第七十一回

第七十一回 占对山黄忠逸待劳 据汉水赵云寡胜众

却说孔明分付黄忠：“你既要去，吾教法正助你，凡事计议而行。吾随后拨人马来接应。”黄忠应允，和法正领本部兵去了。孔明告玄德曰：“此老将不着言语激他，虽去不能成功。他今既去，须拨人马前去接应。”乃唤赵云：“将一枝人马，从小路出奇兵接应黄忠。若忠胜，不必出战，倘忠有失，即去救应。”又遣刘封、孟达：“领三千兵于山中险要去处，多立旌旗，以壮我兵之声势，令敌人惊疑。”三人各自领兵去了。又差人往下辨，授计与马超，令他如此而行。又差严颜往巴西阆中守隘，替张飞、魏延来同取汉中。

却说张郃与夏侯尚来见夏侯渊，说：“天荡山已失，折了夏侯德、韩浩。今闻刘备亲自领兵来取汉中，可速奏魏王，早发精兵猛将，前来策应。”夏侯渊便差人报知曹洪。洪星夜前到许昌，禀知曹操。操大惊，急聚文武，商议发兵救汉中。长史刘晔进曰：“汉中若失，中原震动。大王休辞劳苦，必须亲自征讨。”操自悔曰：“恨当时不用卿言，以致如此！”忙传令旨，起兵四十万亲征。时建安二十三年秋七月也。曹操兵分三路而进，前部先锋夏侯惇，操自领中军，使曹休押后，三军陆续起行。操骑白马金鞍，玉带锦衣，武士手执大红罗销金伞盖，左右金瓜银钺，镫棒戈矛，打日月龙凤旌旗，护驾龙虎官军二万五千，分为五队，每队五千，按青、黄、赤、白、黑五色，旗幡甲马，并依本色，光辉灿烂，极其雄壮。

兵出潼关，操在马上望见一簇林木，极其茂盛，问近侍曰：“此何处也？”答曰：“此名蓝田。林木之间，乃蔡邕庄也。今邕女蔡琰，与其夫董祀居此。”原来操素与蔡邕相善，先时其女蔡琰，乃卫仲道之妻，后被北方掳去，于北地生二子，作《胡笳十八拍》，流入中原。操深怜之，使人持千金入北方赎之。左贤王惧操之势，送蔡琰还汉，操乃以琰配与董祀为妻。当日到庄前，因想起蔡邕之事，令军马先行，操引近侍百馀骑，到庄门下马。时董祀出仕于外，止有蔡琰在家，琰闻操至，忙出迎接。操至堂，琰起居毕，侍立于侧。操偶见壁间悬一碑文图轴，起身观之。问于蔡琰，琰答曰：“此乃曹娥之碑也。昔和帝时，上虞有一巫者，名曹旴，能婆娑[1]乐神，五月五日，醉舞舟中，堕江而死。其女年十四岁，绕江啼哭七昼夜，跳入波中，后五日负父之尸浮于江面，里人葬之江边。上虞令度尚奏闻朝廷，表为孝女。度尚令邯郸淳作文镌碑以记其事，时邯郸淳年方十三岁，文不加点[2]，一挥而就，立石墓侧，时人奇之。妾父蔡邕闻而往观，时日已暮，乃于暗中以手摸碑文而读之，索笔大书八字于其背。后人镌石，并镌此八字。”操读八字云：“黄绢幼妇，外孙虀臼。”操问琰曰：“汝解此意否？”琰曰：“虽先人遗笔，妾实不解其意。”操回顾众谋士曰：“汝等解否？”众皆不能答。于内一人出曰：“某已解其意。”操视之，乃主簿杨修也。操曰：“卿且勿言，容吾思之。”遂辞了蔡琰，引众出庄。上马行三里，忽省悟，笑谓修曰：“卿试言之。”修曰：“此隐语耳。‘黄绢’乃颜色之丝也：色傍加丝，是‘绝’字。‘幼妇’者，少女也：女傍少字，是‘妙’字。‘外孙’乃女之子也：女傍子字，是‘好’字。‘虀臼’乃受五辛之器也：受傍辛字，是‘’字。总而言之，是‘绝妙好’四字。”操大惊曰：“正合孤意！”众皆叹羡杨修才识之敏。

不一日，军至南郑。曹洪接着，备言张郃之事。操曰：“非郃之罪，胜负乃兵家常事耳。”洪曰：“目今刘备使黄忠攻打定军山，夏侯渊知大王兵至，固守未曾出战。”操曰：“若不出战，是示懦也。”便差人持节到定军山，教夏侯渊进兵。刘晔谏曰：“渊性太刚，恐中奸计。”操乃作手书与之，使命持节到渊营，渊接入。使者出书，渊拆视之，略曰：

凡为将者，当以刚柔相济，不可徒恃其勇。若但任勇，则是一夫之敌耳。吾今屯大军于南郑，欲观卿之“妙才”，勿辱二字可也。

夏侯渊览毕大喜，打发使命回讫，乃与张郃商议曰：“今魏王率大兵屯于南郑，以讨刘备。吾与汝久守此地，岂能建立功业？来日吾出战，务要生擒黄忠。”张郃曰：“黄忠谋勇兼备，况有法正相助，不可轻敌。此间山路险峻，只宜坚守。”渊曰：“若他人建了功劳，吾与汝有何面目见魏王耶？汝只守山，吾去出战。”遂下令曰：“谁敢出哨诱敌？”夏侯尚曰：“吾愿往。”渊曰：“汝去出哨，与黄忠交战，只宜输，不宜赢。吾有妙计，如此如此。”尚受令，引三千军离定军山大寨前行。

却说黄忠与法正引兵屯于定军山口，累次挑战，夏侯渊坚守不出，欲要进攻，又恐山路危险，难以料敌，只得据守。是日，忽报山上曹兵下来搦战，黄忠恰待引军出迎，牙将陈式曰：“将军休动，某愿当之。”忠大喜，遂令陈式引军一千，出山口列阵。夏侯尚兵至，遂与交锋。不数合，尚诈败而走。式赶去，行到半路，被两山上擂木炮石，打将下来，不能前进。正欲回时，背后夏侯渊引兵突出，陈式不能抵当，被夏侯渊生擒回寨，部卒多降。有败军逃得性命，回报黄忠，说陈式被擒。忠慌与法正商议，正曰：“渊为人轻躁，恃勇少谋。可激劝士卒，拔寨前进，步步为营，诱渊来战而擒之。此乃‘反客为主’之法。”忠用其谋，将应有之物，尽赏三军，欢声满谷，愿效死战。黄忠即日拔寨而进，步步为营，每营住数日，又进。渊闻之，欲出战。张郃曰：“此乃‘反客为主’之计，不可出战，战则有失。”渊不从，令夏侯尚引数千兵出战，直到黄忠寨前。忠上马提刀出迎，与夏侯尚交马，只一合，生擒夏侯尚归寨。馀皆败走，回报夏侯渊。渊急使人到黄忠寨，言愿将陈式来换夏侯尚，忠约定来日阵前相换。次日，两军皆到山谷阔处，布成阵势。黄忠、夏侯渊各立马于本阵门旗之下。黄忠带着夏侯尚，夏侯渊带着陈式，各不与袍铠，只穿蔽体薄衣。一声鼓响，陈式、夏侯尚各望本阵奔回。夏侯尚比及到阵门时，被黄忠一箭，射中后心，尚带箭而回。渊大怒，骤马径取黄忠，忠正要激渊厮杀，两将交马，战到二十馀合，曹营内忽然鸣金收兵。渊慌拨马而回，被忠乘势杀了一阵。渊回阵问押阵官：“为何鸣金？”答曰：“某见山凹中有蜀兵旗幡数处，恐是伏兵，故急招将军回。”渊信其说，遂坚守不出。

黄忠逼到定军山下，与法正商议。正以手指曰：“定军山西，巍然有一座高山，四下皆是险道。此山上足可下视定军山之虚实。将军若取得此山，定军山只在掌中也。”忠仰见山头稍平，山上有些少人马。是夜二更，忠引军士鸣金击鼓，直杀上山顶。此山有夏侯渊部将杜袭守把，止有数百馀人。当时见黄忠大队拥上，只得弃山而走。忠得了山顶，正与定军山相对。法正曰：“将军可守在半山，某居山顶。待夏侯渊兵至，吾举白旗为号，将军却按兵勿动。待他倦怠无备，吾却举起红旗，将军便下山击之。以逸待劳，必当取胜。”忠大喜，从其计。

却说杜袭引军逃回，见夏侯渊，说黄忠夺了对山。渊大怒曰：“黄忠占了对山，不容我不出战。”张郃谏曰：“此乃法正之谋也。将军不可出战，只宜坚守。”渊曰：“占了吾对山，观吾虚实，如何不出战？”郃苦谏不听。渊分军围住对山，大骂挑战。法正在山上举起白旗，任从夏侯渊百般辱骂，黄忠只不出战。午时以后，法正见曹兵倦怠，锐气已堕，多下马坐息，乃将红旗招展。鼓角齐鸣，喊声大震，黄忠一马当先，驰下山来，犹如天崩地塌之势。夏侯渊措手不及，被黄忠赶到麾盖之下，大喝一声，犹如雷吼。渊未及相迎，黄忠宝刀已落，连头带肩，砍为两段。后人有诗赞黄忠曰：

苍头临大敌，皓首逞神威。力趁雕弓发，风迎雪刃挥。雄声如虎吼，骏马似龙飞。献馘功勋重，开疆展帝畿。

黄忠斩了夏侯渊，曹兵大溃，各自逃生。黄忠乘势去夺定军山，张郃领兵来迎。忠与陈式两下夹攻，混杀一阵，张郃败走。忽然山傍闪出一彪人马，当住去路，为首一员大将，大叫：“常山赵子龙在此！”张郃大惊，引败军夺路望定军山而走。只见前面一枝兵来迎，乃杜袭也。袭曰：“今定军山已被刘封、孟达夺了。”郃大惊，遂与杜袭引败兵到汉水扎营，一面令人飞报曹操。操闻渊死，放声大哭，方悟管辂所言：“三八纵横”，乃建安二十四年也；“黄猪遇虎”，乃岁在己亥正月也；“定军之南”，乃定军山之南也；“伤折一股”，乃渊与操有兄弟之亲情也。操令人寻管辂时，不知何处去了。操深恨黄忠，遂亲统大军，来定军山与夏侯渊报仇，令徐晃作先锋。行到汉水，张郃、杜袭接着曹操，二将曰：“今定军山已失，可将米仓山粮草移于北山寨中屯积，然后进兵。”曹操依允。

却说黄忠斩了夏侯渊首级，来葭萌关上见玄德献功。玄德大喜，加忠为征西大将军，设宴庆贺。忽牙将张著来报说：“曹操自领大军二十万，来与夏侯渊报仇。目今张郃在米仓山搬运粮草，移于汉水北山脚下。”孔明曰：“今操引大兵至此，恐粮草不敷，故勒兵不进。若得一人深入其境，烧其粮草，夺其辎重，则操之锐气挫矣。”黄忠曰：“老夫愿当此任。”孔明曰：“操非夏侯渊之比，不可轻敌。”玄德曰：“夏侯渊虽是总帅，乃一勇夫耳，安及张郃？若斩得张郃，胜斩夏侯渊十倍也。”忠奋然曰：“吾愿往斩之。”孔明曰：“你可与赵子龙同领一枝兵去，凡事计议而行，看谁立功。”忠应允便行，孔明就令张著为副将同去。云谓忠曰：“今操引二十万众，分屯十营，将军在主公前要去夺粮，非小可之事。将军当用何策？”忠曰：“看我先去，如何？”云曰：“等我先去。”忠曰：“我是主将，你是副将，如何争先？”云曰：“我与你都一般为主公出力，何必计较？我二人拈阄，拈着的先去。”忠依允。当时黄忠拈着先去。云曰：“既将军先去，某当相助。可约定时刻，如将军依时而还，某按兵不动，若将军过时而不还，某即引军来接应。”忠曰：“公言是也。”于是二人约定午时为期。云回本寨，谓部将张翼曰：“黄汉升约定明日去夺粮草，若午时不回，我当往助。吾营前临汉水，地势危险，我若去时，汝可谨守寨栅，不可轻动。”张翼应诺。

却说黄忠回到寨中，谓副将张著曰：“我斩了夏侯渊，张郃丧胆。吾明日领命去劫粮草，只留五百军守营，你可助吾。今夜三更，尽皆饱食，四更离营，杀到北山脚下，先捉张郃，后劫粮草。”张著依令。当夜黄忠领人马在前，张著在后，偷过汉水，直到北山之下。东方日出，见粮积如山，有些少军士看守。见蜀兵到，尽弃而走。黄忠教马军一齐下马，取柴堆于米粮之上。正欲放火，张郃兵到，与忠混战一处。曹操闻知，急令徐晃接应。晃领兵前进，将黄忠困于垓心。张著引三百军走脱，正要回寨，忽一枝兵撞出，拦住去路，为首大将，乃是文聘，后面曹兵又至，把张著围住。

却说赵云在营中，看看等到午时，不见忠回，急忙披挂上马，引三千军向前接应，临行，谓张翼曰：“汝可坚守营寨。两壁厢多设弓弩，以为准备。”翼连声应诺。云挺枪骤马直杀往前去。迎头一将拦路，乃文聘部将慕容烈也，拍马舞刀来迎赵云，被云手起一枪刺死，曹兵败走。云直杀入重围，又一枝兵截住，为首乃魏将焦炳。云喝问曰：“蜀兵何在？”炳曰：“已杀尽矣！”云大怒，骤马一枪，又刺死焦炳，杀散馀兵。直至北山之下，见张郃、徐晃两人围住黄忠，军士被困多时。云大喝一声，挺枪骤马，杀入重围，左冲右突，如入无人之境。那枪浑身上下，若舞梨花；遍体纷纷，如飘瑞雪。张郃、徐晃心惊胆战，不敢迎敌。云救出黄忠，且战且走，所到之处，无人敢阻。操于高处望见，惊问众将曰：“此将何人也？”有识者告曰：“此乃常山赵子龙也。”操曰：“昔日当阳长坂英雄尚在！”急传令曰：“所到之处，不许轻敌。”赵云救了黄忠，杀透重围，有军士指曰：“东南上围的，必是副将张著。”云不回本寨，遂望东南杀来。所到之处，但见“常山赵云”四字旗号，曾在当阳长坂知其勇者，互相传说，尽皆逃窜。云又救了张著。

曹操见云东冲西突，所向无前，莫敢迎敌，救了黄忠，又救了张著，奋然大怒，自领左右将士来赶赵云。云已杀回本寨，部将张翼接着，望见后面尘起，知是曹兵追来，即谓云曰：“追兵渐近，可令军士闭上寨门，上敌楼防护。”云喝曰：“休闭寨门！汝岂不知吾昔在当阳长坂时，单枪匹马，觑曹兵八十三万如草芥！今有军有将，又何惧哉！”遂拨弓弩手于寨外壕中埋伏，将营内旗枪，尽皆倒偃，金鼓不鸣。云匹马单枪，立于营门之外。

却说张郃、徐晃领兵追至蜀寨，天色已暮，见寨中偃旗息鼓，又见赵云匹马单枪，立于营外，寨门大开，二将不敢前进。正疑之间，曹操亲到，急催督众军向前。众军听令，大喊一声，杀奔营前，见赵云全然不动，曹兵翻身就回。赵云把枪一招，壕中弓弩齐发。时天色昏黑，正不知蜀兵多少，操先拨回马走。只听得后面喊声大震，鼓角齐鸣，蜀兵赶来。曹兵自相践踏，拥到汉水河边，落水死者，不知其数。赵云、黄忠、张著各引兵一枝，追杀甚急。操正奔走间，忽刘封、孟达率二枝兵，从米仓山路杀来，放火烧粮草。操弃了北山粮草，忙回南郑。徐晃、张郃扎脚不住，亦弃本寨而走。赵云占了曹寨，黄忠夺了粮草，汉水所得军器无数，大获胜捷，差人去报玄德。玄德遂同孔明前至汉水，问赵云的部卒曰：“子龙如何厮杀？”军士将子龙救黄忠、拒汉水之事，细述一遍。玄德大喜，看了山前山后险峻之路，欣然谓孔明曰：“子龙一身都是胆也！”后人有诗赞曰：

昔日战长坂，威风犹未减。突阵显英雄，被围施勇敢。鬼哭与神号，天惊并地惨。常山赵子龙，一身都是胆！

于是玄德号子龙为“虎威将军”，大劳将士，欢宴至晚。

忽报曹操复遣大军从斜谷小路而进，来取汉水。玄德笑曰：“操此来无能为也。我料必得汉水矣。”乃率兵于汉水之西以迎之。曹操命徐晃为先锋，前来决战。帐前一人出曰：“某深知地理，愿助徐将军同去破蜀。”操视之，乃巴西宕渠人也，姓王，名平，字子均，现充牙门将军。操大喜，遂命王平为副先锋，相助徐晃。操屯兵于定军山北。徐晃、王平引军至汉水，晃令前军渡水列阵。平曰：“军若渡水，倘要急退，如之奈何？”晃曰：“昔韩信背水为阵，所谓‘致之死地而后生’也。”平曰：“不然。昔者韩信料敌人无谋而用此计，今将军能料赵云、黄忠之意否？”晃曰：“汝可引步军拒敌，看我引马军破之。”遂令搭起浮桥，随即过河来战蜀兵。正是：魏人妄意宗韩信，蜀相那知是子房。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 婆娑——舞蹈。

[2] 文不加点——作文不用涂改，一写就是定稿。涂去字、句叫“点”，不作标点解。

CHAPTER 71. At The Capture Of Opposite Hill, Huang Zhong Scores A Success; On The River Han, Zhao Yun Conquers A Host.

“If you are really determined to undertake this expedition, I shall send Fa Zheng with you,” said Zhuge Liang to the veteran leader. “You will have to discuss everything with him. I shall also dispatch supports and reinforcements.”

Huang Zhong agreed, and the expedition set out.

Then Zhuge Liang explained to Liu Bei, “I purposely tried to spur on the old general that he will really exert himself, else he fears he will not do much. But he will need reinforcement.”

After this, Zhuge Liang ordered Zhao Yun to march after the first army and help, if help was needed. So long as the old man was victorious, Zhao Yun was to do nothing; if he was in difficulties, then Zhao Yun was to rescue.

Also, three thousand troops under Liu Feng and Meng Da were sent out among the hills to take position at strategic points and set up many banners and make a brave show in order to spread the impression of huge forces, and so frighten and perplex the enemy. In addition, Zhuge Liang sent to Xiabian Pass to tell Ma Chao what part to play in the campaign; Yan Yan was to hold Langzhong and Baxi in place of Zhang Fei and Wei Yan, who also went in expedition in Hanzhong.

The refugees, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang, reached Xiahou Yuan's camp and told their doleful tale, “Tiandang Mountain has been captured, and Xiahou De and Han Hao have died with the loss. Liu Bei is about to invade Hanzhong. Send a swift messenger to inform the Prince of Wei and ask for help.”

The news was sent to Cao Hong, who bore it quickly to Capital Xuchang.

Cao Cao lost no time in calling a council. Then High Minister Liu Ye said, “The loss of Hanzhong would shake the whole country. You, O Prince, must not shrink from toil and hardship, but must yourself go to lead the army.”

“This state of things comes of my not heeding your words before, gentle Sir,” said Cao Cao, then repentant.

However, Cao Cao hastily prepared and issued an edict to raise an army of four hundred thousand troops which he would lead.

The army was ready in the seventh month, the early autumn, in the twenty-third year (AD 218), and marched in three divisions. The leading division was under Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao commanded the center, and Cao Xiu was the rear guard.

Cao Cao rode a white horse, beautifully caparisoned. His guards were clad in embroidered silk. They carried the huge red parasol woven of silk and gold threads. Beside him in two lines were the symbols of kingly dignity, the golden melons, silver axes, stirrups, clubs, spears, and lances; banderoles embroidered with the sun and moon, dragon and phoenix, all were borne aloft. His escort of twenty-five thousand stout warriors led by bold officers, marched in five columns of five thousand each, under banners of the five colors, blue, yellow, red, white, and black. The five companies made a brave show as they marched, each column under its own flag with soldiers in armor and horses in caparisons all of one color and all glittering in the sun.

As they debouched through Tong Pass, Cao Cao noticed in the distance a thick wood, very luxuriant, and asked those near him what it was called.

“This place is the Indigo Field,” they replied. “And in that wood is the estate of the late Minister Cai Yong. His daughter, Cai Yan, and her present husband, Dong Si, live there.”

Now Cao Cao and Cai Yong had been excellent friends at one time. Cai Yong's daughter had been first married to Wei Zhongdao. Then she was abducted by the frontier tribes and taken away to the north, where she had borne two sons. She had composed a ballad called “Eighteen Stanzas for the Mongol Flageolet,” which was widespread to the empire. Cao Cao had been moved by pity for her sorrows and sent a messenger with a thousand ounces of gold to ransom her. The Prince of the frontier Xiongnu State, Ce Xian the Khan, overawed by Cao Cao's strength, had restored her to Cai Yong.

Ordering his escort to march on, Cao Cao went up to the gate with only a few attendants, dismounted and inquired after the lady of the house. At this time Dong Si was absent at his post, and the lady was alone. As soon as she heard who her visitor was, she hastened to welcome him and led him into the reception room. When Cao Cao was seated and she had performed the proper salutations, she stood respectfully at his side. Glancing round the room, Cao Cao saw a rubbing of a tablet hanging on the wall. So he got up to read it, and asked his hostess about it.

“It is a tablet of Cao E, or the fair Lady Cao. In the time of the Emperor He (AD 100), in the Xiongnu State there was a certain magician named Cao Xu, who could dance and sing like the very Spirit of Music. On the fifth of the fifth month he was out in a boat, and being intoxicated, fell overboard and was drowned. He had a daughter, Cao E, then fourteen years of age. She was greatly distressed and sought the body of her father for seven days and nights, weeping all the while. Then she threw herself into the waves, and five days later she floated to the surface with her father's body in her arms. The villagers buried them on the bank, and the magistrate reported the occurrence to the Emperor as a worthy instance of daughterly affection and remarkable piety.

“A later magistrate had the story inscribed by Handan Chun in memory of the event. At that time Handan Chun was only thirteen, but the composition of the inscription was so perfect that neither jot nor tittle could be added, and yet he had written it impromptu without revision. The stone was set up beside the grave, and both inscription and story were the admiration of all the people of that day. My father went to see it. It was evening, but in the obscurity he felt out the inscription with his fingers. He got hold of a pencil and wrote eight large characters on the reverse of the stone and, later, some person recutting the stone engraved these eight words as well.”

Cao Cao then read the eight words; they formed an enigma. Literally they read, “yellow silk, young wife, a daughter's child, pestle and mortar.”

“Can you explain?” asked Cao Cao of his hostess.

“No; although it is a writing of my father's, thy handmaid cannot interpret it,” she replied.

Turning to the strategists of his staff, Cao Cao said, “Can any one of you explain it?” But no one made any reply. Suddenly, they heard one voice, “I have grasped the meaning of it.”

The man who said he had fathomed the meaning was First Secretary Yang Xiu.

“Do not tell me yet; let me think it out,” said Cao Cao.

Soon after they took leave of the lady, went out of the farm, and rode on. About one mile from the farm, the meaning suddenly dawned upon Cao Cao, and he laughingly turned to Yang Xiu, saying, “Now, you may try.”

“This is the solution of the enigma,” said Yang Xiu. “'Yellow silk' is silk threads of natural color, and the character for 'silk' placed beside that for 'color' forms a word meaning 'finally, decidedly;' the 'young wife' is a 'little female,' and the character for 'female' with 'little,' or 'few,' placed beside it forms a word meaning 'admirable, fine;' the 'daughter's child' is 'daughter' and 'child,' which side by side make the word 'good;' and a 'pestle and mortar' suggest pounding together the five bitter herbs in a receptacle: the character for 'receptacle' and 'bitter' form a word meaning 'to tell.' So the four words are 'Decidedly fine and well told.'“

Cao Cao was astonished at Yang Xiu's cleverness, and said, “Just what I made it.”

Those around greatly wondered at Yang Xiu's ingenuity and knowledge.

In less than a day they reached Nanzheng, where Cao Hong welcomed them. He told the tale of Zhang He's misfortunes.

“To suffer defeat is no crime;” said Cao Cao, “that and victory are things that happen constantly in war.”

“Liu Bei has sent Huang Zhong to take Dingjun Mountain,” said Cao Hong. “Xiahou Yuan, hearing you were coming, O Prince, has been defending the position and not going out to give battle.”

“But standing always on the defensive is showing weakness,” said Cao Cao.

Thereupon he bade a man carry an authority flag to the Mountain Commander and so order him to attack the enemy.

“Xiahou Yuan is very stern and inflexible, and he may be carried too far and fall victim to some vile ruse,” said Liu Ye.

Wherefore the Prince wrote a letter to him to accompany the authority flag. And when the messenger arrived and the letter was opened, it read:

“Every leader must exercise a combination of inflexibility and yielding. Boldness is not the only thing that counts; if he makes it so, then is he a mere creature to fight. Now I am camped at Nanzheng ready to watch the deeds of your admirable prowess and capacity, and all I have to say is, 'Do not disgrace your previous reputation.'“

The letter pleased the Commander mightily. Having sent away the bearer, Xiahou Yuan called in Zhang He to consult.

“The Prince has a great army at Nanzheng ready to destroy Liu Bei. We have been on the defense here long enough, and it is time we rendered some solid service. Tomorrow I am going out to battle, and hope to capture Huang Zhong.”

“Your opponent combines ready resource with boldness and prevision,” said Zhang He. “Beside, he has Fa Zheng to aid him; and you must be cautious, for the country is very difficult and dangerous. You would better keep on the defensive.”

“How shall we be able to look our prince in the face when other leaders render good services? However, you just keep the hill, and I will go out to battle.”

Then an order was issued asking who would go out to reconnoiter and provoke a battle. Xiahou Shang volunteered.

Xiahou Yuan said to him, “You are not to make a real stand, but merely to begin the fight. You are to lose and not win, for a grand ruse is ready for the enemy.”

He explained his plans, and Xiahou Shang went away with a small column.

Now Huang Zhong and his helper Fa Zheng were camped quite close to the Dingjun Mountain. They had endeavored to entice Xiahou Yuan out into the field to fight, but failed to attack him as he stood in that difficult, mountainous country. So thus far no advance had been made. But as soon as Xiahou Shang's troops appeared and seemed to offer battle, Huang Zhong was ready to march out to meet them at once. But General Chen Shi, offered his services.

“Do not trouble yourself to move, O General,” said Chen Shi, “for I will go out to fight them.”

Huang Zhong consented, and placed three thousand troops under Chen Shi, who went out of the valley and set his army in array. And when Xiahou Shang came up and, as arranged, merely fought a few bouts and ran away. Chen Shi followed to take advantage of his success. But he was soon brought to a standstill by the rolling of logs and hurling of stones on the part of his opponents. As he turned to retire, Xiahou Yuan brought out his troops and attacked. Chen Shi had no chance against them and was quickly made prisoner. Many of his soldiers joined the enemy, but a few escaped to their own side and told Huang Zhong of the misfortune.

Huang Zhong at once asked advice from Fa Zheng, who said, “This Xiahou Yuan is easily provoked to anger, and being angry he is bold without discretion. Your way now is to work up the enthusiasm of your soldiers, then break camp and advance. Do this in a series of marches, and you will excite him up to the point of giving battle, when you can capture him. They call this the 'Ruse of the Interchange of Host and Guest.'“

So Huang Zhong collected all the things his soldiers liked, and made them presents, till the sound of rejoicing filled the whole valley and the men were hot to fight. Then camp was broken, and the army marched forward a certain distance. Then they encamped. After some days' rest the march was repeated; and then again.

When tidings of the advance reached Xiahou Yuan, he proposed to go out and fight.

“No, no,” said the prudent Zhang He. “This is a well known ruse, and you should remain on the defensive. You will lose if you fight.”

Xiahou Yuan was not the man to stomach this moderate advice, so he sent out Xiahou Shang to give battle. As soon as this force reached the camp of Huang Zhong, the Veteran General mounted and rode out to fight. In the very first bout he captured Xiahou Shang. Those who escaped told how their leader had been captured, and Xiahou Yuan at once sent to offer an exchange of prisoners. This was agreed to, to be effected the following day in front of both armies. So next day both sides were arrayed in a spot where the valley widened, the two leaders on horseback beneath their respective standards. Beside each stood his prisoner. Neither was encumbered with robe or helmet, but each wore thin, simple dress. At the first beat of the drum each started to race over to his own side. Just as Xiahou Shang reached the ranks of his own side, Huang Zhong shot an arrow and wounded him in the back. The wounded man did not fall, but went on.

But Xiahou Yuan, mad with rage, could contain himself no longer. He galloped straight at Huang Zhong, which was exactly what the latter wanted to irritate him into doing. The fight that then ensued went on for twenty bouts, when suddenly the gongs clanged out from Xiahou Yuan's side and he drew off. Huang Zhong pressed on and shattered the army of Wei.

When Xiahou Yuan reached his own side, he asked why the gong had sounded.

“Because we saw the banners of Shu through openings in the mountains in several places, and we feared an ambush,” said Zhang He.

Xiahou Yuan believed him and did not return to the battlefield; he simply remained defensive.

Before long, Huang Zhong had got quite near to Xiahou Yuan's camp, and then he asked further advice from his colleague.

Fa Zheng pointed over to the hills and said, “There rises a steep hill on the west of Dingjun Mountain, difficult of access, but from its summit one has a complete view of the defenses of the enemy. If you can take this hill, the mountain lies in the hollow of your hand.”

Huang Zhong looked up and saw the top of the hill was a small tableland and there were very few defenders there. So that evening he left his camp, dashed up the hill, drove out the small host of one hundred under Xiahou Yuan's General Du Xi and took it. It was just opposite to Dingjun Mountain.

Then said Fa Zheng, “Now take up position half way up the hill, while I go to the top. When the enemy appears, I will show a white flag. But you will remain quiet till the enemy become tired and remiss, when I will hoist a red flag. That will be the signal for attack.”

Huang Zhong cheerfully prepared to act on this plan. In the meantime Du Xi, who had been driven from the hill-top, had run back and reported the loss of the hill to Xiahou Yuan.

“With Huang Zhong in occupation of that hill, I simply must give battle,” said he.

Zhang He strongly dissuaded him, saying, “The whole thing is but a ruse of Fa Zheng. General, you would better defend our position.”

But Xiahou Yuan was obstinate.

“From the top of that hill the whole of our position is visible, our strength and our weakness; I must fight.”

In vain were the remonstrances repeated. Xiahou Yuan set out his troops to surround the opposite hill and then began to vent his rage at his enemy so as to incite Huang Zhong to give battle.

Then the white flag was hoisted. However, Xiahou Yuan was allowed to fume and rage in vain. He tried every form of insult, but no one appeared. In the afternoon the soldiers became weary and dispirited. Plainly their eagerness had gone; and Fa Zheng unfurled the red flag. Then the drums rolled out, and the men of Shu shouted till the earth seemed to shake as the hoary old leader rode out and led his force down the slope with a roar as of an earthquake. Xiahou Yuan was too surprised to defend himself. His chief enemy rushed straight to his standard; and with a thundering shout, Huang Zhong raised his sword and cleft Xiahou Yuan through between the head and shoulders so that he fell in two pieces.

Hoary headed is he, but he goes up to battle;

Gray haired, yet recklessly mighty;

With his strong arms he bends the bow,

The arrows fly.

With the swiftness of the wind he rides,

The white sword gleams.

The sound of his voice is as the roar of a tiger,

His steed is fleet as a dragon in flight.

Victory is his and its rich rewards,

For he extends the domain of his lord.

At the death of their general, the soldiers of Wei fled for their lives, and Huang Zhong attacked Dingjun Mountain. Zhang He came out to oppose the army of Shu, but, attacked at two points by Huang Zhong and Chen Shi, he could not stand. He lost the day and fled. However, before he had gone far, another cohort flashed out from the hills and barred his way. And the leader cried out, “Zhao Yun of Changshan is here!”

Confused and uncertain what to do, Zhang He led his troops toward Dingjun Mountain. But a body of soldiers came out to stop him. The leader was Du Xi, who said, “The mountain is in the hands of Liu Feng and Meng Da.”

So Zhang He and Du Xi joined their forces and went to River Han, where they camped.

Thence they sent to tell Cao Cao of their defeat. At the news of the death of Xiahou Yuan, Cao Cao uttered a great cry and then he understood the prediction of the soothsayer, Guan Lu, that the cast showed opposition: It was the twenty-fourth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (three and eight cross); the yellow boar (the month Xiahou Yuan died) had met the tiger; the expedition had suffered a loss indeed by the death of a general, and the death had taken place at the mount known as “Army Halt” (Dingjun). The affection between Cao Cao and his general had been very close, for he considered Xiahou Yuan as his limb.

Cao Cao sent to inquire the whereabouts of Guan Lu, but no one knew.

Cao Cao nourished feelings of resentment against the slayer of his friend, and he led his army out against Dingjun Mountain to avenge Xiahou Yuan's death. Xu Huang led the van. When the army reached River Han, Zhang He and Du Xi joined them.

They said to Cao Cao, “Dingjun Mountain is lost. Before marching farther, the stores in Micang Mountain should be moved to the Northern Mountain.”

And Cao Cao agreed.

Huang Zhong cut off the head of Xiahou Yuan and took it to Liu Bei when he reported his victory. For these services, Liu Bei conferred upon him the title General Who Conquers the West, and great banquets were given in his honor.

While these were going on, General Zhang Zhu brought the news: “Cao Cao's army of two hundred thousand troops is on the way to avenge Xiahou Yuan's loss; and the supplies on Micang Mountain are being moved to the Northern Mountain.”

Then said Zhuge Liang, “Cao Cao is certainly short of supplies. If we can burn what he has and destroy his baggage train, he will have but little spirit left to fight.”

“I am willing to undertake the task,” said Huang Zhong.

“Remember Cao Cao is a different sort of man from Xiahou Yuan.”

Liu Bei said, “Though Xiahou Yuan was the Mountain Commander, after all he was but a bold warrior. It would have been ten times better to have killed Zhang He.”

“I will go and kill him,” said the aged general, firing up.

“Then go with Zhao Yun;” said Zhuge Liang, “act in concert and see who can do best.”

Huang Zhong agreed to this condition, and Zhang Zhu was sent with him as Marching General.

Soon after the army had marched out, Zhao Yun asked of his colleague, “What plan have you prepared against Cao Cao's army of two hundred thousand in their ten camps, and how are the stores of grain and forage to be destroyed?”

“I am going to lead,” said Huang Zhong.

“No wait; I am going first,” said Zhao Yun.

“But I am the senior leader; you are only my second,” said Huang Zhong.

“No; you and I are equal in responsibility and both anxious to render good service. We are no rivals. Let us cast lots for who is to lead the way.”

They did so, and the Veteran General gained precedence.

“Since you have won the right to make the first attempt, you must let me help you,” said Zhao Yun. “Now let us decide upon a fixed time, and if you have returned by that time, I shall not need to stir. But if at that time you have not come back, then I shall come to reinforce you.”

“That suits me admirably,” said Huang Zhong.

So they decided upon noon as the time; and Zhao Yun went back to his own camp, where he called in his Deputy General, Zhang Yi, and said, “My friend Huang Zhong is going to try to burn the stores tomorrow. If he has not returned at noon, I am to go to aid him. You are to guard our camp, which is in a dangerous place by the river, but you are not to move out unless compelled.”

Huang Zhong went back to his camp and said to his general, Zhang Zhu, “I have slain Xiahou Yuan and cowed Zhang He. I am going to destroy the enemy's store of grain tomorrow, taking with me most of the troops. You are to come and assist me. A meal for the men is to be ready about midnight tonight, and we shall move at the fourth watch. We shall march to the foot of their hill, capture Zhang He, and then start the fire.”

All being ready, they set out—Huang Zhong leading—and stole across River Han to the foot of the hills. As the sun got up out of the east, they saw before them mountains of grain and only a few guards on watch. These fled at first sight of the army of Shu. The horsemen dismounted and began to collect brushwood and pile it round the grain heaps. Just as they were starting the fire, there appeared a cohort led by Zhang He, who at once began a fight with Huang Zhong. Then Cao Cao heard of the fight and sent Xu Huang to help. Xu Huang came up in the rear, and Huang Zhong was surrounded. Zhang Zhu with three thousand troops tried to get away to their camp, but they were intercepted by Wen Ping; and more troops of Wei coming up by the rear, Zhang Zhu also was surrounded. Both were in difficulties.

Meanwhile, time passed and noon came with no news of Huang Zhong. Wherefore Zhao Yun girded on his armor, took three thousand troops with him and went to his aid. Just as he was leaving, he again warned Zhang Yi to keep good watch.

“Guard the camp most carefully; see that you have archers and crossbowmen on both sides.”

“Yes, yes,” said Zhang Yi.

Zhao Yun rode off, spear in hand, and went out to give battle where he could find the enemy. Soon he fell in with one of Wen Ping's companies led by General Murong Lie. Zhao Yun plunged in, cut Murong Lie down, and disposed of the troops of Wei. Then he came to the real press. A cohort barred his way, led by General Jiao Bing.

“Where are the soldiers of Shu?” cried Zhao Yun.

“All killed,” cried Jiao Bing.

Zhao Yun angrily dashed forward and thrust Jiao Bing through so that he died. The cohort scattered, and Zhao Yun went on to the foot of Northern Mountain, where he found Huang Zhong surrounded. With a yell Zhao Yun dashed at the encircling ring, thrusting this way and shoving that, so that every one shrank and recoiled before him. The mighty spear laid low his opponents as the whirlwind scatters the petals of the wild pear tree till they lie on the bosom of the earth like snowflakes. Panic seized Zhang He and Xu Huang so that they dared not stand in his way, and thus Zhao Yun fought his way through and rescued his fellow warrior. Then they fought their way out and none could withstand them.

Cao Cao had been watching the course of the fighting from a high place, and when he saw a doughty warrior forcing his way into the press and all going down before him, he asked of his officers if they knew who the hero was.

“That is Zhao Yun of Changshan,” replied one who knew.

“So the hero of Dangyang is still alive,” said Cao Cao, marveled.

Then Cao Cao gave general orders to his soldiers not to attack Zhao Yun without being sure of success, no matter where they met him.

Having rescued his colleague and got clear of the battle, Zhao Yun was told Zhang Zhu hemmed in on a hill not far off. Wherefore Zhao Yun went to his relief before going back to his own camp. He had little need to fight, for Cao Cao's soldiers no sooner saw the name emblazoned on the banners than they fled without more ado.

But it filled Cao Cao with rage to see his troops falling away before Zhao Yun, who marched on as though no one would think of standing in his way, and he went in pursuit himself with his officers. Zhao Yun reached his own camp, where he was welcomed by Zhang Yi. But a cloud of dust was seen in the distance, and they knew Cao Cao was in that cloud and coming upon them.

“Let us bar the gates while we make preparation,” said Zhang Yi.

“Do not bar the gates,” said Zhao Yun. “Have you never heard of my exploit at Dangyang, when I laughed at Cao Cao's many legions? Now that I have an army at my back and generals to help, what is there to fear?”

Then Zhao Yun placed the archers and the bowmen in a covered position outside, while he threw down all the weapons and flags within. And no drums beat. But he himself, alone, stood outside the gate of the camp.

It was dusk when Zhang He and Xu Huang neared the camp of the army of Shu. They saw that the ensigns and weapons had been overthrown, and no drums beat at their approach. They also saw the one figure of the doughty warrior at the gate, and then they halted and dared advance no farther. While they hesitated, Cao Cao arrived and urged his army to march quicker. They answered with a shout and made a dash forward, but they saw the one figure at the gate, and every man halted. And before long, one by one they turned about and went away.

Then Zhao Yun gave a signal to his troops to come out of the moat, and the archers and bowmen began to shoot. The soldiers of Cao Cao knew not in the dusk how many their enemies were, but terror seized upon them and they ran, each trying to be first. And as they ran, the drums rolled, and the soldiers of Shu shouted and pursued, till the flight became a perfect rout and a confused mass of troops reached the banks of River Han. The press continuing, many soldiers of Cao Cao were forced into the river and were drowned.

Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Zhang Zhu followed close on the heels of the routed army; and while Cao Cao was making off with all speed, two other generals of Shu, Liu Feng and Meng Da, came from Micang Mountain and set fire to all the army stores of food and forage in Northern Mountain. Then Cao Cao abandoned the stores in Northern Mountain and set out hastily for Nanzheng. Zhang He and Xu Huang could make no stand, and they also abandoned their camps, which Zhao Yun at once occupied. Beside the stores of food, the victors collected countless weapons along the banks of the river.

They sent news of the victory to Liu Bei, who came with Zhuge Liang to the scene of the victory, and there they heard the full story of Zhao Yun's prowess. Liu Bei was glad, and when he had seen the steepness and difficulties of the surrounding hills and understood the fine deeds of valor that had been done, he turned to Zhuge Liang and said, “Truly, the man is brave all through!”

Behold Zhao Yun of Changshan,

Whose whole body is valor;

Formerly he fought at Dangyang,

And his courage today is no less.

He rushes into the array to manifest his heroism;

Surrounded by his enemies,

He is dauntless and daring.

Devils howl and spirits cry,

The sky is afraid and earth trembles.

Such is Zhao Yun, the brave.

Whose whole body is valor.

For his services Liu Bei gave Zhao Yun the title of General Who Possesses Tiger Prowess. And the soldiers of his army were rewarded, and there was banqueting to a late hour.

Soon it was reported: “Cao Cao is coming again down through the Xie Valley to try to capture River Han.” But Liu Bei laughed, saying, “He will not succeed, for I think that we shall gain command of the river.”

Then Liu Bei led his army west of the river to oppose Cao Cao. When Cao Cao drew near, he sent out Xu Huang to lead the van and open the battle.

A General named Wang Ping said, “I know the country well, and I wish to help General Xu Huang to destroy the army of Shu.”

Wang Ping was sent as second in command.

Cao Cao camped on the north of Dingjun Mountain, and his advanced guard marched away making for River Han. And when they reached the bank, Xu Huang gave orders to cross to the other side.

“To cross the river is well,” said Wang Ping, “but what if you have to retreat?”

“Of old, when Han Xin made his array with a river in his rear, he said that out of the place of death one could return to life.”

“You are mistaken now. The cases are not the same, for then Han Xin knew his opponents were unskillful. Have you reckoned upon the skill of our opponents, Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong?”

“You may lead the footmen to hold the enemy while I destroy them with the horsemen,” said Xu Huang.

Then bridges were built and the army crossed.

A man of Wei blindly quoted Han Xin,

A minister of Shu would be another Zhang Liang?

Who won the victory will next be revealed.