Li Le, leading his troops and falsely claiming to be Li Jue and Guo Si, came to surround the imperial carriage. The Emperor was greatly alarmed. Yang Feng said, "This is Li Le." He then ordered Xu Chu to go out and meet him. Li Le himself came out to fight. Their horses met, and in a single exchange, Xu Chu struck Li Le from his horse with his axe, scattering the remaining rebels. He then protected the imperial carriage as it passed through Ji Pass. The Grand Administrator Zhang Yang, bringing grain and silk, came to greet the Emperor at the Zhi Road. The Emperor appointed Zhang Yang as Grand Marshal. Zhang Yang took his leave and went to station his troops at Yewang. The Emperor entered Luoyang, only to see the palaces completely burned, the streets desolate, and the land overgrown with weeds. Within the palace grounds, only crumbling walls remained. He ordered Yang Feng to build a small temporary palace for him to live in. The court officials came to pay their respects, but they had to stand among the thorns and brambles. An imperial decree changed the era name from Xingping to the first year of Jian'an. That year, a great famine struck again. Of the residents of Luoyang, only a few hundred families remained. Having nothing to eat, they all left the city to strip bark from trees and dig up grass roots for food. Even officials of the rank of Master of Writings and below had to go out of the city to gather firewood, and many of them died among the ruined walls. The decline of the Han dynasty's fortunes had never been so severe as this. A poet of later times lamented this scene, writing: "The blood of the white serpent had flowed at Mangdang, and the crimson banners had swept across the four directions. The deer of the Qin dynasty was overturned, and the altars of the state were established; the Chu steed was toppled, and the foundations of the realm were set. But then the Emperor was weak and treacherous ministers arose; the nation's vitality withered and bandits ran wild. Seeing the calamities that befell the two capitals, even an iron man would shed tears of sorrow!"
Grand Commandant Yang Biao memorialized the Emperor, saying, "Previously, we received an imperial decree, but it was not carried out. Now Cao Cao is in Shandong, with strong troops and many generals. We should summon him to court to assist the royal house." The Emperor said, "I have already issued a decree. Why must you memorialize again? Send someone to go now." Yang Biao received the decree and immediately dispatched an envoy to Shandong to summon Cao Cao.
Now, when Cao Cao was in Shandong and heard that the imperial carriage had returned to Luoyang, he gathered his strategists to discuss the matter. Xun Yu stepped forward and said, "In the past, Duke Wen of Jin took in King Xiang of Zhou, and all the feudal lords submitted to him. Emperor Gaozu of Han mourned for the Righteous Emperor, and the hearts of all under heaven turned to him. Today, the Son of Heaven is wandering in hardship. If you, General, would take this opportunity to be the first to raise a righteous army, to serve the Emperor and follow the people's hopes, this would be a strategy of unparalleled greatness. If you do not act quickly, someone else will do it before you." Cao Cao was greatly pleased. He was just about to prepare his troops to march when a report came that an imperial envoy had arrived with a decree summoning him. Cao Cao received the decree and set a date to raise his army.
Now, the Emperor, in Luoyang, found that nothing was prepared. The city walls had collapsed, and there was no way to repair them. A report came that Li Jue and Guo Si were leading their troops and were about to arrive. The Emperor was greatly alarmed and asked Yang Feng, "The envoy to Shandong has not yet returned, and the troops of Li and Guo are upon us. What can we do?" Yang Feng and Han Xian said, "We are willing to fight to the death against the rebels to protect Your Majesty!" Dong Cheng said, "The city walls are not strong, and our weapons and armor are few. If we fight and cannot win, what then? It would be better to take Your Majesty and flee to Shandong." The Emperor followed his advice and set out that very day, heading for Shandong. The officials, having no horses, all followed the carriage on foot.
After leaving Luoyang and traveling less than an arrow's flight, they saw a cloud of dust blotting out the sun, and the sound of drums and gongs filled the sky. An endless host of men and horses was approaching. The Emperor and Empress trembled and could not speak. Suddenly, they saw a single rider flying towards them. It was the envoy who had been sent to Shandong. He came to the carriage, bowed, and reported, "General Cao has raised all the troops of Shandong and has come in response to the decree. Hearing that Li Jue and Guo Si were attacking Luoyang, he first sent Xiahou Dun as the vanguard, leading ten generals and fifty thousand elite troops, to come and protect the imperial carriage." Only then did the Emperor's heart feel at ease.
Shortly after, Xiahou Dun, leading Xu Chu, Dian Wei, and others, came before the Emperor and paid their respects, using military protocol. Just as the Emperor had finished consoling them, a report came that another army was approaching from the east. The Emperor ordered Xiahou Dun to investigate. He returned and reported, "These are Cao Cao's infantry." In a moment, Cao Hong, Li Dian, and Le Jin came to pay their respects to the Emperor. After announcing their names, Cao Hong memorialized, "My elder brother knew that the rebel army was near, and fearing that Xiahou Dun's strength alone might not be enough, he sent us to come with all speed to assist." The Emperor said, "General Cao is truly a minister of the state!" He then ordered them to protect the carriage and move forward. A scout came to report, "Li Jue and Guo Si are leading their army in a direct advance." The Emperor ordered Xiahou Dun to split his forces into two groups to meet them. Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong divided into two wings, with the cavalry going first and the infantry following behind, attacking with all their might. The rebel army of Li and Guo was soundly defeated, with over ten thousand heads taken. The Emperor was then invited to return to the old palace in Luoyang. Xiahou Dun stationed his troops outside the city.
The next day, Cao Cao arrived with his main army. After setting up camp, he entered the city, went before the Emperor, and bowed at the foot of the palace steps. The Emperor granted him permission to rise and offered words of comfort. Cao Cao said, "Your servant has long been grateful for the kindness of the state and has always thought of repaying it. Now, the two rebels, Li Jue and Guo Si, are guilty of countless crimes. Your servant has over two hundred thousand elite troops. Attacking the rebellious with the righteous, we will surely be victorious. Your Majesty must take good care of your dragon body and place the state above all else." The Emperor then appointed Cao Cao as Colonel-Director of Retainers, with the authority of the Imperial Axe and the Seal, and Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat.
Now, Li Jue and Guo Si, knowing that Cao Cao had come from afar, discussed launching a swift attack. Jia Xu admonished them, saying, "This cannot be done. Cao Cao's troops are elite and his generals are brave. It would be better to surrender and seek forgiveness for our crimes." Li Jue became angry and said, "Do you dare to sap our morale?" He drew his sword to kill Jia Xu, but the other generals persuaded him to desist. That night, Jia Xu mounted a single horse and fled back to his home village. The next day, Li Jue's army came out to meet Cao Cao's forces. Cao Cao first ordered Xu Chu, Cao Ren, and Dian Wei to lead three hundred iron cavalry to charge through Li Jue's formation three times before deploying his own troops. When the formations were set, Li Jue's nephews, Li Xian and Li Bie, rode out in front of their formation. Before they could speak, Xu Chu flew past on his horse and, with one stroke of his blade, cut down Li Xian. Li Bie was so startled that he fell from his horse, and Xu Chu also killed him, then returned to his own formation carrying both heads. Cao Cao patted Xu Chu on the back and said, "You are truly my Fan Kuai!" He then ordered Xiahou Dun to lead the left wing, Cao Ren to lead the right, while he himself took the center and charged the enemy formation. At the sound of a single drumbeat, all three armies advanced together. The rebel troops could not withstand the assault and were routed, fleeing in defeat. Cao Cao personally drew his treasured sword and pressed the attack, leading his men in a relentless pursuit through the night. They killed a great many and took countless prisoners. Li Jue and Guo Si fled westward, like dogs without a home, knowing they had no place to hide. They could only go into the mountains and become bandits. Cao Cao then withdrew his army and once again camped outside Luoyang. Yang Feng and Han Xian discussed the matter, saying, "Now that Cao Cao has achieved this great merit, he is sure to hold great power. How can he tolerate us?" They then went before the Emperor, and using the pursuit of Li and Guo as a pretext, led their own troops to station at Daliang.
One day, the Emperor sent a man to Cao Cao's camp to summon him to the palace for an audience. When Cao Cao heard that an imperial envoy had arrived, he invited him in. He saw a man with clear brows and bright eyes, full of spirit and vitality. Cao Cao thought to himself, "Now in the eastern capital there is a great famine. All the officials and soldiers have a hungry look. Why is this man so well-fed?" He then asked him, "Your honored face is so full and healthy. What method of cultivation has brought you to this state?" The man replied, "I have no special method. I have only eaten lightly for thirty years." Cao Cao nodded. He then asked, "What office do you hold?" The man replied, "I was recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt (Xiàolián, a Han-dynasty civil service recommendation based on filial piety and incorrupt conduct). I was formerly an aide to Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang. Now, hearing that the Emperor had returned to the capital, I came to pay my respects and was appointed as a Palace Correcting Gentleman. I am from Dingtao in Jiyin. My surname is Dong, my given name is Zhao, and my style name is Gongren." Cao Cao rose from his seat and said, "I have heard of your name for a long time! It is my good fortune to meet you here." He then set out wine in his tent and entertained him, also introducing him to Xun Yu. Suddenly, a report came: "A troop of soldiers is heading east. We do not know who they are." Cao Cao urgently sent someone to investigate. Dong Zhao said, "These are the former generals of Li Jue, Yang Feng, and the leader of the White Wave bandits, Han Xian. Because you, Illustrious Lord, have come here, they are leading their troops to Daliang." Cao Cao said, "Could it be that they suspect me?" Dong Zhao said, "These are men without strategy. Why should you, Illustrious Lord, be concerned?" Cao Cao then asked, "What of the two rebels, Li Jue and Guo Si?" Dong Zhao replied, "A tiger without claws, a bird without wings. They will soon be captured by you, Illustrious Lord. There is no need to worry about them."
Seeing that Dong Zhao's words were agreeable, Cao Cao asked him about matters of the court. Dong Zhao said, "You, Illustrious Lord, have raised a righteous army to eliminate the violent and rebellious, and have entered the court to assist the Son of Heaven. This is the achievement of a Five Hegemons. However, the various generals have different minds and may not all obey. If you stay here, I fear there will be difficulties. The only superior plan is to move the imperial carriage to Xuchang. But the court has just returned to the capital after wandering. All eyes are on it, hoping for a moment of peace. To move the capital again might not satisfy the people's hearts. Yet, to perform an extraordinary deed, one must have an extraordinary plan. I hope you, General, will make a firm decision." Cao Cao took Dong Zhao's hand and said with a laugh, "This is my original intention. But what of Yang Feng at Daliang and the ministers at court? Will there be no other changes?" Dong Zhao said, "That is easy. Send a letter to Yang Feng to first calm his heart. Then, openly inform the ministers that because the capital has no grain, you wish to move the imperial carriage to Xuchang, which is near Luyang, making it easier to transport grain, thus avoiding the worry of shortages and distance. When the ministers hear this, they will gladly agree." Cao Cao was overjoyed. Dong Zhao took his leave. Cao Cao held his hand and said, "In all my plans, I will rely on you for instruction." Dong Zhao thanked him and left.
From that day on, Cao Cao secretly discussed the matter of moving the capital with his many strategists. At that time, the Palace Attendant and Grand Astrologer Wang Li privately said to the Imperial Clan Secretary Liu Ai, "I have observed the heavens. Since last spring, Venus has been encroaching on Saturn in the constellations of Dipper and Ox, passing the Heavenly Ford. Then Mars went into retrograde and met Venus at the Heavenly Gate. When Metal and Fire meet, a new Son of Heaven is sure to appear. I see that the qi of the Han dynasty is coming to an end, and in the lands of Jin and Wei, a new power will rise." He also secretly memorialized Emperor Xian, saying, "The Mandate of Heaven can be given and taken away; the Five Elements are not always in ascendancy. The one who will replace Fire is Earth. The one who will replace Han and possess all under heaven will be in Wei." When Cao Cao heard of this, he sent a man to tell Wang Li, "I know you are loyal to the court, but the ways of Heaven are deep and profound. Please do not speak of this any further." Cao Cao then told Xun Yu about this. Xun Yu said, "Han ruled by the virtue of Fire, and you, Illustrious Lord, are of the element Earth. Xuchang belongs to Earth, and if you go there, you will surely prosper. Fire can give birth to Earth, and Earth can nourish Wood. This is exactly what Dong Zhao and Wang Li have said. In the future, there will surely be one who will rise." Cao Cao's mind was thus made up. The next day, he went to see the Emperor and memorialized, "The eastern capital has been in ruins for a long time and cannot be repaired. Moreover, transporting grain is extremely difficult. Xuchang is near Luyang, and its city walls, palaces, money, grain, people, and resources are sufficient for use. I dare to request that Your Majesty move the imperial carriage to Xuchang. I only ask that Your Majesty agree." The Emperor did not dare to disobey, and the ministers, all fearing Cao Cao's power, also dared not voice any objection. A day was chosen for the move. Cao Cao led his army to escort the procession, and all the officials followed.
They had not traveled far when they reached a high mound. Suddenly, a great shout arose, and Yang Feng and Han Xian blocked the way with their troops. Xu Chu rode to the front and shouted, "Cao Cao, where are you trying to kidnap the Emperor?" Cao Cao rode out to look and saw Xu Chu, whose imposing manner was truly awe-inspiring. He was secretly amazed. He ordered Xu Chu to ride out and engage Xu Chu in combat. Their blades clashed, and they fought for over fifty exchanges without either gaining the upper hand. Cao Cao immediately sounded the gong to recall his troops. He gathered his strategists and said, "Yang Feng and Han Xian are not worth mentioning, but Xu Chu is a truly fine general. I cannot bear to use force against him. I must use a plan to win him over." The Army Adviser Man Chong said, "My lord, do not worry. I once had a passing acquaintance with Xu Chu. Tonight, I will disguise myself as a common soldier, sneak into his camp, and use words to persuade him. I guarantee he will come over to our side with all his heart." Cao Cao gladly sent him on his way.
That night, Man Chong disguised himself as a common soldier and mixed in with the enemy army. He stole his way to Xu Chu's tent, where he saw Xu Chu sitting in his armor by the light of a candle. Man Chong suddenly appeared before him and bowed, saying, "Old friend, are you well after all this time?" Xu Chu started up in surprise, looked at him closely, and said, "Are you not Man Boming from Shanyang? How did you come to be here?" Man Chong said, "I am now an adviser to General Cao. Today, on the battlefield, I saw my old friend and wished to speak a few words to you, so I took the risk of coming here." Xu Chu then invited him to sit and asked the reason for his visit. Man Chong said, "Your courage and strategy are rarely seen in this world. How can you stoop to serve men like Yang Feng and Han Xian? General Cao is a hero of our time. His love for talent and respect for scholars is known to all under heaven. Today, on the battlefield, he saw your bravery and holds you in great esteem. He could not bear to have his brave general fight to the death against you, so he sent me to invite you. Why do you not abandon the darkness and come to the light, to achieve great deeds together?" Xu Chu pondered for a long time, then sighed deeply and said, "I have long known that Yang Feng and Han Xian are not men with whom I can achieve great things. But I have served them for so long that I cannot bear to leave them." Man Chong said, "Have you not heard that a good bird chooses the tree on which to perch, and a wise minister chooses the lord he will serve? To meet a lord worthy of serving, yet let him slip through your fingers, is not the act of a true man."
Xu Chu rose and bowed, saying, "I am willing to follow your advice." Man Chong said, "Why not kill Yang Feng and Han Xian and go to Cao Cao as a token of your allegiance?" Xu Chu said, "For a minister to kill his lord is a great act of injustice. I will never do such a thing." Man Chong said, "You are truly a righteous man!" Xu Chu then led several dozen of his personal cavalry and, together with Man Chong, went to Cao Cao's camp that very night. Someone soon reported this to Yang Feng. Yang Feng was furious and personally led a thousand cavalry in pursuit, shouting, "Xu Chu, you traitor, do not flee!" Just as he was chasing them, a cannon boomed, and torches blazed to life on the mountains and below. Ambush troops sprang out from all sides. Cao Cao himself led the charge, shouting, "I have been waiting here for a long time! Do not let him escape!" Yang Feng was greatly alarmed and tried to turn his troops back, but they were already surrounded by Cao Cao's men. Just then, Han Xian arrived with reinforcements, and the two armies became entangled in a chaotic melee. Yang Feng managed to escape. Taking advantage of the enemy's disorder, Cao Cao pressed the attack, and most of the enemy soldiers surrendered. Yang Feng and Han Xian, their strength exhausted, led their defeated troops to seek refuge with Yuan Shu.
Cao Cao withdrew his army and returned to camp. Man Chong led Xu Chu to see him. Cao Cao was overjoyed and treated him with great generosity. He then welcomed the imperial carriage to Xuchang, where he built palaces and halls, established the ancestral temples and state altars, set up the various government offices, and repaired the city walls, granaries, and storehouses. He enfeoffed Dong Cheng and twelve others as marquises. Rewards for merit and punishments for crimes were all decided by Cao Cao. Cao Cao appointed himself as Grand General and Marquis of Wuping. He appointed Xun Yu as Palace Attendant and Master of Writings, Xun You as Army Adviser, Guo Jia as Sacrificial Aide to the Marshal, Liu Ye as Aide to the Minister of Works for Granaries, Mao Jie and Ren Jun as Generals of the Household for Agriculture, to oversee grain and funds, Cheng Yu as Chancellor of Dongping, Fan Cheng and Dong Zhao as Prefects of Luoyang, Man Chong as Prefect of Xuchang, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong as generals, Lü Qian, Li Dian, Le Jin, Yu Jin, and Xu Chu as Commandants, and Xu Chu and Dian Wei as Chief Commandants. The remaining officers were each given their own appointments. From this point on, all power was concentrated in the hands of Cao Cao. All important matters of the court were first reported to Cao Cao before being presented to the Emperor.
After settling these important matters, Cao Cao held a feast in his rear hall and gathered his many strategists to discuss a problem. He said, "Liu Bei has stationed his troops in Xuzhou and governs the province himself. Recently, Lü Bu, having been defeated, took refuge with him, and Liu Bei has allowed him to stay in Xiaopei. If these two men join forces and come to attack us, it will be a danger to our very hearts. What excellent plan do you have to deal with them?" Xu Chu said, "I wish to borrow fifty thousand elite troops to cut off the heads of Liu Bei and Lü Bu and present them to you, Chancellor." Xun Yu said, "You, General, are brave, but you do not know how to use strategy. Xuchang has only recently been stabilized, and we cannot rashly resort to force. I have a plan, called the 'Two Tigers Fighting for Food' plan. Now, although Liu Bei governs Xuzhou, he has not yet received an imperial decree. You, Illustrious Lord, can memorialize the throne to officially appoint Liu Bei as Governor of Xuzhou. Then, secretly send him a letter ordering him to kill Lü Bu. If he succeeds, Liu Bei will lose his fierce general and can be dealt with later. If he fails, then Lü Bu will surely kill Liu Bei. This is the 'Two Tigers Fighting for Food' plan." Cao Cao followed his advice. He immediately memorialized the throne for an imperial decree and sent an envoy to Xuzhou, appointing Liu Bei as General Who Conquers the East, Marquis of Yicheng Village, and Governor of Xuzhou. He also attached a secret letter.
Now, Liu Xuande, in Xuzhou, heard that the Emperor had moved to Xuchang and was just about to send a memorial of congratulations. Suddenly, a report came that an imperial envoy had arrived. He went outside the city to greet him and brought him into the prefectural office. After bowing and receiving the gracious appointment, he held a banquet for the envoy. The envoy said, "My lord, you received this gracious appointment thanks to General Cao's recommendation before the Emperor." Xuande expressed his thanks. The envoy then took out a private letter and handed it to Xuande. After reading it, Xuande said, "This matter will require further deliberation." After the feast, the envoy was lodged at the official inn. Xuande discussed the matter with his advisers late into the night. Zhang Fei said, "Lü Bu is by nature a man without honor. What harm is there in killing him?" Xuande said, "He came to me when his fortunes were low. If I kill him, I too would be acting without honor." Zhang Fei said, "It is hard to be a good man!" Xuande did not agree. The next day, Lü Bu came to offer his congratulations. Xuande invited him in. Lü Bu said, "I heard you have received a gracious appointment from the court, so I have come to offer my congratulations." Xuande humbly declined the honor. Just then, Zhang Fei, with his sword drawn, burst into the hall, intending to kill Lü Bu. Xuande hastily stopped him. Lü Bu was greatly alarmed and said, "Why does Yide always want to kill me?" Zhang Fei shouted, "Cao Cao says you are a man without honor, and he told my elder brother to kill you!" Xuande repeatedly shouted for him to withdraw. He then led Lü Bu into the rear hall and told him the whole story. He even showed Lü Bu the secret letter that Cao Cao had sent. After reading it, Lü Bu wept and said, "This is Cao the traitor trying to create discord between us!" Xuande said, "Brother, do not worry. I, Liu Bei, swear I will never commit such an unjust act." Lü Bu repeatedly thanked him. Xuande kept Lü Bu for a feast, and he did not return until late in the evening. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said, "Brother, why did you not kill Lü Bu?" Xuande said, "This is Cao Mengde's plot. He fears that Lü Bu and I might join forces against him, so he uses this scheme to make us destroy each other, while he reaps the benefits. How can we be used by him?" Guan Yu nodded in agreement. Zhang Fei said, "I just want to kill this scoundrel to eliminate future trouble!" Xuande said, "That is not the act of a true man."
The next day, Xuande sent the envoy back to the capital. He also sent a memorial of thanks and a reply to Cao Cao, stating that he would deal with the matter slowly. The envoy returned to see Cao Cao and reported that Xuande had not killed Lü Bu. Cao Cao asked Xun Yu, "This plan has failed. What now?" Xun Yu said, "I have another plan, called the 'Drive the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf' plan." Cao Cao asked, "What is this plan?" Xun Yu said, "We can secretly send someone to Yuan Shu to inform him that Liu Bei has sent a secret memorial to the throne, requesting to take over the southern commanderies. When Yuan Shu hears this, he will become angry and attack Liu Bei. You, Illustrious Lord, can then issue an open decree ordering Liu Bei to attack Yuan Shu. When the two sides are locked in battle, Lü Bu will surely have second thoughts. This is the 'Drive the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf' plan." Cao Cao was overjoyed. He first sent a man to Yuan Shu, then, using the Emperor's name, sent a decree to Xuzhou.
Now, Liu Xuande, in Xuzhou, heard that an imperial envoy had arrived and went outside the city to greet him. When the decree was opened and read, it ordered him to raise an army to attack Yuan Shu. Xuande accepted the decree and sent the envoy back. Mi Zhu said, "This is another of Cao Cao's schemes." Xuande said, "Although it is a scheme, the Emperor's command cannot be disobeyed." He then mustered his troops and set a date to march. Sun Qian said, "First, we must decide who will guard the city." Xuande asked, "Between my two brothers, who can guard it?" Guan Yu said, "I am willing to guard this city." Xuande said, "I will need to discuss matters with you day and night. How can I be separated from you?" Zhang Fei said, "I, your younger brother, am willing to guard the city." Xuande said, "You cannot guard this city. First, you are violent when drunk and flog your soldiers. Second, you act rashly and do not listen to advice. I cannot feel at ease." Zhang Fei said, "From now on, I will not drink, I will not beat the soldiers, and I will listen to all advice." Mi Zhu said, "I only fear that your words will not match your heart." Zhang Fei became angry and said, "I have followed my elder brother for many years and have never broken my word. How dare you underestimate me!" Xuande said, "Although you say this, I still cannot feel at ease. Please let Chen Yuanlong assist you. See to it that he drinks little and that no mistakes are made." Chen Deng agreed. After giving his instructions, Xuande led thirty thousand cavalry and infantry and set out from Xuzhou, marching towards Nanyang.
Now, Yuan Shu, hearing that Liu Bei had memorialized the throne to seize his counties, became enraged and said, "You, a mere sandal-weaver and mat-maker, now dare to occupy a great province and stand among the feudal lords! I was just about to attack you, and you dare to plot against me? This is utterly detestable!" He sent his top general, Ji Ling, with a hundred thousand troops to attack Xuzhou. The two armies met at Xuyi. Xuande's forces were smaller, so he set up camp near a mountain and a river. Ji Ling was a man from Shandong. He wielded a three-pronged blade weighing fifty jin. That day, he led his troops out and shouted, "Liu Bei, you village fool, how dare you invade my borders!" Xuande said, "I am acting on the Emperor's decree to punish the disloyal. How dare you oppose me? Your crime deserves death a thousand times over!" Ji Ling was furious. He spurred his horse, brandished his blade, and charged straight at Xuande. Guan Yu shouted, "Villain, do not be so arrogant!" and rode out to engage Ji Ling. They fought for thirty exchanges without either gaining the upper hand. Ji Ling shouted for a break, and Guan Yu turned his horse and returned to his formation, standing ready in front of it. Ji Ling then sent his lieutenant, Xun Zheng, to fight. Guan Yu said, "Tell Ji Ling to come out. I want to settle this with him!" Xun Zheng said, "You are a nobody, not fit to be General Ji's opponent!" Guan Yu was enraged and charged straight at Xun Zheng. In a single exchange, he cut Xun Zheng from his horse. Xuande then drove his troops forward, and Ji Ling was soundly defeated. He retreated to the mouth of the Huai River and did not dare to fight again. He only sent soldiers to try to raid the camp, but they were all beaten back by the Xuzhou troops. The two armies remained locked in a stalemate, and we will not speak of them for now.
Now, after Zhang Fei had seen his elder brother, Xuande, off, he entrusted all the miscellaneous affairs to Chen Yuanlong, while he himself handled the major military matters. One day, he held a feast and invited all the officers. When everyone was seated, Zhang Fei announced, "When my elder brother left, he told me to drink little, for fear of causing trouble. Today, let all of you drink your fill. Tomorrow, we will all abstain from wine and help me guard the city. But today, you must all drink to your heart's content." Having said this, he rose and went around toasting each officer. When he came to Cao Bao, Cao Bao said, "I have taken a vow from Heaven to abstain from wine." Zhang Fei said, "How can a fighting man not drink? I want you to drink one cup." Cao Bao, fearing him, had to drink a cup. After Zhang Fei had toasted all the officers, he poured a large goblet for himself and drank several dozen cups in a row, soon becoming very drunk. He then rose again to toast the officers. When he came to Cao Bao, Cao Bao said, "I truly can drink no more." Zhang Fei said, "You just drank a cup. Why do you refuse now?" Cao Bao repeatedly refused to drink. Zhang Fei, in his drunken rage, flew into a fury and said, "You have disobeyed my order! You deserve a hundred lashes!" He then shouted for his soldiers to seize him. Chen Yuanlong said, "What did Lord Xuande tell you before he left?" Zhang Fei said, "You are a civil official. Just mind your own civil affairs and leave me alone!" Cao Bao, having no choice, begged for mercy, saying, "Lord Yide, please have mercy on me for the sake of my son-in-law." Zhang Fei asked, "Who is your son-in-law?" Cao Bao replied, "It is Lü Bu." Zhang Fei was furious and said, "I had no intention of beating you, but you dare to use Lü Bu to intimidate me! Now I will beat you for sure! Beating you is the same as beating Lü Bu!" No one could restrain him. He had Cao Bao flogged fifty times, and only stopped when everyone pleaded for mercy.
After the feast, Cao Bao returned home, filled with hatred for Zhang Fei. That very night, he sent a man with a letter to Xiaopei to see Lü Bu, detailing Zhang Fei's insolence. He also said that Xuande had gone to Huainan, and that Lü Bu could take advantage of Zhang Fei's drunkenness to attack Xuzhou that night. He urged him not to miss this opportunity. When Lü Bu read the letter, he invited Chen Gong to discuss it. Chen Gong said, "Xiaopei is no place for us to stay for long. Now that there is an opening in Xuzhou, if we do not take it, we will regret it forever." Lü Bu agreed. He immediately armed himself, mounted his horse, and led five hundred cavalry as the vanguard. He ordered Chen Gong to follow with the main army, and Gao Shun to come up behind.
Xiaopei was only forty or fifty li from Xuzhou, a short ride. When Lü Bu arrived at the city wall, it was just the fourth watch. The moonlight was clear, and the guards on the wall were completely unaware. Lü Bu went to the city gate and called out, "Lord Liu has sent a secret messenger!" The soldiers on the wall reported this to Cao Bao, who went up to look. He then ordered the soldiers to open the gate. Lü Bu gave a secret signal, and his troops poured into the city, raising a great shout. Zhang Fei was lying drunk in his residence. His attendants hastily shook him awake and reported, "Lü Bu has tricked his way into the city and his soldiers are pouring in!" Zhang Fei was furious. He hurriedly armed himself and grabbed his Eighteen-Foot Serpent Spear. But by the time he mounted his horse at the gate of his residence, Lü Bu's troops had already arrived and were facing him. Zhang Fei was still drunk and could not put up a strong fight. Lü Bu, knowing Zhang Fei's bravery, did not dare to press him too closely. Eighteen of his Yan cavalrymen protected Zhang Fei as they fought their way out of the east gate. They had no time to look after Xuande's family, who were still in the residence.
Now, Cao Bao, seeing that Zhang Fei had only a few men with him and was drunk, led a hundred men in pursuit. When Zhang Fei saw Cao Bao, he was enraged. He spurred his horse to meet him. After three exchanges, Cao Bao was defeated and fled. Zhang Fei pursued him to the river and, with a single thrust of his spear, struck Cao Bao through the back, killing both him and his horse in the river. Zhang Fei then called for his troops outside the city. Those who could get out followed him to Huainan. Lü Bu entered the city and pacified the people. He ordered a hundred soldiers to guard the gate of Xuande's residence, forbidding anyone from entering without permission.
Now, Zhang Fei, leading a few dozen cavalry, arrived at Xuyi to see Xuande. He told the whole story of how Cao Bao had conspired with Lü Bu from within and without to attack Xuzhou by night. Everyone present turned pale. Xuande sighed and said, "What is there to rejoice in gain? What is there to grieve in loss?" Guan Yu asked, "Where are the sisters-in-law?" Zhang Fei said, "They are all trapped in the city." Xuande remained silent. Guan Yu stamped his foot and said