Chapter Summaries

After arriving in Luoyang, Xiahou Xian entered the palace with his mother, Princess Qinghe, for an audience with Cao Rui. While they waited, Princess Anyang provoked Qinghe with remarks about men keeping concubines, and the emperor's arrival cut their quarrel short.

• Xiahou Xian told Cao Shuang he intended to seek a military command in a frontier commandery and resolved to change Wei's future.
• Princess Qinghe questioned Xiahou Xian about the etiquette she had taught him as they rode to the palace.
• A patrol squad let Xiahou Xian and Qinghe's carriage pass after recognizing its six imperial bells.
• Xiahou Xian and Qinghe arrived at the Hall of the Supreme Ultimate, where Princess Anyang introduced her sons Xun Han and Xun Yi and invited Xiahou Xian to visit.
• Princess Anyang made pointed remarks about men keeping concubines, angering Qinghe, before a eunuch announced Cao Rui's arrival.

At a family banquet, Xiahou Xian secured Cao Rui’s promise of a state post and warned that Shu would invade Guanzhong and Longxi next spring. He proposed recalling his father, Xiahou Mao, to the capital and sending Cao Zhen to oversee Guanzhong, leaving Cao Rui to consider his advice.

• Cao Rui questioned Qin Lang about the visitors seeking his favor, and Qin Lang said he would not recommend anyone he could not judge.
• Princess Qinghe asked Cao Rui to appoint Xiahou Xian, and Xiahou Xian agreed to serve in a local post if necessary.
• Cao Rui said he would consider where Xiahou Xian should serve, and the banquet ended with Cao Zhen asked to remain behind.
• Xiahou Xian warned Cao Rui that Shu would invade Guanzhong and Longxi at the beginning of the next spring.
• Xiahou Xian advised Cao Rui to recall Xiahou Mao to the capital and send Cao Zhen to oversee military affairs in Guanzhong.

Cao Rui learned that Shu Han had taken three Longxi commanderies and decided to lead a campaign to Chang'an. Xiahou Xian, summoned to the palace, waited outside Taiji Hall as Cao Rui announced his decision to the court.

• Cao Rui dismissed Xiahou Xian’s warning about Shu Han, then privately agreed with Cao Zhen that Wei could not easily fight on two fronts and praised Xiahou Xian’s foresight.
• Princess Qinghe complained that Cao Rui favored other families, and Xiahou Xian told her he wanted to serve in the army before changing the subject.
• During the second year of Taihe, Xiahou Xian kept away from the pure-talk circle, trained at home, and hurried to the palace after Cao Rui summoned him.
• Cao Rui learned that Nan'an, Tianshui, and Anding had surrendered to Shu Han, and Hua Xin explained that Zhuge Liang’s main army had advanced through Mount Qi.
• Cao Rui rejected the ministers’ remonstrances, declared that he would personally lead the campaign to Chang'an, and vowed not to be a ruler who lost his kingdom.

Cao Rui appointed Xiahou Xian military adviser and ordered him to accompany the army to Chang'an, where he urged Cao Zhen to seize Jieting before Shu Han could cut off Longyou. Xiahou Xian prepared to depart despite Qinghe’s fears, and persuaded her to travel with him to Chang'an to bring back his father.

• Cao Rui summoned Xiahou Xian, appointed him military adviser, and ordered him to accompany the campaign to Chang'an.
• Xiahou Xian advised Cao Rui to send Cao Zhen’s army to seize Jieting before Shu Han could reach it.
• Cao Rui accepted Xiahou Xian’s proposal and ordered Cao Zhen to march to Jieting at once.
• Qinghe protested when Xiahou Xian told her he was going to the front, but he convinced her not to challenge Cao Rui’s decree.
• Xiahou Xian invited Qinghe to go to Chang'an with him so she could bring his father back to Luoyang, and she agreed.

Cao Rui arrived in Chang'an and stripped Xiahou Mao of his military authority, while news that Cao Zhen was advancing toward Longxi forced Zhuge Liang to prepare for a council. The chapter ended with the Han army facing the urgent prospect of defending Jieting before it could build proper fortifications.

• Xiahou Xian warned Xiahou Mao that Qinghe and Cao Rui were coming, prompting Xiahou Mao to dismiss his entertainers and concubines.
• Cao Rui arrived in Chang'an and ordered Xiahou Mao to return to Luoyang, taking military authority away from him.
• Xiahou Xian told Xiahou Mao he would spend the night at Cao Rui's temporary palace discussing military affairs.
• Ma Su read Zhuge Liang an urgent report that Cao Rui had reached Chang'an and Cao Zhen was marching fifty thousand troops toward Longxi.
• Zhuge Liang estimated Cao Zhen could reach Jieting within seven days and ordered Ma Su to check provisions and summon the generals for a council.

Zhuge Liang rejected Wei Yan’s plan to attack Chang’an and decided to lead the defense of Jieting himself. In Chang’an, Xiahou Xian learned that Zhuge Liang had taken command there, and Cao Rui asked him for a plan as Wei’s chances in Longyou appeared uncertain.

• Wei Yan urged Zhuge Liang to seize Chang’an while Cao Zhen’s army was away, but Zhuge Liang rejected the risky proposal.
• Ma Su volunteered to defend Jieting and offered to accept military punishment if he failed, but Zhuge Liang chose to lead the army there in person.
• Three days later, Cao Rui summoned his generals in Chang’an after receiving news that Zhuge Liang had taken up the defense of Jieting.
• Liu Ye warned that Wei could not rely solely on Cao Zhen’s attack to save Longyou, and Cao Rui asked Xiahou Xian for a plan.

Cao Rui ordered Zhang He and Xiahou Xian to confront the Shu army, while Zhuge Liang fortified Jieting with icy walls to block Cao Zhen’s advance. Cao Zhen’s army arrived and began its attack after a brief delay.

• Xiahou Xian advised Cao Rui to concentrate Wei’s forces against Zhao Yun, and Cao Rui ordered Zhang He and Xiahou Xian to garrison Mei County with fifty thousand troops.
• At Jieting, Zhuge Liang rejected Ma Su’s proposal to camp on an isolated mountain and ordered Wang Ping to pour river water over the repaired earthen walls.
• Cao Zhen arrived near Jieting with five thousand cavalry, saw Zhuge Liang’s ice walls and guarded water sources, and reported the situation to Cao Rui.
• Cao Zhen’s remaining troops arrived three days later, and his army began attacking Jieting the next morning.

Xiahou Xian persuaded Zhang He to pursue Zhao Yun’s army into Ji Valley, where the Wei forces were ambushed and Zhao Yun routed their vanguard. Zhang He rode out to confront Zhao Yun as the battle intensified.

• Xiahou Xian advised Zhang He to attack Zhao Yun’s main camp in Ji Valley rather than hold Xieyu Pass.
• Zhang He and Xiahou Xian led the Wei army through the mountain valley, expecting Shu forces to ambush them near the entrance.
• Shu troops attacked the Wei vanguard with arrows, falling stones, and logs before meeting them in close combat.
• Zhao Yun charged the Wei ranks on his white horse and killed their commandant, throwing nearby soldiers into disarray.
• Zhang He intercepted Zhao Yun on his black horse and challenged him to recognize his old adversary.

Zhao Yun lost control of Ji Valley after Xiahou Xian’s cavalry broke through the Shu defenses, forcing the Shu army to retreat into camp. Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi prepared to hold out for fifteen days, but after a brief standoff, scouts reported that the Wei army had withdrawn.

• Zhao Yun and Zhang He fought dozens of exchanges until reports arrived that Wei forces had broken into Ji Valley.
• Xiahou Xian led three thousand cavalry around Zhao Yun’s flank and scattered the Shu troops guarding the valley entrance.
• Zhao Yun returned to the valley with fewer than a hundred riders and gathered his remaining troops with Deng Zhi’s ten thousand men.
• Zhang He praised Xiahou Xian for his battlefield success, then ordered the Wei army to camp for the night.
• Deng Zhi read Zhao Yun a secret order from the chancellor to hold Ji Valley for fifteen days, and they began strengthening the camp defenses.
• After the Wei army remained inactive and built defenses, scouts reported that it had withdrawn.

Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi attacked the Wei camp at the mouth of Ji Valley to stop the Wei main force from reinforcing Longxi, but the apparent victory proved to be a trap. As Wei troops emerged from hiding and set the camp provisions ablaze, Zhao Yun ordered a breakout and the Shu army fled in rout.

• A scout reported that most of the Wei army had apparently marched north, and Deng Zhi suspected it was heading to reinforce Longxi.
• Zhao Yun persuaded Deng Zhi to attack the Wei camp, and the Shu army marched out at dawn with most of its forces.
• Zhao Yun's troops breached the southern and central camps, but Zhao Yun noticed the provisions smelled of fire oil and ordered the army to withdraw.
• Flaming arrows ignited the provisions as a hidden Wei force charged into the camp, and Deng Zhi revealed that most of the Wei army had remained concealed in the mountains.
• Zhao Yun ordered a breakout, and the Shu army fled in a rout.

Xiahou Xian’s plan helped Zhang He defeat Zhao Yun’s army at Ji Valley, while Zhuge Liang withdrew from Jieting after learning of the defeat and Wei reinforcements. Wei recovered Longxi, and Xiahou Xian returned to Chang’an to receive Cao Rui’s praise and await his next assignment.

• Xiahou Xian persuaded Zhang He to feign retreat and lure Zhao Yun into a decisive battle, then Wei cavalry pursued the defeated Shu army through Ji Valley.
• Zhao Yun covered the orderly withdrawal of the Shu troops and burned plank roads near Red Cliff to prevent Wei from advancing into Hanzhong.
• At Jieting, Zhuge Liang’s surprise attack from a nearby hill disrupted Cao Zhen’s assault, but Ma Su soon reported Zhao Yun’s defeat and the arrival of Wei reinforcements.
• Zhuge Liang ordered the Shu army to break camp and withdraw, and Cao Zhen entered Longyou as the commanderies returned to Wei.
• Xiahou Xian returned to Chang’an, where Zhang He praised his military talent and Cao Rui commended him before ordering him to return to the capital.

After returning to Luoyang, Xiahou Xian accepted Princess Anyang’s request to teach her sons Xun Han and Xun Yi, while Qinghe saw the arrangement as a chance to build an alliance. After his first lesson, Anyang’s private invitation left Xiahou Xian flustered, and he recalled leading Wei cavalry to victory at Ji Valley.

• Princess Anyang invited Qinghe and Xiahou Xian to the Xun residence and asked Xiahou Xian to teach Xun Han and Xun Yi.
• Qinghe approved the request, and Xiahou Xian agreed to guide the two boys.
• Anyang introduced Xun Han and Xun Yi to their new teacher, and Xiahou Xian began teaching them the Analects and the Book of Songs.
• After the lesson, Xiahou Xian visited Anyang and grew flustered when she invited him into her room.
• Xiahou Xian recalled leading Wei cavalry through the Shu army’s defenses at Ji Valley and routing the enemy.

After his success in the Longxi campaign, Xiahou Xian received an unexpected appointment as a gentleman attendant of the scattered cavalry and reported to the palace. There, he met Mao Zeng and Xiahou Xuan, whose contempt for Mao Zeng prompted Xiahou Xian to urge cooperation, before Wang Su arrived.

• Cao Rui appointed Xiahou Xian a gentleman attendant of the scattered cavalry instead of assigning him a regional or military post.
• Xiahou Xian collected his seal and ribbon, registered his name, and entered the attendants’ office in the Eastern Hall precinct.
• Xiahou Xian met Mao Zeng and learned that the quiet man was Empress Mao’s younger brother.
• Xiahou Xuan arrived, praised Xiahou Xian’s service in Guanzhong, and took the seat of honor.
• When Xiahou Xuan showed contempt for Mao Zeng, Xiahou Xian urged them to work together in service to Great Wei.
• Wang Su arrived, introduced himself to Xiahou Xian, and praised his reputation from the Longxi campaign.

Xiahou Xian settled into his court duties, then attended Wang Lang’s funeral and met Wang Yuanji. Realizing she would marry Sima Zhao and become the mother of Sima Yan, he decided to intervene in the Sima family’s future to prevent disaster.

• Xiahou Xian returned home after his first day in the Eastern Hall and heard Xiahou Mao and Princess Qinghe argue over arranging his marriage.
• A household servant told Xiahou Xian that Minister Wang had died, and he went to Wang Lang’s residence to offer condolences to Wang Su.
• Xiahou Xian comforted a grieving young woman beside Wang Su and was captivated by her voice and appearance.
• Xiahou Xian recognized the young woman as Wang Yuanji and recalled that she would marry Sima Zhao and bear Sima Yan.
• Xiahou Xian resolved to influence the Sima family’s descendants in hopes of preventing the disasters he associated with Sima Yan.

Xiahou Xian learned that Wang Yuanji was only twelve, then accompanied Cao Rui to a discussion about supplying the southeastern front. Recognizing the danger of Wu’s feigned surrender, Xiahou Xian spoke up in support of Liu Ye’s warning.

• Xiahou Xian discovered Wang Yuanji’s age and reconsidered marrying her soon.
• Cao Rui summoned Xiahou Xian to attend a state meeting about grain and fodder shipments through Yu Province and Xu Province.
• Liu Ye warned Cao Rui that Wu State’s offer of surrender was a trap and that Cao Xiu’s campaign faced danger.
• Cao Rui dismissed Liu Ye’s warning and defended his trust in Cao Xiu.
• Xiahou Xian supported Liu Ye and declared that Eastern Wu was feigning surrender.

After Cao Rui rebuked Xiahou Xian for speaking out of turn, Xiahou Xian learned that Xiahou Xuan had been demoted and attended a banquet at his residence. There he met Sima Shi and heard He Yan and the others criticize court officials and speculate that Cao Rui might be trying to have the Grand Marshal killed in Yang Province.

• Cao Rui silenced Xiahou Xian during court proceedings, and Xiahou Xian later learned that Xiahou Xuan had been demoted to Supervisor of the Feathered Forest Guards.
• Xiahou Xuan invited Xiahou Xian to a banquet at his residence, where Xiahou Xian met Sima Shi and introduced himself to the other guests.
• He Yan mocked Xiahou Xian for previously avoiding their company, but Xiahou Xian apologized and drank with the guests.
• He Yan and the others criticized Jiang Ji and Qin Lang, then debated the risks of Great Wei's campaign in Yang Province.
• He Yan suggested that Cao Rui might want the Grand Marshal to die in the campaign, and Xiahou Xuan cut off the discussion with a toast.

Cao Rui investigated reports that Wu Zhi might be in contact with Wu spies while learning the Xiahou family was pursuing a marriage alliance with him. Xiahou Xian worried about the match and its political risks, and Cao Rui privately asked whether he had already pledged to marry.

• Zhang Zhong told Cao Rui that Wu spies had visited Wu Zhi’s residence, and Cao Rui ordered closer surveillance and an investigation into Wu Zhi’s son’s associates.
• Zhang Zhong revealed that Grand Princess Qinghe’s household was seeking a marriage alliance with Wu Zhi’s family.
• Qinghe explained to Xiahou Xian that she wanted him to inherit Wu Zhi’s political resources, but Xiahou Xian warned that Wu Zhi might incur Cao Rui’s suspicion.
• Xiahou Xian met his new colleague Xiahou Hui, then spent the day considering how to stop the proposed marriage.
• After the others left, Cao Rui kept Xiahou Xian behind and asked whether he had found a match and pledged marriage through a matchmaker.

Cao Rui arranged a marriage between Xiahou Xian and Wang Su’s daughter, Wang Yuanji, to thwart a potential alliance between the Xiahou and Wu families. After Wu Zhi cursed Cao Rui for taking the match, the emperor ordered that Wu Zhi be made to die of illness.

• Cao Rui told Xiahou Xian he would arrange his marriage to Wang Su’s daughter, and Xiahou Xian accepted the emperor’s favor.
• Qinghe explained that Cao Rui’s match was meant to prevent her family from joining forces with the Wu family and consolidating power in Hebei.
• Cao Rui proposed Xiahou Xian as Wang Yuanji’s husband, and Wang Su agreed despite having considered a match with Sima Zhao.
• Wang Su told Wang Yuanji that the emperor had arranged her marriage to Xiahou Xian, and she blushed as she recalled meeting him.
• The Office of Investigations reported that Wu Zhi had cursed Cao Rui over losing the marriage alliance, and Cao Rui ordered that Wu Zhi die of illness.

Cao Rui sent Xiahou Xian to Hebei to summon Wu Zhi back to Luoyang and strip him of his military authority. Wu Zhi refused to comply, and the chapter ended with him drawing his sword after Xiahou Xian accused him of colluding with Wu.

• Cao Rui told Xiahou Xian he planned to summon Wu Zhi to the capital and appoint him Palace Attendant, then ordered Xiahou Xian to deliver the message.
• Xiahou Xian traveled north with his retainers, crossed the Yellow River, and reached Ji County after half a month.
• Wu Zhi received Xiahou Xian and objected that replacing him during Xianbei incursions would endanger the northern frontier.
• Xiahou Xian accused Wu Zhi of clinging to power, but Wu Zhi proposed delaying his return until the fighting on the frontier ended.
• Xiahou Xian accused Wu Zhi of colluding with the Wu rebels, and Wu Zhi drew his sword.

Xiahou Xian persuaded Wu Zhi that surrendering his military authority would protect his family and allow him to enjoy life in the capital. Wu Zhi warmed to him and introduced his daughter Wu Yu, leaving Xiahou Xian at his residence before his planned departure.

• Wu Zhi threatened Xiahou Xian, but backed down after Xiahou Xian challenged him to kill the emperor’s envoy and face a treason charge.
• Xiahou Xian reassured Wu Zhi that the emperor understood his loyalty and had offered to shield him from court criticism.
• Wu Zhi softened toward Xiahou Xian after hearing how Xiahou Mao enjoyed life in Luoyang, and decided that relinquishing his military authority might suit him.
• Wu Zhi hosted Xiahou Xian at a banquet and offered him one of his household courtesans, but Xiahou Xian declined because he planned to leave for the capital the next day.
• Wu Zhi summoned his daughter Wu Yu and introduced her to Xiahou Xian, and she greeted him formally.