Chapter 16: Lü Bu Shoots the Halberd at the Camp Gate; Cao Cao Is Defeated at the Yu River

In the sixteenth chapter, Lü Bu shoots his halberd at the camp gate, and Cao Cao suffers defeat at the Yu River.

Yang Da offered a plan to attack Liu Bei. Yuan Shu asked, “What strategy should be used?” Yang Da said, “Liu Bei’s army is stationed at Xiaopei. Although it is easy to take, unfortunately Lü Bu is like a tiger crouching in Xuzhou. We promised him gold, silver, grain, and horses before, but have not yet delivered them. I fear he may help Liu Bei. Now we should send grain to him to secure his allegiance and keep his troops still, so that Liu Bei can be captured. Once Liu Bei is taken, we can then plot against Lü Bu, and Xuzhou will be ours.” Yuan Shu was pleased and prepared two hundred thousand hu of millet, sending Han Yin with a secret letter to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu was overjoyed and entertained Han Yin lavishly. Han Yin returned to report to Yuan Shu, who then appointed Ji Ling as chief commander, with Lei Bo and Chen Lan as deputies, leading tens of thousands of troops to attack Xiaopei.

When Liu Bei heard this news, he assembled his men for discussion. Zhang Fei wanted to go out and fight. Sun Qian said, “Now Xiaopei has little grain and weak troops—how can we withstand them? We can write a letter to Lü Bu asking for urgent help.” Zhang Fei said, “That fellow would never come!” Liu Bei said, “Sun Qian’s words are correct.” So he wrote a letter to Lü Bu. The letter’s gist was:

“Ever since I received your care, I have been able to settle in Xiaopei, truly grateful for your heaven-like kindness. Now Yuan Shu wants to settle a private grudge and has sent Ji Ling with troops to the county. My danger is imminent; no one but you can save me. I hope you will lead a force to relieve this critical situation. I am deeply grateful!”

Lü Bu read the letter and discussed it with Chen Gong, saying, “Earlier Yuan Shu sent grain and a letter, likely wanting me not to rescue Liu Bei. Now Liu Bei comes to ask for help. I think Liu Bei’s garrison at Xiaopei may not become a threat to me; but if Yuan Shu swallows up Liu Bei, he will connect with the generals of Mount Tai to the north and plot against me, and I will be unsafe. It is better to save Liu Bei.” So he mustered his troops and set out.

Meanwhile, Ji Ling advanced his army straight ahead and had already reached the southeast of Pei County, where he set up camp. By day, banners were arrayed, shading the mountains and rivers; by night, torches and war drums shook heaven and earth. Liu Bei, in the county with only over five thousand men, could only reluctantly lead his troops out of the county to form a battle array and pitch camp. Suddenly, a report came that Lü Bu had brought his army one li from the county and set up camp to the southwest. Ji Ling, knowing that Lü Bu had come to rescue Liu Bei, quickly sent a messenger to Lü Bu with a letter, reproaching him for breaking his word. Lü Bu laughed and said, “I have a plan that will make neither Yuan nor Liu resent me.” Then he sent envoys to the camps of Ji Ling and Liu Bei, inviting both of them to a banquet.

When Liu Bei heard that Lü Bu had invited him, he prepared to go. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, “Elder brother, you must not go. Lü Bu surely has some treacherous intent.” Liu Bei said, “I have treated him well; he will certainly not harm me.” So he mounted his horse and set out. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed. When they reached Lü Bu’s camp and entered to meet him, Lü Bu said, “Today I have come specially to relieve your danger. In the future, when you achieve your ambition, do not forget me.” Liu Bei thanked him. Lü Bu asked Liu Bei to sit down. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him, swords in hand. Someone reported that Ji Ling had arrived. Liu Bei was greatly alarmed and wanted to withdraw. Lü Bu said, “I specially invited you both to discuss matters; do not be suspicious.”

Liu Bei did not understand his intention and felt uneasy. Ji Ling dismounted and entered the camp, but when he saw Liu Bei sitting in the tent, he was shocked and turned to leave. His attendants could not stop him. Lü Bu stepped forward and pulled him back, as easily as lifting a child. Ji Ling said, “General, do you want to kill me?” Lü Bu said, “No.” Ji Ling said, “Is it to kill that long-eared fellow?” Lü Bu said, “Not that either.” Ji Ling said, “Then what is the reason?” Lü Bu said, “Liu Bei is like a brother to me. Now he is besieged by you, so I have come to rescue him.” Ji Ling said, “If so, then you want to kill me?” Lü Bu said, “That is not the case. I have never liked fighting; I only like to resolve conflicts. Today I will settle the dispute between you two.” Ji Ling said, “May I ask how you will settle it today?” Lü Bu said, “I have a plan—it will be decided by heaven.” So he pulled Ji Ling into the tent to meet Liu Bei. The two were suspicious of each other. Lü Bu sat in the middle, had Ji Ling sit on the left, Liu Bei on the right, and ordered a feast with wine.

After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu said, “For my sake, let both of you withdraw your troops.” Liu Bei said nothing. Ji Ling said, “I have received orders from my lord to lead a hundred thousand troops specifically to capture Liu Bei. How can I withdraw?” Zhang Fei, furious, drew his sword and shouted, “Though my troops are few, I regard you as child’s play! How do you compare to the million Yellow Turbans? Do you dare to harm my brother?” Guan Yu quickly stopped him and said, “First, see what General Lü decides; then we can return to our camps and fight—there is no hurry.” Lü Bu said, “I have invited you both to resolve this; I will not let you fight.”

On one side, Ji Ling was dissatisfied; on the other, Zhang Fei was determined to fight. Lü Bu grew angry and ordered, “Attendants! Bring my halberd!” Lü Bu picked up his decorated halberd. Ji Ling and Liu Bei both turned pale with fear. Lü Bu said, “I advise you both not to fight—let heaven’s will decide.” He ordered his attendants to take the halberd and plant it far away at the camp gate. Then he turned to Ji Ling and Liu Bei and said, “The camp gate is one hundred and fifty paces from the central tent. If I can shoot an arrow and hit the small branch of the halberd, you two will cease hostilities. If I miss, you may each return to your camps and prepare for battle. Whoever disobeys my words will be dealt with by both sides together.” Ji Ling thought to himself, “The halberd is a hundred and fifty paces away—how can he hit it? I’ll agree for now, and when he misses, I can fight as I please.” So he agreed readily. Liu Bei naturally had no objection. Lü Bu had them both sit and drink another cup of wine.

After finishing the wine, Lü Bu ordered his bow and arrows brought. Liu Bei secretly prayed, “I hope he hits the mark!” Then Lü Bu rolled up his sleeves, nocked an arrow, drew the bow to its full extent, and shouted, “Strike!” Indeed:

The bow was drawn like an autumn moon crossing the sky; the arrow flew like a shooting star falling to earth.

One arrow struck the small branch of the decorated halberd squarely. All the officers, both above and below the tent, shouted in unison. Later, someone composed a poem in praise:

The Warm Marquis’s divine archery is rare in the world; once at the camp gate he alone resolved the crisis.

The setting sun indeed surpassed Hou Yi; the crying ape could match Yang Youji.

The tiger-sinew bowstring twanged as the bow opened; the carved-feather arrow flew as it arrived.

The leopard-tail tassel shook as it pierced the halberd; a hundred thousand stout soldiers shed their armor.

At that moment, Lü Bu, having hit the small branch of the halberd, laughed heartily, threw the bow to the ground, took Ji Ling and Liu Bei by the hand, and said, “This is heaven decreeing that you both cease hostilities!” He ordered the soldiers to pour wine, and each drank a large cup. Liu Bei felt secretly fortunate and ashamed. Ji Ling was silent for a long while, then said to Lü Bu, “General, I dare not disobey your words; but when I return, how will my lord believe me?” Lü Bu said, “I will write a letter in reply to him.” After several more rounds of wine, Ji Ling took the letter and left first. Lü Bu said to Liu Bei, “If not for me, you would have been in danger.” Liu Bei thanked him and left with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The next day, the troops of all three sides dispersed.

We will not speak of Liu Bei entering Xiaopei or Lü Bu returning to Xuzhou. But as for Ji Ling, he returned to Huainan to see Yuan Shu and told him about Lü Bu shooting the halberd at the camp gate to resolve the conflict, presenting the letter. Yuan Shu was furious and said, “Lü Bu received so much grain from me, yet he uses such a childish trick to favor Liu Bei. I should personally lead a great army, campaign against Liu Bei, and punish Lü Bu at the same time!” Ji Ling said, “My lord, you must not act rashly. Lü Bu is exceptionally brave and holds Xuzhou. If Lü Bu and Liu Bei join forces, it will be hard to deal with them. I have heard that Lü Bu’s wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter of marriageable age. My lord has a son. You can send someone to seek a marriage alliance with Lü Bu. If Lü Bu gives his daughter to my lord, he will surely kill Liu Bei. This is the strategy of ‘distance cannot come between close relations.’”

Yuan Shu agreed and that very day sent Han Yin as a matchmaker, bearing gifts, to seek the marriage alliance in Xuzhou. Han Yin arrived in Xuzhou to see Lü Bu and said: "My master admires the general and wishes to take your beloved daughter as a bride for his son, to forge an eternal bond of friendship between our houses." Lü Bu went inside to discuss the matter with his wife, Lady Yan. It happened that Lü Bu had two wives and one concubine: he first married Lady Yan as his principal wife, later took Diao Chan as a concubine; and when he lived at Xiaopei, he married the daughter of Cao Bao as his secondary wife. Lady Cao died early without bearing a son, and Diao Chan also had no children. Only Lady Yan had given birth to a daughter, whom Lü Bu cherished above all.

At that time, Lady Yan said to Lü Bu: "I have heard that Yuan Gonglu has long governed Huainan with many troops and ample grain, and that sooner or later he will become the Son of Heaven. If he achieves this great undertaking, then our daughter would have hope of becoming an empress or consort. But I do not know how many sons he has." Lü Bu replied: "He has only one son." His wife said: "If that is so, then you should agree. Even if she does not become empress, our position in Xuzhou will be secure." Lü Bu thus made up his mind, treated Han Yin with great hospitality, and consented to the marriage. Han Yin returned and reported to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu immediately prepared the betrothal gifts and again sent Han Yin to deliver them to Xuzhou. Lü Bu accepted them, held a banquet in his honor, and lodged him at the official guesthouse.

The next day, Chen Gong went directly to the guesthouse to visit Han Yin. After the host and guest had exchanged courtesies and taken their seats, Chen Gong dismissed his attendants and said to Han Yin: "Whose idea was this? To have Lord Yuan form a marriage alliance with Fengxian, with the aim of taking Liu Xuande's head?" Han Yin was greatly startled and rose to apologize, saying: "I beg you, do not reveal this to anyone!" Chen Gong said: "I will naturally not disclose it, but I fear that if this matter is delayed, it will surely be discovered by others, and something will go wrong in the meantime." Han Yin said: "If that is so, what should be done? I hope you will instruct me." Chen Gong replied: "I will go see Fengxian and urge him to send the bride for the wedding immediately. What do you think?" Han Yin was overjoyed and expressed his thanks, saying: "If this is done, Lord Yuan's gratitude and admiration for you will be no small matter!"

Chen Gong then took his leave of Han Yin and went in to see Lü Bu, saying: "I hear that you are betrothing your daughter to Yuan Gonglu. I am very pleased. But on what day is the wedding to take place?" Lü Bu said: "It still needs to be discussed leisurely." Chen Gong said: "In ancient times, the interval from receiving the betrothal gifts to the wedding day had its rules: for the Son of Heaven, one year; for a feudal lord, half a year; for a high minister, a season; for a commoner, one month." Lü Bu said: "Yuan Gonglu has received the national seal bestowed by Heaven and will soon become Emperor. If we follow the rule for the Son of Heaven, would that be acceptable?" Chen Gong said: "No." Lü Bu said: "Then should we follow the rule for a feudal lord?" Chen Gong said: "That will not do either." Lü Bu said: "Then we should follow the rule for a high minister?" Chen Gong said: "That also will not do." Lü Bu laughed and said: "Are you perhaps trying to make me follow the rule for a commoner?" Chen Gong said: "No." Lü Bu said: "Then what is your intention?"

Chen Gong said: "In this age, the lords of the realm are contending for supremacy. Now that you are forming a marriage alliance with Yuan Gonglu, is there none among the lords who will be jealous? If you choose a distant auspicious day, someone might take advantage of the wedding festivities to ambush us on the road and seize the bride. What then? The best plan now is this: if you had not agreed, it would be one thing; but since you have agreed, you should send your daughter immediately to Shouchun, before the other lords know of it. Lodge her in a separate residence, and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding. Only thus can there be no mishap." Lü Bu was pleased and said: "Gongtai's words are very correct." He then went in and told Lady Yan. That very night, they prepared the dowry, readied the decorated carriage and fragrant horses, and ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to accompany Han Yin in escorting the daughter away. With drums and music resounding to the heavens, they sent her out of the city.

At this time, Chen Gui, the father of Chen Yuandeng, was living in retirement at home. Hearing the sound of drums and music, he asked his attendants what it meant. They told him the reason. Chen Gui said: "This is the strategy of 'a distant relative should not come between close kin.' Xuande is in danger." Thereupon, despite his illness, he went to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu said: "Why have you come, venerable sir?" Chen Gui said: "I hear that the general is about to die, so I have come especially to offer my condolences." Lü Bu said in surprise: "Why do you say such a thing?"

Chen Gui said: "Previously, Yuan Gonglu sent you gold, silver, silk, and cloth, wanting you to kill Liu Xuande, but you used the arrow-shooting at the camp gate to resolve the crisis. Now he suddenly seeks a marriage alliance. His intention is probably to take your daughter as a hostage, and then he will attack Xuande and seize Xiaopei. If Xiaopei is lost, Xuzhou will be in danger. Moreover, he may come to borrow grain or to borrow troops. If you agree, you will be exhausted with running about and will incur enmity; if you refuse, you will be breaking off family ties and provoking war. Besides, I hear that Yuan Shu already harbors intentions of proclaiming himself emperor—this is rebellion. If he rebels, then you will be a relative of a rebel. Would you not be rejected by all under Heaven?"

Lü Bu was greatly alarmed and said: "Chen Gong has ruined me!" He hastily ordered Zhang Liao to lead troops in pursuit. After chasing for over thirty li, they seized the daughter and brought her back. They also captured Han Yin and imprisoned him, not allowing him to return. Instead, they sent a message to Yuan Shu, merely saying that the bride's dowry was not yet ready and would be sent when it was prepared. Chen Gui further urged Lü Bu to send Han Yin under guard to Xuchang. Lü Bu was hesitant and undecided. Suddenly someone reported: "Liu Xuande is recruiting soldiers and buying horses in Xiaopei. What does this mean?" Lü Bu said: "This is the proper duty of a general. What is there to be surprised about?"

Just as they were speaking, Song Xian and Wei Xu arrived and reported to Lü Bu: "We two, following your orders, went to Shandong to buy horses and purchased over three hundred fine steeds. When we reached the border of Pei County, more than half were seized by strong bandits. Upon inquiry, we learned that it was Liu Bei's younger brother, Zhang Fei, who, disguised as mountain bandits, stole the horses." Lü Bu was furious upon hearing this and immediately mustered his troops to march on Xiaopei to attack Zhang Fei. When Xuande heard this, he was greatly alarmed and hastily led his troops out of the city to meet the enemy.

The two armies arrayed their battle lines. Xuande rode out and said: "Elder brother, why have you brought troops here?" Lü Bu pointed at him and cursed: "I shot the arrow at the camp gate to save you from great disaster. Why did you steal my horses?" Xuande said: "Because I was short of horses, I sent men to buy them from all directions. How would I dare to steal my elder brother's horses?" Lü Bu said: "You sent Zhang Fei to seize one hundred and fifty of my fine steeds, and still you deny it!" Zhang Fei rode out with his spear raised and said: "It was I who stole your fine horses! What do you intend to do now?" Lü Bu cursed: "You round-eyed thief! You have repeatedly insulted me!" Zhang Fei said: "I stole your horses, and you are angry. But when you stole my elder brother's Xuzhou, you said nothing!"

Lü Bu raised his halberd and rode out to fight Zhang Fei, while Zhang Fei raised his spear to meet him. The two fought fiercely for over a hundred rounds without either gaining the upper hand. Xuande, fearing some mishap, hastily sounded the gong to recall his troops and entered the city. Lü Bu divided his forces and besieged the city from all sides. Xuande called Zhang Fei and rebuked him, saying: "It was all because you stole his horses that this trouble arose! Where are the horses now?" Zhang Fei said: "They are all lodged in the various temples." Xuande then sent a man out of the city to Lü Bu's camp to plead for peace, offering to return the horses and end the hostilities. Lü Bu was inclined to agree. But Chen Gong said: "If you do not kill Liu Bei now, you will surely be harmed by him in the future."

Hearing this, Lü Bu refused Xuande's request and pressed the attack on the city even more fiercely. Xuande consulted with Mi Zhu and Sun Qian. Sun Qian said: "The man Cao Cao hates most is Lü Bu. It would be better to abandon the city and flee to Xuchang to take refuge with Cao Cao, and then borrow troops to defeat Lü Bu. This is the best plan." Xuande said: "Who can lead the way and break through the encirclement?" Zhang Fei said: "Your younger brother is willing to fight to the death." Xuande ordered Zhang Fei to take the lead, Guan Yu to follow in the rear, and he himself to take the center, protecting the old and young. That night, at the third watch, taking advantage of the bright moonlight, they fled out of the north gate. They encountered Song Xian and Wei Xu, but Zhang Fei fought them off with a fierce assault, allowing them to break through the encirclement. Zhang Liao pursued from behind, but Guan Yu held him off. When Lü Bu saw that Xuande had escaped, he did not give chase. Instead, he entered the city to calm the people, ordered Gao Shun to guard Xiaopei, and returned to Xuzhou himself.

Xuande hurried onward toward Xuchang, set up camp outside the city, and first sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao, saying that he was forced by Lü Bu and had come especially to seek refuge. Cao Cao said, "Xuande is my brother." He then invited Xuande into the city for an audience. The next day, Xuande left Guan Yu and Zhang Fei outside the city and went into the city with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao received him with the rites due to an honored guest. Xuande gave a detailed account of Lü Bu's actions. Cao Cao said, "Lü Bu is a man of no faith or righteousness. I will join forces with you, worthy brother, to destroy him." Xuande thanked him. Cao Cao held a banquet in his honor, and saw him out in the evening. Xun Yu went in to see Cao Cao and said, "Liu Bei is a hero. If you do not deal with him now, he will surely become a disaster later." Cao Cao did not reply. Xun Yu came out, and Guo Jia went in. Cao Cao said, "Xun Yu advises me to kill Xuande. What should I do?" Guo Jia said, "No. My lord has raised a righteous army to rid the people of oppression, relying solely on trust and righteousness to attract outstanding talents, and still fears they may not come. Now Xuande has long had a reputation as a hero. Because he is in difficulty, he has come to seek refuge. If you kill him, you will be harming a worthy man. When the wise and resourceful men of the realm hear of this, they will become suspicious and will hesitate to come forward. With whom, then, can my lord pacify the realm? Removing the trouble caused by one man while cutting off the hopes of all under Heaven—this is the crux of safety and danger, and it must be carefully considered." Cao Cao was greatly pleased and said, "Your words match my intent exactly." The next day, he memorialized the throne to recommend Liu Bei as Inspector of Yuzhou. Cheng Yu admonished, saying, "Liu Bei will never be content to remain under another's command. It would be better to deal with him early." Cao Cao said, "Now is the time to employ heroes. I cannot kill one man and lose the hearts of all under Heaven. This is where Guo Fengxiao and I share the same view." So he ignored Cheng Yu's advice, gave Xuande three thousand soldiers and ten thousand hu of grain, and sent him to take up his post in Yuzhou, advance his troops to garrison Xiaopei, gather his scattered soldiers, and attack Lü Bu. Xuande arrived in Yuzhou and sent someone to arrange a meeting with Cao Cao. Cao Cao was about to raise an army and personally campaign against Lü Bu when a swift horseman reported that Zhang Ji, leading troops from Guanzhong to attack Nanyang, had been struck by a stray arrow and died. Zhang Ji's nephew, Zhang Xiu, took command of his forces, made Jia Xu his strategist, allied with Liu Biao, and garrisoned his troops at Wancheng. He intended to raise an army to invade the court and seize the emperor. Cao Cao was furious and wanted to raise an army to punish him, but he also feared that Lü Bu would attack Xuchang. So he asked Xun Yu for advice. Xun Yu said, "This is easy. Lü Bu is a man without strategy. He will be delighted when he sees profit. My lord can send an envoy to Xuzhou with official promotions and rewards to reconcile him with Xuande. Lü Bu will be pleased and will not think of plotting distant campaigns." Cao Cao said, "Good." He then sent Wang Ze, the Colonel Who Upholds the Army, with official documents and a reconciliation letter to Xuzhou. At the same time, he raised an army of five hundred thousand and personally led the campaign against Zhang Xiu. The army advanced in three columns, with Xiahou Dun as the vanguard. The troops reached the Yu River and set up camp. Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu, saying, "Cao Cao's forces are strong. You cannot oppose him. It would be better to surrender the city." Zhang Xiu heeded this and sent Jia Xu to Cao Cao's camp to declare his intent to submit. Cao Cao saw that Jia Xu was fluent and quick-witted in conversation and took a great liking to him, wishing to employ him as a strategist. Jia Xu said, "I formerly followed Li Jue and offended the whole realm. Now I follow Zhang Xiu, who listens to my every word. I cannot bear to abandon him." He then took his leave. The next day, Jia Xu led Zhang Xiu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao treated them very generously. Cao Cao led his troops into Wancheng to garrison, while the rest of the army was stationed outside the city, with camps and palisades stretching for over ten li. They stayed for several days. Zhang Xiu held a banquet for Cao Cao every day.

One day, Cao Cao became drunk, withdrew to his private quarters to rest, and quietly asked those around him, "Are there any courtesans in this city?" Cao Anmin, the son of Cao Cao's elder brother, knew Cao Cao's intentions and secretly replied, "Last night, your nephew saw a woman by the side of the guesthouse who was very beautiful. Upon inquiry, she turned out to be the wife of Zhang Xiu's uncle, Zhang Ji." When Cao Cao heard this, he ordered Cao Anmin to take fifty armored men and bring her to him. In a short while, she was brought to the camp. When Cao Cao saw her, she was indeed beautiful. He asked her name, and the woman replied, "I am the wife of Zhang Ji, née Zou." Cao Cao said, "Madam, do you recognize me?" Lady Zou said, "I have long heard of your Excellency's awesome reputation. Tonight, I am fortunate to gaze upon you and pay my respects." Cao Cao said, "It is for your sake, madam, that I specially accepted Zhang Xiu's surrender. Otherwise, I would have annihilated his clan long ago." Lady Zou bowed and thanked him, saying, "I am truly grateful for the grace of being reborn." Cao Cao said, "To see you today is Heaven's good fortune. Tonight, I wish to share the bed with you. Later, you will follow me back to the capital to enjoy wealth and honor. What do you think?" Lady Zou bowed in thanks. That night, they slept together in the tent. Lady Zou said, "If we stay long in the city, Zhang Xiu will surely become suspicious, and I also fear that outsiders will gossip." Cao Cao said, "Tomorrow, I will go with you to the camp outside the city." The next day, Cao Cao moved his troops outside the city to rest. He summoned Dian Wei and ordered him to stand guard outside the central command tent. No one else was allowed to enter without being summoned, so all communication between inside and outside was cut off. Cao Cao spent every day in pleasure with Lady Zou and had no thought of returning. Someone among Zhang Xiu's household secretly reported this to Zhang Xiu. Zhang Xiu was furious and said, "That villain Cao Cao has insulted me too grievously!" He then invited Jia Xu to discuss the matter. Jia Xu said, "This matter must not be leaked. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao comes out of his tent to discuss affairs, do thus and thus."

The next day, Cao Cao was in his tent when Zhang Xiu came in and said, "Many of the newly surrendered soldiers are deserting. I request permission to move my troops closer to the central camp." Cao Cao agreed. Zhang Xiu then moved his troops and divided them into four camps, setting a date for the uprising. Because he feared Dian Wei's ferocity and knew it would be difficult to approach him, he consulted with his lieutenant, Hu Che'er. This Hu Che'er had the strength to carry five hundred jin and could travel seven hundred li in a day—he, too, was an extraordinary man. He then offered a plan to Zhang Xiu, saying, "What makes Dian Wei formidable is only his pair of iron halberds. My lord can invite him for a drink tomorrow, get him thoroughly drunk, and send him back. At that time, I will mingle with the soldiers who accompany him, sneak into his tent, and steal his halberds. Then this man will no longer be worth fearing." Zhang Xiu was overjoyed. He prepared bows, arrows, armor, and weapons in advance and notified all the camps. On the appointed day, he had Jia Xu send an invitation to Dian Wei to come to his camp, where he treated him to wine with great cordiality. By evening, Dian Wei was dead drunk and went back. Hu Che'er mingled with the crowd of men and went straight into the main camp. That night, Cao Cao was in his tent drinking with Lady Zou. Suddenly, he heard voices and horses neighing outside the tent. Cao Cao sent someone to investigate. The report came back that Zhang Xiu's troops were making their night patrol, so Cao Cao thought no more of it. Around the second watch, they suddenly heard shouts from behind the camp. A report came that the haycarts were on fire. Cao Cao said, "There is a fire in the camp. Do not panic." In a short while, fires broke out on all sides. Cao Cao then became alarmed and urgently called for Dian Wei. Dian Wei was lying drunk on his bed. In his sleep, he heard the sounds of gongs, drums, and battle cries. He leaped up but could not find his pair of halberds. By then, the enemy troops had already reached the camp gate. Dian Wei hastily grabbed an infantryman's waist-sword. He saw countless troops at the entrance, all leveling long spears and charging into the camp. Dian Wei fought forward with all his might and cut down over twenty men. The troops had just retreated when more infantry arrived, their spears arrayed like reeds on both sides. Dian Wei had no armor on his body and was stabbed several dozen times from top to bottom, but he still fought to the death. When the sword was too chipped to use, Dian Wei threw it away, grabbed two enemy soldiers by their hands, and used them as weapons, killing eight or nine men. The crowd of bandits dared not approach closely and only shot arrows at him from a distance. The arrows fell like a driving rain, yet Dian Wei still held the camp gate fast. But the bandits from behind the camp had already broken in. Dian Wei took another spear thrust in the back, then let out several loud shouts. He fell to the ground, covered in blood, and died. For a long while after his death, not a single man dared enter through the front gate.

Now, relying on Dian Wei to hold the camp gate, Cao Cao managed to escape from the rear of the camp and mount his horse, with only Cao Anmin following on foot. Cao Cao’s right arm was struck by an arrow, and his horse was hit three times as well. Fortunately, the horse was a fine breed from Dayuan, able to endure pain and run swiftly. Just as he reached the bank of the Yu River, the enemy soldiers caught up, and Cao Anmin was hacked into mincemeat. Cao Cao urgently spurred his horse to dash across the river, and as soon as he made it to the opposite bank, an arrow from the enemy struck the horse’s eye, causing it to collapse to the ground. Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Ang, immediately offered his own horse to Cao Cao. Cao Cao mounted and fled in haste, while Cao Ang was shot dead by a hail of arrows. Only then did Cao Cao escape. On the way, he met his generals and gathered the scattered remnants.

At this time, the Qingzhou troops under Xiahou Dun’s command took advantage of the chaos to plunder the countryside. The Colonel Who Pacifies the Ranks, Yu Jin, promptly led his own troops to intercept and kill them along the road, comforting the villagers. The Qingzhou soldiers ran back, met Cao Cao, knelt on the ground weeping, and reported that Yu Jin had rebelled and was driving off and killing the Qingzhou troops. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. Soon after, Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin all arrived. Cao Cao said that Yu Jin had rebelled and ordered them to prepare their forces to attack him.

Now, as Yu Jin saw Cao Cao and the others approaching, he led his troops to set up a defensive formation, digging trenches and establishing a camp. Someone said to him, “The Qingzhou soldiers claim that you, General, have rebelled. Now the Chancellor has arrived—why not explain yourself first, instead of setting up camp?” Yu Jin replied, “The enemy pursuers are behind us and will arrive soon. If we do not prepare first, how can we resist them? Explaining is a minor matter, but repelling the enemy is a major one.” No sooner had the camp been completed than Zhang Xiu’s army attacked from two sides. Yu Jin charged out of the camp at the head of his troops to meet the enemy. Zhang Xiu hastily withdrew his forces. Seeing Yu Jin pressing forward, the other generals each led their troops to attack, and Zhang Xiu’s army was utterly defeated, pursued for over a hundred li. With his strength exhausted and his forces scattered, Zhang Xiu led his defeated troops to seek refuge with Liu Biao.

Cao Cao gathered his troops and reviewed the rolls. Yu Jin came forward and reported in detail how the Qingzhou soldiers had plundered at will, greatly losing the people’s support, and that he had therefore executed them. Cao Cao asked, “Why did you not report to me first but instead set up camp?” Yu Jin answered with his previous reasoning. Cao Cao said, “In the midst of haste, you were able to organize the troops, fortify the camp, bear hardship and resentment, and turn defeat into victory—even the renowned generals of antiquity could not surpass you!” He then awarded Yu Jin a set of golden vessels, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village, and reprimanded Xiahou Dun for his lax discipline of the troops. He also held a sacrifice to honor Dian Wei. Cao Cao personally wept as he offered the rites, then turned to the assembled generals and said, “I have lost my eldest son and my beloved nephew, yet I feel no deep grief. Only for Dian Wei do I weep.” All present sighed in admiration. The next day, he ordered the army to return.

Let us leave aside Cao Cao’s return to Xuchang. Meanwhile, Wang Ze arrived in Xuzhou bearing an imperial edict. Lü Bu welcomed him into his residence, where the edict was opened and read aloud—conferring upon Lü Bu the title of General Who Pacifies the East and specially granting him the seal and ribbon of office—along with a private letter from Cao Cao. Wang Ze, in Lü Bu’s presence, earnestly described Cao Cao’s profound respect. Lü Bu was overjoyed. Suddenly, a report came that an envoy from Yuan Shu had arrived. Lü Bu summoned him and questioned him. The envoy said, “Lord Yuan will soon ascend the imperial throne and establish the Eastern Palace. He urges the Imperial Consort to hasten to Huainan.” Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, “How dare that rebel do such a thing!” He then killed the envoy, placed Han Yin in shackles and fetters, and sent Chen Deng to present a memorial of thanks, escorting Han Yin along with Wang Ze to Xuchang to express gratitude. He also replied to Cao Cao’s letter, seeking the substantive appointment as Governor of Xuzhou.

Cao Cao was delighted to learn that Lü Bu had broken off the marriage alliance with Yuan Shu. He had Han Yin beheaded in the marketplace. Chen Deng secretly advised Cao Cao, saying, “Lü Bu is a jackal—fierce but without strategy, and given to fickleness. You should plot against him early.” Cao Cao replied, “I have long known that Lü Bu has the ambition of a wolf cub and is indeed hard to keep in check for long. Without you and your father, no one could grasp the true situation. You should join me in planning against him.” Chen Deng said, “If the Chancellor makes a move, I will serve as your inside agent.” Cao Cao was greatly pleased and submitted a memorial to grant Chen Gui a salary of two thousand bushels and appoint Chen Deng as Grand Administrator of Guangling. When Chen Deng took his leave, Cao Cao grasped his hand and said, “The affairs in the east are entrusted to you.”

Chen Deng nodded in assent and returned to Xuzhou to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu questioned him, and Chen Deng said that his father had received the salary and that he himself had become Grand Administrator. Lü Bu flew into a rage and said, “You did not seek the post of Governor of Xuzhou for me, but sought rank and emolument for yourselves! Your father urged me to cooperate with Lord Cao and break off the marriage with Yuan Shu. Now, none of what I sought has been granted, while you and your father each have become honored and exalted. I have been betrayed by you father and son!” He then drew his sword to kill Chen Deng. Chen Deng laughed loudly and said, “General, why are you so obtuse?” Lü Bu said, “How am I obtuse?” Chen Deng replied, “When I saw Lord Cao, I said that keeping a general is like raising a tiger—you must feed it with meat to the full; if it is not full, it will devour people.” Lord Cao laughed and said, “It is not as you say. I treat Wenhou like raising a hawk—until the foxes and hares are quelled, I dare not feed it to the full. If it is hungry, it will serve me; if it is full, it will fly away.” I asked, “Who are the foxes and hares?” Lord Cao said, “Yuan Shu of Huainan, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Zhang of Yizhou, and Zhang Lu of Hanzhong—these are all the foxes and hares.” Lü Bu threw down his sword and laughed, saying, “Lord Cao understands me well!” Just as they were speaking, a report suddenly arrived that Yuan Shu’s army was coming to attack Xuzhou. Lü Bu was greatly alarmed upon hearing this. Truly:

The marriage pact undone, Wu and Yue now fight;

From nuptial ties, armed hosts take flight.

What happened in the end? Read the next chapter for the unraveling.