Chapter 83

The First Emperor Finds His Enemy at Xiaoting; a Scholar Is Appointed Commander at the River Gate

Now in the spring of the second year of Zhangwu, in the first month, Huang Zhong, the Martial-Might General of the Rear, accompanied the First Emperor on his campaign against Wu. When he suddenly heard the First Emperor say that old generals were of no use, he seized his sword, mounted his horse, and, taking only five or six personal attendants, went straight to the camp at Yiling. Wu Ban, Zhang Nan, and Feng Xi received him and asked, “What circumstance brings the old general here?” Huang Zhong replied, “From the time I followed the Son of Heaven out of Changsha until this day, I have rendered many arduous services. Though I am now past seventy, I can eat ten catties of meat, draw a two-stone bow, and ride a horse that covers a thousand li. I am not yet old. Yesterday His Majesty said that men such as we were aged and useless. Therefore I have come to cross swords with Eastern Wu. Watch me behead their generals, and then see whether I am old or not!”

While they were still speaking, a report suddenly came that the vanguard of Wu had arrived and its scouts were approaching the camp. Huang Zhong sprang up in high spirits, left the tent, and mounted his horse. Feng Xi and the others urged him, “Old General, do not advance rashly.” Huang Zhong ignored them and galloped away. Wu Ban ordered Feng Xi to lead troops after him in support. Before the Wu battle line, Huang Zhong reined in his horse, leveled his sword, and challenged their vanguard commander Pan Zhang to single combat. Pan Zhang sent his subordinate Shi Ji riding out. Taking Huang Zhong for an easy mark because of his age, Shi Ji leveled his spear and engaged him; but before three bouts had passed, Huang Zhong cut him from the saddle with a single stroke. Pan Zhang flew into a rage and came against Huang Zhong, brandishing the Green Dragon saber once wielded by Lord Guan. They fought several bouts without deciding the issue. Huang Zhong pressed him fiercely with all his strength; Pan Zhang, realizing he could not prevail, wheeled his horse and fled. Huang Zhong pursued, exploiting his advantage, then returned in complete triumph. On the road he met Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. Guan Xing said, “We have come by imperial command to assist the old general. Since you have already won distinction, please return to camp at once.” Huang Zhong would not listen.

The next day Pan Zhang again came forth to challenge him. Huang Zhong mounted in high spirits. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao wished to aid him, but Huang Zhong refused; Wu Ban wished to aid him as well, but again Huang Zhong refused. He led only five thousand troops out to meet the enemy. Before they had fought several bouts, Pan Zhang trailed his saber and fled. Huang Zhong spurred after him, crying in a terrible voice, “Rebel general, do not flee! Today I shall avenge Lord Guan!” He pursued for more than thirty li when shouts suddenly thundered on every side and ambushing troops poured forth together. Zhou Tai was on his right, Han Dang on his left, Pan Zhang before him, and Ling Tong behind, trapping Huang Zhong at the very heart of the encirclement. Suddenly a violent wind arose. As Huang Zhong hastened to withdraw, Ma Zhong appeared on the hillside leading a body of troops and loosed an arrow that struck Huang Zhong in the hollow of the shoulder, nearly knocking him from his horse. Seeing him wounded, the Wu troops attacked from all sides. Then great shouts rose behind them as two forces charged in. The Wu soldiers scattered, and Huang Zhong was rescued by Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. The two young generals escorted him straight to the imperial camp. Huang Zhong was old and his blood was weak; the arrow wound throbbed and split with pain, and his condition became grave. The First Emperor came in person to see him and, stroking his back, said, “That the old general should suffer this wound is Our fault!” Huang Zhong said, “Your servant is but a fighting man, fortunate enough to have encountered Your Majesty. This year I am seventy-five; my allotted years have been enough. I pray Your Majesty guard well your sacred person and strive to recover the Central Plain!” When he had spoken, he lost consciousness, and that night he died in the imperial camp. A later poet lamented him:

Of veteran generals, Huang Zhong was renowned;In taking the Riverlands, great glory he found.Again in linked armor of gold he arrayed,And drew with both arms the stout iron-framed bow.His courage and spirit struck Hebei with dread;His mighty name guarded the heartland of Shu.At death, though the hair on his head was like snow,He still showed the world the full stature of a hero.

When the First Emperor saw that Huang Zhong had breathed his last, his grief knew no bounds. He ordered that inner and outer coffins be prepared and that Huang Zhong be buried at Chengdu. The First Emperor sighed, “Of the Five Tiger Generals, three are already dead. Yet We still cannot avenge them. How deeply painful this is!” He then led the Imperial Guard straight to Xiaoting, assembled all his generals, and divided the army into eight columns to advance by both land and water. Huang Quan was ordered to command the troops on the waterways, while the First Emperor personally led the main army overland. It was then the middle of the second month of the second year of Zhangwu.

When Han Dang and Zhou Tai learned that the First Emperor had come in person on the campaign, they led their troops out to meet him. The two armies drew up facing each other. Han Dang and Zhou Tai rode forth and saw the First Emperor emerge in person by the gate banners of the Shu camp. Above him was a yellow silk parasol embroidered in gold; to either side were white yak-tail standards and yellow battle-axes; standards of gold and silver and insignia of command surrounded him before and behind. Han Dang shouted, “Your Majesty is now sovereign of Shu. Why do you risk yourself by coming forth in person? If some mishap should occur, what good would regret do then?” Pointing at him from afar, the First Emperor cursed, “You dogs of Wu wounded one who was as my own limb! I swear I will not share heaven and earth with you!” Han Dang turned to his generals and asked, “Who dares charge the troops of Shu?” His subordinate Xia Xun leveled his spear and rode out. From behind the First Emperor, Zhang Bao leveled his eighteen-foot serpent spear, spurred forth, and with a mighty roar rode straight at Xia Xun. Hearing Zhang Bao’s voice thunder like a great storm, Xia Xun’s heart filled with terror. Just as he was about to flee, Zhou Ping, the younger brother of Zhou Tai, saw that Xia Xun could not withstand his foe and came galloping up, flourishing his sword. At the sight, Guan Xing leaped his horse forward with saber raised to meet him. Zhang Bao gave another great shout and drove his spear into Xia Xun, hurling him backward from his saddle. Zhou Ping was so startled that he had no time to defend himself, and Guan Xing cut him down with one stroke. The two young generals then charged Han Dang and Zhou Tai, who fled hastily back into their ranks. Watching them, the First Emperor exclaimed, “A tiger father does not beget a cur!” He pointed with his imperial whip, and the Shu troops swept forward as one. The army of Wu suffered a crushing defeat. The eight columns surged onward like bursting springs, slaughtering the Wu soldiers until corpses covered the fields and blood flowed in rivers.

Now Gan Ning had been aboard ship recuperating from illness. When he learned that the Shu army had arrived in overwhelming force, he hurriedly mounted his horse, only to encounter a fierce body of tribal soldiers. Every man wore his hair loose and went barefoot, and they bore bows, crossbows, long spears, shields, swords, and axes. At their head was the tribal king Shamoke, whose face was red as if drenched in blood and whose blue eyes bulged from their sockets. He wielded an iron, burr-headed mace and wore two bows at his waist, presenting an awe-inspiring figure. Seeing the strength of his force, Gan Ning did not dare engage him and wheeled his horse to flee. Shamoke shot an arrow into his head. Gan Ning rode on with the arrow still lodged there until he reached Fuchikou, where he sat beneath a great tree and died. Hundreds of crows gathered in the branches above and circled his corpse. When the King of Wu heard of it, his grief was profound. He buried Gan Ning with full honors and erected a temple where sacrifices might be offered to him. A later poet lamented him:

Gan Xingba of the commandery of Wu,Whose brocaded vessels sailed the Yangtze’s flow—He repaid his lord, who prized him as a trusted friend,And for a friend turned enmity to amity.With light horsemen he raided the enemy camp;From a mighty bowl he made his soldiers drink.The sacred crows revealed his holy power;Incense shall burn to him through endless autumns.

Pressing his advantage, the First Emperor pursued and slaughtered the enemy, and so captured Xiaoting. The troops of Wu scattered in every direction. When the First Emperor recalled his forces, only Guan Xing was missing. Alarmed, he ordered Zhang Bao and the others to search for him on every side. Guan Xing, it appeared, had cut his way deep into the Wu ranks and there encountered his hated enemy Pan Zhang. He galloped in pursuit. Pan Zhang, greatly alarmed, fled into a mountain valley and disappeared. Guan Xing reasoned that he must still be somewhere in the mountains, but though he searched back and forth, he could not find him. Dusk gradually fell, and Guan Xing lost his bearings and strayed from the road. Fortunately, the stars and moon gave light. He continued through a remote mountain region until the second watch, when he reached a farmhouse, dismounted, and knocked at the gate. An old man came out and asked who he was. Guan Xing said, “I am a fighting general who has lost his way and come here. I beg a meal to appease my hunger.” The old man led him inside. Guan Xing saw bright candles burning in the main hall and, in its central place, a painted holy image of Lord Guan. Weeping aloud, he bowed before it. The old man asked, “Why does the general weep and bow?” Guan Xing replied, “This is my father.” At these words, the old man immediately bowed to Guan Xing. Guan Xing asked, “Why do you enshrine and honor my father?” The old man answered, “All this region lies under the honored god’s protection. While he lived, every household revered him—how much more now that he has become a god? This old man has wished only that the army of Shu might come swiftly to avenge him. Now that the general has arrived, the people here are blessed.” He then set out wine to entertain Guan Xing, took the saddle from his horse, and fed it.

After the third watch, someone else suddenly knocked at the outer gate. The old man went out and asked who it was. It proved to be the Wu general Pan Zhang, who had also come seeking lodging. No sooner had he entered the thatched hall than Guan Xing saw him, gripped his sword, and roared, “Rebel, do not flee!” Pan Zhang turned and rushed back outside. Suddenly a man entered through the outer gate, his face the color of a ripe date, his eyes like those of a crimson phoenix, his brows shaped like reclining silkworms, and three beautiful strands of beard floating from his chin. He wore a green robe and golden armor and entered with one hand upon his sword. Seeing that Lord Guan had manifested his sacred presence, Pan Zhang gave a great cry and his soul scattered in terror. He was about to turn when Guan Xing’s arm rose and his sword fell, cutting Pan Zhang down on the spot. Guan Xing cut out his heart and drained its blood as an offering before Lord Guan’s holy image. Having recovered his father’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade, he hung Pan Zhang’s head beneath his horse’s neck, took leave of the old man, mounted Pan Zhang’s horse, and set out for his own camp. The old man dragged Pan Zhang’s corpse outside and burned it.

Guan Xing had traveled countless li when he suddenly heard men shouting and horses neighing, and a fierce body of troops came upon him. Their leader was Ma Zhong, a subordinate of Pan Zhang. Ma Zhong saw that Guan Xing had killed his commander Pan Zhang and hung the severed head beneath his horse’s neck, and that he had also recovered the Green Dragon Blade. Bursting into a rage, he spurred forward to seize Guan Xing. Seeing in Ma Zhong one of the hated men responsible for his father’s death, Guan Xing’s fury soared to the stars. Raising the Green Dragon Blade, he hewed at Ma Zhong. Ma Zhong’s three hundred soldiers surged forward together with a single shout and surrounded Guan Xing at the heart of their encirclement. Alone and outnumbered, Guan Xing was in grave danger. Suddenly he saw a fierce body of troops charging from the northwest. It was Zhang Bao. When Ma Zhong saw the reinforcements arriving, he hastily withdrew with his men. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao pursued together. They had gone only a few li when Mi Fang and Fu Shiren appeared ahead, leading troops in search of Ma Zhong. The two forces joined, and a confused battle followed. Zhang Bao and Guan Xing had too few men and hurriedly withdrew. Returning to Xiaoting, they went before the First Emperor, presented Pan Zhang’s head, and gave a full account of the affair. The First Emperor marveled at it and rewarded the whole army.

Ma Zhong returned to Han Dang and Zhou Tai, who gathered their defeated forces and divided them among the various posts to hold them. The wounded soldiers were beyond counting. Ma Zhong took Fu Shiren and Mi Fang and encamped on an islet in the river. At the third watch that night, the soldiers’ weeping continued without cease. Listening secretly, Mi Fang heard one group say, “We are all soldiers of Jingzhou. Through Lü Meng’s treacherous scheme, our lord lost his life. Now Imperial Uncle Liu has come in person on campaign, and sooner or later Eastern Wu is finished. The men we hate are Mi Fang and Fu Shiren. Why do we not kill these two traitors and go surrender at the Shu camp? The merit would be no small thing.” Another group of soldiers said, “Do not be impatient. Let us wait for an opening, and then we will strike.” Hearing this, Mi Fang was greatly alarmed. He went to consult Fu Shiren and said, “The army’s loyalty is wavering. Our lives will be hard to preserve. The man the ruler of Shu hates most now is Ma Zhong. Why do we not kill him, take his head to the ruler of Shu, and declare, ‘We had no choice but to surrender to Wu. Now that we know Your Majesty has come in person, we have hastened especially to your camp to confess our guilt’?” Fu Shiren said, “We cannot. If we go, disaster will surely follow.” Mi Fang replied, “The ruler of Shu is generous, humane, and rich in virtue. Moreover, the Crown Prince Adou is my nephew. If he only remembers that I am kin to the imperial house, he will surely be unwilling to harm me.”

Their plan settled, the two men first prepared horses. At the third watch they entered Ma Zhong’s tent, stabbed him to death, and cut off his head. Taking several dozen horsemen, they rode straight toward Xiaoting. Troops guarding the road first conducted them before Zhang Nan and Feng Xi, to whom they related the whole affair. The next day they entered the imperial camp and appeared before the First Emperor. Presenting Ma Zhong’s head, they wept and pleaded, “Your servants truly harbored no thought of rebellion. Lü Meng deceived us with his treacherous scheme, declaring that Lord Guan was already dead, and tricked us into opening the city gates. We had no choice but to surrender. Now, hearing that Your Sacred Majesty had come, we slew this villain expressly to assuage Your Majesty’s hatred. We prostrate ourselves and beg Your Majesty to pardon our crime.” The First Emperor flew into a rage and said, “We left Chengdu long ago. Why did you two not come then to confess your guilt? Now that you see your position is perilous, you come with crafty words to preserve your lives! If We spare you, what face shall We have to meet Lord Guan beneath the Nine Springs?” Having spoken, he ordered Guan Xing to establish Lord Guan’s spirit tablet within the imperial camp. The First Emperor personally carried Ma Zhong’s head before it and offered sacrifice. He then ordered Guan Xing to strip Mi Fang and Fu Shiren of their clothes and make them kneel before the spirit tablet. With his own hand, Guan Xing sliced them to death as an offering to Lord Guan. Suddenly Zhang Bao entered the command tent, knelt before the First Emperor, and wept. “The enemies of both my second uncle and my father’s second brother have now been executed, but when shall my own father’s wrong be avenged?” The First Emperor said, “Worthy nephew, do not grieve. We shall subdue all Jiangnan and slaughter every dog of Wu. We are determined to capture those two traitors and let you mince them with your own hands as an offering to your father.” Zhang Bao tearfully gave thanks and withdrew.

By this time the First Emperor’s awesome fame shook the land. All the people of Jiangnan quailed with terror and wailed day and night. Han Dang and Zhou Tai were greatly alarmed and sent an urgent memorial to the King of Wu, reporting in full that Mi Fang and Fu Shiren had killed Ma Zhong and gone over to the emperor of Shu, only to be executed by him as well. Sun Quan lost heart and assembled his civil and military officers for counsel. Bu Zhi memorialized, “The men the ruler of Shu hated were Lü Meng, Pan Zhang, Ma Zhong, Mi Fang, and Fu Shiren. All these men are now dead. Only Fan Qiang and Zhang Da remain, and they are here in Eastern Wu. Why not seize these two men, and dispatch an envoy to return them together with Zhang Fei’s head? Jingzhou can be handed back, and Lady Sun sent home. Then submit a memorial seeking peace, renew the former alliance, and join together in a plan to destroy Wei. The Shu army will then withdraw of its own accord.” Sun Quan accepted his proposal. He had a box of fragrant eaglewood prepared and placed Zhang Fei’s head inside. Fan Qiang and Zhang Da were bound and imprisoned in a barred cart. Cheng Bing was appointed envoy and, bearing a letter of state, set out toward Xiaoting.

The First Emperor was preparing to advance when a close attendant suddenly reported, “Eastern Wu has sent an envoy bearing the head of General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang, together with the two imprisoned traitors Fan Qiang and Zhang Da.” The First Emperor raised both hands to his forehead and exclaimed, “This is Heaven’s gift, brought about also by the spirit of Our third brother!” He immediately ordered Zhang Bao to establish Zhang Fei’s spirit tablet. When the First Emperor saw Zhang Fei’s head in the box, its countenance unchanged, he burst into loud weeping. Armed with a keen blade, Zhang Bao subjected Fan Qiang and Zhang Da to death by ten thousand cuts as an offering to his father’s spirit. When the sacrifice was complete, the First Emperor’s wrath remained unabated, and he was determined to destroy Wu. Ma Liang memorialized, “All the hated enemies have been put to death, and the grievance may be considered avenged. Cheng Bing, a minister of Wu, has come intending to return Jingzhou, send back Lady Sun, establish a lasting and friendly alliance, and join in destroying Wei. He prostrates himself and awaits Your Sacred Majesty’s decree.” The First Emperor angrily replied, “The enemy upon whom We grind Our teeth is Sun Quan himself. If We now ally with him and make peace, We shall betray the oath sworn with Our two brothers in former days. We shall first destroy Wu and then destroy Wei.” He was about to execute the envoy and sever all relations with Wu, but the assembled officers pleaded so earnestly that Cheng Bing was spared. Clutching his head, Cheng Bing scurried away like a rat. On his return he reported to the ruler of Wu, “Shu refuses peace and swears to destroy Eastern Wu before attacking Wei. Though all the ministers remonstrate bitterly, the ruler will not listen. What are we to do?”

Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and lost all composure. Kan Ze stepped forth from the ranks and memorialized, “A pillar capable of upholding Heaven stands before us. Why is he not employed?” Sun Quan urgently asked who this man was. Kan Ze replied, “In former days all the great affairs of Eastern Wu were entrusted to Zhou Yu. After him, Lu Su took his place; when Lu Su died, decisions rested with Lü Meng. Though Lü Meng is now dead, Lu Xun remains in Jingzhou. This man may bear the name of a scholar, but in truth he possesses heroic talent and far-reaching strategy. In your servant’s judgment, he is in no way inferior to Zhou Yu. The former defeat of Lord Guan came entirely from Lu Xun’s designs. If my lord can employ him, Shu will certainly be defeated. Should he fail, your servant is willing to share his guilt.” Sun Quan said, “Had it not been for your words, Derun, I would have ruined the great enterprise.” Zhang Zhao said, “Lu Xun is merely a scholar. He is no match for Liu Bei and, I fear, cannot be employed.” Gu Yong also said, “Lu Xun is young and enjoys little prestige. I fear the other lords will not submit to him. If they do not submit, disorder will arise and the great enterprise will surely be ruined.” Bu Zhi likewise said, “Lu Xun’s talents are sufficient to govern a commandery, nothing more. It would be inappropriate to entrust him with a great undertaking.” Kan Ze cried loudly, “If Lu Xun is not employed, Eastern Wu is finished! Your servant pledges his entire household as surety for him!” Sun Quan said, “I too have long known that Lu Xun is an extraordinary talent. My mind is made up. Say no more.”

Sun Quan accordingly ordered Lu Xun summoned. Lu Xun had originally been named Lu Yi and later changed his given name to Xun; his style was Boyan, and he was a native of Wu County in the commandery of Wu. He was the grandson of Lu Yu, Colonel of the City Gates under the Han, and the son of Lu Jun, Commandant of Jiujiang. He stood eight feet tall, and his face was like beautiful jade. He held the office of General Who Pacifies the West. He now answered the summons, and after he had made his obeisance, Sun Quan said, “The army of Shu now presses upon our borders. I appoint you expressly to supreme command of our forces, that you may defeat Liu Bei.” Lu Xun replied, “The civil and military officers of Jiangdong are all old retainers and companions of Your Majesty. Your servant is young and without talent. How can I command them?” Sun Quan said, “Kan Derun has pledged his entire household as surety for you, and I too have long known your abilities. I now appoint you Chief Commander. Do not refuse.” Lu Xun said, “What if the civil and military officers will not submit?” Sun Quan took the sword he wore and gave it to him, saying, “If any man disobeys your commands, execute him first and report afterward.” Lu Xun said, “Having received so weighty a trust, how dare I refuse the appointment? I beg only that tomorrow Your Majesty assemble all the officers and then bestow the command upon me.” Kan Ze said, “In ancient times, whenever a general was appointed, an altar was first raised and the host assembled. He was then granted the white yak-tail standard and yellow battle-ax, the seal and ribbon of office, and the military tallies. Only thereafter could his authority prevail and his commands be strictly obeyed. Your Majesty should now follow this rite: choose a day, raise an altar, appoint Boyan Chief Commander, and invest him with the emblems of delegated authority. Then no one will fail to submit.” Sun Quan agreed and ordered men to complete the altar that very night. He assembled all the officers and invited Lu Xun to ascend the altar, where he appointed him Chief Commander, Right Protector of the Army, and General Who Pacifies the West; advanced him to the rank of Marquis of Lou; bestowed upon him a treasured sword, seal, and ribbon; and placed under his command the forces of six commanderies and eighty-one prefectures, together with all armies throughout Jing and Chu. The King of Wu charged him, “Within the gates, I command; beyond the gates, the general commands.”

Lu Xun accepted the command and descended from the altar. He appointed Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as his guards and set out that very day. At the same time, he summoned troops from every quarter to advance by land and water. When the dispatch reached Xiaoting, Han Dang and Zhou Tai were greatly astonished. “How could our lord place the army under the command of a mere scholar?” By the time Lu Xun arrived, none of them would submit willingly. Lu Xun ascended the command seat to deliberate on military affairs, and the officers reluctantly came forward to congratulate him. Lu Xun said, “Our lord has appointed me commander-in-chief and charged me to direct the army in defeating Shu. The army has fixed laws, and you gentlemen must each obey them. Those who transgress will find no partiality in the king’s law. Do nothing you will later regret.” The officers all remained silent. Zhou Tai said, “At present General Who Pacifies the East Sun Huan, our lord’s nephew, is surrounded in the city of Yiling. Within, he has no provisions; without, no relieving army. I beg the Chief Commander to devise a sound plan at once, rescue Sun Huan, and set our lord’s mind at ease.” Lu Xun replied, “I have long known that General Sun Huan has won the devotion of his soldiers. He will certainly be able to hold firm, and there is no need to rescue him. After I defeat Shu, he will emerge by himself.” The officers all laughed secretly and withdrew. Han Dang said to Zhou Tai, “With this youngster appointed commander, Eastern Wu is finished! Did you see how he conducted himself?” Zhou Tai replied, “I merely tested him with those words, and he had not a single plan. How can he possibly defeat Shu?”

The next day Lu Xun issued orders that all generals were to guard their respective defenses, hold the passes firmly, and not engage the enemy rashly. They all laughed at his cowardice and were unwilling to remain on the defensive. The following day Lu Xun ascended the command seat and summoned the generals. “By reverently obeying the king’s command, I exercise supreme authority over all the armies. Yesterday I repeatedly and explicitly ordered you to defend your respective positions firmly, yet none of you obeyed. Why?” Han Dang said, “Ever since General Sun Ce pacified Jiangnan, I have fought in hundreds of battles. As for the other generals, some followed the General Who Punishes Rebels, while others have followed our present king. All are warriors who have worn stout armor, grasped keen weapons, and braved death through countless dangers. Now our lord has appointed you Chief Commander and ordered you to drive back the army of Shu. You should swiftly devise a plan, assign the forces, and send them forward by separate routes to accomplish the great enterprise. Yet you order us only to hold fast and refuse battle. Do you mean to wait for Heaven itself to kill the enemy? I am no man who clings to life and fears death. Why should you cause us all to lose our fighting edge?” At this, all the generals beneath the command tent cried out in agreement, “General Han speaks rightly! We are willing to fight one decisive battle to the death!” When Lu Xun had heard them out, he drew his sword and held it in his hand, crying sternly, “Though I am but a humble scholar, our lord has entrusted me with this heavy responsibility because there is something in me worth employing, and because I can endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. Each of you must guard his pass and firmly secure every strategic point. None may move without orders. Whoever disobeys shall be executed!” The generals withdrew, all seething with resentment.

The First Emperor had deployed his forces from Xiaoting all the way to the mouth of the river, over a continuous stretch of seven hundred li, with forty encampments from front to rear. By day their banners and standards hid the sun; by night their fires lit the heavens. Suddenly a scout reported, “Eastern Wu has appointed Lu Xun Chief Commander and given him supreme authority over its forces. Lu Xun has ordered every general to guard the strategic positions and not come forth.” The First Emperor asked, “What manner of man is Lu Xun?” Ma Liang memorialized, “Though Lu Xun is a mere scholar of Eastern Wu, he is young, greatly gifted, and deeply versed in strategy. The former surprise attack on Jingzhou was entirely the work of this man’s treacherous designs.” The First Emperor flew into a rage. “That whelp’s treachery cost Us Our second brother. Now We shall capture him!” He immediately issued orders to advance. Ma Liang remonstrated, “Lu Xun’s abilities are no less than Zhou Yu’s. The enemy must not be treated lightly.” The First Emperor said, “We have grown old in the use of arms. Can it be that We are inferior to a yellow-mouthed child?” He then personally led the vanguard to attack the various ferries and fortified passes.

When Han Dang saw the First Emperor’s troops advancing, he sent word to Lu Xun. Fearing that Han Dang might act rashly, Lu Xun hurried there on horseback to inspect the situation himself. He found Han Dang sitting his horse atop a hill, gazing into the distance at the Shu troops advancing in such numbers that they covered mountains and fields. In their midst the yellow silk imperial parasol could dimly be seen. Han Dang received Lu Xun, and they sat their horses side by side to observe. Pointing, Han Dang said, “Liu Bei must be there among the troops. I wish to attack him.” Lu Xun replied, “Liu Bei raised his army and marched eastward, winning more than ten successive battles. The edge of his spirit is now at its keenest. We must take advantage of high ground and defend the strategic points; we must not go forth rashly, for to do so would bring defeat. We should only encourage our officers and men, spread our defenses widely, and watch for a change. At present the enemy rides freely across open plains and broad fields, flushed with success. If we remain behind our defenses and refuse to come out, he will seek battle but fail to obtain it, and will surely move his camps among wooded hills and forests. Then I shall defeat him by an extraordinary stratagem.” Though Han Dang agreed aloud, in his heart he remained wholly unconvinced.

The First Emperor sent his vanguard to challenge the enemy, heaping every kind of insult upon them. Lu Xun ordered his men to stop their ears and not listen, forbidding them to go out and engage. He personally toured all the passes and strategic points, comforting the officers and soldiers and ordering every man to hold fast. Seeing that the Wu army would not come forth, the First Emperor grew impatient. Ma Liang said, “Lu Xun is deeply versed in strategy. Your Majesty has come from afar to wage war, and the campaign has lasted from spring into summer. He refuses to come forth because he is waiting for some change to overtake our army. I beg Your Majesty to consider this carefully.” The First Emperor replied, “What scheme can he have? He is merely afraid of us. Having suffered repeated defeats before, how dare he come out again?” The vanguard commander Feng Xi memorialized, “The weather is now fiercely hot, and the army is encamped amid scorching heat. It is exceedingly difficult to obtain water.” The First Emperor therefore ordered every camp moved to a place of thick woodland near streams and mountain brooks. There the troops would wait out the summer until autumn and then advance in full force. In obedience to the decree, Feng Xi moved all the encampments into dense, shady forests. Ma Liang memorialized, “If our army moves and the troops of Wu suddenly arrive, what shall we do?” The First Emperor replied, “We shall order Wu Ban to lead more than ten thousand of our weaker troops and camp on level ground near the Wu positions. We shall personally select eight thousand elite soldiers and conceal them in a mountain valley. When Lu Xun learns that We have moved camp, he will certainly seize the opportunity to attack. Wu Ban will then feign defeat. If Lu Xun pursues him, We shall lead Our troops out in a sudden assault and cut off his road of retreat. Then the boy will be ours.” The civil and military officers all congratulated him, saying, “Your Majesty’s divine foresight and marvelous calculation are beyond the reach of any of us!”

Ma Liang said, “I recently heard that Chancellor Zhuge is in Eastern Riverlands inspecting the various strategic passes, lest the forces of Wei invade. Why does Your Majesty not have a map drawn of the locations to which the camps have been moved and ask the Chancellor’s judgment?” The First Emperor replied, “We too possess some knowledge of the art of war. What need is there to consult the Chancellor again?” Ma Liang said, “The ancients declared, ‘He who listens to all sides is enlightened; he who listens to one side is blinded.’ I pray Your Majesty consider this.” The First Emperor said, “You may go through the camps yourself, draw a map showing their boundaries and all eight approaches, and take it in person to Eastern Riverlands to consult the Chancellor. If he finds anything unsuitable, return quickly and report it.” Ma Liang accepted the command and departed. The First Emperor then moved his troops into thick, shady woods to escape the summer heat. Scouts soon reported the matter to Han Dang and Zhou Tai. The two men were overjoyed when they heard it and went to Lu Xun, saying, “The more than forty encampments of Shu have now all been moved into dense mountain forests, beside streams and mountain brooks, so the soldiers may rest in the cool near water. The Chief Commander can take advantage of their exposed position and attack them.” Thus it was said:

The ruler of Shu has laid a cunning snare;The valorous troops of Wu seem doomed to capture.

Whether Lu Xun would heed their words remains unknown. Read on.

The First Emperor Finds His Enemy at Xiaoting; a Scholar Is Appointed Commander at the River Gate

In the first month of spring, the second year of Zhangwu, Huang Zhong, General of the Rear Who Pacifies the West, accompanied the First Emperor on his campaign against Wu. When he suddenly heard the First Emperor say that old generals were useless, he took up his saber, mounted his horse, and, leading only five or six personal attendants, went straight to the camp at Yiling. Wu Ban, Zhang Nan, and Feng Xi welcomed him in and asked, “Old General, what brings you here?” Huang Zhong said, “From the time I followed His Majesty from Changsha until today, I have rendered much hard service. Though I am now over seventy, I can still eat ten pounds of meat, draw a two-picul bow with my arms, and ride a horse that can cover a thousand miles. I am not yet old. Yesterday His Majesty said that men like us were old and useless, so I have come here to fight Eastern Wu. Watch me behead their generals, and then see whether I am old or not!”

While they were still talking, a report suddenly came that the vanguard of the Wu army had arrived and its scouts were approaching the camp. Huang Zhong sprang up, left the tent, and mounted his horse. Feng Xi and the others urged him, “Old General, please do not advance recklessly.” Huang Zhong ignored them and galloped away. Wu Ban ordered Feng Xi to lead troops to support him. Before the Wu battle line, Huang Zhong reined in his horse, leveled his saber, and challenged the vanguard commander Pan Zhang to single combat. Pan Zhang sent out his subordinate officer Shi Ji. Thinking Huang Zhong easy prey because of his age, Shi Ji leveled his spear and charged. Before three bouts had passed, Huang Zhong cut him down from his horse with a single stroke. Pan Zhang flew into a rage and came to fight Huang Zhong, brandishing the Green Dragon saber formerly used by Lord Guan. They exchanged several bouts without either gaining the advantage. Huang Zhong fought fiercely with all his strength, and Pan Zhang, realizing he was no match for him, wheeled his horse and fled. Huang Zhong pressed his advantage and pursued, then returned in complete victory. On the road he encountered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. Guan Xing said, “We have come by imperial command to assist you, Old General. Since you have already won merit, please return to camp at once.” Huang Zhong refused to listen.

The next day, Pan Zhang again came to issue a challenge. Huang Zhong mounted his horse in high spirits. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao wanted to assist him, but he refused; Wu Ban also wanted to assist him, but Huang Zhong refused him as well. He led only five thousand men out to meet the enemy. After fewer than several bouts, Pan Zhang turned and fled, trailing his saber behind him. Huang Zhong spurred after him and shouted sternly, “Rebel general, do not run! Today I will avenge Lord Guan!” After pursuing him for more than thirty miles, Huang Zhong heard tremendous battle cries on every side as ambushing troops emerged all at once. Zhou Tai was on his right, Han Dang on his left, Pan Zhang before him, and Ling Tong behind him, trapping Huang Zhong in the center. Suddenly a violent wind arose. As Huang Zhong hurried to retreat, Ma Zhong appeared on the hillside leading a force and shot an arrow into the hollow of Huang Zhong’s shoulder, nearly knocking him from his horse. Seeing that Huang Zhong had been struck, the Wu soldiers attacked him all together. Suddenly great battle cries arose behind them, and two forces charged in. The Wu troops scattered, and Huang Zhong was rescued by Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. The two young generals escorted him directly to the imperial camp. Huang Zhong was old and weak in blood; the arrow wound split with pain, and his condition became grave. The First Emperor came in person to see him, stroked his back, and said, “That you have been wounded, Old General, is Our fault!” Huang Zhong said, “Your servant is merely a fighting man, yet I was fortunate enough to encounter Your Majesty. This year I am seventy-five, and I have lived long enough. I beg Your Majesty to take good care of your imperial person, so that you may reclaim the Central Plains!” When he finished speaking, he lost consciousness, and that night he died in the imperial camp. A later poet lamented:

The veteran general Huang ZhongWon great merit in taking the Riverlands.Once more he donned his golden chainmail,And drew his iron-framed bow with both arms.His courage awed all north of the Yellow River;His mighty name guarded the heart of Shu.Though his head was white as snow when death came,He still displayed a hero’s valor.

When the First Emperor saw that Huang Zhong had breathed his last, his grief knew no bounds. He ordered a full coffin and outer casket prepared and had him buried at Chengdu. The First Emperor sighed, “Of the Five Tiger Generals, three are already dead. Yet We still have not avenged them. How deeply painful this is!” He then led the Imperial Guard straight to Xiaoting, held a great assembly of his generals, and divided the army into eight columns to advance by both land and water. He ordered Huang Quan to command the troops on the waterways, while the First Emperor himself led the main army overland. It was then the middle of the second month of the second year of Zhangwu.

When Han Dang and Zhou Tai learned that the First Emperor had personally come to wage war, they led troops out to meet him. Once the two armies had drawn up facing each other, Han Dang and Zhou Tai rode forward. At the gateway of the Shu camp, they saw the First Emperor himself emerge beneath a yellow silk parasol embroidered in gold, surrounded on both sides by white yak-tail standards and yellow battle-axes, gold and silver banners, tallies, and insignia. Han Dang shouted, “Your Majesty is now the ruler of Shu. Why expose yourself so lightly? If some mishap should occur, it will be too late for regret!” Pointing at him from afar, the First Emperor cursed, “You dogs of Wu wounded one who was as my own hands and feet! I swear that I will not share heaven and earth with you!” Han Dang turned to his generals and said, “Who dares charge the Shu troops?” His subordinate officer Xia Xun leveled his spear and rode out. From behind the First Emperor, Zhang Bao leveled his eighteen-foot spear, spurred out, gave a mighty shout, and charged straight at Xia Xun. Hearing Zhang Bao’s voice thunder like a giant storm, Xia Xun was terrified. Just as he was about to flee, Zhou Ping, Zhou Tai’s younger brother, saw that Xia Xun could not hold his own and charged forward on horseback, brandishing his saber. Seeing him, Guan Xing urged his horse forward with saber in hand to meet him. Zhang Bao gave a tremendous shout and drove his spear into Xia Xun, knocking him backward from his horse. Zhou Ping was so startled that he was caught unprepared, and Guan Xing cut him down with a single stroke. The two young generals then charged Han Dang and Zhou Tai, who hurriedly fled back into their formation. Watching them, the First Emperor exclaimed, “A tiger father does not beget a dog for a son!” He pointed with his imperial riding whip, and the Shu troops swept forward together. The Wu army suffered a crushing defeat. The eight columns surged onward like gushing springs, slaughtering the Wu troops until corpses covered the fields and blood flowed in rivers.

Meanwhile, Gan Ning was aboard his ship recuperating from illness. When he learned that the Shu army had arrived in great force, he hurriedly mounted his horse, only to encounter a fierce band of tribal warriors. All wore their hair loose and went barefoot, wielding bows, crossbows, long spears, shields, sabers, and axes. Their leader was the tribal king Shamoke, whose face looked spattered with blood and whose blue eyes bulged outward. He wielded an iron-spiked mace and wore two bows at his waist, presenting a formidable appearance. Seeing the strength of his force, Gan Ning did not dare engage him and wheeled his horse to flee. Shamoke shot him in the head with an arrow. Gan Ning rode on with the arrow still lodged in him until he reached Fuchikou, where he sat beneath a great tree and died. Hundreds of crows gathered in the tree and circled his body. When the King of Wu heard of this, he was overcome with grief. He gave Gan Ning a lavish burial with full honors and erected a temple where sacrifices were offered to him. A later poet lamented:

Gan Xingba of Wu CommanderySailed the Yangtze in brocade-canopied ships.To repay his lord, who prized him as a true friend,He avenged his comrade and transformed enmity.With light cavalry he raided enemy camps;He made his troops drink from enormous bowls.Divine crows revealed his sacred power;Incense shall burn for him through endless ages.

Pressing his advantage, the First Emperor continued the pursuit and captured Xiaoting. The Wu troops scattered in every direction. When the First Emperor recalled his forces, only Guan Xing was missing. Alarmed, he ordered Zhang Bao and the others to search for him on all sides. Guan Xing had charged into the Wu formation and encountered his mortal enemy Pan Zhang, whom he pursued at full gallop. Pan Zhang was terrified and fled into a mountain valley, where he disappeared. Guan Xing thought he must still be somewhere in the mountains and searched back and forth, but could not find him. By the time night fell, Guan Xing had lost the trail and become lost himself. Fortunately, the stars and moon gave some light. He continued into a remote part of the mountains until the second watch of the night, when he came to a farmstead. Dismounting, he knocked at the gate. An old man came out and asked who he was. Guan Xing said, “I am a general who has lost his way and come here. I ask only for a meal to satisfy my hunger.” The old man invited him inside. In the main hall, Guan Xing saw bright candles burning and a sacred portrait of Lord Guan hanging in the place of honor. He burst into tears and bowed before it. The old man asked, “General, why do you weep and bow?” Guan Xing said, “This is my father.” Hearing this, the old man immediately bowed to Guan Xing. Guan Xing asked, “Why do you worship my father?” The old man replied, “All this region belongs to the honored god. While he lived, every household revered him; how much more should we revere him now that he is a god? I have only hoped that the Shu army would soon avenge him. Now that you have come, General, the people here are blessed.” He then set out wine to entertain Guan Xing, unsaddled his horse, and fed it.

After the third watch, someone else suddenly knocked at the gate. The old man went out and asked who it was. It was the Wu general Pan Zhang, who had also come seeking lodging. Just as he entered the thatched hall, Guan Xing saw him, gripped his sword, and shouted, “Traitor, do not run!” Pan Zhang turned and rushed back out. Suddenly a man stood outside the gate, his face the color of a ripe date, with phoenix eyes, silkworm brows, and three flowing strands of beautiful beard. Dressed in a green robe and golden armor, he entered with one hand on his sword. Seeing that Lord Guan had manifested his sacred presence, Pan Zhang cried out, his soul scattering in terror. He tried to turn around, but Guan Xing had already raised and brought down his sword, beheading him on the spot. Guan Xing cut out Pan Zhang’s heart, drained its blood, and offered it in sacrifice before Lord Guan’s sacred portrait. Having recovered his father’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Guan Xing hung Pan Zhang’s head beneath his horse’s neck, took leave of the old man, mounted Pan Zhang’s horse, and set out for his own camp. The old man dragged Pan Zhang’s corpse outside and burned it.

Guan Xing had traveled an unknown number of miles when he suddenly heard men shouting and horses neighing as a fierce body of troops approached. The general at their head was Ma Zhong, a subordinate of Pan Zhang. Ma Zhong saw that Guan Xing had killed his commander Pan Zhang and hung his head beneath the horse’s neck, and that Guan Xing had also recovered the Green Dragon saber. Flying into a rage, he spurred his horse forward to attack Guan Xing. When Guan Xing saw Ma Zhong, the enemy who had helped murder his father, his fury surged to the heavens. He raised the Green Dragon saber and struck at him. Ma Zhong’s three hundred soldiers rushed forward together with a great shout and surrounded Guan Xing in the center. Alone and outnumbered, Guan Xing was in grave danger. Suddenly he saw a fierce force charging in from the northwest. It was Zhang Bao. Seeing reinforcements arrive, Ma Zhong hurriedly led his troops in retreat. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao pursued together. Before they had gone several miles, Mi Fang and Fu Shiren appeared ahead, leading troops in search of Ma Zhong. Their two forces joined and fought a confused battle. Since Zhang Bao and Guan Xing had too few soldiers, they hurriedly withdrew. They returned to Xiaoting, went before the First Emperor, presented Pan Zhang’s head, and gave him a full account of what had happened. The First Emperor marveled at the story and rewarded the entire army.

Ma Zhong returned to Han Dang and Zhou Tai. They gathered the defeated troops and divided their forces to guard different positions. Countless soldiers had been wounded. Ma Zhong encamped on a river islet with Fu Shiren and Mi Fang. At the third watch that night, the soldiers could be heard weeping without cease. Mi Fang secretly listened and heard one group say, “All of us are soldiers from Jingzhou. Lü Meng’s treacherous scheme cost our lord his life. Now Imperial Uncle Liu has personally come to wage war, and Eastern Wu will soon be finished. The men we hate are Mi Fang and Fu Shiren. Why do we not kill these two traitors and go surrender at the Shu camp? We would earn no small merit.” Another group of soldiers said, “Do not be impatient. Wait for an opportunity, and then we will act.” Having heard this, Mi Fang was greatly alarmed. He consulted with Fu Shiren, saying, “The soldiers’ loyalty is shifting. Our lives will be difficult to preserve. The one the ruler of Shu hates most now is Ma Zhong. Why do we not kill him and present his head to the ruler of Shu, saying, ‘We had no choice but to surrender to Wu. Now that we know Your Majesty has come in person, we have specially come to your camp to plead guilty’?” Fu Shiren said, “We cannot. If we go, disaster is certain.” Mi Fang said, “The ruler of Shu is generous, humane, and virtuous. Moreover, Crown Prince Adou is my nephew. If he only remembers that I am a relative of the imperial family, he will surely refuse to harm me.”

Once the two had settled their plan, they first prepared their horses. At the third watch they entered Ma Zhong’s tent, stabbed him to death, and cut off his head. Then, with several dozen horsemen, they went directly to Xiaoting. The troops posted in ambush along the road first brought them before Zhang Nan and Feng Xi, to whom they fully explained the matter. The next day, they entered the imperial camp and appeared before the First Emperor. Presenting Ma Zhong’s head, they wept and pleaded, “Your servants truly had no intention of rebelling. Lü Meng deceived us with a treacherous scheme, claiming that Lord Guan was already dead, and tricked us into opening the city gates. We had no choice but to surrender. Now, hearing that Your Sacred Majesty had come in person, we specially killed this traitor to appease Your Majesty’s hatred. We humbly beg Your Majesty to forgive our crimes.” The First Emperor flew into a rage and said, “We left Chengdu long ago. Why did you two not come to plead guilty before now? Only when you saw the situation becoming dangerous did you come with clever words, hoping to save your lives! If We spared you, how could We face Lord Guan below the Nine Springs?” After saying this, he ordered Guan Xing to set up Lord Guan’s spirit tablet in the imperial camp. The First Emperor personally carried Ma Zhong’s head before it and offered sacrifice. He then ordered Guan Xing to strip Mi Fang and Fu Shiren of their clothes and make them kneel before the spirit tablet. Guan Xing personally carved them to death with his saber as a sacrifice to Lord Guan. Suddenly Zhang Bao entered the command tent, weeping, and bowed before the First Emperor. “The enemies of my two uncles have all been executed. When will my father’s unjust death be avenged?” The First Emperor said, “Worthy nephew, do not worry. We will subdue all Jiangnan and slaughter the dogs of Wu. We will make certain to capture those two traitors and let you mince them with your own hands as a sacrifice to your father.” Zhang Bao tearfully thanked him and withdrew.

By this time the First Emperor’s awesome reputation had spread far and wide. Everyone in Jiangnan was terrified, and they wailed day and night. Han Dang and Zhou Tai were greatly alarmed and hastily reported to the King of Wu, giving a full account of how Mi Fang and Fu Shiren had killed Ma Zhong and gone over to the Emperor of Shu, only to be killed by him as well. Sun Quan grew afraid and assembled his civil and military officials to deliberate. Bu Zhi submitted, “The men the ruler of Shu hated were Lü Meng, Pan Zhang, Ma Zhong, Mi Fang, and Fu Shiren. All of them are now dead. Only Fan Qiang and Zhang Da remain, and they are here in Eastern Wu. Why not seize these two men and send them back together with Zhang Fei’s head? We can hand Jingzhou over to Shu, send his wife back, submit a memorial seeking peace, renew our former alliance, and join in destroying Wei. Then the Shu army will withdraw of its own accord.” Sun Quan accepted his proposal. He had an aloeswood casket prepared to hold Zhang Fei’s head, had Fan Qiang and Zhang Da bound and imprisoned in a barred cart, and appointed Cheng Bing as envoy to carry a state letter to Xiaoting.

The First Emperor was preparing to send his troops forward when a close attendant suddenly reported, “Eastern Wu has sent an envoy bearing the head of General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang, together with the imprisoned traitors Fan Qiang and Zhang Da.” The First Emperor raised both hands to his forehead and said, “This is a gift from Heaven, brought about also by the spirit of Our third brother!” He immediately ordered Zhang Bao to set up Zhang Fei’s spirit tablet. When the First Emperor saw Zhang Fei’s head inside the casket, its features unchanged, he burst into loud weeping. Zhang Bao took up a sharp knife and subjected Fan Qiang and Zhang Da to death by ten thousand cuts, sacrificing them to his father’s spirit. When the sacrifice was complete, the First Emperor’s anger remained unabated, and he was determined to destroy Wu. Ma Liang submitted, “All those responsible have now been executed, and your hatred may be considered appeased. The Wu minister Cheng Bing has come proposing to return Jingzhou, send back your wife, establish a lasting alliance, and join in destroying Wei. He awaits Your Sacred Majesty’s decision.” The First Emperor said angrily, “The enemy We hate with gnashing teeth is Sun Quan. If We now ally with him, We would betray the oath We swore with Our two brothers. We will first destroy Wu and then destroy Wei.” He was about to execute the envoy and sever all relations with Wu, but his many officers pleaded so earnestly that Cheng Bing was spared. Cheng Bing fled back in abject terror and reported to the ruler of Wu, “Shu refuses to negotiate peace and has sworn first to destroy Eastern Wu and then attack Wei. All the ministers remonstrated bitterly, but the Emperor of Shu would not listen. What can be done?”

Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and lost all composure. Kan Ze stepped forward from the ranks and submitted, “A pillar capable of supporting heaven stands before us. Why not use him?” Sun Quan urgently asked whom he meant. Kan Ze said, “In the past, all the great affairs of Eastern Wu were entrusted to Zhou Yu. Afterward Lu Su succeeded him. When Lu Su died, decisions rested with Lü Meng. Though Lü Meng is now also dead, Lu Boyan is still in Jingzhou. In name this man is a scholar, but in truth he possesses heroic talent and great strategic vision. In my judgment, he is no less capable than Zhou Yu. The previous defeat of Lord Guan was entirely the result of Boyan’s plans. If Your Majesty can employ him, he will certainly defeat Shu. If anything should go wrong, I am willing to share his punishment.” Sun Quan said, “Had Derun not spoken, I would have ruined this great undertaking.” Zhang Zhao said, “Lu Xun is merely a scholar, no match for Liu Bei. I fear he cannot be used.” Gu Yong also said, “Lu Xun is young and commands little prestige. I fear the other lords will not obey him. If they refuse to obey, disorder will arise, and the great undertaking will certainly be ruined.” Bu Zhi also said, “Lu Xun’s talent is sufficient only to govern a commandery. It would not be appropriate to entrust him with such a great affair.” Kan Ze shouted, “If Lu Boyan is not employed, Eastern Wu is finished! I pledge my entire family as security for him!” Sun Quan said, “I too have long known that Lu Boyan is a man of extraordinary talent. My mind is made up. Say no more.”

Sun Quan therefore ordered Lu Xun summoned. Lu Xun’s original given name was Yi, but he later changed it to Xun. His courtesy name was Boyan, and he was a native of Wu County in Wu Commandery. He was the grandson of Lu Yu, Gate Commandant under the Han, and the son of Lu Jun, Commandant of Jiujiang. He stood eight feet tall and had a face like fine jade. He held the office of General Who Guards the West. In obedience to the summons, he now arrived. After Lu Xun had made his formal obeisance, Sun Quan said, “The Shu army is now at our borders. I specially appoint you commander of all our forces so that you may defeat Liu Bei.” Lu Xun said, “The civil and military officers of Jiangdong are all Your Majesty’s old and trusted ministers. I am young and without talent. How could I command them?” Sun Quan said, “Kan Derun has pledged his entire family as security for you, and I too have long known your abilities. I now appoint you Chief Commander. Do not refuse.” Lu Xun said, “What if the civil and military officers refuse to obey?” Sun Quan took off the sword he wore and gave it to him, saying, “If anyone disobeys your commands, execute him first and report afterward.” Lu Xun said, “Having received so weighty a commission, how could I dare refuse it? But I beg Your Majesty to assemble all the officials tomorrow and then formally grant it to me.” Kan Ze said, “In ancient times, when a general was appointed, an altar had to be erected and the officers assembled. He was then presented with the white yak-tail standard, the yellow battle-ax, the seals and ribbons of office, and the military tallies. Only then would his authority be respected and his commands strictly obeyed. Your Majesty should now follow this ceremony, choose a day to erect an altar, appoint Boyan Chief Commander, and grant him the imperial insignia and battle-ax. Then no one will dare disobey him.” Sun Quan agreed and ordered men to complete the altar overnight. He assembled all the officials, invited Lu Xun to ascend the altar, and appointed him Chief Commander, General of the Right Guard, and General Who Guards the West. He further enfeoffed him as Marquis of Lou, presented him with a precious sword, seal, and ribbon of office, and placed him in command of the forces of six commanderies and eighty-one prefectures, together with all forces throughout Jing and Chu. The King of Wu charged him, “Within the palace gates, I rule; beyond them, the general commands.”

Lu Xun accepted his command and descended from the altar. He appointed Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as his guards and set out that very day, while also summoning the various regional forces to advance by land and water. When the orders reached Xiaoting, Han Dang and Zhou Tai were greatly alarmed. “How can His Majesty place the army under the command of a mere scholar?” By the time Lu Xun arrived, none of the officers was willing to submit to him. Lu Xun took his seat in the command tent to deliberate on military affairs, and the others reluctantly offered their respects. Lu Xun said, “His Majesty has appointed me supreme general and ordered me to command the army and defeat Shu. The army has established laws, and each of you must obey them. The king’s law shows no favoritism to those who violate it. Do nothing that you will later regret.” Everyone remained silent. Zhou Tai said, “At present, Sun Huan, General Who Pacifies the East and His Majesty’s nephew, is trapped inside the city of Yiling. He has no provisions within and no relief force outside. I ask the Chief Commander to devise a sound plan quickly, rescue Sun Huan, and put His Majesty’s mind at ease.” Lu Xun said, “I have long known that General Sun enjoys the deep loyalty of his soldiers and will certainly be able to hold firm. There is no need to rescue him. Once I have defeated Shu, he will be able to emerge on his own.” Everyone secretly laughed and withdrew. Han Dang said to Zhou Tai, “If this child is appointed commander, Eastern Wu is finished! Did you see how he conducted himself?” Zhou Tai said, “I merely tested him with my words, but he had not a single plan. How can he possibly defeat Shu?”

The next day, Lu Xun issued orders instructing the generals to guard all the passes, firmly defend the strategic points, and not underestimate the enemy. They all laughed at his cowardice and refused to maintain a firm defense. The following day, Lu Xun took his seat in the command tent and summoned the generals. He said, “In reverent obedience to the king’s command, I have been placed over all the armies. Yesterday I issued repeated and explicit orders instructing all of you to hold your respective positions firmly, yet none of you obeyed. Why?” Han Dang said, “Ever since General Sun pacified Jiangnan, I have fought in hundreds of battles. As for the other generals, some followed the General Who Suppresses Rebels, while others followed our present king. All are warriors who have worn strong armor and carried sharp weapons, braving death in battle. Now His Majesty has appointed you Chief Commander and ordered you to drive back the Shu army. You should quickly settle on a plan, deploy the troops, and send them forward by separate routes to achieve our great purpose. Instead, you merely order us to hold fast and not fight. Do you intend to wait for Heaven to kill the enemy by itself? I am not one who clings to life or fears death. Why do you make us blunt our fighting spirit?” At this, all the generals beneath the command tent called out together, “General Han is right! We are willing to fight a decisive battle to the death!” When Lu Xun had heard them out, he drew his sword and held it in his hand, saying sternly, “Though I am only a humble scholar, His Majesty has entrusted me with this grave responsibility because I possess some small merit and am able to endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. Every one of you must guard his pass and hold the strategic positions firmly. No one is permitted to move without orders. Whoever disobeys will be executed!” The generals withdrew, all simmering with resentment.

The First Emperor had deployed his forces from Xiaoting all the way to Chuankou, stretching continuously for seven hundred miles, with forty camps from front to rear. By day their banners blocked the sun; by night their fires lit the sky. Suddenly a scout reported, “Eastern Wu has appointed Lu Xun Chief Commander and placed him over all its troops. Lu Xun has ordered the generals to guard the strategic points and not come out.” The First Emperor asked, “What kind of man is Lu Xun?” Ma Liang submitted, “Although Lu Xun is a scholar of Eastern Wu, he is young, talented, and deeply versed in strategy. The previous surprise attack on Jingzhou was entirely the result of this man’s treacherous schemes.” The First Emperor flew into a rage and said, “This boy’s treachery cost Us Our second brother. Now We shall capture him!” He immediately issued orders to advance. Ma Liang remonstrated, “Lu Xun’s talent is no less than Zhou Yu’s. The enemy must not be underestimated.” The First Emperor said, “We have long experience in warfare. Could We possibly be inferior to a mere yellow-mouthed child?” He then personally led the vanguard to attack the various fords, passes, and strategic points.

When Han Dang saw the First Emperor’s army approaching, he sent a messenger to inform Lu Xun. Fearing that Han Dang might act recklessly, Lu Xun hurried there on horseback to inspect the situation himself. He found Han Dang sitting on his horse atop a hill, watching as the Shu troops approached across the mountains and plains. Within their army, the yellow silk imperial parasol could be dimly seen. Han Dang received Lu Xun, and the two watched side by side on horseback. Pointing, Han Dang said, “Liu Bei must be in that army. I wish to attack him.” Lu Xun said, “Liu Bei raised his army and came east, winning more than ten battles in succession. His fighting spirit is now at its height. For the present, we must hold the high ground and guard the strategic positions. We must not sally out lightly, for if we do, the result will be unfavorable. We should only encourage the officers and soldiers, strengthen our defenses everywhere, and watch for a change in the situation. He is now riding freely over the open plains and broad wilderness, delighted with his success. If we hold firm and refuse to come out, he will be unable to obtain battle and will certainly move his camps among the mountain forests and trees. Then I will defeat him with an unexpected stratagem.” Though Han Dang agreed aloud, inwardly he remained unconvinced.

The First Emperor sent his forward troops to challenge the enemy and heap every kind of insult upon them. Lu Xun ordered his men to stop their ears and ignore the abuse, forbidding them to go out and meet the enemy. He personally toured all the passes and strategic points, comforting the officers and soldiers and ordering them all to hold firm. When the First Emperor saw that the Wu army would not come out, he grew impatient. Ma Liang said, “Lu Xun is deeply versed in strategy. Your Majesty has come from afar to wage war, and spring has now passed into summer. His refusal to come out means that he is waiting for some change to occur in our army. I beg Your Majesty to consider this carefully.” The First Emperor said, “What scheme could he have? He merely fears the enemy. After suffering repeated defeats before, how would he dare come out again?” Vanguard commander Feng Xi submitted, “The weather is now fiercely hot, and the army is encamped amid blazing heat. Obtaining water is extremely inconvenient.” The First Emperor therefore ordered all the camps moved to thickly wooded places near streams and mountain brooks. Once summer had passed into autumn, they would combine their strength and advance. In obedience to the command, Feng Xi moved all the camps into densely shaded woodland. Ma Liang submitted, “If our army moves and the Wu troops suddenly attack, what shall we do?” The First Emperor said, “We will order Wu Ban to lead more than ten thousand inferior troops and camp on level ground near the Wu stockades. We will personally select eight thousand elite soldiers and conceal them in the mountain valleys. When Lu Xun learns that We have moved camp, he will certainly seize the opportunity to attack. Wu Ban will then pretend to be defeated. If Lu Xun pursues him, We will lead Our troops out in a sudden attack and cut off his route of retreat. Then the boy will be captured.” The civil and military officials all congratulated him, saying, “Your Majesty’s divine foresight and marvelous calculations are beyond any of us!”

Ma Liang said, “I recently heard that Chancellor Zhuge is in Dongchuan inspecting the strategic passes because he fears that the Wei army may invade. Why does Your Majesty not have a map drawn showing the locations of all the camps and send it to the Chancellor for his opinion?” The First Emperor said, “We too possess considerable knowledge of military methods. Why must We ask the Chancellor?” Ma Liang said, “The ancients said, ‘To listen to all sides brings understanding; to listen to only one side brings blindness.’ I beg Your Majesty to consider this.” The First Emperor said, “You may personally visit all the camps, draw a complete map showing their locations and every route of approach, and take it to Dongchuan to ask the Chancellor. If he finds anything unsuitable, hurry back and report it.” Ma Liang accepted the order and departed. The First Emperor then moved his troops into the densely shaded forests to escape the summer heat. Scouts soon reported this to Han Dang and Zhou Tai. When the two heard the news, they were overjoyed and went to see Lu Xun. “The more than forty camps of the Shu army have now all been moved into dense mountain forests, close to streams and mountain brooks, so the troops can obtain water and rest in the cool shade. Chief Commander, you can take advantage of their vulnerability and attack them.” Indeed:

The ruler of Shu has laid a clever ambush,But Wu’s bold warriors may be captured yet.

Whether Lu Xun would heed their words will be revealed in the next chapter.