Chapter 5: A Forged Edict Rallies the Warlords; Three Brothers Battle Lü Bu at the Pass

Chapter 5: Issuing a Forged Edict, the Warlords Respond to Cao Cao; Breaking Through the Sishui Pass, the Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu

It is said that Chen Gong was about to kill Cao Cao, but then he had a second thought: "I followed him here for the sake of the country; killing him now would be against righteousness. It would be better to leave him and go elsewhere." So he sheathed his sword, mounted his horse, and before dawn, he went off to seek refuge in Dong Commandery. When Cao Cao awoke and did not see Chen Gong, he thought to himself: "This man, upon hearing those two words I just spoke, suspected that I was unrighteous and abandoned me to leave. I should hurry away and not linger long." So he traveled overnight to Chenliu, found his father, and recounted the earlier events in detail. He wanted to sell off the family fortune to recruit righteous troops. His father said: "The family wealth is too meager; it will be difficult to accomplish anything. There is a filial and incorrupt official here named Wei Hong, who is generous with wealth and devoted to righteousness. His family is extremely wealthy. If you can gain his assistance, the matter can be planned."

Cao Cao prepared a feast and respectfully invited Wei Hong to his home, telling him: "Now the Han royal house has lost its authority, and Dong Zhuo has seized sole power, bullying the ruler and harming the people. The whole realm gnashes their teeth in hatred. I wish to exert myself to support the state, but I only regret that my strength is insufficient. You are a loyal and righteous man; I humbly ask for your help." Wei Hong said: "I have long had this intention, but I only regretted not encountering a hero. Since Mengde has great ambitions, I am willing to contribute my family wealth to assist you." Cao Cao was overjoyed. He first sent out a forged edict, dispatching it by fast horse to all the provinces and commanderies, then gathered righteous troops and raised a white banner inscribed with the two words "Loyalty and Righteousness." Within a few days, those who came to enlist gathered like raindrops.

One day, a man from Yangping Weiguo, surnamed Yue, styled Wenqian, came to join Cao Cao. Another, from Shanyang Julu, surnamed Li, styled Mancheng, also came to join Cao Cao. Cao Cao kept them both as officers in his camp. Then came Xiahou Dun, styled Yuanrang, from Peiguo Qiao County, a descendant of Xiahou Ying. He had practiced with spear and staff since childhood. At fourteen, while studying martial arts with a teacher, someone insulted his master, and Xiahou Dun killed that man, then fled to another place. Hearing that Cao Cao was raising troops, he came with his cousin Xiahou Yuan, each leading a thousand strong men to join. These two were originally Cao Cao's kinsmen: Cao Cao's father, Cao Song, was originally a son of the Xiahou clan, adopted into the Cao family, so they were of the same lineage.

Within a few days, Cao Cao's sworn brothers Cao Ren and Cao Hong each led over a thousand soldiers to assist. Cao Ren, styled Zixiao, and Cao Hong, styled Zilian; these two were thoroughly familiar with military formations and skilled in martial arts. Cao Cao was greatly pleased and drilled his troops in the village. Wei Hong contributed his entire family fortune to procure armor, clothing, and banners. The number of people delivering grain from all directions was beyond counting.

At this time, Yuan Shao received Cao Cao's forged edict and summoned his civil and military officers, leading thirty thousand troops from Bohai to join the alliance with Cao Cao. Cao Cao issued a proclamation and sent it to all commanderies. The proclamation read:

"We, in great righteousness, announce to all under heaven: Dong Zhuan deceives Heaven and violates the earth, overturns the state and murders the ruler; defiles and disturbs the palace, cruelly harms the living beings of the people; fierce and violent, unrighteous, his crimes are piled high! Now, by the secret edict of the Son of Heaven, we have grandly gathered righteous troops, swearing to sweep clean the lands of Hua and Xia and exterminate the host of rebels. We hope you will raise righteous armies, vent the common anger together; support the royal house, and rescue the common people. On the day this proclamation arrives, we hope for swift compliance!"

After Cao Cao issued the proclamation, the various lords all raised troops in response:

The first lord: Rear General, Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Yuan Shu.

The second lord: Inspector of Jizhou, Han Fu.

The third lord: Inspector of Yuzhou, Kong Zhou.

The fourth lord: Inspector of Yanzhou, Liu Dai.

The fifth lord: Grand Administrator of Henei, Wang Kuang.

The sixth lord: Grand Administrator of Chenliu, Zhang Miao.

The seventh lord: Grand Administrator of Dong Commandery, Qiao Mao.

The eighth lord: Grand Administrator of Shanyang, Yuan Yi.

The ninth lord: Chancellor of Jibei, Bao Xin.

The tenth lord: Grand Administrator of Beihai, Kong Rong.

The eleventh lord: Grand Administrator of Guangling, Zhang Chao.

The twelfth lord: Inspector of Xuzhou, Tao Qian.

The thirteenth lord: Grand Administrator of Xiliang, Ma Teng.

The fourteenth lord: Grand Administrator of Beiping, Gongsun Zan.

The fifteenth lord: Grand Administrator of Shangdang, Zhang Yang.

The sixteenth lord: Marquis of Wucheng, Grand Administrator of Changsha, Sun Jian.

The seventeenth lord: Marquis of Qixiang, Grand Administrator of Bohai, Yuan Shao.

The various troops, numerous or few, some thirty thousand, some ten or twenty thousand, each led their civil and military officers, heading toward Luoyang.

Let us speak of the Grand Administrator of Beiping, Gongsun Zan, who led fifteen thousand elite soldiers, passing through Pingyuan County in Dezhou. While marching, from afar amid a grove of mulberry trees, they saw a yellow banner, and several men on horseback came to welcome them. Gongsun Zan looked and saw it was Liu Xuande. Gongsun Zan asked: "Worthy brother, why are you here?" Xuande said: "In the past, thanks to my elder brother's recommendation, I became the magistrate of Pingyuan County. Now, hearing that the great army is passing through, I have specially come to greet you, and I beg my elder brother to enter the city to rest your horses." Gongsun Zan pointed at Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and asked: "Who are these two?" Xuande said: "These are Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, my sworn brothers." Gongsun Zan said: "Are these the two who fought together against the Yellow Turban rebels?" Xuande said: "All achievements relied on the strength of these two." Gongsun Zan said: "What positions do they hold now?" Xuande replied: "Guan Yu is a horse archer, and Zhang Fei is a foot archer." Gongsun Zan sighed and said: "This truly buries heroes! Now Dong Zhuo creates turmoil, and all the lords under heaven are going to punish him. Worthy brother, you can abandon this humble post and go together to punish the rebel, exerting yourself to support the Han house. What do you think?" Xuande said: "I am willing to go." Zhang Fei said: "If I had killed that villain back then, we would have been spared today's trouble." Guan Yu said: "Since matters have come to this pass, we should pack up and prepare to go."

Xuande, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, with a few horsemen, followed Gongsun Zan as he came forward. Cao Cao received them. The various lords also arrived one after another, each setting up camp, and the camps stretched for over two hundred li. Cao Cao then slaughtered cattle and horses, held a great assembly of the lords, and discussed the strategy for advancing. Grand Administrator Wang Kuang said: "Now, acting on great righteousness, we must establish a leader of the alliance; if all obey the commands, then we can advance." Cao Cao said: "Yuan Benchu's family has held the three highest offices for four generations, with many former officials under them. He is a descendant of the Han's famous ministers and can be the leader." Yuan Shao declined repeatedly. All said: "None but Benchu will do." Then Yuan Shao agreed. The next day, they built a three-tiered altar, arranged the banners of the five directions on all four sides, placed the white yak-tail pennon and the yellow battle-axe on the altar, set out the military tally and the general's seal, and invited Yuan Shao to ascend the altar. Yuan Shao adjusted his robes, fastened his sword, and ascended the platform with a grave air. He burned incense and bowed twice. His oath said:

"The Han house is unfortunate, and the imperial guidelines have lost their order. The traitorous minister Dong Zhuo, taking advantage of the calamity, indulges in cruelty; disaster has befallen the revered Son of Heaven, and tyranny has poisoned the common people. We, Yuan Shao and others, fearing the fall of the state, have gathered righteous troops and come together to face the nation's crisis. Let all of us in this alliance unite our hearts and strength, fulfill the duty of subjects, and have no second thoughts. Should any violate this oath, may he lose his life and leave no descendants. May Heaven and Earth, and the spirits of our ancestors, witness this!"

After reading the oath, all smeared blood on their lips to seal the covenant. Because Yuan Shao's words were impassioned, everyone was in tears. After the blood-smearing ceremony, they all descended the altar. Everyone supported Yuan Shao as he ascended the tent and took his seat, and they arranged themselves on both sides according to rank and age. Cao Cao raised his cup and urged a few rounds of wine, then said: "Now that we have established a leader of the alliance, all must obey commands, work together to support the state, and not bicker over strength or weakness." Yuan Shao said: "I, Yuan Shao, though lacking in ability, since I have been honored by being chosen as leader by all of you, I will certainly reward merit and punish faults. The state has its regular penalties, and the army has its discipline. Let all abide by the rules and not violate them." All said: "We only listen to your orders." Yuan Shao said: "My younger brother Yuan Shu will oversee the grain and fodder, supplying all camps without shortage. We also need one man to serve as the vanguard, to go directly to the Sishui Pass and challenge the enemy. The rest will each hold key strategic points as support." The Grand Administrator of Changsha, Sun Jian, stepped forward and said: "I, Sun Jian, am willing to be the vanguard." Yuan Shao said: "Wentai is brave and fierce, and can handle this task." Sun Jian then led his own troops and charged toward the Sishui Pass.

The officers guarding the pass sent a swift courier to the prime minister’s residence in Luoyang with an urgent report. Since seizing total power, Dong Zhuo had spent his days drinking and amusing himself. When Li Ru received the urgent dispatch, he went directly to inform Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo was greatly alarmed and hastily summoned all his officers to confer. Marquis Wen, Lü Bu, stepped forward and said, “Father, do not worry: the lords beyond the pass are like weeds to me. I am willing to lead our tiger-like army, behead them all, and hang their heads on the city gates.” Delighted, Dong Zhuo said, “With Fengxian here, I can sleep soundly!” Before he finished speaking, a man behind Lü Bu shouted loudly, “Why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken? There is no need to trouble the Marquis himself. I will cut off those lords’ heads as easily as taking something from a pouch.” Dong Zhuo looked and saw a man nine spans tall, with a tiger’s back and a wolf’s waist, a leopard’s head and an ape’s arms: he was a man from west of the Pass; his surname was Hua, his given name Xiong. Overjoyed, Dong Zhuo appointed him Colonel of Agile Cavalry, gave him fifty thousand infantry and cavalry, and ordered him, together with Li Su, Hu Zhen, and Zhao Cen, to rush to the pass that very night to meet the enemy.

Among the lords, one named Bao Xin, the Chancellor of Jibei, thought that since Sun Jian had taken the vanguard, he might seize the first merit. Secretly, he sent his younger brother Bao Zhong with three thousand infantry and cavalry to take a shortcut straight to the pass to challenge. Hua Xiong led five hundred armored horsemen, galloped down from the pass, and roared, “Rebel general, don’t run!” Bao Zhong tried to retreat, but Hua Xiong raised his blade and cut him down from his horse, capturing many officers. Hua Xiong sent Bao Zhong’s head to the prime minister’s residence as a report of victory, and Dong Zhuo promoted him to Commander-in-Chief.

Meanwhile, Sun Jian led four great generals to the pass. The four were: first, Cheng Pu, styled Demou, from Tuyin in Youbeiping, who wielded an iron-spined serpent spear; second, Huang Gai, styled Gongfu, from Lingling, who used an iron whip; third, Han Dang, styled Yigong, from Lingzhi in Liaoxi, who wielded a large sword; fourth, Zu Mao, styled Darong, from Fuchun in Wu Commandery, who used twin swords. Sun Jian, clad in silver armor, his head wrapped in a red turban, holding his ancient ingot sword sideways, and riding a dappled horse, pointed at the pass and cursed, “You traitors aiding the tyrant, why not surrender early?”

Hu Zhen, Hua Xiong’s lieutenant, led five thousand troops out of the pass to meet the battle. Cheng Pu galloped forward, spear raised, straight at Hu Zhen. After barely a few exchanges, Cheng Pu thrust his spear through Hu Zhen’s throat, killing him on the spot. Sun Jian drove his army straight to the foot of the pass, but arrows and stones rained down from above. Sun Jian withdrew his troops to camp east of Liang, sending a messenger to report victory to Yuan Shao and another to Yuan Shu to urge the delivery of provisions. Someone said to Yuan Shu, “Sun Jian is a fierce tiger from Jiangdong; if he breaks through Luoyang and kills Dong Zhuo, it will be like removing a wolf only to gain a tiger. If you withhold his provisions now, his army will surely scatter.” Yuan Shu heeded this and refused to send grain. Sun Jian’s army ran short of food, and disorder broke out among the troops. Spies reported this to the pass. Li Su advised Hua Xiong, “Tonight I will lead a force by a side road down the pass to attack Sun Jian’s camp from the rear, while you assault his front camp. Sun Jian can be captured.” Hua Xiong agreed, ordered his men to eat their fill, and descended the pass that night.

That night the moon was bright and the breeze clear. By midnight, they reached Sun Jian’s camp. The soldiers beat drums, raised shouts, and charged straight in. Sun Jian hastily donned his armor, mounted his horse, and came face to face with Hua Xiong. Their horses met; after barely a few clashes, Li Su’s troops arrived from the rear and ordered the men to set fires. Sun Jian’s army scattered in chaos. The generals fought separately, with only Zu Mao following Sun Jian as they broke through and fled. Behind them, Hua Xiong gave chase. Sun Jian drew his bow and shot two arrows, but Hua Xiong dodged both. When he shot a third, he pulled the magpie-painted bow so hard that it snapped, so he abandoned the bow and spurred his horse to flee. Zu Mao said, “My lord, your red turban is too conspicuous; the rebels will recognize you. Let me wear it.” Sun Jian took off his turban and exchanged it for Zu Mao’s helmet, then they fled in two directions. Hua Xiong’s troops only pursued the one wearing the red turban, so Sun Jian escaped by a side road. Zu Mao, hard-pressed by Hua Xiong, hung the red turban on a charred pillar of a burned house and hid himself in the woods.

Hua Xiong’s troops, seeing the red turban in the moonlight from afar, surrounded it from all sides but dared not approach. When they shot arrows at it, they realized it was a ruse, so they advanced and took the turban. Zu Mao emerged from behind the woods, swinging his twin swords to strike Hua Xiong; Hua Xiong gave a great shout and cut Zu Mao down from his horse with one stroke. They fought until dawn, then Hua Xiong led his troops back up the pass. Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang all came looking for Sun Jian, regrouped the troops, and camped. Grieving over the loss of Zu Mao, Sun Jian sent a report to Yuan Shao that very night. Yuan Shaowas greatly alarmed and said, “I never thought Sun Wentai would be defeated by Hua Xiong!” He then summoned all the lords to a council. All arrived, but Gongsun Zan was late; Yuan Shao invited him into the tent and offered him a seat. Yuan Shao said, “The other day, General Bao’s younger brother disobeyed orders and advanced on his own, resulting in his death and the loss of many troops. Now Sun Wentai has also been defeated by Hua Xiong. Our morale is shattered. What can be done?” The lords were all silent.

Yuan Shao looked around and saw three men standing behind Gongsun Zan with extraordinary appearances, sneering coldly. He asked, “Who are those behind Governor Gongsun?” Gongsun Zan called Liu Bei forward and said, “This is my childhood friend and sworn brother, Liu Bei, the Prefect of Pingyuan.” Cao Cao said, “Is this not Liu Xuande, who defeated the Yellow Scarves?” Gongsun Zan replied, “The very same,” and had Liu Xuande pay his respects. He then recounted Liu Bei’s merits and background in detail. Yuan Shao said, “Since he is a member of the Han imperial clan, bring a seat.” He had him sit down. Liu Bei declined modestly. Yuan Shao said, “It is not your rank or title I respect, but your lineage as a descendant of the imperial house.” Liu Bei then took the lowest seat, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him with folded hands.

Suddenly a scout reported, “Hua Xiong has led armored horsemen down from the pass, using a long pole to display Governor Sun’s red turban, and is shouting insults before the camp, challenging us to battle.” Yuan Shao said, “Who dares to fight?” From behind Yuan Shu stepped forward the bold general Yu She, who said, “I, your humble officer, am willing to go.” Yuan Shao was pleased and sent Yu She out. Soon a messenger reported, “Yu She fought Hua Xiong for less than three exchanges and was beheaded by him.” All were shocked. Governor Han Fu said, “I have a superior general, Pan Feng, who can kill Hua Xiong.” Yuan Shao hastily ordered him to battle. Pan Feng took up his great axe and mounted his horse. Not long after, a horseman flew back to report, “Pan Feng has also been beheaded by Hua Xiong.” All faces changed color. Yuan Shao said, “What a pity that my top generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, are not here! If either were present, what need would we fear Hua Xiong?” Before he finished, a voice from below the steps shouted loudly, “I, your humble officer, am willing to cut off Hua Xiong’s head and present it before the tent!” All looked and saw a man nine spans tall, with a beard two spans long; phoenix eyes and silkworm eyebrows; a face like the red date, and a voice like a great bell; standing before the tent. Yuan Shao asked who he was. Gongsun Zan said, “This is Guan Yu, younger brother of Liu Xuande.” Yuan Shao asked his current rank. Gongsun Zan said, “He serves as a horse archer under Liu Xuande.” Yuan Shu on the platform shouted angrily, “Do you think we lords have no great generals? A mere archer dares to spout nonsense! Drive him out!” Cao Cao hastily stopped him and said, “Gonglu, calm your anger. Since this man speaks boldly, he must have courage and skill; let him try his horse—if he cannot win, then punish him.” Yuan Shao said, “Sending an archer to battle will surely make Hua Xiong laugh at us.” Cao Cao said, “This man has an extraordinary bearing; how would Hua Xiong know he is an archer?” Lord Guan said, “If I cannot win, you may cut off my head.” Cao Cao had a cup of hot wine poured and offered it to Lord Guan to drink before mounting. Lord Guan said, “Let the wine be set aside; I will return shortly.” He left the tent, took up his blade, and leaped onto his horse. The lords heard the drums thunder outside the pass, and shouts rose like the heavens collapsing and the earth splitting, shaking the mountains. All were astonished. Just as they were about to send someone to inquire, the sound of bridle bells rang out, and the horse reached the central camp. Yunchang threw Hua Xiong’s head onto the ground; the wine in the cup was still warm. Later, a poet wrote a verse in praise:

His might shook heaven and earth, the first feat of renown;

At the camp gate the painted drums beat loud and fast.

Guan Yu set down his cup and showed his courage bold—

While the wine was still warm, he had slain Hua Xiong.

His might shook heaven and earth, the first feat of renown;

At the camp gate the painted drums beat loud and fast.

Guan Yu set down his cup and showed his courage bold—

While the wine was still warm, he had slain Hua Xiong.

Cao Cao was overjoyed. At that moment, Zhang Fei stepped out from behind Liu Bei and shouted loudly: “My elder brother has slain Hua Xiong! Why not seize this chance to charge into the pass, capture Dong Zhuo alive, and be done with it? What are we waiting for!” Yuan Shu flew into a rage and bellowed: “We high ministers are still showing deference, yet a petty soldier under a mere county magistrate dares to swagger and boast here! Drive him out of the tent at once!” Cao Cao said: “A man of merit should be rewarded—why quibble over rank or status?” Yuan Shu replied: “Since you care only for a county magistrate, I shall take my leave.” Cao Cao said: “How can one ruin a great enterprise over a single word?” He then ordered Gongsun Zan to take Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei back to their camp for the time being. The other officers dispersed. Cao Cao secretly sent someone with beef and wine to comfort the three men.

Now, the defeated soldiers of Hua Xiong fled back to the pass to report. Li Su hastily wrote an urgent dispatch and sent word to Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo immediately summoned Li Ru, Lü Bu, and others to confer. Li Ru said: “Now that we have lost the senior general Hua Xiong, the rebel forces are formidable. Yuan Shao is the, and his uncle Yuan Wei currently holds the post of Grand Tutor. If they coordinate from within and without, it will be very disadvantageous to us. We should eliminate Yuan Wei first. I beg you, Chancellor, to personally lead the main army and divide our forces to suppress the rebellion.” Dong Zhuo agreed and ordered Li Jue and Guo Si to take five hundred soldiers and surround Grand Tutor Yuan Wei’s residence. They slaughtered everyone, young and old, and first sent Yuan Wei’s head to the front pass as a warning. Dong Zhuo then raised an army of two hundred thousand, dividing them into two columns. One column, under Li Jue and Guo Si, took fifty thousand troops to guard the Sishui Pass, with orders not to engage. Dong Zhuo himself led one hundred and fifty thousand troops, along with Li Ru, Lü Bu, Fan Chou, and Zhang Ji, to defend the Tiger Trap Pass. This pass was fifty li from Luoyang. When the army reached the pass, Dong Zhuo ordered Lü Bu to take thirty thousand troops and set up a great camp before the pass. Dong Zhuo himself garrisoned the pass.

A fast-riding scout learned of this and reported it to Yuan Shao’s main camp. Yuan Shao summoned everyone to discuss. Cao Cao said: “Dong Zhuo has encamped at Tiger Trap Pass, cutting off the central route for our lords. Now we must send half our forces to meet him.” Yuan Shao then assigned eight lords—Wang Kuang, Qiao Mao, Bao Xin, Yuan Yi, Kong Rong, Zhang Yang, Tao Qian, and Gongsun Zan—to march to Tiger Trap Pass and engage the enemy. Cao Cao led his troops to support them as needed. The eight lords each raised their armies. Wang Kuang, Governor of Henei, arrived first with his troops. Lü Bu, with three thousand iron cavalry, galloped forth to meet him. Wang Kuang drew up his army in formation and reined in his horse beneath the gate banner to watch. He saw Lü Bu ride out: on his head, a purple-gold helmet with three-pronged crest and a pheasant tail; on his body, a red brocade robe from Western Sichuan embroidered with a hundred flowers; clad in a suit of linked armor with a beast-face buckle at the throat; belted around the waist with a carved lion-belt studded with gems; a bow and arrows at his side, a halberd in his hand; and beneath him, the Red Hare steed that raced with the wind—truly a man like no other, and a horse like no other, as the saying went: “Among men, Lü Bu; among horses, Red Hare!”

Wang Kuang turned and asked: “Who dares to do battle?” A general from the rear spurred his horse and leveled his spear, charging out. Wang Kuang saw it was Fang Yue, a famous general of Henei. The two horses met. Before five exchanges were completed, Lü Bu struck Fang Yue from his horse with a thrust of his halberd. Lü Bu then lowered his halberd and charged straight ahead. Wang Kuang’s army was utterly defeated and scattered in all directions. Lü Bu slashed left and right, as if no one could stand before him. Fortunately, the armies of Qiao Mao and Yuan Yi arrived in time to rescue Wang Kuang, and only then did Lü Bu withdraw. The three lords each lost some men and horses and retreated thirty li to set up camp. Soon the other five armies arrived, and they all conferred together, all saying that Lü Bu was so valiant that no one could match him.

While they were still worrying, a scout reported: “Lü Bu has come to challenge.” The eight lords all mounted their horses. The army was divided into eight detachments and formed ranks on a high ridge. From afar, they saw Lü Bu’s cluster of troops, their embroidered banners fluttering, as he led the charge. Mu Shun, a subordinate general of Zhang Yang, Governor of Shangdang, rode out with a leveled spear to meet him. Lü Bu raised his halberd and struck him down from his horse. The crowd was greatly alarmed. Wu Anguo, a general under Kong Rong, Governor of Beihai, swung his iron mace and galloped out. Lü Bu brandished his halberd and spurred his horse to meet him. After a dozen exchanges, Lü Bu chopped down with his halberd, severing Wu Anguo’s wrist. Wu Anguo dropped his mace and fled. The eight armies charged together and rescued Wu Anguo. Lü Bu withdrew. The lords returned to camp to discuss. Cao Cao said: “Lü Bu is invincible in his valor. We should gather all eighteen lords and jointly devise a good plan. If we capture Lü Bu, then killing Dong Zhuo will be easy.”

While they were still deliberating, Lü Bu led his troops out again to challenge. The eight lords all rode out together to give battle. Gongsun Zan, wielding his long spear, personally engaged Lü Bu. After only a few exchanges, Gongsun Zan was defeated and fled. Lü Bu spurred his Red Hare in pursuit. That horse could travel a thousand li in a day, galloping like the wind. Just as he was about to catch up, Lü Bu raised his halberd and aimed a thrust at the back of Gongsun Zan’s heart. From the side, a general with round bulging eyes, tiger whiskers bristling upright, and wielding aeight serpent spear, galloped forward, shouting: “Stop, you thrice-surnamed slave! Yan the man Zhang Fei is here!”

When Lü Bu saw him, he abandoned Gongsun Zan and turned to fight Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei roused his spirits and engaged Lü Bu in a fierce battle. They fought for more than fifty exchanges without either gaining the upper hand. Seeing this, Guan Yu slapped his horse and, flourishing his eighty-two-jin Green Dragon Crescent Blade, came to join the attack on Lü Bu from the flank. The three horses formed a triangular position as they fought. After thirty exchanges, they still could not overcome Lü Bu. Liu Bei drew his paired swords, urged on his yellow-maned horse, and charged in from an angle to help as well.

These three men surrounded Lü Bu and fought like a revolving lantern. The eight armies all watched, utterly stunned. Lü Bu could not hold out. He feigned a thrust at Liu Bei’s face; Liu Bei dodged hastily. Lü Bu then broke through the formation, dragged his halberd behind him, and galloped back. How could the three let him go? They spurred their horses and gave chase. The eight armies raised a thunderous shout and pressed forward together. Lü Bu’s troops fled toward the pass. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei pursued closely. The ancients once spoke of this affair of the three brothers fighting Lü Bu:

The fortunes of the Han, under Emperors Huan and Ling,

Saw the blazing red sun sink toward the west.

The traitor Dong Zhuo deposed the young emperor;

The weak Liu Xie was frightened, his soul and dreams unrest.

Cao Cao sent out a summons to the whole realm;

The lords, in righteous anger, raised their arms in quest.

They made Yuan Shao their, and swore

To uphold the royal house and bring it peace and rest.

The Marquis of Wen, Lü Bu, was peerless in the world;

His heroic talent was famed throughout the land.

His silver armor was set like dragon scales;

On his golden crown, pheasant feathers grand.

His gem-studded belt had a beast-head buckle;

His gorgeous brocade robe with phoenixes was spanned.

His dragon steed leaped, stirring the wind of heaven;

His painted halberd flashed like autumn waters bland.

He charged out from the pass—who dared oppose?

The lords were terrified, their hearts filled with dismay.

Then out leaped Zhang Fei, the man from Yan,

With hiseight serpent spear held in array.

His tiger whiskers bristled like golden threads;

His round eyes flashed like lightning’s blinding ray.

The fierce fight left no victor yet;

Then Guan Yunchang, by the camp, could not stay.

His Green Dragon blade shone bright as frost and snow;

His parrot-green battle robe had butterflies in flight.

Where his horse’s hooves struck, ghosts and spirits wailed;

Before his angry eyes, blood would flow that night.

The hero Xuande drew his paired swords,

Displaying heaven’s might and valor bright.

The three surrounded him and fought for long;

He parried and blocked without a moment’s respite.

Their shouts shook heaven and earth, turning all around;

The killing aura spread, making the cold stars pale.

Lü Bu, exhausted, sought a way to flee;

He looked toward the mountain pass and hauled his mail.

He dragged his painted halberd back,

His five-colored banners scattered and torn in the gale.

He snapped the reins and spurred his Red Hare,

Then turned and flew over Tiger Trap Pass’s pale.

The three pursued Lü Bu right to the pass’s base,

Where atop the wall, the green silk canopy swayed in the west wind. Zhang Fei shouted: “That must be Dong Zhuo! What’s the point of chasing Lü Bu? Better to capture that Dong villain first—that’s cutting the weeds and digging up the roots!” He spurred his horse up the pass to seize Dong Zhuo. Truly:

To catch a thief, one must first catch the ringleader;

A wondrous feat indeed awaits a wondrous man.

Whether they succeeded or not, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.