Just as Cao Cao raised his sword to execute Zhang Liao, Liu Bei seized his arm, and Guan Yu knelt before him. Liu Bei said, "A man of such unwavering loyalty deserves to be kept in service." Guan Yu added, "I have long known Wenyan to be a man of honor and righteousness, and I stake my life on his behalf." Cao Cao threw down his sword with a laugh. "I too know Wenyan is loyal and righteous—I was merely testing him." He personally untied Zhang Liao, draped a robe over his shoulders, and seated him in the place of honor. Zhang Liao, moved by this gesture, surrendered. Cao Cao appointed him General of the Household, granting him the title of Marquis of Guannei, and ordered him to persuade Zang Ba to submit. When Zang Ba heard that Lü Bu was dead and Zhang Liao had surrendered, he led his own troops to capitulate. Cao Cao rewarded him generously. Zang Ba then persuaded Sun Guan, Wu Dun, and Yin Li to surrender as well, though Chang Xi alone refused to yield. Cao Cao appointed Zang Ba as Chancellor of Langya Commandery, while Sun Guan and the others received promotions and were tasked with guarding the coastal regions of Qing and Xu Provinces. Lü Bu's wife and daughter were sent back to Xuchang. After a grand feast for the troops, the army struck camp and began its triumphant return. Passing through Xu Province, the people burned incense and blocked the road, begging for Liu Bei to remain as their governor. Cao Cao said, "Lord Liu's achievements are great. Let him first see the Emperor to receive his title and rank; he can return afterward." The people bowed in gratitude. Cao Cao ordered General of Chariots and Cavalry Che Zhou to temporarily govern Xu Province. The army returned to Xuchang, where Cao Cao rewarded his officers and arranged for Liu Bei to stay in a residence near the Chancellor's mansion.
The next day, Emperor Xian held court. Cao Cao memorialized Liu Bei's military accomplishments and brought him before the throne. Liu Bei, dressed in court robes, knelt on the crimson steps. The Emperor summoned him to the hall and asked, "Who was your ancestor?" Liu Bei replied, "I am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, the great-great-grandson of Emperor Jing of the Han dynasty. I am the grandson of Liu Xiong and the son of Liu Hong." The Emperor ordered the imperial genealogy to be examined, and the Minister of the Imperial Clan read aloud:
"Emperor Jing had fourteen sons. The seventh was Prince Jing of Zhongshan, Liu Sheng. Sheng bore Liu Zhen, Marquis of Lucheng. Zhen bore Liu Ang, Marquis of Pei. Ang bore Liu Lu, Marquis of Zhang. Lu bore Liu Lian, Marquis of Yishui. Lian bore Liu Ying, Marquis of Qinyang. Ying bore Liu Jian, Marquis of Anguo. Jian bore Liu Ai, Marquis of Guangling. Ai bore Liu Xian, Marquis of Jiaoshui. Xian bore Liu Shu, Marquis of Zuyi. Shu bore Liu Yi, Marquis of Qiyang. Yi bore Liu Bi, Marquis of Yuanze. Bi bore Liu Da, Marquis of Yingchuan. Da bore Liu Buyi, Marquis of Fengling. Buyi bore Liu Hui, Marquis of Jichuan. Hui bore Liu Xiong, Prefect of Fan County in Dong Commandery. Xiong bore Liu Hong. Hong never held office. Liu Bei is the son of Liu Hong."
When the Emperor traced the lineage, he found that Liu Bei was indeed his uncle. Overjoyed, the Emperor invited Liu Bei into a side hall to honor him as a nephew. The Emperor thought secretly, "Cao Cao manipulates power, and state affairs are beyond my control. Now I have this heroic uncle—I have an ally!" He then appointed Liu Bei General of the Left and Marquis of Yicheng. After a banquet, Liu Bei thanked the Emperor and withdrew. From that day on, he was known as Imperial Uncle Liu.
When Cao Cao returned to his residence, Xun Yu and his other strategists came to see him. "The Emperor has recognized Liu Bei as his uncle," they said. "This may not benefit you, my lord." Cao Cao replied, "If the Emperor considers him an uncle, I can command him with imperial decrees, and he will be even more bound to obey. Besides, I keep him here in Xuchang—though he appears close to the throne, he is truly in my grasp. What do I have to fear? My real concern is Grand Commandant Yang Biao, who is related to Yuan Shu by marriage. If he conspires with the Yuans, the harm could be great. I must remove him immediately." He secretly ordered someone to falsely accuse Yang Biao of colluding with Yuan Shu. Yang Biao was arrested and imprisoned, and Man Chong was assigned to interrogate him. At that time, Kong Rong, Grand Administrator of Beihai, was in Xuchang. He admonished Cao Cao, saying, "The Yang family has upheld pure virtue for four generations. How can you punish him for Yuan Shu's sake?" Cao Cao replied, "This is the court's will." Kong Rong retorted, "If King Cheng had executed the Duke of Shao, could the Duke of Zhou claim ignorance?" Reluctantly, Cao Cao dismissed Yang Biao from office and sent him back to his fields. Then a court gentleman named Zhao Yan, outraged by Cao Cao's tyranny, submitted a memorial accusing him of disregarding the Emperor's decrees and unlawfully arresting a high minister. Cao Cao flew into a rage, arrested Zhao Yan, and executed him. From then on, all the officials trembled in fear. The strategist Cheng Yu advised Cao Cao, "Your prestige grows daily, my lord. Why not seize this opportunity to claim the throne?" Cao Cao replied, "There are still many ministers in the court. I cannot act rashly. I shall invite the Emperor on a hunt to observe the situation."
He then selected fine horses, famous hawks, sleek hounds, and bows and arrows, gathered his troops outside the city, and entered the palace to invite the Emperor on a hunt. The Emperor said, "A hunt may not be proper." Cao Cao replied, "In ancient times, emperors hunted in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, venturing into the wilds to display their martial might to the realm. In these times of chaos, a hunt is the perfect way to practice military arts." The Emperor dared not refuse. He mounted his Carefree Horse, took his jeweled bow and golden-tipped arrows, and set out from the city with his imperial retinue. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, each carrying a bow and arrows, wore armor beneath their robes and bore weapons, leading a few dozen horsemen to accompany the Emperor out of Xuchang. Cao Cao rode his Dappled Yellow Lightning Horse, leading a hundred thousand troops, and hunted with the Emperor at Xutian. The soldiers formed a hunting ground spanning over two hundred li in circumference. Cao Cao rode side by side with the Emperor, only a horse's head behind him. Behind Cao Cao were all his trusted generals and officers. The civil and military officials followed at a distance—who dared to approach? That day, Emperor Xian galloped to Xutian. Liu Bei paid his respects by the roadside. The Emperor said, "Today, I wish to see my imperial uncle hunt." Liu Bei mounted his horse. Suddenly, a hare burst from the grass. Liu Bei shot it with a single arrow, hitting the hare squarely. The Emperor cheered. As they rounded an earthen mound, a large deer sprang from the thorny bushes. The Emperor shot three arrows but missed.
Turning to Cao Cao, he said, "You shoot it." Cao Cao took the Emperor's jeweled bow and golden-tipped arrows, drew the string to its full, and loosed an arrow that struck the deer squarely in the back, felling it in the grass. The officials and officers, seeing the golden-tipped arrows, assumed the Emperor had made the shot and rushed forward, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Cao Cao spurred his horse forward, blocking the Emperor, and received the cheers himself. Everyone was stunned. Behind Liu Bei, Guan Yu's anger flared. His silkworm eyebrows shot up, his phoenix eyes blazed, and he raised his blade, urging his horse forward to cut down Cao Cao. But Liu Bei quickly waved his hand and shot him a warning glance. Seeing his elder brother's signal, Guan Yu dared not move. Liu Bei bowed to Cao Cao and said, "The Chancellor's marksmanship is unmatched in the world!" Cao Cao laughed and replied, "This is due to the Emperor's great fortune." He turned his horse and bowed to the Emperor in congratulations, but did not return the jeweled bow—he kept it hanging at his side. When the hunt ended, a feast was held at Xutian. Afterward, the Emperor returned to Xuchang, and everyone went to their homes. Guan Yu asked Liu Bei, "That traitor Cao Cao insults the Emperor and defies Heaven itself. I wanted to kill him to rid the realm of a scourge. Why did you stop me?" Liu Bei replied, "One must be cautious not to harm the precious vessel when throwing a stone at a rat. Cao Cao was only a horse's head away from the Emperor, surrounded by his trusted men.
If you had acted in a moment of anger and failed, you might have harmed the Emperor, and the blame would have fallen on us." Guan Yu said, "If we don't kill him today, he will bring disaster later." Liu Bei replied, "Keep this secret. Do not speak of it lightly."
Meanwhile, Emperor Xian returned to the palace and wept to Empress Fu. "Since I ascended the throne," he said, "tyrants have arisen one after another. First I suffered under Dong Zhuo, then the chaos of Li Jue and Guo Si. The sufferings that ordinary people have never endured—you and I have borne them. Then I found Cao Cao and thought he would be a pillar of the state. But instead, he monopolizes power and abuses his authority. Every time I see him, I feel as if thorns are piercing my back. Today at the hunt, he blocked me and received the cheers himself—an act of supreme insolence! Sooner or later, he will make a move against us. I do not know where you and I will die!" Empress Fu replied, "All the ministers in court eat the Han's grain. Is there no one who can save the state from this crisis?" Before she finished, a man entered from outside and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, do not worry. I know someone who can rid the realm of this scourge." The Emperor looked up and saw it was Fu Wan, the Empress's father. Wiping his tears, the Emperor asked, "Does my father-in-law also know of Cao Cao's tyranny?" Fu Wan replied, "Who did not see what happened at the Xutian hunt? But the entire court is filled with either Cao Cao's relatives or his followers. Who would be loyal enough to destroy the traitor, except a member of the imperial family? I have no power and cannot accomplish this. But the General of Chariots and Cavalry, Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng, can be entrusted with the task." The Emperor said, "Imperial Uncle Dong has often come to the state's aid in times of crisis. I know him well. Summon him to the inner court so we can discuss the matter." Fu Wan said, "All those around Your Majesty are Cao Cao's confidants. If the plan leaks, the disaster will be immense." The Emperor asked, "Then what should we do?" Fu Wan replied, "I have a plan. Your Majesty can make a robe and take a jade belt, secretly bestow them upon Dong Cheng, and sew a secret edict into the lining of the belt. When he returns home and sees the edict, he can plan day and night, and no ghost or god will know." The Emperor agreed, and Fu Wan took his leave.
The Emperor then composed a secret edict. Biting his finger until it bled, he wrote it in blood, secretly ordering Empress Fu to sew it into the purple brocade lining of the jade belt. He then put on the brocade robe, fastened the belt himself, and ordered the inner secretary to summon Dong Cheng. When Dong Cheng arrived and performed the rites, the Emperor said, "Last night, I spoke with the Empress about our hardships during the crossing of the Ba River. I remembered your great service to the state, so I specially summoned you to express my gratitude." Dong Cheng kowtowed in thanks. The Emperor led Dong Cheng out of the hall, through the imperial temple, and up to the Pavilion of Meritorious Officials. After burning incense and performing the rites, the Emperor showed Dong Cheng the portraits within. In the center hung a portrait of Emperor Gaozu, the founder of the Han. The Emperor asked, "Where did our ancestor Gaozu rise from, and how did he establish his enterprise?" Dong Cheng was startled and replied, "Your Majesty is jesting with me. How could I not know the deeds of our sacred ancestor? Gaozu rose from being a village chief in Sishang. He wielded a three-foot sword, slew the serpent, and raised a rebellion. He swept across the realm, destroyed the Qin in three years, and vanquished Chu in five—thus winning all under Heaven and laying the foundation for ten thousand generations." The Emperor said, "Our ancestor was so heroic, yet his descendant is so weak—is this not lamentable?" He then pointed to the portraits of two assistants flanking Gaozu. "Are these not Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu, and Xiao He, Marquis of Zan?" Dong Cheng replied, "Indeed. Gaozu's founding of the dynasty truly relied on these two men." The Emperor looked around to ensure the attendants were far away, then whispered to Dong Cheng, "You too should stand by my side like these two men." Dong Cheng said, "I have no merit worthy of such honor." The Emperor replied, "I think of your service in rescuing me at the western capital. I have never forgotten it, but I have nothing to give you as a reward." He pointed to the robe and belt he wore. "You should wear this robe and fasten this belt, so you will always be as if by my side." Dong Cheng kowtowed in thanks. The Emperor removed the robe and belt and bestowed them upon Dong Cheng, whispering, "When you return, examine them carefully. Do not disappoint my intentions." Dong Cheng understood. He put on the robe and fastened the belt, then took his leave and descended from the pavilion.
Someone quickly reported to Cao Cao: "The Emperor spoke with Dong Cheng on the Pavilion of Meritorious Officials." Cao Cao immediately entered the court to investigate. As Dong Cheng left the pavilion and passed through the palace gate, he encountered Cao Cao. With no time to avoid him, he stood by the roadside and bowed. Cao Cao asked, "Where has the Imperial Uncle come from?" Dong Cheng replied, "I was just summoned by the Emperor, who bestowed upon me this brocade robe and jade belt." Cao Cao asked, "Why did he give them to you?" Dong Cheng replied, "Because he remembered my service in rescuing him at the western capital." Cao Cao said, "Take off the belt and let me see it." Dong Cheng knew the belt likely contained a secret edict and feared Cao Cao would discover it. He hesitated, delaying. Cao Cao shouted to his attendants, "Take it off at once!" He examined it for a long while, then laughed. "A fine jade belt indeed! Now take off the brocade robe and let me borrow a look." Dong Cheng, trembling with fear, dared not refuse. He removed the robe and presented it. Cao Cao lifted it himself, examining it carefully against the sunlight. After finishing, he put it on himself, fastened the belt, and turned to his attendants. "How does it look?" They praised him. Cao Cao said to Dong Cheng, "Imperial Uncle, why not give this robe and belt to me?" Dong Cheng replied, "This is a gift from the Emperor. I dare not pass it on. Allow me to have another set made for you." Cao Cao said, "You received this robe and belt—could there be some scheme hidden within?" Dong Cheng, startled, replied, "How would I dare? If the Chancellor wants them, I will leave them here." Cao Cao said, "You received the Emperor's gift—how could I take it? I was merely joking." He then removed the robe and belt and returned them to Dong Cheng.
Dong Cheng took his leave of Cao Cao and returned home. That night, he sat alone in his study, examining the robe carefully, turning it over and over, but found nothing. He thought, "The Emperor gave me this robe and belt and told me to examine them carefully—it cannot be without purpose. Yet I see no trace of anything. Why?" He then took the jade belt and inspected it. It was a finely carved piece of white jade, shaped like small dragons threading through flowers, backed by purple brocade lining, neatly sewn. There was nothing there either. Suspicious, he placed it on the table and searched it repeatedly. After a long time, he grew weary. Just as he was about to rest his head on the table and sleep, a spark from the lamp fell onto the belt, burning the backing. Startled, Dong Cheng wiped it away, but it had already burned a hole, revealing a strip of white silk with faint traces of blood. He quickly took a knife, cut it open, and found the Emperor's secret edict, written in blood. The edict read:
"I have heard that among human relationships, the bond between father and son is foremost; among distinctions of rank, the bond between ruler and minister is paramount. Of late, the traitor Cao Cao has abused his power, oppressing his sovereign and father; he has formed factions, corrupted the court's laws; rewards and punishments no longer come from me. I worry day and night, fearing the realm will fall into danger. You are a great minister of the state and my closest relative. You must remember the hardships our ancestor Gaozu endured in founding the dynasty. Gather loyal and righteous men, destroy the traitorous faction, and restore peace to the altars of the nation—this would be the greatest fortune for our ancestors! I have cut my finger and shed blood to write this edict for you. Guard it carefully. Do not disappoint my intentions! Written in the third month of the fourth year of Jian'an."
Dong Cheng read it through, tears streaming down his face. He could not sleep the entire night. At dawn, he returned to the study, reading the edict again and again, but could think of no plan. He placed the edict on the table and sank into deep thought, plotting how to destroy Cao Cao. Still undecided, he rested his head on the table and fell asleep.
Suddenly, Court Gentleman Wang Zifu arrived. The gatekeeper, knowing Wang Zifu was a close friend of Dong Cheng, did not dare to stop him. He entered the study directly and found Dong Cheng asleep on the table, with a strip of white silk peeking out from under his sleeve, faintly revealing the character "I" (the imperial "We"). Suspicious, Wang Zifu silently took it, read it, and hid it in his sleeve. He called out, "Imperial Uncle, how carefree you are! How can you sleep so soundly?" Dong Cheng woke with a start. Seeing the edict was gone, his soul seemed to leave his body. He flailed his hands and feet in panic. Wang Zifu said, "You plan to kill Lord Cao! I will report you." Dong Cheng wept and said, "If you do this, brother, the Han dynasty is finished!" Wang Zifu replied, "I was joking. My ancestors have eaten the Han's grain for generations. How could I lack loyalty? I am willing to help you destroy the traitor to the state." Dong Cheng said, "If you have such a heart, it is the state's great fortune!" Wang Zifu said, "We must swear an oath in a secret chamber, each risking the extermination of our three clans, to repay the Han emperor." Overjoyed, Dong Cheng took a strip of white silk, wrote his name, and signed it. Wang Zifu did the same. When they finished, Wang Zifu said, "General Wu Zilan is a close friend of mine. He can join our plot." Dong Cheng replied, "Among the court officials, only Colonel of the Changshui Camp Zhong Ji and Court Gentleman Wu Shuo are my trusted men. They will surely work with us." Just as they were discussing, a servant reported that Zhong Ji and Wu Shuo had come to visit.
Dong Cheng said, "Heaven helps us!" He told Wang Zifu to hide behind a screen. He received the two men and seated them in the study. After tea, Zhong Ji said, "Do you also harbor resentment over the hunt at Xutian?" Dong Cheng replied, "Though I resent it, I can do nothing." Wu Shuo said, "I have sworn to kill that traitor, but I regret having no one to help me." Zhong Ji added, "To rid the state of a scourge, I would die without regret!" Wang Zifu emerged from behind the screen and said, "You two want to kill the Chancellor! I will report you, and Imperial Uncle Dong will be my witness." Zhong Ji angrily replied, "A loyal minister does not fear death! We would rather die as ghosts of Han than be like you, groveling before a traitor!" Dong Cheng laughed and said, "We were just discussing this matter and wanted to see you two. Court Gentleman Wang was joking." He then took the edict from his sleeve and showed it to them. They read it, weeping uncontrollably. Dong Cheng asked them to sign their names. Wang Zifu said, "Wait here for a moment. I will fetch Wu Zilan." Wang Zifu soon returned with Wu Zilan, who met everyone and signed his name as well. Dong Cheng invited them all to the rear hall for a feast.
Suddenly, a servant reported that Ma Teng, Grand Administrator of Xiliang, had come to visit. Dong Cheng said, "Just say I am ill and cannot receive him." The gatekeeper relayed the message. Ma Teng flew into a rage. "I saw him myself last night at the East Flower Gate, leaving in his brocade robe and jade belt! Why does he claim illness? I did not come without purpose—why does he refuse me?" The gatekeeper reported Ma Teng's anger to Dong Cheng. Dong Cheng rose and said, "Wait here for a moment. Let me go out and receive him." He went to the main hall and greeted Ma Teng. After the formalities, Ma Teng said, "I am about to return from my audience with the Emperor, so I came to say farewell. Why did you refuse to see me?" Dong Cheng replied, "I was suddenly taken ill and failed to welcome you properly. My offense is great!" Ma Teng said, "Your face is full of spring color—I see no sign of illness." Dong Cheng had no reply. Ma Teng flicked his sleeves and rose, sighing as he descended the steps. "None of you are men who can save the state!" Dong Cheng, moved by his words, stopped him and asked, "Whom do you mean by 'none of you'?" Ma Teng replied, "The affair at the Xutian hunt still fills my chest with rage. You are the Emperor's closest relative, yet you indulge in wine and women instead of plotting to destroy the traitor. How can you be a man who saves the royal house from disaster?" Dong Cheng, fearing a trap, feigned surprise and said, "The Chancellor is a great minister of the state, the pillar of the court.
How can you say such things?" Ma Teng angrily replied, "Do you still consider Cao Cao a good man?" Dong Cheng said, "Walls have ears. Please speak softly." Ma Teng said, "You are a coward who fears death! You are not worth discussing great matters with!" He started to rise again. Dong Cheng, knowing Ma Teng was loyal, said, "Please calm your anger. Let me show you something." He invited Ma Teng into the study and showed him the edict. Ma Teng read it, his hair standing on end. He gnashed his teeth until his mouth bled. "If you make a move," he said, "I will lead my Xiliang troops as your outside support." Dong Cheng invited Ma Teng to meet the others, took out the oath, and asked him to sign. Ma Teng then took wine, smeared blood on his lips, and swore, "We swear to death never to break this pact!" Pointing to the five men seated there, he said, "If we can get ten, the plan will succeed." Dong Cheng replied, "Loyal and righteous men are hard to find. If we include the wrong people, we will only harm each other." Ma Teng asked for the "Register of Officials" to examine. When he reached the section on the Liu clan, he clapped his hands and said, "Why not discuss this with him?" Everyone asked who he meant. Ma Teng, unhurried, spoke the man's name. Truly:
What began with an Imperial Uncle receiving the Emperor's secret edict would now see a member of the imperial clan aiding the Han dynasty.
What Ma Teng had to say, let the next chapter reveal.