Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The one who offered the plan was a man from Quxian in Donghai: his name was Mi Zhu, courtesy name Zizhong. He came from a wealthy family of long standing. On one occasion he had gone to Luoyang to trade and was riding back in his carriage when he met a beautiful woman who asked to share his ride. Zhu got down and walked, giving the carriage to the woman. The woman then invited him to ride with her. Zhu got in and sat upright, his eyes never straying. After they had gone several miles, the woman took her leave. As she departed she said to Zhu, "I am the Fire Virtue Star Lord of the South, sent by the command of the Supreme God to burn your house. Because you treated me with courtesy, I am telling you plainly. Return quickly and remove your belongings. I shall come that night." With that she vanished. Zhu was greatly alarmed and flew home, hastily moving out all his possessions. That evening, sure enough, fire broke out in the kitchen and consumed every building. Zhu thereafter gave generously from his family wealth to relieve the poor and suffering. Later, Tao Qian appointed him as an Assistant Officer. On that day he presented his plan, saying, "I volunteer to go personally to Beihai Commandery to beg Kong Rong to raise troops for our relief. If we can also send another person to Tian Kai in Qingzhou to beg for help, and if both armies arrive together, Cao Cao will surely withdraw." Tao Qian agreed. He therefore wrote two letters and asked among his attendants who dared go to Qingzhou to beg for aid. One man stepped forward, volunteering. The others looked: he was from Guangling, named Chen Deng, courtesy name Yuanlong. Tao Qian first sent Chen Yuanlong on his way to Qingzhou, then ordered Mi Zhu to carry the letter to Beihai, while he himself led the people to defend the city against attack.

Now Kong Rong, courtesy name Wenju, was a native of Qufu in the state of Lu, a twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius and the son of Kong Zhou, Grand Commandant of Mount Tai. He was clever from childhood. When he was ten, he went to call on the Governor of Henan, Li Ying. The gatekeeper tried to stop him, but Rong said, "I am of the same family as Lord Li." When admitted, Ying asked, "What relation is there between your ancestor and mine?" Rong replied, "In ancient times, Confucius once asked Laozi about rites. Are not you and I families long connected?" Ying was greatly astonished. Shortly after, the Grand Counsellor Chen Wei arrived. Ying pointed to Rong and said, "This is a prodigy." Wei said, "A clever child is not necessarily clever as an adult." Rong immediately retorted, "Then by your Lordship's reasoning, you must have been clever as a child." Wei and the others all laughed and said, "When this boy grows up, he will certainly be a great man of his generation." From that time he became famous. He later served as a Commandant of the Palace Guard and rose through the ranks to become Grand Administrator of Beihai. He was exceedingly fond of guests and often said, "May my seats always be full of visitors and my cups never empty of wine: that is my wish." He had governed Beihai for six years and was deeply beloved by the people.

On that day he was sitting with his guests when it was reported that Mi Zhu of Xuzhou had arrived. Kong Rong invited him in and asked the purpose of his visit. Zhu presented Tao Qian's letter, which said, "Cao Cao's assault is most urgent. I look to you, my lord, for deliverance." Rong said, "I have a close friendship with Tao Gongzu, and Zizhong has come in person—how could I not go? But Cao Mengde has no quarrel with me. I should first send someone with a letter to seek a peaceful settlement. If he refuses, then I will raise troops." Mi Zhu said, "Cao Cao relies on the might of his army and will never agree to peace." Rong ordered that troops be mustered on the one hand and a messenger sent with a letter on the other. While they were deliberating, it was suddenly reported that Guan Hai, leader of the Yellow Turban rebels, was advancing with a host of several tens of thousands. Kong Rong was greatly alarmed and hastily marshalled his own forces to ride out and meet the rebels. Guan Hai rode forward and said, "I know Beihai is rich in grain. Lend us ten thousand bushels and we will withdraw at once. If not, we will smash the city and leave not old or young alive!" Kong Rong rebuked him, saying, "I am a servant of the Great Han, guarding the land of the Great Han. How could I give grain to rebels?" Guan Hai flew into a rage, spurred his horse, and charged with his blade straight at Kong Rong. Rong's general Zong Bao rode out with his lance, but after only a few exchanges, Guan Hai's sword struck Zong Bao from his horse. Kong Rong's troops fell into chaos and fled back into the city. Guan Hai divided his forces and besieged the city on all four sides. Kong Rong was filled with anguish, and Mi Zhu's anxiety needs no telling.

The next day Kong Rong mounted the wall and gazed out. The rebel host was vast, and his worry doubled. Suddenly he saw a man outside the city riding through the rebel ranks, spear in hand, charging left and right as though entering an unpeopled land, until he reached the foot of the wall and shouted, "Open the gate!" Kong Rong did not recognize him and dared not open it. The rebels pursued to the riverbank, but the man turned and speared more than ten of them from their horses. The rebels fell back. Rong ordered the gate opened and the man brought in. The man dismounted, cast aside his spear, and went straight up the wall to pay his respects. Rong asked his name. He replied, "I am from Huang County in Donglai. My surname is Taishi, my given name Ci, courtesy name Ziyi. My aged mother has received your generous kindness. I had just returned from Liaodong to visit her when I learned the rebels were besieging the city. My mother said, 'You have received many great favors from the Administrator. You must go to his aid.' That is why I came alone on horseback." Kong Rong was overjoyed. It turned out that though Kong Rong and Taishi Ci had never met, Rong had long known that he was a hero. Because Ci traveled far away, his aged mother lived twenty li outside the city, and Rong regularly sent her grain and silk. The mother was grateful for Rong's kindness and therefore sent Ci specially to rescue him.

At that time, Kong Rong treated Taishi Ci with great generosity, presenting him with armor, a saddle, and a horse. Ci said, "I wish to borrow a thousand elite soldiers to go out and slay the bandits." Kong Rong said, "Though you are brave and valiant, the enemy's forces are exceedingly strong. You must not go out lightly." Ci said, "My old mother, moved by your great virtue, sent me here. If I cannot lift the siege, I would have no face to see her again. I am resolved to fight to the death." Kong Rong said, "I have heard that Liu Xuande is a hero of our age. If we could beg him to come to our aid, this siege would be lifted of itself. Only I have no one to send." Ci then said, "If Your Lordship will write a letter, I shall hasten there at once." Kong Rong was delighted and gave him the letter. Taishi Ci donned his armor, mounted his horse, girded on his bow and arrows, grasped his iron spear, ate his full, and arrayed himself in full battle dress. When the city gate opened, a single rider flew out. Near the river, the bandit generals led their forces to engage him. Ci speared several men in succession and broke through the encirclement. Knowing that someone had left the city, Guan Hai surmised that he must be going to fetch reinforcements, so he personally led several hundred riders in pursuit, surrounding Ci on all eight sides. Ci leaned upon his spear, fitted an arrow to his bow, and shot in all eight directions. Without fail, each arrow struck its mark and sent a man tumbling from his horse. The bandit horde dared not pursue further. Having escaped, Taishi Ci rode by night to Pingyuan to see Liu Xuande. After the customary salutations, he related in full how Kong Beihai was besieged and begged for aid, and presented the letter. When Xuande had finished reading it, he asked Ci, "Who might you be?" Ci replied, "I am Taishi Ci, a humble man from Donghai. With Kong Rong I share neither the bond of kinship nor the ties of native place. It is only that our spirits and sense of duty drew us together, and I wished to share his burdens and dangers. Now Guan Hai has raised a rebellion, and Beihai is besieged—isolated, destitute, and without recourse, its peril imminent. Hearing that your benevolence and righteousness have long been renowned, and that you are one who can rescue others from crisis, he sent me to break through the enemy lines and come here to beg for aid." Xuande, his countenance grave, replied, "Does Kong Beihai know that there is a Liu Bei in this world?" There thenupon he, together with Yun Chang and Yide, mustered three thousand elite soldiers and set out for Beihai Commandery.

When Guan Hai saw the relief force approaching, he personally led forth his troops to meet them. Observing that Xuande's force was small, he thought nothing of it. Xuande, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Taishi Ci, took their positions before the line of battle. Guan Hai, burning with rage, charged straight forward. Taishi Ci was about to advance, but Yun Chang had already ridden out, riding straight for Guan Hai. The two horses met, and the soldiers on both sides raised a great shout. But how could Guan Hai withstand Yun Chang? After some dozens of exchanges, the Green Dragon blade rose and fell, cleaving Guan Hai beneath his horse. Taishi Ci and Zhang Fei then charged forth together, their twin spears raised as one, and plunged into the bandit ranks. Xuande drove his troops forward in a sweeping assault. From the city walls, Kong Rong watched as Taishi Ci, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei pursued and cut down the bandit forces—like tigers among sheep, sweeping in all directions with none to oppose them. He then led his own soldiers out of the city. Attacked from both sides, the bandit horde was utterly routed. Countless numbers surrendered, and the remnants scattered in flight.

Kong Rong welcomed Xuande into the city. After the formal courtesies were concluded, a great feast was laid in celebration. He also presented Mi Zhu to Xuande, who related in full the matter of Zhang Kai's murder of Cao Song: "Now Cao Cao has let his soldiers run amok, laying waste the land and besieging Xuzhou. I have come especially to beg for aid." Xuande said, "Lord Taozhen is a man of benevolence and a true gentleman. I had not thought he would suffer such unmerited calamity." Kong Rong said, "You are of the imperial house. Now Cao Cao is cruelly harming the common people and using his strength to bully the weak. Why not go with me to rescue him?" Xuande said, "It is not that I dare make excuses, but my soldiers are few and my officers scarce. I fear it would be rash to act lightly." Kong Rong said, "My desire to save Lord Taozhen is not merely on account of our old friendship—it is also for the sake of great righteousness. Surely you too possess a heart that stands for what is right?" Xuande said, "Since you put it so, I ask you, Wenju, to go on ahead. Allow me to go to Gongsun Zan and borrow three or five thousand troops. I shall follow shortly." Kong Rong said, "You must not break your word." Xuande said, "What manner of man do you think me? The Sage said: 'Since ancient times, all men must die, but a people without trust cannot stand.' Whether I borrow troops or fail to borrow them, I shall certainly come in person." Kong Rong agreed. He instructed Mi Zhu to return to Xuzhou first with the news, and then made ready to set out. Taishi Ci bowed and said in gratitude, "I came at my mother's command to render assistance, and now, fortunately, all is safe. There is Liu You, the Inspector of Yangzhou, who is of the same commandery as I. He has sent a letter summoning me, and I dare not refuse to go. Allow me to seek another occasion to see you again." Kong Rong offered him gold and silk as a reward, but Ci declined and departed. When his mother saw him, she was overjoyed and said, "I am glad that you have found a way to repay Beihai!" And so she sent Taishi Ci on his way to Yangzhou.

Let us leave Kong Rong raising his army for the moment. Xuande departed from Beihai and went to see Gongsun Zan, explaining his desire to rescue Xuzhou. Zan said, "Cao Cao has no quarrel with you. Why exhaust yourself on another's behalf?" Xuande said, "I have given my word to another. I dare not break faith." Zan said, "I will lend you two thousand horse and foot." Xuande said, "I would further ask to borrow Zhao Zilong to accompany us." Zan granted his request. Xuande then set out for Xuzhou with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei leading his own three thousand men as the vanguard, while Zilong followed with two thousand.

Now, Mi Zhu returned to Tao Qian with the news that Beihai had also secured the aid of Liu Xuande. Chen Yuanlong likewise returned to report that Tian Kai of Qingzhou had gladly led his troops to the rescue. Tao Qian's mind was set at ease. As it happened, the armies of Kong Rong and Tian Kai, fearing the ferocity of Cao Cao's forces, had made their camps far off at the foot of a mountain and dared not advance lightly. When Cao Cao saw the arrival of these two forces, he likewise divided his own troops and dared not press forward to attack the city.

When Liu Bei's army arrived, he met with Kong Rong. Kong Rong said, "Cao Cao's forces are vast, and Cao is skilled in the art of war. We must not engage him lightly. Let us first observe his movements and then advance." Liu Bei replied, "I only fear that the city lacks provisions and cannot hold out for long. I have ordered Yun Chang and Zi Ling to lead four thousand troops to assist under your command; I and Zhang Fei will ride straight to Cao Cao's camp and make our way to Xuzhou to see Governor Tao and discuss matters." Kong Rong was greatly pleased. He joined forces with Tian Kai to form a pincer position, while Yun Chang and Zi Ling led troops to support on both sides. That day, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led a thousand men and charged to the edge of Cao Cao's encampment. As they advanced, the drums sounded within the camp, and cavalry and infantry surged out like waves. At the forefront was a great general named Yu Jin, who reined in his horse and bellowed, "Where do these madmen think they're going?" Zhang Fei, seeing him, did not waste words but rode straight at Yu Jin. The two horses crossed, and after several exchanges, Liu Bei raised his double swords and urged his troops forward. Yu Jin fled in defeat. Zhang Fei pursued him all the way to the walls of Xuzhou. Those atop the walls saw a red banner with white characters reading "Liu Bei of Pingyuan" in large script. Tao Qian hastily ordered the gates opened. Liu Bei entered the city. Tao Qian received him and together they went to the government offices. After the formalities, a banquet was prepared, and the troops were feasted.

Tao Qian observed that Liu Bei had a dignified bearing and an open, eloquent manner, and his heart was greatly delighted. He then ordered Mi Zhu to bring out the seals and credentials of Xuzhou and offered them to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was startled and said, "What does your lordship mean?" Tao Qian replied, "The world is in chaos and the imperial order is in decline. You, sir, are of the imperial clan and should devote yourself to upholding the dynasty. I am old and without ability; I willingly yield Xuzhou to you. Do not refuse. I myself will draft a memorial to present to the court." Liu Bei rose from his seat and bowed again, saying, "Though Liu Bei is a descendant of the Han, his merits are meager and his virtue slight. Even as Chancellor of Pingyuan he fears he is unworthy of the post. Now I have come to help out of a sense of duty; does your lordship speak these words because you suspect Liu Bei of designs to seize your territory? If I harbored such a thought, Heaven would not bless me!" Tao Qian said, "These are my true sentiments." He pressed the matter repeatedly, but Liu Bei absolutely would not accept. Mi Zhu stepped forward and said, "With the enemy at the gates, we should first discuss a strategy to repel them. When matters are settled, then you may discuss the matter of yielding again." Liu Bei said, "I will send a letter to Cao Cao urging him to make peace. If he does not agree, then we shall fight without delay." He thereupon issued orders to the three camps to hold their forces in place, and sent a man with a letter to Cao Cao.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao was in his camp discussing matters with his generals when it was reported that a letter of challenge had arrived from Xuzhou. Cao Cao opened and read it—it was from Liu Bei. The letter read in part: "Since we last met beyond the pass, Heaven has kept us far apart and I have had no opportunity to attend upon you. In the past, your esteemed father, Marquis Cao, was killed because of the treachery of Zhang Kai—it was not the fault of Tao Gongzu. At present, remnants of the Yellow Turban rebels cause turmoil outside, while the remaining followers of Dong Zhuo entreat themselves within. I hope you, my lord, will put the court's urgent needs before private vengeance, withdraw your forces from Xuzhou, and rescue the kingdom from disaster. Then Xuzhou would be most fortunate, and the world would be most fortunate!" Cao Cao read the letter and raged, "Who is Liu Bei that he dares send me a letter of admonition? And there is mockery in it besides!" He ordered the envoy beheaded and redoubled his efforts to storm the city. Guo Jia remonstrated, "Liu Bei has come from afar to bring aid; he observes courtesy first and force afterward. Your lordship should reply with gracious words to lull Liu Bei's vigilance, then advance to storm the city—and it can be taken." Cao Cao followed his counsel, treated the envoy well, and awaited the moment to send a reply.

As they were deliberating, a courier rode in with urgent news of disaster. Cao Cao asked what had happened, and was told that Lü Bu had attacked and seized Yanzhou and had taken Puyang. It turned out that since Li Guo's rebellion, Lü Bu had fled from Wugong Pass and sought refuge with Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu, resentful of Lü Bu's repeated treachery, refused to receive him. Lü Bu then went to Yuan Shao, who accepted him, and together they defeated Zhang Yan at Changshan. Lü Bu, considering himself successful, treated Yuan Shao's officers with arrogance. Yuan Shao wanted to kill him, so Lü Bu left and sought refuge with Zhang Yang, who took him in.

At that time, Pang Shu, in Chang'an, had secretly hidden Lü Bu's wife and children and sent them back to him. Li Jue and Guo Si learned of this, executed Pang Shu, and wrote to Zhang Yang instructing him to kill Lü Bu. Lü Bu therefore left Zhang Yang and went to join Zhang Miao. It happened that Zhang Miao's younger brother Zhang Chao brought Chen Gong to see Zhang Miao. Chen Gong said to Miao, "The world is divided and heroes arise on every side. You command a force of a thousand li, yet you are subject to the control of others—is this not contemptible? Now Cao Cao is campaigning to the east, and Yanzhou is undefended. Lü Bu is a warrior of the age. If you join with him to seize Yanzhou, your great enterprise can be achieved." Zhang Miao was overjoyed and ordered Lü Bu to attack Yanzhou, after which he took Puyang. Only the three cities of Juancheng, Dong'e, and Fanxian, defended by the stratagems of Xun Yu and Cheng Yu, held out; the rest were all taken. Cao Ren fought repeatedly but could not prevail, and he sent this urgent report. When Cao Cao received the news, he was greatly alarmed and said, "If Yanzhou is lost, I will have no home to return to. We must act at once!" Guo Jia said, "This is a good opportunity for your lordship to do Liu Bei a favor and withdraw your forces to recover Yanzhou." Cao Cao agreed, immediately wrote a reply to Liu Bei, struck camp, and withdrew his army.

The messenger returned to Xuzhou, entered the city, and appeared before Tao Qian. He presented the letter, reporting that Cao Cao's forces had withdrawn. Tao Qian was overjoyed and sent men to invite Kong Rong, Tian Kai, Yun Chang, and Zi Long to a great gathering in the city. When the banquet concluded, Tao Qian invited Xuande to the highest seat and, bowing to the assembled company, said, "This old man is advanced in years, and my two sons are incompetent—they cannot bear the heavy responsibilities of the state. Lord Liu is of imperial lineage, his virtue vast and his talents lofty; he is fit to govern Xuzhou. I willingly beg to retire and nurse my health."

Xuande said, "Kong Wenju sent me to relieve Xuzhou out of loyalty and duty. If I now seize it without cause, the world will brand me a man without honor."

Mi Zhu said, "Today the House of Han declines and the realm is overturned. This is the very time to establish merit and build a legacy. Xuzhou is prosperous and rich, with a million households. Lord Liu, you must not refuse to govern it."

Xuande said, "This matter I absolutely dare not accept."

Chen Deng said, "Governor Tao is gravely ill and cannot attend to affairs. My lord, do not decline."

Xuande said, "Yuan Gonglu is of a family that produced three generations of grandees; the realm looks to him. He is nearby at Shouchun—why not yield the province to him instead?"

Kong Rong said: "Yuan Gonglu is but dry bones in a tomb—hardly worth mentioning! As for today's matter: what Heaven gives and you do not take, you will regret beyond recall."

Xuande firmly persisted and would not accept. Tao Qian wept and said, "If you abandon me and depart, I shall die with my eyes unclosed!"

Yun Chang said: "Since the Lord of Tao has offered the place, elder brother, take temporary charge of the province's affairs."

Zhang Fei said: "It is not as though we seized his province by force. He offers it in good faith—why refuse so stubbornly?"

Xuande said: "Would you all cast me into dishonor?"

Tao Qian urged him thrice, but Xuande would not accept. Tao Qian then said: "Since Xuande absolutely refuses, there is a nearby town called Xiaopei, sufficient to garrison troops. Pray, General Liu, station your forces there to protect Xuzhou. What say you?" All present urged Xuande to remain at Xiaopei, and Xuande consented. When Tao Qian had completed the rewards to the army, Zhao Yun took his leave; Xuande clasped his hand and parted with tears. Kong Rong and Tian Kai also bade farewell and led their armies home. Xuande, with Guan and Zhang, brought his own forces to Xiaopei, repaired the city walls, and comforted the people.

Now, when Cao Cao led his army back, Cao Ren came to meet him and reported that Lü Bu's power was great, aided by Chen Gong. Yanzhou and Puyang had already been lost, though the three cities of Juancheng, Dong'e, and Fanxian had been preserved through the stratagems of Xun Yu and Cheng Yu, who had coordinated their defense and held the walls to the death. Cao Cao said: "I reckoned Lü Bu brave but lacking in strategy—nothing to worry about." He ordered his men to pitch camp and settle down, and to deliberate further.

When Lü Bu learned that Cao Cao's army had returned and had already passed Tengxian, he summoned his lieutenant generals Xue Lan and Li Feng and said: "I have long wished to employ you two. Take ten thousand men and hold Yanzhou firmly. I shall lead an army myself to defeat Cao Cao." They assented. Chen Gong hastened in and said: "General, if you abandon Yanzhou, where do you intend to go?" Bu said: "I mean to garrison Puyang, to form a tripartite balance of power." Gong said: "That is a mistake. Xue Lan cannot hold Yanzhou. Due south from here, at a distance of one hundred and eighty li, the road through Mount Tai is treacherous. You could ambush ten thousand elite soldiers there. When Cao Cao's troops learn that Yanzhou is lost, they will advance with forced marches. Wait until half have passed, and one strike will capture him." Bu said: "I am garrisoning Puyang because I have an excellent plan of my own—how could you know it?" He rejected Chen Gong's advice and sent Xue Lan to defend Yanzhou, then set out himself.

When Cao Cao's army reached the treacherous road through Mount Tai, Guo Jia said: "Do not advance yet—I fear an ambush here." Cao Cao laughed and said: "Lü Bu is a man without strategy. That is why he stationed Xue Lan at Yanzhou while he himself went to Puyang. How could there be an ambush here?" He ordered Cao Ren with one army to besiege Yanzhou, while he advanced on Puyang to attack Lü Bu swiftly.

When Chen Gong learned that Cao Cao's army drew near, he offered a stratagem: "Now Cao Cao's troops have come from far away and are weary. Speed is their advantage—do not allow them to recover their strength." Bu said: "I have galloped alone across the empire—why should I fear Cao Cao? Wait until he has pitched his camp, and I shall capture him myself."

Now Cao Cao's army approached Puyang and encamped. The next day he led his generals out and drew up his forces in the open field. Cao Cao took his stand beneath the gate-banner and watched Lü Bu's army arrive. When the formation was complete, Lü Bu rode out in the vanguard, with eight stalwart generals drawn up on either side: the first was a man of Mayi in Yanmen—surname Zhang, given name Liao, styled Wenyuan; the second was a man of Huayin in Taishan—surname Zang, given name Ba, styled Xuangao. These two each commanded six officers: Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng. Bu's army numbered fifty thousand, and the drums thundered mightily. Cao Cao pointed at Lü Bu and said: "I have never had any quarrel with you—why have you seized my province?" Bu said: "The empire's cities belong to all men—why should you alone possess them?" He ordered Zang Ba to ride forth and challenge. From Cao Cao's army, Yue Jin rode out to meet him. The horses crossed and the spears rose together. They fought more than thirty bouts with neither gaining the advantage. Xiahou Dun rode out to reinforce the attack, but Zhang辽 from Lü Bu's formation intercepted him. Enraged, Lü Bu leveled his halberd, spurred his horse, and charged forth from the line. Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin both fled. Lü Bu pressed the attack, and Cao Cao's army was utterly routed, retreating thirty or forty li. Bu then withdrew his own forces.

Having lost the first engagement, Cao Cao returned to camp and conferred with his generals. Yu Jin said: "Today I observed from the hilltop—west of Puyang, Lü Bu has a camp with few troops. Tonight they will suppose our army routed and unprepared. We can attack it; if we take the camp, Bu's army will be intimidated. This is the best plan." Cao Cao followed his counsel, taking Cao Hong, Li Dian, Mao Jie, Lü Qian, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei—six generals in all—and selecting twenty thousand horse and foot. They set out by a side road through the night.

Now Lü Bu was in his camp rewarding his troops. Chen Gong said, "The western camp is a vital position. What if Cao Cao attacks it?" Lü Bu replied, "He just lost a battle today. How would he dare come?" Chen Gong said, "Cao Cao is a master of warfare. We must guard against him striking where we are unprepared." Lü Bu then dispatched Gao Shun, along with Wei Xu and Hou Cheng, with troops to defend the western camp.

Now it happened that at dusk, Cao Cao led his army to the western camp and attacked from all four sides. The defenders could not resist and fled in every direction. Cao Cao seized the camp. By the fourth watch, Gao Shun finally arrived with his troops and charged in. Cao Cao personally led his cavalry to meet him, and the two armies clashed. As dawn approached, drums thundered from the west, and a messenger reported that Lü Bu himself was leading an army. Cao Cao abandoned the camp and retreated. Behind him, Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng gave chase, while ahead Lü Bu arrived at the head of his forces. Yu Jin and Yue Jin together could not withstand Lü Bu, so Cao Cao fled northward. From behind the hills, a force emerged: Zhang Liao on the left and Zang Ba on the right. Cao Cao sent Lü Qian and Cao Hong to engage them, but they fared poorly, so Cao Cao fled westward. Suddenly a great clamor arose as another force appeared: Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian blocked the way. The generals fought desperately, with Cao Cao at the forefront cutting through the lines. At the sound of the clapper, arrows rained down like a sudden downpour.

Cao Cao could not advance and saw no means of escape. He cried out, "Who will save me?" From among the cavalry, a general sprang forward—it was Dian Wei. He gripped his twin iron halberds and shouted, "My lord, have no fear!" He leaped from his horse, planted his halberds in the ground, took a dozen short jabs, and tucked them under his arm. He turned to his attendants and said, "Call me when the enemy is ten paces away." Then he strode forward, pressing on through the rain of arrows. Several dozen of Lü Bu's horsemen pursued him. The attendants cried, "Ten paces!" Dian Wei said, "Call me at five paces!" The attendants called again, "Five paces!" Dian Wei then hurled his jabs, and with each throw a man fell from his horse, never missing a mark, killing over ten men in an instant. The rest fled. Dian Wei leaped back onto his horse, raised his great twin iron halberds, and charged into the enemy ranks. Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian could not withstand him and each fled his own way. Dian Wei scattered the enemy forces and rescued Cao Cao. The other generals arrived behind him, and they found their way back to camp. As evening fell, shouts rose from behind, and Lü Bu came galloping with his halberd, crying, "Cao Cao, you villain, do not flee!" By now the men and horses were exhausted. Everyone looked at one another, each thinking only of saving his own life. Indeed:

*Though the heavy encirclement was briefly broken,*

*How could they withstand the pursuit of so fierce a foe?*

What became of Cao Cao's fate will be told in the next chapter.