Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Meanwhile, Sun Quan led his forces in an assault on Xiakou. Huang Zu, his soldiers defeated and his officers slain, knew he could not hold the position. He abandoned Jiangxia and fled toward Jing Province. Gan Ning surmised that Huang Zu would certainly flee to Jing Province, so he lay in ambush with troops outside the east gate. Huang Zu burst through the east gate with several dozen horsemen, but as he rode along, a shout arose and Gan Ning blocked his path. Huang Zu, from horseback, said to Gan Ning, "I never treated you lightly in the past. Why do you press me so now?" Gan Ning rebuked him, "When I was in Jiangxia, I rendered many meritorious services, yet you treated me as nothing more than a river pirate. What can you say for yourself today?"

Huang Zu knew he could not escape his fate. He wheeled his horse and fled. Gan Ning cut through the soldiers and gave chase. Then he heard shouts from behind—several more riders were approaching. Gan Ning looked and saw that it was Cheng Pu. Fearing that Cheng Pu would come to claim the credit, Gan Ning hastily nocked an arrow and shot Huang Zu in the back. Huang Zu, struck by the arrow, tumbled from his horse. Gan Ning severed his head, turned back, and joined forces with Cheng Pu. They returned to see Sun Quan and presented Huang Zu's head. Sun Quan ordered it placed in a wooden casket, to be taken back to Jiangdong and offered at the spirit tablet of his late father. He richly rewarded the troops and promoted Gan Ning to the rank of Commandant. They then discussed dividing forces to garrison Jiangxia. Zhang Zhao said, "A lone city cannot be held. We should withdraw to Jiangdong for now. Liu Biao will learn that we have defeated Huang Zu and will surely come to exact revenge. If we await him at ease while he exhausts himself, we will certainly defeat Liu Biao. Once he is defeated, we can press our advantage and attack—then Jing and Xiang will be ours." Sun Quan followed his counsel, abandoned Jiangxia, and led the army back to Jiangdong.

Su Fei, locked in a prisoner's cart, secretly sent a man to plead with Gan Ning for help. Gan Ning said, "Even if Su Fei had not spoken, how could I forget?" When the army arrived at Wuhui, Sun Quan ordered Su Fei's head to be severed and offered alongside Huang Zu's. Gan Ning then went in to see Sun Quan, kowtowed, and weeping said, "If I had not had Su Fei's help in the past, my bones would have filled a ditch long ago. How could I have offered my service beneath your banner? Now Su Fei's crime merits death, but I remember his past kindness to me. I am willing to return my official rank and title to redeem his crime." Sun Quan said, "Since he showed you kindness, I will pardon him for your sake. But what if he escapes?" Gan Ning said, "If Su Fei is spared execution, he will be grateful beyond measure—how could he flee? If he does escape, I will offer my own head at the foot of your steps." Sun Quan thereupon pardoned Su Fei and offered only Huang Zu's head at the sacrifice. After the sacrifice, a great feast was held to celebrate the victory with all the civil and military officers.

As they were drinking, one of the guests suddenly rose with a weeping cry, drew his sword, and lunged straight at Gan Ning. Gan Ning hastily raised his seat to fend him off. Sun Quan looked in alarm and saw that it was Ling Tong. Because Gan Ning had killed his father, Ling Cao, by arrow in Jiangxia, he now wished to avenge him. Sun Quan quickly interceded, saying to Ling Tong, "Xingba killed your father, but at that time each served his lord and could not do otherwise. Now we are all one family—how can you revive an old grudge? For my sake, let the matter rest." Ling Tong kowtowed and wept loudly, "A hatred that reaches to the heavens—how can I leave it unavenged?" Sun Quan and the other officers repeatedly urged him, but Ling Tong only glared furiously at Gan Ning. Sun Quan immediately ordered Gan Ning to lead five thousand soldiers and one hundred warships to garrison Xiakou, thus avoiding Ling Tong. Gan Ning thanked him and led his troops to Xiakou. Sun Quan also appointed Ling Tong as Commandant of Loyal Valor, and Ling Tong swallowed his resentment. From then on, Eastern Wu greatly expanded its fleet and stationed troops along the riverbanks. Sun Jing was ordered to lead a force to garrison Wuhui. Sun Quan himself led the main army and encamped at Chaisang. Zhou Yu daily trained the naval forces at Poyang Lake in preparation for battle.

Let us turn now to another thread of the tale. Liu Bei had sent men to spy on events in Jiangdong. They returned and reported, "Eastern Wu has already attacked and killed Huang Zu, and is now encamped at Chaisang." Liu Bei at once asked Kongming for counsel. As they were speaking, a messenger arrived from Liu Biao, inviting Liu Bei to Jing Province to discuss matters. Kongming said, "This must be because Jiangdong defeated Huang Zu, and Liu Biao wishes to discuss a strategy for revenge. I will accompany you, my lord, and we shall act as circumstances demand—I have a good plan." Liu Bei agreed. He left Yunshou to guard Xin Ye and ordered Zhang Fei to lead five hundred horsemen to accompany him to Jing Province. On horseback, Liu Bei said to Kongming, "When I see Jing Sheng, how should I respond?" Kongming said, "First, thank him for the matter of Xiangyang. If he asks you to lead a campaign against Jiangdong, you must refuse. Simply say that you will return to Xin Ye to reorganize your forces."

Liu Bei followed this advice. When they arrived at Jing Province, he lodged at the post station and left Zhang Fei with the troops outside the city. Liu Bei and Kongming entered the city to see Liu Biao. After the formal courtesies, Liu Bei offered his apologies at the foot of the steps. Liu Biao said, "I already know everything about the harm that befell you, my worthy brother. At the time, I wished to behead Cai Mao and present his head to you. But the other officers interceded, so I pardoned him. Please, brother, do not hold a grudge." Liu Bei said, "It was not the doing of General Cai—I imagine it was merely the work of subordinates." Liu Biao said, "Now that Jiangxia has fallen and Huang Zu has been killed, I have asked you here to discuss a plan for retaliation." Liu Bei said, "Huang Zu was violent by nature and could not employ capable men—that is why this disaster befell him. If we raise an army to campaign south, what if Cao Cao attacks from the north?" Liu Biao said, "I am old now and plagued by illness—I cannot manage affairs. You, my brother, can come to assist me. After my death, you shall be the lord of Jing Province." Liu Bei said, "Why do you say such a thing? How could I presume to take on such a heavy responsibility?"

Kongming glanced meaningfully at Liu Bei. Liu Bei said, "Allow me to consider a proper strategy." He then took his leave and returned to the post station. Kongming said, "Jing Sheng wishes to entrust Jing Province to you, my lord. Why did you refuse?" Liu Bei said, "Jing Sheng has treated me with the utmost kindness and courtesy. How could I bear to seize his domain in his time of peril?" Kongming sighed and said, "A truly benevolent lord!"

As they were deep in discussion, a messenger announced that Liu Qi wished to see them. Liu Bei received him. Liu Qi wept and bowed, saying, "My stepmother can no longer tolerate my existence. My life hangs by a thread. I beg my uncle to take pity on me and save me." Liu Bei said, "This is a matter of your family, nephew. Why ask me?" Kongming smiled. Liu Bei sought Kongming's advice. Kongming said, "This is a family matter. I dare not involve myself in it." Shortly after, Liu Bei saw Liu Qi out and whispered in his ear, "Tomorrow I shall have Kongming return your visit. Do as I tell you, and he will surely offer you a clever plan." Liu Qi thanked him and departed.

The next day, Liu Bei pleaded a stomach ailment and asked Kongming to visit Liu Qi on his behalf. Kongming agreed. He arrived at the young master's residence, dismounted, and was received. Liu Qi invited him into the inner hall. After tea was served, Liu Qi said, "I am no longer tolerated by my stepmother. I hope you, sir, will speak a word to save me." Kongming said, "I am but a guest here. How dare I meddle in matters between flesh and blood? Should word leak out, the harm would be grave." With that, he rose to take his leave. Liu Qi said, "Since you have honored me with your visit, how dare I be discourteous?" He then persuaded Kongming to stay and join him in a private drinking chamber.

As they drank, Liu Qi again said, "My stepmother will not tolerate me. I beg you, sir, speak a word to save me." Kongming said, "This is not a matter in which I dare involve myself." He spoke and again tried to depart. Liu Qi said, "If you will not speak, so be it. But why must you leave so quickly?" Kongming then sat back down. Liu Qi said, "I have an ancient book I wish to show you, sir." He led Kongming up to a small tower. Kongming said, "Where is the book?" Liu Qi wept and bowed, saying, "My stepmother will not tolerate me. My life hangs by a thread. Can you, sir, bear to say nothing to save me?"

Kongming's countenance changed. He rose and started down the stairs, only to find the ladder had already been removed. Liu Qi said, "I wished to seek a wise strategy from you, but you feared word might leak out and would not speak. Now we are here—above, we do not reach the sky; below, we do not touch the ground. What passes from your ear enters my mouth alone. You may speak freely." Kongming said, "An outsider should not come between kin. How could I, Kongming, scheme for you, my lord?" Liu Qi said, "Will you truly refuse to teach me? Then my life cannot be saved. I shall die before you." He drew his sword and was about to cut his own throat. Kongming stopped him and said, "I have a plan." Liu Qi bowed and said, "I beg you to instruct me." Kongming said, "Have you not heard the tales of Shen Sheng and Chong'er? Shen Sheng perished by remaining within, while Chong'er found safety by going abroad. Now Huang Zu has just died, and Jiangxia lacks a commander to defend it. Why does my lord not petition to lead troops and garrison Jiangxia? In that way you may avoid disaster."

Liu Qi bowed again in thanks and had a ladder brought to let Kongming descend. Kongming took his leave and returned to Liu Bei, recounting all that had happened. Liu Bei was overjoyed. The next day, Liu Qi petitioned to be allowed to garrison Jiangxia. Liu Bao hesitated and could not decide; he asked Liu Bei to deliberate with him. Liu Bei said, "Jiangxia is a strategic region and cannot be entrusted to another. It must be the young master himself who goes. Matters to the southeast, you and your son should manage. Matters to the northwest, I, Bei, am willing to undertake." Liu Bao said, "I have recently heard that Cao Cao has built a Xuanwu Pool at Ye Commandery to train a water army. He surely intends a southern campaign, and we must be on our guard." Liu Bei said, "I am already aware of this. Have no worries, elder brother." He then took his leave and returned to Xinye. Liu Bao ordered Liu Qi to lead three thousand troops to garrison Jiangxia.

Now let us turn to Cao Cao. He abolished the posts of the Three Dukes and assumed the office of Prime Minister himself. He appointed Mao Jie as Director of the Eastern Bureau, Cui Yan as Director of the Western Bureau, and Sima Yi as Literary Assistant. Yi, styled Zhongda, was from Wen in Henei. He was the grandson of Sima Jun, Governor of Yingchuan, the son of Sima Fang, Chancellor of Jingzhao, and the younger brother of Sima Lang, the Registrar. With the civil officials thus fully assembled, Cao Cao gathered his military commanders to deliberate on a southern campaign. Xiahou Dun stepped forward and said, "I have heard that Liu Bei is in Xinye, drilling his soldiers every day. He will surely become a threat in the future. We should move against him soon."

Cao Cao immediately appointed Xiahou Dun as Commander, with Yu Jin, Li Dian, Xiahou Lan, and Han Hao as his lieutenants, leading one hundred thousand troops straight to Bowang Castle to scout Xinye. Xun Yu remonstrated, saying, "Liu Bei is a hero, and now he has Zhuge Liang as his military advisor. We must not take him lightly." Xiahou Dun said, "Liu Bei is a mere rat. I will certainly capture him alive." Xu Shu said, "General, do not underestimate Liu Xuande. Now that Xuande has Zhuge Liang as his aide, it is as though a tiger has grown wings." Cao Cao said, "Who is this Zhuge Liang?" Xu Shu said, "Liang, styled Kongming, is known by the sobriquet Master of the Crouching Dragon. He possesses talents that span heaven and earth and strategies that surpass the spirits. He is truly an extraordinary scholar of this age and must not be taken lightly."

Cao Cao said, "How does he compare with you?" Xu Shu said, "How dare I compare myself with Kongming? I am but the light of a firefly; Kongming is the brilliance of the bright moon." Xiahou Dun said, "What Yuanzhi says is absurd. I regard Zhuge Liang as no more than a weed. What is there to fear? If I do not capture Liu Bei alive and take Zhuge Liang prisoner in a single engagement, I will offer my head to the Prime Minister." Cao Cao said, "Bring me good news of victory soon, to set my mind at ease." Xiahou Dun left Cao Cao in high spirits and led his army on its way.

When Liu Bei obtained Kongming, he treated him as a teacher. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were displeased and said, "Kongming is young. What learning can you expect from him? You treat him far too well, brother! And we have yet to see any real proof of his abilities!" Liu Bei said, "In gaining Kongming, I am like a fish that has found water. Say no more, you two." Seeing him speak thus, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei withdrew without another word.

One day, someone sent over yak tails. Liu Bei took the tails and personally wove a hat. Kongming entered and, with a stern countenance, said, "Has Your Excellency no further ambitions? Is this all you intend to do?" Liu Bei threw the hat to the ground and apologized, "I merely used this to forget my troubles." Kongming said, "How does Your Excellency measure himself against Cao Cao?" Liu Bei replied, "I am not his equal." Kongming said, "Your forces number no more than a few thousand. If Cao Cao's soldiers arrive, how will you meet them?" Liu Bei said, "I have been troubled by this very matter and have yet to find a good strategy." Kongming said, "You must quickly recruit militia. I myself shall train them, and thus we may await the enemy." Liu Bei thereupon enlisted the people of Xinye and obtained three thousand men. Kongming drilled them in formations morning and evening.

Suddenly it was reported that Cao Cao had sent Xiahou Dun with a hundred thousand troops advancing on Xinye. Zhang Fei, upon hearing this, said to Yun Chang, "We can just send Kongming forward to meet the enemy!"

While they were speaking, Liu Bei summoned the two men and said, "Xiahou Dun is approaching with his army. How shall we meet him?" Zhang Fei said, "Brother, why not send your 'water' to face them?" Liu Bei said, "For strategy we rely on Kongming; for valor we need my two brothers. How can you shirk your duty?" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei went out, and Liu Bei invited Kongming to deliberate. Kongming said, "I only fear that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei will not obey my commands. If my lord wishes me to direct the troops, I must ask for the sword and seal." Liu Bei thereupon gave the sword and seal to Kongming, and Kongming assembled the generals to issue orders.

Zhang Fei said to Yun Chang, "Let us hear his orders and see how he deploys us."

Kongming commanded: "To the left of Bowang there is a mountain called Yu Mountain; to the right there is a forest called An Forest—both suitable for ambushing troops. Yun Chang, you shall lead one thousand troops ahead of Yu Mountain and lie in wait. When the enemy arrives, let them pass without engaging. Their baggage and supplies will surely be behind. When you see fire to the south, you may sally forth and burn their provisions. Yide, you shall lead one thousand troops to conceal yourself in the valley behind An Forest. When you see fire to the south, you may come out and set fire to the old supply stores at Bowang city. Guan Ping and Liu Feng shall lead five hundred troops with fire-making materials and wait on both sides behind Bowang Slope. When the enemy arrives by the first watch, you may set your fires."

He also ordered Zhao Yun to be recalled from Fancheng and appointed him to the vanguard, instructing him not to win but only to lose. "My lord shall lead one contingent as the reserve. Each of you must carry out these orders without fail."

Yun Chang said, "We all go forth to meet the enemy, but what does the military counselor himself do?" Kongming said, "I shall simply remain in this city." Zhang Fei laughed loudly and said, "We all go off to fight, while you sit comfortably at home!" Kongming said, "The sword and seal are here. Whoever disobeys orders shall be executed!" Liu Bei said, "Have you not heard it said, 'Devise strategy within the command tent and secure victory a thousand li away'? My two brothers, do not disobey." Zhang Fei departed with a cold sneer. Yun Chang said, "Let us see whether his strategy proves sound. We can always question him later."

The two men departed. None of the generals understood Kongming's art of war; though they obeyed his orders, all were filled with doubt. Kongming said to Liu Bei, "My lord, you may encamp your troops at the foot of Bowang Mountain today. By evening tomorrow the enemy will surely arrive. My lord should then abandon the camp and flee. When you see the fire, turn back and attack. I, along with Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, shall defend the city with five hundred troops. Have Sun Qian and Jian Yong prepare a feast of celebration and have the record of merits ready." When all had been assigned their duties, Liu Bei too was filled with uncertainty.

Now Xiahou Dun, together with Yu Jin and others, led his troops to Bowang. He divided half his elite soldiers into a vanguard, while the rest escorted the supply wagons. It was the autumn month, and the cool breeze stirred gently. As the men and horses pressed forward, they saw dust rising ahead. Xiahou Dun drew up his forces and asked the local guide, "What place is this?" The reply came: "Ahead is Bowang Slope; behind is the mouth of the Luochuan."

Xiahou Dun ordered Yu Jin and Li Dian to hold the line while he rode out in front of the formation. He saw the enemy troops approaching in the distance and suddenly laughed. His men asked, "Why does my general laugh?" Xiahou Dun said, "I laughed because Xu Yuanzhi praised Zhuge Kongming as a man of heaven before our Prime Minister. Now, observing his use of troops, he sends such soldiers as these to oppose me—it is like driving sheep and goats to fight with tigers and leopards! I boasted before the Prime Minister that I would capture Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang alive, and now my words shall be fulfilled!" He spurred his horse forward. Zhao Yun rode out to meet him. Xiahou Dun cursed, "You who follow Liu Bei are like a wandering ghost clinging to the dead!"

Zhao Yun, greatly enraged, charged into battle. The two horses crossed; after only a few exchanges, Zhao Yun feigned defeat and fled. Xiahou Dun pursued from behind. Zhao Yun rode some ten li, then turned to fight again, and after a few more exchanges fled once more. Han Hao rode forward and counseled, "Zhao Yun is luring us into an ambush." Xiahou Dun said, "The enemy is so weak—even if they had ambushes on all ten sides, what have I to fear?" He ignored Han Hao's words and pursued straight to Bowang Slope. A cannon sounded, and Liu Bei led his troops in a charge to meet the engagement. Xiahou Dun said to Han Hao with a laugh, "So this is their ambush force! I swear I shall not cease my advance until I reach Xinye this very night!" He urged his army forward. Liu Bei and Zhao Yun fell back and fled.

By now the sky had grown dark, heavy clouds blanketed the heavens, and there was no moon. The wind that had risen during the day blew even stronger through the night. Xiahou Dun pressed his men forward in relentless pursuit. When Yu Jin and Li Dian reached a narrow stretch of road flanked on both sides by reeds, Li Dian said to Yu Jin, "Those who underestimate the enemy are certain to be defeated. The road to the south is hemmed in by mountains and rivers, with dense thickets of trees. What if they use fire against us?" Yu Jin replied, "You are right. I will ride ahead and warn the Commander. You halt the rear forces." Li Dian wheeled his horse about and shouted, "Rear army, slow your advance!" But the troops were already in full motion—there was no stopping them. Yu Jin spurred his horse forward, crying out, "Commander of the vanguard, halt!"

Xiahou Dun was riding ahead when he saw Yu Jin galloping up from the rear and asked what was the matter. Yu Jin said, "The road to the south is hemmed in by mountains and rivers, with dense thickets of trees. We must guard against fire." Xiahou Dun was struck with sudden understanding and turned his horse, ordering the army to advance no further. Before he had finished speaking, shouts erupted behind them, and soon they saw a wall of fire blazing up. Then the reeds on both sides caught flame as well. In an instant, fire raged on every side. With the wind howling, the blaze grew ever more fierce. Cao's soldiers trampled one another in the chaos, and the dead could not be counted. Zhao Yun turned his army about and drove them back in pursuit. Xiahou Dun fled through the smoke and flames.

Meanwhile, Li Dian saw the situation turning dire and raced back toward Bowang. In the midst of the firelight, a force blocked his path. At its head stood the great general Guan Yu. Li Dian charged into the fray and fought his way through. Yu Jin, seeing the supply wagons and provisions all ablaze, fled by a narrow side path. Xiahou Lan and Han Hao came to save the grain and supplies, only to encounter Zhang Fei. After a few exchanges, Zhang Fei drove his spear through Xiahou Lan and sent him tumbling from his horse. Han Hao fought free and escaped. The battle raged until dawn, when at last the troops were called back. The dead lay strewn across the field, and the blood flowed like a river. A later poet wrote:

At Bowang they met and used fire to strike,

With calm command and laughter, plans so quick.

They shook the courage of the Cao lord's heart—

The first great feat of one just leaving his thatched home!

Xiahou Dun gathered the remnants of his army and returned to Xuchang.

Zhuge Liang recalled his forces. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said to one another, "Zhuge Liang is truly a man of genius!" They had not ridden far when Mi Zhu and Mi Fang appeared with an escort surrounding a small carriage, in which sat a man—Zhuge Liang himself. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei dismounted and prostrated themselves before the carriage. Presently Liu Bei, Zhao Yun, Liu Feng, Guan Ping, and the others all arrived. The combined forces were assembled, and the captured grain and supplies were distributed among the officers and men. Then they returned in triumph to Xinye. The people of Xinye lined the road, bowing with faces to the dust, and said, "We owe our lives to our Lord's having found a man of wisdom!"

When Zhuge Liang returned to the county seat, he said to Liu Bei, "Though Xiahou Dun has been defeated and driven off, Cao Cao will surely come in person with a great army." Liu Bei asked, "If that is so, what are we to do?" Zhuge Liang replied, "I have a plan that can withstand Cao's forces." And so it is:

The foe is not yet beaten—war-horses may not rest;

To escape the onslaught, one must rely on a worthy stratagem.

What this plan might be, you will discover in the next chapter.