Chapter 76

Xu Huang Battles at the Mian River; Guan Yu Flees Defeat to Maicheng

Now Mi Fang, hearing that Jingzhou had been lost, was at his wits’ end. Suddenly word came that Fu Shiren, the defender of Gong’an, had arrived. Mi Fang hastened to receive him into the city and asked what had happened. Fu Shiren said, “It is not that I am disloyal, but the situation was desperate and my strength exhausted; I could hold out no longer. I have now surrendered to Eastern Wu. You, General, would do better to surrender early as well.” Mi Fang said, “We have received great kindness from the King of Hanzhong. How could we bear to betray him?” Fu Shiren replied, “When Lord Guan departed, he bitterly resented the two of us. If he returns victorious one day, he will certainly show us no mercy. Consider this carefully.” Mi Fang said, “My brother and I have long served the King of Hanzhong. How can I turn against him in a single day?” While he still hesitated, it was suddenly reported that an envoy from Lord Guan had arrived. The envoy was admitted to the hall and said, “Lord Guan’s army is short of provisions. He has specially ordered that one hundred thousand shi of polished rice be taken from Nan Commandery and Gong’an. You two generals are to escort it through the night and deliver it at the front. If there is any delay, you will be beheaded at once.” Mi Fang was greatly alarmed. Turning to Fu Shiren, he said, “Now that Jingzhou has been taken by Eastern Wu, how can these provisions possibly be sent through?” Fu Shiren cried sternly, “There is no need for further hesitation!” Drawing his sword, he struck down the envoy in the hall. Mi Fang exclaimed in horror, “What have you done?” Fu Shiren said, “Lord Guan’s true intention is to behead the two of us. How can we bind our hands and wait for death? If you do not surrender to Eastern Wu at once, Lord Guan will surely kill you.” As he spoke, a report suddenly came that Lü Meng had led troops to the foot of the city walls. Mi Fang was terrified and went out of the city with Fu Shiren to surrender. Lü Meng was overjoyed and presented them to Sun Quan, who rewarded them lavishly. Once the people had been pacified, a great feast was held for the entire army.

At this time Cao Cao was in Xudu, discussing the affairs of Jingzhou with his advisers, when it was suddenly reported that Eastern Wu had sent an envoy bearing a letter. Cao Cao summoned him, and the envoy presented the letter. Cao Cao opened and read it. It stated in full that the armies of Wu were about to attack Jingzhou and requested Cao Cao to strike Yun Chang from the other side; it also urged him not to divulge the matter, lest Yun Chang be put on his guard. Cao Cao consulted with his advisers. Dong Zhao, a master of records, said, “Fancheng is now under siege, craning its neck in hope of rescue. It would be better to have this letter shot into Fancheng to reassure the troops. At the same time, let Lord Guan learn that Eastern Wu is about to attack Jingzhou. Fearing the loss of Jingzhou, he will surely withdraw at once; then Xu Huang can seize the opportunity to fall upon him and win complete success.” Cao Cao followed this plan. On the one hand, he sent men to urge Xu Huang to engage the enemy without delay; on the other, he personally led the main army to camp at Yangling Slope, south of Luoyang, in order to rescue Cao Ren.

Now Xu Huang was seated in his tent when word suddenly came that an envoy from the King of Wei had arrived. Xu Huang admitted him and asked his business. The envoy said, “The King of Wei has now led his army beyond Luoyang. He orders you, General, to attack Lord Guan at once and relieve the siege of Fancheng.” While he was still speaking, a scout rode in to report: “Guan Ping has encamped at Yancheng, and Liao Hua at the Four Mounds. Altogether there are twelve stockades, one linked unbroken to the next.” Xu Huang at once ordered his deputy commanders, Xu Shang and Lü Jian, to make false use of Xu Huang’s banners and proceed to Yancheng to engage Guan Ping. Xu Huang himself led five hundred picked soldiers along the Mian River to strike the rear of Yancheng.

When Guan Ping heard that Xu Huang had personally led troops against him, he brought out his own command to meet the enemy. The two arrays faced each other in a circle. Guan Ping rode forth and engaged Xu Shang; after only three bouts, Xu Shang was soundly defeated and fled. Lü Jian came out to fight, but after five or six bouts he too was defeated and fled. Guan Ping pursued his victory for more than twenty li, when a sudden report came that fire had broken out inside Yancheng. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, Guan Ping hurriedly reined in his troops and turned back to save the city, only to encounter a body of soldiers drawn up across his path. Xu Huang sat his horse beneath the commanding standard and called loudly, “My worthy nephew Guan Ping, how little you understand that death is upon you! Your Jingzhou has already been seized by Eastern Wu, yet still you run wild here!” Guan Ping flew into a rage, spurred his horse, whirled his sword, and charged straight at Xu Huang. They had fought no more than three or four bouts when cries arose from all three armies and flames leapt high within Yancheng. Guan Ping dared not linger in battle. He cut open a broad road and fled directly toward the Four Mounds Stockade, where Liao Hua received him. Liao Hua said, “Men say that Jingzhou has already been taken in a surprise attack by Lü Meng. The hearts of our troops are in turmoil. What are we to do?” Guan Ping replied, “This must be a false rumor. Behead any soldier who repeats it.”

Suddenly a courier came galloping in like a shooting star and reported that the first encampment to the north was under attack by troops led by Xu Huang. Guan Ping said, “If the first encampment is lost, how can any of the others remain secure? This place is protected everywhere by the Mian River, and the enemy will not dare come here. You and I will go together to rescue the first encampment.” Liao Hua summoned his subordinate officers and instructed them: “You must hold the stockade firmly. If any enemy comes, immediately raise the fire signal.” One of the officers said, “The Four Mounds Stockade has ten rings of chevaux-de-frise. Not even a bird could fly in. Why should we fear enemy troops?” Thereupon Guan Ping and Liao Hua took all the picked soldiers from the Four Mounds Stockade and hastened to the first encampment, where they took up their positions. Seeing the Wei soldiers camped upon a low hill, Guan Ping said to Liao Hua, “Xu Huang has chosen unfavorable ground for his camp. Tonight we can lead troops in a raid upon it.” Liao Hua replied, “General, take half the troops with you. I will keep strict guard over our own camp.”

That night Guan Ping led a force into the Wei camp, but not a single man was to be seen. Knowing it was a trap, he began a swift retreat, only to be attacked from both sides—Xu Shang on the left and Lü Jian on the right. Guan Ping suffered a crushing defeat and fled back toward his camp, with the Wei troops pursuing hard on the strength of their victory until they surrounded him on all four sides. Guan Ping and Liao Hua could not hold out. They abandoned the first encampment and fled directly toward the Four Mounds Stockade, but from afar they saw flames rising within it. When they hurried to the gates, they found nothing but Wei banners. Guan Ping and the others drew off their troops and hastened along the main road toward Fancheng. An army blocked the way ahead, led by none other than Xu Huang. Guan Ping and Liao Hua fought desperately, forced a road through, and escaped. Returning to the main camp, they went before Lord Guan and reported: “Xu Huang has now seized Yancheng and the surrounding positions. Moreover, Cao Cao has personally led a great army in three divisions to relieve Fancheng. Many people are also saying that Jingzhou has been taken in a surprise attack by Lü Meng.” Lord Guan shouted, “That is nothing but a false rumor spread by the enemy to unsettle the hearts of my troops! Lü Meng of Eastern Wu lies gravely ill, and the mere boy Lu Xun has replaced him. There is nothing to fear!”

Before he had finished speaking, word suddenly came that Xu Huang’s troops had arrived. Lord Guan ordered his horse prepared. Guan Ping remonstrated, “Father, your body has not yet recovered. You must not face the enemy.” Lord Guan said, “Xu Huang and I are old acquaintances, and I know his abilities well. If he will not withdraw, I shall behead him first, as a warning to the other Wei generals.” He donned his armor, took up his sword, mounted, and rode forth in high spirits. When the Wei troops saw him, not one among them was free from fear. Lord Guan reined in his horse and called, “Where is Xu Gongming?” The banners at the gate of the Wei camp parted, and Xu Huang rode out. Bowing slightly in the saddle, he said, “Since I parted from Your Lordship, several years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never thought that Your Lordship’s beard and hair would already be turning white. I remember when we associated in the vigor of our youth; I received much instruction from you, and remain ever grateful. Now Your Lordship’s heroic fame shakes all the realm of Huaxia, and when this old friend hears of it, his admiration and praise know no bounds. By good fortune I have seen you again today, greatly comforting my long-felt yearning.” Lord Guan said, “Gongming, the bond between you and me is deep, unlike my relations with other men. Why, then, have you repeatedly pressed my son so hard?” Xu Huang turned toward his generals and cried in a stern voice, “Whoever takes Yun Chang’s head shall be richly rewarded with a thousand pieces of gold!” Lord Guan exclaimed in astonishment, “Gongming, why do you speak such words?” Xu Huang replied, “Today’s affair concerns the state. I dare not sacrifice public duty for private friendship.”

With that, Xu Huang swung his great ax and charged straight at Lord Guan. Lord Guan, enraged, flourished his sword and met him. They fought for more than eighty bouts. Though Lord Guan’s martial skill was without equal, his right arm remained weak. Fearing that harm might come to his father, Guan Ping urgently sounded the gong for retreat. Lord Guan wheeled his horse and returned toward the stockade, when suddenly tremendous shouts arose on every side. Cao Ren in Fancheng, hearing that Cao Cao’s relief army had arrived, had led his troops out of the city to join Xu Huang, and together they attacked from two sides. The Jingzhou army fell into utter confusion. Lord Guan mounted and led his generals in haste toward the upper reaches of the Xiang River, with the Wei troops pursuing close behind. Lord Guan hurried across the Xiang River and fled toward Xiangyang. Suddenly a courier galloped up like a shooting star and reported: “Jingzhou has been seized by Lü Meng, and all the families have fallen into his hands.” Lord Guan was greatly alarmed. Not daring to continue toward Xiangyang, he led his army instead toward Gong’an. Another scout reported, “Fu Shiren of Gong’an has already surrendered to Eastern Wu.” Lord Guan flew into a rage. Then an officer charged with urging forward the provisions arrived and reported: “Fu Shiren went from Gong’an to Nan Commandery, killed your envoy, and persuaded Mi Fang to surrender with him to Eastern Wu.”

When Lord Guan heard this, rage choked his breast; his wound burst open, and he fell senseless to the ground. His generals revived him. Turning to his military adviser Wang Fu, Lord Guan said, “I regret that I did not heed your words. Today the very thing you warned of has come to pass!” Then he asked, “Why were no warning fires raised anywhere along the river?” A scout answered, “Lü Meng had all his sailors dress in white and disguise themselves as merchants crossing the river. He concealed picked soldiers inside their boats and first captured the troops guarding the signal towers. That is why no fires could be raised.” Lord Guan stamped his foot and sighed. “I have fallen into the traitors’ scheme! How can I face my elder brother?” Zhao Lei, the controller of provisions, said, “The situation is now desperate. We should send men to Chengdu to request relief, while marching overland to recover Jingzhou.” Lord Guan followed his counsel. He sent Ma Liang and Yi Ji, bearing three dispatches, to hasten through the night to Chengdu and seek aid. Meanwhile, he led his troops toward Jingzhou, personally commanding the vanguard and leaving Liao Hua and Guan Ping to cover the rear.

Now that the siege of Fancheng had been lifted, Cao Ren led his generals to see Cao Cao. Weeping, he bowed and begged punishment. Cao Cao said, “This was ordained by Heaven; it was not your fault.” Cao Cao richly rewarded the whole army, then personally went to the Four Mounds Stockade and inspected it all around. Turning to his generals, he said, “The Jingzhou troops had surrounded this place with several rings of trenches and chevaux-de-frise, yet Xu Gongming penetrated deep within them and achieved complete success. In more than thirty years of commanding armies, I have never dared to drive straight into the midst of an enemy’s encirclement. Gongming is truly a man of both courage and judgment!” All present sighed in admiration. Cao Cao withdrew his army and encamped at Mobei. When Xu Huang’s troops arrived, Cao Cao personally came out of the camp to welcome him. He saw that Xu Huang’s men marched in ordered ranks, without the slightest disorder. Cao Cao was delighted and said, “General Xu truly possesses the manner of Zhou Yafu!” He thereupon appointed Xu Huang General Who Pacifies the South and ordered him to guard Xiangyang together with Xiahou Shang, so as to hold Lord Guan’s army in check. Since the situation in Jingzhou had not yet been settled, Cao Cao kept his army encamped at Mobei to await further news.

Meanwhile, on the road to Jingzhou, Lord Guan found himself with no path either forward or back. He said to Zhao Lei, “At present Wu troops lie before us and Wei troops behind us. I am caught between them, and our relief forces have not arrived. What are we to do?” Zhao Lei replied, “When Lü Meng was formerly stationed at Lukou, he wrote to Your Lordship, and the two houses pledged friendship and agreed to destroy the traitor Cao together. Now he has aided Cao and attacked us, thereby breaking the alliance. Your Lordship should encamp here for the moment and send Lü Meng a letter rebuking him. Then we shall see how he answers.” Lord Guan followed his counsel, composed a letter, and dispatched an envoy to Jingzhou.

Now Lü Meng, being in Jingzhou, issued this order: throughout all the commanderies of Jingzhou, no Wu soldier was permitted to harass the families of officers and men who had gone on campaign with Lord Guan; each household was to receive a monthly allowance of grain and rice, and physicians were to be sent to treat any who fell ill. Grateful for his kindness, the soldiers’ families remained peacefully in their homes. Suddenly it was reported that an envoy from Lord Guan had arrived. Lü Meng went beyond the city walls to welcome him and received him into the city with all the courtesies due a guest. The envoy presented Lord Guan’s letter. After reading it, Lü Meng said to him, “In former days, my friendship with General Guan arose from my own private judgment. The affair of today was undertaken by command from above, and I had no power to decide otherwise. I trouble you, Envoy, to report this to the general and convey my respectful regards.” He then gave a banquet for the envoy and sent him to rest at the posthouse. Thereupon the families of the officers and men away on campaign all came to ask for news. Some entrusted the envoy with letters; others gave him verbal messages. All said that their households were unharmed and lacked neither clothing nor food. The envoy took leave of Lü Meng, who personally escorted him beyond the city. Returning to Lord Guan, the envoy repeated all that Lü Meng had said and further reported that within Jingzhou, Your Lordship’s honored family and the families of all the generals were entirely safe and lacked nothing in their provisions. Lord Guan flew into a rage and cried, “This is the traitor’s scheme! If I cannot kill this villain while I live, I shall surely kill him after death, and so avenge my hatred!” He shouted for the envoy to withdraw. Once the envoy had left the camp, all the generals came to ask him about their families. He told them in full that every household was well and that Lü Meng had treated them with the utmost kindness and care; he also delivered the letters to the generals. They were all delighted, and their hearts were no longer set on battle.

Lord Guan led his troops toward Jingzhou, but as the army marched, many officers and men deserted and returned to Jingzhou. His hatred and fury increased, and he pressed the army onward. Suddenly great shouts arose, and a body of troops barred the road. Their leading general was Jiang Qin, who reined in his horse, leveled his spear, and cried, “Yun Chang, why do you not surrender at once?” Lord Guan cursed him: “I am a general of Han! How could I surrender to traitors?” He urged forward his horse, brandished his sword, and charged straight at Jiang Qin. Before three bouts had passed, Jiang Qin turned and fled. Lord Guan pursued him for more than twenty li, sword in hand, when shouts suddenly arose. From a valley on the left, Han Dang led troops charging out; from a valley on the right, Zhou Tai led another force; and Jiang Qin wheeled his horse and returned to the fight. The three armies attacked from three directions. Lord Guan hastily withdrew his troops and retreated. After traveling an untold number of li, he saw a crowd gathered on a southern ridge. A white banner fluttered above them, bearing the words “Natives of Jingzhou,” and they all cried, “Men of this region, surrender at once!” Lord Guan was enraged and wished to charge up the ridge and slay them. But two more armies burst from behind the folds of the hills: Ding Feng on the left and Xu Sheng on the right. Joining forces with the three armies under Jiang Qin and the others, they raised earth-shaking shouts while drums and horns clamored to the heavens, trapping Lord Guan at the heart of the encirclement. The officers and men under him gradually scattered.

By the time the fighting continued into dusk, Lord Guan looked into the distance and saw that all four surrounding hills were covered with soldiers from Jingzhou, calling to elder brothers and younger brothers, seeking sons and searching for fathers, their cries never ceasing. The hearts of his troops changed entirely, and they answered the calls and went over to them. Lord Guan shouted for them to stop, but could not restrain them. Only a little more than three hundred followers remained. They fought on until the third watch, when suddenly shouts rose to the eastern sky. Guan Ping and Liao Hua had divided their troops into two columns and cut their way into the tight encirclement, rescuing Lord Guan. Guan Ping reported, “The army’s morale is in chaos. We must obtain a city in which to encamp for the time being while awaiting relief. Though Maicheng is small, it is sufficient for us to hold.” Lord Guan agreed. He urged the remnants of his army onward to Maicheng, divided his troops to guard all four gates closely, and gathered his officers for counsel. Zhao Lei said, “Shangyong is near this place, and Liu Feng and Meng Da are now stationed there. We should quickly send someone to request relief troops. If that force can come to our aid, we can wait until the army from Sichuan arrives in strength, and the hearts of our men will naturally be steadied.”

While they were still deliberating, it was suddenly reported that the Wu army had arrived and surrounded the city on all four sides. Lord Guan asked, “Who dares break through the encirclement and go to Shangyong to seek relief?” Liao Hua replied, “I am willing to go.” Guan Ping said, “I will escort you through the enemy lines.” Lord Guan at once wrote a letter and gave it to Liao Hua to conceal upon his person. After eating his fill, Liao Hua mounted his horse, the gate was opened, and he rode out of the city. He encountered the Wu general Ding Feng blocking the way, but Guan Ping charged and fought with all his strength. Ding Feng was defeated and fled. Seizing the opportunity, Liao Hua cut his way through the encirclement and went toward Shangyong. Guan Ping returned to the city and held firm without coming out again.

Now after Liu Feng and Meng Da had taken Shangyong, its governor Shen Dan led his people in surrender. The King of Hanzhong had therefore appointed Liu Feng Deputy General and ordered him to guard Shangyong together with Meng Da. On that day they learned from scouts that Lord Guan’s army had been defeated. While the two were discussing the matter, word suddenly came that Liao Hua had arrived. Liu Feng ordered him admitted and asked why he had come. Liao Hua said, “Lord Guan’s army has been defeated, and he is now trapped in Maicheng under the most urgent siege. The relief army from Shu cannot arrive within a day or a night. He therefore specially ordered me to break through the encirclement and come here to seek aid. I beg you, Generals, to muster the troops of Shangyong at once and save him from this peril. If there is the slightest delay, Lord Guan will surely be lost.” Liu Feng replied, “Rest for the moment, General, and allow me to consider the matter.”

Liao Hua went to rest at the posthouse and waited intently for the troops to be sent out. Liu Feng said to Meng Da, “My uncle is besieged. What are we to do?” Meng Da replied, “Eastern Wu’s troops are elite and its generals valiant. Moreover, all nine commanderies of Jingzhou now belong to them; only Maicheng remains, a tiny patch of ground. I have also heard that Cao Cao is personally commanding a great army of four or five hundred thousand men encamped at Mobei. With the forces of our mountain city, how could we withstand the mighty armies of those two houses? We must not move rashly against such enemies.” Liu Feng said, “I know this too. Yet Lord Guan is my uncle. How can I bear to sit by and refuse to rescue him?” Meng Da laughed and said, “You may regard Lord Guan as your uncle, General, but I fear Lord Guan may not regard you as his nephew. I have heard that when the King of Hanzhong first adopted you as his heir, Lord Guan was displeased. Later, after the King of Hanzhong ascended to his rank, he wished to designate a successor and asked Kongming’s advice. Kongming said, ‘This is a family affair. You need only ask Guan and Zhang.’ The King of Hanzhong therefore sent a man to Jingzhou to ask Lord Guan. Lord Guan said that since you, General, were merely an adopted son, you must not presumptuously be established as heir. He advised the King of Hanzhong to send you far away to the mountain stronghold of Shangyong, so as to prevent future trouble. Everyone knows of this matter. Can it be that you alone do not? Why, then, do you still cling to this bond of uncle and nephew and wish to act rashly at such risk?” Liu Feng said, “What you say is true, but with what words can we refuse him?” Meng Da replied, “Say only that the mountain city has but recently submitted, that the people’s allegiance is not yet settled, and that you dare not recklessly raise troops for fear of losing the place you are charged to defend.” Liu Feng followed his advice. The next day he summoned Liao Hua and said, “This mountain city has only recently submitted. We are unable to divide our troops and send aid.” Liao Hua was horrified. Knocking his head against the ground, he cried, “If this is so, Lord Guan is finished!” Meng Da said, “Even if we went now, how could one cup of water extinguish a cartload of burning firewood? Return quickly, General, and wait quietly for the troops from Shu to arrive.” Liao Hua wailed bitterly and continued pleading, but Liu Feng and Meng Da both flicked their sleeves and withdrew inside. Knowing that the affair would not succeed, Liao Hua decided that he must appeal to the King of Hanzhong for aid. He mounted his horse, rode cursing out of the city, and headed toward Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Lord Guan waited in Maicheng for the troops from Shangyong, but no sign of movement appeared. He had only five or six hundred men under him, more than half of them wounded. There was no grain in the city, and their suffering was severe. Suddenly it was reported that a man below the walls was calling for the defenders not to shoot, saying that he had words for Your Lordship. Lord Guan ordered that he be admitted. When questioned, the man proved to be Zhuge Jin. After the courtesies had been exchanged and tea served, Zhuge Jin said, “I have now come by command of the Marquis of Wu expressly to offer counsel to you, General. As the ancient saying goes, ‘He who recognizes the demands of the time is a true hero.’ All nine commanderies along the Han that you once commanded now belong to another. You possess only this isolated city, with no grain or fodder within and no relief army without. Destruction may come at any hour. Why do you not heed my words and submit to the Marquis of Wu? You may then once more be entrusted with the defense of Jingzhou and Xiangyang, and your entire family will be preserved. I beg Your Lordship to consider the matter carefully.” Lord Guan’s expression became stern as he replied, “I am but a warrior from Xieliang, yet my lord has treated me as his own brother. How could I betray righteousness and submit to an enemy state? If the city falls, there will be nothing but death. Jade may be shattered, but its whiteness cannot be changed; bamboo may be burned, but its joints cannot be destroyed. Though my body perish, my name shall be handed down in the records of history. Say no more. Leave the city at once. I mean to fight Sun Quan to the death!” Zhuge Jin said, “The Marquis of Wu wishes to form a marriage alliance with Your Lordship, join forces to destroy Cao, and together uphold the House of Han. He has no other intention. Why does Your Lordship persist so blindly?”

Before Zhuge Jin had finished, Guan Ping drew his sword and stepped forward, intending to kill him. Lord Guan stopped him, saying, “His younger brother Kongming is in Shu, assisting your uncle. If we kill this man now, we will wound the affection between the brothers.” He then ordered his attendants to drive Zhuge Jin out. His face filled with shame, Zhuge Jin mounted his horse, left the city, and returned to the Marquis of Wu. He said, “Lord Guan’s heart is like iron and stone. He cannot be persuaded.” Sun Quan said, “He is a truly loyal minister! But what are we to do with a man like this?” Lü Fan said, “Allow me to divine whether fortune or calamity awaits him.” Sun Quan ordered him to make the divination. Lü Fan divided the yarrow stalks and formed the hexagram “The Army,” with Earth above Water; moreover, the Black Tortoise occupied the responding place, signifying that the enemy would flee far away. Sun Quan asked Lü Meng, “The hexagram says the enemy will flee far away. By what plan will you capture him?” Lü Meng laughed and replied, “The hexagram agrees precisely with my design. Though Lord Guan possessed wings that could soar to heaven, he could not fly beyond my net!” Just so:

A dragon sporting in a ravine is mocked by shrimp;A phoenix entering a cage is bullied by common birds.

What, in the end, was Lü Meng’s plan? Read on to learn how it unfolded.

Xu Huang Battles at the Mian River; Guan Yu Flees Defeat to Maicheng

Now Mi Fang, hearing that Jingzhou had already been lost, was at a loss for what to do. Suddenly, a report came that Fu Shiren, the defender of Gong’an, had arrived. Mi Fang hurriedly welcomed him into the city and asked what had happened. Fu Shiren said, “It is not that I am disloyal, but the situation was desperate and my strength exhausted, so I could no longer hold out. I have now surrendered to Eastern Wu. You, too, would do better to surrender without delay.” Mi Fang said, “We have received great kindness from the King of Hanzhong. How could we bear to betray him?” Fu Shiren said, “When Lord Guan left, he bitterly resented the two of us. If he returns victorious one day, he certainly will not forgive us lightly. Consider it carefully.” Mi Fang said, “My brother and I have long served the King of Hanzhong. How could I turn against him overnight?” While he was still hesitating, a report suddenly came that a messenger sent by Lord Guan had arrived. The messenger was brought into the hall and said, “Lord Guan’s army is short of provisions. He has specially ordered Nanjun and Gong’an to supply one hundred thousand shi of white rice. The two generals are to transport it through the night and deliver it at the front. If there is any delay, you will be beheaded at once.” Mi Fang was greatly alarmed and turned to Fu Shiren. “Now that Jingzhou has been taken by Eastern Wu, how can this grain possibly get through?” Fu Shiren shouted sternly, “There is no need for further hesitation!” He drew his sword and killed the messenger in the hall. Mi Fang cried in alarm, “What have you done?” Fu Shiren said, “Lord Guan’s intention is precisely to behead the two of us. How can we sit with folded hands and wait for death? If you do not surrender to Eastern Wu at once, Lord Guan will certainly kill you.” As they spoke, a report suddenly came that Lü Meng had led troops to attack the city. Mi Fang was greatly alarmed and went out of the city with Fu Shiren to surrender. Lü Meng was delighted and brought them before Sun Quan, who rewarded them generously. After pacifying the people, Sun Quan lavishly feasted the entire army.

At that time Cao Cao was in Xudu, discussing the affairs of Jingzhou with his advisers, when a report suddenly came that Eastern Wu had sent an envoy bearing a letter. Cao Cao summoned him in, and the envoy presented the letter. Cao Cao opened and read it. It explained in detail that Wu’s forces were about to make a surprise attack on Jingzhou and asked Cao Cao to attack Guan Yu from the other side. It also urged him not to reveal the plan, lest Guan Yu be put on his guard. Cao Cao discussed the matter with his advisers. Registrar Dong Zhao said, “Fancheng is now under siege, craning its neck in hope of rescue. It would be best to have someone shoot this letter into Fancheng to reassure the army. At the same time, let Lord Guan learn that Eastern Wu is about to attack Jingzhou. Fearing the loss of Jingzhou, he will certainly withdraw quickly. Then have Xu Huang take advantage of the moment and strike him during his retreat, and complete victory may be won.” Cao Cao followed his plan. On one hand, he sent a man to urge Xu Huang to attack without delay; on the other, he personally led a great army directly to Yangling Slope south of Luoyang and encamped there to rescue Cao Ren.

Now Xu Huang was sitting in his tent when a report suddenly came that an envoy from the King of Wei had arrived. Xu Huang received him and asked his purpose. The envoy said, “The King of Wei has now led his army past Luoyang. He orders you to attack Lord Guan without delay and lift the siege of Fancheng.” As he spoke, a scout reported, “Guan Ping has troops stationed at Yancheng, and Liao Hua has troops stationed at the Four Mounds. There are twelve fortified camps from front to rear, all continuously linked.” Xu Huang immediately ordered his deputy commanders, Xu Shang and Lü Jian, to go to Yancheng under banners bearing Xu Huang’s name and engage Guan Ping. Xu Huang himself led five hundred elite soldiers along the Mian River to attack the rear of Yancheng.

When Guan Ping heard that Xu Huang had personally led troops against him, he brought out his own forces to meet the enemy. The two armies formed their battle lines, and Guan Ping rode out to engage Xu Shang. After only three bouts, Xu Shang was soundly defeated and fled. Lü Jian came out to fight, but after five or six bouts he too was defeated and fled. Guan Ping pursued his victory for more than twenty li, when a report suddenly came that a fire had broken out inside the city. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, Guan Ping hurriedly wheeled his troops around to rescue Yancheng, only to encounter a body of troops drawn up before him. Xu Huang sat on horseback beneath his commander’s standard and shouted, “My worthy nephew Guan Ping, how ignorant you are of your approaching death! Your Jingzhou has already been seized by Eastern Wu, yet you are still running wild here!” Guan Ping was furious. He spurred his horse forward, brandished his saber, and charged straight at Xu Huang. Before they had fought three or four bouts, the armies began shouting, and flames rose high inside Yancheng. Guan Ping dared not continue the fight. He hacked open a path and fled directly toward the camp at the Four Mounds, where Liao Hua received him. Liao Hua said, “People are saying that Jingzhou has already been taken in a surprise attack by Lü Meng. The soldiers are panicking. What are we to do?” Guan Ping said, “This must be a false rumor. Behead any soldier who repeats it.”

Suddenly, an express rider arrived and reported that the first encampment to the north was under attack by troops led by Xu Huang. Guan Ping said, “If the first encampment is lost, how can any of the other camps remain secure? This place is protected by the Mian River, so the enemy will not dare come here. You and I will go together to rescue the first encampment.” Liao Hua summoned his subordinate officers and instructed them, “Hold this camp firmly. If the enemy comes, light the signal fires at once.” The officers said, “The Four Mounds camp has ten layers of wooden barricades. Not even a bird could fly in. Why should we fear the enemy?” Guan Ping and Liao Hua then took all the elite troops from the Four Mounds camp and rushed to the first encampment, where they took up their positions. Guan Ping saw that the Wei troops were camped on low hills and said to Liao Hua, “Xu Huang has chosen unfavorable ground for his camp. Tonight we can lead troops in a raid against it.” Liao Hua said, “Take half the troops with you, General. I will carefully defend our own camp.”

That night Guan Ping led a force into the Wei camp but found no one there. Realizing it was a trap, he hastily began to withdraw, but Xu Shang attacked from the left and Lü Jian from the right, striking from both sides. Guan Ping suffered a crushing defeat and retreated to his camp. The Wei troops pursued their advantage, surrounded the camp on all sides, and attacked. Guan Ping and Liao Hua could not hold out. They abandoned the first encampment and fled directly toward the Four Mounds camp, but from a distance they could already see flames rising within it. When they hurried to the front of the camp, they saw nothing but Wei banners. Guan Ping and the others withdrew their troops and hastened toward the main road to Fancheng. An army blocked the way ahead, led by the great general Xu Huang. Guan Ping and Liao Hua fought desperately, forced open a road, and escaped. After returning to the main camp, they went before Lord Guan and reported, “Xu Huang has now seized Yancheng and the other positions. In addition, Cao Cao has personally led a great army in three columns to rescue Fancheng. Many people are also saying that Jingzhou has been attacked and taken by Lü Meng.” Lord Guan shouted, “That is merely a false rumor spread by the enemy to throw our army into confusion! Lü Meng of Eastern Wu is gravely ill, and the young Lu Xun has replaced him. He is no cause for concern!”

Before he had finished speaking, a report suddenly came that Xu Huang’s army had arrived, and Lord Guan ordered his horse prepared. Guan Ping remonstrated, “Father, your body has not yet recovered. You must not engage the enemy.” Lord Guan said, “Xu Huang and I are old acquaintances, and I know his abilities well. If he refuses to withdraw, I will behead him first as a warning to the other Wei generals.” He put on his armor, took up his saber, mounted his horse, and rode out boldly. When the Wei soldiers saw him, not one of them was without fear. Lord Guan reined in his horse and asked, “Where is Xu Gongming?” The banners at the gate of the Wei camp parted, and Xu Huang rode out. Bowing slightly from horseback, he said, “Since I parted from you, Lord Guan, several years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never imagined that your hair and beard would already have turned gray. I remember following you in the vigor of our youth and receiving much instruction from you. I remain grateful and have never forgotten it. Now your heroic renown shakes all the realm of Huaxia, and when your old friend hears of it, I cannot help but sigh in admiration! I am fortunate to see you again today, which deeply satisfies my long-felt longing.” Lord Guan said, “Gongming, the friendship between us is deep and unlike my relations with others. Why, then, have you repeatedly driven my son into such desperate straits?” Xu Huang looked back at his generals and shouted sternly, “Whoever takes Guan Yunchang’s head will receive a thousand pieces of gold!” Lord Guan said in astonishment, “Gongming, why do you say such a thing?” Xu Huang replied, “Today’s matter concerns the state. I dare not sacrifice public duty for private friendship.”

With that, Xu Huang swung his great battle-ax and charged straight at Lord Guan. Lord Guan was furious and met him with his saber. They fought for more than eighty bouts. Although Lord Guan’s martial skill was unequaled, his right arm still lacked strength. Fearing that something might happen to him, Guan Ping urgently sounded the gong for retreat. Lord Guan wheeled his horse around and returned toward the camp, when suddenly tremendous shouts arose on every side. Cao Ren in Fancheng had heard that Cao Cao’s relief army had arrived, so he led his forces out of the city and joined Xu Huang in attacking from two sides. The Jingzhou troops fell into complete disorder. Lord Guan mounted his horse and led his generals in a hurried flight toward the upper reaches of the Xiang River. The Wei troops pursued from behind. Lord Guan hastily crossed the Xiang River and fled toward Xiangyang. Suddenly, an express rider arrived and reported, “Jingzhou has already been seized by Lü Meng, and your family has fallen into his hands.” Lord Guan was greatly alarmed. Not daring to continue toward Xiangyang, he led his troops toward Gong’an. Another scout reported, “Fu Shiren at Gong’an has already surrendered to Eastern Wu.” Lord Guan was furious. Suddenly, an officer responsible for transporting provisions arrived and reported, “Fu Shiren of Gong’an went to Nanjun, killed your messenger, and persuaded Mi Fang to surrender with him to Eastern Wu.”

When Lord Guan heard this, rage choked him. His wound split open, and he fell unconscious to the ground. His generals revived him. Turning to Military Adviser Wang Fu, he said, “I regret that I did not listen to you. Today what you warned me of has indeed happened!” He then asked, “Why were no signal fires raised anywhere along the river?” A scout replied, “Lü Meng had all his sailors dress in white and disguise themselves as traveling merchants crossing the river. He concealed elite troops inside the vessels and first captured the soldiers guarding the beacon towers. That is why no fires could be raised.” Lord Guan stamped his foot and sighed. “I have fallen into the villain’s scheme! How can I face my elder brother now?” Zhao Lei, the commander in charge of provisions, said, “The situation is now urgent. We should send men to Chengdu to request aid while taking the overland route to recover Jingzhou.” Lord Guan followed his advice. He sent Ma Liang and Yi Ji with three dispatches, ordering them to travel through the night to Chengdu and request aid. Meanwhile, he led his army toward Jingzhou. He personally commanded the vanguard, leaving Liao Hua and Guan Ping to cover the rear.

Now that the siege of Fancheng had been lifted, Cao Ren led his generals to see Cao Cao. Weeping, he bowed and asked forgiveness. Cao Cao said, “This was ordained by Heaven. It was not your fault.” Cao Cao generously rewarded the entire army, then personally went to the Four Mounds camp and inspected it all around. Turning to his generals, he said, “The Jingzhou army had dug encircling trenches and erected several layers of wooden barricades, yet Xu Gongming penetrated deep among them and achieved complete victory. I have commanded armies for more than thirty years, but I have never dared drive straight into an enemy’s encirclement. Gongming truly possesses both courage and judgment!” Everyone sighed in admiration. Cao Cao withdrew his army and encamped at Mobei. When Xu Huang’s troops arrived, Cao Cao personally came out of the camp to welcome him. He saw that Xu Huang’s soldiers marched in perfect formation, without the least disorder. Cao Cao was delighted and said, “General Xu truly has the bearing of Zhou Yafu!” He appointed Xu Huang General Who Pacifies the South and ordered him to guard Xiangyang together with Xiahou Shang, so as to block Lord Guan’s army. Since the situation in Jingzhou was not yet settled, Cao Cao kept his troops stationed at Mobei to await further news.

Meanwhile, Lord Guan found himself on the road to Jingzhou with no path forward or back. He said to Zhao Lei, “At present there are Wu troops ahead and Wei troops behind. I am caught between them, and our reinforcements have not arrived. What are we to do?” Zhao Lei said, “When Lü Meng was at Lukou, he wrote to you and established friendly relations between our two sides, agreeing that we would join together to destroy the traitor Cao. Now he has aided Cao and launched a surprise attack against us. This is a betrayal of the alliance. Station the army here for the moment, Lord Guan, and send Lü Meng a letter rebuking him. Let us see how he answers.” Lord Guan followed his advice, wrote a letter, and sent an envoy to Jingzhou.

Now Lü Meng was in Jingzhou, where he issued an order that throughout all the commanderies of Jingzhou, no Wu soldier was to disturb the households of officers and soldiers who had gone on campaign with Lord Guan. Those households were to receive a monthly allotment of grain and rice, and anyone who fell ill was to be treated by a physician. The soldiers’ families were grateful for his kindness and remained peacefully in their homes. Suddenly, a report came that Lord Guan’s envoy had arrived. Lü Meng went outside the city to welcome him, escorted him within, and treated him with the courtesy due a guest. The envoy presented Lord Guan’s letter to Lü Meng. After reading it, Lü Meng said to him, “In former days, my friendship with General Guan was based on my own private judgment. What has happened today was done on orders from above, and I had no authority to decide otherwise. Please return and convey my respectful regards to the general in tactful terms.” He then held a banquet for the envoy and sent him to the official guesthouse to rest. The families of the soldiers away on campaign all came to ask for news. Some entrusted the envoy with letters, while others asked him to carry verbal messages. All said that their households were safe and lacked neither clothing nor food. The envoy took his leave of Lü Meng, who personally escorted him out of the city. When the envoy returned to Lord Guan, he gave a full account of Lü Meng’s words and also reported that Lord Guan’s honored family and the families of all his generals in Jingzhou were unharmed and lacked nothing in their provisions. Lord Guan was furious. “This is that villain’s scheme! If I cannot kill him while I live, I will kill him after death and avenge my hatred!” He shouted at the envoy to leave. When the envoy went out of the camp, the generals all came to ask about their families. He told them in full that every family was well, that Lü Meng had shown them the greatest kindness and care, and he delivered the letters to the various generals. The generals were delighted, and all desire to fight left them.

Lord Guan led his army toward Jingzhou, but as they marched, many officers and soldiers deserted and returned to Jingzhou. Lord Guan grew still more angry and resentful and urged the army onward. Suddenly, tremendous shouts arose, and a body of troops blocked the way. The great general at their head was Jiang Qin. Reining in his horse and leveling his spear, he shouted, “Yunchang, why do you not surrender at once?” Lord Guan cursed him. “I am a general of Han! How could I surrender to rebels?” He spurred his horse, brandished his saber, and charged directly at Jiang Qin. Before three bouts had passed, Jiang Qin was defeated and fled. Lord Guan pursued him with his saber for more than twenty li, when shouts suddenly arose. Han Dang led troops charging out from a valley on the left, while Zhou Tai led troops from a valley on the right. Jiang Qin wheeled his horse around and resumed the fight, and the three forces attacked from three directions. Lord Guan hurriedly withdrew his army. After traveling an unknown number of li, he saw a crowd gathered on the southern ridge, where a white banner fluttered in invitation. On it were written the four words “Natives of Jingzhou.” The crowd shouted, “All men from this region, surrender at once!” Lord Guan was furious and wanted to charge up the ridge and kill them. Two more armies suddenly rushed out from behind the hills, Ding Feng on the left and Xu Sheng on the right. They joined with the three forces under Jiang Qin and the others. Their shouts shook the earth, and their drums and horns thundered to the sky as they trapped Lord Guan in the center of their encirclement. His officers and soldiers gradually scattered.

By the time the fighting continued into dusk, Lord Guan looked into the distance and saw Jingzhou soldiers on all the surrounding hills, calling for their elder and younger brothers, searching for their sons, and seeking their fathers. Their cries never ceased. The morale of his army collapsed completely, and his men answered the calls and left. Lord Guan shouted for them to stop but could not restrain them. Only a little more than three hundred followers remained. They fought until the third watch, when shouts suddenly rose to the eastern sky. Guan Ping and Liao Hua had divided their troops into two forces and broken through the encirclement to rescue Lord Guan. Guan Ping reported, “The army’s morale is in chaos. We must obtain a city where we can station ourselves temporarily and wait for reinforcements. Though Maicheng is small, it is sufficient for us to garrison.” Lord Guan agreed and urged the remnants of his army onward to Maicheng. He divided the troops to guard the four gates closely, then gathered his officers to discuss their situation. Zhao Lei said, “Shangyong is nearby, and Liu Feng and Meng Da are presently guarding it. We should quickly send someone to request reinforcements. If that army can come to our aid, we can wait until the main army from Sichuan arrives, and the morale of our troops will naturally be restored.”

While they were still discussing the matter, a report suddenly came that the Wu army had arrived and completely surrounded the city on all four sides. Lord Guan asked, “Who dares break through the encirclement and go to Shangyong to request aid?” Liao Hua said, “I am willing to go.” Guan Ping said, “I will escort you through the encirclement.” Lord Guan immediately wrote a letter and gave it to Liao Hua to conceal on his person. After eating his fill, Liao Hua mounted his horse, opened the gate, and rode out of the city. He immediately encountered the Wu general Ding Feng, who blocked his way, but Guan Ping fought with all his strength and broke through. Ding Feng was defeated and fled. Taking advantage of the opening, Liao Hua fought his way out of the encirclement and headed for Shangyong. Guan Ping returned to the city and held it firmly without coming out again.

Now after Liu Feng and Meng Da had taken Shangyong, its governor, Shen Dan, led his followers in surrender. The King of Hanzhong therefore appointed Liu Feng Deputy General and ordered him to defend Shangyong together with Meng Da. That day they learned from scouts that Lord Guan had been defeated. While the two were discussing the matter, a report suddenly came that Liao Hua had arrived. Liu Feng ordered him admitted and asked why he had come. Liao Hua said, “Lord Guan has been defeated and is now trapped in Maicheng, which is under an extremely urgent siege. Reinforcements from Shu cannot arrive within a day or two. He therefore specially ordered me to break through the encirclement and come here to request aid. I ask the two generals to mobilize the troops of Shangyong without delay and rescue him from this danger. If there is the slightest delay, Lord Guan will certainly be lost.” Liu Feng said, “Rest for now, General, and allow me to consider the matter.”

Liao Hua went to rest at the official guesthouse and waited intently for the troops to be dispatched. Liu Feng said to Meng Da, “My uncle is trapped. What are we to do?” Meng Da said, “Eastern Wu has elite soldiers and valiant generals. Moreover, all nine commanderies of Jingzhou now belong to them, and only Maicheng remains, a tiny place no larger than a pellet. I have also heard that Cao Cao is personally commanding a great army of four or five hundred thousand men stationed at Mobei. With the forces of our mountain city, how could we possibly resist the powerful armies of both sides? We must not confront them rashly.” Liu Feng said, “I know that as well. But Lord Guan is my uncle. How can I bear to sit and watch without rescuing him?” Meng Da laughed and said, “You regard Lord Guan as your uncle, but I fear Lord Guan may not regard you as his nephew. I have heard that when the King of Hanzhong first adopted you as his heir, Lord Guan was displeased. Later, after the King of Hanzhong assumed his present rank, he wanted to designate a successor and asked Kongming about it. Kongming said, ‘This is a family matter. You need only ask Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.’ The King of Hanzhong therefore sent someone to Jingzhou to ask Lord Guan. Lord Guan said that you were merely an adopted son and must not usurp the position of heir. He advised the King of Hanzhong to place you far away in the mountain city of Shangyong, thereby preventing future trouble. Everyone knows this. Can it be that you alone do not? Why do you still cling to the bond of uncle and nephew and wish to take reckless action at such risk?” Liu Feng said, “What you say is true, but what excuse can we give him?” Meng Da said, “Simply say that the mountain city has only recently submitted, that the people’s loyalties are not yet settled, and that we dare not rashly send out troops for fear of losing the territory we guard.” Liu Feng followed his advice. The next day he summoned Liao Hua and said, “This mountain city has only recently submitted, so we cannot divide our troops to rescue him.” Liao Hua was horrified. Knocking his head against the ground, he cried, “If that is so, then Lord Guan is finished!” Meng Da said, “Even if we went now, how could a cup of water extinguish a cartload of burning firewood? Return quickly, General, and calmly wait for the army from Shu to arrive.” Liao Hua wept bitterly and begged them for aid. Liu Feng and Meng Da both swept their sleeves in refusal and went inside. Realizing that the matter was hopeless, Liao Hua decided he must appeal to the King of Hanzhong for help. He mounted his horse, rode out of the city cursing them, and headed toward Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Lord Guan waited in Maicheng for the troops from Shangyong to arrive, but there was no sign of movement. He had only five or six hundred men left under his command, and more than half were wounded. There were no provisions in the city, and their hardship was extreme. Suddenly, it was reported that a man below the walls was asking them not to shoot and saying that he had words for Lord Guan. Lord Guan ordered that he be admitted. When questioned, the man proved to be Zhuge Jin. After the formal courtesies had been exchanged and tea had been served, Zhuge Jin said, “I have come on the Marquis of Wu’s orders especially to offer you counsel, General. Since ancient times it has been said, ‘He who understands the demands of the times is a true hero.’ All nine commanderies along the Han River that you once commanded now belong to another. You have only this isolated city, with no provisions within and no relieving army without. Your destruction may come at any moment. Why not follow my advice and submit to the Marquis of Wu? You can then resume command over Jingzhou and Xiangyang and preserve your entire family. I hope you will consider it carefully, Lord Guan.” Lord Guan replied sternly, “I am only a warrior from Jieliang, yet my lord has treated me as his own brother. How could I betray righteousness and go over to an enemy state? If the city falls, I need only die. Jade may be shattered, but its whiteness cannot be changed; bamboo may be burned, but its integrity cannot be destroyed. Though my body may perish, my name will be handed down in the written records. Say no more. Leave the city at once. I mean to fight Sun Quan to the death!” Zhuge Jin said, “The Marquis of Wu wishes to form a marriage alliance with you like those between Qin and Jin, then join forces with you to defeat Cao Cao and support the imperial house of Han. He has no other intention. Why do you persist so obstinately in your error?”

Before Zhuge Jin had finished speaking, Guan Ping drew his sword and stepped forward, intending to kill him. Lord Guan stopped him and said, “His younger brother Kongming is in Shu assisting your uncle. If we kill him now, it will wound the bond between the brothers.” He then ordered his attendants to drive Zhuge Jin out. His face filled with shame, Zhuge Jin mounted his horse, left the city, and returned to the Marquis of Wu. He said, “Lord Guan’s heart is as unyielding as iron and stone. He cannot be persuaded.” Sun Quan said, “He is truly a loyal minister! What are we to do with a man like this?” Lü Fan said, “Allow me to divine whether his fate will be fortunate or disastrous.” Sun Quan immediately ordered him to perform the divination. Lü Fan manipulated the yarrow stalks and formed the hexagram “The Army,” Earth over Water. The Black Tortoise also occupied the responding line, signifying that the enemy would flee far away. Sun Quan asked Lü Meng, “The hexagram says the enemy will flee far away. By what strategy will you capture him?” Lü Meng laughed and said, “The hexagram perfectly matches my plan. Even if Lord Guan had wings that could soar to heaven, he would not escape my net!” Truly:

A dragon roaming gullies falls prey to shrimps at play;A phoenix enters a cage and is bullied by common birds.

What Lü Meng’s plan would ultimately be will be revealed in the next chapter.