Chapter 55: The Beautiful General Zhou

Most of the county towns in Huainan Commandery are clustered around the Fei River and Lake Chao. Juchao County lies to the east of Lake Chao, Hefei County to the north, and Linhu County, where Guo Jia resides, is southwest of the lake—not far from the others.

Cao Xin planned to first deal with Zhou Yu, then capture Guo Fengxiao, who seemed utterly unwilling to leave Shu.

“Zi He, tell me how you lost,” Cao Xin said as he rode with the Langya cavalry toward Juchao, accompanied by the dejected Cao Chun, also known as Cao Zi He.

“Sigh—” From Nanyang to Huainan, they had fought across a thousand miles. Following Cao Xin, Cao Chun’s victories had come easily, and he’d begun to believe that warfare was not so difficult after all—that one could simply sweep through with cavalry at their disposal.

Yesterday, after receiving his assignment, he had marched two thousand troops boldly to the small town of Juchao. Seeing its low walls and learning the defenders numbered only six hundred, his contempt grew.

“I brought my men to Juchao. My scouts reported that Magistrate Zhou Yu, upon hearing of our arrival, had evacuated the town with all his troops an hour before. The gates stood wide open, and I paid little heed, leading my men straight inside.

But Zhou Yu, sly and cruel, had doused the houses with fire oil. As we entered, his people fanned the flames and set the town ablaze. On the walls, archers lay in ambush. I ordered a retreat immediately, but as we withdrew, Zhou Yu charged after us with a squad. He looks like a woman, but his martial skills are formidable. Unprepared, I suffered a crushing defeat,” Cao Chun recounted, head bowed in dismay.

Cao Xin shook his head. “You’re a general. When leading troops, be cautious. Never underestimate the enemy, and remember your responsibility to your soldiers.”

“I understand, Sixth Brother,” Cao Chun muttered.

“Don’t be so downcast. Zhou Yu is a renowned commander; I’ve heard much of him. If I faced him, I might not fare better myself,” Cao Xin consoled.

“Sixth Brother, I know you’re trying to comfort me, but you don’t need to exaggerate. You’re one of the greatest generals in the realm—how could you not handle a pretty-faced youth?” Cao Chun shook his head, unconvinced.

Cao Xin smiled gently, offering no further explanation. He had investigated Zhou Yu before coming; indeed, this was the famed Zhou Gongjin, the beautiful commander.

Zhou Yu’s uncle, Zhou Shang, was formerly the Prefect of Danyang. Two years ago, Yuan Shu summoned Zhou Shang to Shouchun, appointing his cousin Yuan Yin as Danyang’s new Prefect. Zhou Yu accompanied Zhou Shang to Shouchun, where Yuan Shu, impressed by Zhou Yu’s youth, talent, and looks, sought to win him over as a protégé.

Yet Zhou Yu’s heart belonged to Sun Ce of Jiangdong, and he had little regard for Yuan Shu. He declined, claiming he wished to gain administrative experience locally. Yuan Shu agreed and made him Magistrate of Juchao—a post he held for over a year.

His governance was said to be exemplary, making Juchao orderly and prosperous. Why he now led troops against the imperial army was a puzzle Cao Xin found intriguing.

“Report, General!” A scout galloped up, delivering news from Juchao.

“The north gate is wide open. Zhou Yu sits atop the wall playing the zither. There seems to be an ambush within the city.”

“Oh? Interesting. Let’s see for ourselves,” Cao Xin urged his horse forward.

Moments later, he and the Langya cavalry arrived at Juchao’s north gate. The city walls were not high—perhaps four or five meters—mainly built for flood defense given their proximity to Lake Chao.

As the scout had reported, a handsome young man in white sat atop the gate, playing the zither. A censer burned incense beside him, a long-necked porcelain bottle of Taibai Immortal Brew stood as if advertising the wine. Two youthful attendants stood behind him. With the wind, his white robes fluttered, lending him an air of immortality—a true gentleman of the arts.

It resembled the famed "Empty City Stratagem" from legend; one could only wonder whether he or Zhuge Liang had borrowed from the other.

The music was lovely, but Cao Xin had come to fight, not to admire displays. He waved his hand, and over a hundred Langya cavalrymen drew deep breaths and shouted toward the wall,

“Zhou Gongjin, descend and surrender at once!”

A discordant twang sounded as Zhou Yu’s hand slipped, snapping a zither string. A trace of resignation passed across his handsome face.

“General Cao’s methods are indeed unexpected,” Zhou Yu rose and bowed with elegant composure—a simple gesture rendered beautiful by his poise.

“Magistrate Zhou, I am here by imperial decree to rid Huainan of the rebel Yuan Shu and rescue its people from suffering. Yuan Shu has twice been driven from Shouchun; his fate is sealed. Why do you persist in resisting the imperial forces, fighting a desperate battle?” Cao Xin demanded.

“General Cao, I do not defend Juchao for Yuan Gonglu, but for its people. Protecting them is my duty as magistrate. I ask for your understanding,” Zhou Yu replied, waving his white feather fan.

“Nonsense! Juchao belongs to the Han, and its people are Han subjects. I have brought troops to protect them, as a mother retrieves a child stolen by villains. Yet you, Zhou Gongjin, used fire to destroy their homes in defiance of imperial troops, then shamelessly claim to protect them. Are you not ashamed?” Cao Xin rebuked angrily.

On the wall, Zhou Yu’s fair face flushed. He cupped his hands and retorted, “General Cao, Nanyang is under Jing Province’s jurisdiction, and yet you—”

“Enough! I am Prefect of Nanyang, responsible for these lands. Liu Jingzhou surrendered Nanyang to the traitors of Xiliang; could I sit idly by? You, a magistrate appointed by Yuan Shu the false emperor, dare compare yourself to me? I know why you resist. You simply wish to showcase your cunning to the lords, to prove yourself a talent, to elevate your reputation. Beyond that, your actions are meaningless.”

“…” Zhou Yu drew a deep breath, his expression growing cold.

“Rumor has it that General Cao is a master of rhetoric, skilled at twisting facts. Today, I see it is true. I know your abilities and that I cannot match you now. Therefore, I order the gates opened to welcome you. Please, General Cao, enter the city!” Zhou Yu gestured toward the gate, inviting Cao Xin to step into the trap.

Cao Xin glanced at the gate. “Zhou Gongjin, you invite me as a guest to Juchao, yet stand atop the wall to welcome me? Next time I see your uncle, I must ask if your family teaches manners.”

Zhou Yu clenched his fist in his sleeve, swallowing his anger as he called out,

“So, General Cao dares not enter? Ha! The famed General Cao comes to Juchao, yet fears to enter an open gate. Such news will surely bring laughter throughout the realm. Ha ha ha!”

“Ha ha, Zhou Gongjin, your provocation is clever. Today, I’ll oblige you and see what dangers lurk within your Juchao.” Cao Xin barked, ordering half the Langya cavalry to dismount while the rest, led by Liao Hua, waited outside. Grasping his massive iron spear, Cao Xin strode confidently through the gate.

On the wall, Zhou Yu’s lips curled with a hint of triumph.

——