Chapter 74

Pang De Bears His Coffin into Mortal Combat; Guan Yu Drowns the Seven Armies

Now Cao Cao wished to send Yu Jin to relieve Fancheng. He asked his generals who dared serve as vanguard, and one man at once volunteered. Cao Cao looked and saw that it was Pang De. Delighted, Cao Cao said, “Guan’s might has shaken all the realm, and he has yet to meet his match. Now that he faces a man of your renown, he has found a formidable adversary indeed.” He therefore appointed Yu Jin General Who Subdues the South and Pang De Chief Vanguard Who Subdues the West, then mustered seven armies and sent them toward Fancheng. These seven armies were composed entirely of strong, hardy men from the north. Among the officers commanding them were two named Dong Heng and Dong Chao. That day they led the various commanders in paying their respects to Yu Jin. Dong Heng said, “General, you now command seven powerful armies to relieve Fancheng from peril, and victory must be assured. Yet to employ Pang De as vanguard—is that not likely to ruin the enterprise?” Startled, Yu Jin asked why. Dong Heng replied, “Pang De was formerly a lieutenant under Ma Chao and surrendered to Wei only because he had no choice. His former lord is now in Shu, where he ranks among the ‘Five Tiger Generals.’ Moreover, Pang De’s elder brother, Pang Rou, also holds office in the western lands of Shu. To make Pang De vanguard now is to pour oil on a fire in hopes of extinguishing it. Why do you not report this to the King of Wei and ask him to appoint someone else?”

When Yu Jin heard this, he went that very night to Cao Cao’s residence and reported it. Cao Cao realized the danger and at once summoned Pang De before the steps, ordering him to surrender the vanguard’s seal. Greatly alarmed, Pang De said, “I desire only to exert myself in Your Majesty’s service. Why will you not employ me?” Cao Cao replied, “I myself harbor no suspicions. But Ma Chao is now in the western lands of Shu, and your brother Pang Rou is also there, both assisting Liu Bei. Though I may not doubt you, what am I to do about the tongues of the multitude?” On hearing this, Pang De removed his cap and knocked his head against the ground until blood covered his face. Then he declared, “Since surrendering to Your Majesty in Hanzhong, I have never ceased to feel gratitude for your generous favor. Even if my liver and brains were smeared upon the earth, I could not repay it. Why should Your Majesty doubt me? In former days, when I lived in my native place, my elder brother and I shared one household. His wife was a most wicked woman, and in a drunken rage I killed her. My brother hated me to the marrow of his bones and swore never to see me again. All affection between us has long been severed. As for my former lord Ma Chao, he possessed courage but no strategy. His army was defeated, his territory lost, and he fled alone into Shu. Now he and I each serve our own lord, and our former allegiance is at an end. Grateful for Your Majesty’s favor and recognition, how could I dare conceive a disloyal thought? I beg Your Majesty to judge my heart.” Cao Cao then helped Pang De to his feet and consoled him, saying, “I have always known your loyalty and honor. What I said before was only to set other men’s minds at ease. Strive now to win merit. If you do not fail me, I shall assuredly never fail you.”

Pang De bowed his thanks and returned home, where he ordered a craftsman to make a wooden coffin. The next day he invited all his friends to a banquet and had the coffin set out in the hall. His kinsmen and friends were all astonished at the sight and asked, “General, you are setting out on campaign. Why display this inauspicious object?” Raising his cup, Pang De said to them, “I have received profound favor from the King of Wei and have sworn to repay him with my death. I now go to Fancheng to fight Guan to the finish. If I cannot kill him, I shall surely be killed by him; and even if he does not kill me, I shall take my own life. Therefore I have prepared this coffin beforehand to show that there can be no question of my returning empty-handed.” All who heard him sighed in wonder. Pang De summoned his wife, Lady Li, and his son, Pang Hui. To his wife he said, “I now go forth as vanguard, and honor requires that I give my life upon the battlefield. If I die, take good care in raising our son. He bears extraordinary features and, when he is grown, will surely avenge me.” His wife and son wept bitterly as they bade him farewell. Pang De ordered his men to carry the coffin with the army. Just before departing, he told his subordinate commanders, “I now go to fight Guan to the death. If Guan kills me, quickly recover my body and place it in this coffin. If I kill Guan, I shall take his head and place it inside, then return and present it to the King of Wei.” His five hundred soldiers all declared, “When the general displays such loyalty and courage, how could we dare not exert our utmost strength in your support?” With that, he led the army forward. Someone reported these words to Cao Cao, who said with delight, “With Pang De so loyal and valiant, what have I to fear?” Jia Xu said, “Pang De relies upon the courage of hot blood and means to fight Guan to the death. In my humble view, there is cause for concern.” Cao Cao agreed and urgently sent an envoy to admonish Pang De by royal command: “Guan possesses both wisdom and courage. You must on no account underestimate him. Take him if he can be taken; if he cannot, hold your ground with all caution.” On receiving the command, Pang De said to the generals, “Why does the king hold Guan in such awe? I reckon that on this expedition I shall humble the reputation Guan has built over thirty years.” Yu Jin said, “The King of Wei’s words must be obeyed.” But Pang De drove the army fiercely onward to Fancheng, flaunting its might amid the clamor of gongs and drums.

Meanwhile, Lord Guan was seated in his tent when a scout suddenly galloped in and reported, “Cao Cao has appointed Yu Jin commander and sent him with seven armies of picked, hardy troops. Pang De, vanguard of the advance force, has a wooden coffin carried before his ranks. He has uttered insolent words and sworn to fight the general to the death. His army is now only thirty li from the city.” At these words Lord Guan’s expression abruptly changed. His magnificent beard streamed out as he cried in fury, “Every hero in the realm who hears my name fears me and submits. How dare the whelp Pang De hold me in contempt! Guan Ping shall continue the assault on Fancheng, while I go myself to behead this scoundrel and purge my hatred!” Guan Ping said, “Father, one of Mount Tai’s weight should not vie for stature with a stubborn stone. Your unworthy son begs leave to fight Pang De in your place.” Lord Guan replied, “Go and try him, then. I shall follow shortly to support you.”

Guan Ping left the tent, took up his saber, mounted his horse, and led his troops out to meet Pang De. The two armies drew up facing each other. In the Wei ranks, four white characters were emblazoned upon a black banner: “Pang De of Nan’an.” Pang De stood before his formation in a blue robe and silver armor, wielding a steel saber and riding a white horse. Five hundred soldiers followed close behind him, while several foot soldiers came forward bearing the wooden coffin on their shoulders. Guan Ping cursed Pang De loudly: “Traitor who betrayed his lord!” Pang De asked his men, “Who is that?” One replied, “It is Guan Yu’s adopted son, Guan Ping.” Pang De shouted, “By command of the King of Wei, I have come to take your father’s head! You are nothing but a scabby little brat. I will not kill you! Call your father out at once!” Enraged, Guan Ping spurred his horse forward, brandishing his saber as he charged Pang De. Pang De leveled his saber and met him. They fought thirty bouts without either gaining the advantage, and then both sides withdrew to rest.

The news had already been reported to Lord Guan. Furious, he ordered Liao Hua to continue the attack on Fancheng while he went in person to meet Pang De. Guan Ping received him and reported that he had fought Pang De without either gaining the advantage. Lord Guan at once rode out with his saber held crosswise and shouted, “Guan Yunchang is here! Pang De, why do you not come quickly to your death?” As the drums thundered, Pang De rode forward and cried, “By command of the King of Wei, I have come expressly to take your head! Lest you doubt me, I have brought a coffin with me. If you fear death, dismount at once and surrender!” Lord Guan reviled him: “What can a mere common brute like you accomplish? It is a pity to sully my Green Dragon Saber by beheading a rat-thief like you!” Spurring his horse and brandishing his saber, he charged Pang De, who whirled his own blade and met him. The two generals fought for more than a hundred bouts, their vigor only increasing. Both armies watched, utterly transfixed. Fearing that Pang De might come to harm, the Wei army hastily sounded the gong for retreat; and Guan Ping, fearing for his aged father, also hurriedly gave the same signal. The two generals withdrew. Back in camp, Pang De said to the others, “Men call Lord Guan a hero. Only today have I come to believe it.” While he was still speaking, Yu Jin arrived. After they had exchanged greetings, Yu Jin said, “I hear that you fought Lord Guan for more than a hundred bouts without gaining the advantage. Why not withdraw the army for the moment and avoid him?” Pang De declared indignantly, “The King of Wei appointed you chief commander. Why are you so fainthearted? Tomorrow I shall fight Guan to the death. I swear I will not retreat or evade him!” Yu Jin dared not try to stop him and returned to his own camp.

Lord Guan, meanwhile, returned to camp and said to Guan Ping, “Pang De is thoroughly practiced in the use of the saber. He is truly a match for me.” Guan Ping replied, “As the common saying goes, ‘A newborn calf does not fear the tiger.’ Even if Father were to behead this man, he is no more than a lowly soldier from the western Qiang. But should some mishap occur, you would fail in the great trust my uncle placed in you.” Lord Guan said, “If I do not kill this man, how can I purge my hatred? My mind is made up. Say no more!” The next day he mounted his horse and led his troops forward. Pang De likewise brought out his army to meet him. The two formations drew up opposite each other, and the two generals rode forth together. Without exchanging a word, they spurred to the attack. After fighting for more than fifty bouts, Pang De wheeled his horse, trailing his saber, and fled. Lord Guan pursued him. Fearing some mischance, Guan Ping followed close behind. Lord Guan shouted abuse as he rode: “Pang De, you would use the trailing-saber stratagem, but do you think I fear you?” In truth, Pang De only feigned the posture of trailing his saber. He hooked the blade over his saddle bow, secretly drew his carved bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot. Guan Ping’s keen eyes saw Pang De draw his bow, and he cried, “Thieving general, do not loose a treacherous arrow!” Lord Guan hastily opened his eyes wide to look. The bowstring twanged, and the arrow was already upon him. Unable to evade it, he was struck squarely in the left arm. Guan Ping came galloping up and rescued his father, taking him back to camp.

Pang De reined around, whirled his saber, and gave chase, but suddenly heard a tremendous clamor of gongs from his own camp. Fearing that something had gone amiss in the rear, he hastily turned his horse back. In fact, when Yu Jin saw Pang De shoot Lord Guan, he feared that Pang De would win great merit and eclipse his own prestige, so he had sounded the gong for retreat. Returning, Pang De asked why the signal had been given. Yu Jin said, “The King of Wei warned us that Lord Guan possesses both wisdom and courage. Though he was struck by an arrow, I feared it might be a ruse, and therefore sounded the retreat.” Pang De said, “Had you not recalled the army, I would already have beheaded him.” Yu Jin replied, “Haste makes poor progress. We must proceed deliberately.” Pang De did not perceive Yu Jin’s true intent and could only regret the lost opportunity without end.

Lord Guan, meanwhile, returned to camp and had the arrowhead extracted. Fortunately, the shaft had not penetrated deeply, and wound medicine was applied. Bitterly enraged with Pang De, Lord Guan told his generals, “I swear to avenge this arrow!” The generals replied, “Rest for a few days, General. It will not be too late to fight him afterward.” The next day a report came that Pang De had led out his troops to challenge them. Lord Guan was about to go into battle, but the generals dissuaded him. Pang De then ordered his soldiers to heap insults upon them. Guan Ping guarded the narrow pass and instructed the generals not to inform Lord Guan. Pang De challenged them for more than ten days, but no one came out to meet him. He therefore consulted Yu Jin, saying, “It is plain that Lord Guan’s arrow wound has flared up and left him unable to move. Why not seize this opportunity, unite all seven armies, and surge into his camp in a single assault? We can thereby lift the siege of Fancheng.” Yu Jin feared that Pang De would win the credit. He merely invoked the King of Wei’s warning and refused to move the army. Again and again Pang De sought permission to attack, but Yu Jin would never consent. Instead, he moved the seven armies around the mountain pass and encamped against the hills ten li north of Fancheng. Yu Jin himself led troops to block the main road and ordered Pang De to station his men behind the valley, thereby preventing him from advancing and winning success.

Guan Ping, meanwhile, was overjoyed to see that Lord Guan’s arrow wound had closed. Suddenly he heard that Yu Jin had moved the seven armies and encamped north of Fancheng. Not knowing what the enemy intended, he reported the matter to Lord Guan. Lord Guan mounted his horse and rode with a few attendants to a high hillock to survey the scene. He saw that the banners atop Fancheng were in disorder and that the soldiers were panic-stricken. In a mountain valley ten li north of the city, an army was encamped; and he also observed that the waters of the Xiang River were running with tremendous force. After watching for some time, he summoned a local guide and asked, “What is the name of the mountain valley ten li north of Fancheng?” The guide replied, “It is called Zengkou Valley.” Lord Guan was delighted. “Yu Jin will certainly fall into my hands!” he said. The soldiers asked, “How does the general know this?” Lord Guan replied, “When a ‘fish’ enters a ‘net-mouth,’ how can it remain there long?” The generals did not yet believe him. Lord Guan returned to his main camp. It was then the eighth month, in autumn, and torrential rain fell for several days. Lord Guan ordered boats and rafts prepared and all equipment needed for warfare on water made ready. Guan Ping asked, “We are confronting the enemy on land. What use have we for water gear?” Lord Guan replied, “This is beyond your understanding. Yu Jin’s seven armies have not encamped on broad, open ground but have crowded into the narrow and dangerous confines of Zengkou Valley. Now the autumn rains are unceasing, and the Xiang River is certain to overflow. I have already sent men to dam every outlet. When the waters rise, we shall take to our boats from the high ground, release the flood, and drown them in one great deluge. Then the troops in Fancheng and Zengkou Valley alike will become fish and turtles.” Guan Ping bowed in admiration.

The Wei army, meanwhile, was encamped in Zengkou Valley, where the heavy rain continued day after day without ceasing. The supervising officer Cheng He came to see Yu Jin and said, “The great army is encamped at the mouth of a valley, where the ground is extremely low. Though there are earthen hills, they stand some distance from the camp. Now the autumn rains continue without end, and the soldiers are suffering greatly. A recent report says that the Jingzhou troops have moved to high ground and are preparing war rafts at the mouth of the Han River. If the river overflows, our army will be in peril. We should make plans without delay.” Yu Jin rebuked him: “Wretch! Would you sow confusion in my army? If you utter another word, you will be beheaded!” Ashamed and humiliated, Cheng He withdrew and went instead to Pang De, to whom he related the matter. Pang De said, “Your judgment is entirely sound. Since General Yu refuses to move the troops, tomorrow I shall move my own army and encamp elsewhere.” They had only just settled upon this plan when, that night, wind and rain arose with tremendous violence. Pang De was sitting in his tent when he suddenly heard a sound like ten thousand horses racing together, while battle drums shook the earth. Greatly alarmed, he rushed from the tent, mounted his horse, and looked about. From every direction floodwaters came surging in. The seven armies scattered in confusion, and countless men were swept along by waves and currents. Over the level ground, the water stood more than a zhang deep. Yu Jin, Pang De, and the other generals each climbed a small hill to escape the flood. By daybreak, Lord Guan and his commanders came aboard great ships, waving banners and raising a mighty din. Yu Jin saw that there was no road of escape in any direction and that only fifty or sixty men remained at his side. Knowing flight was impossible, he called out that he was willing to surrender. Lord Guan ordered him stripped of armor and clothing, bound, and taken aboard ship. He then went to capture Pang De.

At this time Pang De, the two Dongs, and Cheng He stood upon a dike with five hundred foot soldiers, all without armor or battle dress. When he saw Lord Guan approaching, Pang De showed not the least fear. He strode fiercely forward to give battle. Lord Guan’s ships surrounded the dike on every side, and his soldiers loosed their arrows in a single volley, killing more than half the Wei troops. Seeing that the situation had become desperate, Dong Heng and Dong Chao said to Pang De, “More than half our soldiers have been killed or wounded, and there is no road of escape in any direction. We had better surrender.” Pang De cried in fury, “I have received profound favor from the King of Wei. How could I bend my honor before another?” He personally beheaded Dong Heng and Dong Chao on the spot, then shouted sternly, “Anyone else who speaks of surrender shall share the fate of these two!” At this, all fought desperately against the enemy. From dawn until noon they battled on, their valor and strength only increasing. Lord Guan urged a fierce attack from every side, and arrows and stones fell like rain. Pang De ordered his soldiers to close with the enemy using short weapons. Turning to Cheng He, he said, “I have heard it said, ‘A valiant general does not shrink from death to steal his escape; a stalwart warrior does not destroy his honor to purchase life.’ Today is the day of my death. Exert yourself and fight to the last.” Obeying his command, Cheng He charged forward, but Lord Guan shot him with an arrow and sent him tumbling into the water. All the soldiers surrendered, leaving Pang De alone to fight on. Just then several dozen Jingzhou soldiers came toward the dike in a small boat. Saber in hand, Pang De sprang through the air and landed aboard it. In an instant he killed more than ten men, while the rest abandoned the boat and leaped into the water to save themselves. Holding his saber in one hand and working a short oar with the other, Pang De tried to make his way toward Fancheng. But from upstream a general came poling down on a large raft and rammed the small boat, capsizing it and throwing Pang De into the water. The general aboard the raft leaped into the river and captured Pang De alive, then hauled him aboard. All looked and saw that Pang De’s captor was Zhou Cang. Zhou Cang had always been skilled in the water, and after living several years in Jingzhou had become more practiced still. Added to this, he possessed great strength, and thus he captured Pang De. All seven armies commanded by Yu Jin perished in the flood. Those who could swim saw that there was no escape and surrendered as well. A later poet wrote:

At midnight war drums thundered to the sky;Xiangyang and Fancheng became an abyss.Who could surpass Lord Guan’s divine foresight?Through endless ages his fame shall awe the realm!

Lord Guan returned to the high ground and took his seat in the command tent. A band of executioners brought Yu Jin before him. Yu Jin prostrated himself on the ground, begging for mercy and his life. Lord Guan said, “How dared you oppose me?” Yu Jin replied, “I was dispatched by command from above and had no will of my own. I beg Your Lordship to show compassion. I swear to repay you with my life.” Lord Guan stroked his beard and laughed. “To kill you would be no different from slaughtering a dog or pig. It would only foul the ax and blade!” He ordered Yu Jin bound and sent to the great prison in Jingzhou to await judgment, saying, “When I return, I shall decide how else to deal with him.” Once Yu Jin had been taken away, Lord Guan ordered Pang De brought forward. Pang De glared fiercely, his brows bristling, and remained standing without kneeling. Lord Guan said, “Your brother is now in Hanzhong, and your former lord Ma Chao is also a great general in Shu. Why do you not surrender at once?” Pang De cried in fury, “I would rather die beneath the blade than surrender to you!” He continued cursing without cease. Enraged, Lord Guan ordered the executioners to take him outside and behead him. Pang De stretched out his neck and accepted execution. Lord Guan admired him and had him buried. Then, while the floodwaters had not yet receded, he again boarded the warships and led all his officers, high and low, to attack Fancheng.

Meanwhile, white-crested waves towered around Fancheng as the floodwaters rose ever higher. The city walls gradually became waterlogged and collapsed. Men and women carried earth and bricks to repair the breaches, but could not stop them. Every general in Cao Cao’s army lost heart, and they hurriedly went to report to Cao Ren. Cao Ren said, “No human strength can save us from today’s peril. Before the enemy arrives, we should take boats and escape by night. Though we lose the city, we may yet preserve our lives.” While they were discussing this and were about to prepare boats for flight, Man Chong remonstrated: “You must not. This mountain flood rose suddenly; how can it last long? In less than ten days it will subside of itself. Though Lord Guan has not yet attacked the city, he has already sent another general to Jiaxia. The reason he dares not advance rashly is that he fears our army may strike his rear. If we now abandon the city and depart, all the land south of the Yellow River will cease to belong to the state. I beg you, General, to hold this city fast and make it our bulwark.” Cao Ren clasped his hands in thanks and said, “But for Boning’s counsel, I would nearly have ruined a great enterprise.” He then mounted a white horse and rode up onto the walls, where he assembled the generals and swore before them: “I received the King of Wei’s command to defend this city. Anyone who speaks of abandoning it and leaving shall be beheaded!” All the generals declared, “We are willing to defend it to the death!” Cao Ren was delighted. He set several hundred bows and crossbows atop the walls, while the soldiers kept watch day and night without daring to relax. The inhabitants, old and young alike, carried earth and stones to repair the fortifications. Within ten days, the floodwaters gradually receded.

Since capturing the Wei generals Yu Jin and the others, Lord Guan’s might had shaken the whole realm, and none heard of it without fear and awe. Suddenly his second son, Guan Xing, came to the camp to pay his respects. Lord Guan ordered him to carry to the King of Hanzhong in Chengdu the written records of all the officers’ meritorious service, requesting promotions for each of them. Guan Xing bowed farewell to his father and went directly to Chengdu.

Lord Guan divided his forces, sending half straight to Jiaxia, while he personally commanded the rest in an assault upon Fancheng from all sides. That day Lord Guan himself rode to the north gate. Reining in his horse, he raised his whip, pointed, and called, “You rats! If you will not surrender at once, what are you waiting for?” As he was speaking, Cao Ren, standing atop the enemy tower, saw that Lord Guan wore only a breastplate over his body, with his green robe hanging loosely from one shoulder. He urgently signaled five hundred archers and crossbowmen, who all loosed their missiles together. Lord Guan hastily reined his horse around, but a crossbow bolt struck him in the right arm, and he toppled from the saddle. Thus it was said:

The seven armies had scarcely drowned in dread,When from the city one bolt struck their conqueror.

What became of Lord Guan’s life will be told in the following chapter.

Pang De Bears His Coffin into Mortal Combat; Guan Yu Drowns the Seven Armies

Now Cao Cao wished to send Yu Jin to relieve Fan Castle. He asked his generals who dared serve as vanguard, and one man immediately volunteered. Cao Cao looked and saw that it was Pang De. Delighted, Cao Cao said, “Guan Yu’s might has shaken all China, and he has never met his match. Now that he has encountered a man of your renown, he has truly found a formidable opponent.” He appointed Yu Jin General Who Conquers the South and Pang De Chief Vanguard Who Conquers the West, then mobilized seven armies and sent them toward Fan Castle. These seven armies were composed entirely of strong men from the north. Among the officers commanding them were two men, one named Dong Heng and the other Dong Chao. That day, they led the various commanders in paying their respects to Yu Jin. Dong Heng said, “General, you are now leading seven powerful armies to relieve Fan Castle from danger, and victory must be assured. But if you use Pang De as your vanguard, will that not ruin the whole undertaking?” Startled, Yu Jin asked why. Dong Heng said, “Pang De was originally a deputy general under Ma Chao and surrendered to Wei only because he had no choice. His former lord is now in Shu, where he ranks among the ‘Five Tiger Generals.’ Moreover, his own elder brother, Pang Rou, is also an official in Western Sichuan. To make Pang De the vanguard now is like pouring oil on a fire in an attempt to put it out. Why do you not report this to the King of Wei and have him send someone else?”

On hearing this, Yu Jin went to Cao Cao’s residence that very night and reported it to him. Cao Cao realized the problem and immediately summoned Pang De before the steps, ordering him to surrender the vanguard’s seal. Greatly shocked, Pang De said, “I was just about to exert myself in Your Majesty’s service. Why do you now refuse to employ me?” Cao Cao said, “I myself harbor no suspicions. But Ma Chao is now in Western Sichuan, and your brother Pang Rou is there as well, both assisting Liu Bei. Even if I do not doubt you, what can be done about the talk of so many others?” When Pang De heard this, he removed his cap and repeatedly struck his forehead against the ground until blood covered his face. He said, “Since surrendering to Your Majesty in Hanzhong, I have always been grateful for your great kindness. Even if my liver and brains were smeared across the ground, I could never repay you. Why does Your Majesty doubt me? In former days, when I lived in my native place, I shared a household with my elder brother. My sister-in-law was a thoroughly wicked woman, and one day, while drunk, I killed her. My brother hated me to the marrow of his bones and swore never to see me again. All affection between us has long been severed. As for my former lord Ma Chao, he had courage but no strategy. His army was defeated, his territory lost, and he fled alone into Sichuan. Now he and I each serve our own lord, and our former bond has ended. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s gracious treatment. How would I dare entertain disloyal thoughts? I beg Your Majesty to judge me fairly.” Cao Cao then helped Pang De to his feet and consoled him, saying, “I have always known you to be loyal and righteous. What I said before was merely to put everyone else’s mind at ease. Strive your utmost and win merit. If you do not fail me, I will certainly never fail you.”

Pang De bowed his thanks and returned home, where he ordered a craftsman to make a wooden coffin. The next day, he invited all his friends to a banquet and set the coffin in the hall. When his relatives and friends saw it, they were all astonished and asked, “You are setting out on campaign, General. Why have you brought out such an ill-omened object?” Raising his cup, Pang De said to them, “I have received great kindness from the King of Wei and have sworn to repay him with my death. I am now going to Fan Castle to fight Guan Yu to the death. If I cannot kill him, he will surely kill me. Even if he does not kill me, I must kill myself. I have therefore prepared this coffin in advance to show that I have no intention of returning empty-handed.” Everyone sighed in admiration. Pang De summoned his wife, Lady Li, and his son, Pang Hui, then said to his wife, “I am now going forth as vanguard, and duty requires me to give my life on the battlefield. If I die, take good care of our son. He has an extraordinary appearance, and when he grows up, he will surely avenge me.” His wife and son wept bitterly as they saw him off, and Pang De ordered his men to carry the coffin with them. Before departing, he said to his subordinate officers, “I am now going to fight Guan Yu to the death. If Guan Yu kills me, quickly recover my body and place it in this coffin. If I kill Guan Yu, I will take his head, put it in this coffin, and return to present it to the King of Wei.” All five hundred of his men said, “With such loyalty and courage as yours, General, how could we dare not exert all our strength to assist you?” He then led his troops forward. Someone reported his words to Cao Cao, who said happily, “With such loyalty and courage in Pang De, what have I to fear?” Jia Xu said, “Pang De relies on the courage born of hot blood and intends to fight Guan Yu to the death. I privately fear for him.” Cao Cao agreed and urgently sent an order warning Pang De: “Guan Yu possesses both wisdom and courage. You must not underestimate him. Attack if you can prevail; if you cannot, you must defend your position carefully.” On receiving the order, Pang De said to the generals, “Why does the King hold Guan Yu in such high regard? I expect that on this campaign I will destroy the reputation Guan Yu has built over thirty years.” Yu Jin said, “The King of Wei’s command must be obeyed.” Pang De indignantly pressed his troops onward to Fan Castle, displaying his military might with crashing gongs and pounding drums.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu was seated in his command tent when a scout suddenly galloped in to report, “Cao Cao has sent Yu Jin as commander of seven armies of elite, vigorous troops. Their vanguard, Pang De, has a wooden coffin carried before his army. He has spoken insolently and sworn to fight you to the death, General. His troops are now only thirty miles from the city.” At this, Guan Yu’s expression changed violently, and his magnificent beard bristled as he said in fury, “Of all the heroes beneath Heaven, not one who hears my name fails to fear and submit to me! How dare that whelp Pang De treat me with contempt? Guan Ping shall continue the attack on Fan Castle, while I go in person and behead this scoundrel to avenge the insult!” Guan Ping said, “Father, one of Mount Tai’s great weight should not contend with a stubborn stone over which stands higher. Your unworthy son begs to fight Pang De in your place.” Guan Yu said, “Go and try him, then. I will follow shortly to support you.”

Guan Ping left the tent, took up his saber, mounted his horse, and led his troops out to meet Pang De. The two armies formed opposing battle lines. In the Wei camp stood a black banner bearing four large white characters: “Pang De of Nan’an.” Pang De, dressed in a blue robe and silver armor, sat on a white horse with a steel saber in hand before the battle line. His five hundred soldiers followed closely behind him, while several foot soldiers came out carrying the wooden coffin on their shoulders. Guan Ping cursed Pang De loudly: “Traitor who betrayed your lord!” Pang De asked his soldiers, “Who is this?” Someone replied, “This is Guan Yu’s adopted son, Guan Ping.” Pang De shouted, “I have come by command of the King of Wei to take your father’s head! You are nothing but a scabby little brat, and I will not kill you! Quickly call your father out here!” Enraged, Guan Ping spurred forward, flourishing his saber as he charged Pang De. Pang De met him with saber held crosswise. They fought for thirty bouts without either gaining the advantage, and both sides then withdrew to rest.

Guan Yu had already received a report of this. Furious, he ordered Liao Hua to attack Fan Castle while he personally went to confront Pang De. Guan Ping met him and reported that his fight with Pang De had ended without a victor. Guan Yu immediately rode out with his saber leveled and shouted, “Guan Yunchang is here! Pang De, why do you not come quickly to your death?” As the drums thundered, Pang De rode out and said, “I have come by command of the King of Wei specifically to take your head! In case you doubt me, I have prepared a coffin right here. If you fear death, dismount at once and surrender!” Guan Yu cursed him loudly: “What can a mere common brute like you accomplish? It is a pity to stain my Green Dragon Saber by beheading a rat like you!” He spurred his horse forward, flourishing his saber as he charged Pang De. Pang De whirled his saber and met him. The two generals fought for more than a hundred bouts, their vigor only increasing as they went. The men of both armies watched in stupefied amazement. Fearing that Pang De might come to harm, the Wei army hurriedly sounded the gong to recall him. Guan Ping, fearing for his aged father, also quickly sounded the recall. The two generals each withdrew. Back in camp, Pang De said to the others, “People call Guan Yu a hero. Only today do I believe it.” As he was speaking, Yu Jin arrived. After they had exchanged greetings, Yu Jin said, “I hear you fought Guan Yu for more than a hundred bouts without gaining any advantage. Why not withdraw the army for now and avoid him?” Pang De indignantly replied, “The King of Wei appointed you supreme commander. Why are you so weak? Tomorrow I will fight Guan Yu to the death, and I swear I will not retreat or avoid him!” Yu Jin did not dare restrain him and returned to his own camp.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu returned to camp and said to Guan Ping, “Pang De is highly skilled with the saber. He is truly a match for me.” Guan Ping said, “As the common saying goes, ‘A newborn calf does not fear a tiger.’ Even if you behead this man, Father, he is only a minor soldier from the western Qiang. But if any mishap should occur, you would fail the great trust placed in you by my uncle.” Guan Yu said, “If I do not kill this man, how can I avenge this insult? My mind is made up. Say no more!” The next day, he mounted his horse and led his troops forward. Pang De also led out his troops to meet him. The two armies formed opposing battle lines, and the two generals rode out without exchanging another word and engaged each other. After fighting for more than fifty bouts, Pang De wheeled his horse around and fled, trailing his saber behind him. Guan Yu pursued him. Fearing some mishap, Guan Ping followed close behind. Guan Yu cursed aloud, “Pang De, you intend to use the trailing-saber trick! Do you think I fear you?” In fact, Pang De was only feigning the trailing-saber posture. He hooked his saber onto the saddle, secretly drew his carved bow, fitted an arrow to it, and shot. The sharp-eyed Guan Ping saw him draw the bow and shouted, “Treacherous general, do not loose a hidden arrow!” Guan Yu hurriedly opened his eyes wide to look. The bowstring twanged, and the arrow was already upon him. Unable to dodge in time, he was struck squarely in the left arm. Guan Ping galloped up and rescued his father, taking him back to camp.

Pang De reined around, whirled his saber, and gave chase, but suddenly heard the deafening crash of gongs from his own camp. Fearing trouble in the rear, he quickly reined in and returned. In fact, when Yu Jin saw that Pang De had shot Guan Yu, he feared Pang De would win great merit and eclipse his own prestige, so he had sounded the gong to recall the army. Pang De rode back and asked why the gong had been sounded. Yu Jin said, “The King of Wei warned us that Guan Yu possesses both wisdom and courage. Though he has been struck by an arrow, I feared it might be a trick, so I sounded the recall.” Pang De said, “If you had not recalled the army, I would already have beheaded him.” Yu Jin said, “Nothing good comes from hurrying too much. We must proceed slowly and carefully.” Pang De did not understand Yu Jin’s true motive and could only bitterly regret the lost opportunity.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu returned to camp and had the arrowhead removed. Fortunately, the arrow had not penetrated deeply, and medicine for wounds was applied. Guan Yu bitterly hated Pang De and said to the generals, “I swear I will avenge this arrow!” The generals replied, “Rest for a few days, General. It will not be too late to fight him afterward.” The next day, a messenger reported that Pang De had led his troops out to challenge him. Guan Yu immediately wanted to go to battle, but the generals persuaded him not to. Pang De ordered common soldiers to hurl abusive insults. Guan Ping guarded the pass and instructed the generals not to report any of it to Guan Yu. Pang De issued challenges for more than ten days, but no one came out to meet him. He then proposed to Yu Jin, “It is clear that Guan Yu’s arrow wound has flared up, leaving him unable to move. Why not seize this opportunity, bring all seven armies together, and charge into his camp in one great assault? We can then lift the siege of Fan Castle.” Yu Jin feared that Pang De would win the glory, so he merely cited the King of Wei’s warning and refused to move the troops. Pang De repeatedly asked to attack, but Yu Jin would not consent. Instead, he moved the seven armies around the mountain pass and encamped at the foot of the hills, ten miles north of Fan Castle. Yu Jin personally led troops to block the main road and ordered Pang De to station his men behind the valley, preventing him from advancing and winning success.

Meanwhile, Guan Ping was delighted to see that Guan Yu’s arrow wound had closed. Suddenly he heard that Yu Jin had moved the seven armies and encamped north of Fan Castle. Not knowing what Yu Jin intended, he immediately reported it to Guan Yu. Guan Yu mounted his horse and rode with several attendants to a high hill to observe. He saw that the banners atop Fan Castle were in disorder and that the soldiers were in a panic. He saw troops and horses encamped in a mountain valley ten miles north of the city, and also saw that the current of the Xiang River was extremely swift. After watching for some time, he summoned a local guide and asked, “What is the name of that mountain valley ten miles north of Fan Castle?” The guide replied, “It is called Zengkou Valley.” Guan Yu was overjoyed and said, “Yu Jin will surely be captured by me.” The soldiers asked, “How do you know that, General?” Guan Yu said, “Once the ‘fish’ enters the ‘mouth of the net,’ how can it last long?” The generals did not believe him. Guan Yu returned to his main camp. It was then autumn, in the eighth month, and torrential rain fell for several days. Guan Yu ordered rafts and boats to be prepared and all equipment for fighting on water made ready. Guan Ping asked, “We are confronting the enemy on land. What use do we have for equipment to fight on water?” Guan Yu said, “This is beyond your understanding. Yu Jin’s seven armies are not encamped on open, accessible ground but have gathered in the confined and dangerous terrain of Zengkou Valley. With the autumn rains now continuing without cease, the Xiang River is certain to overflow. I have already sent men to dam the waterways at various points. When the waters rise, we will take boats from the high ground, release the water, and drown them in a single flood. The troops in Fan Castle and Zengkou Valley will all become fish and turtles.” Guan Ping bowed in admiration.

Meanwhile, the Wei army was encamped in Zengkou Valley, where heavy rain continued for days without stopping. The supervising officer Cheng He came to Yu Jin and said, “The army is encamped at the mouth of the valley, where the ground is very low. Though there are earthen hills, they are some distance from the camp. The autumn rains have continued without cease, and the soldiers are suffering greatly. We have recently received reports that the Jingzhou troops have moved to high ground and are preparing battle rafts at the mouth of the Han River. If the river overflows, our army will be in danger. We must make plans at once.” Yu Jin rebuked him, saying, “Are you, fool, trying to unsettle my army? Anyone who says another word about this will be beheaded!” Cheng He withdrew in shame, then went to Pang De and told him what had happened. Pang De said, “Your judgment is entirely correct. Since General Yu refuses to move the troops, tomorrow I will move my own army to another place.” They had just settled on this plan when, that night, the wind and rain rose violently. Pang De was sitting in his tent when he suddenly heard what sounded like ten thousand horses racing together and the thunder of war drums shaking the earth. Greatly alarmed, Pang De hurried from his tent, mounted his horse, and looked around. Floodwaters were surging in from every direction. The seven armies scattered in confusion, and countless men were swept along by the waves. On what had been level ground, the water was more than ten feet deep. Yu Jin, Pang De, and the other generals each climbed small hills to escape the flood. By daybreak, Guan Yu and all his generals were approaching in great ships, waving their banners and raising a tremendous clamor with their drums. Yu Jin saw that there was no escape in any direction and that only fifty or sixty men remained with him. Realizing that he could not flee, he called out that he was willing to surrender. Guan Yu ordered them all to remove their clothing and armor, had them taken into custody aboard the ships, and then went to capture Pang De.

At that time, Pang De, the two Dongs, and Cheng He stood on an embankment with five hundred foot soldiers, all without clothing or armor. When Pang De saw Guan Yu approaching, he showed no fear at all but boldly came forward to fight. Guan Yu’s ships surrounded them on every side, and his soldiers loosed arrows all at once, killing more than half the Wei troops. Seeing that the situation was desperate, Dong Heng and Dong Chao said to Pang De, “More than half the soldiers have been killed or wounded, and there is no escape in any direction. We would do better to surrender.” Pang De said furiously, “I have received great kindness from the King of Wei. How could I dishonor myself by submitting to another?” He personally beheaded Dong Heng and Dong Chao before the others, then shouted sternly, “Anyone else who speaks of surrender will share the fate of these two men!” At this, all the others exerted themselves to resist the enemy. They fought from daybreak until noon, their courage and strength only increasing. Guan Yu ordered a fierce assault from every side, and arrows and stones fell like rain. Pang De commanded his soldiers to engage at close quarters with short weapons. Looking back at Cheng He, Pang De said, “I have heard it said, ‘A brave general does not fear death in the hope of escaping, and a valiant man does not destroy his honor in order to live.’ Today is the day of my death. Exert yourself and fight to the end.” Obeying his command, Cheng He rushed forward, only to be shot by Guan Yu with an arrow and knocked into the water. All the other soldiers surrendered, leaving Pang De alone to fight on. Just then, several dozen Jingzhou soldiers approached the embankment in a small boat. Gripping his saber, Pang De leaped through the air and landed on the boat. He immediately killed more than ten men, while the rest abandoned the boat and jumped into the water to save themselves. Holding his saber in one hand and wielding a short oar with the other, Pang De tried to make for Fan Castle. Suddenly, a general came down from upstream, poling a large raft. He rammed the small boat and overturned it, throwing Pang De into the water. The general on the raft leaped into the river and captured Pang De alive, then hauled him aboard. When everyone looked, they saw that the man who had captured Pang De was Zhou Cang. Zhou Cang had always been skilled in the water, and after living in Jingzhou for several years, he had become even more proficient. Moreover, he possessed tremendous strength, which was how he had captured Pang De. The seven armies under Yu Jin had all perished in the flood. Those who knew how to swim realized there was no way of escape and surrendered as well. A later poet wrote:

At midnight war drums thundered to the sky;Xiangyang and Fan became an abyss on level ground.Who could equal Lord Guan’s divine foresight?His mighty name throughout China will endure forever!

Guan Yu returned to the high ground and took his seat in the command tent. A group of executioners escorted Yu Jin before him. Yu Jin prostrated himself on the ground, pleading for mercy and begging for his life. Guan Yu said, “How did you dare oppose me?” Yu Jin replied, “I was dispatched under my lord’s command and had no choice in the matter. I beg Your Lordship to show compassion. I swear to repay you with my life.” Stroking his beard, Guan Yu laughed and said, “For me to kill you would be no different from killing a dog or pig. It would only foul the blade!” He ordered Yu Jin bound and sent to the main prison in Jingzhou, saying, “Keep him there under guard. When I return, I will decide what else to do with him.” After Yu Jin had been taken away, Guan Yu ordered Pang De brought before him. Pang De glared furiously and remained standing, refusing to kneel. Guan Yu said, “Your elder brother is now in Hanzhong, and your former lord Ma Chao is also serving as a great general in Shu. Why do you not surrender at once?” Pang De said furiously, “I would rather die beneath the blade than surrender to you!” He continued cursing without pause. Enraged, Guan Yu ordered the executioners to take him out and behead him. Pang De stretched out his neck and accepted execution. Guan Yu admired him and had him buried. Then, while the floodwaters had not yet receded, Guan Yu again boarded the warships and led his officers of every rank to attack Fan Castle.

Meanwhile, towering white waves surrounded Fan Castle, and the flood grew ever more severe. The city walls were gradually becoming waterlogged and collapsing. Men and women carried earth and moved bricks to fill the breaches, but could not keep up. All the officers in Cao Cao’s army lost heart and hurried to report to Cao Ren. Cao Ren said, “The present danger cannot be overcome by force. Before the enemy arrives, we should take boats and escape by night. Though we lose the city, we can at least preserve our lives.” As they were discussing this and preparing boats to flee, Man Chong remonstrated, “You must not. Mountain floods rise suddenly, but how can they last? In less than ten days, the waters will recede on their own. Though Guan Yu has not yet attacked the city, he has already sent another general to Jia. The reason he does not dare advance recklessly is that he fears our army will strike his rear. If we abandon the city and leave now, all the territory south of the Yellow River will cease to belong to the state. I beg you, General, to hold this city firmly as our shield.” Cao Ren clasped his hands in thanks and said, “Had it not been for your counsel, Boning, I would nearly have ruined a great enterprise.” He then mounted a white horse, rode up onto the city walls, gathered the generals, and swore before them, “I have received the King of Wei’s command to defend this city. Anyone who speaks of abandoning it and leaving will be beheaded!” The generals all said, “We are willing to defend it to the death!” Cao Ren was delighted and installed several hundred bows and crossbows atop the walls. The soldiers kept watch day and night without daring to relax. The old and young among the inhabitants carried earth and stones to fill the breaches in the walls. Within ten days, the floodwaters gradually receded.

After Guan Yu captured the Wei generals Yu Jin and the others, his might shook the whole realm, and no one failed to be awed. Suddenly, his second son, Guan Xing, came to the camp to visit him. Guan Yu ordered Guan Xing to take documents recording the merits of all the officers to Chengdu and present them to the King of Hanzhong, requesting promotions for each of them. Guan Xing bowed farewell to his father and went straight to Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu detached half his troops and sent them directly to Jia. He personally led the rest in attacking Fan Castle from every side. That day, Guan Yu came to the north gate in person. Sitting on his horse, he raised his whip, pointed toward the city, and asked, “You rats, why do you not surrender at once? What are you waiting for?” As he spoke, Cao Ren saw him from the enemy tower. Guan Yu wore only a breastplate over his body, with his green robe hanging open at an angle. Cao Ren hurriedly summoned five hundred archers and crossbowmen, who all fired at once. Guan Yu hastily reined his horse around, but a crossbow bolt struck him in the right arm, and he toppled from his horse. As the verse says:

The seven armies in the flood had scarcely lost their nerve,When from the city one swift bolt struck down the hero.

Guan Yu’s fate remains unknown; read the next chapter to learn what happened.