Chapter 71

Huang Zhong Holds Mount Dingjun and Awaits the Weary; Zhao Yun Defeats the Many with the Few at the Han River

Now Kongming instructed Huang Zhong: “Since you insist on going, I shall have Fa Zheng assist you. Consult together before acting in any matter. I will afterward dispatch troops to support you.” Huang Zhong assented and departed with Fa Zheng at the head of his own contingent. Kongming then told Xuande, “Unless that old general is provoked by words, he will accomplish nothing even if he goes. Now that he has set out, troops must be sent to support him.” He therefore summoned Zhao Yun and gave him a force with orders to take a byroad and act as a surprise reserve: “If Huang Zhong is victorious, you need not engage; but if he suffers a reverse, go at once to his rescue.” He also dispatched Liu Feng and Meng Da, saying, “Take three thousand men to the strategic passes in the mountains and set up many banners, thereby magnifying the apparent strength of our army and filling the enemy with alarm and suspicion.” The three commanders each led away their troops. Kongming further sent a messenger to Xiabian with a secret plan for Ma Chao, instructing him how to act, and sent Yan Yan to guard the passes at Langzhong in Baxi, relieving Zhang Fei and Wei Yan so that they might join in the conquest of Hanzhong.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang came before Xiahou Yuan and said, “Mount Tiandang has been lost, and Xiahou De and Han Hao have fallen. We now hear that Liu Bei has personally led an army to seize Hanzhong. You must quickly memorialize the King of Wei and ask him to send elite troops and valiant generals without delay to support us.” Xiahou Yuan accordingly sent a messenger to inform Cao Hong. Cao Hong traveled day and night to Xuchang and reported the matter to Cao Cao. Greatly alarmed, Cao Cao hastily assembled his civil and military officers to deliberate on sending an army to save Hanzhong. Chief Clerk Liu Ye came forward and said, “If Hanzhong is lost, the Central Plains will be shaken. Your Majesty must not shrink from hardship, but must personally lead the campaign.” Cao Cao said regretfully, “How bitterly I regret not following your counsel before, that matters should have come to this!” He promptly issued his commands and raised an army of four hundred thousand for a personal expedition. It was then the seventh month of autumn, in the twenty-third year of Jian’an. Cao Cao advanced in three divisions: Xiahou Dun led the vanguard, Cao Cao himself commanded the center, and Cao Xiu guarded the rear. The three armies set out one after another. Cao Cao rode a white horse with a golden saddle and wore a jade belt and brocade robes. Warriors bore above him a great parasol of crimson gauze figured in gold. To either side were golden maces, silver battle-axes, iron staves, halberds, and spears. Banners emblazoned with the sun, moon, dragon, and phoenix streamed overhead. His escort of twenty-five thousand imperial guards, styled the Dragon and Tiger troops, was divided into five companies of five thousand each, arrayed in the five colors: blue, yellow, red, white, and black. Their banners, pennons, armor, and horse trappings all matched the color of their company. Gleaming resplendently, the host presented a spectacle of surpassing martial grandeur.

After the army had passed Tong Pass, Cao Cao, riding on horseback, saw a dense and luxuriant grove of trees and asked his attendants, “What place is this?” They replied, “This is Lantian. Within that grove stands the estate of Cai Yong. His daughter, Cai Yan, now lives there with her husband, Dong Si.” Cao Cao had once been a close friend of Cai Yong. Cai Yong’s daughter Cai Yan had first been the wife of Wei Daojie; later she was carried off to the north, where she bore two sons and composed the “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,” which found its way into the Central Plains. Cao Cao took deep pity on her and sent men north with a thousand pieces of gold to ransom her. The Worthy Prince of the Left, fearing Cao Cao’s power, sent Cai Yan back to the Han realm, whereupon Cao Cao gave her in marriage to Dong Si.

That day, when he reached the estate, Cao Cao recalled his friendship with Cai Yong. He ordered the army to proceed while he, accompanied by more than a hundred mounted attendants, rode to the gate and dismounted. Dong Si was then serving in office away from home, and only Cai Yan was at the estate. Hearing that Cao Cao had arrived, she hurried out to welcome him. Cao Cao entered the hall; when Cai Yan had paid her respects, she stood in attendance at his side. Cao Cao happened to notice on the wall a scroll depicting an inscribed stone and rose to examine it. He asked Cai Yan about it, and she replied, “That is the stele of Cao E. In the time of Emperor He, there lived at Shangyu a shaman named Cao Xu, who could invoke the gods with music and dancing. On the fifth day of the fifth month, while dancing drunkenly in a boat, he fell into the river and drowned. His daughter, who was fourteen years old, walked along the riverbank weeping for seven days and nights, then leaped into the waves. Five days later she rose to the surface bearing her father’s corpse upon her back. The local people buried them beside the river. Du Shang, magistrate of Shangyu, reported the matter to the court and memorialized her as a filial daughter. He then ordered Handan Chun to compose an inscription recording the event. Handan Chun was only thirteen at the time, yet he completed the composition in a single sweep of the brush without making one correction. The stone was erected beside the grave, and all who lived then marveled at him. My father, Cai Yong, heard of it and went to see it. By the time he arrived, night had fallen, so in the darkness he felt the inscription with his hands and read it by touch. Then he found a brush and wrote eight words in large script on the back. Later men carved them into the stone, though these eight words were not part of the original inscription.”

Cao Cao read them aloud: “Yellow silk, young wife; daughter’s son, pungent mortar.” He asked Cai Yan, “Do you understand their meaning?” She replied, “Though they are words left by my late father, I truly do not understand them.” Cao Cao turned to his strategists and asked, “Can any of you explain them?” None could answer. Then one man stepped forward and said, “I have grasped their meaning.” Cao Cao looked and saw that it was his registrar, Yang Xiu. Cao Cao said, “Do not speak yet. Allow me to think it through.” He then took leave of Cai Yan and led his retinue out of the estate. After riding three li, he suddenly perceived the answer and said to Yang Xiu with a laugh, “Now tell me your interpretation.” Yang Xiu said, “It is only a cryptogram. Yellow silk is silk of a color; when the element for silk is joined to the element for color, it forms the word ‘superb.’ A young wife is a young woman; when the element for woman is joined to the element for young, it forms the word ‘marvelous.’ A daughter’s son is a woman’s child; when the elements for woman and child are joined, they form the word ‘fine.’ A pungent mortar is a vessel used for the five pungent spices; when the element for receive is joined to that for pungent, it forms the word ‘composition.’ Taken together, the four words mean: ‘A superb, marvelous, fine composition.’” Cao Cao exclaimed in astonishment, “That agrees exactly with my own conclusion!” Everyone marveled admiringly at the quickness of Yang Xiu’s wit and learning.

Within a few days, the army reached Nanzheng, where Cao Hong came out to receive Cao Cao and gave him a full account of Zhang He’s affairs. Cao Cao said, “The fault is not Zhang He’s. Victory and defeat are common fortunes of war.” Cao Hong said, “At present Liu Bei has sent Huang Zhong to attack Mount Dingjun. When Xiahou Yuan learned that Your Majesty’s army had arrived, he entrenched himself and refused to offer battle.” Cao Cao said, “To refuse battle is to show weakness.” He therefore sent an envoy bearing his insignia of authority to Mount Dingjun with orders that Xiahou Yuan advance. Liu Ye remonstrated: “Yuan is too unyielding by nature. I fear he may fall victim to some treacherous stratagem.” Cao Cao then wrote Xiahou Yuan a letter in his own hand. The envoy bore the insignia to Xiahou Yuan’s camp and was admitted. He presented the letter, and Xiahou Yuan opened and read it. In substance, it said: “A commander must temper firmness with flexibility and must never rely solely upon courage. He who trusts only to courage is merely a match for a single man. I have now stationed a great army at Nanzheng, and I wish to witness your ‘wondrous talent.’ See that you bring no disgrace upon those two words.”

When Xiahou Yuan had finished reading, he was overjoyed. After dismissing the envoy, he consulted with Zhang He, saying, “The King of Wei has now brought a great army to Nanzheng to campaign against Liu Bei. You and I have guarded this place for so long—how can we win merit by doing nothing? Tomorrow I shall offer battle, and I am determined to capture Huang Zhong alive.” Zhang He said, “Huang Zhong possesses both strategy and courage, and moreover he has Fa Zheng to assist him. We must not underestimate him. The mountain roads here are steep and perilous; our proper course is to hold fast.” Xiahou Yuan replied, “If others win all the merit, how shall you and I have the face to appear before the King of Wei? You remain here to guard the mountain; I shall go out to battle.” He then issued an order: “Who dares ride out on reconnaissance and lure the enemy?” Xiahou Shang said, “I am willing to go.” Xiahou Yuan said, “Ride out and engage Huang Zhong, but see that you lose rather than win. I have an excellent plan. You must do thus and thus.” Xiahou Shang received his orders and led three thousand men out from the main camp on Mount Dingjun.

Now Huang Zhong and Fa Zheng had encamped at the entrance to Mount Dingjun. Time and again they issued challenges, but Xiahou Yuan held firm and would not come out. They wished to attack, yet feared the dangers of the mountain roads and could not fathom the enemy’s disposition, so they had no choice but to hold their ground. That day it was suddenly reported that Cao’s troops had descended from the mountain to challenge them. Huang Zhong was just about to lead his army out when his subordinate commander Chen Shi said, “General, do not stir. I am willing to meet them.” Huang Zhong was delighted and ordered Chen Shi to take a thousand men and form ranks beyond the mountain entrance. Xiahou Shang arrived with his troops, and the two forces engaged. After only a few bouts, Xiahou Shang feigned defeat and fled. Chen Shi pursued him, but halfway onward rocks and stone shot came crashing down from both mountainsides, blocking his advance. Just as he was about to turn back, Xiahou Yuan suddenly charged out with a force behind him. Unable to withstand the attack, Chen Shi was captured alive by Xiahou Yuan and taken back to camp. Most of his soldiers surrendered. Some defeated troops escaped with their lives and reported to Huang Zhong that Chen Shi had been captured. Alarmed, Huang Zhong consulted Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng said, “Yuan is impetuous and rash. He relies upon courage and has little cunning. Inspire the soldiers, strike camp, and advance, establishing a new camp at every stage. In this way we may lure Yuan out to battle and capture him. This is the stratagem called ‘turning guest into host.’”

Huang Zhong followed his advice. He distributed all available goods among the three armies, and cheers filled the valley as the soldiers vowed to fight to the death. That very day Huang Zhong struck camp and advanced, establishing fortified camps step by step. At each camp he halted for several days before moving forward again. When Xiahou Yuan heard of this, he wished to offer battle. Zhang He said, “This is the stratagem of ‘turning guest into host.’ You must not go out. If you fight, you will suffer a reverse.” Xiahou Yuan would not listen. He ordered Xiahou Shang to lead several thousand troops into battle, and they marched straight to Huang Zhong’s camp. Huang Zhong mounted, took up his sword, and rode out to meet him. He crossed weapons with Xiahou Shang, and in a single bout captured him alive and carried him back to camp. The rest fled in defeat and reported to Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan hurriedly sent a messenger to Huang Zhong’s camp, offering to exchange Chen Shi for Xiahou Shang. Huang Zhong agreed that the exchange should take place before the battle lines the following day.

The next day both armies came to a broad place in the valley and deployed in battle array. Huang Zhong and Xiahou Yuan each sat their horse beneath the gate banner of his own formation. Huang Zhong brought Xiahou Shang, and Xiahou Yuan brought Chen Shi. Neither prisoner was given robe or armor; each wore only thin clothing sufficient to cover his body. At one beat of the drum, Chen Shi and Xiahou Shang both ran toward their own lines. Just as Xiahou Shang reached the gate of his formation, Huang Zhong loosed an arrow and struck him in the middle of the back. Xiahou Shang returned with the arrow still embedded in him. Xiahou Yuan flew into a rage, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Huang Zhong. Huang Zhong had intended all along to provoke Yuan into combat. The two generals crossed weapons and fought for more than twenty bouts, when suddenly the gong sounded from Cao’s camp to recall the troops. Xiahou Yuan hastily wheeled his horse and withdrew, and Huang Zhong took advantage of the moment to pursue and slaughter his men. Back in his lines, Xiahou Yuan asked the officer overseeing the formation, “Why did you sound the gong?” The officer replied, “I saw banners of Shu troops in several hollows among the hills and feared they were ambush forces, so I urgently recalled you.” Xiahou Yuan believed him and thereafter held fast without coming out.

Huang Zhong pursued as far as the foot of Mount Dingjun, then consulted Fa Zheng. Pointing with his hand, Fa Zheng said, “West of Mount Dingjun rises a lofty peak, approached on every side by dangerous paths. From that mountain one may look down and observe the true dispositions of Mount Dingjun. If you seize it, General, Mount Dingjun will lie in the palm of your hand.” Huang Zhong looked up and saw that the summit was fairly level and that only a small number of troops occupied it. That night, at the second watch, he led his soldiers forward with gongs ringing and drums beating and charged directly to the summit. The mountain was guarded by Xiahou Yuan’s subordinate Du Xi, who had only a few hundred men. When he saw Huang Zhong’s great force surging upward, he had no choice but to abandon the mountain and flee. Huang Zhong gained the summit, which stood directly opposite Mount Dingjun. Fa Zheng said, “General, station yourself halfway up the mountain, while I remain on the summit. When Xiahou Yuan’s troops arrive, I shall raise a white flag as a signal, but you must hold your men motionless. When the enemy has grown weary and careless, I shall raise a red flag; then you are to charge down and strike them. By meeting the weary with the rested, you are certain to prevail.” Huang Zhong was delighted and followed the plan.

Meanwhile, Du Xi led his troops back in flight and reported to Xiahou Yuan that Huang Zhong had seized the mountain opposite. Xiahou Yuan said furiously, “Huang Zhong has occupied the facing mountain; I cannot refuse to fight.” Zhang He remonstrated: “This is Fa Zheng’s scheme. You must not offer battle, General. You should only hold your defenses.” Xiahou Yuan said, “He has occupied the mountain facing us and can observe all our strengths and weaknesses. How can I not fight?” Zhang He pleaded bitterly, but Xiahou Yuan would not listen. Yuan divided his troops and surrounded the opposite mountain, shouting abuse and challenges. On the summit Fa Zheng raised a white flag. No matter how Xiahou Yuan reviled him, Huang Zhong refused to come out. After noon, Fa Zheng saw that Cao’s troops had grown weary, that their keen ardor had ebbed, and that many had dismounted and sat down to rest. He then unfurled the red flag. Drums and horns sounded together, and tremendous battle cries shook the air. Huang Zhong charged down the mountain at the head of his force, with the force of heaven collapsing and earth splitting apart. Xiahou Yuan was taken wholly unprepared. Huang Zhong pursued him beneath his command canopy and gave a mighty shout like a peal of thunder. Before Yuan could turn to meet him, Huang Zhong’s precious blade had already fallen, cleaving him in two from head through shoulder. A later poet praised Huang Zhong:

The graybeard faced a mighty foe;White-haired, he showed his godlike might.His strength bent back the eagle bow;His snowy blade flashed in the wind.His battle cry was like a tiger’s roar;His noble charger like a dragon flew.Great was the merit of the head he brought,Expanding wide the emperor’s domain.

After Huang Zhong slew Xiahou Yuan, Cao’s troops collapsed and fled, each man seeking to save his own life. Huang Zhong pressed his advantage and moved to seize Mount Dingjun, but Zhang He led troops out to meet him. Huang Zhong and Chen Shi attacked from two sides, and after a fierce melee Zhang He fled in defeat. Suddenly a formidable body of troops emerged beside the mountain and blocked his road. The great commander at their head shouted, “Zhao Zilong of Changshan is here!” Zhang He was greatly alarmed and led his defeated troops in a desperate rush toward Mount Dingjun. Ahead he saw another force approaching; it was commanded by Du Xi. Du Xi said, “Mount Dingjun has already been taken by Liu Feng and Meng Da.” Zhang He was horrified. He and Du Xi therefore led the remnants to the Han River and established a camp, while sending a swift messenger to report to Cao Cao.

When Cao Cao heard that Xiahou Yuan was dead, he wept aloud. Only then did he understand the words of Guan Lu: “‘Threes and eights crossing’ meant the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an; ‘a yellow boar meets a tiger’ meant the first month of the year Jihai; ‘south of the settled army’ meant south of Mount Dingjun; and ‘one limb shall suffer harm’ meant Yuan, who was bound to me by the affection of a brother.” Cao Cao sent men to seek Guan Lu, but no one knew where he had gone. Hating Huang Zhong bitterly, Cao Cao personally led his great army toward Mount Dingjun to avenge Xiahou Yuan and appointed Xu Huang commander of the vanguard. When he reached the Han River, Zhang He and Du Xi came out to receive him. The two generals said, “Now that Mount Dingjun is lost, the grain and fodder on Mount Micang should be transferred and stored in the camp on the northern mountain before we advance.” Cao Cao approved their proposal.

Meanwhile, Huang Zhong took Xiahou Yuan’s severed head to Jiameng Pass and presented his achievement to Xuande. Xuande was overjoyed. He promoted Huang Zhong to General Who Conquers the West and held a banquet in celebration. Suddenly the subordinate commander Zhang Zhu arrived and reported: “Cao Cao has personally brought an army of two hundred thousand to avenge Xiahou Yuan. At present Zhang He is transporting grain and fodder from Mount Micang to the foot of the northern mountain beside the Han River.” Kongming said, “Cao Cao has brought so great an army that he must fear his supplies will prove insufficient, and therefore he restrains his troops from advancing. If one man could penetrate deep into his territory, burn his grain and fodder, and seize his baggage train, Cao Cao’s keen edge would be blunted.” Huang Zhong said, “This old man is willing to undertake the task.” Kongming replied, “Cao Cao is not to be compared with Xiahou Yuan. You must not underestimate him.” Xuande said, “Though Xiahou Yuan was commander-in-chief, he was only a man of brute courage. How could he compare with Zhang He? To slay Zhang He would be ten times better than slaying Xiahou Yuan.” Huang Zhong declared vehemently, “I am willing to go and behead him.” Kongming said, “You may take a force together with Zhao Zilong. Consult together before acting in any matter, and let us see which of you wins the merit.” Huang Zhong assented and prepared to depart. Kongming appointed Zhang Zhu his deputy and sent him along.

Zhao Yun said to Huang Zhong, “Cao Cao has now brought two hundred thousand men and divided them among ten camps. Before our lord, you volunteered to seize the enemy’s grain, but this is no trifling matter. What plan do you intend to use?” Huang Zhong replied, “What if I go first and you observe how I fare?” Zhao Yun said, “Let me go first.” Huang Zhong replied, “I am chief commander and you are deputy. How can you contend with me for precedence?” Zhao Yun said, “You and I alike are serving our lord. Why quarrel over rank? Let us draw lots, and whoever wins shall go first.” Huang Zhong agreed. Huang Zhong drew the lot to go first. Zhao Yun said, “Since you are to go first, General, I shall support you. Let us fix a time. If you return by the appointed hour, I shall keep my troops in place; if you fail to return on time, I shall lead my men to your relief.” Huang Zhong said, “Your proposal is sound.” The two accordingly fixed noon as the deadline.

Zhao Yun returned to his own camp and said to his subordinate Zhang Yi, “Huang Hansheng has arranged to seize the enemy’s grain and fodder tomorrow. If he has not returned by noon, I shall go to assist him. Our camp fronts upon the Han River, and the terrain is dangerous. When I leave, you must guard the stockade carefully and on no account move rashly.” Zhang Yi promised obedience.

Huang Zhong returned to his camp and said to his deputy Zhang Zhu, “I slew Xiahou Yuan, and Zhang He has lost his nerve. Tomorrow I shall carry out my orders and raid the enemy’s grain, leaving only five hundred men to guard the camp. You are to assist me. At the third watch tonight, everyone must eat his fill; at the fourth watch we shall leave camp and charge to the foot of the northern mountain. First we shall capture Zhang He, then seize the grain and fodder.” Zhang Zhu obeyed.

That night Huang Zhong led the force in front, with Zhang Zhu following behind. They secretly crossed the Han River and went straight to the foot of the northern mountain. When the sun rose in the east, they saw grain piled up like mountains. A small number of soldiers stood guard, but when they saw the Shu troops approaching, they abandoned everything and fled. Huang Zhong ordered all his cavalrymen to dismount and gather firewood upon the stores of rice and grain. They were just about to set them alight when Zhang He arrived with his troops and plunged into a confused battle with Huang Zhong. When Cao Cao heard what had happened, he urgently ordered Xu Huang to go to Zhang He’s aid. Xu Huang advanced with his troops and trapped Huang Zhong in the center of the encirclement. Zhang Zhu broke out with three hundred men and was about to return to camp when another force suddenly emerged and blocked his path. The great commander at its head was Wen Ping, while more of Cao’s troops came up from behind and surrounded Zhang Zhu.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun waited in camp until noon drew near, but Huang Zhong did not return. He hastily donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led three thousand men forward to the rescue. Before leaving, he said to Zhang Yi, “Hold the camp firmly. Station many archers and crossbowmen along both flanks in readiness.” Zhang Yi repeatedly promised obedience.

Leveling his spear, Zhao Yun spurred his horse and charged straight ahead. A general came out to block his path: Murong Lie, one of Wen Ping’s subordinates. He urged his horse forward, brandishing his sword, to meet Zhao Yun, but Zhao Yun raised his arm and killed him with one thrust of his spear. Cao’s troops fled in defeat. Zhao Yun charged straight into the dense encirclement, where another body of troops cut him off. At their head was the Wei general Jiao Bing. Zhao Yun shouted, “Where are the Shu troops?” Jiao Bing replied, “They have all been slaughtered!” Zhao Yun flew into a rage, spurred forward, and killed Jiao Bing with a single thrust. Scattering the remaining troops, he charged to the foot of the northern mountain and saw Zhang He and Xu Huang surrounding Huang Zhong, whose soldiers had been trapped for a long time.

With a great shout Zhao Yun leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and plunged into the encirclement. He charged left and burst right as though entering a land devoid of men. His spear darted over and around him like swirling pear blossoms, while flashing points filled the air like drifting auspicious snow. Zhang He and Xu Huang were terrified and dared not meet him. Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong and withdrew while fighting; wherever he went, no one dared bar his way. Cao Cao saw him from an elevated place and asked the commanders in astonishment, “Who is that man?” One who recognized him replied, “That is Zhao Zilong of Changshan.” Cao Cao said, “The hero of Changban at Dangyang still lives!” He urgently passed down an order: “Wherever he appears, no one is to underestimate him.”

Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong and fought clear through the encirclement. Then one of the soldiers pointed and said, “The troops surrounded to the southeast must be those of the deputy commander Zhang Zhu.” Without returning to his own camp, Zhao Yun wheeled toward the southeast and charged. Wherever he went, Cao’s soldiers who saw the banner bearing the four words “Zhao Yun of Changshan” recalled the courage he had displayed at Changban in Dangyang; passing the word among themselves, they all fled. Zhao Yun then rescued Zhang Zhu as well.

When Cao Cao saw Zhao Yun charge east and west, invincible wherever he turned, with none daring to meet him, and saw him rescue first Huang Zhong and then Zhang Zhu, he was furiously enraged. He personally led the officers and soldiers around him in pursuit of Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun, however, had already fought his way back to his camp. His subordinate Zhang Yi came out to receive him and saw dust rising in the rear. Knowing that Cao’s troops were approaching in pursuit, he said to Zhao Yun, “The pursuing army is drawing near. Order the soldiers to close the camp gates and mount the watchtowers to defend them.”

Zhao Yun shouted, “Do not close the gates! Do you not know that at Changban in Dangyang I stood alone, with one spear and one horse, and regarded Cao Cao’s eight hundred and thirty thousand troops as no more than grass and weeds? Now I have soldiers and commanders with me—what is there to fear?” He therefore concealed archers and crossbowmen in the ditch outside the camp, ordered every banner and spear within the camp lowered and hidden, and forbade the sounding of gongs or drums. Then Zhao Yun, alone with one horse and one spear, took his stand outside the camp gate.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Xu Huang led their troops in pursuit as far as the Shu camp. By then dusk had fallen. They saw that the banners within the camp were lowered and the drums silent; they also saw Zhao Yun standing alone outside the camp with one horse and one spear, while the gates stood wide open. The two generals dared not advance. While they were still hesitating in suspicion, Cao Cao arrived in person and urgently pressed the whole army forward. Obeying his command, the troops gave a great shout and charged toward the camp. Yet when they saw Zhao Yun remain utterly motionless, Cao’s soldiers suddenly turned and fled. Zhao Yun gave a signal with his spear, and the archers and crossbowmen hidden in the ditch loosed their missiles together. It was now dark, and no one could tell how many Shu soldiers there were. Cao Cao was the first to wheel his horse and flee. Then tremendous shouts arose behind him, drums and horns sounded together, and the Shu troops came in pursuit.

Cao’s soldiers trampled one another underfoot. Driven in a mass to the bank of the Han River, countless men fell into the water and drowned. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Zhang Zhu each led a body of troops in fierce pursuit. As Cao Cao fled, Liu Feng and Meng Da suddenly came down the road from Mount Micang with two forces and set fire to the grain and fodder. Cao Cao abandoned the supplies on the northern mountain and hurried back to Nanzheng. Xu Huang and Zhang He could not hold their ground and likewise abandoned their camp and fled. Zhao Yun occupied Cao’s camp, Huang Zhong seized the grain and fodder, and countless weapons were captured along the Han River. Having gained a great victory, they sent a messenger to report to Xuande.

Xuande and Kongming then came to the Han River. Xuande asked Zhao Yun’s soldiers, “How did Zilong fight?” The soldiers gave a detailed account of how Zilong had rescued Huang Zhong and held off the enemy beside the Han River. Xuande was overjoyed. After surveying the steep and perilous roads before and behind the mountain, he said delightedly to Kongming, “Zilong is courage through and through!” A later poet praised him:

At Changban in former days he fought,And still his might has never waned.He charged the lines and proved a hero;Surrounded, showed a fearless heart.Ghosts wept and spirits cried aloud;Heaven shook and earth itself grew grim.Zhao Zilong of Changshan—Courage through and through!

Xuande thereupon gave Zilong the title General of Tiger Might, richly rewarded the officers and soldiers, and feasted joyfully until evening. Suddenly a report arrived that Cao Cao had again sent a great army forward by the narrow road through Xie Valley to seize the Han River. Xuande laughed and said, “Cao Cao can accomplish nothing by coming this way. I am certain the Han River will fall into our hands.” He therefore led his troops west of the Han River to meet the enemy. Cao Cao appointed Xu Huang commander of the vanguard and sent him forward to seek a decisive battle. A man stepped out before the command tent and said, “I know the terrain thoroughly. I am willing to accompany General Xu and help him defeat Shu.”

Cao Cao looked at him. The man was a native of Dangqu in Baxi. His surname was Wang, his given name Ping, and his style Zijun; he then held the post of General of the Gate. Cao Cao was delighted and appointed Wang Ping deputy commander of the vanguard to assist Xu Huang. Cao Cao stationed his army north of Mount Dingjun.

Xu Huang and Wang Ping led their troops to the Han River, where Xu Huang ordered the vanguard to cross the water and form ranks. Wang Ping said, “If the army crosses the river and must suddenly retreat, what are we to do?” Xu Huang replied, “In former times Han Xin formed his battle line with a river at his back. This is what is meant by ‘placing men on deadly ground so that they may live.’” Wang Ping said, “Not so. Han Xin used that stratagem because he knew his enemy was without cunning. Can you now fathom the intentions of Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong, General?” Xu Huang replied, “Lead the infantry and hold off the enemy. Watch while I lead the cavalry and destroy them.” He then ordered floating bridges constructed and immediately crossed the river to engage the Shu army. Truly:

The men of Wei would vainly follow Han Xin’s art;How could Shu’s minister not prove another Zhang Liang?

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

Huang Zhong Holds Mount Dingjun and Awaits the Weary; Zhao Yun Defeats the Many with the Few at the Han River

Kongming then instructed Huang Zhong, “Since you are determined to go, I will have Fa Zheng assist you. Consult with him before taking any action. I will send troops after you to provide support.” Huang Zhong agreed and departed with Fa Zheng and the troops under his command. Kongming told Xuande, “Unless that old general is provoked with words, he will accomplish nothing even if he goes. Now that he has set out, we must send forces to support him.” He summoned Zhao Yun and gave him a contingent of troops, ordering him to take a minor road and act as a surprise force in support: “If Huang Zhong wins, there is no need for you to fight. But if he suffers a setback, go at once to his rescue.” He also dispatched Liu Feng and Meng Da, saying, “Take three thousand men to strategic points in the mountains and raise many banners to magnify the apparent strength of our army and make the enemy suspicious and afraid.” The three men each led their troops away. Kongming then sent a messenger to Xiabian with a plan for Ma Chao, instructing him how to proceed. He also sent Yan Yan to guard the passes at Langzhong in Baxi, relieving Zhang Fei and Wei Yan so they could come and join the campaign to seize Hanzhong.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang went to see Xiahou Yuan and said, “Tiandang Mountain has been lost, and Xiahou De and Han Hao have been killed. We now hear that Liu Bei is personally leading an army to seize Hanzhong. You should quickly report to the King of Wei and ask him to send elite troops and valiant generals as soon as possible to support us.” Xiahou Yuan immediately sent a messenger to inform Cao Hong. Cao Hong traveled through the night to Xuchang and reported the matter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and urgently assembled his civil and military officers to discuss sending troops to save Hanzhong. Chief Secretary Liu Ye stepped forward and said, “If Hanzhong is lost, the Central Plains will be shaken. Your Majesty must not shrink from the hardship. You must personally lead the campaign.” Cao Cao regrettfully said, “How bitterly I regret not following your advice at the time, which has brought us to this!” He hurriedly issued orders and raised an army of four hundred thousand for a personal expedition. It was the seventh month of autumn in the twenty-third year of Jian’an. Cao Cao advanced with his army divided into three columns: Xiahou Dun commanded the vanguard, Cao Cao himself led the central army, and Cao Xiu guarded the rear. The three armies set out one after another. Cao Cao rode a white horse with a golden saddle and wore a jade belt and brocade robes. Warriors carried a great red silk canopy ornamented with gold. On either side were golden maces, silver battle-axes, iron rods, halberds, and spears. Banners bearing the sun and moon, dragons and phoenixes, fluttered overhead. Twenty-five thousand imperial guards, known as the Dragon and Tiger Troops, protected him. They were divided into five units of five thousand each, corresponding to the five colors blue, yellow, red, white, and black. Their flags, streamers, armor, and horses all matched the color of their unit. The display glittered brilliantly and was magnificent beyond measure.

After the army passed through Tong Pass, Cao Cao saw from horseback a dense grove of luxuriant trees and asked his attendants, “What place is this?” They replied, “This is called Lantian. Among those trees stands the estate of Cai Yong. His daughter Cai Yan now lives there with her husband, Dong Si.” Cao Cao had once been a close friend of Cai Yong. Cai Yong’s daughter Cai Yan had first been the wife of Wei Daojie. Later she was abducted by northern tribes and bore two sons in the north. She composed “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,” which circulated into the Central Plains. Cao Cao felt deep compassion for her and sent a man north with a thousand pieces of gold to ransom her. Fearing Cao Cao’s power, the Wise King of the Left sent Cai Yan back to the Han. Cao Cao then married her to Dong Si.

That day, when they reached the estate, Cao Cao recalled Cai Yong and ordered the army to continue ahead while he led more than a hundred attendants to the gate and dismounted. Dong Si was then away serving in office, and only Cai Yan was at home. When she heard that Cao Cao had arrived, she hurried out to welcome him. Cao Cao entered the main hall, and after Cai Yan had paid her respects, she stood waiting at one side. Cao Cao happened to notice a scroll on the wall depicting a stone inscription. He rose to examine it and asked Cai Yan about it. She replied, “This is the stele of Cao E. Long ago, during Emperor He’s reign, there was a shaman in Shangyu named Cao Xu who could perform music and dance to please the spirits. On the fifth day of the fifth month, he became drunk while dancing in a boat, fell into the river, and drowned. His daughter was fourteen years old. She walked along the riverbank weeping for seven days and nights, then leaped into the waves. Five days later, she floated to the surface carrying her father’s corpse on her back. The local people buried them beside the river. Du Shang, the magistrate of Shangyu, reported the matter to the imperial court and submitted a memorial honoring her as a filial daughter. Du Shang ordered Handan Chun to compose an inscription recording the event and have it carved on a stele. Handan Chun was only thirteen at the time, yet he completed the composition in a single stroke without making a correction. The stone was erected beside the tomb, and the people of the time marveled at him. My father, Cai Yong, heard of it and went to view the stele. By the time he arrived, it was already dark, so he read the inscription by feeling the characters with his hands. He then found a brush and wrote eight large characters on the back. Later generations carved the stone inscription but did not carve these eight characters.” Cao Cao read the eight characters aloud: “Yellow silk, young wife; daughter’s son, spice mortar.” He asked Cai Yan, “Do you understand their meaning?” Cai Yan replied, “Although these words were left by my late father, I truly do not understand them.” Cao Cao turned to his advisers and asked, “Do any of you understand?” None could answer. Then one man among them stepped forward and said, “I have understood their meaning.” Cao Cao looked and saw that it was Registrar Yang Xiu. Cao Cao said, “Do not tell us yet. Give me time to think about it.” He then took leave of Cai Yan and led the others from the estate. After riding three miles, he suddenly grasped the answer and said to Yang Xiu with a laugh, “Now tell me your interpretation.” Yang Xiu said, “It is a riddle. Yellow silk means colored thread. Place the silk radical beside the character for color, and it forms the character jue, ‘excellent.’ A young wife is a young woman. Place the character for woman beside the character for young, and it forms miao, ‘wonderful.’ A daughter’s son is the child of a woman. Place the character for woman beside the character for child, and it forms hao, ‘fine.’ A spice mortar is a vessel for the five pungent ingredients. Put the character for pungent beside the character for receive, and it forms ci, ‘writing.’ Taken together, the four characters mean, ‘Excellent, wonderful, fine writing.’” Cao Cao was greatly astonished and said, “That exactly matches my own conclusion!” Everyone marveled at the quickness of Yang Xiu’s intelligence.

Before many days had passed, the army reached Nanzheng. Cao Hong came out to meet Cao Cao and gave him a full account of Zhang He’s actions. Cao Cao said, “It was not Zhang He’s fault. Victory and defeat are common in warfare.” Cao Hong said, “Liu Bei has now sent Huang Zhong to attack Mount Dingjun. Xiahou Yuan knows that Your Majesty’s army has arrived, so he has held his defenses and has not gone out to fight.” Cao Cao said, “Refusing to fight is a display of cowardice.” He then sent an envoy bearing his staff of authority to Mount Dingjun with orders for Xiahou Yuan to advance. Liu Ye remonstrated, “Xiahou Yuan is too unyielding by nature. I fear he may fall into a treacherous scheme.” Cao Cao therefore wrote Xiahou Yuan a letter in his own hand. The envoy carried the staff of authority to Xiahou Yuan’s camp and was admitted. He presented the letter, and Xiahou Yuan opened and read it. It said in substance: “Any man who serves as a general must temper firmness with flexibility and must not rely solely on courage. If he depends on courage alone, he is fit only to fight a single opponent. I have now stationed a great army at Nanzheng and wish to see your ‘wondrous talent.’ See that you do not disgrace those two words.”

Xiahou Yuan was overjoyed after reading the letter. Once he had sent the envoy back, he discussed matters with Zhang He, saying, “The King of Wei now commands a great army at Nanzheng to wage war against Liu Bei. You and I have defended this place for so long—how can we establish any achievements this way? Tomorrow I will go out to battle, and I am determined to capture Huang Zhong alive.” Zhang He said, “Huang Zhong possesses both strategy and courage, and besides, Fa Zheng is assisting him. We must not underestimate the enemy. The mountain roads here are steep and dangerous, so we should do nothing but hold our defenses.” Xiahou Yuan said, “If others achieve all the victories, how will you and I have the face to meet the King of Wei? You remain here and defend the mountain. I will go out to fight.” He then issued an order: “Who dares ride out on patrol and lure the enemy?” Xiahou Shang said, “I am willing to go.” Xiahou Yuan said, “Ride out on patrol and engage Huang Zhong. You must lose, not win. I have an ingenious plan, and this is what you are to do.” Xiahou Shang accepted the order and led three thousand men away from the main camp on Mount Dingjun.

Meanwhile, Huang Zhong and Fa Zheng had stationed their troops at the entrance to Mount Dingjun. They repeatedly challenged Xiahou Yuan, but he held firm and refused to come out. They wished to attack, but feared the dangers of the mountain roads and could not judge the enemy’s situation, so they had no choice but to remain on the defensive. One day, they suddenly received a report that Cao’s troops had come down from the mountain to challenge them. Huang Zhong was just about to lead his men out to meet them when a junior commander named Chen Shi said, “General, do not move. I am willing to face them.” Huang Zhong was delighted and ordered Chen Shi to lead one thousand men out of the mountain pass and draw up in formation. When Xiahou Shang’s force arrived, the two sides engaged. After only a few exchanges, Xiahou Shang pretended to be defeated and fled. Chen Shi pursued him, but halfway along, drums sounded on both mountains and boulders and stones came crashing down, preventing him from advancing. Just as he was about to turn back, Xiahou Yuan suddenly charged out with his troops from behind. Chen Shi could not withstand him and was captured alive and taken back to camp by Xiahou Yuan. Many of Chen Shi’s soldiers surrendered. Some of the defeated men escaped with their lives and returned to report to Huang Zhong that Chen Shi had been captured. Huang Zhong anxiously consulted Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng said, “Xiahou Yuan is impetuous and rash. He relies on courage and has little strategy. We can encourage our soldiers, strike camp, and advance, establishing a new camp at every step. In this way we can lure Xiahou Yuan into battle and capture him. This is the method known as ‘turning from guest into host.’”

Huang Zhong adopted his plan and distributed all available supplies as rewards to the army. Cheers filled the valley, and the soldiers declared themselves ready to fight to the death. That same day, Huang Zhong struck camp and advanced, establishing a camp at every stage. He would remain several days at each camp before advancing again. When Xiahou Yuan heard of this, he wanted to go out to battle. Zhang He said, “This is the scheme of ‘turning from guest into host.’ You must not go out to fight. If you do, we will suffer a defeat.” Xiahou Yuan refused to listen and ordered Xiahou Shang to lead several thousand men into battle, advancing all the way to Huang Zhong’s camp. Huang Zhong mounted his horse, took up his saber, and rode out to meet him. He exchanged only a single pass with Xiahou Shang before capturing him alive and taking him back to camp. All the remaining troops fled in defeat and reported to Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan quickly sent a messenger to Huang Zhong’s camp, saying that he wished to exchange Chen Shi for Xiahou Shang. Huang Zhong agreed that they would make the exchange before the battle lines the following day.

The next day, both armies came to a broad place in the valley and drew up their formations. Huang Zhong and Xiahou Yuan each sat on horseback beneath the gate banner of his own formation. Huang Zhong brought Xiahou Shang, and Xiahou Yuan brought Chen Shi. Neither captive was given a robe or armor, but wore only thin clothing sufficient to cover his body. At the first beat of the drum, Chen Shi and Xiahou Shang each ran back toward his own lines. Just as Xiahou Shang reached the gate of his formation, Huang Zhong shot an arrow into the middle of his back. Xiahou Shang returned with the arrow still lodged in him. Xiahou Yuan flew into a rage and spurred his horse straight at Huang Zhong. Huang Zhong had wanted to provoke Xiahou Yuan into fighting. The two generals met and fought for more than twenty exchanges, when the gong suddenly sounded from Cao’s camp, ordering a retreat. Xiahou Yuan hurriedly turned his horse back, and Huang Zhong took advantage of the moment to attack his forces. When Xiahou Yuan returned to his formation, he asked the officer overseeing the lines, “Why did you sound the gong?” The officer replied, “I saw Shu banners in several places in a hollow among the hills. I feared they were ambush troops, so I urgently recalled you.” Xiahou Yuan believed him and thereafter held firm and refused to come out.

Huang Zhong pursued the enemy to the foot of Mount Dingjun and consulted Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng pointed with his hand and said, “West of Mount Dingjun stands a lofty mountain, surrounded on every side by dangerous paths. From that mountain we can look down and observe all the strengths and weaknesses of Mount Dingjun. If you seize it, General, Mount Dingjun will be in the palm of your hand.” Huang Zhong looked up and saw that the summit was fairly level and that only a small number of troops were stationed there. During the second watch that night, Huang Zhong led his soldiers forward with gongs sounding and drums beating and charged straight to the summit. The mountain was defended by Xiahou Yuan’s subordinate Du Xi, who had only a little more than a few hundred men. When he saw Huang Zhong’s main force surging up the mountain, he had no choice but to abandon it and flee. Huang Zhong took possession of the summit, which directly faced Mount Dingjun. Fa Zheng said, “General, you can remain halfway up the mountain while I occupy the summit. When Xiahou Yuan’s troops arrive, I will raise a white flag as a signal, and you must hold your troops and make no move. Once the enemy is weary and off guard, I will raise a red flag. Then you are to charge down the mountain and attack. By waiting at ease for an exhausted enemy, you are certain to win.” Huang Zhong was delighted and followed his plan.

Meanwhile, Du Xi led his troops back in flight and reported to Xiahou Yuan that Huang Zhong had seized the mountain opposite them. Xiahou Yuan flew into a rage and said, “Huang Zhong has occupied the mountain facing us. I have no choice but to go out to battle.” Zhang He remonstrated, “This is Fa Zheng’s strategy. General, you must not go out to fight. You should only hold firm.” Xiahou Yuan said, “They have occupied the mountain opposite us and can observe all our strengths and weaknesses. How can I refuse to fight?” Zhang He remonstrated bitterly, but Xiahou Yuan would not listen. Xiahou Yuan divided his army and surrounded the opposing mountain, shouting abuse and challenging Huang Zhong to fight. Fa Zheng raised a white flag from the summit. No matter how Xiahou Yuan cursed and insulted him, Huang Zhong refused to come out. After noon, Fa Zheng saw that Cao’s troops had grown weary and lost their fighting spirit, and that many had dismounted and sat down to rest. He then unfurled the red flag. Drums and horns sounded together, and tremendous shouts shook the air. Huang Zhong led the charge on horseback, racing down the mountain with the force of heaven collapsing and earth splitting apart. Xiahou Yuan was caught completely unprepared. Huang Zhong pursued him beneath his commander’s canopy and gave a tremendous roar like a thunderclap. Before Xiahou Yuan could meet the attack, Huang Zhong’s treasured saber had already fallen. It cut through his head and shoulder, cleaving him into two pieces. A later poet praised Huang Zhong:

The gray-haired warrior faced a mighty foe;White-headed, he displayed his godlike power.His strength released the carved bow’s speeding shaft;The wind received his flashing, snow-bright blade.His battle cry resounded like a tiger’s roar;His gallant horse flew onward like a dragon.Great was the merit of the head he offered;He widened the realm and spread the emperor’s domain.

After Huang Zhong beheaded Xiahou Yuan, Cao’s troops collapsed and fled, each man seeking to save his own life. Huang Zhong took advantage of the victory and moved to seize Mount Dingjun, but Zhang He led troops out to meet him. Huang Zhong and Chen Shi attacked from both sides, and after a confused battle, Zhang He was defeated and fled. Suddenly, a powerful force emerged from beside the mountain and blocked his escape. At its head was a great general who shouted, “Zhao Zilong of Changshan is here!” Zhang He was horrified. He led his defeated troops in a desperate rush toward Mount Dingjun. Ahead of him, he saw another force coming to meet him. It was led by Du Xi. Du Xi said, “Mount Dingjun has now been seized by Liu Feng and Meng Da.” Zhang He was greatly alarmed. He and Du Xi led the defeated troops to the Han River and established a camp, while sending an urgent report to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao heard of Xiahou Yuan’s death, he burst into loud weeping. Only then did he understand Guan Lu’s words: “Threes and eights crossing one another” meant the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an; “the yellow boar encounters the tiger” meant the first month of the jihai year; “south of Dingjun” meant south of Mount Dingjun; and “one limb will be broken” referred to the brotherly bond between Xiahou Yuan and Cao Cao. Cao Cao sent men to find Guan Lu, but no one knew where he had gone. Cao Cao deeply hated Huang Zhong and personally led his great army toward Mount Dingjun to avenge Xiahou Yuan, appointing Xu Huang as vanguard. When he reached the Han River, Zhang He and Du Xi came out to meet him. The two generals said, “Now that Mount Dingjun has been lost, we should move the provisions from Mount Micang and stockpile them in the camp at the foot of the northern mountain. Then we can advance.” Cao Cao agreed.

Meanwhile, Huang Zhong carried Xiahou Yuan’s severed head to Jiameng Pass and presented it to Xuande as proof of his achievement. Xuande was delighted. He promoted Huang Zhong to General Who Conquers the West and held a banquet in celebration. Suddenly, a junior commander named Zhang Zhu came to report: “Cao Cao is personally leading an army of two hundred thousand men to avenge Xiahou Yuan. Zhang He is now transporting provisions from Mount Micang to the foot of the northern mountain beside the Han River.” Kongming said, “Cao Cao has brought a great army here, and I fear his provisions are insufficient. That is why he is restraining his troops and not advancing. If one man could penetrate deep into his territory, burn his provisions, and seize his supply wagons, Cao Cao’s fighting spirit would be broken.” Huang Zhong said, “This old man is willing to undertake the mission.” Kongming said, “Cao Cao cannot be compared with Xiahou Yuan. You must not underestimate him.” Xuande said, “Although Xiahou Yuan was commander-in-chief, he was merely a courageous fighter. How could he compare with Zhang He? Killing Zhang He would be ten times greater than killing Xiahou Yuan.” Huang Zhong said with rising determination, “I am willing to go and behead him.” Kongming said, “You may take a force together with Zhao Zilong. Consult with each other before acting in all matters, and let us see which of you earns the achievement.” Huang Zhong agreed and prepared to depart. Kongming assigned Zhang Zhu to accompany him as deputy commander.

Zhao Yun said to Huang Zhong, “Cao Cao has brought two hundred thousand troops and divided them among ten camps. Before our lord, you asked to go and seize his provisions. This is no small undertaking. What strategy do you intend to use?” Huang Zhong said, “Why not let me go first and see what I can do?” Zhao Yun said, “Let me go first.” Huang Zhong said, “I am the chief general and you are the deputy. How can you compete with me to go first?” Zhao Yun said, “You and I are both serving our lord alike. Why argue over it? Let us draw lots, and whoever wins will go first.” Huang Zhong agreed. Huang Zhong drew the winning lot. Zhao Yun said, “Since you are going first, General, I will support you. We must agree on a time. If you return on schedule, I will keep my troops in place. If the time passes and you have not returned, I will lead my troops out to support you.” Huang Zhong said, “What you say is right.” They therefore agreed on noon as the deadline. Zhao Yun returned to his own camp and said to his subordinate Zhang Yi, “Huang Hansheng has arranged to seize the enemy’s provisions tomorrow. If he has not returned by noon, I will go to assist him. Our camp faces the Han River, and the terrain is dangerous. If I leave, you must guard the stockade carefully and must not move rashly.” Zhang Yi promised to obey.

Meanwhile, Huang Zhong returned to his camp and said to his deputy Zhang Zhu, “I beheaded Xiahou Yuan, and Zhang He has lost his nerve. Tomorrow, under orders, I will raid the enemy’s provisions, leaving only five hundred men to guard the camp. You are to assist me. At the third watch tonight, have everyone eat his fill. At the fourth watch, we will leave camp and fight our way to the foot of the northern mountain. First we will capture Zhang He, and then we will seize the provisions.” Zhang Zhu obeyed. That night, Huang Zhong led the force in front, with Zhang Zhu following behind. They secretly crossed the Han River and went straight to the foot of the northern mountain. When the sun rose in the east, they saw grain piled as high as mountains. Only a few soldiers were guarding it, and when they saw the Shu troops arrive, they abandoned it and fled. Huang Zhong ordered all the cavalrymen to dismount and gather firewood on top of the grain. They were just about to set it on fire when Zhang He’s troops arrived and became locked in a confused battle with Huang Zhong. When Cao Cao heard the news, he urgently ordered Xu Huang to provide support. Xu Huang led his troops forward and trapped Huang Zhong at the center of the encirclement. Zhang Zhu escaped with three hundred men and was about to return to camp when another force suddenly charged out and blocked his way. The great general at its head was Wen Ping. More of Cao’s troops arrived from behind, surrounding Zhang Zhu.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun waited in camp until nearly noon, but Huang Zhong did not return. He hurriedly put on his armor, mounted his horse, and led three thousand men forward to support him. Before leaving, he said to Zhang Yi, “Guard the camp firmly. Station plenty of crossbowmen on both sides as a precaution.” Zhang Yi repeatedly promised to obey. Zhao Yun leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and charged straight ahead. A general came toward him and blocked his way. It was Murong Lie, one of Wen Ping’s subordinate commanders, who urged his horse forward and brandished his saber to meet Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun thrust once with his spear and killed him. Cao’s troops fled in defeat. Zhao Yun fought straight into the layers of the encirclement, where another force cut him off. At its head was the Wei general Jiao Bing. Zhao Yun shouted, “Where are the Shu troops?” Jiao Bing said, “They have all been killed!” Zhao Yun flew into a rage, spurred his horse forward, and killed Jiao Bing with a single thrust. After scattering the remaining soldiers, he charged straight to the foot of the northern mountain. There he saw Zhang He and Xu Huang surrounding Huang Zhong, whose soldiers had been trapped for a long time. Zhao Yun gave a great shout, leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and charged into the heart of the encirclement. He dashed left and right as though entering a place where no one stood against him. His spear flashed all around him like swirling pear blossoms, covering his entire body like drifting auspicious snow. Zhang He and Xu Huang were terrified and did not dare meet him in battle. Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong, fighting as he withdrew. Wherever he went, no one dared bar his way. Watching from high ground, Cao Cao was astonished and asked his generals, “Who is that man?” Someone who recognized Zhao Yun reported, “That is Zhao Zilong of Changshan.” Cao Cao said, “So the hero of Changban at Dangyang still lives!” He urgently issued an order: “Wherever you encounter him, do not underestimate him.” Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong and fought his way through the encirclement. A soldier pointed and said, “The force surrounded to the southeast must be Deputy Commander Zhang Zhu.” Zhao Yun did not return to his own camp but charged southeast instead. Wherever he went, the enemy saw banners bearing the four characters “Zhao Yun of Changshan.” Those who had learned of his valor at Changban in Dangyang spread the word among themselves, and they all fled. Zhao Yun then rescued Zhang Zhu as well.

When Cao Cao saw Zhao Yun charging east and west, advancing unstoppably with no one daring to face him, first rescuing Huang Zhong and then Zhang Zhu, he flew into a furious rage and personally led the officers and soldiers around him in pursuit. Zhao Yun had already fought his way back to his own camp. His subordinate Zhang Yi came out to meet him and saw dust rising behind them. Knowing that Cao’s troops were pursuing, he immediately said to Zhao Yun, “The pursuing troops are drawing near. Order the soldiers to close the camp gates and take up defensive positions in the watchtowers.” Zhao Yun shouted, “Do not close the camp gates! Do you not know that at Changban in Dangyang, I stood alone with a single horse and spear and regarded Cao Cao’s eight hundred thirty thousand troops as nothing but grass? Now I have both soldiers and generals, so what is there to fear?” He stationed archers and crossbowmen in ambush in the moat outside the camp. All the flags and spears inside the camp were lowered, and no gongs or drums sounded. Then Zhao Yun, alone on horseback with a single spear, took his stand outside the camp gate.

Meanwhile, Zhang He and Xu Huang led their troops in pursuit as far as the Shu camp. Dusk had already fallen. They saw that the banners in the camp were lowered and the drums silent. They also saw Zhao Yun standing alone outside the camp with one horse and one spear, while the camp gates stood wide open. The two generals did not dare advance. While they were still suspicious, Cao Cao arrived in person and urgently pressed the entire army forward. Obeying his order, the troops gave a great shout and charged toward the camp. When they saw Zhao Yun remain completely motionless, Cao’s soldiers turned and fled. Zhao Yun signaled with his spear, and the archers and crossbowmen in the moat all fired together. By then it was dark, and no one knew how many Shu troops there were. Cao Cao was the first to turn his horse and flee. Then tremendous shouts rose behind him, while drums and horns sounded together and the Shu troops came in pursuit. Cao’s soldiers trampled one another. Crowded against the banks of the Han River, countless men fell into the water and drowned. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Zhang Zhu each led a force in relentless pursuit. As Cao Cao fled, Liu Feng and Meng Da suddenly led two forces out from the Mount Micang road and set fire to the provisions. Cao Cao abandoned the provisions at the northern mountain and hurried back to Nanzheng. Xu Huang and Zhang He could not hold their ground and also abandoned their camp and fled. Zhao Yun occupied Cao’s camp, Huang Zhong seized the provisions, and they captured countless weapons at the Han River, winning a great victory. They sent a messenger to report to Xuande. Xuande then came to the Han River with Kongming and asked Zhao Yun’s soldiers, “How did Zilong fight?” The soldiers gave him a detailed account of how Zilong had rescued Huang Zhong and withstood the enemy at the Han River. Xuande was delighted. After inspecting the steep and dangerous roads before and behind the mountain, he said joyfully to Kongming, “Zilong is courage from head to foot!” A later poet praised him:

Long ago he fought at Changban;His imposing might has never waned.Charging through the ranks, he showed the hero;Surrounded, he displayed fearless courage.Ghosts wept and spirits cried aloud;Heaven shook and earth grew dark with grief.Zhao Zilong of Changshan—Courage from head to foot!

Xuande therefore gave Zilong the title General of Tiger Might. He rewarded the officers and soldiers generously, and they feasted joyfully until evening. Suddenly, a report arrived that Cao Cao had again sent a great army through a minor road in Xie Valley to seize the Han River. Xuande laughed and said, “Cao Cao can accomplish nothing by coming this way. I am certain we will hold the Han River.” He then led his troops west of the Han River to meet the enemy. Cao Cao appointed Xu Huang as vanguard and sent him forward to decide the battle. A man stepped out before the command tent and said, “I know the terrain thoroughly. I am willing to assist General Xu in defeating Shu.”

Cao Cao looked at him. The man was Wang Ping, courtesy name Zijun, a native of Dangqu in Baxi. He then held the post of General of the Gate. Cao Cao was delighted and appointed Wang Ping deputy vanguard to assist Xu Huang. Cao Cao stationed his army north of Mount Dingjun. Xu Huang and Wang Ping led their troops to the Han River, where Xu Huang ordered the front ranks to cross the water and form a battle line. Wang Ping said, “If the army crosses the river and then needs to retreat in haste, what will we do?” Xu Huang said, “In ancient times, Han Xin formed his army with its back to the water. This is what is meant by ‘placing men on deadly ground so that they will fight to live.’” Wang Ping said, “That is not so. Han Xin used that strategy because he knew his enemy lacked intelligence. Can you now fathom the intentions of Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong?” Xu Huang said, “Lead the infantry and hold off the enemy. Watch me break them with the cavalry.” He then ordered floating bridges to be built and immediately crossed the river to fight the Shu army. Truly:

The men of Wei presume to follow Han Xin’s way;But how could Shu’s strategist not be Zhang Liang?

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