Zhong Jin and Zhong Shen blocked Zhao Yun and fought in close contact. Zhao Yun thrust with his spear. Zhong Jin was first to strike, swinging a great axe to meet him. The two horses collided, and after no more than three exchanges, Zhao Yun had already speared him from his saddle, sent him crashing down, and forced his way to escape.

Zhong Shen came up behind with a halberd. Their horse tails struck each other, and that halberd only cut a ghostly arc behind Zhao Yun’s back.

Zhao Yun sharply turned his horse; their chests struck together. With his left hand he deflected the halberd with his spear. With his right he drew the green-steel treasure sword and swung. Helm and skull came away together. Zhong Shen fell from the saddle and died, and the rest scattered.

Zhao Yun got free and ran for Changban Bridge. He heard a crashing roar behind him. It was Wen Pin, bringing troops forward. Zhao Yun reached the bridge, tired and with a spent horse.

He saw Zhang Fei, whose courtesy name was Yide, upright in the saddle on the bridge with his spear held. Zhao Yun shouted, “Yide, aid me!”

Yide said, “Zilong, go quickly. I will hold the pursuers.”

Zhao Yun galloped across, and after more than twenty li he saw Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande, and others resting beneath trees. Zhao Yun dismounted, knelt, and wept. Liu Bei wept too.

Catching his breath, Zhao Yun said, “My fault is so grave that I deserve to die ten thousand deaths. Lady Mi was grievously wounded, would not mount, and threw herself into a well and died. I could only cover her with an embankment of earth. Carrying the young lord, I crashed through layers of encirclement. By our lord’s fortune, I barely escaped.

Just now the child was still crying in my arms; when he was suddenly still, I feared there could be no rescue.” He then checked him.

It was A Dou, still asleep and not yet awake. Zhao Yun cried out in joy, “By Heaven’s mercy, the boy is unharmed!” He passed him to Liu Bei with both hands.

Liu Bei took him and set him down on the earth: “For this child of yours, I nearly lost one of my best generals.”

Zhao Yun hurriedly knelt to the ground, lifted A Dou again, and bowed while weeping, “Even if I laid down my life and blood, I still could not repay this grace.”

A later verse says:

A tiger breaks from Cao Cao’s troops and comes out; in Zhao Yun’s chest the little prince sleeps.\ with no way to soothe the loyal heart, he casts his own child before his horse.

Wen Pin pursued and brought his troops to Changban Bridge. He saw Zhang Fei, with his beard bristling and eyes round as lanterns, spear poised like a snake, standing on his horse atop the bridge. Beyond the trees on the east of the bridge he saw a great dust cloud rising and, suspecting an ambush, held his horse back.

Soon Cao Ren, Li Dian, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Xu Chu, and others arrived. Seeing Yide with eyes like coals, a spear across and standing on the bridge, and fearing that it might be Zhuge Liang’s design, they all dared not approach closely. They planted their line and arrayed themselves in single file to the west of the bridge, sending a messenger to report to Cao Cao.

When Cao Cao heard, he rode up quickly from the rear. Zhang Fei’s round eyes still fixed on them, and far off he could faintly make out blue silk parasols and halberd banners from the rear troops arriving. He judged Cao Cao had, out of suspicion, come himself.

Yide shouted in a raised voice, “I am Yide of Yan! Who will settle a life-and-death fight with me?” His voice was like thunder. Every Wei soldier who heard it shivered.

Cao Cao ordered the parasol removed and said, looking to both sides, “I have heard Yunchang speak that Yide in the midst of ten thousand could seize the first officer of the vanguard as if lifting fruit from a basket. We meet him now; we must not take him lightly.”

Not yet done, Yide again cried out with eyes still wild, “Yide of Yan is here! Who comes to decide death against me?” Seeing such spirit in him, Cao Cao felt an impulse to withdraw. Yide saw Cao Cao’s rear formation begin to move, so he set his spear and shouted again, “You refuse to fight and refuse to retreat. Why is that?”

Before the cry ended, Xiahou Jie at Cao Cao’s side was so frightened that he nearly lost his composure and fell from his horse. Cao then wheeled and rode back.

One by one all the gathered commanders fled west. Then this is apt:

A yellow-mouthed child cannot hear thunder, how could he hear its split?\ a diseased woodcutter cannot bear the roar of tiger and leopard.

At that moment shields and helmets were abandoned in countless numbers. Men surged like tide, horses like landslides, trampling one another.

A later verse says:

At Changban Bridge, fury rises from the killing intent;\ With crossed spear and eyes wide open, Yide stands there.

One cry is like rolling thunder;\ one man alone drives back Cao’s million-strong army.

Cao Cao, fearing Yide’s might, spurred west in panic. His hairpins all came loose; he fled with flying hair.

Zhang Liao and Xu Chu caught up and pulled at his rein. Cao was in chaos.

Zhang Liao said, “Chancellor, do not fear. Could a single man like Yide truly cause such danger? If now we return and strike hard, Liu Bei can be caught.”

Only then Cao’s face steadied, and he again ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Chu to return to Changban Bridge and learn what had happened.

Zhang Fei saw Cao’s forces mass in retreat and not daring pursuit. He immediately called back the original two dozen riders, had the horse-tail and tree-branch obstacles removed, and ordered the bridge broken apart. Then he rode back to Liu Bei and reported the bridge’s destruction.

Xuande said, “My brother is brave indeed, but careless in reckoning.”

Yide asked why.

Liu Bei replied, “Cao Cao is greatly strategic. You should not tear down the bridge. He will surely come after us.”

Yide said, “He was driven back many li by my single shout. How can he dare to chase again?”

Liu Bei replied, “If we leave the bridge unbroken, he may think there is an ambush and dare not advance. Now if it is broken, he will think we are without troops and only hesitant, so he must pursue. He has a host of a hundred thousand; even if he crosses Jiang and Han, he can fill and pass. How could he fear one broken bridge?”

At once Liu Bei stood and took a small path, turning off sharply toward Han Ford and heading for the road to Mianyang.

Cao Cao had Zhang Liao and Xu Chu check Changban Bridge; they returned: “Yide has broken the bridge and left.”

Cao Cao said, “If he breaks a bridge and departs, that is fear.” He ordered ten thousand troops to build three floating bridges at once. They would cross tonight.

Li Dian said, “This likely is Zhuge Liang’s false design. Do not advance lightly.”

Cao Cao said, “Could a man of one brave stroke like Yide be planning deceit?!” and he sent the orders onward; the troops advanced in haste.

Liu Bei, coming near Han Ford, suddenly saw a great cloud of dust behind him, drums sounding through the sky, cries shaking the earth.

He said, “There is a great river ahead and enemy at our back. What are we to do?” He ordered Zhao Yun to ready for resistance.

Cao Cao gave an order to the army: “Liu Bei is a fish in the kettle, a tiger in the pit; if we do not seize him now, it is like releasing fish to the sea and allowing a tiger to return to the mountain. Let all commanders urge strength and chase forward.”

Each general gave his command and, one by one, pressed hard in pursuit.

Suddenly behind a ridge drums sounded again, and a troop of cavalry burst forth, crying, “We have waited for this long!”

At their head rode a great general holding a Green Dragon Blade on a chi-tu horse.

It was Guan Yu, whose courtesy name was Yunchang. He had taken a force of ten thousand from Jiangxia and, knowing of the battle at Dangyang and at Changban, intentionally cut out by this road.

When Cao Cao saw Guan Yu, he pulled hard on the reins and looking back among his commanders said, “Again we have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” and ordered a quick retreat.

Guan Yu chased the force for more than ten li, then turned back to protect Liu Bei and the others, reaching Han Ford where boats waited. Guan Yu invited Liu Bei, Lady Gan, and A Dou aboard and seated them.

Guan Yu asked, “Where is your second sister?” Liu Bei related what happened at Dangyang.

Guan Yu sighed, “If, in those days at Xu Tian, we had done as I advised, this trouble would not have arisen.”

Liu Bei said, “Now I too must move with the utmost caution, lest striking the rat shatter the vessel.”

Just then, from the south bank war drums sounded in full. Boats like swarming ants came, sails full in the wind. Liu Bei was greatly alarmed.

When the boat drew near, a man in white robes and silver armor stood at the bow and called out, “Uncle, are you otherwise in health? Your nephew comes late with apology!”

Liu Bei saw and recognized him as Liu Qi. Liu Qi stepped aboard and knelt with tears: “When I heard my uncle was trapped before Cao Cao, your nephew came in haste to aid you.”

Liu Bei rejoiced. They gathered troops together and moved. While they were recounting events on the boat, suddenly a line of war vessels opened from the southwest and came swiftly with whistles in the wind.

Liu Qi said in alarm, “The troops from Jiangxia have all risen and arrived here. If warships now block the way, they are either Cao Cao’s army or that of Eastern Wu. What are we to do?”

Liu Bei stepped to the bow and saw a man in hemp scarf and plain robes sitting at the bow. It was Kongming, and behind him stood Sun Qian.

Liu Bei hurriedly invited him aboard and asked why he was here.

Kongming said, “Liang came to Jiangxia first and ordered Zilong to land at Han Ford to meet and receive. I judged Cao Cao would surely pursue and that the Lord would not come from Jiangling, but take a slant to Han Ford. So I specifically asked the young lord to come ahead and receive us, and then I returned to Xiakou and summoned all troops to come forward to assist.”

Liu Bei rejoiced. The three talked together to discuss breaking Cao’s force.

Kongming said, “Xiakou is a secure city and has adequate money and grain, enough to hold out for long. Please have my lord camp at Xiakou. Let the young lord return to Jiangxia to arrange the boats and repair the arms, creating an oblique, angular posture to withstand Cao Cao. If we all return together to Jiangxia, our position becomes isolated.”

Liu Qi said, “The Strategist speaks truly, but I think it wise to ask uncle to stop by Jiangxia briefly, to set horse and troops right, and then return to Xiakou without delay.”

Liu Bei answered, “My worthy nephew speaks truly as well.”

So he left Zilong with five thousand troops to hold Xiakou.

Liu Bei, Kongming, and Liu Qi then moved together toward Jiangxia.

When Cao Cao saw that Guan Yu had intercepted the land route, he suspected an ambush and dared not pursue. He also feared that the water route had already been taken at Jiangling by Liu Bei, so he hastened overnight and marched on toward Jiangling.

In Jingzhou, the city commander Deng Yi and the assistant minister Liu Xian already knew the matter at Xiangyang and judged they could not resist Cao Cao. Therefore they led Jingzhou’s troops and civilians out of the gates and surrendered.

Cao Cao entered the city, stabilized the populace, and freed Han Song from prison, promoting him to Grand Master of Ceremonies. All other officials received rewards.

Cao Cao discussed with his commanders, “Now Liu Bei has gone to Jiangxia. He may join with Eastern Wu, and this will spread dangerously. What plan shall we use to destroy this?”

Xun You said, “I shall now raise the army’s military prestige, send envoys with proclamations to Jiangdong, and ask Sun Quan to join in a hunt at Jiangxia so we may together capture Liu Bei and divide Jingzhou, forever securing alliance and favor. If Sun Quan comes in alarm and suspicion, he will come under submission, and our matter is done.”

Cao Cao accepted this plan. At one side he sent proclamations and envoys to Jiangdong. At the same time he counted out 830,000 horse, infantry, and river troops—claiming one million—and ordered a combined advance by land and water, horse and boat in two lines, moving down the river. In the west they linked Jingxia Gorge and in the east connected Qihuang, with stockades and fortifications linked for more than three hundred li.

At this point the story takes two routes.

Over in Jiangdong, Sun Quan kept his troops in Chaisan County. Hearing that Cao Cao’s huge army had reached Xiangyang, that Liu Qiong had already submitted, and that now he too had taken Jiangling by overnight routes, he gathered all his counselors and debated a defense.

Lu Su said, “Jingzhou borders our state, and rivers and passes are steep and secure; the people and wealth are rich. If we possess it, it is material for kings. Now that Liu Biao is newly dead and Liu Bei newly defeated, I request permission to carry condolences to Jiangxia and say to Liu Bei that he should pacify Liu Biao’s old officers and make them one heart. If he gladly agrees, this great affair may be accomplished.”

Sun Quan was happy and followed his counsel, sending Lu Su with gifts to Jiangxia in condolence.

When Liu Bei reached Jiangxia, he and Kongming and Liu Qi discussed a good stratagem.

Kongming said, “Cao Cao is mighty and impossible to oppose in haste. It is better to go to Eastern Wu and Sun Quan for aid. If north and south are locked in contention, we can profit from the middle. Why is that impossible?”

Liu Bei said, “The people of Jiangdong are many and surely have far-reaching plans. Why would they accept us?”

Kongming smiled, “Cao Cao has brought a million men and crouches across the Jiang and Han. How could Jiangdong fail to send someone to probe the true situation? If one comes, Liang, with a single favorable wind and a tongue that never fails, can sail straight to Jiangdong and with persuasion say that north and south are each trying to swallow the other. If the southern army wins, we punish Cao Cao together and take Jingzhou. If the northern army wins, then we can use the moment to take the south.”

Liu Bei said, “That argument is lofty. How do we get someone from Jiangdong here?”

Just then they were told that Sun Quan’s envoy Lu Su had arrived for condolences and moored his ship.

Kongming said, “This is excellent news.” He asked Liu Qi, “When Sun Ce died, did Xiangyang already send an envoy to condole?”

Liu Qi answered, “Jiangdong owes my family a father-killing grudge; there is no occasion for celebratory mourning rites.”

Kongming said, “Then Lu Su has not come to pay condolences; he has come to inquire about military affairs.” He told Liu Bei, “If Lu Su asks about Cao Cao’s situation, my lord should simply say he does not know. If he asks again, say he should ask Zhuge Liang.”

With the plan fixed they sent men to welcome Lu Su. Lu Su entered the city to condole and receive gifts. Liu Qi asked him to meet Liu Bei. After rituals, he invited him into the back hall to drink.

Lu Su said, “Long have I known the fame of the Imperial Uncle but never met him. I am truly comforted to meet him now. Recently hearing that the Imperial Uncle fought with Cao Cao, you must know the enemy’s vulnerabilities. May I ask how many soldiers Cao has?”

Xuande said, “Our troops are small and commanders few. As soon as Cao came near, we withdrew. We do not know his vulnerabilities.”

Lu Su said, “I heard the Imperial Uncle using Zhuge Liang’s planning: two consecutive fires burned away Cao’s soul and made his courage collapse. How could he not know?”

Liu Bei said, “Only by asking Kongming can I know.”

Lu Su asked, “Where is Master Kongming? I ask to see him.”

Liu Bei had Zhuge Liang come forth.

When Lu Su met him and saw the ceremonial greeting complete, he said, “I long admired the teacher’s talent and virtue but had not yet met him. Now, to meet him now, I am glad. I wish to hear about our present safety and the matter of danger.”

Kongming replied, “Cao Cao’s deceit is known to me, but my strength is lacking. So I have waited and withdrawn for the moment.”

Lu Su said, “Will the Imperial Uncle now stop here long?”

Kongming said, “Your Highness has long had old ties with Wuchen, the Administrator of Cangwu; I mean to go there.”

Lu Su said, “Wuchen has little grain and few soldiers; he cannot hold himself, how can he shelter others?”

Kongming replied, “Wuchen’s dwelling is not enough for long residence. Yet for now we can stay there temporarily; I have another good plan.”

Lu Su said, “General Sun occupies six commanderies. His soldiers are excellent, his grain sufficient, and he highly respects worthy men and scholars; many heroes of Jiangdong attach to him. Now for Your Highness, it is best to send a trusted insider to connect with Eastern Wu and share a great undertaking.”

Kongming said, “Liu’s lord has never had prior ties with General Sun. I fear words would be spent in vain, and there is no one close and trusted I can send.”

Lu Su said, “The Master’s brother now serves as adviser in Jiangdong and waits daily to meet you. Though unworthy, I beg to go with you to meet General Sun and discuss this great matter.”

Liu Bei said, “Kongming is my master and teacher. How could he leave me even briefly?”

Lu Su persisted in asking Zhuge Liang to go.

Liu Bei pretended to refuse.

Kongming said, “The matter is urgent. I ask that I may go on this mission.”

Liu Bei finally consented.

Lu Su then left Liu Bei and Liu Qi and took to the boat with Zhuge Liang, heading for Chaisan County.

Then, as the saying goes:

Because Zhuge, in his small boat, moved away, Cao’s troops at once were given a rest. Who knows how this departure will end? Let the next chapter explain it.

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