Cao Cao had a bronze sparrow unearthed at Jinguang and asked Xun Yu what omen it signified. Xun Yu replied, “Long ago, Shun’s mother dreamed that a jade sparrow entered her womb, and she gave birth to Shun. Finding a bronze sparrow now is also an auspicious sign.” Cao Cao rejoiced greatly and ordered a high terrace built in celebration.

That same day he broke the ground, felled timber, burned tiles, and ground brick. He had the Bronze Sparrow Terrace erected above the Zhang River. In about a year the work was finished. Cao Zhi, his youngest son, then spoke up: “If the lofty platform is to be built, three towers should stand on it. Let the middle, highest one be named the Bronze Sparrow, the left one the Jade Dragon, and the right one the Golden Phoenix. Build two flying bridges that cross through the air, and it will be a grand spectacle.”

Cao Cao approved. “My son has spoken well. When the terrace is finished, it will be enough to please me in my old age.”

Cao Cao had five sons, and Cao Zhi alone was by nature quick and gifted, and skilled in writing. Cao Cao loved him the most in his daily life.

So he left Cao Zhi and Cao Pi in Ye Commandery to oversee the terrace, and made Zhang Yan keep watch over the northern stockade. He returned to Xu with the army he had captured from Yuan Shao—five or six hundred thousand men—reviewed the troops, and gave his merits to his officers with great rewards. He also submitted a memorial granting Guo Jia the title of Marquis Zhen, and took his son Yi into his household for care. He gathered strategists again and discussed a southern campaign against Liu Biao. Xun Yu said, “The main army has just come back from campaigning in the north; it ought not to move again yet. Wait half a year, restore strength and sharpen the edge. Liu Biao and Sun Quan can be brought down together when the time is right.”

Cao Cao agreed and therefore dispersed his troops to rotate into military farms while awaiting employment.

As for Liu Bei, when he arrived in Jing Province, Liu Biao treated him with great warmth. One day, while they were gathering together at table and drinking, there came news that the surrendered men Zhang Wu and Chen Sun were raiding the people of Jiangxia and plotting rebellion. Liu Biao was alarmed: “Those two villains have risen up again; this is no small calamity.”

Liu Bei said, “Do not have your brother worry. I beg to ride out and punish them.”

Liu Biao was delighted and immediately appointed thirty thousand soldiers, then set out with Liu Bei. Liu Bei took command at once and in no time reached Jiangxia. Zhang Wu and Chen Sun came out with their soldiers to meet him. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun rode out under the gate standards. They saw the horse that Zhang Wu rode, and it was extremely lofty and handsome.

Liu Bei said, “This must be a thousand-li horse.”

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Yun lowered his spear and rushed straight into their formation. Zhang Wu loosed his horse to receive him and, before they made three rounds, was knocked from the saddle by a single thrust from Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun snatched the rein and pulled the horse back toward his formation. Chen Sun came on after him to seize the horse. Zhang Fei bellowed once, lifted his spear, and drove it straight into Chen Sun, killing him. The men all broke and scattered.

Liu Bei pacified the remaining bands, restored order in the counties of Jiangxia, and returned with his army to report. Liu Biao rode out beyond the city gate to welcome him back, then held a banquet in celebration. Halfway through the wine, Liu Biao said, “My younger brother has such extraordinary talent; Jing Province has a pillar with which to rely. I worry only that, from the south, an invasion may come inopportunely. Zhang Lu and Sun Quan are enough to be causes for concern.”

Liu Bei said, “My brother has three commanders enough for this: send Zhang Fei to patrol the southern frontier; let Yunchang hold Zicheng to contain Zhang Lu; let Zhao Yun hold Sanjiang to oppose Sun Quan. What cause is there to worry?”

Liu Biao was pleased and wished to follow Liu Bei’s words. He had Cai Mao report to his sister, Lady Cai: “Liu Bei leaves only three of his generals outside and remains in Jing Province. If he stays there long, he will surely become a danger.”

So Lady Cai spoke to Liu Biao at night: “I have heard that Liu Bei has too much traffic with the people of Jing Province. He should not be taken lightly. Since he now lives in the city it helps him nothing; he should be sent away.” Liu Biao replied, “Liu Bei is a man of benevolence.”

Cai said, “I fear he is not as you are.” Liu Biao paused and did not answer.

The next day, Liu Biao came out of the city and saw Liu Bei’s horse, which was extremely fine, and heard that it was Zhang Wu’s horse. He praised it without measure. Liu Bei then presented this horse to Liu Biao.

Liu Biao rejoiced and mounted to ride back into the city. Kui Yue saw it and asked about it. “It was a gift from Liu Bei,” Liu Biao said.

Kui Yue replied, “Your elder brother Kua Liang was most skilled at judging horses, and I also know somewhat. This horse has tear-marked eyes and white spots on either side of the forehead, a marking known as Di Lu; it brings harm to the rider. Zhang Wu was killed because of this horse. Master, you should not ride it.”

Liu Biao listened. The next day he invited Liu Bei to banquet him and said, “Yesterday I gratefully received a fine horse. I am deeply moved by your kindness. Yet my worthy younger brother is not always in motion on campaign. He may still be put to use, so I will return it.”

Liu Bei rose and offered thanks. Liu Biao added, “My younger brother has lived here too long and may let his martial skills grow soft. In Xiangyang, the subordinate county of Xinye has some supplies and grain. He may bring his troops and horses there and encamp.”

Liu Bei acknowledged it.

The following day he thanked Liu Biao and withdrew with his main army and mounts straight to Xinye. As he passed through the gate, a man stepped forward and made a deep bow before his horse, saying, “Your lordship’s horse is not one to ride.” Liu Bei looked, and saw it was Ji Bo—Yi Ji of Jingzhou’s attendant office, surname Ji, from Shanyang.

Liu Bei dismounted at once and asked him. Ji said, “Yesterday I heard Kua Yi-duo tell Liu of Jingzhou, ‘This horse is named Di Lu; one who rides it is harmed.’ It was returned to you, so how could you ride it again?”

Liu Bei replied, “I deeply appreciate your concern. But the lives and deaths of ordinary men are a matter of destiny; can a horse truly bring one harm?”

Ji greatly admired his lofty view, and from that day he often went in and out with Liu Bei.

When Liu Bei arrived in Xinye, soldiers and civilians rejoiced, and the administration was transformed.

In the spring of the twelfth year of Jian'an, Lady Gan gave birth to Liu Shan. That night a white crane flew onto the county office roof, cried out more than forty times, then flew westward. At the onset of childbirth there was perfume filling the room. Lady Gan had once dreamed she drank in by gazing up and swallowed the Northern Dipper, so her milk name was A-Dou.

At this time Cao Cao’s main army was campaigning north. Liu Bei went to Jing Province and said to Liu Biao, “Now Cao Cao has gone north and Xu is empty. If we take the forces of Jing and Xiang and strike in the opening, a great undertaking can be accomplished.”

Liu Biao said, “I have a seat here in Jing Province and need not try for anything else.”

Liu Bei was silent. Liu Biao invited him into the rear hall to drink.

The wine rose to half-intoxication when Liu Biao suddenly drew a long sigh. Liu Bei said, “Brother, why such a long sigh?”

Liu Biao answered, “I have a matter in my heart that is not easy to speak plainly.”

When Liu Bei tried to ask again, Liu Biao fell silent. At that moment Lady Cai stepped out and stood behind the screen. Liu Biao lowered his head and still spoke nothing.

When the feast was over, Liu Bei returned to Xinye.

That winter, when Liu Bei heard that Cao Cao had returned from Liucheng, he lamented deeply that Liu Biao had ignored his advice. One day Liu Biao sent a messenger to ask Liu Bei to come and meet in Jing Province. Liu Bei followed the messenger.

When he arrived, Liu Biao greeted him, completed the formalities, and asked him into the rear hall for a drink. He said, “Recently I have heard that Cao Cao has returned to Xu with troops; his strength grows stronger each day, and he surely harbors the intention of swallowing Jing and Xiang. I regret I did not heed your words and missed this good chance.”

Liu Bei said, “The realm is divided and banners have risen. Are opportunities only ever abundant? If we can answer at the right later moment, this is not yet cause for regret.”

Liu Biao replied, “Your words were true.” The two drank together.

The wine ran deep, and Liu Biao wept thickly. Liu Bei asked why.

Liu Biao said, “I have had this in my heart. I wanted to tell my worthy younger brother before, but could not find the proper moment.”

Liu Bei said, “What is the matter that Brother cannot decide? If there is any service by me, I would refuse no charge, even life.”

Liu Biao said, “I have an elder son, Qi, born of my first wife, Lady Chen. Though he is a virtuous man, he is too soft and weak for great affairs. My younger son, Cong, born of Lady Cai, is relatively quick. I wish to depose the elder and elevate the younger, but that would offend law and ritual. If I uphold the elder, I fear Lady Cai’s clan will hold full command over military affairs and in time create disorder. Thus I have not resolved myself.”

Liu Bei said, “From ancient times, deposing the elder for the younger has been a route to chaos. If you fear Cai authority, reduce it gradually, but do not spoil yourself by enthroning the younger.”

Liu Biao was silent.

In fact, Lady Cai had long suspected Liu Bei, and whenever he and Liu Biao discussed matters, she always came and listened behind the screen. At this moment she was indeed behind it and heard Liu Bei’s words. Her heart was deeply resentful.

Liu Bei knew he had spoken badly, and so he rose as if to relieve himself. He saw, too, that flesh had returned to his thighs, and could not help but burst into tears. Shortly he returned to his seat.

Seeing tears on Liu Bei’s face, Liu Biao asked in surprise. Liu Bei sighed deeply and said, “Brother often says he has never left his saddle and my thigh flesh is all gone. For a long time now I have not ridden; flesh has returned in my thighs. Months and years are slipping away, and old age comes toward me while accomplishments are not built. This is what makes me mourn.”

Liu Biao replied, “I have heard that your younger self at Xu drank wine with Cao Cao, and he spoke with you of heroes. You named all the renowned men of the age, and Cao Cao allowed none, only saying, ‘Among the heroes of the age, only my lord and Cao Cao stand foremost.’ Even with Cao Cao’s power, he would still not place himself before you. Why would you fear that achievement is not for you?”

With drink on his breath, Liu Bei blurted, “If I have any real merit, those lesser men under heaven need not be worried about me.”

Liu Biao went silent at these words.

Liu Bei knew he had misspoken and pretended drunkenness to rise and go back to his quarters to rest.

Later people made a poem praising Liu Bei:

Cao Gong counted his fingers from the beginning and found that under heaven among heroes there was only you. Even my thigh flesh has returned, and I still lament; why should he not still strive to keep all under heaven from being divided three ways?

Later that day, Liu Biao heard Liu Bei’s words. His mouth said nothing, but his heart was not at ease. After sending Liu Bei away, he withdrew into the inner hall.

Lady Cai said, “I just heard him behind the screen. Liu Bei looked down on me, and by that I can see he intends to seize Jing Province. If we do not remove him now, he will be a trouble for the future.”

Liu Biao gave no answer and only shook his head.

So Lady Cai privately summoned Cai Mao and together they discussed the matter. Cai Mao said, “First, have him killed in his lodgings, then report it to our lord.”

Lady Cai agreed. Cai Mao left and raised troops that same night.

Liu Bei sat by his lamp in his lodgings and only after the third watch wanted to retire for the night when a man knocked at the door and entered. It was Yi Ji. Yi Ji had learned Cai Mao’s plot and had come in the middle of night to report it.

Yi Ji immediately told Liu Bei of Cai Mao’s plot and urged him to leave at once.

Liu Bei said, “I have not yet paid my farewell to Master Jingsheng. How can I leave at once?”

Yi Ji answered, “If you do not leave, Master, Cai Mao will surely kill you.”

Liu Bei thanked him, then hurriedly called his attendants and had them all mount.

Before dawn, he rode through the night back to Xinye. By the time Cai Mao arrived with troops at the lodgings, Liu Bei had already gone far.

Cai Mao regretted it too late and wrote a poem on the wall, then went directly in to see Liu Biao:

“Liu Bei means rebellion and has hung up a rebel poem on the wall. He has departed without leaving. Master, he is intent on treason,” he reported.

Liu Biao did not believe him. He himself came to the lodgings, and there was indeed a poem of four lines. It read:

For years I merely guarded the hardships, looking into old mountains and rivers in vain. Is a dragon a thing of a pond; can it ride a thunderbolt and rise toward heaven?

Liu Biao, seeing the poem, became enraged and drew his sword, saying, “I swear to kill this treacherous man!” He took a few steps, then suddenly thought soberly: “I have lived with Liu Bei for a long time and never saw him write poetry. This must be a scheme to incite discord.”

He returned, entered the lodgings, used his sword tip to scrape the poem off the wall, cast the sword back on the saddle, and mounted.

Cai Mao begged, “The soldiers are already lined up. We can go now and seize Liu Bei at Xinye.”

Liu Biao said, “Not yet. Do not act hastily; let this be handled with further thought.”

Cai Mao saw that Liu Biao delayed and hesitated, so he secretly advised with Lady Cai. That very day he assembled the senior officers at Xiangyang and planned there. The next day he informed Liu Biao, “There has been a bountiful harvest this year. Let us gather all the officials at Xiangyang to show them favor. I beg the lord to join the proceedings personally.”

Liu Biao replied, “Lately I have had what I think is a chest illness and truly I cannot travel. Let the two sons receive and host the guests.”

Cai Mao said, “The sons are young and may fail in ceremony.”

Liu Biao said, “Then ask Liu Bei to come to Xiangyang and host the guests.”

Cai Mao was secretly pleased that this struck his plan true and sent word for Liu Bei to come to Xiangyang.

Liu Bei hurried back to Xinye and knew that by his own mistaken words he had invited danger. Yet he did not speak of this to everyone. Soon an envoy arrived requesting his attendance in Xiangyang.

Sun Qian said, “Yesterday when I saw the lord return in such haste, he seemed not well in spirit. I suspect this is the beginning of trouble in Jing Province. To be suddenly invited now, we should not go lightly.”

Liu Bei had only just told the men the matter before. Zhang Fei said, “You doubt your own tongue from earlier. Liu of Jing has no intent to punish. Do not take outsiders’ words as true. Xiangyang is not far from here. If you fail to go, suspicion will rise in Jing Province.”

Zhao Yun said, “I will take three hundred cavalry and accompany you so that your safety may be secured.”

Liu Bei said, “This is good.” He and Zhao Yun then went to Xiangyang that day.

Cai Mao came out beyond the gate to receive him with deep courtesy. Behind him came Liu Qi and Liu Cong and a group of civil and military officials.

When Liu Bei saw both princely sons present, he did not suspect treachery.

That day Liu Biao asked Liu Bei to rest temporarily in the guest house, while Zhao Yun led three hundred troops to circle him in protection. Zhao Yun wore armor, hung his sword at his side, and moved with never leaving Liu Bei.

Liu Qi told Liu Bei, “My father has chest illness and cannot move. He has asked his uncle to receive guests and to urge the commanders from the counties and commanderies to carry out proper measures.”

Liu Bei replied, “I am not deserving of such a post. Since my older brother commands, I dare not refuse.”

The next day, officials from nine commanderies and forty-two counties had all arrived in attendance. Cai Mao had already asked Kui Yue to plan with him:

“Liu Bei is a mighty hawk among the age, and if he remains long in these lands he will become dangerous. He can be removed today.”

Kui Yue said, “I fear it will lose the confidence of the people.”

Cai Mao replied, “I already have a copy of Liu Biao’s words in this matter.”

Kui Yue said, “If so, make preparations in advance.”

Cai Mao said, “At Dongmen Xianshan we have ordered my brother Cai He to guard with troops. At the south gate outside we have ordered Cai Zhong to guard. At the north gate outside we have ordered Cai Xun to guard. The west gate need not be guarded: there is Tan Creek ahead, and even a host of tens of thousands cannot cross it easily.”

Kui Yue said, “I have seen Zhao Yun move never apart from Liu Bei. It will be difficult to take him.”

Cai Mao said, “I have five hundred troops quietly inside the city prepared.”

Kui Yue said, “Set out separate seats for Wen Pi and Wang Wei in the outer hall and have them wait for the military officers. Invite Zhao Yun first to take his seat, and only then may we act.”

Cai Mao accepted.

That day they slaughtered cattle and horses and set a grand banquet. Liu Bei arrived at the prefectural office on the Di Lu horse; he ordered it led into the rear courtyard and tethered. All the officers gathered in the hall. Liu Bei presided; Liu Qi and Liu Cong sat on either side, others in order.

Zhao Yun, with sword drawn, stood at Liu Bei’s side. Wen Pi and Wang Wei entered and asked Zhao Yun to join the banquet. Zhao Yun refused.

Liu Bei ordered him to take a seat, and Zhao Yun reluctantly obeyed and came out.

Cai Mao had brought an iron tub and something alike from outside and had it set up; he ordered Liu Bei’s three hundred guards to return to the guest house to await, so that at the height of wine they could make their move.

When the wine had made three rounds, Yi Ji lifted the cup and brought it before Liu Bei. He looked at Liu Bei with his eyes and said in a low voice, “Please change your clothing.”

Liu Bei understood at once and rose as if to relieve himself. As soon as Yi Ji had set down the cup, he ran into the rear garden and met Liu Bei, whispering in his ear: “Cai Mao has planned to kill you. On the east, south, and north outside the city there are troops stationed. Only the west gate remains open. You must flee at once!”

Liu Bei was greatly startled. He quickly broke the Di Lu horse, opened the rear garden gate, and pulled it out. He vaulted on the horse without regard for attendants and rode one horse toward the west gate. The gate sentry asked something, but Liu Bei gave no answer, only striking with his goad and leaving.

The gate attendant could not stop him and immediately reported to Cai Mao. Cai Mao mounted and led five hundred soldiers after him in pursuit.

Liu Bei burst out past the west gate and rode on for many li until a great stream blocked his road. That was Tan Creek, several yards wide, with water flowing into the Xiang River and swift current. When Liu Bei reached its bank and found he could not cross, he reined in and turned back. He looked far off to see a mass of dust rising in the west of the city; the pursuit was nearly there.

Liu Bei said, “I die today!” He turned the horse to the creek. Looking back, he saw pursuers still near.

In panic, he spurred into the creek. After only a few strides, the front hooves of the horse sank and his sleeves and robes became wet. He shouted with all his force, “Di Lu! Di Lu! Today, you ruin me!”

When he had uttered the words, the horse rose out of the water as if from the bottom, leapt three zhang high, and climbed the west bank.

As if rising from cloud and fog, Liu Bei escaped.

Later Scholar Su wrote an old-style poem solely on Liu Bei’s horse-leaping at Tan Creek. It ran:

Greying blossoms fall as spring’s dusk comes, and a guest-officer by accident reaches the road to Tan Creek. He halts the horse and stares afar, lingering alone while red petals drift down in air. Secretly he imagines Xianyang’s fire-luck withers; dragon and tiger wrestle and hold each other fast. At Xiangyang the prince gathers men for wine; in the hall Liu Bei stood near death. In flight for life he goes out only through the west gate, while from behind the horsemen give chase. Along the misted, swollen waters of Tan Creek he cried out and drove the riders ahead to leap. Hooves shattered turquoise-green glass as the sky wind roared; in that ringing he swung his golden whip. All he heard about his ears was a thousand riders running; in the water at once he saw twin dragons take wing. In the western lands, one true lord of valiant power—there he met the dragon mare and the hero lord. Tan Creek water runs eastward; where now is that heroic lord of the dragon horse? Looking at the stream he sighed three times, his heart turning bitter; slanting sunlight shone on empty mountains. The three-part tripodal power is but a dream-like vision; only traces remain in the world.

Liu Bei leapt past the creek to the west bank and looked back toward the east bank, where Cai Mao had already brought troops to the stream. Cai Mao shouted, “Why did you leave the feast and flee?”

Liu Bei answered, “I have no enmity with you. Why do you wish me harm?”

Cai Mao said, “I have no such thought. My lord, do not listen to others.”

Seeing Cai Mao reach for bow and arrow, Liu Bei at once turned and urged the horse toward the southwest.

Cai Mao said to those around him, “What spirit aided him!” He was about to pull his troops back to the city, when he saw Zhao Yun rushing in from the west gate with three hundred soldiers.

Then it was said:

The leaping dragon-horse saved its lord. The pursuing tiger-general came on to exact revenge. How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.