Chapter 11: Liu Bei Rescues Kong Rong at Beihai; Lu Bu Defeats Cao Cao Near Puyang

Mi Zhu, a wealthy merchant from Donghai, once encountered a beautiful lady walking along the road as he returned from Luoyang. She asked for a ride in his carriage, and he gave up his seat to her. When she invited him to share the seat, he sat upright, not glancing at her. After some miles, she thanked him and alighted, revealing herself as the Goddess of Fire from the Southern Land. She warned him of a divine decree to burn his home that night but spared him as a gesture of gratitude. Mi Zhu hurried home, removed his valuables, and, as foretold, a fire consumed his house. From then on, he used his wealth to aid the poor, earning his role as a magistrate under Tao Qian.

Mi Zhu suggested a plan to defeat Cao Cao: seek help from Kong Rong of Beihai and Tian Kai of Qingzhou. Tao Qian approved, sending Chen Deng to Qingzhou and Mi Zhu to Beihai, while Tao Qian defended Xuzhou City.

Kong Rong, a descendant of Confucius, governed Beihai and was renowned for his intellect and generosity. When Mi Zhu arrived with Tao Qian’s plea for aid, Kong Rong agreed to help but first wrote to Cao Cao, hoping for peace. Meanwhile, a Yellow Scarves rebellion of 10,000 men besieged Beihai. Kong Rong led his troops but was defeated, leaving the city surrounded and Mi Zhu despairing.

From the walls, Kong Rong spotted a lone warrior scattering rebels. It was Taishi Ci, a famed fighter who had come to repay Kong Rong’s kindness to his mother. Taishi Ci entered the city and offered to raise the siege with a thousand men. Kong Rong, cautious of the rebel numbers, suggested seeking Liu Bei’s help instead. Taishi Ci volunteered to deliver the message and fought through the rebels, reaching Liu Bei in Pingyuan.

Moved by Kong Rong’s plea, Liu Bei led 3,000 troops with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to Beihai. Upon arrival, Guan Yu faced the rebel leader Guan Hai in single combat, slaying him after a brief fight. Liu Bei’s forces, joined by Kong Rong’s troops, crushed the rebels, forcing their surrender or scattering them.

Kong Rong hosted a banquet to honor his rescuers. Mi Zhu relayed Tao Qian’s plight, and Kong Rong urged Liu Bei to assist Xuzhou. Liu Bei agreed, pledging to seek reinforcements from Gongsun Zan before joining the fight.

Taishi Ci, having fulfilled his mother’s wish to aid Kong Rong, declined rewards and left for Yangzhou, where Liu Yao, Imperial Protector, awaited him.

Liu Bei sought aid from his friend Gongsun Zan, explaining his intent to help defend Xuzhou.

“Why risk yourself for someone else’s cause?” Gongsun Zan asked.

“I gave my word and must honor it,” Liu Bei replied.

Gongsun Zan lent him 2,000 troops and Zhao Yun. Liu Bei led his forces to Xuzhou, with Zhao Yun commanding the rear. Meanwhile, Mi Zhu returned with news that Kong Rong and Tian Kai had also promised assistance, easing Tao Qian’s concerns.

However, fearing Cao Cao’s might, both allies camped far from the city. Cao Cao, aware of their approach, split his army to confront them, delaying his attack on Xuzhou. Liu Bei met Kong Rong, who urged caution, but Liu Bei worried about the city’s dwindling supplies. He offered to lead a daring raid with Zhang Fei to reach Tao Qian and strategize.

With Kong Rong’s approval, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei led 1,000 troops and broke through Cao Cao’s lines after a fierce battle with Yu Jin. Upon reaching the city, they were warmly received by Tao Qian, who offered Liu Bei the governorship of Xuzhou.

“I lack the virtue and ability for such a position,” Liu Bei declined. Tao Qian insisted, pleading with tears, but Liu Bei stood firm, citing his duty and reputation. Tao Qian then suggested Liu Bei oversee the smaller town of Xiaopei instead, a proposal Liu Bei accepted after much persuasion.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao received Liu Bei’s letter urging him to abandon his siege in favor of aiding the Han court. Enraged, Cao Cao planned to execute the messenger, but Guo Jia advised feigned diplomacy to stall Liu Bei. At that moment, news arrived of Lu Bu’s invasion of Yanzhou, forcing Cao Cao to retreat.

Tao Qian, relieved, celebrated with banquets, again urging Liu Bei to govern Xuzhou. Liu Bei again refused, citing moral concerns. Tao Qian relented, assigning him to Xiaopei, where Liu Bei fortified defenses and calmed the populace.

Cao Cao returned to confront Lu Bu, who had seized Yanzhou with Chen Gong’s counsel. Despite Lu Bu’s initial victories, his arrogance led to a critical misstep. Ignoring Chen Gong’s advice to ambush Cao Cao’s forces, Lu Bu focused on Puyang. Cao Cao exploited this by capturing a key camp, but Lu Bu counterattacked fiercely, driving Cao Cao into retreat.

In desperation, Cao Cao called for aid. Dian Wei answered, cutting through the enemy with unmatched ferocity, allowing Cao Cao to escape. Despite his losses, Cao Cao regrouped, resolved to outmaneuver Lu Bu another day.