I harbor no evil intentions.” But Ma Chao refused to believe him and departed in bitter resentment. Han Sui consulted the five generals and said, “How can this matter be explained?” Yang Qiu said, “Ma Chao relies on his martial courage and has always intended to domineer over you, my lord. Even if he defeats Cao Cao, how could he ever defer to you? In my humble opinion, we would do better to submit secretly to Lord Cao. Then you will not lose the chance to be enfeoffed as a marquis.” Han Sui said, “Ma Teng and I once swore brotherhood. How could I bear to betray him?” Yang Qiu said, “Matters have come to this point. We have no other choice.” Han Sui said, “Who can carry a secret message?” Yang Qiu said, “I am willing to go.” Han Sui then wrote a secret letter and sent Yang Qiu to Cao Cao’s camp to discuss their surrender.

Cao Cao was overjoyed. He promised to enfeoff Han Sui as Marquis of Xiliang and appoint Yang Qiu Administrator of Xiliang, while all the others would also receive official ranks and noble titles. They agreed to use fire as a signal and together plot against Ma Chao. Yang Qiu bowed farewell and returned to Han Sui, to whom he reported everything in detail: “We have agreed to light a fire tonight and coordinate an attack from inside and outside.” Han Sui was delighted. He ordered the soldiers to pile dry firewood behind the central command tent, while each of the five generals hung his saber or sword at his side and waited for the signal. Han Sui proposed holding a banquet and deceiving Ma Chao into attending so they could kill him at the feast, but he still hesitated and had not yet decided.

Unexpectedly, Ma Chao had already learned every detail. Taking several personal attendants with him, he went ahead armed with his sword and ordered Pang De and Ma Dai to support him from behind. Ma Chao slipped secretly into Han Sui’s tent and saw the five generals speaking privately with Han Sui. He heard Yang Qiu say, “There must be no delay. We must act quickly!” Ma Chao flew into a rage, brandished his sword, and charged in, shouting, “How dare you pack of traitors plot to murder me!” Everyone was greatly alarmed. Ma Chao slashed his sword straight at Han Sui’s face. Han Sui raised his hand in panic to ward off the blow, and his left hand was cut off. The five generals drew their sabers and rushed forward together. Ma Chao bounded out of the tent, where the five surrounded him and attacked in a confused melee. Alone, Ma Chao wielded his precious sword and fought all five generals. Wherever the blade flashed, fresh blood sprayed through the air. He cut down Ma Wan and struck Liang Xing dead, while the other three fled for their lives. Ma Chao returned to the tent to kill Han Sui, but Han Sui had already been rescued by his attendants. A fire flared up behind the tent, and the troops in every camp began to move. Ma Chao hurriedly mounted his horse. Pang De and Ma Dai also arrived, and all sides became embroiled in confused fighting. As Ma Chao led his troops out, Cao Cao’s forces converged from all directions: Xu Chu was in front, Xu Huang behind, Xiahou Yuan on the left, and Cao Hong on the right, while the soldiers of Xiliang fought and killed one another. Unable to find Pang De or Ma Dai, Ma Chao led a little over a hundred horsemen and took up a position on the Wei River bridge.

As dawn was just beginning to break, Ma Chao saw Li Kan leading a body of troops beneath the bridge. He leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and pursued him. Li Kan fled, dragging his spear behind him. Just then Yu Jin came up behind Ma Chao, drew his bow, and shot at him. Hearing the bowstring sound behind him, Ma Chao quickly dodged. The arrow instead struck Li Kan ahead of him, knocking him from his horse and killing him. Ma Chao turned his horse to attack Yu Jin, but Yu Jin spurred away. Ma Chao returned to the bridge and took his stand there. Cao Cao’s troops arrived in great numbers from front and rear, with the Tiger Guard leading the way, and shot volleys of arrows at Ma Chao from both sides. Ma Chao knocked them aside with his spear, and the arrows fell thickly to the ground. He ordered his mounted followers to charge back and forth, but Cao Cao’s troops surrounded them in dense, solid ranks, and they could not break out. With a great shout, Ma Chao charged from the bridge into the formation north of the river, but all his followers were cut off behind him. Ma Chao charged back and forth alone within the enemy formation until a hidden crossbow shot down his horse. Ma Chao fell to the ground, and Cao Cao’s troops closed in around him.

At that critical moment, a body of troops suddenly came charging from the northwest. It was Pang De and Ma Dai. The two rescued Ma Chao, gave him a warhorse from among their troops, and helped him mount. Then they cut a bloody path through the enemy and fled northwest. When Cao Cao heard that Ma Chao had escaped, he issued an order to all his generals: “Make no distinction between day and night. You must catch that Ma boy. Whoever brings me his head will be rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold and enfeoffed as marquis of ten thousand households. Whoever captures him alive will be appointed a Great General.” The generals received the order. Each sought to claim the merit, and they pursued in a long, unbroken line. Ma Chao had no time to consider the exhaustion of men or horses and thought only of escape. His mounted followers gradually scattered. Many infantrymen who could not keep up were captured. Only a little over thirty horsemen remained, and Ma Chao fled with Pang De and Ma Dai toward Longxi and Lintao.

Cao Cao personally pursued them as far as Anding. Only when he learned that Ma Chao had gone far away did he withdraw his troops and return to Chang’an. All the generals assembled there. Han Sui, now without his left hand, had become permanently disabled. Cao Cao ordered him to remain in Chang’an and rest his horses, and granted him the title Marquis of Xiliang. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan were both enfeoffed as marquises and ordered to guard the mouth of the Wei. Cao Cao then gave the order for the army to return to the capital at Xu. Yang Fu, an Assistant Officer of Liangzhou whose courtesy name was Yishan, went directly to Chang’an to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked what he had to say. Yang Fu replied, “Ma Chao possesses the valor of Lü Bu and has deeply won the loyalty of the Qiang people. If the Prime Minister does not seize this opportunity to destroy him completely, he will regain his strength in time, and the commanderies west of Longshan will no longer belong to the state. I beg the Prime Minister not to withdraw the army yet.” Cao Cao said, “I originally intended to leave troops behind to campaign against him, but there are many troubles in the Central Plains and the south has not yet been pacified. I cannot remain here long. You must safeguard the region for me.”

Yang Fu accepted the command. He also recommended Wei Kang as Inspector of Liangzhou, to command troops with him and garrison Jicheng as a defense against Ma Chao. Before leaving, Yang Fu requested of Cao Cao, “A large force must be left in Chang’an as reinforcement.” Cao Cao said, “I have already made the arrangements. You need not worry.” Yang Fu took his leave and departed. The generals all asked Cao Cao, “At first, when the rebels occupied Tong Pass and the route north of the Wei was open, why did the Prime Minister not advance from Hedong to attack Fengyi, but instead defend Tong Pass, delaying for so long before crossing north and establishing a fortified camp?” Cao Cao replied, “At first the rebels held Tong Pass. If I had gone to Hedong as soon as I arrived, they would certainly have divided their forces among their camps to guard the various crossings, and then it would have been impossible to cross west of the river. I therefore massed all my forces before Tong Pass, causing the rebels to concentrate all their defenses in the south and leave the west bank unprepared. That was why Xu Huang and Zhu Ling were able to cross. Only then did I lead my army across to the north, link wagons together and erect palisades to form a covered passage, and build the frozen city. I wanted the rebels to think me weak, so their hearts would grow arrogant and they would make no preparations. I then cleverly employed a scheme of estrangement while conserving my soldiers’ strength, and destroyed the enemy in a single attack. This is what is meant by, ‘The swift thunderclap comes before one can cover one’s ears.’ The transformations of warfare certainly do not follow a single path.”

The generals asked again, “Whenever the Prime Minister heard that the rebels had added troops and increased their numbers, you showed delight. Why was that?” Cao Cao said, “The Guanzhong region is remote. If the rebel bands had each occupied a strategic stronghold, it would have taken one or two years or more to subdue them. But now they all gathered in one place. Though their numbers were great, they were not united in purpose, making it easy to sow discord among them and destroy them in a single campaign. That was why I was pleased.” The generals bowed and said, “The Prime Minister’s divine strategy is beyond any of us!” Cao Cao said, “I also depended on the efforts of all of you, civil and military alike.” He then richly rewarded the entire army and left Xiahou Yuan to garrison Chang’an. The surrendered troops were divided among the various commands. Xiahou Yuan recommended Zhang Ji, whose courtesy name was Derong, a native of Gaoling in Fengyi, to serve as Intendant of Jingzhao and guard Chang’an together with him. Cao Cao led the army back to the capital. Emperor Xian arranged his imperial carriage and went outside the city to welcome him. An edict granted Cao Cao the privileges of being addressed by title rather than name at court, entering court without hastening his steps, and ascending the palace hall wearing his sword and shoes, following the precedent of the Han chancellor Xiao He. From then on, Cao Cao’s power and prestige shook the realm at home and abroad.

When news of this reached Hanzhong, it soon alarmed Zhang Lu, Administrator of Hanning. Zhang Lu was originally from Feng County in Pei. His grandfather Zhang Ling had composed Daoist scriptures on Mount Heming in western Sichuan to deceive the people, and everyone revered him. After Zhang Ling’s death, his son Zhang Heng continued his practices. Any commoner who wished to study the Way contributed five pecks of rice, and so they became popularly known as the “Rice Rebels.” When Zhang Heng died, Zhang Lu continued the practice. In Hanzhong, Zhang Lu styled himself “Master-Lord.” Those who came to study the Way were all called “Ghost Soldiers.” Their leaders were called “Libationers,” while those who commanded large groups were called “Senior Libationer-Heads of a District.” They placed sincerity and good faith above all and did not permit deceit. Whenever anyone fell ill, an altar was erected and the patient was placed in a quiet room to reflect upon his own transgressions and confess them openly. Only then were prayers offered on his behalf. Those responsible for the prayers were called “Supervising Libationers.” The method of prayer was to write down the patient’s name and state his intention to acknowledge his guilt, composing three copies of the petition, known as “Handwritten Petitions to the Three Officials.” One copy was burned on a mountaintop as a report to Heaven, one was buried in the earth as a report to Earth, and one was submerged beneath the water as an appeal to the Official of the Waters. If the patient recovered afterward, he gave five pecks of rice in thanks. Zhang Lu also built charitable hostels supplied with rice, firewood, and meat. Travelers were permitted to take and eat as much as they needed, but anyone who took too much would incur Heaven’s punishment. Anyone within his territory who broke the law was always pardoned three times. Only if the offender failed to reform was punishment imposed. There were no regular officials anywhere; everything was administered by the Libationers. In this way Zhang Lu had held Hanzhong as an independent power for thirty years. Since the imperial government considered the region too remote to conquer, it had appointed Zhang Lu General of the Household Who Guards the South and Administrator of Hanning, requiring only that he maintain communications and present tribute.

That year, when Zhang Lu heard that Cao Cao had defeated the forces of Xiliang and that his might shook the realm, he assembled his followers and said, “Ma Teng of Xiliang has been executed, and Ma Chao has just been defeated. Cao Cao will certainly invade my Hanzhong. I wish to proclaim myself King of Hanning and direct our troops against Cao Cao. What do you officers think?” Yan Pu said, “The Hanchuan region has more than a hundred thousand households, abundant wealth and grain, and natural defenses on all four sides. Now that Ma Chao has just been defeated, no fewer than tens of thousands of people from Xiliang have fled through Ziwu Valley into Hanzhong. In my humble opinion, Liu Zhang of Yizhou is muddleheaded and weak. It would be better first to seize the forty-one districts of western Sichuan as our foundation and proclaim yourself king afterward. It will not then be too late.” Zhang Lu was delighted and consulted his younger brother Zhang Wei about raising troops. But spies had already reported the matter inside Sichuan.

Now Liu Zhang of Yizhou, whose courtesy name was Jiyu, was the son of Liu Yan and a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu of the Han dynasty. During the Yuanhe era of Emperor Zhang, one branch of the family was transferred and enfeoffed at Jingling, and its collateral descendants settled there. Liu Yan later rose to the office of Governor of Yizhou. In the first year of Xingping, he died of a malignant ulcer. Zhao Wei, Administrator of Yizhou, and the other officials jointly supported Liu Zhang as Governor of Yizhou. Liu Zhang had once killed Zhang Lu’s mother and younger brother, and so there was a blood feud between them. Liu Zhang appointed Pang Xi Administrator of Baxi to resist Zhang Lu.

At this time Pang Xi learned that Zhang Lu intended to raise an army and seize Sichuan, and he urgently reported the news to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang had always been weak and timid. When he heard the report, he became deeply worried and hastily assembled his officials for consultation. Suddenly one man stepped forward proudly and said, “My lord, set your mind at ease. Though I possess little ability, with this three-inch tongue of mine that never decays, I will make Zhang Lu afraid even to cast a direct glance at western Sichuan.”

It was just because a strategist of Shu stepped forwardThat the heroes of Jingzhou were drawn there.

Who this man was will be revealed in the next chapter.