Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Guan Yu and Sun Qian escorted the two ladies toward Ruyang, but did not expect Xiahou Dun to pursue them with over two hundred cavalry from behind. Sun Qian escorted the carriages ahead. Guan Yu turned his horse, reined in, and with his hand on his saber, said: "You come chasing me—this lacks the Grand Prime Minister's magnanimity."

Xiahou Dun said: "The Grand Prime Minister has issued no written order. You have killed men along the way and also slain one of my officers—this is the height of disrespect! I have come especially to capture you and deliver you to the Grand Prime Minister for judgment!"

With that, he spurred his horse and leveled his spear, ready to fight. Then a rider came galloping up from behind, shouting: "Do not engage Yun Chang in battle!" Guan Yu held his reins and did not move. The messenger drew a document from his breast and said to Xiahou Dun: "The Grand Prime Minister admires Lord Guan's loyalty and righteousness. Fearing that he might be blocked at the passes along the way, he has sent me with this document to distribute to all the posts." Dun said: "Did the Grand Prime Minister know that Guan killed the officers guarding the passes along the way?" The messenger said: "This he does not know." Dun said: "I shall only take him alive to see the Grand Prime Minister and let the Grand Prime Minister release him himself." Guan Yu said angrily: "Do I fear you?" He spurred his horse and rode straight at Xiahou Dun, saber in hand.

Dun raised his spear to meet him. The two horses crossed, and before ten bouts had been fought, another rider came galloping up, shouting: "Rest a moment, both generals!" Dun lowered his spear and asked the messenger: "Did the Grand Prime Minister order Guan's capture?" The messenger said: "No. The Grand Prime Minister feared that the officers guarding the passes might block Lord Guan, so he sent me with another document to let him pass." Dun said: "Does the Grand Prime Minister know that he killed men along the way?" The messenger said: "He does not know." Dun said: "Since he does not know of the killing, he cannot be let go." He directed his troops to surround Guan Yu. Guan Yu flew into a rage and brandished his saber to meet the attack.

The two were just about to engage when a man came galloping up from behind the lines, shouting: "Yun Chang and Yuan Rang, stop this fight!" All looked and saw it was Zhang Liao. The two men reined in their horses. Zhang Liao approached and said: "I bear the Grand Prime Minister's command: having heard that Yun Chang slew officers at the passes and fearing obstruction along the way, he has instructed me to convey orders to all the passes to let him pass freely." Dun said: "Qin Qi was Cai Yang's nephew. He entrusted Qin Qi to my care, and now Guan has killed him—how can I let this pass?" Liao said: "When I see General Cai, I will explain matters myself. Since the Grand Prime Minister in his magnanimity has ordered Yun Chang released, you must not disregard the Grand Prime Minister's wishes." Xiahou Dun had no choice but to withdraw his troops. Liao said: "Where does Yun Chang intend to go now?" Guan Yu said: "I have heard that my elder brother is no longer with Yuan Shao. I shall now search for him throughout the world." Liao said: "Since you do not yet know Xuande's whereabouts, why not return with me to see the Grand Prime Minister?" Guan Yu smiled and said: "How could that be! When you return and see the Grand Prime Minister, kindly convey my apologies on my behalf." With that, he clasped hands in farewell with Zhang Liao.

Thereupon Zhang Liao and Xiahou Dun led their troops back. Guan Yu caught up with the carriages and told Sun Qian what had happened. The two rode side by side. After several days of travel, they encountered a torrential downpour, and their baggage was soaked through. In the distance, they spotted a manor house by a hillside. Guan Yu led the carriages there to seek shelter. An old man came out to greet them. Guan Yu explained the purpose of their visit. The old man said: "My surname is Guo, given name Chang. My family has lived here for generations. I have long heard your great name and am honored to meet you at last." He then slaughtered a sheep and prepared wine to entertain them, and invited the two ladies to rest in the inner hall. Guo Chang entertained Guan Yu and Sun Qian with wine in the thatched hall. On one side they dried their baggage; on the other they fed the horses.

At dusk, a young man was seen entering the manor with several men, going straight to the thatched hall. Guo Chang called out: "My son, come pay your respects to the general." And to Guan Yu he said: "This is my foolish son." Guan Yu asked where he had come from. Chang said: "He has just returned from hunting." The young man paid his respects to Guan Yu and then withdrew from the hall. Chang said with tears: "My old wife and I have passed down a tradition of farming and scholarship, and we have only this one son, who will not pursue honest work and spends all his time roaming and hunting. It is the misfortune of our household!" Guan Yu said: "In these troubled times, if one is skilled in martial arts, one can still win fame and glory—why call it misfortune?" Chang said: "If he were willing to study martial arts, he would be a man of ambition. But now he devotes himself to wandering and does whatever he pleases—that is what grieves me!"

Guan Yu sighed as well. Late in the night, Guo Chang took his leave. Guan Yu and Sun Qian were just about to retire when they heard the horses neighing and men shouting in the rear courtyard. Guan Yu urgently called his attendants, but none answered. He and Sun Qian took swords and went to investigate. They saw Guo Chang's son lying on the ground crying out, while his attendants were fighting with the manor's servants. Guan Yu asked what had happened. The attendants said: "This man came to steal the Red Hare horse and was kicked down by the horse. We heard the shouting and got up to investigate, but the manor servants started a brawl instead." Guan Yu said angrily: "How dare this wretched thief steal my horse!"

He was just about to act when Guo Chang rushed in and said: "My worthless son has committed this wicked deed—he deserves ten thousand deaths! But my old wife loves this son dearly—I beg the general to show mercy and forgive him!" Guan Yu said: "This son is indeed worthless. What the old gentleman said earlier is true—no one knows a son better than his father. I will look to your face and spare him for now." He ordered his attendants to watch the horse carefully, dispersed the manor servants, and returned with Sun Qian to the thatched hall to rest.

The next morning, Guo Chang and his wife came to the hall to pay their respects and said: "Our worthless son presumed upon your authority. We are deeply grateful for the general's mercy and forgiveness." Guan Yu had him brought out: "I will instruct him with honest words." Chang said: "He left again at the fourth watch with several rascals, and we do not know where he has gone."

Gong said his farewells to Guo Chang, helped his two sisters-in-law into the carriage, and left the manor. He rode alongside Sun Qian, escorting the carriage along a mountain path. Before they had gone thirty li, over a hundred men suddenly emerged from behind a hill, led by two riders on horseback. The man in front wore a yellow turban and a battle robe; behind him rode Guo Chang's son. The yellow-turbaned man said, "I served under General of Heaven Zhang Jue! Leave the Red Hare horse, and you may pass!" Lord Guan laughed loudly and said, "Reckless fool! Since you followed Zhang Jue in banditry, do you know the names of the three sworn brothers—Liu, Guan, and Zhang?" The yellow-turbaned man replied, "I have heard that the one with the red face and long beard is named Guan Yun Chang, but I have never seen him. Who are you?"

Guan then halted his horse, set down his blade, and untied his beard pouch, letting his long beard fall for the man to see. The man tumbled from his horse, seized Guo Chang's son by the hair, and knelt before Guan's horse to offer his surrender. Lord Guan asked his name. He replied, "My name is Pei Yuanshao. Since Zhang Jue's death, I have had no master. I have gathered men in the mountains and hidden here for the time being. This morning this fellow came to report: 'A guest, riding a thousand-li horse, lodged at my house.' I came specially to seize the horse. I never expected to meet you, General!" Guo Chang's son kowtowed, begging for his life. Lord Guan said, "For your father's sake, I spare your life!"

The Guo son fled with his head tucked between his legs. Guan said to Yuanshao, "Since you did not recognize my face, how did you know my name?" Yuanshao said, "Twenty li from here lies Ox-Sleep Mountain. On that mountain lives a man from west of the Pass, named Zhou Cang, whose two arms possess the strength of a thousand catties. His ribs are like boards, his beard bushy, and his bearing imposing. He once served as a general under the Yellow Turban Zhang Bao. After Zhang Bao died, he gathered men in the mountains. He has often spoken to me of your great fame, General, but regretted having no way to meet you." Lord Guan said, "The greenwood is no place for heroes to settle. You and your men should now turn from evil to good, and not bring ruin upon yourselves." Yuanshao bowed and thanked him.

As they were talking, they saw in the distance a company of men approaching. Yuanshao said, "This must be Zhou Cang." Lord Guan waited on horseback. Indeed, a man appeared—dark-faced, tall, carrying a spear and riding a horse, leading a crowd behind him. When he saw Lord Guan, he exclaimed in surprise and delight, "This is General Guan!" He quickly dismounted and prostrated himself by the roadside, saying, "Zhou Cang pays his respects." Lord Guan asked, "Where did you know me before?" Cang said, "I once followed the Yellow Turban Zhang Bao and saw your honored face. I regret that I joined the rebels and could not follow you. Today I am blessed to meet you. If you would not reject me, I wish to be your footman. Morning and night I would hold your whip and tend your stirrups—I would die content!" Seeing his sincerity, Lord Guan said, "If you follow me, what about your men?" Cang said, "Those who wish to come will come; those who do not wish to come, I will let them go as they please."

Then all the men said, "We wish to follow!" Lord Guan dismounted and went to the carriage to consult his two sisters-in-law. Lady Gan said, "Since my uncle left Xuchang, you have traveled alone all this way, passing through countless hardships without ever needing soldiers to escort you. When Liao Hua wished to join you before, you refused him. Why do you now accept Zhou Cang's men? We women have shallow views, but my uncle should weigh this carefully." Lord Guan said, "What my sister-in-law says is right." He then said to Zhou Cang, "It is not that I am unfeeling, but the two ladies do not agree. You and your men return to the mountains for now. When I find my elder brother, I will certainly send for you." Zhou Cang kowtowed and said, "I am but a rough and reckless man who became a bandit. Meeting you, General, is like seeing the sun and sky once more—how could I bear to miss this again? If it is inconvenient for all these men to follow, send them all to accompany Pei Yuanshao. I will follow you on foot alone—even ten thousand li would I not refuse!" Lord Guan again reported these words to his sisters-in-law. Lady Gan said, "One or two men following will cause no trouble." Lord Guan then ordered Zhou Cang to assign some men to accompany Pei Yuanshao. Yuanshao said, "I also wish to follow General Guan." Zhou Cang said, "If you go, your men will scatter. Stay for now and lead them. I will follow General Guan, and wherever we make camp, I will come for you."

Yuanshao departed, displeased. Zhou Cang followed Lord Guan as they headed toward Runan. After several days of travel, they saw in the distance a walled mountain town. Guan asked a local, "What place is this?" The local said, "This is called Gucheng. A few months ago, a general named Zhang Fei arrived with several dozen riders, drove out the county magistrate, and occupied the town. He has been recruiting soldiers, buying horses, and storing grain. He now has three to five thousand men, and no one for miles dares oppose him." Lord Guan was overjoyed and said, "Since we were scattered in Xuzhou, I had no idea where my younger brother was—who would have thought he was here!" He ordered Sun Qian to enter the town first and announce their arrival, so that Zhang Fei could come out to welcome the two ladies.

Now, Zhang Fei had been staying in Mount Mangdang for over a month. When he went out to seek news of Xuande, he happened to pass through Gucheng and went to the county office to request grain. The magistrate refused. Enraged, Zhang Fei drove out the magistrate, seized the county seal, and occupied the town as a temporary refuge. On that day, Sun Qian, bearing Lord Guan's orders, entered the town to see Zhang Fei. After the formal greetings, he explained, "Xuande has left Yuan Shao's domain and gone to Runan. Now Yun Chang has escorted the two ladies all the way from Xuchang and asks the general to come out to welcome them."

Zhang Fei heard him out, then without another word he donned his armor, took up his eighteen-foot spear, mounted his horse, and led over a thousand men straight out through the north gate. Sun Qian was alarmed, but dared not ask questions; he could only follow them out of the city. When Guan Yu saw Zhang Fei approaching, he was overjoyed. He handed his sward to Zhou Cang to hold, then spurred his horse forward to greet him. But Zhang Fei glared with his round, fierce eyes, his tiger-like whiskers bristling, his voice thundering like a storm, and thrust his spear straight at Guan Yu. Guan Yu was greatly startled and hastily dodged the blow, then cried out, "Why do you act like this, brother? Have you forgotten our oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden?" Zhang Fei roared, "Since you have no loyalty, what face do you have to come and see me?" Guan Yu said, "In what way am I disloyal?" Zhang Fei said, "You betrayed our elder brother and surrendered to Cao Cao, who enfeoffed you and bestowed titles upon you. And now you come to trick me! Today I will settle accounts with you, life for life!" Guan Yu said, "You truly do not know the full story, and it is difficult for me to explain. But here before you are our two sisters-in-law—you may ask them yourself."

The two ladies, hearing this, drew back the carriage curtain and called out, "Why does our third brother act this way?" Zhang Fei said, "Stay in the carriages, my ladies. Let me first kill this disloyal man, and then I will invite you into the city." Lady Gan said, "Your second brother, not knowing where you had gone, took shelter with Cao Cao for a time. Now that he has learned your elder brother is in Runan, he has brought us here without regard for the dangers along the way. Third brother, do not be mistaken." Lady Mi said, "Your second brother was in Xuchang only because he had no choice." Zhang Fei said, "Do not let him deceive you, my ladies! A loyal minister would rather die than suffer disgrace. A true man of honor would never serve two masters!" Guan Yu said, "Brother, do not wrong me." Sun Qian said, "Yunchang has come specifically to find you, General." Zhang Fei shouted, "How can you also talk such nonsense! Does he have any good intentions? He must have come to capture me!" Guan Yu said, "If I meant to capture you, I would have brought an army." Zhang Fei pointed and cried, "Isn't that an army over there?"

Guan Yu turned and looked. Sure enough, where the dust was rising, a body of troops was approaching. The wind unfurled their banners, and they were indeed Cao Cao's soldiers. Zhang Fei flew into a rage. "Will you still try to talk your way out?" He leveled his eighteen-foot serpent spear and charged. Guan Yu hastily stopped him, saying, "Wait, brother. Watch me cut down this general who has come, to prove my true heart." Zhang Fei said, "If your heart is true, I will beat the drum three times—before the third roll is done, you must slay this general!" Guan Yu agreed.

In a short while the Cao army arrived. At their head was a general named Cai Yang, who raised his blade, spurred his horse, and bellowed, "You killed my nephew Qin Qi, and then fled here! I have received orders from the Chancellor to arrest you!" Guan Yu wasted no words but raised his sward and struck. Zhang Fei personally beat the war drum. Before the first roll was finished, Guan Yu's blade fell, and Cai Yang's head was on the ground. The soldiers all fled. Guan Yu took alive a standard-bearer among the troops and questioned him about the reason for their coming. The soldier told him, "When General Cai Yang heard that you had killed his nephew, he was furious and wanted to go north of the Yellow River to fight you. The Chancellor would not allow it, so he sent him instead to attack Liu Bi in Runan. He did not expect to encounter you here." Guan Yu, upon hearing this, had the soldier brought before Zhang Fei to repeat the story. Zhang Fei then questioned the soldier in detail about Guan Yu's time in Xuchang; the soldier told him everything from beginning to end, and only then did Zhang Fei believe.

While they were still talking, a soldier from the city suddenly reported, "Outside the south gate, more than ten riders are approaching at great speed. We do not know who they are." Zhang Fei was suspicious and went out to the south gate to look. Sure enough, he saw more than ten riders coming, armed with light bows and short arrows. When they saw Zhang Fei, they dismounted and came forward on foot. He looked closely—it was Mi Zhu and Mi Fang. Zhang Fei also dismounted to meet them. Mi Zhu said, "Since we were scattered at Xuzhou, my brother and I have been fleeing and returning home. We sent people far and wide to make inquiries and learned that Yunchang had surrendered to Cao Cao and that our lord was north of the Yellow River. We also heard that Jian Yong had gone north of the river as well. Only we did not know that you were here. Yesterday on the road we encountered a group of travelers who spoke of a general surnamed Zhang, of such a bearing, who now holds this old city. My brother and I reckoned it must be you, so we came to seek you out. What a joy to have found you!" Zhang Fei said, "My brother Yunchang and Sun Qian have just brought the two ladies here, and we have learned where our elder brother is."

The two Mi brothers were overjoyed. They came together to see Guan Yu and paid their respects to the two ladies. Zhang Fei then escorted the two ladies into the city. When they were seated in the yamen, the two ladies recounted everything Guan Yu had been through. Only then did Zhang Fei weep bitterly and bow before Yunchang. The two Mi brothers were also moved to sorrow. Zhang Fei in turn told of his own experiences after their parting, and a feast was laid to celebrate.

The next day, Zhang Fei wished to go with Guan Yu to Runan to see Xuande. Guan Yu said, "Brother, you should protect the two ladies and remain in this city for now. Let me and Sun Qian go ahead first to find news of our elder brother." Zhang Fei agreed. Guan Yu and Sun Qian took several riders and rode to Runan. Liu Bi and Gong Du received them, and Guan Yu asked, "Where is the Imperial Uncle?" Liu Bi said, "The Imperial Uncle stayed here for several days, but seeing that our forces were too few, he went back north of the Yellow River to consult with Yuan Benchu." Guan Yu was disheartened. Sun Qian said, "Do not worry. We shall endure another hard ride, go north of the river to inform the Imperial Uncle, and all meet at the old city."

Guan Gong followed these words, took leave of Liu Pi and Gong Du, and returned to the old city, where he related the matter to Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei at once wished to go with him to Hebei. Guan Gong said, "With this city we have a place to settle; it must not be lightly abandoned. I will go with Sun Qian to Yuan Shao's camp to find our elder brother, and then we will come here to meet. You, good brother, should hold this city firmly." Fei said, "You have slain his generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou—how can you go?" Guan Gong said, "It will be no trouble. When I arrive there, I will act as circumstances require." Then he called out to Zhou Cang and asked, "About how many men and horses are there at Mount Woniu with Pei Yuanshao?" Cang said, "About four or five hundred." Guan Gong said, "I shall now take the shorter road to seek our elder brother. You go to Mount Woniu and bring that force, coming by the main road."

Cang received the order and departed. Guan Gong and Sun Qian took only twenty or so horsemen and set out for Hebei. As they neared the border, Qian said, "General, you should not enter rashly. Stay here for a moment and rest. Let me go in first to see the Imperial Uncle, and then we will make further plans." Guan Gong agreed and sent Sun Qian ahead. Gazing into the distance, he saw a manor house in a village ahead, so he and his followers went there to seek lodging. An old man came out leaning on a staff and bowed to Guan Gong. Guan Gong told him the truth of his situation. The old man said, "My surname is also Guan, and my name is Ding. I have long heard your great name, and I am fortunate to meet you at last." He then called forth his two sons to be presented, and he entertained Guan Gong and all his followers, lodging them all in the manor.

Meanwhile, Sun Qian rode alone into Jizhou to see Xuande and told him everything that had happened. Xuande said, "Jian Yong is also here. You can secretly invite him to come and discuss the matter together." Shortly after, Jian Yong arrived, met with Sun Qian, and together they discussed a plan for escape. Jian Yong said, "Tomorrow when Your Lordship sees Yuan Shao, simply say that you wish to go to Jingzhou to persuade Liu Bao to join in attacking Cao Cao. Then you can seize the opportunity and leave." Xuande said, "An excellent plan! But can you come with me?" Jian Yong said, "I too have my own plan for getting away."

Their plans being settled, the next day Xuande went in to see Yuan Shao and said, "Liu Jingsheng guards the nine districts of Jing and Xiang, with fine soldiers and ample provisions. You should make an alliance with him to attack Cao Cao together." Shao said, "I once sent an envoy to propose it, but he would not agree." Xuande said, "He is of the same clan as I. If I go to persuade him, he will certainly not refuse." Shao said, "If we gain Liu Biao, it will far surpass gaining Liu Pi." He then ordered Xuande to set out. Shao added, "I have recently heard that Guan Yunchang has left Cao Cao and wishes to come to Hebei. I shall have him killed to avenge Yan Liang and Wen Chou!" Xuande said, "You formerly wished to employ him, and that is why I summoned him. Why do you now wish to kill him? Besides, Yan Liang and Wen Chou were but two deer, while Yunchang is a tiger. Losing two deer and gaining a tiger—what cause is there for regret?" Shao laughed and said, "It is because I love him that I spoke in jest. You may send someone again to summon him, and bid him come quickly." Xuande said, "I shall send Sun Qian at once to summon him." Shao was greatly pleased and agreed.

When Xuande came out, Jian Yong entered and said, "Xuande will never return from this journey. I wish to go with him—first, to join in persuading Liu Biao, and second, to keep watch over Xuande." Shao approved his words and ordered Jian Yong to travel with Xuande. Guo Tu remonstrated with Shao, saying, "Liu Bei went to persuade Liu Pi without success. Now you send him with Jian Yong to Jingzhou—he will certainly never return." Shao said, "Do not be over-suspicious. Jian Yong has his own judgment." Guo Tu sighed and went out.

Now Xuande first sent Sun Qian out of the city to bring word to Guan Gong; then he and Jian Yong took leave of Yuan Shao and rode out of the city. When they reached the border, Sun Qian joined them, and together they went to Guan Ding's manor. Guan Gong came to the gate to receive them, clasping hands and weeping without cease. Guan Ding led his two sons to bow before the cottage. Xuande asked their names. Guan Gong said, "This man shares my surname. He has two sons: the elder, Guan Ning, studies letters; the younger, Guan Ping, studies arms." Guan Ding said, "It is my humble wish to send my younger son to follow General Guan. Would he be willing to accept him?" Xuande said, "How old is he?" Ding said, "Eighteen years of age." Xuande said, "Since you are so kind, and my brother has no son, let your worthy son become his son—what say you?" Guan Ding was overjoyed and at once ordered Guan Ping to bow to Guan Gong as his father and to address Xuande as his uncle. Xuande, fearing that Yuan Shao might pursue them, hastened to prepare for departure. Guan Ping followed Guan Gong, and they set out together. Guan Ding escorted them a ways and then returned home. Guan Gong directed them to take the road to Mount Woniu.

As they were traveling, they suddenly saw Zhou Cang leading several dozen men, all bearing wounds. Guan Gong brought him before Xuande. When asked why he was injured, Cang said, "Before I reached Mount Woniu, a single warrior came riding alone and clashed with Pei Yuanshao. In a single bout he slew Pei Yuanshao, won over all the men, and seized the stronghold. When I arrived to recruit the men, only these few came with me; the rest were too frightened to leave. I was indignant and fought that general, but he defeated me several times, and I took three spear wounds. That is why I have come to report to you." Xuande said, "What does this man look like? What is his name?" Cang said, "He is extremely powerful and robust, but I do not know his name."

Then Guan Yu rode at the front, with Liu Bei behind, and they made straight for Mount Wo Niu. Zhou Cang shouted insults at the foot of the mountain, and presently the general came down, fully armored, spear in hand, mounted on a steed, leading his men. Liu Bei hastened forward, brandishing his whip and crying out, "Could it be that you are Zilong?" The general saw Liu Bei, threw himself from his horse, and prostrated himself by the roadside. It was indeed Zhao Zilong. Liu Bei and Guan Yu both dismounted to greet him, and asked how he had come to be there.

Zhao Yun said, "Since I parted from Your Excellency, I never expected that Gongsun Zan would refuse to listen to counsel, leading to his defeat and self-immolation. Yuan Shao repeatedly summoned me, but I considered him no man to employ others properly, and so I did not go. Later I wished to come to Xuzhou and join Your Excellency, but then I heard that Xuzhou had fallen, that Guan Yu had gone over to Cao Cao, and that Your Excellery was with Yuan Shao. Several times I desired to come and join you, but I feared Yuan Shao would take offense. I have drifted across the land with nowhere to settle. Not long ago I happened to pass this way and came upon Pei Yuan-shao coming down the mountain to seize my horse. I killed him and used this place as a refuge. Recently I heard that Zhang Fei was at Gucheng and wished to join him, but I did not know if it were true. Now, by good fortune, I have met Your Excellency!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and recounted all that had happened before. Guan Yu too told of earlier events. Liu Bei said, "When I first met Zilong, I already felt an attachment I could not bear to part with. Now, by fortune, we meet again!"

Zhao Yun said, "I have wandered the four quarters of the land, seeking a lord to serve, but I have never found one to compare with Your Excellency. Now that I may follow you, my life's desire is fulfilled. Though I lay down my life and have my brains smeared upon the ground, I shall have no regrets."

That very day they burned the mountain stronghold and led all the men to follow Liu Bei to Gucheng. Zhang Fei, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang came out to welcome them into the city, and each told his story. The two ladies spoke of Guan Yu's deeds, and Liu Bei sighed deeply. Then they slaughtered cattle and horses, first offering thanks to Heaven and Earth, and then rewarding all the troops. Liu Bei saw his brothers reunited, his officers all present, and had newly gained Zhao Yun; Guan Yu too had gained Guan Ping and Zhou Cang. His joy was boundless, and he feasted for several days. A later poet praised the occasion:

Once brothers were torn asunder, no letters came, no word was heard.

Now lord and vassal meet again in righteousness—

Like dragon and tiger joining wind and cloud.

At this time Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang commanded horse and foot soldiers numbering some four or five thousand. Liu Bei wished to abandon Gucheng and go to hold Runan, and just then Liu Pi and Gong Du sent men asking him to come. So he set out and encamped at Runan, recruiting troops and purchasing horses, planning to advance in due time. Of this, no more.

Now let us speak of Yuan Shao. When he saw that Liu Bei did not return, he was furious and wished to raise an army to attack him. Guo Tu said, "Liu Bei is nothing to worry about. Cao Cao is the formidable foe and must not be left unchecked. Though Liu Biao holds Jingzhou, he is no great threat. In Jiangdong, Sun Befu commands the Three Rivers, his lands command six commanderies, and he has many counselors and warriors. Send someone to ally with him and jointly attack Cao Cao." Yuan Shao followed his advice and at once drew up a letter and sent Chen Zhen as envoy to meet with Sun Ce. It was just as the saying goes:

Because the heroes of the north departed, the champions of Jiangdong were drawn forth.

What happened next will be told in the following chapter.