Chapter 45: Cao Cao Loses Men at Sanjiangkou; Jiang Gan Falls for a Ruse at the Banquet of Heroes
Now Zhou Yu, having heard Zhuge Jin’s words, resented Kongming even more and harbored the intention of murdering him. The next day, he mustered his officers and troops and entered the tent to take leave of Sun Quan. Sun Quan said, “You go first; I will raise an army and follow up in support.” Zhou Yu took his leave and came out, then set out with Cheng Pu and Lu Su, inviting Kongming to accompany them. Kongming gladly agreed, and they boarded the ship together, hoisted sail, and followed the winding watercourse toward Xiakou. When they were still fifty or sixty li from Sanjiangkou, the vessels anchored in order. Zhou Yu established his naval camp at the center, while on the shore, a camp was pitched against West Mountain, with troops stationed all around. Kongming only lodged in a small boat.
After Zhou Yu had finished his deployments, he sent for Kongming to discuss matters. Kongming arrived at the main tent, and after exchanging courtesies, Zhou Yu said, “In the past, Cao Cao had few soldiers and Yuan Shao many, yet Cao Cao was able to defeat Yuan Shao by using Xu You’s plan to first cut off the grain at Wuchao. Now Cao Cao has eight hundred and thirty thousand troops, while we have only fifty or sixty thousand—how can we withstand him? We too must first cut off Cao Cao’s grain supplies before we can defeat him. I have already learned that Cao Cao’s army provisions and fodder are all stockpiled at Jutieshan. You, sir, have long lived in the Han River region and are familiar with the terrain. I would trouble you to take Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and others, and I will also send a thousand troops to assist, so you can hurry by night to Jutieshan and cut off Cao Cao’s grain route. Each of us acts for his own lord, so I hope you will not refuse.”
Kongming thought to himself, “This is because he failed to sway me, so now he plots to harm me. If I refuse, he will surely mock me. Better to agree first and then find another way.” So he cheerfully accepted the order. Zhou Yu was very pleased. Kongming took his leave and came out. Lu Su said privately to Zhou Yu, “What do you mean by sending Kongming to seize the grain?” Zhou Yu replied, “I want to kill Kongming, but I fear people will laugh at me; therefore, I use Cao Cao’s hand to kill him, so as to eliminate the future trouble.”
When Lu Su heard this, he went to see Kongming to find out whether he understood. He saw that Kongming showed no sign of difficulty but was actually preparing his troops and horses for departure. Lu Su could not bear it and probed him with words, saying, “Will this mission of yours, sir, succeed?” Kongming smiled and said, “I am skilled in water combat, land combat, cavalry combat, and chariot combat—why should I worry about not succeeding? Unlike here in Jiangdong, where you and Zhou Lang and others are only good at one kind of warfare.” Lu Su said, “How can you say that I and Gongjin are only good at one kind?” Kongming replied, “I have heard a children’s song south of the River that goes: ‘For ambushing on the road and guarding passes, rely on Zijing; for fighting on the water, there is Zhou Lang.’ You, sir, on land, can only set ambushes and guard passes; Zhou Gongjin can only fight on water, not on land.”
Lu Su then told this to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu said angrily, “He dares to mock me for not being able to fight on land! There’s no need for him to go! I myself will lead ten thousand cavalry to Jutieshan and cut off Cao Cao’s grain route.” Lu Su reported this to Kongming. Kongming smiled and said, “Gongjin sent me to cut off the grain, but his real intention was to have Cao Cao kill me. I deliberately teased him with a few words, and he could not tolerate it. Now is the time to employ men; I only hope that Marquis Wu and Lord Liu will work together with one heart, and then the great task can succeed. If they plot against each other, the great task will fail. That villain Cao Cao is full of tricks; all his life he has been used to cutting off others’ grain routes—how could he not now deploy heavy defenses? If Gongjin goes, he will surely be captured. For now, we should first fight a naval battle to blunt the northern army’s sharpness, and then think of another clever plan to break the enemy. I hope Zijing will speak well of this to Gongjin.”
Lu Su then returned by night to see Zhou Yu and reported Kongming’s words in detail. Zhou Yu shook his head and stamped his feet, saying, “This man’s insight is ten times greater than mine. If I do not remove him now, he will certainly become a calamity for our state in the future!” Lu Su said, “Now is the time to employ men; I hope you will put the state first. After we have defeated Cao Cao, it will not be too late to deal with him.” Zhou Yu agreed to this.
Now Xuande ordered Liu Qi to guard Jiangxia, while he himself led his officers and troops toward Xiakou. From afar, he saw on the southern riverbank flags faintly visible and spears and halberds in dense array, and surmised that Eastern Wu had already dispatched its forces. He then transferred all the troops from Jiangxia to camp at Fankou. Xuande gathered his men and said, “Since Kongming went to Eastern Wu, there has been no news at all. I do not know how matters stand. Who can go to reconnoiter and report back?” Mi Zhu said, “I am willing to go.”
Xuande then prepared sheep, wine, and other gifts, and sent Mi Zhu to Eastern Wu, ostensibly to reward the army, but in reality to spy out the situation. Mi Zhu accepted the order, took a small boat, and went downstream directly to Zhou Yu’s main camp. The soldiers reported to Zhou Yu, who summoned him in. Mi Zhu made two bows, conveyed Xuande’s respect, and presented the wine and gifts. Zhou Yu accepted them and then set a feast to entertain Mi Zhu. Mi Zhu said, “Kongming has been here a long time; now I wish to return with him.” Zhou Yu replied, “Kongming is just now plotting with me to defeat Cao Cao—how can he leave so soon? I also very much wish to see Liu Yuzhou and discuss a good plan together; but unfortunately, I am in command of a great army and cannot leave even for a moment. If Liu Yuzhou would condescend to come here, it would more than satisfy my wishes.”
Mi Zhu agreed, took his leave, and returned. Lu Su asked Zhou Yu, “What plan do you have for seeing Xuande?” Zhou Yu said, “Xuande is a bold and ambitious man of the age, and he must be eliminated. I now take this opportunity to lure him here and kill him, thereby removing a future threat to the state.” Lu Su repeatedly tried to dissuade him, but Zhou Yu would not listen, and he issued a secret order: “If Xuande comes, first conceal fifty swordsmen and axemen behind the wall tapestries. Watch for me to drop my cup as a signal, then rush out and strike.”
Now Mi Zhu returned and saw Xuande, reporting in detail that Zhou Yu wished to meet the lord face to face for further consultation. Xuande then ordered a swift boat made ready and prepared to go at once. Yunchang advised, “Zhou Yu is a man of many schemes, and there is no letter from Kongming; I fear there may be treachery. You should not go lightly.” Xuande said, “I am now allied with Eastern Wu to oppose Cao Cao. Zhou Lang wishes to see me; if I do not go, it will not be in the spirit of the alliance. If both sides suspect each other, the matter cannot succeed.” Yunchang said, “If you, elder brother, insist on going, I am willing to accompany you.” Zhang Fei said, “I will go too.” Xuande said, “Only let Yunchang go with me. Yide and Zilong will guard the camp, and Jian Yong will hold E County. I will go and return.”
After giving these orders, he boarded a small boat with Yunchang, taking twenty or more attendants, and rowed swiftly toward Jiangdong. Xuande observed the warships and battle vessels of Jiangdong, the banners and armored soldiers, all arrayed in good order left and right, and was very pleased. The soldiers hurriedly reported to Zhou Yu: “Liu Yuzhou has arrived.” Zhou Yu asked, “How many boats did he bring?” The soldier replied, “Only one boat, with twenty or more attendants.” Zhou Yu smiled and said, “This man’s fate is sealed!” He then ordered the swordsmen and axemen to conceal themselves, and then went out of the camp to welcome him.
Xuande, with Yunchang and the twenty or more men, went straight to the main tent. After exchanging courtesies, Zhou Yu invited Xuande to take the seat of honor. Xuande said, “Your fame, General, has spread throughout the world; I am of little ability, how dare I trouble you to show such great courtesy?” So they took their seats as host and guest, and Zhou Yu set a feast.
Now Kongming happened to go to the riverbank, where he heard that Xuande had come to meet the commander-in-chief. Startled, he hurried into the main tent to secretly observe the situation. He saw that Zhou Yu’s face bore a murderous look, and that on both sides, behind the wall tapestries, swordsmen and axemen were densely arrayed. Kongming was greatly alarmed and thought, “What is to be done?” He turned to look at Xuande, who was talking and laughing freely; but then he saw behind Xuande a man standing with his hand on his sword—it was Yunchang. Kongming rejoiced and said, “My lord is out of danger.” So he did not enter further but turned back and waited by the riverbank.
Zhou Yu and Xuande drank at the feast. After several rounds of wine, Zhou Yu rose to toast, and suddenly caught sight of Yunchang standing behind Xuande with his hand on his sword. Hastily he asked who this was. Xuande said, “This is my younger brother, Guan Yunchang.” Zhou Yu said in surprise, “Is he the one who formerly beheaded Yan Liang and Wen Chou?” Xuande said, “He is.” Zhou Yu was greatly alarmed, and sweat poured down his back; then he filled a cup and offered it to Yunchang.
After a while, Lu Su entered. Xuande said, “Where is Kongming? I trouble Zijing to ask him to come for a meeting.” Zhou Yu said, “After we have defeated Cao Cao, it will not be too late to meet Kongming then.” Xuande dared not say more. Yun Chang signaled Xuande with his eyes, and Xuande understood his meaning, so he rose and took his leave of Zhou Yu, saying, “I will take my leave for now. When we have defeated the enemy and achieved merit, I will certainly come especially to congratulate you.” Zhou Yu did not detain him and escorted him out of the camp gate.
Xuande bade farewell to Zhou Yu and, together with Yun Chang and the others, came to the riverbank, where he saw Kongming already on the boat. Xuande was overjoyed. Kongming said, “Does my lord know the danger of today?” Xuande said in surprise, “I do not know.” Kongming said, “If it were not for Yun Chang, my lord would have been nearly killed by Zhou Yu.” Only then did Xuande realize this, and he invited Kongming to return with him to Fankou. Kongming said, “Though I am in the tiger’s mouth, I am as secure as Mount Tai. Now my lord only needs to prepare boats, soldiers, and horses for future use. Take the day after the Jiazi day of the eleventh month, the twentieth, as the deadline, and have Zilong steer a small boat to the southern shore to wait. Be sure not to miss it.” Xuande asked what he meant. Kongming said, “As soon as you see the southeast wind rise, I will certainly return.” When Xuande wanted to ask further, Kongming urged Xuande to set sail quickly. Having said this, he himself went back. Xuande, together with Yun Chang and his attendants, set sail. They had not gone a few li when suddenly they saw fifty or sixty boats coming down from upstream. On the prow of the lead boat stood a great general holding a long spear—it was Zhang Fei. Because he feared Xuande might come to harm and that Yun Chang alone could not hold out, he had come specially to meet them. So the three of them returned to the camp together; of this no more is said.
Now as for Zhou Yu, after seeing off Liu Bei, he returned to his camp. Lu Su came in and asked, “Since you lured Liu Bei here, why did you not make a move?” Zhou Yu said, “Guan Yu is a tiger-like general of the age, always accompanying Liu Bei in walking and sitting. If I had made a move, he would certainly have come to harm me.” Lu Su was astonished to hear this. Suddenly someone reported that Cao Cao had sent an envoy with a letter. Zhou Yu ordered him to be brought in. The envoy presented the letter. When Zhou Yu looked at it, the envelope read, “From the Great Han Prime Minister to be opened by Commander-in-Chief Zhou Yu.” Zhou Yu flew into a rage. Without even opening it, he tore the letter to pieces, threw them on the ground, and ordered the envoy to be killed. Lu Su said, “When two states are at war, envoys are not killed.” Zhou Yu said, “Killing the envoy shows our might.” So he killed the envoy and had the head handed over to his attendants to take back. He then ordered Gan Ning as the vanguard, Han Dang as the left wing, and Jiang Qin as the right wing, while Zhou Yu himself led the main force in support. The next day, they cooked their meals at the fourth watch, set sail at the fifth watch, and advanced with beating drums and shouting war cries.
As for Cao Cao, when he learned that Zhou Yu had destroyed the letter and killed the envoy, he was furious and ordered Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, and the other surrendered generals from Jingzhou to serve as the front division. Cao Cao himself led the rear force, urging on the war boats until they reached the mouth of the Three Rivers. Soon they saw the boats of Eastern Wu covering the river as they came. At the head was a general sitting on the prow of a boat, shouting loudly, “I am Gan Ning! Who dares to fight with me?” Cai Mao ordered his younger brother Cai Xun to advance. When the two boats drew near, Gan Ning drew his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot at Cai Xun, who fell with the sound of the arrow. Gan Ning then drove his boat forward with great force, and ten thousand arrows were shot at once. The Cao army could not withstand them. On the right, Jiang Qin; on the left, Han Dang—both charged straight into the midst of the Cao army. Most of Cao Cao’s troops were from Qingzhou and Xuzhou, unaccustomed to water fighting. On the great river, as soon as the war boats swayed, they could not keep their footing. The three lines of boats under Gan Ning and the others charged back and forth across the water. Zhou Yu also urged on his boats to aid the attack. Among the Cao army, those hit by arrows and cannon fire were beyond count. They fought from the si hour until the wei hour. Although Zhou Yu had gained an advantage, he feared that with few troops he could not withstand the many, so he ordered the gongs to be sounded and the boats to withdraw.
The Cao army retreated in defeat. Cao Cao went up to his land camp, reorganized his troops, and summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, rebuking them, saying, “Eastern Wu has fewer troops, yet we were defeated by them—this is simply because you did not exert yourselves!” Cai Mao said, “The Jingzhou water forces have long been untrained, and the troops from Qingzhou and Xuzhou have never been accustomed to water fighting, which is why we suffered defeat. Now we should first establish a water camp, with the Qingzhou and Xuzhou troops inside and the Jingzhou troops outside, training them daily until they are thoroughly skilled, and only then can we use them.” Cao Cao said, “Since you are the Admiral of the Water Forces, you can decide and handle things on your own—why do you need to report to me?” So Zhang Yun and Cai Mao themselves went to train the water forces. Along the river, they set up twenty-four water gates, using large boats on the outer perimeter as a city wall, with small boats inside for coming and going. At night, they lit lanterns, making the sky and water glow red. The land camp stretched over three hundred li, with smoke and fire unceasing.
Now as for Zhou Yu, he returned to his camp victorious, rewarded the three armies, and sent someone to report the victory to the Marquis of Wu. That night, Zhou Yu climbed a high place to look out, and saw a glow of fire in the west reaching the sky. Those beside him said, “These are all the lights of the northern army.” Zhou Yu was also startled. The next day, Zhou Yu wanted to personally investigate Cao Cao’s water camp, so he ordered a tower ship to be prepared, with drums and music aboard, and several strong generals accompanying him, each carrying strong bows and hard crossbows. They all boarded the ship and sailed in a winding course. When they reached the side of Cao Cao’s water camp, Zhou Yu ordered the anchor to be dropped, and the drums and music on the tower ship played in unison. Zhou Yu secretly observed their water camp and was greatly alarmed, saying, “This truly shows a deep mastery of the art of water warfare!” He asked, “Who are the Admirals of the Water Forces?” Those beside him said, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.” Zhou Yu thought to himself, “These two have long lived in Jiangdong and are skilled in water fighting. I must devise a plan to eliminate these two first, and only then can I break Cao Cao.”
While he was observing, someone from Cao’s camp had already reported swiftly to Cao Cao, saying, “Zhou Yu is spying on our water camp.” Cao Cao ordered boats to be sent to capture him. Zhou Yu saw the flags and signals in the water camp moving, and quickly ordered the anchor to be raised. Oars and sweeps were turned on both sides and all around, and they flew across the river like the wind. By the time the boats from Cao’s camp came out, Zhou Yu’s tower ship had already gone more than ten li away, and they could not catch up. They returned and reported to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao asked his generals, saying, “Yesterday we lost a battle and our morale was blunted; today he has deeply spied out our water camp. What plan should I use to break him?” Before he had finished speaking, a man came out from beneath the tent and said, “I have been a close friend and schoolmate of Zhou Lang since childhood. I am willing to rely on my glib tongue to go to Jiangdong and persuade this man to come and surrender.” Cao Cao was overjoyed. He looked—it was a man from Jiujiang, surnamed Jiang, named Gan, styled Ziyi, who was currently serving as a staff adviser in the camp. Cao Cao asked, “Is Ziyi on close terms with Zhou Gongjin?” Jiang Gan said, “Let the Prime Minister rest assured. When I go to Jiangdong, I will certainly succeed.” Cao Cao asked, “What things do you need to take?” Jiang Gan said, “I only need one boy attendant to accompany me and two servants to steer the boat; nothing else is needed.” Cao Cao was very pleased and laid out wine to see Jiang Gan off. Jiang Gan, wearing a hempen headcloth and a plain robe, steered a small boat and went straight to Zhou Yu’s camp, where he had someone announce, “An old friend, Jiang Gan, has come to visit.” Zhou Yu was in his tent discussing affairs. When he heard that Jiang Gan had arrived, he smiled and said to his generals, “A persuader has come!” Then he whispered to the generals in a low voice, saying, “Do thus and thus.” All the generals received their orders and departed.
Zhou Yu adjusted his cap and robes, and with several hundred attendants, all in embroidered clothes and flowery caps, came out surrounded front and back. Jiang Gan, leading a young boy in black clothes, came in with an air of importance. Zhou Yu bowed to welcome him. Jiang Gan said, “Gongjin, since we parted, are you well?” Zhou Yu said, “Ziyi has taken great trouble. Crossing rivers and lakes from afar—have you come to act as a persuader for the Cao family?” Jiang Gan was startled and said, “I have been long separated from you, and have come specially to talk of old times—why do you suspect me of being a persuader?” Zhou Yu smiled and said, “Though I am not as clever as Shi Kuang, I can understand the lofty intention upon hearing the strings and songs.” Jiang Gan said, “If you treat an old friend like this, I beg to take my leave.” Zhou Yu smiled and took his arm, saying, “I was only afraid that you, elder brother, might be acting as a persuader for the Cao family. Since you have no such intention, why rush to leave?” So they entered the tent together. After exchanging courtesies, they sat down. Zhou Yu then immediately gave orders to summon all the heroes of Jiangdong to meet Ziyi.
In a short time, the civil and military officials, each wearing brocade robes, and the junior officers and captains below the command level, all in silver armor, entered in two rows. Zhou Yu had them all pay their respects, and then they were seated in two rows on either side. A great feast was spread, and the military victory music was played as toasts were made in turn. Zhou Yu said to the assembled officers: "This is my old classmate and close friend. Although he has come from north of the river, he is not a persuader for the Cao family. Let no one be suspicious." He then unbuckled his sword and handed it to Taishi Ci, saying: "You may wear my sword and act as wine steward. At today's banquet, we speak only of friendship; if anyone brings up the military affairs of Cao Cao and the Eastern Wu, cut him down!"
Taishi Ci accepted, and sat with his hand on the sword. Jiang Gan was startled and dared not say much. Zhou Yu said: "Ever since I took command of the troops, I have not touched a drop of wine. But today, seeing an old friend with no cause for suspicion, I should drink until I am drunk." With that, he laughed heartily and drank freely, while wine cups and gaming chips flew about the table. When half drunk, Zhou Yu took Jiang Gan by the hand and led him outside the tent. The soldiers on guard, fully armed with spears and halberds, stood at attention. Zhou Yu said: "Are my troops not valiant?" Jiang Gan replied: "Truly they are like bears and tigers."
Zhou Yu then led Jiang Gan to the rear of the tent, where grain and fodder were piled up like mountains. Zhou Yu said: "Are my supplies not abundant?" Jiang Gan replied: "With troops and ample provisions, your reputation is well deserved." Zhou Yu, feigning deep drunkenness, laughed loudly and said: "When I, Zhou Yu, studied with Ziyi, I never expected to be where I am today." Jiang Gan said: "With your elder brother’s great talent, this is hardly excessive." Zhou Yu, grasping Jiang Gan’s hand, said: "A true man in this world, when he meets a lord who understands him, outwardly observes the duty of ruler and subject, while inwardly binds himself with the grace of flesh and bone. Words are heeded, plans are followed, and we share both good fortune and calamity. Even if Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Lu Jia, or Li Yisheng were to reappear, with their eloquence pouring like a torrent and their tongues sharp as blades, how could they move my heart!" With that, he laughed again. Jiang Gan’s face turned the color of earth. Zhou Yu then led Jiang Gan back into the tent to drink again with the generals, and pointing to them, said: "These are all the heroes of Jiangdong. Today’s gathering can be called the 'Gathering of Heroes.'" They drank until evening, when lamps and candles were lit. Zhou Yu himself rose and performed a sword dance, singing a song: "A man in this world seeks to establish merit and fame; establishing merit and fame consoles his life. Consoling his life, I am about to get drunk; getting drunk, I will burst forth with wild chanting!"
After the song, the whole company was filled with laughter. When it grew late, Jiang Gan excused himself, saying: "I can no longer hold my wine." Zhou Yu ordered the feast cleared, and the generals took their leave. Zhou Yu said: "It has been long since I shared a bed with Ziyi. Tonight, we shall sleep foot to foot." So, feigning deep drunkenness, he led Jiang Gan into the tent to sleep together. Zhou Yu lay down fully clothed and vomited messily. How could Jiang Gan sleep? Lying on his pillow, he listened as the military drum struck the second watch. He rose to look at the dying lamp still burning. When he looked at Zhou Yu, his snoring was like thunder. Jiang Gan saw a stack of documents on the table inside the tent and rose to secretly examine them; they were all letters of correspondence. Among them was one sealed with the words: "Respectfully sealed by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun." Jiang Gan was greatly startled and read it secretly. The letter roughly said: "We surrendered to Cao Cao not out of greed for office or salary, but compelled by circumstances. Now we have tricked the northern army into being trapped in their camp. As soon as an opportunity arises, we will present the head of that traitor Cao Cao before your banner. Someone will arrive soon with news. We hope you will have no doubts. This is our first respectful reply."
Jiang Gan thought to himself: "So Cai Mao and Zhang Yun are in collusion with Eastern Wu!" He then secretly hid the letter in his clothes. Just as he was about to look through the other letters, Zhou Yu turned over in bed. Jiang Gan quickly extinguished the lamp and lay down. Zhou Yu muttered indistinctly: "Ziyi, within a few days, I will show you Cao Cao’s head!" Jiang Gan responded reluctantly. Zhou Yu then said: "Ziyi, wait! I will show you Cao Cao’s head!" When Jiang Gan asked him about it, Zhou Yu was asleep again.
Jiang Gan lay on the bed. Near the fourth watch, he heard someone enter the tent and call out: "Is the Commander awake?" Zhou Yu, as if suddenly roused from a dream, pretended to wake with a start and deliberately asked the man: "Who is that sleeping on the bed?" The man replied: "The Commander invited Ziyi to sleep with him; how could you have forgotten?" Zhou Yu said regretfully: "I never usually get drunk. Yesterday, I drank too much and neglected my duties. I wonder if I said anything?" The man said: "Someone has come from north of the river." Zhou Yu shouted: "Lower your voice!" Then he called out: "Ziyi." Jiang Gan only pretended to be asleep. Zhou Yu quietly left the tent. Jiang Gan eavesdropped and heard someone outside saying: "The two commanders Zhang and Cai say: 'There is no way to act quickly.'" The words that followed were very low and indistinct.
After a while, Zhou Yu returned to the tent and called out again: "Ziyi." Jiang Gan did not answer, but covered his head and pretended to sleep. Zhou Yu also took off his clothes and lay down. Jiang Gan thought: "Zhou Yu is a meticulous man. When day breaks and he cannot find the letter, he will surely harm me." He slept until the fifth watch, then rose and called Zhou Yu, but Zhou Yu was asleep. Jiang Gan put on his headcloth, quietly left the tent, called his page, and went straight out of the camp gate. The soldiers asked: "Where is the gentleman going?" Jiang Gan said: "I am afraid I might hinder the Commander’s affairs by staying here. I am taking my leave for now." The soldiers did not stop him.
Jiang Gan boarded his boat and rowed swiftly back to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked: "How did Ziyi’s mission go?" Jiang Gan said: "Zhou Yu is broad-minded and cannot be swayed by words." Cao Cao said angrily: "Not only did you fail, but you have been laughed at by him!" Jiang Gan said: "Although I could not persuade Zhou Yu, I have, however, discovered something for the Chancellor. Please order the attendants to withdraw." Jiang Gan took out the letter and told Cao Cao everything about it in detail. Cao Cao flew into a rage and said: "How dare these two traitors behave so insolently!" He immediately summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to his tent. Cao Cao said: "I want you two to advance the troops." Cai Mao said: "The army is not yet trained; we cannot advance lightly." Cao Cao angrily retorted: "By the time the army is trained, my head will have been presented to Young Zhou!" Cai and Zhang did not understand his meaning and were too flustered to reply. Cao Cao ordered the guards to take them out and behead them. In a short time, their heads were presented before the tent. Cao Cao then realized his mistake and said: "I have been tricked!" Later, a poet wrote a verse lamenting:
Cao Cao, the crafty hero, could not be withstood,
But in a moment’s scheme, he fell to Young Zhou’s plot.
Cai and Zhang betrayed their lord to seek their own survival,
Who would have thought they’d die beneath the sword today!
Cao Cao, the crafty hero, could not be withstood,
But in a moment’s scheme, he fell to Young Zhou’s plot.
Cai and Zhang betrayed their lord to seek their own survival,
Who would have thought they’d die beneath the sword today!
When the generals saw that Cai Mao and Zhang Yun had been executed, they came in to ask the reason. Although Cao Cao knew in his heart that he had been tricked, he refused to admit his error, so he said to the generals: "Those two were negligent in military discipline, so I had them beheaded." Everyone sighed deeply. Cao Cao selected Mao Jie and Yu Jin from among the generals to serve as naval commanders, replacing Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.
Spies learned of this and reported it to Jiangdong. Zhou Yu was overjoyed and said: "What I feared were those two men. Now that they are eliminated, I have no more worries." Lu Su said: "With the Commander employing such strategy, why worry about not defeating that traitor Cao!" Zhou Yu said: "I suspect that none of the generals know about this plan. Only Zhuge Liang’s insight surpasses mine, and I imagine this ruse cannot deceive him. Zijing, you try to sound him out with words, see if he knows, and then come back and tell me." Truly:
He turned the success of his counter-plot
To test the cold-eyed observer by his side.
He turned the success of his counter-plot
To test the cold-eyed observer by his side.
Whether Lu Su’s questioning of Kongming would yield any result remains to be seen in the next chapter.