San Guo Zhi Scroll 18 Book of Wei 18

Xu Zhu style Zhong Kang was a man from Qiao of the Qiao state. He was over eight chi's in height, his waist was round. His appearance was firm and manly. His courage and strength was above ordinary men. During the end of the Han, at a young age [Xu Zhu] and his family clan numbering a thousand held strong and defended against bandits. At the time the Ru Nan thieves numbered over ten thousands that attack Xu Zhu's walls. The crowd with Xu Zhu didn't have enough to resist, the battle was extremely exhausting. When the defenders ran out of arrows, [Xu Zhu] gave out orders to the men and women to place rocks on the four walls. Xu Zhu hurled the rocks injuring those down below. The thieves dared not to advance. Provisions were lacking, so a truce was called with the thieves. Oxens were exchanged for food from the thieves. When the thieves came to collect the oxens, the oxens fled. Xu Zhu came out and with one hand grabbed onto the oxen's tail, dragging it over one hundred steps. The thieves were frightened and didn't dare to get the oxen back, so they left. His name was then feared throughout Huai, Ru, Chen and Liang.

When Tai Zu [Cao Cao] got Huai and Ru, Xu Zhu and his followers submitted to him. Upon seeing him, [Cao Cao] spoke: "This is my Fan Kuai.{1}" Xu Zhu was then promptly promoted to Chief Commandant (du wei) and made a Commandant of the Palace (su wei). Various people saw him as a chivarlous person and all commented him as a tiger soldier (hu shi).

{1} Translator's notes: Cao Cao was making a comparison between Xu Zhu and Fan Kuai of the Former Han dynasty. Fan Kuai was Liu Bang's personal guards, who saved the latter at the Hong Men banquet. A 'friendly' swordplay was planned to execute Liu Bang by Xiang Yu. Thanks to Fan Kuai's intervention, Liu Bang was able to escape unscathed. This later became the Hong Men banquet scheme, in which it is mentioned in San Guo Yuan Yi a few times.

When the attack on Zhang Xiu was made, [Xu Zhu] led the attack; it was calculated that he beheaded ten thousand men. Xu Zhu was then transferred to be a Colonel (xiao wei).

An attack was made on Yuan Shao at Guan Du. At the time, there were some soldiers that planned to mutiny. Xu Zhu was usually around in attendance [protecting Cao Cao], thus they didn't dare stike. They waited until Xu Zhu was resting later on in the day before they concealed a dagger to enter. Xu Zhu had a suspicious feeling so he returned to duty. They didn't know this so they entered the tent and saw Xu Zhu there. They were startled upon seeing him and their complexions changed. Xu Zhu noticing this, quickly killed them. Xu Zhu got [Cao Cao's] personal trust and always accompanied him, never leaving his sight.

When attacking Ye, [Xu Zhu] had many merits in battle and was bestowed as Marquis of Guan Nei.

Afterwards Xu Zhu was there for the battle at Tong Gate against Ma Chao and Han Sui. [Cao Cao] went north and crossed the river, first sending the troops. Along with Xu Zhu and over one hundred tiger soldiers, they stayed on the southern banks. Ma Chao rushed at [Cao Cao's] army with over ten thousand cavalry; shooting arrows like it was raining. Xu Zhu reported to [Cao Cao] that the traitors were many. And since they ferried many troops across the river it was best for them to depart. Xu Zhu helped [Cao Cao] onto a ship. The traitors continued to pour on the pressure. The troops didn't want to drown and strived to get across. Xu Zhu killed thosed troops on the ship; with his left hand he raised the horse saddle to cover [Cao Cao]. The ship workers were killed by the falling arrows. With his right hand Xu Zhu helped ensured the boat to make it across the river. Indeed what a perilous situation they were in that day. Afterwards, [Cao Cao] met up with Han Sui and Ma Chao's troops on horseback alone to talk. All around there was no one, except General Xu Zhu. Ma Chao wanted to secretly attack [Cao Cao] unexpectedly. But he had heard of Xu Zhu's bravery and stayed his hand in doubt on his horse. He asked [Cao Cao]: "The Duke has a Tiger Marquis, where is he?" [Cao Cao] looked and pointed Xu Zhu out. Xu Zhu glared angrily with his eyes. Ma Chao dared not to make a move. Many days after, a battle between the two armies clashed with Ma Chao's alliance suffering defeat. For his merits of beheading many enemies, Xu Zhu was made General of the Gentleman of the Household of the Martial Commandant (wu wei zhong lang jiang). The marital guard's name was started from this. In the army, Xu Zhu's might was like that of a tiger, thus the name 'tiger'. From when Ma Chao asked for the 'tiger marquis'; All under Heaven to this day referred to him as this name.

Xu Zhu's nature was one that was prudent and cautious; he respected the laws, and was a man of few words. One time Cao Ren came from Jing Zhou to pay respects at court. [Cao Cao] had not came out yet, so he went to see Xu Zhu outside the palace. Cao Ren called out to Xu Zhu to come sit down and talk. Xu Zhu only said these words: "The royal general comes," and returned inside the palace. Cao]Ren resented this and said to him: "征南宗室重臣 , 降意呼君 , why does the gentleman leave then?" Xu Zhu replied: "Even though you are a relative, you are still external [of the palace]. I am an internal officer, talking with the crowd is enough, what private business do you have inside?" [Cao Cao] heard of this incident and loved [Xu Zhu] the more for it, making him General of Central Firmness (zhong jian jiang jun).

With the collapse of [Cao Cao], Xu Zhu wept and coughed out blood. The Literary Emperor [Cao Pi] advanced his promotion to Marquis of Wan Sui Ting, changed his ranked to General of Martial Commandant (wu wei jiang jun); Chief Controller of the Central Army (du du zhong jun).

Earlier, all of Xu Zhu's tiger troops followed to attack Fa, [Cao Cao] thought they were followers of his. On the same day promoted [Xu Zhu] to become a general. Afterwards due to the merits promoted to general with additional Marquis status, with several tens of people. Chief Commandant (du wei), Colonel (xiao wei) over a hundred people. When the Illustrious Emperor (Cao Rui) assumed the throne he further added the title of Marquis of Mou Xiang. An addition of seven hundred households was added to the fiefdom. The son was bestowed a feudal rank of Marquis of Guan Nei. When Xu Zhu died, he was given a posthumously title of Marquis of Zhuang. His son Xu Yi inherited [his father's titles]. Xu Zhu's brother, Xu Ding also had militarty merits was bestowed General who Raises Might (zhen wei jiang jun), Chief Controller (du du) jiao dao hu bi. In the middle of Tai He{2}, the Emperor thought of Xu Zhu's loyalty and obedience thus issued an imperial decree of praises and support. He again bestowed upon [Xu Zhu's] son and grandson feudal rank of Marquis of Guan Nei. Xu Yi was killed by Zhong Hui. In the beginning of Tai Shi, [Xu Yi's] son, Xu Zong inherited his father's titles.

{2} Translator's notes: The reign year for Tai He started in 227A.D and ending in 233AD. Thus it would place the event somewhere between 229 - 231 AD.

Dian Wei (Zi Man){1}
典韋 (子曼)

Dian Wei was a man from Chen Liu. His appearance was monstrous, with strength above ordinary men. He was a man that had determination and could be relied upon as a chivalrous person. The Liu clan of Xiang Yi and Li Yong of Sui Yang were rivals, of which Dian Wei reported to the former. Li Yong grew up in Fu Chun, as bei wei, he was very attentive. Dian Wei got onto a transport cart of chicken and wine with false intentions entered the gate. Upon the opening of the gates, he withdrew from his bosom, a small knife and killed Li Yong and his wife. He left after obtaining another cart. Li Yong's residence was near the market, the market crowd all panicked [at the killing]. Pursuers numbered several hundred, but none dared approach Dian Wei. After travelling about four to five li's{2}, he met his companion. They turned to fight before escaping. This was how the two met, they met because of heroic togetherness (hao jie).

{1} Translator's notes: Dian Wei's style name Zi Man, does not appear in his San Guo Zhi bio, nor in San Guo Yuan Yi in his introduction. I have taken his style name form Kong Ming's Archives. As to where that source came from, I am not sure.

{2} Translator's notes: One chinese li is equivalent to 0.50km of the metric system or approximately 0.3107miles in the imperial system. So when Dian Wei travelled between 4 to 5 li's, it was 2km to 2.5km in the metric system or 1.24miles to 1.55 miles in the imperial system.

In the middle of Beginning Peace (Chu Ping){3}, Zhang Miao raised a volunteer army of which Dian Wei served as a soldier under the major (si ma) Zhao Chong. One time the troops could not gain any advantage as Dian Wei defended, Zhao Chong remarked his extraordinary strength.

{3} Translator's notes: The reign style of Chu Ping was from 190AD to 194AD where the reign style was changed to Xin Ping. So this would place the events where Zhang Miao raised the volunteer army to be around 191-192AD.

Afterwards [Dian Wei] served under Xiahou Dun. Due to his numerous merits in battle, Dian Wei was promoted to a major (si ma). The High Ancestor [Cao Cao] attacked Lu Bu at Pu Yang{4}. To the west of Pu Yang, Lu Bu had various camps stationed fourty to fifty li's{5} away. [Cao Cao] used a night raid and broke through the lines. Afterwards, Lu Bu's reinforcements arrived and engaged in a three pronged attack. At the time, Lu Bu personally joined the battle. The battle lasted from dawn until day and the situation became quite desperate. 太祖募陷陳 , 韋先占 , around ten personnel were equipped with heavy armor, 棄楯 , 但持長矛撩戟 . At this time, now the west flank was in trouble. Dian Wei went forth to help, the arrows rained down like the rain. He didn't take notice, instead he told the troops: "Tell me when they are ten paces away" The troops then cried: "Ten paces!" Again [Dian Wei] instructed: "Tell me when it's five paces" The troops were fearful and cried: "They're here!" In his hands, Dian Wei held onto over ten halberds, deeply exhaling he rose against those troops knocking them down. Lu Bu's army retreated. That evening, [Cao Cao] withdrew his troops away. Dian Wei was then promoted as Chief Commandant (du wei), always by Cao Cao's side, with personal guards numbering several hundreds, protecting [Cao Cao] in the army.

{4} Translator's notes: Pu Yang laid on the western bank of the Yellow River, northeast of Xu Chang. Guan Du was an estimated 100km north of Xu Chang, with Wu Chao on the opposite side of the Qi River. Leaving Guan Du and following the Yellow River northeast, Pu Yang is an estimated 200km away.

{5} Translator's notes: One chinese li is equivalent to 0.50km of the metric system or approximately 0.3107miles in the imperial system. So this would put Lu Bu's camps at a distance of between 20km to 25km in the metric system or 12.43miles to 15.54 miles in the imperial system.

Dian Wei was a martial general; in each battle with his selected troops he would rise to the occasion and exhibit his prowness. For this his rank was changed to a Colonel (xiao wei). His nature was a man of devotion and attentiveness. It was common that he would stand watch from daylight to the end of the day. His night quarters were usually in a tent, rarely would he return to his private bed chambers. There were banquets in his honor thrown by Cao Cao. Dian Wei had a big pair of crescent halberds as well as a long sword. The troops in the army commented thus: "In the camp there is a huge officer, he is Gentleman Dian. In his hands he holds a pair of crescent halberds that weigh eighty jin's{6}."

{6} Translator's notes: One chinese jin is the equivalent to 0.5kg in the metric system or approximately 1.1015 pounds in the imperial system. So Dian Wei's crescent halberds would weigh 40.00kg in the metric system or approximately 88.20 pounds in the imperial system.

[Cao Cao] invaded Jing Zhou, upon reaching Wan, Zhang Xiu offered to surrender. [Cao Cao] was greatly pleased by the surrender of Zhang Xiu and company that a great banquet was given. While [Cao Cao] was drinking merrily, Dian Wei stood behind him holding onto a great axe, the blade was over a chi in width{7}. Dian Wei, holding onto the axe, stared at everyone in front of [Cao Cao]. After the banquet, Zhang Xiu and his generals didn't dare look. After ten days or so had passed, Zhang Xiu revolted. They stormed [Cao Cao's] camp. The battle went against [Cao Cao], with no advantage, he fled on a light horse. Dian Wei battled at the gate preventing the traitors from entering. The troops then entered from the other gates. At the time Dian Wei had about ten or so men; they all fought a desperate battle; each fought like ten men. The traitors numbered many and were coming from front and rear. Dian Wei using his long crescent halberds attacked left and right destroying ten or more. The surrounding area littered with many casualties and dead. Dian Wei received over ten cuts, yet he continued to fight despite lacking troops. Dian Wei held onto two traitors underneath his arms, killing them. The remaining traitors dared not to advance any further. Dian Wei continued attacking the traitors, killing numerous men. His wounds took its toll, he let out a great cry and then died. The traitors dared not to advance and take his head [from his dead body]. They instead returned to the army. [Cao Cao] had retreated back to Wu Yin where he then heard about Dian Wei's death. The news brought tears to his eyes. A funeral was arranged in which [Cao Cao] personally wept. The body was returned to Xiang Yi for burial. Dian Wei's son Dian Man was made Gentleman of the Household (zhong lang). Whenever they passed by they would offer sacrifice and [Cao Cao] would think of Dian Wei. Dian Man was then promoted to a major (si ma). When the Literary Emperor [Cao Pi] assumed the throne, Dian Man was made a Chief Commandant (du wei) with the feudal rank Marquis of Guan Nei.