Chapter 73

Liu Bei Becomes King of Hanzhong; Guan Yu Captures Xiangyang

Now Cao Cao withdrew his army to Xie Valley. Zhuge Liang reckoned that he would surely abandon Hanzhong and retreat, and therefore ordered Ma Chao and the other generals to divide their troops into more than ten columns and raid him at all hours. Thus Cao Cao could not remain there long. Then, after Wei Yan struck him with an arrow, he hastily ordered the army home. The fighting spirit of all three armies was utterly spent. The vanguard had scarcely set out when fires arose on both sides: it was Ma Chao’s ambush force pressing the pursuit. Every man in Cao Cao’s army lost heart. Cao Cao ordered his soldiers to make all speed, marching day and night without rest; only upon reaching Jingzhao did he at last feel secure.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei ordered Liu Feng, Meng Da, Wang Ping, and the others to capture Shangyong and its neighboring commanderies. When Shen Dan and the rest heard that Cao Cao had abandoned Hanzhong and withdrawn, they all surrendered. Once Liu Bei had restored peace among the people, he richly rewarded the three armies, to the great delight of all. The generals now conceived the desire to exalt Liu Bei as emperor. Not daring to raise the matter with him directly, they went instead to report it to Military Adviser Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang said, “I have already resolved what should be done.” He then led Fa Zheng and the others in to see Liu Bei and said, “Cao Cao now monopolizes power, and the people have no true sovereign. My lord’s benevolence and righteousness are renowned throughout the realm, and now that you possess both provinces of Sichuan, you may respond to Heaven and accord with the people by ascending the imperial throne. Then, with name and principle made rightful, you may chastise the traitor to the state. The matter admits no delay. We beg you to choose an auspicious day at once.”

Liu Bei was greatly alarmed. “The Military Adviser’s words are mistaken. Though I am of the imperial house of Han, I am still a subject. If I did such a thing, I would be rebelling against Han.” Zhuge Liang replied, “Not so. The realm is now divided and crumbling; heroes have arisen on every side, each holding sway over his own region. All men of talent and virtue within the four seas who forsake death and seek life in the service of a lord do so because they wish to mount the dragon, cleave to the phoenix, and establish merit and fame. If my lord, from fear of suspicion, clings too rigidly to righteousness, I fear you will disappoint the hopes of all. I beg you to consider the matter carefully.” Liu Bei said, “You would have me usurp the most exalted station, but I would never dare. We may discuss some more lasting policy.” The generals cried with one voice, “If my lord does nothing but decline, the hearts of the people will fall away!”

Zhuge Liang said, “My lord has always made righteousness the foundation of his life and will not consent at once to assume the imperial title. But now that you possess Jingzhou, Xiangyang, and both provinces of Sichuan, you may for the present become King of Hanzhong.” Liu Bei said, “Though you wish to honor me as king, without a clear edict from the Son of Heaven it would be usurpation.” Zhuge Liang replied, “At present we must act according to circumstance and not bind ourselves to ordinary principles.” Zhang Fei shouted, “Men not even of the imperial surname all want to become rulers. How much more may my elder brother, who belongs to a branch of the Han house! Never mind King of Hanzhong—even if he proclaimed himself emperor, what would be wrong with that?” Liu Bei rebuked him: “Say no more!” Zhuge Liang said, “My lord should adapt to circumstance. First advance to the rank of King of Hanzhong; afterward it will not be too late to submit a memorial to the Son of Heaven.”

Liu Bei declined again and again, but could not prevail, and at last was compelled to consent. In the seventh month of autumn, in the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, an altar was erected at Mianyang, nine li in circumference. The five directions were duly marked, each with its banners and ceremonial insignia, and all the ministers took their appointed places in order. Xu Jing and Fa Zheng invited Liu Bei to ascend the altar. After presenting him with crown, robes, seal, and sash, they seated him facing south, and the civil and military officers bowed their congratulations, acclaiming him King of Hanzhong. His son Liu Shan was established as heir apparent. Xu Jing was appointed Grand Tutor, and Fa Zheng Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Zhuge Liang became Military Adviser, with supreme charge of the weighty affairs of army and state. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong were appointed the Five Tiger Generals; Wei Yan was made governor of Hanzhong. All the rest received ranks and titles according to their merits.

After Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong, he composed a memorial and sent a messenger to carry it to the capital at Xuchang. The memorial read:

I, Bei, possessed only of the capacity of an ordinary servant, have borne the charge of a supreme commander, directing the three armies and carrying abroad the sovereign’s mandate of chastisement. Yet I have been unable to sweep away rebellion and peril, restore peace, or uphold the imperial house, and have long allowed Your Majesty’s sacred authority to decline. Within the six reaches of the realm, adversity has not yet turned to peace. I think only of unrest and treachery, and my anguish is like a grievous sickness of the head.

Formerly Dong Zhuo laid the foundations of disorder. Thereafter a host of villains roamed unchecked, ravaging and despoiling all within the seas. Thanks to the awe-inspiring presence of Your Majesty’s sacred virtue, your servants responded as one: some rose in loyal and righteous chastisement, while upon others Heaven itself inflicted punishment. The violent and rebellious were slain together and gradually melted away like ice. Cao Cao alone has long escaped destruction. He has encroached upon and usurped the authority of the state, indulging his will to the utmost pitch of disorder. In former days I joined General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng in plotting to punish Cao Cao, but our plans were not kept secret, and Dong Cheng was treacherously put to death. I was driven into exile and lost my foothold; my loyal purpose failed, allowing Cao Cao to exhaust every extreme of savagery and treason. He slaughtered the empress, the mother of the realm, and poisoned an imperial prince. Though I gathered our allies together with every thought bent upon exerting our strength, I was weak and wanting in martial power, and through all these years achieved nothing. I have constantly feared that I might fall and thereby betray the grace of the state. Waking and sleeping, I sigh without cease; by night I remain vigilant, as though treading the brink of danger.

Now my assembled officers declare that, in ancient times, as recorded in the Book of Yu, the nine degrees of kindred were ordered and brought into harmony, thereby enlightening and encouraging all who cherished aspiration. As emperors and kings succeeded one another, this principle was never abandoned. The Zhou took warning from the two preceding dynasties and established fiefs for the many members of the Ji clan, relying indeed upon the supporting strength of Pu and Zheng. When Gaozu arose like a dragon, he honored the younger brothers of the king and established nine great kingdoms; in the end they destroyed the Lü clan and secured the principal imperial line. Now Cao Cao hates the upright and reviles the just, and those who follow him are many. He harbors a treacherous heart, and his design to usurp and steal the throne is already manifest. Since the imperial clan has grown weak and the house of the emperor holds no commanding position, my officers, after weighing ancient precedents and adapting them to present necessity, have elevated me, your servant, as Grand Marshal and King of Hanzhong.

Prostrate, I have examined myself again and again. I have received abundant grace from the state and borne responsibility over one region; yet before I have shown any result from the exertion of my strength, the rewards bestowed upon me have already exceeded my deserts. I ought not again to disgrace an exalted station and thereby increase both my guilt and the censure against me. But my assembled officers have pressed me, compelling me in the name of righteousness. Upon retiring, I reflected that the rebels have not yet been destroyed and the nation’s peril has not yet ended; the ancestral temples stand on the brink of ruin, and the altars of soil and grain are about to fall. Truly this is a time when your servant’s anxious heart must break and his head be dashed to pieces. If, by responding to necessity and adapting to change, I may bring peace to the sacred court, then though I must plunge into flood or fire, I cannot refuse. I have therefore followed the common counsel and bowed to receive the seal and insignia, that the majesty of the state may be exalted.

Looking upward, I consider the title and rank bestowed upon me, so lofty the position and so abundant the favor; looking downward, I ponder how I may requite them. My anxiety is profound and my responsibility grave. Fearful and trembling, scarcely daring to breathe, as though standing over an abyss, how could I fail to exhaust my strength and offer up my loyalty, to encourage the six armies, lead and unite all righteous men, answer Heaven and accord with the times, strike down and punish the vicious rebels, and thereby bring peace to the altars of the state? I respectfully bow and submit this memorial that Your Majesty may be informed.

When the memorial reached Xuchang, Cao Cao was in Ye Commandery. Upon hearing that Liu Bei had established himself as King of Hanzhong, he flew into a rage. “You brat of a mat weaver! How dare you do this? I swear I shall destroy you!” He immediately issued orders to raise all the forces of the realm and march into the two provinces of Sichuan, there to decide supremacy with the King of Hanzhong. But one man stepped from the ranks to remonstrate: “Your Highness must not, from a moment’s anger, weary your august person on a distant campaign. I have a plan that, without the drawing of a single bow or the loosing of a single arrow, will make Liu Bei bring disaster upon himself in Shu. When his troops are exhausted and his strength spent, you need send only one general against him, and success will be assured.” Cao Cao looked at the speaker and saw that it was Sima Yi. Delighted, he asked, “What lofty counsel have you, Zhongda?” Sima Yi replied, “Sun Quan of Jiangdong gave his sister in marriage to Liu Bei, but afterward seized an opportunity to steal her back. Liu Bei, for his part, occupied Jingzhou and refused to return it. Each therefore hates the other bitterly. You may now send an eloquent man with a letter to persuade Sun Quan to raise troops and seize Jingzhou. Liu Bei will surely send forces from the two provinces of Sichuan to rescue it. At that moment Your Highness may raise an army to take Hanzhong. Unable to aid both head and tail, Liu Bei will inevitably be placed in mortal danger.”

Cao Cao was overjoyed. He immediately composed a letter and ordered Man Chong to go as his envoy, traveling with all speed by night and day to Jiangdong to see Sun Quan. When Sun Quan learned of Man Chong’s arrival, he consulted his advisers. Zhang Zhao came forward and said, “Wei and Wu have never been enemies. It was only because we listened to Zhuge Liang’s persuasive words that our two houses have waged unceasing war year after year, plunging the people into misery. Man Boning has surely come with an offer of peace, and we should receive him with courtesy.” Sun Quan followed his advice and ordered his counselors to escort Man Chong into the city for an audience. When the formal courtesies were concluded, Sun Quan treated him with the honors due a guest. Man Chong presented Cao Cao’s letter and said, “Wu and Wei have never had any enmity. It was all because of Liu Bei that a breach arose between us. The King of Wei has sent me here to propose that you, General, seize Jingzhou, while the King of Wei brings his army against Hanzhong, thus attacking Liu Bei from head and tail. Once Liu Bei has been defeated, we shall divide his territory between us and swear never to invade one another.” After reading the letter, Sun Quan gave a banquet for Man Chong, then sent him back to the guesthouse to rest.

Sun Quan then consulted his advisers. Gu Yong said, “Though these are persuasive words, there is reason in them. For the present, we may send Man Chong back with an agreement to join Cao Cao in striking from head and tail, while at the same time dispatching someone across the river to learn what Guan Yu is doing. Only then should we act.” Zhuge Jin said, “I have heard that after Guan Yu went to Jingzhou, Liu Bei arranged a marriage for him. His wife first bore him a son, and then a daughter. The girl is still young and has not yet been betrothed. I am willing to go and seek her hand for my lord’s heir. If Guan Yu consents, we may then plan with him to defeat Cao Cao; if he refuses, we can afterward help Cao Cao seize Jingzhou.” Sun Quan adopted this plan. He first sent Man Chong back to Xuchang, then dispatched Zhuge Jin as his envoy to Jingzhou. Zhuge Jin entered the city, was admitted to Guan Yu’s presence, and performed the proper courtesies. Guan Yu asked, “Ziyu, what brings you here?” Zhuge Jin replied, “I have come expressly to unite our two houses in friendship. My lord, the Marquis of Wu, has a son of remarkable intelligence. Hearing that you, General, have a daughter, he has sent me to seek a marriage alliance. If our two houses join in friendship, we may unite our strength to defeat Cao Cao. This would truly be an excellent thing. I ask you, my lord, to consider it.” Guan Yu flew into a towering rage. “How could the daughter of my tiger consent to marry the son of a dog? Were it not for your brother’s sake, I would behead you on the spot! Say no more of this!” He then summoned his attendants and had Zhuge Jin driven out.

Clutching his head, Zhuge Jin scurried away like a frightened rat and returned to the Marquis of Wu. Not daring to conceal anything, he reported the truth. Sun Quan was furious. “How can he be so utterly discourteous?” He at once summoned Zhang Zhao and the other civil and military officers to discuss a plan for taking Jingzhou. Bu Zhi said, “Cao Cao has long intended to usurp the Han, and the man he fears is Liu Bei. By sending an envoy to urge Wu to raise troops and swallow Shu, he means to shift the disaster onto us.” Sun Quan said, “I, too, have long wished to seize Jingzhou.” Bu Zhi replied, “Cao Ren now has troops stationed at Xiangyang and Fancheng. Moreover, there is no barrier of the Yangtze before him, and he can advance overland to take Jingzhou. Why does he not seize it himself, but instead asks my lord to mobilize? That alone reveals his intention. My lord should send an envoy to Xuchang to see Cao Cao and urge him to order Cao Ren to advance first by land against Jingzhou. Guan Yu will certainly draw off the troops of Jingzhou to attack Fancheng. The moment Guan Yu moves, my lord may send a general to take Jingzhou by stealth. It can be won in a single stroke.” Sun Quan followed his counsel and immediately dispatched an envoy across the river with a letter to Cao Cao explaining the plan. Cao Cao was delighted. He sent the envoy back first, then dispatched Man Chong to Fancheng to assist Cao Ren as military adviser and confer on the movement of troops. At the same time, he sent an urgent proclamation to Eastern Wu, ordering its forces to come by water in support of the attack on Jingzhou.

Meanwhile, the King of Hanzhong ordered Wei Yan to take supreme command of the army and defend eastern Sichuan, then led his civil and military officers back to Chengdu. He appointed officials to construct a royal palace and also established lodges and post stations—more than four hundred in all—along the road from Chengdu to Baishui. He amassed great stores of grain and fodder and manufactured weapons in abundance, intending in due course to advance upon the Central Plain. Secret agents learned that Cao Cao had allied himself with Eastern Wu and intended to seize Jingzhou, and they hurried a report into Shu. The King of Hanzhong hastily summoned Zhuge Liang to confer. Zhuge Liang said, “I had already foreseen that Cao Cao would devise such a plan. Yet Eastern Wu has many able advisers, and they will surely tell Cao Cao to order Cao Ren to raise troops first.” The King of Hanzhong asked, “If that is so, what are we to do?” Zhuge Liang replied, “You may send an envoy to Guan Yu with an official patent, ordering him to raise troops first and seize Fancheng. This will strike terror into the enemy’s army, and it will crumble of itself.”

The King of Hanzhong was delighted and immediately dispatched Fei Shi, a major of the vanguard, as his envoy, bearing the patent of appointment to Jingzhou. Guan Yu went beyond the city walls to welcome him and escorted him inside. After the formal courtesies had been performed in the public hall, Guan Yu asked, “What rank has the King of Hanzhong conferred upon me?” Fei Shi replied, “First among the Five Tiger Generals.” Guan Yu asked, “Who are the five?” Fei Shi said, “Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong.” Guan Yu angrily declared, “Yide is my younger brother. Mengqi comes from a distinguished family of many generations. Zilong has long followed my elder brother and is as a younger brother to me; it is fitting that they should rank beside me. But what sort of man is Huang Zhong, that he dares stand in the same rank as I? A true man will never take his place among old soldiers!” He therefore refused to accept the seal. Fei Shi smiled and said, “You are mistaken, General. In former times Xiao He and Cao Shen joined Gaozu at the very outset of his great enterprise and were his closest followers, while Han Xin was merely a fugitive general from Chu. Yet Han Xin was raised to the rank of king and placed above Xiao He and Cao Shen, and it was never heard that Xiao He or Cao Shen resented him for it. Though the King of Hanzhong has now appointed Five Tiger Generals, he shares with you the bond of brotherhood and regards you as one with himself. The General is the King of Hanzhong, and the King of Hanzhong is the General. How can your standing be compared with that of the others? You have received the King of Hanzhong’s profound favor and should share with him prosperity and adversity, calamity and good fortune. You ought not to calculate the relative height of official titles. I beg you to consider carefully.”

Guan Yu was greatly enlightened. Bowing twice, he said, “In my ignorance, had you not instructed me, I would nearly have ruined a great enterprise.” He then bowed and accepted the seal and sash. Fei Shi next produced the king’s command ordering Guan Yu to lead an army against Fancheng. Guan Yu received the order and at once appointed Fu Shiren and Mi Fang as vanguard commanders, ordering them to lead a force and encamp outside the walls of Jingzhou. Meanwhile he gave a banquet in the city to entertain Fei Shi. They had been drinking until the second watch when a sudden report came that fire had broken out in the camp outside the city. Guan Yu immediately armed himself, mounted his horse, and rode out to investigate. Fu Shiren and Mi Fang had been drinking, and a neglected fire behind their tent had set off the fire-bombs. Explosions shook the entire camp, and all the weapons, grain, and fodder were burned. Guan Yu led the troops in fighting the blaze, but it was not extinguished until the fourth watch.

Guan Yu returned to the city and summoned Fu Shiren and Mi Fang to account. “I appointed you two as vanguard commanders, but before the army has even taken the field, you have burned vast quantities of weapons, grain, and fodder, while the exploding fire-bombs have killed men and horses of your own command. Since you ruin important affairs in this manner, what use have I for either of you?” He ordered them beheaded. Fei Shi interceded: “To behead senior generals before the army has even taken the field would be inauspicious for the troops. You might pardon them for the present.” Guan Yu’s anger did not abate. He rebuked the two men: “Were it not out of regard for Major Fei, I would certainly behead you both!” He then summoned the guards and had each man beaten forty strokes, stripped them of their vanguard seals and sashes, and assigned Mi Fang to guard Nanjun and Fu Shiren to guard Gong’an. He further warned them, “When I return victorious, if there has been the slightest mishap, you shall be punished for both offenses together!” Their faces covered with shame, the two murmured their assent and withdrew. Guan Yu then made Liao Hua commander of the vanguard and Guan Ping his lieutenant. He himself commanded the center, with Ma Liang and Yi Ji as staff officers, and all advanced together. Earlier, Hu Ban, the son of Hu Hua, had come to Jingzhou and offered his allegiance to Lord Guan. Remembering how Hu Ban had once saved him, Lord Guan held him in great affection. He ordered Hu Ban to accompany Fei Shi into Sichuan, there to see the King of Hanzhong and receive a title. Fei Shi took leave of Lord Guan and departed with Hu Ban for Shu.

That day, after Lord Guan had sacrificed before the great banner bearing the character “Commander,” he lay down in his tent for a brief sleep. Suddenly he saw a boar as large as an ox, entirely black, charge into the tent and bite him directly on the foot. Guan Yu flew into a rage, drew his sword, and struck the beast, making a sound like tearing silk. In an instant he awoke with a start and found that his left foot throbbed with a dull pain. Deeply troubled, he summoned Guan Ping and told him the dream. Guan Ping replied, “The boar also bears the semblance of a dragon. A dragon attaching itself to your foot signifies soaring ascent. There is no need for doubt or dread.” Guan Yu assembled the officers beneath his tent and told them of the omen in his dream. Some called it auspicious, others inauspicious, and no opinion prevailed. Guan Yu said, “A true man who is nearing sixty years of age has nothing to regret even if he dies!” As he spoke, an envoy arrived from Shu bearing the command of the King of Hanzhong, appointing Guan Yu General of the Vanguard, granting him the imperial tally and battle-ax, and giving him supreme command over the nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Once Guan Yu had received the command, the officers bowed their congratulations and said, “This plainly proves that the boar-dragon was an auspicious sign.” Guan Yu’s doubts were wholly dispelled. He raised his army and advanced along the main road toward Xiangyang.

Cao Ren was in the city when a sudden report came that Guan Yu was personally leading an army against him. Greatly alarmed, Cao Ren wished to hold firm behind the walls and refuse battle. His deputy, Zhai Yuan, said, “The King of Wei ordered you, General, to coordinate with Eastern Wu in taking Jingzhou. Now Guan Yu has come of his own accord to seek death. Why should we avoid him?” The adviser Man Chong remonstrated, “I have long known Guan Yu to be both brave and resourceful. We must not take him lightly. Our best policy is to defend firmly.” The valiant general Xiahou Cun said, “Those are merely the words of a scholar. Have you not heard, ‘When water comes, dam it with earth; when a general comes, meet him with soldiers’? Our troops are rested and await a weary foe. We shall naturally prevail.” Cao Ren followed his advice. Leaving Man Chong to guard Fancheng, he personally led his troops out to meet Guan Yu. When Guan Yu learned that Cao Cao’s forces were approaching, he summoned Guan Ping and Liao Hua, gave them secret instructions, and sent them forth. The two armies then drew up opposite each other.

Liao Hua rode out and challenged the enemy. Zhai Yuan came forth to meet him. The two generals had fought only a short while when Liao Hua feigned defeat, wheeled his horse, and fled. Zhai Yuan pursued and attacked from behind, while the Jingzhou troops retreated twenty li. The following day they returned to challenge again. Xiahou Cun and Zhai Yuan came out together to meet them, and once more the Jingzhou troops were defeated. After pursuing for more than twenty li, Cao Ren suddenly heard a thunderous clamor arise behind him as drums and horns sounded together. He hastily ordered the vanguard to turn back, but Guan Ping and Liao Hua came charging upon his rear, throwing Cao Cao’s troops into utter disorder. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, Cao Ren drew off one contingent first and sped toward Xiangyang. When he was still several li from the city, embroidered banners fluttered ahead, and there sat Guan Yu, reining in his horse with his blade held crosswise, barring the road. Cao Ren’s heart quailed with terror. Not daring to engage him, he fled by a side road toward Xiangyang. Guan Yu did not pursue. Before long Xiahou Cun’s troops arrived. When Xiahou Cun saw Guan Yu, he flew into a rage and charged him. In the first exchange Guan Yu cut him down. Zhai Yuan fled, but Guan Ping overtook him and slew him with a single stroke. Pressing their advantage, the Jingzhou troops pursued and slaughtered the enemy, and more than half of Cao Cao’s soldiers perished in the Xiang River. Cao Ren withdrew into Fancheng and held it in defense.

After taking Xiangyang, Guan Yu rewarded the troops and reassured the people. Wang Fu, a major accompanying the army, said, “With a single beat of the drum, General, you have taken Xiangyang, and Cao Cao’s troops have indeed lost heart. Yet in my humble opinion there remains cause for concern. Lü Meng of Eastern Wu now has troops stationed at Lukou and has always intended to annex Jingzhou. If he leads his army directly against Jingzhou, what are we to do?” Guan Yu replied, “I have considered that as well. You shall take charge of the matter. Go along both the upper and lower reaches of the river, and at intervals of twenty or thirty li choose high ground on which to build beacon towers. Station fifty soldiers at each tower. Should the troops of Wu cross the river, they are to signal with bright fires by night and columns of smoke by day. I shall personally go to strike them.” Wang Fu said, “Mi Fang and Fu Shiren guard the two strategic passes, but I fear they will not exert themselves to the utmost. Another man must be appointed to take overall charge of Jingzhou.” Guan Yu said, “I have already assigned Administrator Pan Jun to guard it. What cause is there for concern?” Wang Fu replied, “Pan Jun has always been suspicious and greedy for gain. He cannot be entrusted with the post. You should replace him with Zhao Lei, the army’s chief controller of provisions. Zhao Lei is loyal, sincere, incorruptible, and upright. If you employ him, there can be no possibility of failure.” Guan Yu said, “I have long known Pan Jun’s character. Now that the appointment has been made, there is no need to change it. Zhao Lei presently controls the provisions, which is also a matter of great importance. Do not harbor so many doubts. Go and build the beacon towers as I have ordered.” Disheartened, Wang Fu bowed and withdrew. Guan Yu ordered Guan Ping to prepare vessels to cross the Xiang River and attack Fancheng.

Meanwhile, having lost two generals, Cao Ren withdrew into Fancheng and said to Man Chong, “Because I did not heed your words, my army has been defeated, my generals slain, and Xiangyang lost. What are we to do?” Man Chong replied, “Guan Yu is a tiger of a general, abounding in wisdom and strategy. He must not be taken lightly. We should do nothing but defend firmly.” As he spoke, a man reported that Guan Yu was crossing the river and coming to attack Fancheng. Cao Ren was greatly alarmed. Man Chong said, “We must simply hold firm.” The officer Lü Chang stepped forward indignantly. “Give me several thousand troops, and I will meet the oncoming army in the Xiang River.” Man Chong remonstrated, “You must not.” Lü Chang angrily said, “According to you civil officials, we must do nothing but defend. How then are we to repulse the enemy? Have you not heard the maxim in the Art of War: ‘Strike an army when half has crossed’? Guan Yu is now halfway across the Xiang River. Why should we not attack him? If his soldiers reach the walls and his generals come to the moat, it will be difficult to resist them in haste.” Cao Ren immediately gave him two thousand troops and ordered him out of Fancheng to meet the enemy. When Lü Chang reached the riverbank, the embroidered banners before him opened, and Guan Yu rode forth with his blade held crosswise. Lü Chang prepared to meet him, but when the soldiers behind him beheld Guan Yu’s awe-inspiring majesty, they fled before the battle had even begun. Lü Chang shouted at them to halt, but could not restrain them. Guan Yu charged into their midst, and Cao Cao’s troops suffered a crushing defeat, losing more than half their cavalry and infantry. The shattered remnant fled into Fancheng, and Cao Ren hastily sent a messenger to seek aid. Traveling day and night, the messenger reached Chang’an and presented Cao Ren’s letter to Cao Cao. It said, “Guan Yu has captured Xiangyang and now presses the siege of Fancheng with great urgency. I beg you to dispatch a great general to our relief.”

Cao Cao pointed to one man among the assembled officers and said, “You shall go and relieve the siege of Fancheng.” The man responded at once and stepped forward. All looked and saw that it was Yu Jin. Yu Jin said, “I ask for a general to serve as my vanguard and lead troops with me.” Cao Cao again addressed the assembly: “Who dares serve as vanguard?” One man strode forth boldly and said, “I am willing to labor like horse or hound. I shall capture Guan Yu alive and present him beneath Your Highness’s standard.” Cao Cao looked at him and was overjoyed. Thus it was said:

Before Eastern Wu is seen watching for its chance,Northern Wei sends yet more troops to the field.

Who this man was will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Liu Bei Becomes King of Hanzhong; Guan Yu Captures Xiangyang

Now Cao Cao retreated as far as Xie Valley. Zhuge Liang judged that he would certainly abandon Hanzhong and withdraw, so he sent Ma Chao and the other generals to divide their forces into more than ten columns and attack and raid him at irregular intervals. Because of this, Cao Cao could not remain there long. Then Wei Yan shot him with an arrow, and he hurriedly ordered a general retreat. All fighting spirit had drained from his army. Just as the vanguard began to move, fires sprang up on both sides: Ma Chao’s troops had been lying in ambush and were now pursuing them. Every man in Cao Cao’s army lost heart. Cao Cao ordered his troops to march quickly, traveling day and night without rest. Only when they reached Jingzhao did he finally feel safe.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei ordered Liu Feng, Meng Da, Wang Ping, and the others to capture Shangyong and its surrounding commanderies. When Shen Dan and the others heard that Cao Cao had abandoned Hanzhong and withdrawn, they all surrendered. Once Liu Bei had pacified the people, he richly rewarded the entire army, to everyone’s great delight. The generals then all wished to elevate Liu Bei as emperor. Not daring to propose it to him directly, they first went and reported the matter to Military Adviser Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang said, “I have already made up my mind about this.” He then led Fa Zheng and the others in to see Liu Bei and said, “Cao Cao now monopolizes power, and the people have no true ruler. My lord’s benevolence and righteousness are renowned throughout the realm, and you now possess both riverlands. You may answer Heaven’s will and comply with the people’s wishes by ascending the imperial throne. With your title made proper and your cause justified, you can campaign against the traitor to the state. This matter should not be delayed. Please choose an auspicious day at once.”

Liu Bei was greatly startled and said, “The military adviser’s words are mistaken. Though I am a member of the imperial house of Han, I am still a subject. If I did such a thing, I would be rebelling against Han.” Zhuge Liang said, “That is not so. The realm is now divided and collapsing. Heroes have risen everywhere, each dominating his own region. Talented and virtuous men throughout the land who abandon all concern for death and risk their lives in the service of their lords do so because they wish to attach themselves to dragons and phoenixes and establish merit and fame. If my lord now avoids suspicion and clings rigidly to principle, I fear you will disappoint everyone’s hopes. I beg you to consider this carefully.” Liu Bei said, “I would never dare usurp the supreme position. We may discuss some other long-term plan.” The generals all said, “If my lord does nothing but refuse, everyone’s devotion will dissolve.”

Zhuge Liang said, “My lord has always made righteousness the foundation of his life and is not yet willing to assume the imperial title. But now that you possess Jingzhou, Xiangyang, and both riverlands, you may provisionally become King of Hanzhong.” Liu Bei said, “Though all of you wish to honor me as king, without a clear edict from the emperor it would still be usurpation.” Zhuge Liang said, “At present, you must act according to circumstances and cannot cling to ordinary principles.” Zhang Fei shouted, “Men who are not even of the imperial surname all want to become rulers. How much more right does my elder brother have, as a scion of the Han dynasty! Never mind King of Hanzhong—why could he not proclaim himself emperor?” Liu Bei rebuked him: “Say no more!” Zhuge Liang said, “My lord must adapt to circumstances. First advance to the rank of King of Hanzhong, and afterward submit a memorial to the emperor. It will not be too late.”

Liu Bei repeatedly declined, but when they would not relent, he had no choice but to consent. In the seventh month of autumn, the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an, an altar was erected at Mianyang, nine li in circumference. The five directions were laid out, each with its own banners and ceremonial regalia. All the officials stood in their appointed order. Xu Jing and Fa Zheng invited Liu Bei to ascend the altar. After they presented him with the crown, royal seal, and sash, he sat facing south and received the congratulations and homage of the civil and military officials as King of Hanzhong. His son Liu Shan was appointed heir to the kingdom. Xu Jing was made Grand Tutor, and Fa Zheng Director of the Imperial Secretariat. Zhuge Liang remained military adviser and was placed in overall charge of the weighty affairs of the army and state. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong were appointed the Five Tiger Generals, and Wei Yan was made Administrator of Hanzhong. All the others were assigned ranks and titles according to their achievements.

After Liu Bei became King of Hanzhong, he composed a memorial and sent a messenger to carry it to the capital at Xuchang. The memorial read:

I, Bei, with the abilities of an ordinary subject, have borne the responsibilities of a senior general, commanding the three armies and carrying out Your Majesty’s orders in the field. Yet I have been unable to sweep away the marauders and calamities, restore peace, or uphold the imperial house. For too long I have allowed Your Majesty’s sacred rule to decline. Throughout the realm, obstruction has not yet given way to peace. Constantly troubled by fear and unrest, I suffer as though from a sickness of the head.

Formerly, Dong Zhuo created the first steps toward disorder. From that time onward, bands of villains ranged unchecked, ravaging and plundering all within the seas. Relying on Your Majesty’s sacred virtue and awe-inspiring authority, your subjects responded together. Some rose in loyal and righteous campaigns, while others were punished by Heaven. The violent rebels were all destroyed and gradually melted away like ice. Cao Cao alone has long remained unexecuted. He has usurped the authority of the state and indulged his will in the utmost disorder. In the past, I plotted with General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng to destroy Cao Cao, but our plans were not kept secret, and Dong Cheng was murdered. I was driven into exile and lost my position, so my loyal purpose could not be fulfilled. Thus Cao Cao was allowed to carry his villainy and treason to their utmost extremes. He murdered the empress and poisoned the imperial princes. Though I united with sworn allies and always intended to exert all my strength, I was weak and lacked martial power. Year after year, I achieved nothing. I constantly feared that I would fall and fail to repay the state’s favor. Waking or sleeping, I sighed without end, and each evening I remained apprehensive, as though facing peril.

Now my assembled officials have said that in ancient times, as recorded in the Book of Yu, the Nine Clans were honored and ranked, and the worthy were enlightened, encouraged, and supported. As the emperors and kings transmitted authority from one to another, this practice was never abandoned. The Zhou took the two preceding dynasties as their model and established fiefs for the many members of the Ji clan, truly relying on the supporting strength of Pu and Zheng. When Emperor Gaozu rose like a dragon, he honored his brothers as kings and established nine great kingdoms. In the end, they destroyed the Lü clan and secured the main imperial line. Now Cao Cao hates the upright and vilifies the righteous, and his followers are indeed numerous. He harbors a treacherous heart, and his intention to usurp and steal the throne is already plain. Since the imperial house has grown weak and members of the imperial clan hold no positions, they have weighed the ancient precedents and, as a temporary measure suited to present circumstances, elevated me to the offices of Grand Marshal and King of Hanzhong.

I have repeatedly examined myself with the utmost care. I have received great favor from the state and have been entrusted with responsibility over a region, yet I have shown no results from my efforts, while the rewards I have received already exceed my merits. I should not again dishonor a high position and thereby increase my guilt and invite slander. But my assembled officials pressed me and compelled me by appeals to righteousness. In retirement I reflected that the rebels have not yet been destroyed and the state’s troubles have not ended. The ancestral temples are in danger of collapse, and the altars of soil and grain are about to fall. This is truly a time when my anxious heart might break and my head be shattered. If adapting to circumstances and accommodating change can bring peace and calm to the sacred court, then even if I must enter water or fire, I cannot refuse. I have therefore followed the common judgment and respectfully accepted the seal, in order to exalt the authority of the state.

Looking up, I consider the title and rank, so lofty and richly favored; looking down, I think of how to repay and serve the state. My concern is deep and my responsibility heavy. Fearful and trembling, scarcely daring to breathe, as though standing at the edge of a ravine, how could I dare not exert all my strength and offer all my loyalty, encourage the Six Armies, unite and lead all righteous men, answer Heaven and follow the times, strike down the wicked rebels, and bring peace to the altars of the state? I respectfully submit this memorial so that Your Majesty may be informed.

When the memorial reached Xuchang, Cao Cao was in Ye Commandery. On learning that Liu Bei had set himself up as King of Hanzhong, he flew into a rage and said, “How dare that little mat-weaver do such a thing! I swear I will destroy him!” He immediately issued orders to mobilize all the troops in the realm and march into the two riverlands to decide supremacy with the King of Hanzhong. But one man stepped out from the ranks and remonstrated: “Your Majesty must not personally trouble the royal carriage with a distant campaign merely because of a moment’s anger. I have a plan that will make Liu Bei bring disaster upon himself in Shu without our drawing a single bow or firing a single arrow. Once his troops are weakened and his strength exhausted, you need only send one general against him, and success will be assured.” Cao Cao looked at the man and saw that it was Sima Yi. Delighted, Cao Cao asked, “Zhongda, what is your wise plan?” Sima Yi said, “Sun Quan of the Southland married his sister to Liu Bei, but then took advantage of an opportunity to steal her back. Liu Bei, for his part, occupies Jingzhou and refuses to return it. Each therefore harbors bitter hatred for the other. You can now send an eloquent man with a letter to persuade Sun Quan to raise troops and seize Jingzhou. Liu Bei will certainly send troops from the two riverlands to rescue it. Then Your Majesty can raise an army to seize Hanzhong. Liu Bei will be unable to support both his head and his tail, and his position will inevitably become perilous.”

Cao Cao was delighted. He immediately wrote a letter and ordered Man Chong to serve as his envoy, traveling day and night to the Southland to see Sun Quan. When Sun Quan learned that Man Chong had arrived, he consulted his advisers. Zhang Zhao stepped forward and said, “Wei and Wu have never been enemies. It was only because we listened to Zhuge Liang’s arguments that the two sides have fought without cease for years, plunging the people into misery. Now that Man Boning has come, he must intend to discuss peace. He may be received with courtesy.” Sun Quan followed his advice and ordered his advisers to receive Man Chong and escort him into the city for an audience. After the formal courtesies, Sun Quan treated Man Chong with the honors due a guest. Man Chong presented Cao Cao’s letter and said, “Wu and Wei have never been enemies. It is entirely because of Liu Bei that hostility has arisen between them. The King of Wei has sent me here to arrange for you, General, to attack and seize Jingzhou while the King of Wei brings his army against Hanzhong, so that you may strike from head and tail. After Liu Bei is defeated, you will divide his territories between you and swear never to invade each other.” After Sun Quan had read the letter, he held a banquet for Man Chong, then sent him back to the guesthouse to rest.

Sun Quan consulted his advisers. Gu Yong said, “Though these are persuasive words, there is reason in them. For now, we may send Man Chong back and arrange with Cao Cao to attack from head and tail. At the same time, we should send someone across the river to learn what Guan Yu is doing. Only then should we act.” Zhuge Jin said, “I have heard that after Guan Yu arrived in Jingzhou, Liu Bei arranged a wife for him. His first child was a son, and his second a daughter. His daughter is still young and has not yet been betrothed. I am willing to go and seek her hand for my lord’s heir. If Guan Yu agrees, we can consult with him and join forces to defeat Cao Cao. If he refuses, we can then assist Cao Cao in taking Jingzhou.” Sun Quan adopted this plan. He first sent Man Chong back to Xuchang, then dispatched Zhuge Jin as his envoy to Jingzhou. Zhuge Jin entered the city, met Guan Yu, and completed the formal courtesies. Guan Yu asked, “Ziyu, what brings you here?” Zhuge Jin said, “I have come expressly to form a marriage alliance between our two houses. My lord, the Marquis of Wu, has a son who is very intelligent. Having heard that you have a daughter, he has sent me expressly to ask for her hand. If our two houses form an alliance, we can combine our strength to defeat Cao Cao. This would truly be a fine thing. I ask you, my lord, to consider it.” Guan Yu flew into a rage and said, “How could my tiger daughter ever marry a dog’s whelp? If not for your brother’s sake, I would behead you on the spot! Say no more about it!” He then called his attendants and had Zhuge Jin driven out.

Zhuge Jin fled in abject terror and returned to the Marquis of Wu. Not daring to conceal anything, he reported exactly what had happened. Sun Quan was furious and said, “How could he be so outrageously rude?” He summoned Zhang Zhao and the other civil and military officials to discuss a plan for taking Jingzhou. Bu Zhi said, “Cao Cao has long wished to usurp the Han throne, and the man he fears is Liu Bei. Now he has sent an envoy asking Wu to raise an army and swallow up Shu. He is trying to shift disaster onto Wu.” Sun Quan said, “I too have long wished to take Jingzhou.” Bu Zhi said, “Cao Ren now has troops stationed at Xiangyang and Fancheng. There is no barrier of the Yangtze between him and Jingzhou, and he can reach it by land. Why does he not take it himself, but instead asks my lord to mobilize his army? That alone reveals his intentions. My lord may send an envoy to Xuchang to see Cao Cao and tell him to have Cao Ren first raise troops and attack Jingzhou by land. Guan Yu will certainly draw troops from Jingzhou to seize Fancheng. Once Guan Yu moves, my lord can send a general to take Jingzhou secretly, and it can be won in a single stroke.” Sun Quan followed his advice and immediately sent an envoy across the river with a letter to Cao Cao explaining the plan. Cao Cao was delighted. He dismissed the envoy and sent him back first, then dispatched Man Chong to Fancheng to serve as Cao Ren’s staff adviser and discuss military operations. At the same time, he sent an urgent dispatch to the Southland, ordering it to send troops by water to provide support in the taking of Jingzhou.

Meanwhile, the King of Hanzhong ordered Wei Yan to take overall command of the troops and defend the eastern riverland. He then led all the officials back to Chengdu. He appointed officers to construct palaces and also established lodgings along the road. From Chengdu to Baishui, more than four hundred post stations and relay lodges were built. He amassed great stores of grain and fodder and manufactured large quantities of weapons in preparation for advancing into the Central Plains. Spies learned that Cao Cao had allied himself with the Southland and intended to seize Jingzhou, and they immediately sent an urgent report into Shu. The King of Hanzhong hastily summoned Zhuge Liang for consultation. Zhuge Liang said, “I already anticipated that Cao Cao would devise such a plan. But the Southland has many advisers, and they will certainly tell Cao Cao to have Cao Ren raise troops first.” The King of Hanzhong asked, “If that is so, what are we to do?” Zhuge Liang said, “You may send an envoy to deliver Guan Yu’s official patent and order him to raise troops first and seize Fancheng. That will strike fear into the enemy forces, and they will naturally fall apart.”

The King of Hanzhong was delighted and immediately sent Fei Shi, Marshal of the Vanguard, as his envoy, entrusting him with the official patent and ordering him to proceed to Jingzhou. Guan Yu went outside the city to welcome him and escorted him in. When the formal courtesies had been completed in the public hall, Guan Yu asked, “What rank has the King of Hanzhong conferred on me?” Fei Shi said, “First among the Five Tiger Generals.” Guan Yu asked, “Who are the five tiger generals?” Fei Shi said, “Guan, Zhang, Zhao, Ma, and Huang.” Guan Yu angrily replied, “Yide is my younger brother. Mengqi comes from a distinguished family of many generations. Zilong has long followed my elder brother and is as a younger brother to me. It is fitting that they rank alongside me. But what kind of man is Huang Zhong, that he dares be placed in the same rank as me? A true man will never associate with an old soldier!” He therefore refused to accept the seal. Fei Shi laughed and said, “You are mistaken, General. In the past, Xiao He and Cao Shen joined Emperor Gaozu in his great undertaking and were his closest companions, while Han Xin was merely a defeated general from Chu. Yet Han Xin was elevated to the rank of king and placed above Xiao He and Cao Shen, and no one ever heard that Xiao He or Cao Shen resented it. Now, though the King of Hanzhong has conferred the title of Five Tiger Generals, he shares the bond of brotherhood with you and regards you as part of his own body. You are the King of Hanzhong, and the King of Hanzhong is you. How can your standing be the same as that of the others? You have received the King of Hanzhong’s great favor and should share his joys and sorrows, his fortune and misfortune. You should not quibble over whether an official title is higher or lower. I ask you to consider this carefully.”

Guan Yu suddenly understood. Bowing twice, he said, “I lacked understanding. Had you not instructed me, I would nearly have jeopardized a great undertaking.” He then respectfully accepted the seal and sash. Only then did Fei Shi produce the King’s command ordering Guan Yu to lead an army against Fancheng. Guan Yu accepted the order and immediately appointed Fu Shiren and Mi Fang as his vanguard. He sent them ahead with a force to make camp outside the city of Jingzhou, while he held a banquet inside the city to entertain Fei Shi. At the second watch, while they were still drinking, a sudden report arrived that fire had broken out in the camp outside the city. Guan Yu immediately armed himself, mounted his horse, and rode out of the city to investigate. Fu Shiren and Mi Fang had been drinking, and a fire left unattended behind their tent had ignited the fire-bombs. Explosions shook the entire camp, and all the weapons, grain, and fodder were burned. Guan Yu led troops in fighting the blaze, but it was not extinguished until the fourth watch.

Guan Yu returned to the city and summoned Fu Shiren and Mi Fang. Rebuking them, he said, “I appointed you two as my vanguard, yet before the army had even set out, you burned a great quantity of weapons, grain, and fodder, while the exploding fire-bombs killed men and horses from your own units. You have ruined my undertaking like this—what use are either of you?” He angrily ordered them beheaded. Fei Shi pleaded, “The army has not yet set out. To behead senior generals before the campaign begins would be unfavorable to the army. Their crime may be pardoned for the time being.” Guan Yu’s anger did not subside. He berated the two men: “If not out of respect for Marshal Fei, I would certainly behead both of you!” He then summoned guards to give each man forty strokes of the staff, stripped them of their vanguard seals and sashes, and assigned Mi Fang to defend Nan Commandery and Fu Shiren to defend Gong’an. He added, “When I return victorious, if anything at all has gone wrong, you will be punished for both offenses together!” Their faces full of shame, the two men repeatedly assented and departed. Guan Yu then appointed Liao Hua as vanguard and Guan Ping as deputy general, while he himself commanded the central army. Ma Liang and Yi Ji served as staff officers, and they all set out together. Earlier, Hu Ban, the son of Hu Hua, had come to Jingzhou and entered Guan Yu’s service. Remembering how Hu Ban had once rescued him, Guan Yu was very fond of him. He ordered Hu Ban to accompany Fei Shi into the riverlands, meet the King of Hanzhong, and receive an official rank. Fei Shi took his leave of Guan Yu and returned to Shu with Hu Ban.

That day, Guan Yu offered sacrifices before the commander’s great banner, then dozed in his tent. Suddenly he saw a pig, as large as an ox and entirely black, rush into the tent and bite him directly on the foot. Guan Yu flew into a rage, swiftly drew his sword, and struck it down with a sound like tearing silk. He awoke with a start and realized it had been a dream, but then felt a dull ache in his left foot. Deeply troubled, he summoned Guan Ping and told him the dream. Guan Ping replied, “A pig also has the form of a dragon. A dragon clinging to your foot signifies rising and soaring. There is no need for doubt or fear.” Guan Yu assembled the officers in his tent and told them of the omen in his dream. Some said it was auspicious; others said it was unlucky. Their opinions differed. Guan Yu said, “A true man nearing sixty years of age would have no regrets even if he died!” As he spoke, an envoy arrived from Shu bearing the King of Hanzhong’s command appointing Guan Yu General of the Vanguard, granting him authority of the imperial tally and battle-ax, and placing him in overall command of the nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. After Guan Yu accepted the command, the assembled officials offered their congratulations and said, “This clearly proves that the pig-dragon was an auspicious sign.” Guan Yu’s mind was set entirely at ease, and he dismissed all doubts. He then raised his army and advanced along the main road toward Xiangyang.

Cao Ren was in the city when he suddenly received word that Guan Yu was personally leading an army against him. Greatly alarmed, Cao Ren wanted to defend the city and refuse battle. His deputy, Di Yuan, said, “The King of Wei has ordered you, General, to coordinate with the Southland in taking Jingzhou. Now Guan Yu has come to us of his own accord, which is the same as delivering himself to death. Why should we avoid him?” Staff adviser Man Chong remonstrated, “I have long known that Guan Yu is both brave and resourceful. We must not underestimate him. Holding firm behind our defenses would be the best strategy.” The fierce general Xiahou Cun said, “Those are merely the words of a scholar. Have you not heard the saying, ‘When water comes, block it with earth; when a general comes, meet him with soldiers’? Our troops are rested and will face a weary enemy, so we can certainly win.” Cao Ren followed his advice. He ordered Man Chong to defend Fancheng while he personally led an army out to meet Guan Yu. When Guan Yu learned that Cao Cao’s troops were coming, he summoned Guan Ping and Liao Hua, gave them his plan, and sent them out. The two armies drew up opposite each other.

Liao Hua rode out and challenged the enemy. Di Yuan came forward to meet him. The two generals fought only a short time before Liao Hua feigned defeat, wheeled his horse, and fled. Di Yuan pursued him, and the Jingzhou troops retreated twenty li. The next day, Liao Hua returned to issue another challenge. Xiahou Cun and Di Yuan came out together to meet him, and the Jingzhou troops were defeated again. They pursued for more than twenty li, when suddenly tremendous battle cries rose behind them and drums and horns sounded together. Cao Ren urgently ordered his front ranks to turn back at once, but Guan Ping and Liao Hua came charging from the rear, throwing Cao Cao’s troops into chaos. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, Cao Ren first withdrew with one force and raced toward Xiangyang. Several li from the city, embroidered banners fluttered ahead, and there was Guan Yu, reining in his horse with his blade held crosswise, blocking the road. Terrified, Cao Ren did not dare engage him and fled along a side road toward Xiangyang. Guan Yu did not pursue. A short while later, Xiahou Cun’s troops arrived. When Xiahou Cun saw Guan Yu, he flew into a rage and engaged him. In a single exchange, Guan Yu cut him down. Di Yuan fled, but Guan Ping caught up with him and killed him with one stroke. Pressing their advantage, the Jingzhou troops pursued and attacked, and more than half of Cao Cao’s soldiers died in the Xiang River. Cao Ren retreated to defend Fancheng.

After Guan Yu took Xiangyang, he rewarded the troops and reassured the people. Wang Fu, an army marshal serving under him, said, “General, you captured Xiangyang with a single beat of the drum. Though Cao Cao’s troops have lost heart, in my humble opinion there is still cause for concern. Lü Meng of the Southland now has troops stationed at Lukou and has always intended to annex Jingzhou. If he leads his army directly against Jingzhou, what will we do?” Guan Yu said, “I have also thought of that. You may take charge of the matter. Go up and down the river and, at intervals of twenty or thirty li, select high ground and build beacon towers. Each tower is to be guarded by fifty soldiers. If troops from Wu cross the river, light fires by night and raise smoke by day as a signal. I will personally go and attack them.” Wang Fu said, “Mi Fang and Fu Shiren are guarding the two strategic passes, but I fear they will not exert themselves fully. We must appoint another man to take overall charge of Jingzhou.” Guan Yu said, “I have already assigned Administrative Officer Pan Jun to defend it. What is there to fear?” Wang Fu said, “Pan Jun has always been suspicious and greedy for profit. He cannot be entrusted with this duty. You should appoint Zhao Lei, the army’s chief supply officer, in his place. Zhao Lei is loyal, honest, and upright. If you employ this man, nothing can possibly go wrong.” Guan Yu said, “I have long known what kind of man Pan Jun is. Now that the assignment has been made, there is no need to change it. Zhao Lei is presently in charge of supplies, which is also an important responsibility. Do not be so suspicious. Just go and build the beacon towers for me.” Disappointed and unhappy, Wang Fu bowed farewell and departed. Guan Yu then ordered Guan Ping to prepare boats to cross the Xiang River and attack Fancheng.

Meanwhile, after losing two generals, Cao Ren had retreated to defend Fancheng. He said to Man Chong, “Because I did not listen to you, my army was defeated, my generals were killed, and Xiangyang was lost. What are we to do?” Man Chong said, “Guan Yu is a tiger of a general, resourceful and full of strategy. He must not be underestimated. We should do nothing but defend firmly.” As they were speaking, a man reported that Guan Yu had crossed the river and was coming to attack Fancheng. Cao Ren was greatly alarmed. Man Chong said, “We should do nothing but defend firmly.” The officer Lü Chang said indignantly, “Give me several thousand soldiers, and I will meet the approaching army in the Xiang River.” Man Chong remonstrated, “You must not.” Lü Chang angrily replied, “According to you civil officials, we should do nothing but defend. How will that drive off the enemy? Have you not heard the rule in the Art of War: ‘An army may be attacked when half of it has crossed’? Guan Yu’s army is now halfway across the Xiang River. Why should we not attack him? Once his troops reach the city walls and his generals arrive at the moat, it will be hard to resist them in haste.” Cao Ren immediately gave him two thousand troops and ordered him to leave Fancheng and meet the enemy. Lü Chang reached the riverbank and saw embroidered banners parting ahead as Guan Yu rode out with his blade held crosswise. Lü Chang was about to meet him, but when the soldiers behind him saw Guan Yu’s awe-inspiring might, they fled before fighting. Lü Chang shouted at them to stop but could not restrain them. Guan Yu charged into their midst, and Cao Cao’s troops were soundly defeated, losing more than half their cavalry and infantry. The surviving remnants fled into Fancheng, and Cao Ren urgently sent a messenger to request aid. Traveling day and night, the messenger reached Chang’an and presented Cao Ren’s letter to Cao Cao. It said, “Guan Yu has captured Xiangyang and is now pressing the siege of Fancheng with great urgency. I beg you to dispatch a senior general to rescue us.”

Cao Cao pointed to one man among the ranks and said, “You will go and lift the siege of Fancheng.” The man answered and stepped forward. Everyone saw that it was Yu Jin. Yu Jin said, “I request a general to serve as my vanguard and lead troops there with me.” Cao Cao again asked the assembled men, “Who dares serve as vanguard?” One man strode forward and said, “I am willing to offer my humble service, capture Guan Yu alive, and present him before Your Majesty.” Cao Cao looked at him and was delighted. Just so:

Before Eastern Wu has come to watch for its chance,See Northern Wei send still more troops to advance.

Who was this man? The next chapter will reveal it.