General Yang Dajiang had just proposed a plan to attack Liu Bei. Yuan Shu asked, "What is your strategy?" Yang replied, "Liu Bei is garrisoned at Xiaopei. While he is easy to take, we must consider Lü Bu, who rules Xuzhou like a crouching tiger. Previously, we promised him gold, silk, and horses, but have yet to deliver. I fear he might aid Liu Bei. Now, let us send grain to Lü Bu to win his favor, ensuring he keeps his forces still. Then, Liu Bei can be captured. First, take Liu Bei; later, deal with Lü Bu—Xuzhou will be ours." Yuan Shu was delighted and immediately prepared 200,000 hu of grain. He dispatched Han Yin with a secret letter to visit Lü Bu. Lü Bu was overjoyed and treated Han Yin with great honor. Han Yin returned to report to Yuan Shu, who then appointed Ji Ling as the main general, with Lei Bo and Chen Lan as his deputies, commanding tens of thousands of troops to march on Xiaopei.
When Liu Xuande heard this news, he gathered his men for counsel. Zhang Fei wanted to go out and fight. Sun Qian said, "Xiaopei has scarce grain and few troops—how can we resist? We should write a letter urgently requesting help from Lü Bu." Zhang Fei retorted, "That scoundrel—why would he come?" Xuande said, "Sun Qian's words are wise." So he wrote a letter to Lü Bu. The letter read roughly: "I humbly rely on your lordship's regard, who allowed me to lodge in Xiaopei—truly a debt of heavenly grace. Now Yuan Shu seeks to avenge a private grudge and has sent Ji Ling with an army to my county. My ruin is imminent, and no one but you can save me. I hope you will lead a single brigade to rescue me from this dire peril. I would be infinitely grateful!"
After reading the letter, Lü Bu discussed it with Chen Gong. "Earlier, Yuan Shu sent grain and a letter, intending for me not to rescue Xuande. Now Xuande also asks for help. I think Xuande's garrison at Xiaopei is unlikely to harm me. If Yuan Shu absorbs Xuande, he will then ally with the warlords north of Mount Tai to plot against me, and I will not sleep soundly. It is better to save Xuande." So he mustered his troops and set out.
Meanwhile, Ji Ling's army advanced swiftly and had already arrived southeast of Pei County, where they set up camp. By day, their banners blotted out the mountains and rivers; by night, their drums and torches shook heaven and earth. Within the county, Xuande had only a little over five thousand men. He was forced to lead them out and array his forces in a makeshift camp. Suddenly, a report came that Lü Bu had led his army to a point one li from the county and set up camp to the southwest. Ji Ling, knowing Lü Bu had come to rescue Liu Bei, urgently sent a letter to Lü Bu, rebuking him for his lack of faith. Lü Bu laughed and said, "I have a plan that will make neither Yuan nor Liu resent me." He then sent envoys to both Ji Ling's and Liu Bei's camps, inviting the two men to a feast.
When Xuande heard that Lü Bu had invited him, he immediately prepared to go. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei objected, "Elder Brother, you cannot go. Lü Bu must have some ulterior motive." Xuande replied, "I have treated him well, and he will not harm me." So he mounted his horse and set out. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed, and upon arriving at Lü Bu's camp, they entered to see him. Lü Bu said, "I am here specifically to resolve your crisis. In the future, when you achieve your ambition, do not forget me!" Xuande expressed his gratitude. Lü Bu invited Xuande to sit, while Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood behind him, hands on their swords. A report arrived that Ji Ling had come. Xuande was greatly alarmed and tried to leave. Lü Bu said, "I have specifically invited you both to a meeting—do not be suspicious." Xuande, uncertain of his intentions, felt uneasy.
Ji Ling dismounted and entered the camp, but when he saw Xuande seated in the tent, he was startled and turned to leave. His attendants could not stop him. Lü Bu stepped forward and dragged him back as if lifting a child. Ji Ling asked, "General, do you intend to kill me?" Lü Bu replied, "No." Ji Ling said, "Then do you intend to kill the big-eared one?" Lü Bu answered, "Not that either." Ji Ling pressed, "Then why?" Lü Bu explained, "Xuande and I are as brothers. He is now besieged by you, so I have come to rescue him." Ji Ling exclaimed, "If that is so, then you mean to kill me?" Lü Bu said, "There is no such reasoning. I have never liked fighting—I only like resolving conflicts. I will now settle this for both sides." Ji Ling asked, "May I ask your method of resolution?" Lü Bu replied, "I have a way, to be decided by Heaven." He then pulled Ji Ling into the tent to meet Xuande. The two men eyed each other with suspicion and jealousy. Lü Bu sat in the center, with Ji Ling on his left and Xuande on his right. He ordered the feast to be laid and wine to be served.
After several rounds of wine, Lü Bu said, "For my sake, let both sides cease hostilities." Xuande remained silent. Ji Ling said, "I have received my lord's command to lead 100,000 troops specifically to capture Liu Bei. How can I cease?" Zhang Fei flew into a rage and drew his sword, shouting, "Though my forces are few, I regard you as mere child's play! How do you compare to the million-strong Yellow Turbans? Dare you harm my elder brother?" Guan Yu quickly restrained him, saying, "Let us see what General Lü decides. Then we can return to our camps and fight if needed." Lü Bu said, "I invited you both to resolve this conflict—I will not allow you to fight!" On one side, Ji Ling was indignant; on the other, Zhang Fei was eager for battle. Lü Bu grew angry and ordered his attendants, "Bring my halberd!" He took the Sky-Piercing Halberd in hand, and both Ji Ling and Xuande turned pale. Lü Bu said, "I urge you both to cease fighting—let it be decided by Heaven's will." He ordered his men to take the halberd and plant it far outside the camp gate. Then, turning to Ji Ling and Xuande, he said, "The camp gate is 150 paces from the main tent. If I can shoot an arrow and hit the small branch of the halberd, you two will cease hostilities. If I miss, you may return to your camps and prepare for battle. Whoever disobeys my words, I will unite with the other side to oppose him." Ji Ling thought to himself, "The halberd is 150 paces away—how can he possibly hit it? I might as well agree. If he misses, I can fight as I please." So he gave his consent. Xuande naturally had no objection. Lü Bu had them both sit and drink another cup of wine. When the wine was finished, Lü Bu ordered his bow and arrows brought. Xuande silently prayed, "I only hope he hits the mark!" Then Lü Bu rolled up his sleeves, nocked an arrow, drew the bow to its full crescent, and shouted, "Strike!" Indeed, the bow opened like an autumn moon traversing the sky, and the arrow flew like a shooting star falling to earth—it struck the small branch of the halberd squarely. All the officers and soldiers, both inside and outside the tent, cheered in unison.
A poet of the time praised this feat: "The Marquis of Wen's divine archery was rare in the world; alone at the camp gate, he resolved the crisis. His setting sun shot surpassed Hou Yi; his cry to the ape rivaled Yang Youji. The tiger-sinew bowstring sang as the bow opened; the carved eagle feather arrow sped to its mark. The leopard-tail tassel pierced through the painted halberd, and a hundred thousand mighty warriors shed their armor."
Having struck the halberd's branch, Lü Bu laughed heartily, threw his bow to the ground, and took Ji Ling and Xuande's hands. "Heaven commands you both to cease hostilities!" he declared. He ordered the soldiers to pour wine, and each drank a large goblet. Xuande secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Ji Ling was silent for a long while, then said to Lü Bu, "I dare not disobey your words, General. But when I return, how can my lord believe me?" Lü Bu replied, "I will write a letter myself to explain." After a few more rounds of wine, Ji Ling asked for the letter and returned first. Lü Bu said to Xuande, "If not for me, you would be in danger." Xuande bowed in thanks and returned with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The next day, the armies of all three sides dispersed. We will not speak of Xuande's return to Xiaopei or Lü Bu's return to Xuzhou.
When Ji Ling returned to Huainan and reported to Yuan Shu about how Lü Bu had resolved the conflict by shooting the halberd at the camp gate, he presented the letter. Yuan Shu flew into a rage. "Lü Bu received so much grain from me, and yet he uses this childish trick to favor Liu Bei. I will personally lead a heavy army to conquer Liu Bei and punish Lü Bu!" Ji Ling cautioned, "My lord, do not act rashly. Lü Bu is superhumanly brave and holds Xuzhou. If he joins forces with Liu Bei, they will be difficult to overcome. I have heard that Lü Bu's wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter who has come of age. You have a son. Send someone to propose a marriage alliance with Lü Bu. If he gives his daughter to you, he will surely kill Liu Bei—this is the strategy of 'the distant cannot come between the close.'" Yuan Shu agreed and that very day sent Han Yin as a matchmaker with gifts to Xuzhou to propose the marriage.
Han Yin arrived in Xuzhou and said to Lü Bu, "My lord, admiring your excellence, wishes to seek your daughter as a wife for his son, to forever bind our families in the bonds of Qin and Jin." Lü Bu went inside to consult his wife, Lady Yan. It should be known that Lü Bu had two wives and one concubine: first, he had married Lady Yan as his principal wife; later, he took Diaochan as a concubine; and while stationed at Xiaopei, he had married the daughter of Cao Bao as a secondary wife. Lady Cao had died without bearing children, and Diaochan was also childless. Only Lady Yan had given birth to a daughter, whom Lü Bu cherished most. Lady Yan said to him, "I have heard that Yuan Shu has long ruled Huainan, with vast armies and abundant grain. Sooner or later, he will become Emperor. If he succeeds in his great enterprise, our daughter may become an empress or consort. But we do not know how many sons he has." Lü Bu replied, "He has only one son." His wife said, "In that case, we should agree. Even if she does not become empress, Xuzhou will be safe." Lü Bu's mind was made up. He treated Han Yin generously and agreed to the marriage. Han Yin returned to report to Yuan Shu, who prepared the betrothal gifts and sent Han Yin back to Xuzhou with them. Lü Bu accepted them, held a feast for the envoy, and lodged him at the official guesthouse.
The next day, Chen Gong went to the guesthouse to pay a visit to Han Yin. After exchanging formal greetings, they sat down. Chen Gong dismissed the attendants and said to Han Yin, "Who devised this plan for Yuan Shu to seek a marriage alliance with Lü Bu? Is the intention to take Liu Xuande's head?" Han Yin was startled and rose to apologize, "I beg you, Gongtai, do not reveal this!" Chen Gong said, "I will not reveal it, but I fear that if this matter is delayed, others will see through it, and the plan may change." Han Yin asked, "Then what should be done? I beg you to instruct me." Chen Gong replied, "I will see Lü Bu and urge him to send his daughter for the marriage immediately. What do you think?" Han Yin was overjoyed and thanked him, "If this is done, my lord will be deeply grateful for your wisdom!" Chen Gong then took his leave of Han Yin and went to see Lü Bu. "I have heard that you have betrothed your daughter to Yuan Shu—excellent. But on what day will the marriage take place?" Lü Bu said, "We will decide at our leisure." Chen Gong said, "In ancient times, the period between betrothal and marriage was fixed: one year for the Son of Heaven, half a year for a feudal lord, one season for a high minister, and one month for a commoner." Lü Bu asked, "Yuan Shu has received the Imperial Seal from Heaven and may soon become Emperor. Should we follow the rule for the Son of Heaven?" Chen Gong replied, "No." Lü Bu said, "Then the rule for a feudal lord?" Chen Gong said, "No." Lü Bu said, "Then the rule for a high minister?" Chen Gong said, "No." Lü Bu laughed, "Do you want me to follow the rule for a commoner?" Chen Gong said, "No." Lü Bu asked, "Then what do you intend?" Chen Gong replied, "In this age, all the feudal lords are contending for supremacy. If you form this marriage with Yuan Shu, will other lords not be jealous? If you delay and choose a distant auspicious day, they might ambush your wedding procession on the road and seize your daughter. My advice: if you do not wish it, break it off; but since you have agreed, you should send your daughter to Shouchun immediately, while the other lords are unaware. Let her stay in a separate residence, and then choose an auspicious day for the wedding—there will be no mistake." Lü Bu was pleased and said, "Your words are very wise." He went inside to inform Lady Yan. That very night, they prepared the dowry, loaded fine horses and fragrant carriages, and ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to accompany Han Yin in escorting the daughter. With drums and music filling the air, they sent her out of the city.
At this time, Chen Gui, the father of Chen Deng, was living in retirement at home. Hearing the sound of drums and music, he asked his attendants what was happening. They told him the reason. Chen Gui said, "This is the strategy of 'the distant cannot come between the close.' Liu Xuande is in danger." He then, despite his illness, went to see Lü Bu. Lü Bu asked, "Why have you come, sir?" Chen Gui replied, "I heard you are about to die, so I have come to offer my condolences." Lü Bu was startled and said, "Why do you say that?" Chen Gui said, "Earlier, Yuan Shu sent you gold and silk to have you kill Liu Xuande, but you resolved it by shooting the halberd. Now, he suddenly seeks a marriage alliance—his intention is to take your daughter as a hostage, then attack Xuande and seize Xiaopei. If Xiaopei falls, Xuzhou is in danger. Moreover, he may come to borrow grain or troops. If you agree, you will exhaust yourself and make enemies; if you refuse, you will break the marriage and provoke war. Besides, I have heard that Yuan Shu intends to proclaim himself Emperor—an act of rebellion. If he rebels, you will be a relative of a rebel. Will the realm not reject you?" Lü Bu was shocked and said, "Chen Gong has misled me!" He urgently ordered Zhang Liao to lead troops to pursue the wedding procession. After thirty li, they seized his daughter and brought her back. Even Han Yin was captured and imprisoned, not allowed to return. Lü Bu then sent a message to Yuan Shu, claiming that his daughter's dowry was not yet ready and would be sent when it was complete. Chen Gui further advised Lü Bu to send Han Yin to Xuchang as a prisoner. Lü Bu hesitated.
Suddenly, a report came: "Liu Xuande is recruiting soldiers and buying horses in Xiaopei. We do not know his intent." Lü Bu said, "This is a general's proper duty—nothing strange." As he spoke, Song Xian and Wei Xu arrived and reported, "We followed your orders to buy horses in Shandong and purchased three hundred fine steeds. On our way back, at the border of Pei County, bandits stole half of them. We have learned that it was Zhang Fei, Liu Bei's brother, disguised as a bandit, who robbed the horses." Lü Bu flew into a rage and immediately mustered his troops to march on Xiaopei and fight Zhang Fei. Xuande was greatly alarmed and hastily led his men out to meet him. When the two armies faced each other, Xuande rode forward and asked, "Elder Brother, why have you come with an army?" Lü Bu pointed at him and cursed, "I shot the halberd at the camp gate to save you from great danger, and now you steal my horses?" Xuande replied, "I was short of horses and sent men to buy them everywhere. How would I dare steal your horses?" Lü Bu said, "You had Zhang Fei steal one hundred and fifty of my fine horses, and you still deny it?" Zhang Fei spurred forward with his spear and shouted, "I stole your horses! What are you going to do about it?" Lü Bu cursed, "You round-eyed thief! You have repeatedly insulted me!" Zhang Fei retorted, "I steal your horses and you get angry—you stole my elder brother's Xuzhou and said nothing!" Lü Bu raised his halberd and charged at Zhang Fei, who met him with his spear. They fought fiercely for over a hundred bouts, with neither gaining the upper hand. Fearing something might go wrong, Xuande hastily sounded the gong to recall his troops and entered the city.
Lü Bu surrounded the city on all sides. Xuande called Zhang Fei and rebuked him, "It was you who stole his horses and caused this trouble! Where are the horses now?" Zhang Fei said, "They are all stored in the various temples." Xuande immediately sent someone out of the city to Lü Bu's camp, offering to return the horses and make peace. Lü Bu was inclined to agree, but Chen Gong said, "If you do not kill Liu Bei now, he will surely harm you in the future." Lü Bu heeded this advice and refused the offer, pressing the siege even harder. Xuande consulted with Mi Zhu and Sun Qian. Sun Qian said, "The one Cao Cao hates most is Lü Bu. It would be best to abandon the city, flee to Xuchang, and seek refuge with Cao Cao. Borrow his army to defeat Lü Bu—this is the best plan." Xuande asked, "Who can break through the encirclement?" Zhang Fei said, "I am willing to fight to the death!" Xuande ordered Zhang Fei to lead the vanguard, Guan Yu to guard the rear, and he himself to protect the family in the middle. That night, at the third watch, under the bright moonlight, they exited through the north gate. They encountered Song Xian and Wei Xu, but Zhang Fei drove them back with a fierce charge, breaking through the siege. Zhang Liao pursued from behind, but Guan Yu held him off. When Lü Bu saw that Xuande had fled, he did not give chase. He entered the city, pacified the people, ordered Gao Shun to guard Xiaopei, and returned to Xuzhou.
Xuande fled to Xuchang and set up camp outside the city. He first sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao, explaining that he had been driven here by Lü Bu and sought refuge. Cao Cao said, "Xuande and I are as brothers." He invited him into the city to meet. The next day, Xuande left Guan Yu and Zhang Fei outside the city and entered with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao received him with the rites reserved for an honored guest. Xuande recounted all that had happened with Lü Bu. Cao Cao said, "Lü Bu is a man without honor. I will join forces with you, my worthy brother, to destroy him." Xuande expressed his gratitude. Cao Cao held a feast for him, and they parted in the evening. Xun Yu came to see Cao Cao and said, "Liu Bei is a hero. If you do not eliminate him now, he will become a future threat." Cao Cao did not reply. Xun Yu left, and Guo Jia entered. Cao Cao asked, "Xun Yu advises me to kill Xuande. What do you think?" Guo Jia replied, "No. You have raised a righteous army to rid the people of tyranny, relying on trust and honor to attract talented men. Even so, you fear they will not come. Now, Xuande has long been known as a hero. He has come to you in distress. If you kill him, you will be harming a worthy man. All the wise strategists under Heaven will hear of it and be suspicious, hesitating to come to you. Who will then help you decide the fate of the realm? Removing one man's threat at the cost of blocking the hopes of the realm—this is a matter of safety or danger that must be carefully considered." Cao Cao was delighted and said, "Your words are exactly what I think." The next day, he recommended Liu Bei to be appointed Governor of Yu Province. Cheng Yu advised, "Liu Bei will never be content to serve under another. It is better to eliminate him early." Cao Cao said, "In this age, we need heroes. I cannot kill one man and lose the hearts of the realm. Guo Jia shares my view." So he ignored Cheng Yu's advice, gave Xuande three thousand troops and ten thousand hu of grain, and sent him to Yu Province to take up his post. He was to march to Xiaopei, gather his scattered troops, and attack Lü Bu. When Xuande reached Yu Province, he sent someone to coordinate with Cao Cao.
Cao Cao was about to raise his army and personally campaign against Lü Bu when a swift messenger reported that Zhang Ji, leading troops from Guanzhong to attack Nanyang, had been struck by a stray arrow and killed. His nephew, Zhang Xiu, had taken command of his forces. With Jia Xu as his strategist, Zhang Xiu had allied with Liu Biao, garrisoned at Wancheng, and intended to march on the capital and seize the Emperor. Cao Cao was furious and wanted to attack, but he feared Lü Bu might threaten Xuchang. He asked Xun Yu for advice. Xun Yu said, "This is easy. Lü Bu is a man without strategy; he will be pleased by any benefit. Send an envoy to Xuzhou with a title and rewards, ordering him to make peace with Xuande. If Lü Bu is pleased, he will not think of distant schemes." Cao Cao said, "Good." He dispatched Wang Ze, a Commandant of the Imperial Guard, with an official commission and a letter of reconciliation to Xuzhou. At the same time, he raised an army of 150,000 men to personally campaign against Zhang Xiu. He divided his forces into three columns, with Xiahou Dun as the vanguard. The army camped at the Yu River. Jia Xu advised Zhang Xiu, "Cao Cao's army is too powerful to oppose. It is better to surrender with all your forces." Zhang Xiu agreed and sent Jia Xu to Cao Cao's camp to propose terms. Cao Cao saw that Jia Xu was eloquent and quick-witted and wanted to employ him as a strategist. Jia Xu said, "I once served Li Jue and offended the realm. Now I serve Zhang Xiu, who heeds my every word. I cannot bear to abandon him." He declined and left. The next day, he brought Zhang Xiu to see Cao Cao, who treated him very generously. Cao Cao led his army into Wancheng to garrison, while the rest of the troops were stationed outside the city, with camps stretching for over ten li. After several days, Zhang Xiu hosted a feast for Cao Cao every day.
One day, Cao Cao, drunk, retired to his quarters and privately asked his attendants, "Are there any courtesans in this city?" His nephew, Cao Anmin, understanding his intent, secretly replied, "Last night, I saw a woman near the guesthouse who was extremely beautiful. Upon inquiry, she is the wife of Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu's uncle." Upon hearing this, Cao Cao ordered Anmin to take fifty armored men and bring her to him. In a short time, she was brought to his camp. Cao Cao saw that she was indeed beautiful. He asked her name, and she replied, "I am Lady Zou, the wife of Zhang Ji." Cao Cao asked, "Do you know who I am?" Lady Zou said, "I have long heard of your Excellency the Chancellor's fame. Tonight, I am fortunate to pay my respects." Cao Cao said, "For your sake, I accepted Zhang Xiu's surrender. Otherwise, I would have annihilated his entire clan." Lady Zou bowed and said, "I am truly grateful for the grace of being reborn." Cao Cao said, "To meet you today is a gift from Heaven. Tonight, I wish to share your bed. Later, you will return to the capital with me and enjoy wealth and honor. What do you think?" Lady Zou bowed in thanks. That night, they shared a tent. Lady Zou said, "If we stay long in the city, Zhang Xiu will become suspicious, and others may gossip." Cao Cao replied, "Tomorrow, I will take you to the camp outside." The next day, they moved outside the city. Cao Cao ordered Dian Wei to guard the outside of his tent. No one was allowed to enter without being summoned. Thus, all communication was cut off. Cao Cao spent his days in pleasure with Lady Zou, with no thought of returning.
Zhang Xiu's household secretly reported this to him. Zhang Xiu was enraged and said, "Cao Cao has insulted me too grievously!" He immediately summoned Jia Xu to discuss the matter. Jia Xu said, "This matter must not be leaked. Tomorrow, when Cao Cao comes out of his tent to conduct business, we will act as planned." The next day, as Cao Cao sat in his tent, Zhang Xiu entered and reported, "Many of the newly surrendered troops have been deserting. I request permission to move my camp closer to the main army." Cao Cao agreed. Zhang Xiu then moved his troops and divided them into four camps, setting a date for the uprising. Fearing Dian Wei's ferocity and finding him difficult to approach, Zhang Xiu consulted with his lieutenant, Hu Che'er. This Hu Che'er could carry five hundred jin and travel seven hundred li a day—a remarkable man. He proposed a plan to Zhang Xiu: "What makes Dian Wei formidable is his pair of iron halberds. Tomorrow, my lord, invite him for a feast and get him thoroughly drunk. Then I will mingle with his attendants, sneak into his tent, and steal his halberds. Then he will no longer be a threat." Zhang Xiu was very pleased. He prepared bows, arrows, and armored troops in advance and issued orders to all camps. On the appointed day, he had Jia Xu invite Dian Wei to his camp, where he plied him with wine and treated him with great courtesy. By evening, Dian Wei returned drunk. Hu Che'er, mingling with the crowd of attendants, entered the main camp.
That night, Cao Cao was drinking with Lady Zou in his tent when he suddenly heard horses neighing outside. He sent someone to investigate. The report came back that it was Zhang Xiu's troops on night patrol, and Cao Cao thought nothing of it. Around the second watch, shouts erupted from the camp, and a report came that a supply cart had caught fire. Cao Cao said, "The soldiers have started a fire—do not be alarmed." In a moment, fires broke out on all sides. Cao Cao, now panicked, urgently called for Dian Wei. Dian Wei, drunk and asleep, was roused by the sound of drums, gongs, and battle cries. He leaped up but could not find his twin halberds. The enemy had already reached the camp gate. Dian Wei quickly grabbed a waist knife from a soldier. At the gate, countless cavalry and infantry, all with long spears, charged into the camp. Dian Wei fought with all his might, killing over twenty men. The cavalry fell back, but the infantry pressed forward, their spears like a forest of reeds. Dian Wei, wearing no armor, was stabbed dozens of times but fought on desperately. When his blade became too dull to use, he discarded the knife, grabbed two enemy soldiers by the legs, and used them as weapons, crushing eight or nine men to death. The enemy dared not approach and shot at him from a distance with a storm of arrows. Dian Wei still held the camp gate. But enemy troops had already entered from the rear. He was struck in the back by a spear and, with a few great shouts, fell dead in a pool of blood. Even after he had been dead for some time, no one dared to enter through the front gate.
Thanks to Dian Wei holding the camp gate, Cao Cao was able to mount his horse and flee from the rear of the camp, with only Cao Anmin following on foot. An arrow struck Cao Cao's right arm, and his horse was hit three times. Fortunately, the horse was a fine Ferghana steed, able to endure pain and run swiftly. Just as they reached the Yu River, the enemy caught up. Cao Anmin was hacked to pieces. Cao Cao spurred his horse through the river, but as he climbed the far bank, an enemy arrow struck the horse's eye, and it collapsed. His eldest son, Cao Ang, offered his own horse to Cao Cao. Cao Cao mounted and fled, but Cao Ang was struck down by a volley of arrows. Thus, Cao Cao escaped. On the road, he met his generals and gathered the remnants of his army. At this time, Xiahou Dun's Qing Province troops took advantage of the chaos to plunder the countryside. Yu Jin, the Commandant for Pacifying the Rebels, led his own troops to intercept and kill the looters, pacifying the local people. The Qing Province troops fled back and, weeping, knelt before Cao Cao, falsely accusing Yu Jin of rebellion and slaughtering their men. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed. Soon, Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin arrived. Cao Cao told them that Yu Jin had rebelled and ordered them to prepare to meet him.
When Yu Jin saw Cao Cao and the others approaching, he deployed his troops, set up a defensive formation, and began digging trenches and setting up camp. Someone said to him, "The Qing Province troops have accused you of rebellion, and the Chancellor has arrived. Why don't you go and explain yourself instead of setting up camp first?" Yu Jin replied, "The enemy pursues us closely and will be here any moment. If we do not prepare first, how can we resist? Explaining is a small matter; repelling the enemy is the great matter." No sooner had he finished setting up the camp than Zhang Xiu's army attacked from two sides. Yu Jin personally led the defense, charging out to meet the enemy. Zhang Xiu was forced to retreat. Seeing Yu Jin advance, the other generals also led their troops to attack. Zhang Xiu's army was routed, and they were pursued for over a hundred li. With his forces exhausted and isolated, Zhang Xiu led his defeated troops to join Liu Biao. Cao Cao gathered his army and reviewed his officers. Yu Jin came before him and explained in detail how the Qing Province troops had been looting and alienating the people, and that he had killed them for it. Cao Cao asked, "Why did you set up camp before reporting to me?" Yu Jin repeated his earlier reasoning. Cao Cao said, "In the midst of chaos, you were able to organize your troops, build fortifications, bear slander and hardship, and turn defeat into victory. Even the famous generals of old could not surpass this!" He then bestowed upon Yu Jin a set of golden vessels, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village, and reprimanded Xiahou Dun for his lax discipline. He also held a memorial ceremony for Dian Wei, weeping and offering libations himself. Turning to his generals, he said, "I have lost my eldest son and my beloved nephew, but I feel no deep pain. It is only for Dian Wei that I weep!" All were deeply moved. The next day, he ordered the army to return to the capital.
We will not speak of Cao Cao's return to Xuchang. Meanwhile, Wang Ze arrived in Xuzhou with the imperial decree. Lü Bu welcomed him into his residence and had the decree read aloud. It appointed Lü Bu as General Who Pacifies the East and specially bestowed upon him a seal and ribbon. Wang Ze also presented a personal letter from Cao Cao, praising Cao Cao's respect for Lü Bu. Lü Bu was overjoyed. Suddenly, a messenger from Yuan Shu arrived. Lü Bu summoned him and asked the reason. The messenger said, "My lord will soon ascend the imperial throne and establish the Eastern Palace. He urges the Empress to come to Huainan as soon as possible." Lü Bu flew into a rage and shouted, "A rebel—how dare he do such a thing!" He killed the messenger, had Han Yin placed in a cangue, and sent Chen Deng with a letter of thanks, escorting Han Yin along with Wang Ze to Xuchang to express his gratitude. In his reply to Cao Cao, Lü Bu also requested to be formally appointed Governor of Xuzhou. When Cao Cao learned that Lü Bu had broken off the marriage with Yuan Shu, he was delighted and had Han Yin executed in the marketplace.
Chen Deng secretly advised Cao Cao, "Lü Bu is a wolf. He is brave but lacks strategy and is fickle in his loyalties. You should deal with him early." Cao Cao said, "I have always known that Lü Bu has the heart of a wolf cub and is difficult to keep for long. No one knows his true nature better than you and your father. You must help me plan against him." Chen Deng replied, "If you, Chancellor, take action, I will serve as your inside man." Cao Cao was pleased and recommended Chen Gui for a salary of two thousand piculs and appointed Chen Deng as Grand Administrator of Guangling. When Chen Deng took his leave, Cao Cao grasped his hand and said, "The affairs of the east are entrusted to you." Chen Deng nodded in agreement. When he returned to Xuzhou and saw Lü Bu, Lü Bu asked him about his mission. Chen Deng said, "My father received an official salary, and I was appointed Grand Administrator." Lü Bu was furious. "You did not seek the governorship of Xuzhou for me, but sought rank and riches for yourselves! Your father urged me to ally with Cao Cao and break off the marriage with Yuan Shu. Now, I have gained nothing from my request, while you and your father have both become honored. I have been sold out by you and your father!" He drew his sword and was about to kill Chen Deng. Chen Deng laughed loudly and said, "General, how can you be so blind?" Lü Bu asked, "Blind to what?" Chen Deng replied, "When I saw Cao Cao, I said that keeping you, General, was like keeping a tiger—you must be fed with meat, or you will devour men. Cao Cao laughed and said, 'Not as you say. I treat the Marquis of Wen like a trained falcon: as long as the foxes and hares are not yet eliminated, I dare not let it be sated. If it is hungry, it will serve me; if it is full, it will fly away.' I asked who the foxes and hares were, and Cao Cao said, 'Yuan Shu of Huainan, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingxiang, Liu Zhang of Yizhou, and Zhang Lu of Hanzhong—all are foxes and hares.'" Lü Bu threw down his sword and laughed