| | The Dashima of Gengshi, Zhu Li, defended Luoyang, and General Wu Han and his generals besieged the city for several months without success. Emperor Shizu, because Cen Peng had once served as an Xiao Wei under Zhu Li, ordered Peng to persuade Zhu Li: "The Chimei have already captured Chang'an. Now, for whom are you defending the city?" Emperor Xiao received his commission to pacify Yan and Zhao; the people felt secure in their homeland and were loyal, while talented men gathered from all directions like clouds. Now that the north is peaceful, a large army has come to attack Luoyang; defending just one city, what hope can you possibly have? "It would be better for you to surrender as soon as possible." Zhu Li said, "When the Dashitugu was murdered, I participated in the plot. Moreover, I advised Gengshi not to send Your Majesty on a northern campaign. Knowing my crimes are grave, that is why I dare not surrender." Peng returned to Heyang and reported to the Emperor. The Emperor told Peng to go back again and explain: "One who undertakes great endeavors does not fear small grudges." "If you surrender now, your official position and rank can be preserved; how much more so will there be no punishment?" The Emperor pointed to the river and said, "This is the Yellow River. I do not break my word." Peng, following the Emperor's orders, went once more to the city walls and spoke to Zhu Li. He then said, "In the past, I had the honor of serving as your subordinate and was recommended and promoted by you; I have deeply received your kindness. I wish to repay my sense of righteousness and dare not betray you." Zhu Li lowered a rope from the city walls and said, "If it is indeed true, then I will ride with you." Peng hurriedly climbed up the rope to ascend. Zhu Li, seeing that he had no doubts, immediately said, "Let us meet at dawn outside the Shandong Gate." Peng went as agreed and met Zhu Li to speak while mounted on their horses. Zhu Li arrived with a small cavalry force to surrender to Peng, who then slaughtered a sheep and prepared food for him. Zhu Li said, "I am now but a surrendered captive; I have not yet met General Wu Gong, so the generals dare not eat." Peng immediately ordered Zhu Li to bind himself and took him together to see General Wu Gong, intending to go to the imperial headquarters at Hejin Pavilion. The Emperor immediately untied Zhu Li's bonds and ordered Peng to send him back to Luoyang under cover of night.
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