The man who had proposed the plan to Liu Zhang was the Deputy Inspector of Yi Province, Zhang Song, styled Yongnian. He was a man of strange appearance—a protruding forehead, a pointed head, a crooked nose, exposed teeth, and a stature barely five feet tall. Yet his voice boomed like a bronze bell. Liu Zhang asked him, "Deputy Inspector, what wise counsel do you have to resolve the threat of Zhang Lu?" Zhang Song replied, "I have heard that Cao Cao in Xuchang has swept the Central Plains clean, destroying Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shu, and recently crushing Ma Chao. He is now invincible under Heaven. My lord, prepare tribute, and I will personally go to Xuchang to persuade Cao Cao to raise an army against Hanzhong, targeting Zhang Lu. If Zhang Lu is too busy defending himself, how dare he covet our lands in Shu?" Liu Zhang was overjoyed. He gathered gold, pearls, and fine silks as tribute and dispatched Zhang Song as his envoy. Secretly, Zhang Song drew a detailed map of the Western Sichuan region and hid it on his person. Accompanied by a few horsemen, he set out for Xuchang. Word of his journey soon reached Jing Province. Zhuge Liang immediately sent spies to Xuchang to gather intelligence.
Upon arriving in Xuchang, Zhang Song lodged at the official hostel and presented himself daily at the Chancellor's residence, seeking an audience with Cao Cao. Since his victory over Ma Chao, Cao Cao had grown arrogant and complacent. He spent his days feasting and rarely appeared in public, conducting state affairs from his residence. Zhang Song waited three days before his name was even announced. The attendants demanded a bribe before they would usher him in. Finally, he was brought before Cao Cao, who sat imperiously in his hall. After Zhang Song performed the required bow, Cao Cao asked, "Why has your master, Liu Zhang, failed to send tribute for years?" Zhang Song replied, "The roads are treacherous, and bandits infest the land, making it impossible to deliver." Cao Cao snapped, "I have pacified the Central Plains—what bandits remain?" Zhang Song countered, "To the south is Sun Quan, to the north is Zhang Lu, and to the west is Liu Bei. Even the weakest of these commands over a hundred thousand armored men. Can this truly be called peace?" Cao Cao, already displeased by Zhang Song's unkempt appearance, was further angered by his impertinent words. He rose abruptly, flicked his sleeves, and retired to his private chambers. The attendants scolded Zhang Song, "You are an envoy—how can you be so rude and insolent? It's fortunate the Chancellor, considering your long journey, did not punish you. Leave at once!" Zhang Song laughed and said, "In my land of Shu, we have no sycophants." Suddenly, a voice thundered from below the steps, "If your Shu has no sycophants, does that mean we in the Central Plains are full of them?"
Zhang Song observed the man: slender eyebrows, delicate eyes, a fair complexion, and a refined bearing. Upon asking his name, he learned it was Yang Xiu, styled Dezu, the son of Grand Commandant Yang Biao. Yang Xiu served as the Chief Registrar of the Chancellor's household, a man of vast learning and sharp wit, surpassing most in intellect. Zhang Song recognized him as a skilled debater and decided to test him. Yang Xiu, confident in his own talents, held all others in contempt. Seeing Zhang Song's sarcastic remarks, he invited him to a private study outside the main hall. Seated as host and guest, Yang Xiu said, "The roads of Shu are rugged—your journey here must have been arduous." Zhang Song replied, "When carrying out my lord's orders, I would not refuse even to walk through fire or tread on boiling water." Yang Xiu asked, "What are the customs and geography of Shu like?" Zhang Song answered, "Shu is the western dominion, anciently known as Yi Province. Its paths are guarded by the peril of the Brocade River, its lands connected by the majesty of the Sword Gate Pass. It stretches across two hundred and eight stages of travel, spanning over thirty thousand li in breadth. The crowing of cocks and barking of dogs are heard everywhere, and markets and villages are unbroken. The fields are fertile and abundant, free from floods or droughts year after year. The state is wealthy and the people prosperous, with the sounds of pipes and strings ever present.
Its products pile up like mountains—nothing under Heaven can compare!" Yang Xiu then asked, "And what of the men of Shu?" Zhang Song replied, "In letters, we have the rhapsodies of Sima Xiangru; in martial arts, the talent of General Ma Yuan; in medicine, the skill of Zhang Zhongjing; in divination, the reclusiveness of Yan Junping. The nine schools of thought and the three religions produce talents beyond the ordinary, too many to count. How could I list them all?" Yang Xiu pressed on, "Under the current rule of Liu Zhang, how many men of your caliber are there?" Zhang Song said, "Men of complete civil and martial talent, with wisdom and courage in full measure, loyal and righteous, number in the hundreds. As for worthless fellows like me, they can be measured by the cartload and counted by the peck—too numerous to record." Yang Xiu asked, "What office do you currently hold?" Zhang Song replied, "I merely fill the post of Deputy Inspector, hardly worthy of it. May I ask what office you hold in the court?" Yang Xiu said, "I am the Chief Registrar of the Chancellor's residence." Zhang Song remarked, "I have long heard that your family has held high office for generations. Why do you not take a place in the imperial court to assist the Son of Heaven, instead of stooping to be a mere clerk in the Chancellor's household?" Yang Xiu's face flushed with shame, but he forced a reply, "Though I hold a lowly post, the Chancellor entrusts me with the heavy responsibilities of military and financial affairs. I am constantly instructed by him, morning and evening, and have gained much insight.
That is why I remain in this position." Zhang Song laughed and said, "I have heard that your Chancellor Cao is neither versed in the ways of Confucius and Mencius in civil matters, nor skilled in the strategies of Sunzi and Wu Qi in military affairs. He relies solely on brute force and tyranny to hold his high office. How could he impart any wisdom to enlighten a man of your intelligence?" Yang Xiu retorted, "You live in a remote border region—how could you know the Chancellor's great talent? Let me show you." He ordered an attendant to bring a scroll from a chest and presented it to Zhang Song. Zhang Song saw the title: "The New Book of Mengde." He read it from beginning to end—thirteen chapters, all essential principles of warfare. After finishing, he asked, "What do you consider this book to be?" Yang Xiu said, "This is the Chancellor's work, drawing from the past to guide the present, modeled after Sunzi's thirteen chapters. You dared to say the Chancellor lacks talent—can this work be passed down to future generations?" Zhang Song burst into laughter. "In my Shu, even children three feet tall can recite this book from memory. How can you call it 'new'? This is the work of an anonymous author from the Warring States period. Your Chancellor has stolen it and claimed it as his own, fooling only you!" Yang Xiu said, "This book is the Chancellor's secret treasure. Though completed, it has not been circulated. You claim Shu children can recite it fluently—how can you deceive me so?" Zhang Song replied, "If you don't believe me, I will recite it for you." He then recited "The New Book of Mengde" from beginning to end without a single error. Yang Xiu was astounded.
"You have a photographic memory—truly a genius under Heaven!"
A poet of the time later praised Zhang Song, saying: "His strange and grotesque appearance set him apart; his lofty and refined demeanor masked a sparse frame. His words poured forth like the waters of the Three Gorges; his eyes scanned ten lines of text at a glance. His courage towered over Western Shu; his writings pierced the void of Heaven. The hundred schools and all the philosophers—once seen, he never forgot a single word."
Zhang Song then prepared to take his leave. Yang Xiu said, "Please remain at the hostel for now. Allow me to speak again with the Chancellor and arrange for you to have an audience with the Emperor." Zhang Song thanked him and withdrew. Yang Xiu went to see Cao Cao and asked, "Why did the Chancellor treat Zhang Song so coldly earlier?" Cao Cao replied, "His words were insolent, so I showed him disdain." Yang Xiu said, "The Chancellor once tolerated a man like Mi Heng. Why not accept Zhang Song?" Cao Cao said, "Mi Heng's literary fame spread throughout the realm, so I could not bear to kill him. What talent does Zhang Song possess?" Yang Xiu replied, "Setting aside his eloquence, which flows like a waterfall, I showed him the Chancellor's 'New Book of Mengde.' After a single reading, he could recite it from memory. Such a vast memory and quick mind are rare in this world. He claimed the book was the work of an anonymous Warring States author and that Shu children know it by heart." Cao Cao said, "Could it be that an ancient author coincidentally shared my thoughts?" He ordered the book torn to pieces and burned. Yang Xiu said, "This man should be allowed to see the Emperor, to witness the grandeur of our dynasty." Cao Cao replied, "Tomorrow, I will review the troops at the Western Drill Ground. Lead him there first, so he can see the might of our army. Let him return and spread the word: I will soon conquer Jiangnan and then take Shu." Yang Xiu accepted the order.
The next day, Yang Xiu brought Zhang Song to the Western Drill Ground. Cao Cao had assembled fifty thousand elite Tiger Guard troops, arrayed across the field. Their armor gleamed, their robes shone; golden drums shook the heavens, and spear tips dazzled the sun. From all directions, units were drawn up in formation, banners fluttering in the wind, men and horses surging with energy. Zhang Song watched with a sidelong glance. After a long while, Cao Cao called him over and pointed, saying, "Have you seen such heroic warriors in Shu?" Zhang Song replied, "In Shu, we do not display such military might. We govern men with benevolence and righteousness." Cao Cao's face darkened, but Zhang Song showed no fear. Yang Xiu repeatedly signaled Zhang Song with his eyes. Cao Cao said to Zhang Song, "I regard the rats of this world as mere weeds. Wherever my army marches, we are victorious in battle and successful in siege. Those who submit live; those who resist die. Do you understand?" Zhang Song answered, "I have long known that wherever the Chancellor's army goes, it wins battles and takes cities. I recall your campaigns: at Puyang, you attacked Lü Bu; at Wancheng, you fought Zhang Xiu; at Red Cliffs, you encountered Zhou Yu; at Huarong Trail, you met Guan Yu; at Tong Pass, you cut your beard and abandoned your robe; on the Wei River, you seized a boat and dodged arrows.
Truly, you are invincible under Heaven!" Cao Cao erupted in fury. "You petty scholar—how dare you expose my defeats!" He ordered Zhang Song dragged out and beheaded. Yang Xiu pleaded, "Zhang Song may deserve death, but he came from Shu to present tribute. If you kill him, you will lose the goodwill of distant lands." Cao Cao's anger still burned. Xun Yu also interceded. Finally, Cao Cao spared Zhang Song's life but ordered him beaten with clubs and driven away.
Zhang Song returned to his hostel. That very night, he slipped out of the city and prepared to head back to Shu. He thought to himself, "I had intended to offer the western prefectures of Shu to Cao Cao. Who would have thought he would treat me so rudely! When I left, I made grand promises to Liu Zhang. Now I must return empty-handed and dejected—I will be the laughingstock of Shu. I have long heard of Liu Bei's reputation for benevolence and righteousness in Jing Province. I might as well take that route home and see what kind of man he is. I will decide my course then." He mounted his horse and, with his attendants, headed toward the borders of Jing Province. When they reached the boundary at Yingzhou, they suddenly encountered a troop of about five hundred horsemen. At their head was a general, lightly armed and casually dressed, who reined in his horse and asked, "Are you not Deputy Inspector Zhang?" Zhang Song replied, "I am." The general quickly dismounted and saluted, saying, "Zhao Yun has been waiting for you." Zhang Song dismounted and returned the salute. "Are you not Zhao Zilong of Changshan?" Zhao Yun said, "I am. I have been sent by my lord, Liu Bei, knowing you have traveled far. He ordered me to offer you some refreshments." With that, soldiers knelt and presented wine and food. Zhao Yun respectfully offered them to Zhang Song. Zhang Song thought, "They say Liu Bei is generous and treats guests with kindness—and so it is." He drank a few cups with Zhao Yun, then mounted his horse and rode on together. As they approached the border of Jing Province, dusk fell, and they reached a hostel. Outside the gate, over a hundred attendants stood in waiting, beating drums to welcome him. A general dismounted before his horse and saluted, saying, "By order of my elder brother, I, Guan Yu, have swept and prepared the hostel for you to rest after your long journey." Zhang Song dismounted and entered the hostel with Guan Yu and Zhao Yun. After exchanging courtesies and taking their seats, a feast was quickly laid out. The two generals pressed him warmly to drink. They drank until late into the night before retiring.
The next morning, after breakfast, they had ridden less than three or five li when they saw another troop approaching. It was Liu Bei himself, accompanied by the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix, coming to greet him. Spotting Zhang Song from afar, Liu Bei dismounted and waited. Zhang Song hurriedly dismounted to meet him. Liu Bei said, "I have long heard of your great reputation, which thunders in my ears like a storm. I have regretted that the mountains and clouds kept us apart, preventing me from receiving your instruction. Now that I hear you are returning to your capital, I have come especially to welcome you. If you do not disdain me, please stop for a while at my humble province to satisfy my thirst for your wisdom. It would be my greatest fortune!" Zhang Song was overjoyed. They mounted their horses and rode side by side into the city. At the prefectural hall, they exchanged formal greetings, took their seats as host and guest, and a banquet was laid out. During the feast, Liu Bei spoke only of trivial matters, never mentioning the affairs of Western Shu. Zhang Song tried to provoke him, saying, "Now that the Imperial Uncle holds Jing Province, how many commanderies does it include?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Jing Province is only a temporary loan from Eastern Wu. They constantly demand its return. My lord, being the son-in-law of Wu, has only taken refuge here for the time being." Zhang Song said, "Eastern Wu controls six commanderies and eighty-one counties, with a wealthy people and a strong state. Are they still not satisfied?" Pang Tong added, "My lord is an Imperial Uncle of the Han dynasty, yet he cannot even hold a single province. All others are parasites on Han, relying on force to seize land. Only the wise find this unjust." Liu Bei said, "Stop, both of you. What virtue do I possess to deserve such aspirations?" Zhang Song replied, "Not so. You, Illustrious Lord, are a member of the imperial family, and your benevolence and righteousness fill the four seas. Setting aside mere provinces, even if you were to succeed to the throne as the legitimate ruler, it would not be beyond your due." Liu Bei clasped his hands and thanked him, "Your words are too generous. How dare I presume?"
For three consecutive days, Liu Bei kept Zhang Song feasting, without ever bringing up the matter of Shu. When Zhang Song prepared to leave, Liu Bei hosted a farewell banquet at the Pavilion of Ten Li. Raising his cup, Liu Bei said, "I am deeply grateful that you, Honored Sir, did not hold me at a distance and stayed for three days. Now we part, and I know not when I will have the chance to hear your teachings again." With these words, tears streamed down his face. Zhang Song thought to himself, "Liu Bei is so generous and honors men of talent—how can I abandon him? I should persuade him to take Western Shu." He then said, "I have long wished to serve you day and night, but I have lacked the opportunity. I see that Jing Province is not a place for long-term settlement. To the east is Sun Quan, who covets it like a crouching tiger; to the north is Cao Cao, who seeks to swallow it whole like a whale." Liu Bei said, "I know this well, but I have no place to call my own." Zhang Song said, "Yi Province is a land of natural fortresses, with a thousand li of fertile fields, a wealthy people, and a prosperous state. Wise men have long admired your virtue, Imperial Uncle. If you raise the armies of Jing and Xiang and march westward, you can build a hegemonic enterprise and restore the Han dynasty." Liu Bei replied, "How dare I presume? Liu Zhang of Yi Province is also a member of the imperial family. His benevolence has long spread throughout Shu. How could anyone move against him?" Zhang Song said, "I am not one to betray my master for personal gain. But meeting you, Illustrious Lord, I cannot hold back my true feelings. Though Liu Zhang holds Yi Province, he is by nature weak and indecisive, unable to employ the worthy or the capable. Moreover, Zhang Lu to the north constantly threatens invasion. The people's hearts are scattered, longing for an enlightened ruler. On this journey, I had intended to offer allegiance to Cao Cao, but that traitor, arrogant and tyrannical, disdains the worthy and insults men of talent. That is why I have come to see you. My lord, first take Western Shu as your foundation, then march north to seize Hanzhong, and from there, reclaim the Central Plains and restore the Han court. Your name will be inscribed in history, and your achievement will be unparalleled. If you truly intend to take Western Shu, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse, acting as your agent within. What is your esteemed decision?"
Liu Bei said, "I am deeply moved by your generous intent. But Liu Zhang and I share the same clan. If I attack him, I fear the world will curse me." Zhang Song replied, "A true man, when he acts, must strive to build his achievements and establish his legacy, striking first. If you do not take it now, another will, and you will regret it too late." Liu Bei said, "I have heard that the roads of Shu are rugged, with countless mountains and rivers. Chariots cannot run side by side, nor horses ride abreast. Even if I wished to take it, what strategy could I use?" Zhang Song drew a map from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Bei. "Moved by your great virtue, I dare to present this map. Look at it, and you will know all the roads of Shu." Liu Bei spread it out and saw that it clearly marked the geographical routes, distances, widths, mountain passes, strategic points, treasuries, and military supplies—all recorded in detail. Zhang Song said, "My lord, act quickly. I have two close and trusted friends: Fa Zheng and Meng Da. They will surely be able to assist you. When they come to Jing Province, you can discuss matters of the heart with them." Liu Bei clasped his hands in thanks. "The green mountains never age, the clear waters forever flow. When this matter succeeds, I will surely repay you richly." Zhang Song said, "Meeting an enlightened lord, I must speak my heart fully. How dare I hope for reward?" With that, they parted. Zhuge Liang ordered Guan Yu and others to escort him for several dozen li before returning.
Zhang Song returned to Yi Province and first visited his friend Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng, styled Xiaozhi, was a native of Mei in the Right Fufeng region, the son of the worthy scholar Fa Zhen. Zhang Song told Fa Zheng everything, describing how Cao Cao disdained the worthy and insulted men of talent, saying, "He can be shared in hardship but not in joy. I have already promised Yi Province to Imperial Uncle Liu. I wish to discuss this with you." Fa Zheng said, "I have long known that Liu Zhang is incompetent and have long wished to see Imperial Uncle Liu. Our hearts are the same—why hesitate?" Shortly after, Meng Da arrived. Meng Da, styled Ziqing, was from the same hometown as Fa Zheng. Entering and seeing Fa Zheng and Zhang Song in secret conversation, Meng Da said, "I already know both your intentions. You wish to offer Yi Province, don't you?" Zhang Song said, "That is our plan. Guess to whom?" Meng Da replied, "None other than Liu Bei." The three clapped their hands and laughed. Fa Zheng said to Zhang Song, "When you see Liu Zhang tomorrow, what will you say?" Zhang Song replied, "I will recommend you two as envoys to Jing Province." The two agreed.
The next day, Zhang Song saw Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang asked, "How did your mission go?" Zhang Song replied, "Cao Cao is a traitor to Han, bent on usurping the realm. There is no point in speaking with him. He already has designs on Shu." Liu Zhang said, "Then what are we to do?" Zhang Song said, "I have a plan that will ensure Zhang Lu and Cao Cao dare not lightly invade Western Shu." Liu Zhang asked, "What plan?" Zhang Song said, "Imperial Uncle Liu Bei of Jing Province is of the same clan as you, my lord. He is benevolent, generous, and has the bearing of a true elder. After the fierce battle at Red Cliffs, the mere mention of his name makes Cao Cao's courage fail—let alone Zhang Lu. Why not send an envoy to forge good relations and make him an external ally? This will repel both Cao Cao and Zhang Lu." Liu Zhang said, "I have long thought of this. Who can be the envoy?" Zhang Song replied, "None but Fa Zheng and Meng Da are suitable." Liu Zhang summoned the two men, wrote a letter, and appointed Fa Zheng as envoy to first establish friendly relations. He then ordered Meng Da to lead five thousand elite troops to welcome Liu Bei into Shu as reinforcements. As they were discussing this, a man suddenly burst in, drenched in sweat, and cried out, "My lord, if you listen to Zhang Song's words, your forty-one commanderies will already belong to another!" Zhang Song was startled. He saw that the man was Huang Quan, styled Gongheng, a native of Langzhong in Ba, who served as Liu Zhang's Chief Registrar. Liu Zhang asked, "Liu Bei is of my clan. I am allying with him for support. Why do you say this?"
Huang Quan said, "I have long known that Liu Bei treats others with generosity, overcomes strength with gentleness, and is an invincible hero. He has won the hearts of the distant and the support of the near. Moreover, he has the wisdom of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, and the wings of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. If you summon him to Shu and treat him as a subordinate, how could Liu Bei stoop to serve under you? If you treat him as an honored guest, then one country cannot contain two masters. If you listen to me now, Western Shu will be as stable as Mount Tai. If you do not listen, my lord, you will be in grave danger. Zhang Song passed through Jing Province yesterday—he must have conspired with Liu Bei. First, execute Zhang Song, then break with Liu Bei, and Western Shu will be saved." Liu Zhang said, "When Cao Cao and Zhang Lu come, how will I resist them?" Huang Quan replied, "It is better to close our borders, block the passes, deepen our moats, and heighten our walls, waiting until the times are peaceful." Liu Zhang said, "The enemy is at our borders—the urgency is like a fire singeing our eyebrows. Waiting for peaceful times is a slow and foolish plan." He rejected Huang Quan's advice and sent Fa Zheng on his mission. Another man stepped forward to block the way, shouting, "No! No!" Liu Zhang looked and saw it was Wang Lei, a staff officer in his tent. Wang Lei kowtowed and said, "My lord, by listening to Zhang Song's words, you are bringing disaster upon yourself." Liu Zhang said, "Not so. My alliance with Liu Bei is to repel Zhang Lu." Wang Lei said, "Zhang Lu's invasion is a mere skin ailment. Liu Bei's entry into Shu is a mortal threat to our heart and vitals. Moreover, Liu Bei is a cunning and ambitious man of this age. When he served Cao Cao, he plotted against him; when he followed Sun Quan, he seized Jing Province. With such a scheming heart, how can we coexist with him? If you summon him now, Western Shu is doomed!" Liu Zhang scolded him, "Speak no more nonsense! Liu Bei is of my clan. How could he seize my inheritance?" He ordered the two men dragged out. He then commanded Fa Zheng to proceed.
Fa Zheng left Yi Province and headed straight for Jing Province to see Liu Bei. After performing the formalities of introduction, he presented the letter. Liu Bei opened it and read: "Your younger cousin, Liu Zhang, bows and writes to my elder cousin, General Liu Bei: Long have I admired your brilliance from afar, but the rugged roads of Shu have prevented me from sending tribute, for which I am deeply ashamed and anxious. I have heard that in times of fortune and misfortune, men should aid each other; in times of hardship and calamity, they should support each other. Even friends do this—how much more so members of the same clan? Now Zhang Lu to the north is gathering his army daily to invade my borders, and I am greatly unsettled. I have sent this letter specially to beg your esteemed attention. If you will consider the bond of our shared clan and the duty of brotherly love, raise an army at once to crush this rebel. We will be as close as lips and teeth forever, and you will be richly rewarded. My letter cannot express all my thoughts. I await your arrival." Liu Bei was overjoyed. He hosted a banquet for Fa Zheng. After several rounds of wine, Liu Bei dismissed his attendants and spoke privately to Fa Zheng. "I have long admired your illustrious name, Xiaozhi. Deputy Inspector Zhang has spoken highly of your virtue. Now, to receive your instruction is the greatest comfort of my life." Fa Zheng thanked him and said, "I am but a minor official of Shu—hardly worth mentioning. I have heard that when a horse meets Bole, it neighs; when a man meets one who knows him, he will die for him. Deputy Inspector Zhang spoke of this before. Does the General still have that intention?" Liu Bei said, "I am but a wanderer living on borrowed land. I have often sighed with grief. I recall that even the wren needs but a single branch to nest, and the cunning hare has three burrows to hide in. How much more so a man? Shu is a land of abundance—I would not refuse it. But Liu Zhang is of my clan, and I cannot bear to scheme against him." Fa Zheng said, "Yi Province is a land gifted by Heaven, not a place for one who cannot govern in times of chaos. Liu Zhang cannot employ the worthy, and this inheritance will soon belong to another. He has now placed it in your hands. Do not miss this opportunity. Have you not heard the saying, 'He who chases the hare gets it first'? If you wish to take it, I will serve you unto death." Liu Bei clasped his hands in thanks. "Allow me to consider it further."
After the feast, Zhuge Liang personally escorted Fa Zheng to his lodging. Liu Bei sat alone, lost in thought. Pang Tong entered and said, "He who hesitates when a decision must be made is a fool. My lord, you are wise—why are you so doubtful?" Liu Bei asked, "What do you think I should do?" Pang Tong replied, "To the east of Jing Province is Sun Quan, to the north is Cao Cao. It is difficult to achieve your ambitions here. Yi Province has a million households, vast lands, and abundant wealth—enough to build a great enterprise. Now, by good fortune, Zhang Song and Fa Zheng are your allies within. This is a gift from Heaven. Why hesitate?" Liu Bei said, "The man who stands against me like fire against water is Cao Cao. He acts with haste; I act with leniency. He rules with violence; I rule with benevolence. He governs with deceit; I govern with loyalty. Only by doing the opposite of Cao Cao can I succeed. If I were to lose the trust of the world for a small gain, I could not bear it." Pang Tong laughed and said, "My lord, your words accord with heavenly principles. But in times of division and chaos, waging war and contending for power is not a single path. If you cling rigidly to conventional morality, you cannot move a single step. You must adapt to circumstances. Moreover, to annex the weak, attack the benighted, take by force, and then govern by righteousness—this was the way of Tang and Wu. After the matter is settled, you can repay Liu Zhang with honor and enfeoff him with a great state. Where would the trust be broken? If you do not take it now, another will. My lord, I urge you to think deeply." Liu Bei suddenly saw the light. "Your words are like metal and stone—I will engrave them on my heart." He then invited Zhuge Liang to discuss raising an army to march west. Zhuge Liang said, "Jing Province is a critical position. We must divide our forces to hold it." Liu Bei said, "I will take Pang Tong, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan to Western Shu. You, Military Strategist, along with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, will hold Jing Province." Zhuge Liang agreed. Zhuge Liang took overall command of Jing Province. Guan Yu guarded the strategic route to Xiangyang and held the Qingni Pass. Zhang Fei patrolled the rivers of the four commanderies. Zhao Yun garrisoned Jiangling and defended Gong'an. Liu Bei appointed Huang Zhong as the vanguard and Wei Yan as the rear guard. Liu Bei himself, with Liu Feng and Guan Ping, commanded the central army. Pang Tong served as the military strategist. With fifty thousand infantry and cavalry, they set out westward. Just as they were departing, Liao Hua arrived with a troop to surrender. Liu Bei ordered Liao Hua to assist Guan Yu in resisting Cao Cao.
That winter, the army advanced toward Western Shu. After a few days' march, Meng Da met them and paid his respects to Liu Bei, saying that Liu Zhang had ordered him to lead five thousand troops to welcome him from afar. Liu Bei sent a messenger into Yi Province to report to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang issued orders to all prefectures along the route to supply provisions and funds. He decided to personally greet Liu Bei at Fucheng and ordered the preparation of carriages, tents, banners, and armor, all to be made splendid. Chief Registrar Huang Quan came to remonstrate, "My lord, if you go, you will surely be harmed by Liu Bei. I have eaten your grain for many years and cannot bear to see you fall into another man's trap. I beg you to think thrice!" Zhang Song said, "Huang Quan's words sow discord between clan members and embolden our enemies. They are of no benefit to you, my lord." Liu Zhang scolded Huang Quan, "My mind is made up. Why do you oppose me?" Huang Quan kowtowed until his forehead bled, then crawled forward and bit onto Liu Zhang's robe to stop him. Liu Zhang was furious and yanked his robe away, knocking out two of Huang Quan's teeth. He ordered his attendants to drag Huang Quan out. Huang Quan returned home, weeping bitterly.
As Liu Zhang prepared to depart, another man cried out, "My lord, you refuse to heed the loyal words of Huang Quan, and now you rush headlong to your doom!" He knelt at the steps to remonstrate. Liu Zhang saw it was Li Hui, a native of Yuyuan in Jianning. Li Hui kowtowed and said, "I have heard that a ruler has remonstrating ministers, and a father has remonstrating sons. The loyal words of Huang Quan must be heeded. If you allow Liu Bei into Shu, it is like welcoming a tiger into your home." Liu Zhang said, "Liu Bei is my elder cousin. How could he harm me? Anyone who speaks further will be executed!" He ordered Li Hui dragged away. Zhang Song said, "Now the civil officials of Shu each care only for their own families and no longer serve you. The generals, relying on their achievements, grow arrogant and harbor disloyal thoughts. Without Imperial Uncle Liu, the enemy will attack from without, and the people will rebel from within. This is the path to certain defeat." Liu Zhang said, "Your plan is deeply beneficial to me." The next day, he mounted his horse and rode out through the Yuqiao Gate. Someone reported that Staff Officer Wang Lei had hung himself upside down from the city gate, holding a memorial of remonstrance in one hand and a sword in the other, declaring that if his advice was not heeded, he would cut the rope and dash himself to death on the ground. Liu Zhang ordered the memorial brought to him. It read, in part: "Your subject, Wang Lei, Staff Officer of Yi Province, weeps blood and begs you to listen. I have heard that good medicine tastes bitter but cures illness; loyal words offend the ear but benefit conduct. In ancient times, King Huai of Chu refused to listen to Qu Yuan, went to the alliance at Wuguan, and was trapped by Qin. Now, my lord, you lightly leave your great capital to welcome Liu Bei at Fucheng. I fear you will have a road there but no road back. If you can execute Zhang Song in the marketplace and break off the alliance with Liu Bei, the old and young of Shu will be blessed, and your inheritance will be preserved!" After reading it, Liu Zhang flew into a rage. "I am going to meet a virtuous man, as if approaching the fragrance of orchids. How dare you insult me so repeatedly?" Wang Lei gave a great cry, cut the rope himself, and dashed his head against the ground, dying on the spot.
A poet of the time lamented: "Hanging upside down from the city gate, holding his memorial, he sacrificed his life to repay Liu Zhang. Huang Quan lost his teeth and eventually surrendered to Liu Bei—how could his steadfastness compare to Wang Lei's iron resolve?"
Liu Zhang led thirty thousand troops to Fucheng. The rear army carried over a thousand carts loaded with supplies, grain, and gifts to welcome Liu Bei. Meanwhile, Liu Bei's vanguard had already reached Dianjiang. Wherever they passed, the people of Western Shu provided supplies, and Liu Bei's orders were strict—anyone who took so much as a single item from the people would be executed. Thus, his army committed no wrongs. The common folk, carrying their young and supporting their old, lined the roads to gaze upon him, burning incense and bowing in reverence. Liu Bei comforted them all with kind words.
Fa Zheng secretly said to Pang Tong, "Zhang Song has sent a secret letter. He says that when Liu Bei meets Liu Zhang at Fucheng, we can act. We must not miss this opportunity." Pang Tong replied, "Do not speak of this yet. Wait until the two Lius meet, then act as the opportunity arises. If word leaks out, there will be trouble." Fa Zheng kept the matter secret. F