Chapter 86

Qin Mi Confounds Zhang Wen with Celestial Eloquence; Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi with Fire

Now after Lu Xun of Eastern Wu had driven back the Wei forces, the King of Wu appointed him General Who Supports the State and Marquis of Jiangling, and placed him in charge of Jingzhou as its Governor. From that time onward, all military authority rested with Lu Xun. Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong memorialized the King of Wu, requesting that he inaugurate a new reign era. Sun Quan consented and proclaimed the first year of Huangwu. Suddenly it was reported that the ruler of Wei had sent an envoy, and Sun Quan summoned him before the court. The envoy delivered his charge: “Previously, Shu sent men to seek aid from Wei. Wei failed for a time to perceive the truth and therefore dispatched troops in response. Now our sovereign deeply regrets this and wishes to raise four armies to seize the Riverlands. Eastern Wu may send forces to support us. Once the lands of Shu are won, we shall divide them equally between us.” On hearing this, Sun Quan could not decide and therefore consulted Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and the others. Zhang Zhao said, “Lu Boyan possesses extraordinary insight. You may ask him.” Sun Quan at once summoned Lu Xun. When Lu Xun arrived, he memorialized: “Cao Pi sits secure in the Central Plains and cannot be attacked in haste. Yet if we refuse him now, he will certainly become our enemy. In my judgment, neither Wei nor Wu has anyone capable of matching Zhuge Liang. For the present, we should reluctantly agree, put our troops in readiness, and merely observe how the four armies fare. If those four armies prevail and the Riverlands fall into peril, leaving Zhuge Liang unable to succor both front and rear, then Your Majesty should dispatch troops in response and be first to seize Chengdu. This is the best course. If the four armies are defeated, we may deliberate anew.” Sun Quan followed his counsel and told the Wei envoy, “Our military supplies are not yet prepared. On a chosen day, our forces shall set out.” The envoy bowed farewell and departed.

Sun Quan sent men to investigate and learned that the Western Tribal army had marched out through Xiping Pass, but upon seeing Ma Chao had withdrawn without fighting; that Meng Huo of the Southern Man had raised troops and attacked the four commanderies, but Wei Yan had driven them all back to their caves with a stratagem of feigned forces; that Meng Da’s army from Shangyong had fallen ill halfway and could proceed no farther; and that when Cao Zhen’s army emerged through Yangping Pass, Zhao Zilong barred every strategic defile—truly, one general guarding the pass was proof against ten thousand men. Cao Zhen encamped along the Xie Valley Road, but, unable to win, withdrew. When Sun Quan learned all this, he said to his civil and military officers, “Lu Boyan’s foresight is truly divine. Had I acted rashly, I would once again have made an enemy of Western Shu.” Suddenly it was reported that Deng Zhi had arrived as envoy from Western Shu. Zhang Zhao said, “This is another of Zhuge Liang’s schemes for withdrawing the enemy. He has sent Deng Zhi as a persuader.” Sun Quan asked, “How should I answer him?” Zhang Zhao said, “First set a great cauldron before the palace hall and fill it with several hundred catties of oil, with charcoal burning beneath it. When the oil boils, choose a thousand tall, broad-faced warriors, each holding a sword, and array them in unbroken ranks from the palace gate to the hall. Then summon Deng Zhi to appear. Do not wait for him to open his mouth and begin his persuasion, but charge him with seeking to imitate the old affair of Li Yiji, who went to persuade Qi, and boil him according to that precedent. Then see how the man responds.”

Sun Quan followed this advice. He had the oil cauldron set up, ordered warriors to stand on either side with weapons in hand, and summoned Deng Zhi. Deng Zhi straightened his robes and cap and entered. When he reached the palace gate, he saw two ranks of warriors, stern and awe-inspiring, each bearing a steel saber, great ax, long sword, or short halberd, arrayed all the way to the hall. Understanding their intent, Deng Zhi showed no fear but strode on proudly. Before the hall, he saw the hot oil boiling in the cauldron. The warriors on either side watched him closely, but Deng Zhi merely smiled. A court attendant led him before the curtain, where Deng Zhi made a deep bow without kneeling. Sun Quan ordered the beaded curtain raised and shouted, “Why do you not bow before me?” Deng Zhi answered proudly, “An envoy from a superior state does not bow before the ruler of a petty realm.” Sun Quan was furious. “You fail to reckon your own position! Do you mean to wag your three-inch tongue and imitate Master Li’s persuasion of Qi? Cast him into the oil cauldron at once!” Deng Zhi laughed aloud. “Everyone says Eastern Wu abounds in worthy men. Who would have imagined that they feared a single scholar?” Sun Quan’s anger mounted. “Why should I fear a common fellow like you?” Deng Zhi replied, “If you do not fear Deng Bomiao, why are you afraid that I will persuade you?” Sun Quan said, “You mean to act as Zhuge Liang’s persuader and induce me to break with Wei and turn toward Shu—is that not so?” Deng Zhi said, “I am only a scholar of Shu, come expressly to discuss what will benefit or harm the state of Wu. Yet you array soldiers and prepare a cauldron to repel a single envoy. How narrow is your capacity, that it can contain nothing!”

Hearing this, Sun Quan felt ashamed and discomfited. He immediately ordered the warriors away, invited Deng Zhi into the hall, gave him a seat, and asked, “What are the advantages and dangers of relations with Wu and Wei? I beg you to instruct me, sir.” Deng Zhi said, “Does Your Majesty wish to make peace with Shu, or to make peace with Wei?” Sun Quan replied, “I do indeed wish to make peace with the ruler of Shu, but I fear that he is young and inexperienced and may not remain constant from beginning to end.” Deng Zhi said, “Your Majesty is a hero born to command his age, and Zhuge Liang is likewise an outstanding genius of the time. Shu possesses the defenses of its mountains and rivers; Wu possesses the fastness of its three great waterways. If the two states unite in harmony and become as lips and teeth, then by advancing they may swallow the realm between them, and by withdrawing they may stand as two legs of the tripod. But if Your Majesty now presents tokens of submission and declares yourself a vassal of Wei, Wei will certainly expect you to appear at court and demand that your heir be sent to serve within its palace. If you refuse, Wei will raise an army to attack you, while Shu will follow the current downstream and seize your territory. Then the lands south of the Yangtze will no longer belong to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty believes my foolish words mistaken, I shall die before you and put an end to my reputation as a persuader.” When he had finished, he gathered up his robes, descended from the hall, and made straight for the oil cauldron to leap into it. Sun Quan hastily ordered him stopped, invited him into the rear hall, and treated him with the honors due an exalted guest. Sun Quan said, “Your words accord exactly with my own wishes. I now desire an alliance with the ruler of Shu. Will you serve as my intermediary?” Deng Zhi replied, “A moment ago it was Your Majesty who wished to boil this humble minister; now it is also Your Majesty who wishes to employ him. Since Your Majesty remains uncertain and undecided, how can you win the trust of others?” Sun Quan said, “My mind is settled. Doubt me no further, sir.”

The King of Wu therefore detained Deng Zhi as his guest and assembled his many officers. He said, “I rule the eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze, together with the lands of Jing and Chu, yet can I be inferior to that remote corner called Western Shu? Shu has Deng Zhi, who has brought no disgrace upon his sovereign, while Wu has not one man who can enter Shu and make my intentions known.” Suddenly one man stepped from the ranks and memorialized, “I am willing to go as envoy.” All looked and saw a native of Wu County in Wu Commandery. His surname was Zhang, his given name Wen, and his style Huishu; he then held the post of General of the Household. Sun Quan said, “I fear that when you reach Shu and meet Zhuge Liang, you will be unable to convey my true sentiments.” Zhang Wen replied, “Kongming is only a man. Why should I fear him?” Sun Quan was overjoyed. He rewarded Zhang Wen lavishly and sent him with Deng Zhi into the Riverlands to establish friendly relations.

Now after Deng Zhi had departed, Kongming memorialized the Latter Sovereign: “Deng Zhi’s mission is certain to succeed. The lands of Wu contain many worthy men, and someone will surely come to return the courtesy. Your Majesty should receive him graciously and send him back to Wu so that friendly alliance may be established. Once Wu enters into accord with us, Wei will not dare send troops against Shu. When Wu and Wei are both at peace, I shall campaign in the south and pacify the Man regions; only then shall we make plans against Wei. Once Wei is weakened, Eastern Wu will not long endure, and the foundations may be laid for restoring unity to the empire.” The Latter Sovereign agreed.

Suddenly it was reported that Eastern Wu had sent Zhang Wen with Deng Zhi into the Riverlands to return the courtesy. The Latter Sovereign assembled his civil and military officers upon the vermilion steps and ordered Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen admitted. Zhang Wen, believing himself to have achieved his purpose, strode proudly into the hall and saluted the Latter Sovereign. The Latter Sovereign bestowed upon him a brocade-covered stool, seated him on the left side of the hall, and gave an imperial banquet in his honor, showing him every courtesy and respect. When the banquet ended, the assembled officers escorted Zhang Wen to his lodging. The next day, Kongming gave a banquet for him. Kongming said to Zhang Wen, “While the Former Emperor lived, he was not on friendly terms with Wu, but now he has passed away. Our present sovereign deeply admires the King of Wu and desires to cast aside old grievances, form an enduring alliance, and join forces to destroy Wei. I trust, Excellency, that you will report this favorably upon your return.” Zhang Wen promised to do so. When the wine had reached its height, Zhang Wen smiled with easy self-satisfaction and displayed a considerable air of arrogance.

The following day, the Latter Sovereign presented Zhang Wen with gold and silks and arranged a farewell banquet at the courier pavilion south of the city, ordering the officers to see him off. Kongming pressed wine upon him with great courtesy. While they were drinking, a man suddenly entered in his cups. He gave a proud, sweeping bow, took his place at the banquet, and sat down. Zhang Wen, surprised, asked Kongming, “Who is this man?” Kongming replied, “His surname is Qin, his given name Mi, and his style Zichi. He is presently a Scholar of Yizhou.” Zhang Wen laughed. “He bears the title of Scholar, but I do not know whether he has ever truly studied anything.” Qin Mi answered solemnly, “Even three-foot children in Shu all attend to their studies—how much more should I?” Zhang Wen asked, “Then tell me, sir, what have you studied?” Qin Mi replied, “From astronomy above to geography below, from the Three Teachings and Nine Schools to the philosophers and the Hundred Schools, there is nothing I do not comprehend. The rise and fall of states, ancient and modern, and the classics and commentaries of sages and worthies—there is nothing I have not read.” Zhang Wen laughed. “Since you make such lofty claims, allow me to question you about Heaven. Does Heaven have a head?” Qin Mi replied, “It has a head.” Zhang Wen asked, “In what direction is its head?” Qin Mi said, “In the west. The Book of Songs says, ‘Then he turned his gaze westward.’ From this we may infer that its head is in the west.” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have ears?” Qin Mi replied, “Heaven dwells on high but hears what is below. The Book of Songs says, ‘The crane cries in the marsh’s deepest reaches, and its voice is heard in Heaven.’ Without ears, how could Heaven hear?” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have feet?” Qin Mi said, “It has feet. The Book of Songs says, ‘The steps of Heaven are fraught with hardship.’ Without feet, how could Heaven step?” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have a surname?” Qin Mi replied, “How could it have none?” Zhang Wen asked, “What is its surname?” Qin Mi answered, “Its surname is Liu.” Zhang Wen said, “How do you know?” Qin Mi replied, “The Son of Heaven’s surname is Liu; therefore I know it.” Zhang Wen then asked, “Is the sun born in the east?” Qin Mi answered, “Though it is born in the east, it sets in the west.”

At this time Qin Mi’s words rang clear and fluent, and his answers followed the questions like a flowing stream. Everyone at the banquet was astonished. Zhang Wen had nothing to say. Qin Mi then asked, “You, sir, are a celebrated scholar of Eastern Wu. Since you have deigned to question me about Heaven, you must surely possess a profound understanding of its principles. In ancient times, after chaos was divided, yin and yang were separated. What was light and pure floated upward and became Heaven, while what was heavy and turbid congealed below and became Earth. Later, when Lord Gonggong was defeated in battle, he struck Mount Buzhou with his head, breaking the pillar of Heaven and severing the cord of Earth. Heaven tilted toward the northwest, and Earth sank toward the southeast. Since Heaven was light and pure and floated upward, how could it tilt toward the northwest? And beyond what is light and pure, I do not know what else there may be. I beg you, sir, to instruct me.” Zhang Wen had no answer. He therefore left his seat and apologized, saying, “I never imagined that Shu produced so many outstanding men! Hearing your discourse just now has opened my mind and swept away its obstructions.” Kongming feared that Zhang Wen would be humiliated and therefore smoothed matters over with gracious words: “The questions and challenges exchanged at a banquet are merely playful conversation. You, sir, profoundly understand the way to secure a state and bring order to a realm. Why attach importance to a contest of lips and teeth?” Zhang Wen bowed his thanks. Kongming then ordered Deng Zhi to return to Wu and reciprocate its courtesy, traveling together with Zhang Wen. Zhang Wen and Deng Zhi bowed farewell to Kongming and set out for Eastern Wu.

Now when the King of Wu saw that Zhang Wen had not yet returned from Shu, he assembled his civil and military officers to deliberate. Suddenly a court attendant memorialized, “Shu has sent Deng Zhi back into our state with Zhang Wen to return our courtesy.” Sun Quan summoned them. Zhang Wen bowed before the hall and gave a full account of the virtues of the Latter Sovereign and Kongming, saying that they wished to establish an enduring alliance and had specially sent Secretary Deng to return the courtesy. Sun Quan was overjoyed and gave a banquet in their honor. Sun Quan asked Deng Zhi, “If Wu and Shu unite in purpose and destroy Wei, bringing peace to the empire, would it not be a joy for our two sovereigns to divide it and rule?” Deng Zhi replied, “‘There are not two suns in Heaven, nor two kings among the people.’ If Wei is destroyed, I do not know upon whom the Mandate of Heaven will devolve. But if each sovereign cultivates his virtue and each minister exhausts his loyalty, only then will warfare cease.” Sun Quan laughed heartily. “Is your sincerity truly as forthright as this?” He then presented Deng Zhi with lavish gifts and sent him back to Shu. From that time onward, Wu and Shu maintained friendly relations.

Now agents of Wei learned of this affair and reported it with all speed to the Central Plains. When Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, heard the news, he was furious. “Wu and Shu have joined in alliance,” he said. “They must intend to move against the Central Plains. Better that I attack first.” He therefore summoned a great assembly of civil and military officers to deliberate on raising an army against Wu. By this time Grand Marshal Cao Ren and Grand Commandant Jia Xu had both died. Palace Attendant Xin Pi stepped from the ranks and memorialized: “The lands of the Central Plains are broad, but the population is sparse. I see no advantage in resorting to arms. The best policy now is to maintain our armies and establish military colonies for ten years. Once provisions are abundant and the troops strong, we may employ them; then both Wu and Shu can be destroyed.” Cao Pi angrily replied, “That is the argument of a pedantic scholar! Now that Wu and Shu are allied, sooner or later they will invade our borders. How can we spare the time to wait ten years?” He immediately issued an edict to raise troops against Wu. Sima Yi memorialized: “Wu is defended by the natural barrier of the Yangtze, which cannot be crossed without ships. If Your Majesty is determined to lead the campaign in person, you should select warships large and small, sail from the Cai and Ying rivers into the Huai, seize Shouchun, proceed to Guangling, cross the mouth of the Yangtze, and strike directly at Nanxu. This is the best course.” Cao Pi followed his counsel. Work continued day and night to construct ten dragon ships, each more than twenty zhang long and capable of holding over two thousand men; more than three thousand other warships were also assembled and prepared. In the eighth month of autumn, the fifth year of Huangchu, the officers and soldiers of every rank were mustered. Cao Zhen was appointed commander of the vanguard; Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Ping, Xu Huang, and the other great generals marched ahead; Xu Chu and Lü Qian guarded the central army; Cao Xiu brought up the rear; and Liu Ye and Jiang Ji served as advisers. The land and naval forces together numbered more than three hundred thousand, and a day was fixed for their departure. Sima Yi was appointed Left Director of the Imperial Secretariat and left behind at Xuchang. All major affairs of state were entrusted to his decision.

No more need be said of the Wei army setting forth. Spies from Eastern Wu learned of the affair and reported it to their state. A court attendant hastily memorialized the King of Wu: “Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, has personally embarked aboard a dragon ship and is leading more than three hundred thousand land and naval troops from the Cai and Ying rivers into the Huai. He will surely seize Guangling, cross the Yangtze, and descend upon the lands south of the river. The danger is grave.” Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and at once assembled his civil and military officers for counsel. Gu Yong said, “Now that Your Majesty is allied with Western Shu, you should write to Zhuge Kongming and ask him to send an army out of Hanzhong to divide the enemy’s strength. At the same time, dispatch a great general to station troops at Nanxu and resist them.” Sun Quan said, “No one but Lu Boyan can bear such a heavy responsibility.” Gu Yong replied, “Lu Boyan is guarding Jingzhou and must not be moved lightly.” Sun Quan said, “I know that well enough, but there is no one at hand capable of replacing him.” Before he had finished, a man stepped from the ranks and declared, “Though I lack ability, I am willing to command an army against the troops of Wei. If Cao Pi crosses the great river in person, I shall capture him alive and present him to Your Highness. If he does not cross, I shall still slay more than half his army and make the soldiers of Wei afraid even to look Eastern Wu in the face.” Sun Quan looked and saw that the speaker was Xu Sheng. Overjoyed, he said, “If I have you to guard the region south of the Yangtze, what cause have I for concern?” He appointed Xu Sheng General Who Pacifies the East and commander-in-chief of all forces at Jianye and Nanxu. Xu Sheng gave thanks for the favor, accepted his orders, and withdrew. He immediately commanded the officers and troops to prepare great quantities of equipment and raise many standards and banners as part of his plan to defend the riverbank.

Suddenly one man stepped boldly forward and said, “Today the Great King entrusted you, General, with a grave responsibility, expecting you to break the Wei army and capture Cao Pi. Why do you not send your troops across the river at once and meet the enemy in Huainan? If you wait until Cao Pi’s army arrives, I fear it will be too late.” Xu Sheng looked and saw Sun Shao, a nephew of the King of Wu. Sun Shao’s style was Gongli, and he held the post of General Who Displays Might. He had formerly defended Guangling and, though young and headstrong, possessed exceptional courage and daring. Xu Sheng said, “Cao Pi’s power is great, and he has renowned generals serving as his vanguard. We must not cross the river to meet him. When all his ships have assembled along the northern bank, I shall have a plan to destroy them.” Sun Shao said, “I have three thousand troops under my command, and I also know the roads and terrain around Guangling intimately. I am willing to go north of the river myself and fight Cao Pi to the death. If I do not prevail, I shall willingly submit to military law.” Xu Sheng refused. Sun Shao stubbornly insisted on going, but Xu Sheng still would not permit it. Again and again Sun Shao demanded leave to march. At last Xu Sheng angrily said, “If you disobey orders in this fashion, how can I control the other generals?” He shouted to the warriors to drag Sun Shao out and behead him. The executioners escorted Sun Shao beyond the camp gate and raised the black flag. One of Sun Shao’s officers sped to inform Sun Quan. When Sun Quan heard, he hurriedly mounted and rode to the rescue. Just as the warriors were about to carry out the sentence, Sun Quan arrived, shouted at the executioners to disperse, and saved Sun Shao. Sun Shao wept as he memorialized: “In former years I served at Guangling and came to know its terrain thoroughly. If we do not fight Cao Pi there, but wait until he descends upon the Yangtze, Eastern Wu’s destruction will be only days away!”

Sun Quan went straight into the camp. Xu Sheng received him and escorted him into the command tent, where he memorialized: “The Great King appointed me commander-in-chief and charged me to lead the army against Wei. Now General Who Displays Might Sun Shao has violated military law by disobeying orders and deserves death. Why has the Great King pardoned him?” Sun Quan replied, “Shao relied upon the rash courage of youth and unwittingly offended against military law. I earnestly hope you will deal leniently with him.” Xu Sheng said, “The law was not established by me, nor was it established by the Great King. It is the penal code of the state. If a man is spared because he is your kinsman, how can the army be commanded?” Sun Quan replied, “Since Shao broke the law, he should indeed be left to the general’s punishment. Yet though the boy was originally surnamed Yu, my elder brother loved him dearly and bestowed upon him the surname Sun. He has also rendered me considerable service. If I were to kill him now, I would betray the obligations I owe my brother.” Xu Sheng said, “For the Great King’s sake, I shall hold his death sentence in abeyance.” Sun Quan ordered Sun Shao to bow in thanks, but Sun Shao refused. In a fierce voice he said, “As I see it, the only course is to lead the army against Cao Pi! Even if I die, I will never submit to your judgment!” Xu Sheng’s expression changed. Sun Quan rebuked Sun Shao and sent him away, then said to Xu Sheng, “Even if Wu had no such man, what loss would it suffer? Do not employ him again.” Having spoken, he returned to his residence. That night a messenger informed Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had led his own three thousand picked troops secretly across the river. Xu Sheng feared that if any mishap befell him, he would have difficulty facing the King of Wu. He therefore summoned Ding Feng, entrusted him with a secret plan, and sent him across the river with three thousand troops to provide support.

Now the King of Wei sailed in his dragon ship to Guangling, where Cao Zhen and the vanguard had already drawn up their forces along the bank of the great river. Cao Pi asked, “How many soldiers are there on the opposite bank?” Cao Zhen replied, “Looking across from this distance, we can see no one at all, nor any banners, standards, camps, or stockades.” Cao Pi said, “This must be some deceitful scheme. I shall go myself to judge whether their position is empty or solid.” The river channel was therefore cleared, and the dragon ship sailed directly into the Yangtze and moored near the bank. Banners of five colors embroidered with dragons, phoenixes, the sun, and the moon rose above the ship; imperial insignia crowded around it, glittering so brilliantly that the eye was dazzled. Cao Pi sat erect aboard the ship and gazed toward the southern shore, but saw not a single person. Turning to Liu Ye and Jiang Ji, he asked, “Can we cross the river?” Liu Ye replied, “In warfare, the solid is made to appear empty, and the empty solid. How could the enemy see this great army arrive and make no preparations? Your Majesty must not act rashly. Let us wait three or five days and observe their movements; then we may send the vanguard across to test them.” Cao Pi said, “Your words accord exactly with my intention.”

That evening they remained on the river for the night. The moon was dark, but the soldiers all held lanterns and torches, whose brilliance lit Heaven and Earth as though it were broad daylight. Looking toward the southern shore, they could not see so much as a spark of fire. Cao Pi asked those around him, “What is the reason for this?” A court attendant memorialized, “They must have heard that Your Majesty’s heavenly host had arrived and fled at the mere rumor of its coming.” Cao Pi laughed to himself. By dawn, a dense fog had spread over the river, so thick that no one could see the person opposite him. After a while, a wind arose, the fog dispersed, and the clouds rolled away. Looking toward the southern bank, they saw an unbroken line of fortified towns. Spears and swords flashed in the sunlight atop the towers, while standards and signal pennants covered every wall. In a short time, messenger after messenger came to report: “From Nanxu all along the river as far as Stone City, for several hundred li in an unbroken stretch, walls, towers, ships, and wagons extend without end—all completed in a single night.” Cao Pi was greatly alarmed. In fact, Xu Sheng had bound reeds together in the shapes of men, dressed them all in green garments, placed banners in their hands, and stationed them on false walls and sham towers meant to deceive the enemy. When the soldiers of Wei saw what appeared to be multitudes of men and horses upon the walls, how could they fail to lose heart? Cao Pi sighed. “Though Wei possesses warriors by the thousand, there is nowhere to employ them. The men of the south cannot yet be conquered!”

Even as he marveled in alarm, a violent gale suddenly arose. White waves towered to the heavens, and the river spray drenched Cao Pi’s dragon robe. The great ship was on the verge of capsizing. Cao Zhen hastily ordered Wen Ping to bring a small boat and rescue the imperial person. No one aboard the dragon ship could keep his footing. Wen Ping leaped onto the dragon ship, carried Cao Pi on his back down into the smaller craft, and hurried into a sheltered inlet. Suddenly an express rider came galloping up with the report: “Zhao Yun has led an army out through Yangping Pass and is advancing directly upon Chang’an.” Cao Pi turned pale with alarm and immediately ordered a retreat. The troops scattered in flight, each seeking his own escape, while the soldiers of Wu pursued from behind. Cao Pi issued an edict commanding that all imperial belongings be abandoned. Just as the dragon ship was about to enter the Huai, drums and horns suddenly sounded together and a tremendous clamor of battle cries arose. A force came charging in obliquely, led by the great general Sun Shao. The Wei troops could not withstand him. More than half were cut down, and countless others drowned.

The generals exerted themselves to the utmost and rescued the ruler of Wei. After crossing the Huai, Cao Pi had traveled less than thirty li when the belt of reeds along the river, which had been soaked beforehand with fish oil, burst into flame. Driven downstream by the wind, which blew with terrific force, the flames filled the sky and cut off the dragon ships. Cao Pi was greatly alarmed and hastily descended into a smaller boat. By the time he reached the bank, the dragon ship was already ablaze. Cao Pi hurriedly mounted a horse, but a body of troops came charging along the shore, led by the great general Ding Feng. Zhang Liao spurred forward to meet him, but Ding Feng struck him in the waist with an arrow. Xu Huang managed to save him, and together they protected the ruler of Wei in his flight. Countless soldiers were lost. Behind them, Sun Shao and Ding Feng captured horses, carriages, ships, weapons, and equipment beyond all reckoning. The Wei army returned in utter defeat. The Wu general Xu Sheng received full credit for the great victory, and the King of Wu bestowed lavish rewards upon him. After Zhang Liao returned to Xuchang, his arrow wound burst open and he died. Cao Pi buried him with great honors, but that need not be related here.

Now just as Zhao Yun led his troops charging out through Yangping Pass, a report suddenly came that a dispatch had arrived from the Prime Minister. It stated that Yong Kai, a powerful chieftain of Yizhou, had allied himself with the Man King Meng Huo and raised one hundred thousand Man troops to invade and plunder the four commanderies. Zhao Yun was therefore ordered to withdraw his army, while Ma Chao was commanded to hold Yangping Pass securely, for the Prime Minister intended to campaign in the south in person. Zhao Yun hastily recalled his troops and returned. At this time Kongming was in Chengdu putting the army in order and preparing to lead the southern expedition himself. Truly:

No sooner is Eastern Wu seen opposing northern Wei,Than Western Shu must battle the southern Man.

What the outcome would be will be revealed in the next chapter.

Qin Mi Confounds Zhang Wen with Celestial Eloquence; Xu Sheng Defeats Cao Pi with Fire

Now after Lu Xun of Eastern Wu had driven back the Wei army, the King of Wu appointed him General Who Supports the State and Marquis of Jiangling, and placed him in charge of Jing Province as governor. From then on, all military authority rested with Lu Xun. Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong submitted a memorial asking the King of Wu to inaugurate a new reign era. Sun Quan agreed and proclaimed the first year of Huangwu. Suddenly, it was reported that the ruler of Wei had sent an envoy. Sun Quan summoned him in. The envoy delivered his instructions, saying, “Earlier, Shu sent men to seek aid from Wei. Wei failed to understand the situation at the time and therefore dispatched troops in response. His Majesty now deeply regrets it and wishes to raise four armies to seize the Riverlands. Eastern Wu may come to our assistance. If we gain the territory of Shu, each of us will take half.” On hearing this, Sun Quan could not decide and asked Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and the others for their opinions. Zhang Zhao said, “Lu Boyan possesses extraordinary insight. You may ask him.” Sun Quan immediately summoned Lu Xun. When Lu Xun arrived, he submitted: “Cao Pi sits securely in command of the Central Plains and cannot be attacked in haste. But if we refuse him now, he will certainly become our enemy. In my judgment, neither Wei nor Wu has anyone capable of matching Zhuge Liang. For now, reluctantly agree, put the army in order, and make preparations, while finding out how the four armies fare. If those four armies are victorious and the Riverlands are in danger, Zhuge Liang will be unable to rescue both front and rear. Your Majesty can then send troops in response and seize Chengdu first. That would be the best policy. If the four armies are defeated, we can discuss another course.” Sun Quan followed his advice and said to the Wei envoy, “Our military supplies are not yet ready. Once we choose a date, our forces will set out.” The envoy bowed farewell and departed.

Sun Quan sent men to investigate and learned that the western tribesmen had marched out through Xiping Pass, but after seeing Ma Chao had withdrawn without fighting; that Meng Huo of the Southern Man had raised troops and attacked the four commanderies, but Wei Yan had driven them all back to their caves with a decoy strategy; that Meng Da of Shangyong had fallen ill halfway along his march and could go no farther; and that Cao Zhen had marched through Yangping Pass, only to find Zhao Zilong guarding every strategic defile—truly, one general held the pass against ten thousand men. Cao Zhen had encamped along the Xie Valley road, but had been unable to win and had returned. When Sun Quan learned this news, he said to his civil and military officials, “Lu Boyan’s foresight is truly divine. Had I acted rashly, I would have made another enemy of Western Shu.” Suddenly, it was reported that Deng Zhi had arrived as an envoy from Western Shu. Zhang Zhao said, “This is another of Zhuge Liang’s schemes to make us withdraw our troops. He has sent Deng Zhi as a persuader.” Sun Quan asked, “How should I answer him?” Zhang Zhao said, “First set up a huge cauldron before the hall. Fill it with several hundred catties of oil and heat it from below with charcoal. When the oil begins to boil, select a thousand tall, broad-faced warriors, each holding a sword, and line them up from the palace gate all the way to the hall. Then summon Deng Zhi into your presence. Do not let him begin his persuasive speech. Charge him with seeking to imitate Li Yiji’s attempt to persuade Qi, and boil him as Li Yiji was boiled. Then see how he answers.”

Sun Quan followed his advice. He had the cauldron of oil set up, ordered warriors to stand on either side holding their weapons, and summoned Deng Zhi. Deng Zhi straightened his robes and cap and entered. When he reached the palace gate, he saw two rows of imposing warriors, each holding a steel saber, great ax, long sword, or short halberd, lined up all the way to the front of the hall. Deng Zhi understood their intention, but showed no fear and strode proudly forward. Before the hall, he saw the hot oil boiling in the cauldron. The warriors on either side watched him closely, but Deng Zhi merely smiled. A court attendant led him before the curtain, where Deng Zhi gave a deep bow with clasped hands but did not kneel. Sun Quan ordered the pearl curtain rolled up and shouted, “Why do you not kneel?” Deng Zhi answered proudly, “An envoy of a great state does not kneel to the ruler of a lesser one.” Sun Quan was furious. “You overestimate yourself! Do you mean to wag your three-inch tongue and imitate Master Li’s persuasion of Qi? Into the cauldron with you at once!” Deng Zhi laughed loudly. “Everyone says Eastern Wu has many worthy men. Who would have thought they would be afraid of a single scholar?” Sun Quan grew still angrier. “Why should I fear a mere commoner like you?” Deng Zhi said, “If you do not fear Deng Bomiao, why are you afraid that I have come to persuade you?” Sun Quan said, “You mean to act as Zhuge Liang’s persuader and convince me to break with Wei and turn toward Shu. Is that not so?” Deng Zhi said, “I am only a scholar from Shu, and I have come solely to discuss what will benefit or harm the state of Wu. Yet you array troops and prepare a cauldron to repel a single envoy. How can your capacity be so narrow that it cannot accommodate another?”

Sun Quan felt ashamed and uneasy when he heard this. He immediately ordered the warriors dismissed, invited Deng Zhi into the hall, gave him a seat, and asked, “What are Wu’s interests regarding Wei? I hope you will instruct me, sir.” Deng Zhi said, “Does Your Majesty wish to make peace with Shu, or do you wish to make peace with Wei?” Sun Quan said, “I do wish to make peace with the ruler of Shu, but I fear that he is young and inexperienced and will not remain steadfast from beginning to end.” Deng Zhi said, “Your Majesty is an extraordinary hero of this age, and Zhuge Liang is likewise an outstanding man of his time. Shu possesses the natural defenses of its mountains and rivers, while Wu enjoys the security of the Three Rivers. If the two states unite in peace and depend upon each other like lips and teeth, then by advancing they may annex the whole realm, while by retreating they may stand as two legs of a tripod. If Your Majesty now presents tribute and declares yourself a subject of Wei, Wei will surely expect Your Majesty to appear at court and demand that the crown prince serve as a palace attendant. If you refuse, Wei will raise an army and attack, while Shu will advance with the current to seize your land. In that event, the territory south of the Yangtze will no longer belong to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty believes my humble words to be false, I will die before you and put an end to my reputation as a persuader.” When he had finished, he gathered up his robes, descended from the hall, and prepared to leap into the cauldron of oil. Sun Quan urgently ordered him stopped, invited him into the rear hall, and treated him with the courtesies due an honored guest. Sun Quan said, “Your words agree perfectly with my own intentions. I now wish to form an alliance with the ruler of Shu. Will you introduce me?” Deng Zhi said, “The man who wished to boil this humble minister just now was Your Majesty, and the man who now wishes to employ this humble minister is also Your Majesty. Since Your Majesty is still wavering in uncertainty, how can you win another’s trust?” Sun Quan said, “My mind is made up. Do not doubt me, sir.”

The King of Wu then asked Deng Zhi to remain and assembled his many officials. He said, “I rule the eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze, as well as the lands of Jing and Chu, yet we are actually inferior to remote Western Shu. Shu has Deng Zhi, who has not disgraced his ruler, but Wu has no one who can enter Shu and convey my intentions.” Suddenly, one man stepped from the ranks and submitted, “I am willing to serve as envoy.” Everyone looked at him. He was a man of Wu County in the Wu region, surnamed Zhang, named Wen, and styled Huishu, currently serving as General of the Household. Sun Quan said, “I fear that when you reach Shu and meet Zhuge Liang, you will be unable to convey my true feelings.” Zhang Wen said, “Kongming is only a man. Why should I fear him?” Sun Quan was delighted. He richly rewarded Zhang Wen and sent him into the Riverlands with Deng Zhi to establish friendly relations.

Now after Deng Zhi’s departure, Kongming submitted to the Latter Lord: “Deng Zhi’s mission is certain to succeed. There are many worthy men in Wu, and they are sure to send someone to return the courtesy. Your Majesty should treat that person with respect and send him back to Wu so that an alliance and friendly relations may be established. If Wu makes peace with us, Wei will certainly not dare send troops against Shu. Once Wu and Wei are quiet, I will campaign in the south and pacify the Man regions, after which we may turn our plans against Wei. When Wei has been destroyed, Eastern Wu will not be able to survive for long, and we may restore the foundation of a unified empire.” The Latter Lord agreed.

Suddenly, it was reported that Eastern Wu had sent Zhang Wen into the Riverlands with Deng Zhi to return the courtesy. The Latter Lord assembled his civil and military officials on the vermilion steps and ordered Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen admitted. Zhang Wen felt highly pleased with himself and strode proudly into the hall, where he performed the proper courtesies before the Latter Lord. The Latter Lord gave him a brocade-covered stool and seated him on the left side of the hall, then held an imperial banquet in his honor. The Latter Lord did no more than treat him with respectful courtesy. After the banquet, the officials escorted Zhang Wen to the guesthouse. The next day, Kongming held a banquet for him. Kongming said to Zhang Wen, “While the First Emperor lived, he and Wu were at odds, but he has now passed away. Our present sovereign deeply admires the King of Wu and wishes to set aside past resentment, establish a lasting alliance, and combine our strength to defeat Wei. I hope you will report this favorably on your return.” Zhang Wen agreed. When the wine had made him half-drunk, Zhang Wen smiled with easy self-satisfaction and showed considerable arrogance.

The next day, the Latter Lord bestowed gold and silk on Zhang Wen and held a banquet at the post station south of the city, ordering all the officials to see him off. Kongming graciously urged him to drink. While they were drinking, a man suddenly entered in a drunken state. He gave a proud bow with clasped hands, joined the banquet, and sat down. Zhang Wen found this strange and asked Kongming, “Who is this man?” Kongming replied, “His surname is Qin, his given name is Mi, and his style is Zichi. He currently serves as a scholar of Yi Province.” Zhang Wen laughed. “He bears the title of scholar, but I wonder whether there is anything he has actually studied?” Qin Mi said sternly, “Even three-foot-tall children in Shu attend school, much less a man like me.” Zhang Wen said, “Then tell me, sir, what have you studied?” Qin Mi replied, “From astronomy above to geography below, the Three Teachings and Nine Schools, the various philosophers and Hundred Schools of Thought—there is nothing I do not understand. The rise and fall of states in ancient and modern times, the classics and commentaries of sages and worthies—there is nothing I have not read.” Zhang Wen laughed. “Since you make such sweeping claims, allow me to question you about Heaven. Does Heaven have a head?” Qin Mi said, “It has a head.” Zhang Wen asked, “In what direction is its head?” Qin Mi said, “In the west. The Book of Songs says, ‘Then it turned its gaze westward.’ From this we may infer that its head is in the west.” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have ears?” Qin Mi replied, “Heaven dwells on high yet hears what is below. The Book of Songs says, ‘The crane cries in the marsh’s deepest recesses, and its voice is heard in Heaven.’ Without ears, how could it hear?” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have feet?” Qin Mi said, “It has feet. The Book of Songs says, ‘Heaven’s steps are difficult.’ Without feet, how could it step?” Zhang Wen asked again, “Does Heaven have a surname?” Qin Mi said, “How could it have no surname?” Zhang Wen asked, “What is its surname?” Qin Mi replied, “Its surname is Liu.” Zhang Wen asked, “How do you know?” Qin Mi said, “The Son of Heaven’s surname is Liu. That is how I know.” Zhang Wen then asked, “Is the sun born in the east?” Qin Mi replied, “Though born in the east, it sets in the west.”

At this time, Qin Mi spoke clearly and fluently, answering every question without pause, and everyone at the banquet was astonished. Zhang Wen had nothing to say. Qin Mi then asked, “You, sir, are a famous scholar of Eastern Wu. Since you have questioned me about Heaven, you must possess a profound understanding of Heaven’s principles. In ancient times, after chaos was divided, yin and yang separated. What was light and pure floated upward and became Heaven, while what was heavy and turbid condensed below and became Earth. Later, when Gonggong was defeated in battle, he struck Mount Buzhou with his head, breaking the pillar of Heaven and damaging the bonds of Earth. Heaven tilted toward the northwest, and Earth sank toward the southeast. Since Heaven was light and pure and floated upward, how could it tilt toward the northwest? Furthermore, I do not know what exists beyond the light and pure. I hope you will instruct me, sir.” Zhang Wen had no answer. He left his seat and apologized, saying, “I never expected Shu to produce so many outstanding men! Hearing your discourse has suddenly cleared away the obstruction from my mind.” Kongming feared that Zhang Wen would feel ashamed, so he tactfully smoothed matters over, saying, “These questions and challenges at the banquet were all merely playful conversation. You, sir, possess a profound understanding of how to bring peace to a state and order to a country. Why concern yourself with a game of words?” Zhang Wen bowed his thanks. Kongming then ordered Deng Zhi to return to Wu to reciprocate its courtesy and had him travel together with Zhang Wen. Zhang Wen and Deng Zhi bowed farewell to Kongming and set out for Eastern Wu.

Now the King of Wu saw that Zhang Wen had not yet returned from Shu, so he assembled his civil and military officials for consultation. Suddenly, a court attendant submitted, “Shu has sent Deng Zhi into our state with Zhang Wen to return our courtesy.” Sun Quan summoned them in. Zhang Wen bowed before the hall and gave a full account of the virtues of the Latter Lord and Kongming, saying that they wished to establish a lasting alliance and had specially sent Secretary Deng once more to return Wu’s courtesy. Sun Quan was delighted and held a banquet in their honor. Sun Quan asked Deng Zhi, “If Wu and Shu unite in purpose and destroy Wei, bringing peace to the realm, would it not be a joy for our two rulers to divide the empire and govern it between them?” Deng Zhi replied, “‘There are not two suns in Heaven, nor two kings over the people.’ After Wei is destroyed, I do not know to whom Heaven’s Mandate will belong. But if each ruler cultivates his virtue, and each minister fully discharges his loyalty, only then will warfare cease.” Sun Quan laughed loudly. “Is this how candid and sincere you are?” He then gave Deng Zhi generous gifts and sent him back to Shu. From that time on, Wu and Shu maintained friendly relations.

Now Wei spies learned of these events and rushed a report to the Central Plains. When Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, heard it, he was furious. “Wu and Shu have formed an alliance. They must intend to seize the Central Plains. It would be better for me to attack first.” He therefore assembled all his civil and military officials to discuss raising an army against Wu. By this time, Grand Marshal Cao Ren and Grand Commandant Jia Xu had already died. Palace Attendant Xin Pi stepped from the ranks and submitted, “The lands of the Central Plains are broad, but their population is sparse. I see no advantage in using troops now. The best plan today would be to maintain our armies and establish agricultural garrisons for ten years. Once we have ample provisions and troops, we may employ them, and then Wu and Shu can be defeated.” Cao Pi angrily said, “That is the argument of a pedantic scholar! Wu and Shu have now formed an alliance and will certainly invade our borders sooner or later. How can we afford to wait ten years?” He immediately issued an edict to raise an army against Wu. Sima Yi submitted, “Wu is protected by the natural barrier of the Yangtze and cannot be crossed without ships. If Your Majesty insists on personally leading the campaign, you should select warships large and small, proceed from the Cai and Ying Rivers into the Huai, seize Shouchun, advance to Guangling, cross at the mouth of the Yangtze, and then march directly on Southern Xu. This is the best strategy.” Cao Pi followed his advice. Workers labored day and night to build ten dragon ships, each more than twenty zhang long and capable of holding more than two thousand men, and more than three thousand warships were prepared. In the eighth month of autumn, the fifth year of Huangchu in Wei, officers and soldiers of every rank assembled. Cao Zhen was appointed commander of the vanguard. Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Ping, Xu Huang, and the others went ahead as senior generals. Xu Chu and Lü Qian guarded the central army, Cao Xiu brought up the rear, and Liu Ye and Jiang Ji served as advisers. The land and naval forces together numbered more than three hundred thousand, and a date was fixed for the campaign to begin. Sima Yi was appointed Left Director of the Imperial Secretariat and remained behind in Xuchang. All major affairs of state were entrusted to his decision.

No more will be said for now of the Wei army setting out. Spies from Eastern Wu learned of the campaign and carried word back to Wu. A court attendant anxiously submitted to the King of Wu, “Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, has personally boarded a dragon ship and is leading more than three hundred thousand land and naval troops from the Cai and Ying Rivers into the Huai. He will certainly seize Guangling, cross the Yangtze, and descend upon the south. The danger is extremely grave.” Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and immediately assembled his civil and military officials for consultation. Gu Yong said, “Now that Your Majesty has formed an alliance with Western Shu, you can write to Zhuge Kongming and ask him to send troops out of Hanzhong to divide Wei’s strength. Meanwhile, dispatch a great general to station troops in Southern Xu and resist the invasion.” Sun Quan said, “No one but Lu Boyan can bear such a heavy responsibility.” Gu Yong said, “Lu Boyan is guarding Jing Province and cannot be moved lightly.” Sun Quan said, “It is not that I do not know this, but at present there is no one who can take his place.” Before he had finished, a man stepped from the ranks and called out, “Though I lack ability, I am willing to command an army against the forces of Wei. If Cao Pi personally crosses the great river, I will capture him alive and present him to Your Highness. If he does not cross, I will still kill more than half the Wei army and make its soldiers afraid even to look Eastern Wu in the face.” Sun Quan looked and saw that it was Xu Sheng. He was overjoyed. “If I have you guarding the region south of the Yangtze, what cause have I for concern?” He therefore appointed Xu Sheng General Who Pacifies the East and commander-in-chief of all troops at Jianye and Southern Xu. Xu Sheng thanked him for his favor, accepted his command, and withdrew. He immediately issued orders for the officers and soldiers to prepare large quantities of equipment and set up numerous banners as part of a plan to defend the Yangtze’s banks.

Suddenly, one man stepped boldly forward and said, “Today the King has entrusted you, General, with the great responsibility of defeating the Wei army and capturing Cao Pi. Why do you not send your troops across the river at once and meet the enemy in Huainan? If you wait until Cao Pi’s army arrives, I fear it will be too late.” Xu Sheng looked and saw that it was Sun Shao, the King of Wu’s nephew. Sun Shao’s style was Gongli, and he held the rank of General Who Displays Might. He had once defended Guangling. Young and proud, he possessed extraordinary courage and daring. Xu Sheng said, “Cao Pi’s forces are powerful, and he has famous generals as his vanguard. We must not cross the river to meet him. Wait until all his ships have assembled along the northern bank. I have my own plan to defeat him.” Sun Shao said, “I command three thousand troops of my own, and I am thoroughly familiar with the terrain and roads around Guangling. I am willing to go north of the river myself and fight Cao Pi to the death. If I do not win, I will gladly suffer the penalty prescribed by military law.” Xu Sheng refused. Sun Shao stubbornly insisted on going. Xu Sheng continued to refuse, but Sun Shao repeatedly demanded permission to march. Xu Sheng angrily said, “If you disobey orders like this, how can I control the other generals?” He shouted to the guards to drag Sun Shao out and behead him. The executioners seized Sun Shao, took him outside the camp gate, and raised the black execution flag. One of Sun Shao’s subordinate officers raced to report to Sun Quan. When Sun Quan heard, he immediately mounted his horse and hurried to the rescue. Just as the guards were about to carry out the execution, Sun Quan arrived, shouted for the executioners to disperse, and saved Sun Shao. Sun Shao wept as he submitted, “In former years I served at Guangling and came to know its terrain thoroughly. If we do not fight Cao Pi there and wait until he crosses the Yangtze, Eastern Wu’s destruction will be only days away!”

Sun Quan went directly into the camp. Xu Sheng welcomed him into his command tent and submitted, “Your Majesty appointed me commander-in-chief and ordered me to lead the army against Wei. Now General Who Displays Might Sun Shao has violated military law by disobeying orders and deserves death. Why has Your Majesty pardoned him?” Sun Quan said, “Shao relied on the impetuous courage of youth and mistakenly violated military law. I earnestly hope you will pardon him.” Xu Sheng said, “The law was established neither by me nor by Your Majesty. It is the state’s official code of punishment. If he is spared because he is your relative, how can I command the troops?” Sun Quan said, “Shao has broken the law and should properly be left to the general’s judgment. But although this boy was originally surnamed Yu, my elder brother loved him greatly and granted him the surname Sun. He has also performed considerable service for me. If I kill him now, I will betray my duty to my brother.” Xu Sheng said, “For Your Majesty’s sake, I will suspend his death sentence.” Sun Quan ordered Sun Shao to bow and thank Xu Sheng, but Sun Shao refused. He said harshly, “As I see it, the only course is to lead the army out and defeat Cao Pi! Even if I die, I will not submit to your judgment!” Xu Sheng’s expression changed. Sun Quan angrily ordered Sun Shao away, then said to Xu Sheng, “Even without this boy, what loss would Wu suffer? Do not employ him again.” With that, he returned. That night, someone reported to Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had led three thousand picked troops of his own command secretly across the river. Xu Sheng feared that if anything happened to him, he would be unable to face the King of Wu. He therefore summoned Ding Feng, gave him a secret plan, and sent him across the river with three thousand troops to provide support.

Now the King of Wei brought his dragon ship to Guangling, where Cao Zhen’s vanguard had already arrayed itself along the bank of the great river. Cao Pi asked, “How many troops are on the opposite bank?” Cao Zhen said, “Looking across from a distance, we cannot see a single person, nor are there any banners or encampments.” Cao Pi said, “This must be a trick. I will go myself to observe whether they are strong or weak.” The river channel was therefore cleared, and the dragon ship sailed directly onto the Yangtze and anchored by the bank. Banners of five colors bearing dragons, phoenixes, the sun, and the moon were raised on the ship. Surrounded by the imperial regalia, they shone so brilliantly that they dazzled the eye. Cao Pi sat upright in the ship and gazed toward the southern bank, but saw no one. He turned to Liu Ye and Jiang Ji and asked, “Can we cross the river?” Liu Ye said, “The art of war alternates substance with emptiness and emptiness with substance. How could they make no preparations when they saw our great army arrive? Your Majesty must not act rashly. Wait three to five days and observe their movements. Then send the vanguard across the river to investigate.” Cao Pi said, “Your words agree perfectly with my intentions.”

That evening, they spent the night on the river. The moon was dark. All the soldiers held lanterns and torches, illuminating heaven and earth as brightly as day. Yet when they looked toward the southern bank, they could not see the faintest glimmer of fire. Cao Pi asked those around him, “What is the reason for this?” A court attendant submitted, “They must have heard that Your Majesty’s heavenly army has arrived and fled in terror at the mere news.” Cao Pi laughed to himself. By dawn, a heavy fog had spread everywhere, and nothing could be seen even directly ahead. A short while later, the wind rose, the fog dispersed, and the clouds withdrew. They saw an unbroken line of fortified cities all along the southern bank. Spears and blades glittered in the sunlight atop the towers, and every city was covered with flags and streamers. Within moments, several messengers arrived in succession to report: “From Southern Xu along the Yangtze all the way to Stone City, cities, walls, ships, and wagons stretch without interruption for hundreds of miles. It was all completed in a single night.” Cao Pi was greatly alarmed. In fact, Xu Sheng had bound reeds into human figures, dressed every one of them in blue, placed banners in their hands, and stood them atop false walls and imitation towers. When the Wei soldiers saw what appeared to be so many men and horses on the walls, how could they not lose heart? Cao Pi sighed. “Though Wei has thousands upon thousands of warriors, there is nowhere to use them. With such men in the south, this land cannot yet be conquered!”

While Cao Pi was still astonished, a violent wind suddenly arose. White waves surged to the sky, river water splashed over his imperial robe, and the great ship was about to capsize. Cao Zhen hurriedly ordered Wen Ping to bring a small boat and rescue the emperor at once. No one aboard the dragon ship could remain standing. Wen Ping leaped onto the dragon ship, carried Cao Pi on his back down into the small boat, and raced into an inlet. Suddenly, a dispatch rider arrived at full gallop and reported, “Zhao Yun has led troops out of Yangping Pass and is marching directly on Chang’an.” Cao Pi was horrified when he heard this and immediately ordered the army to withdraw. The troops fled in every direction. Wu soldiers pursued from behind. Cao Pi issued an edict ordering all imperial equipment abandoned to speed their escape. Just as the dragon ship was about to enter the Huai, drums and horns suddenly sounded together, and tremendous battle cries arose. A powerful force charged in from the flank, led by the great general Sun Shao. The Wei soldiers could not withstand him. More than half were cut down, and countless others drowned.

The generals fought desperately and rescued the ruler of Wei. After Cao Pi crossed the Huai River and had traveled less than thirty li, the reeds along the river—which had been soaked beforehand with fish oil—were all set ablaze. The flames swept downwind, driven fiercely onward. Fire filled the sky and cut off the dragon ship. Cao Pi was terrified and hurriedly descended into a small boat. By the time he reached the bank, the dragon ship was already on fire. Cao Pi hurriedly mounted a horse, but a powerful force came charging along the bank, led by the great general Ding Feng. Zhang Liao spurred forward to meet him, but Ding Feng shot him in the waist with an arrow. Xu Huang managed to rescue him, and together they protected the ruler of Wei as he fled. Countless soldiers were lost. Behind them, Sun Shao and Ding Feng captured innumerable horses, wagons, ships, and weapons. The Wei army returned in crushing defeat. The Wu general Xu Sheng received full credit for the victory, and the King of Wu richly rewarded him. When Zhang Liao returned to Xuchang, his arrow wound burst open and he died. Cao Pi gave him a lavish burial, but that need not be related here.

Now just after Zhao Yun had led his troops charging out of Yangping Pass, a report suddenly arrived that the Prime Minister had sent an official dispatch. It said that Yong Kai, a powerful chieftain of Yi Province, had joined with the Man king Meng Huo and raised one hundred thousand Man troops to invade and plunder the four commanderies. Zhao Yun was therefore ordered to withdraw, while Ma Chao was commanded to defend Yangping Pass. The Prime Minister intended to campaign personally in the south. Zhao Yun hurriedly recalled his troops and returned. At this time, Kongming was in Chengdu putting the army in order and preparing to lead the southern campaign himself. Just so:

We have seen Eastern Wu oppose northern Wei;Now watch Western Shu fight the Southern Man.

What the outcome would be will be revealed in the next chapter.