As Cao Cao’s army retreated through Xie Gorge, Kongming had anticipated that his enemy would abandon Hanzhong. Accordingly, he dispatched Ma Chao and other generals to split their forces into a dozen columns, launching relentless raids. Cao Cao could not hold his position. To make matters worse, Wei Yan struck him with an arrow, forcing him to order an urgent withdrawal. The morale of his troops was utterly shattered. No sooner had the vanguard set out than fires erupted on both sides—Ma Chao’s ambush was upon them. Cao’s soldiers, their courage gone, fled in terror. Cao Cao commanded them to march at double speed, traveling day and night without rest. Only when they reached the capital region of Jingzhao did he finally breathe easy.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei ordered Liu Feng, Meng Da, Wang Ping, and others to attack and seize the commanderies of Shangyong. When Shen Dan and his allies learned that Cao Cao had abandoned Hanzhong, they surrendered without a fight. Liu Bei pacified the people, generously rewarded his troops, and the hearts of all were filled with joy. Now, many of his generals harbored the desire to elevate him to the rank of emperor. Not daring to broach the subject directly, they first reported to Zhuge Liang, the military strategist. Kongming said, “I have already made up my mind.” He then led Fa Zheng and others to see Liu Bei. “Today,” Kongming declared, “Cao Cao has usurped all power, and the people have no true sovereign. Your lordship’s benevolence and righteousness are renowned throughout the realm. Now that you possess the lands of both Yi provinces, you may follow Heaven’s will and the people’s wishes by ascending the imperial throne. With a proper title, you can righteously punish the traitor. There is no time to lose—please select an auspicious day.”
Liu Bei was shocked. “Strategist, your words are wrong. Though I am of the Han imperial clan, I am still a subject. To do such a thing would be to rebel against Han.”
“Not so,” Kongming replied. “Today, the realm is torn asunder, heroes arise from every quarter, and each dominates his own region. The talented and virtuous men of the world risk life and limb to serve their lords, all seeking to attach themselves to a dragon or a phoenix, to establish merit and fame. If you avoid this duty out of scruples, you risk disappointing the multitudes. I beg you to consider this carefully.”
Liu Bei said, “If you want me to presumptuously occupy the supreme position, I dare not. Let us discuss a longer-term plan.”
The generals all cried out, “If you refuse, my lord, the hearts of the people will be lost.”
Kongming added, “Your lordship has always valued righteousness above all and is unwilling to accept the title of emperor. But now that you hold Jingzhou, Xiangyang, and the two Yi provinces, you may temporarily assume the title of King of Hanzhong.”
Liu Bei objected, “Though you wish to honor me as king, without an explicit decree from the Son of Heaven, this is usurpation.”
“In times like these,” Kongming said, “we must adapt to circumstances and not cling stubbornly to convention.”
Zhang Fei roared, “Even men of other surnames want to be rulers! And you, elder brother, are of the Han bloodline! Never mind King of Hanzhong—why not just call yourself emperor? What’s wrong with that?”
Liu Bei scolded him, “Say no more!”
“My lord,” Kongming urged, “you must adapt. First, ascend to the throne of Hanzhong, then send a memorial to the Son of Heaven. There is no harm in that.”
Unable to refuse any longer, Liu Bei finally agreed. In the autumn of the twenty-fourth year of Jian’an (219 AD), in the seventh month, an altar was built at Mianyang, nine li in circumference. The five directions were laid out, each adorned with banners and ceremonial regalia. The assembled officials stood in their proper ranks. Xu Jing and Fa Zheng invited Liu Bei to ascend the altar. After he had been presented with the crown, the imperial seal, and the sash, he faced south and received the homage of the civil and military officials as the King of Hanzhong. His son, Liu Shan, was established as the crown prince. Xu Jing was appointed Grand Tutor, Fa Zheng became Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat, and Zhuge Liang was named Military Strategist, overseeing all military and state affairs. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong were created the Five Tiger Generals. Wei Yan was made Grand Administrator of Hanzhong. The rest were given ranks and titles according to their merits.
Having become King of Hanzhong, Liu Bei drafted a memorial and dispatched a messenger to present it to the imperial court at Xuchang. The memorial read:
“I, Liu Bei, though possessed of only the talents of a minor official, have been entrusted with the command of the highest generalship, overseeing the three armies and executing your commands abroad. Yet I have been unable to sweep away the rebels and brigands, nor to pacify and restore the royal house. For too long, Your Majesty’s sacred teachings have declined, and within the six directions of the realm, all is in chaos and not at peace. I am consumed with anxiety, my heart aches as if pierced by a blade.
“In times past, Dong Zhuo first sowed the seeds of rebellion. Since then, a host of villains have run rampant, ravaging the land. Thanks to Your Majesty’s virtuous authority, your loyal ministers have responded in kind. Some have fought with righteous fury, while Heaven itself has sent down punishment. The violent and rebellious have been slain, gradually melting away like ice. Only Cao Cao remains, long unpunished. He has encroached upon and usurped the state’s authority, indulging his wickedness without restraint. I once plotted with Carriage General Dong Cheng to eliminate Cao Cao, but our scheme was discovered, and Dong Cheng was framed and killed. I fled, losing my base, and my loyal efforts came to naught. Thus, Cao Cao has been able to pursue his extreme villainy: the empress was murdered, the imperial prince poisoned. Though I have rallied allies, determined to exert every effort, I have been weak and unworthy, and for years my efforts have yielded nothing. I constantly fear that I will die, failing to repay the state’s grace. I sigh in my waking hours, and in my sleep I am vigilant as if facing a precipice.
“Now, my officials and subordinates argue that in ancient times, the Book of Yu emphasized the ordering of the nine clans, so that the wise might assist and encourage one another. This principle has been passed down through generations of emperors. The Zhou Dynasty, learning from the two preceding dynasties, enfeoffed many of the Ji clan, relying on the support of Jin and Zheng. When the Great Ancestor, Gao Zu, rose to power, he honored his sons and brothers, greatly expanding the nine kingdoms, and in the end, he exterminated the Lü clan to stabilize the ancestral line. Today, Cao Cao despises the upright and the good, and his followers are many. He harbors treacherous intentions, and his usurpation is already evident. Since the imperial clan is weak and the imperial family has no position, I have consulted the ancient precedents and acted according to expediency: they have petitioned to make me Grand Marshal and King of Hanzhong.
“I have examined myself three times. I have received the state’s deep favor and have been entrusted with a region, but my efforts have not been effective. The rewards I have received already exceed my merits. I should not again occupy a high position, lest I invite further blame. But my officials have pressed me, urging me with righteousness. I reflect that the rebels are not yet exterminated, the state’s troubles are not yet ended, the ancestral temples are in danger, and the altars of the state are about to fall.
Truly, this is a time for me to break my heart in worry. If, by adapting to circumstances, I can bring peace to the sacred court, I would not refuse even to walk through fire or water. Thus, I have followed the general opinion, accepted the seal and sash, to enhance the state’s authority.
“Looking up, I see that the title is high and the favor is great; looking down, I think of how to repay, and my worries are deep and my responsibilities heavy. I tremble with fear, as if standing at the edge of a valley. I dare not fail to exert my utmost loyalty, to encourage the six armies, to lead all the righteous, to follow Heaven’s will and the times, so as to bring peace to the altars of the state. I respectfully present this memorial for Your Majesty’s information.”
When the memorial reached Xuchang, Cao Cao was in Ye Commandery. Upon learning that Liu Bei had declared himself King of Hanzhong, he flew into a rage. “That straw-sandal weaver!” he roared. “How dare he do such a thing! I swear I will destroy him!” He immediately ordered a full mobilization of the realm’s forces to march on the two Yi provinces and settle the matter with the King of Hanzhong. One man stepped forward to counsel him. “Great King,” he said, “you must not let a moment’s anger lead you to personally undertake a distant campaign. I have a plan that will require not a single bow or arrow. It will cause Liu Bei to suffer disaster in Shu on his own. When his forces are exhausted and spent, you need only send one general to conquer him, and success will be yours.”
Cao Cao looked at the speaker; it was Sima Yi. Delighted, Cao Cao asked, “Zhongda, what is your excellent plan?”
“Sun Quan of Jiangdong,” Sima Yi replied, “married his sister to Liu Bei, only to have her snatched back at the first opportunity. Liu Bei also occupies Jingzhou and refuses to return it. Between them there is a gnashing hatred. Now, send a skilled diplomat with a letter to persuade Sun Quan to raise an army and take Jingzhou. Liu Bei will surely dispatch the forces of the two Yi provinces to rescue Jingzhou. Then, Great King, you can raise your army to take Hanzhong. Liu Bei will be caught between two fronts, unable to save himself, and his position will be perilous.”
Cao Cao was overjoyed. He immediately wrote a letter and dispatched Man Chong as his envoy, who traveled day and night to Jiangdong to see Sun Quan.
Sun Quan, learning of Man Chong’s arrival, convened his advisors. Zhang Zhao stepped forward and said, “Wei and Wu have never been enemies. It was only because we listened to Zhuge Liang’s persuasive words that the two sides have been locked in continuous warfare for years, bringing suffering to the people. Now that Man Baining has come, he must bear intentions of peace. We should receive him with courtesy.”
Sun Quan agreed. He ordered his advisors to welcome Man Chong into the city for an audience. After the formalities, Sun Quan treated Man Chong as an honored guest. Man Chong presented Cao Cao’s letter. “Wu and Wei have never had enmity,” he said. “It is all because of Liu Bei that discord has arisen. The King of Wei has sent me here to propose that you, General, attack Jingzhou, while the King of Wei leads his forces to Hanzhong. We will strike from both sides. After Liu Bei is destroyed, we will divide his territories and swear never to invade each other.”
After reading the letter, Sun Quan hosted a banquet for Man Chong and then sent him to rest at the guesthouse.
Sun Quan then discussed the matter with his advisors. Gu Yong said, “Though this is a persuasive argument, it has some logic. For now, we can send Man Chong back, agreeing to coordinate with Cao Cao for a pincer attack. At the same time, we should send someone across the river to spy on Guan Yu’s movements before we act.”
Zhuge Jin added, “I have heard that since Guan Yu arrived in Jingzhou, Liu Bei arranged a marriage for him, and he has a son and then a daughter. The daughter is still young and not yet betrothed. I am willing to go and propose a marriage between her and our lord’s eldest son. If Guan Yu agrees, we can discuss joining forces to defeat Cao Cao. If he refuses, we can then assist Cao in taking Jingzhou.”
Sun Quan adopted this plan. He first sent Man Chong back to Xuchang and then dispatched Zhuge Jin as an envoy to Jingzhou. Zhuge Jin entered the city and was granted an audience with Guan Yu. After the formalities, Guan Yu asked, “Ziyu, what brings you here?”
“I have come specifically to seek a bond of marriage between our two houses,” Zhuge Jin replied. “My lord, the Marquis of Wu, has a son of great intelligence. I have heard that you, General, have a daughter. I have come to propose the match. If our two houses unite, we can join forces to destroy Cao Cao. This is truly a fine affair. I beg you to consider it.”
Guan Yu flew into a towering rage. “A daughter of a tiger,” he roared, “how could I marry her to a dog’s son! If it were not for your younger brother’s sake, I would cut off your head here and now! Say no more!” He ordered his attendants to drive Zhuge Jin out.
Zhuge Jin, clutching his head as he fled, returned to see the Marquis of Wu. Not daring to conceal anything, he reported the truth. Sun Quan was furious. “How can he be so rude!” he exclaimed. He summoned Zhang Zhao and his other civil and military officials to discuss a plan to take Jingzhou.
Bu Zhi said, “Cao Cao has long desired to usurp the Han throne. The only one he fears is Liu Bei. Now he sends an envoy to urge Wu to raise an army to swallow Shu. This is a plot to shift disaster onto Wu.”
Sun Quan replied, “I have long wanted to take Jingzhou myself.”
Bu Zhi continued, “Now Cao Ren has troops stationed at Xiangyang and Fancheng. Without the barrier of the Yangtze River, he could take Jingzhou by land. Why doesn’t he do so himself, but instead urges you to move? This reveals his true intentions. My lord, you should send an envoy to Xuchang to see Cao Cao, ordering Cao Ren to first raise an army by land to take Jingzhou. Guan Yu will surely pull troops from Jingzhou to attack Fancheng. Once Guan Yu moves, you can dispatch a general to secretly seize Jingzhou. In one stroke, it will be yours.”
Sun Quan agreed. He immediately sent an envoy across the river to deliver a letter to Cao Cao, explaining the plan. Cao Cao was overjoyed. He sent the envoy back first and then dispatched Man Chong to Fancheng to assist Cao Ren as a staff officer, to discuss the deployment of troops. At the same time, he sent a swift proclamation to Wu, ordering them to coordinate with a naval force to take Jingzhou.
Meanwhile, the King of Hanzhong ordered Wei Yan to take command of the army and defend Eastern Hanzhong. He then led his officials back to Chengdu. He ordered the construction of palaces and guesthouses. From Chengdu to Baishui, more than four hundred stations and post houses were built. Grain and fodder were stockpiled, and weapons were manufactured in great quantities, all in preparation for an advance on the Central Plains. Spies soon reported that Cao Cao had formed an alliance with Wu and was planning to take Jingzhou. The news was swiftly reported to Shu. The King of Hanzhong urgently summoned Kongming for consultation.
Kongming said, “I had already anticipated that Cao Cao would devise this scheme. But Wu has many strategists. They will surely counsel Cao to have Cao Ren strike first.”
“What should we do then?” asked the King of Hanzhong.
“We can send an envoy with the official commission to Guan Yu,” Kongming replied, “ordering him to first raise an army and take Fancheng. This will strike terror into the enemy’s hearts, and their plans will naturally fall apart.”
The King of Hanzhong was greatly pleased. He immediately dispatched Fei Shi, the Commandant of the Van, as his envoy, bearing the commission to Jingzhou.
Guan Yu came out of the city to welcome Fei Shi. They entered the official residence, and after the formalities, Guan Yu asked, “What rank has the King of Hanzhong bestowed upon me?”
“You are the foremost of the Five Tiger Generals,” Fei Shi replied.
“Who are the five?” Guan Yu asked.
“Guan, Zhang, Zhao, Ma, and Huang,” Fei Shi answered.
Guan Yu flew into a rage. “Yide is my younger brother. Ma Chao comes from a family of generals for generations. Zilong has long followed my elder brother and is like a brother to me. It is acceptable for them to be ranked with me. But what kind of man is Huang Zhong, that he dares to stand in the same ranks as I? A true man will never serve alongside an old soldier!” He refused to accept the seal.
Fei Shi smiled and said, “General, you are mistaken. In days past, Xiao He and Cao Can rose up with Gao Zu, the founder of Han, and were closest to him. Yet Han Xin was a fugitive general from Chu. Nevertheless, Han Xin was enfeoffed as a king and ranked above Xiao He and Cao Can. I have never heard that Xiao He and Cao Can resented this. Though the King of Hanzhong has created the Five Tiger Generals, he shares the bond of brotherhood with you, General. He regards you as one with himself. You are the King of Hanzhong, and the King of Hanzhong is you. How can you compare yourself to the others? You have received great kindness from the King of Hanzhong. You should share his joys and sorrows, his fortunes and misfortunes. You should not quibble over the height of your official title. I beg you to think carefully.”
Guan Yu saw the light. He bowed twice and said, “My ignorance nearly ruined a great matter. If not for your instruction, I would have made a grave error.” He then accepted the seal and sash.
Fei Shi then delivered the king’s decree, ordering Guan Yu to lead his army to take Fancheng. Guan Yu accepted the command. He immediately dispatched Fu Shiren and Mi Fang as vanguard commanders, ordering them to lead a force to camp outside Jingzhou. Meanwhile, he held a banquet in the city to entertain Fei Shi. They drank until the second watch, when a report came that a fire had broken out in the camp outside the city. Guan Yu quickly donned his armor, mounted his horse, and rode out to see. It turned out that Fu Shiren and Mi Fang, while drinking, had let a fire start behind their tent. The flames had reached the gunpowder stores, shaking the entire camp and burning all the weapons and grain. Guan Yu led his men to extinguish the blaze, and only by the fourth watch was it put out.
Guan Yu returned to the city and summoned Fu Shiren and Mi Fang. He berated them, “I ordered you two to be the vanguard. Before you have even marched, you have burned so many weapons and grain, and your own cannons have killed our own soldiers. With such incompetence, what use are you?” He ordered them to be beheaded.
Fei Shi interceded, “To execute a general before the campaign has begun is unlucky for the army. You may temporarily pardon their crime.”
Guan Yu’s anger did not subside. He shouted at the two men, “If not for Commandant Fei’s sake, I would have your heads!” He ordered the guards to give each of them forty strokes, stripped them of their vanguard seals, and demoted Mi Fang to guard Nan Commandery and Fu Shiren to guard Gong’an. He said, “If, when I return victorious, I find the slightest fault, I will punish you for both offenses!” The two men, deeply humiliated, left with murmured apologies.
Guan Yu then appointed Liao Hua as vanguard, Guan Ping as his second-in-command, and took personal command of the central army. Ma Liang and Yi Ji were his staff officers. They set out together. Earlier, Hu Ban, the son of Hu Hua, had come to Jingzhou to surrender to Lord Guan. Guan Yu, remembering Hu Ban’s past kindness in saving him, held him in great affection. He ordered him to accompany Fei Shi back to Shu to receive a commission from the King of Hanzhong. Fei Shi took his leave of Lord Guan and, bringing Hu Ban with him, returned to Shu.
On the day of the campaign, Lord Guan made sacrifices to the great banner of the commander. He then dozed off in his tent. In a dream, he saw a pig, as large as an ox, completely black, charging into the tent and biting his foot. Enraged, Guan Yu drew his sword and struck it down. The sound was like tearing silk. He woke with a start—it had been a dream. He felt a dull pain in his left foot and was deeply troubled. He summoned Guan Ping and told him the dream.
Guan Ping replied, “The pig also has the aspect of a dragon. A dragon attached to your foot signifies an ascent. You need not worry.”
Guan Yu gathered his officers and told them the dream. Some said it was auspicious, others said it was not. Opinions were divided. Guan Yu said, “I am a true man, nearly sixty years old. What regret would I have in dying?”
As he spoke, an envoy from Shu arrived, bearing the King of Hanzhong’s decree. It appointed Guan Yu as General of the Van, with the authority of the ceremonial axe and seal, commanding all affairs of the nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. After Guan Yu received the commission, his officers came to congratulate him. “This is the omen of the pig-dragon’s good fortune,” they said. Thus, Guan Yu set aside his doubts and, with a calm mind, led his army on the main road toward Xiangyang.
Cao Ren was in the city when he received word that Guan Yu was coming with his own army. Alarmed, he wanted to hold the city and not give battle. His deputy, Zhai Yuan, said, “The King of Wei ordered you, General, to coordinate with Wu to take Jingzhou. Now that he comes to us, he is delivering himself to his death. Why avoid him?”
Man Chong, the staff officer, counseled, “I have long known that Lord Guan is both brave and cunning. He should not be taken lightly. It is better to hold firm—that is the best strategy.”
The fierce general Xiahou Cun said, “These are the words of a bookish scholar. Have you not heard the saying, ‘When the water comes, raise a dam; when the general comes, meet him with an army’? Our troops are rested and the enemy is weary. We can certainly win.”
Cao Ren followed his advice. He ordered Man Chong to defend Fancheng, while he himself led the army to meet Guan Yu.
Guan Yu, learning that Cao’s army was coming, summoned Guan Ping and Liao Hua and gave them their orders. The two armies drew up in battle formation. Liao Hua rode out to challenge the enemy. Zhai Yuan came out to meet him. The two fought for a short while, and then Liao Hua feigned defeat, turning his horse and fleeing. Zhai Yuan pursued. The Jingzhou army retreated twenty li. The next day, Liao Hua again rode out to challenge. Xiahou Cun and Zhai Yuan both came out to meet him. The Jingzhou army was defeated again, retreating another twenty li. Suddenly, a great clamor arose from behind, with drums and horns sounding together. Cao Ren urgently ordered the vanguard to turn back, but Guan Ping and Liao Hua attacked from the rear. Cao’s army fell into chaos. Cao Ren realized he had fallen into a trap. He took a detachment and galloped toward Xiangyang. But when he was a few li from the city, he saw embroidered banners fluttering ahead. Guan Yu, reining in his horse and leveling his blade, blocked the road. Cao Ren’s heart trembled with fear. He dared not engage and fled toward Xiangyang by a side road. Guan Yu did not pursue. Soon, Xiahou Cun’s forces arrived. Seeing Guan Yu, Xiahou Cun flew into a rage and charged. In a single exchange, Guan Yu cut him down. Zhai Yuan tried to flee, but Guan Ping caught up and killed him with a single stroke. Seizing the momentum, they pursued and slaughtered. Most of Cao’s troops drowned in the Xiang River. Cao Ren retreated to defend Fancheng.
Guan Yu had captured Xiangyang. He rewarded his troops and pacified the people. The army’s staff officer, Wang Fu, said, “You have taken Xiangyang in a single stroke, General. Though Cao’s troops are terrified, I have a concern. Now, Lü Meng of Wu is encamped at Lukou, and he has long harbored ambitions to swallow Jingzhou. If he leads his troops to take it directly, what then?”
Guan Yu replied, “I have thought of this. You can take charge of this matter. Go along the river, every twenty or thirty li, and on the high ground, build beacon towers. Station fifty men at each tower. If Wu’s troops cross the river, they will light fires by night and raise smoke by day as signals. I will personally lead the attack.”
Wang Fu said, “Mi Fang and Fu Shiren are guarding the two passes. I fear they will not exert themselves. You must have one more man to oversee Jingzhou.”
Guan Yu said, “I have already assigned Pan Jun, the Administrator, to guard it. What is there to worry about?”
Wang Fu replied, “Pan Jun has always been jealous and greedy for profit. He should not be employed. You should send Zhao Lei, the Army Provisions Officer, to replace him. Zhao Lei is loyal, honest, and upright. If you use him, there will be no mistake.”
Guan Yu said, “I have long known Pan Jun’s character. Now that he is assigned, there is no need to change it. Zhao Lei is in charge of provisions, which is also an important task. Do not be so suspicious. Just go and build the beacon towers for me.”
Wang Fu, disheartened, bowed and left. Guan Yu ordered Guan Ping to prepare boats to cross the Xiang River and attack Fancheng.
Meanwhile, Cao Ren, having lost two generals, retreated to defend Fancheng. He said to Man Chong, “I did not listen to your advice, and now my army is defeated, my generals are dead, and I have lost Xiangyang. What can be done?”
Man Chong replied, “Lord Guan is a tiger of a general, resourceful and cunning. He should not be taken lightly. We should only defend.”
As they spoke, a report came that Guan Yu had crossed the river and was attacking Fancheng. Cao Ren was alarmed. Man Chong said again, “We should only defend.”
But the general Lü Chang stepped forward and said, “Give me a few thousand men, and I will engage the enemy on the Xiang River.”
Man Chong counseled against it. “Do not,” he said.
Lü Chang said angrily, “According to you civil officials, we should only defend. How can we ever defeat the enemy? Have you not heard the Art of War say, ‘Strike the enemy when he is halfway across the river’? Now Guan Yu’s troops are crossing the Xiang River. Why not strike them? If they reach the city walls and the moat, it will be too late to resist.”
Cao Ren gave him two thousand men and ordered him to go out from Fancheng to meet the enemy. Lü Chang arrived at the river mouth, where he saw embroidered banners part, and Guan Yu, blade in hand, rode out on his horse. Lü Chang was about to engage, but his troops, seeing Guan Yu’s awe-inspiring presence, fled without a fight. Lü Chang shouted for them to stop, but they would not. Guan Yu charged into the melee, and Cao’s army was routed. More than half of the cavalry and infantry were lost. The remnants fled into Fancheng.
Cao Ren urgently sent for reinforcements. The messenger traveled day and night to Chang’an and presented the letter to Cao Cao. It read: “Lord Guan has taken Xiangyang and is now besieging Fancheng with great urgency. We beg you to send a great general to rescue us.”
Cao Cao pointed to a man among his officials and said, “You shall go and relieve the siege of Fancheng.” The man stepped forward. When the assembled officials looked, it was Yu Jin.
Yu Jin said, “I request a general to serve as my vanguard and lead the troops with me.”
Cao Cao asked the assembly, “Who dares to be the vanguard?”
One man stepped forward and declared, “I am willing to exert the utmost of my humble abilities, capture Guan Yu alive, and present him before your command.”
Cao Cao looked at him and was greatly pleased.
Truly, this was a moment when:
Before seeing Wu come to exploit the rift, one first saw the northern forces send another army.
Who was this man, and what would happen next? The following chapter will reveal it.