Chapter 29: The Little Overlord Kills Yu Ji in Anger; The Blue-Eyed Boy Rules Jiangdong
Chapter 29: The Little Overlord Kills Yu Ji in Anger; The Blue-Eyed Boy Leads Jiangdong
Now Sun Ce, since he had dominated Jiangdong, had well-trained troops and ample provisions. In the fourth year of Jian’an, he attacked and took Lujiang, defeated Liu Xun, and sent Yu Fan to swiftly deliver a written summons to Yuzhang. The Grand Administrator of Yuzhang, Hua Xin, surrendered. From then on, his power and influence greatly expanded. He then dispatched Zhang Hong to Xuchang to present a memorial and offer war spoils. Cao Cao, aware of Sun Ce’s strength, sighed and said, “A lion’s cub is hard to contend with!” Thereupon, he betrothed the daughter of Cao Ren to Sun Ce’s youngest brother, Sun Kuang, forging a marital alliance between the two families. He detained Zhang Hong in Xuchang. Sun Ce requested the position of Grand Marshal, but Cao Cao did not consent. Sun Ce resented him for this and often harbored thoughts of attacking Xuchang. Consequently, the Grand Administrator of Wu Commandery, Xu Gong, secretly sent an envoy to Xuchang to present a memorial to Cao Cao. The gist of the letter was:
“Sun Ce is fierce and valiant, resembling Xiang Ji. The court should outwardly show him favor and honor, summoning him to the capital; he should not be allowed to remain in command of the outer regions, lest he become a future calamity.”
The envoy, carrying the letter, crossed the Yangzi River but was captured by troops guarding the river and escorted to Sun Ce. Sun Ce read the letter and flew into a rage, killing the envoy. He then sent someone to falsely invite Xu Gong to discuss affairs. When Xu Gong arrived, Sun Ce showed him the letter and shouted, “You want to send me to my death!” He ordered the guards to strangle him. Xu Gong’s family members all fled and scattered. Three retainers in his household wished to avenge Xu Gong but regretted having no opportunity.
One day, Sun Ce led his troops to gather for a hunt in the western mountains of Dantu. They startled a large deer, and Sun Ce spurred his horse up the mountain in pursuit. As he was chasing, he saw three men standing in the woods, holding spears and carrying bows. Sun Ce reined in his horse and asked, “Who are you people?” They replied, “We are soldiers of Han Dang, here shooting deer.” Sun Ce was about to lift his reins and ride on when one man thrust his spear at Sun Ce’s left leg. Startled, Sun Ce quickly drew his sword from his horse to slash at him, but the blade suddenly fell off, leaving only the hilt in his hand. Another man had already drawn his bow and shot an arrow, which struck Sun Ce in the cheek. Sun Ce then pulled the arrow from his face, took his own bow, and shot back at the man who had loosed the arrow, who fell as the bowstring twanged. The two remaining men raised their spears and stabbed wildly at Sun Ce, shouting, “We are retainers of Xu Gong, come especially to avenge our master!” Sun Ce had no other weapon; he only used his bow to parry, retreating as he fought. The two men fought to the death without giving ground. Sun Ce was stabbed several times in the body, and his horse was also wounded.
At the height of the crisis, Cheng Pu arrived with several men. Sun Ce shouted, “Kill the rebels!” Cheng Pu led the men forward together and hacked Xu Gong’s retainers into mincemeat. When they looked at Sun Ce, his face was covered in blood, and his wounds were severe. They cut a piece of his robe, wrapped his wounds, and rescued him, taking him back to Wu Hui to recuperate. Later, someone wrote a poem praising the three retainers of the Xu family:
“Sun Ce’s wisdom and valor crowned the river’s edge; hunting in the mountains, he met with peril. Three retainers of Xu could die for righteousness; sacrificing themselves, even Yu Rang was not more remarkable.”
Now Sun Ce, wounded, returned and sent someone to seek Hua Tuo to treat him. Unexpectedly, Hua Tuo had already gone to the Central Plains. Only his disciple was in the Wu region, and he was ordered to treat him. Hua Tuo’s disciple said, “The arrowhead had poison on it, and the poison has entered the bone. You must rest quietly for a hundred days before there can be no worry. If anger stirs, this wound will be hard to heal.”
Sun Ce was by nature extremely impatient and wished he could recover that very day. After recuperating for more than twenty days, he suddenly heard that a messenger from Zhang Hong had returned from Xuchang. Sun Ce summoned him to ask. The messenger said, “Cao Cao greatly fears you, my lord; his strategists in his tent also all respect you; only Guo Jia does not submit.” Sun Ce said, “What did Guo Jia say?” The messenger dared not speak. Sun Ce grew angry and pressed him persistently. The messenger had to tell the truth: “Guo Jia once said to Cao Cao: ‘The lord is not worth fearing. He is rash and unprepared, hot-tempered and lacking in strategy; he is merely the courage of a common man. One day, he will surely die at the hands of a petty person.’” Upon hearing this, Sun Ce flew into a rage and said, “How dare a common man predict my fate! I swear I will take Xuchang!” So, without waiting for his wounds to heal, he wanted to discuss deploying troops. Zhang Zhao remonstrated, saying, “The physician warned you, my lord, not to move for a hundred days. Why, now, because of a momentary anger, do you lightly regard your body worth ten thousand gold?”
Just as they were speaking, it was suddenly reported that Yuan Shao had sent an envoy, Chen Zhen, who had arrived. Sun Ce summoned him and questioned him. Chen Zhen explained in detail that Yuan Shao wished to ally with Eastern Wu as an external supporter to jointly attack Cao Cao. Sun Ce was greatly pleased. That day, he met with all the generals on the city tower and held a feast to entertain Chen Zhen. After drinking for a long time, he suddenly saw all the generals whispering to each other and going downstairs in a flurry. Sun Ce, puzzled, asked what the reason was. Those around him said, “There is an immortal named Yu who is passing below the tower. The generals wish to go and pay him homage.”
Sun Ce rose and leaned on the railing to look. He saw a Daoist priest, wearing a crane-feather cloak and holding a thornwood staff, standing in the road. The common people were all burning incense and prostrating themselves on the road to worship him. Sun Ce angrily said, “What demon is this? Quickly seize him for me!” Those around him said, “This man’s surname is Yu, given name Ji. He resides in the east and travels between Wu and Hui. He widely dispenses talismanic water to cure people’s various ailments, and none are not efficacious. The current generation calls him an immortal; he must not be lightly profaned.” Sun Ce grew even more furious and shouted, “Quickly seize him! Those who disobey will be executed!”
Those around him, having no choice, had to go downstairs. They surrounded Yu Ji and brought him upstairs. Sun Ce shouted, “How dare you, mad Daoist, agitate and delude people’s hearts!” Yu Ji said, “I, poor Daoist, am a priest from the Langya Temple. During the reign of Emperor Shun, I once entered the mountains to gather herbs and obtained a divine book at the spring of Quyang, entitled the ‘Taiping Qingling Dao’—over a hundred scrolls in all—all containing methods for curing people’s illnesses. I, poor Daoist, obtained it and only devoted myself to acting on Heaven’s behalf to spread its teachings and universally save the myriad people. I have never taken a single thing from others. How could I agitate and delude people’s hearts?” Sun Ce said, “You take nothing from others, yet where do you get your clothes and food? You are precisely of the ilk of the Yellow Turbans, like Zhang Jiao. If I do not kill you now, you will surely become a future calamity!” He shouted to his attendants to behead him. Zhang Zhao remonstrated, saying, “Daoist Yu has been in Jiangdong for decades and has committed no offense. He must not be killed.” Sun Ce said, “A demon like this—what difference is there between killing him and killing a pig or a dog!” All the officials earnestly advised him, and Chen Zhen also urged him. Sun Ce’s anger had not subsided, and he ordered Yu Ji to be temporarily imprisoned in jail. All the officials then dispersed. Chen Zhen himself returned to the official lodging to rest.
When Sun Ce returned to his residence, someone had already reported the matter to Sun Ce’s mother, Lady Wu, who knew of it. The lady summoned Sun Ce into the rear hall and said to him, “I heard that you have imprisoned the Immortal Yu. This man has repeatedly cured people’s illnesses. Both the army and the people revere him. You must not harm him.” Sun Ce said, “This is a demon who uses evil arts to delude the masses. He must not be eliminated!” The lady repeatedly tried to dissuade him. Sun Ce said, “Mother, do not listen to the wild talk of outsiders. I, your son, have my own way of handling this.” He then went out and ordered the jailer to bring Yu Ji for interrogation. Now, the jailers all greatly respected and believed in Yu Ji. While he was in prison, they had all removed his fetters. When Sun Ce called for him to be brought, he was brought out still wearing his fetters.
When Sun Ce learned of this, he flew into a rage, severely punished the jailers, and again had Yu Ji locked in prison with restraints. Zhang Zhao and several dozen others wrote a joint petition and knelt in supplication to Sun Ce, begging him to spare the Immortal Yu. Sun Ce said, “You are all scholars. Why do you not understand reason? In former times, the Inspector of Jiaozhou, Zhang Jin, believed in heretical teachings. He played the zither and burned incense, often wrapping his head with a red kerchief, claiming it could aid the army’s might. In the end, he was killed by the enemy. Such things are utterly useless. You, gentlemen, have not yet awakened yourselves. The reason I wish to kill Yu Ji is precisely to stop heretical teachings and awaken the deluded.” Lü Fan said, “I have always known that Daoist Yu can pray for wind and rain. Now there is a drought. Why not order him to pray for rain to atone for his crime?” Sun Ce said, “Let me see what this demon can do.” He then ordered Yu Ji to be brought out of prison, his fetters removed, and commanded him to ascend the altar to pray for rain.
Yu Ji received the command, immediately bathed and changed clothes, then took a rope and bound himself in the scorching sun. The watching commoners filled the streets and blocked the alleys. Yu Ji said to the crowd: "I will pray for three feet of sweet rain to save the myriad people, yet in the end I cannot escape death." The crowd said: "If there is a miracle, the lord will surely respect and submit." Yu Ji said: "The fate has reached this point; I fear I cannot escape."
After a short while, Sun Ce personally arrived at the altar and issued an order: if there was no rain by noon, Yu Ji was to be burned to death. He first had men pile up dry firewood to await. As noon approached, a fierce wind suddenly arose. Where the wind passed, dark clouds gradually gathered on all sides. Sun Ce said: "The time is nearly noon; there are only dark clouds and no sweet rain—this is indeed a sorcerer!" He shouted for the attendants to carry Yu Ji onto the woodpile and set fire on all sides; the flames rose with the wind. Suddenly a black smoke was seen rushing into the sky, a loud crack sounded, thunder and lightning burst forth together, and a great rain poured down like a torrent. In an instant, the streets became rivers, the streams and gullies were all filled, with a full three feet of sweet rain. Yu Ji lay supine on the woodpile, gave a great shout, the clouds scattered, the rain stopped, and the sun reappeared.
Thereupon all the officials and commoners together helped Yu Ji down from the woodpile, untied the ropes, and bowed in thanks repeatedly. Sun Ce saw the officials and people all kneeling in the water regardless of their clothing, and flew into a rage, shouting: "Clear skies and rain are the fixed order of Heaven and Earth; the sorcerer merely seized an opportunity by chance. How can you be so deluded and confused!" He drew his sword and ordered the attendants to behead Yu Ji immediately. The officials earnestly remonstrated. Sun Ce said angrily: "Do you all want to follow Yu Ji in rebellion!" The officials then dared not speak further. Sun Ce shouted for the warriors to cut off Yu Ji's head with one stroke of the blade. A green vapor was seen heading northeastward. Sun Ce ordered his corpse displayed in the marketplace to make an example of his sorcerous and false crimes.
That night, wind and rain raged together, and by dawn Yu Ji's corpse had disappeared. The soldier guarding the corpse reported this to Sun Ce, who flew into a rage and wanted to kill the guard. Suddenly a man was seen slowly approaching from the front of the hall; when looked at, it was Yu Ji. Sun Ce was furious and was about to draw his sword to strike him, when he suddenly fell unconscious to the ground. Those nearby hastily carried him back to his bedchamber, and it was half a day before he revived. Lady Wu came to see his condition and said to Sun Ce: "My son, you wrongfully killed an immortal, and so have brought about this calamity." Sun Ce laughed and said: "Since childhood, I followed my father on campaigns and killed men like hemp—when was there ever a reason for calamity? Now that I have killed the sorcerer, it is precisely eradicating a great disaster; how could it instead become my bane?" Lady Wu said: "Because you do not believe, it has come to this; now you can perform good deeds to eliminate misfortune and pray for blessings." Sun Ce said: "My fate lies with Heaven; a sorcerer can never bring disaster. Why should I eliminate misfortune?" Lady Wu knew she could not persuade him, so she herself had those nearby secretly perform good deeds to eliminate misfortune and resolve the crisis.
That night, during the third watch, Sun Ce lay in his inner quarters when suddenly a dark wind rose, and the lamp went out and then relit. In the shadow of the lamp, Yu Ji was seen standing before him. Sun Ce shouted: "In my life I have sworn to slay sorcerers and evil to pacify the world! Since you are a ghost of the underworld, how dare you approach me!" He grabbed the sword at his bedside and threw it at him; Yu Ji suddenly vanished. Lady Wu heard of this and became even more anxious. Sun Ce then forced himself to move about despite his illness to comfort his mother's heart. His mother said to Sun Ce: "The Sage said: 'How abundant is the manifestation of virtue by spirits!' He also said: 'Pray to the spirits of Heaven and Earth.' The matter of ghosts and spirits cannot be disbelieved. You wrongfully killed Master Yu; can there be no retribution? I have already had an altar set up in the Jade Purity Temple in the commandery for a ritual; you can go and worship in person, and you will naturally be at peace."
Sun Ce dared not disobey his mother's command, so he had to force himself to take a sedan chair to the Jade Purity Temple. The Daoist priests welcomed him in and invited Sun Ce to burn incense. Sun Ce burned incense but did not bow. Suddenly the smoke from the incense burner rose without dispersing, forming a canopy on which Yu Ji sat upright. Sun Ce was furious, spat and cursed him; as he left the hall, he saw Yu Ji standing at the temple gate, glaring at Sun Ce. Sun Ce looked around at those nearby and said: "Do you see the demon ghost?" Those nearby all said: "We do not see it." Sun Ce became even angrier, drew his sword and threw it at Yu Ji; a man was struck and fell. When the crowd looked, it was the soldier who had earlier beheaded Yu Ji, the sword cutting into his head; blood flowed from his seven orifices, and he died. Sun Ce ordered him carried out and buried.
When he left the temple, he saw Yu Ji again entering the temple gate. Sun Ce said: "This temple is also a place for hiding demons!" He then sat before the temple and ordered five hundred warriors to demolish it. As the warriors climbed onto the roof to remove the tiles, they saw Yu Ji standing on the roof, flinging tiles to the ground. Sun Ce was furious and ordered the Daoist priests driven out of the temple and set fire to destroy the building. Where the fire rose, Yu Ji was seen standing in the flames. Sun Ce returned to his residence in anger, and again saw Yu Ji standing before the gate. Sun Ce then did not enter the residence, but immediately mustered the three armies, left the city, and set up camp. He summoned all his generals for discussion, intending to raise troops to aid Yuan Shao in attacking Cao Cao from both sides. All the generals said: "Your lordship is unwell and should not act rashly. Wait until you have recovered before going to war."
That night Sun Ce stayed in the camp and again saw Yu Ji coming with disheveled hair. Sun Ce kept shouting in his tent. The next day, Lady Wu sent an order summoning Sun Ce back to his residence. Sun Ce then returned to see his mother. Lady Wu saw Sun Ce's haggard face and said tearfully: "My son, your appearance has changed!" Sun Ce then took a mirror to look at himself and indeed saw that his face was extremely gaunt; startled, he looked around at those nearby and said: "How have I become so emaciated!"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly saw Yu Ji standing in the mirror. Sun Ce struck the mirror and gave a great cry; his golden wound burst open, and he fell unconscious to the ground. Lady Wu had him carried into the bedchamber. After a while he revived and sighed to himself: "I cannot live much longer!" He then summoned Zhang Zhao and others, along with his younger brother Sun Quan, to his sickbed and instructed them: "The world is in chaos; with the people of Wu and Yue and the natural defenses of the three rivers, much can be accomplished. Zibu and the others must properly assist my younger brother." He then took out the seal and ribbon and gave them to Sun Quan, saying: "If it comes to leading the troops of Jiangdong and deciding the outcome in the midst of battle, contending for supremacy with the world, you are not my equal; but in promoting worthy men and employing the capable, so that each does his utmost to defend Jiangdong, I am not your equal. You should remember the hardships of our father and elder brother in founding our enterprise and plan well for yourself!"
Sun Quan wept bitterly, bowed, and accepted the seal and ribbon. Sun Ce said to his mother: "My son's life is at an end; I cannot serve my kind mother. Now I entrust the seal and ribbon to my younger brother, and I hope you will instruct him day and night. Do not treat the old retainers of Father and Elder Brother lightly or with disrespect." His mother said tearfully: "I fear your younger brother is still young and cannot shoulder great responsibilities—what then?" Sun Ce said: "My younger brother's talent surpasses mine tenfold; he is fully capable of bearing the heavy burden. If internal matters cannot be decided, consult Zhang Zhao; if external matters cannot be decided, consult Zhou Yu. It is a pity that Zhou Yu is not here, so I cannot instruct him in person!" He then called his other younger brothers and instructed them: "After my death, you must all assist Zhongmou. If any among the clan dares to harbor disloyal intentions, let all join in killing him. If blood relatives rebel, they shall not be buried in the ancestral graves." The younger brothers wept and accepted his command. He then called his wife, Lady Qiao, and said: "You and I are unfortunate to part midway in life; you must serve your mother-in-law filially. When your younger sister comes to see me morning and evening, you can tell her to inform Zhou Yu that he must do his utmost to assist my younger brother and not betray the friendship we shared in life." Having spoken, he closed his eyes and died. He was only twenty-six years old. Later generations composed a poem in his praise:
Alone he fought across the southeast lands,
Men called him the Little Tyrant.
In strategy like a crouching tiger,
In decision swift as a soaring hawk.
His might secured the Three Rivers' peace,
His fame spread far on every breeze.
At life's end he gave his charge,
His heart fixed on Zhou Yu alone.
Alone he fought across the southeast lands,
Men called him the Little Tyrant.
In strategy like a crouching tiger,
In decision swift as a soaring hawk.
His might secured the Three Rivers' peace,
His fame spread far on every breeze.
At life's end he gave his charge,
His heart fixed on Zhou Yu alone.
After Sun Ce’s death, Sun Quan collapsed in sobs before the bed. Zhang Zhao said, “This is not the time for the General to weep. You should manage the funeral rites while handling military and state affairs.” Sun Quan then held back his tears. Zhang Zhao had Sun Jing take charge of the funeral and invited Sun Quan to come out to the hall to receive the congratulations and homage of the civil and military officials. Sun Quan was born with a square jaw, a wide mouth, green eyes, and a purple beard. In earlier times, the Han envoy Liu Wan had come to Wu and, upon seeing the various Sun brothers, said to others, “I have observed all the Sun brothers; though each has talent, bearing, and a noble disposition, none will have long-lasting fortune. Only Zhongmou has a strikingly unusual appearance and an extraordinary bone structure—a sign of great nobility. He will also enjoy a long life; none of the others can compare to him.”
At that time, Sun Quan succeeded to Sun Ce’s dying wishes and took charge of the affairs of Jiangdong. Before matters were settled, someone reported that Zhou Yu had led his troops from Baqiu back to Wu. Sun Quan said, “Gongjin has returned; I have no more worries.” It turned out that Zhou Yu was guarding Baqiu when he heard that Sun Ce had been wounded by an arrow, so he came back to inquire. When he neared the Wu commandery, he learned that Sun Ce had already died, so he hastened through the night to attend the funeral. At that moment, Zhou Yu, weeping, knelt and bowed before Sun Ce’s spirit tablet. Lady Wu came out and told Zhou Yu of Sun Ce’s dying words. Zhou Yu knelt and said, “How dare I not exert myself to the utmost, even to death?”
After a while, Sun Quan entered. Zhou Yu completed his formal salutation, and Sun Quan said, “I hope you will not forget the dying command of my elder brother.” Zhou Yu kowtowed and said, “I am willing to sacrifice my life—liver and brain smeared on the ground—to repay the kindness of my knowing lord.” Sun Quan said, “Now that I have inherited the foundation of my father and elder brother, what strategy should I use to preserve it?” Zhou Yu said, “Since ancient times, ‘He who wins the people’s hearts prospers; he who loses them perishes.’ For the present plan, we must seek men of far-reaching vision to assist you; only then can Jiangdong be secure.” Sun Quan said, “My elder brother’s dying words entrusted internal affairs to Zibu, and external affairs all rely on Gongjin.” Zhou Yu said, “Zibu is a worthy and accomplished scholar, fully capable of bearing great responsibility. I am without talent and fear I may fail the heavy trust placed in me. I wish to recommend one man to assist the General.”
Sun Quan asked who this man was. Zhou Yu said, “His surname is Lu, given name Su, style name Zijing. He is from Dongchuan, Linhuai. This man is well-versed in strategy and harbors deep cunning plans. He lost his father early and serves his mother with great filial piety. His family is very wealthy, and he once distributed money to relieve the poor. When I was the magistrate of Juchao, I led several hundred men past Linhuai. Lacking grain, I heard that Lu Su’s family had two granaries of rice, each of three thousand hu, so I went to ask for help. Lu Su then pointed to one granary and gave it to me—such was his generosity. All his life he has loved fencing, archery, and riding; he now resides in Qu’e. His grandmother died, and he returned to Dongcheng for the burial. His friend Liu Ziyang tried to persuade him to go to Chaohu and join Zheng Bao, but Lu Su is still hesitating and has not gone. Now, my lord, you should summon him quickly.”
Sun Quan was overjoyed and immediately ordered Zhou Yu to go and employ him. Zhou Yu, following orders, went in person. After meeting Lu Su and completing the formalities, he explained in detail Sun Quan’s admiration. Lu Su said, “Recently Liu Ziyang invited me to Chaohu, and I was planning to go there.” Zhou Yu said, “In ancient times, Ma Yuan said to Emperor Guangwu: ‘In this age, it is not only the ruler who chooses his ministers, but the ministers also choose their ruler.’ Now our General Sun draws near to worthy men, treats scholars with courtesy, accepts talents of rare ability, and employs extraordinary individuals—such men are rare in this world. You need not consider other plans; just go with me to join the Eastern Wu.” Lu Su heeded his words and thus came with Zhou Yu to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan treated him with great respect and talked with him all day without tiring.
One day, after the various officials had all departed, Sun Quan kept Lu Su to drink together, and they continued until nightfall, sharing a bed and sleeping foot to foot. In the middle of the night, Sun Quan said to Lu Su, “Now the Han court is in peril, and chaos reigns on all sides. I have inherited the foundation of my father and elder brother and wish to emulate the achievements of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin. What will you teach me?” Lu Su said, “In former times, Emperor Gaozu of Han wished to honor the Righteous Emperor but could not, because Xiang Yu created disorder. The current Cao Cao can be compared to Xiang Yu; how can you, General, become a Duke Huan of Qi or Duke Wen of Jin? I privately think that the Han house cannot be revived, nor can Cao Cao be eliminated all at once. For your plan, General, only by occupying Jiangdong and forming a tripartite balance can you watch the changes in the world. Now take advantage of the troubles in the north: eliminate Huang Zu, then march against Liu Biao, seize the entire Yangtze River region and hold it. After that, proclaim yourself emperor and establish a reign title to plot for the empire—this is the enterprise of Emperor Gaozu.”
Sun Quan was greatly pleased. He threw on his robe, rose, and bowed in thanks. The next day, he richly rewarded Lu Su and bestowed clothing, curtains, and other items on Lu Su’s mother. Lu Su then recommended another man to see Sun Quan. This man was broadly learned and talented, and served his mother with utmost filial piety. His compound surname was Zhuge, given name Jin, style name Ziyu, a native of Nanyang in Langya. Sun Quan honored him as a distinguished guest. Zhuge Jin advised Sun Quan not to maintain relations with Yuan Shao but to temporarily submit to Cao Cao, then wait for an opportunity to plot against him. Sun Quan followed this advice, so he sent Chen Zhen back and wrote a letter severing ties with Yuan Shao.
Now when Cao Cao heard that Sun Ce had died, he thought of raising an army to attack Jiangnan. The Attending Censor Zhang Hong remonstrated, saying, “To attack during another’s mourning is neither righteous; if you cannot conquer, you will turn friendship into enmity. It is better to treat them well at this opportunity.” Cao Cao deemed this correct, so he memorialized the court to enfeoff Sun Quan as General and concurrently Acting Administrator of Kuaiji. He also appointed Zhang Hong as Commandant of Kuaiji and sent him with the seal and credentials to Jiangdong. Sun Quan was overjoyed, and upon seeing Zhang Hong return to Wu, he ordered him to handle affairs together with Zhang Zhao. Zhang Hong then recommended another man to Sun Quan. This man’s surname was Gu, given name Yong, style name Yuan Tan, a disciple of the Zhonglang Cai Yong. He was taciturn, did not drink wine, and was stern and upright. Sun Quan appointed him as an aide, acting in the capacity of Administrator. From then on, Sun Quan’s prestige shook Jiangdong, and he deeply won the people’s hearts.
As for Chen Zhen, when he returned and saw Yuan Shao, he reported in detail: “Sun Ce has died; Sun Quan has succeeded him. Cao Cao has enfeoffed him as General and formed an external alliance.” Yuan Shao was enraged, so he mobilized over seven hundred thousand men from the regions of Jizhou, Qingzhou, Youzhou, and Bingzhou, and once again attacked Xuchang. Truly it was:
The clash of arms south of the River had barely ceased,
When war flames north of Ji again increased.
The clash of arms south of the River had barely ceased,
When war flames north of Ji again increased.
Whether victory or defeat would follow, let the next chapter reveal.