Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Now Pang Tong and Fa Zheng urged Liu Bei to kill Liu Zhang during the banquet, so that Xichuan could be taken with ease. Liu Bei said, "I have only just entered Shu. I have not yet established favor or trust. This must not be done." The two men pressed the matter repeatedly, but Liu Bei would not consent.

The next day, Liu Bei and Liu Zhang feasted together once more in the city. They confided in each other freely, and their affection grew very warm. When the wine had flowed freely, Pang Tong and Fa Zheng conferred, saying, "Matters have come to this point—we cannot wait for our lord any longer." They ordered Wei Yan to ascend the hall and perform a sword dance, so that he might seize the chance to kill Liu Zhang. Wei Yan drew his sword and stepped forward, saying, "There is no entertainment at this feast. I shall perform a sword dance for amusement." Pang Tong then summoned the warriors and had them line up below the hall, waiting only for Wei Zhang to strike. When Liu Zhang's officers saw Wei Yan dancing with his sword before the feast, and the warriors at the foot of the steps with their hands on the hilts of their blades, staring fixedly at the hall above, the Attendant Clerk Zhang Ren also drew his sword and danced, saying, "A sword dance must have a partner. I shall dance with General Wei."

The two men danced together before the feast. Wei Yan glanced at Liu Feng, who also drew his sword and joined the dance. Then Liu Hui, Leng Bao, and Deng Xian each drew their swords and came forward, saying, "We shall all dance together to add to the merriment." Liu Bei was greatly alarmed. He quickly drew the sword at his side and stood before his seat, saying, "My brother and I drink together in joy and without suspicion. This is not the Feast at Hongmen—why must there be sword dancing? Those who do not put down their swords will be executed!" Liu Zhang also rebuked them, saying, "When brothers gather, why must you carry blades?" He ordered all the attendants to remove their swords. Everyone then withdrew from the hall in confusion. Liu Bei called the officers and men up to the platform, gave them wine, and said, "My brother and I are of the same clan, of one flesh. We discuss great matters together, and I harbor no divided loyalties. You must not be suspicious." All the officers bowed and thanked him. Liu Zhang grasped Liu Bei's hand and wept, saying, "I shall never forget your kindness, elder brother!" The two men drank together joyfully until evening and then parted.

When Liu Bei returned to his camp, he reproached Pang Tong, saying, "How could you wish to plunge me into unrighteousness? Never do such a thing again." Pang Tong sighed and withdrew.

Now when Liu Zhang returned to his camp, Liu Hui and the others said, "Did you observe what happened at the feast today, my lord? It would be best to return at once, lest trouble arise." Liu Zhang said, "My brother Liu Xuande is not like other men." The officers said, "Even if Liu Xuande himself has no such intentions, all his men wish to seize Xichuan for wealth and rank." Liu Zhang said, "Do not sow discord between brothers." He would not listen, and day after day he continued to feast and converse with Liu Bei.

Suddenly it was reported that Zhang Lu was marshaling his troops and would attack Jiameng Pass. Liu Zhang asked Liu Bei to go and resist him. Liu Bei agreed with great spirit and at once led his own forces toward Jiameng Pass. The officers urged Liu Zhang to order his generals to guard all the passes strictly, to guard against a revolt by Liu Bei's army. Liu Zhang would not heed them at first, but after the men pressed him repeatedly, he ordered the Commander of Baishui, Yang Huai and Gao Pei, to hold the Fu Shui Pass. Liu Zhang returned to Chengdu. When Liu Bei arrived at Jiameng Pass, he strictly disciplined his soldiers and widely bestowed favors, so as to win the hearts of the people.

Spies soon carried word to Eastern Wu. Sun Quan, the Marquis of Wu, assembled his civil and military officials to deliberate. Gu Yong stepped forward and said, "Liu Bei has divided his forces and gone deep into the mountainous terrain, and it will not be easy for him to return quickly. Why not send an army to block the mouth of the Sichuan passes and cut off his route of retreat, then raise all the forces of Eastern Wu and take Jingxiang in one stroke? This is an opportunity that must not be lost." Sun Quan said, "This plan is excellent!"

As they were deliberating, suddenly a great shout came from behind the screen and a man strode forth, saying, "The one who proposed this plan should be executed! Do you wish to bring about the death of my daughter?" All were startled and turned to look. It was the Dowager Lady Wu. The Dowager Lady said angrily, "I had only one daughter in all my life, and she was married to Liu Bei. If we move our troops now, what will become of my daughter's life?" She rebuked Sun Quan, saying, "You have inherited the enterprise of your father and elder brother, and you hold eighty-one prefectures. Is this still not enough? You pursue a small profit and give no thought to your own flesh and blood!" Sun Quan assented repeatedly, saying, "How dare I disobey your instruction, Mother?" He then dismissed all the officials. The Dowager Lady retired in anger. Sun Quan stood beneath the gallery and thought to himself, "If this opportunity is lost, when shall Jingxiang ever be obtained?"

As he was lost in thought, Zhang Zhao entered and asked, "What troubles you, my lord?" Sun Quan said, "I was just considering what happened a moment ago." Zhang Zhao said, "That is very simple. Send a trusted general with only five hundred troops to go in secret to Jingzhou and deliver a sealed letter to the Princess, saying only that the Dowager Lady is gravely ill and wishes to see her daughter, and bring the Princess back to Eastern Wu at once. Liu Bei has only one son—have him bring the child as well. Then Liu Bei will certainly offer Jingzhou in exchange for Adou. If he does not, we may move our troops without any hindrance." Sun Quan said, "This plan is excellent! I have a man named Zhou Shan, the most daring of all. From youth he has been able to enter any house, and he often accompanied my elder brother. He is the man to send." Zhang Zhao said, "Do not let this leak out. Let him set out at once."

Thereupon Zhou Shan was secretly dispatched with five hundred men, disguised as merchants and divided into five boats. A forged state letter was prepared in advance to answer any inquiries. Weapons were concealed aboard the vessels. Zhou Shan received his orders and set out for Jingzhou by water route. When the boats anchored at the riverbank, Zhou Shan entered Jingzhou himself and ordered the gate officer to report to Lady Sun. The Lady ordered him in, and Zhou Shan presented the secret letter. When Lady Sun read that her mother, the Dowager, was gravely ill, she shed tears and asked anxiously for details. Zhou Shan bowed and pleaded, saying: "The Dowager is seriously ill and lies in critical condition. She thinks of you day and night. If you delay, you may never see her again. I beg you to bring Adou to see her." Lady Sun said: "The Imperial Uncle has led his troops far away. If I wish to return now, I must inform the Military Adviser before I can depart." Zhou Shan said: "What if the Military Adviser replies, 'You must report to the Imperial Uncle and wait for his reply before you may board the ship'?" Lady Sun said: "If I leave without informing him, there may be obstacles." Zhou Shan said: "On the great river, boats have already been prepared. Please get into the carriage now and leave the city." When Lady Sun heard that her mother's illness was critical, how could she not be alarmed? She placed her seven-year-old child Adou in the carriage, took some thirty followers with her, and each mounted with swords. They left Jingzhou City and made their way to the riverbank to board the boats. Before anyone in the mansion could report, Lady Sun had already arrived at Shatou Town and gone aboard the vessel.

Zhou Shan was about to set sail when someone on the shore shouted loudly: "Hold the boats! Allow me to bid the Lady farewell!" Looking up, it was none other than Zhao Yun. It turned out that Zhao Yun had just returned from his patrol when he heard this news. Shocked, he took only four or five horsemen and raced along the river like a whirlwind. Zhou Shan grasped his long halberd and roared: "Who are you, that you dare block the way of your master's lady?" He ordered the soldiers to set sail at once, and all brought out their weapons, arranging them on the boat. The wind was favorable and the current swift, and the boats drifted downstream with the flow. Zhao Yun chased along the river, calling out: "Let the Lady go as she pleases. I only have a word to say to her."

Zhou Shan paid him no heed and only urged the boats to go faster. Zhao Yun had pursued for some ten li when he spotted a fishing boat lying askew on a sandbank. Zhao Yun abandoned his horse, took up his spear, and leaped onto the fishing boat. With only two men manning the boat, they gave chase after the Lady's large vessel. Zhou Shan ordered his soldiers to shoot arrows. Zhao Yun deflected them with his spear, and the arrows fell into the water one after another. When they were still more than a zhang from the large boat, the Wu soldiers thrust at him with spears. Zhao Yun cast aside his spear on the small boat, drew his prized "Blue-Gang Sword," parted the thrusting spears, and with a great leap onto the Wu vessel, boarded the large boat. The Wu soldiers were all struck with terror.

Zhao Yun entered the cabin and saw the Lady holding Adou in her arms. She shouted at Zhao Yun: "How dare you be so rude!" Zhao Yun sheathed his sword and bowed, saying: "Where is my lady going? Why did you not inform the Military Adviser?" Lady Sun said: "My mother lies gravely ill. I had no time to report." Zhao Yun said: "Why does my lady bring the young master when visiting the sick?" Lady Sun said: "Adou is my son. If he is left in Jingzhou, there is no one to look after him." Zhao Yun said: "My lady is mistaken. My lord has but this one flesh and blood. I rescued the young master from a million soldiers at Changban Slope in Dangyang. Today, if the Lady takes him away, what is the reason?" Lady Sun said angrily: "You are merely a military officer under the tent—how dare you meddle in my family's affairs!" Zhao Yun said: "The Lady may go as she pleases, but you must leave the young master behind." Lady Sun shouted to her maids to seize him, but Zhao Yun pushed them down, snatched Adou from her arms, and carried him out to the bow of the boat. He wanted to pull ashore, but he had no one to help him. He wanted to use force, but feared it would violate propriety. He was caught in a dilemma. The Lady ordered her maids to take Adou back, but Zhao Yun held Adou in one hand and brandished his sword with the other—no one dared approach. Zhou Shan held the stern tiller and only urged the boat downstream. The wind was favorable and the current swift, and they headed for midstream. Zhao Yun stood alone, unable to help himself. He could only protect Adou—how could he move the boat to shore?

At this moment of crisis, suddenly from an inlet downstream a line of more than ten boats appeared, with banners waving and drums beating. Zhao Yun thought to himself: "This time I have fallen into Eastern Wu's trap!" He saw a great general at the prow of the leading boat, gripping a spear and shouting loudly: "Sister-in-law, leave my nephew behind!" It turned out that Zhang Fei, on patrol, had heard the news and rushed to Youjiang Pass, where he collided with the Wu boats and swiftly blocked them.

At once Zhang Fei drew his sword and leaped onto the Wu boat. Zhou Shan saw Zhang Fei board and came to meet him with a blade, but Zhang Fei struck him down with a single sword stroke, seized his head, and threw it before Lady Sun. The Lady was greatly alarmed. "Brother-in-law, how dare you be so rude?" Zhang Fei said: "Sister-in-law, you hold my brother in no regard and return home in secret—that is the rudeness!" Lady Sun said: "My mother is gravely ill and in critical condition. If I wait for your brother to return, I shall miss my chance. If you do not let me go back, I would rather throw myself into the river and die!"

Zhang Fei conferred with Zhao Yun: "If we force the Lady to her death, that is not the way of a subject. We shall only protect Adou and return to our boats." Then he said to Lady Sun: "My brother is the Imperial Uncle of the Great Han. He does not disgrace you, Sister-in-law. Today we part—if you think of my brother's kindness and virtue, return soon." With that, he took Adou, and together with Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun returned to their boats, letting Lady Sun's five vessels go on their way. A later poet praised Zilong:

In years past he saved his lord at Dangyang;

Today his body flies to the great river.

The Wu soldiers on the boat all trembled in fear—

Zilong's valor stands unrivaled in this world!

Another poet praised Yide:

At Changban Bridge his wrath rose soaring high;

A single tiger's roar drove back Cao's troops.

Today upon the river he upheld his lord in peril—

The green annals should record his fame for ten thousand ages!

The two men returned to the boat in high spirits. After sailing no more than a few li, Kongming arrived with a great fleet of boats to meet them. When he saw that Adou had already been recovered, he was overjoyed. The three rode back together. Kongming himself sent a dispatch to Jiaomeng Pass to inform Xuande.

Now, when Lady Sun returned to Wu, she gave a full account of how Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun had killed Zhou Shan and seized Adou at the river crossing. Sun Quan was furious and said, "Now that my sister has returned and we have no ties with them, how can I not avenge the killing of Zhou Shan?" He summoned his civil and military officials to discuss raising an army to seize Jing Province. Just as they were deliberating the deployment of troops, a messenger suddenly reported that Cao Cao was leading an army of four hundred thousand to avenge the defeat at Red Cliff. Sun Quan was greatly alarmed and set aside the matter of Jing Province, instead discussing how to resist Cao Cao. A man reported that the Senior Secretary Zhang Hong, who had resigned due to illness and returned home, had now passed away, and a letter of condolence had been submitted. Sun Quan opened and read it. The letter urged Sun Qian to move the capital to Molings, stating that the mountains and rivers of Molings possessed the aura of an emperor, and that he should move there quickly to establish a legacy for ten thousand generations.

Sun Quan read the letter and wept as he said to his household, "Zhang Ziwang advised me to move my capital to Molings—how could I not have followed his counsel?" He then ordered the seat of government to be moved to Jianye and the Stone City to be built. Lü Meng stepped forward and said, "When Cao Cao's army arrives, we should build a fortress at the mouth of the Ru River to resist him." The generals all said, "We can attack the enemy ashore and go barefoot onto our ships—what use is building a fortress?" Meng said, "In warfare, troops have their strengths and weaknesses, and no battle is guaranteed to be won. If we suddenly encounter the enemy, with infantry and cavalry pressing upon each other, men will not even have time to reach the water—how then could they board the ships?" Sun Quan said, "'A man who does not plan for the distant future will surely have troubles close at hand.' Ziming's insight is truly far-reaching." He then dispatched several tens of thousands of soldiers to build the Ru River Fortress. They worked day and night and completed it on schedule.

Now, Cao Cao in Xudu grew more powerful and arrogant by the day. The Senior Secretary Dong Zhao stepped forward and said, "Since ancient times, no subject has achieved merit comparable to that of the Prime Minister. Even the Duke of Duke of Zhou and Lü Wang could not surpass him. For more than thirty years, he has toiled through wind and rain, sweeping away the wicked, ridding the people of harm, and restoring the House of Han. How can he be ranked alongside the other ministers and ministers? He should receive the title of Duke of Wei and be granted the Nine Bestowals to manifest his virtue and merit." These were the "Nine Bestowals":

One, chariots and horses;

Two, robes and vestments;

Three, musical instruments;

Four, vermilion gates;

Five, inner stairs;

Six, imperial guards;

Seven, axes and halberds;

Eight, bows and arrows;

Nine, black millet wine and jade ladle;

The Palace Attendant Xun Yu said, "This must not be done. The Prime Minister originally raised an army of righteousness to support the House of Han. He should uphold a loyal and steadfast aspiration and maintain the virtue of humility and restraint. A gentleman loves others with virtue—this should not be done." When Cao Cao heard these words, his expression changed with rage. Dong Zhao said, "How can one man obstruct the hopes of the many?" He then submitted a memorial requesting that Cao Cao be honored as Duke of Wei and granted the Nine Bestowals. Xun Yu sighed and said, "I never thought I would live to see this day!"

Cao Cao, upon hearing this, bore a deep grudge against him, believing that Xun Yu had not supported him. In the tenth month of the seventeenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao raised an army to march south of the Yangtze and ordered Xun Yu to accompany him. Yu already knew that Cao Cao intended to kill him, so on the pretext of illness, he stopped at Shouchun. Suddenly, Cao Cao sent a man with a box of food and drink. The box bore Cao Cao's personal seal. When Yu opened the box, he found nothing inside. Understanding the message, he took poison and died. He was fifty years of age. A later poet lamented:

Wenruo's talents were known throughout the land,

Alas, he stumbled at the gate of power.

Later people compare him to the Marquis of Liu,

Yet at his death he had no face to face the Han sovereign.

His son Xun Yun sent a letter of mourning to Cao Cao. Cao Cao deeply regretted the matter and ordered that Yu be given a lavish burial, with the posthumous title of Marquis Jing.

Now, when Cao Cao's army arrived at Ru River, he first sent Cao Hong to lead thirty thousand armored cavalry scouts to the riverbank. They reported back, "Looking along the river, we see countless banners and pennants—we do not know where the troops are gathered." Cao Cao, uneasy, personally led the troops forward and deployed his battle lines at the mouth of the Ru River. Cao Cao rode up a hill with over a hundred men and gazed at the warships, each divided into formations and arranged in order. The banners were of five colors, and the weapons gleamed brightly. On the great central ship, beneath a green canopy, sat Sun Quan. His civil and military officials stood in attendance on either side. Cao Cao pointed with his whip and said, "If one must have a son, let him be like Sun Zhongmou! As for Liu Jingsheng's son, he is no better than a pig or a dog!"

Suddenly, with a great noise, the southern ships charged forward as one. From within the Ru River Fortress, another force emerged and threw Cao Cao's troops into disorder. Cao Cao's cavalry fell back and fled, and no amount of shouting could stop them. Suddenly, a thousand riders arrived at the hillside, and the man on the lead horse had green eyes and a purple beard. All recognized him as Sun Quan himself. Sun Quan personally led a cavalry force to attack Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hastily turned his horse, but the Wu generals Han Dang and Zhou Tai charged straight at him on horseback. Behind Cao Cao, Xu Chu galloped forward with sword drawn and engaged the two generals, allowing Cao Cao to escape back to his camp. Xu Chu fought the thirty generals for thirty rounds before returning. Cao Cao returned to his camp, richly rewarded Xu Chu, and reprimanded the other generals: "You retreated before the enemy, crushing my army's fighting spirit! If this happens again, you will all be beheaded!"

At the third watch of that night, suddenly there arose a great clamor outside the camp. Cao Cao hastily mounted his horse and saw fires breaking out on all sides—the Wu soldiers had raided the great camp. They fought until daybreak, and Cao Cao's forces retreated fifty li to make camp. Cao Cao, troubled in his heart, idly perused a military manual. Cheng Yu said, "Since the Prime Minister understands military strategy, how could he not know that 'in war, speed is precious'? The Prime Minister raised his army but delayed for a long time, which allowed Sun Quan time to prepare. He built a fortress at the mouth of the Ru River, making it difficult to attack. It would be better to withdraw the army to Xudu and devise another plan."

Cao Cao did not respond. Cheng Yi departed. Cao Cao dozed off leaning on a table, when suddenly he heard the roaring of the tide, like ten thousand horses racing forward. Cao Cao hastily looked up and saw a red sun emerge from the great river, its radiance dazzling his eyes. Gazing up at the sky, he saw two more suns shining opposite it. Suddenly the red sun over the river flew straight up and crashed down upon a mountain before its encampment, with a sound like thunder. He started awake with a shock—it had all been a dream in his tent. A soldier at the tent entrance reported that it was the hour of noon. Cao Cao ordered his horse prepared and led some fifty riders straight out of the camp. He went to the mountain by the side of which the falling sun had appeared in his dream and was looking about when suddenly he saw a body of troops and horses, with one man in the lead wearing a golden helmet and golden armor. Cao Cao looked closely—it was Sun Quan.

Sun Quan, seeing Cao Cao arrive, was in no hurry. He reined in his horse on the mountain and pointed his whip at Cao Cao, saying, "You, Prime Minister, sit secure in the Central Plains, with riches and honor already at their utmost. Why is your greed still unsatisfied, that you come again to invade my lands south of the river?" Cao Cao replied, "You are a subject, yet you do not revere the royal house. I bear the Son of Heaven's edict and have come expressly to punish you!" Sun Quan laughed and said, "Are you not ashamed to say such things? Does not the whole world know that you hold the Son of Heaven hostage and command the lords in his name? It is not that I do not revere the Han court—I wish only to punish you in order to set the nation aright!"

Cao Cao flew into a rage and ordered his generals up the mountain to seize Sun Quan. Suddenly a drum sounded, and two columns of troops emerged from behind the mountain: on the right, Han Dang and Zhou Tai; on the left, Chen Wu and Pan Zhang. The four generals led three thousand archers in a wild volley of arrows, which fell like rain. Cao Cao hastily led his officers in retreat. The four generals pressed the pursuit fiercely. Halfway back, Xu Chu led his Tiger Guard troops to engage them, rescuing Cao Cao. The Wu forces all sang songs of triumph and returned to Ruxu.

Cao Cao returned to camp and reflected to himself: "Sun Quan is no ordinary man. The omen of the red sun must mean he will become a sovereign in time." And so he conceived the thought of withdrawing his army. Yet he feared that Eastern Wu would mock him, and he could not decide whether to advance or retreat. The two sides then faced each other for more than a month, fighting several battles with victories on each side. It was not until the first month of the following year, when the spring rains fell ceaselessly and all the waterways were full, and the soldiers were for the most part standing in mud and water in the utmost distress, that Cao Cao's heart was heavy with worry. That day he was in camp, deliberating with his advisers. Some urged him to withdraw; others said that with the warm spring upon them, it was precisely the time to maintain the standoff and that they must not retreat. Cao Cao hesitated and could not decide. Suddenly it was reported that an envoy from Eastern Wu had arrived bearing a letter. Cao Cao opened and read it. The letter read roughly:

"You and I, Prime Minister, are both servants of the Han court. Instead of considering how to repay the state and bring peace to the people, you recklessly raise arms and cruelly afflict the living—is this the conduct of a benevolent man? Now the spring waters are rising, and you should leave quickly. If not, you shall suffer another calamity like that of Red Cliff. You would do well to reflect upon this."

Two more lines were written on the back of the letter: "So long as you live, I shall have no peace." When Cao Cao finished reading, he laughed loudly and said, "Sun Zhongmou does not deceive me." He richly rewarded the envoy and then gave the order to withdraw the army, commanding the Grand Administrator of Lujiang, Zhu Guang, to garrison Wancheng, while he himself led the great army back to Xuchang. Sun Quan also withdrew his forces back to Molling. Sun Quan deliberated with his generals: "Although Cao Cao has gone north, Liu Bei is still at Jiameng Pass and has not returned. Why not take the troops that opposed Cao Cao and seize Jing Province instead?" Zhang Zhao offered a plan, saying: "It is not yet time to move troops. I have a stratagem that will ensure Liu Bei can never return to Jing Province." Indeed:

Mengde's mighty host had just retreated northward;

Zhongmou's bold ambition now turned southward.

What plan did Zhang Zhao propose? Read on to find out.