Not long after, Guan Yu, whose courtesy name was Yunchang, rode south with Sun Qian guarding the two wives toward Runan. Unexpectedly, Xiahou Dun came after them with over two hundred riders. Sun Qian drove the ox-cart ahead. Guan Yu wheeled around, drew his horse up, and rested a hand on his sword.

“Why do you pursue me?” he asked. “You have overstepped the Chancellor’s generosity.”

Xiahou Dun replied, “The Chancellor sent no clear order. Yet on the road you kill men and severed the head of one of my officers. It is grossly improper. I have come specifically to capture you and present you to the Chancellor so he can decide your punishment.”

With that he reined his horse, cocked his spear, and moved to strike. A rider flashed up behind him, shouting, “Do not fight with Yunchang!” Guan Yu held his reins and did not move.

The new messenger drew the official document from his breast and said to Xiahou Dun, “The Chancellor esteems General Guan’s loyalty and righteousness. Fearing obstacles at the mountain passes, he sent me with this commission to pass through every post.”

Xiahou Dun asked, “Does the Chancellor know that Guan slew his officers on the road?”

The messenger said, “That is not yet known.”

Xiahou Dun replied, “I will only capture him alive and bring him to the Chancellor. He may then release him.”

Guan Yu said angrily, “Did I fear you?” and he spurred his horse forward with sword drawn.

Xiahou Dun thrust forward with his spear to meet him. When their horses closed, no more than ten exchanges apart, another rider broke in, crying, “Second General, pause!”

Xiahou Dun lowered his spear and asked the messenger, “Did the Chancellor order that you capture Guan?”

The messenger said, “No. The Chancellor feared that officers at the mountain passes might block Guan. He again sent me with this order to allow him to pass.”

Xiahou Dun asked, “Does he know Guan has killed men on the road?”

“Not yet known,” the messenger said.

“Since I do not know that his killing was not unjustified, he cannot yet be released.” Xiahou Dun ordered his soldiers to surround Guan Yu. Guan Yu, furious, swung his sword and charged to fight.

Just as the two were about to clash, another horseman came hard from the rear and cried, “Cloud-Long and Yuanrang, do not dispute this battle!”

The men turned and saw Zhang Liao. Both held their mounts.

Drawing nearer, Zhang Liao said, “By the Chancellor’s command: I have heard that Cloud-Long has severed men and blocked a guard post. The Chancellor feared you might be obstructed on the road and therefore dispatched me to carry instructions everywhere to let him pass.”

Xiahou Dun said, “Qin Qi was Cai Yang’s nephew. He had entrusted Qin Qi to my care, and now Guan has killed him. How can I stop?”

Zhang Liao said, “I know Commander Cai’s worth. Since the Chancellor is generous, he has commanded that Yunchang be released. It would be improper to refuse him.”

Reluctantly, Xiahou Dun withdrew his horse.

Zhang Liao then asked, “Where now does Yunchang intend to go?”

Guan Yu said, “I have heard that my elder brother is no longer at Yuan Shao’s side. I will now ride across the land and the world to find him.”

“Since you do not know where Xuande is,” Zhang Liao said, “perhaps you should return to the Chancellor first.”

Guan Yu laughed. “Is that reasonable? Let Wenyuan return to him and beg pardon on my behalf.”

When he had said this, he and Zhang Liao bowed briefly to each other and parted.

Then Zhang Liao and Xiahou Dun withdrew with their troops.

When Guan Yu overtook the carriage, he informed Sun Qian of what had happened. The two rode together at one pace. They had gone several days when a heavy downpour drenched everything they carried. Seeing a manor on a hillside in the distance, Guan Yu guided the cart there and sought shelter.

An old man came out to receive them. Guan Yu explained their errand.

“My surname is Guo,” said the old man, “my name is Chang. My family has long lived here. I have long heard of your fame and am glad to have paid my respects.” He slaughtered a sheep, poured wine, and treated them. He asked the two wives to rest in the rear hall. Guo Chang stayed with Guan Yu, while Sun Qian drank in the hall and worked the fire, while their baggage was dried and the horses fed.

Near dusk, they saw a youth arrive with several men and go straight into the hall. Guo Chang called, “My son has come to pay respects to the General.” Then he said to Guan Yu, “He is this foolish boy.”

Guan Yu asked where he came from.

“Back from hunting,” said Chang.

When he saw Guan Yu, the youth left the hall at once.

Guo Chang wept. “My family lived by farming and study for generations, and I have no sons but him. He refuses our occupation and wastes himself in hunting. This household has no fortune!”

Guan Yu replied, “In this age of disorder, a man skilled in arms can win rank and renown. Why call this misfortune?”

“Could he only become a worthy man,” Guo Chang said, “if he learns arms? He prefers to roam and do anything in turn. That is why I worry.”

Guan Yu sighed in pity.

Late that night, Guo Chang quietly took his leave. Guan Yu and Sun Qian were about to sleep when they heard horses neighing and voices from the rear compound.

Guan Yu called for his attendants, but none answered. He and Sun Qian drew swords and went to see.

They saw Guo Chang’s son lying on the ground crying out. The house guests were fighting with his attendants. Guan asked what had happened.

An attendant said, “This fellow came to steal the Red Hare. The horse kicked him down. When we heard him cry out, we came out to investigate. The other guests then fought us.”

Guan Yu said angrily, “What mouse-thief dares steal my horse?”

Before he could strike, Guo Chang came running and said, “My wayward son did this vile thing. The crime deserves ten thousand deaths! But my old wife dotes on him most. I beg Your General’s mercy.”

Guan Yu answered, “This son truly is not fit. As you said just now, a father knows his own son best. I look at your face, and I can at least spare him.”

He ordered the attendants to tend the horse well, and sent the house guests scattering, then withdrew with Sun Qian to the hall to rest.

The next day Guo Chang and his wife came to the front hall to give thanks.

“My son has committed a grave offense against Your General’s majesty, and we are deeply grateful for your mercy,” Guo Chang said. “My heart is in your debt for your clemency.”

Guan Yu called out to him, “I only instruct with righteous words.”

Chang said, “At the fourth watch, he brought several rascals again and has gone off somewhere. I do not know where.”

After thanking Guo Chang, Guan Yu loaded his two wives into the cart and set out with Sun Qian, escorting it on the mountain path.

In less than thirty li they saw, behind the mountain, more than a hundred men emerge, with two riders leading. The man in front had his head wrapped in yellow cloth and wore martial clothing; behind him was Guo Chang’s son.

The yellow-headed man shouted, “I am a subordinate of Zhang Jiao, the General of Heaven! If you want to pass, leave the Red Hare behind and continue.”

Guan Yu laughed. “You ignorant, wild brigand! If you once served Zhang Jiao as a robber, do you still know the names of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, the three brothers?”

The yellow-head said, “I have heard only of the red-faced bearded man named Guan Yunchang. I do not know his face. Who are you?”

Guan Yu stopped his horse and drawing his mount up, unfastened the bundle at his beard and let his full whisker show.

The man dropped from the saddle and knelt, head bowed, to offer him homage before his horse. Guan Yu asked his name.

He answered, “My surname is Pei, name Yuanshao. Since Zhang Jiao died, I have had no lord. I gathered mountain folk and hid in these hills. This morning this youth reported: ‘A guest has arrived and is staying at my house riding a thousand-mile horse.’ So I was invited here to seize it. Yet by mischance I met your General.”

Guo Chang’s son knelt and begged for his life.

Guan Yu said, “I look to your face, and because your father is respectable, I spare your life.”

Pei bowed and ran off, hiding his head.

Guan Yu asked him, “You do not know my face. How did you know my name?”

Pei said, “Some twenty li from here lies Woniu Mountain. On that ridge lives a man from Guanzhong named Zhou, surname Zhou, name Cang. Both arms could bear a thousand jin. His chest was broad, his curling beard thick, and his countenance imposing. He once served under Zhang Bao of the Yellow Turbans. After Zhang Bao died, he gathered men in the hills. He has spoken to me before about your fame and regrets that there was no way to present himself.”

Guan Yu said, “The Green Forest is no place for men of this caliber to settle. All of you should return to the right path and avoid your own ruin.”

Pei bowed in thanks.

As they were still speaking, they saw a troop ride up in the distance.

“That must be Zhou Cang,” Pei said.

Guan Yu held his horse fast and waited.

Indeed, one man came on, black-faced and tall, spear in hand. He urged his horse forward with a following band and saw Guan Yu. He delightedly shouted, “This is General Guan!” and jumped down quickly, kneeling at the roadside.

“Will this stalwart not have ever met General Guan before?” Guan Yu asked.

Zhou Cang said, “I once followed him under Yellow Turban Zhang Bao and recognized his august face then. I was unable to remain with him when he lost his band. Today I am fortunate to bow before him. If the General does not reject me, let him take me as a footsoldier. I would gladly take the lash and follow behind his stirrup, even at death.”

Guan Yu saw his sincerity and said, “If you follow me, what of your men?”

“I will go with them if he will take them too; if he will not, leave them as they wish,” Zhou Cang answered.

Then all spoke: “We will all follow.”

Guan Yu dismounted and asked the two wives.

Gan Furen said, “Since Uncle left Xu City, he has traveled alone since this road and has endured many hardships, never having demanded cavalry to accompany him. When Brother Liao offered to join him, Uncle refused. Why do you now allow Zhou Cang and his men?”

Guan Yu replied, “What my sister-in-law says is true.” He said to Zhou Cang, “It is not because this General is cold, but because the two wives do not consent. You all should return to the hills and wait. When I find my elder brother, he will surely summon you.”

Zhou Cang knelt again and said, “I am a rough man, and have fallen into banditry. To meet the General is as if seeing daylight again. Could I bear to miss this chance? If only having a crowd is inconvenient, they may all go with Pei Yuanshao. I alone can walk. I will follow the General on foot, even for ten thousand li.”

Guan Yu repeated this to the two wives.

Gan Furen said, “If there are only one or two men, it need not hinder the way.”

He ordered then Zhou Cang to send men with Pei Yuanshao and let Yuanshao go with them.

Yuanshao said, “I too wish to follow General Guan.”

Zhou Cang said, “Your men have dispersed, and if you are to go, they will come off this hill then return. I will follow the General, and return to fetch you wherever we halt.”

Yuanshao parted with resentment.

Zhou Cang followed Guan Yu toward Runan. After several days they saw in the distance a mountain city.

Guan Yu asked a villager, “What place is this?”

The villager said, “This is Gucheng. A few months ago an officer named Zhang Fei, surname Zhang, came with some dozens of riders, drove out the county official, and occupied Gucheng. He recruited troops and bought horses, storing hay and grain. He has now three to five thousand men and horses and no one in four directions dares oppose him.”

Guan Yu rejoiced. “My brother has been separated from me since we parted in Xuzhou. Never did I know where he was. So he is here, after all.”

He told Sun Qian to go into the city first and report, and ask them to receive the two wives.

Zhang Fei had been staying in Mangdang Mountain for more than a month. He had gone out to seek news of Xuande and by chance had passed through Gucheng, entered the county to buy grain, and been refused. Angered, he had forced the county magistrate out and seized the county seals before occupying the city as a temporary hold. So when Sun Qian arrived under Guan’s seal and saluted properly, he gave the message in full.

“Xuande has left Yuan Shao’s side and gone to Runan,” he said. “Now Yunchang escorts the two wives from Xu City directly here. He begs you to come out and meet him.”

When Zhang Fei heard, he said nothing but immediately donned his armor, took up a zhangba spear, mounted, and led more than a thousand men straight out the north gate.

Sun Qian was astonished and dared not ask anything. He had to follow out of the city.

When Guan Yu saw Zhang Fei arriving, joy burst from him. He handed his sword to Zhou Cang and trotted over in a mounted salutation.

Zhang Fei squinted wide-eyed, set his tiger whiskers upright, roared like thunder, and thrust with the spear straight at Guan Yu.

Guan Yu, startled, moved quickly to evade and cried, “Dear brother, why do this? Have you forgotten the oath we swore at the Peach Garden?”

Zhang Fei shouted back, “You have no loyalty. How dare you come before me?”

Guan Yu said, “How can I be called disloyal?”

Zhang Fei replied, “You abandoned our elder brother, accepted the title and fief from Cao Cao, and now you come to deceive me! Today I shall settle this as life and death!”

Guan Yu said, “You did not know and I can hardly explain it. My two wives stand before you now. Ask your dear brother yourself.”

The two wives heard this and pulled back the curtain.

“Why are you like this, Third Uncle?” Gan Furen called.

“Your sisters-in-law are present,” Zhang Fei said. “First, see me kill this perfidious man; afterward I will bring your wives into the city.”

Gan Furen replied, “The second uncle did not know where you were, so he temporarily lodged under Cao’s house to avoid danger. Knowing now that your elder brother is in Runan, he risked all to bring us here. Third Uncle, do not misread this.”

Mi Furen said, “The second uncle was in Xu City only because he had no other choice.”

Zhang Fei snapped, “Do not let him deceive you! A loyal retainer dies before dishonor. A true man does not owe service to two lords!”

Guan Yu said, “Dear brother, do not torment me.”

Sun Qian said, “Yunchang came only to seek his brother, the General.”

Zhang Fei shouted, “Why do you dare lie like that too? Where else would he have goodwill? He came to capture me!”

Guan Yu said, “If I wished to capture you, I would have come with cavalry and troops.”

Zhang Fei pointed and said, “So not now with cavalry then.”

Guan Yu looked back and saw dust rising ahead, a band of riders arriving. Flags whipped by wind: it was a Cao force.

Zhang Fei was furious. “Now do you still pretend?” He raised his spear and began thrusting.

Guan Yu stopped him quickly and said, “Dear brother, hold. Watch me decapitate this arriving general to show my true heart.”

Zhang Fei said, “If your heart is true, after three drumbeats I expect you to cut down this man.”

Guan Yu agreed.

Soon the Cao soldiers arrived. At their head rode Cai Yang, sword drawn and horse reared, shouting,

“You killed my nephew Qin Qi and were hiding here! By the Chancellor’s command, I have come to seize you!”

Guan Yu wasted no words. He lifted his sword and struck. Zhang Fei himself beat the drum.

Before one drumbeat had finished, Cai Yang’s head had already fallen from his shoulders.

The soldiers of the battalion all scattered.

Guan Yu captured a standard-bearer and asked him the reason for his coming.

The soldier said, “Cai Yang heard that General Guan had killed his nephew and was furious, then came to Hebei to do battle with the General. The Chancellor refused, and ordered him to go to Runan to attack Liu Bi. Not expecting to meet the General here, he came now.”

Guan Yu told him to report in Zhang Fei’s presence. Zhang Fei questioned the young soldier in detail about Guan’s affair at Xu City. The soldier repeated the sequence from start to finish before Zhang Fei finally believed it.

At that moment city soldiers reported that ten or more riders had come quickly to the south gate of the city.

Zhang Fei, still suspicious, rode out through the gate. It was indeed ten or so light-mounted archers and short-bow men. On seeing Zhang Fei, they dismounted at once.

They were Mi Zhu and Mi Fang.

Zhang Fei also dismounted and greeted them. Mi Zhu said,

“Since we parted at Xuzhou, my brother and I fled disaster and returned home. We have sent men everywhere to ask, and heard that Yunchang submitted to Cao Cao, while Xuande was in Hebei. We also heard Jian Yong had gone to Hebei as well. We did not know where the General was. Yesterday on the road we met a group of guests who said there was a general surnamed Zhang, such a face, now in Gucheng. The two brothers measured that this must be the General, so we came searching. Now we are fortunate indeed to meet him.”

Zhang Fei said, “Yunchang has just come with Sun Qian, bringing the two wives. He now knows where my brother is.”

The two Mi were delighted and came with Zhang Fei to greet Guan Yu, and then also paid their respects to the two wives.

Zhang Fei then invited the wives into the city.

Once seated in the yamen hall, they recounted what Guan Yu had gone through. Zhang Fei burst into tears and then paid homage to Yunchang. The two Mi were also moved.

Zhang Fei spoke himself of what had happened since their separation, and then held a banquet to celebrate.

The next day Zhang Fei planned to go with Guan Yu to Runan and meet Xuande. Guan Yu said,

“Dear brother, you should remain in this city and guard the two wives. Wait here for a while. Let me and Sun Qian first go to learn news of our elder brother.”

Zhang Fei agreed.

Guan Yu and Sun Qian rode out with a few men toward Runan. They were met by Liu Bi and Gongdu, and Guan asked,

“Where is the Imperial Uncle?”

Liu Bi said, “The Imperial Uncle has stayed here for several days. Lacking soldiers, he returned to Hebei and has gone to Yuan Shao’s encampment for counsel.”

Guan Yu was dissatisfied.

Sun Qian said, “Do not worry. Endure this one more tour of hardship; then we shall go to Hebei and report to the Imperial Uncle. We can meet at Gucheng there.”

According to that plan, Guan Yu informed Liu Bi and Gongdu and returned to Gucheng to tell Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei wished to go at once to Hebei.

Guan Yu said, “With this one city we have a place to settle, and we should not abandon it lightly. I will go with Sun Qian to Yuan Shao and find our elder brother so that we may meet here. Brother must hold this city.”

Zhang Fei said, “You once beheaded Yanliang and Wen Chou. How can you manage it now?”

“No harm in that,” Guan Yu replied. “I can go to him when opportunity presents.”

He summoned Zhou Cang.

“How many men and horses does Pei Yuanshao command on Woniu Mountain now?”

Zhou Cang said, “About four or five hundred.”

“I will take a shortcut to find my elder brother,” Guan Yu said. “You must go up to Woniu Mountain, summon that force, and bring them to join us on the main road.”

Zhou Cang accepted and departed.

Guan Yu and Sun Qian continued toward Hebei with only some twenty riders.

At Jiushou boundary Sun Qian said, “General, you should not enter lightly yet. Let us rest here a while.”

He added, “I will go ahead first to see the Imperial Uncle and settle our plan.”

Guan Yu nodded and sent Sun Qian on.

In the distance he saw a manor at a village and, with his men, went there to lodge for the night.

An old man came out with a staff and greeted Guan Yu. The General explained everything frankly.

The old man said, “My surname is also Guan, my name is Ding. I have long heard your name and am glad to have seen you.” He ordered his two sons out and had them receive Guan Yu, and asked all of Guan’s attendants to stay in the house as well.

Meanwhile Sun Qian rode into Hebei alone and met Xuande.

He reported all that had happened.

Xuande said, “Jian Yong is also in this area. Invite him secretly to discuss.”

Not long after, Jian Yong arrived and after seeing Sun Qian, they discussed a way to break out.

Jian Yong said, “Tomorrow morning Xuande will meet Yuan Shao and tell him he plans to go to Jing Province, and to propose that Liu Biao and we will together break Cao Cao. After that he can slip away.”

Xuande said, “That is excellent. But can you truly follow me?”

Jian Yong said, “I have my own plan to break free as well.”

When that was settled, Xuande went the next day to meet Yuan Shao and said,

“Liu Biao, whose courtesy name is Jingsheng, holds Jing Province and occupies the nine commanderies. His troops are disciplined and his provisions abundant. It is fitting to form an agreement to attack Cao Cao together.”

Yuan Shao said, “I have sent an envoy to make terms before, but he refused to join.”

Xuande said, “Liu is your fellow clansman. If you send him and he hears my plea, he surely will not refuse.”

Yuan Shao said, “If we can secure Liu Biao, we can greatly defeat Liu Bei.”

He then ordered him onward.

Yuan Shao said, “I have also heard that Guan Yunchang has left Cao and comes to Hebei. I intend to kill him and settle my grievance for Yanliang and Wen Chou!”

Xuande replied, “You intended to employ him before, and I invited him for that reason. Why do you now want him dead? Yanliang and Wen Chou are only two deer; Yunchang is one tiger. If one loses two deer, one gains a tiger. What reason then to grudge?”

Yuan Shao laughed. “I do favor him indeed. These were but playful words. You may send someone again and order him to come quickly.”

Xuande said, “You may send Sun Qian.”

Yuan Shao rejoiced and agreed.

When Xuande left, Jian Yong said, “If Xuande goes to meet Liu Biao he will not return. I wish to accompany him. One to speak on Liu Biao, one to keep watch over him.”

Yuan Shao accepted this judgment.

Guo Tu remonstrated, “Xuande has gone to see Liu Biao and to no effect. Now you send him again with Jian Yong to Jing Province; he will not return.”

Yuan Shao said, “Do not over-suspect. Jian Yong has enough judgment.”

Guo Tu left with a sigh.

Xuande first ordered Sun Qian out of the city to ask about Guan Yu. Then he took leave of Yuan Shao and mounted.

On the road to Jiushou, Sun Qian met up and took him to Guan Ding’s estate.

Guan Yu greeted and took his hand, then could not stop crying.

Guan Ding brought his two sons and had them bow in the hall.

Xuande asked their names.

Guan Yu said, “This man shares our family name. He has two sons: the elder, Guan Ning, studies literature; the younger, Guan Ping, studies arms.”

Guan Ding said, “My foolish thought is to send the younger to follow General Guan. I do not know if he can take him.”

Xuande said, “How many years old?”

Guan Ding replied, “Eighteen.”

Xuande said, “Since you show such favor, and since my brother has no sons yet, I accept this good young man as my foster-son at once. What says he?”

Guan Ding was greatly pleased and had Guan Ping bow to Guan Yu as father and call Xuande uncle. Xuande, fearing Yuan Shao’s pursuit, hurried preparations for departure.

Guan Ping followed Guan Yu, and both mounted at once.

Guan Ding saw them off partway and returned.

Guan Yu instructed him to take the way toward Woniu Mountain.

As they were traveling, they suddenly saw Zhou Cang coming with some men wounded.

Guan Yu brought him before Xuande and asked why he was hurt.

Zhou Cang said, “Before I reached Woniu Mountain, a single rider came and engaged Pei Yuanshao in combat. He stabbed Pei Yuanshao in one exchange, and I persuaded all of Pei’s men to surrender, then occupied the stockade. When I went up the mountain to summon men, only these few followed me; the rest were afraid. I could not bear it, fought him again, and was repeatedly defeated several times. He pierced me with three spears. So I have come to report to you.”

Xuande asked, “What is he like? What are his surname and name?”

Zhou Cang answered, “He is extremely rugged and broad. I do not know his name.”

Guan Yu urged his horse forward first, with Xuande behind, and rode straight for Woniu Mountain.

At the foot of the mountain Zhou Cang shouted and cursed. They saw that warrior fully armed, spear in hand, riding hard, leading men down.

Xuande quickly drew his whip, dismounted, and called out,

“Are you not by any chance Zilong?”

The rider saw Xuande, dropped his reins, dismounted, and knelt beside the road.

It was indeed Zhao Yun.

Xuande and Guan Yu both dismounted and met him. They asked how he had come there.

“After I left the lord,” Zhao Yun said, “I found that Gongsun Zan did not listen to counsel, and so by battle lost and set himself ablaze. Yuan Shao invited me repeatedly. Since I thought him no true man of talent, I did not go. Later I intended to return to Xuzhou to serve the lord, but I heard Xuzhou had fallen and that Yunchang had returned under Cao Cao, while the lord was still at Yuan Shao. I tried many times to come, but feared Yuan Shao would be suspicious. A man of no place in all four seas, I had nowhere to stand. By chance I passed this way and happened to meet Pei Yuanshao when he came down the mountain to seize my horse. I killed him and used that as a chance to stay. I recently heard Yide was in Gucheng and planned to go to him, though I could not confirm it. I am fortunate indeed to meet you now!”

Xuande rejoiced and recounted former events. Guan Yu also told what had happened.

“From the first time I saw Zilong,” Xuande said, “I have never been able to let that attachment leave me. I am so glad we met.”

Zhao Yun said, “I have run four seas and five rivers, seeking a lord to serve, but none compared with you. Now to be able to serve you is the pride of my life. Even if my liver and brain are smeared in the dust, I have no regret.”

That day they burned the mountain stockade and gathered all troops and all men to follow Xuande immediately to Gucheng.

Zhang Fei, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang came out to welcome them and all paid their respects. The two wives reported everything about Guan Yu; Xuande was deeply moved.

Then they slaughtered cattle and horses, offered thanks to Heaven and Earth, and then visited all the troops.

Xuande saw the brothers reunited, his counselors complete, and now gained Zhao Yun anew; Guan Yu had found Guan Ping and Zhou Cang. He rejoiced beyond measure and drank for several days in company.

People praised this with a verse:

Then the three brothers were as if separated apart, and messages between them were sparse and faint in the distance. Today lord and minister are reunited in righteousness, meeting like dragon and tiger in wind and cloud.

At that time Xuande, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang had command of roughly four to five thousand horse and foot, while marshaling officers.

Xuande wished to leave Gucheng and go north to garrison Runan. Liu Bi and Gongdu happened to send men then, asking him to do so.

He then led out his army to Runan, bought grain and horses, and slowly prepared for advance. It is not recorded further here.

As for Yuan Shao, he saw Xuande did not return and became enraged, ready to raise troops against him.

Guo Tu said, “Liu Bei is not one to fear. Cao Cao is a formidable foe and must be dealt with decisively. Liu Biao, though occupying Jingzhou, is not strong enough; Sun Bofu in the southeastern lands holds the Three Rivers and commands six commanderies, where ministers and soldiers are many. It would be possible to join with him and both attack Cao Cao.”

Yuan Shao accepted this advice and drafted a letter dispatching Chen Zhen to meet Sun Ce.

Then it was written,

Only because the heroes have gone from Hebei, Heroes from the Jiangdong lands have been drawn forth. How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.