Liu the Imperial Uncle goes to Beihai to save Kong Rong. Lord Lü Wen of Puyang smashes Cao Cao.

Then there was the man who had offered the scheme. He was from Qu County in Donghai. His surname was Mi, given name Zhu, courtesy name Zizhong. He came from an affluent household. Once he had gone to Luoyang on business and was returning in a cart. On the road he met a beautiful woman who asked to share the cart. Mi Zhu stepped down and walked, giving her his place. The woman asked him to ride together. He stepped onto the cart and sat upright, never letting his eyes wander. After a few li, she asked leave; as she was departing she said, “I am the Lord of Fire Virtue from the south, ordered by the Son of Heaven to burn your house. I came by because you treated me with courtesy, so I tell you plainly. Return home at once and remove your goods. I will come tonight.” She vanished.

Mi Zhu was greatly startled. He ran home and hastily moved everything from the house. That night, as promised, fire rose in the kitchen and burned the whole house. Because of this, Mi Zhu emptied his household stores and gave freely to the poor and the distressed. Later Tao Qian appointed him Biejia-attendant. On that same day he proposed: “I will go personally to Beihai Commandery, ask Kong Rong to raise troops for rescue. Also ask for a man from Qingzhou to seek aid from Tian Kai. If both horse columns arrive, Cao Cao must withdraw his army.” Tao Qian agreed and wrote two letters. He asked who among the retainers would dare to go to Qingzhou. One man stepped forward at once. It was a man from Guangling named Chen Deng, courtesy name Yuanlong.

Tao Qian first sent Chen Deng to Qingzhou. Afterward he sent Mi Zhu with letters to Beihai, and he himself gathered people to hold the city against attack.

Now Beihai’s Kong Rong, courtesy name Wenju, was from Qufu in Lu State. He was the son of Kong Zhou, governor over the Eastern Mountain commandery for the Han, and a great-great-great-grandson of Confucius. He was gifted from childhood. At ten, he went to pay respects to Li Ying, Inspector of Henan. The gatekeeper refused him; Rong said, “My house has long-standing ties to the Li house.” When he was admitted, Ying asked, “How were your ancestors tied to mine?” Rong answered, “Once Confucius sought rites from Laozi. Were not you and I of intertwined families for generations?” Li Ying was amazed.

Before long, Senior Master of the Secretariat Chen Wei arrived. Ying said, “This extraordinary child.” Wei replied, “A child may be intelligent early; a grown man is not always so.” Rong responded at once, “As you said: one who is bright in childhood is not always bright later?” Chen Wei and the others all laughed: “When this child comes of age, he will surely become a splendid instrument of his age.” From then on he became famous.

He later became a Zhong Lang general, then rose by turns to Administrator of Beihai Commandery. He delighted in welcoming guests. He used to say, “The hall should always be full of guests, and the cup in the jar should never be empty. That is my wish.” In six years at Beihai he won the people’s confidence.

One day he was with his guests when a report came that Mi Zhu of Xuzhou had arrived. Rong asked to receive him and inquired as to his errand. Mi presented Tao Qian’s letter and said, “Cao Cao’s assault is severe. I beg Your Excellency to render rescue.” Rong said, “My ties with Tao Gongzu are close, and your son came here personally; how could I not go? Yet Cao Mengde and I are not enemies. I should first send a letter offering peace. If he refuses, then we will raise troops.”

Mi said, “Cao Cao relies on force and will never consent to peace.” Rong ordered the troops to be mobilized and at the same time sent a messenger with a letter. In the middle of consultations, news came of a band of bandits led by Guan Hai with several ten thousand men charging in from the Yellow Turban side. Rong was alarmed. He quickly counted his troops and sallied out to engage the raiders.

Guan Hai rode up and called out: “I know Beihai has ample grain. Lend me ten thousand shi and I will withdraw; otherwise I will break this city and spare no old or young!” Rong shouted back, “I am a servant of the Great Han and defender of Han land. Shall grain be given to bandits?”

Guan Hai grew furious, struck his horse and swung his saber, charging straight at Kong Rong. Rong had Zongbao step forward with a spear. After a few exchanges they were in battle; with one slash Guan Hai cut Zongbao down from his horse. Kong Rong’s soldiers broke and ran back into the city. Guan Hai divided his men to surround the city on four sides. Kong Rong’s heart darkened. Mi Zhu’s face grew anxious and he said nothing.

The next day Kong Rong climbed the wall and looked out. The raiders were vast beyond measure. His unease doubled. He saw a man outside riding with spear high, leaping his horse into the enemy ranks, slashing right and left as if in a deserted field, coming right to the foot of the city and shouting, “Open the gate!” Kong Rong could not recognize him and did not dare to open.

The bandits chased him to the riverbank. The man wheeled back and shot down a score of them from the saddle. The rest withdrew. Rong at once ordered the gate opened and drew him in. The man dismounted, tossed aside his spear, and ascended to the wall to kneel before Kong Rong.

Rong asked his name. The stranger replied, “I am a man from Huang County, Donglai. My surname is Taishi, my given name is Ci, courtesy name Ziyi. My mother is deeply in your debt. Yesterday I returned from Liaodong to visit her at home and learned that rebels had surrounded Beihai. My mother said, ‘You have long received the Magistrate’s grace. You must go and save the city.’ So I came alone on one horse.”

Kong Rong rejoiced. Though he and Taishi Ci had not yet met, he knew him for a hero. Because he had gone far, with his elderly mother dwelling twenty li beyond the city, Rong often sent her grain and silk. Moved by Rong’s kindness, the mother had specifically dispatched Ci to save the city.

Kong Rong now treated Taishi Ci with special honor and gave him clothing, armor, saddle and horse. Ci said, “I ask to borrow a thousand picked soldiers and ride out to kill the bandits.” Rong said, “You are brave, but the raiders are many and you should not go out lightly.” Ci replied, “My mother is repaid for your kindness in sending me forth. If I cannot relieve the siege, I cannot show my face to her. I will accept a battle to the death.”

Rong said, “I have heard that Liu Xuande is the hero of this age. If we can bring him, this siege will dissolve on its own; but no man is available.”

Ci said, “Your Excellency has sent writing to him. I will go at once.”

Rong was pleased. He wrote a letter and handed it to Ci. Ci donned his armor, mounted, belted bow and arrows to his waist, and bore a stout iron spear. After a full meal and full equipment, he passed through the gate on a single horse.

Near the river, enemy commanders came with their men to fight. Ci shot and killed several in succession and broke through the encirclement. Guan Hai knew someone had ridden out and must be a messenger for aid, and with several hundred riders he gave chase. He surrounded Ci on all sides, but Ci steadied his spear, set arrow to bow, and loosed. The arrows struck and riders all toppled from their saddles. The raiders did not dare to pursue. Taishi Ci escaped by night and rode to Pingyuan to meet Liu Xuande.

After formal greeting, he explained Kong Rong of Beihai was besieged and showed the letters. When Liu had read them, he asked, “Who are you?”

Ci answered, “I am Taishi Ci, a humble man from Donghai. Kong Rong and I are not of one blood or one village; yet our sense of justice and kinship of fellowship is enough for us to share danger and help one another. Now Guan Hai has gone mad and Beihai is under siege. As I have no one to report to, and the crisis is immediate, I have come at great risk by breaking through the lines, for I heard that Your Grace is famed for benevolence and could save one in peril. So I came.”

Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande, replied gravely, “Does the Lord of Beihai, Kong Rong, even know that Liu Bei exists?” Then he selected three thousand chosen men with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and moved toward Beihai.

When Guan Hai saw the rescue force arrive, he personally led his men out to meet them. Thinking Liu’s army small, he made light of it. Liu rode with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Taishi Ci to the front of the formation. Guan Hai flew into a rage and rushed out. Taishi Ci hung back, while Guan Yu charged first and went straight at Guan Hai. Their horses met and the crowd roared. No one knew how Guan Hai could be matched by Guan Yu. Within a few dozen exchanges, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade cut Guan Hai down from his horse.

Taishi Ci and Zhang Fei both charged forth together, spears raised in both hands, cutting into the raiders. Liu Bei led men in a supporting sweep and killed broadly. From the battlements Kong Rong watched Taishi Ci with Guan and Zhang as they drove through the host as if a tiger through sheep, moving in all directions untouchable. He then ordered his men out as well. The two-pronged assault crushed the rebels in a great rout, with innumerable surrenders and the rest scattered.

Kong Rong received Liu into the city with ceremony and, after formalities, made a grand feast of celebration. He then brought forth Mi Zhu and told him to present all: “Zhang Kai killed Cao Song. Now Cao Cao leads the men in mass plunder and has Tianzhou under siege. We came only for help.”

Liu said, “Tao Gongzu was a man of principle. It is unfortunate he has suffered such unjust humiliation.”

Kong Rong said, “You are a kinsman of the Han house. Cao Cao now destroys the common people, using his strength to bully the weak. Why not go with me to rescue him?”

Liu said, “I do not decline it. Yet my troops are few and my generals few. I fear I cannot move lightly.”

Rong said, “Rong’s wish to rescue Tao Gongzu is not only for old friendship; it is for justice itself. Do you, my lord, have no heart for justice?”

Liu replied, “If so, let Wenju go first; let Liu Bei go to Gongsun Zan and borrow three to five thousand horse and men. He will follow after.”

Rong said, “Do not fail in your word.”

Liu said, “How do you judge me? The Master of the Five Classics says, ‘From old times men have all died; the one with no trust cannot stand.’ Whether I can borrow soldiers or not, I will come in person.”

Rong assented. He asked Mi Zhu to return to Xuzhou first and report. Then Rong set out for home.

Taishi Ci bowing and thanking said, “I came by my mother’s command to help and now we are safe for now. There is Liu Yao, Inspector of Yang Province, from my commandery and he has written to summon me. I dare not disobey. Pray that we meet again.”

Rong rewarded him with gold and fine goods, which Ci refused and departed. His mother saw him and said joyfully, “I am glad you have repaid your debt to Beihai!” then sent him off to Yangzhou.

There is no account here of Kong Rong’s levying of troops. Meanwhile Liu Bei left Beihai for Gongsun Zan, still intending to save Xuzhou. Gongsun Zan said, “You and Cao Cao have no feud. Why spend your strength for another?” Liu said, “I have given my word and dare not fail.”

Gongsun Zan said, “I will lend you two thousand horse and foot.” Liu added, “I also ask leave to borrow Zhao Zilong and his company.” Zan consented. Liu then sent three thousand men under his own command as an advance, and Zhao Zilong led two thousand in support on the way to Xuzhou.

Mi Zhu returned to report to Tao Qian that Beihai had now also obtained Liu Bei’s help. Chen Deng also reported that Tian Kai of Qingzhou had gladly raised men and was coming. Tao Qian was at peace.

In truth Kong Rong’s and Tian Kai’s forces, fearing the ferocity of Cao’s host, camped under the mountain and did not advance lightly. When Cao saw the two columns arrive, he also split his troops and did not yet attack the city.

When Liu Bei's troops arrived and he saw Kong Rong, the older man said, “Cao’s force is immense, and Cao is skilled at war. We cannot begin by light fighting. Observe their movements first, then advance.”

Liu said, “I fear the city has no grain and cannot hold long. Guan Yu and Zhao Zilong should together lead four thousand men under your command as support. Liu Bei and Zhang Fei will take a thousand cavalry and strike the rear to run into Xuzhou and consult with Tao Gongzu.”

Rong was glad and then linked with Tian Kai, giving them a flanking formation, with Guan Yu and Zilong taking the two wings.

That day Liu Bei and Zhang Fei with one thousand men rode in to strike the edge of Cao’s camp. As they moved, a drum sounded inside the camp and cavalry and infantry surged out like waves. At their head was a great general, Yu Jin, who reined in and shouted, “What madmen are these, and where do you intend to go?” Zhang Fei rode straight at Yu Jin first and their horses met. After several rounds of battle, Liu drew both his paired swords and pushed his troops forward in a great charge, and Yu Jin broke through and fled.

Zhang Fei pressed on, pursuing to the foot of Xuzhou walls. On the wall they saw a red banner with white characters reading “Pingyuan Liu Xuande,” and Tao Qian immediately ordered the gate opened. Liu entered; Tao received him and together they went to the yamen. After ceremony, there was a feast and troops were comforted.

Tao Qian saw in Liu’s bearing and manner a dignified, openhearted man, and his heart rejoiced. He told Mi Zhu to fetch the seal of Xuzhou and hand it to Liu.

Liu asked in surprise, “What is Your Excellency’s intent?”

Tao said, “Under Heaven turmoil reigns and the state pillars are weak. You are of imperial blood and should uphold the realm. I am old and useless; I am willing to yield Xuzhou to you. Do not refuse. I will write memorial and request the court to ratify it.”

Liu knelt and stood again: “Though Liu Bei is of Han’s seed, my achievements are slight and my virtue thin. Even as Prefect of Pingyuan I fear I would not be worthy. I came here for righteousness. Does Your Excellency truly suspect that Liu Bei seeks to swallow a province? If such a thought arises, Heaven will not support him!”

Tao replied, “This is truly my mind.”

After repeated remonstration, Liu still would not accept.

Mi Zhu said, “With enemy men before the city and disorder in the empire, no one may step aside. Xuzhou is rich and has a million households. Should Liu Gongshu lead it, he cannot decline.”

Liu answered, “I will not accept this command.”

Chen Deng added, “Tao Gongzu is ill and cannot take charge. My lord, do not refuse.”

Liu said, “Yuan Gonglu, famed throughout the realm and near Shouchun, is one who is known across the empire. Why not give the province to Yuan Gonglu?”

Rong said, “Yuan Gonglu is just the dried bones in the tomb. What is there to bring up his name? What comes by Heaven this day cannot be regained by regret.”

Liu remained firm and refused.

Tao Qian wept, “If you leave me, I will not die in peace!”

Guan Yu said, “Since Tao Gong has bestowed the state, my brother may temporarily assume command.”

Zhang Fei said, “No one forced him. He offered from kindness. Why should he persist in refusing?”

Liu said, “Do you want to entangle me in unrighteousness?”

After repeated remonstrance, Tao again offered. Liu still refused.

Tao said, “If Liu Bei must not accept, there is an outer town nearby, Xiao Pei. It is enough to station troops. Please remain there temporarily and hold Xuzhou. Is that agreeable?”

All urged him to stay in Xiao Pei, and Liu obeyed. Tao had finished mustering the troops. Zhao Zilong asked leave to go. Liu grasped his hand with tears and parted. Kong Rong and Tian Kai also took leave separately and withdrew their commands.

Liu and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei brought their main contingent to Xiao Pei and repaired the walls, then spoke to the people to calm them.

Cao Cao returned homeward, and Cao Ren reported on following: “Lü Bu is powerful, and he now has Chen Gong supporting him. Yanzhou and Puyang are lost. Jucheng, Dong’e, and Fancounty have held only by the cunning defenses arranged by Xun Yu and Cheng Yu.”

Cao said, “I have judged Lü Bu: brave but not scheming, not to be feared.” He ordered the army to camp and consider again.

Lü Bu learned Cao had turned back after passing Teng County and summoned his deputies Xue Lan and Li Feng. “I have wanted to use you two for some time,” he said. “You may lead ten thousand men and hold Yanzhou. I will lead out myself to break Cao.”

They obeyed. Chen Gong hurried in at once and asked, “General, why leave Yanzhou?”

Bu said, “I intend to station at Puyang and create a three-legged balance.”

Chen Gong replied, “That is mistaken. Xue Lan will not hold Yanzhou long. It is one hundred eighty li to the south from here: the road past Mount Tai is difficult. A host of ten thousand can lie in ambush there. Cao’s men, when they learn of Yanzhou lost, will push ahead doubled, and when they are halfway through, one strike can seize him.”

Lü Bu said, “At Puyang I have another good plan. How can you know it?” He ignored Chen Gong and appointed Xue Lan to Yanzhou.

Cao’s troops moved to the hazardous pass of Mount Tai. Guo Jia said, “Do not advance yet. I fear ambush here.” Cao laughed, “Lü Bu is no master of planning and told Xue Lan to hold Yanzhou while he goes to Puyang. How could there be an ambush?” He ordered Cao Ren to occupy Yanzhou and himself pushed on to Puyang to strike him quickly.

When Chen Gong heard Cao had approached, he offered counsel: “Cao’s troops are far, weary, and short of strength. Speed wins here; do not let them gather strength.”

Lü replied, “I, who ride and cut through all under heaven, have no fear of Cao Cao. Once he camps, I will capture him myself.”

Cao’s force reached Puyang and made camp at the base of the ridge. The next day he brought out all commanders and deployed for battle in the field. Cao mounted beneath his gate-banner and watched Lü’s approach. At the front of Lü’s line, two horsesmen came out first.

The first was from Yanmeng, of Mayi, surname Zhang, given name Liao, courtesy name Wenyuan. The second was from Hua Yin in Mount Tai, surname Zang, given name Ba, courtesy name Xiangao. Each brought six fine captains: Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng.

Lü’s army was fifty thousand, and drums thundered loudly. Cao pointed to Lü and said, “Between us there was no old enmity. Why then did you seize my states and commanderies?”

Lü answered, “Han fortresses and cities are for all our share-holders; how can you alone take what belongs to everyone?” He then ordered Zang Ba to ride out.

Cao’s troops, with Yue Jin at the front, rode to meet him. The two horses met and two spears rose together. After more than thirty rounds, victory was not yet decided. Xiahou Dun struck and leapt from the saddle to join; on the field Zhang Liao intercepted and wrestled. Enraged, Lü sent his halberd hard and drove forward; Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin both turned away and fled. Lü then cut down in pursuit, and Cao’s army suffered heavy defeat and withdrew thirty to forty li. Lü gathered his men.

Cao, having lost an engagement, returned to camp and counseled with his generals. Yu Jin said, “I watched from the hill this morning. On the west of Puyang, Lü has only one outpost with few troops. Tonight he will think our force withdrew and prepare little. If we strike now, he cannot hold. This is the best stratagem.”

Cao followed this and took Cao Hong, Li Dian, Mao Jie, Lü Qian, Yu Jin, Dian Wei, and a select force of twenty thousand horse and foot through a side path by night.

In camp, Lü held a review. Chen Gong said, “The west stockade is a critical point. If Cao attacks there, what will we do?”

Lü said, “He lost one bout today. How could he dare?”

Chen Gong urged, “Cao is one who masters battle. You must prepare for an unguarded assault.”

Lü moved Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng forward to hold the west stockade.

At dusk Cao reached the west stockade and burst in from all sides. The stockade men could not withstand him and scattered. Cao seized the camp. Not until the fourth watch did Gao Shun arrive with troops, cutting through and entering.

Cao rode out to meet him, and they entered a mixed melee. By dawn, at the sound of westward drums, word came that Lü was leading his main army himself.

Cao abandoned the camp and ran.

Behind him Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng chased hard. Lü arrived at the front immediately, leading his men himself. Yu Jin and Yue Jin both fought Lü and could not hold him. Cao turned north.

Out from behind the ridge came another force: to the left, Zhang Liao; to the right, Zang Ba. Cao sent Lü Qian and Cao Hong against them, but the fight was not favorable. Cao headed west.

Again a shout rose and another unit arrived: Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian blocked his road. All generals fought to the death. Cao himself broke into the line first. When the bronze clappers sounded, arrows fell in sudden rain.

Cao could not advance or find escape. He shouted, “Who will save me?”

From the cavalry ranks one general leapt out: it was Dian Wei. He held both iron halberds in hand and cried, “Master, do not worry!” He sprang from his horse, planted both halberds in the ground, took up ten short spears and carried them in his hands. He called to those around him, “When the enemy is ten steps away, then call me!” and he pressed forward in deliberate steps through arrows.

Nearly fifty riders of Lü’s horse closed on him. The men around him shouted, “Ten steps!”

Wei answered, “When they are five!” They shouted again, “Five!”

Wei lunged with his halberd. One stroke, one rider downed from his horse; none of his stabs missed. He killed ten or more at once. All around him turned and fled.

Wei mounted again and, lifting his two great iron halberds, broke through in a charge. Hao, Cao, Cheng, and Song could not meet him and each turned away and fled. Dian Wei scattered the enemy and rescued Cao. The other commanders arrived in turn; eventually they found the road back to camp.

By evening the light was near gone when shouts rose from behind. Lü Bu spurred and charged, halberd raised, crying, “Cao the traitor, do not run!”

The men were exhausted and their horses spent, and all cast their eyes about, each seeking flight. At this point:

Though he can for a moment break from the heavy encirclement, he may not endure the pursuit of such a determined foe.

How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.