Fengxian of Lü shoots the painted halberd at the gate. Cao Mengde is defeated at the Yi River.

Later, Commander Yang proposed the plan to attack Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande. Yuan Shu asked, “How is this plan to be carried out?”

Yang said, “Liu Bei’s army is camped at Xiaopei. It is easy to take, but there is still Lü Bu in Xuzhou, and he has a tiger’s grip. We promised him money, grain, and horses before, but he still has not delivered them, and he may well aid Liu Bei. If we send him grain now, we can secure his heart so he stays put. Then we can capture Liu first, and only afterward deal with Lü Bu. So we can take Xuzhou as well.”

Yuan Shu approved and prepared two hundred thousand hu of grain. He ordered Han Yin to take a sealed letter to Lü Bu. Lü Bu was very pleased and treated Han Yin with great courtesy. Han Yin returned with the report. Yuan Shu then appointed Ji Ling as commander, with Lei Bu and Chen Lan as deputy generals, and led forth several ten-thousands into Xiaopei.

When Liu Bei heard of this news, he assembled his men to deliberate. Zhang Fei, whose courtesy name was Yide, wanted to ride out and fight. Sun Qian said, “Our supplies in Xiaopei are lean and our men are few. How can we stand against them? We should send an urgent letter to Lü Bu for aid.”

Zhang Fei said, “How would that wretch come?”

Liu Bei said, “Sun Qian’s counsel is sound.” He prepared a letter and sent it to Lü Bu.

The letter read:

“My general, I bow and beg your kindness. I now shelter at Xiaopei and survive by Heaven’s grace alone. Yuan Shu seeks to repay a private grievance and has sent Ji Ling with troops against this county. Catastrophe is near; none but you can rescue me. Please move an escorting force at once and save me from this peril hanging over my head. I am grateful beyond measure.”

Lü Bu read the letter and conferred with Chen Gong, saying, “Before, when Yuan Shu sent grain and provisions, he wanted me not to rescue Liu Bei. Liu Bei has now come asking for aid. I believe Liu Bei may not in fact be truly threatening me, though he camps at Xiaopei. If Yuan Shu swallows Liu Bei, then with the northern lords from Mount Tai he could still threaten me, and I would not sleep in peace. Better to rescue Liu Bei now.”

So he ordered soldiers forward.

Ji Ling marched with rapid stride and soon reached southeast of Pei County. He pitched camp there. By day he displayed banners and flags that overshadowed mountain and river; at night he set drums and fires that shook earth and sky. Only around five thousand men remained in Xiaopei, so Liu Bei could only take command and lead them out to hold camp.

Just then word came that Lü Bu had set out with his force and moved one li from the county toward the southwest to pitch his own encampment. Ji Ling understood that Lü Bu had come to rescue Liu Bei. In panic he sent a letter to Lü Bu accusing him of broken faith. Lü Bu laughed and said, “I have a way that will spare blame between the houses of Yuan and Liu. I will send envoys to both Ji Ling’s and Liu Bei’s camps and invite them to a banquet.”

When Liu Bei heard that Lü Bu had invited him, he prepared to go at once. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Elder brother, you must not go. Lü Bu surely has divided intentions.”

Liu Bei said, “I have not treated him poorly. He will not harm me.” So he mounted and rode out.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed. Upon reaching Lü Bu’s encampment and entering, Lü Bu said, “I have come only to ease your emergency. If, at another time, we rise to power, let neither of us forget this.”

Liu Bei expressed his thanks. Lü Bu invited him to sit. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei drew their swords and stood behind him. News came that Ji Ling was arriving. Liu Bei was startled and tried to step away. Lü Bu said, “I called you both here for a joint consultation. Do not let suspicion rise.”

Liu Bei did not understand Lü Bu’s intention and felt uneasy. Ji Ling dismounted and entered camp, but when he saw Liu Bei already seated in the tent, he was deeply astonished and tried to withdraw at once. His guards could not restrain him.

Lü Bu strode forward and pulled him back as if he were lifting a child. Ji Ling said, “Does the general mean to kill me?”

Lü Bu said, “No.”

Ji Ling said, “Then is this to kill that big-eared one?”

Lü Bu said, “No.”

Ji Ling said, “Then for what?”

Lü Bu said, “Liu Bei and I are as brothers. He is now in distress, so I have come to save him.”

Ji Ling said, “If that is so, then kill me?”

Lü Bu said, “Not at all. I have always disliked fighting. I only like to settle fights.”

Ji Ling said, “Then tell me the method by which you intend to settle it today.”

Lü Bu replied, “I have one method, ordained by Heaven.”

He brought Ji Ling into the tent to meet Liu Bei. Each still suspected the other; Lü Bu took the middle seat, put Ji Ling on the left and Liu Bei on the right, and ordered a banquet and the passing of wine.

The wine went around several rounds. Lü Bu said, “You two look at my face, and both of you are to lay down arms.”

Liu Bei was silent. Ji Ling said, “I carry ten thousand troops by the master’s command solely to seize Liu Bei. How can I lay down arms?”

Zhang Fei grew furious and drew his sword. He shouted, “Though I am few in number, I look on you men as children at play! How do you dare to compare yourselves with a hundred-thousand Yellow Turban band? How dare you touch my brother!”

Guan Yu hastened to restrain him, saying, “Let us first see what General Lü intends. We can return to our camps and not start killing each other yet.”

Lü Bu said, “I invited the two of you to end this fighting and I mean you both to obey. Do not fight each other.”

Ji Ling was angry at this side; Zhang Fei at this side wanted to fight. Lü Bu became very angry and ordered, “My men, bring me the painted halberd!”

Lü Bu took the painted halberd in his hand. Ji Ling, Liu Bei, and all of them went pale. Lü Bu said, “I tell you both: do not fight each other. Heaven has decreed this. My men will take this halberd outside the gate-post and plant it there. If I strike the small branch on its top with one arrow, then both sides must stop fighting. If I miss, you may each return to your camps and kill as you will. If anyone disobeys me, then use all your strength to resist him.”

Ji Ling thought privately, “The halberd will be planted a full one hundred and fifty bu away. Can he really hit it? Let him answer once. If he misses, then I can do as I wish.” He agreed aloud.

Liu Bei agreed as well without objection. Lü Bu told everyone to sit and drink one more cup each.

When the wine was finished, Lü Bu called for bow and arrows. Inwardly Liu Bei prayed, “May he strike true.”

Lü Bu then rolled up his sleeves, nocked an arrow, drew his bow to full span, and cried, “Now!”

Like this:

The bow opens, a winter moon crossing heavenward; the arrow runs down like a meteor striking earth.

The arrow struck the small branch on the painted halberd. Officers and attendants alike in tent and out shouted in acclaim.

Later someone wrote a verse:

Wenhou’s marksmanship is rare beneath heaven; at the gate-post once he alone averted danger. When evening falls, it truly shames Hou Yi; the ape-cry roared as if still striving to outdo Youji. The tiger sinew twanged as he loosed the bow; the painted-beaked fletchings flew as the arrow arrived. His leopard-tail banner shook, and the painted halberd was pierced; ten thousand roaring soldiers shook loose their war-gear.

When Lü Bu’s arrow struck the branch, he laughed heartily and threw down his bow, took the hands of Ji Ling and Liu Bei, and said, “Heaven’s will is that both your armies cease.”

He ordered the officers to pour wine and each drank a large cup. Liu Bei quietly felt ashamed. Ji Ling was silent for a while, then told Lü Bu, “Your words, I dare not disobey. But when I return, how will the lord believe me?”

Lü Bu replied, “I will write it myself.” They drank through a few more rounds, and Ji Ling asked to return for a letter first.

Lü Bu said to Liu Bei, “Without me, your peril would have been great.” Liu Bei thanked him and withdrew with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. By the next day all three bodies of troops and horses had dispersed.

Liu Bei no longer in Xiaopei, Lü Bu returned to Xuzhou.

Ji Ling later returned to Huainan to report to Yuan Shu, describing how Lü Bu had resolved the quarrel by shooting the halberd at the gate-post. He submitted written copies. Yuan Shu was furious.

“Lü Bu has taken so much grain and rice from me and then made this matter a mere child’s game while shielding Liu Bei! I myself will lead heavy troops and personally campaign against Liu Bei, while at once punishing Lü Bu too!”

Ji Ling said, “My lord, do not act in haste. Lü Bu has strength beyond ordinary men and has the land of Xuzhou. If Lü Bu links with Liu Bei, they will be hard to destroy. I have heard Lü Bu has a daughter of marriageable age and near maturity. Your lord has a son. Send someone to ask for her as bride. If Lü Bu marries her to your house, he will kill Liu Bei. This is the strategy of tying the knot so that the enemies cannot stand in-between.”

Yuan Shu followed this and that very day sent Han Yin as matchmaker with gifts to Xuzhou to ask for a marriage alliance.

When Han Yin reached Xuzhou and saw Lü Bu, he said, “My lord, the General, admires you and wishes to make your daughter his child’s wife, so that your bond with him shall be as Qin and Jin’s harmony.” Lü Bu consulted with his wife Yan Shi.

Lü Bu had two wives and one concubine: first he married Yan as his principal wife, then took Diaochan as concubine. Later, when he stayed at Xiaopei, he took Cao Bao’s daughter as his second wife. The household of Cao Bao’s line had already perished; Diaochan had also no further family ties; only Yan had borne him a daughter, whom Lü Bu loved most.

Yan Shi said at once, “I hear Master Gonglu has long held Huainan. He commands many soldiers and broad supplies, and surely he will soon be emperor. If this is fulfilled, then my daughter may become an empress. I only wonder: how many sons does he have?”

Lü Bu replied, “Only one.”

She said, “Then I consent at once. Even if not empress, I have no worry in Xuzhou.”

Lü Bu resolved firmly, lavished gifts on Han Yin, and accepted the betrothal. Han Yin returned to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu immediately prepared bridal gifts and again sent Han Yin back to Xuzhou. Lü Bu received them, invited him to dine, and then kept him at an inn to rest.

The next day, Chen Gong entered the inn and paid his respects to Han Yin. After formalities were complete and they sat down, he snapped at the attendants and spoke directly to Han Yin: “Who proposed this plan? To have Master Gonglu marry into Fengxian is to aim at Liu Xuande’s head, is it not?” Han Yin was shaken and apologized.

He said, “Pray, General, reveal nothing of this.”

Chen Gong said, “I will not reveal it. But I fear if this drags on, someone else will discover it and the matter will turn.”

Han Yin asked, “Then what shall be done?”

Chen Gong said, “I have come to see Fengxian and urge him to send the bride at once.”

Han Yin rejoiced and thanked him: “If so, my lord will appreciate your brightness deeply.”

Chen Gong then left Han Yin and entered before Lü Bu, saying, “I am very happy your daughter is promised to Master Gonglu. But I do not know on which day the marriage will be concluded.”

Lü Bu said, “Let us discuss it.”

Chen Gong said, “In antiquity, from engagement to marriage there were fixed times: one full year for the Son of Heaven, six months for lords, three seasons for ministers, one month for common folk.”

Lü Bu said, “Yuan Shu is heaven’s gift of a treasure to the state and soon a future emperor. Might we follow the Son of Heaven’s rule?”

Chen Gong said, “No.”

Lü Bu asked, “Then follow the lordly rule?”

Chen Gong said, “No.”

Lü Bu said, “Then follow the ministerial rule?”

Chen Gong said, “No.”

Lü Bu laughed, “Do you want me to follow the commoner rule?”

Chen Gong said, “No.”

Lü Bu said, “Then what do you think is right?”

Chen Gong said, “Today, all lords contend for supremacy. If Fengxian weds with Gonglu now, which lord in the world will not resent it? If you delay the date too long, they may set an ambush along the way and seize her when she travels. What then? For this plan, do not wait and do not rest. Since it is accepted, send her to Shouchun at once and place her in a separate pavilion. Then choose the lucky day and complete the marriage. That will leave no room for error.”

Lü Bu agreed. “Your words are apt.” He informed Yan Shi at once, arranged the bride’s ornaments and conveyance overnight, and had Song Xian and Wei Xu send the woman along with Han Yin.

Drums and music rang loud as he escorted her out of the city gate.

At that time Chen Gui, Chen Yuanlong’s father, though old, came home. He heard the music and questioned his attendants, and they explained its source.

Chen Gui said, “This is the strategy called 疏不間親: a distant-marriage stratagem. Liu Bei is in danger.”

He came leaning on the hand to see Lü Bu.

Lü Bu asked, “Why have you come, Master?”

Chen Gui said, “I heard the General had died, so I came specially to mourn.”

Lü Bu, startled, said, “Why do you say that?”

Chen Gui said, “Formerly Master Gonglu sent grain and silver to you to have Liu Bei killed, and you relieved him by shooting at the gate halberd. Now he suddenly asks for marriage. He means to use your daughter as a hostage, then come and seize Xiaopei soon after. If Xiaopei falls, Xuzhou is lost. He may come for grain, he may come for troops. If you comply, you will be running in exhaustion and making enemies. If he refuses, he has already broken betrothal and will take up arms. Moreover, it is known that Yuan Shu already intends to claim the throne; this is rebellion. If he rebels and you stand with him by marriage, will not all under heaven reject you?”

Lü Bu was greatly shocked and said, “Chen Gong deceives me!” He immediately ordered Zhang Liao to pursue. After about thirty li he brought the woman back. Han Yin himself was seized and imprisoned and was not allowed to return. Yet he sent word back to Yuan Shu saying the bride stock had not been fully prepared and would be sent when it was complete.

He also told Lü Bu of Chen Gui’s warning and had Han Yin sent to Xudu as escort. Lü Bu still hesitated.

Then a messenger arrived: “Liu Bei in Xiaopei is recruiting men and buying horses. Who knows why?”

Lü Bu said, “This is the business of a commander. Why should it be strange?”

Before longer speech, Song Xian and Wei Xu came and told Lü Bu: “By your order I and my comrade bought over three hundred fine horses in Shandong. Returning to the edge of Xiaopei, bandits robbed half of them. We traced the trail to Zhang Fei, who is Liu Bei’s younger brother. He disguised himself as a mountain bandit and robbed the horses.”

Lü Bu grew angry and immediately ordered troops toward Xiaopei to attack Zhang Fei. When Liu Bei heard this he was alarmed and hurried to lead his men out.

The two camps met. Liu Bei came out on horseback and said, “Brother, why did you bring your troops here?”

Lü Bu shouted back, “At my gate-post I shot the halberd and saved you in a dire emergency. Why have you stolen my good horses?”

Liu Bei said, “Because we lack horses, we have bought them in all directions. How could we dare steal your horses?”

Lü Bu said, “You accuse your brother of stealing my horses, and yet you dare keep a hundred and fifty good horses of mine in your custody!”

Zhang Fei thrust his spear and said, “I stole your horse, yes! What do you intend to do now?”

Lü Bu cursed, “You reckless brigand! You have long treated me with contempt!”

Zhang Fei said, “I stole your horse, and that has offended you. You stole my brother’s Xuzhou, and you have not said a word about it!”

Lü Bu rose with his halberd, charged out, and Zhang Fei also came forward with his spear. The two fought fiercely for more than a hundred bouts with no clear victor.

Liu Bei feared there was a gap in the situation and hastily sounded the gold-and-bell signal to withdraw into the city. Lü Bu split his troops and encircled it on all four sides.

Liu Bei summoned Zhang Fei and said, “You stole his horses and brought this trouble on us. Where are those horses now?”

Zhang Fei answered, “They are all stashed in monasteries.”

Liu Bei sent men out of the city to Lü Bu’s camp to seek peace and offer to return the horses, and asked that both sides disband. Lü Bu appeared willing.

Chen Gong said, “If Lü Bu does not kill Liu Bei now, he will later be a grave harm.”

Lü Bu did not agree to what was requested and made the siege still tighter.

Liu Bei deliberated with Mi Zhu and Sun Qian. Sun Qian said, “Cao Cao’s target of hatred is Lü Bu. Better than defend here, we should abandon the city and run to Xudu and seek Cao Cao. From there we may gather troops and break Lü Bu. That is the best plan.”

Liu Bei asked, “Who can break through first and lead us out?”

Zhang Fei said, “Your younger brother is willing to die in battle.”

Liu Bei put Zhang Fei in front and Yan Yun? maybe 云長 behind? Wait text: “飛曰:... 令飛在前；雲長在後；自居其中，保護老少。” So Guan Yu in back protecting children/elders.

Liu Bei gave Zhang Fei the fore, with Guan Yu behind, and placed himself in the center among the old and young.

Deep into the third watch, by moonlight they went out through the north gate and left. They happened upon Song Xian and Wei Xu, and Yide drove them back, forcing them off. The two brothers broke through the outer ring.

Zhang Liao arrived on the rear. Guan Yu held him at bay.

When Lü Bu saw Liu Bei gone, he did not pursue. He entered the city, settled his people, ordered Gao Shun to hold Xiaopei, and then returned to Xuzhou.

Liu Bei then hurried to Xudu, camped outside the gates, and sent Sun Qian to meet Cao Cao, saying he had been driven by Lü Bu and had come to submit. Cao Cao said, “Liu Bei is a brother of mine.” and invited him into the city.

The next day, Liu Bei left Guan Yu and Zhang Fei outside, and entered with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu. Cao Cao treated him with the courtesy of an honored guest. Liu Bei explained at length Lü Bu’s actions. Cao Cao said, “Lü Bu is a man without righteousness. I and my capable brother will join and punish him.” Liu Bei thanked him.

Cao Cao hosted a banquet and saw him off late. Xun Yu came and said, “Liu Bei is a hero. If not addressed early, he will later bring trouble.”

Cao Cao made no reply.

Xun Yu left, and Guo Jia entered. Cao Cao asked, “Xun Yu urges me to kill Liu Bei. How do you see it?”

Guo Jia said, “You should not. The lord raises armies for righteousness and to remove disorder from the people, and must rely on trustworthiness to attract talent. If it is truly as you fear, Liu Bei came in hard times and without treasure, yet if you kill him you do injury to a worthy man. The men of the realm who know him will doubt your intentions and halt their own steps. With whom will you settle the world then? To remove one man’s danger at the cost of the hopes of the four seas and your own security is beyond careless.”

Cao Cao was greatly pleased. “What you said exactly matches my heart.”

The next day he submitted a recommendation that Liu Bei be appointed Governor of Yu Province. Cheng Yu remonstrated, “Liu Bei will never remain beneath another man. Better to act early against him.”

Cao Cao said, “Now is the age when heroes are needed. One should not lose the heart of the world by killing one man. Guo Fengxiao and I share the same thought.” He ignored Cheng Yu’s advice and sent three thousand troops and ten thousand hu of grain with Liu Bei as he moved to Xiaopei to regroup, collecting his scattered troops and preparing to attack Lü Bu.

Liu Bei reached Yu Province and arranged a meeting with Cao Cao there.

Cao Cao was about to lead an army to punish Lü Bu when a fast horse messenger arrived with news that Zhang Ji had come from Guanzhong with troops to attack Nanyang and had been killed by a stray arrow. His nephew Zhang Xiu had inherited his troops and employed Jia XU as strategist. He linked with Liu Biao, stationed his men in Wancheng, and planned to rise and seize power.

Cao Cao was furious and wanted to campaign immediately, but also feared Lü Bu might attack Xudu. He asked Xun Yu for a plan.

Xun Yu said, “This is easy. Lü Bu has no planning mind. If profit appears, he rejoices. Your Lordship should send an envoy to Xuzhou with appointments and rewards, ordering him to reconcile with Liu Bei. If he is pleased, he will think no further of far plans.”

Cao Cao said, “Good.” He dispatched the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Wang Ze, with official decrees and a peace letter, and headed out with five hundred thousand troops to prosecute Zhang Xiu. He divided the force into three routes and made Xiahou Dun the vanguard. The army reached the banks of the Yi River and camped there.

Jia XU advised Zhang Xiu: “The Cao Cao host is immense. You cannot withstand it. Better to surrender the city.”

Zhang Xiu followed and sent Jia XU to negotiate terms at Cao’s camp. Cao Cao found Jia XU’s responses effortless and liked him greatly, wanting to appoint him as strategist.

Jia XU said, “I once served Li Que and earned the enmity of all under heaven. Now I serve Zhang Xiu and have seen and heard him faithfully. I can not abandon him now.” He then withdrew.

The next day he brought Zhang Xiu to meet Cao Cao, and Cao Cao treated him with highest honor. He led troops into Wancheng and pitched camp, placing the other forces at outposts connected across ten or more li.

They stayed several days. Every day Zhang Xiu held feasts for Cao Cao.

One day Cao Cao became drunk and returned to his sleeping quarters, then privately asked his attendants, “Is there a courtesan in this city?”

His brother’s son, Cao Anmin, sensing Cao’s intent, whispered, “Last night my nephew saw by the side of the guest-house a woman of extraordinary beauty. I asked who she was; she is, it is said, the wife of Zhang Ji, who is now known as my uncle Zhang Xiu’s spouse.”

When Cao Cao heard this, he ordered Anmin with fifty soldiers in light armor to fetch her. Soon they brought her to camp. Cao Cao found her indeed beautiful.

He asked her name. She answered, “I am Zou Shi, wife of Zhang Ji.”

Cao Cao said, “Lady, do you recognize me?”

Zhu Si said, “I have long heard of the Chancellor’s fame; tonight I am glad to bow and gaze on him.”

Cao Cao said, “I have taken you as my lady because I have accepted Zhang Xiu’s surrender. Had I not, I would have exterminated his clan.”

Zhu Si thanked him, saying, “I truly feel your kindness as a second life.”

Cao Cao said, “To meet a lady tonight is Heaven’s fortune. Tonight I hope to share a bed with you. Come with me to the capital and enjoy lasting rank and wealth.”

Zhu Si thanked him and retired. That night they lay together in his tent.

She said, “If I remain in this city, Zhang Xiu will surely grow suspicious, and outsiders will speak.”

Cao Cao said, “Tomorrow we move together to the camp at my command.”

The next day he moved her outside the city to rest. He ordered Dian Wei to stay outside the central command tent as outside guard. No one was to enter without a call, so the inside and outside were effectively sealed.

Cao Cao spent each day in pleasure with Zhu Si and did not return to the campaign schedule. Zhang Xiu’s household reported quietly and the message reached him. Zhang Xiu became furious and asked Jia XU for strategy.

Jia XU said, “This must not be leaked. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao leaves his tent for business, then we will do as follows.”

The next day Cao Cao was in his tent when Zhang Xiu came in and said, “Among the newly surrendered soldiers there are many deserters. I ask that you move them into the main camp.” Cao Cao agreed.

Zhang Xiu then moved his army and divided it into four camps, giving a set hour for action. He feared Dian Wei’s ferocity and kept away, then consulted Hu Che'er.

Hu Che'er could carry five hundred jin and walk seven hundred li a day, another of rare strength. He offered this strategy: “What makes Dian Wei formidable is his pair of iron halberds. Tomorrow the lord should invite him to drink to excess and have him return drunk. Then I will slip among his escort soldiers and steal his halberds. Without them this man will no longer intimidate us.”

Zhang Xiu was delighted and prepared bowmen, armor, and troops in advance, then told everyone in each camp. On the appointed day he had Jia XU send greetings to Dian Wei and treated him with much ceremony and wine. By evening Dian Wei returned inebriated. Hu Che'er blended into the men’s files and marched straight into the main camp.

That night Cao Cao, drinking with Zhu Si in the tent, heard horses whinny outside the camp. He ordered men to investigate. They reported it was Zhang Xiu’s troop patrol. Cao Cao did not suspect anything.

It was near the second watch when he heard shouting from the rear camp. “There is fire on the grass cart!”

Cao Cao said, “There is fire in camp. Do not let panic spread.”

Soon flames rose in every quarter, and Cao Cao grew alarmed. He called for Dian Wei. Dian Wei had fallen asleep drunk; in his half-dream he heard the drum and alarm of killing and rose at once, but his two halberds were gone.

The enemy were already at the gate. He grabbed his waist sword and dashed out. Around the gate there were countless enemy horsemen with long spears rushing in. Dian Wei pushed forward and struck down more than twenty at once.

As the horses withdrew, foot soldiers arrived; spears rose on both sides like rows of reeds. Dian Wei had no armor at all. He was pierced all over by dozens of spears and still fought to the death. His sword blade became too short and split, so he dropped it and held two soldiers up with both hands, killing eight or nine with those bare hands.

The raiders would not come near him, only shooting arrows from afar. The arrows came down like sudden rain, yet Dian Wei still held the gate through death. For half a while after, no one dared enter through the front gate.

It was Dian Wei’s stand at the gate that allowed Cao Cao to escape by horse from the rear. Only Cao Anmin could follow on foot.

Cao Cao’s right arm was struck by an arrow, and his horse had also taken three arrows. Fortunately the mount was a fine Dawan horse and, though hurt, ran swiftly. They had barely reached the bank of the Yi River when enemy troops caught them; Cao Anmin was cut down into meat and bone.

Cao Cao spurred forward across the water and gained the farther bank. As he mounted, an arrow struck the horse’s eye; it collapsed to the ground.

Cao Ang, Cao Cao’s eldest son, immediately offered his horse to his father. Cao Cao mounted and rode hard.

Cao Ang was then shot dead by a shower of arrows. Cao Cao escaped.

On the way he met generals and gathered the remains of the army.

At that time the troops of Qing Province under Xiahou Dun had been marching through the countryside, and looted civilian homes. The Suppression of Barbarians Colonel, Yu Jin, was now taking his core units on the road to suppress and punish them and console the villagers.

When the Qing troops returned, they came and bowed to Cao Cao, crying, while reporting Yu Jin’s insurrection and that he had cut down Qing horsemen. Cao Cao was greatly startled. Before long Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin arrived. Cao Cao said that Yu Jin had rebelled and they should draw up the army to meet him.

When Yu Jin saw that Cao Cao and the others had all arrived, he deployed his troops to hold the camp corners, dug ditches, and entrenched at once.

He said to the assembled leaders, “The Qing troops claim the general has rebelled. But the Chancellor is already here. Why did you build a camp first instead of arguing it out?”

Yu Jin replied, “The rebel pursuit force is behind me, and they can arrive at any time. If we do not prepare now, how shall we resist? A small dispute can be argued; a larger battle cannot.”

By the time the works were finished, Zhang Xiu’s army arrived by two columns.

Yu Jin rode out first to meet them. Zhang Xiu quickly withdrew.

When other generals saw Yu Jin charging forward, they likewise led soldiers against him. Zhang Xiu’s force was ruined and was driven over a hundred li.

Zhang Xiu, in dire straits, withdrew in defeat and fled to Liu Biao.

Cao Cao rallied the army and made the roll. Yu Jin entered and testified that Qing troops had raided and despoiled villages, losing the people’s trust, so he had therefore executed them. Cao Cao said, “Without telling me, why did you first descend to a camp?”

Yu Jin repeated his earlier explanation.

Cao Cao said, “A general in haste who can still organize men, strengthen defenses, and turn near ruin into victory—what great commander in old times does not deserve such praise!” He bestowed a pair of gilded vessels, ennobled him as Marquis of Yishu Ting, and blamed Xiahou Dun for failure in strictness of camp discipline.

He then ordered a ceremony and sacrificial rite for Dian Wei. Cao Cao himself wept and poured libation.

He said to the assembled generals, “I have lost my eldest son and a beloved nephew, but I carry no deep grief for that. I weep only for Dian Wei.”

All were moved by this.

The next day he ordered the army to disengage.

We need now return to Cao Cao’s mission to Xudu. Wang Ze arrived in Xuzhou with the edict. Lü Bu received him and brought him into the government hall.

He read the decree: Lü Bu was made General Who Conquers the East and granted seals and ribbons. Wang Ze then presented Cao Cao’s private letter. In front of Lü Bu, he explained the deep respect Cao Cao held him.

Lü Bu was very pleased. Then he was told that Yuan Shu had sent envoys. He called them in.

They said, “Yuan Shu is soon to take the imperial throne and has established the eastern palace. He urges the empress to come promptly to Huainan.”

Lü Bu grew furious: “A rebel dares speak so?” He killed the envoy and shackled Han Yin.

He sent Chen Deng with a memorial of thanks and told Han Yin be brought, after which they came with Wang Ze to Xudu to offer thanks.

They also sent a reply to Cao Cao seeking the actual appointment of Governor of Xuzhou.

Cao Cao knew Lü Bu had refused the marriage with Yuan Shu and was delighted. He had Han Yin publicly beheaded in the market court.

Chen Deng subtly remonstrated: “Lü Bu is a wolf among ministers. He is strong but without planning and light in changing loyalties. We should act against him early.”

Cao Cao said, “I have long known Lü Bu is a wolf cub with wild ambition. He is hard to keep long. No one but a father and son pair can know his full nature; you must work your counsel with me.”

Chen Deng said, “If the Chancellor takes action, I will serve as inner support.”

Cao Cao was greatly pleased. He rewarded Chen Gui with the office of zhizhong (with a 2,000-shi stipend), and made Chen Deng Administrator of Guangling Commandery.

Chen Deng withdrew. Cao Cao took his hand and said, “For the affairs in the east, let us entrust them to you together.”

Chen Deng nodded and returned to Xuzhou before Lü Bu.

Lü Bu asked, and Chen Deng explained that Chen Gui had been rewarded with zhizhong and that Chen Deng himself had become Administrator of Guangling Commandery.

Lü Bu became very angry. “Did you not seek Xuzhou for me? Instead you sought your own titles and salary! Your father taught me to break with Cao, and now what I seek is not one hair obtained, while both you and your father are advanced in rank. I was bought by you both.”

He drew his sword to behead him. Chen Deng laughed and said, “General, how blind you are.”

Lü Bu said, “How can I not be blind?”

Chen Deng said, “I saw Cao Cao and he said, to feed you is like feeding a tiger: you must feed it to keep it alive; unfed, it will bite people.”

Cao Cao smiled and added, “Not to say it like that, sir. I keep Wenhou as if keeping an eagle; a fox and rabbit have not ceased, and one must not feed it fully too early. If hungry, it is useful; if full, it flies away.”

“Who are those foxes and rabbits?” Chen Deng asked.

Cao Cao answered, “Yuan Shu of Huainan, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Yuan Shao of Ji Province, Liu Biao of Jing Province, Liu Zhang of Yi Province, and Zhang Lu of Hanzhong are all foxes and rabbits.”

Lü Bu caught the fallen sword and laughed: “Cao truly knows me!”

Before he finished speaking, news came that Yuan Shu’s army was advancing on Xuzhou. Lü Bu was shocked.

Then it is said:

Qin and Jin are not yet reconciled, and Wu and Yue still contend in battle. It is marriage that has stirred out the clatter of armies.

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