Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Meanwhile, the two armies had fought in a confused battle that lasted until dawn, when each side withdrew its forces. Ma Chao stationed his troops at the Wei River's mouth, sending detachments day and night to attack from both front and rear. Cao Cao, within the Wei River's channel, chained together rafts and boats to make three floating bridges connecting to the south bank. Cao Ren led his forces to establish a camp on both sides of the river, linking the grain carts and vehicles together as a barrier. When Ma Chao learned of this, he ordered his soldiers to each carry a bundle of kindling and fire starters, and together with Han Sui, they led their combined forces to charge the camp. They piled up the kindling and set it ablaze. Cao's troops could not withstand the assault and abandoned the camp, fleeing. The carts and floating bridges were all burned to ashes. The Liangzhou forces won a great victory and seized control of the Wei River. Cao Cao could no longer establish a camp and grew anxious and fearful.

Xun You said, "We can take the sandy soil of the Wei River and build an earthen fortress—it will allow us to hold our ground." Cao Cao assigned thirty thousand soldiers to carry earth and build the fortress. Ma Chao then sent Pang De and Ma Dai, each leading five hundred cavalry, to harass them relentlessly. Moreover, the sandy soil would not compact—the walls would collapse as soon as they were built. Cao Cao was at his wits' end.

It was the end of the ninth month, and the weather had turned bitterly cold. Thick, dark clouds covered the sky day after day without clearing. Cao Cao sat brooding in his camp. Suddenly a messenger reported: "An old man has come to see Your Excellency and wishes to present a strategy." Cao Cao invited him in. The man had the bones of a crane and the bearing of a pine, with a venerable and ancient appearance. Upon inquiry, it was learned that he was from Jingzhao, had lived as a recluse on Mount Zhongnan, bore the surname Lou, was styled Zibo, and went by the Taoist name Dreaming Plum Recluse. Cao Cao received him with the courtesy due a guest. Zibo said, "Your Excellency has long wished to cross the Wei River and establish a camp—why not seize this moment and build it?" Cao Cao said, "The ground is sandy soil—I cannot raise fortifications. What worthy counsel can the recluse offer?" Zibo said, "Your Excellency employs troops with the skill of a spirit—how could you not understand the workings of heaven? For days the dark clouds have gathered, and when the north wind rises, there will surely be a great freeze. Once the wind begins, drive your soldiers to carry earth and pour water upon it. By dawn, the earthen fortress will be complete."

Cao Cao was greatly enlightened and richly rewarded Zibo, but Zibo declined the gifts and departed. That very night, the north wind blew fiercely. Cao Cao drove all his soldiers to carry earth and pour water. Having no vessels to carry the water, they fashioned bags of fine silk, filled them with water, and poured it as they built. As the walls rose, the water froze. By dawn, the sandy soil had frozen solid, and the earthen fortress was complete. Spies reported this to Ma Chao. He led his troops to observe it and was greatly astonished, suspecting the aid of spirits.

The next day, he assembled his great army and advanced with drums beating. Cao Cao rode out of his camp accompanied only by Xu Chu. He raised his whip and called out loudly, "Mengde comes alone on horseback—let Ma Chao come forth and speak with me!" Ma Chao rode out with his spear leveled. Cao Cao said, "You mocked me for failing to build a camp, but last night Heaven itself helped me complete it. Why do you not surrender at once?"

Ma Chao flew into a rage and wanted to charge forward and seize him, but he saw a man behind Cao Cao with fierce, glaring eyes, gripping a steel blade, sitting astride his horse. Ma Chao suspected it was Xu Chu and called out, "I hear your army has the Tiger Marquis—where is he?" Xu Chu raised his blade and roared, "I am Xu Chu of Qiaojun!" His eyes blazed with spirit, and his martial bearing was formidable. Ma Chao dared not move and reined his horse back. Cao Cao also led Xu Chu back to camp. Both armies watched, filled with dread. Cao Cao said to his officers, "Does even the enemy know that Zhongkang is the Tiger Marquis?" From that day forward, the army all called Xu Chu the Tiger Marquis. Xu Chu said, "I will surely capture Ma Chao another day." Cao Cao said, "Ma Chao is valiant—do not underestimate him." Xu Chu said, "I pledge to fight him to the death!" He at once sent a challenge, declaring that the Tiger Marquis sought single combat with Ma Chao the following day. When Ma Chao received the letter, he was furious. "How dare he insult me so!" He at once gave orders for the next day, swearing to slay the "Tiger Madman."

The next day, both armies marched out of their camps and formed battle arrays. Ma Chao placed Pang De on the left flank and Ma Dai on the right, with Han Sui commanding the center. Ma Chao leveled his spear, rode to the front of the formation, and called out: "Tiger Madman, come forth quickly!" Cao Cao, beneath the banner at the gate of his formation, turned to his generals and said, "Ma Chao's courage is no less than Lü Bu's." Before he had finished speaking, Xu Chu spurred his horse forward with his blade. Ma Chao met him with his spear. They fought over a hundred bouts with neither gaining the advantage. Their horses were exhausted, so each returned to his own lines, changed mounts, and came forth again. They fought another hundred bouts, still with no victor. Xu Xu's fighting spirit surged—he flew back to his formation, removed his armor, his sinews bulging all over his bare body, and gripping his blade, mounted his bareback horse and came to fight Ma Chao to the death. Both armies were terrified. The two fought another thirty bouts. Xu Chu raised his blade with a mighty effort and slashed at Ma Chao. Ma Chao dodged and thrust his spear at Xu Chu's heart. Xu Chu dropped his blade and caught the spear in his grip. The two struggled on horseback over the spear. Xu Xu's strength was immense—with a crack, he snapped the spear shaft in two, and each seized half, striking wildly at the other from horseback. Cao Cao, fearing Xu Chu might be harmed, ordered Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Hong to charge out together and attack from both flanks. Pang De and Ma Dai, seeing Cao's generals all advancing, commanded their two wings of armored cavalry to charge straight in, trampling and slaughtering as they came. Cao's troops fell into chaos. Xu Chu was struck by two arrows in the arm. The generals hastily retreated to the camp, while Ma Chao fought his way all the way to the riverbank, cutting down more than half of Cao Cao's forces. Cao Cao ordered the gates sealed and forbade anyone from sallying forth. Ma Chao returned to the Wei River's mouth and said to Han Sui, "In all my years of fierce battle, none has matched Xu Chu—he is truly the Tiger Madman!"

Meanwhile, Cao Cao calculated that Ma Chao could be defeated by stratagem and secretly ordered Xu Huang and Zhu Ling to cross the west bank of the river and establish a camp, so as to attack from both front and rear. One day, Cao Cao observed from the city wall as Ma Chao led several hundred riders, riding right up to the front of the camp as swiftly as flying. Cao Cao watched for a long time, then hurled his helmet to the ground and said, "If the horse-ling does not die, I shall have no place to be buried!"

When Xiahou Yuan heard this, his heart burned with indignation. He declared fiercely, "I would rather die here—I swear to destroy the horse-bandit!" He then led over a thousand of his own men, threw open the camp gate, and charged straight after them. Cao Cao could not stop him in time and, fearing he might come to harm, hastily mounted his own horse and rode out to support him. When Ma Chao saw Cao's troops approaching, he turned his vanguard into his rear guard and his rear guard into his vanguard, forming a single line. Xiahou Yuan arrived, and Ma Chao engaged him in combat. Amid the chaos of battle, Ma Chao caught sight of Cao Cao in the distance, broke off from Xiahou Yuan, and made straight for Cao Cao. Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and fled on horseback. Cao's troops fell into utter disorder.

Just as they were in pursuit, it was reported that a force under Cao Cao had already pitched camp on the west bank of the river. Meng was greatly alarmed. He abandoned the pursuit and hastily pulled his troops back to camp, where he discussed the matter with Han Sui: "Cao Cao's troops have crossed to the west bank while we were unprepared. Our army is now caught between enemies on both sides. What shall we do?" The officer Li Kan said, "We might offer to cede territory and sue for peace. Both sides could then withdraw their troops for the time being. We'll endure the winter, and when spring comes we can make new plans." Han Sui said, "Li Kan's counsel is excellent. We should follow it." Meng hesitated and could not decide. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan both urged him to seek peace. Thereupon Han Sui sent Yang Qiu as an envoy directly to Cao Cao's camp with a letter proposing the cession of territory and requesting a truce. Cao Cao said, "Return to your camp for now. I shall send someone with a reply tomorrow." Yang Qiu took his leave. Jia Xu entered and had an audience with Cao Cao. "What does Your Excellency intend to do?" he asked. "What is your view of the matter?" Cao Cao replied. Jia Xu said, "In war, nothing is too deceitful. You may feign acceptance of their terms, then employ a scheme to sow discord between Han and Ma, so that they come to suspect one another. Then they can be crushed in a single stroke." Cao Cao clapped his hands in great delight. "The wisest minds in the world often think alike. Wenhe's plan is exactly what I had in mind." He then sent a messenger back with a letter saying, "I shall gradually withdraw my troops and return to you the territory west of the river." At the same time he ordered floating bridges to be constructed, giving the appearance of preparing to retreat.

When Meng received the letter, he said to Han Sui, "Although Cao Cao has agreed to peace, he is a cunning villain and hard to fathom. If we are not prepared, we shall fall into his trap. Let my uncle and I take turns commanding the troops. Today you face Cao Cao while I face Xu Huang; tomorrow I shall face Cao Cao while you face Xu Huang. Let us each take a division and prepare separately, to guard against treachery."

Han Sui followed this plan, and word soon reached Cao Cao. He turned to Jia Xu and said, "Our enterprise is as good as accomplished!" He then asked, "Who is to face our side tomorrow?" He was told, "Han Sui." The next day Cao Cao led out his officers. They surrounded him on every side, but he rode out alone to the center. Many of Han Sui's soldiers did not recognize Cao Cao and came out to the front lines to look at him. Cao Cao called out loudly, "Do you soldiers want to see the Duke of Cao? I am just like any other man. I do not have four eyes and two mouths—I simply have a bit more cunning and strategy."

The soldiers all showed signs of fear. Cao Cao sent a man across the lines to Han Sui, saying, "The Prime Minister respectfully requests a meeting with General Han." Han Sui rode out to the front. Seeing that Cao Cao wore no armor, he also cast off his armor and rode out in light clothing on an unadorned horse. The two brought their horses head to head and spoke as they held their reins. Cao Cao said, "Your father and I were both recommended as Filial and Incapable together. I always treated him as an uncle. You and I also entered official service together—it has been quite a few years. How old are you now, General?" Han Sui replied, "Forty." Cao Cao said, "When we were young in the capital, we were all in the spring of life. Who would have expected us to have reached middle age already! When will the realm be at peace so that we may enjoy it together?" He spoke only of old times and made no mention of military matters. When he had finished, he laughed and rode back. They had spoken for about two hours before parting and returning to their respective camps.

Word of this was quickly reported to Meng. He came in haste to question Han Sui: "What did Cao Cao speak of today on the field?" Sui said, "He only reminisced about old times in the capital." Meng said, "How could he not discuss military affairs?" Sui said, "Cao Cao did not mention them—why should I be the one to bring them up?" Meng was deeply suspicious but said nothing and withdrew.

Let us return to Cao Cao. After he had returned to camp, he said to Jia Xu, "Do you understand the purpose of my conversation on the field?" Jia Xu said, "The idea was clever, but it is still not enough to create a rift between the two. I have a plan that will make Han and Ma turn on each other." Cao Cao asked what the plan was. Jia Xu said, "Ma Meng is a brave but simple man who does not understand secrecy. Let Your Excellency write a letter in your own hand, addressed solely to Han Sui. In the body of the letter, use ambiguous wording, and in the crucial places, make alterations and erasures yourself. Then seal it and send it to Han Sui, taking care to let Ma Meng know about it. Meng will certainly demand to see the letter. When he sees that the important passages have been crossed out and altered, he will suspect that Han Sui, fearing that Meng might learn confidential matters, erased them himself. This will confirm the suspicion raised by their private meeting. Once suspicion takes root, disorder will surely follow. Meanwhile, I will secretly win over the officers under Han Sui's command and turn them against one another. Then Meng can be dealt with." Cao Cao said, "This plan is excellent." He immediately wrote a letter, altered all the important passages, then sealed it securely. He deliberately sent a large number of attendants to carry it across to the enemy camp. They delivered the letter and returned.

Sure enough, someone reported this to Meng. His suspicion grew even stronger. He went straight to Han Sui's quarters and demanded to see the letter. Han Sui handed it to him. Meng saw the alterations and asked, "Why are all these passages crossed out and made illegible?" Sui said, "The letter came this way. I don't know why." Meng said, "Who sends someone a rough draft? It must be that you, uncle, feared I would learn the details and erased them beforehand." Sui said, "Perhaps Cao Cao mistakenly sealed up the rough draft." Meng said, "I don't believe that. Cao Cao is a meticulous man—how could he make such a mistake? My uncle and I are joined in fighting this villain together. Why have you suddenly developed a different mind?" Sui said, "If you do not trust my sincerity, tomorrow I will lure Cao Cao into conversation on the field. You can then charge out from within the lines and run him through with a single spear thrust." Meng said, "If you do that, it will prove your true loyalty." The two men made this agreement.

The next day, Han Sui led five generals—Hou Xuan, Li Kan, Liang Xing, Ma Wan, and Yang Qiu—out to the battlefield. Ma Chao concealed himself behind the gate shadow. Han Sui sent a messenger to Cao Cao's camp, who called out loudly: "General Han requests to speak with the Prime Minister." Cao Cao then ordered Cao Hong to ride out with several dozen cavalry to meet Han Sui before the lines. They halted but a few paces apart. Cao Hong leaned forward in his saddle and said, "Last night the Prime Minister sent word conveying his regards to you, General. Let there be no misunderstanding." With that, he turned his horse and rode back. Ma Chao, having overheard this, flew into a rage. He leveled his spear and spurred his horse forward, intending to stab Han Sui. The five generals intercepted him and persuaded him to return to camp. Han Sui said, "Nephew, harbor no suspicions—I harbor no treacherous intentions." But Ma Chao would not believe him and departed, nursing resentment and hatred.

Han Sui then conferred with his five generals. "How are we to explain this matter?" Yang Qiu said, "Ma Chao relies on his martial prowess and has long harbored a desire to dominate you, my lord. Even if he were to defeat Cao Cao, how could he ever yield the advantage to you? In my humble opinion, you would do better to secretly submit to the Duke of Cao. In days to come, you would not lose the rank of a marquis." Han Sui said, "I and Ma Teng were once sworn brothers. How could I bring myself to betray him?" Yang Qiu replied, "Events have reached this point—you have no choice." Han Sui asked, "Who can carry a message?" Yang Qiu said, "I am willing to go." Han Sui then wrote a secret letter and dispatched Yang Qiu to Cao Cao's camp to discuss terms of surrender.

Cao Cao was overjoyed. He promised to enfeoff Han Sui as Marquis of Xiliang and Yang Qiu as Grand Administrator of Xiliang, with official ranks and titles for all the others. They agreed to use the lighting of a fire as their signal, and to plot together against Ma Chao. Yang Qiu took his leave, returned to Han Sui, and reported everything: "It is agreed that the fire will be lit tonight, and we will attack from within and without." Han Sui was greatly pleased. He ordered soldiers to pile dry firewood behind the command tent, while the five generals each hung their swords and waited at the ready. Han Sui considered whether to arrange a banquet to lure Ma Chao in and seize him there, but he hesitated and could not decide.

Unknown to him, Ma Chao had already learned every detail in advance. He took several personal attendants and went ahead sword in hand, with Pang De and Ma Dai following as rear support. Ma Chao slipped into Han Sui's tent and found the five generals and Han Sui speaking in hushed tones. He heard only Yang Qiu say: "This matter brooks no delay—act quickly!" Ma Chao burst into fury, swept his sword, and charged straight in, shouting: "You pack of traitors—how dare you plot against me!" All were thrown into panic. Ma Chao swung his sword at Han Sui's face. Han Sui raised his hand in defense, but his left hand was already severed. The five generals drew their blades and rushed at him together. Ma Chao strode out of the tent, and the five generals surrounded him, fighting in a confused melee. Ma Chao wielded his precious sword alone, battling all five at once. Where the blade flashed bright, fresh blood sprayed through the air: he cut down Ma Wan, chopped down Liang Xing, and the remaining three generals each fled for their lives. Ma Chao re-entered the tent to kill Han Sui, but Han Sui had already been rescued by his attendants. A fire broke out behind the tent, and soldiers throughout the camps were thrown into motion. Ma Chao hastily mounted his horse. Pang De and Ma Dai arrived as well, and the fighting became a confused tangle. When Ma Chao led his forces to fight their way out, Cao Cao's troops closed in from all four sides: Xu Chu in front, Xu Huang behind, Xiahou Yuan on the left, and Cao Hong on the right. The Xiliang soldiers fell to fighting among themselves. Unable to find Pang De or Ma Dai, Ma Chao took over a hundred riders and took up a blocking position on the Wei River Bridge.

As the sky began to lighten, Li Kan was seen leading a force beneath the bridge. Ma Chao leveled his spear and spurred his horse in pursuit. Li Kan fled with his spear trailing. At that moment, Yu Jin came up from behind Ma Chao. Yu Jin drew his bow and shot at Ma Chao. Ma Chao heard the bowstring twang behind him and swerved aside—but the arrow struck Li Kan in front, who fell dead from his horse. Ma Chao wheeled his horse around to attack Yu Jin, but Yu Jin galloped away. Ma Chao returned to the bridge and made his stand, but Cao Cao's forces arrived in great numbers from both directions. The Tiger Guard took the lead, raining arrows on Ma Chao from both sides. Ma Chao deflected them with his spear, and the arrows fell to the ground in a shower. He ordered his riders to charge back and forth, but the Cao forces surrounded them with an impenetrable mass, and he could not break through. Ma Chao gave a great shout on the bridge and charged north of the river, but his riders were cut off behind him. Ma Chao alone fought his way through the ranks until a hidden crossbow bolt struck his horse and brought it down. Ma Chao fell to the ground, and Cao Cao's soldiers closed in.

At this moment of greatest peril, suddenly a force came charging from the northwest—it was Pang De and Ma Dai. The two rescued Ma Chao, found a war horse in the army, and gave it to Ma Chao to ride. They cut a bloody path through the enemy and fled toward the northwest. When Cao Cao learned that Ma Chao had escaped, he issued orders to all his generals: "Pursue him day and night without rest. Whoever brings me Ma Chao's head shall be rewarded with a thousand catties of gold and enfeoffed as a marquis of ten thousand households. Whoever captures him alive shall be appointed Grand General." The generals received their orders. Each sought to claim the merit, and they pursued in a long, winding chase. Ma Chao had no thought for the exhaustion of his men and horses—he fled without pause. His riders gradually scattered. Those on foot who could not keep up were largely captured. In the end, only some thirty riders remained. Together with Pang De and Ma Dai, Ma Chao fled toward Longxi and Lintao.

Cao Cao personally pursued as far as Anding. Learning that Ma Chao had gone too far to overtake, he withdrew his army and returned to Chang'an. The generals assembled. Han Sui, now lacking his left hand, was a disabled man. Cao Cao ordered him to rest in Chang'an and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Xiliang. Yang Qiu and Hou Xuan were both enfeoffed as marquises and assigned to guard the Wei River mouth. Cao Cao then issued orders to return with the army to Xuchang.

Yang Fu, styled Yishan, a military aide of Liangzhou, went directly to Chang'an to see Cao Cao. Cao Cao received him and asked his counsel. Yang Fu said: "Ma Chao possesses the valor of Lü Bu and has won the deep allegiance of the Qiang people. If Your Excellency does not seize this opportunity to destroy him utterly, in time he will recover his strength, and the commanderies of Longshang will no longer belong to the state. I beg Your Excellency not to withdraw your army." Cao Cao replied: "I had intended to leave troops to campaign against him, but the Central Plains are beset with troubles and the South has not yet been pacified—I cannot remain here long. You must act as my safeguard in this matter."

Fu accepted the charge and further recommended Wei Kang to serve as Inspector of Liang Province, to jointly command the troops and garrison Ji City against Ma Chao. Before departing, Fu said to Cao Cao, "You must leave a strong force in Chang'an to serve as a rear guard." Cao Cao replied, "It is already arranged. You may set your mind at ease." Fu took his leave. The generals all asked, "At first, the rebels held Tong Pass, and the road north of the Wei River was undefended. Why did Your Excellency not strike Fengyi from Hedong, but instead held Tong Pass, delaying for many days before crossing to the north, setting up a fortified camp, and holding firm?" Cao Cao said, "When the rebels first held Tong Pass, if I had attacked Hedong upon arrival, they would certainly have divided their forces to guard all the fords, and then the western bank of the river could not have been crossed. Therefore, I concentrated all my forces before Tong Pass, causing the rebels to guard the south entirely while leaving the western bank unprepared, so that Xu Zhu and Zhu Ling were able to cross. Then I led my forces north, linked carts and erected fences to form covered passages, and built an ice fortress, making the rebels believe I was weak and filling their hearts with arrogance so they would not prepare. I then skillfully employed a stratagem to sow discord, husbanded the strength of my soldiers, and destroyed them in a single stroke. This is what is called 'too swift for the ear to cover.' The transformations of warfare are by no means confined to a single path."

The generals then further asked, "Whenever Your Excellency hears that the enemy has increased his forces, you show a pleased expression. Why is this?" Cao Cao said, "The Guanzhong region is remote. If each rebel band had relied on natural barriers, it would have taken no less than one or two years to subdue them. Now they have all gathered in one place. Though their numbers are large, their hearts are divided, making them easy to divide, and they can be destroyed in a single stroke. That is why I am pleased." The generals bowed and said, "Your Excellency's divine strategy is beyond our reach!" Cao Cao replied, "I also rely on the strength of you civil and military officials." He then richly rewarded the armies and left Cao Ren to garrison Chang'an. The surrendered troops were distributed among the various units. Cao Ren recommended a man of Gaoling in Fengyi, named Zhang Ji, courtesy name Derong, to serve as Intendant of the Capital, to defend Chang'an together with Ren. Cao Cao led his army back to the capital. Emperor Xian drove out beyond the suburbs in his imperial carriage to welcome him. The Emperor issued an edict granting Cao Cao the honors of being announced without name, of not having to hasten his pace at court, and of entering the court with sword on his belt and shoes on his feet, following the precedent of Xiao He, the chancellor of Han. From this time, his might shook both within and beyond the realm.

This news reached Hanzhong and soon alarmed Zhang Lu, Grand Administrator of Hanning. Zhang Lu was originally a native of Feng in Pei Commandery. His grandfather Zhang Ling had composed Daoist texts in the Heming Mountains of Xichuan to delude the people, and all revered him. After Ling died, his son Zhang Heng carried on the practice. The common people who wished to study the Dao were required to contribute five bushels of grain, and they were called "Grain Rebels" by the world. After Zhang Heng died, Zhang Lu carried on the practice. In Hanzhong, Zhang Lu styled himself "Teacher Lord." Those who came to study the Dao were all called "Ghost Troops." Those who led them were called "Libationers." Those who led many were called "Grand Libationer-Administrators." They emphasized sincerity and trustworthiness and forbade deception and fraud. If someone fell ill, they would set up an altar and have the sick person sit in a quiet chamber, reflect upon their own faults, confess them face to face, and then pray on their behalf. The one who presided over the prayers was called the "Supervisory Libationer." The method of prayer was to write the sick person's name, compose a statement of confession, and draft three documents, called the "Documents of the Three Officials." One was burned atop a mountain to report to Heaven, one was buried in the ground to report to Earth, and one was sunk to the bottom of a river to report to the Water Official. After this, if the sick person recovered, they would contribute five bushels of grain in thanks. They also built "Righteous Lodges," where rice, firewood, meat, and provisions were fully stocked, allowing travelers to take according to their own measure and eat freely. Those who took too much would be struck dead by Heaven. Within the territory, those who broke the law would be pardoned three times; only if they did not reform would punishment be administered. There were no officials in the region; all was administered by the Libationers. Thus Zhang Lu had held sway over the land of Hanzhong for thirty years. The court, considering the region too remote to campaign against, appointed Zhang Lu as General Who Guards the South and Grand Administrator of Hanning, merely maintaining tribute relations.

That year, upon hearing that Cao Cao had crushed the forces of Xiali and his might shook the realm, Zhang Lu gathered his followers and deliberated, saying, "Ma Teng of Xiali has been slain, and Ma Chao has just been defeated. Cao Cao will surely invade my Hanzhong. I wish to proclaim myself Prince of Hanning and lead troops to resist Cao Cao. What do you all think?" Yan Pu said, "The people of Hanchuan number more than a hundred thousand households, and the region is wealthy and well-supplied with grain, with natural barriers on all four sides. Now that Ma Chao has just been defeated, the people of Xalui who have fled through the Ziwu Valley into Hanzhong number no less than tens of thousands. In my humble opinion, Liu Zhang of Yizhou is feeble and weak. It would be better to first seize the forty-one provinces of Xichuan as a foundation; then it will not be too late to proclaim yourself king." Zhang Lu was greatly pleased and therefore deliberated with his younger brother Zhang Wei on raising troops. Already, spies had reported this into Sichuan.

Now, Liu Zhang of Yizhou, courtesy name Jiyu, was the son of Liu Yan, a descendant of Prince Gong of Lu of the Han. In the Yuanhe era of Emperor Zhang, his branch was resettled in Jingling, and his descendants thereafter resided there. Later, Yan rose to the post of Inspector of Yizhou. In the first year of Xingping, he fell ill with a carbuncle and died. Zhao Wei, Grand Administrator of Yizhou, and others jointly supported Zhang to serve as Inspector of Yizhou. Zhang had previously killed Zhang Lu's mother and younger brother, and therefore there was enmity between them. Zhang appointed Pang Xi as Grand Administrator of Baxi to resist Zhang Lu.

At this time, Pang Xi learned through intelligence that Zhang Lu intended to raise troops to seize Sichuan and hastily reported this to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang had been timid and weak all his life, and upon receiving this news, he was greatly alarmed and hastily assembled his officials to deliberate. Suddenly, one man stepped forth with head held high and said, "My lord, set your mind at ease. Though I am untalented, with my three-inch tongue that does not falter, I shall ensure that Zhang Lu does not dare cast a single glance upon Xichuan." Indeed:

Because a counselor from the land of Shu advanced a plan,

It led to bringing forth the heroes of Jingzhou.

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