Earlier, Li Le marshaled troops and falsely announced that Li Jue and Guo Si were pursuing the imperial carriage, and the Son of Heaven was greatly alarmed. Yang Feng said, “It was Li Le.” He ordered Xu Huang to go out and receive him. Li Le rode out to face him himself. When their horses met, one clash was all it took for Xu Huang to strike him off his mount with an axe, break up the remnants of his band, and protect the carriage across Ji Pass. The commandery administrator Zhang Yang brought grain and silk to welcome the carriage on the Zhi road. The emperor enfeoffed Zhang Yang as Grand Marshal. After thanking the emperor, Zhang Yang withdrew and stationed his troops at Yewang.

The emperor entered Luoyang and saw the palace halls burned out, the streets desolate, and every patch of ground covered with mugwort and weeds. Within the palace compounds, only ruined walls and broken buildings remained. He ordered Yang Feng to construct a small temporary palace for residence. All officials came for audience, and all of them had to stand amid thorny brush. By edict, the era Xingping was changed to the first year of Jianan.

That year, calamity came again. Only a few hundred households were left in Luoyang, and there was nothing to eat. The people had all left the city to strip bark and dig out grass roots. From the minor clerks of the Secretariat down, all had gone out of the city to chop firewood, and many died among the collapsed walls and ruined foundations. No era in late Han had declined more harshly than this. Later writers composed a poem in grief:

Blood flooded Mang and Tang, and the white snake vanished.
Crimson banners ran crossing and intersecting through the four quarters.
Qin’s deer-hunt overturned and raised the altars of state; Chu’s noble steed overturned and reset the borders.
The Son of Heaven was soft and weak, and wicked men rose;
lineage shrank, the state withered, and thieves ran wild.
In the suffering of the two capitals, even men of iron did not shed tears without sorrow.

Grand Commandant Yang Biao reported to the emperor, “Your Majesty previously received the imperial summons but did not send troops. Now Cao Cao is in Shandong with strong armies and excellent commanders. You may announce this and summon him to court to assist the imperial house.” The emperor said, “I already issued a summons, and you need not report again. I now have men sent at once to carry out that order.” Biao understood the instruction and sent an envoy to Shandong.

At that time Cao Cao was in Shandong. When he heard that the carriage had returned to Luoyang, he gathered his advisors to deliberate. Xun Yu said, “In past times, Duke Wen of Jin accepted King Xiang of Zhou, and the lords all submitted. Han Gaozu carried Emperor Yì’s catafalque, and all of the world turned to him. Now the Son of Heaven is covered in dust and distress. If you truly rise now as champion of righteousness, carry the Son of Heaven with popular acclaim, and move the court, this would be a stratagem beyond compare. If you do not act at once, others will beat you to it.” Cao Cao was delighted. As he was about to raise his forces, news came that an emissary with a celestial edict had arrived. He accepted the edict and set a date to muster.

Back in Luoyang, still in ruin, the city had not been repaired, and collapsed lanes could not yet be restored. A report came that Li Jue and Guo Si were bringing their troops. The emperor was terrified and asked Yang Feng, “The envoy to Shandong has not returned, and Li and Guo are now coming. What are we to do?” Yang Feng and Han Xian said, “Your servant is prepared to fight the brigands to the death in order to protect Your Majesty.” Dong Cheng said, “The city walls are not firm, and we have no many armored men. If we do not prevail in battle, what then? Better to take the carriage to Shandong and evade this danger.” The emperor accepted their counsel and ordered departure that day, heading toward Shandong. No officials had horses, and all followed on foot.

Once outside Luoyang, there was no space for a single arrow to fly. Only dust covered the sky, drums clanged, and endlessly more men and horses arrived. The emperor and empress trembled and could not speak. Then they saw one rider fly in. It was the envoy to Shandong who had been sent earlier. When he arrived before the carriage, he knelt and announced: “General Cao has raised all the troops of Shandong and, in answer to your summons, has come. When he heard that Li Jue and Guo Si had violated Luoyang, he first sent Xiahou Dun as vanguard with ten commanders and fifty thousand elite soldiers to protect the carriage.” The emperor was eased somewhat. Before long, Xiahou Dun came with Xu Chu and Dian Wei and others to the front of the carriage and all rendered military homage. When the emperor had finished the audience words, a report came that another unit had arrived from the east. The emperor ordered Xiahou Dun to scout. He returned to report, “They are on foot from General Cao.”

Soon after, Cao Hong, Li Dian, and Yue Jin came to the carriage. After formal introductions, Hong said, “I know the enemy troops are near and I feared that Xiahou Dun alone could not hold them, so I too hurried with this force to aid him.” The emperor replied, “General Cao is truly a minister to the state.” He ordered them to lead the escort onward. A scout reported, “Li Jue and Guo Si have come at speed with their troops.” The emperor directed Xiahou Dun to meet them in two columns. Xiahou Dun divided with Cao Hong and took the cavalry forward while infantry followed behind, attacking with all power. Li Jue’s and Guo Si’s brigands were heavily defeated, with more than ten thousand heads taken. Then they returned to the old palace in Luoyang. Xiahou Dun stationarily garrisoned outside the city.

The next day, Cao Cao arrived with a great army. He finished camp, then entered the city and was presented at the base of the hall stairs. The emperor bade him dismount and spoke comfort and gratitude. Cao Cao said, “I, your servant, have long been covered by the state’s grace and have always sought this moment to repay it. Now Li Jue and Guo Si are criminals through and through. General Cao has more than two hundred thousand elite men and will subdue rebels in orderly pursuit and leave no enemy undefeated. Your Majesty should preserve your Dragon Body and place the state above all else.” The emperor enfeoffed him as Metropolitan Commandant (司隸校尉), gave him command tokens and authority seal, and entrusted him with the Secretariat affairs.

Li Jue and Guo Si, on hearing that Cao Cao had come from afar, discussed pressing battle. Jia Xu advised, “Do not. General Cao’s troops are elite, his officers brave; he is not one to be confronted by force. Surrender and ask that your lives be spared.” Li Jue was furious. “How dare you extinguish my fighting temper?” He drew his sword to behead Jia Xu, and other generals intervened to restrain him. That night Jia Xu rode alone and returned to his native place.

The next day, Li Jue and Guo Si sent forces to meet Cao Cao’s troops. Cao first ordered Xu Chu, Cao Ren, and Dian Wei to lead three hundred armored horsemen to clash with their formation three times before full formation was set. At an open stretch of field, Li Jue’s nephews Li Xian and Li Bie came forward in battle. Before either could speak, Xu Chu rode past and with one stroke cut down Li Xian. Li Bie started, jolted his horse, and fell from it; Xu Chu also cut him down and returned carrying both heads. Cao Cao patted Xu Chu’s back and said, “You are truly my Fang Kuaiji.” He then ordered Xiahou Dun to lead troops on the left, Cao Ren on the right, and Cao Cao himself to lead the center. At the first drumbeat, all three forces advanced together. The brigands could not withstand the clash and fled in a full rout. Cao Cao drew his treasured sword, seized the formation, and led a night pursuit and annihilation. The number of those killed was great, and the number of those captured was beyond counting. Li Jue and Guo Si fled westward in panic, running in disorder like dogs that had lost their homes. Knowing there was nowhere to hide, they retreated into the hills.

Cao Cao withdrew his army and still encamped outside Luoyang. Yang Feng and Han Xian met together and discussed: “Now that Cao Cao has achieved such merit, he will gather all authority. How can we endure this?” They then submitted an audience memorial to the emperor in the name of pursuing Li Jue and Guo Si, and moved their own troops to garrison at Daliang.

One day the emperor sent a request to Cao Cao’s camp for him to come to palace consultation. When Cao heard that an envoy had arrived, he asked for immediate audience. The man who stood before him was clear-faced and clear-eyed, full of vigor. Cao silently wondered, “In this land of great famine the officials, soldiers, and commoners all show hunger. How can this one man alone be so full-bodied?” He then asked, “You are handsome and well-nourished. By what regimen have you kept such a state for so long?” He replied, “I have no special method. I have only eaten a light diet for thirty years.” Cao nodded. He asked, “What position do you hold?” He answered, “I passed the Candidacy of Filial and Frugal Conduct. I formerly served Yuan Shao and was once attached to Zhang Yang. Now that the Son of Heaven has returned, I came to court to pay homage. My office is the title of Zhengyi-lang. I am from Jiyin, from Dingtao. My surname is Dong, my given name is Zhao, and my courtesy name is Gongren.” Cao rose and said, “Your fame has long been known. I am honored to meet you here.” He then offered him food in his own tent and had him meet Xun Yu. A report came in: “One unit is moving eastward, and no one knows whose it is.” Dong Zhao said, “This is Yang Feng, a former commander under Li Jue, and Han Xian, commander of Bai Bo. Since Your Excellency has now come here, they brought troops intending to leave for Daliang.” Cao asked, “Could you be suggesting I am to be doubted?” Zhao said, “They are men of no foresight. Why should Your Excellency worry?” Cao asked, “What of Li and Guo now?” Zhao replied, “A tiger without claws and a bird without wings will soon be captured by Your Excellency.”

Seeing Dong Zhao’s readiness to work at court advantage, Cao asked him about major court matters. Zhao said, “Your Excellency has raised a righteous army to eliminate disorder and entered court to support the Son of Heaven. That is the work of one of the five outstanding heroes. Yet the other commanders all have different thoughts and may not yet submit. For now, your remaining here is not convenient. The best choice is to move the carriage to Xuandu. Still, the court has only just returned to the capital, and near and far all expect security for one day of peace; if the carriage is moved again so soon, it will tire the people. Great deeds are done by extraordinary measures. I urge Your Excellency to resolve this.” Cao took Zhao’s hand and smiled. “That is precisely my intent. Yet Yang Feng and the ministers are in Daliang. Could there be unexpected changes?” Zhao said, “It is easy. Write to Yang Feng and first calm his thoughts. Then tell the great ministers plainly that there is no grain in the capital, so the carriage should move to Xuandu near Luyang to handle transportation, so shortages will not interrupt supplies. When they hear this, they will gladly agree.” Cao rejoiced. After Zhao took his leave, Cao said, “Whatever this servant still intends, you must guide me.” Zhao bowed and departed.

From that point, Cao held private consultation with his strategists about moving the court. At that time, the eunuch-officer of the Court Historians, Wang Li, told Liu Ai of the Ministry of Rites in private: “I have observed the heavens from above. Since spring, Great White has violated the Guardian Star at Dipper and Bull, has passed Tianjin, and Planet Mars has also run backwards. Now it has met Great White at Tian Gate, and metal and fire have converged. There must be a new Son of Heaven. I have seen that the Great Han’s mandate is ending, and in Jin and Wei the land that will rise is already prepared.” He also reported to the Son of Heaven: “Heaven’s mandate comes and goes. The Five Phases are never eternally prosperous. When Fire yields to Earth, it is Earth’s turn. He who replaces Han and governs the world will be of Earth.” Cao said to him, “I know your loyalty to the court, yet Heaven’s way is deep. I beg you not to speak too widely.” He told Xun Yu the matter. Xun Yu said, “Han is a fire-mandated kingdom, while Your Excellency is an Earth fate. Xuandu is Earth-ground. There Your fortunes must rise. Fire gives birth to Earth, and Earth nourishes Wood. This exactly matches Dong Zhao and Wang Li. One destined to rise will rise on another day.” Cao decided at once. The next day he entered court and proposed, “The Eastern capital has been neglected and ravaged for long and cannot be repaired. Moreover, transporting grain is difficult. Xuandu is near Luyang, and its palace and halls, money, grain, and goods are sufficient. Only Your Majesty may go there.” The emperor did not dare refuse. All ministers feared Cao’s power and dared not object. An auspicious day was then chosen. Cao escorted the escorting army and the court moved; all officials followed. After only a few stages, they came to a tall ridge. Suddenly a cry rose, and Yang Feng and Han Xian led troops blocking the road. Xu Huang rode first and shouted, “General Cao aims to seize the carriage! Where are you going?” Cao dismounted to see. At the sight of Xu Huang’s imposing bearing, he admired him in silence. Then he ordered Xu Chu out to confront Xu Huang. Sword and axe met for over fifty exchanges, with no winner determined. Cao then sounded the battle horn to recall and convened his strategists. “Yang Feng and Han Xian are not worth contending with. Xu Huang is a truly good commander. I will not force a decisive battle. We should win him by stratagem.” Camp-administrator Man Chong said, “Your lordship should not worry. I once had direct acquaintance with Xu Huang. Tonight I can disguise myself as a common soldier, slip into his camp, and persuade him. I will make him tilt his heart to surrender.” Cao approved and sent him.

That night, Man Chong disguised himself as a foot soldier, mixed into that army, and slipped to Xu Huang’s tent. He saw Xu Huang sitting in armor by candlelight. Chong moved up to him and said, “Old friend, are you still well?” Xu Huang startled and looked carefully. “Are you not Man Chong of Shanyang, Faning? How did you arrive here?” Chong said, “I now serve General Cao. At the front I saw an old friend and came to speak but one matter, so I risked my life to come.” Xu Huang invited him to sit and asked his intention. Chong said, “Your courage and stratagem are rare in the world. Why remain under Yang and Han? General Cao is the hero of this age, known everywhere for valuing worthy men and learned officers. In battle today I have seen your courage; I honor you all the more. I cannot bear to watch good commanders throw themselves into useless death. I have come to invite you. Why do you not leave the dark and enter the light to share a great enterprise?” Xu Huang stood and sighed long. Then he said, “I have long known Yang and Han are not men for establishing a cause, but I have followed them long and cannot easily leave.” Chong said, “Have you not heard, ‘A fine bird chooses its tree, and a worthy minister chooses a lord? When one has found a lord worth serving, it is not fitting that he lose him through a weak arm?’” Xu Huang rose and thanked him: “I will accept your counsel.” Chong said, “Then why not kill Feng and Han now and come as your way of presenting yourself?” Xu Huang answered, “To kill one’s lord is a grave injustice; I will never do that.” Chong replied, “You are truly a man of righteousness.” Xu Huang then brought out dozens of riders and, with Man Chong by night, rode to surrender at Cao’s camp. Someone had already informed Yang Feng. Yang was furious and led one thousand horsemen in pursuit, calling, “You rebellious Xu Huang, do not escape!”

In the middle of the pursuit, a cannon blast sounded. Torches flared on mountain and below, and concealed troops appeared from all sides. Cao himself rode out in front, leading the army, and shouted, “I have waited here too long; do not think to slip away!” Yang Feng was greatly shocked and hurried to turn back his army, but was quickly surrounded by Cao’s soldiers. Han Xian happened to bring troops in aid, and in the close melee Yang Feng managed to escape. Cao Cao took advantage of their disorder, attacked hard, and the soldiers of both sides mostly surrendered. Yang Feng and Han Xian were isolated, and with broken troops withdrew and took refuge with Yuan Shu.

Cao Cao withdrew his army and returned to camp. Man Chong brought Xu Huang before him. Cao rejoiced and treated him generously. Then he brought the court carriage to Xuandu, built halls, palaces, temples, altars, and court offices, and repaired city walls and granaries. He enfeoffed Dong Cheng and thirteen others as marquises. He meted out rewards and punishments and allowed Cao Cao to handle all appointments.

From then on, Cao Cao styled himself Grand General and Wuping Marquis. Self as Duke of Wuping, he was later known as Grand General. He appointed Xun Yu as Gentleman-in-Waiting and Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Xun You as military adviser, and Guo Jia as Sima Jiaozhi (司馬祭酒). He appointed Liu Ye clerk-assistant to the Minister of Works. Mao Jie and Ren Jun were made Dian Nong Zhonglangjiang, charged with urging and supervising grain and money. Cheng Yu became the Chancellor of Dongping. Fan Cheng and Dong Zhao were made magistrates of Luoyang. Man Chong was made Prefect of Xuandu. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong were all appointed generals. Lü Qian, Li Dian, Yue Jin, Yu Jin, and Xu Huang were all made colonels. Xu Chu and Dian Wei were made captains. Other officers all received offices. From then on, all major power belonged to Cao Cao. Major court matters were first reported to Cao Cao, and only then to the Son of Heaven.

When Cao Cao had set matters in order, he held a banquet in the rear hall and gathered commanders to discuss: “Liu Bei has stationed troops in Xu Province and already governs provincial affairs. Recently Lü Bu, defeated in battle, came to him; Liu Bei has him housed at Xupei. If the two join hearts and raise armies together, they will become an inner disaster.” “What fine stratagem do you have?” Xu Chu said, “I wish for five thousand? no, fifty thousand elite soldiers and to cut off the heads of Liu Bei and Lü Bu for the Chancellor.” Cao repeated: Xu Chu asked for too many maybe? Actually says "借精兵五萬". Let's maintain 50,000. He then said to execute? we keep. Xun Yu said, “General Cao is brave, yes. But he does not yet know all stratagem. Xuandu is newly settled; now is no time for reckless campaigning. There is a plan called the Two-Tigers Competing-for-Prey stratagem. Although Liu Bei holds Xu Province, he has no commission. Your Excellency should request an imperial order giving him office as Xu Province Inspector, then send him a secret letter commanding him to kill Lü Bu. If it succeeds, Liu Bei will be left without a strong ally and can be dealt with gradually. If it fails, Lü Bu will surely kill Liu Bei. This is the Two-Tigers Competing-for-Prey stratagem.” Cao followed that counsel and at once offered a memorial requesting commission, sending an envoy with the edict. He enfeoffed Liu Bei as General Who Conquers the East, Marquis of Yicheng Pavilion, and confirmed him as Inspector of Xu Province, with a private letter sealed and sent.

Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande, was in Xu Province when he heard the Son of Heaven had moved to Xuandu. He had just intended to submit an address of congratulations, when news arrived that an imperial envoy had come. He went out to the gate to welcome him. After the envoy was ushered in and received the imperial favor, Liu Bei set a banquet and hosted him. The envoy said, “My lord’s receiving of this favor is truly due to General Cao’s recommendation to the Son of Heaven.” Liu Bei thanked him. The envoy then presented a private letter. After reading it, Liu Bei said, “This still allows time for deliberation.” The gathering dissolved. The envoy was lodged in the official inn, and that night Liu Bei discussed with his retainers. Zhang Fei said, “Lü Bu has no loyalty; why should we hesitate to kill him?” Liu Bei said, “He came in desperation, and now he has placed his trust in us. If we kill him, that would also be unrighteous.” Zhang Fei said, “It is hard to be a good man!” Liu Bei did not yield.

The next day, Lü Bu came to congratulate. Liu Bei invited him in to meet. Lü Bu said, “I heard your lordship had obtained favor from court and came to congratulate.” Liu Bei replied with humble thanks. As soon as he entered, Zhang Fei drew his sword and entered the hall to strike Lü Bu. Liu Bei anxiously restrained him. Lü Bu was alarmed and said, “Yide, why do you now want to kill me?” Zhang Fei shouted, “General Cao calls you a man of no virtue and told my elder brother to kill you!” Liu Bei shouted him back twice. Then he took Lü Bu into the back hall and explained the whole matter from the beginning, showing the private letter from Cao. After reading it, Lü Bu burst into tears and said, “This is the bandit of Cao trying to set two people against each other.” Liu Bei said, “Brother, do not grieve. Liu Bei swears he will not do this unrighteous thing.”

Lü Bu repeatedly offered thanks and bowed. Liu Bei kept him at wine and he only returned late at night. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Brother, why did you not kill Lü Bu?” Liu Bei said, “Cao Mengde fears that Lü Bu and I might both conspire to strike at him. So he devised this plan to make the two of us devour each other while he profits. How can one move against what he has made?” Guan Yu nodded in assent. Zhang Fei said, “I only want to kill this robber and remove later danger.” Liu Bei said, “That is not an act of a true gentleman.”

The next day, Liu Bei sent back the envoy with thanksgiving and submitted a memorial of thanks, and sent back to Cao words that he needed time to consider. The envoy returned and reported to Cao that Liu Bei had not killed Lü Bu. Cao asked Xun Yu, “The stratagem failed. What next?” Xun Yu said, “There is yet another plan, called the Tiger Driving the Wolf into Being swallowed by the Tiger.” Cao asked, “What is this?” Xun Yu said, “Secretly send men to Yuan Shu and report that Liu Bei has submitted a memorial asking to seize the Southern Commanderies. When Yuan Shu hears it, he will rage and attack Liu Bei. Then issue a clear imperial order that Liu Bei is to punish Yuan Shu. When both sides advance, Lü Bu will surely develop divided loyalties. That is the Tiger Drives Wolf strategy.” Cao rejoiced. He first dispatched men to Yuan Shu, and then, under imperial edict, dispatched troops to Xu Province.

Liu Bei was in Xu Province when he heard an envoy had arrived. He came out of the city gate to welcome him and read the edict. It was an order to raise troops to attack Yuan Shu. Liu Bei accepted the command and sent the envoy on at once. Mi Zhu said, “This, too, is Cao Cao’s stratagem.” Liu Bei said, “Even if so, the command of the throne cannot be refused.”

He then selected thirty thousand horse and infantry and, on the appointed day, set out. Sun Qian said, “First fix the one who will hold the city.” Liu Bei asked, “Which of my two younger brothers can hold it?” Guan Yu said, “I would hold this city.” Liu Bei said, “Early and late I wish to confer matters with you both. How can we separate?” Zhang Fei said, “I will keep the city, my younger brother.” Liu Bei said, “You cannot hold this city. You are fierce in drink, you whip soldiers, and you act lightly and ignore advice. This is not to my taste.” Zhang Fei said, “From now on, younger brother will not drink, will not whip soldiers. Whatever men counsel, he will follow.” Mi Zhu said, “I only fear the words and heart do not match.” Zhang Fei got angry and said, “I have followed elder brother for so many years and never broke my word. How can you disparage me?” Liu Bei said, “Though you speak so, my heart cannot be at ease. Then ask Chen Deng to assist. In the coming days, have him restrain your wine and keep you from creating trouble.” Chen Deng agreed. Liu Bei issued instructions and then led thirty thousand horse-and-infantry southward toward Nanyang.

Yuan Shu heard that Liu Bei had submitted a memorial seeking to seize his southern commanderies and became furious: “You are one who makes straw mats and knotted sandals yet dares to occupy this great commandery and stand with the lords? I truly meant to attack you, and now you would take his lands! This is beyond endurance.” He ordered his senior general Ji Ling to raise one hundred thousand troops and attack Xu Province. The two armies met at Xuyi. Liu Bei’s troops were few and camped by river and hill.

Ji Ling was from Shandong and wielded a three-pronged spear weighing fifty jin. That day he led his troops out and shouted violently, “Rural Liu Bei, how dare you trespass my territory?” Liu Bei replied, “I carry an imperial edict to subdue unfaithful subjects. How can you come and resist me? Your offense is beyond punishment.” Ji Ling was greatly enraged, leapt on his horse and brandished his spear, charging straight for Liu Bei. Guan Yu shouted, “You rabble cannot win by force!” He came to horse and fought Ji Ling in full force for thirty rounds, without clear victory. Ji Ling called for pause, and Guan Yu wheeled his horse back into formation, standing at the line for him. Ji Ling then sent his deputy general Xun Zheng. Guan Yu said, “Let only Ji Ling come and settle this with me directly!” Xun Zheng said, “You are a nameless junior officer; you are not an equal for Commander Ji.” Guan Yu was furious and instantly took him. One horse-turn passed, and he cut Xun Zheng down from his mount. Liu Bei drove his troops over to kill the commander. Ji Ling was routed, withdrew in retreat, and took position at Huain Riverbank, refusing close battle. His soldiers were ordered to raid and plunder; each was cut down by Xu Province troops. The two armies then kept apart; their standoff needed no further telling.

After Liu Bei departed, Zhang Fei had all miscellaneous matters entrusted to Chen Deng, and he handled strategy on his own. One day he held a banquet and invited all officers. When all had taken their seats, Zhang Fei began: “When brother left, he told me to cut down my drinking, for fear of trouble. Tonight all of you should drink freely. Tomorrow each of you must abstain and help me guard this city. Yet today I require every man to drink his fill.” He rose and toasted each of them in turn. When the cups came before Cao Bao, the latter said, “I have an oath from Heaven: I do not drink.” Zhang Fei said, “How does a killer of Han men not drink? Take a cup.” Cao Bao, frightened, drank one cup only. Zhang Fei served everyone in turn and drank giant jugs himself until heavily intoxicated, then rose again to toast the rest. When cups came again to Cao Bao, Bao said, “I truly cannot drink anymore.” Zhang Fei said, “You just drank one!” Now that Bao refused again, Zhang Fei, drunk and incensed, shouted, “You disobey my command, and deserve one hundred blows!” He ordered soldiers to seize him. Chen Deng said, “How can you treat this man when Lord Liu Bei expressly forbade it?” Zhang Fei answered, “You are only a civil officer; mind civil matters and never police me!”

Cao Bao had no choice and begged: “Master Yide, spare me for my son-in-law’s sake.” Zhang Fei asked, “Who is your son-in-law?” Cao Bao said, “Lü Bu.” Zhang Fei said, “I did not want to beat you. You bring up Lü Bu to frighten me. If I beat you, then I am beating Lü Bu!” The others could not dissuade him. He lashed Cao Bao fifty times with his whip. Only after many repeated pleas was it stopped.

After the gathering dispersed, Cao Bao returned, deeply resentful of Zhang Fei. In the night he sent a sealed letter straight to Xupei, asking Lü Bu to come and saying that Zhang Fei had been dishonorable. He further wrote: “Liu Bei has gone to Huainan. Tonight he is drunk; take this chance with your troops and strike at Xu Province and do not miss this opportunity.” Lü Bu saw the letter and immediately asked Chen Gong for counsel. Chen Gong said, “Xupei has never been a permanent place to stay. Now Xu Province has an opening. If we lose this, we will later regret.”

Lü Bu agreed. He immediately donned his harness and rode out with five hundred cavalry as vanguard. Chen Gong led the main army behind; Gao Shun followed as well. Only forty to fifty li from Xu Province, after mounting and riding they arrived near evening. When Lü Bu reached the wall below the city gate, it was just the fourth watch. The moonlight was clear, and the gate watchmen had not noticed the approach. Lü Bu’s cry outside the gate said, “The Lord Liu has an intelligence agent come in.” Atop the city wall, Cao Bao’s troops reported it to Cao Bao. Bao climbed and looked and ordered his soldiers to open the gate. Lü Bu gave one covert signal, and all his troops rushed in; the shouting swelled.

Zhang Fei was drunk, asleep in the residence when his attendants quickly shook him awake. They reported, “Lü Bu has broken open the gate and his troops are coming in to kill the guards!” Zhang Fei was furious, hurriedly armed himself, and grasped his eight-foot snake-spearl. As he came out of the hall and mounted, Lü Bu’s horse and men had already arrived and were then greeting each other. Zhang Fei’s wine had not yet cleared. Lü Bu, who knew Zhang Fei’s courage, did not dare immediately close. An escort of eighteen mounted guards kept him while he cut his way through the East Gate. Liu Bei’s household, including the family, were inside and could not be protected.

It says that Cao Bao saw Zhang Fei with only ten-odd attendants and knowing his disorderly drunkenness, led about a hundred and ten men in pursuit. When he saw Bao, Zhang Fei grew furious and charged. They fought three rounds; Cao Bao was defeated and fleeing. Zhang Fei chased him to the riverbank and thrust a spear into Bao’s back, killing him with horse and rider in the water. Outside the city, Zhang Fei called to his soldiers. All who could leave the city followed him in retreat to Huainan. Lü Bu entered the city, calmed the residents, and ordered one hundred soldiers to guard Liu Bei’s residence, allowing no one to enter without permission.

Zhang Fei then left with several dozen riders to Xuyi and reported to Liu Bei that Cao Bao and Lü Bu were acting together inside and had mounted a night assault on Xu Province. Those present all went pale. Liu Bei sighed, “What is there to rejoice in? What is there to grieve?” Guan Yu asked, “Where is Sister-in-law?” Zhang Fei answered, “She is all trapped inside the city.” Liu Bei stayed silent. Guan Yu stamped the ground in frustration: “What did you say when you were told to guard the city? What instruction did elder brother give you? Now the city is lost and the women are trapped. How are we to face this?” Zhang Fei, hearing those words, had no place for himself, drew his sword, and prepared to commit suicide.

What use is drunken joy with a lifted cup?
A sword drawn to give up life, and regret comes too late.
How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.