As we were saying, Cao Cao, at the spot where the golden light had appeared, ordered his men to dig, and they unearthed a bronze sparrow. He turned to Xun Yu and asked, "What omen does this signify?" Xun Yu replied, "In ancient times, the mother of Emperor Shun dreamed of a jade sparrow entering her bosom, and thus she gave birth to Shun. Now that you have found a bronze sparrow, it is also an auspicious sign." Cao Cao was overjoyed and ordered the construction of a grand tower to celebrate the event. That very day, they broke ground, felled trees, fired bricks, and polished stones, building the Bronze Sparrow Tower on the banks of the Zhang River. The work was estimated to take a full year. His youngest son, Cao Zhi, stepped forward and said, "If we are to build a multi-tiered tower, we must erect three structures: the tallest in the center shall be called the Bronze Sparrow; the one to the left, the Jade Dragon; and the one to the right, the Golden Phoenix. Furthermore, we should build two flying bridges connecting them, arching across the sky, to create a truly magnificent sight." Cao Cao said, "My son's words are excellent. When the tower is completed, it will bring me great pleasure!" Now, Cao Cao had five sons, but Cao Zhi alone was intelligent and gifted in literature, and Cao Cao loved him above all others. So, he left Cao Zhi and Cao Pi behind in Ye Commandery to oversee the tower's construction, while ordering Zhang Yan to guard the northern camp. Cao Cao then took the fifty to sixty thousand troops he had gained from Yuan Shao and led his army back to the capital, Xuchang. There, he generously rewarded his meritorious officials and also petitioned the court to posthumously honor Guo Jia as the Marquis of Zhen, adopting his son, Guo Yi, to be raised in his own household. He then gathered his advisors to discuss a southern campaign against Liu Biao. Xun Yu advised, "Our main army has only just returned from the northern campaign and cannot be mobilized again so soon. Let us wait half a year to rest and build our strength; then Liu Biao and Sun Quan can be crushed in a single stroke." Cao Cao agreed and divided his forces to engage in military farming, awaiting the call to action.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei, since arriving in Jing Province, had been treated with great generosity by Liu Biao. One day, as they were feasting together, a messenger suddenly reported that the surrendered generals Zhang Wu and Chen Sun were plundering the people in Jiangxia and plotting rebellion. Liu Biao exclaimed in alarm, "These two bandits have risen again—this is no small disaster!" Liu Bei said, "Elder Brother, there is no need for worry. I request permission to lead a campaign against them." Liu Biao was overjoyed and immediately mustered thirty thousand troops for Liu Bei to command. Liu Bei accepted the order and set out at once, arriving at Jiangxia within a day. Zhang Wu and Chen Sun led their forces out to meet him. Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, rode out beneath the regimental banners. He noticed the horse that Zhang Wu was riding—an exceptionally powerful and handsome steed. Liu Bei remarked, "That must be a thousand-li horse." Before he had finished speaking, Zhao Yun leveled his spear and charged straight into the enemy formation. Zhang Wu spurred his horse forward to meet him, but in less than three exchanges, Zhao Yun pierced him with his spear, knocking him from the saddle. In the same motion, Zhao Yun seized the reins and led the horse back to his own lines. Seeing this, Chen Sun pursued, but Zhang Fei let out a thunderous roar, leveled his serpent spear, and charged, killing Chen Sun with a single thrust. The remaining enemy troops scattered in panic. Liu Bei pacified the remnants, restored order to the various counties of Jiangxia, and led his army back in triumph. Liu Biao came out of the city to welcome him and then held a celebratory feast. In the midst of their drinking, Liu Biao said, "With such talent as yours, younger brother, Jing Province has a firm foundation. But I still worry about the constant raids from the Southern Yue tribes and the threats posed by Zhang Lu and Sun Quan." Liu Bei replied, "I have three generals who are more than capable of handling these matters: let Zhang Fei patrol the Southern Yue border, let Guan Yu hold Gucheng to contain Zhang Lu, and let Zhao Yun guard the Three Rivers region to oppose Sun Quan. What is there to fear?" Liu Biao was pleased and was inclined to follow this advice.
However, Cai Mao reported to his elder sister, Lady Cai, saying, "Liu Bei has placed his three generals on the frontiers while he himself remains in Xiangyang. If this continues, he will surely become a threat." That night, Lady Cai said to Liu Biao, "I have heard that many people in Xiangyang are associating with Liu Bei. You must be on guard. Allowing him to reside in the city is of no benefit. It would be better to send him away." Liu Biao said, "Xuande is a man of benevolence." Lady Cai retorted, "I only fear that others may not share your trusting heart." Liu Biao fell silent and gave no answer. The next day, as he rode out of the city, he saw the magnificent horse that Liu Bei was riding and asked about it. Learning that it was Zhang Wu's former steed, Liu Biao praised it endlessly. Liu Bei then presented the horse to Liu Biao, who was overjoyed and rode it back into the city. Kuai Yue saw the horse and asked about it. Liu Biao said, "This was a gift from Xuande." Kuai Yue said, "My late elder brother, Kuai Liang, was an excellent judge of horses, and I myself know something of the art. This horse has tear tracks beneath its eyes and a white spot on its forehead. It is called Dilu, the 'Sweeping White,' and riding it brings misfortune to its master. Zhang Wu died because of this horse. You must not ride it, my lord." Liu Biao heeded his words. The next day, he invited Liu Bei to a banquet and said, "I am deeply grateful for the fine horse you gave me yesterday. But since you are constantly on campaign, you will have better use for it. I must return it to you." Liu Bei rose to thank him. Liu Biao continued, "You have been living here for some time, and I fear it may cause your martial skills to rust. The county of Xinye, which belongs to Xiangyang, has ample grain and resources. You may take your troops and station them there. What do you think?" Liu Bei accepted the offer. The next day, he took his leave of Liu Biao and led his troops directly to Xinye.
Just as he was passing through the city gate, a man stepped forward and made a deep bow before his horse, saying, "My lord, you must not ride that horse!" Liu Bei looked at him and recognized Yi Ji, styled Jibo, a staff officer from Shanyang who served in Liu Biao's court. Liu Bei quickly dismounted and asked why. Yi Ji said, "Yesterday, I heard Kuai Yidu tell the Governor of Jing that this horse is called Dilu and that riding it brings misfortune to its master. That is why he returned it to you. How can you ride it again?" Liu Bei replied, "I am deeply grateful for your concern, sir. But the life and death of a man are determined by fate. How could a horse bring misfortune?" Yi Ji was impressed by Liu Bei's lofty perspective, and from that day on, he often associated with him.
When Liu Bei arrived in Xinye, both the soldiers and the people were delighted, and the administration was reformed and revitalized. In the spring of the twelfth year of Jian'an, Lady Gan gave birth to Liu Bei's son, Liu Shan (Liu Shan (刘禅, also known as Adou 阿斗, son of Liu Bei, second and last emperor of Shu-Han, remembered as a weak ruler)). That night, a white crane flew onto the roof of the county office, cried out more than forty times, and then flew off toward the west. At the moment of birth, a strange fragrance filled the room. Lady Gan had once dreamed that she swallowed the Northern Dipper while sleeping, and thus conceived. For this reason, the child's milk name was Adou, "the Little Dipper." At this time, Cao Cao was leading his main army north on a campaign. Liu Bei went to Xiangyang and urged Liu Biao: "Now that Cao Cao has committed all his forces to the north, Xuchang is empty. If we were to take the armies of Jing and Xiang and launch a surprise attack, we could achieve great things." Liu Biao replied, "I am content to rule my nine commanderies in peace. Why should I seek anything more?" Liu Bei fell silent. Liu Biao invited him into the private quarters for a drink. In the midst of their revelry, Liu Biao suddenly let out a long sigh. Liu Bei asked, "Elder Brother, why do you sigh?" Liu Biao said, "I have a matter weighing on my heart, but it is not easy to speak of." As Liu Bei was about to press him further, Lady Cai emerged from behind a screen. Liu Biao lowered his head and fell silent. Soon after, the feast ended, and Liu Bei returned to Xinye.
That winter, when he heard that Cao Cao had returned from Liucheng, Liu Bei lamented that Liu Biao had not heeded his advice. One day, a messenger arrived from Liu Biao, summoning Liu Bei to Xiangyang for a meeting. Liu Bei went with the messenger. Liu Biao received him, exchanged formal greetings, and invited him into the private quarters for a feast. He said to Liu Bei, "I have recently heard that Cao Cao has returned to Xuchang with his army, and his power grows daily. He is certain to harbor ambitions of swallowing Jing and Xiang. I regret not having followed your advice before and missing that excellent opportunity." Liu Bei replied, "The realm is divided, and the clash of arms grows daily. Opportunities are never exhausted. If we can respond in the future, there is no need for regret." Liu Biao said, "Your words are very true." They drank together. As the wine flowed, Liu Biao suddenly began to weep. Liu Bei asked the reason. Liu Biao said, "I have a matter weighing on my heart. I wished to tell you before, but never found the right moment." Liu Bei said, "Elder Brother, what difficult decision troubles you? If there is any way I can be of service, I will not refuse even death." Liu Biao said, "My first wife, Lady Chen, bore me my eldest son, Liu Qi. Though virtuous, he is gentle and weak, unfit to govern. My second wife, Lady Cai, bore me my younger son, Liu Zong, who is quite intelligent. I wish to depose the elder and install the younger, but I fear violating the rites and laws. Yet if I establish the eldest, the Cai clan, which controls the military, will surely cause chaos. I am at a loss." Liu Bei said, "Since ancient times, deposing the elder and installing the younger has been the path to chaos. If you fear the Cai clan's power, you can gradually reduce it. Do not indulge your affection and set up the younger son." Liu Biao fell silent.
Now, Lady Cai had long been suspicious of Liu Bei. Whenever Liu Bei and Liu Biao discussed matters, she would secretly listen. At that moment, she was behind a screen and heard Liu Bei's words. Hatred filled her heart. Liu Bei realized he had spoken carelessly and excused himself to go to the latrine. There, he noticed that the flesh on his thighs had grown soft again, and he could not help but weep. After a while, he returned to the feast. Liu Biao saw the traces of tears on Liu Bei's face and asked him in surprise. Liu Bei sighed deeply and said, "In the past, I was always on horseback, and the flesh on my thighs was lean. Now, after not riding for so long, the flesh has grown back. The days and months slip away, and old age approaches, yet I have accomplished no great deeds. That is why I grieve." Liu Biao said, "I have heard that when you were in Xuchang, you and Cao Cao boiled green plums and discussed heroes over wine. You named all the famous men of the age, but Cao Cao dismissed them all, saying that the only true heroes under Heaven were you and himself. With Cao Cao's power, he still dared not place himself above you. Why should you worry about not achieving great deeds?" Emboldened by the wine, Liu Bei replied rashly, "If I had a foundation of my own, the common run of men in this realm would truly be no cause for concern." Liu Biao fell silent at these words. Liu Bei realized he had spoken carelessly again, pretended to be drunk, rose, and returned to his lodgings to rest.
A poet of the time later composed a verse in praise of Liu Bei: "Cao Cao counted the heroes of the age on his fingers, and declared that the only true hero under Heaven was the Imperial Uncle. Yet Liu Bei lamented the flesh growing on his thighs—how could such a man not divide the realm into three?"
Liu Biao, though he said nothing, felt displeased by Liu Bei's words. He parted from Liu Bei and retired to his private quarters. Lady Cai said, "Just now, from behind the screen, I heard Liu Bei's words. He holds us in contempt, and it is clear he has designs on swallowing Jing Province. If we do not eliminate him now, he will surely become a future calamity." Liu Biao did not reply, only shook his head. Lady Cai then secretly summoned Cai Mao to discuss the matter. Cai Mao said, "Let me kill him at his lodgings first, and then inform our lord." Lady Cai agreed. Cai Mao left and immediately began mustering troops that very night.
At that time, Liu Bei was sitting alone in his lodgings by candlelight. It was past the third watch, and he was about to retire for the night, when a man suddenly knocked and entered. It was Yi Ji. He had discovered Cai Mao's plot to kill Liu Bei and had come in the dead of night to warn him. Yi Ji promptly informed Liu Bei of Cai Mao's scheme and urged him to flee at once. Liu Bei said, "But I have not taken my leave of Liu Biao. How can I just leave?" Yi Ji replied, "If you take your leave, you will certainly fall into Cai Mao's trap." Liu Bei thanked Yi Ji, hurriedly called for his attendants, and they all mounted their horses. Without waiting for dawn, they fled through the night back to Xinye. By the time Cai Mao's troops arrived at the lodgings, Liu Bei was already far away. Cai Mao was consumed with regret. He then wrote a poem on the wall of the lodgings and went straight in to see Liu Biao, saying, "Liu Bei has rebellious intentions. He has written a seditious poem on the wall and left without even taking his leave." Liu Biao did not believe him and went to the lodgings to see for himself. There, indeed, was a four-line poem: "For years I have languished in vain, facing the same old hills and streams. How long can a dragon remain in a pond? When thunder comes, it will ascend to Heaven!" Liu Biao flew into a rage at the sight of the poem. Drawing his sword, he cried, "I swear I will kill this ingrate!" After walking a few steps, he suddenly came to his senses and thought, "I have known Xuande for a long time, and I have never seen him compose a poem. This must be a plot by others to sow discord between us." So he returned to the lodgings, used the tip of his sword to scrape the poem from the wall, threw down his sword, and mounted his horse.
Cai Mao pressed him, saying, "The troops are already assembled. Let us go to Xinye and seize Liu Bei." Liu Biao said, "Do not act rashly. Let me consider this slowly." Seeing Liu Biao's indecision, Cai Mao secretly conspired with Lady Cai. They decided to hold a grand assembly of all the officials in Xiangyang and there, they would find a way to eliminate Liu Bei. The next day, Cai Mao reported to Liu Biao, "The harvest has been abundant this year. It would be fitting to gather all the officials in Xiangyang to demonstrate your grace and encouragement. I request that you attend in person." Liu Biao said, "My asthma has been acting up recently, and I truly cannot travel. Let my two sons host the guests in my stead." Cai Mao said, "The young lords are still young and may be lacking in etiquette." Liu Biao said, "Then send for Xuande from Xinye to act as host." Cai Mao was secretly delighted that his plan was working and sent a messenger to invite Liu Bei to Xiangyang.
Liu Bei had returned to Xinye, knowing he had spoken carelessly and courted disaster, but he had not told anyone about it. Suddenly, a messenger arrived, inviting him to Xiangyang. Sun Qian said, "Yesterday, I saw you return in haste, my lord, and you seemed very troubled. I suspect something happened in Xiangyang. Now this sudden invitation to a gathering—you should not go lightly." Liu Bei then told everyone about the previous events. Guan Yu said, "Elder Brother, you are being overly suspicious of your own words. Liu Biao showed no sign of anger. The words of outsiders should not be trusted. Xiangyang is not far from here. If you do not go, Liu Biao will become suspicious." Liu Bei said, "Yunchang's words are correct." Zhang Fei said, "A feast is no feast, and a gathering is no gathering. It's better not to go." Zhao Yun said, "Let me take three hundred cavalry and infantry to accompany you. I can ensure your safety, my lord." Liu Bei said, "That would be excellent." So he and Zhao Yun set out for Xiangyang that very day. Cai Mao came out of the city to greet them, his manner extremely humble and respectful. Then Liu Biao's two sons, Liu Qi and Liu Zong, led a host of civil and military officials out to welcome them. Seeing both young lords present, Liu Bei's suspicions were allayed. That day, he was lodged in a guesthouse, with Zhao Yun and his three hundred troops guarding it. Zhao Yun, fully armored and with his sword at his side, never left Liu Bei's side. Liu Qi said to Liu Bei, "My father's asthma has flared up and he cannot move.
He has specially requested you, Uncle, to act as host and to receive and encourage the various officials who have come from the different commanderies." Liu Bei said, "I hardly dare to take on such a responsibility. But since it is my elder brother's command, I dare not refuse." The next day, it was reported that officials from all nine commanderies and forty-two counties had arrived. Cai Mao had already secretly summoned Kuai Yue to plan. He said, "Liu Bei is a fierce predator of the age. If he remains here long, he will surely become a threat. We must eliminate him today." Kuai Yue said, "I fear this will lose us the support of the people." Cai Mao said, "I have already received secret orders from the Governor of Jing." Kuai Yue said, "If that is the case, we should make preparations." Cai Mao said, "The main road to the east gate, at Xian Mountain, has been blocked by my younger brother, Cai He, with troops. The south gate is guarded by Cai Zhong, and the north gate by Cai Xun. Only the west gate need not be guarded, for the Tan Stream lies before it. Even with tens of thousands of men, it would be difficult to cross." Kuai Yue said, "I have noticed that Zhao Yun never leaves Liu Bei's side. It will be hard to strike." Cai Mao said, "I have five hundred men hidden within the city, ready." Kuai Yue said, "Let Wen Ping and Wang Wei set up a separate table in the outer hall to entertain the military officers. First, detain Zhao Yun, and then we can proceed." Cai Mao followed his advice.
That day, oxen and horses were slaughtered, and a grand feast was laid out. Liu Bei rode his Dilu horse to the provincial headquarters and ordered it to be tied in the rear garden. All the officials gathered in the main hall. Liu Bei took the seat of honor, with the two young lords seated on either side, and the others arranged in order of rank. Zhao Yun stood beside Liu Bei, sword in hand. Wen Ping and Wang Wei came to invite Zhao Yun to join the feast at their table. Zhao Yun declined. Liu Bei ordered him to go, and Zhao Yun reluctantly complied. Outside, Cai Mao had arranged everything as tightly as an iron bucket. The three hundred troops Liu Bei had brought were all sent back to the guesthouse. The plan was to wait until the feast was in full swing, then give the signal to strike. After three rounds of wine, Yi Ji rose to offer a toast. He came before Liu Bei, looked at him meaningfully, and whispered, "Please excuse yourself to change your clothes." Liu Bei understood and rose to go to the latrine. After finishing his toast, Yi Ji hurried into the rear garden, where he found Liu Bei. Leaning close to his ear, he reported, "Cai Mao has plotted to harm you. The east, south, and north gates outside the city are all guarded by troops. Only the west gate is open, but the Tan Stream lies before it. You must flee at once!" Liu Bei was greatly alarmed. He quickly untied his Dilu horse, led it through the rear garden gate, leaped onto its back, and, ignoring his attendants, galloped alone toward the west gate. The gatekeeper questioned him, but Liu Bei did not answer. He spurred his horse and charged through. The gatekeeper could not stop him and hurriedly reported to Cai Mao. Cai Mao immediately mounted his horse and led five hundred men in pursuit.
Liu Bei burst through the west gate and rode for some distance, only to find a great stream blocking his path. The Tan Stream was several spans wide, its waters flowing into the Xiang River, and the current was swift and fierce. Liu Bei reached the bank and saw that it was impossible to cross. He reined in his horse and turned back, only to see a great cloud of dust rising from the west gate of the city. The pursuers were almost upon him. Liu Bei said to himself, "This time, I am doomed!" He turned his horse back to the stream's edge. Looking behind him, the pursuers were closing in. In desperation, Liu Bei spurred his horse into the stream. But after only a few steps, the horse's front hooves sank into the mud, soaking his robes. Liu Bei whipped the horse and cried out, "Dilu! Dilu! Today you have brought me to ruin!" No sooner had he spoken than the horse suddenly surged up from the water, leaping a full three spans into the air, and landed on the western bank. Liu Bei felt as if he had risen from the clouds and mist. A poet of later times, a scholar from the Su family, composed a long ballad about this event of leaping the Tan Stream on horseback. The poem told of the twilight of spring, when flowers wither, and a traveler on official business happened upon the Tan Stream road. He reined in his horse and gazed into the distance, alone and hesitant, while before him, red willow catkins drifted in the air. He reflected on how the fire virtue of the Han dynasty was waning in Chang'an, and dragons and tigers clashed in a struggle for supremacy. At the feast in Xiangyang, the scions of noble houses drank, and Liu Bei's life hung in the balance. He fled alone through the west gate, with pursuing troops close behind. The misty waters of the Tan Stream swelled, and he urgently drove his warhorse to leap forward. The horse's hooves shattered the green glass of the water's surface, and the wind of Heaven howled as he swung his golden whip. In his ears, he heard the thunder of a thousand horsemen, and in the waves, he suddenly saw two dragons flying. The true lord who would later dominate Western Shu met his dragon steed on that day. The waters of the Tan Stream flow eastward to this day, but where now are the dragon steed and the hero? Standing by the stream, one sighs until the heart grows bitter, as the setting sun silently shines on the empty hills. The tripod of the Three Kingdoms was all but a dream, and only traces of that event remain in the world.
Liu Bei leaped to the western bank and looked back toward the eastern shore. Cai Mao had already led his troops to the stream's edge. He shouted, "My lord, why did you flee from the feast?" Liu Bei replied, "I have no quarrel with you. Why do you seek to harm me?" Cai Mao said, "I have no such intention. Do not listen to idle rumors, my lord." Liu Bei saw Cai Mao reach for his bow and arrow, so he quickly turned his horse and galloped off toward the southwest. Cai Mao said to his men, "What divine power aided him?" He was about to withdraw his troops back into the city when he saw Zhao Yun leading three hundred men charging out from the west gate. Truly: The dragon steed leaped to save its master; the pursuing tiger general came to slay the foe. Whether Cai Mao's life was spared will be told in the next chapter.