Xu Gongming battles along the Mian River. Guan Yunchang is routed from Maicheng.

Now Mi Fang heard that Jing Province had fallen and had no measure left. Just then word arrived that Fu Shiren, commander of the Gong’an garrison, was here. Mi Fang quickly received him into the city and asked about the matter. Fu Shiren said, “I am not disloyal; the position is dangerous and our strength is strained, so we cannot hold it. I have already surrendered to Eastern Wu. You, Excellency, should not delay your own surrender.” Mi Fang said, “We have all lived long under the great grace of the King of Han; how could we turn against him in a single morning?” Fu Shiren said, “Since Guan Gong departed, he has harbored bitter hatred for us two. If, on some future day, he returns in victory, there will be no mercy. Look into the matter closely.” Mi Fang said, “My brothers and I have served the King of Han for years. How can we abandon him in one day?”

While he was still hesitating, news came that Guan Gong had sent an envoy to the hall. The envoy announced, “General Guan’s army lacks grain. We have come from Nanjun and Gong’an to take one hundred thousand shi of white rice. You two generals are to ride through the night and deliver it. If you delay even briefly, he will be beheaded. Mi Fang was greatly shocked and said to Fu Shiren, “Jing Province has already fallen to Eastern Wu. How can this grain pass through?” Fu Shiren, in a sharp voice, said, “Do not be so suspicious.” He drew his sword and beheaded the envoy in the hall. Mi Fang asked in alarm, “What do we do now?” Fu Shiren said, “This is exactly Guan Gong’s intent. He now wants to execute us both. If we do not surrender to Eastern Wu at once, he will kill us.” Even as he spoke, news came that Lü Meng was riding with troops and had struck down to the city gate. Mi Fang was startled and, together with Fu Shiren, left the city to surrender. Lü Meng was overjoyed and had them brought before Sun Quan. Sun Quan awarded both men handsomely. After pacifying the city, he rewarded the three armies generously.

At this time Cao Cao was in Xudu, discussing Jing Province with his counselors, when word came that Eastern Wu had dispatched an envoy with a letter. Cao Cao summoned him in. The messenger presented the letter. Cao Cao opened it and read: Wu troops would attack Jing Province, and he was asked to mount a joint strike on Guan Gong; he was also instructed not to leak it so that Guan Gong would make preparations. Cao Cao consulted with his advisers. His clerk Dong Zhao said, “Now Fan City is besieged and straining at the neck for relief, waiting only for rescue. It is better to have someone shoot the letter into Fan City to steady the army’s hearts, and also let Guan Gong know that Eastern Wu intends to invade Jing Province. If he fears the loss of Jing, he will withdraw quickly. Then Xu Huang can strike with the opportunity and bring complete success.” Cao Cao accepted the plan. He sent men to urge Xu Huang to fight urgently. At the same time he personally led a large force and marched to the marshes south of Luoyang to station there and relieve Cao Ren.

Xu Huang was in his command tent when he was told that an envoy from the Wei king had arrived. Xu Huang received him. The envoy said, “The King of Wei has already moved his forces past Luoyang, and orders General Xu Huang to fight Guan Gong at once, and thus free Fan City from its crisis.” While they were speaking, a scout came in reporting, “Guan Ping has encamped at Yancheng, and Liao Hua at Sizhong. From front and rear there are twelve stockades linked without break.” Xu Huang then ordered his deputies Xu Shang and Lü Jian to go forward under Xu Huang’s banner and engage Guan Ping at Yancheng. Xu Huang himself led five hundred picked men and followed the Mian River to attack the rear of Yancheng.

Now Guan Ping, hearing that Xu Huang had advanced with his own force, raised his own troops to meet him. The two formations faced each other. Guan Ping went out first and exchanged weapons with Xu Shang. After only three bouts, Xu Shang was defeated and fled. Lü Jian came out to fight and was also defeated after six exchanges. Guan Ping pressed while they were in retreat for more than twenty li, when word came that fire had broken out in the city. Guan Ping realized he had been tricked and quickly beat back the troops to save Yancheng. As he rode in, he found a column of troops already arrayed. Xu Huang, on horseback beneath the battle banner, shouted, “Faithful nephew Guan Ping, do you not understand death? Jing Province has already been taken by Eastern Wu, and yet you still rage on here!” Guan Ping became furious, spurred his horse, and waved his blade straight at Xu Huang. After no more than three or four clashes, there was uproar from all three armies, and fire flared high across Yancheng. Guan Ping did not dare continue the duel, cut a broad path, and rode straight back to Sizhong. Liao Hua caught up with him. Liao Hua said, “It is said that Jing Province has fallen to Lü Meng. The troops are frightened and restless. What are we to do?” Guan Ping said, “This must be false talk. Any soldier who says it again will lose his life.”

A swift horse arrived with news that the northern first encampment was under attack by Xu Huang. Guan Ping said, “If the first encampment falls, how can the other camps remain secure? This place all leans on the Mian River, and enemy soldiers will not dare reach here. Come, you and I, and go at once to rescue it.” Liao Hua called his unit commanders and said, “You must hold this stockade tightly. If the enemy comes, raise the beacon fire at once.” A subcommander replied, “Sizhong Stockade has ten layers of antler defenses. Not even a flying bird can enter. Why should we fear enemy soldiers?” So Guan Ping and Liao Hua sent all the best troops of Sizhong and rushed to garrison at the first encampment. When Guan Ping saw the Wei troops camped on low hills, he said to Liao Hua, “Xu Huang has chosen bad ground. This night we can move troops and raid the stockade.” Liao Hua said, “The General may send half our men ahead; I will keep this stockade carefully.”

That night, Guan Ping led a detachment and broke into the Wei camp. No one was there. Realizing this was deception, he withdrew at speed. Xu Shang came in from the left, and Lü Jian from the right, and both attacked from two sides. Guan Ping suffered a severe defeat and returned to camp. Wei soldiers pressed in pursuit and came in from all four sides, surrounding him. Guan Ping and Liao Hua could not hold. They abandoned the first encampment and went straight to Sizhong. Already they saw flames in the stockade. As they arrived at the gate, they saw only Wei banners. The troops retreating with them ran in disorder to the main road toward Fan City. A force blocked the way. At its head was a great general—none other than Xu Huang. Guan Ping and Liao Hua fought with all they had, broke through, and made to escape. They returned to the main camp and reported to Guan Gong, “Xu Huang has taken Yancheng and the other positions. Cao Cao has also brought a large army himself and come by three routes to relieve Cao Ren. Many are saying Jing Province is already taken by Lü Meng.” Guan Gong cried, “These are enemy lies to shake our army’s spirit! Lü Meng is dying of illness, and the lad Lu Xun has replaced him; there is nothing to fear in that!”

Before this was done, word came that Xu Huang’s soldiers had arrived, and Guan Gong ordered his horses made ready. Guan Ping remonstrated, “Your body is not yet healed. You should not meet the enemy.” Guan Gong said, “I know Xu Huang well and know his strength. If he does not retreat, I will first behead him, so all Wei generals see a warning.” He donned his armor, took up his blade, mounted, and leapt out. The Wei troops saw him and all were struck with awe. He pulled the horse short and asked, “Where is Xu Gongming?” At the Wei camp gate, where the banners were being opened, Xu Huang rode out. He dipped his head and said, “Since we last parted, only a few years have flown. I had not imagined, General, that your hair and beard had turned so gray. I remember our youth when we traveled together. I never forgot your teachings. Now your military renown rings through under Heaven, and old allies hearing it can scarcely hold back envy. To have this meeting is fortune indeed, and it brings great comfort to my longing.” Guan Gong said, “Between you and me, Xu Gongming, there is old and deep fellowship, not like that with others. Why now do you keep threatening my life?” Xu Huang looked back at the ranks of his men and cried out, “Whoever secures General Yunchang’s head will receive one thousand gold pieces!” Guan Gong was shocked. “How can you say such a thing, Xu Gongming?” Xu Huang replied, “Today this is state business. I dare not, for private feeling, set aside duty to the realm.”

When he had spoken, he raised his great axe and charged straight at Guan Gong. Guan Gong raged and swung his own blade to meet him. They fought more than eighty rounds. Though Guan Gong’s martial arts were exceptional, his right arm was then weak. Liao Hua feared for his lord and rang the alarm gongs in haste. Guan Gong turned his horse back to the camp, and suddenly a roar surged from all quarters. It was Cao Ren from Fan City: on hearing that Cao Cao’s relief troops had arrived, he marched out and joined Xu Huang. The two armies attacked in a pincer and the Jing forces were thrown into confusion. Guan Gong mounted and urged the commanders forward, fleeing toward the upper reaches of the Xiang River. Wei soldiers pursued close behind. Guan Gong crossed Xiang River in haste and rode toward Xiangyang. A swift horse then arrived: “Jing Province has been taken by Lü Meng. The families have been captured.” Guan Gong was deeply alarmed and dared not run to Xiangyang. He pulled up his troops and turned toward Gong’an. A messenger came again: “Fu Shiren in Gong’an has already surrendered to Eastern Wu.” Guan Gong was enraged. At once, an officer connected to supplies arrived and reported, “Fu Shiren has gone to Nanjun, killed the messenger, and drawn all of Mi Fang over to Eastern Wu.”

Guan Gong heard this and his rage filled his throat. The wound in his body split and he fainted to the ground. His officers revived him. He said to Sima Wangfu, “I should have listened to you, and now this has happened.” He asked, “Why did no one along the river raise signal fires?” A scout answered, “Lü Meng ordered all boatmen to wear white and cross the river in merchant guise. He hid picked soldiers inside the boats and first seized the tower sentries, so no fire could be raised.” Guan Gong stamped and groaned, “I have fallen into a traitor’s trick. How can I face my elder brother now?” Zhao Lei, director of grain transport, said, “The matter is urgent. At once send men to Chengdu for aid, and from the land route take troops to recover Jing Province. Guan Gong agreed and sent Ma Liang and Yi Ji with three summons to Chengdu by night. At the same time he led troops to recover Jing Province. He led the vanguard himself and left Liao Hua and Guan Ping to cover the rear.

Now Fan City was relieved. Cao Ren came with all his officers before Cao Cao, wept and knelt, begging pardon. Cao Cao said, “This is the reckoning of Heaven, not your fault.” Cao Cao rewarded the three armies generously and rode in person to Sizhong. He made the rounds outside and then said to the assembled generals, “The Jing forces built layered stag-horn ditches and stockades, and Xu Gongming penetrated deeply into them and still achieved complete success. For over thirty years I have led armies and never dared a forced charge straight into an enemy ring. Gongming truly joins courage and wit.” The men all admired him. Cao Cao gave the order to return to camp and station at Mopi. Xu Huang arrived there; Cao Cao came out to meet him. Seeing Xu Huang’s army arranged in full order with no disorder, Cao Cao rejoiced, saying, “General Xu truly has the composure of Zhou Yafu!” He then made Xu Huang the General Who Pacifies the South, and appointed Xiahou Shang to co-defend Xiangyang, to block Guan Gong’s force. Because Jing Province was not settled, Cao Cao kept his troops stationed at Mopi, waiting for further news.

Now Guan Gong was on the road in Jing territory, with no way forward or back. He asked Zhao Lei, “Now Wu troops stand before us and Wei troops behind us. I am between them, and no relief has reached me. What is to be done?” Zhao Lei replied, “When Lü Meng was at Luku, he once sent a letter to your lord and both houses agreed to strike down bandit Cao together. Now they help Cao and assault us. This is a broken pledge. My lord should hold the army here for the time being. You may send a letter to Lü Meng and lay the blame before him. See how he answers.” Guan Gong agreed and wrote the letter, sending an envoy back to Jing Province.

Now Lü Meng, at Jing Province, issued this command: For all in Jing’s commanderies who had followed Guan Gong into battle, none of Wu’s soldiers were to disturb their households, granting grain each month. If anyone was ill, doctors were to be sent to treat them. The soldiers’ households, moved by this grace, stayed calm and did not depart. Soon came news that Guan Gong’s messenger had arrived. Lü Meng rode out to the gate, received him in the city, and welcomed him as a guest. The envoy handed him the letter. Lü Meng read it, then said, “My former good relations with General Guan were only my own private view. What happens today is the command from above, and I have no freedom in it. Please send word back that General Guan knows my respectful greetings.” He gave a feast, then escorted him in courteous fashion and sent him back to the rest-house to stay the night.

Afterwards, the families of troops who had marched with Guan came asking for messages. Some brought home letters, others brought spoken news. All reported their homes were not in danger and provisions were not lacking. The envoy took leave of Lü Meng and he himself escorted him out of the city. The envoy reported back to Guan Gong all that Lü Meng had said, and added that in Jingzhou, Your Lord’s family and the families of the commanders were all unharmed and their supplies did not lack. Guan Gong was enraged: “This is the villain’s design! If I do not kill this scoundrel while alive, I will surely kill him dead to clear my resentment.” He shouted the envoy away. When the envoy left camp, the officers all came asking about the homefront. He told them each household was well, that Lü Meng’s kindness was deep, and the letters were delivered to every commander. The officers rejoiced and lost all desire to fight.

Guan Gong marched on toward recovering Jing Province. As the army advanced, many soldiers slipped away and returned to Jing Province. Guan Gong’s anger only grew, and he pressed them onward. Suddenly a cry of battle thundered—one clump of troops blocked the way. At their head was Jiang Qin. He reined in and, spear in hand, shouted, “Why has Yunchang not surrendered already?” Guan Gong barked back, “I am a Han general. Would I bow to bandits?” He struck his horse and whirled his sword, riding straight on Jiang Qin. In less than three clashes, Jiang Qin turned and fled. Guan Gong pursued with raised blade for over twenty li when shouts rose again. On the left, Han Dang burst out with troops from a mountain ravine, and on the right Zhou Tai brought troops from another ravine. Jiang Qin returned to fight. It became a three-sided assault. Guan Gong withdrew in haste. After marching many li, they saw crowds gathering on Nan Mountain Ridge around white banners, one banner waving and marked with “People of Jing Province.” Everyone cried, “Submit here at once!” Guan Gong raged and set to ride up the ridge to execute them. Inside the hillside hollow, two more armies burst out: Ding Feng on the left and Xu Sheng on the right, with Jiang Qin joining them. The three columns merged, and the shouts and war horns shook the air, ringing Guan Gong into the center. His following soldiers gradually scattered.

When dusk came, Guan Gong looked toward the hills. Every ridge had Jing troops. From all sides came voices crying “brother,” “elder brother,” “mother,” “father,” and the calls did not stop. The army spirit had broken completely and all answered and fled. Guan Gong could not stop his shouting. Only a little over three hundred remained. He fought on until the third watch. From the east in the night came cries so loud they filled the sky— it was Guan Ping and Liao Hua, entering in two separate columns and breaking into the encirclement, bringing him out. Guan Ping said, “The troops’ morale is ruined. We must at least take shelter in a city and hold it awhile for reinforcements. Though small, Maicheng is defensible enough to hold temporarily.” Guan Gong agreed and hurried the shattered troops onward to Maicheng. He divided them to hold all four gates tightly and gathered his officers to confer. Zhao Lei said, “This place is near Shangyong, where Liu Feng and Meng Da now stand watch. We can quickly send men for help. If those troops arrive and Sichuan reinforcements come in full, the army will regain its heart.”

While they were still deliberating, news came that Wu troops had arrived and sealed the city from all four sides. The Lord asked, “Who dares break out now and ride to Shangyong for rescue?” Liao Hua said, “I am willing.” Guan Ping said, “I will escort you through the encirclement.” Guan Gong quickly wrote a letter and placed it with Liao Hua to carry, then fed him fully, had him mount, and opened the gate. He met Ding Feng, who blocked the way. Guan Ping struck with all his strength and killed him. Ding Feng fled. Liao Hua used the moment to break through and ride to Shangyong. Guan Ping returned and held the city, not venturing out again.

Now Liu Feng and Meng Da had just taken Shangyong, and Magistrate Shen Dan had surrendered with his men. The King of Han therefore promoted Liu Feng to Deputy General and with Meng Da put him in charge of Shangyong. That same day, as they discussed this and heard of Guan Gong’s defeat, word came that Liao Hua had arrived. Liu Feng ordered him to be admitted and asked after him. Liao Hua said, “Guan Gong was defeated and is in a desperate siege in Maicheng. No Shu force can arrive by tomorrow. He ordered me to break the encirclement and come here to ask for aid. If the two generals raise Shangyong troops at once, you may save this danger. If there is even slight delay, General will surely fall.” Liu Feng said, “General, wait. Let me think.”

Liao Hua then retired to the guesthouse to rest and wait for departure orders. Liu Feng said to Meng Da, “How could we let our uncle be trapped?” Meng Da said, “Wu soldiers are strong and full of brave commanders. Also, the nine commanderies of Jing are all in their hands. Only Maicheng remains, just a grain of a place. I hear Cao Cao personally commands four hundred to five hundred thousand troops at Mopi. How can our mountain-town garrison face the strongest forces of both states? We must not underestimate this danger.” Liu Feng said, “I know that too. Still, Guan Gong is my uncle. How can I sit still and not rescue him?” Meng Da laughed, “Though you honor Guan as uncle, fear that he does not treat you as nephew. I have heard that when the King first named you as heir, Guan Gong was not pleased. After the King ascended the throne and wished to appoint an heir, he asked Kongming. Kongming said, ‘This is a household matter. Ask Guan and Zhang.’ The King then sent men to Jing to ask him. Guan said your Highness is a son of Mingling, so you cannot usurp the throne; he urged the King to set you far at Shangyong Mountain City to prevent future trouble. Everyone knows this. How can you not know? Why now do you still cling to this notion of uncle and nephew and wish to risk careless action?”

Liu Feng said, “Your words are true. Yet how should I answer him?” Meng Da said, “Say only that this mountain city is newly submitted, and its people are not yet settled. You cannot raise troops in haste for fear of losing what is held.” Liu Feng followed this and the next day asked Liao Hua to come. He said, “This mountain city only recently submitted and cannot divide its forces to help.” Liao Hua was shocked, struck the ground with his head and said, “If this is so, then Guan Gong is finished!” Meng Da replied, “If I go now, can a single cup of water save a cartload of burning fuel? Let the General return and wait for Shu reinforcements to arrive.” Liao Hua cried out in grief. Liu Feng and Meng Da both swept their sleeves and withdrew. Liao Hua understood that matters could not be reconciled. He resolved to report to the King of Han for aid, and mounted up, leaving the city in bitter complaint, riding toward Chengdu.

Now, in Maicheng, Guan Gong waited for Shangyong’s troops, but no one came. Only five or six hundred men remained with him, most of them wounded. The city had no grain and suffered terribly. Suddenly a man from below the gate asked to fire cease, saying he carried a message to the lord. Guan Gong ordered him in. It was Zhuge Jin. After formal greetings and tea, Zhuge Jin said, “I come under the authority of Lord Wu to counsel the General. As the saying goes, ‘The man who discerns his times is a true hero.’ Now, the nine commanderies of Han under Heaven have all gone under other hands. Only this lone city remains. There is no grain within and no aid without; danger is at dawn. Why does not the General accept my counsel, submit to Lord Wu, and return to occupy Jing and Xiang, so you may secure your household?” Guan Gong answered flatly, “I am one plain and good soldier who bears this armor. My lord has treated me as a kinsman with his own hands. How could I cast aside loyalty and throw myself to an enemy state? If this city falls, I die. Jade may be shattered but cannot change its whiteness. Bamboo may burn but cannot destroy its virtue. Though the body falls, my name may endure on bamboo and silk. Speak no further. Ask him to withdraw. I will settle this with Lord Sun in a battle to the death.” Zhuge Jin said, “Lord Sun wishes only to ally with you as Qin and Jin did, join hands to destroy Cao and aid the Han. There is no other design. Why do you hold to stubbornness so?”

Before he finished, Guan Ping drew his sword and came forward to behead Zhuge Jin. Guan Gong stopped him: “His brother Kongming is in Shu, assisting your uncle. If you kill him now, you would hurt their brotherly bond.” He then ordered his attendants to escort Zhuge Jin out. Zhuge Jin, his face covered with shame, mounted and left the city, then reported to Sun Quan, “Guan’s heart is iron and stone and cannot be moved by words.” Sun Quan said, “He is a truly loyal officer. What else can be done?” Lü Fan said, “I ask to read his fortune and outcomes.” Sun Quan ordered him to do so. Lü Fan cast yarrow stalks and formed the hexagram Earth over Water. He also saw the image of the Dark Warrior in response, indicating the enemy would flee far. Sun Quan asked Lü Meng, “If that omen means the enemy runs far, what plan do you have to catch him?” Lü Meng smiled, “The omen matches my stratagem exactly. Though Guan has wings that rise to heaven, he cannot fly out of my net.”

Dragon through a ravine is mocked by a shrimp, Phoenix enters a cage to be mocked by birds.

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