Book of Wei · Biographies of Zhang Liao, Yue Jin, Yu Jin, Zhang He, and Xu Huang

Zhang Liao, courtesy name Wenyuan, was from Mayi in Yanmen. He was originally a descendant of Nie Yi; his family changed its surname to avoid reprisals. As a young man he served as a commandery clerk. Toward the end of Han, Inspector of Bing Province Ding Yuan, recognizing his exceptional martial ability, summoned him as a staff officer and sent him with troops to the capital. He Jin sent him north of the Yellow River to recruit soldiers; he obtained more than a thousand. On his return, He Jin had fallen, and Zhang Liao placed his men under Dong Zhuo. After Dong Zhuo's fall, he joined Lü Bu and became Cavalry Commandant. When Lü Bu was defeated by Li Jue, Zhang Liao followed him east to Xu Province and became concurrent Chancellor of Lu, aged twenty-eight. When Taizu (Cao Cao) <Great Ancestor; Cao Cao's posthumous temple name> defeated Lü Bu at Xiapi, Zhang Liao surrendered with his troops. He was appointed General of the Gentlemen of the Household and granted the title Marquis Within the Passes. Repeated achievements brought promotion to Assistant General. After Yuan Shao's defeat, Zhang Liao was separately sent to pacify the counties of Lu Kingdom. With Xiahou Yuan, he besieged Chang Xi in Donghai. After several months, supplies were exhausted and withdrawal was discussed. Zhang Liao told Xiahou Yuan: “In recent days, whenever I inspect the siege lines, Chang Xi keeps looking at me. His arrows also grow fewer. He must be hesitating and therefore not fighting hard. I wish to invite him to speak; perhaps he can be won over.” He sent word: “The duke (Cao Cao) <a respectful designation used here for Cao Cao> has a command for Zhang Liao to convey.” Chang Xi indeed came down to speak. Zhang Liao explained: “Taizu (Cao Cao) possesses divine martial power and now cherishes the four quarters through virtue. Those who submit first receive generous rewards.” Chang Xi agreed to surrender. Zhang Liao went alone up Mount Sangong, entered Chang Xi's home, and paid respects to his wife and children. Delighted, Chang Xi accompanied him to Taizu (Cao Cao). Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Chang Xi back and rebuked Zhang Liao: “This is not how a senior general should act.” Zhang Liao apologized: “Your authority and trustworthiness are known throughout the seas. Carrying Your command, I knew Chang Xi would not dare harm me.” He followed the campaigns against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang at Liyang, rendering service and becoming acting General of the Central Firmness. He accompanied the attack on Yuan Shang at Ye, whose defenses held firm. Taizu (Cao Cao) returned to Xu and sent Zhang Liao and Yue Jin to take Yin'an and move its people south of the Yellow River. Again accompanying the attack on Ye, after its fall Zhang Liao separately subdued Zhao Kingdom and Changshan, winning the surrender of the mountain bandits and Sun Qing of the Black Mountain groups. After Yuan Tan's defeat, he separately campaigned along the coast and defeated the Liaodong raiders Liu Yi and the others. Returning to Ye, Taizu (Cao Cao) personally welcomed him and took him into his own carriage, appointing him General Who Sweeps Away the Enemy. He again separately attacked Jing Province, pacified the counties of Jiangxia, returned to garrison Linying, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting. He accompanied the expedition against Yuan Shang at Liucheng. Suddenly encountering the enemy, Zhang Liao urged Taizu (Cao Cao) to fight with great vigor. Admiring him, Taizu (Cao Cao) handed him his own command banner. They attacked, inflicted a great defeat, and beheaded Chanyu Tadun.

As Jing Province was not yet settled, Zhang Liao was again sent to garrison Changshe. Before departure, conspirators in the army raised an alarm and set fires at night, throwing the whole army into confusion. Zhang Liao told his attendants: “Do not move. The entire camp cannot be in rebellion. Some men must be causing a disturbance to unsettle the others.” He ordered all who were not rebelling to sit quietly and stood amid the formation with several tens of personal guards. The disturbance soon subsided; its ringleaders were found and killed. Chen Lan and Mei Cheng rebelled in Lu County [氐六縣 in the source; the wording requires review]. Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Yu Jin, Zang Ba, and the others against Mei Cheng, while Zhang Liao supervised Zhang He, Niu Gai, and the others against Chen Lan. Mei Cheng feigned surrender to Yu Jin; when Yu Jin withdrew, he took his men to join Chen Lan in Qian Mountain. Within Qian was Mount Tianzhu, rising steeply for more than twenty li, with a narrow, dangerous route barely passable on foot. Chen Lan and the others fortified its summit. Zhang Liao wished to advance. The generals said, “Our troops are few and the road dangerous. It is difficult to penetrate deeply.” Zhang Liao replied, “This is what is called one against one: the brave man alone gets forward.” He advanced, camped at the mountain's foot, attacked, beheaded Chen Lan and Mei Cheng, and captured all their followers. Assessing the generals' achievements, Taizu (Cao Cao) said: “Climbing the heavenly mountain, treading its steep dangers, and taking Chen Lan and Mei Cheng was the achievement of the General Who Sweeps Away the Enemy [Zhang Liao].” His fief was enlarged and he was granted credentials.

After Taizu (Cao Cao) returned from attacking Sun Quan, he left Zhang Liao, Yue Jin, Li Dian, and the others with more than seven thousand men to garrison Hefei. When Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned against Zhang Lu, he entrusted instructions to Protector of the Army Xue Ti, writing on the edge of the sealed case, “Open only when the enemy arrives.” Soon Sun Quan besieged Hefei with one hundred thousand men. They opened the instructions together: “If Sun Quan comes, Generals Zhang and Li [Zhang Liao and Li Dian] shall go out to fight; General Yue [Yue Jin] shall defend. The Protector of the Army shall not join the fighting.” [Translator's note: The division between “defend” and “Protector of the Army” follows this interpretation of the source's compressed wording.] The generals were uncertain. Zhang Liao said: “The duke (Cao Cao) is far away on campaign. Before relief arrives, they will certainly defeat us. Thus the instructions mean that we should strike before their forces fully assemble, break their momentum, and steady our men's hearts; then we can defend. Success or failure turns on this one battle. Why do you hesitate?” Li Dian agreed. That night, Zhang Liao recruited eight hundred men willing to follow him and slaughtered cattle to feast them. At dawn next day, armored and carrying a halberd, he led the charge into the enemy formation, killed several tens of men and two generals, shouted his own name, and broke through the camp to Sun Quan's command banner. Greatly alarmed and at a loss, Sun Quan fled up a high mound and defended himself with a long halberd. Zhang Liao challenged him to come down and fight, but Sun Quan dared not move. Seeing how few men Zhang Liao had, Sun Quan gathered troops to surround him in several layers. Zhang Liao struck urgently straight ahead, breaking open the encirclement and escaping with several tens of followers. The others cried, “General, will you abandon us?” Zhang Liao turned back, broke through again, and brought out the rest. Sun Quan's men and horses scattered, none daring to resist. They fought from dawn until noon. With Wu's morale broken, Zhang Liao returned to repair the defenses. His men's hearts were steadied, and all the generals admired him. Sun Quan remained before Hefei for more than ten days, but could not take the city and withdrew. Zhang Liao led the armies in pursuit and nearly captured Sun Quan. Taizu (Cao Cao) greatly admired him and appointed him General Who Conquers the East.

In Jian'an 21, Taizu (Cao Cao) again campaigned against Sun Quan. Reaching Hefei, he inspected the places where Zhang Liao had fought and sighed in admiration for a long time. He increased Zhang Liao's troops, left many other forces there, and moved the garrison to Juchao.

When Guan Yu besieged Cao Ren at Fan, Sun Quan declared himself a vassal. Zhang Liao and all the armies were recalled to rescue Cao Ren. Before Zhang Liao arrived, Xu Huang had already defeated Guan Yu and lifted the siege. Zhang Liao joined Taizu (Cao Cao) at Mobei. On his army's arrival, Taizu (Cao Cao) rode out in a carriage to comfort him. Zhang Liao then returned to garrison Chen Commandery. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> became king, Zhang Liao was transferred to General of the Front.

Zhang Liao's elder brother Zhang Fan and one son were separately enfeoffed as ranked marquises. When Sun Quan rebelled again, Zhang Liao was sent back to garrison Hefei and advanced to Marquis of Du Township. His mother was provided a carriage, and troops and horses escorted his household to the garrison. An order required him to lead a procession out to receive her. All commanders and officers under his supervision lined the roadside and bowed, and onlookers considered it an honor. When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) ascended the imperial throne, Zhang Liao was enfeoffed as Marquis of Jinyang. His fief increased by one thousand households to twenty-six hundred in all. In Huangchu 2, he attended court at Luoyang. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) received him in Jianshi Hall and personally asked how he had defeated Wu. Turning to his attendants, the Emperor (Cao Pi) sighed: “He is another Shao Hu of antiquity.” A residence was built for him, with a special hall for his mother. All the infantry volunteers who had accompanied him in defeating Wu were made Tiger Guards. Sun Quan again declared himself a vassal. Zhang Liao returned to Yongqiu and became ill. The Emperor (Cao Pi) sent Palace Attendant Liu Ye with imperial physicians to examine him; Tiger Guards continuously traveled the roads to inquire after him. Before he recovered, the Emperor (Cao Pi) brought him to the traveling court, personally visited, took his hand, and gave him imperial clothing. The Court Provisioner sent imperial food daily. Somewhat improved, Zhang Liao returned to his garrison. When Sun Quan rebelled again, the Emperor (Cao Pi) sent Zhang Liao by boat with Cao Xiu to Hailing on the Yangzi. Sun Quan feared him greatly and warned his generals: “Though Zhang Liao is ill, he cannot be withstood. Be careful!” That year, Zhang Liao and the generals defeated Sun Quan's general Lü Fan. His illness worsened, and he died at Jiangdu. The Emperor (Cao Pi) wept for him and gave him the posthumous designation Marquis Gang (Zhang Liao) <Resolute Marquis>. His son Zhang Hu succeeded. In the sixth year, recalling the achievements of Zhang Liao and Li Dian at Hefei, the Emperor (Cao Pi) issued an edict: “At Hefei, Zhang Liao and Li Dian defeated one hundred thousand enemies with eight hundred infantry. Nothing like this has occurred since warfare began. The enemy remains demoralized to this day. They may be called the state's claws and teeth. Divide one hundred households from each man's fief and grant a son of each the rank of Marquis Within the Passes.” Zhang Hu became Lieutenant General and died; his son Zhang Tong succeeded.

Yue Jin, courtesy name Wenqian, was from Weiguo in Yangping. Small in stature, he followed Taizu (Cao Cao) for his courage and served as a headquarters clerk. Sent home to recruit, he obtained more than a thousand men. On returning, he became Acting Army Major and Commandant Who Breaks Formations. Against Lü Bu at Puyang, Zhang Chao at Yongqiu, and Qiao Long at Ku [橋曨 in this source; the personal-name character may be corrupt and requires review], he always led the assault and rendered service, becoming Marquis of Guangchang Village. He followed the campaign against Zhang Xiu at Anzhong and the siege of Lü Bu at Xiapi, defeated detached commanders, struck Sui Gu at Shequan, and attacked Liu Bei at Pei, winning every encounter. He became Colonel Who Attacks the Enemy. Crossing the Yellow River, he attacked Huojia, returned, and fought Yuan Shao at Guandu. Fighting hard, he killed Yuan Shao's general Chunyu Qiong. Against Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang at Liyang, he killed their senior general Yan Jing and became acting General of Mobile Assault. Separately defeating the Yellow Turbans, he pacified Le'an Commandery. He accompanied the siege of Ye and, after its fall, the attack on Yuan Tan at Nanpi, where he led the assault through the eastern gate. After Yuan Tan's defeat, he separately attacked and took Yongnu. In Jian'an 11, Taizu (Cao Cao) memorialized the Han emperor (Liu Xie) concerning Yue Jin, Yu Jin, and Zhang Liao: “Their martial strength is great and their planning complete. Loyal and single-minded, they uphold integrity and righteousness. In battle and assault, they always lead, fiercely breaking strong positions and overcoming every defense. They personally wield the drumsticks, their hands never tiring. Sent on separate campaigns, they command armies, harmonize their men, obey commands without violation, and decide matters against the enemy without failure. Their achievements and usefulness deserve manifest honor.” Yu Jin accordingly became General of Tigerlike Might; Yue Jin, General Who Breaks the Enemy's Charge; and Zhang Liao, General Who Sweeps Away the Enemy.

Yue Jin separately attacked Gao Gan, entering Shangdang by the northern route and turning against his rear. Gao Gan and the others returned to defend Huguan. In successive battles, Yue Jin took heads, but Gao Gan held firm until Taizu (Cao Cao) arrived in person and the place fell. When Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned against Guan Cheng from Chunyu, he sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to attack. Guan Cheng fled to islands in the sea, and the coast was pacified. Before Jing Province submitted, Yue Jin was sent to garrison Yangdi. Later, after helping pacify Jing Province, he remained at Xiangyang. He defeated Guan Yu, Su Fei, and the others, and the peoples of the mountain valleys in Nan Commandery and the other commanderies surrendered to him. He also decisively defeated Liu Bei's Magistrate of Linju Du Pu and Magistrate of Jingyang Liang Da. Later he accompanied the campaign against Sun Quan and was granted credentials. When Taizu (Cao Cao) returned, Yue Jin remained at Hefei with Zhang Liao and Li Dian. His fief increased by five hundred households to twelve hundred. Because of his repeated achievements, five hundred households were separated to enfeoff one son as a ranked marquis. Yue Jin was promoted to General of the Right. He died in Jian'an 23 and was posthumously designated Marquis Wei (Yue Jin) <Formidable Marquis>. His son Yue Chen succeeded. Resolute and courageous like his father, Yue Chen rose to Inspector of Yang Province. When Zhuge Dan rebelled, he attacked and killed Yue Chen by surprise. An edict mourned him, posthumously appointed him Minister of the Guards, and designated him Marquis Min (Yue Chen) <Mourned Marquis>. His son Yue Zhao succeeded.

Yu Jin, courtesy name Wenze, was from Juping in Taishan. When the Yellow Turbans arose, Bao Xin gathered followers, and Yu Jin joined him. When Taizu (Cao Cao) took charge of Yan Province, Yu Jin and his associates went to serve as company commanders under General Wang Lang. Wang Lang recognized his ability and recommended him as fit for high command. Taizu (Cao Cao) summoned him, conversed with him, appointed him Army Major, and sent him with troops to Xu Province. He took Guangwei and became Commandant Who Breaks Formations. Against Lü Bu at Puyang, he separately broke two camps south of the city, then defeated Gao Ya at Xuchang. He helped take Shouzhang, Dingtao, and Lihu and besiege Zhang Chao at Yongqiu, taking them all. Against the Yellow Turban leaders Liu Pi, Huang Shao, and the others, he camped at Banliang. Huang Shao's men attacked Taizu (Cao Cao)'s camp at night, but Yu Jin defeated them, killed [Liu Pi and] Huang Shao and the others, and received the surrender of all their followers [the bracketed name reflects the source's parenthetical reading]. He became Colonel Who Pacifies the Enemy. At Ku, he helped besiege Qiao Rui and killed him and three other generals. He followed Taizu (Cao Cao) to Wan, where Zhang Xiu surrendered and then rebelled. Taizu (Cao Cao) fought unsuccessfully, his army was defeated, and he withdrew to Wuyin. Amid the disorder, men scattered by bypaths to find Taizu (Cao Cao). Yu Jin alone kept his several hundred troops together, fighting while withdrawing; despite casualties, they did not scatter. When pursuit slackened, he slowly reformed the ranks and returned with drums sounding. Before reaching Taizu (Cao Cao), he encountered more than ten wounded men fleeing naked. Asked why, they answered, “The Qing Province troops robbed us.” These were former Yellow Turbans who had surrendered; Taizu (Cao Cao) treated them leniently, so they dared plunder. Angry, Yu Jin ordered: “The Qing Province troops also serve Duke Cao (Cao Cao). Will they become bandits again?” He attacked and charged them with their offenses. They hurried to complain to Taizu (Cao Cao). On arrival, Yu Jin first established defenses rather than immediately reporting to Taizu (Cao Cao). Someone said, “The Qing Province troops have accused you. You should quickly explain.” Yu Jin replied: “The enemy is behind us and may arrive at any moment. Without preparations, how can we meet them? Moreover, the duke (Cao Cao) is discerning. What scope is there for slander?” After digging trenches and completing the camp, he reported and explained everything. Taizu (Cao Cao) was pleased: “In the crisis at the Yu River, I was hard pressed. Yet you maintained order amid confusion, punished violence, and secured the defenses with unshakable integrity. How could even famous generals of antiquity surpass you?” Reviewing his achievements, Taizu (Cao Cao) enfeoffed him as Marquis of Yishou Village. He again fought Zhang Xiu at Rang, helped capture Lü Bu at Xiapi, and, with Shi Huan and Cao Ren, defeated and beheaded Sui Gu at Shequan.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) first campaigned against Yuan Shao, whose forces were strong, Yu Jin volunteered to lead the advance. Admiring him, Taizu (Cao Cao) gave him two thousand infantry to hold Yanjin against Yuan Shao while returning with the main army to Guandu. When Liu Bei rebelled in Xu Province and Taizu (Cao Cao) went east against him, Yuan Shao attacked Yu Jin, who held firm and could not be dislodged. Yu Jin again joined Yue Jin and the others with five thousand infantry and cavalry against Yuan Shao's detached camps. Moving southwest along the Yellow River from Yanjin to Ji and Huojia counties, they burned more than thirty fortified settlements, took several thousand heads and several thousand prisoners, and accepted the surrender of more than twenty of Yuan Shao's generals, including He Mao and Wang Mo. Taizu (Cao Cao) then sent Yu Jin separately to garrison Yuanwu; he defeated Yuan Shao's detached camp at Dushi Ford and became Assistant General, later returning to Guandu. The opposing armies built earthen hills facing each other. Yuan Shao shot into the camp, causing many casualties and fear. Yu Jin supervised the defense of the hills, fighting fiercely with increasing spirit. After Yuan Shao's defeat, he became Lieutenant General. After Ji Province was pacified, Chang Xi rebelled again. Yu Jin was sent against him and pressed the attack. Chang Xi, an old acquaintance, came to surrender. The generals all thought he should be sent to Taizu (Cao Cao). Yu Jin said: “Do you not know the duke (Cao Cao)'s standing command? Those who surrender only after being besieged are not pardoned. Upholding law and carrying out orders is the integrity of service. Though Chang Xi is an old friend, can I abandon that integrity?” He personally took leave of Chang Xi, wept, and had him beheaded. Taizu (Cao Cao), then at Chunyu, sighed on hearing it: “Chang Xi surrendered to Yu Jin rather than coming to me. Was it not fate?” He valued Yu Jin still more.

After Donghai was pacified, Yu Jin became General of Tigerlike Might. Later, he and Zang Ba attacked Mei Cheng, while Zhang Liao, Zhang He, and the others attacked Chen Lan. On Yu Jin's arrival, Mei Cheng surrendered with more than three thousand men, then rebelled again and joined Chen Lan. As Zhang Liao confronted Chen Lan with little food, Yu Jin sent an unbroken succession of supply convoys; Zhang Liao finally beheaded Chen Lan and Mei Cheng. Yu Jin's fief increased by two hundred households to twelve hundred. Yu Jin, Zhang Liao, Yue Jin, Zhang He, and Xu Huang were all famous generals. On Taizu (Cao Cao)'s campaigns they took turns leading the vanguard and guarding the rear on withdrawal. Yu Jin maintained strict order and appropriated none of the enemy's captured property, earning exceptionally generous rewards. Yet his legal severity did not win the soldiers' hearts. Taizu (Cao Cao) had long disliked Zhu Ling and wished to take away his command. Because Yu Jin had great authority, he sent him with several tens of horsemen and written orders directly to Zhu Ling's camp. Yu Jin took over the troops; neither Zhu Ling nor his men dared move. Zhu Ling was made a subordinate commander under Yu Jin, and everyone was awed. Such was the fear he inspired. He was promoted to General of the Left, granted credentials and an execution axe, and had five hundred households separated from his fief to enfeoff one son as a ranked marquis.

In Jian'an 24, while Taizu (Cao Cao) was at Chang'an, he sent Cao Ren against Guan Yu at Fan and Yu Jin to assist. In autumn, prolonged rain caused the Han River to overflow. Water stood several zhang deep across the plain, submerging Yu Jin's seven armies. Yu Jin and the generals climbed high ground and surveyed the flood with nowhere to escape. Guan Yu attacked them in large boats, and Yu Jin surrendered. Only Pang De refused to yield and died. Taizu (Cao Cao) sighed in sorrow for a long time: “I have known Yu Jin for thirty years. Who could have imagined that, facing danger, he would prove inferior to Pang De?” Sun Quan then captured Guan Yu and his troops, and Yu Jin passed into Wu's hands. After Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) took the throne and Sun Quan declared himself a vassal, Yu Jin was sent back. The Emperor (Cao Pi) received him. His beard and hair were white, his appearance haggard; he wept and bowed his head to the ground. The Emperor (Cao Pi) comforted him with the precedents of Xun Linfu and Meng Mingshi—

—and appointed him General Who Secures the Distant. Intending to send him as envoy to Wu, the Emperor (Cao Pi) first ordered him north to Ye to pay respects at Gaoling. The Emperor (Cao Pi) had scenes painted beforehand in the mausoleum building showing Guan Yu's victory, Pang De's defiant anger, and Yu Jin's surrender. Seeing them, Yu Jin became ill through shame and anger and died. His son Yu Gui succeeded as Marquis of Yishou Village. Yu Jin was posthumously designated Marquis Li (Yu Jin) <an adverse posthumous designation in this account>.

Zhang He, courtesy name Junyi, was from Mao County in Hejian. Toward the end of Han, he answered a recruitment call against the Yellow Turbans and became Army Major under Han Fu. After Han Fu's fall, he took his troops to Yuan Shao, who made him a Colonel and sent him against Gongsun Zan. After Gongsun Zan's defeat, Zhang He's many achievements brought promotion to General of the Gentlemen of the Household Who Brings Peace to the State. When Taizu (Cao Cao) confronted Yuan Shao at Guandu—

—Yuan Shao sent Chunyu Qiong and the others to supervise supplies at Wuchao. Taizu (Cao Cao) personally led an urgent attack. Zhang He told Yuan Shao: “Duke Cao (Cao Cao)'s troops are elite and will certainly defeat Chunyu Qiong. Once that happens, your cause is lost. Hurry to rescue him.” Guo Tu said: “Zhang He's plan is wrong. Better attack the main camp: Duke Cao (Cao Cao) must return, relieving Wuchao without a rescue.” Zhang He replied: “Duke Cao (Cao Cao)'s camp is strong and cannot be taken. If Chunyu Qiong is captured, we shall all become prisoners.” Yuan Shao sent only light cavalry to Chunyu Qiong and attacked Taizu (Cao Cao)'s camp with his main force, but failed to take it. Taizu (Cao Cao) defeated Chunyu Qiong as predicted, and Yuan Shao's army collapsed. Ashamed, Guo Tu slandered Zhang He: “He rejoices at our defeat and speaks disrespectfully.” Frightened, Zhang He joined Taizu (Cao Cao).

Taizu (Cao Cao) was delighted to obtain Zhang He and told him: “Formerly Zixu [Wu Yuan] failed to awaken early and endangered himself. How could that compare with Weizi leaving Yin or Han Xin joining Han?” Zhang He was appointed Lieutenant General and enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting. Given troops, he helped take Ye, then fought Yuan Tan in Bohai. Separately leading an army against Yongnu, he won a great victory. At Liucheng, he and Zhang Liao jointly led the vanguard; his achievements brought promotion to General Who Pacifies the Northern Peoples. He separately campaigned in Donglai against Guan Cheng, then joined Zhang Liao against Chen Lan and Mei Cheng and defeated them. He helped defeat Ma Chao and Han Sui south of the Wei, besieged Anding, and received Yang Qiu's surrender. With Xiahou Yuan, he attacked Liang Xing's bandits in Fu and the Di of Wudu; he also defeated Ma Chao and pacified Song Jian. When Taizu (Cao Cao) campaigned against Zhang Lu, Zhang He was sent ahead to supervise the armies against Dou Mao, the Di king of Xinghe. Taizu (Cao Cao) entered Hanzhong through San Pass and again sent Zhang He ahead with five thousand infantry to open the route. At Yangping, Zhang Lu surrendered. Taizu (Cao Cao) returned, leaving Zhang He, Xiahou Yuan, and the others to defend Hanzhong against Liu Bei. Zhang He separately led the armies to secure the surrender of Badong and Baxi, moving their people to Hanzhong. He advanced to Dangqu, but Liu Bei's general Zhang Fei resisted him, and he withdrew to Nanzheng. He became General Who Sweeps Away the Enemy. Liu Bei camped at Yangping while Zhang He held Guangshi. Liu Bei divided more than ten thousand elite troops into ten commands and attacked Zhang He urgently at night. Zhang He led his personal troops in close combat, and Liu Bei could not prevail. Later, Liu Bei burned the outer defenses in Zouma Valley. Xiahou Yuan went to fight the fire, encountered Liu Bei by another route, and fought at close quarters. Xiahou Yuan died, and Zhang He returned to Yangping.

Having just lost their commander, the army feared Liu Bei would exploit the situation, and all turned pale. Xiahou Yuan's Major Guo Huai announced: “General Zhang (Zhang He) is a famous general of the state, feared by Liu Bei. In today's emergency, no one else can bring security.” He therefore promoted Zhang He as commander. Zhang He came out, ordered the troops and steadied the formations. All the generals followed his direction, and the men's hearts settled. Taizu (Cao Cao), at Chang'an, sent an envoy to grant Zhang He credentials. Taizu (Cao Cao) then came personally to Hanzhong. Liu Bei held high mountains and dared not fight. Taizu (Cao Cao) withdrew all the Hanzhong armies, and Zhang He returned to garrison Chencang.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) became king, he appointed Zhang He General of the Left and advanced him to Marquis of Du Township. On taking the imperial throne, he advanced him to Marquis of Mao. An edict ordered Zhang He and Cao Zhen against the Lushui peoples and Eastern Qiang of Anding. Both were summoned to court at Xu Palace, then Zhang He was sent south with Xiahou Shang against Jiangling. Separately supervising the armies, Zhang He crossed the Yangzi and took fortified camps on its islands. When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> took the throne, Zhang He was sent south to Jing Province. With King Xuan (Sima Yi) <a posthumous royal designation; Sima Yi later received imperial honors under Jin>, he attacked Sun Quan's detached generals Liu A and the others, pursuing them to Qikou and defeating them. When Zhuge Liang advanced to Mount Qi, Zhang He received the rank of Specially Advanced and supervised the armies against Ma Su at Jieting. Ma Su relied on the southern mountain instead of occupying the city below. Zhang He cut off his access to water and decisively defeated him. Nan'an, Tianshui, and Anding had rebelled in support of Zhuge Liang; Zhang He defeated and pacified them all. An edict said: “The rebel Zhuge Liang opposed our tigerlike army with the men of Ba and Shu. General, armored and armed, you settled every place you approached. I greatly commend you. Increase your fief by a thousand households to forty-three hundred in all.” King Xuan (Sima Yi) prepared naval forces in Jing Province, intending to follow the Mian into the Yangzi against Wu. Zhang He was ordered to bring the Guanzhong armies under his direction. On reaching Jing Province, however, winter's shallow water prevented the large ships from moving, so he returned to Fangcheng. When Zhuge Liang emerged again and pressed Chencang, the Emperor (Cao Rui) summoned Zhang He to the capital by relay horse. Personally visiting Henan City, the Emperor (Cao Rui) held a farewell feast and sent thirty thousand soldiers from the Northern and Southern Armies, with detachments of the Martial Guard and Tiger Guards to protect Zhang He. He asked: “By the time you arrive, will Zhuge Liang not already have taken Chencang?” Knowing Zhuge Liang's distant army lacked grain and could not sustain a siege, Zhang He replied: “Before I arrive, Zhuge Liang will already have gone. Counting his supplies, they cannot last ten days.” Zhang He advanced day and night to Nanzheng; Zhuge Liang withdrew. An edict recalled Zhang He to the capital and appointed him General of Chariots and Cavalry Who Conquers the West.

Zhang He understood changing circumstances and was skilled at positioning camps and formations and assessing battle conditions and terrain. His calculations proved correct, and even Zhuge Liang feared him. Though a military man, he loved scholars. He once recommended his fellow townsman Bei Zhan for mastery of the classics and cultivated conduct. An edict said: “Formerly, General Ji Zun proposed appointing Grand Masters of the Five Classics and, in camp, sang refined songs and played pitch-pot with the scholars. Now you command armies abroad while keeping the royal court in mind. I commend your intention and promote Bei Zhan to Erudite.”

When Zhuge Liang again advanced to Mount Qi, Zhang He was ordered to supervise the generals westward to Lüeyang. Zhuge Liang withdrew to defend Mount Qi. Zhang He pursued to Mumen and fought his army; a flying arrow struck Zhang He's right knee, and he died—

—and was posthumously designated Marquis Zhuang (Zhang He) <Valiant Marquis>. His son Zhang Xiong succeeded. For Zhang He's repeated achievements, Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) divided his households to enfeoff four sons as ranked marquises and granted his youngest son the title Marquis Within the Passes.

Xu Huang, courtesy name Gongming, was from Yang County in Hedong. A commandery clerk, he followed General of Chariots and Cavalry Yang Feng against bandits and became Cavalry Commandant for his service. During Li Jue and Guo Si's disorder at Chang'an, Xu Huang advised Yang Feng to accompany the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) back to Luoyang. Yang Feng agreed. When the Son of Heaven (Liu Xie) crossed the Yellow River and reached Anyi, Xu Huang was enfeoffed as Marquis of Duting. At Luoyang, Han Xian and Dong Cheng fought daily. Xu Huang urged Yang Feng to join Taizu (Cao Cao). Yang Feng intended to agree but changed his mind. When Taizu (Cao Cao) attacked Yang Feng at Liang, Xu Huang joined Taizu (Cao Cao).

Taizu (Cao Cao) gave Xu Huang troops and sent him against the bandits of Xuan and Yuanwu—

—whom he defeated, becoming Assistant General. Against Lü Bu, he separately received the surrender of Lü Bu's generals Zhao Shu, Li Zou, and the others. With Shi Huan, he beheaded Sui Gu in Henei. He helped defeat Liu Bei and Yan Liang, relieve Baima, advance to Yanjin, and defeat Wen Chou, becoming Lieutenant General. With Cao Hong, he defeated the Yinqiang [㶏強] bandit Zhu Bi; with Shi Huan, he attacked Yuan Shao's supply carts at Gushi, rendering the greatest service and becoming Marquis of Duting. When Taizu (Cao Cao) besieged Ye and took Handan, Magistrate of Yiyang Han Fan pretended to surrender but continued defending. Taizu (Cao Cao) sent Xu Huang, who shot a message into the city explaining success and failure. Han Fan repented, and Xu Huang accepted his surrender. He then told Taizu (Cao Cao): “The two Yuan brothers remain undefeated, and the unconquered cities listen anxiously. If Yiyang is destroyed today, tomorrow they will all fight to the death, and Hebei may never be settled. Please accept Yiyang's surrender as an example; then all the cities will submit at the first sign.” Taizu (Cao Cao) approved. Xu Huang separately attacked Maocheng, using an ambush to overwhelm three camps. He helped defeat Yuan Tan at Nanpi, suppress rebels in Pingyuan, and campaign against Tadun, becoming General Who Ranges Across the Fields. In Jing Province, he separately garrisoned Fan and attacked the rebels of Zhonglu, Linju, and Yicheng. With Man Chong, he attacked Guan Yu at Hanjin; with Cao Ren, he fought Zhou Yu at Jiangling. In the fifteenth year, he suppressed rebellion in Taiyuan, took Daling, and beheaded the rebel leader Shang Yao. When Han Sui and Ma Chao rebelled west of the passes, Xu Huang was sent to Fenyin to secure Hedong, given cattle and wine, and permitted to visit his ancestors' graves. At Tong Pass, Taizu (Cao Cao) feared he could not cross and consulted Xu Huang. Xu Huang said: “Your great army is concentrated here, yet the enemy does not separately guard Puban. This shows their lack of planning. Now lend your subject—

—elite troops to cross Puban Ford and establish an advance position to cut off their rear, and the enemy can be captured.” Taizu (Cao Cao) agreed and sent Xu Huang across with four thousand infantry and cavalry. Before trenches and palisades were complete, Liang Xing attacked at night with more than five thousand infantry and cavalry. Xu Huang drove him off, allowing Taizu (Cao Cao)'s army to cross. After defeating Ma Chao and the others, Xu Huang and Xiahou Yuan pacified the Di of Yumi and Qian and joined Taizu (Cao Cao) at Anding. When Taizu (Cao Cao) returned to Ye, he left them to pacify remaining enemies in Fu and Xiayang. They killed Liang Xing and received the surrender of more than three thousand households. Xu Huang followed the campaign against Zhang Lu and was separately sent against the mountain Di of Gongdu (攻櫝) and Qiuyi (仇夷), all of whom surrendered. Promoted to General Who Pacifies the Enemy, he relieved General Zhang Shun's siege and defeated more than thirty camps of Chen Fu and the others.

When Taizu (Cao Cao) returned to Ye, he left Xu Huang and Xiahou Yuan to resist Liu Bei at Yangping. Liu Bei sent Chen Shi and more than ten camps to cut the Maming elevated road. Xu Huang separately defeated them; many enemy soldiers threw themselves into the mountain valleys and died. Taizu (Cao Cao) was delighted and granted him credentials, saying: “This elevated road is Hanzhong's strategic throat. Liu Bei wished to sever communications and seize Hanzhong. With one action you defeated his plan: excellent indeed!” Taizu (Cao Cao) then came personally to Yangping and withdrew the Hanzhong armies. Xu Huang was again sent to assist Cao Ren against Guan Yu, camping at Wan. The Han River suddenly flooded, overwhelming Yu Jin and the others. Guan Yu besieged Cao Ren at Fan and General Lü Chang at Xiangyang. Most of Xu Huang's men were new recruits, and he considered it difficult to meet Guan Yu's sharp attack. He advanced to camp at Yanglingbei. Taizu (Cao Cao) returned and sent Generals Xu Shang, Lü Jian, and the others to Xu Huang, ordering: “Wait until the troops and horses have assembled; then advance together.” The enemy held Yancheng. Xu Huang approached and deceptively dug a major trench as though to cut off their rear. The enemy burned its camp and fled. Taking Yancheng, Xu Huang linked camps on both sides and advanced gradually to within about three zhang of the siege lines. Before attacking, he received twelve camps of reinforcements under Yin Shu, Zhu Gai, and the others, sent successively by Taizu (Cao Cao). The enemy had a camp at Weitou and another at Sizhong. Xu Huang proclaimed an attack on Weitou but secretly struck Sizhong. Seeing Sizhong about to fall, Guan Yu personally led five thousand infantry and cavalry into battle. Xu Huang defeated him and pursued so closely that he entered the siege works with the retreating troops and broke them. Some enemy soldiers threw themselves into the Mian River and drowned. Taizu (Cao Cao) ordered: “The enemy's encircling trenches and abatis were ten layers deep. You fought to complete victory, broke through the siege lines, and took many heads and prisoners. In my more than thirty years of warfare, and among the ancient masters I have heard of, none has driven straight through an enemy's encirclement like this. Moreover, the sieges of Fan and Xiangyang exceeded those of Ju and Jimo; your achievement surpasses Sun Wu and Rangju.” Xu Huang returned triumphantly to Mobei. Taizu (Cao Cao) came seven li to welcome him and held a great feast. Raising a cup, he urged Xu Huang to drink and commended him: “The preservation of Fan and Xiangyang is your achievement.” All the armies were then assembled. When Taizu (Cao Cao) inspected their camps, the soldiers left formation to watch; Xu Huang's camp alone remained orderly, with officers and men motionless in their ranks. Taizu (Cao Cao) sighed: “General Xu (Xu Huang) may be said to possess the spirit of Zhou Yafu.”

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) became king, he appointed Xu Huang General of the Right and advanced him to Marquis of Lu Township. On taking the imperial throne, he advanced him to Marquis of Yang. With Xiahou Shang, Xu Huang attacked Liu Bei's forces at Shangyong and defeated them. He was stationed at Yangping and transferred to the fief of Marquis of Yangping. On Emperor Ming (Cao Rui)'s accession, he resisted Wu's general Zhuge Jin at Xiangyang. His fief increased by two hundred households to thirty-one hundred. Gravely ill, he left instructions to be buried in the clothing of the season.

Xu Huang was frugal, cautious, and prudent. As a commander, he always sent scouts far afield, first made himself secure against defeat, and only then fought. Pursuing fugitives and exploiting advantage, he left his soldiers no leisure to eat. He often sighed: “The ancients feared not encountering an enlightened ruler. Now that I have fortunately met one, I should prove myself through achievement. What use have I for private praise?” He never cultivated an extensive network of supporters. He died in Taihe 1 and was posthumously designated Marquis Zhuang (Xu Huang). His son Xu Gai succeeded; after Xu Gai's death, his son Xu Ba succeeded. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) divided Xu Huang's households to enfeoff two of his sons and grandsons as ranked marquises.

Earlier, Zhu Ling of Qinghe had been Yuan Shao's general. When Taizu (Cao Cao) attacked Tao Qian, Yuan Shao sent Zhu Ling with three camps to assist. He fought with distinction. The other generals sent by Yuan Shao returned afterward, but Zhu Ling said: “I have seen many men, none like Duke Cao (Cao Cao). Here is a truly enlightened lord. Having encountered him, where else should I go?” He remained, and all his soldiers, admiring him, stayed with him. Zhu Ling later became a fine general, ranked in reputation just below Xu Huang and the others. He rose to General of the Rear and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaotang [the source parenthetically adds “Village”].

The Appraisal says: In Taizu (Cao Cao)'s establishment of these martial achievements, these five stood foremost among the fine generals of the age. Yu Jin was most renowned for resolution and gravity, yet could not bring his career to a worthy end. Zhang He was praised for skill in adapting, and Yue Jin famed for daring and decisiveness. Yet, examining their recorded deeds, they do not fully match what is said of them. Perhaps the records contain omissions and are less complete and detailed than those of Zhang Liao and Xu Huang.