Turning to those around him he said, “Not long ago when Ben-chu and I worked together against Dong Zhuo he asked me, ‘If we fail this time what districts can be held?’ and I replied to by asking him what he thought. He said, ‘To the south I would hold the Yellow River and in the north, guard against Yan and Dai and the hordes from the desert areas. Then I will try to extend my influence southward—don’t you think I might succeed?’ I replied, ‘If the wisdom and force of the world be directed by righteous doctrines, then everything would be possible.’ These words seem as if spoken only yesterday, and now he is gone. Recalling all this I cannot refrain from tears.”
His men all sighed with sympathy. Cao Cao treated the widow generously, giving her gold and silks and food.
He also issued a further order that taxes in Hebei be exempted that year in consideration of the sufferings of the people during the military operations. Then he sent up a memorial to the Emperor and nominated himself Governor of Jizhou.
One day Xu Chu, riding in at the east gate, met Xu You, who called out to him: “Would you fellows be riding through this gate if it had not been for me?”
Xu Chu replied, “We risked our lives in bloody battles to capture this city. How dare you brag so!”
“You are a mere bunch of blockheads, not worth talking about,” said Xu You.
Xu Chu in his anger drew his sword and ran him through. Then, carrying the dead man’s head, he went to tell Cao Cao that he had killed Xu You for his insolence.
Cao Cao said, “He and I were old friends so he would joke with you. Why did you kill him?”
He chastised Xu Chu very severely and gave orders that the corpse should be buried honorably.
He then inquired if there were any wise and reputable men living in the district and was told of a certain cavalry officer named Cui Yan who had on many occasions given valuable advice to Yuan Shao. As his advice had not been followed, he had pleaded indisposition and retired to his home.
Cao Cao sent for this man, gave him a post and said to him, “According to the former registers there are 300,000 households in the district, so it may be called a major district.”
Cui Yan replied, “The empire is divided and the country is torn; the Yuan brothers are at war and the people have suffered. Yet, sir, you do not hasten to inquire after the local conditions and how to rescue the people from misery, but first compute the possibilities of taxation. Can you expect to gain the support of our people?”
Cao Cao was impressed by the righteousness of the rebuke. He earnestly thanked him and treated him as an honored guest.
As soon as Jizhou was occupied, Cao Cao sent out scouts to discover the movements of Yuan Tan. Reports soon came to say that Yuan Tan was ravaging Ganling and the places near it in the south and west. When he heard that his brother Yuan Shang had fled to the Zhongshan hills he had rushed there to fight with him, but Yuan Shang had no heart to face a battle so he had gone to Youzhou to his second brother Yuan Xi. Yuan Tan, having collected all his brother’s army, was preparing for another attempt on Jizhou.
After hearing the reports, Cao Cao summoned him. However, Yuan Tan refused to come and Cao Cao sent a letter to break off the marriage with his daughter. Soon after, Cao Cao led an expedition to Pingyuan to deal with him and Yuan Tan turned to Liu Biao for assistance.
Liu Biao sent for Liu Bei to consult with him on this. Liu Bei said, “Cao Cao is very strong now that he has overcome Jizhou and the Yuans will be unable to hold out for long. Nothing is to be gained by helping this man and it may give Cao Cao the excuse he is seeking to attack this place. My advice is to keep the army in a state of readiness and devote all our energies to defense.”
“But what shall I say to refuse him?” asked Liu Biao.
“Write to both brothers in gracious terms as their peacemaker.”
Accordingly, Liu Biao wrote to Yuan Tan: “When the superior man wants to escape from danger he does not go to an enemy’s state. I heard recently that you had bowed your knee to Cao Cao, which was ignoring the enmity between him and your father, rejecting the duties of brotherhood, and leaving behind you the shame of an alliance with the enemy. If your brother, the successor to Jizhou, has acted unfraternally, you should try to overlook that now and wait until the present trouble can be settled.”
And to Yuan Shang he wrote: “Your brother, the ruler of Qingzhou, is of an impulsive temperament and confuses right with wrong. You ought first to have destroyed Cao Cao in order to vent the hatred which your father bore him and to redress the wrongs when the situation had become settled. Would it not be well? If you persist in following this mistaken course, then only your enemy will benefit. Remember the story of the fastest hound and the hare, both so wearied that the peasant caught them?”
From this letter Yuan Tan saw that Liu Biao had no intention of helping him, and feeling he alone could not withstand Cao Cao, he abandoned Pingyuan and fled to Nanpi.
Cao Cao pursued him. As the weather was very cold, his grain boats could not move in the frozen river. Therefore Cao Cao ordered the inhabitants to break the ice and tow the boats. When the peasants were given the order they ran away. Cao Cao was angry and wanted to punish them with beheading. When they heard this they went to his camp in a body to surrender themselves.
“If I do not kill you, my orders will not be obeyed,” said Cao Cao. “Yet I cannot bear to cut off your heads. Quickly flee to the hills and hide so that my soldiers do not capture you.”
The peasants left weeping.
Then Yuan Tan led out his army to oppose Cao Cao. When both sides were arrayed Cao Cao rode to the front, pointed with his whip at his opponent, and railed at him: “I treated you well—why, then, have you turned against me?”
Yuan Tan replied, “You have invaded my land, captured my cities, and broken off my marriage—yet you accuse me of turning against you?”
Cao Cao ordered Xu Huang to go out and give battle. Yuan Tan bade Peng An accept the challenge. After a few bouts Peng An was slain and Yuan Tan, having lost, fled and went into Nanpi, where he was besieged. Yuan Tan, panic-stricken, sent Xin Ping to see Cao Cao to arrange surrender.
“He is capricious and unreliable,” said Cao Cao, “and I cannot depend upon what he says. Now your brother Xin Pi is in my employment and has a post of importance—you had better remain here as well.”
“Sir, you are mistaken,” said Xin Ping. “It is said that the lord’s honor is the servant’s glory, the lord’s sadness is the servant’s shame. How can I turn my back on the family I have so long served?”
Feeling that he could not be persuaded, Cao Cao sent him back. Xin Ping returned and told Yuan Tan the surrender could not be arranged and Yuan Tan turned on him angrily, accusing him of disloyalty. At this unmerited reproach such a huge wave of anger welled up in the man’s breast that he collapsed in a swoon. They carried him out, but the shock had been too severe and soon after he died. Yuan Tan regretted his actions, but it was too late.
Then Guo Tu said, “Tomorrow when we go out to battle we will drive the common people out in front as a screen for the soldiers—we must fight a winning battle.”
That night they assembled all the common people of that place and forced into their hands swords and spears. At daylight they opened the four gates and, with much shouting, a huge party came out at each gate, peasantry carrying arms in front, with soldiers behind them. They pushed on toward Cao Cao’s camps and a melee began that lasted till near midday. But the result of the battle was still not clear, although heaps of dead lay everywhere.
Seeing that success was at best only partial Cao Cao abandoned his horse and climbed to the top of a hill, where he himself beat the drum. Encouraged by this, his officers and men exerted themselves to the utmost and Yuan Tan’s army was severely defeated. Of the peasantry driven into the battlefield, multitudes were slain.
Cao Hong, who displayed great valor, burst into the heart of the battle and met Yuan Tan face to face. The two slashed and hammered at each other. Yuan T
an, unable to withstand Cao Hong’s fierce thrusts, was slain. Thus ended the life of this eldest of Yuan Shao, whose ambition alienated him from his own brothers, making himself an easy prey to Cao Cao.
Guo Tu saw that his side was wholly disorganized and tried to gain the shelter of the city. Seeing this, Yu Jin let fly an arrow which hit the advisor, sending him and his horse down into the moat.
The city was overwhelmed. Cao Cao entered it and set about restoring peace and order. Suddenly, there appeared a new army under two of Yuan Xi’s officers. Cao Cao led out his men to meet them, but the two commanders laid down their arms and yielded. They were duly rewarded with high ranks.
Soon, another force came to surrender to Cao Cao. Zhang Yan, leader of the Black Hills brigands, came with 100,000 men and offered his submission. For this he was made a general.
By an order of Cao Cao’s the head of Yuan Tan was exposed and death was threatened to anyone who should lament for him. Nevertheless, a man dressed in mourning attire was arrested for weeping below the exposed head at the north gate. Taken into Cao Cao’s presence, he said he was Wang Xiu and had been an officer in Qingzhou, where Yuan Tan used to rule. He had been expelled because he had remonstrated with his master, but at the news of his death had come to weep for him.
“Did you know of my command?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Yet you were not afraid?”
“When one has received favors from a man in life it would be wrong not to mourn him at his death. How can one live in the world if one forgets duty because of fear? If I could bury his body I would not mind death.”
Cao Cao said, “How many men of loyalty there are in his district! What a pity that the Yuan family could not make the best of them! If they had done so I should never have dared to turn my eyes toward this place.”
The intrepid mourner was not put to death. The remains of Yuan Tan were properly interred and Wang Xiu was well treated and even given an appointment.
In his new position he was asked for advice about the best way to proceed against Yuan Shang, who had fled to his brother, but he held his peace, thereby winning from Cao Cao renewed admiration for his constancy. “He is indeed loyal!” said Cao Cao.
Then he questioned Guo Jia, who suggested sending the newly- surrendered officers to bring about the capitulation of the Yuans. So five of the former Yuan officers went to attack Youzhou along three routes, and another army was sent to take Bingzhou.
The two Yuan brothers heard of Cao Cao’s advance with dismay for they had no hope of successful resistance. Therefore, they left the city of Youzhou and hastily escaped to Liaoxi* to seek refuge with Wu Huanchu, chief of the Wuhuan† tribesmen. After the brothers were gone the governor of Youzhou did not want to incur the enmity of the powerful Cao Cao, so he called his subordinates together and said, “I understand that Cao Cao is the most powerful man of the day and I am going to surrender to him; those who do not go with me will be put to death.”
Each in turn smeared his lips with the blood of sacrifice and took the oath till it came to Han Heng. Instead, he dashed his sword to the ground and cried out, “I have received great benefits from the Yuans. Now my lord has been vanquished. I could not save him with my wisdom nor could I die for him with my bravery. I have therefore failed in my duty. But I refuse to commit the crowning act of treachery and ally myself with Cao Cao.”
This speech made the others turn pale. The governor said, “For a great undertaking there must be strict principles. However, success does not necessarily depend upon universal support and since Han Heng is impeled by such sentiments then let him follow his conscience.” So he ordered Han Heng to be taken out and executed.
He then went out of the city to welcome Cao Cao’s army and render his submission. He was well received and given the rank of a general.
Then scouts came to say that the three officers who had gone to attack Bingzhou were not successful because Gao Gan, nephew of Yuan Shao, had occupied Wu Pass and could not be dislodged. So Cao Cao marched there himself and a general council was convened to discuss ways to destroy Gao Gan. The advisor Xun You proposed the ruse of false surrender. Cao Cao assented and then summoned the two Lu brothers, to whom he gave whispered orders. They left with several score of soldiers.
Soon they came near the pass and called out, “We are old officers of the Yuans forced into surrendering to Cao Cao. We find him so false and he treats us so meanly that we want to return to help our old master. Please open your gates quickly to us.”
Gao Gan was suspicious, but he agreed to let the two officers come up to the pass and when they had stripped off their armor and left their horses they were permitted to enter. They said to Gao Gan, “Cao Cao’s men are new to the country and not settled. You ought to fall upon their camp this very evening. If you approve we will lead the battle.”
Gao Gan decided to trust them and prepared to attack, taking the two brothers with him as van leaders. But as he and his army drew near Cao Cao’s camp a great noise arose behind them and they found themselves in an ambush, assailed on all sides. Realizing too late that he had been the victim of a trick, Gao Gan retreated to the pass but found it already occupied by the enemy. Gao Gan then made his way to seek refuge with the Huan chieftain. Cao Cao gave orders to hold the pass and sent a troop in pursuit.
When Gao Gan reached the boundary of the Huan territory he met the chieftain. Gao Gan dismounted and made a low obeisance, saying, “Cao Cao is conquering and absorbing all the territories and your turn, Your Highness, will come quickly. I beg you to help me and let us fight together for the safety of the northern regions.”
The chieftain replied, “I have no quarrel with Cao Cao. Why, then, should he invade my land? Do you desire to embroil me with him?”
He would have nothing to do with Gao Gan and sent him away. At his wits’ end, Gao Gan decided to try to join Liu Biao, and got so far on his journey as Shangluo when he was slain by one of his subordinates. His head was sent to Cao Cao and the killer was rewarded with a high rank for his service.
Thus Bingzhou was conquered. Then Cao Cao began to think of going to the west to crush Wuhuan, who had provided shelter to the two Yuan brothers. Cao Hong and the others all objected. They argued, “The two Yuan brothers are nearly done for and too weak to be feared. They have fled far into the desert and if we pursue them there it may encourage Liu Biao and Liu Bei to attack the capital. Should we fail to rescue it, the misfortune would be immense. We beg you to return to the capital.”
But Guo Jia was of different opinion.
“You are wrong,” he said. “Though the prestige of our minister fills the empire, yet the men of the desert, relying on their inaccessibility, will not be prepared against us. A surprise attack will conquer them. Besides, Yuan Shao used to be kind to the nomads, so they will support the two brothers. We cannot allow them to live. As for Liu Biao, he knows he is not talented enough to command Liu Bei. If he delegates a heavy responsibility to Liu Bei he will be afraid of losing control of him, but if he entrusts him with a light task then Liu Bei will be dissatisfied. So even though you make a long expedition, leaving the capital almost unguarded, you do not have to worry about him. Nothing will happen.”
Cao Cao was inclined to agree with Guo Jia and he led his whole army to move ahead, followed by thousands of wagons.
The army marched into the desert. What greeted them was rolling waves of yellow sand and howling winds all around. The road was rugged and rough, making progress extremely difficult for both men and horses. Cao Cao began to think of returning and he consulted Guo Jia. The advisor had by then fallen victim to the effects of the climate and lay in his cart, very ill.
Cao Cao’s tears fell as he said, “My friend, you are suffering for my ambition to subdue the desert. I cannot bear to think you should be ill.”
“You have always been very good to me,” said the sick man, “and I can never repay what I owe you.”
“The country is exceedingly precipitous and I am
thinking of going back. What do you say?”
Guo Jia replied, “The success of an expedition of this kind depends upon speed. To strike a sudden blow on a distant spot with a heavy baggage train is difficult. To ensure triumph you need light troops and a good road to strike quickly before an enemy has time to prepare. Now you must find guides who know the road well.”
Then the sick advisor was left at Yizhou for treatment and Cao Cao sought among the natives for someone to serve as guide. They recommended a former officer of Yuan Shao’s, who knew those parts well. Cao Cao called him in and questioned him.
The officer, named Tian Chou, said, “Between summer and autumn this route is under water, the shallow parts too deep for vehicles and horses, but the deep parts too shallow for boats. It is always difficult. Therefore you would do better to return and cross the dangerous zone of Baitan at Lulong Pass to get out of the desert. You will not be too far from the Willow City and attack before there is time for your opponents to prepare. One sudden onslaught will settle them.”
For this valuable information Tian Chou was made a general and went in front as guide. In the center came Zhang Liao and Cao Cao brought up the rear. They advanced swiflty by double marches.
Tian Chou led Zhang Liao to White Wolf Hill, where they came upon the two Yuans and Ta Dun, chief of the Wuhuan tribesmen, followed by a large mass of riders. Zhang Liao at once informed Cao Cao, who rode up to the top of a promontory to survey his foe. He saw the enemy force advancing in a disorderly mass without any military formation.
He said, “They have no formation. We can easily rout them.”
Then he handed over his ensign of command to Zhang Liao who, with three other officers, made a vigorous attack from four different points, with the result that the enemy was thrown into great confusion. Zhang Liao rode forward and slew Ta Dun and the others gave in. The two Yuan brothers, with a few thousand followers, got away to the east.
Cao Cao then led his army into the Willow City. To reward his service, Cao Cao conferred on Tian Chou the title of Lord of the Willow City and put him in charge of its defense. But Tian Chou declined the title. With tears in his eyes he said, “I am a renegade and a fugitive. It is my good fortune that you spared my life. How can I accept a reward for betraying the Lulong camp? I would rather die than receive the title of a lord.”
The Three Kingdoms, Volume 1: The Sacred Oath: The Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation Page 50