Jia Xu, having discerned Cao Cao's intentions, devised a counter-strategy to turn the enemy's plan against them. He said to Zhang Xiu, "I have watched from the city walls for three days as Cao Cao surveyed our defenses. He noticed that the bricks and mortar at the southeastern corner vary in age and color, and that many of the defensive stakes there are rotten. He intends to breach the city there, while he piles straw at the northwestern corner as a feint, hoping to draw our forces away. Then, under cover of darkness, his men will scale the southeastern wall." Zhang Xiu asked, "What should we do, then?" Jia Xu replied, "This is a simple matter. Tomorrow, have our finest troops eat well and travel light, and conceal them in the houses near the southeastern wall. Then, order the common people to dress as soldiers and make a show of guarding the northwest. At night, allow the enemy to climb the southeastern wall. The moment they enter the city, a signal cannon will sound, and our ambush will spring. Cao Cao himself will be captured." Zhang Xiu was delighted and followed this plan.
Soon, a scout reported to Cao Cao that Zhang Xiu had withdrawn all his troops to the northwestern corner, where they were shouting and guarding the walls, leaving the southeast seemingly undefended. Cao Cao exclaimed, "He has fallen for my ruse!" He then ordered his men to secretly prepare shovels, picks, and scaling ladders. During the day, he led his forces to attack the northwestern corner. But at the second watch of the night, he led his elite troops across the moat at the southeastern corner, hacking through the defensive stakes. The city remained silent, and his soldiers poured in. Suddenly, a cannon roared, and ambushers rose from every hiding place. Cao Cao's army tried to retreat, but Zhang Xiu himself led a charge of fierce warriors from behind. Cao Cao's forces were utterly defeated, driven out of the city and fleeing for miles. Zhang Xiu pursued until dawn before gathering his men and returning to the city. When Cao Cao counted his losses, he found he had lost over fifty thousand men and an immense amount of supplies. The generals Lü Qian and Yu Jin were both wounded. Jia Xu, seeing Cao Cao's defeat, urgently advised Zhang Xiu to send a letter to Liu Biao, urging him to raise an army and cut off Cao Cao's retreat. Upon receiving the letter, Liu Biao was about to march, but a scout reported that Sun Ce had encamped his forces at Hukou. Kuai Liang said, "Sun Ce's encampment at Hukou is part of Cao Cao's scheme. Now that Cao has suffered a fresh defeat, if we do not take advantage of it, there will be trouble later." Liu Biao then ordered Huang Zu to hold the strategic passes, while he himself led his army to Anzhong County to cut off Cao Cao's retreat. He also sent word to coordinate with Zhang Xiu. When Zhang Xiu learned that Liu Biao's army had already marched, he and Jia Xu led their troops to attack Cao Cao.
Cao Cao's army marched slowly. When they reached Xiangcheng and the Qingshui River, Cao Cao suddenly burst into loud wailing while on horseback. His startled officers asked why. Cao Cao said, "I am thinking of how, at this very place last year, I lost my great general Dian Wei. How can I not weep?" He then ordered the army to halt and set up a grand sacrificial altar to honor Dian Wei's spirit. Cao Cao himself burned incense and wept, bowing in worship, and the entire army was moved. Only after the ceremony for Dian Wei did he offer sacrifices to his nephew Cao Anmin, his eldest son Cao Ang, and the other fallen soldiers. Even the Ferghana horse that had been shot dead was honored with offerings.
The next day, a messenger from Xun Yu arrived, reporting, "Liu Biao is aiding Zhang Xiu and has encamped at Anzhong, blocking our route home." Cao Cao replied in a letter to Xun Yu, "I know I am marching only a few miles a day. I am not unaware that the enemy is pursuing me. But my plan is already set. When we reach Anzhong, I will surely defeat Zhang Xiu. Do not doubt." He then urged his army forward to the borders of Anzhong County. Liu Biao's forces had already occupied the strategic passes, and Zhang Xiu was closing in from behind. Cao Cao ordered his men to secretly cut a path through the difficult terrain under cover of night, and to conceal an ambush force. At dawn, the combined forces of Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu arrived and, seeing Cao Cao's small army, assumed he was trying to flee. They both led their troops into the defile to attack him. But Cao Cao unleashed his hidden troops, routing both armies. Cao Cao's forces emerged from the Anzhong pass and set up camp outside. Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu regrouped their defeated soldiers. Liu Biao said, "Who would have thought we would fall for Cao Cao's trick!" Zhang Xiu replied, "We will have to plan again." The two armies then gathered at Anzhong.
Meanwhile, Xun Yu learned that Yuan Shao was planning to attack Xuchang. He sent an urgent dispatch to Cao Cao. Cao Cao, alarmed by the news, turned his army back that very day. Spies reported this to Zhang Xiu, who wanted to pursue. Jia Xu said, "Do not pursue. If you do, you will be defeated." Liu Biao argued, "If we do not pursue now, we will miss our chance." He strongly urged Zhang Xiu to lead over ten thousand men in pursuit. After marching about ten miles, they caught up with the rear guard of Cao Cao's army. Cao's troops fought back fiercely, and Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao's forces were soundly defeated and retreated. Zhang Xiu said to Jia Xu, "If I had not ignored your advice, I would not have suffered this defeat." Jia Xu replied, "Now, reorganize your troops and pursue again." Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao both said, "We have just been defeated. How can we pursue again?" Jia Xu answered, "If you pursue this time, you will win a great victory. If not, you may take my head." Zhang Xiu trusted him. Liu Biao was doubtful and refused to go. So Zhang Xiu led his own army in pursuit. This time, Cao Cao's army was truly routed, scattering their men, horses, and supplies along the road as they fled. Zhang Xiu pressed the attack, but suddenly, a force emerged from behind a mountain ridge. Zhang Xiu dared not advance further and withdrew his army to Anzhong. Liu Biao asked Jia Xu, "Earlier, we used elite troops to pursue a retreating army, and you said we would lose. Later, we used defeated soldiers to attack a victorious army, and you said we would win. In both cases, you were exactly right. How can such different situations produce the same accurate prediction? I beg you to enlighten me." Jia Xu replied, "This is easy to understand. Although you, General, are skilled in war, you are no match for Cao Cao. Even though Cao Cao's army was retreating, he would have had a powerful general guarding the rear to prevent pursuit. Our troops, though fierce, could not overcome such a rear guard, so I knew we would be defeated. Cao Cao was in a hurry to retreat because something urgent was happening in Xuchang. After defeating our pursuit, he would have marched his army back quickly, lightening their load and dropping their guard. By taking advantage of their unpreparedness and pursuing again, we could win." Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu both admired his profound insight. Jia Xu advised Liu Biao to return to Jing Province and Zhang Xiu to hold Xiangcheng, so they could support each other like lips and teeth. The two armies then parted ways.
As Cao Cao was marching, he heard that his rear guard had been attacked by Zhang Xiu. He quickly led his generals to turn back and rescue them, but found that Zhang Xiu's army had already retreated. The defeated soldiers reported, "If not for that force that appeared from behind the mountain and blocked the enemy, we would all have been captured." Cao Cao urgently asked who it was. The man, holding a spear, dismounted and bowed to Cao Cao. He was Li Tong, styled Wenda, a Colonel of the Household Guard from Jiangxia. Cao Cao asked where he came from. Li Tong replied, "I was stationed at Runan. When I heard that the Chancellor was fighting Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao, I came to lend my support." Delighted, Cao Cao granted him the title of Marquis of Establishing Merit and placed him in charge of the western border of Runan to guard against Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu. Li Tong bowed in thanks and departed. Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, where he submitted a memorial praising Sun Ce's achievements. Sun Ce was granted the title of General Who Subdues Rebels and enfeoffed as the Marquis of Wu. An imperial envoy was sent to Jiangdong with a decree ordering Sun Ce to guard against and attack Liu Biao.
Back in his residence, Cao Cao received the greetings of his officials. Xun Yu asked, "When the Chancellor marched slowly to Anzhong, how did you know you would surely defeat the enemy?" Cao Cao replied, "The enemy had no retreat, so they were bound to fight to the death. I deliberately slowed our pace to lure them in, while secretly planning a counterstroke. That is how I knew we would win." Xun Yu bowed in admiration. When Guo Jia entered, Cao Cao said, "Why are you so late, sir?" Guo Jia produced a letter from his sleeve and said, "Yuan Shao has sent a messenger to the Chancellor, saying he wishes to attack Gongsun Zan and is requesting grain and troops." Cao Cao said, "I heard Yuan Shao was planning to attack Xuchang. Now that he sees I have returned, he is changing his tune." He opened and read the letter. Finding its tone arrogant, he asked Guo Jia, "Yuan Shao is so insolent. I want to attack him, but I fear I lack the strength. What should I do?" Guo Jia replied, "You know the story of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. Liu Bang was only superior in wisdom; Xiang Yu was stronger, yet he was ultimately captured. Now, Yuan Shao has ten weaknesses, and you have ten strengths. Though his army is large, he is not to be feared. Yuan Shao is bound by excessive ritual; you act naturally. This is a victory in the Way. Yuan Shao moves against the current; you follow the righteous path. This is a victory in Righteousness. Since the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, governance has been too lenient. Yuan Shao tries to fix it with more leniency; you correct it with strictness. This is a victory in Governance.
Yuan Shao appears generous but is inwardly suspicious, and he appoints his relatives. You appear simple but are inwardly clear-headed, and you appoint men by talent. This is a victory in Magnanimity. Yuan Shao has many plans but is slow to decide; you act as soon as you have a strategy. This is a victory in Strategy. Yuan Shao chases after reputation; you treat people with utmost sincerity. This is a victory in Virtue. Yuan Shao cares for those close to him but neglects those far away; you consider everything without fail. This is a victory in Benevolence. Yuan Shao listens to slander and is easily confused; you are not swayed by rumor. This is a victory in Wisdom. Yuan Shao confuses right and wrong; your laws are strict and clear. This is a victory in Culture. Yuan Shao loves empty posturing and does not understand the essentials of war; you can overcome the many with the few, wielding your troops like a god. This is a victory in Military Might. With these ten strengths, defeating Yuan Shao will be no trouble." Cao Cao laughed and said, "How can I live up to such praise?" Xun Yu added, "Guo Jia's analysis of the ten strengths and ten weaknesses matches my own view. Yuan Shao's army may be large, but what is there to fear?" Guo Jia continued, "Lu Bu of Xu Province is a true threat to our heartland. Now that Yuan Shao is on a northern campaign against Gongsun Zan, we should take advantage of his absence to first capture Lu Bu, securing our southeast. Then we can deal with Yuan Shao. This is the best plan.
Otherwise, while we attack Yuan Shao, Lu Bu will surely strike at Xuchang from the rear, causing immense harm." Cao Cao agreed and began planning an eastern campaign against Lu Bu. Xun Yu said, "First, send someone to make an agreement with Liu Bei. Only after receiving his reply should we move." Cao Cao followed this advice. He sent a letter to Liu Bei, while also generously rewarding Yuan Shao's envoy and submitting a memorial to the Emperor, recommending Yuan Shao for the titles of Grand General and Grand Commandant, with command over the four provinces of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing. In a secret reply to Yuan Shao, Cao Cao wrote, "You may attack Gongsun Zan. I will assist you." Yuan Shao was overjoyed and immediately marched against Gongsun Zan.
Meanwhile, in Xu Province, whenever Lu Bu held banquets for guests and retainers, Chen Gui and his son Chen Deng would lavish praise on Lu Bu's virtue. Chen Gong was displeased. Taking an opportunity, he warned Lu Bu, "Chen Gui and his son are flattering you to your face, General. Their intentions are unfathomable. You should be on your guard." Lu Bu angrily rebuked him, "You are making baseless accusations, trying to harm good men!" Chen Gong left, sighing, "He will not listen to loyal advice. We will all suffer for it." He considered leaving Lu Bu but could not bear to, and feared being mocked by others. He grew increasingly despondent. One day, he took a few riders to the fields near Xiaopei to hunt and relieve his boredom. On the main road, he saw a lone rider on a post horse galloping past. Suspicious, Chen Gong abandoned the hunt and, with his escort, took a side road to intercept the rider. "Where are you from and what is your mission?" Chen Gong demanded. The messenger, realizing he was facing one of Lu Bu's men, stammered and could not answer. Chen Gong ordered him searched, and found a secret letter from Liu Bei in reply to Cao Cao. Chen Gong seized both the man and the letter and brought them before Lu Bu. Lu Bu questioned the messenger, who said, "The Chancellor Cao sent me to deliver a letter to Lord Liu of Yu Province. I was bringing back his reply. I do not know what it says." Lu Bu tore open the letter and read it. It said:
"I have received your command to plot against Lu Bu. How dare I not apply myself day and night? But my troops are few and my generals weak. I dare not act rashly. When the Chancellor raises his great army, I will be your vanguard. I am diligently preparing my soldiers and armor, awaiting your orders."
Lu Bu flew into a rage, cursing, "How dare that traitor Cao Cao do this!" He had the messenger beheaded. He then ordered Chen Gong and Zang Ba to ally with the bandit chiefs of Mount Tai—Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi—to attack the commanderies of Yan Province to the east. He ordered Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to take Xiaopei and attack Liu Bei. He ordered Song Xian and Wei Xu to seize Runan and Yingchuan to the west. Lu Bu himself took command of the central army, ready to support any of the three prongs.
When Gao Shun and his army marched out of Xu Province and neared Xiaopei, someone reported it to Liu Bei. Liu Bei urgently convened his advisors. Sun Qian said, "We must quickly beg Cao Cao for help." Liu Bei asked, "Who can go to Xuchao to ask for aid?" A man stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." It was Jian Yong, styled Xianhe, a fellow townsman of Liu Bei and now his advisor. Liu Bei wrote a letter and gave it to Jian Yong, ordering him to ride day and night to Xuchang to beg for reinforcements. Meanwhile, he prepared the city's defenses. Liu Bei himself guarded the south gate, Sun Qian the north gate, Guan Yu the west gate, and Zhang Fei the east gate. He ordered Mi Zhu and his brother Mi Fang to guard the central command. Mi Zhu had a sister who was Liu Bei's second wife, so Liu Bei trusted the Mi brothers to protect his family. When Gao Shun's army arrived, Liu Bei shouted from the enemy tower, "I have no quarrel with Lord Lu Bu! Why have you brought your army here?" Gao Shun replied, "You have conspired with Cao Cao to harm my lord. The plot is exposed. Why do you not surrender?" He then ordered his men to attack the city. Liu Bei held his defense and did not come out. The next day, Zhang Liao led his troops to attack the west gate. Guan Yu, standing on the wall, said to him, "You are a man of no ordinary bearing. Why do you serve a brigand?" Zhang Liao bowed his head and said nothing. Guan Yu, sensing that Zhang Liao was a man of loyalty and honor, did not insult him further, nor did he engage him in battle. Zhang Liao withdrew his men to the east gate, where Zhang Fei came out to fight. Someone quickly reported this to Guan Yu. Guan Yu rushed to the east gate and saw that Zhang Fei had just exited the city, but Zhang Liao's troops had already retreated. Zhang Fei wanted to pursue, but Guan Yu urgently called him back into the city. Zhang Fei said, "They retreated because they were afraid. Why not pursue?" Guan Yu replied, "That man's martial arts are not inferior to yours or mine. My words touched his conscience, and he seems to regret his actions. That is why he does not want to fight us." Zhang Fei understood and ordered his men to hold the gates and not engage.
Meanwhile, Jian Yong arrived in Xuchang and told Cao Cao everything. Cao Cao gathered his advisors and said, "I want to attack Lu Bu. I am not worried about Yuan Shao causing trouble, but I fear Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu attacking my rear." Xun You said, "Those two have just been defeated and will not dare to act rashly. Lu Bu is fierce. If he allies with Yuan Shu and runs rampant through the Huai and Si river regions, he will be difficult to deal with." Guo Jia added, "We should strike now, while his rebellion is new and his supporters are not yet united." Cao Cao agreed. He ordered Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Yuan, Lü Qian, and Li Dian to lead fifty thousand men as the vanguard. He himself would follow with the main army. Jian Yong accompanied them. Scouts reported the advance to Gao Shun, who sent an urgent message to Lu Bu. Lu Bu ordered Hou Cheng, Hao Meng, and Cao Xing to take two hundred riders to reinforce Gao Shun, meeting Cao Cao's army thirty miles from Xiaopei. He himself followed with the main army. In Xiaopei, Liu Bei saw Gao Shun's troops withdraw and knew that Cao Cao's army was approaching. He left Sun Qian to guard the city and Mi Zhu and Mi Fang to protect his family, while he, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei led their troops out of the city to set up separate camps and support Cao Cao's forces.
Xiahou Yuan led the advance and met Gao Shun's army head-on. He rode out, spear in hand, and challenged Gao Shun to single combat. Gao Shun accepted. The two horses clashed, and after forty or fifty exchanges, Gao Shun could not withstand the assault and fled. Xiahou Yuan spurred his horse in pursuit. Gao Shun circled his own formation, and Xiahou Yuan followed, refusing to give up. From within the formation, Cao Xing saw his chance. He secretly drew his bow, took careful aim, and let fly an arrow that struck Xiahou Yuan squarely in the left eye. With a great cry, Xiahou Yuan grabbed the arrow and yanked it out, but the eyeball came with it. He roared, "The essence of my father and the blood of my mother—I cannot discard them!" He then thrust the eye into his mouth and swallowed it. Still gripping his spear, he charged straight at Cao Xing. Cao Xing had no time to react, and Xiahou Yuan's spear pierced his face, killing him on the spot. The soldiers on both sides were horrified. Having killed Cao Xing, Xiahou Yuan turned his horse and rode back. Gao Shun, seeing his chance, led his men in a charge from behind, and Cao Cao's army was routed. Xiahou Yuan shielded his brother as they fled. Lü Qian and Li Dian led the defeated troops to retreat to Jibei and set up camp. Gao Shun, victorious, turned his army to attack Liu Bei. Just then, Lu Bu's main force arrived. Lu Bu, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun divided their forces into three columns and attacked Liu Bei's, Guan Yu's, and Zhang Fei's camps.
A poet of the time lamented:
Though the fierce general who devoured his own eye could still fight, the vanguard commander, struck by an arrow, could not hold out for long.
Whether Liu Bei would prevail or be defeated, you must wait for the next chapter to hear.