As Cao Cao prepared to dispatch Yu Jin to relieve the siege of Fan Castle, he asked his assembled generals who would volunteer to lead the vanguard. One man answered the call without hesitation. Cao Cao looked upon him—it was Pang De. Overjoyed, Cao Cao declared, "Guan Yu's might shakes all under Heaven, and he has never met his equal. Now, encountering Pang De, he faces a true opponent." Thereupon, he appointed Yu Jin as General Who Conquers the South and Pang De as Vanguard Commander of the Western Expedition, raising a full seven armies to march on Fan Castle. These seven armies were composed entirely of hardy northern warriors. Two officers led them: one named Dong Heng, the other Dong Chao. That day, they led their captains to pay respects to Yu Jin. Dong Heng said, "General, you now lead seven heavy armies to relieve the crisis at Fan Castle. Victory is essential. Yet, by using Pang De as vanguard, are you not inviting disaster?" Startled, Yu Jin asked why. Dong Heng replied, "Pang De was originally a deputy commander under Ma Chao, surrendering to Wei only when he had no choice. His former master now serves in Shu as one of the Five Tiger Generals. Moreover, his elder brother, Pang Rou, also holds office in Western Sichuan. To send him as vanguard is like pouring oil on a fire. General, why not report this to the King of Wei and request a replacement?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Jin went straight to Cao Cao's residence that very night and informed him. Cao Cao, now wary, summoned Pang De to the steps of his hall and ordered him to surrender the vanguard seal. Greatly alarmed, Pang De protested, "I was just about to exert myself for Your Highness. Why do you refuse to employ me?" Cao Cao said, "I had no suspicions myself. But now Ma Chao is in Western Sichuan, and your brother Pang Rou is also there, both serving Liu Bei. Even if I trust you, how can I silence the crowd?" At these words, Pang De removed his cap, knocked his head on the ground until blood streamed down his face, and pleaded, "Since surrendering to Your Highness in Hanzhong, I have constantly felt your profound kindness. Even if my liver and brains were smeared on the ground, I could never repay it. Why does Your Highness doubt me? When I was in my hometown, I lived with my brother. His wife was utterly wicked, and in a drunken rage, I killed her. My brother hates me to the marrow of his bones, swearing never to see me again—our bond is severed. As for my former master, Ma Chao, he has courage but lacks strategy. His army was defeated, his territory lost, and he fled alone into Sichuan. Now we each serve different lords; our old allegiance is broken. I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's favor. How could I harbor treacherous intentions? I beg Your Highness to see into my heart." Cao Cao then helped Pang De to his feet, comforted him, and said, "I have always known your loyalty and righteousness. My earlier words were only to calm the people's hearts. You may strive to achieve great deeds. If you do not betray me, I will surely not betray you."
Pang De bowed in thanks and returned home, where he ordered a carpenter to build a wooden coffin. The next day, he invited all his friends to a feast, placing the coffin in the hall. Shocked, his relatives and friends asked, "General, as you set out on campaign, why do you use such an ill-omened object?" Raising his cup, Pang De said to them, "I have received the King of Wei's deep favor and swear to repay it with my death. Now I go to Fan Castle to fight Guan Yu to the finish. If I cannot kill him, he will surely kill me. Even if he does not kill me, I will take my own life. Therefore, I have prepared this coffin in advance, to show that I have no intention of returning empty-handed." All present sighed deeply. Pang De then called forth his wife, Lady Li, and his son, Pang Hui. He said to his wife, "I am now the vanguard commander. Honor demands I die on the battlefield. If I die, you must raise our son well. He has an extraordinary appearance, and when he grows up, he will surely avenge me." Weeping bitterly, his wife saw him off. Pang De ordered the coffin carried before his troops. As he set out, he told his officers, "I go now to fight Guan Yu to the death. If he kills me, place my body in this coffin. If I kill him, I will take his head and place it in the coffin, then return to present it to the King of Wei." His five hundred officers all declared, "With such loyalty and courage from our general, how dare we not exert ourselves to the utmost?" Thus, they advanced with their army. When word of this reached Cao Cao, he rejoiced, saying, "With such loyalty and courage from Pang De, what have I to worry about?" Jia Xu cautioned, "Pang De relies on the hot blood of valor and wants to fight Guan Yu to the death. I am secretly concerned about this." Cao Cao agreed and hurriedly sent a messenger with an order to warn Pang De: "Guan Yu is both wise and brave. Do not underestimate him. If you can defeat him, do so. If not, be sure to hold your ground." Upon receiving this order, Pang De told his officers, "Why does the King value Guan Yu so highly? I wager that on this campaign, I will shatter the reputation he has built over thirty years." Yu Jin said, "The King of Wei's command must be obeyed." But Pang De, burning with determination, urged his troops forward to Fan Castle, flaunting his might with clamoring gongs and drums.
Now, Guan Yu was sitting in his tent when a scout galloped in with the report: "Cao Cao has sent Yu Jin as commander, leading seven elite armies. The vanguard is Pang De, who carries a wooden coffin before his ranks and utters insolent words, swearing to fight you to the death. They are now only thirty li from the city." At this, Guan Yu's face darkened with rage, his magnificent beard bristling. He thundered, "All the heroes under Heaven tremble at my name and submit to me. How dare this base wretch Pang De show me such contempt! Guan Ping, continue the siege of Fan Castle. I myself will go and cut down this rogue to wash away this insult!" Guan Ping said, "Father, do not pit the weight of Mount Tai against a stubborn rock. Let your unworthy son go in your stead to fight Pang De." Guan Yu replied, "Go ahead and try. I will follow immediately to support you."
Guan Ping left the tent, took up his blade, mounted his horse, and led his troops to meet Pang De. The two armies formed their battle lines. From the Wei camp, a black banner fluttered, bearing the white characters "Pang De of Nan'an." Pang De, clad in a green robe and silver armor, gripping a steel blade and riding a white horse, stood before his ranks. Behind him, five hundred troops followed closely, while several foot soldiers carried the wooden coffin into view. Guan Ping cursed Pang De loudly: "Traitor who betrayed his master!" Pang De asked his men, "Who is this?" Someone answered, "He is Guan Ping, Guan Yu's adopted son." Pang De shouted, "I come by order of the King of Wei to take your father's head! You are a mere scabrous brat—I won't kill you! Quickly, call your father here!" Enraged, Guan Ping spurred his horse and whirled his blade, charging at Pang De. Pang De met him with his own blade. They fought thirty bouts without either gaining the upper hand, and both sides withdrew for a rest.
Word of this soon reached Guan Yu. Furious, he ordered Liao Hua to continue the assault on Fan Castle while he himself went to face Pang De. Guan Ping met him and reported that the fight had been inconclusive. Guan Yu then took up his blade, rode out, and roared, "Guan Yunchang is here! Pang De, why don't you come forth to meet your death!" At the sound of drums, Pang De emerged and shouted, "I come by order of the King of Wei to take your head! Lest you doubt my intent, I have prepared this coffin. If you fear death, dismount and surrender now!" Guan Yu cursed him back: "You are nothing but a common lout! What can you do? It would be a waste of my Green Dragon Crescent Blade to slay a rat like you!" He spurred his horse and charged, blade whirling. Pang De met him, and the two generals fought over a hundred bouts, their energy only increasing. Both armies stood transfixed, watching in awe. Fearing that Pang De might falter, the Wei army hastily sounded the gong to recall him. Guan Ping, worried about his father's age, also sounded the gong. Both generals withdrew. Back in his camp, Pang De told his men, "People say Guan Yu is a hero. Only today do I believe it." Just then, Yu Jin arrived. After exchanging greetings, Yu Jin said, "I heard you fought Guan Yu for over a hundred bouts without gaining an advantage. Why not retreat and avoid him?" Pang De retorted hotly, "The King of Wei appointed you commander. Why are you so faint-hearted? Tomorrow, I will fight Guan Yu to the death. I swear I will not retreat!" Yu Jin, unable to stop him, returned to his own camp.
Back in his own camp, Guan Yu said to Guan Ping, "Pang De's blade technique is well-practiced. He is truly my match." Guan Ping replied, "As the saying goes, a newborn calf does not fear the tiger. Even if you kill this man, Father, he is but a common soldier from the Western Qiang. If something goes wrong, it would betray the trust of your elder brother, the Imperial Uncle." Guan Yu said, "If I do not kill this man, how can I wash away this insult? My mind is made up. Say no more!" The next day, he mounted his horse and led his troops forward. Pang De also led his forces to meet him. The two armies formed their lines, and both generals rode out without a word, engaging in combat. After fifty bouts, Pang De suddenly reined his horse and fled, dragging his blade behind him. Guan Yu gave chase. Guan Ping, fearing a trap, also followed. Guan Yu shouted, "You treacherous Pang! Trying the trick of the trailing blade? Do you think I fear you?" But Pang De's trailing blade was a feint. He hung his blade on his saddle, secretly drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot. Guan Ping, sharp-eyed, saw Pang De draw his bow and yelled, "Treacherous general, no hidden arrow!" Guan Yu quickly opened his eyes, but the bowstring twanged and the arrow was already upon him. He could not dodge in time, and it struck him in the left arm. Guan Ping arrived and rescued his father, carrying him back to camp. Pang De turned his horse and, blade raised, gave chase, but suddenly heard loud gongs from his own camp. Fearing his rear might be in danger, he reined in his horse and returned. It turned out that Yu Jin, seeing Pang De had wounded Guan Yu, feared that he would achieve too great a feat and diminish his own prestige. Hence, he had sounded the gong to recall the troops. When Pang De returned, he asked, "Why did you sound the gong?" Yu Jin replied, "The King of Wei warned us: Guan Yu is both wise and brave. Though he was struck by the arrow, it might be a ruse. That is why I sounded the gong." Pang De said, "If you hadn't recalled me, I would have already cut him down." Yu Jin said, "Haste makes waste. We must plan slowly." Pang De, unaware of Yu Jin's true intentions, could only regret bitterly.
Back in his camp, Guan Yu removed the arrowhead. Fortunately, the wound was not deep. He applied a golden wound salve. Burning with hatred for Pang De, he told his officers, "I swear to avenge this arrow wound!" His officers urged, "General, rest for a few days before fighting again." The next day, word came that Pang De was challenging them to battle. Guan Yu wanted to go out immediately, but his officers dissuaded him. Pang De sent his men to hurl insults. Guan Ping guarded the narrow passes and ordered his men not to inform Guan Yu. For over ten days, Pang De challenged them, but no one came out. He then discussed with Yu Jin: "Clearly, Guan Yu's arrow wound has festered and he cannot move. Why not seize this opportunity to lead all seven armies in a single charge into his camp and lift the siege of Fan Castle?" But Yu Jin, fearing Pang De would succeed, used the King of Wei's warning as an excuse and refused to move. Pang De repeatedly wanted to act, but Yu Jin would not permit it. Instead, Yu Jin moved the seven armies across the mountain pass and encamped ten li north of Fan Castle, at the foot of the hills. Yu Jin himself took command of the main force, cutting off the main road, and ordered Pang De to camp behind the valley, preventing him from advancing and achieving victory.
Now, Guan Ping was overjoyed to see that Guan Yu's arrow wound had healed. Suddenly, he heard that Yu Jin had moved the seven armies north of Fan Castle. Unaware of their strategy, he reported this to Guan Yu. Guan Yu mounted his horse and, taking a few riders, went to a high vantage point to observe. He saw that the flags on Fan Castle's walls were in disarray and the soldiers were panicked. In the valley ten li north of the city, troops were encamped. He also noticed that the waters of the Xiang River were flowing with great force. After observing for a long time, he called his guide and asked, "What is the name of that valley ten li north of Fan Castle?" The guide replied, "It is called the Mouth of the Fish Trap." Guan Yu rejoiced and said, "Yu Jin will surely be captured by me!" His officers asked, "General, how do you know?" Guan Yu said, "When a fish enters the mouth of the trap, how can it last long?" His officers were skeptical. Guan Yu returned to his camp. It was the eighth month of autumn, and heavy rains had fallen for several days. Guan Yu ordered his men to prepare rafts and boats, and to gather water equipment. Guan Ping asked, "We are fighting on land. Why do we need water equipment?" Guan Yu replied, "You do not understand. Yu Jin's seven armies are not stationed on open, level ground, but are crowded into the narrow, perilous Mouth of the Fish Trap. Now, with the autumn rains continuing, the Xiang River will surely flood. I have already sent men to block the various water outlets. When the waters rise, we will take the high ground, board our boats, and release the flood. The troops at Fan Castle and the Mouth of the Fish Trap will all become fish and turtles." Guan Ping bowed in admiration.
Meanwhile, the Wei army stationed at the Mouth of the Fish Trap endured days of unceasing heavy rain. The supervising officer, Cheng He, came to see Yu Jin and warned, "The army is camped at the mouth of a valley on very low ground. Though there are earthen hills, they are some distance from the camp. Now, with the autumn rains continuing, the soldiers are suffering. I have heard reports that the Jing Province troops have moved to higher ground and are preparing war rafts at the mouth of the Han River. If the river floods, our army will be in grave danger. We should make plans early." Yu Jin scolded him, "Are you trying to confuse my army with idle talk? Anyone else who speaks of this will be executed!" Cheng He, humiliated, withdrew and went to see Pang De, telling him of the situation. Pang De said, "Your observation is correct. Since General Yu Jin refuses to move, I will move my own camp to another place tomorrow."
No sooner had they finished their discussion than a great storm broke out that night. As Pang De sat in his tent, he suddenly heard the sound of ten thousand horses galloping and war drums shaking the earth. Alarmed, he rushed out, mounted his horse, and looked around. From all directions, a vast flood was surging in. The seven armies scattered in chaos, countless men swept away by the waves. On level ground, the water was over ten feet deep. Yu Jin, Pang De, and the other officers each climbed small hills to escape the water. By dawn, Guan Yu and his officers, waving flags and shouting, arrived on great ships. Seeing no escape in any direction, with only fifty or sixty men left around him, Yu Jin knew he could not flee and declared his surrender. Guan Yu ordered him to remove his armor and be bound and taken aboard a ship. Then he went to capture Pang De. At that time, Pang De, along with the two Dongs and Cheng He, and five hundred foot soldiers, all without armor, stood on a dike. Seeing Guan Yu approach, Pang De showed no fear but charged forward to fight. Guan Yu's ships surrounded them on all sides, and the soldiers loosed a volley of arrows, killing most of the Wei troops. Seeing the dire situation, Dong Heng and Dong Chao urged Pang De, "Our troops are mostly dead, and there is no escape. It would be better to surrender." Enraged, Pang De shouted, "I have received the King of Wei's deep favor.
How could I bend my knee to another!" He personally cut down Dong Heng and Dong Chao before him, and declared sternly, "Let anyone who speaks of surrender again take these two as an example!" Thus, the remaining men fought with all their strength. From dawn until noon, Pang De's courage and strength only increased. Guan Yu pressed the attack from all sides, arrows and stones falling like rain. Pang De ordered his men to fight with short weapons. He turned to Cheng He and said, "I have heard that a brave general does not fear death to avoid it, and a true warrior does not break his honor to survive. Today is the day of my death. You must fight to the death as well." Cheng He obeyed and charged forward, but was struck by an arrow from Guan Yu and fell into the water. All the remaining troops surrendered, leaving only Pang De fighting alone. Just then, several dozen men from Jing Province approached the dike in a small boat. Pang De, gripping his blade, leaped aboard in a single bound, killing over ten men instantly. The rest abandoned the boat and fled into the water. Pang De, holding his blade in one hand and a short oar in the other, tried to make his way toward Fan Castle. But from upstream, a general came on a large raft, which rammed the small boat and capsized it, sending Pang De into the water. The general on the raft leaped into the water, captured Pang De alive, and brought him aboard. When the men looked, they saw that the one who had captured Pang De was Zhou Cang.
Zhou Cang had always been a strong swimmer and, after living in Jing Province for several years, had become even more skilled. Moreover, he was immensely strong, and thus he captured Pang De. All of Yu Jin's seven armies perished in the water. Those who could swim, seeing no escape, also surrendered.
A poet of the time recorded: In the dead of night, war drums shook the heavens so, The plains of Fan and Xiang became a deep abyss. Who could match Guan Yu's divine strategy? His might resounds through the land, a legend for all ages.
Guan Yu returned to the high ground and set up his command tent. The guards brought Yu Jin before him, bound. Yu Jin prostrated himself on the ground, begging for mercy and pleading for his life. Guan Yu asked, "How dare you resist me?" Yu Jin replied, "I was sent by my lord's command, and had no choice. I beg you, my lord, to have mercy. I swear to serve you unto death." Stroking his beard and smiling, Guan Yu said, "Killing you would be like killing a dog or a pig—a waste of my blade!" He ordered Yu Jin to be bound and sent to the prison in Jing Province's main jail, to be held until his return for further disposition. After this was done, Guan Yu ordered Pang De to be brought forward. Pang De, his eyes blazing with anger, stood upright and refused to kneel. Guan Yu said, "Your brother is now in Hanzhong, and your former master, Ma Chao, is also a general in Shu. Why do you not surrender?" Pang De roared, "I would rather die under the blade than surrender to you!" He continued to curse without cease. Enraged, Guan Yu ordered the executioners to take him out and behead him. Pang De stretched out his neck to receive the blow. Moved by pity, Guan Yu had him buried. Then, taking advantage of the floodwaters that had not yet receded, Guan Yu boarded his war ships again and led all his officers to attack Fan Castle.
At Fan Castle, white-capped waves surged against the walls, the water rising ever higher. The city walls gradually crumbled, and men and women carried earth and bricks, but they could not fill the breaches quickly enough. The Wei officers, their courage shattered, rushed to inform Cao Ren: "This crisis cannot be resolved by force. We should take boats and flee by night while the enemy has not yet arrived. Though we may lose the city, we can still save ourselves." Cao Ren was about to follow their advice and prepare boats for escape when Man Chong counseled, "No. The floodwaters came suddenly; they cannot last long. Within ten days, they will recede on their own. Guan Yu has not yet attacked the city, but he has already sent other generals to Jia. The reason he dares not advance lightly is that he fears we might attack his rear. If we abandon the city now, all the land south of the Yellow River will be lost to the state. I beg you, General, to hold this city firmly as our bulwark." Cao Ren clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Without your guidance, I would have made a grave mistake." He then rode his white horse to the city wall, gathered his officers, and swore: "I have received the King of Wei's command to defend this city. Anyone who speaks of abandoning it shall be executed!" The officers all declared, "We are willing to defend it to the death!" Greatly pleased, Cao Ren set up hundreds of crossbows on the walls. The soldiers guarded day and night, never slackening. The old and young among the citizens carried earth and stones to fill the breaches. Within ten days, the floodwaters gradually receded.
Guan Yu, having captured the Wei general Yu Jin and others, shook all under Heaven with his might, inspiring terror wherever the news spread. Suddenly, his second son, Guan Xing, arrived at the camp to pay his respects. Guan Yu ordered Guan Xing to take the merit reports of his officers to Chengdu, to present them to the King of Hanzhong, requesting promotions and rewards. Guan Xing bowed and took his leave, heading directly for Chengdu.
Guan Yu then divided his forces, sending half directly to Jia. He himself led the remaining troops to besiege Fan Castle from all sides. That day, Guan Yu rode to the north gate, reined in his horse, raised his whip, and pointed, shouting, "You craven rats! Why do you not surrender now? What are you waiting for?" As he spoke, Cao Ren, from the enemy tower, saw that Guan Yu was only wearing a breastplate, with his green robe hanging open. He quickly summoned five hundred crossbowmen and ordered them to loose a volley. Guan Yu hastily reined his horse around, but a crossbow bolt struck him in the right arm, and he tumbled from his horse. Truly: The seven armies in the water had just lost their courage, When a single arrow from the city suddenly struck him down.
Whether Guan Yu would live or die, the next chapter will reveal.