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Chapter Nineteen VI

October 1, 2022

When the armies marched to Ji Bei, Xia Hou Yuan and others received them into the camp. He told Cao Cao clearly how his brother Xia Hou Dun had lost one of his eyes and was now bedridden because of the wound. Cao Cao went to his bedside to see him and ordered him to return to Xu Du for further treatment. On the other hand, scouts were dispatched by Cao Cao to try to find out Lu Bu's whereabouts. They returned with the news, saying, "Lu Bu, Chen Gong, and Zang Ba have connected with the bandits of Tai Shan. They launched a joint attack against Yan Zhou Counties." Cao Cao immediately ordered Cao Ren to lead three thousand troops to assault Pei City. Along with Xuan De, he massed his troops to attack Lu Bu. When pressing on Shan Dong and trooping near Xiao Pass, they bumped into Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi, the so-called Tai Shan Bandits, who led three thousand soldiers to intercept Cao Cao as he tried to advance. Xu Chu was ordered to go for a challenge. The four generals rode out to take the offensive against Xu Chu. He stood up to those attackers to the end. They couldn't resist his onslaught on them and retreated in defeat. Cao Cao seized the chance to attack them by surprise. He pursued them to Xiao Pass. The tide of war was immediately reported to Lu Bu by an express messenger.

Chapter Nineteen V

25 September 2022

Xuan De expressed his gratitude and said his farewell. He took his road out of Liang City and went on a journey. Suddenly, a cloud of dust rose and permeated the sky. A regiment of troops was approaching. Xuan De knew that it was Cao Cao's army. Together with Sun Qian, he went straight to the standard of the central camp and met Cao Cao. He told him about Lu Bu's occupation of Pei City, the scattering of his two brothers, and the loss of his wives and children in detail. Tears also rolled down Cao Cao's face. Then, he told Cao Cao that Liu An had killed his wife so that he could have a good feed. Sun Qian, therefore, was ordered by Cao Cao to carry a hundred taels of gold to Liu An.

Chapter Nineteen IV

September 17, 2022

One day, while Xuan De was seeking full board and lodging from a household, a young man came and bowed down to him. He asked the lad his name. Liu An, the hunter, was the reply. The moment Liu An heard the arrival of the Governor of Yu Zhou he went to the field to hunt for the game to prepare a tasty meal for Xuan De. However, he was not able to get what he wanted. So he killed his wife and used her flesh to substitute for the game. “What is the game?” Xuan De asked. “It’s wolf meat,” replied An. Xuan De didn’t have any doubts. He ate it and was full. When it was very late, he went to bed. As he was about to leave the next dawn, he went to the backyard to get his horse. Suddenly, he saw a dead woman lying under the kitchen counter. The flesh on her arm had been cut off. Xuan De was frightened and asked what was going on. Then he knew the meat he had eaten last night was from the corpse of Liu An’s wife. Xuan De couldn’t bear the grief. He shed tears while mounting his horse. Liu An spoke to Xuan De, saying, “I would love to follow your Grace closely behind, but my mother still lives with me. I can’t leave her to travel afar.”

Chapter Nineteen III

9 September 2022

Let's resume our story. While Xuan De was riding his horse alone to seek refuge from calamities, a man caught him up from behind. He looked at him and recognized him. It was Sun Qian. "Until now, I still haven't had any clues of where my two brothers are, whether they are still alive or dead, and neither do I know the whereabouts of my wives and kids. What am I going to do?" said Xuan De. "In that case, why don't you seek the patronage of Cao Cao and think of another plan later?" Sun Qian said. Xuan De took his advice and found a trail to Xu Du. The food was running out on his journey, so he tried to find something to eat in a village. When hearing the arrival of Governor Liu of Yu Zhou, everyone was eager to provide him with food.

Chapter Nineteen II

August 28, 2022

Lu Bu rushed to Xuan De's home. Mi Zhu came to greet him. "I have heard a great man will not harm other men's wives and children. Now, Cao Cao is the one who is contending for power over the world with you. However, my lord, Xuan De, always remembers that it was by your grace to hurl the halberd from the outer gate of the magistrate's office that he could survive. My lord, Xuan De, dared not betray you, General. Now he seeks Cao Cao's patronage because he has no choice. May General have mercy on him." said Mi Zhu. "Xuan De and I are old friends. How would I harm his wives?" Bu said. So he ordered Mi Zhu to lead Xuan De's wives and children to Xu Zhou for placement. Bu led his soldiers to the border in Yan Zhou of Shan Dong. Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were left to defend Xiao Pei. At that time, Sun Qian had already escaped from the city. Both Guan and Zhang also found some new recruits respectively and headed for the mountain to be garrisoned.

Chapter Nineteen I

22 August 2022

Let's resume our story. Gao Shun and Zhang Liao attacked Guan Yu's stockade; Lu Bu, Zhang Fei's stockade. Guan and Zhang rode out to meet the challenges and were quickly rescued by Xuan De with two-pronged reinforcements. So, Lu Bu divided his army to kill them from the rear swiftly. The troops led by Guan and Zhang were thus all defeated. Xuan De dashed with more than a dozen mounted soldiers to Pei City, with Lu Bu in hot pursuit. He hastened to call upon the soldiers on the walls to lower the drawbridge. Lu Bu arrived right after him. When the soldiers were about to shoot arrows from the walls, they were so afraid that they would miss the target, and Xuan De might be shot by them. Lu Bu saw this was a good chance available and immediately killed all the way to break through the gates. The gatekeeps couldn't resist his onslaught. They dispersed quickly to retreat. Lu Bu summoned his troops to enter the city. Xuan De saw the situation as urgent. He had no time to go home and was forced to abandon his wives and children. Riding across the city, he escaped from the west gates alone.

Chapter Eighteen XXV

August 12, 2022

After killing Cao Xing, Xia Hou Dun wheeled his horse back and galloped to the array. Gao Shun caught up with them and directed his troops to fight against them. Cao's army suffered a heavy defeat. Xia Hou Yuan escorted his brother as they ran away. Lu Qian and Li Dian forced the defeated troops to be encamped in Ji Bei. Gao Shun won the battle, so he took his troops to fight back against Xuan De. Lu Bu happened to arrive with his troops at this juncture. Hence, Lu Bu, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun divided themselves into three teams to attack Xuan De, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei's three stockades from both sides. Indeed:

The brave general, who ate his eye, was able to fight.

But, the forerunner with an arrow wound couldn't last the battle.

Want to know whether Xuan De would survive or not? The next chapter will provide the answer.

Chapter Eighteen XXII

August 8, 2022

Cao took his advice; therefore, Xia Hou Dun, Xia Hou Yuan, Lu Qian, and Lee Dian were ordered to lead fifty thousand troops to proceed first. Cao took the main force to set off later, with Jian Yong following closely behind. Gao Shun had already known their advance by scouts. He immediately passed on this information to Lu Bu by courier. Hence, Lu Bu ordered Hou Cheng, Hao Meng, and Cao Xing to lead two hundred mounted troops to aid Gao Shun in attacking Cao Cao's troops thirty miles away from Pei City. He would lead the central forces to reinforce the battle afterward.

Chapter Eighteen XXIV

August 10, 2022

Let's resume our story. Now Xia Hou Dun led his troops forward and confronted Gao Shun's army. He set his spear upright and rode to mount a challenge. Gao Shun went to battle with him. After fighting forty to fifty rounds, Gao Shun could no longer resist his onslaught, thus retreating from the duel. Dun galloped his horse to chase him; Shun detoured the army array and tried to escape. Dun was reluctant to let him go, so he also made a detour to pursue him. Cao Xing saw what was happening from the array. He secretly placed an arrow on the string and drew his bow. The archer aimed with precision and then released the arrow from his bow. His arrow thudded into the target. Xia Hou Dun was shot right in the left eye. He screamed in agony and hurried to pull the arrow from his eye. He pulled it so hard that his eyeball came off unexpectedly. "Oh! The essence from my father and the blood from my mother! How can I throw it away?" cried Dun. Therefore, he put the eyeball into his mouth and ate it. Right after this, Dun thrust his spear and galloped his horse straight to kill Cao Xing, who, being unable to defend himself in time, was knocked off the horse by the thrust of the spear at his face. The soldiers on both sides were frightened by the scene.

Chapter Eighteen XXI

August 2, 2022

Let's continue our story. Jian Yong went to Xu Du to see Cao Cao and told him what had happened in detail. Cao immediately sought counsel from his advisors. "I plan to attack Lu Bu. I am not worried that Yuan Shao will resist my advance at all. However, I'm more concerned that Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu might raid me from the back," said Cao. "These two have just been defeated. I don't think they will launch another attack at the moment. But, Lu Bu has astonishing martial feats. If he allies himself with Yuan Shu to roam around River Huai and River Si without opposition, it will be very difficult for us to scheme against him," Xun You said. "Let's take advantage of his recent rebellion. Repel him before he wins public support and confidence," Guo Jia advised.

Chapter Eighteen XX

July 30, 2022

Liao led his troops to the east gate in retreat. Zhang Fei went up for a challenge. Guan Yu had already been informed of the battle, so he rushed to the east entrance to watch the fight but only saw Zhang Liao withdraw his troops out of the city with Zhang Fei in hot pursuit. Guan Yu immediately called Fei into the city. "Liao retreated with fear. Why didn't you let me pursue him?" asked Zhang Fei. "His fighting skills are inferior to neither of us. Because my words touched him deeply, he repented for what he had done. That's why he refused to fight against either of us," said Guan Yu. Fei finally understood. He ordered his soldiers to defend the city gates firmly instead of taking offensive action.

Chapter Eighteen XIX

July 25, 2022

When Gao Shun's troops arrived, Xuan De was on the fortified tower. "I bear no grudge against Feng Xian. Why does he launch an offensive against me?" Xuan De asked. "You have conspired with Cao Cao to scheme against my lord. Now your plot is exposed. Why don't you yield yourself to be bound?" Shun said. After he finished speaking, he mounted an attack on the city. Xuan De shut the door and refused to receive the challenge. The next day, Zhang Liao attacked the west gate. Guan Yu spoke to him on the wall. "You are remarkably poised and graceful. Why are you beneath your dignity to serve a thieve?" Guan Yu questioned him. Zhang Liao lowered his head without uttering a word. Guan Yu knew he was a man of loyalty and virtue and therefore accused him no more. Also, Guan Yu refrained from going out to fight.

Chapter Eighteen XVIII

July 22, 2022

Let's resume our story. Gao Shun and others led troops out of Xu Zhou. While they were approaching Xiao Pei, Xuan De was informed of their arrival. He immediately called together his advisors for a council of war. "Let's go to Cao Cao and tell him that we urgently need reinforcements," Sun Qian suggested. "Who can be dispatched to undertake this urgent task?" Xuan De asked. At the foot of the stairs stepped forward a man. "I am willing to go," the man said. Xuan De looked at him and recognized him. It was Jian Yong, whose courtesy name was Xian He. He came from the same county as Xuan De and now served as a member of his staff. Xuan De hurried to write a letter and handed it to Jian Yong. He asked Jian Yong to depart for Xu Du by night to summon help. On the other hand, he arranged all the defensive gears in order. Xuan De defended the south gate; Sun Qian, the north gate; Guan Yu, the west gate; Zhang Fei, the east gate. Mi Zhu and his brother, Mi Fang, were ordered to command the main troops to protect the family. They were chosen to undertake this task because Mi Zhu had a sister, whom Xuan De had married as his second wife. As Xuan De's brothers-in-law, they were the best choice to lead the main troops to protect Xuan De's wives and children.

Chapter Eighteen XVII

July 18, 2022

Lu Bu was shocked by the letter he had read. "Cao Cao, how dare you scheme against me?" Bu shouted in astonishment. The courier, therefore, was beheaded. So, Chen Gong and Zang Ba were dispatched to liaise directly with the bandits of the Tai Mountains — Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi to seize the Commanderies of Yan Zhou in Shan Dong. Then Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were sent to take control of Pei City and fight against Xuan De. Moreover, Song Xian and Wei Xu were ordered to occupy Ru Nan and Ying Chuan. Bu commanded the main troops to reinforce the above three military units.

Chapter Eighteen XVI.2

July 7, 2022

By your order of setting Lu Bu as a target for attack, I keep myself alert and prudent on this mission. However, Bei's troops are small; generals, few. I dare not, therefore, act rashly. If Chancellor, you could muster massive troops to wage war against Bu, I would be willing to be your vanguard. My troops are now well-disciplined in combat readiness. I am now here waiting for your esteemed instructions respectfully.

Chapter Eighteen XVI.1

July 4, 2022

One day, Cheng Gong led several horse riders to Xiao Pei to encircle the game because he wanted to cheer himself up. Suddenly, he saw a courier on horseback galloping ahead on the main road. Gong was suspicious. He left the encircling field and led his retinues through a trail to catch him up. "Whose courier are you?" Gong asked. The courier knew that Chen Gong was Lu Bu's subordinate. He was in a state of panic and couldn't answer the question. Chen Gong ordered his man to search all over the courier's body and found a letter. It was a reply that Xuan De wrote to Cao Cao. He arrested the courier and delivered him over to Lu Bu with the letter. Lu Bu interrogated the courier. "Chancellor Cao asked me to send a letter to Magistrate Liu, and I have waited for his reply until today. I have no idea what he wrote on it," said the courier. Bu, therefore, opened the letter and read it carefully himself. It briefly stated:

Chapter Eighteen XV

July 3, 2022

Let's proceed to talk about Lu Bu in Xu Zhou. Whenever Bu held a banquet, Chen Qui and his son flattered him before the guests. Chen Gong was quite displeased with their flattery. He seized a chance to talk to Lu Bu about it. "Chen Qui and his son like to flatter General openly. Their hearts are so deep for you to know. I suggest you take precautions to protect yourself against both of them," Gong said. "How could you defame good men without any proof? Are you trying to set them up?" Bu shouted at him. "Sincere advice can't reach your ears. We are going to suffer," Gong sighed and then left. Afterward, Chen Gong intended to forsake Lu Bu and go elsewhere. But he couldn't bear the thought of leaving him and being mocked by others, so he looked sullen all day long.

Chapter Eighteen XIX

June 19, 2022

Cao approved of his idea and then discussed a military expedition to the east against Lu Bu. "We can send an envoy to persuade Liu Bei to join our attacks. Wait for the reply before we set out on our journey," said Xun Yu. Cao took his advice. On the one hand, he wrote a letter to Xuan De, hoping that Xuan De would ally with him; on the other hand, he sent off Shao's messenger and treated him with generosity. Cao submitted an edict to the emperor. Therefore, Yuan Shao was promoted to the rank of General-in-chief and Grand Commandant and was appointed as governor to command Ji Zhou, Qing Zhou, You Zhou, and Bing Zhou, these four states simultaneously. A secret letter was also sent to Shao by Cao Cao to consolidate their alliance. It said: "Sir, it is very appropriate for you to attack Gong Sun Zan. I shall come to your aid." Shao was beside himself with ecstasy while receiving the letter, so he went ahead to advance on Gong Sun Zan without any hesitation.

Chapter Eighteen XIII

June 10, 2022

"If what you've said is true, who am I worthy of such evaluation?" Cao smiled and said. "The statements of ten pros and cons made by Guo Feng Xiao find an echo in my heart. Even though Shao's troops are huge, there's nothing to be afraid of!" said Xun Yu. "Lu Bu in Xu Zhou is indeed our serious hidden trouble. Now that Shao has set out up to the north to attack Gong Sun Zan, we should take advantage of his expedition. Make sweep over the southeast region by getting rid of Lu Bu first and then scheme Shao's downfall. This is the top policy. Otherwise, Bu will advance on Xu Du while we launch an attack against Shao. His onslaught is by no means a small thing," Jia added.

Chapter Eighteen XII

June 3, 2022

Jia spoke to him, saying, "My master, thou are fully aware of the ability between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Emperor Gaozu surpassed Yu in wisdom. No matter how strong Xiang Yu was, eventually, he was captured. Currently, Shao has ten disadvantages, but you have ten advantages. Even though Shao's troops are large, you have nothing to fear from him. Shao adheres to deportment and etiquette; whereas, you are natural but restrained. This is the success of your leadership. Shao unifies the world by rebel forces, but you command the world in the name of the restoration of the Han Dynasty. This is the success of your righteousness. Ever since Huan and Ling were in reign, the imperial court has adopted a very tolerant attitude towards the general public. Shao follows suit, but you deal with them by harsh rectification. This is the success of your governance. Shao appears to be broad-minded to everybody, but actually, he is very suspicious of his subjects. Most of his personnel appointments are given to his relatives. When it comes to the recruitment of new members, you keep it quite simple, but at the same time, you are very selective about what or who you choose. You hire a person solely based on the talent he possesses. This is the success of your capacity. Shao thinks too much but acts too little; whereas, you, my master, strive forward when you have a plan. This is the success of your strategy. Shao likes to elevate himself to achieve fame, but you treat people with the most sincerity. This is the success of virtues. Shao is considerate towards courtiers but neglects distant people. However, your thoughts are comprehensive and thorough without any insufficiency. This is the success of benevolence. Shao listens to those slanderous remarks and is confused about those rumors, but you clearly know the nature of malign gossip. That's why you are not affected at all. This is the success of your perception. Shao is not able to distinguish between right and wrong, but you set strict standards for laws and institutions. This is the success of your policy. Shao likes to bluff and has no idea of military principles, but you operate troops like a god, making the conquest of the mass forces with minimum soldiers. This is the success of the military operation. With these ten merits, you can overcome Shao without any difficulties."

Chapter Eighteen XI

May 28, 2022

Xun Yu did obeisance. He truly admired the ways Cao had handled the situation. Guo Jia entered. "Why do you come here so late?" Cao asked. Jia took a letter from a sleeve. Then he spoke to his master. "Yuan Shao had a man send a letter to Prime Minister. It says that he plans to launch an attack against Gong Sun Zan and hopes that you could lend him food and troops," said Jia. "I've heard that Yuan Shao intends to raid Xu Do. Now that he sees my return, he changes his mind and has another idea," said Cao, who opened the letter and read it. It was written in an extremely rude tone. So Cao asked Jia, saying, "Yuan Shao is such an arrogant and bombast writer. How I wish I could punish him by force of arms, but I am afraid what I wish for is beyond my capacity. What am I going to do with him?"

Chapter Eighteen X

May 22, 2022

Cao returned to Xu Du. He announced the achievement that Sun Ce had done to the emperor by edict. Sue Ce was awarded the title 'General Who Suppresses the Rebellion' and was granted the noble rank 'Marquis Wu'. A herald was sent by Cao Cao to carry the imperial decree to Jiang Dong to order Sun Ce to guard against and destroy Liu Biao. Cao went back to his residence. All the officials had an audience with him. Then Xun Yu asked him, saying, "Chancellor, you made a pretty slow march to An Zhong. How did you know that you would be able to conquer the thieves?" "When my troops realized that their retreat had been cut off, they would, of course, fight to the end. All I had to do was to induce the enemy patiently to make a wrong move and then get rid of those thieves. That's why I knew I would succeed," said Cao.

Chapter Eighteen IX

May 1, 2022

Let's resume our story. While proceeding, Cao Cao was told that the rearguard was hotly pursued by Xiu. Cao hurried to summon his generals to turn back for the reinforcements. However, when they came to rescue, Cao saw that the attackers were beaten off. "If it had not been the regiment who appeared from the back of the hill to block the road, we could have been captured," said one of the defeated soldiers. Cao hastily asked the soldier whether he knew who commanded the troop. A man grabbed his spear and got off his horse. He did humble obeisance to Cao Cao. He was Li Tong, courteously called Wen Da, General of the Gentlemen of the Household, Who Quells the Disturbances, and a native of Ping Chun in Jiang Xia. Cao asked him where his garrison was. "Recently, I've defended Ru Nan and heard that Chancellor was having a fight against Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao. So I immediately came to your aid," said Tong. Cao was quite pleased. The title of Marquis Who Makes a Great Contribution was conferred upon Li Tong, who was assigned by Cao Cao to defend the west border of Ru Nan in case Biao and Xiu might launch a joint attack. Tong expressed his gratitude and then left.

Chapter Eighteen VIII

April 24, 2022

While Xiu was heading towards Cao Cao, a troop suddenly appeared from the back of the mountain. The ambush made Xiu too scared to advance further. So he withdrew his troops and went back to An Zhong. Liu Biao asked Jia Xu, saying, "In the beginning, when our crack soldiers were dispatched to catch the enemies in retreat, you said that our action was doomed to fail. Later, when we decided to send our defeated troops to attack the victorious army, you told us that this time we would win. All the things happened just as you had predicted. What's the difference between these two pursuits? How come your predictions were all fulfilled? Would you please teach me the cause and effect of the whole event?" "It's very easy to understand. General, though you know how to deploy troops, you are no match for Cao Cao at tactics. So to speak, although Cao's troops were beaten off, he would assign a tough general to deal with those pursuers in case they would attack him from the rear. Even though our troops were sharp, we're still unable to beat him. That's why I knew we would lose, but when Cao was eager to withdraw his forces, I assumed that something must have gone wrong in Xu Du. After Cao defeated our troops, he would hurry to return to Xu Du with a minimum of pomp in the least preparation. Therefore, we seized the chance to chase him when he is not making preparations for war. That's why we could win the battle," Xu explained. Both Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu were overwhelmed by his insights. Xu advised Biao to return to Jing Zhou and Xiu to guard Xiang City as the lips and teeth depend on each other. Both of them followed his advice and went to their places.

Chapter Eighteen VII

April 17, 2022

Let's resume our story. After finding out that Yuan Shao was going to attack Xu Du, Xun Yu immediately sent a letter to inform Cao Cao of the imminent crisis by night. Cao became very anxious and withdrew his troops back home after he read the letter. The spy told Zhang Xiu Cao's action. Xiu, therefore, decided to chase Cao Cao. "Do not chase Cao Cao at the moment. The pursuit is doomed to failure," said Jia Xu. "If today we do not seize the opportunity to chase and catch Cao, we will let a golden chance slip by," said Liu Biao, who urged Xiu to lead over ten thousand troops to capture Cao Cao. After marching on more than ten miles, they finally caught up with Cao's rearguard. Cao's troops strove for the challenges. Xiu and Biao's armies returned after defeat. "It is because we did not take your advice that we fail this time," Xiu said to Xu. "Let's muster troops and chase Cao Cao again," Xu suggested. "But, we already lost the battle today. What's the point of pursuing Cao again?" Both Xiu and Biao said in accord. "This time the victory is ours. If my prediction is wrong, I am willing to be beheaded," Xu said. Xiu believed in his words; whereas, Liu Biao was skeptical of the idea. So Liu Biao refused to go with them. Xiu took a legion to catch Cao Cao himself. As expected, Cao's troops suffered a narrow defeat. They had to abandon their horses and military supplies on their way to escape.

Chapter Eighteen VI

April 10, 2022

When the sky went a bit brighter, Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu were taking their respective troops to meet. They saw that Cao's troops were very few. It made them suspect that Cao Cao might have run away. So they led their troops to the strategic pass for an attack. Instantly, Cao gave free rein to his ambush soldiers to smash the joint troops of his rivals. Cao's army fought all the way out until they reached the borderline of An Zhong County, and then they were camped outside the pass. Both Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu gathered their defeated troops and tried to shake them up. They called for a meeting in the aftermath of the battle. "I don't understand why it is not Cao Cao to walk into our trap, but in fact the reverse is true," Biao wondered. "Allow me to make another plan!" Xiu said. Therefore, they assembled both armies in An Zhong.

Chapter Eighteen V

April 3, 2022

Xun Yu delivered a written message to Cao Cao by special messenger the next day. It said, "Liu Biao helps Zhang Xiu arrange his troops to be stationed in An Zhong County so that they can intercept your way to return." Cao wrote back to Yu. "Currently, I travel several miles per day. Didn't I know that the thieves are pursuing me? However, I have made my plan. As long as I arrive in An Zhong County, Xiu's troops will be destroyed. Do not have doubts about my scheme," Cao wrote. Then Cao urged his troops forward to the border of An Zhong County. Liu Biao's troops had already occupied the strategic pass before Zhang Xiu hastened to come after him with his army. Cao commanded his army to dig their way through solid rock and lie in ambush, waiting for his enemies.

Chapter Eighteen IV

March 26, 2022

Meanwhile, Cao Cao and his troops moved slowly to Xiang City. When they got to Yu River, Cao burst into tears on horseback all of a sudden. The crowds were astonished and asked him why he cried so bitterly. "Oh, how I miss my great General Dian Wei! I lost him right here a year ago. That's why I can't stop crying," Cao said. Troops were, therefore, ordered by him to be garrisoned by the river. The sacrifices were lavishly prepared. They mourned over Dian Wei's death and offered libations. Cao expressed his condolences in person. When burning incenses, he fell prostrate, wailing and weeping. Three armies were all lamenting the loss of Dian Wei. After offering sacrifices to Dian Wei, Cao then offered sacrifices to his nephew Cao An Min and his son Cao Ang as well as those soldiers who had died in battle and even to his Da Wan steed which had been shot dead by an arrow.

Chapter Eighteen III

March 19, 2022

Jia Xu saw Cao Cao flee away. He immediately urged Zhang Xiu to write a letter to Liu Biao. Liu Biao was thus informed to intercept Cao Cao and cut off his road for retreat. After Biao read the letter, he decided to rise in arms to deal with Cao Cao. The mounted scout, however, reported to him that Sun Ce's troops were stationed in Hu Kou. "Sun Ce's garrison in Hu Kou was Cao Cao's idea. Now Cao has just been defeated. If we do not seize the chance to smite him in retreat, endless troubles will come one after another in the aftermath of the battle," Kuai Liang said. Huang Zu was, therefore, ordered by Biao to guard the strategic pass. Biao himself led the troops to An Zhong County to intercept Cao Cao as he tried to escape. On the other hand, he made contact with Zhang Xiu and let him know his plan. When Xiu realized that Biao had mobilized his troops, he promptly coordinated with Jia Xu to raid Cao Cao together.

Chapter Eighteen II

March 13, 2022

Xiu followed his advice with joy. Cao Cao was informed by a mounted scout that Zhang Xiu had withdrawn his troops and redeployed them in the northwest corner of the city for defense. The soldiers on guard were in full cry. The southeast area, on the other hand, was fairly empty. "They are trapped by my scheme!" Cao said. Cao's troops were, therefore, ordered to secretly prepare shovels and hoes as well as tools for scaling walls. During the daytime, Cao took the troops to attack the northwest corner only. But, around the second watch at night, he led the crack soldiers to crawl into the trenches and break up the soil to hack the stockades. No sound could be heard in the city. Cao's troops swarmed the city together. Suddenly, there was a big bang from a bomb blast. All the ambush arose to attack. Cao's troops hurried to retreat with Zhang Xiu leading his brave combatants in hot pursuit. Cao's troops came off worst in the fight. They retired out of the city and fled more than ten miles away. Zhang Xiu had killed the enemies until dawn. Then he recalled his troops back to the city. Cao Cao numbered the defeated remnants. More than fifty thousand men were killed. Numerous military supplies were lost. Lu Qian and Yu Jin were injured, respectively.

Chapter Eighteen I

March 6, 2022

Let's resume our story. When Jia Xu knew what Cao Cao was up to, he decided to deal with Cao by taking advantage of his scheme. So he spoke to Zhang Xiu, saying, "As I was on the rampart, I saw Cao Cao circling the city for three days to observe everything. He has noticed that the colors of the bricks at the southeast corner of the city are different. Some are old; some are new. Moreover, he has found out that the barricades are nearly torn down. I suppose he will launch an offensive from there. However, he deceives us by piling straw at the northwest corner to make us believe he will attack us from there, so that we will withdraw our troops to defend the northwest region. It's just a bluff. I believe when the night falls, he will sneak into the southeast corner to make an advance on the city." "Then what are we going to do?" Xiu asked. "It's easy. We can have our crack soldiers fed up with food and wear light outfits and then order them to hide within the houses in the southeast area. On the other hand, we ask our people to disguise themselves as soldiers, feigning to defend the northwest region. Let Cao climb up the wall from the southeast corner at night. As long as he scales the city wall and gets into the city, fire a gun as a signal. All the ambush will attack him at once. At that time, Cao will be captured," Xu advised.

Chapter Seventeen XXVI

February 26, 2022

When Jia Xu understood the situation in the city, he spoke to Zhang Xiu, saying, "I know what Cao Cao is up to. Now let's deal with him by taking advantage of his scheme." Indeed:

No matter how strong you are, there's always someone stronger.

No matter how scheming you are, there's always someone to discern your trick.

What to know how Jia Xu coped with Cao Cao? The answer will be told in the next chapter.

Chapter Seventeen XXV

February 20, 2022

Cao laid the siege on the city. He saw that the city trench was pretty wide in which water was deep. It would be hard for them to get close to the city. Soldiers were ordered by him to transport some earth to fill up the trench and to mix the sacks with firewood and bundles of hay to make a ladder stool upon which the scaling ladder was erected to lean against the city wall to overlook the city. Cao rode on his horse to circle and observe the city for three days. Then by Cao's order, soldiers piled firewood against the corner of the west gate. All the generals were called to climb up the city wall from there.

Chapter Seventeen XXIV

February 12, 2022

Let's resume our story. When Zhang Xiu heard the news that Cao was leading his troops to advance on Nan Yang, he immediately sent a letter to Liu Baio to request reinforcements. On the other hand, together with Lei Xu and Zhang Xian, Xiu led his troops out of the city to meet the challenge. Each camp deployed a semi-circle array opposing each other. Zhang Xiu rode forth to the front of the deployment and pointed at Cao Cao with his finger. "Thou are truly a hypocrite, a man without integrity and a sense of honor. What's the difference between thou and a beast?" Zhang Xiu abused. Cao was beside himself with anger, so he ordered Xu Chu to fight. Xiu commanded Zhang Xian to receive the challenge. It only took Xu Chu three bouts to hack Zhang Xian to death under the horse. Xiu's troops were utterly defeated. Cao Cao led his troops to the foot of Nan Yang City. Xiu retreated into the city and shut the city gate. Henceforth, he confined himself within the city.

Chapter Seventeen XXIII.2

January 8, 2022

A hundred thousand soldiers were as brave as a hundred thousand fierce beasts, Pixiu.

But they all had different minds in the same number.

Even an autocrat could not put all of them at his own command.

For the sake of his head, Cao drew the sword and cut his hair as a replacement.

So we know how scheming Cao Man was.

Chapter Seventeen XXIII.1

December 26, 2021

While Cao was riding his horse, a dove was scared and flew past the fields all of a sudden. The horse had never seen such a bird before, so it ran away into the wheat fields and trod upon a huge patch of wheat ears. Immediately calling upon Master of Records on the march, Cao proposed to punish himself for the offense of trampling wheat fields. "How can we prosecute the Prime Minister?" said Master of Records. "I made the rule but now break it by myself. How am I going to convince others to abide by the law?" said Cao, who drew the sword of his own and intended to kill himself. His entourage rushed to rescue. "According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, the ancient chronicle, 'the law cannot be enforced upon an Honorable.' Mr. Prime Minister is now the commander of the troops. How can Your Excellency kill yourself recklessly?" said Guo Jia. Cao sunk in thought for a while, and then he spoke. "Since the article, 'the law cannot be enforced upon an Honorable,' is written in the Spring and Autumn Annals, my death penalty can be waved aside," said Cao, who then cut a lock of hair with his sword and threw it on the ground. "My head is substituted with some hair I cut," said Cao, whose hair was passed around for the three armies to see. "Prime Minister Cao trampled the wheat ears. He ought to be beheaded to deliver orders. But, now he cut a lock of his hair as a substitute," the announcement said. The three armies, therefore, were all in terror. Henceforth, none of the soldiers received the military orders without being in awe. Later, the future generation wrote a poem to comment on this event.

Chapter Seventeen XXII

December 20, 2021

Leaving Xun Yu in Xu Du, Cao moved troops and dispatched generals for the coming war, leading the armies to advance. While going on the military expedition, they saw all the wheat was ripe along the way. People dared not cut and gather grain crops due to the arrival of the mass troops and made their escape. Cao sent messengers to publicly inform all the villagers and the senior citizens as well the garrison officials whether they were near or far away about his announcement: "By the imperial order, I rise in arms to attack the rebellion and destroy public enemies. I have no choice but to start the military action during the time when the wheat is ripe. Despite the ranks, all the generals and colonels at my command who dare trample on the ears of wheat when they pass the wheat fields shall be beheaded. I have left strict military regulations. Thou shall not be intimidated." After people heard the announcement, they praised Cao Cao with joy. A cloud of dust rose as Cao's chariot went by. People followed hard on Cao's heels in the middle of the road to worship him. When the sergeants and soldiers passed the wheat fields, they dismounted horses and supported the ears of wheat one after the other. No one dared tread on the wheat ears.

Chapter Seventeen XXI

December 5, 2021

Let's resume our story. Cao led his troops back to Xu Du. He was informed that Duan Wei had killed Li Jue and Wu Xi had killed Guo Fan. They came to Xu Du to dedicate the heads to Cao Cao. Duan Wei also delivered more than two hundred Li Jue's tribe folks over to Xu Du, including the old and the young. Cao commanded to behead the whole tribe at different gates. Their heads were exposed in public to give orders. People were all pleased with the execution. The Son of Heaven ascended to the throne. Officials and generals were asked to assemble in a banquet to celebrate the peace. Duan Wei was appointed as General Who Quells the Disturbances; Wu Xi, the General Who Overcomes the Strife. Duan Wei and Wu Xi were ordered to defend Chang An City. They expressed thanks for great favors and then left. Immediately, Cao reported the riots directed by Zhang Xiu to the Son of Heaven and urged His Majesty to crack down on rebellions with armed forces. The Sovereign arranged the chariots to send Cao Cao for expeditions in person. It was the summertime, the fourth month of the third year of Building Up in Stability.

Chapter Seventeen XX

November 29, 2021

While vacillating between attack or return, Cao was informed that someone had ridden in. "Zhang Xiu, who depends on Liu Biao for protection, is now revolting again. Many counties in Nan Yang have joined the riots. Cao Hong is unable to resist the enemy and has lost several battles. I am here to report to you that we are in a state of emergency," said the messenger. Cao immediately wrote Sun Ce a letter to order him to cross the river for military deployment so that Liu Biao would not dare to launch an attack at will. Cao himself would withdraw troops back to Xu Du at once after victory to discuss an advance on Zhang Xiu. Before Cao's departure, Xuan De was ordered by him to be garrisoned in Xiao Pei and pledge in a sworn brotherhood with Lu Bu to help each other instead of fighting against each other. Lu Bu took his troops back to Xu Zhou. Cao, however, secretly spoke to Xuan De, saying, "By my order, your garrison in Xiao Pei is a scheme, called 'To Dig a Pit for a Tiger.' Seek advice solely from Chen Qui and his son, so there will be no mishap. I will be your outside help." Cao took leave of Xuan De after the conversation.

Chapter Seventeen XIX

November 23, 2021

The next day, Cao commanded all the generals of every camp, saying, "Within three days, those who do not strive for conquering the city will be beheaded!" Cao went to the foot of the ramparts in person, directing the soldiers to move soil and transport stones for filling up the trenches and the moat. The arrows and stones went down like a shower of rain from the path of the ramparts on top. Two aides-de-camp retreated out of fear. Cao drew his sword and beheaded them right at the foot of the wall. Then, he dismounted the horse to help pass soil to fill up pits. None of the generals and sergeants refrained from advances despite their ranks. The military morale suddenly boosted. Defenders upon the walls could no longer resist their onslaught. Cao's soldiers were so afraid to fall behind others. All of them strove to be the first to climb up the walls to the top. The lock of the city gates was chopped down so a swarm of attackers got in. Li Feng, Chen Ji, Le Jiu, and Liang Gang were all captured alive. By the order of Cao Cao, they were beheaded in the marketplace, and the replicas of imperial palaces and courts were burnt in the fire including the imitations that violated the system of rules. In the city of Shou Chun, all the materials and goods were plundered. Cao Cao had a meeting with his advisors to decide whether they should cross the River Huai to pursue Yuan Shu or not. "Of all these years, famine and drought have struck the people and the land. Grain and food are hard to obtain. If we advance now, the troops will be fatigued; people, exhausted. It would be probably not to our advantage. How about let's return to Xu Du? Wait for the bumper crop of next spring. When the food supplies are sufficient, we can proceed with our attack," Xun Yu advised.

Chapter Seventeen XVIII

November 21, 2021

Hou followed Cao's orders and started to distribute food in a small measuring bucket. Officials were secretly dispatched by Cao to inspect the food distribution in every camp. The crowd complained bitterly of this unjust measure and accused Prime Minister Cao of cheating them. Cao summoned Wang Hou in private. "I would like to borrow a thing from you to appease public indignation. Please don't be stingy!" said Cao. "Prime Minister, may I ask what thing you would like to borrow from me?" asked Hou. "I would like to borrow your head for the exhibit," Cao said. "But, I have done nothing wrong!" Hou said horrifyingly. "I know, but if I do not kill you, the soldiers will not obey my orders. After you die, I will take care of your wife and children. Don't you worry about them," Cao said. When Hou was about to protest the decision, the executioner had been called in to hustle Hou out of the gate and behead him with a knife. Then he hung the severed head on a tall pole and put it on public display. "Wang Hou intentionally takes a small measuring bucket to steal the official grain. The execution has been carried out according to the martial law," the announcement informed. So, the resentment of the crowd was released.

Chapter Seventeen XVII

November 13, 2021

The total number of Cao's soldiers was one hundred and seventy thousand. Their daily food consumption was immense. Due to the severe drought, the counties around couldn't provide the food supplies in time. Cao urged the troops to launch a blitz. However, Li Feng shut the door and refused to fight. The confrontation between both sides lasted more than a month. Food supplies were almost depleted. Cao wrote a letter to Sun Ce to borrow more than a hundred thousand measuring buckets of grain. Those provisions were still not enough to meet the needs. Ren Jun, the Officer of Food Supplies, and his subordinate Wang Hou, the Granary Officer, went to see Cao and report the shortage of food. "The troops are many; the food, less. What are we going to do now?" they asked. "Out of expediency, we can change the measuring bucket for a smaller one for food distribution in order to meet the urgent need," said Cao. "What if the soldiers complain? What else can we do?" Hou asked. "Don't worry! I know how to handle it," Cao responded.

Chapter Seventeen XVI

November 8, 2021

Shu followed his advice. A hundred thousand troops were assigned by him to help Li Feng, Le Jiu, Liang Gang and Chen Ji, four of them, defend Shou Chun resolutely. The rest of the troops crossed the River Huai with him along with the treasure including gold, jade and jewelry in storage.

Chapter Seventeen XV

October 31, 2021

Yuan Shu knew Cao's troops had arrived. Qiao Rui, the chief general, was ordered by him to take fifty thousand troops to be the vanguard. Both armies confronted each other at the border of Shou Chun. Qiao Rui took the lead to meet the challenge on horseback. No more than three bouts, Xiao Hou Dun killed him with a thrust of the knife. Shu's troops were completely defeated and rushed back to the city. Suddenly, news came in. Sun Ce sailed across the river to attack the west side of the river. Lu Bu led troops and was pressing on the east. Liu Bei, Guan and Zhang took their troops to advance on the south. Cao commanded one hundred and seventy thousand troops to launch an assault on the north. Shu was stunned. Immediately, he summoned all the officials and generals to discuss this issue. "Shou Chun City has experienced several years of flood and drought. Food is barely enough. People will be annoyed and disturbed if we mobilize the troops now. Once they make complaints, the solders will not be able to fight the enemy. How about let's leave the troops to be stationed in Shou Chun. Don't wage war at the moment. Wait until their food supplies are severely depleted. The riots will certainly occur. Until then, Your Majesty may commanded the imperial guards to cross to the other side of the River Huai. On the one hand, that's the place where we are all familiar with; on the other hand, we can avoid the fierce attacks from our rivals," said Yang Da Jiang.

Chapter Seventeen XIV

October 27, 2021

Xuan De, therefore, was treated kindly and generously. When the joint forces reached the border of Xu Zhou, Lu Bu came to receive them. Cao consoled him with nice words, and the title of General of the Left Army was conferred upon him. Cao promised Bu when he returned to Xu Du, a new official seal would be given to him to exchange the old one. Bu was glad to hear that. Immediately, Cao assigned Lu Bu's troops to take defensive on the left and Xuan De's troops on the right. He commanded the main troops in the center. Xia Hou Dun and Yu Jin were ordered to be the forerunners of the battle.

Chapter Seventeen XIII

October 25, 2021

When Cao's troops reached the border of Yu Zhang, Xuan De was already there with his army to welcome the advent of Cao Cao. Cao asked him to enter his tent. After they exchanged greetings, Xuan De dedicated two heads to Cao. "Whose heads are those?" Cao asked in astonishment. "They are the heads of Han Xian and Yang Feng," Xuan De replied. "How did you get those heads?" Cao asked further. "Lu Bu ordered both of them to stay in the counties of Yi Du and Lang Ye out of expediency. However, these two men indulged their soldiers plundering and looting these places as they stayed. People sighed with grief. Bei, therefore, prepared a banquet and cheated them to come over for a discussion. During the toast, I threw the wine cup as a signal for my brothers Guan and Zhang to kill them and defeat the rest. That's why today I come here to apologize for the crime I have committed," said Xuan De. "Thou have eliminated harm for the country. What you have done is a great merit. How could you say it's a crime?" said Cao.

Chapter Seventeen XII

October 24, 2021

Cao Cao arrived in Xu Du. He missed Dian Wei so much that he offered sacrifices in memory of him. The title of General of Household was conferred upon his son, Dian Man, whom Cao Cao adopted in his house. Suddenly, he was informed that Sun Ce sent a letter by courier. After Cao read the letter, he was notified that Yuan Shu had plundered Chen Liu due to the shortage of grain and was about to seize an opportunity to occupy the city. Cao Cao decided to set out an expedition to the south. Cao Ren was ordered to defend Xu Du; the others travelled with him to the south. The number of the cavalry and infantry was one hundred and seventy thousand. More than a thousand wagons were loaded with grain and military supplies. Then Cao sent a delegate to meet with Sun Ce as well as Liu Bei and Lu Bu in advance.

Chapter Seventeen XI

October 23, 2021

After writing a letter to Yuan Shu, Sun Ce numbered the troops to safeguard the mouth of the river in case that Yuan Shu's soldiers might carry out a raid on them. Cao Cao's emissary suddenly arrived. Ce was appointed as Magistrate of Kuai Ji with an order to arm against Yuan Shu. Ce called a meeting to discuss the future warfare and got ready to fight. "Even though Shu was defeated not long ago, he still possesses a large number of troops and an abundant supply of food. Don't underestimate your opponent. How about let's write a letter to Cao Cao, urging him to launch an expedition to south? We will back him up during the fight. If two armies can reinforce each other, Shu's soldiers will be defeated. If something undesirable happens, hopefully Cao will come to our rescue," said Chief Clerk Zhang Zhao. Ce followed his advice. An emissary was dispatched to forward their plot.

Chapter Seventeen X

October 17, 2021

Let's resume our story. After being defeated, Yuan Shu retreated to Huai Nan. He sent an emissary to Jiang Dong to borrow troops from Sun Ce for revenge. "It was because of my Imperial Hereditary Seal that Yuan Shu could usurp the title of an emperor. He is the rebel of the Han dynasty; his deeds, outrageous! I was about to mobilize troops to chastise his rebellion. How is it possible for me to reinforce this traitor?" raged Ce, who, therefore, wrote a letter to reject his demands. The messenger returned with Ce's letter and went to see Yuan Shu. After reading the letter, Shu thundered, saying, "Suckling baby, how dare you deny my request! I shall crush you first!" Yang Da Jiang, the Chief Clerk, kept urging caution so that Yuan Shu held in his anger.