Zhang Zhao presented a plan to Sun Quan: “Let us not move our troops yet. If we raise an army, Cao Cao will surely return. Instead, let us write two letters: one to Liu Zhang, stating that Liu Bei has allied with us, the eastern Wu, to jointly take Yi Province. This will make Liu Zhang suspicious and attack Liu Bei. The second letter will go to Zhang Lu, urging him to march on Jing Province. Thus, Liu Bei will be caught between two fronts, unable to aid himself. Then we can raise our army and seize our opportunity.” Sun Quan agreed and immediately dispatched messengers to both destinations.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei had been stationed at Jiameng Pass for some time, having won the hearts of the local people. Suddenly, he received a dispatch from Zhuge Liang informing him that Lady Sun had returned to the eastern Wu. He also heard that Cao Cao was raising an army to attack Ruxu. Liu Bei discussed this with Pang Tong: “Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan. If Cao Cao wins, he will surely take Jing Province; if Sun Quan wins, he will also want Jing Province. What can we do?” Pang Tong replied, “My lord, do not worry. With Zhuge Liang there, I doubt the eastern Wu will dare to threaten Jing Province. You should send a swift letter to Liu Zhang, claiming that Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan, and that Sun Quan is asking for aid from Jing Province. We are like lips and teeth with Wu—we cannot refuse to help. Zhang Lu is a bandit who only knows how to defend himself; he will not dare to attack our borders. I wish to withdraw my troops to Jing Province to join forces with Sun Quan and break Cao Cao, but I am short on men and supplies. I hope, in the name of our shared clan ties, that you will quickly dispatch thirty to forty thousand elite troops and one hundred thousand hu of grain to aid me. Please do not delay. Once I have the troops and supplies, we can make further plans.”
Liu Bei agreed and sent a messenger to Chengdu. When the messenger reached the pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei learned of the matter. They ordered Gao Pei to guard the pass while Yang Huai accompanied the messenger to Chengdu to see Liu Zhang and present the letter. After reading it, Liu Zhang asked Yang Huai why he had come as well. Yang Huai replied, “I came specifically because of this letter. Since Liu Bei entered Yi Province, he has been spreading kindness and winning the people’s hearts, which shows his intentions are far from good. Now he asks for troops and supplies—we must not give them. To aid him now would be to add fuel to the fire.” Liu Zhang said, “Xuande and I are sworn brothers. How can I not help?” One man stepped forward and said, “Liu Bei is a fierce hawk. To keep him long in Shu without sending him away is to let a tiger into your home. Now to give him troops and supplies is like adding wings to the tiger!” All eyes turned to the speaker, a man from Lingling’s Zhengyang County named Liu Ba, styled Zichu. Liu Zhang, hearing Liu Ba’s words, hesitated. Huang Quan also earnestly remonstrated. In the end, Liu Zhang grudgingly allocated four thousand old and weak troops and ten thousand hu of grain, then sent a reply to Liu Bei. He also ordered Yang Huai and Gao Pei to guard the passes tightly. When Liu Zhang’s messenger arrived at Jiameng Pass and presented the reply, Liu Bei flew into a rage. “I have been wearing myself out defending your borders, and you hoard your wealth and refuse to reward my men? How can I make my soldiers fight for you?” He tore the reply to shreds, cursed loudly, and stormed off. The messenger fled back to Chengdu. Pang Tong said, “My lord, you have always valued benevolence and righteousness. Today, by tearing up the letter in anger, you have thrown away all the goodwill you built.” Liu Bei asked, “Then what should I do?” Pang Tong replied, “I have three plans. Please choose whichever you prefer.”
Liu Bei asked, “What are the three plans?” Pang Tong said, “First: select your finest troops now and march day and night to directly attack Chengdu. This is the best plan. Second: Yang Huai and Gao Pei are famous generals of Shu, each commanding strong forces to guard the passes. Now, if you pretend to return to Jing Province, the two generals will surely come to see you off. At the farewell, you can seize and kill them, take the pass, capture Fu City first, and then march on Chengdu. This is the middle plan. Third: retreat to Baidi, return to Jing Province overnight, and slowly plan your next move. This is the worst plan. If you hesitate and do not leave, you will soon be trapped and beyond rescue.” Liu Bei said, “The first plan is too hasty, the third too slow. The middle plan is neither too fast nor too slow—I will follow it.”
So Liu Bei sent a letter to Liu Zhang, saying that Cao Cao had ordered his general Yue Jin to lead troops to Qingni Town, and his own generals could not hold them back. He had to go personally to resist the enemy and could not meet in person, so he was writing to take his leave. When the letter reached Chengdu, Zhang Song heard that Liu Bei was about to return to Jing Province and believed it to be true. He wrote a letter, intending to send it to Liu Bei, but just then his elder brother Zhang Su, the Grand Administrator of Guanghan, arrived. Zhang Song hurriedly hid the letter in his sleeve and entertained his brother. Zhang Su noticed that Zhang Song seemed distracted and became suspicious. Zhang Song brought out wine and drank with his brother. During their exchange of toasts, the letter accidentally fell to the ground, where one of Zhang Su’s attendants picked it up. After the feast, the attendant presented the letter to Zhang Su. Zhang Su opened it and read: “I, Zhang Song, recently advised the Imperial Uncle, and everything I said was true. Why have you delayed so long? To go against righteousness and then rule in accordance with it is a practice valued by the ancients. Now that the great task is within your grasp, why abandon it and return to Jing Province? Hearing this, I feel as if I have lost something. Upon receiving this letter, advance your troops swiftly. I will be your inside man. Do not let this opportunity slip!”
Zhang Su was horrified. “My brother is committing a crime that will destroy our entire family. I must report this.” That very night, he went to see Liu Zhang with the letter and told him everything about Zhang Song’s conspiracy with Liu Bei to surrender Yi Province. Liu Zhang was furious. “I have never treated him poorly. Why would he plot rebellion?” He immediately ordered Zhang Song’s entire family to be arrested and executed in the marketplace.
A poet of the time lamented: “His keen insight saw all, a rarity in the world, but who could know a letter would reveal Heaven’s secret? Before he could witness Xuande’s rise to kingly enterprise, his own blood stained the streets of Chengdu.”
After executing Zhang Song, Liu Zhang gathered his civil and military officials and asked, “Liu Bei wants to seize my foundation. What should I do?” Huang Quan said, “There is no time to lose. Send word immediately to all the passes to reinforce their defenses. Do not allow a single man or horse from Jing Province to enter.” Liu Zhang followed his advice and sent urgent dispatches to all the passes that very night.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei led his troops back toward Fu City. He first sent someone to report to Fu Pass, requesting that Yang Huai and Gao Pei come out to bid him farewell. When the two generals received the news, they discussed it. “What does Liu Bei’s return mean?” Gao Pei said, “This is Liu Bei’s death sentence. Let us each hide a sharp blade on our persons. At the farewell, we will stab him to death and rid our lord of this menace.” Yang Huai agreed. “An excellent plan.” The two brought only two hundred attendants with them out of the pass for the farewell, leaving the rest to guard the pass.
Liu Bei’s entire army had set out. When they reached the Fu River, Pang Tong, riding beside Liu Bei, said, “If Yang Huai and Gao Pei come cheerfully, be on your guard. If they do not come, then raise your army and take the pass directly. Do not delay.” Just as he spoke, a sudden whirlwind blew down the command flag in front of Liu Bei’s horse. Liu Bei asked Pang Tong, “What omen is this?” Pang Tong replied, “This is a warning. Yang Huai and Gao Pei surely intend to assassinate you. Be careful.” Liu Bei then donned heavy armor and strapped on his sword as a precaution. A scout reported that the two generals were coming to see him off. Liu Bei ordered his army to halt and rest. Pang Tong instructed Wei Yan and Huang Zhong: “When the men from the pass arrive, no matter how many, whether on horse or on foot, do not let a single one return.” The two generals received their orders and departed.
Yang Huai and Gao Pei, each concealing a sharp blade, led two hundred soldiers, bearing sheep and wine as gifts, straight to the camp. Seeing no apparent preparations, they secretly rejoiced, thinking their plan was working. They entered the main tent and saw Liu Bei sitting with Pang Tong. The two generals bowed and said, “Hearing that the Imperial Uncle is returning far away, we have brought a modest gift to see you off.” They then offered wine to Liu Bei. Liu Bei said, “You two generals have worked hard guarding the pass. You should drink first.” After they drank, Liu Bei said, “I have a private matter to discuss with you. Let all others withdraw.” He then dismissed the two hundred attendants from the central tent. Liu Bei suddenly shouted, “Seize these two traitors!” Liu Feng and Guan Ping, who had been hidden behind the tent, rushed out. Yang Huai and Gao Pei tried to resist, but Liu Feng and Guan Ping each seized one. Liu Bei roared, “Your lord and I are sworn brothers of the same clan. Why did you conspire to sow discord between us?” Pang Tong ordered the men to search them, and indeed, a sharp blade was found on each. Pang Tong immediately ordered their execution. Liu Bei hesitated, but Pang Tong said, “These two intended to murder you, my lord. Their crime deserves death.” He then ordered the executioners to behead Yang Huai and Gao Pei right there in the tent. Meanwhile, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had already captured the two hundred attendants without letting a single one escape. Liu Bei called the attendants in and gave them wine to calm their nerves. “Yang Huai and Gao Pei tried to sow discord between my brother and me, and they hid knives to assassinate me. That is why I executed them. You are innocent. Do not be afraid.” The men all bowed in thanks. Pang Tong said, “Now I will use you as guides to lead my army to take the pass. You will each be richly rewarded.” They all agreed. That night, the two hundred men went ahead, followed by the main army. When they reached the pass, the men at the front called out, “The two generals have urgent business. Open the pass quickly!” The guards on the wall, recognizing their own men, opened the gate immediately. The army surged in. Without a drop of blood being spilled, they had taken Fu Pass. All the Shu soldiers surrendered. Liu Bei rewarded them generously and then divided his forces to guard the pass on both sides.
The next day, Liu Bei held a feast in the main hall to reward his troops. When he was flushed with wine, he looked at Pang Tong and asked, “Is this not a joyous gathering?” Pang Tong replied, “To take pleasure in conquering another’s state is not the way of a benevolent army.” Liu Bei said, “I have heard that in ancient times, King Wu of Zhou conquered the tyrant Zhou and made music to celebrate his achievements. Was that not also a benevolent army? Your words make no sense. Leave at once!” Pang Tong laughed heartily and withdrew. The attendants helped Liu Bei to the rear hall. In the middle of the night, he woke up sober. The attendants told him what he had said to Pang Tong. Liu Bei was filled with regret. The next morning, he dressed, went to the main hall, and invited Pang Tong to apologize. “Yesterday, I was drunk and spoke offensively. Please do not take it to heart.” Pang Tong acted as if nothing had happened, laughing and chatting as usual. Liu Bei said, “It was my fault, what I said yesterday.” Pang Tong replied, “Both lord and minister were at fault. Why should you alone bear the blame?” Liu Bei laughed heartily, and their good humor was restored as before.
When Liu Zhang heard that Liu Bei had killed Yang Huai and Gao Pei and taken Fu Pass, he was greatly alarmed. “I never thought this would happen!” He gathered his officials and asked for a plan to repel the enemy. Huang Quan said, “Send troops immediately to garrison Luo County and block the throat of the road. Even with his elite troops and fierce generals, Liu Bei will not be able to pass.” Liu Zhang then ordered Liu Gui, Ling Bao, Zhang Ren, and Deng Xian to lead fifty thousand troops and rush to defend Luo County against Liu Bei.
As the four generals were marching, Liu Gui said, “I have heard that in the Jinping Mountains there lives a sage, the Venerable Master Purple Void, who knows the fate of men—their life, death, honor, and disgrace. Since our route passes by the Jinping Mountains, why not go and ask him?” Zhang Ren replied, “A true man in command of an army to fight the enemy does not need to consult some mountain hermit.” Liu Gui countered, “Not so. The sages say that with utmost sincerity, one can foreknow events. If we ask a man of high understanding, we can seek good fortune and avoid disaster.” So the four generals led fifty or sixty riders to the foot of the mountain and asked a woodcutter for directions. The woodcutter pointed to the highest peak, saying that was where the master lived. They climbed the mountain and arrived at a small temple, where a young acolyte greeted them. After learning their names, he led them inside. There, Venerable Master Purple Void sat on a rush cushion. The four generals knelt and asked about their future. The master said, “I am but a useless man of the mountains. How could I know of fortune or misfortune?” Liu Gui repeatedly pressed him, so the master ordered the acolyte to fetch brush and paper. He wrote eight lines and handed them to Liu Gui. The verse read: “The dragon on the left, the phoenix on the right, fly into western Shu. The fledgling phoenix falls to earth; the sleeping dragon ascends to heaven. One gains, one loses—Heaven’s decree. Seize the moment when you see the sign, and do not perish in the underworld.” Liu Gui then asked, “What of the fate of us four?” The master replied, “Fixed destiny is inescapable. Why ask further?” When Liu Gui pressed again, the master closed his eyes and seemed to fall asleep, giving no answer. The four generals descended the mountain. Liu Gui said, “The words of an immortal must not be ignored.” Zhang Ren scoffed, “That old madman! What use is there in listening to him?” They mounted their horses and continued on.
When they reached Luo County, they deployed their troops to guard the various passes. Liu Gui said, “Luo City is the shield of Chengdu. If we lose it, Chengdu will be hard to defend. Let us four discuss this: two will guard the city, and two will go ahead of Luo County to set up two camps against the mountains and along the dangerous terrain, so the enemy cannot approach the city.” Ling Bao and Deng Xian said, “We are willing to go and set up the camps.” Liu Gui was pleased and divided twenty thousand troops between them. They marched sixty li from the city and established their camps. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren stayed to guard Luo City.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei, having taken Fu Pass, discussed with Pang Tong how to advance on Luo City. A scout reported that Liu Zhang had sent four generals, and that Ling Bao and Deng Xian had set up two large camps sixty li from the city with twenty thousand men. Liu Bei gathered his generals and asked, “Who dares to win the first merit by taking those two camps?” The veteran general Huang Zhong stepped forward and said, “I am willing to go.” Liu Bei said, “Old general, lead your own troops to Luo City. If you can take the camps of Ling Bao and Deng Xian, you will be richly rewarded.”
Huang Zhong was delighted. He accepted the order and was about to leave when a man suddenly stepped out from the tent and said, “Old general, you are advanced in years. How can you go? I, though unworthy, am willing to go in your place.” Liu Bei looked and saw it was Wei Yan. Huang Zhong said, “I have already received the order. How dare you try to supersede me?” Wei Yan replied, “An old man should not rely on his muscles and bones. I have heard that Ling Bao and Deng Xian are famous generals of Shu, in the prime of their youth and vigor. I fear you may not be able to handle them, old general. Would that not ruin our lord’s great plan? I offer to take your place out of good intentions.” Huang Zhong flew into a rage. “You call me old? Do you dare to compete with me in martial arts?” Wei Yan said, “Let us compete right here in front of our lord. Whoever wins goes. What do you say?” Huang Zhong immediately strode down the steps and called for his blade. Liu Bei hastily stopped them. “No! I am raising an army to take Shu, and I rely on the strength of you both. If two tigers fight, one will surely be hurt. That will ruin my plans. Let me mediate. Stop this quarrel.” Pang Tong said, “There is no need for you two to argue. Ling Bao and Deng Xian have set up two camps. Each of you will lead your own troops and attack one camp. Whoever captures his camp first will win the first merit.” So it was decided: Huang Zhong would attack Ling Bao’s camp, and Wei Yan would attack Deng Xian’s camp. The two generals accepted their orders and left. Pang Tong said, “These two may quarrel on the road. You, my lord, should lead the rear guard yourself.” Liu Bei left Pang Tong to guard the city and set out with Liu Feng, Guan Ping, and five thousand troops.
Back at his own camp, Huang Zhong ordered his men to prepare their meal at the fourth watch, arm themselves by the fifth, and advance at dawn, taking the valley road on the left. Wei Yan, however, secretly sent someone to find out when Huang Zhong would move. The spy reported back, “They will prepare the meal at the fourth watch and march at the fifth.” Wei Yan secretly rejoiced and ordered his own troops to prepare their meal at the second watch and march at the third, aiming to reach Deng Xian’s camp by dawn. The soldiers ate their fill. They muffled the horses’ bells, placed gags in the men’s mouths, rolled up their banners, and strapped on their armor, intending to launch a surprise attack. Around the third watch, they set out from the camp. Halfway there, Wei Yan thought to himself, “If I just attack Deng Xian’s camp, it won’t show my skill. Better to attack Ling Bao’s camp first, then take my victorious troops to attack Deng Xian’s. Both merits will be mine.” So he ordered his troops to turn onto the mountain road on the left. As dawn was breaking, they were not far from Ling Bao’s camp. Wei Yan ordered his men to rest briefly and arranged their drums, flags, and weapons.
But scouts from Ling Bao’s camp had already reported the approach, and Ling Bao was prepared. At the sound of a signal cannon, his troops mounted their horses and charged out. Wei Yan spurred his horse, raised his blade, and engaged Ling Bao. They fought for thirty exchanges. Then the Shu troops split into two groups and attacked the Han army from both flanks. The Han soldiers had marched all night and were exhausted. They could not hold their ground and began to retreat. Wei Yan heard the commotion behind him, abandoned his duel with Ling Bao, turned his horse, and fled. The Shu troops pursued, and the Han army was thoroughly routed. After retreating less than five li, the drums thundered from behind a hill, and Deng Xian led a force charging out from a valley, shouting, “Wei Yan, dismount and surrender!” Wei Yan spurred his horse desperately, but the horse stumbled, its front legs buckling, throwing Wei Yan to the ground. Deng Xian galloped up, leveling his spear to stab Wei Yan. But before the spear could strike, a bowstring twanged, and Deng Xian tumbled from his horse. Ling Bao was about to come to his aid when a mighty general charged down the slope, thundering, “Old General Huang Zhong is here!” He brandished his blade and rode straight for Ling Bao. Ling Bao could not withstand him and fled. Huang Zhong gave chase, throwing the Shu troops into chaos.
Huang Zhong’s force rescued Wei Yan, killed Deng Xian, and pursued the enemy all the way to the camp. Ling Bao turned his horse and fought Huang Zhong again. After fewer than ten exchanges, more troops surged forward, and Ling Bao was forced to abandon his left camp and flee with his beaten soldiers toward the right camp. But when he arrived, he saw that the banners were completely different. Ling Bao was stunned. He reined in his horse to look. At the head of the camp sat a great general in golden armor and brocade robes—Liu Xuande himself, flanked by Liu Feng on the left and Guan Ping on the right. Liu Bei shouted, “I have already taken this camp. Where do you think you are going?” It turned out that Liu Bei had led his rear guard to support the attack and had taken the opportunity to capture Deng Xian’s camp. Trapped on both sides, Ling Bao fled along a narrow mountain path, hoping to return to Luo City. But after less than ten li, ambushers sprang from the narrow road. Hooks and ropes flew up, and Ling Bao was captured alive. It was Wei Yan, knowing he had committed a crime and seeking to redeem himself. He had gathered his rear troops, had the Shu soldiers guide him, and set up this ambush, catching Ling Bao perfectly. They bound Ling Bao and took him to Liu Bei’s camp.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei had set up a banner offering amnesty. He ordered that any Shu soldier who laid down his arms was not to be harmed, and that anyone who wounded a surrendered man would pay with his life. He also told the surrendered troops, “You men of Shu all have parents, wives, and children. Those who wish to surrender may join my army; those who do not may return home.” A great cheer rose from the crowd. Huang Zhong secured his camp and then went to see Liu Bei, reporting that Wei Yan had violated military orders and should be executed. Liu Bei quickly summoned Wei Yan, who arrived with Ling Bao in chains. Liu Bei said, “Wei Yan is guilty, but this merit can redeem him.” He ordered Wei Yan to thank Huang Zhong for saving his life and to stop quarreling in the future. Wei Yan kowtowed and admitted his fault. Liu Bei richly rewarded Huang Zhong. Then he had Ling Bao brought before him. Liu Bei removed his bonds, gave him wine to calm his nerves, and asked, “Will you surrender?” Ling Bao replied, “Since you have spared my life, how could I not surrender? Liu Gui and Zhang Ren are sworn brothers to me. If you let me return, I will persuade them to surrender as well, and I will deliver Luo City to you.” Liu Bei was overjoyed and gave him clothes, a saddle, and a horse, sending him back to Luo City. Wei Yan protested, “This man must not be released. Once he escapes, he will never return.” Liu Bei said, “I treat others with benevolence and righteousness. No one will betray me.”
When Ling Bao returned to Luo City, he did not tell Liu Gui and Zhang Ren that he had been captured and released. Instead, he said, “I killed more than a dozen of them, seized a horse, and escaped.” Liu Gui immediately sent someone to Chengdu for reinforcements. When Liu Zhang heard that Deng Xian had been killed, he was horrified and hastily gathered his officials to discuss the matter. His eldest son, Liu Xun, stepped forward and said, “I am willing to lead troops to defend Luo City.” Liu Zhang said, “Since my son is willing to go, who should assist him?” One man stepped forward and said, “I am willing to go.” Liu Zhang saw it was his brother-in-law, Wu Yi. Liu Zhang said, “It would be best if you, my brother-in-law, go. Who will be your deputy?” Wu Yi recommended Wu Lan and Lei Tong as his deputies. They mustered twenty thousand troops and marched to Luo City. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren welcomed them and reported the situation. Wu Yi said, “The enemy is at the gates. It will be hard to resist them. What strategies do you have?” Ling Bao said, “This area borders the Fu River, whose current is very swift. The front of our camp is at the foot of the mountain, on the lowest ground. Give me five thousand men, each with a shovel and a hoe. I will breach the riverbank and flood Liu Bei’s entire army.” Wu Yi agreed and ordered Ling Bao to go and breach the river, with Wu Lan and Lei Tong leading troops to support him. Ling Bao accepted the order and went to prepare the tools for the flood.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei ordered Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to each guard a camp while he himself returned to Fu City to consult with his strategist Pang Tong. A spy reported, “Sun Quan of the eastern Wu has sent envoys to make peace with Zhang Lu of eastern Shu. They are about to attack Jiameng Pass.” Liu Bei was alarmed. “If Jiameng Pass is lost, our retreat will be cut off, and we will be trapped. What can we do?” Pang Tong said to Meng Da, “You are a man of Shu and know the terrain well. How would you like to go and defend Jiameng Pass?” Meng Da replied, “I will recommend a man to go with me to guard the pass. It will be perfectly safe.” Liu Bei asked who it was. Meng Da said, “This man once served under Liu Biao in Jing Province as a General of the Household. He is from Zhijiang County in Nan Commandery, named Huo Jun, styled Zhongmiao.” Liu Bei was delighted and immediately dispatched Meng Da and Huo Jun to guard Jiameng Pass.
Pang Tong returned to his quarters. The gatekeeper suddenly announced that a visitor had come to see him. Pang Tong went out to greet him and saw a man eight feet tall with a magnificent appearance, but with his hair cut short and hanging down his neck, and his clothes were not very neat. Pang Tong asked, “Sir, who are you?” The man did not answer but walked straight in and lay down on the bed. Pang Tong was puzzled. He asked again and again. Finally, the man said, “Wait a moment. I will tell you about the great affairs of the world.” Pang Tong grew even more suspicious and ordered his attendants to bring wine and food. The man got up and ate without any modesty, consuming a great amount, then lay down to sleep again. Pang Tong, uncertain, sent for Fa Zheng to take a look, fearing the man might be a spy. Fa Zheng hurried over. Pang Tong greeted him and said, “There is a man who behaves thus and so.” Fa Zheng said, “Could it be Peng Yongyan?” He went up the steps to look. The man jumped up and said, “Xiaozhi, it has been a while! Are you well?” Truly: “It was only because a man of Shu met an old acquaintance that the torrent of the Fu River was calmed.” Who was this man? Let the next chapter reveal.