Chapter 18: Jia Wenhe Foresees the Enemy's Moves; Xiahou Dun Plucks Out His Eye and Devours It

Jia Wenhe Predicted the Enemy and Secured Victory; Xiahou Dun Plucked Out His Arrow and Ate His Eye

Now Jia Xu, having discerned Cao Cao’s intentions, planned to turn the scheme against him. He said to Zhang Xiu, “From the city wall, I watched Cao Cao circle and observe for three days. He saw that the brick and earth at the southeast corner varied in age and color, and most of the wooden defenses were damaged, so he intends to attack from there. Yet he feigns piling firewood at the northwest corner, making a great show to deceive us into withdrawing troops to defend the northwest. Then, under cover of night, he will surely scale the southeast corner to enter the city.” Zhang Xiu asked, “If so, what shall we do?” Jia Xu replied, “This is easy. Tomorrow, order your elite troops to eat their fill, travel light, and hide entirely in the houses near the southeast corner. Let the common folk pretend to be soldiers, guarding the northwest in name only. At night, allow them to scale the southeast corner freely. Once they enter the city, a signal cannon will sound, and the ambush will strike from all sides—Cao Cao can be captured.”

Zhang Xiu gladly followed this plan. Soon, scouts reported to Cao Cao that Zhang Xiu had moved all his troops to the northwest corner, shouting as they defended the city, while the southeast was utterly vacant. Cao Cao said, “He has fallen for my trick!” He then ordered the army to secretly prepare spades, hoes, and scaling equipment. By day, he only led troops to attack the northwest corner. At the second watch, he took his elite forces across the moat at the southeast corner, hacked through the wooden defenses, and entered. The city was completely silent. As the troops surged in, a cannon blast sounded, and ambushers attacked from all sides. Cao’s army hastily retreated, with Zhang Xiu personally driving his bravest soldiers in pursuit. Cao’s army suffered a great defeat, fleeing dozens of li beyond the city walls. Zhang Xiu pursued until dawn before withdrawing into the city. When Cao Cao tallied his losses, he had lost over fifty thousand men and countless supplies. Lü Qian and Yu Jin were both wounded.

Now Jia Xu, seeing Cao Cao’s defeat, urgently advised Zhang Xiu to send a letter to Liu Biao, asking him to raise troops and cut off Cao Cao’s retreat. Liu Biao received the letter and prepared to march, but scouts reported that Sun Ce had stationed troops at Hukou. Kuai Liang said, “Sun Ce’s encampment at Hukou is Cao Cao’s scheme. Now that Cao Cao has just been defeated, if we do not seize the opportunity to strike him, disaster will follow.” Liu Biao then ordered Huang Zu to hold the passes, while he himself led troops to Anzhong County to block Cao Cao’s retreat. He also arranged to meet with Zhang Xiu. When Zhang Xiu learned that Liu Biao had already mobilized, he and Jia Xu led their forces to attack Cao Cao.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao’s army moved slowly. When they reached Xiangcheng and came to the Yu River, Cao Cao suddenly burst into tears on his horse. The startled officers asked why. Cao Cao said, “I recall that last year I lost my great general Dian Wei here—how can I not weep?” He then ordered the army to halt, set up a grand sacrificial altar, and held a memorial ceremony for Dian Wei’s spirit. Cao Cao personally offered incense, wept, and bowed, moving the entire army to sighs. After honoring Dian Wei, he then sacrificed to his nephew Cao Anmin and his eldest son Cao Ang, as well as to the fallen soldiers. Even the great Ferghana horse that had been shot dead was given its own offering.

The next day, a messenger from Xun Yu suddenly arrived, reporting, “Liu Biao is aiding Zhang Xiu, encamped at Anzhong, cutting off our return route.” Cao Cao replied to Xun Yu in a letter, “I travel only a few li each day, not ignorant that the enemy will pursue me. But my plan is already set. When we reach Anzhong, defeating Zhang Xiu is certain. Do not doubt.” He then urged the army forward to the borders of Anzhong County. Liu Biao’s forces had already seized the strategic passes, and Zhang Xiu followed in pursuit. Cao Cao ordered his troops to dig a concealed path through the night and secretly set an ambush.

By dawn, when Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu’s combined forces saw that Cao Cao’s army was small, they suspected he had fled and all entered the narrow path to attack him. Cao Cao unleashed his ambush and routed both armies. Cao’s troops emerged from the Anzhong pass and set up camp outside the narrows. Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu regrouped their defeated forces and met. Liu Biao said, “How did we fall into Cao Cao’s trap instead?” Zhang Xiu replied, “Let me think of another plan!” The two armies then gathered at Anzhong.

Now Xun Yu learned that Yuan Shao was planning to march on Xuchang and sent a dispatch by night-riding courier to report to Cao Cao. Alarmed, Cao Cao immediately turned his army back. Spies reported this to Zhang Xiu, who wanted to pursue. Jia Xu said, “Do not pursue; if you do, you will surely fail.” Liu Biao said, “If we don’t pursue today, we’ll miss our chance.” He strongly urged Zhang Xiu to lead over ten thousand men in pursuit. After about a dozen li, they caught up with Cao’s rear guard. Cao’s army fought fiercely, and Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao’s forces were soundly defeated and retreated. Zhang Xiu said to Jia Xu, “For not heeding your advice, I have indeed suffered this defeat.” Jia Xu said, “Now, reorganize the troops and pursue them again.” Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao both said, “We are already defeated—why pursue again?” Jia Xu replied, “This time, if you pursue, you will surely win a great victory. If not, you may take my head.” Zhang Xiu trusted him. Liu Biao was doubtful and refused to go. Zhang Xiu then led his own force in pursuit. Cao’s army was indeed heavily defeated, scattering their troops and supplies along the road as they fled.

As Zhang Xiu pressed forward, a band of troops suddenly emerged from behind a mountain. Zhang Xiu dared not continue and withdrew to Anzhong. Liu Biao asked Jia Xu, “Earlier, with elite troops pursuing a retreating enemy, you said we would surely lose. Later, with defeated troops attacking a victorious enemy, you said we would surely win. Both outcomes matched your words. Why did different situations yield the same result? I beg you to explain clearly.” Jia Xu said, “This is easy to understand. Though you, General, are skilled in war, you are no match for Cao Cao. Although Cao’s army was defeated, they would have brave generals guarding the rear to fend off pursuit. Our troops, though elite, could not withstand them—hence I knew we would lose. Cao Cao hurried his retreat because something urgent had happened at Xuchang. After defeating our pursuit, he would surely ride light and fast, no longer on guard. We attacked when he was unprepared, and so we won.” Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu both admired his insight. Jia Xu advised Liu Biao to return to Jingzhou and Zhang Xiu to hold Xiangcheng, maintaining a relationship like lips and teeth. The two armies then disbanded.

As Cao Cao was marching, he heard that his rear guard was being pursued by Zhang Xiu and quickly led his generals back to rescue. But Zhang Xiu’s forces had already withdrawn. Defeated soldiers reported to Cao Cao, “If not for that band of troops from behind the mountain blocking the way, we would all have been captured.” Cao Cao urgently asked who it was. A man reined in his horse, dismounted, and bowed before Cao Cao. He was the General of the Pacifying Guard, from Jiangxia Pingchun County; his surname was Li, given name Tong, styled Wenda. Cao Cao asked where he came from. Li Tong said, “I was recently guarding Runan. Hearing that the Chancellor was battling Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, I came specially to assist.” Delighted, Cao Cao appointed Li Tong as the Marquis of Establishing Merit, tasked with guarding the western border of Runan to defend against Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu. Li Tong bowed in thanks and departed.

Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, submitted a memorial praising Sun Ce’s merit, and appointed him General Who Punishes Rebels, granting him the title Marquis of Wu. He sent an envoy with an imperial decree to Jiangdong, ordering Sun Ce to guard against and suppress Liu Biao. When Cao Cao returned to his residence, all his officials paid their respects. Xun Yu asked, “When you, Chancellor, moved slowly toward Anzhong, how did you know you would surely defeat the enemy?” Cao Cao said, “They had no retreat, so they were bound to fight to the death. I advanced slowly to lure them while secretly planning. Hence I knew victory was certain.”

Xun Yu bowed in admiration. Guo Jia then entered. Cao Cao said, “Why are you so late?” Guo Jia took a letter from his sleeve and reported to Cao Cao, “Yuan Shao sent a messenger to you, Chancellor, saying he wants to attack Gongsun Zan and asks for borrowed grain and troops.” Cao Cao said, “I heard Yuan Shao intended to plot against Xuchang. Now that he sees I have returned, he concocts another excuse.” He then opened and read the letter. Seeing its arrogant and haughty tone, he asked Guo Jia, “Yuan Shao is so insolent. I wish to punish him, but I fear my strength is insufficient. What should I do?”

Guo Jia said, "That Liu Bang and Xiang Yu could not overcome each other is something you know. The Gaozu relied solely on wisdom to prevail; although Xiang Yu was strong, he was eventually captured by him. Now Yuan Shao has ten defeats, and you have ten victories; though Yuan Shao’s troops are many, they are not worth fearing. Yuan Shao is full of and excessive, while you embody naturalness—this is the victory of the Way. Yuan Shao acts in rebellion, while you lead with righteousness—this is the victory of Righteousness. Since the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, governance has been lost through leniency; Yuan Shao tries to remedy leniency with leniency, while you correct it with severity—this is the victory of Governance. Yuan Shao appears generous on the outside but is jealous within, and most of those he employs are his relatives; you appear simple on the outside but are insightful within, employing people solely based on talent—this is the victory of Magnanimity. Yuan Shao schemes much but decides little; you implement plans as soon as they are made—this is the victory of Strategy. Yuan Shao specializes in gathering reputation, while you treat others with utmost sincerity—this is the victory of Virtue. Yuan Shao cares for those close to him and neglects those far away; your consideration extends to all without omission—this is the victory of Benevolence. Yuan Shao listens to slander and becomes confused; you are unmoved by insinuating slander—this is the victory of Clarity. Yuan Shao confuses right and wrong; your laws and standards are strict and clear—this is the victory of Culture. Yuan Shao likes to put on a show of force and does not understand the essentials of military command; you win with fewer against many, using troops as if by divine inspiration—this is the victory of Martial Might. With these ten victories, defeating Yuan Shao will be no difficulty."

Cao Cao smiled and said, "As you say, how could I be worthy of such praise?" Xun Yu said, "Guo Fengxiao’s theory of ten victories and ten defeats exactly matches my humble opinion. Though Yuan Shao’s troops are many, what is there to fear!" Guo Jia said, "Lu Bu in Xuzhou is truly a grave threat to our heartland. Now Yuan Shao is on a northern campaign against Gongsun Zan; we should take advantage of his distant absence to first seize Lu Bu, sweep clean the southeast, and then plot against Yuan Shao—this is the best strategy. Otherwise, if we attack Yuan Shao, Lu Bu will surely take the opportunity to invade Xuchang by stealth, causing no small harm."

Cao Cao considered this correct and thus discussed the eastern campaign against Lu Bu. Xun Yu said, "We can first send someone to make an appointment with Liu Bei, and only after receiving his reply can we dispatch the troops." Cao Cao followed this advice, sending a letter to Liu Bei on the one hand, while generously rewarding Yuan Shao’s envoy on the other, memorializing the court to enfeoff Yuan Shao as Grand General and Grand Commandant, concurrently overseeing the four provinces of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing. He secretly replied, "You may attack Gongsun Zan, and I shall assist you." Yuan Shao was overjoyed upon receiving the letter and immediately advanced his troops to attack Gongsun Zan.

Now, regarding Lu Bu in Xuzhou, whenever he held banquets for guests, Chen Gui and his son would invariably heap praise on Lu Bu’s virtues. Chen Gong was displeased and, taking an opportunity, told Lu Bu, "Chen Gui and his son flatter you to your face, General; their intentions are unfathomable, and you should be on your guard against them." Lu Bu angrily rebuked him, saying, "You groundlessly spread slander, wanting to harm good men, do you?" Chen Gong came out sighing and said, "Loyal words are not heeded; those like us are sure to meet disaster." He thought of leaving Lu Bu for another place but could not bear to; and he feared being laughed at by others, so he remained dejected all day long.

One day, Chen Gong took a few horsemen to the Xiaopei area to hunt and relieve his boredom. Suddenly he saw an official courier horse galloping along the main road. Chen Gong grew suspicious, abandoned the hunt, and with his attendants took a side path to intercept the rider. He asked, "From which place are you a messenger?" The messenger, knowing that the man was one of Lu Bu’s subordinates, grew flustered and could not answer. Chen Gong ordered a search of his person and found a secret letter from Liu Bei to Cao Cao. Chen Gong then took both the man and the letter to see Lu Bu. Lu Bu asked what the matter was. The messenger said, "Prime Minister Cao sent me to deliver a letter to Liu Yuzhou, and now I have received a reply. I do not know what the letter says." Lu Bu then tore open the letter and read it carefully. The gist of the letter was:

"Having received your clear command to plot against Lu Bu, how dare I not devote myself day and night? Only, my forces are weak, my generals few, and my troops sparse, so I dare not act rashly. If the Prime Minister raises a great army, I am willing to serve as the vanguard. I have already readied my troops and horses, awaiting your orders alone."

After reading this, Lu Bu was greatly startled and said, "That villain Cao Cao dares to do such a thing!" He then beheaded the messenger and first sent Chen Gong and Zang Ba to contact the bandits of Mount Tai—Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi—to march east and seize the various commanderies of Yanzhou in Shandong. He also ordered Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to take Peicheng and attack Liu Bei. He ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to march west and take Runan and Yingchuan. Lu Bu himself commanded the central army, acting as rear support for the three routes.

Meanwhile, Gao Shun and his men set out from Xuzhou. As they neared Xiaopei, someone reported this to Liu Bei. Liu Bei hastily consulted with his advisors. Sun Qian said, "We should quickly inform Cao Cao of the emergency." Liu Bei said, "Who can go to Xuchang to report the crisis?" From below the steps, a man stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." Looking, it was a man from the same commandery as Liu Bei, surnamed Jian, named Yong, styled Xianhe, then a guest advisor to Liu Bei. Liu Bei immediately wrote a letter and gave it to Jian Yong, ordering him to travel through the night to Xuchang to seek aid. At the same time, he readied the city’s defensive equipment. Liu Bei himself guarded the south gate, Sun Qian the north gate, Guan Yu the west gate, and Zhang Fei the east gate. He ordered Mi Zhu and his younger brother Mi Fang to guard the central camp. It so happened that Mi Zhu had a younger sister who had married Liu Bei as a secondary wife. Liu Bei and the brothers were thus brothers-in-law, so he ordered them to guard the central camp and protect his family.

Gao Shun’s forces arrived, and Liu Bei called out from atop the city wall, "I have no quarrel with Fengxian; why have you brought troops here?" Gao Shun said, "You have conspired with Cao Cao to harm my lord. Now that the matter is exposed, why not submit with your hands bound?" After saying this, he commanded the troops to assault the city. Liu Bei closed the city gates and did not engage. The next day, Zhang Liao led troops to attack the west gate. Guan Yu said to him from atop the wall, "Your appearance and bearing are no ordinary; why have you fallen into the service of a bandit?" Zhang Liao lowered his head and did not speak. Guan Yu knew that this man had a spirit of loyalty and righteousness, so he no longer spoke harsh words to him, nor did he engage in battle.

Zhang Liao withdrew his troops to the east gate, and Zhang Fei then came out of the city to meet him in battle. Someone quickly reported this to Guan Yu. Guan Yu hurried to the east gate to see, and as Zhang Fei emerged, Zhang Liao’s forces had already withdrawn. Zhang Fei wanted to pursue, but Guan Yu hastily called him back into the city. Zhang Fei said, "He retreated out of fear; why not pursue?" Guan Yu said, "This man’s martial skill is no less than yours or mine. Because I spoke righteous words that moved him, he has considerable regret in his heart, and so he does not fight us." Zhang Fei then understood and only ordered the soldiers to guard the city gates firmly, not engaging again.

Meanwhile, Jian Yong arrived at Xuchang and saw Cao Cao, telling him in detail of the preceding events. Cao Cao immediately summoned all his advisors and said, "I want to attack Lu Bu, but I am not worried about Yuan Shao holding me back; I only fear Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu harassing me from behind." Xun Yu said, "These two have just been defeated and dare not act rashly. Lu Bu is fierce, and if he should ally with Yuan Shu, running rampant through the Huai and Si river regions, it would be difficult to handle." Guo Jia said, "Now we can take advantage of the fact that he has just rebelled and the people’s hearts are not yet with him; we should attack him quickly."

Cao Cao followed his advice and ordered Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Lü Qian, and Li Dian to lead an advance force of fifty thousand troops, while he himself commanded the main army to advance in stages, with Jian Yong accompanying him. Scouts soon reported this to Gao Shun. Gao Shun quickly reported it to Lu Bu. Lu Bu first sent Hou Cheng, Hao Meng, and Cao Xing with over two hundred cavalry to reinforce Gao Shun, ordering them to meet the Cao army thirty li from Peicheng, while he himself led the main army to follow in support.

Liu Bei, in Xiaopei, seeing Gao Shun withdraw, knew that Cao Cao’s forces had arrived. He kept only Sun Qian to guard the city, with Mi Zhu and Mi Fang to protect his family, while he himself, together with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, led all their troops out of the city and set up camps separately to support the Cao army.

Now, Xiahou Dun led his troops forward and encountered Gao Shun’s forces. He raised his spear and rode out to challenge. Gao Shun met him. Their horses crossed, and after forty or fifty exchanges, Gao Shun could not hold his ground and fled in defeat. Xiahou Dun gave chase at full gallop; Gao Shun circled around the battle formation to escape. Xiahou Dun refused to let him go and also circled the formation in pursuit. Cao Xing, watching from the battle line, secretly drew his bow and nocked an arrow, took careful aim, and shot. The arrow struck Xiahou Dun square in the left eye. Xiahou Dun gave a great shout and hastily reached up to pull out the arrow, but inadvertently pulled out the eyeball as well. Thereupon he cried out, "The essence of my father and the blood of my mother—I cannot discard them!" He then stuffed the eyeball into his mouth and swallowed it, still raising his spear and urging his horse forward, charging straight at Cao Xing. Cao Xing, caught off guard, was pierced through the face by a spear thrust and fell dead from his horse. The soldiers on both sides who saw this were all horrified.

Xiahou Dun, after slaying Cao Xing, turned his horse and rode back. Gao Shun pursued him from behind, commanding his troops to charge forward together, and Cao's army suffered a great defeat. Xiahou Yuan rescued his elder brother and fled. Lü Qian and Li Dian led the defeated troops to retreat to Jibei and set up camp. Gao Shun, victorious, led his troops to strike at Liu Bei, and just then Lü Bu's main army also arrived. Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun divided their forces into three routes, attacking Liu Bei's, Guan Yu's, and Zhang Fei's three camps from all sides. Truly:

Though the blind-eyed warrior could fight, the arrow-struck vanguard could not hold out long.

If you want to know how Liu Bei fared in victory or defeat, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.