Lord Guan, escorting the two ladies and accompanied by Sun Qian, pressed on toward Runan. To his dismay, Xiahou Dun, leading over three hundred cavalry, gave chase from behind. Sun Qian urged the carriage forward, while Lord Guan reined in his horse, turned, and rested his blade across his saddle. “Why do you pursue me?” he demanded. “This ill becomes the Chancellor’s magnanimity.” Xiahou Dun replied, “The Chancellor has issued no written order for your passage. You killed men along the road and even slew one of my own officers—an insolence beyond measure! I have come to take you alive and deliver you to the Chancellor for judgment.” With that, he spurred his horse and leveled his spear, eager for combat.
But a single rider came galloping from behind, shouting, “Do not engage Lord Guan in battle!” Lord Guan held his reins steady, unmoving. The messenger drew an official document from his breast and addressed Xiahou Dun: “The Chancellor, honoring Lord Guan’s loyalty and righteousness and fearing that the passes might bar his way, has sent me with this decree to be issued everywhere.” Xiahou Dun countered, “Does the Chancellor know that Guan has slain the garrison commanders at every pass?” The messenger replied, “Of that, he is unaware.” Xiahou Dun said, “Then I shall take him alive to see the Chancellor, and let the Chancellor himself release him.” Lord Guan’s anger flared. “Do you think I fear you?” He spurred his horse and, blade in hand, charged straight at Xiahou Dun, who met him with leveled spear. Their horses crossed, and they had exchanged fewer than ten blows when another rider flew toward them, crying out, “Lord Guan, General Xiahou, call a truce!” Xiahou Dun lowered his spear and asked the messenger, “Does the Chancellor order me to seize Guan?” The messenger replied, “No. The Chancellor, fearing that the garrison commanders might block Lord Guan’s path, has sent me with yet another writ to grant him passage.” Xiahou Dun pressed, “Does the Chancellor know of the killings along the road?” “He does not,” said the messenger. “Then, since he does not know, I cannot let him go.” He signaled his troops to surround Lord Guan. Enraged, Lord Guan brandished his blade and prepared to fight.
As the two were about to clash, another rider galloped from behind the formation, shouting, “Lord Guan, Yuanrang! Cease this conflict!” All turned to look—it was Zhang Liao. Both men reined in their horses. Zhang Liao rode forward and said, “By the Chancellor’s command: hearing that Lord Guan had slain gatekeepers and officers, and fearing obstacles on the road, he specially sent me to instruct all checkpoints to let him pass freely.” Xiahou Dun objected, “Qin Qi was the nephew of Cai Yang. Cai Yang entrusted him to my care, and now Guan has killed him. How can Cai Yang let this rest?” Zhang Liao replied, “When I see General Cai, I shall explain the matter. Since the Chancellor, in his great magnanimity, has ordered Lord Guan’s release, you must not defy his will.” Reluctantly, Xiahou Dun withdrew his troops. Zhang Liao then asked, “Lord Guan, where do you intend to go?” Lord Guan answered, “I have heard that my elder brother is no longer with Yuan Shao. I shall now search the realm until I find him.” Zhang Liao suggested, “Since you do not know where Xuande is, why not return to see the Chancellor?” Lord Guan laughed. “How could that be proper? When you return, Wen Yuan, please convey my apologies.” With that, he clasped his hands in farewell to Zhang Liao. Zhang Liao and Xiahou Dun led their troops back.
Lord Guan caught up with the carriage and related the incident to Sun Qian. The two rode side by side. After several days of travel, a torrential downpour soaked their baggage. In the distance, on a hillside, they spotted a farmstead. Lord Guan led the carriage there to seek shelter. An old man came out to greet them. Lord Guan explained their purpose. The old man said, “My surname is Guo, my given name Chang. My family has lived here for generations. I have long heard of your great name and am honored to pay my respects.” He had a sheep slaughtered and wine set out in their honor, and invited the two ladies to rest in the rear hall. Guo Chang entertained Lord Guan and Sun Qian in the main hall, while their luggage was dried by the fire and their horses fed. As dusk fell, a young man entered the farm with several followers, striding straight into the hall. Guo Chang called out, “My son, come pay your respects to the general.” Turning to Lord Guan, he said, “This is my foolish boy.” Lord Guan asked where he had been. “Returning from a hunt,” the youth replied. After greeting Lord Guan, he left the hall. Guo Chang, tears streaming, said, “My family has lived by farming and scholarship for generations. I have only this one son, but he neglects his proper duties and spends his days hunting. This is our family’s misfortune!” Lord Guan said, “In these chaotic times, if he becomes skilled in the martial arts, he may still win fame and rank. Why call it misfortune?” Guo Chang replied, “If he were willing to study the arts of war, he would be a man of ambition. But he devotes himself solely to idleness and debauchery—this is what worries me!” Lord Guan sighed in sympathy.
Late into the night, Guo Chang excused himself. Lord Guan and Sun Qian were about to retire when they heard horses neighing and men shouting in the rear courtyard. Lord Guan called for his attendants, but none answered. Taking his sword, he and Sun Qian went to investigate. There they found Guo Chang’s son lying on the ground, groaning, while Lord Guan’s attendants were scuffling with the farmhands. Lord Guan demanded an explanation. One of his attendants said, “This man tried to steal Red Hare, but the horse kicked him down. When we heard the noise and came to check, the farmhands turned on us.” Lord Guan’s anger kindled. “How dare a rat like you try to steal my horse!” He was about to strike when Guo Chang rushed over, pleading, “My worthless son has committed a crime deserving of ten thousand deaths! But my wife dotes on him. I beg you, General, in your mercy, forgive him!” Lord Guan said, “This son is indeed unfilial, just as you said earlier.
Truly, a father knows his son. For your sake, I will spare him this once.” He ordered his men to guard the horse well, dismissed the farmhands, and returned to the hall with Sun Qian to rest.
The next morning, Guo Chang and his wife came to kowtow before the hall, thanking him: “Our foolish son offended your majestic presence. We are deeply grateful for your mercy.” Lord Guan told them to summon the youth, saying, “Let me instruct him with proper words.” Guo Chang replied, “At the fourth watch, he took some ruffians and disappeared—where, we do not know.” Lord Guan took his leave of Guo Chang, helped the two ladies into the carriage, and departed the farm. He and Sun Qian rode side by side, guarding the carriage as they took a mountain path.
They had traveled less than thirty li when over a hundred men emerged from behind the hills. Two riders led them: the first, a man with a yellow turban wrapped around his head, clad in battle robes; the second was Guo Chang’s son. The yellow-turbaned man shouted, “I am a general under the Celestial General, Zhang Jiao! Leave Red Hare behind, and I will let you pass!” Lord Guan laughed heartily. “Ignorant bandit! Since you once served Zhang Jiao, do you know the names of the three brothers—Liu, Guan, and Zhang?” The yellow-turbaned man replied, “I have only heard of the red-faced, long-bearded one named Guan Yunchang, but I have never seen his face. Who are you?” Lord Guan sheathed his blade, halted his horse, opened his beard pouch, and let his long beard fall into view. The man tumbled from his horse, seized Guo Chang’s son by the hair, and threw him at Lord Guan’s feet in submission. Lord Guan asked his name. He replied, “My surname is Pei, my given name Yuanshao. After Zhang Jiao’s death, I had no master, so I gathered a band in the mountains, hiding here. This morning, this wretch came to me, saying a traveler with a thousand-li steed was lodging at his home, and invited me to seize the horse. I never expected to encounter you, General.” Guo Chang’s son kowtowed, begging for his life. Lord Guan said, “For your father’s sake, I spare you!” The young man fled, head tucked, like a rat scurrying away.
Lord Guan said to Pei Yuanshao, “You did not recognize my face, so how did you know my name?” Pei Yuanshao replied, “Twenty li from here is Mount Woniou. On that mountain lives a man from west of the pass, named Zhou Cang. His arms have the strength of a thousand catties; he has a ribbed chest and a curly beard, with a magnificent bearing. He was once a general under Zhang Bao of the Yellow Turbans. After Zhang Bao died, he gathered a band in the mountains. He often spoke of your great fame and lamented that he had no way to meet you.” Lord Guan said, “The greenwood is no place for a hero to make his stand. From now on, you and your men should abandon evil and return to righteousness. Do not sink yourselves further.” Pei Yuanshao bowed in gratitude.
As they spoke, a band of horsemen appeared in the distance. Pei Yuanshao said, “That must be Zhou Cang.” Lord Guan reined in his horse and waited. Presently, a tall, dark-faced man appeared, spear in hand, riding at the head of his men. When he saw Lord Guan, he exclaimed in surprise and joy, “That is Lord Guan!” He quickly dismounted, prostrated himself by the roadside, and said, “Zhou Cang pays his respects.” Lord Guan asked, “Good warrior, where did you recognize me?” Zhou Cang replied, “When I served under Zhang Bao of the Yellow Turbans, I once saw your honored face. I have always regretted being trapped among the rebels and unable to follow you. Today, I am blessed to see you. I beg you, General, do not cast me aside. Take me as a common foot soldier, to hold your whip and stirrup day and night—even death would be sweet!” Seeing his sincerity, Lord Guan said, “If you follow me, what of your men?” Zhou Cang replied, “Those willing, let them all come; those unwilling, let them go.” All the men declared, “We are willing to follow.” Lord Guan dismounted and went to the carriage to consult the two ladies. Lady Gan said, “Since leaving Xuchang, you have traveled alone, enduring countless hardships, and never needed an army. Earlier, when Liao Hua wished to join you, you refused him. Why now accept Zhou Cang’s followers? We women have shallow views—you must decide for yourself.” Lord Guan said, “What my sister-in-law says is right.” He then told Zhou Cang, “It is not that I am ungrateful, but the two ladies do not consent. Return to the mountains for now. When I find my elder brother, I will surely summon you.” Zhou Cang kowtowed and pleaded, “I am a rough and simple man, who fell into banditry. Now that I have met you, General, it is like seeing the sun after long darkness—how could I bear to miss this chance? If it is inconvenient to bring all my men, let them follow Pei Yuanshao. I will follow you on foot, alone, even ten thousand li—I will not refuse!” Lord Guan relayed this to the two ladies. Lady Gan said, “One or two followers will do no harm.” Lord Guan then ordered Zhou Cang to assign his men to accompany Pei Yuanshao. Pei Yuanshao said, “I also wish to follow Lord Guan.” Zhou Cang replied, “If you go, the men will scatter. For now, you must lead them. I will go with Lord Guan, and when we find a place to settle, I will come for you.” Pei Yuanshao departed, disgruntled.
Zhou Cang followed Lord Guan as they pressed on toward Runan. After several days, they saw a walled city in the distance. Lord Guan asked a local, “What place is this?” The local replied, “This is called Ancient City. A few months ago, a general named Zhang Fei came with a few dozen riders, drove out the magistrate, seized the city, and began recruiting troops and purchasing horses, stockpiling grain and fodder. Now he has gathered three to five thousand men, and none dare oppose him for miles around.” Lord Guan rejoiced. “My younger brother was lost since Xuzhou fell, and I never knew his whereabouts. Who would have thought he was here!” He ordered Sun Qian to enter the city first and announce his arrival, asking Zhang Fei to come and welcome the two ladies.
Zhang Fei, after staying in the Mangdang Mountains for over a month, had ventured out to seek news of Xuande. Passing by Ancient City, he had entered the county to borrow grain. When the magistrate refused, Zhang Fei flew into a rage, drove him out, seized the seal, and took possession of the city as a temporary refuge. On this day, Sun Qian, following Lord Guan’s orders, entered the city to see Zhang Fei. After exchanging formal greetings, he reported, “Xuande has left Yuan Shao and gone to Runan. Now Lord Guan has come directly from Xuchang, escorting the two ladies here. Please, General, go out to welcome him.” Zhang Fei said nothing in reply. He immediately donned his armor, took up his spear, mounted his horse, and led over a thousand men straight out the north gate. Sun Qian, astonished, dared not ask questions and could only follow. Lord Guan, seeing Zhang Fei approach, was overjoyed. He handed his blade to Zhou Cang and spurred his horse forward to greet him. But Zhang Fei, eyes bulging like bells and tiger whiskers bristling, let out a roar like thunder and thrust his spear at Lord Guan. Lord Guan, startled, dodged hastily and cried, “Elder Brother, why do you act like this? Have you forgotten the oath of the Peach Garden?” Zhang Fei shouted, “You have no honor! How dare you show your face to me?” Lord Guan said, “How have I been dishonorable?” Zhang Fei replied, “You betrayed our elder brother, surrendered to Cao Cao, and accepted rank and reward. Now you come to deceive me! I will fight you to the death!” Lord Guan said, “You do not know the truth! It is hard for me to explain. But our two sisters-in-law are here. Ask them yourself.” The two ladies, hearing this, lifted the carriage curtain and called out, “Third Brother, why do you act thus?” Zhang Fei said, “Sisters-in-law, wait. Let me kill this faithless man first, then I will welcome you into the city.” Lady Gan said, “Your second brother did not know where you were, so he temporarily took shelter with Cao Cao. Now, learning that your elder brother is in Runan, he has braved every danger to bring us here. Do not misjudge him, Third Brother.” Lady Mi added, “Your second brother’s stay in Xuchang was a matter of necessity.” Zhang Fei said, “Sisters-in-law, do not let him deceive you! A loyal minister would rather die than suffer dishonor. How can a true man serve two masters?” Lord Guan pleaded, “Elder Brother, do not wrong me.” Sun Qian said, “Lord Guan has come specifically to find you.” Zhang Fei snapped, “How dare you talk nonsense too! He has no good intentions—he must be here to capture me!” Lord Guan said, “If I came to capture you, I would have brought an army.” Zhang Fei pointed and said, “Is that not an army coming now?”
Lord Guan turned and saw, sure enough, a cloud of dust rising as a troop of horsemen approached. The wind unfurled their banners—they were Cao Cao’s soldiers. Zhang Fei’s rage boiled over. “And now you still try to deceive me?” He leveled his eighteen-foot serpent spear and thrust. Lord Guan quickly stopped him. “Elder Brother, wait. Watch me slay this approaching general to prove my sincerity.” Zhang Fei said, “If you are sincere, I will beat the drum three times. By then, you must have killed him!” Lord Guan agreed. Soon, the Cao army arrived. At their head was General Cai Yang, who reined in his horse and shouted, “You killed my nephew, Qin Qi, and now you flee here! I am here by the Chancellor’s order to take you!” Lord Guan said not a word, but raised his blade and struck. Zhang Fei himself beat the war drum. Before the first roll of the drum had ended, Lord Guan’s blade had already felled Cai Yang, his head tumbling to the ground. The Cao soldiers scattered. Lord Guan seized a standard-bearer alive and questioned him. The soldier reported, “When General Cai Yang heard that you had killed his nephew, he was furious and wanted to cross the Yellow River to fight you. The Chancellor refused and instead sent him to attack Liu Pi in Runan. He never expected to meet you here.” Lord Guan ordered the soldier to tell his story to Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei questioned the man closely about Lord Guan’s time in Xuchang. The soldier recounted everything from beginning to end, and only then did Zhang Fei believe.
As they spoke, soldiers from the city reported, “A dozen or so riders are approaching fast from outside the south gate. We do not know who they are.” Zhang Fei, still suspicious, went to the south gate to see. Indeed, a dozen light horsemen, bows and arrows at the ready, were riding toward them. Seeing Zhang Fei, they dismounted in haste. They were Mi Zhu and Mi Fang. Zhang Fei also dismounted to greet them. Mi Zhu said, “After the fall of Xuzhou, we two brothers fled to our hometown. We sent inquiries far and wide and learned that Lord Guan had surrendered to Cao Cao, that our lord was in Hebei, and that Jian Yong had also gone there. We did not know you were here. Yesterday, on the road, we met some travelers who spoke of a general named Zhang, with such-and-such a description, now holding Ancient City. We guessed it must be you, so we came to find you. How fortunate to meet you!” Zhang Fei said, “Elder Brother Guan and Sun Qian have just arrived with our two sisters-in-law. I now know our elder brother’s whereabouts.” The two Mi brothers were overjoyed and went with Zhang Fei to see Lord Guan and pay their respects to the two ladies. Zhang Fei then welcomed the ladies into the city. When they were seated in the government office, the two ladies recounted all that Lord Guan had endured. Only then did Zhang Fei burst into tears and bow in homage to Lord Guan. The two Mi brothers also grieved. Zhang Fei then told his own story since their separation, and they held a feast to celebrate.
The next day, Zhang Fei wanted to go with Lord Guan to Runan to see Xuande. Lord Guan said, “Elder Brother, you should protect our two sisters-in-law and stay in this city for now. Let Sun Qian and me go ahead to find our elder brother.” Zhang Fei agreed. Lord Guan and Sun Qian, with a few riders, galloped toward Runan. Liu Pi and Gong Du received them. Lord Guan asked, “Where is the Imperial Uncle?” Liu Pi replied, “The Imperial Uncle stayed here for a few days, but seeing that his forces were too few, he returned to Yuan Shao in Hebei to seek reinforcements.” Lord Guan’s spirits fell. Sun Qian said, “Do not worry. Let us make one more arduous journey to Hebei to inform the Imperial Uncle, and then return together to Ancient City.” Lord Guan agreed. He took leave of Liu Pi and Gong Du, returned to Ancient City, and told Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei wanted to go to Hebei with him. Lord Guan said, “This city is our refuge. We cannot abandon it lightly. Let Sun Qian and me go to Yuan Shao to find our elder brother and bring him here. You must hold this city.” Zhang Fei said, “But you killed his generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou—how can you go?” Lord Guan replied, “Do not worry. I will adapt to circumstances when I get there.” He then summoned Zhou Cang and asked, “How many men does Pei Yuanshao have at Mount Woniou?” Zhou Cang said, “About four or five hundred.” Lord Guan said, “I will take a shortcut to find our elder brother. You go to Mount Woniou, gather that force, and bring them along the main road.” Zhou Cang accepted the order and departed.
Lord Guan and Sun Qian, with only about twenty riders, headed for Hebei. As they neared the border, Sun Qian said, “General, do not enter lightly. Rest here for a while. Let me go ahead, see the Imperial Uncle, and then we can decide.” Lord Guan agreed. He sent Sun Qian ahead and, seeing a farmstead in the distance, went with his men to seek lodging. An old man, leaning on a staff, came out and greeted Lord Guan. Lord Guan told him the truth. The old man said, “My surname is also Guan, my given name Ding. I have long heard of your great fame and am honored to meet you.” He called his two sons out to pay respects and insisted that Lord Guan and his men stay at the farm.
Sun Qian, riding alone, entered Jizhou and saw Xuande, reporting everything. Xuande said, “Jian Yong is also here. Summon him secretly to discuss our plan.” Soon, Jian Yong arrived. After exchanging greetings with Sun Qian, they discussed how to escape. Jian Yong said, “My lord, tomorrow when you see Yuan Shao, tell him you wish to go to Jing Province to persuade Liu Biao to join in an attack on Cao Cao. Then you can slip away.” Xuande said, “An excellent plan! But can you come with me?” Jian Yong replied, “I have my own escape plan.” Having agreed, the next day Xuande went to see Yuan Shao and said, “Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing and Xiang, has a well-trained army and ample supplies. We should ally with him to attack Cao Cao.” Yuan Shao said, “I have sent envoys to him before, but he refused.” Xuande said, “He is of my clan. If I go to persuade him, he will not refuse.” Yuan Shao said, “If we win Liu Biao, it would be far better than having Liu Pi.” He ordered Xuande to go. Then Yuan Shao added, “I have heard that Guan Yunchang has left Cao Cao and intends to come to Hebei. I must kill him to avenge Yan Liang and Wen Chou!” Xuande said, “Your Excellency, you wanted to employ him before, so I summoned him. Why do you now want to kill him? Yan Liang and Wen Chou were but two deer; Yunchang is a tiger. To lose two deer and gain a tiger—what is there to regret?” Yuan Shao laughed. “I truly admire him. I was only joking. Send for him again and tell him to come quickly.” Xuande said, “Then let me send Sun Qian to summon him.” Yuan Shao was delighted and agreed. After Xuande left, Jian Yong approached Yuan Shao and said, “Xuande will not return. Let me go with him—first, to help persuade Liu Biao, and second, to keep watch on Xuande.” Yuan Shao agreed and ordered Jian Yong to accompany Xuande. Guo Tu warned Yuan Shao, “Liu Bei went to persuade Liu Pi before, but nothing came of it. Now you send him with Jian Yong to Jing Province—he will not return.” Yuan Shao said, “Do not be so suspicious. Jian Yong knows what he is doing.” Guo Tu sighed and withdrew.
Xuande first sent Sun Qian out of the city to report to Lord Guan. Then, with Jian Yong, he took leave of Yuan Shao, mounted his horse, and rode out of the city. At the border, Sun Qian met them, and they all went together to Guan Ding’s farm. Lord Guan greeted them at the gate, clasping Xuande’s hands, weeping uncontrollably. Guan Ding led his two sons to bow before the hall. Xuande asked their names. Lord Guan said, “This man shares my surname. He has two sons: the elder, Guan Ning, studies literature; the younger, Guan Ping, studies martial arts.” Guan Ding said, “I wish to send my younger son to follow Lord Guan. Will you accept him?” Xuande asked, “How old is he?” Guan Ding replied, “Eighteen.” Xuande said, “Since you are so generous, and my younger brother has no son yet, let your son become his adopted son. What do you think?” Guan Ding was overjoyed and ordered Guan Ping to kowtow to Lord Guan as his father and address Xuande as his uncle. Fearing Yuan Shao might give chase, Xuande hurriedly prepared to depart. Guan Ping went with Lord Guan, and they set out together. Guan Ding escorted them for a distance and then returned.
Lord Guan ordered the road to Mount Woniou. As they traveled, they saw Zhou Cang approaching with a few dozen men, all wounded. Lord Guan introduced him to Xuande. When asked how he was injured, Zhou Cang said, “Before I reached Mount Woniou, a lone rider had already arrived. He fought Pei Yuanshao, killed him in a single exchange, and persuaded all his men to surrender, taking over the stronghold. When I went to recruit them, only these few came. The rest were too afraid to leave. Angered, I fought that general, but he defeated me several times and struck me three times with his spear. That is why I came to report.” Xuande asked, “What did this man look like? What is his name?” Zhou Cang replied, “He is extremely valiant, but I do not know his name.” Lord Guan spurred his horse ahead, with Xuande behind, and they rode straight for Mount Woniou. Zhou Cang shouted insults from the foot of the mountain. Soon, the general, fully armed, spear in hand, rode down with his men. Xuande raised his whip and called out, “Is that not Zilong?” The general, seeing Xuande, dismounted in haste and prostrated himself by the road. It was indeed Zhao Zilong. Xuande and Lord Guan both dismounted to greet him, asking how he had come to be there. Zhao Yun said, “After I parted from you, Gongsun Zan refused to listen to good counsel and was defeated and burned to death. Yuan Shao summoned me many times, but I knew he was not one to employ men wisely, so I did not go. Later, I wanted to go to Xuzhou to join you, but I heard Xuzhou had fallen, Lord Guan had surrendered to Cao Cao, and you were with Yuan Shao. I wanted to come to you several times, but feared Yuan Shao would take offense. I drifted across the realm with nowhere to rest. Recently, I passed by here and happened to meet Pei Yuanshao coming down the mountain to seize my horse. I killed him and took this place as a temporary refuge. I heard recently that Yide was in Ancient City and wanted to join him, but I was not sure if it was true. Now, how fortunate to meet you!” Xuande was overjoyed and recounted all that had happened. Lord Guan also told his story. Xuande said, “When I first saw Zilong, I felt a deep attachment. Now, how blessed I am to meet you again!” Zhao Yun said, “I have wandered the four corners of the earth, seeking a master worthy of serving, but none have been like you. Now that I can follow you, my life’s wish is fulfilled. Even if I were to die a thousand deaths, I would have no regrets.” That very day, they burned the mountain stronghold, gathered all the men, and followed Xuande to Ancient City.
Zhang Fei, Mi Zhu, and Mi Fang welcomed them into the city. They all bowed and recounted their stories. The two ladies told of Lord Guan’s deeds, and Xuande sighed deeply. Then they slaughtered cattle and horses, first offering thanks to Heaven and Earth, and then feasting the entire army. Xuande, seeing his brothers reunited, his officers and men all present, and having gained Zhao Yun, while Lord Guan had gained Guan Ping and Zhou Cang, was filled with boundless joy. They feasted for several days. A poet of later times wrote of this reunion: At that time, the brothers were scattered like a melon split in two, with no news or word to be heard. But now, lord and subject gathered once more in righteousness, like a dragon and tiger meeting amidst wind and clouds.
At this time, Xuande, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang commanded a force of four to five thousand cavalry and infantry. Xuande was considering abandoning Ancient City to garrison Runan when, just at that moment, Liu Pi and Gong Du sent messengers to invite him. So he led the army to Runan, where they settled, recruited troops, and purchased horses, biding their time to expand their power. Of this, we shall say no more.
When Yuan Shao saw that Xuande did not return, he flew into a rage and wanted to raise an army to attack him. Guo Tu said, “Liu Bei is not worth worrying about. Cao Cao is the real threat and must be eliminated. Liu Biao, though he holds Jing Province, is not strong. In the east, Sun Bofu’s might shakes the three rivers, and his territory stretches across six commanderies, with many strategists and warriors. Send an envoy to form an alliance with him and attack Cao Cao together.” Yuan Shao agreed. He wrote a letter and sent Chen Zhen as envoy to meet Sun Ce. And so it was: Because a hero from Hebei departed, a champion from Jiangdong emerged. What happened next? Hear it in the following chapter.