Chapter 7

Yuan Shao Battles Gongsun Zan at Pan River; Sun Jian Crosses the Yangzi to Attack Liu Biao

Now Sun Jian, surrounded by Liu Biao, escaped only because his three generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang fought to the death to rescue him. Having lost more than half his troops, he forced a way through and led the survivors back to Jiangdong. From that time on, Sun Jian and Liu Biao were bitter enemies.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao had stationed his army in Henei, where provisions were scarce. Han Fu, Governor of Ji Province, sent supplies to sustain his forces. Yuan Shao’s adviser Feng Ji said to him, “A true man ranges freely across the realm. Why should he wait for another to send him food? Ji Province is rich in money and grain. Why do you not take it?”

“I have no sound plan,” Yuan Shao said.

Feng Ji replied, “Secretly send a letter to Gongsun Zan, urging him to advance upon Ji Province, with an agreement that you will attack from both sides. Gongsun Zan is certain to raise an army. Han Fu is a man without strategy; he will surely ask you to take charge of the province. You can then seize control from within. It will be as easy as turning your hand.”

Yuan Shao was delighted and immediately sent a letter to Gongsun Zan. When Gongsun Zan read the proposal that they attack Ji Province together and divide its territory equally, he was overjoyed and raised his army that very day. Yuan Shao, however, secretly sent someone to warn Han Fu.

Alarmed, Han Fu summoned his two advisers, Xun Chen and Xin Ping, to deliberate. Xun Chen said, “Gongsun Zan is leading the forces of Yan and Dai in a long, swift advance. The edge of his assault cannot be withstood. Moreover, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are assisting him, so he will be difficult to resist. Yuan Benchu surpasses other men in wisdom and courage, and there is no shortage of renowned generals under his command. You should invite him to govern the province jointly with you. He will be certain to treat you generously, and you will then have nothing to fear from Gongsun Zan.”

Han Fu immediately sent Assistant Inspector Guan Chun to invite Yuan Shao. His Chief Clerk, Geng Wu, remonstrated with him: “Yuan Shao is a solitary guest with an exhausted army, dependent on every breath you take. He is like an infant resting in the palm of your hand: cut off his milk, and he will starve to death at once. How can you entrust the affairs of the province to him? This is letting a tiger into a flock of sheep.”

Han Fu said, “I was once an officer of the Yuan family, and my abilities do not equal Benchu’s. In ancient times, men chose the worthy and yielded their positions to them. Why are you gentlemen so jealous?”

Geng Wu sighed. “Ji Province is finished!”

More than thirty men resigned their posts and left. Only Geng Wu and Guan Chun hid outside the city to await Yuan Shao. Several days later, Yuan Shao arrived at the head of his army. Geng Wu and Guan Chun sprang out with drawn blades, intending to assassinate him. Yuan Shao’s general Yan Liang cut down Geng Wu on the spot, while Wen Chou killed Guan Chun.

Yuan Shao entered Ji Province. He appointed Han Fu General Who Displays Might, while Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Xu You, and Feng Ji divided the provincial administration among themselves. In this way he stripped Han Fu of all authority. Han Fu’s remorse came too late. Abandoning his family, he rode off alone to seek refuge with Zhang Miao, Administrator of Chenliu.

When Gongsun Zan learned that Yuan Shao had taken possession of Ji Province, he sent his younger brother Gongsun Yue to request his share of the territory. Yuan Shao said, “Ask your brother to come here himself. I have matters to discuss with him.”

Gongsun Yue took his leave and set out for home. Before he had traveled fifty li, a body of troops burst from the roadside, shouting, “We are retainers of Chancellor Dong!”

A storm of arrows killed Gongsun Yue. His attendants escaped and returned to report his death to Gongsun Zan.

Gongsun Zan flew into a rage. “Yuan Shao lured me into raising an army against Han Fu, while he seized power from within. Now he has even disguised his men as Dong Zhuo’s troops and shot my brother dead. How can I leave this wrong unavenged?”

He mustered every soldier under his command and drove toward Ji Province. When Yuan Shao learned that Gongsun Zan’s army was approaching, he too led his forces out. The two armies met on the Pan River: Yuan Shao’s army stood east of the bridge, and Gongsun Zan’s west of it.

Gongsun Zan reined in his horse upon the bridge and shouted, “You traitor to honor! How dare you betray me?”

Yuan Shao also rode to the bridge and pointed at him. “Han Fu lacked ability and chose to yield Ji Province to me. What business is that of yours?”

Gongsun Zan said, “Once I believed you loyal and honorable, and I put you forward as leader of our alliance. By what you have done today, you have shown yourself to have the heart of a wolf and the conduct of a dog. How can you have the face to stand among men?”

Enraged, Yuan Shao cried, “Who will capture him?”

Before the words had left his mouth, Wen Chou spurred forward, leveled his spear, and charged straight onto the bridge. Gongsun Zan met him there. They had fought fewer than twenty bouts when Gongsun Zan could no longer hold his ground and fled in defeat. Wen Chou pressed his advantage and pursued him.

Gongsun Zan rode into his own ranks, but Wen Chou galloped directly into the center of the army, charging back and forth through it. Four valiant generals under Gongsun Zan came against him together. With one thrust Wen Chou speared one of them from the saddle, and the other three fled.

Wen Chou chased Gongsun Zan clear through the rear of his formation. Gongsun Zan fled toward a mountain valley. Urging his horse on, Wen Chou shouted fiercely, “Dismount at once and surrender!”

Gongsun Zan had dropped his bow and arrows, and his helmet had fallen away. With his hair streaming loose, he galloped around the slope, but his horse stumbled, pitching him down the hillside. Wen Chou gripped his spear and rushed in to stab him.

Suddenly a young general swept around the left side of the grassy slope. Horse flying, spear leveled, he charged straight at Wen Chou. Gongsun Zan scrambled back up the slope and looked at the young man. He stood eight feet tall, with thick brows and large eyes, a broad face and strong double chin, and an imposing, awe-inspiring presence. He fought Wen Chou for fifty or sixty bouts, with neither able to gain the advantage.

When relief troops from Gongsun Zan’s army arrived, Wen Chou wheeled his horse and withdrew. The young general did not pursue him. Gongsun Zan hurried down the earthen slope and asked his name.

The young man inclined his body and answered, “I am from Zhending in Changshan. My family name is Zhao, my given name Yun, and my courtesy name Zilong. I was formerly under Yuan Shao’s authority, but when I saw that he had no heart to serve the sovereign loyally or rescue the people, I left him to place myself under your command. I never expected to meet you here.”

Gongsun Zan was delighted. They returned to camp together and set their troops and armor in order.

The next day, Gongsun Zan divided his cavalry into two wings, left and right. Of his more than five thousand horses, the greater part were white. Gongsun Zan had once fought the Qiang, and because he always chose white horses for his vanguard, he was known as the White Horse General. The Qiang would flee whenever they saw white horses, and for this reason he had gathered so many of them.

Yuan Shao appointed Yan Liang and Wen Chou to lead the vanguard. Each commanded a thousand archers and crossbowmen, likewise divided into left and right wings. Those on the left were ordered to shoot at Gongsun Zan’s right wing, and those on the right at his left. He then ordered Qu Yi to take eight hundred bowmen and fifteen thousand infantry and form up in the center. Yuan Shao himself led several tens of thousands of cavalry and infantry in support from the rear.

Gongsun Zan had only just gained Zhao Yun and did not yet know whether he was truly devoted, so he ordered him to command a separate force at the rear. He sent his general Yan Gang forward as vanguard, while he himself led the central army. He reined in his horse upon the bridge, with a great red banner before him bearing the word “Commander” embroidered in gold.

The drums sounded from the hour of the Dragon until the hour of the Snake, but Yuan Shao’s army did not advance. Qu Yi ordered all his bowmen to lie concealed behind arrow screens and wait for the signal blast before shooting.

Yan Gang’s troops beat their drums, raised a deafening cry, and charged directly at Qu Yi. When Qu Yi’s men saw them coming, they remained hidden and did not stir. Only when the enemy had drawn close did a signal blast sound, and all eight hundred archers and crossbowmen discharged their weapons together. Yan Gang tried desperately to turn back, but Qu Yi spurred forward, brandished his saber, and cut him down from his horse. Gongsun Zan’s army collapsed.

The left and right wings attempted to come to the rescue, but Yan Liang and Wen Chou pinned them down with their archers and crossbowmen. Yuan Shao’s entire army advanced, killing its way straight to Jie Bridge. When Qu Yi arrived, he first slew the standard-bearer, then hacked down the embroidered command flag.

Seeing his banner fall, Gongsun Zan turned his horse, descended from the bridge, and fled. Qu Yi led his men in a direct charge upon the rear army, where he came face-to-face with Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun leveled his spear, leapt his horse forward, and attacked. In only a few bouts, he thrust Qu Yi from the saddle.

Zhao Yun then rode alone into Yuan Shao’s army, charging left and breaking through right as though no one stood in his way. Gongsun Zan led his troops back into the attack, and Yuan Shao’s army suffered a crushing defeat.

Earlier, Yuan Shao had sent scouts ahead to observe the fighting. They returned to report that Qu Yi had slain the enemy general, torn down his standard, and was pursuing the defeated troops. Yuan Shao therefore made no preparations. Accompanied by Tian Feng, several hundred halberdiers from his personal guard, and several dozen mounted archers, he rode out to watch the battle.

He laughed aloud. “Gongsun Zan is utterly incompetent!”

Even as he spoke, Zhao Yun suddenly came charging before him. The mounted archers hurried to shoot, but Zhao Yun speared several of them in succession, and the rest fled. Gongsun Zan’s troops came up from behind and encircled Yuan Shao’s party on every side.

In alarm, Tian Feng said, “My lord, take shelter behind that empty wall for the moment!”

Yuan Shao dashed his helmet to the ground and cried, “A true man would sooner fight to the death before the battle line! How can he hide behind a wall and hope to live?”

His soldiers united in a desperate fight. Zhao Yun was unable to break through them, and then the main body of Yuan Shao’s army swept up. Yan Liang also arrived with his troops, and the two forces attacked together. Zhao Yun protected Gongsun Zan as they cut their way through the encirclement and returned to Jie Bridge.

Yuan Shao drove his army forward in a great advance and pursued them back across the bridge. Those who fell into the water and drowned were beyond counting. Yuan Shao led the pursuit. Before he had gone five li, a tremendous cry rose from behind the hills, and a body of troops swept into view. At their head rode three great generals: Liu Xuande, Guan Yunchang, and Zhang Yide.

While in Pingyuan, Liu Bei had learned that Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao were at war, and had come expressly to aid Gongsun Zan. Now three horses and three different weapons came flying forward, straight toward Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao was so terrified that his soul nearly left his body. The precious saber in his hand fell beneath his horse. He hastily wheeled around and fled, while his men fought desperately to escort him back across the bridge.

Gongsun Zan also withdrew his army to camp. After Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei had exchanged greetings and asked what had happened, Gongsun Zan said, “Had Xuande not come so far to rescue me, I would nearly have been ruined.”

He then had them meet Zhao Yun. Liu Bei regarded Zhao Yun with deep esteem and affection, and already felt reluctant to part from him.

After losing the battle, Yuan Shao held firmly to his camp and refused to come out. The two armies remained opposed for more than a month, until someone traveled to Chang’an and reported the matter to Dong Zhuo.

Li Ru said to Dong Zhuo, “Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are both outstanding men of the present age. They are now fighting at the Pan River. You should issue an edict in the Son of Heaven’s name and send envoys to reconcile them. Grateful for this favor, both men will surely submit to the Grand Preceptor.”

Dong Zhuo was delighted. The following day, he sent Grand Tutor Ma Ridi and Minister of the Imperial Stables Zhao Qi to carry the edict north. When they reached the lands north of the Yellow River, Yuan Shao came a hundred li to meet them and bowed twice as he received the edict.

The next day, the two envoys arrived at Gongsun Zan’s camp and proclaimed the imperial command. Gongsun Zan then sent an envoy with a letter to Yuan Shao, and the two sides made peace. Ma Ridi and Zhao Qi returned to the capital to report the completion of their mission.

Gongsun Zan withdrew his army that same day. He also submitted a memorial recommending Liu Xuande as Chancellor of Pingyuan.

When Liu Bei and Zhao Yun parted, they clasped hands and shed tears, unable to bear their separation. Zhao Yun sighed and said, “In the past, I mistakenly took Gongsun Zan for a hero. Now that I have seen his conduct, I know he is merely another man of Yuan Shao’s kind.”

“For the moment, endure the indignity of serving him,” Liu Bei said. “The day will come when we meet again.”

They parted in tears.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shu was in Nanyang. When he heard that Yuan Shao had newly acquired Ji Province, he sent an envoy asking for a thousand horses. Yuan Shao refused, and Yuan Shu was enraged. From that time on, the brothers were estranged.

Yuan Shu then sent an envoy to Jing Province to borrow two hundred thousand measures of grain from Liu Biao. Liu Biao also refused. Yuan Shu bore him a grudge and secretly sent a letter to Sun Jian, urging him to attack Liu Biao. The letter said in substance:

It was my elder brother Benchu who devised Liu Biao’s former interception of your road. Now Benchu and Liu Biao have secretly plotted together to attack Jiangdong. Raise your army at once and strike Liu Biao, while I strike Benchu for you. In this way, both wrongs can be avenged. You take Jing Province, and I will take Ji Province. Do not miss this opportunity!

When Sun Jian received the letter, he said, “That intolerable Liu Biao! He cut off my road home before. If I do not seize this chance to avenge myself, what other time am I waiting for?”

He summoned Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and the others under his command to deliberate.

Cheng Pu said, “Yuan Shu is full of deceit. His word cannot yet be trusted.”

“I myself desire vengeance,” Sun Jian replied. “Why would I depend on Yuan Shu’s help?”

He sent Huang Gai ahead to the riverbank to prepare warships and load them heavily with weapons and provisions, while the larger ships took the warhorses aboard. A date was fixed for the campaign.

Liu Biao’s agents on the river discovered these preparations and came to report them. Greatly alarmed, Liu Biao urgently assembled his civil and military officers to deliberate.

Kuai Liang said, “There is no need for concern. Order Huang Zu to lead the troops of Jiangxia as the vanguard, while you follow with the forces of Jing and Xiang as support. Sun Jian must cross the river and traverse the lakes to reach us. How can he bring his military strength to bear?”

Liu Biao approved the plan. He ordered Huang Zu to make preparations, then raised a large army to follow him.

Sun Jian had four sons, all born to Lady Wu. The eldest was named Ce, with the courtesy name Bofu; the second, Quan, courtesy name Zhongmou; the third, Yi, courtesy name Shubi; and the fourth, Kuang, courtesy name Jizuo.

Lady Wu’s younger sister became Sun Jian’s secondary wife and also bore him a son and a daughter. The son was named Lang, with the courtesy name Zao’an; the daughter was named Ren. Sun Jian also adopted into his household a son of the Yu family, named Shao, with the courtesy name Gongli.

Sun Jian had a younger brother named Jing, with the courtesy name Youtai. As Sun Jian was about to depart, Sun Jing led all the sons to kneel in a row before his horse and remonstrated with him:

“Dong Zhuo now monopolizes power, the Son of Heaven is weak, the realm is in great disorder, and each warlord dominates his own region. Jiangdong has only just begun to know peace. It is not right to raise a great army over one small grievance. I ask you, elder brother, to consider carefully.”

“Say no more,” Sun Jian replied. “I intend to range across the realm. How can I leave an enemy unavenged?”

His eldest son, Sun Ce, said, “If Father is determined to go, I ask leave to accompany you.”

Sun Jian consented. He and Sun Ce boarded ship and drove toward Fancheng.

Huang Zu concealed archers and crossbowmen along the riverbank. As soon as the ships drew near shore, they loosed a storm of arrows. Sun Jian ordered his troops not to move rashly, but to remain hidden inside the ships while sailing back and forth to draw the enemy’s fire. For three days in succession, the ships approached the shore dozens of times. Huang Zu’s troops thought only of shooting, until all their arrows were spent.

Sun Jian then collected the arrows that had lodged in his ships, some hundred thousand or more. That day the wind was behind him, and he ordered all his soldiers to shoot together. The troops on the bank could not withstand the attack and had no choice but to retreat.

Sun Jian’s troops landed. Cheng Pu and Huang Gai divided their forces into two columns and advanced directly upon Huang Zu’s camp, while Han Dang drove his troops forward from the rear. Attacked from three sides, Huang Zu suffered a crushing defeat. He abandoned Fancheng and withdrew into Dengcheng.

Sun Jian ordered Huang Gai to guard the ships while he personally led the pursuit. Huang Zu brought out his troops to meet him and formed a battle line in the open country. Sun Jian arrayed his own forces and rode out beneath his command standard. Sun Ce, fully armed, leveled his spear and reined in his horse beside his father.

Huang Zu rode out with two generals: Zhang Hu of Jiangxia and Chen Sheng of Xiangyang. Raising his whip, Huang Zu cursed them loudly: “You rat-brigands from Jiangdong! How dare you invade the territory of a kinsman of the imperial house?”

He ordered Zhang Hu to issue a challenge. Han Dang rode from Sun Jian’s ranks to meet him. The two horsemen crossed weapons and fought for more than thirty bouts. Seeing Zhang Hu’s strength begin to fail, Chen Sheng galloped forward to assist him.

Sun Ce saw him coming. Holding his spear steady in one hand, he drew his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot Chen Sheng squarely in the face. Chen Sheng fell from his horse at the twang of the bowstring.

Zhang Hu started in shock when he saw Chen Sheng fall. Before he could react, Han Dang struck with his saber and sliced away half his skull.

Cheng Pu spurred directly to the front of the enemy formation to capture Huang Zu. Huang Zu cast aside his helmet and warhorse, mingled among the infantry, and fled for his life.

Sun Jian fell upon the defeated army and pursued it as far as the Han River. He then ordered Huang Gai to bring the ships forward and anchor them on the river.

Huang Zu gathered the remnants of his defeated army and returned to Liu Biao, to whom he gave a full account of Sun Jian’s irresistible power. Alarmed, Liu Biao summoned Kuai Liang to deliberate.

“At present we have just suffered a defeat, and the soldiers have no will to fight,” Kuai Liang said. “We can only deepen our moats and raise our ramparts to blunt the enemy’s assault. Meanwhile, we should secretly send someone to ask Yuan Shao for aid. In that way the siege can be lifted.”

Cai Mao said, “Zirou’s words amount to nothing but a foolish plan. The enemy is beneath our walls and his generals have reached the riverbank. How can we fold our hands and wait for death? Though I have little ability, I ask permission to lead the army out of the city and decide the matter in a single battle.”

Liu Biao consented. Cai Mao led more than ten thousand troops out of Xiangyang and formed his battle line at Mount Xian.

Sun Jian advanced swiftly with his victorious army. Cai Mao rode out.

“This man is the elder brother of Liu Biao’s second wife,” Sun Jian said. “Who will capture him for me?”

Cheng Pu rode forward with his iron-spined spear and engaged Cai Mao. In only a few bouts, Cai Mao turned and fled. Sun Jian drove his army onward, killing until corpses lay across the fields.

Cai Mao escaped into Xiangyang. Kuai Liang declared that Cai Mao had rejected sound counsel and thereby brought about a great defeat, and that by military law he should be executed. But because Liu Biao had recently married his younger sister, he refused to punish him.

Sun Jian divided his army among the four sides of Xiangyang, surrounded the city, and pressed the attack.

One day, a violent wind suddenly rose and snapped the staff of the commander’s banner in the central camp.

“This is not an auspicious sign,” Han Dang said. “We should withdraw for the present.”

“I have won battle after battle,” Sun Jian replied, “and Xiangyang will be ours within days. How can I abruptly abandon the campaign merely because the wind has broken a flagstaff?”

He rejected Han Dang’s counsel and pressed the siege even more fiercely.

Kuai Liang said to Liu Biao, “Last night I observed the signs in the heavens and saw that a general’s star was about to fall. Judging by the corresponding region, it must signify Sun Jian. My lord, you should send a letter to Yuan Shao at once and ask him for aid.”

Liu Biao wrote the letter and asked who would dare break through the encirclement. The valiant general Lü Gong immediately volunteered.

“Since you dare to go, listen to my plan,” Kuai Liang said. “I will give you five hundred cavalrymen, including many skilled archers. Break through the enemy’s lines and ride directly toward Mount Xian. Sun Jian will certainly lead troops in pursuit. Send a hundred men up the mountain to gather stones and hold them ready, and conceal another hundred archers and crossbowmen in the woods.

“When the pursuers arrive, do not flee straight ahead. Circle and double back, leading them by a winding course into the ambush. Then release arrows and stones together. If you gain the victory, set off a rapid succession of signal blasts, and the troops inside the city will come out to support you. If no one pursues you, do not set off the signals, but continue your journey at full speed. The moon will not be bright tonight, so you may leave the city at dusk.”

Lü Gong received the plan and made his troops and horses ready. At dusk, the east gate was secretly opened, and he led his force out of the city.

Sun Jian was in his tent when he suddenly heard cries of battle. He hastily mounted and rode out of camp with a little more than thirty horsemen to see what was happening.

A soldier reported, “A body of troops has fought its way out and is heading toward Mount Xian.”

Without summoning any of his generals, Sun Jian pursued with only his thirty-odd riders.

Lü Gong had already laid ambushes above and below amid the tangled woods of the mountain. Sun Jian’s horse was swift, and he rode ahead alone, with his men some distance behind.

“Stop running!” Sun Jian shouted.

Lü Gong reined around and fought him. Their horses had crossed only once when Lü Gong fled and vanished into the mountain road. Sun Jian pursued him, but Lü Gong was nowhere to be seen.

Just as Sun Jian was about to ride up the mountain, a gong suddenly sounded. Stones rained chaotically from above, while a storm of arrows flew from the woods. Sun Jian was struck by stones and arrows; his skull burst open and his brains spilled out. Horse and rider died together within Mount Xian.

He was thirty-seven years old.

Lü Gong cut off Sun Jian’s thirty horsemen and killed them all, then fired a rapid succession of signal blasts. From the city, Huang Zu, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao led their forces out by separate routes. The armies of Jiangdong fell into confusion.

Hearing battle cries shake the sky, Huang Gai led the naval troops into the attack and encountered Huang Zu. In fewer than two bouts, he captured Huang Zu alive.

Cheng Pu, protecting Sun Ce, urgently sought a road to safety and came face-to-face with Lü Gong. Cheng Pu spurred forward, and after only a few bouts he thrust Lü Gong from his horse with a single stroke of his spear.

The two armies fought until daybreak, when each side withdrew. Liu Biao’s forces returned to the city.

When Sun Ce reached the Han River, he learned that his father had been killed in the storm of arrows and that Liu Biao’s soldiers had carried the body into the city. He broke into loud weeping, and the whole army mourned with him.

“My father’s body is in their hands,” Sun Ce said. “How can I return home?”

“We have captured Huang Zu alive,” Huang Gai said. “Send someone into the city to negotiate peace and exchange Huang Zu for our lord’s remains.”

Before he had finished speaking, the military officer Huan Kai stepped forward. “I have an old acquaintance with Liu Biao. I am willing to enter the city as envoy.”

Sun Ce consented. Huan Kai entered the city, met Liu Biao, and gave a full account of the matter.

“I have already placed Wentai’s remains in a coffin,” Liu Biao said. “Release Huang Zu at once. Our two houses will each withdraw their armies and never again invade the other.”

Huan Kai bowed his thanks and was about to leave when Kuai Liang stepped out below the stairs.

“No! No!” he cried. “I have a proposal that will ensure not one armored soldier of Jiangdong returns alive. First execute Huan Kai, and then put my plan into effect.”

And so:

Pursuing his foe, Sun Jian has met his end;Seeking peace, Huan Kai now faces disaster.

What became of Huan Kai’s life will be revealed in the next chapter.

Yuan Shao Battles Gongsun Zan at Pan River; Sun Jian Crosses the Yangzi to Attack Liu Biao

Now Sun Jian had been surrounded by Liu Biao. Only through the desperate rescue of his three generals Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang did he escape. Having lost more than half his troops, he forced open a road and led his army back to Jiangdong. From that time on, Sun Jian and Liu Biao were bitter enemies.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao had stationed his army in Henei and was short of provisions. Han Fu, Governor of Ji Province, sent men to supply grain for his army. His adviser Feng Ji said to Yuan Shao, “A true man should range freely across the realm. Why should you depend on another man to send you food? Ji Province is rich in money and grain. Why do you not take it?”

Yuan Shao said, “I have no good plan.”

Feng Ji said, “Secretly send a letter to Gongsun Zan, telling him to advance and seize Ji Province, and arrange to attack it from both sides. Gongsun Zan will certainly raise an army. Han Fu is a man without strategy and will surely ask you, General, to take charge of the province. Then you can turn the situation to your advantage and gain it as easily as spitting into your hand.”

Yuan Shao was delighted and immediately sent a letter to Gongsun Zan. When Gongsun Zan received it and saw that Yuan Shao proposed that they attack Ji Province together and divide its territory equally, he was overjoyed and raised an army that very day.

Yuan Shao then secretly sent someone to warn Han Fu. In alarm, Han Fu gathered his two advisers, Xun Chen and Xin Ping, to discuss the matter.

Xun Chen said, “Gongsun Zan is bringing the forces of Yan and Dai in a long, swift advance. The edge of his attack cannot be resisted. Moreover, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are assisting him, so he will be hard to withstand. Yuan Benchu possesses extraordinary wisdom and courage, and he has a great number of famous generals under him. You may invite him to govern the province jointly with you. He will certainly treat you generously, and then you need not fear Gongsun Zan.”

Han Fu immediately sent his Assistant Administrator, Guan Chun, to invite Yuan Shao.

His Chief Clerk, Geng Wu, remonstrated: “Yuan Shao is an isolated guest with a destitute army, and he depends on us for every breath. He is like an infant held in the palm of our hand: cut off his milk, and he can be starved to death at once. Why would you entrust the affairs of the province to him? This is bringing a tiger into a flock of sheep.”

Han Fu said, “I was once an official under the Yuan family, and my abilities are also inferior to Benchu’s. In ancient times, men chose those of greater worth and yielded their positions to them. Why are you gentlemen jealous?”

Geng Wu sighed and said, “Ji Province is finished!”

Thereupon, more than thirty men resigned their offices and left. Only Geng Wu and Guan Chun hid outside the city to await Yuan Shao.

Several days later, Yuan Shao arrived with his army. Geng Wu and Guan Chun rushed out with drawn swords, intending to assassinate him. Yuan Shao’s general Yan Liang immediately cut down Geng Wu, while Wen Chou hacked Guan Chun to death.

Yuan Shao entered Ji Province. He appointed Han Fu General Who Displays Might and gave Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Xu You, and Feng Ji separate control over the province’s affairs, stripping Han Fu of all authority. Han Fu regretted his decision, but it was too late. He abandoned his family, mounted a single horse, and went to seek refuge with Zhang Miao, Administrator of Chenliu.

When Gongsun Zan learned that Yuan Shao had occupied Ji Province, he sent his younger brother Gongsun Yue to see Yuan Shao and ask for a share of the territory.

Yuan Shao said, “Ask your elder brother to come here himself. I have matters to discuss with him.”

Gongsun Yue took his leave and started home. Before he had gone fifty li, a body of troops suddenly rushed out from beside the road, shouting, “We are household troops of Chancellor Dong!”

A storm of arrows shot Gongsun Yue dead. His attendants escaped and returned to report his death to Gongsun Zan.

Gongsun Zan was furious. “Yuan Shao lured me into raising an army against Han Fu, while he took advantage of the situation for himself. Now he has even pretended that Dong Zhuo’s troops shot my brother dead. How can I fail to avenge this wrong?”

He raised all the troops under his command and came charging toward Ji Province. When Yuan Shao learned that Gongsun Zan’s army was approaching, he too led out his forces.

The two armies met on the Pan River. Yuan Shao’s army stood east of the Pan River Bridge, and Gongsun Zan’s army stood west of it. Gongsun Zan halted his horse on the bridge and shouted, “You faithless traitor! How dare you betray me?”

Yuan Shao also spurred his horse to the edge of the bridge. Pointing at Gongsun Zan, he said, “Han Fu had no ability and willingly yielded Ji Province to me. What has that to do with you?”

Gongsun Zan said, “In the past, I believed you loyal and righteous and supported you as leader of the alliance. But your present conduct shows that you truly have the heart of a wolf and the behavior of a dog. How can you have the face to stand among men?”

Yuan Shao was enraged and cried, “Who can capture him?”

Before he had finished speaking, Wen Chou spurred his horse forward, leveled his spear, and charged straight onto the bridge. Gongsun Zan met him beside the bridge. They had fought fewer than twenty bouts when Gongsun Zan could no longer hold him off and fled in defeat. Wen Chou pursued him.

Gongsun Zan rode into his battle lines, but Wen Chou galloped straight into the center of his army, charging back and forth through it. Four fierce generals under Gongsun Zan came together to meet him. With a single thrust, Wen Chou stabbed one of them from his horse, and the other three fled.

Wen Chou chased Gongsun Zan right out behind his battle lines, and Gongsun Zan fled toward the mountain valleys. Urging his horse forward, Wen Chou shouted fiercely, “Quickly dismount and surrender!”

Gongsun Zan had dropped both bow and arrows, and his helmet had fallen to the ground. With his hair loose, he drove his horse around the slope, but the horse stumbled with its forelegs, throwing him below the slope. Wen Chou quickly raised his spear to stab him.

Suddenly, a young general rounded the left side of the grassy slope. He galloped forward with his spear leveled and attacked Wen Chou directly. Gongsun Zan scrambled up the slope and looked at the young man. He stood eight chi tall, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, a broad face, and a heavy chin. His imposing presence was awe-inspiring. He fought Wen Chou for fifty or sixty bouts, with neither gaining the advantage.

When rescuing troops from Gongsun Zan’s army arrived, Wen Chou turned his horse and withdrew. The young general did not pursue him.

Gongsun Zan hurried down the earthen slope and asked the young man his name.

The young man inclined his body and replied, “I am from Zhending in Changshan. My family name is Zhao, my given name Yun, and my courtesy name Zilong. I was formerly under Yuan Shao’s authority. But when I saw that Yuan Shao had no heart to serve his sovereign loyally or save the people, I left him specifically to place myself under your command. I did not expect to meet you here.”

Gongsun Zan was delighted. They returned to camp together and set the troops and equipment in order.

The next day, Gongsun Zan divided his horsemen into left and right forces, spread out like wings. He had more than five thousand horses, and most of them were white. Because Gongsun Zan had once fought the Qiang people, he had selected only white horses for his vanguard and had become known as the “White Horse General.” The Qiang fled whenever they saw white horses, and for this reason his army had a great many of them.

Yuan Shao appointed Yan Liang and Wen Chou as his vanguard. Each commanded one thousand bowmen and crossbowmen, likewise divided into left and right forces. He ordered those on the left to shoot at Gongsun Zan’s right wing and those on the right to shoot at Gongsun Zan’s left wing.

He then ordered Qu Yi to lead eight hundred bowmen and fifteen thousand infantry and form ranks in the center. Yuan Shao personally led several tens of thousands of cavalry and infantry in support behind them.

Gongsun Zan had only just gained Zhao Yun and did not yet know whether he was truly loyal, so he ordered Zhao Yun to command a separate force in the rear. He appointed his senior general Yan Gang as vanguard. Gongsun Zan himself led the central army and halted his horse on the bridge. Before him stood a great red banner, bordered with gold thread and bearing the word “Commander.”

The drums began beating at the Hour of the Dragon, but even by the Hour of the Snake, Yuan Shao’s army had not advanced. Qu Yi ordered all the bowmen to lie behind their arrow shields and wait for the signal cannon before shooting.

Yan Gang’s troops beat their drums, shouted, and charged directly at Qu Yi. When Qu Yi’s men saw them coming, they all lay still and did not move. Only when Yan Gang’s troops had come very close did a cannon sound. All eight hundred bowmen and crossbowmen fired at once.

Yan Gang hastily turned back, but Qu Yi urged his horse forward, swung his saber, and cut him down from the saddle. Gongsun Zan’s army suffered a great defeat. His left and right wings tried to come to the rescue, but Yan Liang and Wen Chou held them back with their bowmen and crossbowmen.

Yuan Shao’s whole army advanced and fought its way straight to Jie Bridge. When Qu Yi arrived on horseback, he first killed the officer carrying the standard and cut down the embroidered banner. Seeing his banner fall, Gongsun Zan turned his horse, descended from the bridge, and fled.

Qu Yi led his troops in a direct charge against the rear army and ran straight into Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun leveled his spear, urged his horse forward, and attacked Qu Yi. In only a few bouts, Zhao Yun stabbed Qu Yi from his horse.

Riding alone, Zhao Yun flew into Yuan Shao’s army, charging left and right as though entering a land where no one stood against him. Gongsun Zan led his army back into the fight, and Yuan Shao’s army was badly defeated.

Earlier, Yuan Shao had sent scouts to observe the fighting. They returned and reported that Qu Yi had killed the enemy general, seized the banner, and was pursuing the defeated troops. Yuan Shao therefore made no preparations. Accompanied by Tian Feng, several hundred guards carrying halberds, and several dozen mounted archers, he rode out to watch.

He laughed loudly and said, “Gongsun Zan is a man without ability!”

Even as he spoke, Zhao Yun suddenly charged up before him. The archers hurried to shoot, but Zhao Yun stabbed several of them in quick succession, and the soldiers all fled. Gongsun Zan’s troops came up behind and completely surrounded Yuan Shao.

In alarm, Tian Feng said to Yuan Shao, “My lord, take shelter behind that empty wall!”

Yuan Shao threw his helmet to the ground and shouted, “A true man should be willing to fight and die before the battle lines! How could he hide behind a wall and hope to live?”

All his soldiers joined in a desperate fight. Zhao Yun could not break through them, and a large body of Yuan Shao’s troops came sweeping up. Yan Liang also arrived with his forces, and they attacked from two directions.

Zhao Yun protected Gongsun Zan and fought his way through the heavy encirclement, returning to Jie Bridge. Yuan Shao drove his troops forward in a great advance and pursued them back across the bridge. Those who fell into the water and died were beyond counting.

Yuan Shao led the pursuit. Before he had gone five li, great shouting suddenly rose behind a hill, and a body of troops rushed out. At their head were three senior generals: Liu Xuande, Guan Yunchang, and Zhang Yide. While in Pingyuan, they had learned that Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao were at war, and they had come especially to help in the fighting.

Now three horses and three different weapons came flying forward, making directly for Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao was so terrified that his soul seemed to fly beyond the heavens, and the precious saber in his hand fell beneath his horse. He hurriedly turned his mount and fled, while his followers risked death to rescue him across the bridge.

Gongsun Zan also gathered his army and returned to camp. After Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei had exchanged greetings and asked about the battle, Gongsun Zan said, “If Xuande had not come from afar to save me, I would nearly have come to a miserable end.”

He had them meet Zhao Yun. Xuande treated Zhao Yun with great respect and affection and already felt unwilling to part from him.

After Yuan Shao lost this battle, he held his position firmly and would not come out. The two armies remained opposed for more than a month, until someone went to Chang’an and reported the matter to Dong Zhuo.

Li Ru said to Dong Zhuo, “Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are both outstanding men of the present age. They are now fighting at the Pan River. You should issue an edict in the Son of Heaven’s name and send someone to reconcile them. Both men will be grateful for the favor and will certainly submit to you, Grand Preceptor.”

Dong Zhuo was delighted. The next day, he sent Grand Tutor Ma Midi and Minister of the Imperial Stables Zhao Qi to carry the edict to them.

When the two reached the lands north of the Yellow River, Yuan Shao went a hundred li out to meet them and twice bowed as he received the edict. The next day, they reached Gongsun Zan’s camp and proclaimed the imperial command. Gongsun Zan then sent an envoy with a letter to Yuan Shao, and the two sides negotiated peace. Ma Midi and Zhao Qi returned to the capital to report the completion of their mission.

That same day, Gongsun Zan withdrew his army. He also submitted a memorial recommending Liu Xuande as Administrator of Pingyuan.

When Xuande and Zhao Yun parted, they held each other’s hands and shed tears, unable to bear the separation.

Zhao Yun sighed and said, “In the past, I mistakenly took Gongsun Zan for a hero. Now that I have seen his conduct, I know that he is merely another man of Yuan Shao’s kind.”

Xuande said, “For now, endure the humiliation of serving him. The day will come when we meet again.”

They shed tears and parted.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shu was in Nanyang. When he heard that Yuan Shao had newly gained Ji Province, he sent an envoy to ask for one thousand horses. Yuan Shao refused, and Yuan Shu became angry. From that time on, the brothers were no longer on good terms.

Yuan Shu also sent an envoy to Jing Province to ask Liu Biao to lend him two hundred thousand measures of grain. Liu Biao likewise refused. Yuan Shu hated him for this and secretly sent a man with a letter to Sun Jian, urging him to attack Liu Biao. The letter said in outline:

Liu Biao’s earlier blocking of your road was a scheme devised by my elder brother Benchu. Now Benchu has also made a secret agreement with Liu Biao to attack Jiangdong. You should quickly raise an army against Liu Biao, while I attack Benchu on your behalf. Thus both enemies may be punished. You shall take Jing Province, and I shall take Ji Province. Do not let this opportunity slip away!

When Sun Jian received the letter, he said, “That intolerable Liu Biao! He blocked my road home before. If I do not seize this opportunity to avenge the wrong, what other time should I wait for?”

He gathered Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and the other officers under his command to discuss the matter.

Cheng Pu said, “Yuan Shu is full of deceit. His words cannot yet be trusted.”

Sun Jian said, “I myself wish to avenge this wrong. Why should I depend on Yuan Shu’s help?”

He sent Huang Gai ahead to the riverbank to prepare warships and load them with weapons, grain, and fodder. The large ships were loaded with warhorses, and a fixed date was set for the expedition.

Spies on the river learned of the preparations and reported them to Liu Biao. Liu Biao was greatly alarmed and quickly assembled his civil and military officers to discuss the matter.

Kuai Liang said, “There is no need for concern. Order Huang Zu to lead the troops of Jiangxia as the vanguard, while you, my lord, lead the forces of Jing and Xiang in support. Sun Jian must cross the river and travel over the lakes to reach us. How can he make effective war?”

Liu Biao agreed. He ordered Huang Zu to make preparations and then raised the main army behind him.

Sun Jian had four sons, all born to Lady Wu. The eldest was named Ce, with the courtesy name Bofu. The second was named Quan, with the courtesy name Zhongmou. The third was named Yi, with the courtesy name Shubi. The fourth was named Kuang, with the courtesy name Jizuo.

Lady Wu’s younger sister became Sun Jian’s second wife and also bore him one son and one daughter. The son was named Lang, with the courtesy name Zao’an. The daughter was named Ren.

Sun Jian also adopted a son of the Yu family, named Shao, with the courtesy name Gongli. Sun Jian had a younger brother named Jing, with the courtesy name Youtai.

As Sun Jian was preparing to leave, Sun Jing led all the sons to line up and bow before his horse. He remonstrated: “Dong Zhuo now monopolizes power, the Son of Heaven is weak, and the whole realm is in great disorder, with each strongman dominating his own region. Jiangdong has only just gained some peace. It is not right to raise a great army over one small grievance. I ask you, Elder Brother, to consider the matter carefully.”

Sun Jian said, “Brother, say no more. I intend to range across the whole realm. How can I leave an enemy unavenged?”

His eldest son, Sun Ce, said, “If Father is determined to go, I wish to accompany you.”

Sun Jian agreed. He and Sun Ce boarded their ships and advanced to attack Fancheng.

Huang Zu concealed bowmen and crossbowmen along the riverbank. When he saw the ships come close to shore, all his men released a storm of arrows. Sun Jian ordered his troops not to move rashly. They remained hidden in the ships, sailing back and forth to draw enemy fire. For three days in succession, the ships approached the bank dozens of times.

Huang Zu’s troops did nothing but shoot arrows until their arrows were exhausted. Sun Jian then collected the arrows that had fallen into the ships, gaining about a hundred thousand of them.

A favorable wind was blowing that day, so Sun Jian ordered all his soldiers to shoot at once. The men on the bank could not hold their ground and had to retreat.

Sun Jian’s army came ashore. Cheng Pu and Huang Gai divided their troops into two forces and attacked Huang Zu’s camp directly. Han Dang drove his troops forward behind them.

Attacked from three sides, Huang Zu suffered a great defeat. He abandoned Fancheng and retreated into Dengcheng. Sun Jian ordered Huang Gai to guard the ships, while he personally led the army in pursuit.

Huang Zu led out his troops to meet him and formed ranks in open country. Sun Jian arranged his own battle lines and rode out beneath the gate banner. Sun Ce, fully armed and armored, also leveled his spear and halted his horse beside his father.

Huang Zu rode out with two generals. One was Zhang Hu of Jiangxia, and the other was Chen Sheng of Xiangyang.

Huang Zu raised his whip and cursed them loudly: “You rat bandits from Jiangdong! How dare you invade the territory of a kinsman of the imperial house?”

He then ordered Zhang Hu to issue a challenge. Han Dang rode out from Sun Jian’s lines to meet him.

The two horsemen clashed and fought for more than thirty bouts. Seeing that Zhang Hu’s strength was failing, Chen Sheng galloped forward to help him. Sun Ce saw this, steadied the spear in his hand, drew his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot Chen Sheng squarely in the face. Chen Sheng fell from his horse at the sound of the bowstring.

When Zhang Hu saw Chen Sheng fall, he was startled and caught unprepared. Han Dang struck with his saber and sliced away half his head.

Cheng Pu drove his horse straight toward the front of the enemy lines to capture Huang Zu. Huang Zu abandoned his helmet and warhorse, mingled with the infantry, and escaped with his life.

Sun Jian pursued and slaughtered the defeated troops all the way to the Han River. He then ordered Huang Gai to bring the ships forward and anchor them on the river.

Huang Zu gathered his defeated troops and went to see Liu Biao, giving a full account of how Sun Jian’s advance could not be resisted.

In alarm, Liu Biao called Kuai Liang to discuss the matter.

Kuai Liang said, “We have just suffered a defeat, and the soldiers have no will to fight. We can only deepen our moats and raise our walls to avoid the force of the enemy’s attack. Meanwhile, secretly send someone to ask Yuan Shao for aid. In that way, this siege can be lifted.”

Cai Mao said, “Zirou’s words amount to nothing but a clumsy plan. The enemy is already beneath our walls, and its generals have reached the riverbank. How can we fold our hands and wait for death? Though I have little ability, I ask permission to lead the army out of the city and decide the matter in one battle.”

Liu Biao gave his permission. Cai Mao led more than ten thousand troops out of Xiangyang and formed ranks at Mount Xian.

Sun Jian brought his victorious army forward in a long, swift advance. Cai Mao rode out.

Sun Jian said, “This man is the elder brother of Liu Biao’s second wife. Who will capture him for me?”

Cheng Pu rode out with his iron-spined spear and fought Cai Mao. In fewer than several bouts, Cai Mao was defeated and fled. Sun Jian drove his great army forward, killing so many that corpses covered the countryside.

Cai Mao escaped into Xiangyang. Kuai Liang said that Cai Mao had refused to follow his sound plan and had therefore brought about a great defeat, so under military law he should be executed. But because Liu Biao had recently married Cai Mao’s younger sister, he refused to punish him.

Sun Jian divided his army among the four sides of Xiangyang, surrounded the city, and attacked it.

One day, a violent wind suddenly arose and snapped the pole of the commander’s banner in the central army.

Han Dang said, “This is not a good omen. We should withdraw the army for a time.”

Sun Jian said, “I have won battle after battle, and Xiangyang will be taken within a day or two. How can I suddenly abandon the campaign merely because the wind broke a flagpole?”

He refused to listen to Han Dang and pressed the siege even more fiercely.

Kuai Liang said to Liu Biao, “Last night, I observed the signs in the heavens and saw that a general’s star was about to fall. Judging by the region of the sky, this should apply to Sun Jian. My lord, quickly send a letter to Yuan Shao and ask for his help.”

Liu Biao wrote the letter and asked who dared break through the encirclement to deliver it. The fierce general Lü Gong immediately volunteered to go.

Kuai Liang said, “Since you dare undertake this, listen to my plan. I will give you five hundred cavalry, including many skilled archers, with whom you are to charge out through the enemy lines and make directly for Mount Xian. Sun Jian will certainly lead troops in pursuit. Detach one hundred men to go up the mountain and gather stones in readiness. Place another hundred men with bows and crossbows in ambush in the woods.

“When the pursuing troops arrive, do not run straight away. Circle and turn, leading them to the place of ambush, and then release both arrows and stones. If you gain a victory, set off a succession of signal cannons, and troops from the city will come out to support you. If there are no pursuers, do not fire the signal. Continue quickly on your way. The moon will not be very bright tonight, so you may leave the city at dusk.”

Lü Gong accepted the plan and prepared the troops and horses.

At dusk, the east gate was secretly opened, and he led his troops out of the city. Sun Jian was in his tent when he suddenly heard shouting. He quickly mounted and led more than thirty horsemen out of camp to see what was happening.

A soldier reported, “A body of troops has fought its way out and is heading toward Mount Xian.”

Without assembling his generals, Sun Jian led only the thirty-odd horsemen in pursuit.

Lü Gong had already placed ambushes above and below in the thickly wooded and tangled parts of the mountain. Sun Jian’s horse was swift, and he came ahead alone, not far behind Lü Gong’s forward troops.

Sun Jian shouted, “Do not run!”

Lü Gong reined back his horse and fought Sun Jian. After their horses had met in only one bout, Lü Gong fled and slipped into a mountain path. Sun Jian pursued him but could no longer see him.

Just as Sun Jian was about to ride up the mountain, a gong suddenly sounded. Stones poured down from the heights, while a storm of arrows flew from the woods.

Sun Jian was struck by both stones and arrows. His brains burst out, and both man and horse died within Mount Xian. His life ended at the age of thirty-seven.

Lü Gong cut off the thirty horsemen and killed them all. He then set off a succession of signal cannons.

Within the city, Huang Zu, Kuai Yue, and Cai Mao each led troops out by separate routes. The armies of Jiangdong fell into great confusion.

When Huang Gai heard the shouting shake the heavens, he led the naval forces forward and encountered Huang Zu. Before they had fought two bouts, Huang Gai captured Huang Zu alive.

Cheng Pu protected Sun Ce and urgently sought a way out, when they met Lü Gong. Cheng Pu spurred his horse forward. After fewer than several bouts, he stabbed Lü Gong from his horse with a single thrust of his spear.

The two armies fought a great battle until dawn, when each side gathered its forces. Liu Biao’s army returned to the city.

When Sun Ce returned to the Han River, he learned that his father had been shot dead in the storm of arrows and that Liu Biao’s soldiers had already carried the body into the city. He raised his voice and wept bitterly. All the soldiers wailed with him.

Sun Ce said, “My father’s body is in their hands. How can I return home?”

Huang Gai said, “We have captured Huang Zu alive. We can send someone into the city to negotiate peace and exchange Huang Zu for our lord’s body.”

Before he had finished speaking, the military officer Huan Kai stepped forward and said, “I have an old acquaintance with Liu Biao. I am willing to enter the city as envoy.”

Sun Ce gave his permission.

Huan Kai entered the city, saw Liu Biao, and gave a full account of the matter.

Liu Biao said, “Wentai’s body has already been placed here in a coffin. Quickly release Huang Zu, and our two houses will each withdraw their troops and never again invade the other.”

Huan Kai bowed in thanks and was about to leave when Kuai Liang stepped forward below the stairs and said, “No! No! I have a plan that will ensure not one soldier of the Jiangdong army returns home. First execute Huan Kai, and then carry out my plan.”

It was just as the verse says:

While pursuing his foe, Sun Jian had met his death;Seeking peace, Huan Kai now faced disaster.

What became of Huan Kai’s life will be explained in the next chapter.