Wubei Zhi (Vol. 10)

A great thunder storm broke out. Roof tiles flew in the wind, rain poured down in torrents, and the Zhi River overflowed. Even tigers and leopards were trembling in fear implying the intensity of the storm and the fear instilled in the enemy. Thousands of soldiers drowned. The city was particularly crowded. The light cavalry fled; their military supplies and heavy equipment were captured in amounts impossible to count.

In the first year of the Gengshi era, Guangwu referring to Liu Xiu was pacifying Hebei. Deng Yu took up his staff and crossed the river to the north, catching up to him at Ye. Guangwu was delighted to see him and said, "I have been granted the authority to appoint officials and confer titles. You have traveled a long way to reach me; do you intend to seek an official position?" Deng Yu replied, "I do not wish for that." Guangwu asked, "If that is the case, what is your desire?" Deng Yu said, "I only wish for your lordship’s might and virtue to reach the four corners of the world, and for me to be able to contribute my small part to your success, so that my name might be recorded in the annals of history." Guangwu laughed and had him stay the night. Deng Yu then offered his counsel: "The various generals are merely mediocre men. Judging by their ambitions, they are only concerned with wealth and personal gain, competing for power and seeking daily comfort. They do not possess profound wisdom or long-term..."

Seven keys, three, three, three. Strategy Study: Eastern Han, Part 1