Yuan Shang, emboldened by his recent slaying of Shi Huan, grew arrogant in his own martial prowess. Without waiting for the arrival of reinforcements from his brother Yuan Tan, he led several tens of thousands of troops out from Liyang to meet the vanguard of Cao Cao’s army. Zhang Liao charged forward on his horse, and Yuan Shang, leveling his spear, engaged him in combat. But before three exchanges had passed, Yuan Shang found himself unable to parry or block Zhang Liao's relentless assault. Routed, he fled in great defeat. Zhang Liao pressed the advantage, slaughtering the retreating soldiers. Yuan Shang, unable to rally his forces, fled in panic back toward Ji Province.
The news of Yuan Shang’s defeat struck Yuan Shao like a physical blow. His old illness flared anew, and he vomited several measures of blood before collapsing unconscious. Lady Liu, his wife, rushed him into his private chambers, but his condition grew ever more critical. In desperation, Lady Liu summoned Shen Pei and Feng Ji to Yuan Shao’s bedside to discuss matters of succession. Yuan Shao could only point with his fingers, unable to speak. Lady Liu asked, “Is Shang worthy to inherit your legacy?” Yuan Shao nodded. Shen Pei then wrote out a testament right there by the bed. With a final cry, Yuan Shao vomited yet another measure of blood and died. A poet of later ages lamented: “For generations, his family held high office and won great renown; in his youth, he was bold and unrestrained. In vain did he gather three thousand talented guests; in vain did he command a million heroic soldiers. Like a sheep in a tiger’s skin, his achievements came to naught; like a phoenix’s feathers on a chicken’s heart, his endeavors failed. The most pitiable sight of all: his family strife, which only prolonged the conflict between two brothers.”
With Yuan Shao dead, Shen Pei took charge of the funeral arrangements. Lady Liu, in a fit of jealous cruelty, had all five of Yuan Shao’s favorite concubines put to death. Fearing that their spirits might reunite with her husband in the underworld, she had their hair shorn, their faces slashed, and their bodies mutilated—such was the depth of her venomous envy. Yuan Shang, worried that the families of these concubines might seek revenge, had them all rounded up and executed as well. Shen Pei and Feng Ji then proclaimed Yuan Shang as Grand General and Lord of the Army, granting him authority over the four provinces of Ji, Qing, You, and Bing. They dispatched messengers to announce the death to all corners.
Yuan Tan, meanwhile, had already marched his army out of Qing Province. Upon learning of his father’s death, he convened a council with Guo Tu and Xin Ping. “Our lord is not in Ji Province,” said Guo Tu. “Shen Pei and Feng Ji will surely install Xianfu as the new master. We must act quickly.” Xin Ping cautioned, “Shen and Feng will have already laid their plans. If we rush there now, we will fall into their trap.” Yuan Tan asked, “What then should we do?” Guo Tu replied, “We can camp outside the city and observe their movements. I will go in personally to investigate.” Yuan Tan agreed, and Guo Tu entered Ji Province to meet with Yuan Shang. After the formalities, Yuan Shang asked, “Why has my elder brother not come?” Guo Tu answered, “He is ill in his camp and cannot come to see you.” Yuan Shang said, “I have received our father’s final command to be his successor. I have appointed my brother as General of the Chariots and Cavalry. Now that Cao Cao’s army is pressing down upon us, I request that my brother take the vanguard. I will follow with reinforcements.” Guo Tu countered, “There is no one in the camp to discuss strategy with. I beg that you send Shen Zhengnan and Feng Yuantu to assist us.” Yuan Shang replied, “I rely on these two men to plan for me day and night. How can I spare them?” Guo Tu persisted, “Then could you send at least one of them?” Yuan Shang, unable to refuse, had them draw lots. Feng Ji drew the lot and was ordered to take the seal and credentials to Yuan Tan’s camp. When Feng Ji arrived with Guo Tu and found Yuan Tan perfectly healthy, his heart was filled with unease. He presented the seal. Yuan Tan, enraged, wanted to execute Feng Ji on the spot. Guo Tu secretly advised him, “With Cao Cao’s army at our doorstep, it is better to keep Feng Ji here as a hostage to reassure Yuan Shang. After we have defeated Cao Cao, we can then contend for Ji Province.”
Yuan Tan heeded this advice, immediately struck camp, and marched to Liyang, where he confronted Cao Cao’s forces. Yuan Tan sent his general Wang Zhao into battle, and Cao Cao dispatched Xu Huang to meet him. After only a few exchanges, Xu Huang cut Wang Zhao down from his horse with a single stroke of his blade. The Cao army seized the momentum and slaughtered Yuan Tan’s troops, who suffered a great defeat. Yuan Tan gathered his shattered forces and retreated into Liyang, sending a desperate plea for help to Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang, after consulting with Shen Pei, sent only five thousand soldiers to his brother’s aid. When Cao Cao learned of the approaching reinforcements, he ordered Yue Jin and Li Dian to intercept them. The two generals trapped the rescue force from both sides and annihilated them. Yuan Tan, furious that his brother had sent only five thousand men and that they had been ambushed and killed, summoned Feng Ji and berated him. Feng Ji said, “Allow me to write a letter to my lord, begging him to come in person.” Yuan Tan ordered Feng Ji to write the letter and sent a messenger to Ji Province. Yuan Shang discussed it with Shen Pei. Shen Pei said, “Guo Tu is full of schemes. The only reason he did not fight for the succession earlier was because Cao Cao was at our borders. If we defeat Cao Cao now, he will surely come to seize Ji Province. It is better to send no reinforcements and let Cao Cao’s forces destroy him.” Yuan Shang agreed and refused to send any more troops. When the messenger returned with this news, Yuan Tan flew into a rage, executed Feng Ji on the spot, and began to consider surrendering to Cao Cao. Spies quickly reported this to Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang said to Shen Pei, “If Yuan Tan surrenders to Cao Cao and they combine their forces to attack us, Ji Province will be in grave danger.” He left Shen Pei and the general Su You to defend Ji Province and personally led a large army to Liyang to rescue Yuan Tan. When Yuan Shang asked for volunteers to lead the vanguard, the brothers Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang stepped forward. Yuan Shang gave them thirty thousand troops to serve as the vanguard and head to Liyang. When Yuan Tan heard that Yuan Shang himself was coming, he was overjoyed and abandoned his plans to surrender. Yuan Tan stationed his troops inside the city, while Yuan Shang camped outside, forming a pincer formation.
Before long, Yuan Xi and Gao Gan also arrived with their armies and camped outside the city. The three forces clashed daily with Cao Cao’s army, but Yuan Shang was repeatedly defeated, while Cao Cao’s forces won victory after victory. By the second month of the eighth year of the Jian’an era, Cao Cao launched a multi-pronged attack. Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi, and Gao Gan all suffered a great defeat and abandoned Liyang, fleeing in panic. Cao Cao pursued them all the way to Ji Province. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang entered the city to hold out, while Yuan Xi and Gao Gan set up camp thirty li away, bluffing to create a show of force. Cao Cao’s army besieged the city for days but could not breach it. Guo Jia advised, “The Yuans have violated the principle of succession by favoring the younger over the elder. The brothers are now locked in a struggle for power, each with his own faction. If we press them hard, they will unite against us; if we ease up, they will turn on each other. It would be better to march south against Jing Province and attack Liu Biao, waiting for the Yuan brothers to fall into conflict. When their strife erupts, we can strike and finish them in one blow.” Cao Cao approved of this plan. He appointed Jia Xu as Grand Administrator to hold Liyang, left Cao Hong to guard Guandu, and led his main army south toward Jing Province.
When Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang heard that Cao Cao had withdrawn, they congratulated each other. Yuan Xi and Gao Gan each took their leave and departed. Yuan Tan then said to Guo Tu and Xin Ping, “I am the eldest son, yet I have not inherited our father’s legacy. Yuan Shang is only a son by a stepmother, yet he has seized the title. My heart cannot accept this.” Guo Tu said, “My lord, you can muster your troops outside the city, pretending to invite Yuan Shang and Shen Pei for a feast. Hide armed men in the hall, and when the time comes, kill them. The matter will be settled.” Yuan Tan agreed. Just then, the Assistant Officer Wang Xiu arrived from Qing Province. Yuan Tan told him of the plan. Wang Xiu said, “Brothers are like the left and right hands. If you cut off your right hand while fighting someone else, how can you claim you will win? If you abandon your own brother and do not hold him dear, who in the realm will hold you dear? Those slanderers who seek to drive a wedge between blood kin for a moment’s gain should be ignored. Please, stop your ears and do not listen to them.” Yuan Tan angrily dismissed Wang Xiu and sent a messenger to invite Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang discussed it with Shen Pei. Shen Pei said, “This is surely a scheme of Guo Tu’s. If you go, you will fall into his trap. It is better to attack him now.” Yuan Shang agreed, donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led fifty thousand troops out of the city. When Yuan Tan saw Yuan Shang coming with an army, he knew his plan had been exposed. He too donned his armor and mounted his horse to face his brother. Yuan Shang cursed him loudly. Yuan Tan cursed back, “You poisoned our father and usurped his title! And now you come to kill your own brother!” The two brothers fought each other in personal combat, and Yuan Tan suffered a great defeat. Yuan Shang, braving arrows and stones, pressed the attack and slaughtered his brother’s fleeing troops.
Yuan Tan led his defeated army to Pingyuan, while Yuan Shang gathered his forces and returned. Yuan Tan and Guo Tu discussed their next move. They sent Cen Bi as a general to lead an attack. Yuan Shang personally led his army out of Ji Province. The two armies arrayed themselves for battle, with banners and drums facing each other. Cen Bi rode out and began to hurl insults. Yuan Shang was about to fight him himself, but his general Lü Kuang, whipping his horse and brandishing his blade, charged out to meet Cen Bi. After only a few exchanges, Lü Kuang cut Cen Bi down from his horse. Yuan Tan’s army was defeated again and fled back to Pingyuan. Shen Pei urged Yuan Shang to press the pursuit, and they chased Yuan Tan all the way to Pingyuan. Yuan Tan, unable to hold his ground, retreated into the city and fortified himself, refusing to come out. Yuan Shang besieged the city from three sides. Yuan Tan and Guo Tu held a council. Guo Tu said, “Our food supplies in the city are low, and their army is fresh and fierce. We cannot match them in strength. In my humble opinion, we should send someone to surrender to Cao Cao. Let Cao Cao attack Ji Province. Yuan Shang will have to return to save it. Then you can lead your army to attack him from the rear, and Yuan Shang will be captured. Once Cao Cao has defeated Yuan Shang, we can seize his supplies and use them to resist Cao Cao. Cao Cao’s army has come from afar; his food will not last long, and he will be forced to retreat. Then we can once again hold Ji Province and plan for future expansion.” Yuan Tan agreed and asked, “Who should we send as an envoy?” Guo Tu replied, “Xin Pi, the younger brother of Xin Ping, whose style name is Zuozhi, is currently the magistrate of Pingyuan. He is a persuasive speaker and is fit for this mission.” Yuan Tan summoned Xin Pi, who arrived eagerly. Yuan Tan wrote a letter and entrusted it to Xin Pi, sending three thousand troops to escort him out of the territory.
Xin Pi traveled day and night to see Cao Cao. At that time, Cao Cao was camped at Xiping, attacking Liu Biao. Liu Biao had sent Liu Bei with a vanguard to meet him. Before they could engage, Xin Pi arrived at Cao Cao’s camp. After the formal greetings, Cao Cao asked him the purpose of his visit. Xin Pi explained Yuan Tan’s plea for help and presented the letter. After reading it, Cao Cao kept Xin Pi in his camp and gathered his civil and military officers to discuss the matter. Cheng Yu said, “Yuan Tan is only surrendering because he is being hard-pressed by Yuan Shang. This cannot be trusted.” Lü Qian and Man Chong also said, “Your Excellency the Chancellor has already led the army here. How can you abandon Liu Biao to help Yuan Tan?” Xun You said, “The words of these three gentlemen are not well-considered. In my humble opinion, the realm is in turmoil. Liu Biao sits securely in the region between the Yangtze and Han rivers, not daring to take a single step forward. It is clear that he has no ambition to conquer the four quarters. The Yuans hold four provinces and command hundreds of thousands of armored troops. If the two brothers were to reconcile and jointly defend their inheritance, the fate of the realm would be uncertain. Now we must seize the opportunity presented by their fraternal strife. They are in dire straits and have come to us. If we lead our army to first eliminate Yuan Shang, then observe the situation and destroy Yuan Tan as well, the realm will be settled. This opportunity must not be missed.” Cao Cao was overjoyed and invited Xin Pi to a feast.
He asked him, “Is Yuan Tan’s surrender genuine or a trick? Can Yuan Shang’s army truly be defeated?” Xin Pi replied, “Your Excellency, do not ask whether it is true or false, but only consider the strategic situation. The Yuans have suffered years of defeat. Their soldiers are exhausted from campaigning abroad, and their counselors have been killed in internal strife. The brothers are at odds, and the state is split in two. Famine and natural disasters have compounded their misery. Wise and foolish alike can see that their power is crumbling like a wall of sand. This is Heaven’s appointed time for the destruction of the Yuan clan. If Your Excellency now attacks Ye, Yuan Shang will either have to return to save his stronghold, leaving him vulnerable to Yuan Tan’s attack from the rear, or he will not return and lose his base. With your might, striking this exhausted and weary force will be like a swift wind sweeping away autumn leaves. If you do not seize this chance but instead attack Jing Province, you will find a land of plenty and peace, where the people are content and cannot be easily shaken. Moreover, the greatest threat to the realm lies north of the Yellow River. Once the north is pacified, your hegemony will be complete. I beg you to consider this carefully.” Cao Cao was delighted and said, “I only regret that I did not meet Xin Zuozhi sooner!” That very day, he ordered his army to turn back and march on Ji Province. Liu Bei, suspecting a trap, did not pursue and led his army back to Jing Province.
When Yuan Shang learned that Cao Cao’s army had crossed the Yellow River, he hastily led his forces back to Ye, ordering Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to cover the rear. Yuan Tan, seeing Yuan Shang retreat, raised his entire army from Pingyuan and pursued. After they had marched less than ten li, a cannon blast sounded, and two forces emerged from ambush. On the left was Lü Kuang, and on the right was Lü Xiang. The two brothers blocked Yuan Tan’s path. Yuan Tan reined in his horse and said to the two generals, “When my father was alive, I never treated you two generals poorly. Why do you now follow my younger brother and oppose me?” Hearing this, the two generals dismounted and surrendered to Yuan Tan. Yuan Tan said, “Do not surrender to me. Surrender to Chancellor Cao Cao instead.” The two generals then followed Yuan Tan back to his camp. When Cao Cao’s army arrived, Yuan Tan brought the two generals to meet him. Cao Cao was very pleased and promised his daughter in marriage to Yuan Tan, appointing Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as the matchmakers. Yuan Tan then asked Cao Cao to attack Ji Province. Cao Cao said, “At present, our food supplies are insufficient, and transporting them is a burden. I will first cross the river and divert the Qi River into the Bai Canal to create a water route for supplies. Only then will I advance.” He ordered Yuan Tan to remain at Pingyuan. Cao Cao withdrew his army to Liyang and enfeoffed Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang as marquises, keeping them in his camp for service.
Guo Tu said to Yuan Tan, “Cao Cao’s promise of marriage may not be sincere. Now he has enfeoffed Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang and taken them into his army. This is a ploy to win over the hearts of the people north of the Yellow River. In the end, this will bring disaster upon us. My lord, you should secretly carve two general’s seals and send them to the two Lü brothers, asking them to serve as our agents within Cao Cao’s camp. After Cao Cao has defeated Yuan Shang, we can then seize the opportunity to turn on him.” Yuan Tan agreed and had the seals secretly delivered to the two Lü brothers. After receiving them, the two Lü brothers took the seals directly to Cao Cao and reported the matter. Cao Cao laughed heartily and said, “Yuan Tan sent these seals in secret, hoping to use you as his agents. After I destroy Yuan Shang, he plans to move against me. For now, you may accept them. I have my own plans.” From that moment on, Cao Cao harbored the intention of killing Yuan Tan.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shang and Shen Pei discussed their situation. “Now that Cao Cao is moving his supplies through the Bai Canal, he will surely attack Ji Province. What is to be done?” Shen Pei said, “You should issue a command ordering Yin Kai, the magistrate of Wu’an, to garrison Maocheng and secure the supply route from Shangdang. Have Ju Hu, the son of Ju Shou, hold Handan to provide distant support. You, my lord, should then march on Pingyuan and launch a fierce attack on Yuan Tan. First, eliminate Yuan Tan, then we can deal with Cao Cao.” Yuan Shang was delighted. He left Shen Pei and Chen Lin to defend Ji Province, appointed Ma Yan and Zhang Yi as vanguard commanders, and marched through the night to attack Pingyuan.
When Yuan Tan learned that Yuan Shang’s army was approaching, he urgently sent word to Cao Cao for help. Cao Cao said, “This time, I will surely take Ji Province.” Just as he was speaking, Xu You arrived from Xuchang. Hearing that Yuan Shang was again attacking Yuan Tan, Xu You entered Cao Cao’s tent and said, “Your Excellency the Chancellor sits here idly. Are you waiting for Heaven’s thunder to strike down the two Yuans?” Cao Cao laughed and replied, “I have already anticipated this.” He ordered Cao Hong to advance and attack Ye first, while he himself led an army to attack Yin Kai. When Cao Cao’s army arrived at Yin Kai’s territory, Yin Kai led out his forces to meet them. As Yin Kai rode out, Cao Cao shouted, “Where is Xu Zhongkang?” Xu Chu responded with a roar, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Yin Kai. Before Yin Kai could react, Xu Chu cut him down from his horse with a single stroke. The remaining troops scattered and fled. Cao Cao accepted their surrender and then marched on Handan. Ju Hu led out his army to meet him. Zhang Liao rode out and engaged Ju Hu. After less than three exchanges, Ju Hu was defeated and fled, with Zhang Liao in hot pursuit. When the two horses were close, Zhang Liao quickly drew his bow and shot Ju Hu, who fell from his horse, struck by the arrow. Cao Cao ordered his army to press the attack, and the enemy troops scattered in all directions.
Thus, Cao Cao led his main army to the outskirts of Ji Province. Cao Hong had already reached the city walls. Cao Cao ordered his troops to build earthen mounds around the city and secretly dig tunnels to breach the defenses. Shen Pei, however, had prepared a strong defense and enforced strict discipline. The eastern gate’s defender, Feng Li, had once been severely beaten by Shen Pei for being drunk on duty and neglecting his watch. Nursing a deep grudge, Feng Li secretly slipped out of the city and surrendered to Cao Cao. When Cao Cao asked him for a plan to take the city, Feng Li said, “The earth near the Tu Gate is thick. You can dig a tunnel in from there.” Cao Cao ordered Feng Li to lead three hundred elite soldiers to dig a tunnel into the city under cover of night. But Shen Pei, ever since Feng Li had defected, personally mounted the walls every night to inspect the troops. That night, from the Tu Gate tower, he saw that there were no lights outside the city in that area. Shen Pei said, “Feng Li must be leading troops in through a tunnel.” He quickly summoned elite soldiers to drop large stones onto the Tu Gate, sealing it shut. Feng Li and his three hundred men were all buried alive in the earth. Having suffered this loss, Cao Cao abandoned the tunnel plan and withdrew his army to the banks of the Huan River to await Yuan Shang’s return.
Yuan Shang, who was attacking Pingyuan, learned that Cao Cao had defeated Yin Kai and Ju Hu and was now besieging Ji Province. He immediately pulled back his army to rescue his capital. His general Ma Yan advised, “If we take the main road, Cao Cao will surely have an ambush. We could take a smaller path through the Western Mountains and emerge at the mouth of the Fu River to raid Cao Cao’s camp. This will lift the siege.” Yuan Shang agreed. He led the main army forward himself, ordering Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to cover the rear. Spies had already reported this to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “If he comes by the main road, I will avoid him. But if he comes by the Western Mountain path, I can capture him in a single battle. I expect Yuan Shang will use a signal fire to coordinate with the city. I will divide my forces to strike him.” He then made his dispositions.
Yuan Shang emerged from the Fu River border region and marched east to Yangping, where he camped at Yangping Pavilion, seventeen li from Ji Province, with the Fu River at his back. He ordered his soldiers to pile up firewood and dry grass, to be set ablaze at night as a signal. He sent his Registrar Li Fu, disguised as a Cao army commander, to ride directly to the city walls and shout, “Open the gate!” Shen Pei recognized Li Fu’s voice and let him in. Li Fu reported, “Yuan Shang has deployed his army at Yangping Pavilion, awaiting our signal. If the troops in the city sortie, they should also light a signal fire.” Shen Pei ordered the city to pile up grass and set it alight to communicate. Li Fu said, “The city has no food. We should send out the old, the weak, and the women to surrender. The enemy will not be on guard, and we can follow them with our soldiers and attack.” Shen Pei agreed.
The next day, a white flag was raised on the city walls, bearing the words: “The people of Ji Province surrender.” Cao Cao said, “This means the city has no food. They are sending out the old and the weak to surrender, and soldiers will follow behind.” Cao Cao ordered Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to each take three thousand troops and lie in ambush on both sides. He himself rode to the city walls under a canopy. Sure enough, the city gates opened, and the common people, supporting the old and leading the young, emerged holding white flags. As soon as the last of the civilians had come out, the city’s soldiers charged out. Cao Cao ordered a red flag to be waved, and Zhang Liao and Xu Huang’s two ambush forces attacked simultaneously, slaughtering the enemy. The city’s troops were forced to retreat back inside. Cao Cao himself galloped forward to the drawbridge, but a volley of crossbow bolts rained down from the walls like a storm. One arrow struck Cao Cao’s helmet and nearly pierced through. His generals rushed to rescue him and brought him back to his camp. Cao Cao changed his clothes and horse, then led his generals to attack Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang himself came out to fight. At that moment, all of Cao Cao’s forces converged on the battlefield. A chaotic melee ensued, and Yuan Shang suffered a great defeat.
Yuan Shang led his defeated troops to retreat and set up camp at the foot of the Western Mountains. He sent men to hurry Ma Yan and Zhang Yi to bring up their forces. Unknown to him, Cao Cao had already sent Lü Kuang and Lü Xiang to persuade the two generals to surrender. The two generals followed the Lü brothers and surrendered. Cao Cao also enfeoffed them as marquises. That very day, he advanced to attack the Western Mountains, first sending the two Lü brothers, Ma Yan, and Zhang Yi to cut off Yuan Shang’s supply lines. Realizing that the Western Mountain position was untenable, Yuan Shang fled by night to the Lan Pass. But before he could set up camp, fires sprang up on all sides, and ambush troops emerged. Men had no time to don their armor; horses had no time to be saddled. Yuan Shang’s army was completely routed. They retreated fifty li, exhausted and at the end of their strength. Yuan Shang had no choice but to send Yin Kui, the Inspector of Yu Province, to Cao Cao’s camp to beg for surrender. Cao Cao pretended to agree, but that very night he sent Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to raid Yuan Shang’s camp. Yuan Shang abandoned all his seals, credentials, armor, and baggage and fled toward Mount Zhongshan.
Cao Cao turned his army back to attack Ji Province. Xu You proposed a plan: “Why not divert the Zhang River to flood the city?” Cao Cao approved the plan. He first sent troops to dig a moat around the city, forty li in circumference. From the city walls, Shen Pei saw Cao Cao’s soldiers digging a moat, but it seemed very shallow. Shen Pei laughed to himself and said, “They intend to divert the Zhang River to flood the city. A deep moat could hold the water, but this shallow ditch is useless!” So he took no precautions. That night, Cao Cao increased his digging force tenfold, and they dug with all their might. By dawn, the moat was twenty feet wide and twenty feet deep. He diverted the Zhang River, and water poured into the city, rising several feet deep inside. With food supplies completely cut off, the soldiers began to starve to death. Xin Pi, stationed outside the city, used his spear to hoist Yuan Shang’s seals and robes, calling on the people inside to surrender. Shen Pei was enraged. He had Xin Pi’s entire family—over eighty members, young and old—brought to the city walls and executed, throwing their heads down. Xin Pi wailed and wept without cease. Shen Pei’s nephew, Shen Rong, had always been close to Xin Pi. Seeing Xin Pi’s family butchered, he burned with indignation. He secretly wrote a letter offering to open the city gates, tied it to an arrow, and shot it down from the wall. Soldiers picked it up and presented it to Xin Pi, who then gave it to Cao Cao. Cao Cao first issued an order: “When we enter Ji Province, do not harm a single member of the Yuan family. Any soldier or civilian who surrenders will be spared.” The next morning at dawn, Shen Rong threw open the western gate and let Cao Cao’s troops pour in. Xin Pi galloped in first, with the generals and soldiers following, and they stormed into Ji Province.
On the southeastern corner tower, Shen Pei saw that Cao Cao’s army had already entered the city. He led a few horsemen down from the walls to fight to the death. He ran straight into Xu Huang. Xu Huang captured Shen Pei alive and had him bound and brought out of the city. On the way, they met Xin Pi. Xin Pi gnashed his teeth and struck Shen Pei on the head with his whip, shouting, “Murderous villain! Today you die!” Shen Pei cursed back, “Traitorous dog! You brought Cao Cao here to destroy my Ji Province! I regret only that I did not kill you myself!” Xu Huang brought Shen Pei before Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked, “Do you know who opened the gates to welcome me?” Shen Pei replied, “I do not.” Cao Cao said, “It was your nephew, Shen Rong.” Shen Pei said in fury, “That boy has failed me! To think it has come to this!” Cao Cao said, “Yesterday, when I was at the city walls, why were there so many crossbow bolts?” Shen Pei answered, “I regret there were not more! Not more!” Cao Cao said, “You are loyal to the Yuans, so you had no choice. Will you surrender to me now?” Shen Pei replied, “I will not surrender! I will not surrender!” Xin Pi, weeping, knelt and said, “My entire family of over eighty members was slaughtered by this villain. I beg Your Excellency to execute him to avenge this wrong!” Shen Pei said, “In life, I am a minister of the Yuans; in death, I am a ghost of the Yuans. I am not like you slanderous, fawning, and flattering traitors! Kill me quickly!” Cao Cao ordered him to be taken away. As he was about to be executed, Shen Pei shouted to the executioner, “My lord is in the north! Do not let me die facing south!” He then knelt facing north and stretched out his neck for the blade. A poet of later times sighed: “Among the many famous scholars north of the Yellow River, who could compare to Shen Zhengnan? His life was lost for a benighted master, but his heart was worthy of the ancients. Loyal and outspoken, he concealed nothing; incorruptible and capable, he was without greed. Even in death, he faced north, putting all those who surrendered to shame.”
After Shen Pei’s death, Cao Cao, moved by his loyalty and righteousness, ordered him to be buried north of the city. The generals then invited Cao Cao to enter the city. Just as he was about to proceed, armed guards dragged a man before him. Cao Cao looked and saw it was Chen Lin. Cao Cao said to him, “When you wrote the proclamation for Yuan Shao, you could have condemned me alone. Why did you have to insult my ancestors as well?” Chen Lin replied, “When an arrow is on the string, it must be loosed.” Those around urged Cao Cao to kill him, but Cao Cao, pitying his talent, pardoned him and appointed him as an Attendant Official.
Cao Cao’s eldest son, Cao Pi, whose style name was Zihuan, was eighteen years old at the time. When Cao Pi was born, a cloud of blue and purple, round like a chariot canopy, had hovered over the house all day without dispersing. A physiognomist had secretly told Cao Cao, “This is the aura of a Son of Heaven. Your heir will be of inestimable nobility.” At eight, Cao Pi could write essays. He was gifted, erudite, and well-versed in both ancient and modern affairs. He excelled in horsemanship and archery and was fond of fencing. Now, as Cao Cao conquered Ji Province, Cao Pi, who was with his father in the army, took his personal guards and headed straight for Yuan Shao’s residence. He dismounted, drew his sword, and was about to enter. A guard blocked his way, saying, “The Chancellor has ordered that no one is to enter the Yuan residence.” Cao Pi shouted him down, raised his sword, and strode into the rear hall. There he saw two women clinging to each other and weeping. Cao Pi advanced, intending to kill them. Truly: “The glory of four generations of dukes and marquises had become a dream; a single family’s flesh and blood now faced calamity again.”
What would become of these women’s lives? Let the next chapter reveal.