Chapter 72

Zhuge Liang Cleverly Takes Hanzhong; Cao Cao Withdraws Through Xie Valley

Now Xu Huang led his army across the Han River. Though Wang Ping earnestly remonstrated with him, he would not listen, but crossed the river and encamped. Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun reported to Xuande, “Each of us will lead his own troops against Cao Cao’s army.” Xuande consented, and the two commanders led their forces away. Huang Zhong said to Zhao Yun, “Xu Huang has come relying on his valor. For now, let us not engage him. When dusk falls and his troops are weary, you and I may divide our forces and strike him from two directions.” Zhao Yun agreed, and each led one force to hold the camp stockades. From the Hour of the Dragon until the Hour of the Monkey, Xu Huang led his troops forward and challenged them to battle, but the Shu army did not stir. Xu Huang then ordered all his bowmen and crossbowmen to advance and shoot into the Shu camp. Huang Zhong said to Zhao Yun, “Xu Huang has ordered his archers to shoot; his army must be preparing to withdraw. We can seize this moment and attack.” Before he had finished speaking, a report suddenly came that the rear ranks of Cao Cao’s army were indeed beginning to retire. At once the thunder of drums shook the Shu camp. Huang Zhong led his troops out on the left, while Zhao Yun led his troops out on the right. Attacked from both sides, Xu Huang suffered a crushing defeat. His soldiers were driven into the Han River, where countless numbers perished. Xu Huang fought desperately and escaped. Upon returning to camp, he rebuked Wang Ping: “You saw that my army was in peril. Why did you not come to my aid?” Wang Ping replied, “Had I gone to your aid, this camp could not have been held either. I advised you not to go, but you refused to listen, and so brought about this defeat.” Xu Huang flew into a rage and intended to kill Wang Ping. That very night, Wang Ping led his own troops in setting fire throughout the camp. Cao Cao’s soldiers fell into chaos, and Xu Huang abandoned the camp and fled. Wang Ping crossed the Han River and went over to Zhao Yun, who presented him to Xuande. Wang Ping gave a full account of the terrain around the Han River. Xuande was overjoyed and said, “Now that I have Wang Zijun, there can be no doubt that I shall take Hanzhong.” He appointed Wang Ping Assistant General and placed him in command of the guides.

Xu Huang fled back to Cao Cao and reported that Wang Ping had rebelled and gone over to Liu Bei. Cao Cao was furious and personally led his great army to seize the stockades by the Han River. Zhao Yun feared that his isolated force could not hold its ground, so he withdrew west of the river. The two armies faced each other across the water. Xuande and Kongming came to survey the situation. At the upper reaches of the Han River, Kongming saw a line of earthen hills capable of concealing more than a thousand men. He returned to camp, summoned Zhao Yun, and instructed him: “Lead five hundred men, all equipped with drums and horns, and hide beneath those earthen hills. Whether at midnight or at dusk, listen only for the sound of cannon from my camp. Each time the cannon sounds, beat your drums once, but under no circumstances come out to fight.” Zilong accepted the plan and departed. Kongming then kept secret watch from a lofty hill.

The next day, Cao Cao’s troops came forward and challenged them to battle, but not a single man emerged from the Shu camp, nor did its bows or crossbows discharge a single shaft. Cao Cao’s soldiers withdrew of their own accord. Late that night, when Kongming saw the lights in Cao Cao’s camp go out and the soldiers settle down to rest, he gave the signal. Zilong heard it and ordered the drums and horns to sound together. Cao Cao’s troops were thrown into alarm, thinking only that their camp was being raided. But when they rushed out, not a single enemy soldier was to be seen. They had only just returned to camp and were preparing to rest when the signal sounded again. Once more the drums and horns blared, while battle cries shook the earth and echoed through the mountain valleys. Cao Cao’s troops had no peace throughout the night. For three nights running, they were subjected to the same alarms and suspicions. Cao Cao lost heart, struck camp, and withdrew thirty li to pitch his camp on open ground. Kongming laughed and said, “Though Cao Cao understands the art of war, he does not understand deceptive stratagems.” He then asked Xuande to cross the Han River in person and encamp with the river at his back. Xuande asked what his plan was, and Kongming replied, “You must do thus and thus.”

When Cao Cao saw Xuande encamped with the river at his back, his heart filled with suspicion, and he sent a man to deliver a letter of challenge. Kongming endorsed it, agreeing to a decisive battle the next day. On the following day, the two armies met before Five Boundaries Mountain, midway between their camps, and drew up their battle lines. Cao Cao rode out and halted beneath the standard at his gate. Dragon and phoenix banners stood arrayed in two ranks, and after the drums had rolled three times, he summoned Xuande to parley. Xuande came forth accompanied by Liu Feng, Meng Da, and the generals of Sichuan. Cao Cao raised his whip and reviled him loudly: “Liu Bei, you are an ungrateful traitor who has forgotten every obligation and rebelled against the imperial court!” Xuande replied, “I am a kinsman of the Great Han and act under imperial decree to punish a traitor. You murdered the Empress Dowager above you, set yourself up as a king, and usurped the Son of Heaven’s imperial carriage. If that is not rebellion, what is?” Cao Cao was enraged and ordered Xu Huang to ride out and fight. Liu Feng went forth to meet him. As they began to engage, Xuande was the first to retreat within his formation. Liu Feng could not withstand Xu Huang, so he wheeled his horse and fled. Cao Cao gave the order: “Whoever captures Liu Bei shall be made King of Western Sichuan!” With a united roar, the great army charged against the Shu lines. The Shu troops fled toward the Han River, abandoning their camps and stockades. Horses and weapons lay strewn all along the road, and Cao Cao’s soldiers scrambled to seize them. Cao Cao urgently sounded the gong to recall his army. His generals said, “We were just about to capture Liu Bei. Why does Your Majesty recall us?” Cao Cao replied, “The Shu army encamped with the Han River at its back: that is the first suspicious circumstance. They have abandoned so many horses and weapons: that is the second. Withdraw at once, and take none of their clothing or goods.” He then issued an order: “Anyone who recklessly takes so much as one object shall be beheaded on the spot. Retreat with all speed!” Just as Cao Cao’s troops turned back, Kongming’s signal flag rose. Xuande led the center division out, Huang Zhong charged from the left, and Zhao Yun attacked from the right. Cao Cao’s troops broke and fled, and Kongming pursued them throughout the night.

Cao Cao gave orders for his army to return to Nanzheng. Suddenly flames arose along five routes. It turned out that Wei Yan and Zhang Fei, having left Yan Yan to guard Langzhong in their stead, had divided their forces and attacked, seizing Nanzheng before Cao Cao could reach it. Alarmed, Cao Cao fled toward Yangping Pass. Xuande’s great army pursued as far as Nanzheng and Baozhou. After measures had been taken to reassure the people, Xuande asked Kongming, “Cao Cao came with such force. Why was his defeat so swift?” Kongming replied, “Cao Cao has been suspicious by nature all his life. Though he knows how to employ troops, his suspicions often bring him defeat. I overcame him with troops designed to arouse suspicion.” Xuande said, “Cao Cao has now withdrawn to hold Yangping Pass, and his position is isolated. What plan will you use to drive him away?” Kongming replied, “I have already calculated everything.” He then sent Zhang Fei and Wei Yan by separate routes to cut Cao Cao’s supply lines, and ordered Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun to lead troops by two other routes and set fire to the mountains. The commanders of the four forces each departed with local guides and troops.

Cao Cao withdrew to hold Yangping Pass and sent scouts to reconnoiter. They returned and reported, “The Shu troops have blocked every nearby and distant byway. They have set fires and burned bare all the places where firewood may be cut. We do not know where their forces are.” While Cao Cao was still beset by doubts, another report came that Zhang Fei and Wei Yan had divided their troops and were raiding the grain convoys. Cao Cao asked, “Who dares oppose Zhang Fei?” Xu Chu replied, “I am willing to go!” Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to lead a thousand picked soldiers along the road to Yangping Pass and escort the grain and fodder. When the officer in charge of the convoy met him, he said with delight, “Had you not come, General, this grain could never have reached Yangping.” He then presented Xu Chu with wine and meat from the wagons. Xu Chu drank deeply and became thoroughly intoxicated without realizing it. In the exhilaration of wine, he ordered the grain wagons onward. The convoy officer said, “The sun has already set. The mountains ahead around Baozhou are steep and perilous. We cannot pass through them yet.” Xu Chu replied, “I possess the courage of ten thousand men! Why should I fear anyone? Tonight the moon is bright—just the time to move the grain wagons onward.” Xu Chu took the lead, holding his saber crosswise as he spurred his horse, and led the troops forward. After the second watch, they came along the road to Baozhou. Halfway there, drums and horns suddenly shook the heavens from a hollow in the hills, and a body of troops barred their way. The great commander at their head was Zhang Fei. Leveling his spear and urging on his horse, he charged straight at Xu Chu. Xu Chu flourished his saber and met him, but in his drunkenness he could not withstand Zhang Fei. After only a few bouts, Zhang Fei struck him in the shoulder with his spear, and Xu Chu toppled from his horse. His soldiers hurriedly rescued him and fled back the way they had come. Zhang Fei seized all the grain, fodder, and wagons and returned.

The generals escorted Xu Chu back to Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered physicians to treat his weapon wound, while he himself led an army forth to fight a decisive battle with the Shu forces. Xuande led his troops out to meet him. When the two formations had drawn up opposite each other, Xuande ordered Liu Feng to ride forth. Cao Cao cursed him: “You sandal-peddling brat! You are always sending your adopted son to resist the enemy. If I summoned my yellow-bearded son, he would pound your false son into meat paste!” Liu Feng was enraged. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged directly at Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang to meet him. Liu Feng feigned defeat and fled. Cao Cao led his troops in pursuit, but cannon suddenly sounded on every side within the Shu camp, and drums and horns blared together. Fearing an ambush, Cao Cao urgently ordered his army to withdraw. Cao Cao’s troops trampled one another, and a great many were killed. They had only just fled back to Yangping Pass and settled down to rest when the Shu army reached the foot of the walls. At the eastern gate they set fires; at the western gate they raised battle cries. At the southern gate they set fires; at the northern gate they beat their drums. Greatly frightened, Cao Cao abandoned the pass and fled. The Shu army pursued and attacked from behind. As Cao Cao was fleeing, Zhang Fei appeared ahead with one force and blocked his way; Zhao Yun attacked from the rear with another; and Huang Zhong led still another force against him from Baozhou. Cao Cao suffered a crushing defeat. His generals protected him as they forced a way through and fled. They had only just reached the entrance to the Xie Valley when a cloud of dust suddenly arose ahead and a body of troops approached. Cao Cao said, “If these are ambush troops, I am finished!” But as the force drew near, he saw that it was led by his second son, Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang’s style was Ziwen. In his youth, he excelled at riding and archery. His physical strength surpassed that of other men, and he could grapple fierce beasts with his bare hands. Cao Cao once admonished him: “You do not read books but delight in bows and horses. This is merely the courage of a common fighting man. What is there to prize in it?” Cao Zhang replied, “A true man should emulate Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, win merit in the desert, lead hundreds of thousands in a long march, and range unhindered across the realm. How could I become a mere learned doctor?” Cao Cao once asked his sons about their ambitions. Cao Zhang said, “I wish to become a general.” Cao Cao asked, “What must one do to be a general?” Cao Zhang replied, “Wear stout armor and grasp keen weapons; face danger without regard for oneself; lead the rank and file from the front; make rewards certain and punishments sure.” Cao Cao laughed heartily. In the twenty-third year of Jian’an, when the Wuhuan of Dai Commandery rebelled, Cao Cao ordered Cao Zhang to lead fifty thousand troops against them. As Cao Zhang was about to depart, Cao Cao cautioned him: “‘At home we are father and son; when you receive a commission, we are sovereign and subject.’ The law must not yield to private affection. You must take this warning deeply to heart.” Cao Zhang reached the region north of Dai, led from the front in battle, and fought his way as far as Sanggan, pacifying the entire north. On hearing that Cao Cao had been defeated at Yangping, he had come to aid him in battle. Cao Cao was overjoyed to see him and said, “Now that my yellow-bearded son has come, Liu Bei will surely be defeated!” He rallied his troops, turned back, and encamped at the entrance to the Xie Valley. Someone reported to Xuande that Cao Zhang had arrived. Xuande asked, “Who dares go out and fight Cao Zhang?” Liu Feng replied, “I am willing to go.” Meng Da also asked to be sent. Xuande said, “Go together, both of you, and let us see which of you wins the merit.” Each led five thousand troops to meet the enemy, with Liu Feng in front and Meng Da behind. Cao Zhang rode out and fought Liu Feng. In only three bouts, Liu Feng was soundly defeated and fled. Meng Da led his troops forward and was just about to engage when Cao Cao’s army suddenly fell into disorder. Ma Chao and Wu Lan had arrived with their two forces and struck Cao Cao’s troops, throwing them into alarm. Meng Da led his men in a converging attack. Ma Chao’s soldiers had long conserved their strength; now they displayed their might and valor, and their force was irresistible. Cao Cao’s troops broke and fled. Cao Zhang encountered Wu Lan, and the two crossed weapons. In only a few bouts, Cao Zhang struck Wu Lan from his horse with a thrust of his halberd. The three armies became embroiled in a confused battle. Cao Cao gathered his forces and established his position at the entrance to the Xie Valley.

Cao Cao remained encamped for many days. He wished to advance, but Ma Chao barred the way; he wished to withdraw, but feared being ridiculed by the Shu army. His mind wavered, and he could not decide. Just then, a cook brought him chicken broth. Cao Cao saw chicken ribs in the bowl, and they stirred a reflection in his heart. As he sat pondering, Xiahou Dun entered the tent and asked for the night’s watchword. Cao Cao answered absently, “Chicken ribs! Chicken ribs!” Xiahou Dun transmitted the order to all the officers, who used “Chicken Ribs” as the watchword. When Yang Xiu, the army registrar, heard that the two words “Chicken Ribs” had been given, he ordered the soldiers attending him to pack their baggage and prepare for the journey home. Someone reported this to Xiahou Dun. Greatly astonished, Xiahou Dun summoned Yang Xiu to his tent and asked, “Why are you packing your baggage?” Yang Xiu replied, “From tonight’s watchword, I know that the King of Wei will soon withdraw the army and return home. As for chicken ribs, there is no meat to eat upon them, yet there is flavor in chewing them. At present we cannot prevail by advancing, but fear ridicule if we retreat. It is useless to remain here, so we would do better to return early. Tomorrow the King of Wei will certainly order the army home. That is why I am packing in advance, to avoid confusion when the time comes to depart.” Xiahou Dun said, “You truly understand the innermost thoughts of the King of Wei!” He too began to pack his baggage. Thus there was not a general in the camp who did not prepare to return home. That night, Cao Cao’s mind was in turmoil and he could not sleep soundly. Taking a steel battle-ax in his hand, he made a private circuit of the camp. He saw that the soldiers in Xiahou Dun’s camp had all packed their baggage. Greatly startled, Cao Cao hurried back to his tent, summoned Xiahou Dun, and asked the reason. Xiahou Dun replied, “The registrar Yang Dezu knew beforehand that Your Majesty intended to return.” Cao Cao summoned Yang Xiu and questioned him. Yang Xiu explained the meaning of “chicken ribs.” Cao Cao flew into a rage and cried, “How dare you fabricate rumors and disturb the morale of my army!” He ordered the executioners to drag Yang Xiu out and behead him, and had his head displayed outside the camp gate as a warning.

Yang Xiu had always relied upon his talents and behaved with unrestrained arrogance, repeatedly arousing Cao Cao’s resentment. Cao Cao once had a garden built. When it was completed, he went to inspect it. Without uttering either praise or blame, he merely took up a brush, wrote the character “alive” upon the gate, and departed. No one understood his meaning. Yang Xiu said, “When the character ‘alive’ is placed within the character ‘gate,’ together they form the character ‘broad.’ The Prime Minister considers the garden gate too broad, that is all.” The surrounding wall was therefore rebuilt. When the alterations had been completed, Cao Cao was invited to inspect it again. Cao Cao was delighted and asked, “Who understood my meaning?” His attendants replied, “Yang Xiu.” Though Cao Cao praised him, he deeply resented him in his heart. On another day, someone from north of the frontier sent Cao Cao a box of cream cakes. Cao Cao himself wrote the three characters “one box of cream cakes” upon the box and placed it on his desk. Yang Xiu entered and saw it. He promptly took a spoon and divided the contents among those present, who ate it all. When Cao Cao asked him why, Yang Xiu replied, “Upon the box it was plainly written, ‘One mouthful of cream cake for each person.’ How could we dare disobey the Prime Minister’s command?” Though Cao Cao smiled with amusement, inwardly he detested him.

Cao Cao feared that someone might secretly plot to murder him, and he often instructed his attendants: “I am prone to killing people in my dreams. Whenever I am asleep, on no account must any of you approach me.” One day, while he was napping in his tent, his coverlet fell to the floor. One of his attendants hurried forward to cover him. Cao Cao sprang up, drew his sword, and struck him dead; then he returned to bed and slept. After some time, he arose and, feigning astonishment, asked, “Who killed my attendant?” The others told him what had happened. Cao Cao wept bitterly and ordered that the man be buried with great honors. Everyone believed that Cao Cao truly killed men in his dreams; only Yang Xiu understood his intention. At the burial, he pointed to the dead man and sighed, “It was not the Prime Minister who was dreaming; it was you!” When Cao Cao heard of this, he detested Yang Xiu all the more.

Cao Cao’s third son, Cao Zhi, admired Yang Xiu’s talents and often invited him to converse, continuing through the entire night without rest. Cao Cao consulted with his advisers about establishing Cao Zhi as his heir. When Cao Pi learned of this, he secretly invited Wu Zhi, magistrate of Chaoge, into his private residence to confer. Fearing discovery, he hid Wu Zhi in a large wicker hamper, claiming it contained bolts of silk, and had it carried into his residence. Yang Xiu learned of the matter and went directly to report it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered men to keep watch at the gate of Cao Pi’s residence. Cao Pi anxiously informed Wu Zhi, who said, “Do not worry. Tomorrow, fill the large hamper with silk and carry it inside again, to mislead them.” Cao Pi followed his advice and had a large hamper full of silk carried in. Cao Cao’s agents searched the hamper and found that it did indeed contain silk, then returned and reported to Cao Cao. Cao Cao consequently suspected that Yang Xiu had slandered Cao Pi in order to injure him, and detested Yang Xiu still more.

Cao Cao wished to test the abilities of Cao Pi and Cao Zhi. One day, he ordered each of them to leave through the gate of Ye, but secretly sent instructions to the gate officers not to allow them to pass. Cao Pi arrived first. When the gate officers stopped him, he had no choice but to turn back. Cao Zhi heard what had happened and consulted Yang Xiu. Yang Xiu said, “You are going out under the king’s command. If anyone attempts to obstruct you, simply behead him.” Cao Zhi approved his advice. When he reached the gate, the gate officer barred his way. Cao Zhi shouted, “I act under the king’s command! Who dares obstruct me?” He beheaded the officer on the spot. Cao Cao therefore considered Cao Zhi the abler of the two. Later, someone told Cao Cao, “It was Yang Xiu who taught him to do this.” Cao Cao was furious and thereafter also lost his affection for Cao Zhi.

Yang Xiu once prepared for Cao Zhi more than ten sets of model answers and instructions, so that whatever Cao Cao asked, Cao Zhi could reply according to the appropriate set. Whenever Cao Cao questioned Cao Zhi about military or affairs of state, Cao Zhi answered with perfect fluency. Cao Cao became deeply suspicious. Later, Cao Pi secretly bribed members of Cao Zhi’s household, stole the model answers, and brought them to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao saw them, he flew into a rage and cried, “How dare this wretch deceive me!” From that time on, he intended to kill Yang Xiu; and now he had used the charge of confusing and disrupting the army’s morale to put him to death. Yang Xiu was thirty-four years old when he died. A later poet wrote:

Clever and gifted was Yang Dezu,Heir to a line of cap and sash.Dragons and serpents raced beneath his brush;Brocades of splendor filled his breast.When he spoke, all present marveled;His swift replies surpassed the finest men.His talents led him fatally astray—He did not die for urging the retreat.

After Cao Cao had killed Yang Xiu, he feigned anger at Xiahou Dun and intended to behead him as well. The officers pleaded for his pardon. Cao Cao then rebuked Xiahou Dun and dismissed him, and issued orders to advance the following day.

The next day, the army marched out from the entrance to the Xie Valley. Ahead, a force came to meet them, led by the great commander Wei Yan. Cao Cao called upon Wei Yan to surrender, but Wei Yan reviled him loudly. Cao Cao ordered Pang De to ride out and fight. While the two generals were locked in combat, fire broke out inside Cao Cao’s camp. A man reported that Ma Chao had raided the center and rear camps. Cao Cao drew his sword and cried, “Any general who retreats shall be beheaded!” His commanders pressed forward with all their strength. Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Cao Cao was just turning his army back to fight Ma Chao when he reined in his horse on a high mound to watch the two armies contend. Suddenly, a fierce body of troops burst forward before him, and someone shouted, “Wei Yan is here!” Wei Yan took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot Cao Cao. Cao Cao toppled from his horse. Wei Yan cast aside his bow, snatched up his saber, and spurred his horse up the slope to kill Cao Cao. From one side a general suddenly appeared and shouted, “Do not harm my lord!” It was Pang De. Pang De exerted all his strength, drove Wei Yan back in combat, and protected Cao Cao as they moved on. Ma Chao had already withdrawn. Cao Cao returned to camp wounded. Wei Yan’s arrow had struck him in the philtrum and broken off two of his front teeth, and he urgently ordered physicians to treat him. Only then did he recall Yang Xiu’s words. He had Yang Xiu’s corpse recovered and buried with great honors, and at once gave orders for the army to return, leaving Pang De to guard the rear. Cao Cao lay inside a felt-covered carriage, with Tiger Guard soldiers escorting him on either side. Suddenly, a report came that fires had arisen along both sides of the mountains in the Xie Valley and ambush troops were pursuing them. Every man in Cao Cao’s army was terrified. Truly:

It seemed once more the peril of Tong Pass;It called to mind the crisis at Red Cliffs.

What became of Cao Cao’s life will be revealed in the following chapter.

Zhuge Liang Cleverly Takes Hanzhong; Cao Cao Withdraws Through Xie Valley

Now Xu Huang led his army across the Han River. Wang Ping urgently advised him against it, but Xu Huang would not listen and crossed the river to make camp. Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun said to Xuande, “Each of us will lead his own troops to meet Cao Cao’s army.” Xuande consented. The two men led their troops away. Huang Zhong said to Zhao Yun, “Xu Huang has come relying on his courage. For now, we should not engage him. When evening comes and his troops are weary, you and I can divide our forces and attack him from two directions.” Zhao Yun agreed, and each led an army to hold one of the fortified camps. Xu Huang brought his troops out to challenge them from the Hour of the Dragon until the Hour of the Monkey, but the Shu troops did not move. Xu Huang then ordered all his crossbowmen and archers forward to shoot into the Shu camps. Huang Zhong said to Zhao Yun, “Xu Huang has ordered his archers and crossbowmen to shoot, so his army must be about to withdraw. We can seize this moment to attack.” Before he had finished speaking, a report suddenly came that the rear ranks of Cao Cao’s army were indeed beginning to retreat. At once, drums thundered in the Shu camps. Huang Zhong led troops out on the left, while Zhao Yun led troops out on the right. Attacked from both sides, Xu Huang suffered a crushing defeat. His soldiers were driven into the Han River, where countless numbers died. Xu Huang fought desperately and escaped. Back in camp, he reproached Wang Ping, saying, “You saw that my army was in danger. Why did you not come to my rescue?” Wang Ping replied, “If I had gone to your rescue, this camp could not have been held either. I advised you not to go, but you refused to listen, and that is what brought about this defeat.” Xu Huang flew into a rage and intended to kill Wang Ping. That night, Wang Ping led his own troops in setting fire to the camp. Cao Cao’s soldiers fell into chaos, and Xu Huang abandoned the camp and fled. Wang Ping crossed the Han River and went over to Zhao Yun, who presented him to Xuande. Wang Ping gave a full account of the geography around the Han River. Xuande was delighted and said, “Now that I have Wang Zijun, there is no doubt that I will take Hanzhong.” He appointed Wang Ping Assistant General and made him commander of the guides.

Xu Huang fled back to Cao Cao and reported that Wang Ping had rebelled and surrendered to Liu Bei. Cao Cao was furious and personally led his great army to retake the fortified camps on the Han River. Zhao Yun feared that his isolated force could not hold its ground, so he withdrew west of the Han River. The two armies faced each other across the water. Xuande and Kongming came to examine the terrain. At the upper reaches of the Han River, Kongming saw a line of earthen hills where more than a thousand men could lie in ambush. He returned to camp, summoned Zhao Yun, and instructed him, “Take five hundred men, all equipped with drums and horns, and conceal them below the earthen hills. Whether at midnight or at dusk, listen only for the signal cannon in my camp. Each time the cannon sounds, beat the drums once, but under no circumstances go out to fight.” Zilong accepted the plan and departed. Kongming then secretly watched from a high hill.

The next day, Cao Cao’s troops came to issue a challenge, but not a single man emerged from the Shu camp, nor did the archers or crossbowmen shoot. Cao Cao’s troops returned. Late that night, Kongming saw that the lights in Cao Cao’s camp had just gone out and the soldiers had settled down to rest, so he gave the signal. When Zilong heard it, he ordered the drums and horns to sound together. Cao Cao’s troops panicked, believing their camp was under attack. But when they came out, they saw no enemy force. They had only just returned to camp and were about to rest when the signal sounded again. Once more the drums and horns blared, while battle cries shook the earth and echoed through the mountain valleys. Cao Cao’s troops had no peace all night. For three nights in a row, they were subjected to the same alarms and uncertainty. Cao Cao lost his nerve, struck camp, withdrew thirty li, and made camp in open country. Kongming laughed and said, “Cao Cao may understand the art of war, but he does not understand deceptive tactics.” He then asked Xuande to cross the Han River in person and establish a camp with the river at his back. Xuande asked what the plan was, and Kongming explained it to him in detail.

When Cao Cao saw Xuande make camp with the river at his back, he became suspicious and sent a man with a letter of challenge. Kongming wrote back accepting battle for the following day. The next day, the two armies met midway between their positions, before Wujie Mountain, and drew up their formations. Cao Cao rode out and halted beneath the standard at the gate of his formation. Dragon and phoenix banners were arrayed in two rows, and after three rolls of the drums, he called on Xuande to come forward and speak. Xuande came out accompanied by Liu Feng, Meng Da, and the generals of Sichuan. Cao Cao raised his whip and cursed him loudly: “Liu Bei, you ungrateful, faithless traitor who has rebelled against the court!” Xuande replied, “I am a member of the imperial house of the Great Han, acting under an imperial command to punish a traitor. You murdered the Empress Dowager, proclaimed yourself a king, and presumptuously use the Son of Heaven’s imperial carriage. If that is not rebellion, what is?” Enraged, Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang to ride out and fight. Liu Feng went out to meet him. As they fought, Xuande was the first to retreat into his formation. Liu Feng could not withstand Xu Huang, so he turned his horse and fled. Cao Cao gave the order: “Whoever captures Liu Bei will be made King of Western Sichuan!” His entire army charged forward with a great shout. The Shu troops fled toward the Han River, abandoning all their camps. Horses and weapons were left scattered all over the road, and Cao Cao’s soldiers scrambled to seize them. Cao Cao urgently sounded the gong to recall his army. His generals said, “We were just about to capture Liu Bei. Why has Your Majesty recalled us?” Cao Cao replied, “The Shu troops made camp with the Han River at their backs. That is the first suspicious thing. They have abandoned so many horses and weapons. That is the second suspicious thing. Withdraw at once, and do not take any of their belongings.” He then issued the order: “Anyone who recklessly takes so much as one object will be beheaded on the spot. Retreat with all speed!” Just as Cao Cao’s troops turned back, Kongming’s signal flag was raised. Xuande led the central army out, Huang Zhong attacked from the left, and Zhao Yun attacked from the right. Cao Cao’s troops broke and fled, and Kongming pursued them through the night.

Cao Cao ordered his army to return to Nanzheng. Suddenly, fires rose along five routes. It turned out that Wei Yan and Zhang Fei, having left Yan Yan to guard Langzhong in their place, had divided their forces and attacked, taking Nanzheng before Cao Cao could return. Alarmed, Cao Cao fled toward Yangping Pass. Xuande’s great army pursued as far as Nanzheng and Baozhou. After the people had been pacified, Xuande asked Kongming, “Why was Cao Cao defeated so quickly this time?” Kongming replied, “Cao Cao has always been suspicious by nature. Though he knows how to command troops, his suspicions often lead him to defeat. I defeated him with a feigned threat.” Xuande said, “Now Cao Cao has withdrawn to defend Yangping Pass, and his position is already isolated. What plan will you use to drive him away?” Kongming replied, “I have already worked it out.” He sent Zhang Fei and Wei Yan by two separate routes to cut Cao Cao’s supply lines, and ordered Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun to divide their troops along two other routes and set fire to the mountains. The commanders of the four armies departed, each taking local guides and troops with him.

Cao Cao withdrew to defend Yangping Pass and sent troops to scout. They returned and reported, “The Shu troops have blocked all the nearby and distant side roads. Every place where we could gather firewood has been burned bare. We do not know where their soldiers are.” While Cao Cao was still puzzled, another report came that Zhang Fei and Wei Yan had divided their forces and were raiding the grain convoys. Cao Cao asked, “Who dares oppose Zhang Fei?” Xu Chu replied, “I am willing to go!” Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to take a thousand elite troops along the road to Yangping Pass to escort the provisions. When the officer in charge of transporting the grain met him, he said happily, “If the general had not come, this grain could never have reached Yangping Pass.” He then presented Xu Chu with wine and meat from the wagons. Xu Chu drank heavily and soon became very drunk. Carried away by the wine, he ordered the grain wagons onward. The transport officer said, “The sun has already set. The terrain ahead around Baozhou is steep and dangerous. We should not pass through it now.” Xu Chu said, “I possess the courage of ten thousand men. Why should I fear anyone? Tonight the moonlight is bright, making it the perfect time for the grain wagons to travel.” Xu Chu took the lead, holding his saber across his body and urging his horse forward as he led the troops onward. After the second watch, they came along the road toward Baozhou. Halfway there, drums and horns suddenly shook the sky from a hollow in the mountains, and an army blocked their path. The general at its head was Zhang Fei. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Xu Chu. Xu Chu brandished his saber and went to meet him, but because he was drunk, he could not withstand Zhang Fei. After only a few exchanges, Zhang Fei struck him in the shoulder with his spear, and Xu Chu toppled from his horse. His soldiers hurriedly rescued him and fled. Zhang Fei captured all the grain, provisions, and wagons and returned.

Xu Chu’s officers escorted him back to Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered his physicians to treat the weapon wound, while he personally led troops out to fight a decisive battle with the Shu army. Xuande led his troops out to meet him. When the two formations had been drawn up opposite each other, Xuande ordered Liu Feng to ride out. Cao Cao cursed him, saying, “You little sandal peddler, you are always sending your adopted son to face the enemy! If I called my yellow-bearded son here, he would pound your adopted son into meat paste!” Liu Feng was furious. Leveling his spear and urging his horse forward, he charged straight at Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang to meet him, and Liu Feng feigned defeat and fled. Cao Cao led his troops in pursuit, but signal cannons suddenly sounded on every side of the Shu camp, and drums and horns blared together. Fearing an ambush, Cao Cao hurriedly ordered a retreat. Cao Cao’s soldiers trampled one another, and a great many died. They fled back to Yangping Pass and had only just settled down to rest when the Shu troops reached the walls. They set fires at the eastern gate and raised battle cries at the western gate; they set fires at the southern gate and beat drums at the northern gate. Cao Cao was terrified and abandoned the pass. The Shu troops pursued and attacked from behind. As Cao Cao fled, Zhang Fei appeared ahead with an army and blocked his way. Zhao Yun attacked from the rear with another army, and Huang Zhong came with still more troops from Baozhou. Cao Cao suffered a crushing defeat. His generals protected him as they fought their way out and fled. They had only just reached the entrance to the Xie Valley when a cloud of dust suddenly rose ahead and an army appeared. Cao Cao said, “If these are troops lying in ambush, I am finished!” But when the troops came near, he saw that they were led by his second son, Cao Zhang.

Cao Zhang’s courtesy name was Ziwen. From his youth, he excelled at riding and archery. His physical strength surpassed that of ordinary men, and he could fight fierce beasts with his bare hands. Cao Cao once warned him, “You do not study books, but only care for bows and horses. That is merely the courage of a common fighting man. What is there to value in it?” Cao Zhang replied, “A true man should emulate Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, win glory in the desert, command hundreds of thousands of men on long campaigns, and range unhindered throughout the world. How could I become a mere scholar?” Cao Cao once asked his sons about their ambitions. Cao Zhang replied, “I want to be a general.” Cao Cao asked, “And what does it mean to be a general?” Cao Zhang replied, “To wear strong armor and wield sharp weapons, to face danger without concern for oneself, and to lead the soldiers from the front. Rewards must always be given, and punishments must always be certain.” Cao Cao laughed heartily. In the twenty-third year of Jian’an, when the Wuhuan of Dai Commandery rebelled, Cao Cao ordered Cao Zhang to lead fifty thousand troops against them. Before Cao Zhang departed, Cao Cao warned him, “At home, we are father and son; when you accept a commission, we are ruler and subject. The law does not bend for personal affection. You must bear that warning deeply in mind.” Cao Zhang reached the region north of Dai and personally led the battle formations. He fought all the way to Sanggan, pacifying the entire north. Then he heard that Cao Cao had been defeated at Yangping Pass, so he came to assist him. Cao Cao was overjoyed to see him and said, “Now that my yellow-bearded son has come, Liu Bei is certain to be defeated!” He regrouped his troops and returned to establish a camp at the entrance to the Xie Valley. Someone reported to Xuande that Cao Zhang had arrived. Xuande asked, “Who dares go and fight Cao Zhang?” Liu Feng said, “I am willing to go.” Meng Da also asked to go. Xuande said, “Both of you go, and we will see which one succeeds.” Each led five thousand troops to meet him, Liu Feng in front and Meng Da behind. Cao Zhang rode out and fought Liu Feng. After only three exchanges, Liu Feng was soundly defeated and fled. Meng Da led his troops forward and was just about to engage when Cao Cao’s army suddenly fell into chaos. Ma Chao and Wu Lan had arrived with their two armies, throwing Cao Cao’s troops into confusion. Meng Da led his troops in a pincer attack. Ma Chao’s soldiers had conserved their strength for many days, and now they displayed their might and valor with irresistible force. Cao Cao’s troops fled in defeat. Cao Zhang encountered Wu Lan, and the two exchanged only a few blows before Cao Zhang struck Wu Lan from his horse with a thrust of his halberd. All three armies became locked in a confused battle. Cao Cao withdrew his forces and held his position at the entrance to the Xie Valley.

Cao Cao remained encamped for many days. He wanted to advance, but Ma Chao stood in his way. He wanted to withdraw, but feared being ridiculed by the Shu troops. He wavered, unable to decide. Just then, the cook brought him chicken soup. Cao Cao saw a chicken rib in the bowl, and it stirred certain thoughts in him. While he was still brooding over it, Xiahou Dun entered the tent and asked for the night’s watchword. Cao Cao casually replied, “Chicken rib! Chicken rib!” Xiahou Dun passed the order to all the officers that the watchword was “chicken rib.” When Yang Xiu, the army’s chief clerk, heard that these two words had been issued, he ordered the soldiers accompanying him to pack their baggage and prepare for the journey home. Someone reported this to Xiahou Dun. Greatly surprised, Xiahou Dun summoned Yang Xiu to his tent and asked, “Why are you packing your baggage?” Yang Xiu replied, “From tonight’s watchword, I know that the King of Wei will soon withdraw his army and return home. A chicken rib has no meat worth eating, yet still has some flavor and is hard to throw away. At present, we cannot win if we advance, but he fears being mocked if we retreat. Remaining here is useless, so it would be better to return early. Tomorrow the King of Wei is certain to order the army home. That is why I am packing in advance, so there will be no confusion when the time comes to leave.” Xiahou Dun said, “You truly understand the King of Wei’s innermost thoughts!” He too began packing his baggage. Consequently, all the generals in the camp prepared to return home. That night, Cao Cao’s mind was troubled, and he could not sleep soundly. Carrying a steel ax in his hand, he privately walked around the camp. He saw that the soldiers in Xiahou Dun’s camp had all prepared their baggage. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hurried back to his tent, where he summoned Xiahou Dun and asked the reason. Xiahou Dun replied, “Chief Clerk Yang Dezu knew in advance that Your Majesty intended to return.” Cao Cao summoned Yang Xiu and questioned him. Yang Xiu explained the meaning of the chicken rib. Cao Cao flew into a rage and said, “How dare you invent rumors and disturb the morale of my army!” He ordered the executioners to drag Yang Xiu out and behead him, then had his head displayed outside the main camp gate as a warning.

Yang Xiu had always relied on his own talent and behaved without restraint, repeatedly provoking Cao Cao’s jealousy. Cao Cao once had a garden built. When it was finished, he went to inspect it. Without giving either praise or criticism, he took a brush, wrote the character meaning “alive” on the gate, and left. No one understood what he meant. Yang Xiu said, “If the character for ‘alive’ is placed inside the character for ‘gate,’ it forms the character meaning ‘wide.’ The prime minister thinks the garden gate is too wide.” The surrounding wall was therefore rebuilt. When the alterations were complete, Cao Cao was invited to inspect it again. He was delighted and asked, “Who understood my meaning?” Those around him replied, “Yang Xiu.” Though Cao Cao praised him, he became deeply jealous of him. On another day, a box of pastry arrived from north of the frontier. Cao Cao himself wrote three words on the box meaning “one box of pastry” and placed it on his table. Yang Xiu came in, saw it, and immediately took a spoon and divided the pastry among everyone, who ate it all. Cao Cao asked why he had done so. Yang Xiu replied, “The words written clearly on the box can be divided to mean ‘one person, one mouthful of pastry.’ How could we dare disobey the prime minister’s command?” Cao Cao laughed with apparent pleasure, but inwardly he detested him.

Cao Cao feared that someone might secretly plot to kill him, so he often warned his attendants, “I have a habit of killing people in my sleep. Whenever I am asleep, you must never come near me.” One day, while he was sleeping in his tent during the daytime, his blanket fell to the floor. One of his close attendants hurried over to cover him. Cao Cao leaped up, drew his sword, and killed the man, then went back to bed and resumed sleeping. After a long while, he got up and pretended to be shocked, asking, “Who killed my attendant?” The others told him what had happened. Cao Cao wept bitterly and ordered that the man be given a lavish burial. Everyone believed that Cao Cao truly killed people in his sleep. Yang Xiu alone understood his intention. At the burial, he pointed to the dead man and sighed, “It was not the prime minister who was dreaming. It was you!” When Cao Cao heard of this, he hated Yang Xiu even more.

Cao Cao’s third son, Cao Zhi, admired Yang Xiu’s talent and often invited him to discuss matters, sometimes talking with him through the entire night without stopping. Cao Cao consulted with his advisers because he wished to name Cao Zhi his heir. When Cao Pi learned of this, he secretly invited Wu Zhi, the magistrate of Chaoge, into his residence to discuss the matter. Fearing that someone might discover it, he hid Wu Zhi inside a large wicker chest and claimed that it contained bolts of silk, then had it carried into his residence. Yang Xiu learned of the affair and went directly to report it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao ordered men to keep watch at the gate of Cao Pi’s residence. In alarm, Cao Pi informed Wu Zhi. Wu Zhi said, “Do not worry. Tomorrow, fill a large wicker chest with silk and carry it in again to mislead them.” Cao Pi followed his advice and had silk carried into his residence in a large chest. Cao Cao’s agents searched the chest and found that it did indeed contain silk, then returned and reported to Cao Cao. Cao Cao began to suspect that Yang Xiu had slandered Cao Pi in order to harm him, and he hated Yang Xiu still more.

Cao Cao wanted to test the abilities of Cao Pi and Cao Zhi. One day, he ordered each of them to leave through a gate of Ye, but secretly instructed the gate officers not to let them pass. Cao Pi arrived first. When the gate officers stopped him, he had no choice but to turn back. Cao Zhi heard what had happened and asked Yang Xiu what to do. Yang Xiu said, “You are leaving under the king’s command. If anyone obstructs you, you may simply behead him.” Cao Zhi agreed. When he reached the gate, the gate officer stopped him. Cao Zhi shouted, “I act under the king’s command! Who dares obstruct me?” He had the officer beheaded on the spot. Cao Cao therefore judged Cao Zhi capable. Later, someone told Cao Cao, “Yang Xiu was the one who taught him to do that.” Cao Cao was furious, and because of this, he also began to dislike Cao Zhi.

Yang Xiu also once prepared more than ten sets of model answers for Cao Zhi, so that whenever Cao Cao asked a question, Cao Zhi answered according to those instructions. Cao Cao often questioned Cao Zhi about military and state affairs, and Cao Zhi always answered fluently and without hesitation. Cao Cao became deeply suspicious. Later, Cao Pi secretly bribed members of Cao Zhi’s household, stole the model answers, and presented them to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao saw them, he flew into a rage and said, “How dare this wretch deceive me!” From that time on, he intended to kill Yang Xiu. Now he used the charge of disturbing the army’s morale as a pretext to execute him. Yang Xiu was thirty-four years old when he died. A later poet wrote:

Brilliant Yang Dezu,Heir to generations of high office.Dragons and serpents raced beneath his brush;Splendid brocade filled his mind.When he spoke, all who heard him marveled;His swift replies surpassed every talent.His gifts misled him and brought his death—It had nothing to do with retreating troops.

After killing Yang Xiu, Cao Cao pretended to be angry with Xiahou Dun and intended to behead him as well. The officers pleaded for his life. Cao Cao then angrily dismissed Xiahou Dun and ordered the army to advance the following day.

The next day, the army marched out from the entrance to the Xie Valley. An army came forward to meet them, led by the great general Wei Yan. Cao Cao called on Wei Yan to surrender, but Wei Yan cursed him bitterly. Cao Cao ordered Pang De to fight. While the two generals were engaged, fire broke out inside Cao Cao’s camp. A messenger reported that Ma Chao had seized the central and rear camps. Cao Cao drew his sword and declared, “Any general who retreats will be beheaded!” All the generals drove forward with renewed effort. Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Cao Cao was just signaling his troops to turn back and fight Ma Chao when he reined in his horse on a high mound to watch the two armies battle. Suddenly, a body of troops charged directly toward him. A man shouted, “Wei Yan is here!” Wei Yan took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot Cao Cao. Cao Cao toppled from his horse. Wei Yan threw aside his bow, seized his saber, and spurred his horse up the slope to kill Cao Cao. Suddenly, a general dashed out from the side and shouted, “Do not harm my lord!” It was Pang De. Pang De drove forward with all his strength, fought Wei Yan back, and escorted Cao Cao away. Ma Chao had already withdrawn. Cao Cao returned to camp wounded. Wei Yan’s arrow had struck him in the philtrum and broken two of his front teeth. He hurriedly ordered his physicians to treat him. He then remembered Yang Xiu’s words, had Yang Xiu’s body recovered and given a lavish burial, and ordered the army to return home. He commanded Pang De to cover the retreat. Cao Cao lay inside a felt-covered carriage, guarded on both sides by his Tiger Guards. Suddenly, a report came that fires had risen on both sides of the mountains in the Xie Valley and ambushing troops were pursuing them. Every soldier in Cao Cao’s army was terrified. Just as the verse says:

It seemed again like peril at Tong Pass of old,And almost like the danger at Red Cliffs that year.

What became of Cao Cao’s life will be told in the next chapter.