Chapter 69

Guan Lu Divines the Hidden Course through the Book of Changes; Five Loyal Ministers Die Opposing the Han Traitor

Now Cao Cao, seeing all the corpses rise amid the black wind that day, fell to the ground in terror. In a short while the wind subsided, and all the corpses vanished. His attendants helped him back to the palace, where fright brought on an illness. A later poet praised Zuo Ci in these lines:With flying steps he scaled the clouds and roamed the Nine Provinces,Relying on the Hidden Stems, he wandered where he pleased.With careless ease he wrought the arts of the immortals,Yet even thus enlightened, Cao the Deceiver would not turn his head.

Cao Cao fell ill, and no medicine could cure him. Just then Xu Zhi, Assistant to the Grand Astrologer, came from Xuchang to see him. Cao Cao ordered Xu Zhi to divine by the Book of Changes. Xu Zhi said, “Has Your Majesty ever heard of the divine prognosticator Guan Lu?” Cao Cao replied, “I have heard something of his fame, but know nothing of his arts. Tell me about him in detail.”

Xu Zhi said, “Guan Lu, whose courtesy name is Gongming, is a native of Pingyuan. He is coarse and ugly in appearance, fond of wine, unconventional, and unrestrained. His father once served as chief of Qiu in Langye Commandery. From childhood, Guan Lu delighted in gazing up at the stars and would not think of sleeping at night. His parents could not restrain him. He often said, ‘Even barnyard fowl and wild swans know the seasons; how much more should a man living in this world?’ When playing with neighboring children, he would draw the heavens upon the ground and set out the sun, moon, and stars. As he grew older, he gained a profound understanding of the Book of Changes. By observing winds and atmospheric signs, he attained marvelous mastery of calculation, and he was also skilled in physiognomy.”

“Shan Zichun, Governor of Langye, heard of his fame and summoned Guan Lu to meet him. At the time more than a hundred guests were present, all men skilled in debate. Guan Lu said to Shan Zichun, ‘I am young, and my courage is not yet firm. First, I beg three sheng of fine wine; after I have drunk it, I shall speak.’ Shan Zichun marveled at him and gave him three sheng of wine. When Guan Lu had finished drinking, he asked, ‘Who now wishes to debate with me? Is it Your Excellency, or one of the gentlemen seated here?’ Shan Zichun replied, ‘I myself shall meet you on equal terms.’ Thereupon he and Guan Lu discussed the principles of the Book of Changes. Guan Lu discoursed without pause, every utterance subtle and profound. Shan Zichun repeatedly challenged and disputed with him, but Guan Lu answered as swiftly as running water. From dawn until dusk, neither wine nor food was served. Shan Zichun and all his guests sighed in admiration and acknowledged themselves convinced. From that time, all the realm called Guan Lu the ‘Divine Child.’”

“Later there was a resident named Guo En, whose two brothers and he had all become lame. They asked Guan Lu to divine the cause. Guan Lu said, ‘The hexagram shows a female ghost in your ancestral tomb. She was either your eldest aunt or a younger aunt. During a year of famine, for the sake of profiting by a few sheng of rice, you pushed her into a well and crushed her head beneath a great stone. Her lonely spirit, suffering bitterly, appealed to Heaven. Therefore you brothers have received this retribution, and nothing can avert it.’ Guo En and his brothers wept and confessed their guilt.”

“Wang Ji, Governor of Anping, knew of Guan Lu’s divine powers of prognostication and invited him to his home. It happened that the wife of the magistrate of Xindu was constantly afflicted with pains in her head, while her son suffered pains in his heart. They therefore asked Guan Lu to divine the cause. Guan Lu said, ‘Beneath the western corner of this hall lie two corpses. One man holds a spear, and the other a bow and arrows. Their heads are within the wall, and their feet outside it. The one holding the spear is responsible for stabbing the head, hence the headache; the one holding the bow and arrows is responsible for stabbing the chest and belly, hence the pain in the heart.’ They dug at the spot, and eight feet beneath the ground they indeed found two coffins. In one coffin was a spear; in the other, a horn bow and arrows. The wood had completely rotted away. Guan Lu ordered the bones removed and buried ten miles beyond the city. The wife and son then recovered.”

“Zhuge Yuan, magistrate of Guantao, was promoted to Governor of Xinxing, and Guan Lu went to see him off. One of the guests said that Guan Lu could identify objects concealed under covers. Zhuge Yuan did not believe it. Secretly he took a swallow’s egg, a wasps’ nest, and a spider, placed each in a separate box, and ordered Guan Lu to divine their contents. When the hexagrams had been cast, Guan Lu wrote four lines upon each box. On the first he wrote:‘Containing breath, it must be transformed;It rests beneath the beams of a hall.Male and female give it form,And wings shall spread from it.This is a swallow’s egg.’On the second he wrote:‘Its household hangs upside down,Its doors and gates are many.It stores its essence and nurtures poison,And when autumn comes, it changes.This is a wasps’ nest.’On the third he wrote:‘Trembling, with long legs,It spits silk and fashions a net.Along the web it seeks its food;Its profit lies in the dark of night.This is a spider.’Everyone present was astonished.”

“In his district there was an old woman who had lost an ox and came to him for a divination. Guan Lu pronounced:‘Beside the northern stream,Seven men butcher and cook it.Hasten there in pursuit;Its hide and flesh remain.’The old woman went to seek it and indeed saw seven men cooking and eating behind a thatched cottage; the hide and flesh were still there. She reported them to Liu Bin, governor of the commandery, who arrested and punished the seven men. He then asked the old woman, ‘How did you know where they were?’ She told him of Guan Lu’s divine prognostication. Liu Bin did not believe her, so he invited Guan Lu to his residence. He placed a seal pouch and some pheasant feathers in boxes and ordered Guan Lu to divine their contents. Of the first, Guan Lu said:‘Square within and round without,Adorned with patterns of five colors;It holds treasure and safeguards trust,And when brought forth, bears authority.This is a seal pouch.’Of the second, he said:‘Lofty are the towering peaks;There dwells a red-bodied bird.Its wings are black and yellow,And its cry never fails at dawn.These are pheasant feathers.’Liu Bin was greatly astonished and thereafter treated Guan Lu as an honored guest.”

“One day, while strolling at leisure beyond the town, Guan Lu saw a young man plowing in a field and stood by the roadside watching him. After a long while, he asked, ‘Young man, what is your honorable surname, and how old are you?’ The young man replied, ‘My surname is Zhao, my given name Yan, and I am nineteen years old. May I ask who you are, sir?’ Guan Lu said, ‘I am Guan Lu. I see the aura of death between your brows. Within three days you will surely die. You have a handsome face; it is a pity you have no longevity.’ Zhao Yan returned home and hurriedly told his father. On hearing this, his father overtook Guan Lu, fell weeping to the ground before him, and pleaded, ‘Please come back and save my son!’ Guan Lu said, ‘This is Heaven’s decree. How can it be averted?’ The father said, ‘This old man has no other son. I beg you to show mercy and save him!’ Zhao Yan also wept and pleaded. Seeing the depth of feeling between father and son, Guan Lu said to Zhao Yan, ‘Prepare a flask of pure wine and a piece of dried venison. Tomorrow carry them into the Southern Hills. Beneath a great tree, you will see two men playing chess upon a flat rock. One will be seated facing south, wearing a white robe, and his countenance will be exceedingly ugly. The other will be seated facing north, wearing a red robe, and his countenance will be exceedingly handsome. When they are deeply absorbed in their game, kneel and offer them the wine and venison. Wait until they have finished eating and drinking; then weep, bow before them, and beg for long life. Your allotted span will surely be increased. But on no account say that I taught you to do this.’”

“The old man kept Guan Lu at his home. The next day, Zhao Yan took the wine, venison, cups, and dishes into the Southern Hills. After walking some five or six miles, he indeed saw two men playing chess upon a flat rock beneath a great pine tree. They paid him no attention at all, and Zhao Yan knelt to offer the wine and venison. The two were so absorbed in their game that they did not notice they had drunk all the wine. Zhao Yan fell weeping to the ground before them and begged for long life. Both men were greatly startled. The one in the red robe said, ‘This must have been Guan Lu’s counsel. Since the two of us have accepted his private offering, we must show the lad compassion.’ The one in the white robe took out a register from beside him and examined it. Then he said to Zhao Yan, ‘You are nineteen this year and are fated to die. I shall now add another “nine” above the character “ten,” and your life may extend to ninety-nine. When you return and see Guan Lu, tell him never again to divulge the secrets of Heaven; otherwise he will surely incur Heaven’s punishment.’ The red-robed man took out a brush and made the addition. A fragrant wind swept past, and the two men turned into two white cranes, soared into the sky, and flew away.”

“Zhao Yan returned and questioned Guan Lu. Guan Lu said, ‘The one in red was the Southern Dipper; the one in white was the Northern Dipper.’ Zhao Yan said, ‘I have heard that the Northern Dipper has nine stars. Why was there only one man?’ Guan Lu replied, ‘Dispersed, they are nine; united, they are one. The Northern Dipper records death, and the Southern Dipper records life. Your allotted years have now been increased, so what have you to fear?’ Father and son bowed and thanked him. From that time onward, Guan Lu feared to reveal the secrets of Heaven and no longer lightly made divinations for others. This man is now in Pingyuan. If Your Majesty wishes to know what fortune or misfortune awaits you, why not summon him?”

Cao Cao was overjoyed and at once sent men to Pingyuan to summon Guan Lu. When Guan Lu arrived and had made his obeisance, Cao Cao ordered him to divine the matter. Guan Lu answered, “It was merely an illusion. Why should Your Majesty worry?” Cao Cao’s mind was set at ease, and his illness gradually improved. Cao Cao then ordered him to divine the affairs of the realm. Guan Lu pronounced:“Three and eight cross lengthwise and breadthwise;The yellow boar encounters the tiger.South of Mount Dingjun,One of your limbs shall be broken.”Cao Cao next ordered him to divine the length of his dynasty’s succession. Guan Lu pronounced:“Within the Lion Palace,The divine seat shall be established.The royal way shall be renewed,And your descendants shall rise to highest honor.”Cao Cao asked him to explain in detail. Guan Lu replied, “Heaven’s numbers are vast and obscure and cannot be known beforehand. In time, events themselves will verify the words.”

Cao Cao wished to appoint Guan Lu as Grand Scribe. Guan Lu said, “My destiny is meager and my features poor. I am unworthy of this office and dare not accept it.” Cao Cao asked why. Guan Lu replied, “My forehead lacks the master bone; my eyes lack steady pupils. My nose has no bridge or pillar; my feet have no heavenly roots. My back lacks the three jia, and my belly lacks the three ren. I am fit only to govern ghosts on Mount Tai, not to govern living men.” Cao Cao asked, “What do you see in my features?” Guan Lu replied, “Your rank is already the highest attainable by a subject. What need is there to read your features?” Cao Cao questioned him again and again, but Guan Lu merely smiled and did not answer. Cao Cao ordered him to examine all the civil and military officials. Guan Lu said, “They are all ministers capable of governing an age.” When Cao Cao asked about their good and evil fortunes, Guan Lu refused to disclose everything. A later poet praised Guan Lu in these lines:Divine in bright discernment was Guan Gongming,Who could calculate the Southern Dipper and Northern Dipper stars.The hidden subtleties of the Eight Trigrams opened the gates of ghosts;The dark profundities of the Six Lines explored the courts of Heaven.Foreknowing through physiognomy that he would not live long,He knew the wellspring of his mind possessed the highest power.A pity that the wondrous arts he practiced in those daysWere never passed to later men in any surviving canon.

Cao Cao ordered him to divine concerning Eastern Wu and Western Shu. Guan Lu cast the hexagrams and said, “The ruler of Eastern Wu will lose a great commander, and troops from Western Shu will violate the frontier.” Cao Cao did not believe him. Suddenly a report came from Hefei: “Lu Su, the commander guarding Lukou for Eastern Wu, has died.” Cao Cao was greatly startled and immediately sent men to Hanzhong to gather information. Within a few days an urgent dispatch arrived: “Liu Xuande has sent Zhang Fei and Ma Chao to station troops at Xiabian and seize the passes.” Cao Cao flew into a rage and wished to lead an army into Hanzhong once more. He ordered Guan Lu to divine the outcome. Guan Lu said, “Your Majesty must not move rashly. Next spring there will surely be a disastrous fire in the capital at Xu.” Since Cao Cao had seen Guan Lu’s words repeatedly verified, he dared not move lightly. He remained in Ye Commandery and sent Cao Hong with fifty thousand troops to reinforce Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He in the joint defense of Eastern Riverlands. He also sent Xiahou Dun with thirty thousand troops to patrol constantly around the capital at Xu against unforeseen danger, and ordered Chief Clerk Wang Bi to command the Imperial Guard. Registrar Sima Yi said, “Wang Bi is fond of wine and lenient by nature. I fear he is unequal to this office.” Cao Cao replied, “Wang Bi is one who followed me when I hacked through thorns and brambles and endured every hardship. He is loyal and diligent, with a heart like iron and stone, and is fully equal to the charge.” He therefore entrusted Wang Bi with command of the Imperial Guard and stationed him outside the Donghua Gate of the capital at Xu.

At that time there was a man named Geng Ji, courtesy name Jixing, a native of Luoyang. Formerly a clerk in the Chancellor’s office, he was later promoted to Palace Attendant and Chamberlain of the Lesser Treasury. He was a close friend of Rectifier Wei Huang. Seeing Cao Cao raised to the rank of king and using the Son of Heaven’s carriages and robes whenever he came or went, Geng Ji felt deep resentment. In the first month of spring, in the twenty-third year of Jian’an, Geng Ji secretly conferred with Wei Huang, saying, “The treachery and wickedness of the villain Cao worsen day by day. In time he will certainly commit usurpation and rebellion. We are ministers of the Han; how can we join the wicked and aid one another in evil?” Wei Huang said, “I have a trusted friend named Jin Yi, a descendant of the Han minister Jin Midi, who has long desired to destroy Cao Cao. Moreover, he is on very close terms with Wang Bi. If we can bring him into the plot, our great enterprise will succeed.” Geng Ji said, “Since he is so close to Wang Bi, how could he be willing to join our plot?” Wei Huang replied, “Let us go and speak with him and see what he says.”

The two men went together to Jin Yi’s residence. Jin Yi received them in the rear hall, where they took their seats. Wei Huang said, “Dewei, you are on very close terms with Chief Clerk Wang. The three of us have come especially to ask a favor.” Jin Yi said, “What do you seek?” Wei Huang replied, “I hear that sooner or later the King of Wei will accept the abdication and ascend the imperial throne. You and Chief Clerk Wang will surely receive high promotion. We hope you will not cast us aside, but will condescend to advance us. Our gratitude for your favor would be profound!” Jin Yi swept up his sleeves and rose. Just then an attendant brought in tea, and Jin Yi dashed the tea upon the floor. Feigning surprise, Wei Huang said, “Dewei, we are old friends. Why are you so heartless?” Jin Yi replied, “I befriended you because you are descendants of ministers of the Han court. Now, instead of remembering the source of your honors and repaying it, you wish to assist a rebel. What face have I to remain your friend?” Geng Ji said, “But such is Heaven’s decree. It cannot be otherwise!” Jin Yi became furious. Seeing that he indeed possessed a loyal and righteous heart, Geng Ji and Wei Huang told him the truth: “We have long intended to destroy the traitor and came to seek your aid. Our earlier words were only meant to test you.” Jin Yi said, “My family has served the Han for generations. How could I follow a traitor? If you gentlemen wish to uphold the House of Han, what excellent plan have you devised?” Wei Huang said, “Though we have hearts bent on repaying the state, we have not yet devised a plan to destroy the traitor.” Jin Yi said, “I intend to coordinate forces inside and outside the city, kill Wang Bi, and seize his military authority. We shall uphold the imperial carriage and enlist Imperial Uncle Liu as our ally abroad. Then the villain Cao can be destroyed.” Hearing this, the two men clapped their hands and acclaimed the plan.

Jin Yi said, “I have two trusted men whose father was killed by the villain Cao. They now live outside the city and may serve as our wings.” Geng Ji asked who they were. Jin Yi replied, “They are the sons of the Imperial Physician Ji Ping. The elder is named Ji Miao, courtesy name Wenran; the younger is Ji Mu, courtesy name Siran. Long ago, because of Dong Cheng’s Girdle Edict, Cao Cao killed their father. The two sons fled to a distant region and escaped the calamity. They have now secretly returned to the capital at Xu. If we ask them to help us destroy the traitor, they will certainly agree.” Geng Ji and Wei Huang were overjoyed. Jin Yi at once sent a man to summon the two Ji brothers in secret. In a short while they arrived, and Jin Yi explained the whole affair. Overcome by grief and indignation, the two brothers shed tears. Their wrath towered to Heaven, and they swore to kill the traitor to the state. Jin Yi said, “On the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, the city will be ablaze with lanterns in celebration of the Lantern Festival. Chamberlain Geng and Rectifier Wei, each of you will lead your household retainers against Wang Bi’s camp. As soon as you see fire rising inside the camp, attack by two separate routes. Once Wang Bi is killed, follow me straight into the palace. We shall invite the Son of Heaven to ascend the Five Phoenix Tower, summon the hundred officials, and personally command them to destroy the traitor. Ji Wenran and his brother will attack from outside the city and set fires as the signal. Each must raise a great cry, calling upon the people to exterminate the traitor to the state, while blocking any relief troops from within the city. Once the Son of Heaven has issued an edict and order has been restored, we shall advance directly against Ye Commandery and capture Cao Cao. Then we shall immediately send an envoy bearing the edict to summon Imperial Uncle Liu. We make our covenant today. At the second watch on the appointed night, we shall rise. Let us not bring disaster upon ourselves as Dong Cheng did.” The five men swore before Heaven, smeared their lips with blood, and sealed their covenant. Then each returned home to prepare troops, horses, weapons, and equipment for action at the appointed time.

Now Geng Ji and Wei Huang each had three or four hundred household retainers, whom they equipped with weapons. The brothers Ji Miao and Ji Mu also gathered three or four hundred men, pretending that they were organizing a hunting party. When all was arranged, Jin Yi went beforehand to see Wang Bi and said, “The realm within the seas is now somewhat at peace, and the King of Wei’s might shakes the world. Since the Lantern Festival approaches, we cannot refrain from lighting lanterns and fires, thereby displaying the splendor of an age of peace.” Wang Bi approved his proposal and issued a proclamation ordering all residents of the city to hang lanterns and colored streamers in celebration of the festival. On the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, the sky was clear, and stars and moon shone together. Throughout the six avenues and three marketplaces, people vied in displaying ornamental lanterns. Truly, the night watch imposed no ban, and the water clock urged no haste! Wang Bi and the commanders of the Imperial Guard held a feast in the camp. After the second watch, shouts suddenly arose within the camp, and a man reported that fire had broken out behind it. Wang Bi hurried from his tent to look and saw flames rolling wildly. Hearing battle cries that shook the heavens, he knew there was an uprising in the camp. He hastily mounted his horse and rode out through the southern gate, where he encountered Geng Ji, who shot an arrow into his shoulder. Wang Bi nearly fell from his horse but managed to flee toward the western gate. A cart came racing after him. In his panic, Wang Bi abandoned his horse and continued on foot. Reaching Jin Yi’s gate, he knocked frantically. Jin Yi, meanwhile, had sent men to set fire inside the camp and had personally led his household retainers after them to join the fighting, leaving only the women at home. When those within heard someone knocking, they assumed Jin Yi had returned. From behind the gate, Jin Yi’s wife called, “Has that wretch Wang Bi been killed?” Wang Bi was greatly startled and only then realized that Jin Yi was part of the conspiracy. He went straight to Cao Xiu’s house and reported that Jin Yi, Geng Ji, and the others had joined in rebellion. Cao Xiu hurriedly donned armor, mounted his horse, and led more than a thousand men through the city to resist the rebels. Fires broke out on every side and caught the Five Phoenix Tower. The Emperor took refuge deep within the palace, while Cao Cao’s trusted henchmen desperately held the palace gates. Throughout the city, men could be heard crying, “Slay every traitor of Cao’s faction and uphold the House of Han!”

Xiahou Dun, in obedience to Cao Cao’s command, had been patrolling Xuchang with thirty thousand troops and was encamped five miles outside the city. That night, seeing from afar that fire had broken out within the city, he led his great army forward, surrounded the capital at Xu, and sent one division into the city as reinforcement. Cao Xiu fought amid the confusion until dawn. No one came to the aid of Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and their comrades. Word came that Jin Yi and the two Ji brothers had all been killed. Geng Ji and Wei Huang fought their way to the city gate, only to encounter Xiahou Dun’s surrounding army, which captured them alive. More than a hundred of their followers were all slain. Xiahou Dun entered the city, extinguished the remaining fires, and arrested every member of the five conspirators’ families and clans, old and young alike. He sent an urgent report to Cao Cao. Cao Cao issued an order that Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and every member of all five families and clans, old and young, were to be beheaded in the marketplace. All civil and military officials at court, great and small, were to be arrested and escorted to Ye Commandery to await his judgment.

Xiahou Dun escorted Geng Ji and Wei Huang to the place of execution in the marketplace. Geng Ji cried in a fierce voice, “Cao Aman! Though I could not kill you in life, in death I shall become a vengeful ghost and strike down the traitor!” The executioner thrust a knife into his mouth. Blood covered the ground, yet Geng Ji continued cursing until he died. Wei Huang struck his cheeks against the ground, crying, “Hateful! Hateful!” He gnashed his teeth until they shattered and died. A later poet praised them in these lines:Geng Ji was loyal and true, and Wei Huang worthy;With empty hands they strove to uphold Heaven.Who knew the fortune of Han was nearing its end?Their hearts brimmed with hate as they descended to the Nine Springs.

Xiahou Dun beheaded every member of the five families and clans, old and young, and escorted the hundred officials to Ye Commandery. At the drill ground Cao Cao raised a red banner on the left and a white banner on the right, then proclaimed, “Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and the others rebelled and set fire to the capital at Xu. Some of you went out to fight the fires, while others shut your gates and did not emerge. Those who helped fight the fires are to stand beneath the red banner; those who did not are to stand beneath the white banner.” The officials thought that those who had fought the fires must surely be innocent, and most hurried beneath the red banner. Of the whole company, only one part in three stood beneath the white banner. Cao Cao ordered all those beneath the red banner arrested. The officials protested that they were innocent. Cao Cao said, “At the time, your purpose was not to fight the fires, but in truth to aid the traitors.” He ordered them all taken to the banks of the Zhang River and beheaded. More than three hundred officials died. All those who had stood beneath the white banner received rewards and were ordered to return to the capital at Xu. By then, Wang Bi’s arrow wound had worsened and caused his death, and Cao Cao ordered him buried with lavish honors. Cao Xiu was appointed commander of the Imperial Guard, Zhong Yao Chancellor of State, and Hua Xin Censor-in-Chief. Cao Cao then established six classes and eighteen grades of marquisates, with seventeen grades for the Marquisates of Guanzhong, all bearing gold seals and purple ribbons. He also established sixteen grades of marquises within and beyond the passes, bearing silver seals with tortoise-shaped knobs and black ribbons, and fifteen grades of grand officers, bearing bronze seals, ring-shaped knobs, and variegated ribbons. With titles fixed and offices bestowed, the court was once more filled by a new company of men. Only then did Cao Cao understand Guan Lu’s prediction of a disastrous fire, and he richly rewarded him. Guan Lu refused the reward.

Now Cao Hong led his army to Hanzhong and ordered Zhang He and Xiahou Yuan each to occupy the strategic passes. Cao Hong himself advanced to oppose the enemy. At that time Zhang Fei and Lei Tong were guarding Baxi, while Ma Chao’s troops had reached Xiabian. Ma Chao appointed Wu Lan as vanguard and sent him out with a force to scout. Wu Lan encountered Cao Hong’s army and wished to withdraw. His subordinate commander Ren Kui said, “The enemy has only just arrived. If we do not first break their keen edge, with what face shall we meet Mengqi?” Thereupon he spurred his horse forward, leveled his spear, and challenged Cao Hong to battle. Cao Hong himself rode out, brandishing his sword. After three bouts, he cut down Ren Kui beneath his horse and pressed the advantage with a sweeping attack. Wu Lan was soundly defeated and returned to Ma Chao. Ma Chao rebuked him, saying, “You had no order from me. Why did you underestimate the enemy and bring about this defeat?” Wu Lan replied, “Ren Kui refused to heed my words, and therefore we suffered this defeat.” Ma Chao said, “Guard the pass closely and do not engage the enemy.” At the same time, he sent a report to Chengdu and awaited further orders.

When Cao Hong saw that Ma Chao did not come forth for several days, he feared some deceptive scheme and withdrew his army to Nanzheng. Zhang He came to see him and asked, “Since the general has already slain an enemy commander, why have you withdrawn?” Cao Hong replied, “Seeing that Ma Chao would not come forth, I feared he had another scheme. Moreover, while I was in Ye Commandery, I heard the divine prognosticator Guan Lu say that one of our great commanders would be lost in this region. I am troubled by those words and therefore dare not advance rashly.” Zhang He laughed loudly and said, “The general has commanded armies for half his life. How can you now believe the words of a diviner and let them confound your mind? Though I possess little ability, I am willing to take my own troops and seize Baxi. Once Baxi is ours, the lands of Shu will be easy to conquer.” Cao Hong said, “Zhang Fei, the commander guarding Baxi, is no ordinary man. You must not underestimate him.” Zhang He replied, “Everyone else fears Zhang Fei, but I regard him as a mere child! On this expedition I shall certainly capture him!” Cao Hong said, “What if some mishap occurs?” Zhang He replied, “I willingly submit to military law.” Cao Hong made him sign a written pledge, and Zhang He advanced with his army. Truly:From ancient times, proud armies have often met defeat;Never has contempt for an enemy often brought success.What the outcome was will be told in the chapter that follows.

Guan Lu Divines the Hidden Course through the Book of Changes; Five Loyal Ministers Die Opposing the Han Traitor

Now Cao Cao, seeing all the corpses rise in the black wind that day, fell to the ground in terror. A moment later the wind subsided, and all the corpses had vanished. His attendants helped him back to the palace, where the fright brought on an illness. A later poet wrote in praise of Zuo Ci:

With flying steps above the clouds, he roamed throughout the Nine Provinces,Relying on the Hidden Stems art, he wandered freely where he pleased.With perfect ease he worked the arts of the immortals,Yet even his warning could not make Cao Man turn back.

Cao Cao fell ill, and no medicine could cure him. Just then Xu Zhi, an assistant in the office of the Grand Astrologer, came from Xuchang to see him. Cao Cao ordered Xu Zhi to make a divination with the Book of Changes. Xu Zhi said, “Has Your Majesty ever heard of the divine diviner Guan Lu?”

“I have heard something of his name,” Cao Cao replied, “but I do not know his arts. Tell me about him in detail.”

Xu Zhi said, “Guan Lu’s courtesy name is Gongming, and he is from Pingyuan. He is coarse and ugly in appearance, fond of wine, unconventional, and uninhibited. His father once served as chief of Qiu in Langya Commandery. From early childhood Guan Lu loved gazing up at the stars and would not think of sleeping at night. His parents could not stop him. He often said, ‘Even domestic chickens and wild swans know the proper times. How much more should a person living in this world?’ When playing with the neighboring children, he would draw celestial charts on the ground and arrange the sun, moon, and stars upon them. As he grew older, he gained a profound understanding of the Book of Changes. He could observe winds and atmospheric signs, and his mastery of calculation approached the divine. He was also highly skilled in physiognomy.”

“The Governor of Langya, Shan Zichun, heard of his reputation and summoned Guan Lu for an audience. At the time, more than a hundred guests were present, all men skilled in debate. Guan Lu said to Zichun, ‘I am young and my courage is not yet firm. First, please give me three pints of fine wine. After I drink, I will speak.’

“Zichun thought this remarkable and gave him three pints of wine. When he had finished drinking, Guan Lu asked, ‘Who now wishes to debate with me? Will it be Your Excellency, or one of the gentlemen seated here?’

“Zichun replied, ‘I myself will meet you as an equal.’

“They then began discussing the principles of the Book of Changes. Guan Lu spoke on and on without pause, and every word was profound and subtle. Zichun repeatedly challenged and questioned him, but Guan Lu answered as smoothly as flowing water. They continued from dawn until dusk without stopping for food or drink. Zichun and all the assembled guests sighed in admiration and acknowledged his superiority. From then on, the whole realm called him the ‘Divine Child.’”

“Later, a local resident named Guo En and his two brothers all became crippled in the legs and asked Guan Lu to divine the cause. Guan Lu said, ‘The hexagram shows a female ghost in your ancestral tomb. She was either your elder aunt or your younger aunt. During a year of famine, for the sake of gaining a few pints of rice, you plotted against her and pushed her into a well, then crushed her head with a great stone. Her lonely spirit suffered bitterly and appealed to Heaven. That is why you brothers have received this retribution. It cannot be averted by prayer or sacrifice.’

“Guo En and his brothers wept and confessed their guilt.”

“Wang Ji, Governor of Anping, knew of Guan Lu’s divine powers of divination and invited him to his home. At that time, the wife of the magistrate of Xindu was suffering continually from severe headaches, while their son suffered from pains in his heart. They therefore asked Guan Lu to divine the cause. Guan Lu said, ‘In the western corner of this hall lie two corpses. One is a man holding a spear, and the other a man holding a bow and arrows. Their heads are inside the wall and their feet outside it. The one holding the spear is responsible for stabbing the head, and that is why the woman has headaches. The one holding the bow and arrows is responsible for stabbing the chest and abdomen, and that is why the son has pains in his heart.’

“They dug at the spot. Eight feet below the ground they indeed found two coffins. In one coffin was a spear, and in the other were a horn bow and arrows, though all the wood had already rotted away. Guan Lu ordered them to move the bones ten miles outside the city and bury them there. The wife and son then recovered completely.”

“Zhuge Yuan, magistrate of Guantao, was promoted to Governor of Xinxing, and Guan Lu went to see him off. One of the guests said that Guan Lu could divine hidden objects. Zhuge Yuan did not believe it. In secret he took a swallow’s egg, a wasp’s nest, and a spider, placed each in a separate box, and ordered Guan Lu to divine what was inside. After forming the hexagrams, Guan Lu wrote four lines on each box.

“On the first he wrote:

Containing life, it awaits transformation,Depending upon the beams of a hall.Male and female will take their forms,And spread their feathered wings.This is a swallow’s egg.

“On the second he wrote:

Its household hangs upside down,Its doors and passages are many.It stores essence and nurtures poison,And only in autumn does it transform.This is a wasp’s nest.

“On the third he wrote:

Trembling, with long legs,It spins silk into a net.Searching its web in pursuit of food,It finds advantage in the dark of night.This is a spider.

“Everyone present was astonished.”

“An old woman from Guan Lu’s village once lost her ox and asked him to divine its whereabouts. Guan Lu pronounced:

Beside the northern stream,Seven men slaughter and cook it.Hurry there in pursuit,And its hide and flesh will still remain.

“The old woman went to search as he had said and found seven men cooking and eating behind a thatched cottage. The hide and meat were still there. She reported the matter to Liu Bin, the local governor, who arrested and punished the seven men. He then asked the old woman, ‘How did you know where to find it?’

“The woman told him of Guan Lu’s divine divination. Liu Bin did not believe her, so he invited Guan Lu to his office. He took a seal pouch and some pheasant feathers, hid them in boxes, and ordered Guan Lu to divine what they were. Of the first, Guan Lu said:

Square within and round without,Its five colors form a pattern.It holds treasure and safeguards trust;When brought forth, it bears authority.This is a seal pouch.

“Of the second, he said:

The lofty peak rises steeply;There is a bird with a vermilion body.Its wings are black and yellow,And its cry never fails to greet the dawn.These are pheasant feathers.

“Liu Bin was greatly astonished and thereafter treated Guan Lu as his most honored guest.”

“One day, while strolling in the countryside, Guan Lu saw a young man plowing in a field and stood beside the road watching him. After a long while, he asked, ‘Young man, what is your honorable surname, and how old are you?’

“The young man answered, ‘My surname is Zhao, my given name is Yan, and I am nineteen years old. May I ask who you are, sir?’

“Guan Lu said, ‘I am Guan Lu. I see the aura of death between your brows. You are certain to die within three days. Your features are handsome, and it is a pity that you have no longevity.’

“Zhao Yan returned home and hurriedly told his father. When his father heard, he caught up with Guan Lu, fell to the ground weeping, and bowed to him. ‘Please come home with me and save my son!’

“Guan Lu said, ‘This is the decree of Heaven. How can it be averted?’

“The father said, ‘This old man has only this one son. I beg you to show mercy and save him!’

“Zhao Yan also wept and pleaded. Seeing the depth of feeling between father and son, Guan Lu said to Zhao Yan, ‘Prepare a jar of pure wine and a piece of dried venison. Tomorrow, carry them into the southern hills. Beneath a great tree, you will see two men playing a board game on a flat rock. One will be seated facing south, dressed in a white robe, and his appearance will be very ugly. The other will be seated facing north, dressed in a red robe, and his appearance will be very handsome. When they are deeply absorbed in their game, kneel and offer them the wine and venison. After they have finished eating and drinking, weep, bow, and ask them to prolong your life. They will certainly add to your allotted years. But whatever you do, do not say that I instructed you.’”

“The old man kept Guan Lu at his home. The next day, Zhao Yan took the wine, venison, cups, and dishes into the southern hills. After walking about five or six miles, he indeed saw two men playing a board game on a flat rock beneath a great pine tree. They paid no attention to him at all. Zhao Yan knelt and offered the wine and venison. The two were so engrossed in their game that they did not notice they had drunk all the wine. Zhao Yan fell to the ground, weeping and bowing, and begged for a longer life.

“The two men were greatly startled. The one in the red robe said, ‘This must have been Guan Lu’s advice. Since we have accepted his private offering, we must show the young man mercy.’

“The man in the white robe took out a register from beside him and examined it. He then said to Zhao Yan, ‘You are nineteen this year and are destined to die. I shall now add another “nine” before the “ten,” so that you may live to ninety-nine. When you return and see Guan Lu, tell him never again to divulge the secrets of Heaven. Otherwise, he will certainly incur Heaven’s punishment.’

“The man in red took out a brush and made the addition. A fragrant wind swept past, and the two men turned into two white cranes, soared into the sky, and flew away.”

“Zhao Yan returned and questioned Guan Lu. Guan Lu said, ‘The man in red was the Southern Dipper, and the man in white was the Northern Dipper.’

“Zhao Yan said, ‘I have heard that the Northern Dipper has nine stars. Why was there only one man?’

“Guan Lu replied, ‘When dispersed, it is nine; when united, it is one. The Northern Dipper records death, and the Southern Dipper records life. Now that they have added to your allotted years, what cause do you have for worry?’

“Father and son bowed and thanked him. From that time onward, Guan Lu feared that he might divulge the secrets of Heaven and no longer lightly made divinations for others. This man is now in Pingyuan. If Your Majesty wishes to know your good or ill fortune, why not summon him?”

Cao Cao was delighted and immediately sent men to Pingyuan to summon Guan Lu. When Guan Lu arrived and had completed his formal obeisance, Cao Cao ordered him to divine the cause of his illness. Guan Lu answered, “It was only an illusion. Why should Your Majesty be troubled by it?”

Cao Cao’s mind was put at ease, and his illness gradually improved. He then ordered Guan Lu to divine the affairs of the realm. Guan Lu said:

Three and eight cross lengthwise and breadthwise;The yellow boar encounters the tiger.South of Mount Dingjun,One limb shall suffer ruin.

Cao Cao then ordered him to divine how long the succession of his house would endure. Guan Lu said:

Within the Lion Palace,The divine seat shall be secured.The kingly way will be renewed,And the descendants shall rise to the highest honor.

Cao Cao asked him to explain in detail. Guan Lu said, “The decrees of Heaven are vast and obscure and cannot be known in advance. Wait, and events will verify the words themselves.”

Cao Cao wished to appoint Guan Lu to high office. Guan Lu said, “My destiny is slight and my features are poor. I am not suited to such an office and dare not accept it.”

Cao Cao asked him why. Guan Lu answered, “My forehead has no sovereign bone, and my eyes have no guarding pupils. My nose has neither beam nor pillar, and my feet have no heavenly roots. My back lacks the three jia markings, and my belly lacks the three ren markings. I am fit only to govern ghosts on Mount Tai, not to govern living men.”

Cao Cao said, “What do you see in my features?”

Guan Lu replied, “Your position is already the highest attainable by any subject. Why should you need your features read?”

Cao Cao questioned him repeatedly, but Guan Lu only smiled and would not answer. Cao Cao then ordered him to examine the features of all the civil and military officials.

Guan Lu said, “They are all ministers capable of governing an age of peace.”

When Cao Cao asked about their good and ill fortune, Guan Lu would not reveal everything. A later poet wrote in praise of Guan Lu:

Guan Gongming, divine diviner in the clear dawn,Could calculate the stars of Southern and Northern Dippers.Through the Eight Trigrams’ hidden subtleties, he reached the realm of ghosts;Through the Six Lines’ profound mysteries, he fathomed Heaven’s court.Foreknowing by physiognomy that he would not live long,He understood that his own mind possessed uncommon insight.A pity those extraordinary arts of long agoLeft no surviving canon to be taught to later generations.

Cao Cao ordered Guan Lu to divine events in Eastern Wu and Western Shu. Guan Lu cast the hexagrams and said, “The ruler of Eastern Wu will lose a great commander, and troops from Western Shu will cross the frontier.”

Cao Cao did not believe him. Suddenly, a report arrived from Hefei: “Lu Su, the commander guarding Lukou for Eastern Wu, has died.”

Cao Cao was greatly astonished and immediately sent men to Hanzhong to gather information. Within a few days, an urgent report arrived: “Liu Xuande has sent Zhang Fei and Ma Chao to station troops at Xiabian and seize the passes.”

Cao Cao was furious and intended to lead an army into Hanzhong again. He ordered Guan Lu to divine the outcome. Guan Lu said, “Your Majesty must not act rashly. Next spring, there will certainly be a disastrous fire in the capital at Xu.”

Since Guan Lu’s predictions had repeatedly proven true, Cao Cao did not dare move lightly. He remained in Ye Commandery and ordered Cao Hong to lead fifty thousand troops to assist Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He in defending the Eastern Riverlands. He also sent Xiahou Dun with thirty thousand troops to patrol constantly around the capital at Xu and guard against unforeseen events. He further ordered Chief Clerk Wang Bi to take overall command of the Imperial Forest troops.

Registrar Sima Yi said, “Wang Bi is fond of wine and lenient by nature. I fear he is not equal to this office.”

Cao Cao said, “Wang Bi followed me when I cut my way through thorns and brambles and endured every hardship. He is loyal and diligent, with a heart as firm as iron and stone. He is the man best suited to the position.”

He therefore entrusted Wang Bi with command of the Imperial Forest troops and stationed him outside the Eastern Glory Gate of the capital at Xu.

At that time there was a man named Geng Ji, courtesy name Jixing, a native of Luoyang. He had formerly served as an assistant in the chancellor’s office and was later promoted to Palace Attendant and Minister of the Lesser Treasury. He was on very close terms with Judicial Inspector Wei Huang. When he saw Cao Cao elevated to the rank of king and using the emperor’s carriages and robes whenever he went in or out, he was deeply resentful.

In the first month of spring in the twenty-third year of Jian’an, Geng Ji secretly discussed the matter with Wei Huang. “The traitor Cao grows more wicked by the day,” he said. “In the future he will certainly usurp the throne and rebel. We are servants of the Han. How can we join with evil and help it succeed?”

Wei Huang said, “I have a trusted friend whose surname is Jin and whose given name is Yi. He is a descendant of the Han minister Jin Midi and has long wished to strike down Cao Cao. Moreover, he is very close to Wang Bi. If we can bring him into our plot, our great undertaking can succeed.”

Geng Ji said, “Since he is on such close terms with Wang Bi, how could he be willing to join our plot?”

Wei Huang said, “Let us go speak with him and see what he says.”

The two men went together to Jin Yi’s residence. Jin Yi received them in the rear hall, and after they had taken their seats, Wei Huang said, “Dewei, you are very close to Chief Clerk Wang. The three of us have come especially to ask a favor of you.”

Jin Yi said, “What favor do you seek?”

Wei Huang replied, “I hear that sooner or later the King of Wei will accept the abdication and ascend the imperial throne. You and Chief Clerk Wang are certain to receive high promotions. We hope you will not abandon us but will be so kind as to help advance us. We would be deeply grateful for your favor!”

Jin Yi sprang to his feet and swept his sleeve angrily. Just then a servant arrived with tea, and Jin Yi dashed it onto the floor.

Feigning astonishment, Wei Huang said, “Dewei, we are old friends. Why are you so heartless?”

Jin Yi said, “I befriended you because I believed you to be descendants of officials who served the Han court. Now, instead of thinking of repaying the dynasty that nurtured your families, you wish to assist a rebel. How could I have the face to remain your friend?”

Geng Ji said, “But the course of Heaven has made matters so. We have no choice!”

Jin Yi became furious. Seeing that Jin Yi truly possessed a loyal and righteous heart, Geng Ji and Wei Huang told him the truth. “We actually wish to strike down the traitor and came here to seek your help. What we said before was only to test you.”

Jin Yi said, “My family has served the Han for generations. How could I follow a traitor? If you gentlemen wish to uphold the house of Han, what excellent plan do you have?”

Wei Huang said, “Though we have hearts devoted to repaying the country, we have not yet devised a plan for striking down the traitor.”

Jin Yi said, “I intend to coordinate an attack from inside and outside. We will kill Wang Bi and seize command of his troops, support the imperial person, and secure Imperial Uncle Liu as an outside ally. Then the traitor Cao can be destroyed.”

When the two men heard this, they clapped their hands and praised the plan.

Jin Yi said, “I have two trusted men whose father was killed by the traitor Cao. They now live outside the city and can serve as our wings.”

Geng Ji asked who they were.

Jin Yi replied, “They are the sons of the imperial physician Ji Ping. The elder is named Ji Miao, courtesy name Wenran; the younger is Ji Mu, courtesy name Siran. In the past, Cao Cao killed their father over the matter of Dong Cheng’s edict hidden in his girdle. The two sons fled to a distant region and escaped the disaster. They have now secretly returned to the capital at Xu. If we ask them to help us strike down the traitor, they will certainly agree.”

Geng Ji and Wei Huang were delighted. Jin Yi immediately sent someone to summon the two Ji brothers in secret. In a short while, the two arrived, and Jin Yi explained the whole affair. Filled with grief and indignation, the brothers shed tears. Their resentment rose to the heavens, and they swore to kill the traitor to the state.

Jin Yi said, “On the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, the whole city will be brightly illuminated in celebration of the Lantern Festival. Minister Geng and Judicial Inspector Wei, each of you is to lead your household retainers to Wang Bi’s camp. As soon as you see fire break out inside the camp, attack from two directions. Once Wang Bi has been killed, follow me directly into the palace. We will ask the emperor to ascend the Five Phoenix Tower and summon all the officials so he may personally order them to strike down the traitor.

“Ji Wenran and his brother will attack from outside the city and set fires as a signal. Each of you must raise a great cry, calling upon the people to execute the traitor to the state, and cut off any relief forces coming from inside the city. Once the emperor has issued an edict and submission has been secured, we will march directly against Ye Commandery and capture Cao Cao. We will then send an envoy carrying the edict to summon Imperial Uncle Liu. Let us settle the agreement today. We will rise at the second watch on the appointed night. Do not bring disaster upon yourselves as Dong Cheng did.”

The five men swore before Heaven, smeared their lips with blood, and entered into a covenant. They then returned to their homes to prepare troops, horses, weapons, and equipment for the appointed time.

Now Geng Ji and Wei Huang each had three or four hundred household retainers, whom they supplied with weapons. The Ji brothers also gathered three or four hundred men under the pretense of organizing a hunt. When all the arrangements were complete, Jin Yi went to see Wang Bi before the appointed day and said, “The realm within the seas is now somewhat at peace, and the King of Wei’s power shakes the world. Since the Lantern Festival is approaching, we cannot fail to display lanterns and lights, so that all may see the signs of a peaceful age.”

Wang Bi agreed and issued a proclamation instructing every household in the city to hang lanterns and colored decorations in celebration of the festival.

On the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, the sky was clear, and stars and moon shone together. Throughout the six avenues and three marketplaces, people competed in displaying ornamental lanterns. Truly there was no curfew that night, and the jade water clock urged no one home.

Wang Bi and the commanders of the Imperial Forest troops held a banquet in the camp. After the second watch, they suddenly heard shouting inside the camp, and someone reported that a fire had broken out behind it. Wang Bi hurried from his tent to look and saw flames rolling wildly. He also heard battle cries rising to the heavens. Realizing that a mutiny had broken out in the camp, he quickly mounted his horse and rode through the southern gate.

There he encountered Geng Ji, who shot an arrow into his shoulder and nearly knocked him from the saddle. Wang Bi fled toward the western gate. A cart came racing after him from behind. In his panic, Wang Bi abandoned his horse and continued on foot. When he reached Jin Yi’s gate, he pounded on it frantically.

Jin Yi, it turned out, had sent men to set fire to the camp while he personally led his household retainers behind the others to assist in the fighting, leaving only the women at home. When the household heard someone knocking at the gate, they assumed Jin Yi had returned. From behind the gate, Jin Yi’s wife called, “Has that scoundrel Wang Bi been killed?”

Wang Bi was horrified. Only then did he realize that Jin Yi was part of the conspiracy. He went straight to Cao Xiu’s residence and reported that Jin Yi, Geng Ji, and the others had joined in rebellion.

Cao Xiu quickly donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led more than a thousand men through the city to oppose the rebels. Fires broke out on every side of the city, and the Five Phoenix Tower caught fire. The emperor took refuge deep within the palace. Cao Cao’s trusted henchmen held the palace gates to the death.

Throughout the city, people could be heard shouting, “Kill every one of the Cao traitors and restore the house of Han!”

It happened that Xiahou Dun, acting on Cao Cao’s orders, was patrolling Xuchang with thirty thousand troops camped five miles outside the city. That night, when he saw from a distance that fires had broken out within the city, he led his army forward, surrounded the capital at Xu, and sent one detachment inside to provide support.

Cao Xiu fought in the confusion until daybreak. No one came to aid Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and their companions. Then word came that Jin Yi and both Ji brothers had all been killed.

Geng Ji and Wei Huang fought their way toward the city gate, but there they encountered Xiahou Dun’s encircling army and were captured alive. More than a hundred of their followers were killed.

Xiahou Dun entered the city and extinguished the remaining fires. He arrested every member of the five conspirators’ families and clans, young and old, and sent an urgent report to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao issued an order that Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and every member of the five families and clans, young and old, were to be beheaded in the marketplace. He also ordered every civil and military official at court, high and low, to be arrested and escorted to Ye Commandery to await his judgment.

Xiahou Dun escorted Geng Ji and Wei Huang to the execution ground in the marketplace. Geng Ji shouted fiercely, “Cao Aman! Though I could not kill you in life, in death I will become a vengeful ghost and strike down the traitor!”

The executioner stabbed his knife into Geng Ji’s mouth. Blood covered the ground, but Geng Ji continued cursing until he died.

Wei Huang struck his face against the ground and cried, “How hateful! How hateful!” He clenched his teeth until they all shattered, and then died.

A later poet wrote in praise:

Geng Ji was loyal and steadfast, and Wei Huang worthy and wise;With empty hands they sought to uphold Heaven.Who knew the fortune of Han was nearing its end?Their hearts filled with hatred, they descended to the Nine Springs.

Xiahou Dun executed every member of the five families and clans, young and old, and escorted the court officials to Ye Commandery.

Cao Cao erected a red banner on the left side of the drill ground and a white banner on the right, then proclaimed, “Geng Ji, Wei Huang, and the others rebelled and set fire to the capital at Xu. Some of you went out to fight the fires, while others shut your gates and did not come out. Those who helped fight the fires are to stand beneath the red banner. Those who did not are to stand beneath the white banner.”

The officials thought that those who had fought the fires must be innocent, so most of them hurried beneath the red banner. Only one-third stood beneath the white banner.

Cao Cao ordered everyone beneath the red banner to be arrested. The officials all protested their innocence.

Cao Cao said, “At the time, your true intention was not to fight the fires but to assist the rebels.”

He ordered them all taken to the bank of the Zhang River and beheaded. More than three hundred officials were killed. All those who had stood beneath the white banner received rewards and were ordered to return to the capital at Xu.

By then Wang Bi had died after his arrow wound became infected, and Cao Cao ordered that he be given a lavish burial. He appointed Cao Xiu commander-in-chief of the Imperial Forest troops, Zhong Yao Chancellor of State, and Hua Xin Imperial Censor.

He then established six classes of marquisate, beginning with titled marquises at the eighteenth rank and Guanzhong marquises at the seventeenth, all bearing gold seals and purple ribbons. He also established marquises within and beyond the passes at the sixteenth rank, bearing silver seals with tortoise-shaped knobs and black ribbons, and grand officers at the fifteenth rank, bearing bronze seals with ring-shaped knobs and decorative ribbons. Titles and offices were assigned, and a new group of men took their places at court.

Only then did Cao Cao understand Guan Lu’s prediction of a disastrous fire, and he richly rewarded him. Guan Lu refused the reward.

Now Cao Hong led his army to Hanzhong and ordered Zhang He and Xiahou Yuan to occupy the strategic positions. Cao Hong himself advanced to oppose the enemy.

At that time, Zhang Fei and Lei Tong were defending Baxi, while Ma Chao’s troops had reached Xiabian. Ma Chao appointed Wu Lan as his vanguard and sent him out with troops to reconnoiter. Wu Lan encountered Cao Hong’s army and wished to withdraw.

A subordinate commander named Ren Kui said, “The enemy troops have only just arrived. If we do not first blunt their edge, how can we face Mengqi?”

He spurred his horse forward, leveled his spear, and challenged Cao Hong to battle. Cao Hong personally rode out with his saber in hand. After three exchanges, he cut Ren Kui down from his horse and followed up his advantage with a full attack.

Wu Lan suffered a severe defeat and returned to Ma Chao.

Ma Chao rebuked him. “You had no order from me. Why did you underestimate the enemy and bring about this defeat?”

Wu Lan said, “Ren Kui refused to listen to me, and that is why we were defeated.”

Ma Chao said, “Guard the pass closely and do not engage the enemy.”

At the same time, he sent a report to Chengdu and awaited further orders.

When Cao Hong saw that Ma Chao did not come out for several days, he feared some deceptive scheme and withdrew his army to Nanzheng.

Zhang He came to see him and asked, “General, since you have already slain an enemy commander, why have you withdrawn?”

Cao Hong said, “When I saw that Ma Chao would not come out, I feared he had some other plan. Moreover, while I was in Ye Commandery, I heard that the divine diviner Guan Lu had said a great commander would be lost in this region. I am troubled by that prediction and therefore dare not advance recklessly.”

Zhang He laughed loudly. “General, you have commanded armies for half your life. Why do you now allow a diviner’s words to confuse your mind? Though I have little ability, I ask permission to take my own troops and capture Baxi. Once Baxi is taken, the lands of Shu will be easy to seize.”

Cao Hong said, “The commander defending Baxi is Zhang Fei. He is no ordinary man, and you must not underestimate him.”

Zhang He said, “Everyone else fears Zhang Fei, but I regard him as no more than a child! If I go, I will certainly capture him!”

Cao Hong said, “And what if something goes wrong?”

Zhang He replied, “I will willingly submit to military law.”

Cao Hong made him sign a written pledge, and Zhang He advanced with his army. Truly:

Since ancient times, arrogant armies have often met defeat;From the beginning, those who scorn their foes have rarely won success.

What the outcome would be will be told in the next chapter.