第十六回

第十六回 吕奉先射戟辕门 曹孟德败师淯水

却说杨大将献计欲攻刘备。袁术曰：“计将安出？”大将曰：“刘备军屯小沛，虽然易取，奈吕布虎踞徐州。前次许他金帛粮马，至今未与，恐其助备。今当令人送与粮食，以结其心，使其按兵不动，则刘备可擒。先擒刘备，后图吕布，徐州可得也。”术喜，便具粟二十万斛，令韩胤赍密书往见吕布。吕布甚喜，重待韩胤。胤回告袁术，术遂遣纪灵为大将，雷薄、陈兰为副将，统兵数万，进攻小沛。玄德闻知此信，聚众商议。张飞要出战，孙乾曰：“今小沛粮寡兵微，如何抵敌？可修书告急于吕布。”张飞曰：“那厮如何肯来！”玄德曰：“乾之言善。”遂修书与吕布，书略曰：

伏自将军垂念，令备于小沛容身，实拜云天[1]之德。今袁术欲报私仇，遣纪灵领兵到县，亡在旦夕，非将军莫能救。望驱一旅之师，以救倒悬之急，不胜幸甚！

吕布看了书，与陈宫计议曰：“前者袁术送粮致书，盖欲使我不救玄德也，今玄德又来求救。吾想玄德屯军小沛，未必遂能为我害。若袁术并了玄德，则北连泰山诸将以图我，我不能安枕矣，不若救玄德。”遂点兵起程。

却说纪灵起兵长驱大进，已到沛县东南，扎下营寨。昼列旌旗，遮映山川；夜设火鼓，震明天地。玄德县中，止有五千馀人，也只得勉强出县，布阵安营。忽报吕布引兵，离县一里西南上扎下营寨。纪灵知吕布领兵来救刘备，急令人致书于吕布，责其无信。布笑曰：“我有一计，使袁、刘两家都不怨我。”乃发使往纪灵、刘备寨中，请二人饮宴。玄德闻布相请，即便欲往。关、张曰：“兄长不可去，吕布必有异心。”玄德曰：“我待彼不薄，彼必不害我。”遂上马而行，关、张随往。到吕布寨中入见，布曰：“吾今特解公之危。异日得志，不可相忘！”玄德称谢。布请玄德坐。关、张按剑立于背后。人报纪灵到，玄德大惊，欲避之。布曰：“吾特请你二人来会议，勿得生疑。”玄德未知其意，心下不安。纪灵下马入寨，却见玄德在帐上坐，大惊，抽身便回，左右留之不住。吕布向前一把扯回，如提童稚。灵曰：“将军欲杀纪灵耶？”布曰：“非也。”灵曰：“莫非杀‘大耳儿’乎？”布曰：“亦非也。”灵曰：“然则为何？”布曰：“玄德与布乃兄弟也，今为将军所困，故来救之。”灵曰：“若此则杀灵也？”布曰：“无有此理。布平生不好斗，惟好解斗。吾今为两家解之。”灵曰：“请问解之之法？”布曰：“吾有一法，从天所决。”乃拉灵入帐，与玄德相见，二人各怀疑忌。布乃居中坐，使灵居左，备居右，且教设宴行酒。

酒行数巡，布曰：“你两家看我面上，俱各罢兵。”玄德无语。灵曰：“吾奉主公之命，提十万之兵，专捉刘备，如何罢得？”张飞大怒，拔剑在手，叱曰：“吾虽兵少，觑汝辈如儿戏耳！你比百万黄巾何如？你敢伤我哥哥！”关公急止之曰：“且看吕将军如何主意，那时各回营寨厮杀未迟。”吕布曰：“我请你两家解斗，须不教你厮杀！”这边纪灵不忿，那边张飞只要厮杀。布大怒，教左右：“取我戟来！”布提画戟在手，纪灵、玄德尽皆失色。布曰：“我劝你两家不要厮杀，尽在天命。”令左右接过画戟，去辕门外远远插定。乃回顾纪灵、玄德曰：“辕门离中军一百五十步。吾若一箭射中戟小枝，你两家罢兵；如射不中，你各自回营安排厮杀。有不从吾言者，并力拒之。”纪灵私忖：“戟在一百五十步之外，安能便中？且落得应允。待其不中，那时凭我厮杀。”便一口许诺。玄德自无不允。布都教坐，再各饮一杯酒。酒毕，布教取弓箭来。玄德暗祝曰：“只愿他射得中便好！”只见吕布挽起袍袖，搭上箭，扯满弓，叫一声：“着！”正是：弓开如秋月行天，箭去似流星落地。一箭正中画戟小枝。帐上帐下将校，齐声喝采。后人有诗赞之曰：

温侯神射世间稀，曾向辕门独解危。落日果然欺后羿，号猿直欲胜由基。虎筋弦响弓开处，雕羽翎飞箭到时。豹子尾摇穿画戟，雄兵十万脱征衣。

当下吕布射中画戟小枝，呵呵大笑，掷弓于地，执纪灵、玄德之手曰：“此天令你两家罢兵也！”喝教军士：“斟酒来！各饮一大觥。”玄德暗称惭愧[2]。纪灵默然半晌，告布曰：“将军之言，不敢不听。奈纪灵回去，主人如何肯信？”布曰：“吾自作书复之便了。”酒又数巡，纪灵求书先回。布谓玄德曰：“非我则公危矣。”玄德拜谢，与关、张回。次日，三处军马都散。

不说玄德入小沛，吕布归徐州。却说纪灵回淮南见袁术，说吕布辕门射戟解和之事，呈上书信。袁术大怒曰：“吕布受吾许多粮米，反以此儿戏之事偏护刘备。吾当自提重兵，亲征刘备，兼讨吕布！”纪灵曰：“主公不可造次。吕布勇力过人，兼有徐州之地，若布与备首尾相连，不易图也。灵闻布妻严氏有一女，年已及笄[3]。主公有一子，可令人求亲于布。布若嫁女于主公，必杀刘备。此乃‘疏不间亲’之计也。”袁术从之，即日遣韩胤为媒，赍礼物往徐州求亲。胤到徐州见布，称说：“主公仰慕将军，欲求令爱[4]为儿妇，永结‘秦晋之好’[5]。”布入谋于妻严氏。原来吕布有二妻一妾：先娶严氏为正妻，后娶貂蝉为妾；及居小沛时，又娶曹豹之女为次妻。曹氏先亡无出，貂蝉亦无所出，惟严氏生一女，布最钟爱。当下严氏对布曰：“吾闻袁公路久镇淮南，兵多粮广，早晚将为天子。若成大事，则吾女有后妃之望，只不知他有几子？”布曰：“止有一子。”妻曰：“既如此，即当许之。纵不为皇后，吾徐州亦无忧矣。”布意遂决，厚款韩胤，许了亲事。韩胤回报袁术。术即备聘礼，仍令韩胤送至徐州。吕布受了，设席相待，留于馆驿安歇。

次日，陈宫竟往馆驿内拜望韩胤。讲礼毕坐定，宫乃叱退左右，对胤曰：“谁献此计，教袁公与奉先联姻？意在取刘玄德之头乎？”胤失惊，起谢曰：“乞公台勿泄！”宫曰：“吾自不泄，只恐其事若迟，必被他人识破，事将中变。”胤曰：“然则奈何？愿公教之。”宫曰：“吾见奉先，使其即日送女就亲，何如？”胤大喜，称谢曰：“若如此，袁公感佩明德不浅矣！”宫遂辞别韩胤，入见吕布曰：“闻公女许嫁袁公路，甚善。但不知于何日结亲？”布曰：“尚容徐议。”宫曰：“古者自受聘成婚之期，各有定例：天子一年，诸侯半年，大夫一季，庶民一月。”布曰：“袁公路天赐国宝，早晚当为帝，今从天子例，可乎？”宫曰：“不可。”布曰：“然则仍从诸侯例？”宫曰：“亦不可。”布曰：“然则将从卿大夫例矣？”宫曰：“亦不可。”布笑曰：“公岂欲吾依庶民例耶？”宫曰：“非也。”布曰：“然则公意欲如何？”宫曰：“方今天下，诸侯互相争雄。今公与袁公路结亲，诸侯保无有嫉妒者乎？若复远择吉期，或竟乘我良辰，伏兵半路以夺之，如之奈何？为今之计，不许便休。既已许之，当趁诸侯未知之时，即便送女到寿春，另居别馆，然后择吉成亲，万无一失也。”布喜曰：“公台之言甚当。”遂入告严氏，连夜具办妆奁，收拾宝马香车，令宋宪、魏续一同韩胤送女前去。鼓乐喧天，送出城外。

时陈元龙之父陈珪，养老在家，闻鼓乐之声，遂问左右，左右告以故。珪曰：“此乃‘疏不间亲’之计也。玄德危矣。”遂扶病来见吕布。布曰：“大夫何来？”珪曰：“闻将军死至，特来吊丧。”布惊曰：“何出此言？”珪曰：“前者袁公路以金帛送公，欲杀刘玄德，而公以射戟解之；今忽来求亲，其意盖欲以公女为质，随后就来攻玄德而取小沛。小沛亡，徐州危矣。且彼或来借粮，或来借兵。公若应之，是疲于奔命，而又结怨于人；若其不允，是弃亲而启兵端也。况闻袁术有称帝之意，是造反也。彼若造反，则公乃反贼亲属矣，得无为天下所不容乎？”布大惊曰：“陈宫误我！”急命张辽引兵，追赶至三十里之外，将女抢归，连韩胤都拿回监禁，不放归去。却令人回复袁术，只说女儿妆奁未备，俟备毕便自送来。陈珪又说吕布，使解韩胤赴许都。布犹豫未决。

忽人报：“玄德在小沛招军买马，不知何意。”布曰：“此为将者本分事，何足为怪。”正话间，宋宪、魏续至，告布曰：“我二人奉明公之命，往山东买马，买得好马三百馀匹，回至沛县界首，被强寇劫去一半。打听得是刘备之弟张飞，诈妆山贼，抢劫马匹去了。”吕布听了大怒，随即点兵往小沛来斗张飞。玄德闻知大惊，慌忙领军出迎。两阵圆处，玄德出马曰：“兄长何故领兵到此？”布指骂曰：“我辕门射戟，救你大难，你何故夺我马匹？”玄德曰：“备因缺马，令人四下收买，安敢夺兄马匹。”布曰：“你便使张飞夺了我好马一百五十匹，尚自抵赖！”张飞挺枪出马曰：“是我夺了你好马！你今待怎么？”布骂曰：“环眼贼！你累次渺视我！”飞曰：“我夺你马你便恼，你夺我哥哥的徐州便不说了！”布挺戟出马来战张飞，飞亦挺枪来迎。两个酣战一百馀合，未见胜负。玄德恐有疏失，急鸣金收军入城。吕布分军四面围定。玄德唤张飞责之曰：“都是你夺他马匹，惹起事端！如今马匹在何处？”飞曰：“都寄在各寺院内。”玄德随令人出城，至吕布营中，说情愿送还马匹，两相罢兵。布欲从之。陈宫曰：“今不杀刘备，久后必为所害。”布听之，不从所请，攻城愈急。玄德与糜竺、孙乾商议。孙乾曰：“曹操所恨者，吕布也。不若弃城走许都，投奔曹操，借军破布，此为上策。”玄德曰：“谁可当先破围而出？”飞曰：“小弟情愿死战！”玄德令飞在前，云长在后，自居于中，保护老小。当夜三更，乘着月明，出北门而走。正遇宋宪、魏续，被翼德一阵杀退，得出重围。后面张辽赶来，关公敌住。吕布见玄德去了，也不来赶，随即入城安民，令高顺守小沛，自己仍还徐州去了。

却说玄德前奔许都，到城外下寨，先使孙乾来见曹操，言被吕布追逼，特来相投。操曰：“玄德与吾，兄弟也。”便请入城相见。次日，玄德留关、张在城外，自带孙乾、糜竺入见操。操待以上宾之礼。玄德备诉吕布之事。操曰：“布乃无义之辈，吾与贤弟并力诛之。”玄德称谢。操设宴相待，至晚送出。荀彧入见曰：“刘备，英雄也。今不早图，后必为患。”操不答。彧出，郭嘉入。操曰：“荀彧劝我杀玄德，当如何？”嘉曰：“不可。主公兴义兵，为百姓除暴，惟仗信义以招俊杰，犹惧其不来也。今玄德素有英雄之名，以困穷而来投，若杀之，是害贤也。天下智谋之士，闻而自疑，将裹足不前，主公谁与定天下乎？夫除一人之患，以阻四海之望，安危之机，不可不察。”操大喜曰：“君言正合吾心。”次日，即表荐刘备领豫州牧。程昱谏曰：“刘备终不为人之下，不如早图之。”操曰：“方今正用英雄之时，不可杀一人而失天下之心，此郭奉孝与吾有同见也。”遂不听昱言，以兵三千、粮万斛送与玄德，使往豫州到任，进兵屯小沛，招集原散之兵攻吕布。玄德至豫州，令人约会曹操。

操正欲起兵，自往征吕布。忽流星马报说张济自关中引兵攻南阳，为流矢所中而死；济侄张绣统其众，用贾诩为谋士，结连刘表，屯兵宛城，欲兴兵犯阙夺驾。操大怒，欲兴兵讨之，又恐吕布来侵许都，乃问计于荀彧。彧曰：“此易事耳。吕布无谋之辈，见利必喜。明公可遣使往徐州，加官赐赏，令与玄德解和。布喜，则不思远图矣。”操曰：“善。”遂差奉军都尉王则，赍官诰并和解书，往徐州去讫。一面起兵十五万亲讨张绣，分军三路而行，以夏侯惇为先锋，军马至淯水下寨。贾诩劝张绣曰：“操兵势大，不可与敌，不如举众投降。”张绣从之，使贾诩至操寨通款[6]。操见诩应对如流，甚爱之，欲用为谋士。诩曰：“某昔从李傕，得罪天下；今从张绣，言听计从，不忍弃之。”乃辞去。次日引绣来见操，操待之甚厚。引兵入宛城屯扎，馀军分屯城外，寨栅联络十馀里。一住数日，绣每日设宴请操。

一日操醉，退入寝所，私问左右曰：“此城中有妓女否？”操之兄子曹安民，阿操意，乃密对曰：“昨晚小侄窥见馆舍之侧有一妇人，生得十分文丽，问之，即绣叔张济之妻也。”操闻言，便令安民领五十甲兵往取之。须臾取到军中，操见之，果然美丽。问其姓，妇答曰：“妾乃张济之妻邹氏也。”操曰：“夫人识吾否？”邹氏曰：“久闻丞相威名，今夕幸得瞻拜。”操曰：“吾为夫人故，特纳张绣之降，不然灭族矣。”邹氏拜曰：“实感再生之恩。”操曰：“今日得见夫人，乃天幸也。今宵愿同枕席，随吾还都，安享富贵，何如？”邹氏拜谢。是夜，共宿于帐中。邹氏曰：“久住城中，绣必生疑，亦恐外人议论。”操曰：“明日同夫人去寨中住。”次日，移于城外安歇，唤典韦就中军帐房外宿卫。他人非奉呼唤，不许辄入。因此，内外不通。操每日与邹氏取乐，不想归期。

张绣家人密报绣。绣怒曰：“操贼辱我太甚！”便请贾诩商议。诩曰：“此事不可泄漏。来日等操出帐议事，如此如此。”次日，操坐帐中，张绣入告曰：“新降兵多有逃亡者，乞移屯中军。”操许之。绣乃移屯其军，分为四寨，刻期举事。因畏典韦勇猛，急切难近，乃与偏将胡车儿商议。那胡车儿力能负五百斤，日行七百里，亦异人也。当下献计于绣曰：“典韦之可畏者，双铁戟耳。主公明日可请他来吃酒，使尽醉而归。那时某便混入他跟来军士数内，偷入帐房，先盗其戟，此人不足畏矣。”绣甚喜，预先准备弓箭、甲兵，告示各寨。至期，令贾诩致意请典韦到寨，殷勤待酒。至晚醉归，胡车儿杂在众人队里，直入大寨。是夜曹操于帐中与邹氏饮酒，忽听帐外人言马嘶，操使人观之。回报是张绣军夜巡，操乃不疑。时近二更，忽闻寨内呐喊，报说草车上火起。操曰：“军人失火，勿得惊动。”须臾，四下里火起，操始着忙，急唤典韦。韦方醉卧，睡梦中听得金鼓喊杀之声，便跳起身来，却寻不见了双戟。时敌兵已到辕门，韦急掣步卒腰刀在手。只见门首无数军马，各挺长枪，抢入寨来。韦奋力向前，砍死二十馀人。马军方退，步军又到，两边枪如苇列。韦身无片甲，上下被数十枪，兀自[7]死战。刀砍缺不堪用，韦即弃刀，双手提着两个军人迎敌，击死者八九人。群贼不敢近，只远远以箭射之，箭如骤雨，韦犹死拒寨门。争奈寨后贼军已入，韦背上又中一枪，乃大叫数声，血流满地而死。死了半晌，还无一人敢从前门而入者。

却说曹操赖典韦当住寨门，乃得从寨后上马逃奔，只有曹安民步随。操右臂中了一箭，马亦中了三箭。亏得那马是大宛良马[8]，熬得痛，走得快。刚刚走到淯水河边，贼兵追至，安民被砍为肉泥。操急骤马冲波过河，才上得岸，贼兵一箭射来，正中马眼，那马扑地倒了。操长子曹昂，即以己所乘之马奉操。操上马急奔，曹昂却被乱箭射死。操乃走脱，路逢诸将，收集残兵。时夏侯惇所领青州之兵，乘势下乡，劫掠民家；平虏校尉于禁，即将本部军于路剿杀，安抚民家。青州兵走回，迎操泣拜于地，言于禁造反，赶杀青州军马。操大惊。须臾，夏侯惇、许褚、李典、乐进都到。操言于禁造反，可整兵迎之。

却说于禁见操等俱到，乃引军射住阵角，凿堑安营。或告之曰：“青州军言将军造反，今丞相已到，何不分辩，乃先立营寨耶？”于禁曰：“今贼追兵在后，不时即至，若不先准备，何以拒敌？分辩小事，退敌大事。”安营方毕，张绣军两路杀至。于禁身先出寨迎战，绣急退兵。左右诸将，见于禁向前，各引兵击之，绣军大败，追杀百馀里。绣势穷力孤，引败兵投刘表去了。曹操收军点将，于禁入见，备言青州之兵肆行劫掠，大失民望，某故杀之。操曰：“不告我，先下寨，何也？”禁以前言对。操曰：“将军在匆忙之中，能整兵坚垒，任谤任劳，使反败为胜，虽古之名将，何以加兹！”乃赐以金器一副，封益寿亭侯，责夏侯惇治兵不严之过。又设祭祭典韦，操亲自哭而奠之，顾谓诸将曰：“吾折长子、爱侄，俱无深痛，独号泣典韦也！”众皆感叹。次日下令班师。

不说曹操还兵许都。且说王则赍诏至徐州，布迎接入府，开读诏书——封布为平东将军，特赐印绶——又出操私书。王则在吕布面前极道曹公相敬之意。布大喜。忽报袁术遣人至，布唤入问之。使言：“袁公早晚即皇帝位，立东宫，催取皇妃早到淮南。”布大怒曰：“反贼焉敢如此！”遂杀来使，将韩胤用枷钉了，遣陈登赍谢表，解韩胤一同王则上许都来谢恩，且答书于操，欲求实授徐州牧。操知布绝婚袁术，大喜，遂斩韩胤于市曹。陈登密谏操曰：“吕布，豺狼也，勇而无谋，轻于去就，宜早图之。”操曰：“吾素知吕布狼子野心，诚难久养。非公父子莫能究其情，公当与吾谋之。”登曰：“丞相若有举动，某当为内应。”操喜，表赠陈珪秩中二千石[9]，登为广陵太守。登辞回，操执登手曰：“东方之事，便以相付。”登点头允诺。回徐州见吕布，布问之，登言：“父赠禄，某为太守。”布大怒曰：“汝不为吾求徐州牧，而乃自求爵禄！汝父教我协同曹公，绝婚公路，今吾所求，终无一获，而汝父子俱各显贵，吾为汝父子所卖耳！”遂拔剑欲斩之。登大笑曰：“将军何其不明之甚也！”布曰：“吾何不明？”登曰：“吾见曹公，言养将军譬如养虎，当饱其肉，不饱则将噬人。曹公笑曰：‘不如卿言。吾待温侯，如养鹰耳：狐兔未息，不敢先饱，饥则为用，饱则飏去。’某问：‘谁为狐兔？’曹公曰：‘淮南袁术、江东孙策、翼州袁纪、荆襄刘表、益州刘璋、汉中张鲁，皆狐兔也。’”布掷剑笑曰：“曹公知我也！”正说话间，忽报袁术军取徐州，吕布闻言失惊。正是：秦晋未谐吴越斗，婚姻惹出甲兵来。毕竟后事如何，且听下文分解。

[1] 云天——形容高厚的意思。

[2] 惭愧——侥幸的意思。

[3] 及笄（jī）——指女子可以盘发插簪的年龄，十五岁光景。古人早婚，认为这就算成年，该许婚了。笄，即簪子，用来插住挽起的头发。

[4] 令爱——对人的女儿的敬称。

[5] 秦晋之好——春秋时秦晋两国国君，常互通婚姻，后来就把双方联姻叫做秦晋之好。

[6] 通款——向敌方表示愿意降服。

[7] 兀自——依然，尚且。

[8] 大宛良马——古代西域大宛国所产的马，汉代称为汗血马、天马。

[9] 秩（zhì）中二千石——秩，官禄等级。汉代官制，俸禄有中二千石、二千石、比二千石等级别。中二千石是很高的俸级，月俸达一百八十斛谷之多。

CHAPTER 16. In The Camp Gate, Lu Bu Shoots The Halberd; At River Yu, Cao Cao Suffers Defeat.

Adviser Yang Dajiang knew how to remove Liu Bei.

“What is your plan of attack on Liu Bei?” said Yuan Shu.

Yang Dajiang replied, “Though Liu Bei, now camped at Xiaopei, could easily be taken, yet Lu Bu is strongly posted at the chief city near. And I think Lu Bu would help Liu Bei if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and studs, grain and horses you promised. First of all you should send Lu Bu a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Liu Bei. You can see to Lu Bu after this is done, and Xuzhou is yours.”

Thereupon two hundred thousand carts of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of Han Yin. The gift pleased Lu Bu greatly; and he treated the messenger with great cordiality. Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter, Yuan Shu told off one hundred thousand troops against Xiaopei. The army was led by Ji Ling as commanding general, and Lei Bo and Chen Lan as generals.

When Liu Bei heard these things he called his officers to take counsel. Zhang Fei was for open war forthwith. But Sun Qian said, “Our resources were too small; therefore, we must lay the position before Lu Bu and ask help.”

“Do you think that fellow will do anything?” said Zhang Fei cynically.

Liu Bei decided in favor of Sun Qian's proposal and wrote as follows:

“Humbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and enjoy repose as the result of your kindness, extensive as the heavens. Now Yuan Shu, moved by a desire for revenge, is sending a force against this place, and its destruction is imminent unless you intervene to save it. I trust you will send an army quickly to protect the town, and our happiness will be inexpressible.”

Receiving this Lu Bu called in Chen Gong to whom he said, “I have just received gifts from Yuan Shu and a letter, with the intent of restraining me from helping Liu Bei. Now comes a letter from Liu Bei asking help. It seems to me that Liu Bei where he is can do me no harm; but if Yuan Shu overcomes Liu Bei and comes to an understanding with the leaders around the Huashang Mountains, then the power of the north is so much nearer, and I should be unable to resist the attacks of so many leaders and should never sleep secure. I will aid Liu Bei; that is the better course for me.”

Now Yuan Shu's force sent against Xiaopei went thither as quickly as possible, and soon the country to the southeast fluttered with pennons by day and blazed with watch fires by night, while the rolling of the drums reverberated from heaven to earth.

The five thousand troops at Liu Bei's disposal were led out of the city and arranged to make a brave show, but it was good news to him to hear that Lu Bu had arrived and was quite near. Lu Bu camped only half a mile away to the southwest. When Yuan Shu's general, Ji Ling, heard of his arrival, he wrote letters reproaching Lu Bu for his treachery. Lu Bu smiled as he read them.

“I know how to make both of them love me,” said Lu Bu.

So he sent invitations to both Liu Bei and Ji Ling to come to a banquet.

Liu Bei was for accepting the invitation and going, but his brothers dissuaded him, saying, “There is some treachery in his heart.”

“I have treated him too well for him to do me any harm,” said Liu Bei.

So he mounted and rode away, the two brothers following. They came to the camp.

The host said, “Now by a special effort I have got you out of danger; I hope you will not forget that when you come into your own.”

Liu Bei thanked him heartily and was invited to take a seat. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took up their usual place as guards.

But when Ji Ling was announced, Liu Bei felt a spasm of fear and got up to go away.

“You two are invited for the particular purpose of a discussion,” said the host. “Do not take it amiss.”

Liu Bei, being quite ignorant of his intentions, was very uneasy. Presently his fellow guest entered. Seeing Liu Bei in the tent, and in the seat of honor, Ji Ling was puzzled, hesitated and tried to withdraw. But the attendants prevented this and Lu Bu, advancing, laid hold of him and drew him into the tent as he had been a child.

“Do you wish to slay me?” asked Ji Ling.

“Not at all,” replied Lu Bu.

“Then you are going to slay Long-Ears?”

“No; not that.”

“Then what does it mean?”

“Liu Bei and I are brothers. Now, General, you are besieging him, and so I have come to the rescue.”

“Then slay me,” said Ji Ling.

“There would be no sense in that. All my life I have disliked fighting and quarrels, but have loved making peace. And now I want to settle the quarrel between you two.”

“May I ask how you think of doing so?”

“I have a means and one approved of Heaven itself.”

Then Lu Bu drew Ji Ling within the tent and led him up to Liu Bei. The two men faced each other, full of mutual suspicion, but their host placed himself between them and they took their seats, Liu Bei on the right hand of the host.

The banquet began. After a number of courses almost in silence, Lu Bu spoke, saying, “I wish you two gentlemen to listen to me and put an end to your strife.”

Liu Bei made no reply, but Ji Ling said, “I have come with an army of one hundred thousand at the express bidding of my master to take Liu Bei. How can I cease the strife? I must fight.”

“What!” exclaimed Zhang Fei drawing his sword. “Few as we are, we regard you no more than a lot of children. What are you compared with a million Yellow Scarves? You dare hurt our brother!”

Guan Yu urged him to be silent, saying, “Let us see what General Lu Bu has to say first; after that there will be time to go to our tents and fight.”

“I beg you both to come to an understanding. I cannot let you fight,” said Lu Bu.

Now on one side Ji Ling was discontented and angry; on the other Zhang Fei was dying for a fight; and neither of the two chiefly concerned would signify assent. Then suddenly the host turned to his attendants, saying, “Bring my trident halberd!”

They did so, and he sat there gripping that graceful but effective weapon in his right hand. Both guests felt very ill at ease and turned pale.

Lu Bu went on, saying, “I have tried to persuade you to make peace, for that is the command of the Most High. It shall be put to the test.”

He then bade his servants take the halberd outside beyond the gate and set it up. Then speaking to his two guests, he said, “That gate is one hundred and fifty paces distant. If I can hit that left branch of the halberd-head with an arrow, you will both withdraw your armies. If I miss, you can go away and prepare for immediate battle. I shall stand against either of you who does not abide by what I say.”

Ji Ling thought to himself, “That small mark at that distance! How could any one hit it?”

So he assented, thinking he would have plenty of fighting after his host had missed the mark. Of course Liu Bei was willing.

They all sat down again and wine was served. When this had been drunk the host called for his bow and arrows. Liu Bei silently prayed that he would hit the mark.

Lu Bu turned back his sleeves, carefully fitted an arrow to the string and pulled the bow to its utmost stretch. A slight exclamation escaped him as the bow curved like the harvest moon sailing through the sky. “Twang!” went the bowstring, and the arrow sped like a falling star. And it struck the slender tongue of the halberd head full and square. A roar of acclamation from all sides greeted the exploit.

The multitude people often hail their praise:

O Lu Bu was a wonderful archer,

And the arrow he shot sped straight;

By hitting the mark he saved his friend

That day at his camp gate.

Hou Yi, the archer of ancient days,

Brought down each mocking sun,

And the apes that gibbered to fright Yang Youji

Were slain by him, one by one.

But we sing of Lu Bu that drew the bow,

And his feathered shaft that flew;

For one hundred thousand soldiers could doff their mails

When he hit the mark so true.

Lu Bu laughed loud at the success of his shot. Dropping his bow he seized his guests by the hands, saying, “The command of Heaven indeed! And now you cease from fighting!”

He ordered the soldier attendants to pour out great goblets of wine and each drank. Liu Bei in his inmost heart felt rather lucky; his fellow guest sat silent, nodding his head. Presently he said, “I cannot disobey your command, General, but let me depart. What will my master say and will he believe me?”

“I will write a letter and confirm it,” said Lu Bu.

After a few more rounds of the wine, Ji Ling asked that he might have the letter and after that departed. When the brothers took their leave, Lu Bu again reminded Liu Bei, saying, “Do not forget I have delivered you today!”

Liu Bei thanked him and departed. Next day the leaders broke camps, and the soldiers were gone. When Ji Ling had got back to the South of River Huai and told the story of the feat of archery and the peace making that followed, and had presented the letter, his lord was very wroth.

“Lu Bu repays me for all my grain with this bit of play acting!” cried Yuan Shu. “He has saved Liu Bei, but I will lead a large army myself and settle both Liu Bei and him.”

“Be careful, my lord,” said Ji Ling. “Lu Bu is braver and stronger than most leaders and has wide territory. He and Liu Bei together make a powerful combination, not easy to break. But there is another course. I have found out that his wife, Lady Yan, has a daughter just of marriageable age; and as you have a son, you could arrange a marriage alliance with Lu Bu. If his daughter wedded your son, Lu Bu would certainly slay your enemy for you. This is called 'Relative-above-Stranger' plan.”

This scheme appealed to Yuan Shu, who soon set about its accomplishment. He sent presents by the hand of Han Yin, who was to discuss the question.

When Han Yin saw Lu Bu, he said, “My master has an immense respect for you, Illustrious Sir, and he desires to ensure perpetual alliance between the two families by a marriage, an alliance such as existed between the ancient states of Qin and Jin.”

Lu Bu was well disposed toward the scheme, but went in to consult his wife. Now Lu Bu had two wives and one concubine. He first married a lady of the Yan family, and she was the legal wife. Then he took Diao Chan as a concubine. And while he was living at Xiaopei, he had married a secondary wife, a daughter of Cao Bao. Lady Cao had died quite young leaving no issue. Neither had Diao Chan borne any children. So that Lu Bu had but one child, this daughter, of whom he was dotingly fond.

When he broached the subject, his wife said, “The Yuans have dominated the regions around the River Huai these many years. They have a large army and are very prosperous. One day a Yuan will become emperor, and our daughter may hope to be an empress. But how many sons has Yuan Shu?”

“Only this one.” “Then we should accept the offer. Even if our daughter does not become an Empress, Xuzhou has a new ally.”

Lu Bu decided to accept and so treated the messenger with extreme generosity. Han Yin went back with a favorable answer. The wedding gifts were then prepared ready for Han Yin to take to the bride's family. They were received and banquets and merry-making filled all the time.

Next day Chen Gong went to see the messenger in his lodging, and when the usual ceremonies and greetings had been exchanged, the two men sat down to talk. When the servants had been sent out of earshot, Chen Gong said, “Who originated this scheme by which Yuan Shu and Lu Bu are to become connections by this marriage so that Liu Bei's head may fall?”

Han Yin was terrified.

“I pray you not to let it get abroad,” said he.

“I certainly shall keep it secret. But if there be any delay, some other person will find it out and that spells failure,” said Chen Gong.

“What would best be done?”

“I will see Lu Bu and get him to send the girl immediately so that the marriage may be concluded quickly.”

“If it happened thus, my master would indeed hold you in high respect.”

With this Chen Gong took his leave and sought an interview with Lu Bu.

“I hear your daughter is to be married to Yuan Shu's son. That is capital, but no one knows when.”

“That has yet to be considered.”

“There were certain fixed rules as to the period between sending presents and consummation of the marriage; emperors, a year; nobles, half a year; high officers, three months; and common people, one month.”

Lu Bu replied, “As to Yuan Shu, Heaven has already put into his hands the Imperial Hereditary Seal and he will surely arrive at the dignity one day. So, I should think the imperial rule would apply.”

“No; it will not.”

“The nobles' rule, then?”

“No; nor that.”

“The high officers'?”

“Not even that.”

Lu Bu laughed, saying, “Then you mean me to go by the rule for common people.”

“Nor that either.” “Then what do you mean?”

“In the midst of the present troubles, when there is great rivalry among the nobles, do you not see that the others will be exceedingly jealous of your marriage alliance with such a high family as the Yuans? Suppose you postpone the choice of the day, most likely when your fine morning arrives, the wedding party will fall into an ambush on the road and the bride be carried off. Then what could be done? My opinion is that you would have done better to refuse. But since you have consented, then carry out the plan at once before the lords hear of it, and so send the girl over without delay to Shouchun. You can hire a lodging there till you have selected the wedding day, and the odds are greatly against any failure.”

“What you say is quite to the point,” replied Lu Bu.

He went into the private apartments to see his wife and told her the bride elect would set out immediately and the trousseau was to be prepared as far as it could be. On his side he chose some good horses and had a wedding carriage got ready. The escort consisted of Han Yin and two of Lu Bu's generals, Song Xian and Wei Xu. The procession went out of the city to the sound of music.

Now at this time Chen Gui, father of Chen Deng, was placidly waiting till the evening of his life passed into night. Hearing this burst of music he inquired the occasion, and the servants told him.

“They are working on the 'Relative-above-Stranger' device, then,” said Chen Gui. “Liu Bei is in danger.”

Thereupon in spite of his many infirmities he went to see Lu Bu.

“Noble Sir, what brings you here?” asked Lu Bu.

“I heard you were dead and I came to mourn,” quavered the old man.

“Who said that?” exclaimed his host.

“Once upon a time you received grand presents from Yuan Shu that you might slay Liu Bei, but you got out by that clever shot at your halberd. Now they suddenly seek a marriage alliance thinking to get hold of your daughter as a pledge. The next move will be an attack on Xiaopei and, that gone, where are you? Whatever they ask in future, grain or troops or anything else, and you yield, will bring your own end nearer, and make you hated all round. If you refuse, then you are false to the duties of a relative, and that will be an excuse to attack you openly. Beside this Yuan Shu intends to call himself emperor, which would be rebellion, and you would be of the rebel's family; something abominable, which the multitude people would not suffer.”

Lu Bu was much disturbed to hear this.

“I have been misled!” cried he.

So he hurriedly sent Zhang Liao to bring the wedding party, which had been ten miles away, back to the city. When they had come, Lu Bu threw Han Yin into prison and sent a reply to Yuan Shu saying curtly that the girl's trousseau was not ready and she could not be married till it was.

Chen Gui wanted Han Yin to be sent to the capital, Xuchang. But Lu Bu was hesitating what course to adopt, when he heard that Liu Bei was enlisting soldiers and buying horses for no apparent reason.

“He is simply doing his duty; there is nothing to be surprised at,” said Lu Bu at first. Then came two officers, Song Xian and Wei Xu, saying, “As you ordered us, we went into the Huashang Mountains to purchase horses. We had got three hundred when, on our way back, on the borders of Xiaopei some robbers stole half of them. We hear that the real robbers were Zhang Fei and his soldiers, who took on the guise of brigands.”

Lu Bu was very angry at this and began to prepare an expedition against Xiaopei. When Liu Bei heard that an attack threatened, he led out his army to oppose it, and the two armies were arrayed. Liu Bei rode to the front and said, “Elder Brother, why have you brought an army against me?”

Lu Bu began abusing him, saying, “That shot of mine at the Archery Feast saved you from grave danger; why then did you steal my horses?”

“I wanted horses and I sent out to buy them. Should I dare to take yours?” said Liu Bei.

“You stole a hundred and fifty in the person of your brother Zhang Fei. You only used another man's hand.”

Thereupon Zhang Fei, with his spear set, rode out, saying, “Yes; I stole your good horses, and what more do you expect?”

Lu Bu replied, “You goggled-eyed thief! You are always treating me with contempt.”

“Yes; I took your horses and you get angry. You did not say any thing when you stole my brother's Xuzhou.”

Lu Bu rode forward to give battle, and Zhang Fei advanced. A reckless fight began, and the two warriors kept it up for a hundred bouts without a decisive stroke. Then Liu Bei, fearing some accident to his brother, hastily beat the gongs as a signal to retire and led his army into the city. Lu Bu then invested it.

Liu Bei called his brother and chided him as the cause of all this misfortune.

“Where are the horses?” said Liu Bei.

“In some of the temples and courts,” replied Zhang Fei.

Liu Bei sent a messenger out to speak softly and offer to restore the stolen horses if hostilities were to cease. Lu Bu was disposed to agree but Chen Gong opposed.

“You will suffer by and by if you do not remove this Liu Bei.”

Under Chen Gong's influence the request for peace was rejected, and the attackers on the city pressed harder.

Liu Bei called Mi Zhu and Sun Qian to him to ask advice.

Said Sun Qian, “The one person that Cao Cao detests is Lu Bu. Let us then abandon the city and take refuge with Cao Cao, from whom we may borrow troops to destroy him.”

“If we try to get away, who will lead the van?”

“I will do my best,” said Zhang Fei. So Zhang Fei led the way; Guan Yu was rearguard; and in the center was Liu Bei with the non-fighting portion. The cavalcade started and went out at the north gate under the bright moon. They met opposition from Song Xian and Wei Xu's men, but the soldiers were driven off by Zhang Fei, and the besieging force was passed without difficulty. Zhang Liao pursued, but was held off by Guan Yu's rearguard. It seemed Lu Bu was not dissatisfied at the flight, for he took no personal trouble to prevent it. He made formal entry into the city, settled local affairs, and appointed Gao Shun as Governor.

Liu Bei approached Xuchang and encamped outside the city, whence he sent Sun Qian to see Cao Cao and relate the events that brought him there. Cao Cao was very friendly and said, “Liu Bei is as my brother.”

Then Cao Cao invited Liu Bei to enter the city.

Leaving his brothers at the camp, Liu Bei, with Sun Qian and Mi Zhu, went to Cao Cao, who received him with the greatest respect. The story of Lu Bu's perfidy was again related.

“He has no sense of right,” said Cao Cao. “You and I, my brother, will attack him together.”

Liu Bei was very grateful. A banquet was then prepared, and it was late evening before the visitor left for his own camp.

Xun Yu then had an interview with his master and said, “If you are not on your guard, Liu Bei will be your undoing. You ought to destroy him. He is too much of a hero.”

Cao Cao made no reply and his adviser retired. Presently Guo Jia came, and Cao Cao said, “I have been advised to kill Liu Bei; what of such a scheme?”

“A bad scheme,” said Guo Jia. “You are the popular champion, pledged to relieve the people from oppression, and only by truth and rectitude can you secure the support of the noble-minded. Your only fear is lest they stay away. Now Liu Bei is clearly a hero. He has come to you for help and protection, and to put him to death would be to alienate all good people and put fear into the hearts of all the able advisers. Hampered by these difficulties, where will you find those whose help you need? To remove the dangers represented by one man and thereby injure yourself in the eyes of all humankind is a sure means of destruction. These conditions need careful consideration.”

“What you say exactly fits in with what I think,” said Cao Cao, greatly pleased with these remarks.

His next step was to memorialize the Emperor to give Liu Bei the imperial protectorship of Yuzhou.

Again Cheng Yu said, “Liu Bei is certain to rise to the top; he will never remain in a subordinate position. You would better remove him.”

Cao Cao answered, “Now is just the time to make use of good people. I will not forfeit the regard of the world for the sake of removing one individual. Guo Jia and I both see this in the same light.”

Wherefore Cao Cao rejected all persuasion to work against Liu Bei but sent him three thousand soldiers and ten thousand carts of grain, and set him on his way to Yuzhou. Liu Bei was to march to Xiaopei, occupy it, call together his former soldiers, and attack Lu Bu.

When Liu Bei reached Yuzhou, he sent to inform Cao Cao, who prepared to march an army to subjugate Lu Bu. But just then hasty news came that Zhang Ji, who had gone to the attack of Nanyang, had been wounded by a stray arrow and had died. His nephew, Zhang Xiu, had succeeded to the command of his army; and with Jia Xu as strategist, Zhang Xiu had joined Liu Biao and camped at Wancheng. They intended to attack the capital and get possession of the Emperor's person.

Cao Cao was placed in a quandary. He would go to attack this combination, but he feared lest Lu Bu would attack the capital if he left it. So he sought the advice of Xun Yu.

Said the Adviser, “Lu Bu has no notion of a policy. He is led astray by any little advantage that presents itself to his eyes. All you need do is to obtain promotion for him, giving him some additional title, and tell him to make peace with Liu Bei, and he will do it. The south is no threat then.”

“Good,” said Cao Cao.

And he acted upon the hint and sent an Imperial Legate, Wang Ze, to Xuzhou with the official announcement and a letter urging peace, while he went on with preparations to meet the other danger from Zhang Xiu.

When ready Cao Cao marched out with one hundred fifty thousand troops in three divisions. Xiahou Dun was the Van Leader, and they went to River Yu and camped there.

Jia Xu succeeded in persuading Zhang Xiu of the hopelessness of resistance.

“You would do well to surrender, since Cao Cao's army is too large for you to oppose,” said Jia Xu.

Seeing the truth of this, Zhang Xiu sent his adviser to propose sub mission. Cao Cao was greatly pleased with the messenger, admiring his ready and fluent repartee, and tried to win him to his service.

“I was formerly with Li Jue and was guilty with him. Now I am with Zhang Xiu who esteems my advice, and I should not like to abandon him,” said Jia Xu.

Jia Xu left and next day conducted his master into Cao Cao's presence. Cao Cao was very generous. Then he entered Wancheng with a small force, the greater part of the army being put in camp outside where the lines extended some three miles. Great banquets were given every day by Zhang Xiu, and Cao Cao was always being entertained.

One day, when Cao Cao returned to his quarters in a more than usual merry mood, he asked the attendants if there were any singing girls in the city. His nephew, Cao Amin, heard the question and said, “Peeping through one of the partitions last evening, I saw a perfectly beautiful woman in one of the courts. They told me she was the wife of Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu's uncle. She is very lovely.”

Cao Cao, inflamed by the description given him of the beauty, told his nephew to go and bring her to visit him. Cao Amin did so, supported by an armed escort, and very soon the woman stood before Cao Cao.

She was a beauty indeed, and Cao Cao asked her name. She replied, “Thy handmaid was wife to Zhang Ji; I was born of the Zhou family.”

“Do you know who I am?”

“I have known the Prime Minister by reputation a long time. I am happy to see him and be permitted to bow before him,” said she.

“It was for your sake that I allowed Zhang Xiu to submit; otherwise I would have slain him and cut him off root and branch,” said Cao Cao.

“Indeed, then, I owe my very life to you; I am very grateful,” said she.

“To see you is a glimpse of paradise, but there is one thing I should like better. Stay here and go with me to the capital where I will see that you are properly cared for. What do you say to that, my lady?”

She could but thank him.

“But Zhang Xiu will greatly wonder at my prolonged absence, and gossips will begin to talk,” said she.

“If you like, you can leave the city tomorrow.”

She did so; but instead of going at once to the capital, she stayed with him among the tents, where Dian Wei was appointed as a special guard over her apartments. Cao Cao was the only person whom she saw, and he passed the days in idle dalliance with the lady, quite content to let time flow by.

But people told Zhang Xiu what had gone amiss, and he was angry at the shame brought upon the family. He confided his trouble to Jia Xu who said, “Keep this secret, wait till he appears again to carry on business, and then do so and so.”

A plan was arranged quite secretly. Next day Zhang Xiu went into Cao Cao's tent, saying, “Since the surrendered troops are deserting in great number, it would be well to camp them in the center of your camp to prevent this.”

Cao Cao gave the permission, and Zhang Xiu moved and placed his army in four camps.

But Dian Wei, the especial guard of Cao Cao's tent, was a man to be feared, being both brave and powerful. It was hard to know how to attack him. So counsel was taken with Hu Juer, the commander of one camp and a man of enormous strength and activity. He could carry a burden of six hundred pounds and two hundred miles in a day. Hu Juer proposed a plan.

He said, “The fearsome thing about Dian Wei is his double halberds. But get him to come to a party and make him quite drunk before you send him back. I will mingle among his escort and so get into his tent and steal away his weapons. One need not fear him then.”

So the necessary arms were prepared and orders given in the various camps. This done Zhang Xiu gave a banquet, and the intended victim was invited and plied vigorously with wine so that he was quite intoxicated when he left. And, as arranged, Hu Juer mingled with his escort and made away with his weapons.

That night, when Cao Cao was at supper with Lady Zhou, he heard the voices of men and neighing of horses and sent out to ask what it meant. They told him it was the night patrol going the rounds, and he was satisfied.

Near the second watch of the night again was heard some noise in the rear of his tent, and one of the fodder carts was reported to be burning.

“One of the soldiers has dropped a spark; there is nothing to be alarmed at,” said Cao Cao.

But very soon the fire spread on all sides and became alarming. Cao Cao called Dian Wei. But he, usually so alert, was lying down quite intoxicated.

However, the beating of gongs and rolling of drums mingling with his dreams awoke Dian Wei, and he jumped up. His trusty halberds had disappeared. The enemy was near. He hastily snatched up an infantryman's sword and rushed out. At the gate he saw a crowd of spearmen just bursting in. Dian Wei rushed at them slashing all around him, and twenty or more fell beneath his blows. The others drew back. But the spears stood around him like reeds on the river bank. Being totally without mail, he was soon wounded in several places. He fought desperately till his sword snapped and was no longer of any use. Throwing it aside he seized a couple of soldiers and with their bodies as weapons felled ten of his opponents. The others dared not approach, but they shot arrows at him. These fell thick as rain, but he still maintained the gate against the assailants.

However, the mutineers got in by the rear of the camp, and they wounded Dian Wei in the back with spear thrusts. Uttering a loud cry he fell. The blood gushed from the wound in torrents, and he died. Even after he was dead not a man dared to come in by the main gate.

Cao Cao, relying on Dian Wei to hold the main gate, had fled in haste by the rear gate. Cao Amin accompanied him on foot. Then Cao Cao was wounded by an arrow in the arm, and three arrows struck his horse. However, fortunately, the horse was a fine Dawan beast full of spirit and, in spite of its wounds, it bore its master swiftly and well as far as the bank of River Yu.

Here some of the pursuers came up, and Cao Amin was hacked to pieces. Cao Cao dashed into the river and reached the further side, but there an arrow struck his steed in the eye and it fell. Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Ang, dismounted and yielded his horse to his father, who galloped on. Cao Ang was killed by arrows, but Cao Cao himself got away. Soon after he met several of his officers who had rallied a few troops.

The soldiers of Qingzhou under Xiahou Dun seized the occasion to plunder the people. Yu Jin took his army, fell upon them, and slew many. Thus he protected and appeased the people. The plunderers, meeting Cao Cao on the road, knelt down howling and said Yu Jin had mutinied and attacked them. Cao Cao was surprised, and he gave order to Xiahou Dun, Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Yue Jin to attack Yu Jin.

Now when Yu Jin saw his master and a great company approaching, he at once stopped the attack and set his troops to make a camp.

An officer asked him, “The Qingzhou soldiers say you have turned traitor; why do you not explain now that the Prime Minister has arrived? Why first make a camp?”

Yu Jin replied, “Our enemies are coming up in our rear and are very close. It is necessary to prepare for defense or we shall not withstand them. Explanation is a small matter, but defense is very important.”

Soon after the camp was finished, Zhang Xiu fell upon them. Yu Jin himself rode out to face them. Zhang Xiu drew back. The other generals of Yu Jin, seeing he advance thus boldly, also attacked, and Zhang Xiu was overcome. They pursued him a great distance until his force was almost annihilated. With the miserable remnant he finally fled to Liu Biao.

Cao Cao's army reformed, and the commanders mustered. Then Yu Jin went to see his master and told him of the conduct of the Qingzhou soldiers and their looting and why he had attacked them.

“Why did you not tell me before you made the camp?” Yu Jin related what had occurred.

Said Cao Cao, “When the first thought of a leader in the time of greatest stress is to maintain order and to strengthen his defenses, giving no thought to slander but shouldering his burdens bravely, and when he thereby turns a defeat into a victory, who, even of the ancient leaders, can excel Yu Jin?”

Cao Cao rewarded Yu Jin with a golden armor and the lordship of Yishou. But Cao Cao reprimanded Xiahou Dun for the lack of discipline among his soldiers.

Sacrifices in honor of the dead warrior Dian Wei were instituted. Cao Cao himself led the wailing and paid due honors. Turning to his officers he said, “I have lost my first born son, but I grieve not so heavily for him as for Dian Wei. I weep for him.”

All were sad at the loss of this general. Then orders were issued to return to the capital.

When Imperial Legate Wang Ze, bearing the imperial decree, reached Xuzhou, he was met by Lu Bu, who conducted him into the residence where the decree was read. It conferred Lu Bu the title General Who Pacifies the East, and a special seal accompanied the mandate. The private mediating letter was also handed over and the messenger detailed the high appreciation in which Lu Bu was held by the Chief Minister of State. Lu Bu was greatly pleased.

Next came news that a messenger from Yuan Shu had arrived. When he had been introduced, he said, “My master's project of declaring himself emperor is advancing. He has already built a palace and will speedily choose Empress and concubines and would come to the South of River Huai. He is looking forward to receiving the fiancee of the Heir Apparent.”

“Has the rebel gone so far?” cried Lu Bu in a rage.

He put the messenger to death and Han Yin into the cage. He drafted a memorial of thanks and sent it to the capital, at the same time sending, too, Han Yin, the unfortunate agent who had arranged the marriage alliance. He also replied to Cao Cao's private meditating letter asking to be confirmed in his protectorship of Xuzhou. The letter was sent by the hand of Chen Deng.

Cao Cao was pleased to hear of the rupture of the marriage arrangement between the houses of Yuans and Lus, and forthwith put Han Yin to death in the market place.

However, Chen Deng secretly told Cao Cao, saying, “Lu Bu is cruel, stupid, and facile. The longer he remains, the worse.”

“I know Lu Bu quite well,” replied Cao Cao. “He is a wolf with a savage heart, and it will be hard to feed him for long. If it had not been for you and your father, I should not have known all the circumstances and you must help me to get rid of him.”

“Anything the Prime Minister wishes to do shall have my assistance,” was the reply.

As a reward Cao Cao obtained an annually grant of two thousand carts of grain for Chen Gui and the governorship of Guangling for Chen Deng, who then took his leave.

As he was saying farewell, Cao Cao took him by the hand, saying, “I shall depend upon you in the eastern affairs.” Chen Deng nodded acquiescence. Then he returned to Lu Bu, who asked him how the visit was.

Chen Deng told him, “My father received a generous annuity, and I was made Governor of Guangling.”

Lu Bu enraged, saying, “You did not ask Xuzhou for me, but you got something for yourself. Your father advised me to help Cao Cao by breaking off the marriage, and now I get nothing at all of what I asked, while you and your father get everything. I have been victimized by your father.”

He threatened Chen Deng with his sword.

Chen Deng only laughed, saying, “O General, how unwary you are!”

“I, unwary?”

“When I saw Cao Cao, I said that to keep you going was like feeding a tiger. The tiger must be kept fully fed or he would eat humans. But Cao Cao laughed and replied, 'No; not that. One must treat the Commander like a falcon. Not feed it till the foxes and hares are done. Hungry, the bird is of use; full fed it flies away.' I asked who were the quarry. He replied, 'Yuan Shu of the South of River Huai, Sun Ce of the South Land, Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Zhang of Yiazhou, and Zhang Lu of Hanzhong; these are the foxes and hares.'“

Lu Bu threw aside his sword and laughed, saying, “Yes; he understands me.”

But just about that time came news of the advance of Yuan Shu on Xuzhou, and that frightened Lu Bu.

When discord rose between Qin and Jin,

They were attacked by Yue and Wu,

And when a promised bride never came,

An army marched against army to enforce the claim.

How all this fell out will be shown in the next chapter.