Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Now Yang Da-jian came forward with a plan to attack Liu Bei. Yuan Shu asked, "What is your proposal?" The general replied, "Liu Bei's army is stationed at Xiaopei. Though it would be easy to take, Lü Bu has the tiger's lair at Xuzhou. The last time we promised him gold, silk, grain, and horses, we have yet to deliver. He may come to Liu Bei's aid. We should now send him grain to win his heart and keep him from mobilizing his troops. Then Liu Bei can be captured. Once Liu Bei is taken, we can turn our attention to Lü Bu, and Xuzhou will be ours." Yuan Shu was delighted. He prepared two hundred thousand *hu* of grain and sent Han Yin with a secret letter to visit Lü Bu. Lü Bu was overjoyed and treated Han Yin with great honor. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu, who then appointed Ji Ling as commander, with Lei Bu and Chen Lan as his lieutenants, to lead a force of several tens of thousands against Xiaopei.

Upon learning of this, Liu Bei gathered his men to deliberate. Zhang Fei wanted to go out and fight. Sun Qian said, "Xiaopei is short of provisions and has few troops—how can we resist them? We should send a letter to Lü Bu begging for urgent aid." Zhang Fei said, "That fellow would never come!" Liu Bei said, "Sun Qian speaks wisely." He then composed a letter to Lü Bu. The letter read roughly as follows:

Ever since you, General, showed me your concern, I have been able to find refuge in Xiaopei—truly I am indebted to your boundless kindness. Now Yuan Shu, seeking to avenge a personal grudge, has sent Ji Ling with an army to my district. My destruction is imminent; none but you, General, can save me. I pray you will lead a single division to rescue me from this desperate plight. How fortunate that would be, how fortunate!

After reading the letter, Lü Bu conferred with Chen Gong. "Previously Yuan Shu sent grain and a letter, hoping I would not come to Liu Bei's aid," he said. "Now Liu Bei has sent for help. I think on reflection that Liu Bei's garrison at Xiaopei may not necessarily harm me; but if Yuan Shu swallows Liu Bei, he will then link up with the commanders of the Taishan region to the north and move against me—I would never rest easy again. I had better rescue Liu Bei." He then mustered his troops and set out.

Meanwhile, Ji Ling's army advanced swiftly and reached the southeast of Pei County, where he pitched his camp. By day his banners and pennants stood in rows, veiling the mountains and rivers; by night his signal fires and drums blazed and thundered, shaking heaven and earth. In the county, Liu Bei had no more than five thousand men, and even so he could only reluctantly lead his troops out of the county to array his forces and set up camp. Suddenly a report came: Lü Bu was leading his army and had encamped one *li* from the county, to the southwest. Ji Ling knew at once that Lü Bu had come with troops to rescue Liu Bei. He hastily sent a letter to Lü Bu, upholding him for his breach of faith. Lü Bu laughed and said, "I have a plan that will leave neither Yuan Shu nor Liu Bei with any grievance against me." He then sent messengers to the camps of both Ji Ling and Liu Bei, inviting them to a banquet.

When Liu Bei heard that Lü Bu had invited him, he at once wished to go. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, "Brother, you must not go. Lü Bu surely harbors treacherous intentions." Liu Bei said, "I have treated him well; he will not harm me." He mounted his horse and rode off, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei accompanying him. When they arrived at Lü Bu's camp and entered, Lü Bu said, "I have now come especially to deliver you from peril. When you achieve your ambitions in the future, do not forget me." Liu Bei thanked him profusely. Lü Bu invited Liu Bei to sit. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him with their swords at the ready. A man reported that Ji Ling had arrived. Liu Bei was greatly alarmed and tried to withdraw. Lü Bu said, "I invited the two of you here especially to confer—you must not harbor suspicions."

Liu Bei did not yet understand his intentions and felt uneasy in his heart. Ji Ling dismounted and entered the camp, only to find Liu Bei seated at the head of the tent. He was greatly shocked and turned to leave at once, but those around him could not detain him. Lü Bu stepped forward and pulled him back with a single hand, as one might pick up a child. Ji Ling cried, "Do you mean to kill Ji Ling, General?" Lü Bu said, "No." Ji Ling said, "Then you mean to kill the big-eared fellow?" Lü Bu said, "Not that either." Ji Ling said, "Then what is your purpose?" Lü Bu said, "Liu Bei and I are as brothers. He is now in your hands, and that is why I came to his rescue." Ji Ling said, "In that case you are killing me!" Lü Bu said, "Nothing of the sort. All my life I have disliked fighting—I only like to settle fights. I shall now make peace between you two." Ji Ling said, "I would be glad to hear how you propose to settle it today." Lü Bu said, "I have a method—let Heaven decide." He then led Ji Ling into the tent to meet Liu Bei. Both men were full of suspicion and misgivings. Lü Bu seated himself in the middle, had Ji Ling sit on the left, and Liu Bei on the right, and ordered that a banquet be laid and wine served.

After several rounds of drinking, Lü Bu said, "For my sake, both of you should cease hostilities." Liu Bei said nothing. Ji Ling said, "I have my lord's command. I have brought a hundred thousand troops specifically to capture Liu Bei—how can I simply withdraw?" Zhang Fei flew into a rage, drew his sword, and roared, "Though my troops are few, I look upon you all as children at play! What are you compared to the Yellow Turban rebels in their millions? How dare you harm my brother!" Guan Yu quickly restrained him, saying, "Let us first see what General Lü has in mind. We can always return to our camps and fight later." Lü Bu said, "I invited you both here to settle your quarrel—I will not allow you to fight."

On one side Ji Ling seethed with indignation; on the other Zhang Fei was bent on a fight. Lü Bu grew furious and called out, "Attendants! Bring me my halberd!" He took the painted halberd in hand. Ji Ling and Liu Bei were both terrified. Lü Bu said, "I urge you two not to fight—let fate decide." He ordered his attendants to take the painted halberd and plant it far away at the camp gate. Then he turned back to Ji Ling and Liu Bei and said, "The camp gate is a hundred and fifty paces from the command tent. If I hit the small branch of the halberd with a single arrow, both of you will withdraw your troops. If I miss, each of you may return to your camp and prepare for battle. Whoever refuses to abide by my words will face the combined forces of the other." Ji Ling thought to himself, "The halberd is a hundred and fifty paces away—how can he possibly hit it? I might as well agree; then if he misses, I can fight as I please." He gave his consent at once. Liu Bei naturally had no objection. Lü Bu had them both sit and each drink another cup of wine.

When the wine was finished, Lü Bu ordered his bow and arrows brought. Liu Bei silently prayed, "If only he will hit the mark!" Then they saw Lü Bu roll up his sleeve, fit the arrow, draw the bow to its full, and cry, "There!" Truly it was as the verse describes:

The bow opened like the autumn moon crossing the sky; the arrow flew like a falling star.

The arrow struck the small branch of the painted halberd dead center. Officers and men in the tent and out raised a thunderous cheer. A later poet praised the feat:

The Marquis of Wen's divine archery is rare in this world; At the camp gate alone he once delivered them from peril.

The setting sun truly outshone Houyi, and the howling gibbon would have surpassed Youji.

Where the tiger-sinew string twanged and the bow was drawn, the carved-feathered arrow flew at the appointed moment.

The leopard-tail banner thrust through the painted halberd; a hundred thousand warriors cast off their armor.

At that moment, Lü Bu struck the small branch of the halberd, laughed heartily, cast his bow to the ground, and seized the hands of Ji Ling and Xuande, saying: "This is Heaven's command that the two houses lay down their arms!" He ordered his officers to pour wine, and each drank a great cup. Xuande inwardly felt ashamed. Ji Ling was silent for a long while, then said to Lü Bu: "Your words, General, I dare not disobey. But when I return, how will my lord believe me?" Lü Bu said: "I shall write a letter in reply myself." After several more rounds of wine, Ji Ling asked for the letter and departed first. Lü Bu said to Xuande: "Had it not been for me, you would have been in mortal danger." Xuande bowed his thanks and departed with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The next day, the armies of all three parties dispersed.

Now let us not speak of Xuande entering Xiaopei or Lü Bu returning to Xuzhou. Ji Ling returned to Huainan to see Yuan Shu and related the story of Lü Bu shooting the halberd at the encampment gate to bring about peace, presenting the letter as well. Yuan Shu was furious and said: "Lü Bu has received much grain from me, yet he uses this childish trick to shield Liu Bei. I shall personally lead a great army to attack Liu Bei and punish Lü Bu as well!" Ji Ling said: "My lord, do not act rashly. Lü Bu possesses extraordinary valor and holds the territory of Xuzhou. If Lü Bu and Liu Bei join forces, linking front and rear, they will not be easy to overcome. I have heard that Lü Bu's wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter who has come of age. My lord has a son—you might send someone to seek her hand in marriage from Lü Bu. If Lü Bu marries his daughter to my lord, he will certainly kill Liu Bei. This is the stratagem of 'a distant relation cannot come between those who are close.'"

Yuan Shu followed this counsel and dispatched Han Yin as a matchmaker that very day, bearing gifts, to Xuzhou to seek the marriage. Han Yin arrived in Xuzhou and met with Lü Bu, saying: "My lord admires the General and wishes to ask for your esteemed daughter as a daughter-in-law, to forge an eternal alliance." Lü Bu went in to consult his wife, Lady Yan. Now Lü Bu had two wives and one concubine: he had first married Lady Yan as his principal wife, later took Diaochan as a concubine, and while dwelling in Xiaopei, had married Cao Bao's daughter as a second wife. Cao's wife had died childless, and Diaochan also had no children; only Lady Yan had borne a daughter, whom Lü Bu loved most dearly.

Lady Yan said to Lü Bu: "I have heard that Yuan Gonglu has long held Huainan, with abundant troops and grain. Sooner or later he will become emperor. If he accomplishes this great deed, then our daughter may hope to become an empress. I only wonder—how many sons does he have?" Lü Bu said: "Only one." His wife said: "In that case, we should grant the match. Even if she does not become empress, our Xuzhou will be free from worry." Lü Bu's mind was then decided. He treated Han Yin with generous hospitality and promised the marriage. Han Yin returned to report to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu at once prepared the betrothal gifts and sent Han Yin once more to deliver them to Xuzhou. Lü Bu received them, held a feast in his honor, and lodged him in the guest quarters.

The next day, Chen Gong went to the guest quarters to pay his respects to Han Yin. After the courtesies were completed and they were seated, Chen Gong dismissed his attendants and said to Han Yin: "Who devised this scheme? To have Lord Yuan and Fengxian joined in marriage—is the intent not to take Liu Xuande's head?" Han Yin was alarmed and rose to thank him: "I beg you, Gongtai, not to reveal this!" Chen Gong said: "I myself will not reveal it, but I fear that if the matter is delayed, it will surely be discovered by others, and the affair will be disrupted midway." Han Yin said: "Then what is to be done? I hope you will instruct me." Chen Gong said: "I will see Fengxian and have him send his daughter for the marriage at once—what do you think?" Han Yin was overjoyed and said gratefully: "If that is done, Lord Yuan will be deeply indebted to your illustrious virtue!"

Chen Gong then took leave of Han Yin and went in to see Lü Bu, saying: "I hear that your daughter is to be married to Yuan Gonglu—most excellent! But I do not know on what day the wedding is to take place." Lü Bu said: "That still requires further deliberation." Chen Gong said: "In ancient times, from the acceptance of the betrothal gifts to the wedding, there were fixed periods: one year for the Son of Heaven, six months for a feudal lord, three months for a grand officer, and one month for a commoner." Lü Bu said: "Yuan Gonglu has received the Heaven-bestowed treasure; sooner or later he will be emperor. May we follow the Son of Heaven's precedent?" Chen Gong said: "No." Lü Bu said: "Then shall we follow the feudal lord's precedent?" Chen Gong said: "That too is not permissible." Lü Bu said: "Then shall we follow the precedent of a grand officer?" Chen Gong said: "That too is not permissible." Lü Bu laughed and said: "Do you wish me to follow the commoner's precedent?" Chen Gong said: "No." Lü Bu said: "Then what is your intention?"

Chen Gong said: "At present, the feudal lords of the realm are contending for supremacy. Now if you join in marriage with Yuan Gonglu, will the other lords not be jealous? If you choose a distant auspicious date, or if they seize the favorable moment to lie in ambush along the road and seize her, what then? My counsel is this: if you will not agree, then let the matter rest; but since you have already agreed, you should send your daughter to Shouchun while the other lords are still unaware, lodge her in separate quarters, and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding—this way there will be no risk at all." Lü Bu was pleased and said: "Gongtai's words are most sound." He then went in to inform Lady Yan. They prepared the dowry through the night, readied fine horses and fragrant carriages, and sent Song Xian and Wei Xu to accompany Han Yin in escorting the daughter. To the sound of drums and music filling the sky, she was sent out of the city.

Now Chen Yuanlong's father, Chen Gui, was living in retirement at home. Hearing the sound of the music, he inquired of his attendants, who told him the reason. Chen Gui said: "This is the stratagem of 'a distant relation cannot come between those who are close.' Xuande is in mortal danger!" He then came, though ill, to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu said: "Sir, what brings you here?" Chen Gui said: "I heard that the General was about to die, so I have come specially to offer my condolences." Lü Bu was startled and said: "What do you mean by that?"

Chen Gui said: "Previously, Yuan Gonglu sent you gold and silks, wishing to kill Liu Bu, and you resolved it by shooting the halberd. Now he suddenly comes seeking a marriage—his intent is doubtless to hold your daughter as a hostage, and then to attack Liu Bu and seize Xiaopei. Once Xiaopei falls, Xuzhou is in peril. Moreover, he may come to borrow grain or to borrow troops. If if you agree, you will be worn out by constant demands and will also earn the enmity of others; if if you refuse, you will be abandoning a relative and provoking war. Furthermore, I have heard that Yuan Shu already has the intention of declaring himself emperor—that is rebellion! If he rebels, then you will be a relative of a rebel. How can you escape being rejected by the world?"

Lü Bu was greatly alarmed. "Chen Gong has ruined me!" he cried. He quickly ordered Zhang Liao to lead troops in pursuit. Thirty miles out, they seized back the daughter; they captured Han Yin as well and imprisoned him, refusing not to let him go. Instead, they sent word back to Yuan Shu, saying only that the daughter's dowry had not yet been prepared, and that once it was ready she would be sent along. Chen Gui then persuaded Lü Bu to send Han Yin under escort to Xudu. Lü Bu hesitated, undecided. Suddenly a report came: "Liu Bei is recruiting troops and buying horses in Xiaopei—for what purpose, no one knows." Lü Bu said: "This is the natural duty of a military commander. Why should it be strange?"

Just as they were speaking, Song Xian and Wei Xu arrived and reported to Lü Bu: "We two, acting on Your Excellency's orders, went to Shandong to purchase horses and acquired over three hundred fine mounts. When we reached the border of Pei County, bandits attacked us and seized half of them. Upon investigation, we discovered it was Liu Bei's brother Zhang Fei, who had disguised himself as a mountain brigand and made off with the horses." When Lü Bu heard this, he flew into a rage and immediately mustered troops and marched on Xiaopei to attack Zhang Fei. Liu Bei was greatly alarmed and hastily led his army out to meet him.

When the two battle lines had formed, Liu Bei rode forth and said: "Elder Brother, why have you brought your army here?" Lü Bu pointed at him and cursed: "I shot the halberd at the gate of my camp and saved you from great peril—why then have you stolen my horses?" Liu Bei said: "I was short of horses and sent men to buy them in various quarters. How would I dare steal your horses?" Lü Bu replied: "You sent Zhang Fei to seize a hundred and fifty of my best horses, and yet you still deny it!" Zhang Fei leveled his spear and rode forth: "It was I who took your fine horses! What do you intend to do about it now?" Lü Bu cursed: "You round-eyed knave! You have repeatedly shown me contempt!" Fei retorted: "You are angry because I took your horses—but you stole my elder brother's Xuzhou, and no one says a word about that!"

Lü Bu rode out with his halberd to engage Zhang Fei, and Fei likewise leveled his spear to meet him. The two fought fiercely for over a hundred exchanges, with neither gaining the advantage. Liu Bei, fearing some mishap, hastily sounded the gong to recall his troops into the city. Lü Bu divided his army and surrounded the city on all four sides. Liu Bei summoned Zhang Fei and reproached him: "It was all because you took his horses that this trouble arose! Where are the horses now?" Fei said: "They are all lodged in various temples." Liu Bei at once sent men out of the city to Lü Bu's camp to plead for leniency, offering to return the horses and for both sides to cease hostilities. Lü Bu was inclined to accept. But Chen Gong said: "If you do not kill Liu Bei now, in time he will surely bring ruin upon you."

Lü Bu listened but rejected the request, and pressed the assault on the city all the more urgently. Liu Bei consulted with Mi Zhu and Sun Qian. Sun Qian said: "The one Cao Cao hates is Lü Bu. We would be better to abandon the city and flee to Xudu to join Cao Cao, borrow his forces to crush Lü Bu—this is the best strategy." Liu Bei said: "Who can break through the encirclement and go first?" Fei said: "I am willing to fight to the death." Liu Bei ordered Fei to lead the way; Yun Chang brought up the rear; he himself took the center, protecting the old and young. That night, at the third watch, they took advantage of the bright moon and departed by the north gate, where they encountered Song Xian and Wei Xu. A single charge by Yide drove them back, and they broke through the encirclement. Zhang Liao came in pursuit from behind, but Lord Guan held him off. When Lü Bu saw that Liu Bei had gone, he did not pursue. He entered the city to reassure the people, ordered Gao Shun to hold Xiaopei, and himself returned to Xuzhou.

Now Liu Bei advanced toward Xudu. Upon reaching the outskirts, he encamped and first sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao, explaining that he had been driven by Lü Bu and had come to offer his allegiance. Cao Cao said: "Liu Bei and I are as brothers." He invited him into the city for an audience. The next day, Liu Bei left Lord Guan and Zhang Fei outside the walls, and entered himself with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao received him with the honors due a distinguished guest. Liu Bei recounted all that had happened with Lü Bu. Cao Cao said: "Lü Bu is a man without honor. I shall join my efforts with you, Brother, to destroy him." Liu Bei thanked him. Cao Cao held a banquet in his honor and escorted him out that evening. Xun Yu came in for an audience and said: "Liu Bei is a hero. If you do not move against him soon, he will become a threat later."

Cao Cao made no reply. When Yu had left, Guo Jia entered. Cao Cao said: "Xun Yu has urged me to kill Liu Bei. What should I do?" Jia said: "You must not. Your Excellency raised an army of righteousness to rid the people of oppression, and you rely on good faith and trustworthiness to draw worthy men to your cause—and even so you fear they may not come. Now Liu Bei has long borne the name of a hero, and he comes to you in a state of distress and ruin. If you kill him, you will be harming a man of virtue. The wise and cunning scholars of the world will hear of it and will begin to doubt; they will hesitate to come forward. With whom then will Your Excellency settle the empire? To remove the threat of one man and thereby block the hopes of all within the four seas—this is a matter of safety and danger that must not be overlooked."

Cao Cao was overjoyed. "Your words match my thoughts exactly." The next day, he memorialized the court recommending Liu Bei for the post of Governor of Yu Province. Cheng Yu remonstrated: "Liu Bei will never remain beneath another. You should move against him early." Cao Cao said: "This is precisely the moment when heroes are needed. I cannot kill one man and lose the hearts of the empire. This is a view Guo Fengxiao and I share." He therefore disregarded Cheng Yu's counsel and gave Liu Bei three thousand troops and ten thousand hu of grain, sending him to Yu Province to take up his post. He was to advance and encamp at Xiaopei, rally his former scattered soldiers, and attack Lü Bu. When Liu Bei reached Yu Province, he sent word to arrange a rendezvous with Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was just preparing to raise troops and march in person against Lü Bu when a courier galloped in with the report: Zhang Ji had led troops from Guanzhong to attack Nanyang, where he was struck by a stray arrow and killed. His nephew Zhang Xiu took command of his forces, employed Jia Xu as his strategist, made an alliance with Liu Biao, and encamped at Wan City, planning to raise troops and march on the capital to seize the emperor. Cao Cao was furious and wished to raise an army to punish him, but he feared Lü Bu might attack Xudu in the meantime. He therefore sought counsel from Xun Yu. Yu said: "This is a simple matter. Lü Bu is a man without strategy—he is greedy for profit and easily pleased. Your Excellency can send an envoy to Xuzhou, bestowing titles and rewards, and bid him make peace with Liu Bei. Once Lü Bu is gratified, he will not think of any grand designs." Cao Cao said: "Well spoken." He accordingly dispatched Wang Ze, Commandant of the Imperial Guard, bearing official credentials and a letter of reconciliation, to Xuzhou. At the same time he raised an army of five hundred thousand and marched in person against Zhang Xiu. He divided his forces into three columns, with Xiahou Dun as the vanguard. The army encamped on the banks of the Yu River.

Jia Xu urged Zhang Xiu, "Cao Cao's forces are vast and powerful; we cannot oppose them. It would be better to surrender the city." Zhang Xiu followed his advice and sent Jia Xu to Cao Cao's camp to convey his submission. Cao Cao saw that Jia Xu responded with effortless eloquence and was greatly impressed with him, wishing to employ him as an advisor. Jia Xu said, "In the past I served Li Jue and earned the enmity of the world; now I follow Zhang Zhang Xiu, who listens to and follows my counsel. I cannot bear to abandon him." He then took his leave. The next day, he brought Zhang Xiu to meet Cao Cao, who treated him with great generosity. Cao Cao led his army into Wancheng to encamp, with the remaining troops quartered outside the city, their camps connected by stockades stretching over ten li. They remained there for several days. Zhang Xiu held feasts for Cao Cao every day.

One day, after Cao Cao had drunk himself into a stupor, he retired to his private quarters and asked his attendants in a low voice, "Are there any courtesans in this city?" Cao Cao's nephew, Cao Anmin, knowing his uncle's intent, whispered in reply, "Last night your nephew glimpsed a woman beside the guest quarters of extraordinary beauty. Upon inquiry, I learned she is the wife of Zhang Xiu's uncle, Zhang Ji."

When Cao Cao heard this, he ordered Anmin to lead fifty armored soldiers to fetch her. Shortly after, she was brought to the camp. Cao Cao saw that she was indeed beautiful. He asked her name, and the woman replied, "I am Zhang Ji's wife, surnamed Zou." Cao Cao said, "Do you know who I am?" Lady Zou said, "I have long heard of Your Excellency's illustrious name, and tonight I am fortunate enough to pay my respects." Cao Cao said, "It is for your sake that I accepted Zhang Xiu's surrender; otherwise, his entire clan would have been annihilated." Lady Zou bowed and said, "I am truly grateful for this second life you have granted me." Cao Cao said, "Meeting you tonight is heaven's blessing. Would you share my bed and return with me to the capital, where you may enjoy wealth and honor?"

Lady Zou bowed in thanks. That night they slept together in the tent. Lady Zou said, "If I remain here too long, Zhang Xiu will surely grow suspicious, and I fear outsiders will gossip as well." Cao Cao said, "Tomorrow we will move to my camp outside the city." The next day, they relocated to quarters beyond the walls, and Cao Cao ordered Dian Wei to guard the outer chamber of the central command tent. No one else was permitted to enter without being summoned, so that no communication passed between the inside and the outside. Cao Cao spent his days in pleasure with Lady Zou and gave no thought of returning. Zhang Xiu's household servants secretly reported this to him. Zhang Xiu flew into a rage and said, "The scoundrel Cao has heaped the greatest shame upon me!" He then summoned Jia Xu to consult with him. Jia Xu said, "This matter must not be leaked. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao comes out of his tent to discuss affairs, do thus and so."

The next day, as Cao Cao was in his tent, Zhang Xiu entered and reported, "Many of the newly surrendered soldiers have deserted. I beg permission to move my troops into the central camp." Cao Cao granted his request. Zhang Xiu then relocated his forces, dividing them into four camps, and set a date to act. Fearing Dian Wei's ferocity and finding him difficult to approach, he discussed the matter with his lieutenant general, Hu Che'er. This Hu Che'er could carry five hundred jin on his back and travel seven hundred li in a day—truly an extraordinary man. He presented Zhang Xiu with a plan: "What makes Dian Wei fearsome is his pair of iron halberds. Tomorrow, my lord, invite him to drink wine and see that he returns thoroughly drunk. I will then mingle among his following soldiers, slip into the tent, and steal his halberds. Once he has them no longer, he is nothing to fear."

Zhang Xiu was delighted. He made preparations in advance—bows, arrows, armor, and weapons—and issued orders to all the camps. When the appointed day came, he had Jia Xu extend an invitation to Dian Wei to his camp, where he plied him with wine most hospitably. By evening, Dian Wei returned drunk. Hu Che'er mingled among the soldiers and entered the main camp directly. That night, Cao Cao was drinking with Lady Zou in his tent when they suddenly heard the sound of neighing horses outside. Cao Cao sent someone to investigate, and the report came back that it was Zhang Xiu's troops on their night patrol. Cao Cao thought nothing of it.

Near the second watch, shouting was suddenly heard from behind the camp. A report came that the fire had broken out on the hay wagons. Cao Cao said, "A fire in the camp—do not cause a panic."

In no time, fires erupted on all sides, and Cao Cao began to grow alarmed. He urgently called for Dian Wei. Dian Wei had just fallen into a drunken sleep. In his dreams he heard the clash of gongs and cries of battle. He leaped to his feet but could not find his twin halberds. By then the enemy soldiers had reached the camp gate. Dian Wei hastily seized a foot soldier's saber from his waist. At the gate, countless cavalry and horses surged forward, each leveling long spears, rushing into the camp. Dian Wei fought with all his might, cutting down more than twenty men. The cavalry withdrew, but the infantry arrived next, their spears standing thick as reeds on both sides. Dian Wei wore no armor at all; he was pierced by dozens of spears from head to foot, yet he fought on to the death. When his saber was chipped beyond use, he cast it aside and seized two enemy soldiers in his hands to use as weapons, beating eight or nine men to death. The bandits dared not approach but shot arrows at him from a distance. The arrows fell like a sudden rain, yet Dian Wei still held the gate. But then enemy soldiers entered from behind the camp, and Dian Wei took a spear thrust in the back. He cried out several times, his blood soaking the ground, and died. For half a quarter-hour after his death, not a single man dared enter through the front gate.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao, relying on Dian Wei to hold the gate, was able to mount a horse and flee from the rear of the camp. Only Cao Anmin followed on foot. Cao Cao took an arrow in his right arm, and his horse was struck by three arrows. Fortunately, the horse was a fine Dayuan steed that could endure pain and run fast. He had just reached the banks of the Yu River when the enemy soldiers caught up with them. Anmin was hacked to pieces. Cao Cao spurred his horse to ford the river at a gallop. He had scarcely reached the opposite bank when an enemy arrow struck his horse squarely in the eye, and the horse collapsed to the ground. Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang, at once offered his own mount to his father. Cao Cao mounted and fled at full speed. Cao Ang was struck down by a volley of arrows. Cao Cao thus escaped. Along the way he encountered his generals and gathered the scattered remnants of his army.

Now, the Qingzhou troops under Xiahou Dun had taken advantage of the chaos to raid and plunder the countryside. Major Yu Jin, the Pacification Colonel, led his own forces along the road to attack and suppress them, bringing peace to the people. When the Qingzhou soldiers returned, they met Cao Cao and threw themselves to the ground weeping, telling him that Yu Jin had rebelled and was slaughtering the Qingzhou troops. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. Shortly after, Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin all arrived. Cao Cao told them that Yu Jin had rebelled and ordered them to prepare their forces to meet him.

Meanwhile, when Yu Jin saw that Cao Cao and the others had all arrived, he led his troops to hold the corner of the battlefield and dug entrenchments to make camp.

Yu Zhi said to him, "The Qingzhou soldiers are saying that you have rebelled. The Prime Minister has already arrived. Why not explain yourself first, instead of setting up camp?"

Yu Jin replied, "The rebel pursuing forces are behind us and will arrive at any moment. If we do not prepare first, how will we repel the enemy? Explaining is a minor matter; repelling the enemy is the major matter."

The camp had scarcely been completed when Zhang Xiu's forces arrived from two directions. Yu Jin led the charge out of the camp to meet them. Zhang Xiu hastily withdrew his troops. The generals on either flank, seeing Yu Jin advancing forward, each led their men to attack. Zhang Xiu's army was utterly routed, and the pursuit extended over a hundred *li*.

With his forces exhausted and his strength spent, Zhang Xiu led his defeated troops to seek refuge with Liu Biao.

Cao Cao gathered his forces and reviewed his officers. Yu Jin came forward to report, explaining in detail that the Qingzhou troops had been running wild, plundering at will, and had greatly lost the people's support, and that he had therefore put them to death.

Cao Cao said, "Why did you set up camp without first reporting to me?"

Yu Jin answered with his earlier reasoning. Cao Cao said, "In the midst of urgency, a general who can organize his troops and fortify his defenses, bearing slander and enduring toil, turning defeat into victory—even the famous generals of antiquity could surpass such a man by how little!" He then bestowed upon Yu Jin a set of gold vessels and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village. He also reprimanded Xiahou Dun for the failure to maintain strict discipline among his troops. He further arranged a memorial sacrifice for Dian Wei. Cao Cao personally wept and poured the libation, turning to his generals and saying, "When I lost my eldest son and my beloved nephew, I felt no deep grief; it is only for Dian Wei that I weep." All present sighed with emotion. The next day, he gave the order to withdraw the army.

Let us leave Cao Cao returning his troops to Xudu. Now, Wang Ze arrived in Xuzhou bearing the imperial edict. Lü Bu welcomed him into his residence and opened the edict. It appointed Lü Bu as General Who Pacifies the East and granted him a special seal and ribbon of office. Wang Ze also presented Cao Cao's private letter. Before Lü Bu, Wang Ze spoke at length of Cao Cao's respectful regard for him. Lü Bu was overjoyed.

Suddenly it was reported that Yuan Shu had sent an envoy. Lü Bu summoned him and asked his business. The envoy said, "His Lordship Yuan will ascend the imperial throne before long. He has established the Eastern Palace and urges that the imperial consort be sent to Huainan without delay."

Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, "How dare this rebel act so!" He put the envoy to death, clapped Han Yin in canes and chains, and sent Chen Deng with a letter of thanks and Han Yin, together with Wang Ze, to Xudu to express gratitude for the imperial favor. He also wrote a reply to Cao Cao, requesting to be formally invested as Governor of Xuzhou.

When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu had broken off the marriage alliance with Yuan Shu, he was overjoyed and had Han Yin executed at the market. Chen Deng secretly admonished Cao Cao, saying, "Lü Bu is a wolf—brave but without cunning, light in his loyalties. You should make plans against him soon."

Cao Cao said, "I have long known that Lü Bu has the heart of a wolf and ambition to match. Truly, he is difficult to keep for long. Without you and your father, no one could fully fathom his intentions. You must help me devise a plan against him."

Chen Deng said, "If Your Excellency takes action, I will serve as an insider."

Cao Cao was greatly pleased. He issued a memorial granting Chen Gui the stipend of a Grand Minister of two thousand *dan* and appointed Chen Deng as Governor of Guangling. As Chen Deng took his leave to return, Cao Cao grasped his hand and said, "The affairs of the east I entrust to you."

Chen Deng nodded in assent and returned to Xuzhou to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu questioned him, and Chen Deng told him that his father had been granted a stipend and that he himself had been made a governor.

Lü Bu erupted in fury and said, "You did not seek the governorship of Xuzhou for me, but instead sought titles and emoluments for yourself! Your father urged me to cooperate with Cao Cao and break off the marriage alliance with Gonglu. Now everything I sought has come to nothing, while you and your father have both risen to prominence—I have been sold out by you and your father!" He then drew his sword, intending to strike him down.

Chen Deng laughed loudly and said, "How exceedingly blind you are, General!"

Lü Bu said, "How am I blind?"

Chen Deng said, "When I saw Cao Cao, I said, 'To keep General Lü Bu is like keeping a tiger. You must satiate him with flesh; if he is not sated, he will devour a man.' Cao Cao smiled and said, 'It is not as you say. I treat the Marquis of Wen as I would keep a falcon. So long as the foxes and rabbits have not been caught, I dare not let him be sated. When he is hungry, he is useful; when he is full, he flies away.' I asked, 'Who are the foxes and rabbits?' Cao Cao said, 'Yuan Shu of Huainan, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Zhang of Yizhou, Zhang Lu of Hanzhong—all are foxes and rabbits.'"

Lü Bu cast aside his sword and laughed, saying, "Cao Cao understands me!"

Even as they were speaking, a sudden report arrived that Yuan Shu's army was coming to seize Xuzhou. When Lü Bu heard this, he was struck with alarm. Truly it was said:

Before the alliance of Qin and Jin was sealed, the strife of Wu and Yue arose; a marriage brought forth the clash of arms.

What happened next? Read on in the following chapter.