Soon, however, an officer named Zhang Zhu brought the news of Cao Cao’s vindictive expedition and the removal of his supplies to the north by Zhang He.
Zhuge Liang said, “Cao Cao is here with a large army. He will probably be short of supplies. If some of you can penetrate deep into his territory and burn his stores and seize his baggage, he will have but little spirit left to fight.”
“I will undertake the task,” volunteered Huang Zhong again.
Zhuge Liang tried to dissuade him. “Remember Cao Cao is a different sort of opponent from your latest victim.”
Liu Bei said, “After all, Xiahou Yuan was but a bold fighting man. He was no match for Zhang He. It will be ten times better to kill Zhang He.”
“I will go and kill him,” cried the aged warrior excitedly, his spirit roused.
“Then go with Zi-long,” said Zhuge Liang. “Combine forces and see who can succeed.”
Huang Zhong agreed to this condition. Zhang Zhu was also sent as his second.
On the way, Zhao Yun asked him what plan he had in mind to deal with Cao Cao’s army of 200,000 in their ten camps, and how the stores of grain and forage were to be seized.
“Let me go first, then,” said Huang Zhong.
“No, wait—I’m going first,” said Zhao Yun.
“But I’m the senior leader—you’re only my second,” said Huang Zhong.
“Well, you and I are both anxious to render a good service to our lord. We’re not rivals. Let’s cast lots to decide who’s to lead the way.”
This was agreed to, and the lot fell to the aged general.
“Since you’re to make the first attempt, you must let me help you,” said Zhao Yun. “Now let’s decide upon a fixed time, and if you’ve returned by that time, I’ll not stir. But if by that time you haven’t come back then I’ll come to aid you.”
“That suits me admirably,” said Huang Zhong.
So they set noon as the time. Zhao Yun went back to his own camp, where he called in his next in command and said, “General Huang is going to try to burn Cao Cao’s supplies tomorrow. If he hasn’t returned at noon I’m to go to his aid. Our camp faces the Han River and the ground here is dangerous enough, suitable for defense. If I go, you must guard it very carefully and do not venture out.”
Huang Zhong also went back to his camp and said to his senior captain, Zhang Zhu: “As I’ve slain Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He is surely scared. I’m going to destroy the enemy’s store of grain tomorrow, taking with me most of the men. You’re to come and assist me. Tell the men to have a good meal at the third watch, and be ready to move out at the fourth watch. We’ll go straight to the foot of the northern hills, capture Zhang He first, and then get their supplies.”
Zhang Zhu took the order and arranged everything. That night they set out, with Huang Zhong leading the way and Zhang Zhu following in the rear, and stole across the Han River to the foot of the hills. As the sun rose in the east, they saw before them mountains of grain and only a few men on watch. These fled at the first sight of the men of Shu. Huang Zhong ordered his cavalrymen to collect brushwood and pile it on the grain. Just as they were starting the fire, there appeared a force led by Zhang He, who at once began a fight with Huang Zhong. Soon Cao Cao heard of the raid and sent Xu Huang to help. He came up from the rear, and Huang Zhong was surrounded. Zhang Zhu, with a small company, managed to get away, but before he could escape to camp he was intercepted by Wen Ping in front, and by more of Cao Cao’s men in the rear, so that he was also surrounded. Both were in grave danger.
Meanwhile, time was quickly ticking away. When noon came with no sign of Huang Zhong, Zhao Yun hurriedly girded on his armor, took 3,000 soldiers with him and rushed to his aid. Just as he was leaving he again warned his comrade Zhang Yi to keep a good watch.
“Guard the camp most carefully—see that you have a lot of archers and crossbowmen on both sides.”
Zhang Yi obeyed. Zhao Yun rushed off, spear in hand, to the scene of the battle. Soon he encountered one of Wen Ping’s men, whom he easily disposed of. The next man to block his way was an officer called Jiao Bing, to whom Zhao Yun asked, “Where are the soldiers of Shu?”
“All killed,” cried Jiao Bing.
In a rage, Zhao Yun dashed forward, slew Jiao Bing with one thrust of his spear, and drove away his soldiers. Then he went on to the foot of the northern hills, where he found Huang Zhong surrounded. With a yell he dashed into the encircling forces, thrusting this way and shoving that, forcing everyone to shrink and recoil before him. He swung his mighty spear so swiftly that its gleaming light resembled blossoms of a pear tree dancing around his body. Zhang He and Xu Huang, panic-stricken, dared not stand in his way, and thus Zhao Yun fought his way through and rescued the old general. Then they fought their way out and none could even dream of coming near the heroic Zhao Yun.
Cao Cao had been watching the course of the fighting from an elevation. Shocked to see such a fearless warrior plunging his way into the very heart of the battle and forcing all to retreat before him, he asked his officers if they knew the identity of the hero.
“That is Zhao Yun of Changshan,” replied one who knew him.
“So his heroism at the Long Slope endures,” said Cao Cao.
He gave an express order to all his men to take extra caution wherever they met Zhao Yun.
After rescuing his comrade and breaking through the encirclement, Zhao Yun was told that another of his comrades, Zhang Zhu, was trapped on a hill in the southeast. So he did not return to the camp but went to his relief. He had little need to fight, for his bravery at the Long Slope in Dangyang was widely known among his opponents, who no sooner saw the name emblazoned on his banners than they fled without more ado.
But it filled Cao Cao with rage to see his men falling away before Zhao Yun, who rode on invincibly, rescuing both his comrades. Taking his officers, Cao Cao himself went in pursuit.
Zhao Yun had already reached his own camp, where he was met by Zhang Yi. But a cloud of dust was seen in the distance, and they knew they were about to be attacked.
“Let’s bar the gates and go up to the tower to defend the camp,” said Zhang Yi.
“Don’t bar the gates,” shouted Zhao Yun. “When I had but one horse and one spear at Dangyang, I looked upon Cao Cao’s many legions as mere dirt. Now that I have an army at my back and officers to help, what is there to fear?”
Then he deployed the archers and the bowmen in the trench outside, while inside he ordered his men to throw all the weapons and flags face downwards and muffle the sound of the drums. Then all alone, with only his steed and spear, Zhao Yun stood outside the gate of the camp.
It was dusk when Zhang He and Xu Huang approached the camp. They saw no ensigns fluttering, and heard no drums beating at their approach. All they saw was the lone figure of Zhao Yun at the gate. Filled with suspicion, they halted and dared advance no farther. While they hesitated, Cao Cao arrived and urged his army to move forward. They answered with a loud shout and dashed forward, but seeing the one figure standing motionless at the gate, they turned back again.
Then raising his spear, Zhao Yun beckoned to his men to act, and all of a sudden the archers and bowmen in the trenches began to fire. In the dim light of the dusk, it was impossible for Cao Cao’s men to know how many their enemies were, but terror seized upon them and they ran for their lives, with their lord to the foremost. And as they ran the drums rolled and the men of Shu shouted and pursued, till the flight became a sheer rout and a confused mass of men reached the banks of the Han River. The chase continuing, many were forced into the river and were drowned.
Zhao Yun and two of his comrades, each with one force, followed close on the heels of the routed army. As Cao Cao was making off with all speed, two other officers of Shu came along and set fire to his stores of food and forage. Compelled to abandon the northern hill stores Cao Cao set out hastily for Nanzheng. Zhang He and Xu Huang could not make a stand, and they also abandoned their camps, which Zhao Yun at o
nce occupied. Beside the stores of food, the victors collected countless pieces of weaponry along the banks of the river. It was a tremendous victory indeed!
The good news was sent 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 so pleased that, after viewing the steep and rugged hills all around, he turned to Zhuge Liang and said, “Truly, Zi-long is bravery personified, from head to foot!”
Behold Zhao Yun, the warrior of Changshan,
Whose whole body is valor;
Once he fought at the Long Slope,
And his courage today is no less.
He rushes into the press
His heroism is the best.
Surrounded by his enemies,
He is dauntless and daring.
Devils howl and spirits cry,
The sky is cowed and the earth trembles.
Such is Zhao Yun, the brave,
Whose whole body is valor.
For his services Zhao Yun was awarded the title of General—Fierce Tiger. And there was banqueting late into the night to reward both the officers and men.
Soon reports came that Cao Cao was coming again through the Sloping Valley to try to re-capture the Han River. But Liu Bei laughed, saying, “He will not succeed. I think we will gain command of the river.”
Then he led his army west of the river to oppose him. Cao Cao sent out Xu Huang to lead the van and open the battle. A certain man called Wang Ping, who said he knew the country well, offered to accompany the leader, and he was sent as second in command.
Cao Cao camped to the north of Mount Dingjun while his advance guard started for the Han River. When they reached the bank, Xu Huang gave orders for the soldiers to cross to the other side.
“To cross the river is fine,” said his second, “but what if you have to retreat?”
“Of old, Han Xin* also arrayed his force with his back to the river,” argued Xu Huang. “That is the tactic known as ‘Out of the place of death comes life.’”
“You are mistaken, General, for the examples are not the same. When Han Xin took that step he knew how unresourceful his opponents were. Now do you have any idea of the plans of your opponents, Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong?”
“You may lead the foot soldiers to hold the enemy while I destroy them with the cavalry.”
Then bridges were built and the army crossed to fight the men of Shu.
Blindly Xu Huang imitated Han Xin,
Unaware his foe was another Zhang Liang.†
Who would win the victory will be revealed in the next chapter.
Footnotes
* Poetess at the end of the Han Dynasty and daughter of Cai Yong (A.D. 132–192). She was abducted from her home and lived among the Huns for twelve years. The modern poet Guo Mo-ruo has written a play based on her life and her friendship with Cao Cao.
* The day of the Dragon Boat Festival.
* A tally issued by ancient rulers to their envoys as credentials.
* A famous general who helped Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty, to defeat his rival Xiang Yu.
† Chief advisor of Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
Zhuge Liang Conquers Hanzhong by Strategy
Cao Cao Withdraws His Army into Sloping Valley
In spite of his colleague’s strong opposition, Xu Huang crossed the river and encamped. Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun both offered to combat the enemy, and Liu Bei gave his consent.
Huang Zhong said to his comrade on the way, “Xu Huang has come to exhibit his boldness. Let’s not give him the satisfaction of fighting immediately but wait till evening, when his men are fatigued. Then we’ll fall upon him from both sides.”
Zhao Yun agreed, and each retired to a stockade. Xu Huang appeared and for many hours tried to draw them into a fight, but they refused to budge. Then Xu Huang ordered his archers and bowmen to come forward and shoot at the Shu camps.
At this Huang Zhong said, “He must be thinking of retreat or he would not tell his men to shoot. Now’s the time to smite him.”
His inference was quickly confirmed by scouts, who reported that the rearmost troops of the enemy had begun to withdraw. At once the drums of Shu rolled a deafening peal and the troops rushed out to attack on either side. Routed completely, the fleeing soldiers were driven back to the Han River, where many were drowned. But their leader escaped after a desperate fight, and when he got back to camp he blamed his comrade Wang Ping for not having gone to his aid.
“Had I done so, the camps would have been left unguarded,” said Wang Ping. “I tried to dissuade you from going, but you would not listen to me, and you brought this defeat on yourself.”
Xu Huang in his wrath desired to slay Wang Ping, who, enraged in his turn, decided to defect. That night Wang Ping led his men to start a fire in the camp, which caused great confusion among the men of Cao. Xu Huang had to abandon the camp, whereas Wang Ping crossed the river and surrendered to Zhao Yun, who took him to see Liu Bei. He told Liu Bei all about the topography of the Han River and the country nearby.
“I will surely capture Hanzhong now that you are here to help me,” said Liu Bei joyfully to his new ally, and in reward he appointed Wang Ping as an assistant general and guide.
When Cao Cao found out about Wang Ping’s defection from Xu Huang, he was infuriated. He placed himself at the head of a large force to retrieve the camps by the river bank. Zhao Yun, considering his isolated position, retreated to the west side of the river, and the two armies lay on opposite sides of the water. When he came down with his lord to view the position, Zhuge Liang noticed in the upper course of the stream a hill that might well screen a thousand men, and a plan began to form in his mind.
After he returned to camp, he called in Zhao Yun and told him to place half that number, with drums and horns, in ambush behind the hill, to listen for explosions in the camp that would occur some time during the evening or night. Every time he heard a detonation he was only to give a long roll of the drums and not go forth to fight. So Zhao Yun departed to play his part in the drama, while Zhuge Liang went up a hill, from where he kept a secret watch over the enemy camp.
On the following day, Cao Cao’s men approached and offered challenges, but not a man came out of the Shu camp, nor was an arrow or a bolt shot. They had to withdraw without fighting a battle. But in the depths of the night, Zhuge Liang, who saw from his elevated position all the lights in the enemy camp extinguished and all the men turning in to rest, exploded a bomb, and at once Zhao Yun’s men beat their drums and blared their trumpets. Cao Cao’s men awoke in alarm, thinking it was a night raid; but when they rushed out, there was no enemy in sight, and as the hubbub ceased they went back to sleep, only to be woken again by another explosion, another roll of drums and trumpets, accompanied by loud shouting that resounded throughout the valley and shook the very earth itself. Thus the night passed in constant alarms for the men of Cao. The same trick was repeated for three nights running and on the fourth day Cao Cao, too afraid to tolerate it any longer, broke up his camp and retreated thirty li to pitch in a wide, open space.
Zhuge Liang, pleased at the result of his ruse, said, smiling, “Cao Cao may be familiar with the strategies of war, but he is ignorant of deceitful tricks.”
Then he asked Liu Bei to cross the river with his men and camp with the stream at their back. As this position would leave the army no way of retreat, Liu Bei was perplexed and asked his advisor what this meant. Zhuge Liang told him his plan, which will be revealed in the next part of the story.
This way of encampment also puzzled Cao Cao who, hoping to bring things to a head, sent a written challenge of war, to which Zhuge Liang replied that they would fight a decisive battle on the morrow.
The next day the two armies arrayed themselves halfway between the two camps in front of a mountain. Cao Cao presently rode out under his standard surrounded by his officers. On his two sides were aligned banners embroidered
with a dragon and a phoenix. After three peals of drums, he summoned Liu Bei to a parley. Liu Bei rode out supported by his officers. Flourishing his whip, Cao Cao began to abuse his opponent.
“Liu Bei, you ungrateful and despicable rebel! How dare you betray the court?”
Liu Bei answered, “I am a member of the imperial family, and I hold an edict authorizing me to seize you. You have murdered the Empress, made yourself a prince, and arrogantly assume the use of an imperial chariot. Are you not an out-and-out rebel?”
Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang to give battle, and Liu Feng went to meet him. As the combat began, Liu Bei left his position to move into the ranks of his army. Liu Feng proved to be no match for his opponent and presently fled. Cao Cao, determined to capture Liu Bei, issued an order, promising that whoever captured Liu Bei would be the ruler of the west country. Encouraged by this incentive his army uttered one great roar and surged forward. The men of Shu abandoned their camps and fled toward the river, even discarding their horses and their weapons, which littered the ground. The temptation was great and Cao Cao’s men began eagerly picking these up for their own possession. Seeing this, Cao Cao hastily clanged the gongs to indicate withdrawal.
“Why did you call us off when we were on the point of capturing Liu Bei?”
“There are two things that puzzle me. First, why did our enemy encamp with the river to their back? Secondly, why did they abandon their steeds and weapons? We must withdraw at once and not pick up the discarded things on the ground. Whoever dares to collect these castaways will suffer the penalty of death. Now retreat as quickly as you can.”
As Cao Cao turned about to retreat, Zhuge Liang hoisted the signal flag for the offensive, and the retreating soldiers were at once harassed on three sides by Liu Bei, Zhao Yun, and Huang Zhong. The chase was kept up throughout the day and well into the night—the men of Cao were in chaos. Cao Cao ordered his army to take refuge in Nanzheng.