Chapter 71: Occupying the Hill, Huang Zhong Waits at Ease for the Tired; Commanding the Han River, Zhao Yun Wins with Few Against Many
Seventy-first Chapter: Occupying the Opposing Mountain, Huang Zhong Waits at Ease for the Weary; Holding the Han River, Zhao Yun Defeats the Many with the Few
Now it is said that Zhuge Liang instructed Huang Zhong: “Since you insist on going, I will have Fa Zheng assist you. Consult with him on all matters before acting. I will soon dispatch troops to support you.” Huang Zhong agreed and, together with Fa Zheng, led his own troops away. Zhuge Liang then said to Liu Bei: “That old general—if we do not provoke him with sharp words, even though he has gone, he will not succeed. Now that he has left, we must send troops to reinforce him.” So he summoned Zhao Yun and ordered him to lead a detachment by a side path to launch a surprise attack: “If Huang Zhong is victorious, do not join the battle; but if he meets with defeat, go at once to his rescue.” He also ordered Liu Feng and Meng Da: “Take three thousand troops to the strategic heights on the mountain, set up many banners to magnify our army’s might and cause the enemy to be alarmed and uncertain.” The three men each led their troops away. He also sent a messenger to Xia Bian to secretly instruct Ma Chao to act in a certain manner. Additionally, he dispatched Yan Yan to guard the pass at Baxi Langzhong, replacing Zhang Fei and Wei Yan so that they could come together to attack Hanzhong.
Meanwhile, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang came to see Xiahou Yuan, saying: “Tian Dang Mountain has already been lost, and Xiahou De and Han Hao have been killed. Now we hear that Liu Bei is personally leading troops to attack Hanzhong. We must quickly report to the King of Wei and request that elite troops and fierce generals be dispatched early to support us.” Xiahou Yuan then sent a messenger to inform Cao Hong. Cao Hong traveled day and night to reach Xuchang and reported the matter to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hastily assembled his civil and military officials to discuss sending troops to relieve Hanzhong. Chief Clerk Liu Ye stepped forward and said: “If Hanzhong is lost, the Central Plains will be shaken. Your Highness must not shirk the hardship; you must personally lead the expedition.” Cao Cao regretted and said: “I regret not heeding your advice earlier, which led to this!” He quickly issued an imperial edict, raising an army of four hundred thousand for a personal campaign. This was in the autumn of the twenty-third year of the Jian’an era, in the seventh month. Cao Cao divided his army into three columns and advanced: the vanguard was led by Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao himself commanded the central army, and Cao was appointed to bring up the rear. The three armies set out in succession. Cao Cao rode a white horse with a golden saddle, wearing a jade belt and brocade robes. His guards bore large red silk umbrellas with gold decorations. To his left and right were golden maces and silver axes, stirrup clubs, and halberds. Banners bearing the sun, moon, phoenix, and dragon were carried. The imperial guard of twenty-five thousand dragon and tiger troops was divided into five units, each of five thousand, according to the five colors: blue, yellow, red, white, and black. The flags, armor, and horses all matched their respective colors. The spectacle was brilliant and exceedingly majestic.
As the army passed through Tong Pass, Cao Cao, from his horse, saw a dense grove of trees and asked his attendants: “What place is this?” They replied: “This is called Lantian. Amid the trees is the estate of Cai Yong. Now Cai Yong’s daughter, Cai Yan, lives here with her husband, Dong Si.” It so happened that Cao Cao had been on friendly terms with Cai Yong. Previously, his daughter, Cai Yan, had been the wife of Wei Daojie; later, she was captured by the northern tribes, bore two sons there, and composed the “Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute,” which spread to the Central Plains. Cao Cao greatly pitied her and sent someone with a thousand gold pieces to ransom her from the north. The Xianbei King, fearing Cao Cao’s power, sent Cai Yan back to Han. Cao Cao then married her to Dong Si.
That day, arriving before the estate, Cao Cao, recalling the matter of Cai Yong, ordered the army to proceed ahead while he, with over a hundred of his attendants, dismounted at the estate gate. At the time, Dong Si was away on official business, and only Cai Yan was at home. Hearing that Cao Cao had arrived, she hurried out to welcome him. Cao Cao entered the main hall; after Cai Yan had performed the formal salutations, she stood in attendance. Cao Cao happened to notice a scroll with a rubbing of a stone inscription hanging on the wall. He rose to look at it and questioned Cai Yan. She replied: “This is the stele of Cao E. In the time of Emperor He of Han, there was a shaman in Shangyu named Cao Xu, who could dance to please the spirits. On the fifth day of the fifth month, he got drunk, danced in a boat, fell into the river, and died. His daughter, then fourteen years old, wept by the river for seven days and nights, then threw herself into the waves. After five days, she emerged carrying her father’s corpse on her back. The villagers buried her by the riverbank. The magistrate of Shangyu, Du Shang, reported the matter to the court, and she was honored as a filial daughter. Du Shang ordered Handan Chun to compose an inscription and carve it on a stele to record the event. At that time, Handan Chun was only thirteen years old; he wrote it without erasing a single stroke, completing it in one go, and the stele was erected beside the grave. People at the time found it extraordinary. My father, Cai Yong, heard of it and went to see it. It was already dusk, so he read the inscription by touch in the darkness, then asked for a brush and wrote eight large characters on the back of the stele. Later, when the stone was carved, these eight characters were not included.” Cao Cao read the eight characters: “Yellow silk, young woman, grandson of a daughter, mortar for pickled vegetables.” Cao Cao asked Cai Yan: “Do you understand the meaning?” Cai Yan said: “Although it is my late father’s handwriting, I truly do not understand its meaning.” Cao Cao turned to his advisors and said: “Do any of you understand?” None of them could answer. Then one person stepped forward and said: “I have already grasped its meaning.” Cao Cao looked at him—it was Chief Clerk Yang Xiu. Cao Cao said: “Do not speak yet; let me think.” So he took leave of Cai Yan and led his men out of the estate. After riding three li, he suddenly understood and, laughing, said to Yang Xiu: “Try telling me.” Yang Xiu said: “This is a riddle. ‘Yellow silk’ is colored silk. The radical for ‘color’ next to ‘silk’ forms the character ‘jue’ (absolute). ‘Young woman’ is a maiden. The radical for ‘woman’ next to ‘young’ forms the character ‘miao’ (wonderful). ‘Grandson of a daughter’ is the son of one’s daughter. The radical for ‘woman’ next to ‘son’ forms the character ‘hao’ (good). ‘Mortar for pickled vegetables’ is a vessel for holding the five pungent vegetables. The radical for ‘to receive’ next to ‘pungent’ forms the character ‘ci’ (rhetoric). In summary, these four characters are ‘jue miao hao ci’ (absolutely wonderful good rhetoric).” Cao Cao was greatly astonished and said: “Exactly what I thought!” All the others admired and envied Yang Xiu’s quickness of intellect.
Within a day, the army reached Nanzheng. Cao Hong welcomed them and recounted in detail the matter of Zhang He. Cao Cao said: “It is not Zhang He’s fault; victory and defeat are common affairs in war.” Cao Hong said: “Now Liu Bei has sent Huang Zhong to attack Dingjun Mountain. Xiahou Yuan, knowing that Your Highness’s army has arrived, is holding fast and has not yet given battle.” Cao Cao said: “If he does not give battle, it shows weakness.” So he sent a messenger with an imperial tally to Dingjun Mountain, ordering Xiahou Yuan to advance. Liu Ye admonished: “Xiahou Yuan’s nature is too rigid; I fear he may fall into a trap.” Cao Cao then wrote a personal letter to him. The messenger arrived at Xiahou Yuan’s camp with the tally, and Xiahou Yuan received him. The messenger presented the letter, and Xiahou Yuan opened and read it. The letter roughly said: “A general should combine firmness with gentleness and not rely solely on his own courage. If he relies only on courage, he is no match for a mere commoner. I am now encamped with a large army at Nanzheng, wishing to see your ‘wonderful talent’—do not disgrace these two words.” Xiahou Yuan was overjoyed after reading it. After sending the messenger back, he consulted with Zhang He, saying: “Now the King of Wei is leading a great army stationed at Nanzheng to attack Liu Bei. If you and I remain defending this place for long, how can we achieve any merit? Tomorrow I will give battle and must capture Huang Zhong alive.” Zhang He said: “Huang Zhong is both resourceful and brave, and moreover, he has Fa Zheng to assist him. Do not underestimate the enemy. The mountain roads here are treacherous; it is better to hold fast.” Xiahou Yuan said: “If others gain merit, what face will you and I have to see the King of Wei? You just guard the mountain—I will go out to fight.” So he issued an order: “Who dares to go out on reconnaissance and lure the enemy?” Xiahou Shang said: “I am willing to go.” Xiahou Yuan said: “When you go out on reconnaissance and engage Huang Zhong in battle, you should only lose, not win. I have a clever plan, thus and so.” Xiahou Shang received his orders and led three thousand troops out of the Dingjun Mountain camp.
Now, Huang Zhong and Fa Zheng were encamped at the entrance to Dingjun Mountain. They had challenged the enemy many times, but Xiahou Yuan held fast and did not come out. They wanted to attack but feared the dangers of the mountain paths and the difficulty of discerning the enemy’s situation, so they had to remain on the defensive. That day, it was suddenly reported that Cao’s troops from the mountain had come down to provoke battle. Huang Zhong was about to lead his troops out to meet them when his subordinate general Chen Shi said: “General, do not move. I am willing to confront them.” Huang Zhong was delighted and ordered Chen Shi to lead a thousand troops out of the mountain pass and form ranks. When Xiahou Shang’s troops arrived, they engaged in battle. After only a few exchanges, Xiahou Shang feigned defeat and fled. Chen Shi pursued him. When he reached the halfway point, rocks and boulders from both mountains were hurled down, preventing him from advancing. Just as he was about to turn back, Xiahou Yuan emerged from behind with troops. Chen Shi could not withstand the attack and was captured alive by Xiahou Yuan and taken back to his camp. Many of his soldiers surrendered. Some of the defeated troops escaped with their lives and reported to Huang Zhong that Chen Shi had been captured. Huang Zhong hurriedly consulted with Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng said: “Xiahou Yuan is frivolous and impetuous by nature, relying on his courage and lacking strategy. We can inspire our soldiers, break camp and advance, fortifying our position step by step, to lure Xiahou Yuan into battle and capture him. This is the method of ‘turning the guest into the host.’”
Huang Zhong adopted his plan and distributed all the available goods to the three armies. Shouts of joy filled the valleys, and every man was willing to fight to the death. That very day, Huang Zhong broke camp and advanced, setting up camp step by step; each camp was occupied for several days before moving forward again. When Xiahou Yuan heard of this, he wanted to give battle. Zhang He said, "This is the 'turning the guest into the host' strategy; you must not engage. If you do, you will suffer loss." Xiahou Yuan did not listen and ordered Xiahou Shang to lead several thousand troops out to fight, advancing right up to Huang Zhong's camp. Huang Zhong mounted his horse, grasped his blade, and went out to meet him. He engaged Xiahou Shang in combat, and in a single clash, captured him alive and returned to camp. The rest were routed and fled back to report to Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan quickly sent a messenger to Huang Zhong's camp, offering to exchange Chen Shi for Xiahou Shang. Huang Zhong agreed to the exchange the next day before the ranks.
The next day, both armies arrived at a broad valley and formed their battle arrays. Huang Zhong and Xiahou Yuan each halted beneath their own camp's flag. Huang Zhong had Xiahou Shang in custody, and Xiahou Yuan had Chen Shi; neither was given armor or robes, only thin clothing to cover their bodies. At a single drumbeat, Chen Shi and Xiahou Shang each ran back toward their own lines. Just as Xiahou Shang was about to reach his camp gate, Huang Zhong shot an arrow, striking him in the back. Xiahou Shang returned with the arrow still in him. Xiahou Yuan flew into a rage, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Huang Zhong. Huang Zhong was eager to provoke Xiahou Yuan into a fierce fight. The two generals engaged, and after more than twenty exchanges, a sudden gong sounded from Cao's camp, signaling a retreat. Xiahou Yuan hastily wheeled his horse and turned back, but Huang Zhong took advantage and attacked him. Upon returning to his camp, Xiahou Yuan asked the officer in charge of the signals, "Why did you sound the gong?" The officer replied, "I saw several banners of Shu troops in the mountain hollows and feared an ambush, so I urgently recalled you, General." Xiahou Yuan believed him and henceforth held his position without venturing out.
Huang Zhong pursued to the foot of Mount Dingjun and consulted with Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng pointed and said, "To the west of Mount Dingjun, there stands a high mountain, steep and perilous on all sides. This mountain is enough to overlook the strengths and weaknesses of Mount Dingjun. If you, General, can seize this mountain, Mount Dingjun will be within your grasp." Huang Zhong looked up and saw that the mountain peak was somewhat flat, with a few men stationed there. That night, during the second watch, Huang Zhong led his troops, beating gongs and drums, and charged straight up to the summit. This mountain was guarded by Du Xi, a subordinate of Xiahou Yuan, with only a few hundred men. Seeing Huang Zhong's large force surging up, they had no choice but to abandon the summit and flee. Huang Zhong occupied the peak, which directly faced Mount Dingjun. Fa Zheng said, "General, you can hold the mid-slope while I stay at the summit. When Xiahou Yuan's troops arrive, I will raise a white flag as a signal, and you will hold your forces still. When they are weary, slack, and off guard, I will raise a red flag, and you will descend the mountain to attack them. By meeting the fatigued with the rested, you are sure to win." Huang Zhong was overjoyed and followed his plan.
Now, Du Xi led his troops back in flight and reported to Xiahou Yuan that Huang Zhong had seized the opposite mountain. Xiahou Yuan was furious and said, "Huang Zhong has taken the mountain across from me; I cannot avoid giving battle." Zhang He advised, "This is Fa Zheng's scheme. You must not fight, General; you should only hold your position." Xiahou Yuan said, "He has taken the mountain facing me and is spying on my strengths and weaknesses; how can I not give battle?" Zhang He pleaded earnestly, but Xiahou Yuan would not listen. Xiahou Yuan divided his troops to surround the opposite mountain, hurling insults and challenging for battle. Fa Zheng raised the white flag on the summit; no matter how much Xiahou Yuan insulted him, Huang Zhong did not come out. After noon, Fa Zheng saw that Cao's troops were weary, slack, and their spirit had waned. Many had dismounted and were sitting to rest. Then he unfurled the red flag. Drums and horns sounded together, and shouts shook the heavens. Huang Zhong, riding at the forefront, charged down the mountain with a force like heaven collapsing and earth splitting. Xiahou Yuan was caught off guard; before he could react, Huang Zhong reached him beneath his umbrella canopy. With a great shout like thunder, Huang Zhong's precious blade fell, cleaving him from head to shoulder in two halves. Later, a poet composed a verse in praise of Huang Zhong:
A white-haired veteran facing a great foe,
His snowy locks still show majestic might.
Strength follows the carved bow released,
In the wind he swings his gleaming blade.
His mighty voice roars like a tiger,
His fine steed dashes like a dragon in flight.
Presenting the enemy's head, a great merit,
Expanding the realm to enlarge the imperial domain.
A white-haired veteran facing a great foe,
His snowy locks still show majestic might.
Strength follows the carved bow released,
In the wind he swings his gleaming blade.
His mighty voice roars like a tiger,
His fine steed dashes like a dragon in flight.
Presenting the enemy's head, a great merit,
Expanding the realm to enlarge the imperial domain.
Huang Zhong slew Xiahou Yuan, and Cao's army was utterly defeated, scattering in all directions to flee for their lives. Huang Zhong took advantage of this to seize Mount Dingjun. Zhang He led troops to meet him in battle. Huang Zhong and Chen Shi attacked from both front and rear, engaging in a chaotic melee. Zhang He was defeated and fled. Suddenly, a force emerged from the side of the mountain, blocking the path. At its head, a great general called out loudly, "I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan!" Zhang He was greatly alarmed and led his defeated troops to find a way out, heading toward Mount Dingjun. But ahead, another force came to meet him; it was Du Xi. Du Xi said, "Now Mount Dingjun has already been taken by Liu Feng and Meng Da." Zhang He was shocked, and so he and Du Xi led the routed troops to camp at the Han River. Meanwhile, they sent a messenger flying to report to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao heard that Xiahou Yuan was dead, he wept aloud and then realized what Guan Lu had meant: "Three and eight traverse and run crosswise" referred to the twenty-fourth year of Jian'an; "Yellow pig meets tiger" was the year Jihai, in the first month; "South of Dingjun" meant the south side of Mount Dingjun; "Bending and breaking a limb" referred to Xiahou Yuan, who was like a brother to Cao Cao. Cao Cao sent men to search for Guan Lu, but he had already vanished. Cao Cao deeply hated Huang Zhong and personally led a great army to Mount Dingjun to avenge Xiahou Yuan, ordering Xu Huang to serve as vanguard. When they reached the Han River, Zhang He and Du Xi welcomed Cao Cao. The two generals said, "Now that Mount Dingjun has fallen, we should transport the grain from Micang Mountain to the northern mountain camp for storage, and then advance." Cao Cao agreed.
Now, Huang Zhong took the head of Xiahou Yuan and went to the Jiaomeng Pass to present his trophy to Liu Bei. Liu Bei was overjoyed and promoted Huang Zhong to General Who Conquers the West, holding a feast to celebrate. Suddenly, the junior officer Zhang Zhe came to report, "Cao Cao is personally leading a great army of two hundred thousand to avenge Xiahou Yuan. Currently, Zhang He is transporting grain from Micang Mountain to the foot of the northern mountain at the Han River." Zhuge Liang said, "Now that Cao Cao has come with his great army, he is likely short of provisions, so he has halted his advance. If someone can penetrate deep into his territory, burn his grain, and seize his supplies, Cao Cao's spirit will be broken." Huang Zhong said, "This old man is willing to take on this task." Zhuge Liang said, "Cao Cao is not like Xiahou Yuan; you must not underestimate him." Liu Bei said, "Although Xiahou Yuan was the commander-in-chief, he was merely a man of courage without strategy. How can he compare to Zhang He? If you slay Zhang He, it will be ten times greater than slaying Xiahou Yuan." Huang Zhong said with determination, "I am willing to go and kill him." Zhuge Liang said, "You may lead a force together with Zhao Zilong; consult on all matters, and see who achieves the merit." Huang Zhong agreed and set out. Zhuge Liang then ordered Zhang Zhe to serve as his deputy and go with him.
Zhao Yun said to Huang Zhong, "Now Cao Cao is leading two hundred thousand troops, divided among ten camps. You, General, have vowed before the lord to seize the grain; this is no small matter. What plan will you use?" Huang Zhong said, "Watch me go first—how about that?" Zhao Yun said, "Let me go first." Huang Zhong said, "I am the chief general, and you are the deputy; how can you vie to be first?" Zhao Yun said, "You and I are both serving the lord; why be so particular? Let us draw lots, and whoever draws the lot goes first." Huang Zhong agreed. At that time, Huang Zhong drew the lot to go first. Zhao Yun said, "Since you, General, are going first, I should assist you. Let us set a time. If you return on time, I will hold my forces still. If you do not return by the appointed time, I will lead my troops to come to your aid." Huang Zhong said, "You speak rightly." So the two agreed on noon as the deadline. Zhao Yun returned to his own camp and said to his subordinate officer Zhang Yi, "Huang Hansheng has agreed to seize the grain tomorrow. If he does not return by noon, I will go to assist him. My camp is near the Han River, and the terrain is dangerous. If I go, you must carefully guard the camp and its palisades and not act rashly." Zhang Yi agreed.
Huang Zhong returned to his camp and said to his deputy commander Zhang Zhu, "I have slain Xiahou Yuan, and Zhang He’s courage is shattered. Tomorrow I am ordered to raid the grain supplies, leaving only five hundred soldiers to guard the camp. You must assist me. Tonight, at the third watch, the entire force shall eat their fill; at the fourth watch we leave the camp and strike straight for the foot of North Mountain. First we capture Zhang He, then we seize the grain." Zhang Zhu obeyed the order. That night, Huang Zhong led his men forward, with Zhang Zhu behind, secretly crossing the Han River and arriving directly at the foot of North Mountain. At sunrise, they saw the grain piled up like a mountain. A few guards were watching it, but when they saw the Shu troops approaching, they abandoned the grain and fled. Huang Zhong ordered all the cavalry to dismount, gather firewood, and pile it on top of the grain. Just as they were about to set it ablaze, Zhang He’s troops arrived and engaged Huang Zhong in a chaotic battle. When Cao Cao heard of this, he urgently ordered Xu Huang to reinforce them. Xu Huang led his troops forward and surrounded Huang Zhong in the center. Zhang Zhu led three hundred soldiers to break free and was about to return to camp when suddenly another force emerged, blocking the way. The leading general was Wen Ping, and Cao’s troops came up from behind, encircling Zhang Zhu tightly.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yun waited in his camp until noon, but when Huang Zhong did not return, he quickly donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led three thousand troops forward to provide support. Before leaving, he said to Zhang Yi, "You must hold the camp firmly. Set up many crossbows on both sides as a precaution." Zhang Yi repeatedly agreed. Zhao Yun couched his spear and spurred his horse, charging straight ahead. A general blocked his path—it was Wen Ping’s subordinate Murong Lie, who whipped his horse and brandished his blade to meet Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun raised his spear and struck him dead with one thrust. Cao’s troops fled in defeat. Zhao Yun charged straight into the encirclement, where another force intercepted him; the leader was the Wei general Jiao Bing. Zhao Yun shouted loudly, "Where are the Shu troops?" Jiao Bing replied, "They have all been killed!" Zhao Yun, enraged, spurred his horse and with another spear thrust killed Jiao Bing. He scattered the remaining enemy troops and reached the foot of North Mountain, where he saw Zhang He and Xu Yang both surrounding Huang Zhong, whose soldiers had been trapped for a long time. Zhao Yun let out a great shout, couched his spear, and spurred his horse, charging into the thick of the fight. He dashed left and right, as if entering an empty land; his spear flew up and down like pear blossoms dancing, and his whole body was enveloped in a flurry of spear shadows, like swirling auspicious snow. Zhang He and Xu Yang were terrified and dared not engage him. Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong, fighting as he retreated; wherever he went, no one dared to stop him. Cao Cao, watching from a height, asked his generals in astonishment, "Who is that man?" Those who recognized him reported, "That is Zhao Zilong of Changshan." Cao Cao said, "The hero of the Dangyang Changban Slope still lives!" He urgently ordered, "Wherever he goes, do not take him lightly." Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong and broke out of the encirclement. Some soldiers pointed and said, "The one surrounded to the southeast must be Deputy Commander Zhang Zhu." Zhao Yun did not return to his own camp but instead charged southeast. Wherever he went, whenever the banner with the four characters "Changshan Zhao Yun" was seen, those who knew of his valor from Dangyang Changban Slope whispered among themselves and all fled. Zhao Yun also rescued Zhang Zhu.
When Cao Cao saw Zhao Yun charging east and west, with no one able to stop him and no one daring to face him, rescuing Huang Zhong and then Zhang Zhu, he flew into a rage and personally led his nearby officers to pursue Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun had already fought his way back to his own camp. His deputy Zhang Yi met him and, seeing the dust rising behind, knew that Cao’s troops were in pursuit. He immediately said to Zhao Yun, "The pursuers are drawing near. We can order the soldiers to close the camp gate and ascend the watchtower to defend." Zhao Yun shouted loudly, "Do not close the gate! Do you not know that in the past at Dangyang Changban Slope, I, alone and on horseback, regarded Cao Cao’s eight hundred and thirty thousand troops as mere grass? Now I have troops and generals—what is there to fear!" He then deployed crossbowmen to ambush in the moat outside the camp; he had all the banners and spears inside the camp laid flat, and the drums and gongs silenced. Zhao Yun, alone on horseback, stood outside the camp gate with his spear couched.
Now Zhang He and Xu Yang led their troops in pursuit to the Shu camp. It was already dusk. Seeing the banners fallen and the drums silent, and Zhao Yun standing alone on horseback outside the camp with the gate wide open, the two generals dared not advance. While they were hesitating in doubt, Cao Cao himself arrived and urgently urged the troops to press forward. The troops obeyed the order, let out a great shout, and charged toward the camp. But when they saw Zhao Yun utterly unmoved, the Cao troops turned and fled. Zhao Yun waved his spear, and the crossbowmen in the moat fired together. As it was dark, the Shu troops’ numbers were unknown. Cao Cao first turned his horse and fled. From behind, they heard shouts shaking the sky, drums and horns sounding in unison, as the Shu troops pursued. The Cao troops trampled each other; crowded at the Han River’s bank, countless drowned. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Zhang Zhu each led a force, pressing the pursuit fiercely. As Cao Cao fled, suddenly Liu Feng and Meng Da led two forces from the direction of Micang Mountain Road, setting fire to the grain supplies. Cao Cao abandoned the grain at North Mountain and hurried back to Nanzheng. Xu Yang and Zhang He, unable to hold their ground, also abandoned their camps and fled. Zhao Yun occupied Cao’s camp, Huang Zhong seized the grain, and the weapons and equipment captured from the Han River battle were countless. A great victory was won, and a messenger was sent to report to Liu Bei. Liu Bei then went to the Han River with Zhuge Liang and asked Zhao Yun’s soldiers, "How did Zilong fight?" The soldiers detailed how Zhao Yun rescued Huang Zhong and defended the Han River. Liu Bei was overjoyed. Surveying the treacherous terrain before and after the mountain, he said happily to Zhuge Liang, "Zilong is all courage!" Later, someone composed a poem in praise:
At Changban Slope in days of yore, his might remained undimmed.
Into the foe’s array he showed his valor, and when encircled, displayed his bravery.
Ghosts wailed and spirits cried; heaven and earth were shaken.
Changshan Zhao Zilong—all courage!
At Changban Slope in days of yore, his might remained undimmed.
Into the foe’s array he showed his valor, and when encircled, displayed his bravery.
Ghosts wailed and spirits cried; heaven and earth were shaken.
Changshan Zhao Zilong—all courage!
Thereupon, Liu Bei appointed Zhao Yun as the Tiger Mighty General, generously rewarded the troops, and feasted until evening. Suddenly, someone reported that Cao Cao had again dispatched a large army via the Xiegu byroad to seize the Han River. Liu Bei laughed and said, "Cao Cao’s coming this time will achieve nothing. I am certain we will gain the Han River." He then led his troops to meet the enemy on the west bank of the Han River. Cao Cao ordered Xu Yang as the vanguard to come forth for battle. A man stepped forward from before the tent and said, "I am well-versed in the geography. I am willing to assist General Xu in breaking the Shu army."
Cao Cao looked and saw it was a man from Baxi Dangqu; his surname was Wang, given name Ping, style name Zijun; he currently held the post of Yamen General. Cao Cao was delighted and appointed Wang Ping as deputy vanguard to assist Xu Yang. Cao Cao encamped north of Dingjun Mountain. Xu Yang and Wang Ping led their troops to the Han River. Xu Yang ordered the forward troops to cross the river and form ranks. Wang Ping said, "If the troops cross the river, what happens if we need to retreat urgently?" Xu Yang replied, "In the past, Han Xin arrayed his troops with their backs to the river—this is what is called ‘placing them in a death ground to survive.’" Wang Ping said, "That is not correct. In the past, Han Xin only used this strategy because he anticipated the enemy lacked plans. Can you now anticipate the intentions of Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong?" Xu Yang said, "You can lead the infantry to hold the enemy, and watch me lead the cavalry to defeat them." He then ordered a floating bridge to be built, immediately crossed the river, and engaged the Shu troops in battle. Truly:
The men of Wei rashly sought to imitate Han Xin;
But where did the Shu chancellor recognize Zifang?
The men of Wei rashly sought to imitate Han Xin;
But where did the Shu chancellor recognize Zifang?
The outcome of victory or defeat is unknown; wait for the next chapter to unfold.