Among Cao Cao’s subordinates, apart from Zhang Liao, only Xu Huang and Guan Yu, whose courtesy name was Yunchang, were close to him; the rest all respected him as well. Only Cai Yang did not. When he heard Guan had left, Cai Yang wanted to chase after him right away. Cao Cao said, “Not forgetting one’s former lord and leaving in plain sight—he is a true man. All of you should do the same.” So he snapped at Cai Yang and did not allow him to give chase.

Cheng Yu said, “His Excellency has favored General Guan greatly. He leaves without even asking leave, speaking reckless nonsense and daringly insulting your majesty. His crime is great. If we let him return to Yuan Shao, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. Why not pursue and kill him now, and end future trouble?” Cao Cao said, “I have already promised him. Can I then break my word? Each of us serves his own lord. Do not pursue.” Then he told Zhang Liao, “Guan has returned the seal and the gold. Bribes cannot move his heart, and rank and rewards cannot change his will. Such men I deeply respect. I suspect he will not be far from here. I will meet him once to settle this as a matter of feeling. Go ahead and ask him to wait. When I come, I will send him off and give him travel funds and a robe, so there will be no regret later.” Zhang Liao took the order and rode ahead alone. Cao Cao followed with several dozen riders.

From this point Guan Yu, whose red horse was Red Hare, normally could run a thousand li in a day, yet it was not possible now. Wanting to guard the carriage and supplies, he did not let the horse run free but held the reins and moved at a measured pace. Suddenly he heard someone from behind shout, “Guan, slow down!” He turned, saw Zhang Liao hurrying his horse.

Guan told the men of the carriage to keep pushing forward and keep the road clear. He himself pulled back Red Hare, gripped the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and asked, “Is this not to bring me back, Wenyuan?” Liao said, “No. The Chancellor knows you have traveled far and wanted to see you off, so he only sent me to ask you to wait. Nothing else is meant.” Guan said, “If even iron cavalry from the Chancellor is coming, I am ready for a fight to the death.” He then rode back to stand on the bridge and wait. He saw Cao Cao and several dozen riders coming at speed. Behind them were Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Yu Jin, Li Dian, and others.

When Cao Cao saw Guan standing on horseback with sword across, he ordered the officers to rein in their horses and line their riders to either side. When Guan saw that the men before him were all unarmed, only then was he fully at ease. Cao Cao said, “Why does General Guan ride so fast?” Guan answered from horseback, “Formerly I informed the Chancellor. My former lord is in Hebei, so I cannot linger on the way. I returned to court many times and could not receive audience; therefore I sent him a formal letter to take leave, and I returned the seal and gold. I beg your Excellency not to forget your old words.” Cao Cao said, “Do you think I, who keeps faith with the world, would break my promise? I feared there might be shortages on the road, so I had travel provisions prepared for you.” A soldier handed a tray of gold down from horseback. Guan said, “Your gifts have been generous; I still have plenty left. Leave this gold here to reward your men.” Cao Cao said, “It is only a small return for your great merits, what need is there to refuse?” Guan said, “This is a trifling effort; how could it measure against this debt?” Cao Cao laughed and said, “Guan is a man of justice and virtue. Heaven has been unkind that I cannot keep you. Here is one brocade robe, a small token of my heart.” He ordered one of the men to dismount and hold out the robe with both hands.

Guan feared some trap and did not dismount. He lifted the robe with the tip of the Green Dragon Crescent Blade and flung it across his body, then turned the horse around and thanked him, saying, “I am grateful, Excellency, for the robe you have given. We shall meet again on another day.” He dismounted from the bridge and turned northward.

Xu Chu said, “This man is too impertinent. Why did we not arrest him?” Cao Cao said, “He is one man on one horse while I have scores of riders. How could he suspect me if I let him go? My word is already given. I must not pursue.” Cao Cao then led his officers back to the city and rode all the way, thinking about Guan without cease.

Now we set down Cao Cao’s return. Guan Yu drove on to keep ahead of the carriage riders and after about thirty li they disappeared from sight. Guan grew uneasy and rode out in all directions, searching. Suddenly a figure appeared on a hill and called out loudly, “General Guan, stop here!” Guan looked up and saw a youth in yellow brocade, spear in hand and mounted. A severed head hung under the horse’s neck. He rushed in with a little over one hundred soldiers. Guan asked, “Who are you?” The youth threw down his spear, dismounted, and knelt. Guan, still holding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, reined in his horse and said, “Brave man, tell me your name.” The youth replied, “I am from Xiangyang. My surname is Liao, my given name Hua, courtesy name Yuanjian. When the world fell into chaos, I drifted on the rivers and lakes and gathered more than five hundred men to live by raiding. Just now my companion Duyuan was patrolling down the mountain and by mistake abducted the two wives. I asked my men and learned they were the two wives of the imperial uncle of the Great Han, Liu Bei. I heard the General was escorting them here, so I came to bring them down. Duyuan spoke insolently and I killed him. Now I present the head and beg your punishment.”

Guan asked, “Where is the second wife?” Liao Hua said, “She is still in the hills.” Guan told him to hurry and bring her down at once. Before long, over a hundred men came and surrounded the carriage. Guan dismounted, put down the saber, and crossed his arms before the carriage. “Were the second sister frightened?” he asked. The second wife said, “If not for General Liao, I would have been wronged by Duyuan.” Guan asked his men, “How did Liao Hua save the wives?” They said, “Duyuan lured them up the mountain to rob. He offered one woman as wife to me and one to Liao Hua. Liao Hua asked where the matter came from and paid him due respect. Duyuan refused and was killed by Liao Hua.” Guan thanked Liao Hua. Liao Hua wished to send his men to escort Guan, but Guan thought this man was surely some Yellow Turban remnant and not one to be kept as a companion. He declined. Liao Hua offered to give him gold and cloth, but Guan refused. Liao Hua knelt in farewell and withdrew with his men into the valley.

Guan told the wives of Cao’s gifted robe, then urged the carriage onward. At dusk, they reached a village and rested. The head of the household came out with hair white as silk and asked, “General, what is your surname and name?” Guan offered formal greeting and said, “I am Guan, brother of Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande.” The old man said, “Are you not the Guan who slew Yan Liang and Wenchou?” Guan said, “I am.” The old man rejoiced and invited them in. Guan said, “There are two wives in the carriage.” The old man called his wife and daughters to welcome them. When the wives entered the thatched hall, Guan stood with his hands crossed at their side. The old man offered him a seat, and Guan said, “The honored elder sister is above. How could I dare to sit?” The old man told his wife and daughters to receive the wives in the inner room, and invited Guan to drink tea in the hall. Guan asked, “What is your name?” The old man said, “My surname is Hu, my name is Hua. In Emperor Huan’s reign I once served as a Gentleman-in-attendance. I later retired to the countryside. My son, Hu Ban, is a clerk under Governor Wang Zhi in Xingyang.” Guan promised to see him.

At the next day’s breakfast, after finishing his meal, he had the two wives mount the carriage, took out Hu Hua’s letter, and after giving farewell took the road to Luoyang. Before long they reached a checkpoint called Dongling Pass. Its gatekeeper was Kong Xiu, with five hundred soldiers posted on an earthen rise. When Guan’s party approached, the soldiers informed Kong Xiu. Kong Xiu came out and met him at the gate. Guan dismounted and greeted him. Kong said, “Where are you going, General?” Guan said, “This servant of the Chancellor has resigned. I go to Hebei to seek my elder brother.” Kong said, “Yuan Shao in Hebei is exactly the Chancellor’s rival. If you go there, you must have documents.” Guan said, “I am in too great a rush and did not manage to get them.” Kong said, “The law requires that I first report to the Chancellor, then permit passage.” Guan said, “If I wait for that, my schedule is ruined.” Kong said, “I am bound by law, and must do as required.” Guan asked, “Will you not let me pass?” Kong said, “If you insist on crossing, leave your elders and children as hostages.” Guan grew angry and killed Kong Xiu. Kong withdrew into the pass and sounded a drum, summoning soldiers to mount. He came out and shouted down at Guan, “Will you dare to pass?” Guan ordered the carriage back, then spurred forward with his horse raised for attack. The two horses met just once; when steel flashed, Kong Xiu’s body fell from the saddle. The soldiers started to run. Guan called, “Soldiers, do not run. I killed Kong Xiu only because I had to; this has nothing to do with you. Borrow your voices and tell the Chancellor of Wei that I had to kill Kong Xiu because Kong Xiu meant to do me harm.” All the soldiers knelt before their horses.

Guan then ordered the carriage out and toward Luoyang. Beforehand, the Administrator Han Fu already knew Guan had killed Kong Xiu and gathered men in haste. The discussion turned among them. Captain Meng Tan said, “Since he has no document from the Chancellor, this was a private action. If we do not block him, we all bear blame.” Han Fu said, “General Guan is fierce; he already killed Yan Liang and Wenchou. We cannot stand against him in open battle. We should devise a way to capture him.” Meng Tan said, “I have a plan. First set horns at the pass as a blockade. When he comes, let a young officer engage him and feign defeat, drawing him to pursue. Then hidden troops can fire arrows. If he falls from the horse, seize him and bring him to Xudu. We will get rich rewards.” The plan settled. A scout reported the carriage had arrived. Han Fu drew bow and arrow, and led one thousand horsemen to line the pass.

He asked, “Who goes there?” Guan inclined his body from the saddle and said, “I am the Marquis of Hanshou, Guan.” Han Fu said, “Do you have an order from the Chancellor?” Guan said, “Because of haste I did not obtain one.” Han Fu said, “I hold this pass under the Chancellor’s order, charged to ferret out traitors. Without an order, you are an absconding fugitive.” Guan shouted, “I have already killed Kong Xiu at Dongling, who meant to trap me. Do you also wish for your own death?” Han Fu said, “Who would capture you?” Meng Tan came out, twin blades drawn. Guan ordered the carriage back, then charged with his sword. Meng Tan and Guan fought less than three exchanges before Meng Tan wheeled and fled. Guan pursued. Meng Tan had meant only to lure him, but Guan was faster and caught him at once. With one stroke he cut him in two. Guan reined back toward Han Fu, who stood at the gate. As Han shot an arrow at him from that position, it struck Guan’s left arm. Guan pulled the arrow out with his mouth, though blood would not stop. He drove his horse onward at a breakneck speed and rushed through the soldiers. Han Fu did not dodge in time; Guan rose with his sword, striking him at the neck and shoulder, severing him from horse to saddle. He scattered the troops and protected the carriage.

Guan wrapped the arrow wound tightly with silk from his own store, and because enemies might be hidden in ambush he did not stay long, riding all night to Sishui Pass. The gatekeeper there was Bian Xi, surnamed Bian, name Xi, a man from Bing Province, skilled in the meteor hammer. He had once been a Yellow Turban remnant, then joined Cao Cao and had been posted there to guard the pass. When he learned Guan was coming, he set a trap. He hid over two hundred men with axes and halberds inside Zhen Guo Temple and used the sound of cups striking as a signal to strike when Guan arrived. He then came out to meet Guan. Guan dismounted and greeted Bian Xi. Bian Xi said, “General, who does not admire you under heaven? Now you have returned to your imperial uncle; your loyalty is clear.” Guan told him how he had killed Kong Xiu and Han Fu. Bian Xi said, “You did well to kill him. I have already reported to the Chancellor and explained the situation.” Guan rejoiced, then mounted again with him past Sishui Pass to the gate of Zhen Guo Temple and dismounted there. The temple monks rang their bell to welcome him.

Zhen Guo Temple had once been the incense and offerings court of Emperor Han Mingdi, and it had over thirty monks. Among them was one monk, Pujing, who was from the same region as Guan. When Pujing saw Guan, he stepped forward and asked, “General, how many years has it been since you left Pudong?” Guan said, “It has been almost twenty years.” Pujing asked, “Can you still recognize a poor monk?” Guan said, “Years away from home make one unable to recognize everyone.” Pujing said, “The poor monk’s home and yours are separated by just one river.” Bian Xi saw Pujing talk of old ties. Fearing disclosure, he shouted, “I invited the General to a feast. Why does a monk speak so freely?” Guan said, “It cannot be otherwise. Should fellow natives not recall old ties when they meet?”

Pujing asked Guan to wait in the abbot’s hall for tea. Guan said, “The two wives in the carriage should be offered tea first.” Pujing ordered tea brought for the wives and then invited Guan into the abbot’s hall. Pujing held up his戒刀 and looked at Guan. Guan understood and ordered his men to keep their blades close. Bian Xi invited Guan to a banquet in the Dharma Hall. Guan said, “Bian, this is kindness or treachery?” Before Bian could answer, Guan saw axe-and-hammer men among the wall hangings. He shouted, “I took you for a worthy man. How dare you do this?” Bian Xi saw through it and shouted, “Arms!” His men began to move, but Guan had already cut them down with his sword. Bian Xi fled through the corridor; Guan dropped his saber and took the great saber to give chase. Bian Xi threw a flying hammer at Guan. Guan blocked it with his blade, chased him in, and split Bian Xi in two with one stroke. Then he turned at once to check on the two wives.

Soldiers had already surrounded them, and when they saw Guan approach, they ran in panic. Guan drove them away and thanked Pujing, saying, “Had it not been for my teacher, this bandit would have harmed me.” Pujing said, “A poor monk has no place here. I will gather robe and bowl and wander elsewhere. We will meet again. Guard yourself.” Guan thanked him and escorted the carriage onward toward Xingyang.

Wang Zhi, the Administrator of Xingyang, was related by marriage to Han Fu. When he learned Guan had killed Han Fu, he consulted with others and planned a hidden strike. He ordered guards at the pass. When Guan arrived, Wang Zhi came out in smiling welcome. Guan explained he was traveling to find his brother. Wang Zhi said, “General, your road has been hard, and your wives are weary. Enter the city, rest one night at an inn, and set out tomorrow. There is still time.” Guan saw Wang Zhi’s courtesy and kindness and so brought the two wives into the city. The inn was laid out with care. Wang Zhi invited him to banquet; Guan declined. Wang Zhi had food trays sent to the inn. Because Guan had suffered from the road, he fed the wives, then had them rest each in their places and fed the horses. Guan unbuckled his armor and rested.

At that moment Wang Zhi secretly summoned his clerk Hu Ban and said, “Guan has run from the Chancellor and killed not only the Chancellor’s subordinate officers on the roads. This is not a slight offense. His valor is hard to oppose. If we do not strike now, he may escape. Set one thousand soldiers around the inn and give each a torch. At the third watch they should burn in unison; whoever is inside, regardless of who, should be burned to death. I will lead the reinforcements.” Hu Ban obeyed. He placed dry timber and fire-making materials near the gate and fixed the time. Hu Ban thought, “I have heard of Guan Yunchang for long, but never learned his form. I will go secretly to see.” He slipped into the inn and asked the inn attendant, “Where is General Guan?” The attendant said, “He is in the front hall, reading.” Hu Ban went to the hall, saw Guan with his left hand on his beard reading by lamplight. At the sight, he cried out involuntarily, “A man of heaven!” Guan asked who he was. Hu Ban knelt and said, “I am Hu Ban, clerk under the Administrator of Xingyang.” Guan said, “Are you the son of Hu Hua outside Xudu’s walls?” Hu Ban said, “I am.” Guan told him to bring out the letter from among the baggage. Hu Ban read it and exclaimed, “By a narrow turn I nearly killed an upright loyal man.” Then he whispered, “Wang Zhi’s heart is cruel and intends to kill you. He has surrounded the inn on all sides. At the third watch they will set fire. You must leave through the gate at once.”

Guan was greatly startled. He quickly donned armor, drew his blade, mounted, called the two wives aboard, and hurried out all at once. At the gate they saw soldiers with torches waiting. Guan reached the city edge and saw the gate already open. They drove out in haste. Hu Ban returned to light the fire.

After not many li, torchlight rose from behind as troops pursued. First came Wang Zhi himself shouting, “Guan, do not run!” Guan reined in his horse and shouted, “Base man! I have no grievance against you. Why do you have men burn me?” Wang Zhi raised his horse and drove his spear straight at Guan. Guan cut him at the waist, splitting him in two. The troops scattered. Guan pushed the carriage onward and felt Hu Ban pursuing still.

When they reached the head of Huzhou Commandery, a messenger brought Liu Yan. He rode out with tens of horsemen and came to receive them. Guan inclined forward from horseback and said, “Administrator, have you been well while I was absent?” Liu Yan said, “General, where are you now going?” Guan said, “I have left the Chancellor and am going to seek my elder brother.” Liu Yan said, “Xuande is with Yuan Shao; Yuan Shao is the Chancellor’s foe. How can he allow you to pass?” Guan said, “Formerly we were to meet.” Liu Yan said, “Now at the Yellow River crossing in the pass, Qinqi, a sub-commander under Xiahou Dun, holds the banks. He may not let you pass.” Guan said, “How can you make provisions for the boats?” Liu Yan said, “Boats are available, but I dare not risk providing them.” Guan said, “I once saved you from danger by killing Yan Liang and Wenchou. Why would I ask for a fordboat and be denied it?” Liu Yan said, “I fear only that Xiahou Dun will hold me responsible.” Guan saw Liu Yan could do nothing and pressed the carriage onward.

At the Yellow River ferry, Qin Qi came out with soldiers and asked, “Who are you?” Guan said, “I am the Marquis of Hanshou, Guan. I have come to ask to cross and go to Hebei in search of my elder brother.” Qin Qi said, “Where is the Chancellor’s written order?” Guan said, “I do not take orders from the Chancellor. What need do I have for an order?” Qin Qi said, “I serve under General Xiahou Dun and am assigned this pass. Even if you grew wings and tried to fly, you still could not pass.” Guan was furious and said, “Do you know how many blockers I have struck down on this road?” Qin Qi said, “You have only killed nameless minor officers. How dare you kill me too?” Guan charged and the two horses met at once. Guan’s blade flashed and Qin Qi’s head fell. Guan said, “Those who came out to block me are dead. Others need not panic. Make ready the boats and send me across at once.” The soldiers hurriedly steadied the boats at the bank. Guan put the two wives on board and crossed. They were already in Yuan Shao’s lands.

On the passes he had passed through, Guan had cut down six officers. Later people made a verse:

He returned the seal and gold and bade the Chancellor farewell, Then sought his brother and looked out upon a distant road. On the red horse Red Hare he rode a thousand li, with the Green Dragon Crescent Blade at rest after crossing five passes. Loyalty and righteousness surged through heaven and earth, and heroes have shaken kingdoms since this day. Though he walked alone and beheaded generals, he had no equal. For ages and across ages his name would remain in ink.

Mounted, Guan then sighed, “I did not wish to kill men along the way. But I had no choice. Cao Cao will think I have repaid his kindness with betrayal.” As he rode on, a rider came from the north and shouted, “General, stop!” Guan reined in and saw it was Sun Qian. Guan said, “Since we parted at Ruyang, how has the situation gone?” Sun Qian said, “Liu Pi and Gongdu, after the troops returned from your campaign, retook Ruyang and sent me north to make ties with Yuan Shao, asking Xuande to conspire against Cao. But in Hebei the officers are jealous of each other. Tian Feng is still imprisoned; Ju Shu is removed and unused; Shen Pei and Guo Tu each contest authority. Yuan Shao is suspicious and his leadership is unsettled. We discussed escape with the Imperial Uncle first. He has already gone to Ruyang to meet Liu Pi. I feared if you did not know this, you might go to Yuan Shao and be harmed. That is why I was sent to meet you on the road. I am fortunate to meet you here. Make haste to Ruyang to meet the Imperial Uncle.” Guan asked Sun Qian to bow to the wives. The two wives asked him what had happened. Sun Qian explained, “Yuan Shao has tried twice to execute the Imperial Uncle. Now he has escaped and gone to Ruyang. The wives should meet the Imperial Uncle there.” Both wives covered their faces and wept.

Following their words, Guan did not go to Hebei but turned straight toward Ruyang. As they moved, dust rose behind them and a mounted force came in. First came Xiahou Dun, who shouted, “Guan, stop!” The verse that follows is:

Six commanders barred the pass hoping for death as their plan, An army blocked the road and fought again. How Guan Yu will escape from this,
How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.