And so it was said that Zhang Fei, whose courtesy name was Yide, drew his sword and intended to die by it. Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande, stepped forward, embraced him, snatched away the sword, and threw it down, saying, “The ancients said, ‘Brothers are like one’s hands and feet, and wife and children are like clothing. Clothing may be patched when torn; hands and feet, once severed, can never be made whole again.’

We three swore brotherhood in the peach garden, and we did not seek to live together, but wished to die together. Though I have now lost city and home and household, how can I allow one of my sworn brothers to die halfway through this journey? As for the city, it was never truly ours. Though our household was captured, Lü Bu will not intend to kill them; we can still devise a rescue. Why, for one brief error, should a worthy younger brother rush to throw away his life?”

He finished, and wept bitterly. Guan Yu, whose courtesy name was Yunchang, and Zhang Fei also wept.

Now Yuan Shu heard that Lü Bu had invaded Xuzhou. He sent men through the night to Lü Bu offering fifty thousand hu of grain, five hundred horses, one thousand taels of gold and silver, and one thousand bolts of silk, in exchange for a joint strike on Liu Bei. Lü Bu rejoiced and ordered Gao Shun to lead fifty thousand troops to strike Liu Bei from behind.

When Liu Bei heard this message, he withdrew in drizzling rain, abandoned Xuyi, and moved eastward to seize Guangling. By the time Gao Shun’s army arrived, Liu Bei had already gone. Gao Shun met Ji Ling and asked for the promised gift. Ji Ling said, “Please withdraw your troops; permit me first to put this before the lord.” Gao Shun withdrew separately and returned, then reported Ji Ling’s words to Lü Bu.

Lü Bu still hesitated, when a letter from Yuan Shu suddenly arrived. The letter said, “Though Gao Shun has come, Liu Bei is not yet gone. Wait until we have seized him, then send the promised gifts.” Lü Bu scolded Yuan Shu for breaking faith and was about to raise troops against him. Chen Gong advised, “No. Yuan Shu is in Shu-chun with many soldiers and abundant grain. Do not lightly engage him. Better call Liu Bei back to Xupei and make him our right wing. In time have Liu Bei lead the vanguard; then we can take Yuan Shu first and Yuan Shao after that, and sweep all under heaven.”

Lü Bu agreed and sent a letter inviting Liu Bei back.

Liu Bei had led his troops east to seize Guangling when Yuan Shu raided his camp and cut his army in half. Returning, he happened upon Lü Bu’s envoy with the letter and was greatly relieved. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Lü Bu is an unfaithful man and cannot be trusted.” Liu Bei replied, “He received me once as one treated with affection; how can I now doubt him?” So they returned to Xuzhou.

Lü Bu feared that Liu Bei might still harbor suspicion, so he first sent Liu Bei’s family back. Gan and Mi’s two wives met Liu Bei and reported in detail: Lü Bu had placed guards at the gate and forbidden anyone to enter the estate; his attendants regularly brought provisions, and nothing was ever missing. Liu Bei said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, “I know Lü Bu will not harm my family.” He entered the city to thank him.

Zhang Fei, bearing resentment toward Lü Bu, did not come with him and first escorted the two wives back to Xupei.

After Liu Bei paid his respects and thanked him, Lü Bu said, “I did not come to seize your city. I came only because my younger brother Zhang Fei, in his drunkenness, had killed a man here and might cause trouble. I came to hold it in guard.”

Liu Bei said, “I have long wished to yield my claim of elder brothership.” Lü Bu outwardly yielded again. Liu Bei pressed his refusals, then returned and resumed camp at Xupei.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei inwardly remained unsettled. Liu Bei said, “One should bend and hold one’s place, and wait on Heaven’s timing; one should not contend with fate.” Lü Bu then sent grain and bolts of silk. From then on the two houses were reconciled. No further account of it is given.

Now Yuan Shu held a grand banquet for his officers at Shouchun. News came that Sun Ce had taken Lujiang’s Administrator Lu Kang and returned in victory. Yuan Shu summoned Sun Ce, and Sun Ce came and knelt before him. After the formalities, he was invited to sit and dine.

Previously, after Sun Jian’s death, Sun Ce had retired south, honoring learned men and gentlemen. Later, because of disputes between Tao Qian and his mother’s uncle Wu Jing of Danyang, Sun Ce moved his mother and household to Qu’e and entered the service of Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu loved him deeply and often said, “If Yuan Shu had a son like Sun Lang, what regret at death would matter!” So he appointed him as Huaiyi Colonel and sent him with troops against Jing County, where Tai Shi Zu Lang won a victory. Seeing Sun Ce’s valor, Yuan Shu again dispatched him against Lu Kang, and he returned once more in victory.

When the banquet ended, Sun Ce returned to camp. The courteous treatment he received from Yuan Shu on that evening’s hall seemed too proud to him; he brooded and walked the yard by moonlight. He remembered that his father Sun Jian had been such a hero, and he, Sun Ce, had now fallen to this state; he could not help but cry out aloud.

At that moment a man entered from outside, laughing, “Bofu, why this sorrow? While your father was alive, he often employed me. If you have matters undecided, why do you not ask me rather than weeping?”

Sun Ce saw him: he was a former retainer from Danyang, surname Zhu, given name Zhi, courtesy name Junli. Sun Ce wiped his tears and had him seated, saying, “I weep because I cannot carry on my father’s will.”

Zhu said, “Why do you not go to Yuan Gonglu, ask for troops, and cross to Jiangdong in the pretext of rescuing Wu Jing, while truly seeking your great enterprise, rather than remain long beneath another man’s hand?”

While they discussed this, another man suddenly entered: “I have learned all of what you are planning. I have one hundred stout and sturdy men. I can for a while add an arm to Bofu’s strength.” Sun Ce saw him and recognized him as Lu Fan, from Runan Xiyang, surname Lu, given name Fan, courtesy name Zi Heng. Sun Ce rejoiced and invited him to sit as they discussed together.

Lu Fan said, “I fear Yuan Gonglu will not be willing to lend troops.” Sun Ce answered, “I have my father’s Imperial Jade Seal. I can offer it as collateral.” Lu Fan replied, “Yuan Gonglu has long desired it. If you offer this as pledge, he will surely issue troops.”

The plan was settled. Next day Sun Ce appeared before Yuan Shu, weeping and kneeling, and said, “The grievance against my father cannot be avenged; now my mother’s uncle Wu Jing is also pressured by Liu Yao, the Inspector of Yangzhou. My aged mother and household are in Qu’e and will surely be harmed. I dare to ask for several thousand veteran soldiers to cross the river and rescue them. In case Your Excellency does not believe me, I give this inherited Imperial Jade Seal as collateral.”

When Yuan Shu saw the seal he took and examined it, then said joyfully, “I do not want your seal. Leave it here for now. I will lend you three thousand troops and five hundred horses. When you restore order, return quickly. Your position is low; you cannot yet hold great authority. I will list you as a Zhechong Colonel and General Who Exterminates Bandits. Move out on an auspicious day and take command.”

Sun Ce thanked him and then led troops and horse, taking with him Zhu Zhi, Lu Fan, his old general Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and others. He moved out on the appointed day.

When he reached Liyang, another force was seen. First to come forward was a man with elegant bearing and handsome appearance. On seeing Sun Ce he dismounted and knelt. He was Zhou Yu, surname Zhou, given name Yu, courtesy name Gongjin, from Shucheng in Luyang. He had moved with Sun Jian to Luyang during the Dongzhou campaign against Dong Zhuo, and he and Sun Ce, being of the same age, had been close and treated as elder and younger brothers.

His uncle Zhou Shang had been administrator of Danyang. He had come east to visit his family and happened to meet Sun Ce there.

Sun Ce rejoiced at seeing him and spoke from his heart. Zhou Yu said, “I am willing to lend horse-and-saddle service and work together for this great undertaking.” Sun Ce said joyfully, “Now that I have Gongjin, this great matter will be complete.” He arranged for him to meet Zhu Zhi, Lu Fan, and others.

Zhou Yu said, “My lord seeks to accomplish a major undertaking and knows too that there are two men in Jiangdong called Zhang. One is Zhang Zhao, courtesy name Zibu, of Pengcheng. The other is Zhang Hong, courtesy name Zigang, of Guangling. Both have talent that measures Heaven and Earth and, to avoid trouble, are in seclusion here. Why does my lord not recruit them?”

Sun Ce rejoiced and immediately sent gifts to invite both. Both refused. He then visited their homes personally, spoke with them at length, and persuaded them. Both consented.

Sun Ce appointed Zhang Zhao as Chief Clerk, and simultaneously as Colonel Who Pacifies the Troops; Zhang Hong as Military Adviser, Master of Correct Counsel. They then discussed attacking Liu Yao.

Now Liu Yao, style name Zhengli, was from Mouping in Donglai. He too was related to the Han household, was nephew of Grand Commandant Liu Chong, and brother of Inspector Liu Dai of Ji Province. He had formerly served as Inspector of Yangzhou, was stationed at Shouchun, and, after being driven from Jiangdong by Yuan Shu, had come to Qu’e. As soon as he heard that Sun Ce’s army had arrived, he gathered his generals and discussed together.

His subcommander Zhang Ying said, “I have one army quartered at Niuzhu. Even if I had a hundred thousand troops, I still could not come close.” Before he had finished speaking, a man beneath the banner shouted, “I am willing to be the forward vanguard.”

The soldiers looked, and it was Taishi Ci, from Huang County in Donglai. After he had once broken through the Beihai encirclement and returned, he had come to see Liu Yao and been retained under the command tent. When he heard Sun Ce had arrived, he asked to be the forward vanguard. Liu Yao said, “You are still young and cannot yet be a great general. Stay at my side and obey orders.” Taishi Ci withdrew displeased.

Zhang Ying moved his soldiers to Niuzhu and stockpiled ten-thousand measures of grain in the command pavilion. Sun Ce marched in and Zhang Ying came out to meet him. The two armies met on Niuzhu bank.

Sun Ce took up position in full gear and dismounted his horse; Zhang Ying shouted abuse. Huang Gai stepped out and fought. After no more than a few exchanges, alarm erupted in Zhang Ying’s camp: there was fire in the stockade. Zhang Ying quickly turned back, and Sun Ce pressed in with his troops and cut down their chances. Zhang Ying abandoned Niuzhu and fled toward the deep hills.

Those who had set the fire were in fact two strong generals. One was Jiang Qin, from Shouchun in Jiujiang, surname Jiang, given name Qin, courtesy name Gongyi. The other was Zhou Tai, from Xiacai in Jiujiang, surname Zhou, given name Tai, courtesy name Youping. Both had been ruined by disorder and gathered followers; they survived by plundering on the Yangzi. For long they had heard Sun Ce in Jiangdong as a great man who could gather worthy men, and therefore brought over three hundred and more of their men to join him.

Sun Ce rejoiced and took them into service as Captains of the Chariot Front. He collected the grain and weapons at Niuzhu’s stronghouse, and over four thousand surrendered soldiers, then advanced toward Shenting.

Zhang Ying returned in defeat before Liu Yao and faced him. Liu Yao raged and wished to behead him. Counselor Zuo Rong and Xue Li urged mercy and stationed the troops at Lingling to block the enemy. Liu Yao himself led his own army to camp south of the Shenting ridge, while Sun Ce encamped on its north side.

Sun Ce asked local people, “Is there a Han Guangwu temple up the hill?” They answered, “There is one on the ridge.” Sun Ce said, “I dreamed last night that Guangwu summoned me. I will go offer incense there.”

Chief Clerk Zhang Zhao said, “No. The south side of this ridge is Liu Yao’s camp. What if there is an ambush?” Sun Ce said, “A divine spirit helps me; why should I fear?” He donned armor, took up spear, and with thirteen riders—Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai—mounted and went up the ridge to burn incense.

After kneeling and offering worship he descended and looked over the men and said, “If I can establish my livelihood in Jiangdong and restore my father’s foundation, I will rebuild this temple and worship there in all four seasons.”

After worship he mounted and returned. Looking back over the troops, he said, “I will go past the ridge and inspect Liu Yao’s stockades.” All the commanders said this was not possible. Sun Ce would not yield and together they ascended the ridge and looked south toward village woods.

A forward detachment had already sent word back. Liu Yao declared, “This must be Sun Ce’s ploy to lure the enemy. We must not give chase.” Taishi Ci said energetically, “If not now, when can we catch Sun Ce?” He ignored Liu Yao’s order and immediately donned his armor, mounted, took up his spear, and cried out, “Who has courage, follow me!”

All other commanders remained still. Only one young general answered, “Taishi Ci is truly a fierce commander; I can aid him.” He rode beside him. The other generals laughed.

Sun Ce watched for a while and then turned. As he rode along the ridge, he heard from above, “Do not run, Sun Ce!” He turned and saw two horses coming down. He formed his thirteen riders and set them out. Sun Ce took his spear across the saddle and waited at the foot of the ridge.

Taishi Ci shouted, “Who is Sun Ce?” Sun Ce asked, “Who are you?”

The reply came, “I am Taishi Ci of Donglai. I have come to capture Sun Ce.”

Sun Ce laughed, “Then I am the one. You and two of yours come for one me. I do not fear you. If I feared you, I would not be Sun Bofu.”

Taishi Ci said, “You can come with all your men. I am not afraid.” He spurred forward with raised spear. Sun Ce answered with a raised spear. The two horses met and fought fifty exchanges, with no clear winner; Cheng Pu and the others marveled silently.

Seeing that Sun Ce’s spearwork was faultless, Taishi Ci feigned loss and drew him in. Sun Ce pursued, but Taishi Ci did not return by the same way. Instead he went around the back of the mountain. Sun Ce chased him on. “You run badly, you are not a true man!” Taishi Ci thought to himself, “This fellow has twelve followers. If I seize him, these men will snatch him away. I must lead him farther, to a place without refuge, then I can act.”

He fought while advancing and while withdrawing. Sun Ce would not relent and pursued to open ground. Taishi Ci wheeled and came back again; they fought another fifty exchanges. Sun Ce thrust; Taishi Ci dodged and caught hold of the spear. Taishi Ci thrust back; Sun Ce also dodged and caught hold of the spear. Both exerting hard strength, both horses tumbled off.

Their horses vanished in opposite directions. They dropped their spears, grabbed at each other, and their military robes were torn to pieces.

Sun Ce moved faster, drew the short halberd from Taishi Ci’s back. Taishi Ci drew Sun Ce’s helmet. Sun Ce thrust the halberd at him; Taishi Ci blocked it with his helmet.

Then cries rose from behind. It was Liu Yao’s relieving force, about one thousand strong. At once, as Sun Ce was in disarray, Cheng Pu and the other twelve riders came charging. Sun Ce and Taishi Ci only just let go.

Taishi Ci snatched a horse in the camp and took up a spear to remount. Sun Ce’s horse had been taken by Cheng Pu, and Sun Ce also took a spear and mounted another horse.

Liu Yao’s more than one thousand men and Cheng Pu’s twelve riders clashed hand to hand, pressing on to the foot of Shenting ridge in a drawn-out fight. At the height of uproar Zhou Yu arrived with troops. Liu Yao himself led the main force down the ridge. Near dusk the wind rose and rain broke, and both sides withdrew.

The next day Sun Ce brought his army before Liu Yao’s camp. Liu Yao brought troops out to meet him. As both formations circled, Sun Ce lifted Taishi Ci’s small halberd before the lines and ordered his men to shout, “Taishi Ci would already have been stabbed through had he not run so fast!”

Taishi Ci in turn raised Sun Ce’s helmet before the lines and ordered his men to shout, “Sun Ce’s head is right here!”

Both sides shouted, each side praising its own strength and claim of victory. Taishi Ci rode out, wishing to settle it with one-on-one combat. Sun Ce moved to do so.

Cheng Pu said, “My lord need not spend your strength. I will capture him myself.” Cheng Pu came forward to the line; Taishi Ci replied, “You are not my opponent. Let Sun Ce himself come out!” Angered, Cheng Pu charged him with spear. Their two horses met, and they fought thirty exchanges before Liu Yao sounded the recall.

Taishi Ci said, “I only intended to seize that bandit-general. Why recall now?” Liu Yao answered, “Messengers report Zhou Yu has entered with Chen Wu, style name Zilie, and has attacked Qu’e. Our family lands are already lost. Do not linger. Go at once to Moling to join Xue Li and Zuo Rong and bring their cavalry to reinforce.”

Taishi Ci followed Liu Yao in retreat. Sun Ce did not pursue; he held the men in order.

Chief Clerk Zhang Zhao said, “That army was struck at Qu’e by Zhou Yu; they no longer have desire to hold a prolonged battle. This night is ideal for a night raid on camp.” Sun Ce approved, split his army into five columns that night, and forced a rapid advance.

Liu Yao’s army was heavily defeated, and men scattered in all directions. Taishi Ci alone could not resist; he led a dozen riders through the night to Jing County.

Sun Ce then gained Chen Wu as an assistant. He was over seven chi tall, with yellow face and red eyes, and an odd aspect. Sun Ce respected him deeply and made him a captain, putting him in charge of the vanguard to attack Xue Li.

Chen Wu led ten or more riders in a sudden rush through the lines, beheading more than fifty men. Xue Li closed the gate and did not dare to come out.

As Sun Ce was still attacking, news came that Liu Yao was joining Zuo Rong to retake Niuzhu. Sun Ce was incensed and led the main army straight to Niuzhu.

Liu Yao and Zuo Rong rode out to meet him. Sun Ce said, “I am here now. How can you still refuse to submit?”

Behind Liu Yao, one officer, Yu Mi, came out. After fewer than three exchanges with Sun Ce, he was taken alive and dragged back into line. At that moment Liu Yao saw him captured and sent forth Fang Neng. Fang Neng’s spear-tip just thrust toward the back of Sun Ce’s heart.

An officer in Sun Ce’s ranks cried out from behind, “There is someone attacking from the rear!” Sun Ce turned. Seeing Fang Neng arrive at the horse, he roared like thunder. Fang Neng, startled and terrified, flipped backward and fell from his horse, breaking his head and dying.

Sun Ce threw Yu Mi beneath his standard; Yu Mi was dead. At that moment one general was choked to death, and another was killed at Sun Ce’s shout. From then on all called Sun Ce “the Little Overlord.”

That day Liu Yao’s army suffered a great defeat; nearly all horses and men were surrendered to Sun Ce. More than ten thousand were executed. Liu Yao and Zuo Rong fled to Yuzhang and sought Liu Biao.

Sun Ce returned, attacked Moling again, and personally went to the moat’s edge to invite Xue Li to surrender. From above the walls a cold arrow struck Sun Ce in the left leg, and he rolled off and fell from his horse.

His generals rushed to rescue him, lifted him, withdrew to camp, and pulled out the arrow and applied medicinal gold ointment. Sun Ce ordered his soldiers to feign that their commander had been mortally wounded and had died. They mourned, and the camp was raised in withdrawal.

When Xue Li heard Sun Ce was dead, he secretly raised the troops in the city through the night and with fierce commanders Zhang Ying and Chen Heng marched out to chase. Suddenly ambushes erupted all around. Sun Ce rode out first, crying aloud, “Sun Lang is here!”

The soldiers nearby were startled; all dropped their spears and swords and knelt on the ground. Sun Ce ordered no one to kill. Zhang Ying wheeled his horse back and was stabbed to death by Chen Wu. Chen Heng was shot dead by Jiang Qin. Xue Li died amid the confused melee.

Sun Ce entered Moling and set the populace in order. He then moved the troops to Jing County to seize Taishi Ci.

Taishi Ci had recruited just over two thousand stout men and his own unit and was on the way to seek revenge for Liu Yao. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu discussed catching him alive. Zhou Yu proposed attacking the county from three sides and leaving only the east gate open for flight; at twenty-five li from the city, one force should be hidden along each of three routes. When Taishi Ci arrived, exhausted and depleted, he and his horseflesh would surely be trapped.

Most of Taishi Ci’s recruited men were from fields and hills and unfamiliar with discipline. Jing County’s walls were not very high. At night Sun Ce ordered Chen Wu, in short military dress with a dagger, to climb first and set fire inside the city.

When Taishi Ci saw fire on the city walls, he mounted and rode out through the east gate. Sun Ce’s army, right behind, gave chase.

As Taishi Ci ran, the rear force came within thirty li but did not press too close. After running fifty li he was exhausted, horse and body both spent. In the reed marsh a shout rose at once. Taishi Ci ran on desperately. From both sides, horse snares closed together and tripped him. His horse was pulled down and Taishi Ci was captured alive and carried to the great stockade.

When Sun Ce heard that Taishi Ci had been taken, he personally came out, dispersed the troops, and released him. He clothed him in brocade robes and brought him into camp, saying, “I know you are truly a man of steadfast integrity. Liu Yao’s flock are fools, not fit to be used as generals; this is why they came to this ruin.”

Taishi Ci, seeing Sun Ce’s generosity, asked to submit. Sun Ce grasped his hand and laughed, “At Shenting when we fought, if I had been captured by you, would you still have harmed me?”

Taishi Ci laughed, “That cannot yet be known.”

Sun Ce laughed and asked him into his tent, invited him to sit, and gave him a feast.

Taishi Ci said, “Liu Yao has been recently broken and his soldiers are scattered. I want to go and gather my remaining men to help Your Excellency. I do not know whether you can believe this.”

Sun Ce rose and said, “This is truly what I wish. Let us make an agreement: come back tomorrow at midday.”

Taishi Ci assented and left. The other generals said, “Once he goes, he will not return.” Sun Ce said, “Taishi is a man of trust and integrity. He will not betray me.” Yet all still doubted.

The next day he set up a pole at the camp gate and watched the sun’s shadow. Right at midday Taishi Ci arrived with more than one thousand men to camp. Sun Ce rejoiced greatly. All praised Sun Ce’s gift of discernment.

So Sun Ce gathered tens of thousands, moved south of Jiangdong, and pacified the people, aiding them and setting them at ease. Countless came to him. Jiangdong’s people, hearing his army had arrived, all lost courage and fled. When his army arrived, he did not allow even one civilian to be plundered. Chickens and dogs did not know fear. The people rejoiced and brought cattle and wine to the camp in labor.

Sun Ce rewarded them with gold and silk; joy spread across the land. Of Liu Yao’s former troops, those who wished to join followed him. Those unwilling returned home after rewards and were sent to the fields.

The people of Jiangnan all praised him. So his strength grew greatly. He brought back his mother, his uncle, and his brothers to Qu’e, and made his younger brother Sun Quan stand watch with Zhou Tai at Xuanzheng. Sun Ce then led his army south to take Wu Commandery.

At that time Yan Baihu, styling himself the King of Virtue in Eastern Wu, occupied Wu Commandery and sent his detachments to guard Wucheng and Jiaxing. On the very day Sun Ce’s force arrived, he heard of it and sent his brother Yan Yu into battle to meet at Maple Bridge. Yan Yu rode across the bridge with crossed blade on his mount. News of this reached Sun Ce in the central camp, and Sun Ce was about to ride out.

Zhang Hong pleaded with him, “As commander, your life is tied to the threefold army; do not lightly dare this petty enemy. I beg my lord to be cautious.” Sun Ce said, “Your words are as firm as metal and stone; but if I do not personally face arrows and spears, my officers and soldiers will not obey.” So he sent Han Dang forward.

By the time Han Dang came to the bridge, Jiang Qin and Chen Wu had already quickly crossed by boat from the riverbank, firing arrows to bring down the troops on shore, and both leapt to shore to cut down men, causing Yan Yu to retreat.

Han Dang drove straight on with his troops to the gate under Chang Gate and cut into the city; the robbers fled back inside.

Sun Ce divided his forces and advanced by land and water, surrounding Wucheng. He besieged it for three full days and drew no enemy sortie.

That night Sun Ce marched and drew all troops to the gate’s outside, summoning them in parley. On the battlement above, an enemy auxiliary officer held his left hand on a supporting beam and pointed his right hand to the field below, hurling curses. Taishi Ci, mounted, drew bow and arrow and said to his officers, “Watch me strike this man’s left hand!”

Before he finished speaking, the bowstring snapped and the arrow flew true, passing through the man’s left hand and driving it hard through the guard beam.

Both above and below the walls, all who saw it cheered.

They pulled that man down. Yan Baihu, greatly startled, said, “How can this army withstand a man like that?” and then he discussed making peace.

The next day he sent Yan Yu to see Sun Ce. Sun Ce invited him into camp to drink. In the middle of the wine, he asked, “What does your master intend?” Yan Yu said, “To divide Jiangdong evenly with the general.”

Sun Ce became angry: “How dare a rat claim equality with me?” He ordered him beheaded.

Yan Yu drew his sword and rose. Sun Ce’s sword struck him down in an instant; he fell and his head was severed and sent back into the city.

Yan Baihu, realizing he had misjudged the strength, abandoned the city and fled.

Sun Ce pressed forward and pursued. Huang Gai took Jiaxing, and Taishi Ci took Wucheng; several districts came under control.

Yan Baihu fled to Yuhang, looting en route. He was then defeated and beaten by Ling Cao and his father among the local people; he turned and ran toward Kuaiji.

The father and son Ling Cao came out to meet Sun Ce. Sun Ce made him a Commander for an expeditionary campaign, and together they crossed the river in force.

Yan Baihu gathered bandits and deployed them at the western ford at western ford crossing. Cheng Pu engaged and routed them once more, then hurried through the night to Kuaiji.

In Kuaiji, Governor Wang Lang considered bringing troops to rescue Yan Baihu. Suddenly one man spoke up, “No. Sun Ce leads a force rooted in benevolence and propriety. Yan Baihu is nothing but violent marauders. It is better to capture Yan Baihu and present him to Sun Ce.”

Wang Lang recognized him as Yu Fan, from Yuyao in Kuaiji, surname Yu, courtesy name Zhongxiang, and a county officer there. Wang Lang shouted in anger at him, and Yu Fan sighed and withdrew.

Wang Lang then brought out his troops and joined Yan Baihu, forming battle lines on Shanyin plain.

The two armies faced each other. Sun Ce rode out and said to Wang Lang, “I have raised an army of benevolence and righteousness to bring peace to this land of the Great River. Why do you help thieves?”

Wang Lang shouted back, “Is your greed never satisfied? You have already gained Wu Commandery and now forcefully swallow my border. Today I come especially to exact revenge on the Yan clan!”

Sun Ce grew angry and was about to engage when Taishi Ci had already gone out.

Wang Lang wheeled his horse and swung his blade against Taishi Ci. Not long after, his officer Zhou Xing broke through to aid him. In Sun Ce’s ranks, Huang Gai mounted and met Zhou Xing. The drums thundered as they grappled in fierce duel.

Suddenly disorder broke first in Wang Lang’s rear ranks and one unit attacked from behind. In alarm Wang Lang returned on his horse; there appeared Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu leading troops to strike diagonally, coming against him from front and rear at once.

Unable to withstand the multitude, Wang Lang and Yan Baihu and Zhou Xing cut a blood trail and ran back into the city, hauling up the hanging bridge and shutting the gate tight.

Sun Ce’s main force followed to the city foot, arranged his men in spread formation, and attacked the four gates.

Inside the city Wang Lang wished to issue another sortie for a decisive death battle. Yan Baihu said, “Sun Ce’s army is enormous. Your Eminence should only dig deep ditches and raise high banks, hold your walls firmly, and do not come out. In no more than one month, their grain will run out and they will naturally retreat. Then, by surprise, we can take the city without battle.” Wang Lang followed his advice and held Kuaiji in place, never issuing a sortie.

Sun Ce repeatedly besieged for several days and failed to take it quickly. He discussed the matter with his officers. Sun Jing said, “Wang Lang’s fixed defense cannot be stormed at once. Most of Kuaiji’s grain is stored at Zha Du, which lies some tens of li away. Why not first seize that place with forces, by taking an unprepared point and striking unexpectedly?”

Sun Ce rejoiced and said, “My uncle’s plan is excellent. It will destroy these brigands.” He ordered fires lit at each gate, a pretense of loud forces, and withdrew the siege southward by night in feigned retreat.

Zhou Yu said, “With your great army moving, Wang Lang will certainly come out to pursue. Then we can win with an unusual force.” Sun Ce said, “I am ready. The taking of this city is for tonight.” He ordered the mounted troops to depart.

When Wang Lang heard that Sun Ce’s army had withdrawn, he went to the enemy wall tower with his men to watch. He saw smoke and fire below and banners uncoordinated. His heart wavered.

Zhou Xing said, “Sun Ce has left. This is only a stratagem to confuse us. You should sortie and strike.” Yan Baihu said, “Sun Ce’s move is likely toward Zha Du. I will send troops with Zhou Yu to pursue.”

Wang Lang said, “Zha Du is where I store grain. It must be protected. You must lead your men first.” He led five thousand troops out with Yan Baihu and Zhou Xing.

Yan Baihu and Zhou Xing advanced from the city in pursuit. Near dawn, roughly twenty li out, a drum sounded in dense forest and torchlight flashed as one. Yan Baihu was startled and turned his horse back. A single officer stood ahead to block him, and in the firelight he saw Sun Ce himself.

Zhou Xing danced with his blade to meet him. Sun Ce speared him to death. The rest surrendered.

Yan Baihu made a blood trail and fled toward Yuhang.

When Wang Lang heard that the advance force had collapsed, he did not dare return into the city but fled off to the edge of the sea.

Sun Ce returned with the main army, took the city in turn, and settled the people in peace. Not a day later, a man came before Sun Ce’s army bearing the severed head of Yan Baihu as tribute.

Sun Ce looked at him: he was eight chi tall, broad-faced, with a wide mouth. He asked his name. It was Dong Xi, from Yuhang in Kuaiji, surname Dong, given name Xi, courtesy name Yuandao. Sun Ce rejoiced and made him Commander of a separate detachment.

From then, the routes to the east were all pacified. He ordered Sun Jing to stand in governance, made Zhu Zhi prefect of Wu Commandery, and withdrew the army back toward Jiangdong.

Now Sun Quan and Zhou Tai were holding Xuanzheng. A band of mountain brigands suddenly rose and attacked from all sides. It was deep in the night, and they could not come to meet them in time, so Zhou Tai lifted Sun Quan onto his horse.

The brigands came with knives to slash. Zhou Tai, bare-bodied and on foot, lifted his sword and killed over ten men. Then one brigand leapt from horseback and drove his spear straight at Zhou Tai. Zhou Tai grabbed the spear, dragged him from horse to ground, took spear and horse, and by a line of blood cut a way out to rescue Sun Quan. The other brigands fled far.

Zhou Tai had been struck by twelve spear wounds; his wounds swelled with feverish heat, and life was at an end in moments.

When Sun Ce heard, he was greatly alarmed.

In his tent, Dong Xi said, “I once held with sea raiders and, though struck by many spears, recovered in half a month after Yu Fan, that worthy county officer in Kuaiji, recommended a physician.”

Sun Ce said, “Could Yu Fan be Yu Zhongxiang?” Dong Xi replied, “Yes.”

Sun Ce said, “He is a worthy man. I shall employ him.” He ordered Zhang Zhao and Dong Xi to invite Yu Fan.

Yu Fan arrived, and Sun Ce honored him as a distinguished guest, making him a Gongcao. Yu Fan said, “This man is from Qiao Commandery of Pei: surname Hua, name Tuo, courtesy name Yuanhua. He is truly a divine physician of this age. Bring him here.”

Within less than a day he was brought. Sun Ce saw him: he had a childlike face and white hair, and bore an otherworldly manner. Sun Ce hosted him as a top guest and asked him to attend to Zhou Tai’s wounds.

Hua Tuo said, “This is not hard.” He applied medicine, and in one month Zhou Tai recovered.

Sun Ce rejoiced and thanked Hua Tuo richly.

He then pressed onward to eliminate mountain bandits. Jiangnan was pacified. Sun Ce assigned troops to guard key passes, posted officers at strategic points, sent memorials to court, cultivated ties with Cao Cao, and sent envoys to Yuan Shu to retrieve the Imperial Jade Seal.

Yuan Shu, however, had secretly harbored thoughts of claiming the empire, so he wrote back with excuses and did not return it. He quickly gathered Chief Clerk Yang Dajiang, Commander Zhang Xun, Ji Ling, Qiao Rui, General-in-Chief Lei Bo, Chen Lan, and over thirty others and discussed:

“Sun Ce borrowed my troops and cavalry to raise his uprising, and now he has won all Jiangdong as if it had never been yours, then again comes to demand the seal. This is sheer impertinence. How should he be addressed?”

Chief Clerk Yang Dajiang said, “Sun Ce relies on the Yangtze’s natural barriers, has fine soldiers and ample grain. He cannot be targeted now. We should first attack Liu Bei and repay the old grievance of our unprovoked earlier clash; only then may we think on Sun Ce, and it will be timely if we act then. I submit a plan: let Liu Bei be taken at once.”

It was then:

They do not go to Jiangdong to chase tiger and leopard.
Yet they come to Xuzhou to wrestle with a dragon there.

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