Han Annals, Volume 60

Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 068

[Han Annals, Volume 60] Beginning from the year dingyou (217 CE) and ending at the year jihai (219 CE), covering a total of three years.

Emperor Xiaoxian, Gui, Jian’an 22nd Year (Dingyou, 217 CE)

Spring, first month. King of Wei, Cao Cao’s army encamped at Juchao. Sun Quan held Ruxu. Second month, Cao Cao advanced to attack Ruxu. Initially, the Right Protector General, Jiang Qin, was stationed at Xuancheng. The magistrate of Wuhu County, Xu Sheng, arrested one of Jiang Qin’s officials and submitted a memorial requesting his execution. Later, when Sun Quan was at Ruxu, Jiang Qin and Lü Meng jointly managed the deployment of the various armies. Jiang Qin often praised Xu Sheng’s merits. Sun Quan asked him why. Jiang Qin said: “Xu Sheng is loyal, diligent, and resolute. He has courage and strategic capacity, and is a talent capable of commanding ten thousand troops. Now that the great task is not yet settled, I ought to help the state seek worthy men. How dare I harbor private grudges and thereby obscure the virtuous?” Sun Quan considered his words correct. Third month, Cao Cao led his army back, leaving the Wave General, Xiahou Dun, in command of Cao Ren, Zhang Liao, and twenty-six other units stationed at Juchao. Sun Quan sent Commandant Xu Xiang to Cao Cao to request surrender. Cao Cao sent an envoy to return the visit and restore good relations, swearing to renew marital ties. Sun Quan left the Pacifying Bandit General, Zhou Tai, in command of Ruxu. Zhu Ran, Xu Sheng, and others all came under his jurisdiction. Because Zhou Tai came from a humble background, these men were dissatisfied. Sun Quan assembled all the generals, held a grand feast, and ordered Zhou Tai to remove his clothes. Sun Quan personally pointed to the scars on his body and asked about their origins. Zhou Tai recounted the locations of past battles in response. After the questioning, he had him put his clothes back on. Sun Quan took his arm and, weeping, said: “You, Youping, have acted as my brother, fighting like a bear or tiger, sparing no sacrifice of life. You have suffered dozens of wounds, your skin like carved patterns. How could I not treat you as a blood relative and entrust you with the heavy responsibility of troops?” After the feast ended, Sun Quan halted his carriage, had Zhou Tai lead the troops along the road as his escort, and set out with drums and horns sounding. Only then did Xu Sheng and the others submit willingly.

Summer, fourth month. An edict ordered that the King of Wei, Cao Cao, be permitted to display the imperial banners and to announce his movements with the imperial outriders’ protocol. Sixth month, the Wei state appointed Army Adviser Hua Xin as Imperial Secretary.

Winter, tenth month. An edict ordered that the King of Wei, Cao Cao, wear a crown with twelve tassels, ride in a golden-rooted carriage drawn by six horses, and set up the five seasonal secondary carriages.

The Wei state established the Chief of the Five Offices, Cao Pi, as Heir Apparent.

Initially, the King of Wei, Cao Cao, married Lady Ding, who bore no sons. A concubine, Lady Liu, bore Cao Ang. Lady Bian bore four sons: Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong. Cao Cao had Lady Ding raise Cao Ang as a mother. After Cao Ang died in battle at Rangcheng, Lady Ding wept without restraint. Cao Cao, angered, divorced her and established Lady Bian as his successor. Cao Zhi was alert and versatile, with quick and abundant literary talent. Cao Cao favored him. Cao Cao wanted to marry his daughter to Ding Yi. Cao Pi, because Ding Yi was blind in one eye, advised against it. Ding Yi therefore resented Cao Pi. Together with his younger brother, Huangmen Shilang Ding Yi, and the Chancellor’s Chief Clerk, Yang Xiu, he repeatedly praised the talents of the Linzi Marquis, Cao Zhi, and urged Cao Cao to make him the successor. Yang Xiu was the son of Yang Biao. Cao Cao consulted the outside world through secret letters. Shangshu Cui Yan replied openly: “According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, the heir should be the eldest. Additionally, the Chief of the Five Offices, Cao Pi, is benevolent, filial, and intelligent. He should inherit the orthodox line. I, Cui Yan, am willing to uphold this position unto death.” Cao Zhi was the nephew of Cui Yan’s elder brother. Shangshu Puye Mao Jie said: “Recently, Yuan Shao, due to confusion between legitimate and secondary sons, caused the ruin of his clan and state. To depose or establish is a great matter, not something one ought to hear.” Eastern Bureau Chief Xing Yong said: “Replacing the legitimate son with a secondary one is a warning from previous generations. I hope your Highness will consider deeply.” Cao Pi sent someone to ask the Grand Counselor of the Palace, Jia Xu, about methods to secure his position. Jia Xu said: “I hope the General will broaden his virtue, personally practice the duties of a gentleman, be diligent morning and night without ceasing, and not violate the way of a son—nothing more.” Cao Pi followed his advice and deeply disciplined himself. Later, one day, Cao Cao dismissed others and asked Jia Xu. Jia Xu remained silent and did not answer. Cao Cao said: “I am speaking with you, yet you do not reply—why?” Jia Xu said: “I was just now thinking, so I did not respond immediately.” Cao Cao said: “Thinking about what?” Jia Xu said: “Thinking about the affairs of Yuan Benchu and Liu Jingsheng and their sons.” Cao Cao laughed heartily. Cao Cao once set out on a campaign. Cao Pi and Cao Zhi both saw him off at the roadside. Cao Zhi praised his merits and virtues, his words orderly. Those around him stared, and Cao Cao was also pleased. Cao Pi felt lost and disheartened. A man from Jiyin, Wu Zhi, whispered in his ear: “When the King is about to depart, it is enough to weep.” When it came time to bid farewell, Cao Pi wept and bowed. Cao Cao and those around him all sighed deeply. Consequently, everyone considered Cao Zhi’s eloquence inferior to Cao Pi’s sincerity. Cao Zhi, being willful and not self-restrained, while the Chief of the Five Offices, Cao Pi, used artifice to manage affairs, feigning true feelings to adorn himself. The palace women and those around him all spoke for him, so he was finally established as Heir Apparent. The Chief Lady Attendant congratulated Lady Bian, saying: “The General has been established as Heir Apparent. Under heaven, no one is unhappy. The Lady should distribute treasures from the storehouse as rewards.” Lady Bian said: “The King himself considered Cao Pi the elder, so he established him as successor. I should only consider it fortunate to have escaped blame for failing to teach him properly. Why should I give generous rewards?” The Chief Lady Attendant returned and reported all this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao, pleased, said: “When angered, not changing one’s expression; when pleased, not losing proper measure—this is most rare.” The Heir Apparent, Cao Pi, embraced the neck of Yi Lang, Xin Pi, and said: “Do you, Xin Jun, know my joy?” Xin Pi told this to his daughter, Xin Xianying. Xianying sighed and said: “The Heir Apparent is the one who replaces the ruler in presiding over the ancestral temple and the altars of the state. To replace the ruler, one must not be without concern; to preside over the state, one must not be without fear. He ought to be concerned and fearful, yet instead rejoices at this—how can this last long? Will the Wei state perhaps not flourish?” After a long time, the Linzi Marquis, Cao Zhi, rode in a carriage on the imperial roadway and went out through the Sima Gate. Cao Cao was greatly angered, and the Prefect of the Carriage Bureau was executed as a result. From then on, restrictions on the feudal lords were increased, and Cao Zhi’s favor daily diminished. Cao Zhi’s wife wore embroidered clothing. Cao Cao, ascending a high terrace, saw her and considered it a violation of regulations. He ordered her to return home and be executed.

Fa Zheng advised Liu Bei, saying: “Cao Cao, in one move, subdued Zhang Lu and pacified Hanzhong. He did not take advantage of this momentum to attack Ba and Shu, but left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to guard the area while he hurriedly returned north. This is not because his plans were insufficient or his strength inadequate, but because internal troubles compelled him. Now, assessing the abilities and strategies of Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He, they are inferior to our generals. If we lead an army to attack, we can certainly defeat them. After defeating them, we can open up farmland, store grain, and await the opportune moment. At best, we can overthrow the enemy and honor the imperial house; at a middle level, we can encroach on Yong and Liang provinces to expand our territory; at worst, we can hold the strategic points as a long-term plan. This is a gift from Heaven, and the moment must not be missed.” Liu Bei considered his plan excellent and thus led the various generals to advance into Hanzhong. He sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and Wu Lan to garrison at Xiabian. The King of Wei, Cao Cao, sent the General Who Protects the Army, Cao Hong, to resist them.

Lu Su died. Sun Quan appointed the Secretary of the Central Section, a man from Pengcheng, Yan Jun, to succeed Lu Su, commanding ten thousand troops stationed at Lukou. Everyone rejoiced for Yan Jun, but he firmly declined, saying he was “a plain scholar, unfamiliar with military affairs.” His words were earnest and sorrowful, to the point of weeping. Sun Quan then appointed the Left Protector General and Tiger Prestige General, Lü Meng, concurrently as Administrator of Hanzhang to succeed him. Everyone praised Yan Jun for being able to yield with sincerity.

Dingwei Colonel, Lu Xun of Wu Commandery, said to Sun Quan: "Now if we are to defeat the enemy and quell the chaos, we cannot do it without a large force; and the bandit mountain Yue have long accumulated evil, relying on dangerous terrain to hide themselves. The heartland has not yet been pacified, making it difficult to plot against distant regions. We can extensively reorganize the troops and select the elite among them." Sun Quan heeded his advice and appointed him as the Right Colonel of the Headquarters. At that time, the bandit leader of Danyang, Fei Zhan, rose in revolt, inciting the mountain Yue. Sun Quan ordered Lu Xun to campaign against Fei Zhan and defeated him. Thereupon, he reorganized the troops of the three eastern commanderies, conscripting the strong into the army and assigning the weak to replenish the civilian households, obtaining several tens of thousands of elite soldiers. The long-accumulated evil forces were swept away and cleared, and wherever he passed was purified and pacified, after which he returned to station at Wuhu. The Grand Administrator of Kuaiji, Chunyu Shi, submitted a memorial saying, "Lu Xun is illegally conscripting the people, harassing the local area." Lu Xun later went to the capital, and in the course of conversation, praised Chunyu Shi as a good official. Sun Quan said, "Chunyu Shi accused you, yet you recommend him—why?" Lu Xun replied, "Chunyu Shi's original intention was to give the people rest, so he accused me. If I were to slander Chunyu Shi in turn to disturb Your Majesty's hearing, that would be something that cannot be encouraged." Sun Quan said, "This is truly the conduct of a man of integrity; it is just that others cannot do it."

The King of Wei, Cao Cao, sent the Chief Clerk of the Chancellor's Office, Wang Bi, to command the army and oversee affairs in Xuchang. At that time, Guan Yu's power was strong. Jin Yi of Jingzhao, seeing that the Han dynasty's mandate was about to shift, conspired with the Junior Treasurer Geng Ji, the Director of the Imperial Secretariat Wei Huang, the Imperial Physician Ji Ben, Ji Ben's son Ji Miao, and Ji Miao's younger brother Ji Mu to kill Wang Bi, seize the emperor, and attack the state of Wei, linking up southward with Guan Yu as an external ally.

Emperor Xiaoxian, Gui Year, Jian’an 23rd Year (Wuxu, 218 AD)

Spring, first month: Ji Miao and others led more than a thousand of their partisans to attack Wang Bi at night, burning his mansion gate and shooting Wang Bi in the shoulder. The Adjutant of the Headquarters assisted Wang Bi in fleeing to the southern city. It happened that dawn came, and Ji Miao's followers scattered. Wang Bi and the Central Agrarian General of Yingchuan, Yan Kuang, jointly attacked and beheaded them.

Third month: A comet appeared in the east.

Cao Hong was about to attack Wu Lan. Zhang Fei stationed at Gushan, claiming he would cut off Cao's rear route, causing the officers to deliberate hesitantly. The Cavalry Commandant Cao Xiu said, "If the enemy truly intended to cut off the road, they should have hidden their troops and advanced secretly; now they are making a show of force first, which clearly indicates they cannot do it. We should strike Wu Lan quickly before they have assembled. Once Wu Lan is defeated, Zhang Fei will naturally flee." Cao Hong followed his advice, advanced, defeated Wu Lan, and beheaded him. Third month: Zhang Fei and Ma Chao fled. Cao Xiu was a nephew of the King of Wei, Cao Cao.

Summer, fourth month: The Wuhuan of Dai Commandery and Shanggu, led by Wuchenshi and others, rebelled. Previously, the King of Wei, Cao Cao, had summoned the Grand Administrator of Dai Commandery, Pei Qian, to be the Chief of the Legal Section of the Chancellor's Office. Cao Cao praised Pei Qian's achievements in governing Dai Commandery. Pei Qian said, "Though I was lenient with the people, I was strict with the various Hu tribes. Now my successor will surely think my governance was too harsh and will change to leniency and favor. They have long been arrogant and unruly; excessive leniency will certainly lead to laxity. Once lax, they will again be restrained with strict laws—this is the root of resentment and rebellion. According to the situation, Dai Commandery will surely rebel again." Thereupon, Cao Cao deeply regretted recalling Pei Qian too quickly. Several tens of days later, news of the three chanyu's rebellion indeed arrived. Cao Cao appointed his son, the Marquis of Yanling, Cao Zhang, as Acting General of the Valiant Cavalry and sent him to campaign against the rebellion. Cao Zhang was skilled in archery and horsemanship from youth, with extraordinary physical strength. Cao Cao cautioned Cao Zhang, saying, "At home, we are father and son; when you receive a mission, we are lord and subject. Every action must follow the king's laws—be on your guard!"

Liu Bei stationed his army at Yangping Pass. Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Xu Huang, and others confronted him. Liu Bei sent his subordinate general Chen Shi and others to cut off the Mamingge plank road. Xu Huang defeated Chen Shi. Zhang He stationed at Guangshi. Liu Bei attacked Guangshi but could not take it, and urgently dispatched a document to summon troops from Yizhou. Zhuge Liang asked the Attendant, Yang Hong of Qianwei, about this. Yang Hong said, "Hanzhong is the throat of Yizhou, the key to survival or destruction. If there is no Hanzhong, there is no Shu. This is a calamity before our gates—what hesitation is there in sending troops?" At that time, Fa Zheng was following Liu Bei on the northern campaign, so Zhuge Liang submitted a memorial requesting that Yang Hong be appointed concurrently as the Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery. All affairs were handled properly, and so he was formally installed. Initially, the Grand Administrator of Qianwei, Li Yan, had summoned Yang Hong to be a Meritorious Officer. Before Li Yan left Qianwei, Yang Hong had already become the Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery. Yang Hong recommended his subordinate clerk He Zhi, considering him talented and resourceful. While Yang Hong was still in office in Shu Commandery, He Zhi had already become the Grand Administrator of Guanghan. Therefore, the scholars of the western region all admired that Zhuge Liang could fully employ the talents and abilities of the people of the time.

Autumn, seventh month: The King of Wei, Cao Cao, personally led the army to attack Liu Bei. Ninth month: He arrived at Chang'an.

Cao Zhang attacked the Wuhuan of Dai Commandery, personally engaging in close combat, with several arrows piercing his armor, but his spirit and determination only grew stronger. Taking advantage of the victory, he pursued the defeated army to the north of Sanggan, greatly defeating the Wuhuan force, beheading and capturing several thousand people. At that time, the Xianbei tribal leader Kebineng led several tens of thousands of cavalry to observe the relative strength of both sides. Seeing Cao Zhang fight fiercely and unstoppably, he requested submission, and the north was entirely pacified.

The officials and commoners of Nanyang suffered from corvée labor. Winter, tenth month: The garrison commander of Wancheng, Hou Yin, rebelled. The Grand Administrator of Nanyang, Dongli Gun, and the Meritorious Officer Ying Yu broke out and fled. Hou Yin sent cavalry to pursue them, with arrows flying in volleys. Ying Yu shielded Dongli Gun with his body, was hit by seven arrows, and died. Hou Yin's cavalry captured Dongli Gun and brought him back. At that time, the General Who Conquers the South, Cao Ren, was stationed at Fancheng to guard Jingzhou. The King of Wei, Cao Cao, ordered Cao Ren to return and campaign against Hou Yin. The Meritorious Officer Zong Ziqing persuaded Hou Yin, saying, "You, sir, have followed the people's will and initiated a great event; people far and near all submit to you as the wind blows. Yet capturing the Grand Administrator goes against popular sentiment and brings no benefit. Why not release him?" Hou Yin heeded his words. Zong Ziqing scaled the city wall at night, followed the Grand Administrator, gathered the remaining people, and surrounded Hou Yin. Just then, Cao Ren's army arrived, and together they attacked Hou Yin.

Emperor Xiaoxian, Gui Year, Jian’an 24th Year (Jihai, 219 AD)

Spring, first month: Cao Ren massacred the people in Wancheng, beheaded Hou Yin, and returned to station at Fancheng.

Initially, although Xiahou Yuan had won many battles, the King of Wei, Cao Cao, often cautioned him, saying, "A general must have times when he shows timidity and weakness; he cannot rely solely on bravery. A general should take bravery as his foundation, but in action, he must use strategy and calculation. Knowing only to rely on bravery makes him merely an opponent for an ordinary man." When Xiahou Yuan had been locked in confrontation with Liu Bei for over a year, Liu Bei crossed the Mian River southward from Yangping, advanced gradually along the mountain terrain, and set up camp at Dingjun Mountain. Xiahou Yuan led his troops to contend for this position. Fa Zheng said, "We can attack now." Liu Bei sent the General Who Pacifies the Barbarians, Huang Zhong, to take the high ground, beat drums, and shout as they launched their assault. Xiahou Yuan's army was greatly defeated, and Xiahou Yuan, along with the Inspector of Yizhou, Zhao Yong, were beheaded. Zhang He led his troops back to Yangping. At that time, having just lost their commander, the army was in chaos, not knowing what to do. The Army Supervisor Du Xi and Xiahou Yuan's Major, Guo Huai of Taiyuan, gathered and reorganized the scattered soldiers, issuing orders to the various units, saying, "General Zhang is a famous general of the state, the one Liu Bei fears. Now that the situation is urgent, without General Zhang, stability cannot be achieved." So they temporarily elevated Zhang He to serve as the army's commander. Zhang He came forward, reorganized the troops, and arrayed their battle formations. All the generals accepted Zhang He's command and direction, and the hearts of the men were settled. The next day, Liu Bei wanted to cross the Han River to attack. The various generals thought that their force was too small to withstand the enemy and wanted to set up formations near the Han River to defend against Liu Bei. Guo Huai said, "This is to show weakness to the enemy and is insufficient to defeat them—it is not a good plan. It is better to set up formations far from the Han River to lure the enemy in, and when they are halfway across the river, attack them. Then Liu Bei can be defeated." After the formations were set, Liu Bei became suspicious and did not cross the river. Guo Huai then held the position firmly, showing no intention of retreating. They reported the situation to the King of Wei, Cao Cao, who considered it correct and sent an envoy to grant Zhang He the imperial tally, and also appointed Guo Huai as Major.

Second month, day Renzi, the last day of the month: A solar eclipse occurred.

In the third month, the Wei king, Cao Cao, set out from Chang’an with his troops to march through the Xie Valley, and sent soldiers to occupy strategic points in order to press upon Hanzhong. Liu Bei said, “Though the Duke of Cao has come, he can accomplish nothing. I will surely possess Hanchuan.” Thereupon he assembled his forces, held the strategic terrain, and would not engage the Cao army in battle. Cao Cao transported grain and supplies to the foot of the Northern Mountains. Huang Zhong led troops in an attempt to seize these supplies, but he did not return by the appointed time. General of the Wings Army, Zhao Yun, led several dozen cavalry out of camp to reconnoiter the situation. Just then, Cao Cao dispatched a large force in an attack, and Zhao Yun suddenly encountered the Cao army. He forthwith charged into the enemy formation, fighting as he withdrew. The Wei troops, scattered, regrouped and pursued him to his camp. Zhao Yun entered the camp, threw open the gates, lowered the banners, and silenced the drums. The Wei troops suspected an ambush and withdrew. Zhao Yun ordered the drums to be beaten thunderously and used only strong crossbows to shoot at the Wei troops from behind. The Wei soldiers, panic-stricken, trampled each other, and many drowned in the Han River. The next morning, Liu Bei came personally to Zhao Yun’s camp and inspected the site of the previous day’s battle, saying, “Zilong is wholly filled with courage!” Cao Cao and Liu Bei confronted each other for over a month, and many of the Wei soldiers deserted. In summer, in the fifth month, Cao Cao led all his troops from Hanzhong back to Chang’an, and Liu Bei thus took possession of Hanzhong. Cao Cao, fearing that Liu Bei would attack the Di tribes of Wudu from the north and press upon Guanzhong, asked the Inspector of Yongzhou, Zhang Ji, for advice. Zhang Ji said, “You can persuade them to move north to places where there is food to avoid the enemy. To those who come first, give generous favor and rewards. Then those who come first will see the advantage, and those who come later will surely envy them.” Cao Cao followed his advice and sent Zhang Ji to Wudu, relocating over fifty thousand Di households to settle in Fufeng and Tianshui.

Yan Jun of Wuwei, He Luan of Zhangye, Huang Hua of Jiuquan, and Qu Yan of Xi’ping, each seized command of his own commandery, styled themselves generals, and attacked one another. Yan Jun sent an envoy with his mother and son as hostages to the Wei king, Cao Cao, to request aid. Cao Cao consulted Zhang Ji, who said, “Yan Jun and the others outwardly borrow the authority of the state, but inwardly harbor arrogant and rebellious intentions. Once their plans are set and their power sufficient, they will rebel. Now we are focused on pacifying Shu. For the time being, we should let them both survive and have them fight each other, like Bian Zhuangzi stabbing the tiger, waiting for both to be wounded.” The Wei king said, “Good!” After a little more than a year, He Luan indeed killed Yan Jun, and Wang Mi of Wuwei then killed He Luan.

Liu Bei sent the Grand Administrator of Yidu, Meng Da of Fufeng, from Zigui north to attack Fangling, and killed the Grand Administrator of Fangling, Kuai Qi. He also sent his adopted son, Deputy General of the Central Army, Liu Feng, from Hanzhong down the Mian River, to take command of Meng Da’s troops and join Meng Da in attacking Shangyong. The Grand Administrator of Shangyong, Shen Dan, surrendered his entire commandery. Liu Bei appointed Shen Dan General Who Conquers the North, concurrently Grand Administrator of Shangyong, and appointed Shen Dan’s younger brother, Shen Yi, General Who Establishes Trust and Grand Administrator of Xicheng.

In autumn, in the seventh month, Liu Bei proclaimed himself King of Hanzhong, set up an altar at Mianyang, arrayed his troops and assembled the multitude. The officials stood in attendance. After the memorial was read, he knelt and received the seal and ribbon, and donned the kingly crown. He sent a memorial by post station, returning the seal and ribbon of the previously granted Left General and Marquis of Yicheng Village. He established his son, Liu Shan, as Heir Apparent. He promoted the General of the Tooth Gate, Wei Yan of Yiyang, to General Who Pacifies the Distant, concurrently Grand Administrator of Hanzhong, to guard Hanchuan. Liu Bei returned to Chengdu to attend to government affairs, appointed Xu Jing Grand Tutor, Fa Zheng Chief Clerk of the Secretariat, Guan Yu General of the Vanguard, Zhang Fei General of the Right, Ma Chao General of the Left, and Huang Zhong General of the Rear. The others received promotions of varying degrees. He sent the Colonel of the Forward Department of Yi Province, Fei Shi of Jianwei, immediately to confer the seal and ribbon upon Guan Yu. Guan Yu, hearing that Huang Zhong was ranked equally with him, became angry and said, “A great man will never share the same rank as an old soldier!” He refused to accept the appointment. Fei Shi said to Guan Yu, “Those who establish a kingly enterprise employ talents of all kinds. In former times, Xiao He and Cao Can were close friends of Gao Zu from his youth, while Chen Ping and Han Xin were fugitives who came later. When their ranks were arranged, Han Xin stood highest, yet no one heard of Xiao He or Cao Can complaining. Now the King of Hanzhong, because of a moment’s merit, honors the Han house. But the weight he gives in his heart—should it be equal to that of Your Lordship? Moreover, the King of Hanzhong and Your Lordship are as one body, sharing the same sorrows and joys, and bound in fortune and misfortune. I believe Your Lordship should not haggle over the height of official titles or the number of emoluments. I am but a petty messenger, one who carries out orders. If Your Lordship refuses the appointment, and I thus return, I only regret this action on your behalf, fearing that you may repent of it later.” Guan Yu was greatly moved and awakened, and thereupon accepted the appointment.

An imperial edict proclaimed Lady Bian, the wife of the Wei king, Cao Cao, as queen.

Sun Quan attacked Hefei. At that time, the troops of the various provinces were all stationed in Huainan. The Inspector of Yangzhou, Wen Hui, said to the Inspector of Yanzhou, Pei Qian, “Though there is an enemy here, it is not enough to cause worry. Now the floodwaters are at their height, and Zixiao (Cao Ren) has advanced deep with an isolated force, lacking long-range preparations. Guan Yu is fierce and cunning. I fear there may be a change in the region of the General Who Conquers the South (Cao Ren).” Soon afterward, Guan Yu indeed ordered the Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery, Mi Fang, to guard Jiangling, and General Fu Shiren to guard Gong’an, while Guan Yu himself led his troops to attack Cao Ren at Fancheng. Cao Ren sent the Left General, Yu Jin, and the General Who Establishes Righteousness, Pang De, and others to encamp north of Fancheng. In the eighth month, heavy rains fell continuously, and the Han River swelled. The flat land was submerged to a depth of several zhang. The entire seven armies of Yu Jin were inundated. Yu Jin and the various generals climbed to high ground to escape the water. Guan Yu, riding in large boats, came to attack. Yu Jin and the others, seeing no way out, surrendered. Pang De was on a dike, wearing armor and holding a bow and arrows. He did not miss a single shot. From dawn he fought fiercely, until the afternoon, when Guan Yu’s attack grew even more intense. Pang De’s arrows were exhausted, and they fought at close quarters. Pang De, the more he fought, the angrier he grew, and his spirit became even more imposing. But the water rose higher and higher, and all his subordinate officers and soldiers surrendered. Pang De took a small boat, intending to return to Cao Ren’s camp. The water was so high that the boat capsized, and his bow and arrows were lost. Alone, clinging to the capsized boat, he floated in the water, where he was captured by Guan Yu. He stood and refused to kneel. Guan Yu said to him, “Your elder brother is in Hanzhong. I intend to appoint you as a general. Why do you not surrender early?” Pang De reviled Guan Yu, saying, “You little brat! What talk of surrender! The Wei king leads a million troops, and his might shakes the world. Your Liu Bei is but a mediocre talent—how can he withstand me? I would rather be a ghost of the state than a general of the enemy!” Guan Yu killed him. When the Wei king, Cao Cao, heard of this, he wept and said, “I have known Yu Jin for thirty years. I never expected that, when faced with danger, he would prove inferior to Pang De!” Thereupon he enfeoffed Pang De’s two sons as marquises of villages. Guan Yu fiercely attacked Fancheng. The city was flooded, and its walls collapsed in many places. The soldiers and civilians were all terrified. Someone said to Cao Ren, “The present crisis cannot be sustained by force. One might take advantage of the fact that Guan Yu’s encirclement is not yet complete and escape by night in a light boat.” The Grand Administrator of Runan, Man Chong, said, “Mountain floods come quickly and go quickly. I hope they will not last long. I have heard that Guan Yu has already sent a detached general to the walls of Jia County. South of Xu, the people are in turmoil. The reason Guan Yu does not dare to advance further is that he fears our army will attack him from the rear. If we flee now, the region south of the Yellow River will no longer be the state’s territory. You should hold firm and wait.” Cao Ren said, “Good!” Thereupon he sank a white horse and swore an oath with his soldiers, vowing to defend the city with one heart. The men and horses within the city numbered only a few thousand. The parts of the city walls not submerged were only a few planks high. Guan Yu approached the walls in his boats, set up several layers of encirclement, and cut off all contact within and without the city. Guan Yu also sent a detached general to besiege General Lü Chang at Xiangyang. The Inspector of Jingzhou, Hu Xiu, and the Grand Administrator of Nanxiang, Fu Fang, both surrendered to Guan Yu.

Earlier, a man from Pei, Wei Feng, possessed talent that deluded the masses, and his fame shook the capital of Ye. The Chancellor of Wei, Zhong Yao, summoned him and appointed him as a Clerk of the Western Bureau. A man from Xingyang, Ren Lan, was on friendly terms with Wei Feng. A man from the same commandery, Zheng Mao, the son of Zheng Tai, often said to Ren Lan, “Wei Feng is a treacherous hero. He will eventually cause rebellion.” In the ninth month, Wei Feng secretly formed a clique and plotted with the Commandant of the Changle Palace Guard, Chen Yi, to attack Ye. Before the appointed day arrived, Chen Yi, in fear, exposed the plot. The Heir Apparent, Cao Pi, executed Wei Feng. Several thousand people were implicated and put to death. Zhong Yao was therefore dismissed from his post.

Initially, the Chief Clerk Yang Xiu, together with the Ding Yi brothers, plotted to establish Cao Zhi as the heir of the Wei domain. The Five Official Gentlemen-in-Attendance, Cao Pi, was worried about this. He used a cart loaded with old bamboo baskets to secretly bring the Magistrate of Zhaoge County, Wu Zhi, inside the palace to consult with him. Yang Xiu reported this to the Wei King, Cao Cao, but Cao Cao had not yet had time to investigate and verify. Cao Pi was frightened and told Wu Zhi, who said, “It is nothing.” The next day, he again used bamboo baskets loaded with silk rolls to enter the palace. Yang Xiu reported this again, but when an investigation was carried out, no one was found. From then on, Cao Cao became suspicious of Yang Xiu. Later, Cao Zhi was alienated due to arrogance and indulgence, yet he continued to associate with Yang Xiu, and Yang Xiu did not dare to break off the relationship on his own initiative. Whenever he was about to visit Cao Zhi, fearing that things might go wrong, he would gauge Cao Cao’s intentions and prepare in advance a dozen or so replies to instructions, instructing his attendants, “When the instructions are issued, answer according to the questions.” Thus, as soon as the instructions were sent out, the replies had already arrived. Cao Cao found the swiftness of the replies strange, pursued an investigation, and the matter was exposed. Cao Cao also detested Yang Xiu because he was the nephew of Yuan Shu, so he revealed Yang Xiu’s crimes of leaking discussions and instructions and associating with feudal lords, arrested him, and had him executed.

The Wei King, Cao Cao, appointed Du Xi as the Chief Clerk of the Rear, stationed in Guanzhong. The camp commander of Guanzhong, Xu You, led his troops in refusing to submit and even made arrogant remarks. Cao Cao was furious and planned to attack him first. Most of the officials advised that Xu You should be appeased to jointly confront the powerful enemy. Cao Cao placed a sword horizontally across his knees, his expression stern, and refused to listen. Du Xi entered the residence to offer advice, and Cao Cao met him head-on, saying, “My mind is made up; say no more!” Du Xi said, “If Your Highness’s plan is correct, your servant is precisely planning to help Your Highness accomplish it. If Your Highness’s plan is incorrect, even if it succeeds, it should still be changed. Your Highness does not allow your servant to speak—why treat subordinates with such lack of discernment?” Cao Cao said, “Xu You has slighted me—how can I let him off?” Du Xi said, “What kind of person does Your Highness consider Xu You to be?” Cao Cao said, “An ordinary man.” Du Xi said, “Only a worthy man can recognize a worthy man; only a sage can recognize a sage. How can an ordinary man recognize an extraordinary man! Now that wolves and leopards block the way, yet you first go after foxes, people will say that Your Highness avoids the strong enemy and attacks the weak. Advancing is not considered courage, and retreating is not considered benevolence. Your servant has heard that a crossbow of a thousand jun’s weight does not release its trigger for a shrew-mouse; a bell of ten thousand shi’s weight is not struck by a grass stalk to produce sound. Now this mere Xu You—how is he worth troubling Your Highness’s divine martial power?” Cao Cao said, “Good!” He then generously appeased Xu You, and Xu You promptly submitted.

Winter, tenth month, the Wei King, Cao Cao, arrived at Luoyang.

Sun Lang and others, commoners of Luhun County, rebelled, killed the county’s Chief Clerk, and submitted to Guan Yu in the south. Guan Yu granted Sun Lang an official seal, allocated troops, and sent him back to act as a bandit. From the area south of Xu County, various places often echoed Guan Yu, and his might shook China. The Wei King, Cao Cao, discussed moving the capital from Xu to avoid Guan Yu’s. The Army’s Military Advisor, Sima Yi, and the Western Bureau Assistant, Jiang Ji, said to Cao Cao, “Yu Jin and others were overwhelmed by floods; it was not a defeat in battle, and it does little harm to the grand state strategy. Liu Bei and Sun Quan appear close on the outside but are estranged within. If Guan Yu achieves his ambition, Sun Quan will certainly be unwilling. You can send someone to persuade Sun Quan to attack Guan Yu from behind, promising to cede the Jiangnan region as a fief to Sun Quan, and then the siege of Fancheng will naturally be lifted.” Cao Cao followed their advice.

Initially, Lu Su had advised Sun Quan that while Cao Cao was still alive, they should temporarily placate Guan Yu and share a common hatred for the enemy, so as not to lose this opportunity. When Lü Meng replaced Lu Su stationed at Lukou, he considered Guan Yu always brave and heroic, with ambitions of annexation, and moreover situated upstream in Sun Quan’s territory—this situation was difficult to sustain. He secretly said to Sun Quan, “Now order the General Who Subdues Rebels (Sun Jiao) to guard Nan Commandery, Pan Zhang to station at Baidi, and Jiang Qin to lead ten thousand roving troops to patrol up and down the Yangzi River, responding to enemy situations. I, for the state, will occupy Xiangyang at the front. In this way, why worry about Cao Cao, and why rely on Guan Yu! Moreover, Guan Yu and his lord rely on their deceit and force, are capricious, and cannot be treated as trusted intimates. The reason Guan Yu has not attacked eastward now is that Your Highness is wise and we are still here. If we do not seize the opportunity while we are strong, once we fall, even if we want to exert our strength, can it be done?” Sun Quan said, “Now I want to first take Xuzhou, then attack Guan Yu—what do you think?” Lü Meng replied, “Now Cao Cao is far away north of the Yellow River, pacifying You and Ji provinces, with no time to attend to the east. The defending troops of Xuzhou, I hear, are negligible, and going there can naturally capture it. However, the terrain there is flat, convenient for cavalry maneuvers. If Your Highness takes Xuzhou today, Cao Cao will surely come to contest it the day after tomorrow. Even if you send seventy to eighty thousand men to guard it, it will still be worrisome. It is better to take Guan Yu, completely occupy the Yangzi River, expand the strategic situation further, and make defense easier.” Sun Quan considered him correct. Sun Quan had once sought marriage with Guan Yu for his son, but Guan Yu insulted Sun Quan’s envoy and refused the marriage. Sun Quan was thus angered. When Guan Yu attacked Fancheng, Lü Meng submitted a memorial, saying, “Guan Yu attacks Fancheng yet leaves many defensive troops behind—he must be afraid that I will attack him from the rear. I often suffer from illness, and I request to take some of the troops back to Jianye under the pretext of seeking medical treatment. When Guan Yu hears of this, he will surely withdraw his defensive troops and send them all to Xiangyang. Our great army will then travel day and night along the Yangzi River, strike at his empty spots, and then Nan Commandery can be taken, and Guan Yu captured.” He then claimed to be seriously ill. Sun Quan then publicly issued a document recalling Lü Meng and secretly plotted strategies with him. Lü Meng went downstream to Wuhu. The Dingwei Colonel, Lu Xun, said to Lü Meng, “Guan Yu’s territory borders yours—why are you moving far away? Will this not cause worry in the future?” Lü Meng said, “Indeed, as you say, but I am seriously ill.” Lu Xun said, “Guan Yu relies on his bravery and arrogance, bullying others. He has just achieved great merit, his spirit is proud, his ambition is fulfilled, and he focuses solely on attacking northward, with no suspicion of us. Hearing that you are ill, he will surely be even less on guard. Now, by taking him by surprise, you can naturally capture and subdue him. When you go down to see Your Highness, you should plan well.” Lü Meng said, “Guan Yu has always been fierce and difficult to oppose. Moreover, he has already occupied Jingzhou, and his grace and trust are widely practiced. Added to his recent achievements, his courage and momentum are even greater—it is not easy to deal with.” When Lü Meng arrived at the capital, Sun Quan asked, “Who can replace you?” Lü Meng replied, “Lu Xun has deep thoughts and far-reaching plans, and his talent is sufficient for a major responsibility. Observing his strategies and considerations, he can ultimately bear great tasks. Moreover, his reputation is not yet widely known, and he is not someone Guan Yu would fear. There is no one more suitable than him. If you employ him, you should have him conceal his abilities outwardly while observing the favorable circumstances inwardly—only then can success be achieved.” Sun Quan then summoned Lu Xun, appointed him as a Partial General and Right Division Commander, to replace Lü Meng. When Lu Xun arrived at Lukou, he wrote a letter to Guan Yu, praising his achievements and virtue, deeply humbling himself, and expressing a sincere desire to entrust himself. Guan Yu’s mind was greatly at ease, and he no longer harbored suspicions, gradually withdrawing his rear troops to send to Fancheng. Lu Xun reported the situation in detail, outlining the key points for capturing Guan Yu. Guan Yu captured Yu Jin and several tens of thousands of his men, but was short of grain, so he arbitrarily took grain from Sun Quan’s Xiang Pass. When Sun Quan heard of this, he then raised troops to attack Guan Yu. Sun Quan wanted to order the General Who Subdues Rebels, Sun Jiao, and Lü Meng to serve as Left and Right Commanders. Lü Meng said, “If Your Highness considers the General Who Subdues Rebels capable, you should employ him; if you consider me capable, you should employ me. In the past, Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu served as Left and Right Commanders, leading troops to attack Jiangling. Although matters were decided by Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, relying on his status as an old general and that both were commanders, became discordant, nearly ruining the state’s affairs. This is a lesson from recent events.” Sun Quan came to his senses and apologized to Lü Meng, saying, “I appoint you as the Grand Commander, and order Sun Jiao to serve as your rear support—that will suffice.”

When King of Wei, Cao Cao, returned from Hanzhong, he sent General of Pacification of Bandits, Xu Huang, to garrison Wancheng to assist Cao Ren. After Yu Jin was defeated and captured, Xu Huang advanced to Yangling Slope. Guan Yu stationed troops at Yancheng. When Xu Huang arrived, he deliberately dug trenches along a small path, making it appear he intended to cut off Guan Yu’s retreat. Guan Yu’s troops indeed burned their camp and withdrew. Xu Huang occupied Yancheng, linking his camps and gradually advancing. Cao Cao sent Counselor Zhao Yan to join Xu Huang, acting as military advisor to Cao Ren. Other reinforcements had not yet arrived; Xu Huang’s forces were insufficient to lift the siege, but the generals urged him to rescue Cao Ren quickly. Zhao Yan said to the generals, “Now the enemy’s siege is tight, and the deep water still remains. Our forces are few, and Cao Ren is cut off, unable to join with us. This move would only trap both sides. For now, it is better to approach the siege, send a spy to inform Cao Ren that reinforcements are coming, and encourage the officers and troops. I estimate that the northern reinforcements will arrive within ten days. The city can still hold. Then we can attack together from inside and outside, and surely break the enemy. If I am blamed for the delay in rescue, I am willing to bear the responsibility for all of you.” The generals were pleased. Xu Huang’s camp was only about three zhang from Guan Yu’s encirclement. He dug tunnels and shot arrows with letters into the city to inform Cao Ren, exchanging messages several times.

Sun Quan wrote a letter to King of Wei, Cao Cao, requesting to repay him by attacking Guan Yu, and begging that it not be leaked, lest Guan Yu prepare. Cao Cao asked his officials, who all said it should be kept secret. Dong Zhao said, “Military affairs value expediency and timeliness. We should agree to keep it secret but secretly let the news leak out. If Guan Yu hears that Sun Quan has sent troops and turns back to defend himself, the siege will be quickly lifted, and we will benefit. We can also let the two bandits, Sun Quan and Guan Yu, contain each other while we wait for them to exhaust themselves. If we keep it secret and let Sun Quan succeed, it is not the best plan. Moreover, the besieged officers and troops do not know of rescue, and they fear for their rations. If they have other plans, the harm could be great. Leaking the news is advantageous. Besides, Guan Yu is arrogant, trusting in the defenses of Jiangling and Gong’an, and will surely not withdraw quickly.” Cao Cao said, “Good!” He immediately ordered Xu Huang to shoot Sun Quan’s letter into the encirclement and into Guan Yu’s camp. The besieged officers and troops, upon learning of it, had their morale boosted; Guan Yu indeed hesitated and did not withdraw.

King of Wei, Cao Cao, went south from Luoyang to rescue Cao Ren. His subordinates all said, “If Your Majesty does not act quickly, the situation will fail now.” Only Attendant Huan Jie said, “Does Your Majesty believe Cao Ren and the others can assess the situation?” Cao Cao said, “They can.” Huan Jie said, “Does Your Majesty worry they will not do their utmost?” Cao Cao said, “No.” Huan Jie said, “Then why must you go personally?” Cao Cao said, “I am concerned that the enemy forces are numerous, and Xu Huang and the others are at a disadvantage.” Huan Jie said, “Now Cao Ren and his men are trapped in a heavy siege and fight to the death without second thoughts, precisely because Your Majesty is far away, creating a show of force. In a place of mortal danger, they will surely have a will to fight to the death. With a will to fight within and powerful reinforcements without, Your Majesty can hold back troops to show there is surplus strength. Why worry about failure and need to go personally?” Cao Cao considered his words reasonable, so he stationed his army at Mopi and successively sent Yin Shu, Zhu Gai, and others with a total of twelve battalions to reinforce Xu Huang.

Guan Yu had troops at Weitou and also stationed forces at Sizhong. Xu Huang then announced he would attack Weitou but secretly attacked Sizhong. When Guan Yu saw that Sizhong was about to be breached, he personally led five thousand infantry and cavalry out to fight; Xu Huang met him, and Guan Yu was defeated and retreated. Guan Yu’s encirclement had ten layers of trenches and deer antlers. Xu Huang pursued Guan Yu, entering the encirclement together with him, broke through it, and Fu Fang and Hu Xiu were both killed in battle. Guan Yu then lifted the siege and withdrew, but his boats still occupied the Mian River, cutting off Xiangyang from outside contact.

When Lü Meng arrived at Xunyang, he hid all his elite troops in the holds of the boats, had soldiers wear white clothes and row oars, pretending to be merchants, and traveled day and night. The outposts Guan Yu had set up along the river were all captured and bound, so Guan Yu knew nothing about it. Mi Fang and Shi Ren had long resented Guan Yu’s contempt for them. When Guan Yu set out, Mi Fang and Shi Ren failed to deliver all military supplies on time, and Guan Yu said, “I will deal with you when I return!” Both Mi Fang and Shi Ren were terrified. So Lü Meng ordered the former Cavalry Commandant Yu Fan to write a letter persuading Shi Ren, analyzing the pros and cons. Upon receiving the letter, Shi Ren immediately surrendered. Yu Fan said to Lü Meng, “This is a deceptive use of troops. We should take Shi Ren with us and leave troops to guard the city.” So they took Shi Ren and went to Nan Commandery. Mi Fang held the city. Lü Meng had Shi Ren show himself, and Mi Fang opened the gate and surrendered. Lü Meng entered Jiangling, released the imprisoned Yu Jin, and captured the families of Guan Yu and his officers and soldiers. He comforted and pacified them all and ordered the army: “Do not disturb the people; do not take anything from them.” One of Lü Meng’s soldiers, a fellow townsman, took a bamboo hat from a commoner’s house to cover his official armor. Though the armor was public property, Lü Meng still considered it a violation of military orders and could not disregard the law because of their hometown connection. So he wept and executed him. The entire army was then terrified, and no one picked up lost items on the road. Lü Meng sent close associates morning and evening to comfort the elderly, asking what they lacked; those who were sick received medicine, and those who were cold or hungry were given clothing and food. The treasures in Guan Yu’s storehouses were all sealed and set aside for Sun Quan’s arrival.

When Guan Yu heard that Nan Commandery had fallen, he immediately turned south and withdrew. Cao Ren assembled the generals to discuss the matter, and all said, “Now that Guan Yu is fearful inside, we can pursue and capture him.” Zhao Yan said, “Sun Quan took advantage of the difficulty of Guan Yu’s prolonged conflict with our army to attack his rear. He also feared Guan Yu would turn back to rescue him and worried that we would strike when both sides were exhausted. So he humbly requested to serve, using this opportunity to observe who would win. Now Guan Yu is isolated and weak; it is better to let him survive to be a trouble for Sun Quan. If we deeply pursue a defeated army, Sun Quan will change his attitude toward Guan Yu and bring us harm. The King will surely be deeply concerned about this.” Cao Ren then lifted the state of alert. When King of Wei, Cao Cao, heard that Guan Yu had fled, he feared the generals would pursue, and indeed he quickly sent orders to Cao Ren, just as Zhao Yan had planned.

Guan Yu repeatedly sent messengers to Lü Meng. Lü Meng always treated them generously, letting them tour the city and visit every household to convey greetings, and some even took back family letters. When Guan Yu’s messengers returned, the officers and soldiers privately asked each other and all learned that their families were safe and were treated better than usual. Therefore, Guan Yu’s troops lost their will to fight.

Just then, Sun Quan arrived at Jiangling. All the officials and officers of Jing Province submitted; only the Administrative Clerk Pan Jun of Wuling, claiming illness, did not appear. Sun Quan sent someone to carry him from his home on a bed. Pan Jun lay prostrate on the mat, not getting up, tears streaming down his face, sobbing uncontrollably. Sun Quan called him by his style name and spoke to him, consoling and admonishing him sincerely, and had his close attendants wipe his face with a cloth. Pan Jun rose, knelt, and bowed in thanks. Sun Quan immediately appointed him as Administrative Clerk and consulted him on all military matters in Jing Province. The Wuling Department Attendant Fan Zhi lured various ethnic groups, attempting to make Wuling submit to Liu Bei, King of Hanzhong. Someone reported that an inspector-general should be sent with ten thousand troops to suppress him. Sun Quan did not listen; he specially summoned Pan Jun to ask. Pan Jun replied, “Send five thousand troops, and it will be enough to capture Fan Zhi.” Sun Quan said, “Why do you underestimate him so?” Pan Jun said, “Fan Zhi is from a Nanyang old family, quite skilled at talking, but he has no real ability or strategy. I know this because Fan Zhi once hosted a banquet for the people of the province. By noon, the food was not ready, and more than ten people got up and left. This is like the dwarf’s observation of a section—it proves his lack of substance.” Sun Quan laughed heartily and immediately sent Pan Jun with five thousand men. He indeed beheaded Fan Zhi and pacified Wuling. Sun Quan appointed Lü Meng as Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Chanling, and granted him one hundred million cash and five hundred catties of gold; he appointed Lu Xun as acting Grand Administrator of Yidu.

In the eleventh month, Fan You, the Administrator of Yidu appointed by Liu Bei, the King of Hanzhong, abandoned his commandery city and fled. All the magistrates of the various cities and the chieftains of the Man barbarians surrendered to Lu Xun. Lu Xun requested permission to bestow gold, silver, and bronze seals to grant to those who had newly submitted. He then attacked the Shu general Zhan Yan and others, as well as the powerful local families in Zigui who had seized military power on their own authority, completely defeating them and forcing their submission. The total number of those killed, captured, and recruited before and after amounted to tens of thousands. Sun Quan appointed Lu Xun as Right Protector of the Army, General Who Pacifies the West, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Lou, stationed him at Yiling, and had him guard the Xia Gorge.

Guan Yu, realizing his situation was isolated and his strength exhausted, retreated westward to defend Maicheng. Sun Quan sent someone to entice him to surrender. Guan Yu feigned surrender, erected banners and dummy figures on the city walls, took the opportunity to flee, his soldiers scattering in all directions, leaving him with only a dozen cavalry. Sun Quan had previously sent Zhu Ran and Pan Zhang to cut off his inevitable escape route. In the twelfth month, Pan Zhang’s subordinate, Major Ma Zhong, captured Guan Yu and his son Guan Ping at Zhangxiang and executed them, thereby pacifying Jing Province.

Originally, the Partial General Quan Cong, a man from Wu Commandery, submitted a memorial detailing a plan to destroy Guan Yu. Sun Quan, fearing the matter would leak, set the memorial aside without replying. When Guan Yu was captured, Sun Quan held a banquet at Gong’an, turned to Quan Cong, and said, “You previously presented this plan; although I did not reply, today’s victory also owes something to your merit.” He then enfeoffed Quan Cong as Marquis of Yanghuating. Sun Quan also appointed Liu Zhang as Inspector of Yi Province, stationed at Zigui; shortly thereafter, Liu Zhang died.

Before Lü Meng could receive his rewards, he fell ill. Sun Quan brought him and housed him next to his own lodging, exhausting every method to treat and care for him. At that time, when doctors applied acupuncture to Lü Meng, Sun Quan felt sorrow and distress for him. Wanting to constantly see Lü Meng’s complexion but fearing it would tire him, Sun Quan often bored holes in the wall to spy on him. Seeing that Lü Meng could eat a little, Sun Quan joyfully turned to those around him to laugh and talk; if Lü Meng could not eat, Sun Quan sighed without cease and could not sleep at night. When Lü Meng’s illness temporarily improved, Sun Quan issued a general amnesty for this reason, and all his officials came to congratulate him. Soon, Lü Meng unexpectedly died, aged forty-two. Sun Quan was exceedingly grief-stricken and set aside three hundred households to guard his tomb. Later, Sun Quan, discussing Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lü Meng with Lu Xun, said: “Gongjin (Zhou Yu) was brave and fierce, with courage and strategy surpassing others; thus he defeated Cao Cao and expanded Jing Province—few can match him. Zijing (Lu Su), because of Gongjin’s influence, came to me; during our feasting and conversation, he immediately spoke of the grand strategy to unify the realm—this was the first gratifying thing. Later, when Cao Cao, having gained the power of Liu Cong, declared he would lead several hundred thousand land and naval forces south together, I widely consulted the various generals, asking what should be done; no one could answer first. When Zhang Zibu (Zhang Zhao) and Qin Wenbiao (Qin Song) all said we should send an envoy with a letter of submission to welcome Cao Cao, Zijing immediately refuted them, saying it was unacceptable, and urged me to quickly summon Gongjin, entrust the army to him, and attack Cao Cao head-on—this was the second gratifying thing. Later, although he advised me to lend Jing Province to Liu Bei, this was one of his shortcomings, but it is not enough to harm his two strengths. The Duke of Zhou did not demand perfection from people, so I overlooked his shortcomings and valued his strengths, often comparing him to Deng Yu. When Ziming (Lü Meng) was young, I only thought he acted without fear of difficulties and was bold and decisive; by the time he grew up, his learning increased, his schemes were wonderfully outstanding, and he could be ranked after Gongjin, though he fell short of Gongjin in the brilliance of his speech and arguments. In planning the capture of Guan Yu, he surpassed Zijing. Zijing, in his reply to me, said: ‘The rise of emperors and kings always has objects to drive away; Guan Yu is not worth worrying about.’ This was something Zijing could not accomplish in his heart but boasted about on the surface; I also forgave him and did not rebuke him harshly. But in governing his troops and stationing his camps, he could achieve orders that were carried out and prohibitions that were observed; within his jurisdiction, there were no neglected duties, no one picked up lost items on the road—his regulations were also quite perfect.” When Sun Quan was riding side by side with Yu Jin, Yu Fan shouted at Yu Jin, “You, a surrendered captive, how dare you ride side by side with my lord!” He raised his whip to strike Yu Jin, but Sun Quan shouted to stop him.

When Sun Quan had submitted to Wei, the King of Wei, Cao Cao, summoned Zhang Liao and all the other forces to return and relieve Fancheng. Before the troops arrived, the siege of Fancheng had already been lifted. Xu Xu rectified his troops and returned to Mopi. Cao Cao came out seven li to welcome him, held a grand banquet, and raised his cup to Xu Xu, saying, “Preserving Fancheng and Xiangyang is your achievement, General.” He also richly rewarded Huan Jie, appointing him as Master of Writing. Cao Cao detested the remnant populace of Jing Province and those who had settled and farmed in Hanchuan and wanted to relocate them all. Sima Yi said, “The people of the Jing-Chu region are frivolous and easily stirred. Guan Yu has just been defeated; those who have done evil are hiding and watching. If you relocate the good people, it will both wound their feelings and cause those who have left to dare not return.” Cao Cao said, “You are right.” Thereafter, all those who had fled returned.

The King of Wei, Cao Cao, submitted a memorial recommending Sun Quan as General of Chariot and Cavalry, with the authority of a (bearer of the imperial credentials), concurrently serving as Inspector of Jing Province, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Nanchang. Sun Quan sent Colonel Liang Yu to the court to present tribute, also sent back Zhu Guang and others, submitted a memorial to Cao Cao proclaiming himself a subject, and spoke of the Mandate of Heaven. Cao Cao showed Sun Quan’s letter to those outside, saying, “This boy wants to put me on a stove to roast me!” Attendant Clerk Chen Qun and others all said, “The fate of the Han dynasty has already ended; it did not begin only today. Your Highness’s virtue and merit are towering; the common people all gaze upward with hope. Thus Sun Quan has submitted from afar. This is the response of Heaven’s will and human affairs, speaking with one voice. Your Highness should formally ascend the imperial throne—what hesitation is there?” Cao Cao said, “If the Mandate of Heaven is with me, I will be King Wen of Zhou.”

Your servant Sima Guang says: Education and moral transformation are the urgent tasks of the state, yet mediocre officials belittle them; customs and practices are the great affairs of the world, yet benighted rulers neglect them. Only wise and enlightened gentlemen, who think deeply and plan far ahead, can then understand that the benefits brought by education and customs are immense and their effects long-lasting. Emperor Guangwu encountered the decline of the Han dynasty, when many heroes were in chaos like boiling water. Rising from commoner status, he inherited and restored the enterprises of his predecessors, campaigned in all directions, with no leisure even for a day, yet he was able to promote classical learning, courteously employ refined and erudite scholars, widely establish schools, and cultivate rites and music. After his military achievements were accomplished, civil virtue also spread throughout the empire. Then Emperor Xiaoming and Emperor Xiaozhang followed the bequeathed will of their forebears, personally visited the Biyong to pay respects to the three elders and the five experienced men, and, holding the classics, inquired about the principles of governance. From the dukes, ministers, and grand masters down to the officials of commanderies and districts, all were chosen for their thorough knowledge of the classics and upright conduct; even the Tiger Guard warriors studied the Classic of Filial Piety, and the sons and younger brothers of the Xiongnu also studied at the Imperial Academy. Therefore, education was established at the top, and customs took shape below. Those who were loyal, honest, incorruptible, and of lofty cultivation were not only respected among the scholar-officials but also admired by the common people. Those who were foolish, base, filthy, and corrupt were not only unacceptable at court but also scorned by the villages. Since the decline of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the excellence of customs and education had never flourished as it did in the Eastern Han. By the time of Emperor Xiaohe and afterwards, powerful imperial relatives and favored ministers monopolized authority, rewards and punishments lacked standards, bribery was conducted openly, the worthy and the foolish were mixed together, and right and wrong were inverted—it could be called a time of chaos. Yet the Han dynasty continued without being extinguished, because above, there were dukes, ministers, and grand masters like Yuan An, Yang Zhen, Li Gu, Du Qiao, Chen Fan, and Li Ying, who remonstrated face-to-face, argued their cases at court with reason, and used public righteousness to support the precarious situation; and below, there were commoner scholars like Fu Rong, Guo Tai, Fan Pang, and Xu Shao, who established private public opinion to rescue the declining state. Thus, although governance was murky, customs did not decay, to the point that some risked the executioner's axe and fell forward, while loyal and righteous men rose up and followed one after another, being killed one after another, regarding death as returning home. How could this be merely the worthiness of those few men? It was also the legacy of the education of Emperors Guangwu, Ming, and Zhang! At that time, if an enlightened ruler had arisen to revive it, then the fortunes of the Han dynasty would still have been immeasurable. Unfortunately, after the period of decline and ruin, it was compounded by the darkness and cruelty of Emperors Huan and Ling: they nurtured treacherous villains, treating them more dearly than flesh and blood; they exterminated loyal and good men, hating them more bitterly than enemies; they accumulated the anger of many scholars and stored up the resentment of the entire realm. Then He Jin summoned Dong Zhuo, who seized the opportunity to create chaos, and Yuan Shao and others took advantage to incite rebellion, ultimately leading to the Emperor’s flight, the ancestral temples reduced to ruins, the royal house overthrown, the common people plunged into misery, the mandate of Heaven cut off, and nothing could be saved. Yet those who held military power in the provinces and commanderies, though they devoured each other, never did so without using the reverence for the Han as a pretext. Even someone as cruel and overbearing as Emperor Wu of Wei, who had great merit for the realm, harbored thoughts of usurpation for a long time, yet until his death he dared not depose the Han and establish himself—was it that his ambition did not desire this? Or was it that he feared the restraints of name and righteousness? From this perspective, how can education be regarded lightly, and how can customs be neglected!

Annals of Wei