Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Then Cheng Yu offered a strategy, saying, "Lord Guan is a match for ten thousand men; he cannot be taken by force, only by cunning. We can now send soldiers who formerly served under Liu Bei and have surrendered to us, into Xiapi to see Lord Guan. They will claim they escaped and returned, then hide inside the city to act as a fifth column. Meanwhile, we will draw Lord Guan out to battle, feign defeat, and lure him to a distant place. With elite troops we will cut off his retreat, and then we can persuade him." Cao Cao approved this plan and immediately ordered several dozen soldiers who had surrendered from Xuzhou to go straight to Xiapi and submit to Lord Guan. Lord Guan, thinking they were his old soldiers, kept them and harbored no suspicion.

The next day, Xiahou Dun led the vanguard with five thousand troops to provoke battle. Lord Guan would not come out, so Dun had his men hurl insults at the city walls. Lord Guan flew into a rage, led three thousand horsemen out of the city, and engaged Xiahou Dun in combat. After about ten exchanges, Dun turned his horse and fled. Lord Guan gave chase, and Dun fought as he retreated. Lord Guan pursued him for about twenty miles, then, fearing something might have happened to Xiapi, he turned his troops back. At that moment, a cannon shot rang out. On the left was Xu Huang, on the right was Xu Chu—two detachments of soldiers blocking the road. Lord Guan tried to force his way through, but on both sides hidden archers had set up a hundred powerful crossbows, and arrows flew like a swarm of locusts. Lord Guan could not get through, so he reined in his troops and turned back, only to be met by Xu Huang and Xu Chu, who engaged him in battle. Lord Guan fought with all his might and drove the two of them back, then led his troops toward Xiapi, but Xiahou Dun blocked him once more and the fighting resumed.

Lord Guan battled until nightfall, with no road open to him. He came to a mound of earth and led his troops to the top to rest for the time being. Cao Cao's soldiers surrounded the mound on all sides. From the top of the mound, Lord Guan gazed toward Xiapi and saw flames shooting into the sky. It was the soldiers who had feigned surrender who had secretly opened the city gates, and Cao Cao himself had led the main army into the city. He had ordered fires set only to confuse Lord Guan's mind.

When Lord Guan saw the fires rising from Xiapi, his heart was filled with alarm. Several times through the night he tried to charge down the mountain, but each time he was driven back by a hail of arrows. He endured until dawn, and was about to regroup and charge down again when he saw a man galloping up the mountain. He looked closely—it was Zhang Liao. Lord Guan stepped forward and said, "Is Yuanyuan here to fight me?" Liao said, "No. I was thinking of the bond we shared in former days, and I have come to see you." He then threw aside his sword, dismounted, and exchanged courtesies with Lord Guan. They sat together atop the mound. Lord Guan said, "Surely Yuanyuan has not come to persuade me?" Liao said, "Not so. In the past, you saved your brother; today, how could your brother not save you?" Lord Guan said, "Then are you here to help me?" Liao said, "That too is not the case." Lord Guan said, "If you are not here to help me, then why have you come?"

Liao said, "We do not know whether Xuande lives or has perished, nor do we know whether Yide is alive or dead. Last night the Prime Minister took Xiapi. The soldiers and civilians were all unharmed. He sent men to protect Xuande's household and forbade anyone from disturbing them. Because he has treated you with such consideration, I have come to report this to you." Lord Guan said angrily, "These words are meant to persuade me. Though I stand in a desperate place, I regard death as simply going home. You should leave at once—I am going down the mountain to give battle." Zhang Liao laughed loudly and said, "Would not such words from you be a laughingstock to the whole world?" Lord Guan said, "I shall die relying on loyalty and righteousness—how could I be a laughingstock to the world?" Liao said, "If you die now, you will be guilty of three offenses." Lord Guan said, "Then tell me—what are these three offenses?"

Liao said, "When the Provincial Governor and you first swore brotherhood, you pledged to live and die together. Now the Governor has just met defeat, and if you die in battle, should the Governor reappear and seek your help, he would never find you. Would you not have betrayed the oath you swore in those days? That is the first offense. The Governor entrusted his household to you. If you die, the two ladies will have no one to rely upon, and you will have failed the heavy trust the Governor placed in you. That is the second offense. Your martial skill is unrivaled, and you are well versed in both history and the classics. Yet instead of working with the Governor to support the House of Han, you seek only to rush into boiling water and walking through fire, achieving nothing but the courage of a common man. How can this be called righteousness? That is the third offense. Since you are guilty of these three offenses, I could not but tell you."

Lord Guan said thoughtfully, "You say I am guilty of three offenses. What would you have me do?" Liao said, "Today you are surrounded on all sides by the Prime Minister's troops. If you do not surrender, you will surely die. But to die serves no purpose. You would do better to surrender to the Prime Minister for now, and meanwhile seek news of the Provincial Governor. When you learn where he is, you can go to him. First, this will allow you to protect the two ladies. Second, it will not violate the oath of the Peach Garden. Third, it will preserve a life that can still be of use. With these three advantages, you should consider the matter carefully."

Lord Guan said, "You speak of three advantages. I have three conditions. If the Chancellor agrees to them, I will lay down my arms. If he does not agree, I would rather suffer the three offenses and die." Liao said, "The Chancellor is broad-minded and generous—what could he not accept? I would like to hear your three conditions." Lord Guan said, "First, I and the Imperial Uncle swore an oath to support the House of Han together. I will surrender to the Emperor of Han, not to Cao Cao. Second, my two sisters-in-law must be provided with the Imperial Uncle's official salary and emoluments, and none of the household staff, high or low, may come to their door. Third, the moment I learn where the Imperial Uncle has gone, no matter if it is a thousand miles or ten thousand miles, I will leave. If any one of these three conditions is not met, I will never surrender. I hope you will report this to Yuanyuan at once."

Zhang Liao assented, mounted his horse, and returned to see Cao Cao. He first explained the matter of surrendering to Han but not to Cao. Cao Cao smiled and said, "I am the Chancellor of Han—Han and I are one and the same. This can be granted." Liao then said, "The two ladies wish to receive the Imperial Uncle's salary and emoluments, and no one from the household may come to their door." Cao Cao said, "I will give them twice the Imperial Uncle's salary. As for strictly forbidding contact between inside and outside—this is merely a matter of household discipline. What doubt could there be?" Liao then said, "The moment he learns of Xuande's whereabouts, he will go to him no matter how far." Cao Cao shook his head and said, "Then what use would I have for keeping Yunzhang? This condition is difficult to grant." Liao said, "Have you not heard of the principle of a man of common standing versus a man of a great state? Liu Xuande treated Yunzhang with nothing more than generous kindness. If the Chancellor bestows even greater kindness to win his heart, why worry that Yunzhang will not be loyal?" Cao Cao said, "Yuanyuan speaks most fittingly. I am willing to accept these three conditions."

Zhang Liao went back up to report to Lord Guan. Lord Guan said, "Even so, for the moment I request that the Chancellor withdraw his troops. Allow me to enter the city and see my two sisters-in-law, inform them of these matters, and then I will surrender." Zhang Liao returned once more and reported these words to Cao Cao. Cao Cao immediately issued orders to withdraw the troops ten li. Xun Yu said, "This must not be done. I fear there may be treachery." Cao Cao said, "Yunchang is a man of honor. He would never break his word." And so he led the army back.

Lord Guan led his troops into Xiapi, saw that the people were safe and undisturbed, and went straight to the residence to see his two sisters-in-law.

When the two ladies, Gan and Mi, heard that Lord Guan had arrived, they hurried out to greet him. Lord Guan bowed at the foot of the steps and said, "That my two sisters-in-law have been alarmed is my fault." The two ladies said, "Where is the Imperial Uncle now?" Lord Guan said, "I do not know where he has gone." The two ladies said, "What does my lord intend to do now?" Lord Guan said, "I, Guan, went out of the city to fight to the death, but was trapped on the Hill. Zhang Liao urged me to surrender, and I set three conditions. Cao Cao has agreed to all of them, and for this reason he has specially withdrawn his troops to let me enter the city. I have not yet obtained my sisters-in-law's wishes and did not dare to act on my own."

The two ladies asked what the three conditions were. Lord Guan related the three conditions in full detail. Lady Gan said, "Yesterday when Cao's army entered the city, we all thought we would surely die; who would have imagined that not a hair of our heads was disturbed, and not a single soldier dared enter the gate. Since my lord has already given his promise, why ask us? I only fear that in the future Cao Cao will not allow my lord to go in search of the Imperial Uncle." Lord Guan said, "Let my sisters-in-law rest assured. I, Guan, have my own plan." The two ladies said, "My lord must decide for himself. In all matters, there is no need to consult us women."

Lord Guan took his leave, then led several dozen horsemen to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao personally came out of the camp gate to receive him. Lord Guan dismounted and bowed. Cao Cao hastily returned the courtesy. Lord Guan said, "A defeated general, I am deeply grateful for your mercy in sparing my life." Cao Cao said: "I have long admired Yunchang's loyalty and righteousness. Today I am fortunate to meet you—this is enough to satisfy the hopes of a lifetime." Lord Guan said, "Wenyuan relayed the three conditions on my behalf, and the Chancellor has agreed to them. I trust you will not go back on your word." Cao Cao said: "Since my words are already spoken, how dare I break faith?" Lord Guan said: "If I, Guan, knew where the Imperial Uncle was, though it meant walking through fire or water, I would go to him. At this time I fear I will not have the chance to take formal leave. I humbly beg your forgiveness." Cao Cao said: "If Xuande is alive, I will surely let you go to him. But I fear he may have perished in the chaos of battle. For now, put your mind at ease and allow time for inquiries to be made."

Lord Guan bowed in thanks. Cao Cao held a banquet in his honor. The next day the army returned to Xuchang. Lord Guan gathered the carriages and requested that the two ladies board the vehicles. He personally escorted the carriages on the journey. When they stopped at post stations along the way, Cao Cao wished to confuse the proper rites between lord and subject by placing Lord Guan and the two ladies in the same room. Lord Guan then took a candle and stood outside the door, from night until dawn, without the slightest sign of weariness. When Cao Cao saw Lord Guan conduct himself thus, he admired him all the more.

Upon reaching Xuchang, Cao Cao assigned a residence for Lord Guan. Lord Guan divided the compound into two courtyards, posting ten veteran soldiers to guard the inner gate. Lord Guan himself lived in the outer compound. Cao Cao brought Lord Guan to an audience with Emperor Xian, who appointed him General of the Left. Lord Guan thanked the Emperor and returned to his residence.

The next day, Cao Cao held a grand banquet, assembling his counselors and warriors, treating Lord Guan as an honored guest and seating him in the uppermost position. He also presented him with brocades of patterned silk along with vessels of gold and silver. Lord Guan sent all of it to his two sisters-in-law for safekeeping. From the time Lord Guan arrived in Xuchang, Cao Cao treated him with the greatest generosity: small banquets every three days, grand banquets every five days. He also sent ten beautiful women to serve Lord Guan. Lord Guan sent them all inside the gate to attend upon his two sisters-in-law. Every three days he would go to the outside of the inner gate, bow in person, and inquire after his sisters-in-law's well-being. Only after the two ladies had asked about the Imperial Uncle's situation and said, "My lord may do as he sees fit," would Lord Guan dare to withdraw. When Cao Cao learned of this, he sighed in admiration of Lord Guan all over again.

One day, Cao Cao noticed that the green brocade battle robe Lord Guan was wearing was old. He estimated Lord Guan's measurements and had a robe made from choice brocade, which he presented to him. Lord Guan accepted it but wore it beneath his clothing, covering it with the old robe on the outside. Cao Cao laughed and said, "Why is Yunchang so frugal?" Lord Guan said, "It is not that I am frugal. This old robe was a gift from Imperial Uncle Liu. When I wear it, it is as though I see my brother's face. I dare not let the Chancellor's new gift cause me to forget my elder brother's old gift, and so I wear it on the outside." Cao Cao sighed and said, "A true man of honor!" Yet though his words expressed admiration, in his heart he was displeased.

One day, while Lord Guan was at his residence, a report suddenly came: "The two ladies in the inner courtyard have collapsed weeping to the ground. We do not know why. Please come quickly, General." Lord Guan then straightened his robes and knelt outside the inner gate, asking his two sisters-in-law why they were weeping. Lady Gan said: "Last night I dreamed that the Imperial Uncle had fallen into a pit of earth. When I woke and spoke of it with Lady Mi, we believed that he must now be beneath the Yellow Springs. That is why we weep." Lord Guan said: "Dreams and visions cannot be trusted. This is because my sisters-in-law think of him so much. Please do not grieve."

Just as they were speaking, a messenger from Cao Cao arrived, inviting Lord Guan to a banquet. Lord Guan took leave of his sisters-in-law and went to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao saw that Lord Guan's face bore traces of tears and asked the reason. Lord Guan said: "My two sisters-in-law weep bitterly for their brother, and I cannot help but feel sorrow in my heart." Cao Cao smiled and spoke soothingly to him, frequently urging him to drink. Lord Guan became intoxicated, stroked his beard, and said: "In life I cannot serve the state, and I have turned my back on my brother—I am merely a useless man!" Cao Cao asked: "How many hairs does Yunchang's beard have?" Lord Guan said: "About several hundred. In autumn about three or five fall out. In winter I wrap it in a pouch of black gauze for fear it might break." Cao Cao had a pouch made of gauze and brocade and presented it to Lord Guan to protect his beard. The next day, Lord Guan went early to court to see the Emperor. The Emperor noticed that Lord Guan had a gauze-and-brocade pouch hanging at his chest and asked about it. Lord Guan reported: "My beard is rather long. The Chancellor gave me a pouch to hold it." The Emperor ordered him to spread it forth before the court. It hung past his belly. The Emperor said: "Truly a Lord of the Beautiful Beard!" From that time, everyone called him the Lord of the Beautiful Beard.

One day, Cao Cao invited Guan Yu to a banquet. When it ended and he escorted Guan Yu out of the residence, he noticed that Guan Yu's horse was thin. Cao Cao said, "Why is your horse so thin?"

Guan Yu replied, "My body is rather heavy, and the horse cannot bear the load. That is why it is always thin."

Cao Cao ordered his attendants to prepare another horse. In a moment, it was led forward. The horse's body was fiery red as burning coal, and its appearance was most imposing. Cao Cao pointed at it and said, "Do you recognize this horse?"

Guan Yu said, "Could it be the Red Hare, the horse that Lü Bu once rode?"

Cao Cao said, "Indeed it is." He then presented the horse along with its saddle and bridle to Guan Yu.

Guan Yu bowed twice and thanked him. Cao Cao was displeased and said, "Time and again I have sent you beautiful women and gold and silk, yet you never bowed. Now that I give you a horse, you are pleased and bow twice. Why do you hold men in low regard and value beasts so highly?"

Guan Yu said, "I know this horse can travel a thousand li in a day. Now that I have the good fortune to obtain it, if I learn where my elder brother is, I can see him in a single day."

Cao Cao was startled and filled with regret. Guan Yu took his leave. A later poet composed a verse lamenting:

His might shook the Three Domains, his heroism renowned;

Though dwelling in one house, his righteousness stood proud.

The treacherous minister offered empty courtesy in vain—

How could he know that Guan Yu would not submit to Cao?

Cao Cao asked Zhang Liao, "I have treated Yun Chang generously, yet he constantly harbors thoughts of leaving. Why is this?"

Zhang Liao said, "Allow me to sound him out."

The next day, Guan Yu received Zhang Liao. After the greetings, Zhang Liao said, "When I recommended you to the Prime Minister, I did not fall short."

Guan Yu said, "I am deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's kindness. It is only that although my body is here, my heart is with the Imperial Uncle, and I cannot forget him."

Zhang Liao said, "You are mistaken, brother. A man who lives in the world without distinguishing between the weighty and the light is no true hero. Xuande may not have treated you better than the Prime Minister. Why then do you cling only to the wish to leave?"

Guan Yu said, "I certainly know that the Duke of Cao has treated me most generously. But I received great kindness from Imperial Uncle Liu and swore to live and die with him. I cannot betray him. I will never remain here. But I must first render some service to repay the Duke of Cao, and only then will I leave."

Zhang Liao said, "If Xuande has already passed away, where will you go?"

Guan Yu said, "I will follow him beneath the earth."

Zhang Liao knew that Guan Yu could never be persuaded to stay. He withdrew and returned to Cao Cao, reporting everything truthfully. Cao Cao sighed and said, "A man who does not forget his lord when serving another—he is a righteous gentleman of the world!"

Xun Yu said, "He says he will leave only after rendering a service. If you do not give him the opportunity to render one, he may not necessarily go."

Cao Cao agreed.

Now, Xuande was with Yuan Shao, troubled day and night. Yuan Shao said, "Why are you always so worried, Xuande?"

Xuande said, "I have no news of my second brother, and my wife and little ones are trapped with the rebel Cao. I cannot serve the state above, and I cannot protect my family below. How can I not be troubled?"

Yuan Shao said, "I have long wished to advance on Xuchang. Now that spring is warm, it is a good time to raise troops." They then discussed strategies for defeating Cao Cao.

Tian Feng remonstrated, "Previously, when Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou, Xuchang was undefended, and we did not advance at that time. Now Xuzhou has fallen, and Cao Cao's troops are at their sharpest. We should not take the enemy lightly. It would be better to hold out for a long time and wait for an opening before we move."

Yuan Shao said, "Let me think on it." He then asked Xuande, "Tian Feng urges me to hold fast. What do you think?"

Xuande said, "Cao Cao is a traitor who has deceived his sovereign. If you do not punish him, my lord, I fear you will lose the great cause of righteousness before the whole world."

Yuan Shao said, "What you say is very good." He then wished to mobilize his forces. Tian Feng remonstrated again. Yuan Shao was enraged and said, "You literary men make light of military matters and would cause me to lose the cause of righteousness!"

Tian Feng bowed to the ground and said, "If you do not heed your minister's honest words, the army will not fare well."

Yuan Shao, greatly angered, wanted to execute him. Xuande interceded strongly, and Tian Feng was thrown into prison instead.

Seeing Tian Feng in prison, Ju Shou gathered his clan, distributed all his family wealth among them, and took leave of them, saying, "I am going with the army. If we triumph, there will be no limit to our glory. If we fall, even I myself will not survive." All wept as they saw him off.

Yuan Shao sent his great general Yan Liang as vanguard to attack Baima. Ju Shou remonstrated, "Yan Liang is narrow-minded. Though fierce and brave, he cannot be entrusted with sole command."

Yuan Shao said, "He is my foremost general. You cannot judge him."

The great army advanced as far as Liyang. Liu Yan, the governor of Dongjun, sent urgent appeals to Xuchang. Cao Cao hastily discussed raising troops to meet the enemy. Guan Yu learned of this and went to the Prime Minister's residence to see Cao Cao. He said, "I hear the Prime Minister is raising an army. I wish to serve as the vanguard."

Cao Cao said, "I would not presume to trouble you, General. When the time comes, I will send for you." Guan Yu then withdrew.

Cao Cao led an army of a hundred and fifty thousand, marching in three columns. On the way, he received further urgent dispatches from Liu Yan. Cao Cao advanced ahead with fifty thousand troops and personally arrived at Baima, where he encamped by a hill. In the distance, before the hill, across a broad and level plain, Yan Liang's vanguard of a hundred thousand elite soldiers had formed their battle array. Cao Cao was alarmed. He turned to Song Xian, a former general of Lü Bu, and said, "I have heard that you were a fierce general under Lü Bu. Can you do battle with Yan Liang?"

Song Xian accepted the order, took up his spear, and rode out to the front of the array. Yan Liang sat with his sword across his horse beneath the banner gate. When he saw Song Xian's horse approaching, Yan Liang let out a great shout and rode out to meet him. In fewer than three exchanges, Yan Liang raised his sword and cut down Song Xian in front of the array.

Cao Cao was greatly startled and said, "A truly valiant general!"

Wei Xu said, "He has killed my comrade. I wish to go and avenge him!" Cao Cao gave his permission. Wei Xu mounted his horse, took up his spear, and rode straight to the front of the array, hurling curses at Yan Liang. Yan Liang did not bother with words. Their horses crossed once, and with a single sword blow to the head, he cleaved Wei Xu from his horse.

Cao Cao said, "Who now will face him?"

Xu Huang rode out in answer and fought twenty exchanges with Yan Liang before retreating to his own lines in defeat. The generals were all terrified. Cao Cao drew back his forces, and Yan Liang also withdrew.

Cao Cao saw that he had lost two generals in succession and was deeply troubled. Cheng Yi said, "I can recommend one man who can match Yan Liang."

Cao Cao asked who it was. Cheng Yi said, "None other than Lord Guan."

Cao Cao said, "I fear that once he has achieved merit, he will leave."

Cheng Yi said, "If Liu Bei is alive, he will certainly have joined Yuan Shao. Now, if you have Yun Chang defeat Yuan Shao's forces, Shao will surely suspect Liu Bei and put him to death. Once Bei is dead, where else could Yun Chang go?"

Cao Cao was overjoyed and sent a man to summon Guan Yu. Guan Yu went in to take leave of the two ladies. The two ladies said, "Uncle, on this journey, please find out news of the Imperial Uncle."

Guan Yu took his leave, grasped the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, mounted the Red Hare, and with several attendants rode straight to White Horse to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao told him, "Yan Liang has slain two of our generals in succession—his valor is beyond reckoning. That is why I have asked you, Lord Yun Chang, to confer with me." Guan Yu replied, "Allow me to observe him first." Cao Cao set out wine to entertain him. Suddenly a report came that Yan Liang was challenging them to battle. Cao Cao led Guan Yu up an earthen mound to watch. Cao Cao and Guan Yu sat together while the various generals stood around them in a ring. Cao Cao pointed at the battle array Yan Liang had deployed on the plain below—banners bright and clear, spears and swords bristling like a forest, stern and imposing in its discipline. He said to Guan Yu, "The troops from north of the River—such a magnificent host!" Guan Yu replied, "As I see it, they are nothing but clay chickens and pottery dogs!" Cao Cao then pointed again and said: "Beneath the command canopy, in that rust-red robe and golden armor, the one holding a blade and mounted on horseback—that is Yan Liang." Guan Yu raised his eyes, glanced once, and said to Cao Cao, "As I see it, Yan Liang is no more than a man with a stalk of grass stuck on his head, waiting to be sold!" Cao Cao said, "Do not take him lightly." Guan Yu rose to his feet and said, "Though I am of no great ability, I am willing to go into the midst of ten thousand troops, take his head, and present it to you, Prime Minister." Zhang Liao said, "There is no room for jesting in the army—Lord Yun Chang must not be careless."

Guan Yu mounted his horse with fierce resolve, held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade reversed in his hand, and galloped down down the hill. His phoenix eyes flared wide; his silkworm brows stood bolt upright. He charged straight into the enemy array, and the troops from north of the River parted before him like waves splitting around a reef. Guan Yu rode directly for Yan Liang. Yan Liang, sitting beneath his command canopy, saw Guan Yu bearing down on him and was just about to call out a question when the Red Hare was swift—Guan Yu had already reached him. Yan Liang, caught off guard, was struck by a single stroke of Yun Chang's blade and stabbed from his horse. Guan Yu dismounted in a flash, cut off Yan Liang's head, tied it beneath his horse's neck, leaped back into the saddle, raised his blade, and cut his way out of the array as though entering a land with no men in it. The soldiers and officers from north of the River were thrown into great alarm—they fell into disorder without even fighting. The Cao forces seized the moment and attacked. The dead were beyond counting; horses and weapons were seized in great abundance. Guan Yu galloped his horse back up the mound, and all the generals offered their congratulations. He presented Yan Liang's head before Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, "You, General, are truly a man divine!" Guan Yu replied, "How could I be worth mentioning? My sworn brother Zhang Yide could take a commanding general's head from the midst of a million troops as easily as reaching into a bag for something." Cao Cao was greatly startled, turned to those around him, and said, "From this day forward, whenever you encounter Zhang Yide, do not take him lightly." He ordered it written on the hem of his robe so he would remember.

Now let us return to Yan Liang's defeated troops. They fled back and met Yuan Shao halfway along the road. They reported that a red-faced, long-bearded warrior wielding a great blade had ridden alone into the battle array, killed Yan Liang, and departed—because of this they had suffered a great defeat. Yuan Shao, alarmed, asked, "Who is this man?" Ju Shou said, "This must be Liu Xuande's sworn brother, Guan Yun Chang." Yuan Shao flew into a rage. He pointed at Xuande and said, "Your brother has slain my beloved general—you must be in league with them. What use is there in keeping you alive?" He called for the executioners to take Liu Xuande out and behead him. Indeed:

Just now he was a guest of honor seated at the feast;

Today he is almost a prisoner in the dock.

Whether Liu Xuande's life will be spared or not, hear the explanation in the next chapter.