The man who proposed this plan was Mi Zhu, styled Zizhong, a native of Qu County in Donghai. His family was immensely wealthy. Once, while returning from business in Luoyang, he encountered a beautiful woman on the road who asked for a ride in his carriage. Mi Zhu dismounted and walked, offering the woman his seat. She insisted he join her. He sat upright, his gaze never straying. After traveling several miles, the woman departed, but before leaving, she said, "I am the Star Spirit of Fire from the South, sent by the Lord of Heaven to burn your house. Moved by your virtuous conduct, I warn you. Return home quickly and move your valuables. I will come tonight." With that, she vanished. Terrified, Mi Zhu raced home and hastily moved all his possessions outside. That very night, a fire broke out in his kitchen, consuming the entire house. From then on, Mi Zhu distributed his wealth, aiding the poor and needy. Later, Tao Qian appointed him as an Attendant Officer. On this day, he offered his plan: "I will personally go to Beihai Commandery and request Kong Rong to raise an army for our rescue. We should also send another man to Tian Kai in Qing Province to ask for aid. If both forces come together, Cao Cao will surely retreat." Tao Qian agreed. He wrote two letters and asked who among his subordinates would dare go to Qing Province. One man volunteered. The assembly looked upon him—it was Chen Deng, styled Yuanlong, a native of Guangling. Tao Qian first dispatched Chen Deng to Qing Province, then ordered Mi Zhu to carry the letter to Beihai, while he himself led the troops to defend the city against attack.
Now, let us speak of Kong Rong, styled Wenju, a native of Qufu in Lu Commandery. He was the twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius and the son of Kong Zhou, the Commandant of Mount Tai. From childhood, he was remarkably intelligent. At the age of ten, he went to visit Li Ying, the Grand Administrator of Henan. The gatekeeper tried to turn him away, but Kong Rong said, "I am a relative of your master's family." When he was admitted, Li Ying asked, "How are your ancestors related to mine?" Kong Rong replied, "In ancient times, Confucius once inquired about rituals from Laozi. Thus, are we not families connected through generations?" Li Ying was greatly astonished. Soon after, Chen Wei, a Senior Grand Master, arrived. Li Ying pointed to Kong Rong and said, "This is a prodigy." Chen Wei remarked, "Clever as a child does not guarantee brilliance in adulthood." Kong Rong immediately retorted, "Then, by your logic, you must have been very clever as a child." Chen Wei and the others laughed and said, "This child will surely become a great figure of his time." From then on, Kong Rong gained fame. He later became a General of the Household and eventually the Grand Administrator of Beihai. He was exceedingly fond of guests, often saying, "My wish is to have my hall always full of guests and my wine cups never empty." During his six years in Beihai, he won the hearts of the people.
On that day, as Kong Rong was entertaining guests, a report arrived that Mi Zhu from Xu Province had come. Kong Rong invited him in and asked his purpose. Mi Zhu presented Tao Qian's letter, which said, "Cao Cao's siege is extremely urgent. We hope you, illustrious lord, will come to our aid." Kong Rong said, "I have a deep friendship with Tao Qian, and you, Zizhong, have come in person. How could I not go? But Cao Cao and I have no quarrel. I should first send a letter of mediation. If he refuses, then I will raise an army." Mi Zhu replied, "Cao Cao relies on his military might and will never agree to peace." Kong Rong ordered troops to be mustered while also sending a messenger with a letter. As they were discussing, a sudden report came that Guan Hai, a remnant leader of the Yellow Turbans, was leading tens of thousands of bandits toward the city. Kong Rong was greatly alarmed and hastily mustered his own forces to confront the enemy outside the city. Guan Hai rode forward and shouted, "I know Beihai has abundant grain. Lend me ten thousand bushels, and I will withdraw. Otherwise, I will breach the city and spare no one, young or old!" Kong Rong rebuked him, "I am a minister of the great Han dynasty, guarding Han territory. Do you think I would give grain to a bandit?" Enraged, Guan Hai spurred his horse, brandished his blade, and charged at Kong Rong. One of Kong Rong's generals, Zong Bao, rode out with his spear. After only a few exchanges, Guan Hai cut Zong Bao down from his horse with a single stroke. Kong Rong's army fell into chaos and fled back into the city. Guan Hai divided his forces and besieged the city on all sides. Kong Rong was deeply distressed, and Mi Zhu's anxiety was beyond words.
The next day, Kong Rong ascended the city wall and gazed into the distance. Seeing the overwhelming enemy force, his worries multiplied. Suddenly, he saw a man outside the city, spear in hand, charging into the bandit ranks on horseback. He charged left and right as if entering an empty plain, until he reached the city wall and shouted, "Open the gate!" Kong Rong did not recognize him and dared not open. As the bandits pursued him to the moat, the man turned and, with repeated thrusts, knocked more than a dozen bandits from their horses. The bandits fell back. Kong Rong hastily ordered the gate opened and the man admitted. The man dismounted, discarded his spear, and went directly to the city wall to pay respects to Kong Rong. Kong Rong asked his name. He replied, "I am a native of Huang County in Donglai. My family name is Taishi, and my given name is Ci, styled Ziyi. My mother has long been indebted to your kindness. I recently returned home from Liaodong to visit my family and learned of the bandits besieging the city. My mother said, 'We have received many favors from the Grand Administrator. You must go and rescue him.' So I came alone." Kong Rong was overjoyed. Although he had never met Taishi Ci, he knew him to be a hero. Since Taishi Ci had been away, his mother lived twenty li from the city, and Kong Rong often sent her grain and cloth. Grateful for his kindness, she had sent her son to his aid.
Kong Rong then treated Taishi Ci with great honor, bestowing upon him armor, a saddle, and a horse. Taishi Ci said, "I request a thousand elite soldiers to go out and fight the bandits." Kong Rong replied, "You are brave, but the bandits are too numerous. It would be unwise to act rashly." Taishi Ci said, "My mother, moved by your great virtue, sent me here. If I cannot break the siege, I will have no face to see her again. I am willing to fight to the death!" Kong Rong said, "I have heard that Liu Xuande is a hero of our time. If we could invite him to help, the siege would surely be lifted. But I have no one to send." Taishi Ci replied, "Write a letter, my lord, and I will deliver it quickly." Overjoyed, Kong Rong wrote a letter and gave it to Taishi Ci. Taishi Ci donned his armor, mounted his horse, slung his bow and arrows across his back, and gripped his iron spear. After a hearty meal and full preparation, the city gate opened, and he shot out alone. Near the moat, the bandit generals led their men to intercept him. Taishi Ci killed several with his spear and broke through the encirclement. Guan Hai, knowing someone had escaped, guessed he was going for reinforcements. He personally led several hundred riders in pursuit, surrounding Taishi Ci on all sides. Taishi Ci rested his spear, drew his bow, and shot in all directions. Every arrow found its mark, and bandits fell from their horses. The remaining pursuers dared not follow.
Having escaped, Taishi Ci traveled day and night to Pingyuan to see Liu Xuande. After presenting his respects, he explained Kong Rong's desperate situation and presented the letter. After reading it, Liu Bei asked, "Who are you, sir?" Taishi Ci replied, "I am Taishi Ci, a humble man from the eastern sea. I am neither a blood relative nor a fellow villager of Kong Rong. But our spirits are united by righteousness, and we share in each other's troubles. Now Guan Hai has risen in rebellion, and Beihai is besieged, with no one to turn to for help. Its peril is imminent. Hearing that you, my lord, are renowned for your virtue and are always ready to aid those in distress, I braved the enemy's blades to come and beg for your assistance." Liu Bei composed himself and replied, "So Kong Rong of Beihai knows that Liu Bei exists in this world!" He then, together with Yunchang and Yide, mustered three thousand elite troops and set out for Beihai Commandery.
Guan Hai, seeing the relief force approaching, personally led his men to meet them. Noticing Liu Bei's small army, he dismissed them as insignificant. Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Taishi Ci, took their positions before the battle lines. Furious, Guan Hai charged forward. Taishi Ci was about to engage, but Guan Yu had already ridden out to meet Guan Hai. Their horses met, and the soldiers raised a great shout. How could Guan Hai withstand Guan Yu? After several dozen exchanges, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade rose and fell, cleaving Guan Hai from his horse. Taishi Ci and Zhang Fei charged out together, their twin spears thrusting as they plunged into the bandit ranks. Liu Bei drove his troops forward in a fierce assault. From the city wall, Kong Rong watched Taishi Ci, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei slaughter the bandits like tigers among sheep, unstoppable in every direction. He then led his own forces out of the city. Attacked from both sides, the bandits were utterly defeated. Countless surrendered, and the remnants scattered.
Kong Rong welcomed Liu Bei into the city. After exchanging formal greetings, a grand banquet was held in celebration. He also introduced Mi Zhu to Liu Bei, who recounted the story of Zhang Kai murdering Cao Song. "Now Cao Cao is letting his troops run rampant, besieging Xu Province. We have come to beg for your help," Mi Zhu said. Liu Bei replied, "Tao Qian is a benevolent and virtuous man. It is unjust that he should suffer this undeserved calamity." Kong Rong said, "You, sir, are a member of the Han imperial family. Now Cao Cao is cruelly oppressing the people, using his strength to bully the weak. Why not join me in going to their rescue?" Liu Bei answered, "I dare not refuse, but my forces are few and my generals are weak. I fear it would be difficult to act rashly." Kong Rong insisted, "My desire to save Tao Qian is not only out of old friendship but also for the sake of righteousness. Do you not share this sense of duty?" Liu Bei said, "If that is the case, please go ahead, Wenju. Allow me to go to Gongsun Zan and borrow three to five thousand men, then I will follow." Kong Rong said, "Do not break your word." Liu Bei replied, "What kind of man do you take me for? The sage said, 'From ancient times, all men die, but without trust, a man cannot stand.' Whether I can borrow troops or not, I will come in person." Kong Rong agreed and told Mi Zhu to return to Xu Province first to report. Kong Rong then prepared to depart. Taishi Ci took his leave, saying, "I came on my mother's orders to help. Now that the danger is over, I must go. Liu Yao, the Provincial Inspector of Yang Province, is from my same commandery and has sent for me. I dare not refuse. I hope we may meet again." Kong Rong offered him gold and silk as a reward, but Taishi Ci refused and returned home. His mother was overjoyed and said, "I am glad that you have repaid our debt to Beihai!" She then sent him on his way to Yang Province.
Let us leave aside Kong Rong's mustering of troops. Let us speak instead of Liu Bei, who left Beihai to see Gongsun Zan and told him of his desire to rescue Xu Province. Gongsun Zan said, "Cao Cao has no quarrel with you. Why trouble yourself on behalf of others?" Liu Bei replied, "I have given my word and dare not break my promise." Gongsun Zan said, "I will lend you two thousand cavalry and infantry." Liu Bei added, "I also wish to borrow Zhao Zilong to accompany me." Gongsun Zan agreed. Liu Bei then, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, led his own three thousand troops as the vanguard, while Zhao Zilong followed with two thousand men. They marched toward Xu Province.
Mi Zhu returned to Tao Qian and reported that Beihai had also secured the aid of Liu Xuande. Chen Deng also returned, reporting that Tian Kai of Qing Province had gladly agreed to lead his army to the rescue. Tao Qian's heart was eased. However, both Kong Rong's and Tian Kai's forces, fearing Cao Cao's overwhelming strength, had made camp at the foot of a distant mountain and dared not advance rashly. Cao Cao, seeing two enemy armies arrive, also divided his attention and dared not press the siege on the city.
When Liu Xuande's army arrived, he met with Kong Rong. Kong Rong said, "Cao Cao's forces are formidable, and he is a skilled commander. We must not engage him lightly. Let us first observe his movements before committing our troops." Liu Bei replied, "I fear that the city may be running low on supplies and cannot hold out much longer. Let me order Yunchang and Zilong to lead four thousand troops to support your force. Zhang Fei and I will charge straight for Cao Cao's camp and then proceed to Xu Province to meet with Governor Tao." Kong Rong was delighted. He coordinated with Tian Kai to form a pincer formation, with Guan Yu and Zhao Zilong positioned on the flanks to provide support. That day, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led a thousand men toward Cao Cao's camp. As they advanced, a drum roll sounded from within the camp, and a flood of cavalry and infantry surged out like a tidal wave. At the head was the general Yu Jin, who reined in his horse and shouted, "Who are these reckless fools, and where do you think you're going?" Zhang Fei, without a word, charged straight at Yu Jin. Their horses met, and after a few exchanges, Liu Bei drew his Twin Swords and urged his troops forward in a massive assault. Yu Jin was defeated and fled. Zhang Fei pursued him all the way to the walls of Xu Province.
From the city wall, the defenders saw a red banner with white characters reading "Liu Xuande of Pingyuan." Tao Qian hastily ordered the gate opened. Liu Bei entered the city, and Tao Qian welcomed him. They went together to the government headquarters. After exchanging formalities, a feast was held, and the troops were rewarded. Tao Qian, seeing Liu Bei's dignified bearing and hearing his eloquent speech, was filled with joy. He ordered Mi Zhu to bring the seal and credentials of Xu Province and offered them to Liu Bei. Startled, Liu Bei asked, "What do you mean by this, my lord?" Tao Qian said, "The realm is in chaos, and the imperial authority is in decline. You, sir, are a member of the Han imperial family and are perfectly suited to uphold the state. I am old and incompetent. I willingly offer Xu Province to you. Do not refuse. I will myself write a memorial to the court." Liu Bei rose from his seat, bowed twice, and said, "Although I am a descendant of the Han dynasty, my merits are few and my virtue is slight. Even as the Chancellor of Pingyuan, I fear I am unworthy of the post. I came here for the sake of righteousness. Do your words imply that you suspect I have designs on your territory? If I harbored such a thought, may Heaven not protect me!" Tao Qian replied, "This is my sincere wish." He insisted several times, but Liu Bei would not accept. Mi Zhu stepped forward and said, "The enemy is at the gates. Let us first discuss how to repel them. When the situation is settled, we can revisit this matter." Liu Bei said, "I will write a letter to Cao Cao, urging him to make peace. If he refuses, we can fight." He then sent orders to the three allied camps to hold their positions and dispatched a messenger with a letter to Cao Cao.
At this time, Cao Cao was in his camp discussing matters with his generals when a report arrived that a letter of challenge had come from Xu Province. Cao Cao opened it and read it. It was from Liu Bei. The letter read roughly: "Since I last saw you at the pass, we have been separated by great distances. The recent tragedy of your honored father was the work of the villain Zhang Kai, not the fault of Tao Qian. Now, remnants of the Yellow Turbans cause trouble without, while the partisans of Dong Zhuo remain entrenched within. I hope you will prioritize the state's urgent needs over personal vengeance. Withdraw your troops from Xu Province to address the nation's crisis. This would be a blessing for Xu Province and for all under Heaven." After reading, Cao Cao cursed, "Who does Liu Bei think he is, daring to send me such a letter with its veiled mockery!" He ordered the messenger executed and prepared to press the attack on the city. Guo Jia advised, "Liu Bei has come from afar to help. He has observed the proper forms of courtesy before war. You should respond with kind words to lull his vigilance. Then, when you attack, the city can be taken." Cao Cao followed his advice, detained the messenger, and prepared a reply.
As they were deliberating, a fast rider arrived with terrible news. When Cao Cao asked what had happened, the rider reported that Lü Bu had already captured Yan Province and was now occupying Puyang. It turned out that after the chaos caused by Li Jue and Guo Si, Lü Bu had fled through Wu Pass and sought refuge with Yuan Shu. But Yuan Shu, resenting Lü Bu's fickle nature, refused to accept him. He then went to Yuan Shao, who took him in and together they defeated Zhang Yan at Changshan. Lü Bu, believing himself to have achieved great success, became arrogant and insulted Yuan Shao's officers. Yuan Shao wanted to kill him, so Lü Bu fled to Zhang Yang, who accepted him. At that time, Pang Shu was in Chang'an secretly harboring Lü Bu's wife and family, later returning them to Lü Bu. When Li Jue and Guo Si learned of this, they had Pang Shu executed and sent a letter to Zhang Yang, ordering him to kill Lü Bu. Lü Bu then abandoned Zhang Yang and went to Zhang Miao. It happened that Zhang Miao's younger brother, Zhang Chao, brought Chen Gong to see him. Chen Gong persuaded Zhang Miao, saying, "The realm is divided, and heroes are rising. You have a territory of a thousand li, yet you are subservient to others. How shameful! Now Cao Cao is on campaign in the east, and Yan Province is undefended. Lü Bu is a peerless warrior. If you join forces with him to take Yan Province, you can build a hegemonic empire." Zhang Miao was delighted and ordered Lü Bu to attack Yan Province, which he captured, subsequently occupying Puyang. Only the three cities of Juancheng, Dong'a, and Fan County were held, thanks to the desperate defense plans of Xun Yu and Cheng Yu. All other cities fell. Cao Ren had fought several battles but could not prevail, hence this urgent report. Cao Cao was shocked and said, "If Yan Province is lost, I will have no home to return to. I must act quickly!" Guo Jia said, "My lord, this is the perfect time to grant Liu Bei a favor, withdraw to recover Yan Province." Cao Cao agreed, immediately wrote a reply to Liu Bei, and ordered the camp to be struck and the army to retreat.
The messenger returned to Xu Province, entered the city, and presented the letter to Tao Qian, informing him that Cao Cao's army had withdrawn. Overjoyed, Tao Qian invited Kong Rong, Tian Kai, Guan Yu, and Zhao Zilong to a grand assembly in the city. After the feast, Tao Qian invited Liu Bei to take the seat of honor and, addressing the assembly, said with a clasped-hand salute, "I am old, and my two sons are unworthy of the state's heavy responsibilities. You, Lord Liu, are of imperial lineage, with great virtue and talent. You should take command of Xu Province. I wish to retire and tend to my illness." Liu Bei replied, "Kong Wenju asked me to come and rescue Xu Province for the sake of righteousness. If I were to take it for myself, the world would consider me a man without honor." Mi Zhu said, "The Han dynasty is in decline, and the realm is in turmoil. Now is the time to establish merit and build a legacy. Xu Province is wealthy, with a million households. You, my lord, should not refuse this." Liu Bei said, "I absolutely cannot accept this." Chen Deng added, "Governor Tao is ill and cannot attend to affairs. My lord, do not refuse." Liu Bei countered, "Yuan Shu is from a family that has produced three generations of Excellencies. He is the one the realm looks to, and he is nearby in Shouchun. Why not offer the province to him?" Kong Rong said, "Yuan Shu is nothing more than a decaying bone in a tomb! Do not speak of him. Today, if Heaven offers you this and you refuse, regret will be too late." Liu Bei remained adamant in his refusal. Tao Qian wept and said, "If you abandon me and leave, I will die with my eyes open!" Guan Yu said, "Since Governor Tao offers it sincerely, brother, you should accept the post temporarily." Zhang Fei added, "It's not as if we're forcing him to give it up. He's offering it willingly. Why are you being so stubborn?" Liu Bei said, "Are you all trying to make me a man without honor?" Tao Qian insisted several more times, but Liu Bei would not accept. Tao Qian then said, "If you absolutely will not agree, there is a nearby town called Xiaopei, which is large enough to station your troops. Please camp there temporarily to protect Xu Province. What do you say?" Everyone urged Liu Bei to accept Xiaopei, and he agreed. After Tao Qian had rewarded the troops, Zhao Zilong took his leave. Liu Bei clasped his hand and bid him farewell with tears in his eyes. Kong Rong and Tian Kai also took their leave and led their armies home. Liu Bei, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, led his own troops to Xiaopei. There, they repaired the city walls and comforted the people.
As Cao Cao's army returned, Cao Ren met him and reported that Lü Bu's forces were powerful, with Chen Gong as his strategist, and that Yan Province and Puyang were lost. Only Juancheng, Dong'a, and Fan County were holding out, thanks to the careful planning and stubborn defense of Xun Yu and Cheng Yu. Cao Cao said, "I expected as much. Lü Bu is brave but foolish. He is no cause for concern." He ordered the army to make camp while he considered his next move. Lü Bu, learning that Cao Cao had returned and had already passed Teng County, summoned his lieutenants Xue Lan and Li Feng and said, "I have had you two in mind for some time. Lead ten thousand men and hold Yan Province. I will personally lead the main force to defeat Cao Cao." The two agreed. Chen Gong rushed in to see Lü Bu and asked, "General, why are you abandoning Yan Province?" Lü Bu replied, "I intend to station my troops at Puyang to create a three-legged stalemate." Chen Gong said, "This is a mistake. Xue Lan cannot hold Yan Province. One hundred and eighty li due south is a dangerous mountain pass on Mount Tai. You could ambush ten thousand elite troops there. When Cao Cao's forces, hearing of Yan Province's fall, rush forward at double speed, you can strike them when they are halfway through the pass and capture them all." Lü Bu said, "I have a better plan for Puyang. What do you know of it?" He rejected Chen Gong's advice, ordered Xue Lan to defend Yan Province, and departed. As Cao Cao's army approached the dangerous mountain pass on Mount Tai, Guo Jia warned, "We must not advance. There may be an ambush here." Cao Cao laughed and said, "Lü Bu is an idiot. He ordered Xue Lan to hold Yan Province and went to Puyang himself. How could he have set an ambush here?" He ordered Cao Ren to lead a force to besiege Yan Province while he advanced on Puyang to attack Lü Bu quickly. When Chen Gong learned that Cao Cao's army was near, he advised Lü Bu, "Cao Cao's troops are exhausted from their long march. They will want a quick battle. Do not give them time to recover their strength." Lü Bu replied, "I have roamed the realm on horseback and never feared anyone. Why should I worry about Cao Cao? Let him make camp, and I will capture him myself."
Cao Cao's army approached Puyang and made camp. The next day, he led his generals out and deployed his troops on the open plains. Cao Cao reined in his horse beneath his command banner and watched as Lü Bu's army arrived. When the battle lines were formed, Lü Bu rode out at the front, flanked by eight valiant generals: the first was Zhang Liao, styled Wenyuan, from Mayi in Yanmen; the second was Zang Ba, styled Xuan'gao, from Huayin in Mount Tai. Each of these two led three more generals: Hao Meng, Cao Xing, and Cheng Lian; and Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng. Lü Bu's army numbered fifty thousand, and the drums rolled with a mighty thunder. Cao Cao pointed at Lü Bu and said, "I have never had a quarrel with you. Why have you seized my province?" Lü Bu replied, "The cities of Han belong to all. Why should you be the only one to have them?" He then ordered Zang Ba to ride out and challenge the enemy. From Cao Cao's camp, Yue Jin rode out to meet him. Their horses met, and their spears clashed. After more than thirty exchanges, neither could gain the upper hand. Xiahou Dun spurred his horse forward to assist, but Zhang Liao from Lü Bu's side intercepted him. Enraged, Lü Bu gripped his halberd, spurred his horse, and charged into the fray. Xiahou Dun and Yue Jin both fled. Lü Bu's troops gave chase, and Cao Cao's army was utterly defeated, retreating thirty or forty li. Lü Bu recalled his troops.
After losing the first battle, Cao Cao returned to his camp and discussed strategy with his generals. Yu Jin said, "Today, I climbed a hill and observed that to the west of Puyang, Lü Bu has a stockade with only a small garrison. Tonight, thinking we have been defeated and are in disarray, he will not be prepared. You could lead a force to attack it. If we take the stockade, Lü Bu's army will be afraid. This is the best plan." Cao Cao agreed. He took Cao Hong, Li Dian, Mao Jie, Lü Qian, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei, selected twenty thousand cavalry and infantry, and set out that night along a small path.
Lü Bu was in his camp rewarding his troops. Chen Gong said, "The western stockade is a critical point. What if Cao Cao attacks it?" Lü Bu replied, "He just lost a battle. How would he dare to come?" Chen Gong warned, "Cao Cao is an extremely skilled commander. You must guard against him attacking where you are least prepared." Lü Bu then dispatched Gao Shun, along with Wei Xu and Hou Cheng, to reinforce the western stockade.
As dusk fell, Cao Cao led his force to the western stockade and attacked from all sides. The garrison could not hold and scattered in all directions. Cao Cao captured the stockade. Just before the fourth watch, Gao Shun arrived with his troops and launched a counterattack. Cao Cao personally led his men to meet them, and the three armies became locked in a chaotic melee. As dawn approached, a great drum roll sounded from the west, and a messenger reported that Lü Bu himself was leading reinforcements. Cao Cao abandoned the stockade and fled. Behind him, Gao Shun, Wei Xu, and Hou Cheng gave chase, while ahead, Lü Bu himself appeared with his main force. Yu Jin and Yue Jin fought Lü Bu together but could not withstand him. Cao Cao fled north. From behind a hill, another force emerged: on the left was Zhang Liao, on the right was Zang Ba. Cao Cao sent Lü Qian and Cao Hong to fight them, but they were unsuccessful. Cao Cao fled west. Suddenly, another great shout arose, and a fourth force appeared: the four generals Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian blocked his path. Cao Cao's generals fought desperately, with Cao Cao himself leading the charge. But at the sound of a rattle, arrows rained down like a sudden storm. Cao Cao could not advance and saw no way to escape. He cried out, "Who will save me!" From among the cavalry, a general leaped forward. It was Dian Wei. Gripping his double iron halberds, he shouted, "Do not worry, my lord!" He dismounted, planted his halberds in the ground, and took a dozen short javelins, holding them in his hands. He said to his attendant, "Call out to me when the enemy is ten paces away!" Then he strode forward, braving the arrows. Several dozen of Lü Bu's cavalry pursued him. The attendant shouted, "Ten paces!" Dian Wei said, "Call out at five paces!" The attendant shouted again, "Five paces!" Dian Wei then hurled his javelins. With each throw, a man fell from his horse. Not a single throw missed. In an instant, he had killed over a dozen men. The rest fled. Dian Wei leaped back onto his horse, grabbed his great iron halberds, and charged into the enemy. Hao Meng, Cao Xing, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian could not withstand him and fled in all directions. Dian Wei scattered the enemy and rescued Cao Cao. The other generals soon arrived, and they found their way back to camp. As dusk fell, a great shout arose from behind, and Lü Bu, spurring his horse and brandishing his halberd, gave chase, shouting, "Stop, you traitor Cao!" Cao Cao's men and horses were exhausted. They looked at each other in despair, each thinking only of saving himself.
Truly, though he had briefly escaped the encirclement, he now faced a formidable pursuer. What would become of Cao Cao? Let us hear this in the next chapter.