Chapter 64

Zhuge Liang Devises the Capture of Zhang Ren; Yang Fu Borrows Troops to Defeat Ma Chao

Now Zhang Fei asked Yan Yan for a plan. Yan Yan said, “From here to Luo City, every fortified pass and strategic stronghold is under my jurisdiction, and all the government troops are under my command. Grateful now for the general’s kindness, I have no other means to repay it. I shall lead the vanguard, and wherever we go, I will summon the defenders to come out and surrender.” Zhang Fei thanked him profusely. Thus Yan Yan led the vanguard, with Zhang Fei and his army following behind. Everywhere they went was under Yan Yan’s authority, and he called out all the defenders to submit. To any who hesitated or remained undecided, Yan Yan said, “Even I have surrendered—how much more should you?” Thereafter, all yielded at the mere rumor of their approach, and not a single battle was fought.

Meanwhile, Kongming had already reported the date of his departure to Xuande and ordered all the forces to assemble at Luo City. Xuande consulted with his officers: “Kongming and Yide are now advancing into the Riverlands by two separate routes. They are to rendezvous at Luo City and enter Chengdu together. Their troops by water and land, in boats and carts, set out on the twentieth day of the seventh month; by now they should be nearly here. We may therefore advance.” Huang Zhong said, “Zhang Ren comes daily to challenge us. Seeing that no one comes out of the city, his troops have grown lax and make no preparations. If we divide our forces tonight and raid his camp, it will be better than fighting him in broad daylight.” Xuande agreed. He ordered Huang Zhong to lead a force against the left, Wei Yan against the right, while he himself took the center. At the second watch that night, all three armies moved out together. Zhang Ren had indeed made no preparations. The Han troops poured into the main camp and set it ablaze, the fierce flames leaping into the sky. The soldiers of Shu fled and hastened through the night to report at Luo City, whose defenders came out to receive them. Xuande returned to the center route and encamped. The next day he led his army straight to Luo City, surrounded it, and launched an assault. Zhang Ren kept his troops within and refused battle. On the fourth day of the attack, Xuande personally led one force against the west gate, while ordering Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to attack the east gate. He left the south and north gates open for enemy troops to pass through. The terrain by the south gate consisted entirely of mountain roads, while the Fu River lay by the north gate; therefore neither was invested.

From the walls, Zhang Ren saw Xuande at the west gate, riding to and fro as he directed the assault. From the hour of the dragon until the hour of the goat, men and horses gradually became exhausted. Zhang Ren ordered the two generals Wu Lan and Lei Tong to lead troops out through the north gate, circle around to the east gate, and engage Huang Zhong and Wei Yan. He himself led an army out through the south gate, wheeled around to the west gate, and advanced directly against Xuande. Inside the city, every available militia unit was sent onto the walls to beat the drums and swell the shouting.

When Xuande saw the red sun sinking in the west, he ordered his rear division to withdraw first. As his soldiers turned back, a great shout arose from the walls, and troops suddenly burst out through the south gate. Zhang Ren drove straight into the army to seize Xuande, whose forces were thrown into utter confusion. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had meanwhile been pinned down by Wu Lan and Lei Tong, so the two sides could not support each other. Unable to withstand Zhang Ren, Xuande wheeled his horse and fled along a secluded mountain path. Zhang Ren pursued from behind and was rapidly overtaking him. Xuande was all alone, one man on one horse, while Zhang Ren came after him with several riders.

Xuande was spurring forward with all his might when suddenly an army charged out onto the mountain road. From the saddle Xuande cried bitterly, “An ambush ahead and pursuers behind! Heaven means my death!” But the great commander at the head of the approaching force proved to be Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei and Yan Yan had in fact been coming along that very road when they saw dust rising and knew a battle was under way with the troops of the Riverlands. Zhang Fei galloped ahead and ran directly into Zhang Ren, whereupon the two crossed weapons. They had fought a little more than ten bouts when Yan Yan came up from behind with his army in full force. Zhang Ren turned about with all speed. Zhang Fei chased him straight to the foot of the city walls. Zhang Ren withdrew inside, and the drawbridge was hauled up.

Zhang Fei returned to Xuande and said, “The Military Adviser has been coming upstream, yet he still has not arrived. I have snatched the foremost merit instead.” Xuande said, “The mountain roads are rugged and perilous. How did you meet with no army to bar your way, but advance unhindered and arrive here first?” Zhang Fei replied, “There were forty-five passes and strongholds along the road, and all were won through the service of the veteran general Yan Yan. Thus we came the whole way without expending the least effort.” He then related from beginning to end how he had released Yan Yan out of regard for his righteousness, and brought Yan Yan forward to meet Xuande. Xuande thanked him, saying, “Had it not been for you, veteran general, how could my brother have reached this place?” He immediately removed the gold-linked armor from his own body and bestowed it upon him. Yan Yan bowed his thanks. Just as they were arranging a banquet, a scout rode in with this report: “Huang Zhong and Wei Yan have engaged the Riverlands generals Wu Lan and Lei Tong. Wu Yi and Liu Gui have also led troops out of the city to aid them, attacking from both sides. Our army cannot hold them, and Generals Wei and Huang have been defeated and driven eastward.” At this, Zhang Fei asked Xuande to divide the troops into two columns and advance to their rescue. Zhang Fei took the left and Xuande the right, and they charged forward. When Wu Yi and Liu Gui heard the shouting arise behind them, they hastily retreated into the city. Wu Lan and Lei Tong, intent only on pursuing Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, found their route of return cut off by Xuande and Zhang Fei. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan then wheeled their horses and attacked in turn. Seeing that they could not prevail, Wu Lan and Lei Tong had no choice but to bring their own troops forward and surrender. Xuande accepted their submission, recalled his army, and encamped near the city.

Now Zhang Ren, having lost two generals, was deeply troubled. Wu Yi and Liu Gui said, “The military situation is exceedingly dangerous. Unless we resolve upon a battle to the death, how can we make the enemy withdraw? We should send someone to Chengdu to report the emergency to our lord, while using a stratagem against the enemy here.” Zhang Ren said, “Tomorrow I will lead an army out to challenge them, feign defeat, and draw them around to the north of the city. Another force will then charge out from within and cut their army in two. In this way we may win.” Wu Yi said, “General Liu should assist the young lord in defending the city. I shall lead the force that charges out to support you.”

The plan was settled. The next day, Zhang Ren led several thousand troops from the city, waving their banners and raising battle cries as they issued a challenge. Zhang Fei mounted and rode out to meet him. Without exchanging a word, he engaged Zhang Ren. Before ten bouts had been fought, Zhang Ren feigned defeat and fled around the city. Zhang Fei pursued with all his might. Wu Yi’s force cut him off, and Zhang Ren turned his army back, surrounding Zhang Fei in the very center so that he could neither advance nor retreat. Just when he was at a loss, a column of soldiers came charging from the riverbank. At its head rode a great commander, leveling his spear and urging on his horse. He engaged Wu Yi and, in a single bout, captured him alive; then he drove back the enemy and rescued Zhang Fei. It was Zhao Yun. Zhang Fei asked, “Where is the Military Adviser?” Zhao Yun replied, “He has arrived. I expect he has already met our lord by now.” The two men took Wu Yi back to camp, while Zhang Ren withdrew through the east gate.

When Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun returned to camp, they found Kongming, Jian Yong, and Jiang Wan already inside the command tent. Zhang Fei dismounted and paid his respects to the Military Adviser. Kongming asked in astonishment, “How did you manage to arrive first?” Xuande related the entire story of how Zhang Fei had released Yan Yan out of regard for his righteousness. Kongming congratulated him, saying, “That General Zhang is now able to employ strategy is entirely due to my lord’s boundless good fortune.” Zhao Yun untied Wu Yi and brought him before Xuande. Xuande asked, “Will you surrender?” Wu Yi replied, “Since I have been captured, how could I not surrender?” Xuande was overjoyed and personally removed his bonds. Kongming asked, “How many men are defending the city?” Wu Yi replied, “There are Liu Jiyu’s son Liu Xun, and the supporting generals Liu Gui and Zhang Ren. Liu Gui is of little consequence, but Zhang Ren, a native of Shu Commandery, possesses exceptional courage and resourcefulness. He must not be taken lightly.” Kongming said, “First we shall capture Zhang Ren; then we shall take Luo City.” He asked, “What is the name of that bridge east of the city?” Wu Yi replied, “Golden Goose Bridge.”

Kongming at once rode to the bridge, made a circuit of the river to examine it, and returned to camp. Summoning Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to receive their orders, he said, “Five or six li south of Golden Goose Bridge, both banks are thick with reeds and rushes, suitable for an ambush. Wei Yan is to lead one thousand spearmen into concealment on the left, and they are to thrust only at the mounted officers. Huang Zhong is to lead one thousand swordsmen into concealment on the right, and they are to hack only at the horses beneath them. Once his army is defeated, Zhang Ren will surely flee along the eastern mountain path. Zhang Yide is to conceal one thousand troops there and capture him on the spot.” He then ordered Zhao Yun to lie in ambush north of Golden Goose Bridge: “After I have lured Zhang Ren across, tear down the bridge. Then draw up your troops on the north bank and make an imposing show from afar, so that Zhang Ren will not dare flee north but will retreat southward and fall neatly into our trap.” When all the deployments had been arranged, Kongming went out in person to entice the enemy.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhang had sent the two generals Zhuo Ying and Zhang Yi to Luo City to assist in the fighting. Zhang Ren ordered Zhang Yi and Liu Gui to defend the city, while he and Zhuo Ying divided into a front and rear column, Zhang Ren commanding the van and Zhuo Ying the rear, and marched out to drive back the enemy. Kongming led a ragged, disorderly band across Golden Goose Bridge and drew up opposite Zhang Ren. Riding out in a four-wheeled carriage, wearing a silk cap and carrying a feather fan, with more than a hundred horsemen clustered around him, Kongming pointed at Zhang Ren from afar and said, “Cao Cao, with a host of a million, heard my name and fled at the mere rumor of my coming. Who are you, then, to dare refuse surrender?”

Seeing the disorder in Kongming’s ranks, Zhang Ren sneered from horseback and said, “Men say Zhuge employs troops with divine skill, but it seems his reputation has no substance!” With a sweep of his spear, he sent officers and soldiers alike charging forward. Kongming abandoned his four-wheeled carriage, mounted a horse, and retreated across the bridge. Zhang Ren pursued him from behind. Once Zhang Ren had crossed Golden Goose Bridge, he saw Xuande’s army on the left and Yan Yan’s on the right, both charging in to attack. Realizing it was a trap, Zhang Ren hurriedly turned his army back, but the bridge had already been torn down. He meant to flee north, but saw Zhao Yun’s army arrayed across the river and dared not take that route. Instead he went straight south, following a course around the river.

Before he had gone five or six li, he reached a place choked with reeds and rushes. Wei Yan’s troops suddenly rose from among the reeds and stabbed wildly with their long spears. Huang Zhong’s troops, concealed in the rushes, used their long swords solely to hack at the horses’ legs. All the cavalry mounts went down, and their riders were seized and bound. How could the foot soldiers dare come on? Zhang Ren led several dozen horsemen toward the mountain road, only to run directly into Zhang Fei. As Zhang Ren was about to turn and flee, Zhang Fei gave a mighty shout. His troops rushed forward together and captured Zhang Ren alive. Zhuo Ying, seeing that Zhang Ren had fallen into the trap, had already gone before Zhao Yun’s army and surrendered; now all returned together to the main camp.

Xuande rewarded Zhuo Ying, and Zhang Fei brought in Zhang Ren under guard. Kongming was also seated in the command tent. Xuande said to Zhang Ren, “All the other generals of Shu surrendered at the mere rumor of our approach. Why did you not submit sooner?” Zhang Ren glared and cried angrily, “Would a loyal minister ever consent to serve two masters?” Xuande said, “You merely fail to understand the course of Heaven. Surrender, and you shall be spared.” Zhang Ren replied, “Even if I surrendered today, I would not remain surrendered for long! Kill me quickly!” Xuande could not bear to put him to death. But Zhang Ren raised his voice and continued to curse them, so Kongming ordered him beheaded, thereby preserving his honorable name. A later poet praised him:

Can a valiant knight consent to follow two lords?Lord Zhang, loyal and brave, lives on though he died.His bright fame is like the moon at heaven’s rim,Night after night shedding radiance over Luo City.

Xuande sighed without end. He ordered Zhang Ren’s body recovered and buried beside Golden Goose Bridge as a testament to his loyalty. The next day, Yan Yan, Wu Yi, and the other surrendered generals of Shu were sent in the vanguard directly to Luo City. There they shouted, “Open the gates and surrender at once, lest every living soul in the city suffer!” From within the city, Liu Gui answered them with abuse. Yan Yan was just about to take an arrow and shoot him when suddenly another general on the wall drew his sword and struck Liu Gui down, then opened the gates and surrendered. Xuande’s army entered Luo City. Liu Xun escaped through the west gate and fled to Chengdu. Xuande issued proclamations to reassure the people. The man who had killed Liu Gui was Zhang Yi, a native of Wuyang.

Having taken Luo City, Xuande richly rewarded his generals. Kongming said, “Luo City has fallen, and Chengdu now lies directly before us. I fear only that the outlying prefectures and commanderies may remain unsettled. Let Zhang Yi and Wu Yi accompany Zhao Yun to pacify the outer reaches of the rivers and secure the prefectures and commanderies subordinate to Jiangyang, Qianwei, and the other regions. Let Yan Yan and Zhuo Ying accompany Zhang Fei to pacify the prefectures and commanderies subordinate to Baxi and Deyang. They are to appoint officials, establish orderly government, and restore peace, then hasten back with their troops to rendezvous before Chengdu.” Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun accepted their orders and each led his army away. Kongming asked, “What fortified passes lie ahead?” The surrendered generals of Shu replied, “Only Mianzhu is defended by a large force. Once Mianzhu is taken, Chengdu will be ours for the taking.” Kongming thereupon began discussing the advance. Fa Zheng said, “Now that Luo City has fallen, Shu is in peril. My lord wishes to win the people through benevolence and righteousness, so for the moment let us not advance. I shall write Liu Zhang a letter setting forth the advantages and dangers; he will naturally surrender.” Kongming said, “Xiaozhi’s proposal is excellent.” He ordered the letter written and dispatched a messenger directly to Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Liu Xun fled back to his father and reported that Luo City had fallen. Alarmed, Liu Zhang gathered his officers for counsel. The Attendant Officer Zheng Du offered this plan: “Although Liu Bei has attacked cities and seized territory, his troops are not very numerous, the people have not yet attached themselves to him, he depends upon grain from the countryside, and his army has no baggage train. We should drive all the inhabitants of Baxi and Zitong westward across the Fu River, and burn every granary and every field of grain. Then we shall dig deep moats, raise high ramparts, and wait quietly for him. When he arrives and challenges us, we must refuse battle. If he remains long without provisions, within a hundred days at most his army will withdraw of its own accord. We can then strike while he is vulnerable, and Liu Bei may be captured.” Liu Zhang said, “No. I have heard of resisting an enemy in order to keep the people safe, but never of uprooting the people in order to guard against an enemy. This is not a plan for preserving them.” While they were still deliberating, someone reported that a letter had arrived from Fa Zheng. Liu Zhang summoned the messenger, who presented the letter. Zhang opened and read it. In substance, it said:

Formerly, I was sent by your command to establish friendly relations with Jingzhou. I did not expect that my lord would fail to choose suitable men among those close to him, thereby bringing matters to their present pass. Jingzhou still cherishes the ties of former friendship and has not forgotten the bonds of kinship. If my lord can promptly reverse course and submit, I believe you will not be treated ungenerously. I hope you will consider the matter thrice and declare your decision.

Liu Zhang flew into a rage, tore the letter to pieces, and shouted abuse: “Fa Zheng is a traitor who sells his lord to seek advancement, an ingrate who has betrayed righteousness!” He drove the messenger from the city and immediately sent his wife’s younger brother, Fei Guan, to lead troops to defend Mianzhu. Fei Guan recommended that a man from Nanyang, surnamed Li, given name Yan, style Zhengfang, share the command with him. Fei Guan and Li Yan thereupon mustered thirty thousand troops and marched to defend Mianzhu. Dong He, Governor of Yizhou, whose style was Youzai and who came from Zhijiang in Nan Commandery, submitted a memorial to Liu Zhang requesting permission to seek troops from Hanzhong. Liu Zhang said, “Zhang Lu and I have been hereditary enemies. How could he be willing to save me?” Dong He replied, “Though he is our enemy, Liu Bei’s army is now at Luo City, and our situation is desperate. When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. If the advantages and dangers are explained to him, he will surely agree.” Liu Zhang therefore composed a letter and sent a messenger to Hanzhong.

Now more than two years had passed since Ma Chao, after his defeat, had fled among the Qiang. He had formed alliances with Qiang troops and attacked and seized the prefectures and commanderies of Longxi. Everywhere he went submitted to him; only Ji City withstood his attacks. Wei Kang, the Inspector, repeatedly sent men to seek aid from Xiahou Yuan. But Xiahou Yuan had received no orders from Cao Cao and did not dare move his troops. Seeing that no relief army was coming, Wei Kang consulted his officers: “We had better surrender to Ma Chao.” The Army Adviser Yang Fu wept as he remonstrated: “Ma Chao and his fellows are rebels against their lord. How can we surrender to them?” Wei Kang said, “Matters have come to this. If we do not surrender, what are we waiting for?” Yang Fu pleaded bitterly, but Wei Kang would not listen. He threw the gates wide open and surrendered to Ma Chao. Ma Chao was furious and said, “You surrender now only because your plight is desperate, not from any true loyalty!” He had Wei Kang and more than forty others beheaded, sparing not a single man. Someone said, “Yang Fu urged Wei Kang not to surrender. He should be executed.” Ma Chao replied, “This man stood by righteousness. He must not be killed.” He again employed Yang Fu as an army adviser. Yang Fu recommended two men, Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu, and Ma Chao appointed both as military officers. Yang Fu then told Ma Chao, “My wife has died at Lintao. I beg two months’ leave to return and bury her, after which I shall come back.”

Ma Chao granted his request. Yang Fu passed through Licheng and went to see Jiang Xu, General Who Pacifies the Yi. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu were cousins through their fathers’ sisters: Jiang Xu’s mother was Yang Fu’s aunt and was then eighty-two years old. That day Yang Fu entered the inner quarters of Jiang Xu’s residence, bowed before his aunt, and said weeping, “I defended the city but could not preserve it; my lord perished, yet I could not die with him. I am ashamed to show my face before you. Ma Chao rebelled against his lord and wantonly murdered the governor; not one gentleman or commoner in the entire province fails to hate him. Yet now, elder cousin, you sit here holding Licheng and harbor no thought of punishing the traitor. Is this the proper conduct of a subject?” When he had finished, the tears running from his eyes were mingled with blood. Hearing this, Jiang Xu’s mother summoned her son and rebuked him: “That Governor Wei was murdered is also your fault.” Then she said to Yang Fu, “Since you surrendered to this man and now eat his bread, why have you conceived the thought of attacking him?” Yang Fu replied, “I followed the traitor only to preserve the remnant of my life and avenge my lord.” Jiang Xu said, “Ma Chao is valiant and fierce. It will be difficult to plot against him at short notice.” Yang Fu replied, “He has courage but no strategy, and so he is easily dealt with. I have already entered into secret agreements with Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu. If you are willing to raise troops, elder cousin, those two will certainly answer from within.” Jiang Xu’s mother said, “If you do not act at once, what are you waiting for? Who does not die? To die for loyalty and righteousness is to die in the proper cause. Do not let concern for me restrain you. If you refuse to heed Yishan’s words, I shall die first and put an end to your concern.”

Jiang Xu then consulted Yin Feng, a colonel commanding troops, and Zhao Ang. Zhao Ang’s son, Zhao Yue, was at that time serving under Ma Chao as an assistant general. Zhao Ang gave his assent that day, then returned home and said to his wife, Lady Wang, “Today I consulted with Jiang Xu, Yang Fu, and Yin Feng about avenging Wei Kang. But our son Zhao Yue is now serving under Ma Chao. If we raise troops, Ma Chao will certainly kill our son first. What are we to do?” His wife answered sternly, “To wipe away the great shame suffered by one’s lord and father, a man should not begrudge even his own life—much less the life of a single son! If concern for our son keeps you from acting, I shall die first.” Zhao Ang’s resolve was thus fixed. The next day they raised troops together. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu encamped at Licheng, while Yin Feng and Zhao Ang encamped at Mount Qi. Lady Wang took all her jewelry, goods, and silks and went in person to the army at Mount Qi, where she rewarded and entertained the soldiers to encourage them.

When Ma Chao heard that Jiang Xu and Yang Fu had joined Yin Feng and Zhao Ang in raising troops against him, he flew into a rage and immediately had Zhao Yue beheaded. Then he ordered Pang De and Ma Dai to muster all their forces and marched against Licheng. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu led their troops out. When the two formations had been arrayed, Yang Fu and Jiang Xu rode forth in white robes and shouted abuse: “Faithless traitor who rebelled against his lord!” Ma Chao, enraged, charged at them, and the two armies fell into a confused battle. How could Jiang Xu and Yang Fu withstand Ma Chao? They suffered a great defeat and fled. Ma Chao drove his troops after them. Then shouting arose behind him as Yin Feng and Zhao Ang came charging in. Ma Chao hastily turned back, but found himself attacked from both sides, unable to protect either head or tail. In the midst of the fighting, a great body of troops suddenly swept in from the flank. It was Xiahou Yuan, who had received Cao Cao’s military orders and was leading an army to destroy Ma Chao. How could Ma Chao withstand armies attacking from three directions? Utterly defeated, he fled through the night. At daybreak he reached Ji City and called for the gates to be opened, but a hail of arrows descended from the walls. Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu stood atop the battlements, hurling abuse at Ma Chao. Before his eyes, they struck down Ma Chao’s wife, Lady Yang, with a single stroke of the sword and flung her body from the wall. Then they brought out Ma Chao’s three young sons and more than ten of his closest kin, and from the wall they hewed them down one by one, casting all their bodies below.

Ma Chao’s grief and rage choked his breast, and he nearly fell from his horse. Behind him, Xiahou Yuan was approaching with his army in pursuit. Seeing the enemy’s strength, Ma Chao dared not linger to fight. With Pang De and Ma Dai, he hacked open a road and fled. Ahead he encountered Jiang Xu and Yang Fu and fought a battle against them. After breaking through, he again encountered Yin Feng and Zhao Ang and fought another battle. His force scattered until only fifty or sixty horsemen remained, and they fled throughout the night. Around the fourth watch they reached the walls of Licheng. The gatekeepers assumed that Jiang Xu’s troops were returning and threw the gates wide open to receive them. Ma Chao began slaughtering at the south gate and massacred all the common people in the city. Reaching Jiang Xu’s residence, he dragged out the old mother. She showed not the slightest fear, but pointed at Ma Chao and reviled him bitterly. Ma Chao flew into a rage and killed her with his own sword. The entire families of Yin Feng and Zhao Ang, old and young alike, were also put to death by Ma Chao. Zhao Ang’s wife, Lady Wang, escaped the calamity because she was with the army.

The next day Xiahou Yuan’s great army arrived. Ma Chao abandoned the city, fought his way out, and fled westward. Before he had gone twenty li, an army stood arrayed ahead of him, with Yang Fu at its head. Grinding his teeth in hatred, Ma Chao slapped his horse forward and thrust his spear at him. Yang Fu’s seven brothers all came together to aid him in the fight, while Ma Dai and Pang De held off the troops behind. All seven of Yang Fu’s brothers were killed by Ma Chao. Yang Fu himself suffered five spear wounds, yet still fought desperately. When Xiahou Yuan’s great army came up from behind, Ma Chao at last fled. Only Pang De, Ma Dai, and six or seven riders followed him. Xiahou Yuan personally pacified the people of the western prefectures, ordered Jiang Xu and the others to take charge of their respective defenses, and had Yang Fu carried by cart to the capital at Xudu to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao enfeoffed Yang Fu as a Marquis Within the Passes. Yang Fu declined, saying, “I performed no feat in averting the calamity, nor did I show the integrity to die in it. By law I deserve execution. With what face could I accept rank?” Cao Cao praised him and ultimately conferred the title upon him.

Ma Chao now consulted with Pang De and Ma Dai, and they went directly to Hanzhong to seek refuge with Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu was overjoyed, believing that with Ma Chao in his service he could annex Yizhou to the west and resist Cao Cao to the east. He therefore proposed giving Ma Chao his daughter in marriage. But his great general Yang Bo remonstrated: “That Ma Chao’s wife and children met so dreadful a fate was entirely due to the disaster he brought upon them. How can my lord give him your daughter?” Zhang Lu accepted his counsel and abandoned the proposed marriage. Someone reported Yang Bo’s words to Ma Chao. Ma Chao was furious and conceived the desire to kill Yang Bo. Learning of this, Yang Bo consulted with his elder brother Yang Song, and they too began plotting against Ma Chao.

Just then, Liu Zhang sent an envoy to seek aid from Zhang Lu, but Zhang Lu refused. Suddenly it was reported that Liu Zhang had sent Huang Quan as another envoy. Huang Quan first went to see Yang Song and said, “The eastern and western Riverlands are truly as lips and teeth. If the western Riverlands fall, the eastern Riverlands will likewise be hard to preserve. If you are willing to aid us now, we shall reward you with twenty prefectures.” Yang Song was delighted and immediately brought Huang Quan before Zhang Lu. He explained the vital interdependence of lips and teeth and added that twenty prefectures would be ceded in gratitude. Zhang Lu, pleased by the gain, agreed. Yan Pu of Baxi remonstrated: “Liu Zhang and my lord are hereditary enemies. Now that his plight is desperate, he seeks our aid and falsely promises to cede territory. You must not agree!” Suddenly a man below the steps came forward and said, “Though I possess little ability, I beg only a single brigade. I shall capture Liu Bei alive and make certain that the territory is ceded before I return.” Truly:

Just as the rightful lord comes into western Shu,Another mighty army marches out from Hanzhong.

Who this man was will be revealed in the next chapter.

Zhuge Liang Devises the Capture of Zhang Ren; Yang Fu Borrows Troops to Defeat Ma Chao

Meanwhile, Zhang Fei asked Yan Yan for a plan. Yan Yan said, “From here to Luo Castle, every fortified pass is under my command, and all the government troops are under my control. Now that I have received your kindness, General, I have no other way to repay you. I will serve as the vanguard, and wherever we go, I will summon the defenders to come out and surrender.” Zhang Fei thanked him repeatedly. Yan Yan then led the vanguard, with Zhang Fei and his army following behind. Every place they reached was under Yan Yan’s command, and he called out all the defenders to surrender. To any who hesitated and could not decide, Yan Yan said, “Even I have surrendered—how much more should you?” From then on, they submitted at the mere sight of his banners, and not a single battle was fought.

Meanwhile, Kongming had already reported the date of his departure to Xuande and ordered all the forces to assemble at Luo Castle. Xuande consulted with his officers: “Kongming and Yide are now advancing into the Riverlands by two separate routes. They will meet at Luo Castle, and together we will enter Chengdu. The troops traveling by water and land, by boat and wagon, set out on the twentieth day of the seventh month. They should be close to arriving by now. We can advance.” Huang Zhong said, “Zhang Ren comes to challenge us every day. Seeing that no one comes out of the city, his troops have grown careless and make no preparations. If we divide our forces tonight and raid his camp, it will be better than fighting in broad daylight.” Xuande agreed and ordered Huang Zhong to lead troops against the left, Wei Yan against the right, while Xuande himself took the center. At the second watch that night, all three columns set out together. Sure enough, Zhang Ren had made no preparations. The Han troops surged into the main camp and set it on fire, and fierce flames rose into the sky. The Shu troops fled, sending urgent reports through the night to Luo Castle, whose troops came out to receive them. Xuande returned to the center and made camp. The next day he led his army straight to Luo Castle, surrounded it, and attacked. Zhang Ren held his troops back and would not come out. On the fourth day of the assault, Xuande personally led a force against the west gate and ordered Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to attack the east gate, leaving the south and north gates open for the enemy troops to pass through. The area around the south gate consisted entirely of mountain roads, while the Fu River lay outside the north gate, and so those gates were not surrounded.

From the walls, Zhang Ren saw Xuande riding back and forth outside the west gate, directing the attack. From the hour of the dragon until the hour of the goat, men and horses gradually grew exhausted. Zhang Ren ordered the two generals Wu Lan and Lei Tong to lead troops out through the north gate, circle around to the east gate, and engage Huang Zhong and Wei Yan. He himself led troops out through the south gate, circled around to the west gate, and went directly against Xuande. Inside the city, every available militiaman was sent onto the walls to beat drums and raise battle cries.

As the red sun sank toward the west, Xuande ordered his rear units to withdraw first. The soldiers had just turned back when a great cry rose from the walls, and troops burst out through the south gate. Zhang Ren drove straight into the army to capture Xuande, throwing Xuande’s troops into great confusion. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan were being held at bay by Wu Lan and Lei Tong, and neither side could come to the other’s aid. Unable to withstand Zhang Ren, Xuande wheeled his horse around and fled along a remote mountain path. Zhang Ren pursued him from behind and was rapidly catching up. Xuande was entirely alone, with only his horse, while Zhang Ren came after him with several riders.

Xuande was desperately whipping his horse forward when a body of troops suddenly charged out onto the mountain road. On horseback, Xuande cried bitterly, “There is an ambush ahead and pursuit behind! Heaven means to destroy me!” But the great general at the head of the approaching force was Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei and Yan Yan had been traveling along that very road when they saw dust rising and realized a battle was being fought with the troops of the Riverlands. Zhang Fei charged forward and ran straight into Zhang Ren, and the two immediately crossed weapons. They had fought for more than ten bouts when Yan Yan led his troops up from behind in a massed attack. Zhang Ren swiftly turned back. Zhang Fei pursued him all the way to the city walls. Zhang Ren retreated into the city and had the drawbridge raised.

Zhang Fei returned to Xuande and said, “The military adviser is coming upriver, but he still has not arrived. Instead, I have won the first distinction.” Xuande said, “The mountain roads are steep and dangerous. How could no army have blocked you? How did you advance without stopping and arrive here first?” Zhang Fei said, “We passed forty-five fortified points along the way, all through the efforts of the veteran general Yan Yan. Because of him, we did not expend the slightest effort on the entire journey.” He then recounted from beginning to end how he had released Yan Yan out of respect for his righteousness, and brought Yan Yan forward to meet Xuande. Xuande thanked him, saying, “Without you, veteran general, how could my brother have reached this place?” He immediately removed the gold-linked armor he was wearing and presented it to Yan Yan. Yan Yan bowed in thanks. Just as arrangements were being made for a banquet, a scout rode in with an urgent report: “Huang Zhong and Wei Yan have engaged the Riverlands generals Wu Lan and Lei Tong. Wu Yi and Liu Gui have also led troops out of the city to help them. Attacked from both sides, our army could not hold them off, and Generals Wei and Huang have been defeated and fled east.” When Zhang Fei heard this, he asked Xuande to divide the army into two columns and rush to their rescue. Zhang Fei took the left and Xuande the right, and they charged forward. When Wu Yi and Liu Gui heard battle cries rising behind them, they hurriedly withdrew into the city. Wu Lan and Lei Tong had been intent only on pursuing Huang Zhong and Wei Yan, but Xuande and Zhang Fei now cut off their route back. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan also wheeled around and renewed their attack. Knowing they could not withstand the enemy, Wu Lan and Lei Tong had no choice but to bring their own troops forward and surrender. Xuande accepted their surrender, recalled his army, and made camp close to the city.

Meanwhile, Zhang Ren had lost two generals and was deeply troubled. Wu Yi and Liu Gui said, “The military situation is extremely dangerous. Unless we fight a decisive battle to the death, how can we force the enemy to withdraw? We should send someone to Chengdu to report the emergency to our lord while also using a stratagem against the enemy.” Zhang Ren said, “Tomorrow I will lead a force out to challenge them, pretend to be defeated, and draw them around to the north of the city. Another force will then charge out from inside the city and cut their army in two. In this way we can win.” Wu Yi said, “General Liu can assist the young lord in defending the city, while I lead the troops that charge out to support you.”

The plan was settled. The next day, Zhang Ren led several thousand troops out of the city, waving banners, shouting battle cries, and issuing a challenge. Zhang Fei mounted his horse and rode out to meet him. Without exchanging a word, he engaged Zhang Ren. Before they had fought ten bouts, Zhang Ren pretended to be defeated and fled around the city. Zhang Fei pursued him with all his strength. Wu Yi’s force cut Zhang Fei off, while Zhang Ren turned his troops back, surrounding Zhang Fei in the center of the encirclement and leaving him unable either to advance or retreat. Just when he was at a loss, a body of troops charged out from the riverbank. At their head was a great general who leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and engaged Wu Yi. In a single bout, he captured Wu Yi alive, drove back the enemy troops, and rescued Zhang Fei. When Zhang Fei looked, he saw that it was Zhao Yun. He asked, “Where is the military adviser?” Zhao Yun said, “The military adviser has arrived. By now he has probably met with our lord.” The two of them took Wu Yi back to camp. Zhang Ren withdrew through the east gate.

When Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun returned to camp, they found Kongming, Jian Yong, and Jiang Wan already inside the command tent. Zhang Fei dismounted and paid his respects to the military adviser. Kongming asked in astonishment, “How did you arrive first?” Xuande gave a full account of how Zhang Fei had released Yan Yan in honor of his righteousness. Kongming congratulated him, saying, “That General Zhang has learned to use strategy is entirely due to my lord’s great good fortune.” Zhao Yun had Wu Yi untied and brought before Xuande. Xuande said, “Will you surrender?” Wu Yi replied, “Now that I have been captured, how could I not surrender?” Xuande was delighted and personally removed his bonds. Kongming asked, “How many men are defending the city?” Wu Yi said, “There are Liu Jiyu’s son Liu Xun and the supporting generals Liu Gui and Zhang Ren. Liu Gui is of little concern, but Zhang Ren is a native of Shu Commandery. He is exceedingly brave and resourceful and must not be underestimated.” Kongming said, “First we must capture Zhang Ren, and then we will take Luo Castle.” He then asked, “What is the name of that bridge east of the city?” Wu Yi replied, “Golden Goose Bridge.”

Kongming mounted his horse, rode to the bridge, and inspected the river all around. Returning to camp, he summoned Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to receive their orders: “Five or six li south of Golden Goose Bridge, both banks are covered with reeds and rushes, making them suitable for an ambush. Wei Yan will lead one thousand spearmen into hiding on the left and strike only at the mounted generals. Huang Zhong will lead one thousand swordsmen into hiding on the right and cut only at the horses beneath them. Once his army is defeated, Zhang Ren will certainly flee by the small road east of the mountains. Zhang Yide will lead one thousand soldiers into ambush there and capture him at that spot.” He then ordered Zhao Yun to lie in ambush north of Golden Goose Bridge. “After I lure Zhang Ren across the bridge, tear it down. Then form your troops north of the bridge and make a show of strength from a distance, so that Zhang Ren will not dare flee north. He will retreat south instead and fall neatly into our trap.” Once all the deployments had been made, Kongming went out in person to lure the enemy.

Meanwhile, Liu Zhang had sent the two generals Zhuo Ying and Zhang Yi to Luo Castle as reinforcements. Zhang Ren ordered Zhang Yi and Liu Gui to defend the city, while he and Zhuo Ying formed two detachments, one in front and one behind. Zhang Ren led the forward detachment, Zhuo Ying the rear, and they marched out of the city to repel the enemy. Kongming led a ragged and disorderly body of troops across Golden Goose Bridge and drew up against Zhang Ren. Riding out in a four-wheeled carriage, wearing a silk headdress and holding a feather fan, Kongming was surrounded by more than a hundred horsemen. Pointing at Zhang Ren from afar, he said, “Cao Cao had an army of a million, yet when he heard my name, he fled at the mere rumor of my approach. Who are you, then, to dare refuse surrender?”

When Zhang Ren saw how disorderly Kongming’s ranks were, he sneered from horseback and said, “People say Zhuge uses troops like a god, but it turns out that his reputation is empty!” With a wave of his spear, he sent officers and soldiers alike charging forward. Kongming abandoned his four-wheeled carriage, mounted a horse, and retreated across the bridge. Zhang Ren pursued him from behind. Once he had crossed Golden Goose Bridge, he saw Xuande’s troops charging from the left and Yan Yan’s from the right. Realizing it was a trap, Zhang Ren hurriedly turned his army back, only to find that the bridge had already been torn down. He wanted to flee north, but saw Zhao Yun’s troops arrayed on the opposite bank. Not daring to go north, he headed directly south, following the river around.

Before he had gone five or six li, he reached the place thick with reeds. Wei Yan’s troops suddenly rose from among them, thrusting wildly with long spears. Huang Zhong’s troops, hidden in the reeds, used long swords to hack only at the horses’ legs. All the cavalry horses fell, and the riders were bound and taken prisoner. How could the infantry dare come forward? Zhang Ren led several dozen horsemen toward the mountain road and ran straight into Zhang Fei. Just as Zhang Ren was about to turn back, Zhang Fei gave a tremendous shout. His soldiers rushed forward together and captured Zhang Ren alive. As it happened, when Zhuo Ying saw Zhang Ren fall into the trap, he had already gone before Zhao Yun’s army and surrendered. All of them were now brought to the main camp.

Xuande rewarded Zhuo Ying, and Zhang Fei escorted Zhang Ren in. Kongming was also seated in the command tent. Xuande said to Zhang Ren, “All the other generals of Shu have surrendered at the mere sight of our banners. Why did you not surrender sooner?” Zhang Ren glared at him and shouted angrily, “How could a loyal subject ever serve two masters?” Xuande said, “You simply do not understand Heaven’s timing. Surrender, and your life will be spared.” Zhang Ren said, “If I surrender today, I will still refuse to submit in the future! Kill me quickly!” Xuande could not bear to kill him. Zhang Ren raised his voice and cursed fiercely. Kongming ordered that he be executed, preserving his good name. A later poet praised him:

How could a valiant man submit to a second lord?Lord Zhang, loyal and brave, lives on though dead.His brilliance is like the moon at heaven’s edge,Night after night shedding its light on Luo Castle.

Xuande sighed over him without end. He ordered that Zhang Ren’s body be collected and buried beside Golden Goose Bridge as a tribute to his loyalty. The next day, he ordered Yan Yan, Wu Yi, and the other surrendered generals of Shu to lead the vanguard straight to Luo Castle and call out loudly, “Open the gates and surrender at once, and spare every living soul in the city from suffering!” Liu Gui stood inside the city and hurled abuse at them. Yan Yan was just about to take an arrow and shoot him when a general on the wall suddenly drew his sword, struck Liu Gui down, and opened the gates in surrender. Xuande’s army entered Luo Castle. Liu Xun escaped through the west gate and fled to Chengdu. Xuande posted proclamations to reassure the people. The man who had killed Liu Gui was Zhang Yi, a native of Wuyang.

After taking Luo Castle, Xuande richly rewarded his generals. Kongming said, “Luo Castle has fallen, and Chengdu now lies directly before us. My only concern is that the outlying commanderies and districts may remain unsettled. Zhang Yi and Wu Yi should guide Zhao Yun along the Outer River and pacify Jiangyang, Jianwei, and their subordinate commanderies and districts. Yan Yan and Zhuo Ying should guide Zhang Fei in pacifying Baxi, Deyang, and their subordinate commanderies and districts. They are to appoint officials, restore order, and then immediately bring their troops back to assemble at Chengdu.” Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun accepted their orders and each departed with his own army. Kongming asked, “What fortified pass lies ahead?” The surrendered generals of Shu replied, “Only Mianzhu is heavily garrisoned. Once Mianzhu is taken, Chengdu can be had with no more effort than turning over one’s hand.” Kongming began discussing the advance. Fa Zheng said, “Now that Luo Castle has fallen, Shu is in grave danger. My lord wishes to win the people through benevolence and righteousness, so for the moment, do not advance. I will write a letter to Liu Zhang explaining the advantages and dangers. He will naturally surrender.” Kongming said, “Xiaozhi’s proposal is excellent.” He immediately had the letter written and sent a messenger directly to Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Liu Xun fled back to his father and reported that Luo Castle had fallen. Alarmed, Liu Zhang assembled his officials for consultation. Zheng Du, an assistant officer, offered this plan: “Although Liu Bei has attacked cities and seized territory, his army is not very large, the local people have not yet attached themselves to him, and he relies on grain in the countryside, for his army has no supply train. We should drive all the people of Baxi and Zitong west across the Fu River. Burn every granary and all the grain in the fields, dig deep moats, raise high ramparts, and wait quietly for him. When he arrives and challenges us, we must not accept. After a long time without supplies—no more than a hundred days—his army will withdraw on its own. We can then take advantage of his weakness and attack, and Liu Bei can be captured.” Liu Zhang said, “No. I have heard of resisting an enemy in order to keep the people safe, but I have never heard of displacing the people in order to prepare against an enemy. This is not a plan that will preserve us.” While they were still discussing matters, someone reported that a letter had arrived from Fa Zheng. Liu Zhang ordered the messenger brought in and the letter presented. He opened it and read. It said in outline:

Previously, I was sent to establish friendly relations with Jingzhou. Unexpectedly, my lord failed to employ the right men around him, bringing matters to their present state. Yet Jingzhou still cherishes old bonds and has not forgotten the ties of kinship. If my lord can change course and submit, I believe you will not be treated ungenerously. I hope you will consider this three times and make your decision.

Liu Zhang flew into a rage, tore the letter to pieces, and cursed, “Fa Zheng is a traitor who sells out his lord in pursuit of glory, forgets kindness, and betrays righteousness!” He drove the messenger out of the city and immediately sent his wife’s younger brother Fei Guan to lead troops to defend Mianzhu. Fei Guan recommended that Li Yan, style name Zhengfang, a native of Nanyang, share the command with him. Fei Guan and Li Yan then mustered thirty thousand troops to defend Mianzhu. Dong He, the Administrator of Yizhou, whose style name was Youzai and who was a native of Zhijiang in Nan Commandery, submitted a memorial to Liu Zhang asking permission to seek military aid from Hanzhong. Liu Zhang said, “Zhang Lu and I have been enemies for generations. How could he be willing to rescue me?” Dong He said, “Although he is our enemy, Liu Bei’s army is now at Luo Castle and the situation is critical. If the lips are lost, the teeth will grow cold. If we explain the stakes to him, he will certainly agree.” Liu Zhang therefore wrote a letter and sent an envoy to Hanzhong.

Meanwhile, more than two years had passed since Ma Chao’s defeat and flight among the Qiang. He had allied himself with Qiang troops and attacked and seized the commanderies and districts of Longxi. Everywhere he went surrendered to him; only Ji City remained unconquered. Wei Kang, the Inspector, repeatedly sent men to ask Xiahou Yuan for help. Having received no orders from Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan did not dare move his army. When Wei Kang saw that no relief force was coming, he consulted with his officers: “We would do better to surrender to Ma Chao.” Yang Fu, an army adviser, wept as he remonstrated: “Ma Chao and his followers are rebels against their sovereign. How can we surrender to them?” Wei Kang said, “Matters have reached this point. If we do not surrender, what are we waiting for?” Yang Fu pleaded bitterly, but Wei Kang would not listen. Wei Kang threw the city gates wide open and surrendered to Ma Chao. Ma Chao angrily said, “You surrender now only because you are in desperate straits, not because you are sincere!” He had Wei Kang and more than forty others beheaded, sparing not one of them. Someone said, “Yang Fu urged Wei Kang not to surrender. He should be executed.” Ma Chao said, “This man upheld righteousness. He must not be killed.” He again employed Yang Fu as an army adviser. Yang Fu recommended Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu, and Ma Chao appointed both men as military officers. Yang Fu told Ma Chao, “My wife has died in Lintao. I ask for two months’ leave to go home, bury her, and return.”

Ma Chao granted his request. Yang Fu passed through Licheng and went to see Jiang Xu, General Who Pacifies the Yi. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu were maternal cousins. Jiang Xu’s mother was Yang Fu’s paternal aunt and was then eighty-two years old. That day, Yang Fu entered Jiang Xu’s inner residence, bowed before his aunt, and wept as he said, “I defended the city but could not preserve it; my lord was killed, yet I did not die. I am ashamed to show my face before you. Ma Chao rebelled against his sovereign and recklessly murdered the commandery administrator. Every gentleman and commoner in the province hates him. Yet my elder cousin now occupies Licheng and has no intention of punishing the traitor. Is this proper conduct for a subject?” When he finished, bloody tears streamed from his eyes. Hearing this, Jiang Xu’s mother summoned Jiang Xu and rebuked him: “That Governor Wei was murdered is also your fault.” She then said to Yang Fu, “You have already surrendered to this man and receive his salary. Why are you now plotting to attack him?” Yang Fu said, “I followed the traitor only to preserve what remained of my life so I could avenge my lord.” Jiang Xu said, “Ma Chao is brave and fierce. It will be difficult to deal with him quickly.” Yang Fu replied, “He has courage but no strategy, so he is easy to deal with. I have already made secret arrangements with Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu. If you are willing to raise troops, the two of them will certainly respond from within.” Jiang Xu’s mother said, “If you do not act quickly, what are you waiting for? Who does not die? To die for loyalty and righteousness is to die in the proper cause. Do not worry about me. If you refuse to follow Yishan’s advice, I will die first and put an end to your concern for me.”

Jiang Xu then consulted with Yin Feng, a colonel in command of troops, and Zhao Ang. Zhao Ang’s son Zhao Yue was at that time serving under Ma Chao as a deputy general. Zhao Ang gave his agreement that day, then returned home and said to his wife, Lady Wang, “Today I consulted with Jiang Xu, Yang Fu, and Yin Feng about avenging Wei Kang. But our son Zhao Yue is now serving under Ma Chao. If we raise troops, Ma Chao will certainly kill our son first. What are we to do?” His wife replied sternly, “To wipe away the great shame of our lord’s death, we should not begrudge even our own lives, much less the life of one son! If you abandon the plan out of concern for your son, I will die first.” Zhao Ang then made up his mind. The next day, they raised troops together. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu stationed themselves at Licheng, while Yin Feng and Zhao Ang stationed themselves at Mount Qi. Lady Wang took all her jewelry, money, and silks and personally went to the army at Mount Qi, where she rewarded and provided for the soldiers to encourage them.

When Ma Chao heard that Jiang Xu and Yang Fu had joined Yin Feng and Zhao Ang in raising troops, he flew into a rage and immediately had Zhao Yue executed. He ordered Pang De and Ma Dai to muster every soldier and horse and charge toward Licheng. Jiang Xu and Yang Fu led their troops out. When the two armies had formed their battle lines, Yang Fu and Jiang Xu rode out dressed in white robes and cursed, “Traitor without loyalty or righteousness!” Ma Chao was enraged and charged at them, and the two armies became locked in confused battle. How could Jiang Xu and Yang Fu withstand Ma Chao? They suffered a crushing defeat and fled, with Ma Chao driving his troops after them. Then battle cries rose from behind as Yin Feng and Zhao Ang attacked. Ma Chao hurriedly turned back, but now he was caught between attacks from both sides and could not protect both his front and rear. In the midst of the fighting, a large army suddenly charged in from one side. Xiahou Yuan had received Cao Cao’s military orders and was leading troops to destroy Ma Chao. How could Ma Chao withstand three armies? He was utterly defeated and fled back through the entire night. At daybreak he reached Ji City and called for the gates to be opened, but a storm of arrows came down from the walls. Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu stood above, cursing Ma Chao. They struck down Ma Chao’s wife, Lady Yang, with a single sword stroke and threw her corpse from the wall. They then brought out Ma Chao’s three young sons and more than ten of his close relatives and, one by one, hacked them to pieces and cast them down from the walls.

Grief and rage choked Ma Chao’s chest, and he nearly fell from his horse. Behind him, Xiahou Yuan was approaching with his army. Seeing the enemy’s overwhelming strength, Ma Chao did not dare remain to fight. Together with Pang De and Ma Dai, he hacked open an escape route and fled. Ahead, he again encountered Jiang Xu and Yang Fu and fought his way through them. Then he ran into Yin Feng and Zhao Ang and fought another battle. His men scattered one after another until only fifty or sixty riders remained, and they fled through the night. Around the fourth watch, they reached Licheng. The gate guards assumed that Jiang Xu’s troops were returning and opened the gates wide to admit them. Beginning at the city’s south gate, Ma Chao slaughtered his way through the city and massacred all its people. When he reached Jiang Xu’s residence, he dragged out Jiang Xu’s aged mother. Showing no trace of fear, she pointed at Ma Chao and cursed him fiercely. Ma Chao flew into a rage and personally killed her with his sword. The entire families of Yin Feng and Zhao Ang, old and young alike, were also killed by Ma Chao. Zhao Ang’s wife, Lady Wang, escaped disaster because she was with the army.

The next day, Xiahou Yuan’s main army arrived. Ma Chao abandoned the city, fought his way out, and fled west. Before he had traveled twenty li, he found an army arrayed before him, with Yang Fu at its head. Grinding his teeth in hatred, Ma Chao spurred his horse forward and thrust his spear at him. Yang Fu’s seven kinsmen came together to help him fight, while Ma Dai and Pang De held off the enemy’s rear force. Ma Chao killed all seven of Yang Fu’s kinsmen. Though Yang Fu suffered five spear wounds, he continued fighting to the death. Xiahou Yuan’s main army then came up from behind, and Ma Chao fled. Only Pang De, Ma Dai, and six or seven riders followed him. Xiahou Yuan personally pacified the people of the western commanderies, ordered Jiang Xu and the others to divide the territory among themselves and defend it, and had Yang Fu carried by wagon to the capital at Xu to meet Cao Cao. Cao Cao enfeoffed Yang Fu as a Marquis Within the Passes. Yang Fu declined, saying, “I performed no service in resisting the crisis, nor did I show the integrity to die in it. By law, I deserve execution. How could I have the face to accept a rank?” Cao Cao praised him and ultimately conferred the title on him.

Meanwhile, Ma Chao consulted with Pang De and Ma Dai, and they went directly to Hanzhong to place themselves under Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu was delighted, believing that with Ma Chao in his service he could annex Yizhou in the west and resist Cao Cao in the east. He therefore discussed giving Ma Chao his daughter in marriage. The senior general Yang Bo remonstrated: “The terrible fate suffered by Ma Chao’s wife and children was a disaster brought upon them by Ma Chao himself. How can my lord give him your daughter?” Zhang Lu accepted his advice and abandoned the proposed marriage. Someone told Ma Chao what Yang Bo had said. Ma Chao flew into a rage and intended to kill Yang Bo. When Yang Bo learned this, he consulted with his elder brother Yang Song, and they in turn began plotting against Ma Chao.

Just then, Liu Zhang sent an envoy to ask Zhang Lu for help, but Zhang Lu refused. Suddenly it was reported that Liu Zhang had sent Huang Quan as another envoy. Huang Quan first went to see Yang Song and said, “The eastern and western Riverlands are truly as interdependent as lips and teeth. If the western Riverlands fall, the eastern Riverlands will be difficult to preserve. If you are willing to help us now, we will reward you with twenty districts.” Yang Song was delighted. He immediately brought Huang Quan before Zhang Lu, where Huang Quan explained how their interests were as closely linked as lips and teeth and again promised twenty districts as recompense. Pleased by the profit, Zhang Lu agreed. Yan Pu of Baxi remonstrated: “Liu Zhang has been my lord’s enemy for generations. Now that he is in desperate straits, he asks for help and deceitfully promises to cede territory. You must not agree!” Suddenly, a man below the steps came forward and said, “Though I have little ability, I ask for a single brigade of troops. I will capture Liu Bei alive and make certain that Liu Zhang cedes the territory before I return.” It was just as the verse says:

Just as the true lord comes into western Shu,Another elite army marches out from Hanzhong.

Who this man was will be revealed in the next chapter.