Zi Zhi Tong Jian

Chapter 25 The Han Dynasty: The Banquet of the Hongmen (13)
【Translation】

The 13th year of Jian'an, Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty (208 A.D.)
Cao Cao led his army to set out from Jiangling, intending to go eastward along the Yangtze River.Zhuge Liang said to Liu Bei: "The situation is very critical. I request to be ordered to go to General Sun for help." So he and Lu Su went to see Sun Quan.After seeing Sun Quan in Chaisang, Zhuge Liang said to Sun Quan: "The world is in chaos. The general sent troops to the east of the Yangtze River. Liu Bei gathered his troops to the south of the Han River to fight for the world with Cao Cao. Now, Cao Cao has basically wiped out all the troops in the north. The main powerful enemy, and then went south to attack Jingzhou, which can be said to have shocked the world. In the face of Cao Cao's army, heroes are useless. That's why Liu Bei fled here, hoping that the general can choose according to his ability. If the general can use Jiangdong's If you want to compete with Cao Cao, who dominates the Central Plains, it is better to cut off contact with Cao Cao as soon as possible; if you can't, why not disarm him as soon as possible and bow your head to him? Today, the general only pretends to obey the court on the surface, but he hesitates in his heart If the matter is urgent and not dealt with decisively, I am afraid that catastrophe will be imminent." Sun Quan said: "If it is true as you said, why didn't Liu Bei surrender to Cao Cao?" Zhuge Liang said: "Tian Heng, it is just a He is just a strong man in Qi, but he knows how to stick to integrity and refuses to endure the humiliation of surrender. What's more, Liu Bei is a descendant of the royal family. His heroic talents are unparalleled in the world. This is also God's will, how can I be subordinate to Cao Cao?" Sun Quan was furious after hearing this: "I can't hand over all the old land of Wu and 1 elite soldiers to endure Cao Cao's control. My decision has been made! Apart from Liu Bei, there is no one who can resist Cao Cao, but after Liu Bei was defeated, how can he take on this important task?" Zhuge Liang said: "Although Liu Bei's army was defeated at Changbanpo, the soldiers who are now returning one after another and Guan Yu The Chinese navy has [-] elite soldiers in total, and Liu Qi has assembled the soldiers from Jiangxia County, which is no less than [-]. Cao Cao's army will be exhausted after coming from a long distance. I heard that when they were chasing Liu Bei, the light cavalry galloped day and night For more than three hundred miles, this is the so-called "Arrows shot from a strong crossbow, when the strength is about to run out, will not be able to penetrate even the thin silk produced in Lu." So this is a big taboo in "The Art of War". That is, "the general will definitely be frustrated." Moreover, people who have lived in the north for a long time are not good at water warfare. In addition, the reason why the people in the Jingzhou area surrendered to Cao Cao was because of his kindness, and they did not want to surrender willingly. Yes. Now that the general can really order a fierce general to command tens of thousands of troops, and work together with Liu Bei, he will surely defeat Cao Jun. After Cao Cao is defeated, he will definitely retreat to the north. In this way, the power of Jingzhou and Soochow will gradually become stronger Get up, a tripartite situation will soon be formed. I think the key to success or failure lies in today!" Sun Quan was very happy when he heard this, and immediately went to discuss with his generals.

[Original text]

At that time, Cao Cao's posthumous power said: "Those who are close to him will be punished with resignations, and Liu Cong will put his hand away. There are now 80 water troops under control. Fang and the general will hunt in Wu." .The long history Zhang Zhao and others said: "Grand Cao, a jackal and a tiger, coerced the emperor to conquer the four directions, and used the court as an excuse; if he refuses today, things will not go well. And the general who can refuse to operate is the Yangtze River. Now Jingzhou is won. There is a place where Liu Biao is in charge of the water army, and Mengchong's battleships number in the thousands. They float along the river, and they have infantry at the same time. Argument. It is better to welcome it if it is foolish to call it a big plan." Lu Su said nothing.Quan Qi changed his clothes and chased after Yuxia.Knowing what he meant, he held Su's hand and said: "What do you want to say?" Su said: "I want to observe the opinions of the people, and I only want to mislead the general, but it is not enough to plan big things. Now Su can greet Cao's ears, just like the general can't. Why? In other words? Now that Su welcomes Cao, Cao should repay the township party with Su, and appreciate his fame and status. He still does not lose Cao Engeng, rides in a calf cart, serves as an officer, and makes friends with scholars. The general greets Cao, do you want to return home in peace? May you make a big plan early, and don't use the opinions of the people!" Quan sighed and said, "Everyone is holding discussions, and I am very disappointed. Today, Qing has made a big plan, just like Gu."

When Zhou Yu was sent to Panyang, Su persuaded Quan to call Yu back.Yuzhi called Quan and said: "Although Cao Cao entrusted his name to the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, he is actually a traitor of the Han Dynasty. The general, with his martial arts and talents, and the strength of his father and brother, separated Jiangdong for thousands of miles. Running rampant all over the world, weeding out the relics and filth for the Han family; Kuang Cao sent himself to die, but can he welcome the evil? Please plan for the general: Now that the northern land is not flat, Ma Chao and Han Sui are still in Kansai, for Cao's future troubles; Sticks and boats compete with Wu and Yue for balance; now it is very cold, and the horses have no weeds, driving Chinese soldiers to travel far between rivers and lakes. If they are not accustomed to water and soil, they will inevitably suffer from diseases. These numbers are also the dangers of using soldiers, and all operations are risky. Let’s do it. General Qin Cao should be today. Yu invited tens of thousands of elite soldiers to live in Xiakou, so that he can be defeated by the general!”

【Translation】

At this time, Cao Cao wrote to Sun Quan and said: "Recently, I was ordered by the emperor to attack the guilty officials. The flag pointed to the south, and Liu Cong was captured without a fight. Now, I command 80 sailors, and I am going to fight with the general in Wu Hunt together." Sun Quan showed the letter to his subordinates, and they all turned pale with shock.Chang Shi Zhang Zhao and others said: "Cao Cao is a generation of wolves, tigers and leopards. He kidnapped the emperor to conquer the four directions, and he gave orders in the name of the court at every turn. If we resist today, it will be even more unfair. What's more, the general can resist. Cao Cao relied on the natural danger of the Yangtze River. Now, Cao Cao has occupied Jingzhou, and the navy trained by Liu Biao, including thousands of Mengchong warships, have been controlled by Cao Cao. Cao Cao is ready to let all the ships go down the Yangtze River In this way, the natural danger of the Yangtze River is shared by both of us, and the power of our two sides cannot be compared. Therefore, according to our humble opinion, it is best to welcome Cao Cao and surrender to the court." Wei Wei Du Lusu said nothing.Sun Quan got up to go to the bathroom, and Lu Su chased him under the eaves. Sun Quan understood Lu Su's intentions, held Lu Su's hand and asked, "What do you want to say?" Lu Su said, "Just now I heard everyone's discussion, they just Wanting to delay the general is not enough to conspire with them. People like me, Lu Su, can welcome Cao Cao, but the general cannot. Why do I say this? I will go to meet Cao Cao today, and Cao Cao will definitely entrust me to the village as a fellow Let's go to appraise, so as to determine the name and position, and maybe become a Cao Cao, ride in an ox cart, have officials and soldiers to follow, make friends with some scholar-bureaucrats, make a career in the sky, and maybe become the governor of Shangzhou or county. But if the general welcomes Cao Cao , where are you planning to settle down? I hope the general can make a big plan early and don’t listen to those people’s opinions.” Sun Quan sighed and said, “I am very disappointed by what those people said. Now, the point of view you have expounded is exactly what I think Same."

At that time, Zhou Yu was ordered to arrive in Poyang, and Lu Su advised Sun Quan to call Zhou Yu back.After Zhou Yu arrived, he said to Sun Quan: "Although Cao Cao is the prime minister of the Han Dynasty in name, he is actually a traitor of the Han Dynasty. With the general's bravery, talent and general strategy, and relying on the foundation of his father and brother, he separated Jiangdong and ruled for several years. Thousands of miles of land, elite soldiers are enough to use, and heroes are willing to serve. They should run rampant in the world and clean up the filthy and treacherous officials for the Han Dynasty. Besides, Cao Cao himself came to die, how can he go to meet him? Please let me analyze for the general: now the North It has not been completely settled yet, Ma Chao and Han Sui are still stationed west of Hangu Pass, which has become Cao Cao's future troubles. However, Cao Cao abandoned the pommel horse and switched to warships in an attempt to compete with the Jiangdong people who are accustomed to water warfare. Now they are In the severe cold season, the war horses lack fodder. Moreover, the soldiers sent to the Central Plains traveled long distances to the rivers and lakes. They are not accustomed to the water and soil, which will inevitably cause diseases. These aspects are the most taboo when using soldiers, but now Cao Cao acted rashly. The general captured Cao Cao, today is the day. I request to command tens of thousands of elite troops and garrison troops in the Xiakou area, so that I can defeat Cao Cao for the general."

[Original text]

Quan said: "The old thief has wanted to abolish the Han Dynasty and stand on his own for a long time. He is afraid of the two Yuan, Lu Bu, Liu Biao, and Gu'er. Now that the heroes are gone, only Gu'er remains. Gu and the old thief are incompatible. The king's words should be attacked, and even Gu'er Hey, this day the emperor grants the orphan." Because he drew his sword and cut the prelude to the case, he said: "The generals and officials who dare to say something should be greeted, it is the same as this case!" The meeting was dismissed.

That night, Yu saw Quan again and said: "Everyone just saw that Cao Shu said that the water pace was 80, and everyone was frightened. They didn't know the truth, so they started this discussion. It's very meaningless. Now let's check it out: what he said The Chinese are only 3 to [-], and they have been tired for a long time. The audience they have received is also seventy to eighty thousand, and they are still suspicious. The husband uses the tired and sick soldiers to resist the suspicious crowd. Although the number is large, it is not enough. Yu has Fifty thousand elite soldiers, self-sufficient and self-sufficient, I hope the general will not worry about it!" Quan stroked his back and said: "Gongjin, you are very lonely. Zibu and Yuanbiao are all concerned about their wives and private concerns. Disappointed; Duqing and Zijing have the same ears as Gu. This day, the two of you praise Gu. Fifty thousand soldiers are difficult to combine, and [-] people have been selected. Ships, food and war equipment are all ready. Qing, Zijing, and Cheng Gong Just send out in the front, and I will continue to send people to the crowd, and I will carry more money to support you. Those who can do it will be sincerely determined, and if the encounter is not satisfactory, then I will be alone, and I will fight Meng De." So Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu was the governor of the left and right, and the generals and equipment worked together to fight against each other; Lu Su was the lieutenant of the Zan Army to help draw the strategy.

【Translation】

Sun Quan said: "Cao Cao, an old villain, has long tried to abolish the emperor of the Han Dynasty and establish himself as emperor, but he still cared about Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Lu Bu, Liu Biao and me, Sun Quan; now, those heroes have been wiped out. I still exist. Therefore, I and the old thief are at odds, and you stand against Cao Jun, which coincides with me, and you are bestowed upon me by heaven!" Sun Quan drew out his saber, slashed at the memorial in front of him, and said He said: "Everyone, generals and officials, who dare to say that Cao Cao should be surrendered again, will end up in the same way as this case!" After finishing speaking, the meeting ended.

That night, Zhou Yu went to see Sun Quan again and said: "Everyone was terrified when they saw Cao Cao's letter saying that there was water and an army of 80. They didn't seriously analyze the truth and falsehood, and rashly proposed to surrender Cao Cao. It is really wrong. Let’s make a calculation based on the facts: Cao Cao’s soldiers in the Central Plains were only 6 to 8, and they were already exhausted after fighting for a long time; Everyone is suspicious. Using tired soldiers like this to lead suspicious troops, no matter how many people there are, they are not enough to fear. As long as I have 3 elite soldiers, it is enough to subdue the enemy. I hope the general will not worry about it! Sun Quan patted Zhou Yu on the shoulder and said, "Gong Jin, what you have said really suits my heart. Zhang Zhao, Qin Song and others, each caring about their own wives and children, have their own interests. Nian, I am really disappointed. You are the only one who agrees with Lu Su and me. This is really God sent you two to assist me. It is difficult to gather [-] elite soldiers for a while, and now [-] people have been selected. You, Lu Su, and Cheng Pu are the first to lead the troops, and I will continue to mobilize people and deliver sufficient supplies, food, and grass as your backup. If you can defeat Cao Jun, you must act decisively; once you lose Come back to me, and I will have a showdown with Cao Cao." So, Sun Quan took Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu as the left and right governors, and led the army to fight Cao Cao with Liu Bei; strategy.

[Original text]

When Liu Bei was in Fankou, he dispatched his looters to Yushui to wait for the Quan army.The official saw the Yu boat, and it was heading for Baibei, and was ready to send people to comfort it.Yu said: "If you have a military appointment, you can't be entrusted with it; Tang can subdue your prestige, and you can do what you want." Bei Nai went to see Yu in a single boat and said, "It's a good idea to reject Duke Cao. How many soldiers are there? "Yu said: "3 people." Bei said: "Have less." Yu said: "This is self-sufficient, but Yuzhou can break it." If you want to see Zijing, don't pass it up." Bei was deeply ashamed and happy.

Jin, and Cao met in Chibi.At that time, Cao's army had already suffered from disease. On the first day of the first day of the war, Cao's army was unfavorable, and Jiangbei was cited.Yu waited on the south bank. Huang Gai, the general of Yu's department, said: "There are so many invaders and we are few, it will be difficult and long-lasting. The military connects the ships, end to end, and they can be burned away." Ten Mengchong battleships were taken, Load dry grass, dry firewood, and pour oil into it, wrap it in a curtain, build a flag on it, and tie it to the tail when it is ready to go.First use the book to leave the operation, and the deceitful cloud wants to surrender.At that time, the southeast wind was strong, and the ten ships were the most forward. Zhongjiang raised the sails, and the rest of the ships advanced one by one.Cao Cao's officers and soldiers all went out of the camp to stand and watch, pointing out that they would surrender.Going to the northern army for more than two miles, the fire broke out at the same time. The fire was fierce and the wind was fierce.In a short time, the sky was filled with smoke and flames, and many people and horses were burned and drowned.Yu and others followed suit lightly and sharply, thunder and drums made great advances, and the Northern Army was severely damaged.Cao led the army to walk along the Huarong road. When it was muddy, the road was impassable, and the sky was strong, he told the weak soldiers to fill it with grass, so they could pass by riding.Lei soldiers were borrowed by people and horses, got stuck in the mud, and many died.Liu Bei and Zhou Yu advanced by land and water, and pursued Cao Cao to Nanjun.At that time, Cao Cao's army also suffered from famine and epidemics, and most of them died.Cao Nai left Cao Ren, the general who conquered the south, and Xu Huang, the general of Hengye, to guard Jiangling, and the general of Zhechong, Le Jin, defended Xiangyang, and led the army back to the north.

【Translation】

Liu Bei garrisoned at Fankou, and every day sent soldiers on patrol to look at Sun Quan's army by the river.When the soldiers saw Zhou Yu's fleet, they galloped back to camp and reported to Liu Bei.Liu Bei hurriedly sent someone to comfort him.Zhou Yu said to the people who came to comfort him: "I have important military affairs on my body, so I can't appoint others to act as my agent. If Liu Bei can condescend to come to meet with him, that's exactly what I hope." So Liu Bei took a boat to meet Zhou Yu , Said: "It is a very wise decision to resist Cao Cao now. But I don't know how many soldiers you brought this time?" Zhou Yu said: "3 soldiers." Liu Bei said: "It's a pity that there are too few." Zhou Yu said: " This is enough, general, just wait and see how I defeat Cao Jun." Liu Bei wanted to call Lu Su and others to talk together, Zhou Yu said: "Accept military orders, you can't entrust others to act as agents at will, if you want to see Lu Su , you can visit him elsewhere." Liu Bei felt ashamed and happy at the same time.

Zhou Yu led his army to continue to advance and encountered Cao Cao at Chibi.At that time, some people under Cao Cao had a plague.As soon as the two armies fought, Cao Jun was defeated and had to retreat to the north of the Yangtze River.Zhou Yu and others led their troops to garrison on the south bank of the Yangtze River. Zhou Yu's general Huang Gai said: "Now the enemy is outnumbered and we are few, it is difficult to confront them for a long time. Cao's army happened to connect the warships together, end to end, and we can attack with fire. Defeat Cao Jun with this.” So he selected ten Mengchong warships, loaded them with dry grass and dry firewood, poured oil on them, wrapped them with curtains, and planted banners on them, prepared speedboats in advance, and tied them to the stern.Huang Gai first sent someone to deliver a letter to Cao Cao, falsely claiming that he was going to surrender.At that time, the southeast wind was blowing fiercely, Huang Gai arranged ten warships at the front, and when they reached the middle of the river, they hoisted the sails, and the rest of the ships advanced one by one behind.The officers and soldiers of Cao Cao's army came out of the camp to stand and watch, pointing to the boat and saying that Huang Gai had come to surrender.Seeing that there were still two miles away from Cao Jun, the ten ships in front were ignited at the same time. The fire was fierce and the wind was fierce. Cao Jun camp.In an instant, thick smoke billowed and filled the entire sky, and countless Cao soldiers and horses were burned to death and drowned.Zhou Yu and others led lightly armed elite soldiers to follow closely behind. With the sound of drums, they marched forward bravely, and Cao Jun was defeated.Cao Cao had to lead his army to retreat on foot from Huarong Road. When they encountered mud, the road was impassable, and a strong wind blew again.Cao Cao ordered all the old and weak soldiers to spread thatch on the road, so that the cavalry could barely pass.The old, weak and remnant soldiers were trampled by the people and horses, and they were deeply trapped in the mud, and countless people died.Liu Bei and Zhou Yu then advanced by land and water, chasing Cao Cao all the way to Nanjun.At this time, Cao Jun was starving and sick, and more than half died.Cao Cao then left Cao Ren, the general who conquered the South, Xu Huang, the general of Hengye, to guard Jiangling, and Le Jin, the general of Zhechong, to guard Xiangyang. He led his army back to the north.

[Comment and Analysis]

In the autumn of 208 A.D., the rolling Yangtze River witnessed another great battle in history, which was the Battle of Chibi.The Battle of Chibi was a joint battle between Liu Bei and Sun Quan against Cao Cao who was going south.On the surface, Cao Cao has a great advantage: on the one hand, there are many soldiers, claiming 80, while the Sun and Liu families have only more than 3; Basically unified the north, it is time for the limelight.But Zhou Yu saw the weakness of Cao Cao's army, that is, they were not familiar with water warfare, they were not united and they were very tired.And these weaknesses are fatal. In the end, Sun and Liu joined forces to defeat Cao Cao, forcing Cao Cao to return without success, with heavy losses, and finally formed a three-legged confrontation.

(End of this chapter)