Book of Wu · Biographies of He Qi, Quan Cong, Lü Dai, Zhou Fang, and Zhongli Mu

He Qi, courtesy name Gongmiao, was from Shanyin in Kuaiji.

In youth Qi was a commandery clerk and acting Chief of Shan. County clerk Si Cong, a reckless knight-errant, committed crimes, and Qi intended to punish him. His registrar advised: “Cong belongs to a great county family supported by the Shanyue. Punish him today and raiders will arrive tomorrow.” Furious, Qi immediately beheaded Cong <the supplied text writes 眾 here>. Cong's kinsmen gathered more than a thousand men and attacked the county. Qi led officials and commoners out through the opened gates and heavily defeated them, overawing the Shanyue. Later people of Taimo and Fengpu rebelled. Transferred as acting Chief of Taimo, he punished the wicked, nurtured the good, and pacified them within a year. In Jian'an's first year Sun Ce came to the commandery and nominated Qi as Filial and Incorrupt. Wang Lang had fled to Dongye, and Shang Sheng, Chief of Houguan, raised troops for him. Ce made Han Yan, Chief of Yongning, concurrent Southern Commandant and sent him against Sheng, with Qi replacing him at Yongning. Yan was defeated, and Qi replaced him as commandant too. Fearing Qi's reputation, Sheng sent to request an agreement. Qi explained good and bad consequences, and Sheng surrendered his seal and ribbon and left his quarters to submit. Rebel leaders Zhang Ya and Zhan Qiang opposed surrender and killed Sheng. Ya styled himself Unsurpassed General and Qiang Administrator of Kuaiji. The rebels were strong and Qi's troops too few, so he halted and rested them. Ya and his son-in-law He Xiong quarreled for power. Qi had Yue men exploit the dispute to sow further discord, until they distrusted and armed against one another. Qi then advanced and crushed Ya in one battle. Qiang's followers, terrified, surrendered together.

Houguan was pacified, but Jian'an, Hanxing, and Nanping rebelled again. Qi advanced to Jian'an and established the commandant's headquarters. It was Jian'an's eighth year. The commandery levied five thousand men from its counties, each led by its own chief under Qi's command. Five rebel leaders—Hong Ming, Hong Jin, Yuan Yu, Wu Mian, and Hua Dang—each commanded ten thousand households in adjoining camps at Hanxing. Wu <the supplied name is incomplete here> separately held Datan with five or six thousand households, and Zou Lin held Gaizhu with six thousand. Datan's route also emerged at Yugan.

The army passed Yugan to attack Hanxing. Considering the rebels numerous and his troops few, and fearing a deep advance would lose support and be cut off, Qi ordered Ding Fan, Chief of Songyang, to remain guarding Yugan. Fan had formerly held a neighboring jurisdiction and resented subordination, refusing to stay. Qi executed him. The army trembled, and all obeyed. Leaving a defensive detachment, he advanced and repeatedly heavily defeated Ming and the others, killing Ming in battle. Mian, Dang, Jin, and Yu surrendered. He then attacked Gaizhu and moved toward Datan; three more commanders surrendered. In all, six thousand heads were taken and all named leaders captured. Counties and settlements were restored, ten thousand men selected for military service, and Qi became Colonel Who Pacifies the East. In the tenth year he attacked Shangrao and separated part of it as Jianping County.

In the thirteenth year Qi became Gentleman-General of Martial Awe and attacked Yi and She in Danyang. Four townships—Wuqiang, Yexiang, Dongyang, and Fengpu—submitted first. Qi proposed making Yexiang Shixin County. At She, rebel leader Jin Qi held Mount Anle with ten thousand households and Mao Gan Mount Wuliao with ten thousand. Yi's leaders Chen Pu, Zu Shan, and others held Mount Linli with twenty thousand households. Linli rose sheer on every side for several tens of zhang. Its steep, narrow paths could not accommodate swords and shields; defenders rolled stones from above, making assault impossible. The army halted for days and officers worried. Qi personally circled it to study the terrain, secretly recruited agile men, and made iron climbing tools. At concealed dangerous points the rebels did not guard, they hacked footholds with halberds, creating a climbing route. By night they ascended secretly and hung down lengths of cloth to pull up others. Several hundred gained the heights, spread on all sides, and sounded drums and horns together, while Qi held troops ready below. Hearing drums all around in darkness, the rebels thought the entire army had climbed up. Bewildered and frightened, the guards of the paths and difficult points abandoned them to join the main body. The army then ascended and crushed Pu and the others. All survivors surrendered; seven thousand heads were taken.

Qi further proposed dividing She to establish Xinding, Liyang, and Xiuyang. With Yi and She there were six counties in all. Quan made them Xindu Commandery and Qi its administrator, seated at Shixin, additionally appointing him Lieutenant General.

In the sixteenth year Lang Zhi of Yuhang in Wu Commandery gathered several thousand clansmen in rebellion. Qi defeated him and proposed separating Linshui County from Yuhang. Summoned to Quan's location, he was seen off on his return to the commandery with music and dancing elephants.

Quan gave Qi a covered carriage and fine horses. Ending the gathering, he halted his own carriage and told Qi to mount his. Qi modestly refused, but Quan had attendants lift him aboard and ordered his clerks, soldiers, and horsemen to lead as on commandery ceremonial duty. Watching, Quan smiled: “A man must exert himself. Without accumulated conduct and diligent service, this cannot be gained.” Only after Qi had gone more than a hundred paces did he turn back.

In the eighteenth year Peng Cai, Li Yu, Wang Hai, and others in eastern Yuzhang rebelled with more than ten thousand men. Qi pacified them, executed the principal leaders, and accepted the others' surrender. The strong were selected as soldiers, the rest registered as county households. He became General Who Rouses Martial Might.

In the twentieth year he followed Quan against Hefei. When its defenders sallied, Xu Sheng was wounded and lost his spear. Qi led troops to resist and recovered it.

In the twenty-first year You Tu of Poyang received Lord Cao (Cao Cao)'s seal and ribbon and stirred the people into rebellion. Lingyang, Shi'an, and Jing County responded. Qi and Lu Xun defeated Tu, taking several thousand heads. Terrified, the remaining factions submitted, as did all three Danyang counties. Eight thousand picked troops were obtained. Qi became General Who Pacifies the East and Marquis of Shanyin, stationed on the Yangzi with command from Fuzhou upstream to Wan.

At the beginning of Huangwu, Wei sent Cao Xiu to invade. Qi arrived late because of the distance and held Xinshi as a barrier. A storm struck the forces at Dongkou, drowning and dispersing them with losses of half their men. Officers and soldiers lost courage. Fortunately Qi had not crossed; his detachment alone remained intact, and the other generals relied on it for strength.

Qi had extravagant tastes and especially delighted in military equipment. Armor and weapons were exceptionally fine. His ship had carved and vermilion decorations, a blue-green canopy, and crimson curtains. Shields, oars, halberds, and spears bore ornate patterns, and bows, crossbows, bolts, and arrows used the best materials. Covered assault craft and fighting ships looked like mountains from afar. Xiu and the others feared them and withdrew. Qi became General of the Rear, with a tally and nominal charge as Governor of Xu Province.

Jin Zong, formerly commander at Xikou, had defected with his men to Wei and returned as Administrator of Qichun, planning an attack on Anle to seize its hostages. Quan felt humiliated and angry. Just after the armies disbanded, in midsummer's sixth month, he ordered Qi to lead Mi Fang, Xianyu Dan, and others in an unexpected attack on Qichun. They captured Zong alive. Qi died four years later. His son He Da and Da's younger brother He Jing both had good reputations and became fine generals.

Quan Cong, courtesy name Zihuang, was from Qiantang in Wu Commandery. His father Quan Rou was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt under Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) of Han and appointed Gentleman and Right Assistant of the Masters of Writing. During Dong Zhuo's disorder he abandoned office and returned home. The province recruited him as Attending Assistant, and an edict appointed him Eastern Commandant of Kuaiji at his residence. When Sun Ce reached Wu, Rou was among the first to raise troops and join him. Ce memorialized for him as Commandant of Danyang. Sun Quan, as General of Chariots and Cavalry, made Rou his chief clerk, then transferred him to Administrator of Guiyang. Rou once sent Cong with several thousand hu of rice to trade at Wu. Cong distributed it all and returned with empty boats. Rou was furious. Cong knocked his head on the ground: “Foolishly I thought the purchases were not urgent, whereas gentlemen and scholars were in desperate distress. I therefore relieved them before I could report.” Rou instead admired him.

Scholars from the Central States were then fleeing south. Hundreds stayed with Cong. He exhausted his household resources to support them, sharing whatever he possessed, and his fame spread. Quan later made him Colonel Who Rouses Awe, gave him several thousand troops, and ordered him against the Shanyue. Recruitment brought more than ten thousand picked troops. He stationed at Niuzhu and gradually became Lieutenant General.

In Jian'an's twenty-fourth year Liu Bei's general Guan Yu besieged Fan and Xiangyang. Cong memorialized a plan to attack Yu. Quan was already secretly discussing a surprise attack with Lü Meng and, fearing disclosure, withheld Cong's memorial without answering. After Yu's capture, Quan held a banquet at Gong'an and told Cong: “You proposed this earlier. Though I did not answer, today's victory is also your achievement.” He was made Marquis of Yanghua Village.

In Huangwu's first year Wei's great fleet advanced at Dongkou. Quan ordered Lü Fan to command the resistance, the opposing camps in sight of each other. The enemy repeatedly raided with light vessels; Cong remained armored and armed, keeping watch without rest. Soon several thousand enemy men emerged into the river. Cong defeated them and beheaded their general Yin Lu. He became General Who Pacifies the South and advanced to Marquis of Qiantang. In the fourth year he received a tally and concurrent administration of Jiujiang. In the seventh year Quan reached Wan and sent Cong with General Who Assists the State Lu Xun against Cao Xiu, defeating him at Shiting. Mountain people in Danyang, Wu, and Kuaiji again rebelled and captured subordinate counties. Quan combined the difficult districts of the three commanderies into Dong'an, with Cong as administrator.

On arrival he clarified rewards and punishments and encouraged submission. Within a few years he obtained more than ten thousand men. Quan recalled him to Niuzhu and abolished Dong'an Commandery.

In Huanglong's first year he became General of the Guards, Left Army Protector, and nominal Governor of Xu Province,

and married a princess.

In Jiahe's second year he commanded fifty thousand infantry and cavalry against Lu'an. Its inhabitants scattered. The generals wanted to divide their troops to capture them. Cong said: “Taking dangerous chances in undertakings without complete security is not the state's proper policy. Dividing troops to catch people offers equal prospects of gain and loss: how is that secure? Even successful captures would not weaken the enemy enough to meet the state's hopes. An unexpected encounter could bring no small loss. Rather than incur guilt that way, I shall bear responsibility myself. I dare not seek achievement by failing the state.”

In Chiwu's ninth year Cong became Right Grand Marshal and Left Military Adviser. Respectful and compliant, he skillfully accommodated the ruler's expression and offered advice without sharply offending him. When Quan planned attacks on Zhuya and Yizhou, he first consulted Cong, who said: “With the sacred court's might, what could resist? But these are alien regions across obstructing seas. Their harmful climate has been known since antiquity. Soldiers entering and inhabitants brought out will become ill and infect one another. I fear those going will not return; how many captives could be brought back? Needlessly diminishing our Yangzi defenses for an uncertain tiny gain still troubles your foolish servant.” Quan refused. The expedition lasted a year, and eight or nine in ten soldiers died of disease. Quan deeply regretted it. Later when the subject arose, Cong answered: “At that time I considered any minister who failed to remonstrate disloyal.”

As a trusted relative, Cong and his clansmen's sons and younger brothers received honors and gifts of thousands in gold. Yet he remained modest toward gentlemen without arrogance in his face. He died in the twelfth year. His son Quan Yi (懌) inherited and later succeeded to the military command. Sent to relieve Zhuge Dan at Shouchun, he was among the first to leave the city and surrender. Wei made him General Who Pacifies the East and Marquis of Linxiang. His elder brother's sons Quan Yi (禕), Quan Yi (儀), Quan Jing, and others also surrendered and held commandery administrations and marquisates.

Lü Dai, courtesy name Dinggong, was from Hailing in Guangling. After serving as a commandery and county clerk, he fled disorder across the Yangzi. When Sun Quan took charge, Dai presented himself at headquarters and was sent as acting Deputy Magistrate of Wu. Quan personally examined county granaries, stores, and prisoners, receiving all magistrates and deputies. Dai's legal judgments and replies pleased him greatly. He summoned Dai as Recording Officer, then sent him as Chief of Yuyao, where recruitment yielded over a thousand sturdy men. Lü He, Qin Lang, and other rebels disturbed five counties around Dongye in Kuaiji. Quan made Dai Colonel Who Supervises the Army, sending him with General Jiang Qin and others. They captured He and Lang and pacified the counties. Dai became Gentleman-General Who Displays Trustworthiness.

In Jian'an's twentieth year Dai commanded Sun Mao and nine other generals in taking Changsha and the other two commanderies. Officials of Ancheng, You, Yongxin, and Chaling gathered in Yinshan Fort to resist him. Dai besieged them and obtained their surrender, securing the three commanderies. Quan left him at Changsha. Wu Dang, Chief of Ancheng, and Gentleman-General Yuan Long coordinated with Guan Yu and rebelled again. Dang held You County and Long Liling. Quan sent General Who Crosses the Yangzi Lu Su against You; Dang broke out and fled. Dai attacked Liling and captured and beheaded Long. He became Administrator of Luling.

In Yankang's first year he replaced Bu Zhi as Inspector of Jiao Province. On his arrival Qian Bo, rebel leader of Gaoliang, sought surrender. Acting under delegated imperial authority, Dai made him Western Commandant of Gaoliang. Native rebels in Yulin besieged the commandery and counties, and Dai defeated them. Wang Jin of Guiyang and Zhenyang gathered rebels on Nanhai's border and caused destructive disorder. Quan again ordered Dai against him. He captured Jin alive and sent him to the capital. The total beheaded and captured exceeded ten thousand. Dai became General Who Pacifies the South, with a tally and the marquisate of Duxiang.

Shi Xie, Administrator of Jiaozhi, died. Quan made Xie's son Shi Hui General Who Pacifies the Distant and concurrent Administrator of Jiuzhen, sending Colonel Chen Shi to replace Xie. Dai proposed making the three commanderies south of the sea Jiao Province with General Dai Liang as inspector, and the four east of the sea Guang Province with himself as inspector. Liang and Shi were sent south, but Hui refused the order and stationed troops at the sea entrance against them. Dai memorialized requesting punishment, then sailed day and night with three thousand soldiers. Someone said: “Hui inherits generations of favor and the allegiance of a province. He cannot lightly be overcome.” Dai answered: “Though rebellious, Hui does not expect my sudden arrival. If I advance secretly and swiftly against his unpreparedness, victory is certain. Delay will let him devise resistance behind strong walls, with the seven commanderies and many native peoples gathering like clouds and echoes. What strategist could then cope?” He went on, passed Hepu, and advanced with Liang. Hui was indeed terrified, unable to devise a plan. He and his brothers, six men, bared their upper bodies and welcomed Dai. Dai beheaded them all and sent their heads away. Hui's generals Gan Li, Huan Zhi, and others led officials and people against Dai, who crushed them. He advanced to Marquis of Panyu. Guang Province was abolished and the territory restored to Jiao Province. Having settled Jiao, Dai attacked Jiuzhen, killing and capturing tens of thousands. He also sent subordinate officers south to proclaim the state's influence. Kings beyond the frontier in Funan, Linyi, and Tangming sent tribute envoys. Quan commended him and made him General Who Guards the South.

In Huanglong's third year, as the south was peaceful, Dai was recalled to station at Oukou in Changsha.

The native peoples of Wuling became restless, and Dai and Minister of Ceremonies Pan Jun pacified them. In Jiahe's third year Quan gave Dai Pan Zhang's troops and stationed him at Lukou, later moving him to Puqi. In the fourth year Li Huan and Lu He of Luling, Sui Chun of Dongye in Kuaiji, Luo Li of Nanhai, and other rebels rose together. Quan again ordered Dai to direct Liu Zuan, Tang Zi, and others in separate attacks. Chun immediately surrendered. Dai appointed him Lieutenant General over his own followers, making him a recognized commander. Huan, Li, and the others were beheaded or captured, their heads sent to the capital.

Quan issued Dai an edict: “Li relied on difficult ground to rebel and brought beheading upon himself. Huan was violent, cunning, and faithless, rebelling again after surrender. Successive campaigns failed to capture him for years. Without your strategy, who could have taken his head? Your loyalty and martial integrity shine still more. The principal villains are gone, great and small tremble, and the lesser remnants are swept away and exterminated. Henceforth the state has no southern anxiety; the three commanderies are tranquil and free from alarm. Moreover the troublesome inhabitants now provide taxes and labor. I sigh with admiration. Rewards must not wait beyond the month: that is the state's standing rule. Determine what is appropriate under our institutions.”

After Pan Jun died, Dai replaced him in handling Jing Province's documents, sharing Wuchang with Lu Xun while retaining command at Puqi. Soon Liao Shi rebelled, besieging towns and disturbing Lingling, Cangwu, Yulin, and other commanderies. Dai memorialized and immediately set out, traveling day and night. Quan sent an envoy after him appointing him Governor of Jiao Province, and generals including Tang Zi followed in succession. After a year's campaigning they defeated the rebels, killing Shi, his falsely appointed Administrator of Linhe Fei Yang, and their supporters. All the commanderies and counties were pacified, and Dai returned to Wuchang.

Though already eighty, he remained vigorous and diligent, personally attending royal business. General Who Rouses Awe Zhang Cheng wrote him:

“In antiquity Dan (Ji Dan) and Shi (Ji Shi) assisted together, and the Two Southern Sections celebrated them in song. Today you and Master Lu (Lu Xun) fulfill that role. Each strives first in loyalty and diligence and yields to the other in toil and modesty. Achievement is completed through adaptive judgment, and transforming influence accords with the Way. Gentlemen admire your virtue and ordinary people delight in your excellence. Moreover documents burden you and guests fill the day, yet weariness never makes you abandon affairs nor toil complain of exhaustion. I also hear you always spring onto your horse unaided rather than mounting by steps. In this you surpass Lian Po. How resolute in everything! The Changes speaks of reverence in ritual and abundance in virtue. How do you possess all these excellences?”

When Lu Xun died and Zhuge Ke replaced him, Quan divided Wuchang into two commands. Dai oversaw the Right, from Wuchang upstream to Puqi. He became Senior General-in-Chief. His son Lü Kai became Colonel of the Auxiliary Army, supervising troops at Puqi. On Sun Liang's accession Dai became Grand Marshal. Pure in conduct and devoted to public service, he left a record wherever posted. During his early years in Jiao Province he sent no provisions home for years, and his wife and children went hungry. Quan heard with a sigh and reproached his ministers: “Lü Dai serves the state diligently ten thousand li away, yet his household suffers and I did not know earlier. Where is the responsibility of my limbs, eyes, and ears?” Money, grain, cloth, and silk were then granted with a regular annual allowance.

Dai was close to Xu Yuan of Wu Commandery, a man of generous spirit, talent, and ambition. Seeing his promise, Dai gave him headcloths and robes and conversed with him, later recommending and promoting him until he became Attending Censor. Loyal and forceful, Yuan liked candid speech. Whenever Dai erred, Yuan remonstrated and also criticized him publicly. When people reported it, Dai sighed: “That is precisely why I value Deyuan (Xu Yuan).” At Yuan's death Dai wept bitterly: “Deyuan was Lü Dai's beneficial friend. Now he is gone, where shall I hear my faults?” People praised him for this.

In Taiping's first year Dai died aged ninety-six. His son Kai succeeded. His instructions required a plain coffin, coarse headcloth and cloth robe, and the simplest possible funeral. Kai followed them all.

Zhou Fang, courtesy name Ziyu, was from Yangxian in Wu Commandery. Studious in youth, he was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt and became Chief of Ningguo, later transferred to Huai'an. Peng Shi and other great leaders of Qiantang gathered like ants to plunder. Fang became Chancellor of the Marquisate of Qiantang and within weeks beheaded Shi and his supporters. He advanced to Western Commandant of Danyang. During Huangwu, Peng Qi, a great Poyang leader, rebelled and captured subordinate towns. Fang became Administrator of Poyang, joined Hu Zong's efforts, captured Qi alive, and sent him to Wuchang. He additionally became Colonel Who Displays Righteousness. Secretly ordered to find prominent old clan leaders in the mountains known to the northern enemy, to use them to lure Wei's Grand Marshal and Governor of Yang Province Cao Xiu, Fang replied that petty popular leaders might be unreliable, leak the scheme, and fail to draw Xiu. He requested permission to send his own trusted men with seven letters to entice him.

The first said: “By a fortune rare in a thousand years, I belong among your province's people. Distant rivers have prevented my respect from becoming manifest; Heaven has made me gaze toward your cloudlike radiance. My sincerity is slight and my name and rank obscure. Though consumed by longing, how could I make it known? A dying fox turns toward its home hill; men cherish their origins. Constrained by those ruling me, I have been unable to present myself. Whenever I raise my head and look west alone, waking and sleeping I sigh in weary longing and toss restlessly. Now an opening lets me state my longstanding purpose. Without divine guidance, how could this happen? Eager beyond restraint, I entrust my life across ten thousand li. I respectfully send trusted men Dong Cen and Shao Nan, ostensibly as deserters, with these letters. Changes in affairs are listed separately. May Your Excellency cast the light of sun and moon upon this distant man's intention and forever let those submitting have a protector.” The second said: “I live on a remote frontier, divided by the Yangzi's waters. Your favor and teaching have not reached me. Stating my heart from mountain valleys, I fear that considerations of great duty may prevent your trusting and accepting me. Men respond to events and plans arise from changes: ancient and modern follow one principle. Serving in the east and administering a commandery, I had achieved my initial wish. I engraved repayment on my heart and intended lifelong loyalty. Unexpectedly I have suffered unjust reproach. Disaster threatens moment by moment, more precarious than a tossed egg. Advancing, I must rightly choose between departure and allegiance; retreating, I face false accusation and wrongful death. Though slight in purpose and conduct, I have one commitment through life and death. Finding this no proper place, how can I not grieve? Following ancient examples, I know where to turn and earnestly reveal my deepest feelings. Grant the moisture of spring Heaven, pity and rescue this emergency, and do not let renewed suspicion cut off my surrender. If this leaks, the punishment will be unimaginable: your compassion and plans would suffer, and others' hearts turn away from your transforming influence. Survey earlier ages, pity me, attend to what I entrust, and quickly send a secret reply. I shall watch your movements and await the chance to respond.” The third said: “My predecessor Wang Jing of Guangling was likewise reproached when commandery people rebelled. Though he diligently explained, he was never forgiven. He secretly planned to submit northward, but the affair leaked and execution reached even infants. I witnessed this. Once the eastern ruler despises someone, he never truly restores favor; even temporary leniency ends in elimination. Keeping me in office now means demanding future results and inevitably killing me. Though still breathing, I burn with anxiety, not knowing when my life will end. Human life is like a white colt passing a crack; to spend it in constant fear is beyond expression. I can only state my foolish views and expose myself fully, fearing my humble status will prevent acceptance. Examine and weigh my words. These people nominally submitted, but remain hidden in mountains and grass, watching for an opening to rebel. When they rise, my life is finished. The eastern ruler has recently assigned generals secretly for a northern advance. Lü Fan, Sun Shao, and others enter the Huai; Quan Cong and Zhu Huan approach Hefei; Zhuge Jin, Bu Zhi, and Zhu Ran go to Xiangyang; Lu Yi (Lu Xun), Pan Zhang, and others attack Mei Fu. The eastern ruler's central force will surprise Shiyang. He has separately sent his kinsman Sun Huan (孫奐) to repair Anlu's walls and storehouses and transport resources and grain for military supplies. He has also ordered Zhuge Liang toward the territory west of the passes. No riverside generals remain; barely three thousand troops guard Wuchang. If Your Excellency brings ten thousand men by Wan southward toward the riverbanks, I shall rouse the officials and people in response within. Previous risings in these commanderies failed on the verge of success only because no outside aid came. If northern troops reach the frontier and proclamations go to the subordinate towns, what longing inhabitant would not stand on tiptoe? Observe Heaven's timing above, human affairs below, and consult stalks and tortoise shells between: these will prove my words true.” The fourth said: “Dong Cen and Shao Nan grew up in my household. I trust and cherish them like sons, so specially send them with these letters under the pretext of defection. Eyes and hearts conveyed the plan without spoken words; even my closest blood relatives do not know. I have instructed them to say on reaching your province that they formerly submitted southward and now wish to defect north. In making this plan I entrust it to Heaven. Success brings survival, a chance leak extermination. At midnight I look to Heaven and swear before the stars. Could my slight sincerity move it? In lonely desperation I can only appeal to Heaven. On dispatching them I hovered between life and death, bodily present but spirit gone, soul bewildered. Fearing Your Excellency lacks full assurance, retain one as future security and send the other back with instructions. He should say he repented defection and returned to surrender. The eastern ruler's standing rule pardons returning repentant deserters. Thus both sides' concerns are met and no trace remains. My life suspended, I look west; tears fall with my brush.” The fifth said: “Poyang's people are mostly ignorant and fierce. Lead them to labor and they do not readily obey; call them to rebellion and they clap in response. Though nominally submitted, their tangled factions remain intact. They live in mountains and hide in grass, still rebellious at heart. The eastern ruler now plans a great campaign with the whole state's forces. The riverbanks are empty, camps and forts depleted, with only inspectors of wrongdoing left. Stir these people now and they can gather in a day. But success requires outside aid and coordinated action from within and without. Otherwise nothing can be achieved. If you advance by Wan to the Yangzi, I shall respond from Likou on its southern bank. Even if you do not immediately reach the river, you may halt a hundred li inland: merely knowing northern troops are there will benefit our people. They do not willingly endure warfare because of hunger or cold, but suffer from campaigns and welcome northern allegiance. Their desperate risings have met no timely response and soon brought disaster. If forces at Shiyang and in Qing and Xu connect their movements and hold the attacking army so it cannot quickly return, that would be best. Born between the Yangzi and Huai and experienced in affairs, I see this opportunity as certain victory in a hundred undertakings. The moment will not return: I dare open my heart.” The sixth said: “The eastern ruler resents his earlier failure at Shiyang. For this next expedition he gathers many new troops and orders Pan Jun to levy large numbers of native people. I hear regulations are prepared: new and weak troops in front, good troops behind. On attacking the city, they mean to fill the moat with the weak and break through at once. Even if not fully practicable, that is the main intention. I fear Shiyang is small and cannot long detain the army. Send rescue swiftly and secretly. Wang Jing's case is a recent warning. My surrender now depends not on Heaven but on Your Excellency. Timely rescue will ensure success; delay will give me Jing's fate. During Peng Qi's uprising I heard your banners were at Fenglong. Everyone here rejoiced and wished to offer service. Had you stayed a month, the enterprise could have succeeded. Regrettably your departure was lightning-fast, allowing the east to reinforce and concentrate against Qi, who was then defeated. Examine these words deeply.” The seventh said: “For this great undertaking only titles can encourage the leaders. I request fifty general's seals and fifty marquis's seals, a hundred gentleman-general's seals, and two hundred each for colonels and commandants, to bestow provisionally on the leaders and strengthen their resolve. Also grant several dozen banners and standards as signs. When mountain troops, officials, and people see them, they will know the choice of allegiance is settled and the promised rescue certain. Men surrender and defect on both sides daily, and news of numbers and circumstances is immediately heard. This great affair demands supernatural secrecy. On reading my letters, keep them hidden. I know your wisdom is constant and your precautions profound, but I am fearful and distressed and repeatedly submit my concerns. Please do not blame or wonder at me.”

Fang also separately submitted this secret memorial:

“The northern rebels hold the Yellow River and Luo's barriers, long delaying royal punishment and usurping the northern lands. I have offered no extraordinary plan or worthy recommendation to glorify your great transforming influence above or discharge even a fraction of service below. My heart is pounded with anxiety; even resting I forget sleep. The sacred court shelters me like Heaven despite my uselessness and graciously orders me to lure the rebel Xiu. Regretting the earlier plan's failure, it instructs me to seek mountain leaders within my commandery known to the northern enemy and have them communicate north. Reflecting, I feel both joy and fear. Such men may not readily be found, and even if found may be untrustworthy. Letting me deceive Xiu would better serve the plan. This fulfills years of hope and a chance in a thousand years. I therefore exerted all my dull ability and drafted the separate letters to entice him. I know I lack the ancients' intricate arts. Suddenly receiving this great strategy, I am confused and distressed, fearing my frivolous ignorance will betray your exceptional favor. Anxiety burns within me. I have heard that Tang Yao anticipated Heaven without its opposing him and broadly consulted grass-cutters and wood-gatherers to accomplish great merit. The court's divine strategy wishes to draw Xiu exactly within its calculations. With spiritual assistance to this sacred plan, Xiu will deliver himself, letting the six armies envelop him and leave not one enemy survivor. Your might will sweep like lightning, to the realm's great fortune. I respectfully submit the memorial and draft letters, fearful and breathless at my shallow limitations.” The reply ordered implementation. <The last sentence records the response following the memorial.>

Xiu indeed trusted Fang and led a hundred thousand infantry and cavalry, baggage filling the roads, straight into Wan. Fang assembled troops and followed Lu Xun in cutting across him. Xiu's forces split and collapsed; those beheaded and captured numbered tens of thousands.

When Fang first devised the secret plan, gentlemen repeatedly came by imperial order to interrogate him about various matters. Fang went to the commandery office gate and cut off his hair in apology. Hearing this, Xiu had no further doubts. After victory, Quan held a great banquet for the returning generals. When wine had flowed, he told Fang: “You cut your hair in the cause of duty and accomplished my great undertaking. Your achievement and fame deserve record on bamboo and silk.” Fang became Deputy General and Marquis within the Passes.

Rebel leader Dong Si relied on difficult ground to plunder, harming both Yuzhang and Linchuan.

Wu Can and Tang Zi once attacked him with three thousand men but failed for months. Fang memorialized requesting their withdrawal and freedom to act as circumstances required. He sent spies with a plan to lure and ambush Si, killing him. Si's frightened younger brother surrendered to Lu Xun at Wuchang and requested settlement on level ground and reform. The commanderies were thereafter free of anxiety.

Fang died after thirteen years in the commandery, rewarding good and punishing evil, employing both might and kindness. His son Zhou Chu also possessed civil and military ability. During Tianji he was Director of the Eastern Observatory <the supplied text writes 今, apparently for 令> and commander of the Troops without Difficulty.

Zhongli Mu, courtesy name Zigan, was from Shanyin in Kuaiji, a seventh-generation descendant of Zhongli Yi, Han's Chancellor of Lu.

In youth Mu moved to Yongxing and personally reclaimed over twenty mu for rice. Near harvest a county man claimed the crop. Mu said: “I reclaimed it only because the field was waste,” and gave him the rice. The county chief heard, imprisoned the man, and intended punishment. Mu interceded. The chief said: “You imitate Cheng Gong and personally practice righteousness,

but I govern the people and must guide them with law. How can I suspend public statutes to follow you?” Mu said: “This is your commandery's territory. Because you showed me kindness I came to stay briefly. If a little rice now costs this man his life, how can I remain?” He packed to return to Shanyin. The chief personally stopped him and released the prisoner. Ashamed and frightened, the man and his wife and children pounded the rice they had taken, obtaining sixty hu, and brought it back. Mu shut his gate and refused it. They left it beside the road; no one took it. Mu became famous through this.

In Chiwu's fifth year Mu advanced from Gentleman of the Palace to Colonel Who Assists Righteousness to the Crown Prince, then Administrator of Nanhai.

He returned as chief clerk to the chancellor, became Director of Rectitude, then Director of the Secretariat. Mountain people in Jian'an, Poyang, and Xindu rebelled, and Mu went out as Army-Supervising Envoy and pacified them. Rebel leaders Huang Luan and Chang Ju brought out their forces to fill military levies. Mu became Marquis of Qin Village and Colonel of Elite Cavalry.

In Yong'an's sixth year Shu was annexed by Wei. The Five Streams peoples of Wuling bordered Shu, and general opinion feared rebellion. Mu became General Who Pacifies Wei and concurrent Administrator of Wuling and went to his commandery. Wei sent Guo Chun, Chief of Hanjia, as provisional acting Administrator of Wuling. Leading Fuling's people into Qianling's territory in Shu, he camped at Chisha and enticed local native chiefs, some of whom rose in support. He then attacked Youyang, alarming the commandery. Mu asked the court officials: “Western Shu has fallen and our borders are invaded. How should we resist?” All answered: “The two counties' mountains are difficult and the native peoples armed. An army must not alarm them, or they will unite. Pacify them gradually by sending kind and trustworthy clerks to explain and console.” Mu said: “No. Foreigners invade and deceive our people. Strike before their roots deepen: like fighting fire, speed is precious.” He ordered immediate preparations and military punishment for any assistant obstructing them. General Who Soothes the Native Peoples Gao Shang advised: “Minister of Ceremonies Pan Jun had fifty thousand men before attacking the Five Streams. Then the Liu state was allied and the natives generally obedient. Now that support is gone and Guo Chun holds Qianling. I see no advantage in your penetrating deeply with three thousand.” Mu said: “How can extraordinary circumstances follow old rules?” He marched day and night through mountain dangers for nearly two thousand li, entered by the frontier heights, and beheaded over a hundred hostile leaders and their followers, with the total beheaded unclear <the supplied numerical phrase 凡於余級 is corrupt or incomplete>. Chun's forces scattered and the Five Streams were pacified. Mu became Commander of Gong'an, General Who Displays Martial Might, and Marquis of Duxiang, then transferred to command Ruxu.

He again became General of the Front, with a tally, concurrently administering Wuling.

He died in office. His household had no surplus wealth, and officials and people missed him. His son Zhongli Yi (褘) inherited and took charge of the troops.

Appraisal: The Shanyue were fond of rebellion, difficult to settle and easy to stir. Thus Sun Quan had no leisure to resist external enemies and used humble language toward Wei. These ministers all quelled internal difficulties and pacified the state's territory. Lü Dai was pure and conscientious in public service; Zhou Fang possessed many ingenious stratagems; Zhongli Mu followed an elder gentleman's standards; Quan Cong had talent suited to his age and was honored in his time, but failure to restrain a wicked son brought criticism and injured his name.