Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Now, the one who had offered counsel to Liu Zhang was Zhang Song, courtesy name Yongnian, the Aide-Decamp of Yizhou. His appearance was peculiar—a protruding forehead, a pointed head, a flat nose, and exposed teeth. His body was short, not even five feet tall, yet his voice rang like a bronze bell. Liu Zhang asked him, "Aide-Decamp, what wise counsel do you have that might resolve the threat from Zhang Lu?" Zhang Song replied, "I have heard that Cao Cao of Xuchang has swept away all opposition in the Central Plains. Lü Bu and the two Yuan brothers were all destroyed by him, and recently he defeated Ma Chao as well—he has no rival under heaven. My lord, you may prepare gifts for tribute, and I will go in person to Xuchang to persuade Cao Cao to raise troops and seize Hanzhong, thereby targeting Zhang Lu. Then Zhang Lu will be too busy resisting the enemy to cast his eyes upon the land of Shu." Liu Zhang was overjoyed. He assembled gold, pearls, and brocades as tribute gifts and dispatched Zhang Song as his envoy. Zhang Song secretly drew a map of the geography of Sichuan and hid it on his person, then set out with several attendants on horseback, taking the road to Xuchang. Word of this soon reached Jingzhou. Zhong Liang at once sent men to Xuchang to gather intelligence.

Now, when Zhang Song arrived at the hostel in Xuchang, he settled in and went daily to the prime minister's residence, seeking an audience with Cao Cao. It happened that since Cao Cao's return after defeating Ma Chao, he had grown arrogant and self-satisfied. He gave banquets every day and rarely went out on business. All matters of state were discussed at the prime minister's residence. Zhang Song waited three days before his name was finally passed along. The attendants close to Cao Cao first demanded bribes before they would admit him. Cao Cao sat in the hall. After Zhang Song had completed his obeisance, Cao Cao asked, "Why has your lord Liu Zhang failed to send tribute year after year?" Zhang Song replied, "The roads are difficult, and bandits arise along the way—we have been unable to send it through." Cao Cao snapped, "I have swept the Central Plains clean—what bandits remain?" Zhang Song said, "To the south there is Sun Quan, to the north Zhang Lu, and to the west Liu Bei. Even the smallest of them commands over a hundred thousand armored troops—how can you call this peace?"

Cao Cao had already taken a dislike to Zhang Song's wretched appearance—five parts out of ten displeased him—and now hearing his blunt and offensive words, he rose with a flick of his sleeves and withdrew to the inner chambers. The attendants reproached Zhang Song: "You are here on a mission—how can you be so ignorant of propriety and speak so offensively? Fortunately, the prime minister, considering you have come from afar, has chosen not to punish you. You had best return at once!" Zhang Song smiled and said, "In my land of Shu, we have no flatterers or sycophants." Suddenly a man at the foot of the steps shouted, "If the people of Shu do not flatter, does that mean the people of the Central Plains do?"

Zhang Song looked at the man—a single line for eyebrows, narrow eyes, a pale complexion, and a clear, spirited bearing. He asked his name and learned it was Yang Xiu, courtesy name Dezuo, the son of Grand Commandant Yang Biao, currently serving as the Registrar of the Prime Minister's household stores. This man was learned, eloquent, and possessed of extraordinary insight. Zhang Song knew Yang Xiu to be a sharp-tongued debater and set his mind to testing him. Yang Xiu, for his part, prided himself on his talents and looked down upon the scholars of the world. Seeing Zhang Song's mocking words, he invited him out to the outer study, where they took their seats as host and guest. Yang Xiu said, "The roads of Shu are rugged—you must have suffered greatly coming from so far away." Zhang Song replied, "I carry out my lord's command—even were I to walk through fire or boiling water, I would not dare refuse." Yang Xiu asked, "What are the customs of Shu like?" Zhang Song said, "Shu is a western commandery, anciently known as Yizhou. Its roads are guarded by the peril of the Brocade River, and its lands connect to the might of Sword Gate Pass. The circuit of its territory spans two hundred eighty stages, stretching thirty thousand li in length and breadth. The crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs can be heard from one settlement to the next; markets and neighborhoods stretch without end. The fields are fertile and the land is beautiful—there is never any worry of flood or drought. The state is prosperous and the people are wealthy—the sound of music is heard at all times. The goods produced here pile up like mountains. No place in the world can match it!"

Yang Xiu then asked, "What are the men of Shu like?" Zhang Song said, "In literature, we have the talent of Sima Xiangru's rhapsodies; in martial arts, the ability of the Pacifier of Waves; in medicine, the skill of Zhang Zhongjing; in divination, the reclusion of Yan Junping. Among the nine schools and three teachings, those who excel beyond their peers are too numerous to record—how could I name them all?" Yang Xiu asked further, "At present, how many men like yourself serve under Liu Jiyu?" Zhang Song said, "Men of complete civil and military talent, with wisdom and courage in full measure, loyal, righteous, and generous—they number in the hundreds. As for those of my humble ability, they can be measured by the cartload and the bushel—too numerous to count." Yang Xiu said, "What office do you currently hold?" Zhang Song said, "I unworthily fill the post of Aide-Decamp—it is a poor match for my abilities. May I ask what office you hold at court?" Yang Xiu said, "I am currently Registrar of the Prime Minister's household." Zhang Song said, "I have long known that your family has held high office for generations. Why do you not stand in the imperial court and assist the Son of Heaven, instead of serving as a mere clerk at the gate of the prime minister's residence?"

Yang Xiu's face flushed with shame, but he forced himself to reply, "Although I occupy a lowly post, the prime minister has entrusted me with the weighty matters of military affairs, government, and revenues. Day and night I receive his instruction, which has greatly broadened my understanding—that is why I remain in this position." Zhang Song smiled and said, "I have heard that in civil matters Prime Minister Cao does not understand the Way of Confucius and Mencius, and in military affairs he does not grasp the strategies of Sun Wu and Wu Qi. He relies on brute force and overbearing power to occupy his high position—how could he offer any instruction that would broaden your understanding?" Yang Xiu said, "You live on the frontier—how could you know the great talents of the prime minister? Let me show you." He called to his attendants to take a book from a case and show it to Zhang Song. Zhang Song looked at the title: *New Book of Mengde*. He read it from beginning to end—thirteen chapters in all, every one containing essential principles of warfare.

When Zhang Song had finished reading, he asked, "What book do you take this to be?" Yang Xiu said, "This is the prime minister's work, fashioned by examining the past and measuring it against the present, modeled on the thirteen chapters of Sunzi. You disparage the prime minister as talentless—do you think this work is worthy to be passed down to later ages?" Zhang Song laughed loudly and said, "This book can be recited from memory by even a three-foot-tall child in Shu—how can you call it a 'new book'? It was written by an unknown author during the Warring States period, and Prime Minister Cao stole it to claim as his own achievement—it only succeeds in fooling you!" Yang Xiu said, "This is the prime minister's secret book, already bound into a volume but not yet circulated in the world. You say that children of Shu can recite it fluently—how can you deceive me so?" Zhang Song said, "If you do not believe me, I shall recite it for you." And so he recited the entire *New Book of Mengde* from beginning to end, without a single error. Yang Xiu was greatly astonished and said, "You have but to glance at a text and you never forget it—truly a genius of the world!" A later poet wrote:

Strange his form, singular his frame,

Lofty in spirit, spare of frame.

His words could overturn the waters of three gorges,

His eyes could take in ten lines at a glance.

In courage he towered over Western Shu,

In learning he pierced the void itself.

The Hundred Schools and the various masters—all contained in a single glance, with nothing left out.

At that moment, Zhang Song wished to take his leave and return. Yang Xiu said, "Please remain for now in the guest quarters. Allow me to report once more to the Prime Minister so that you may have an audience with the Emperor." Song thanked him and withdrew. Xiu went in to see Cao Cao and said, "Why was the Prime Minister so discourteous to Zhang Song just now?" Cao Cao replied, "His speech was insolent; that is why I treated him with contempt." Xiu said, "The Prime Minister could tolerate even Mi Heng—why not accept Zhang Song?" Cao Cao said, "Mi Heng's writings are celebrated throughout the present age; that is why I could not bring myself to kill him. What ability does Song possess?" Xiu said, "To say nothing of his mouth being like a hanging river and his eloquence being without obstacle—just now I showed him the Prime Minister's own composition, the *New Book of Mengde*. He read it through once and was able to recite it from memory. Such wide learning and powerful memory are rarely found in this world. Song said that this book was written by an anonymous author during the Warring States period, and that even small children in Shu can recite it by heart." Cao Cao said, "Could it be that the ancients secretly agreed with me?" He ordered the book torn to pieces and burned. Xiu said, "This man could be granted an audience with the Emperor, to let him witness the grandeur of the Imperial Court." Cao Cao said, "Tomorrow I shall review the troops at the Western Parade Ground. You may bring him there first, so that he may see the magnificence of my army and carry back the word: that I shall subdue the Southland forthwith, and then come to take Shu." Xiu received the order.

The following day, Xiu went with Zhang Song to the Western Parade Ground. Cao Cao reviewed fifty thousand crack troops of the Tiger Guard, arrayed across the parade ground. Indeed, their armor gleamed bright and their robes shone splendid; golden drums shook the heavens and spears and halberts blazed in the sun. From every direction and in all eight quarters, the troops were divided into their units; banners fluttered in brilliant colors, men and horses seemed to soar into the empty air. Song viewed them askance. After a long while, Cao Cao called Song and, pointing, said, "Have you ever seen such heroic men and women in your land of Shu?" Song replied, "In my land of Shu we have never seen such military displays. We govern people solely through benevolence and righteousness." Cao Cao changed expression and glared at him. Song showed no trace of fear. Yang Xiu repeatedly shot glances at Song. Cao Cao said to Song, "I regard the petty men of the world no more than weeds. Wherever my great army goes, in battle it is never defeated, in attack it never fails to take. Those who submit to me shall live; those who defy me shall die. Do you understand this?" Song replied, "That the Prime Minister drives his troops everywhere and wins every battle and takes every stronghold—Song has long known this. In the past, when attacking Lü Bu at Puyang; on the day of battling Zhang Xiu at Wancheng; meeting Zhou Yu at Red Cliff and encountering Guan Yu at Huarong; cutting off his beard and abandoning his robe at Tong Pass, and seizing a boat to dodge arrows at the Wei River—all these were deeds of one unrivaled under heaven." Cao Cao flew into a rage and cried, "How dare this wretched pedant expose my shortcomings!" He ordered his attendants to drag him out and behead him. Yang Xiu remonstrated, saying, "Though Song may be executed, consider that he came as an envoy from the road of Shu to present tribute. If you put him to death, I fear it will alienate the intentions of those from distant lands." Cao Cao's anger had not yet subsided. Xun Yu also remonstrated, and only then did Cao Cao spare his life and order him driven out with cudgels.

Song returned to the guest quarters, left the city that very night, and made preparations to return to Shu. Song reflected to himself: "I had originally intended to offer the counties and prefectures of Western Shu to Cao Cao. Who could have expected him to treat people with such contempt? Before I set out, I made great boasts before Liu Zhang; today I return empty and dejected, and I shall certainly be laughed at by the people of Shu. I have long heard that Liu Xuande of Jingzhou spreads benevolence and righteousness far and wide. It would be better to return by that road instead. Let me observe what sort of man he is—I shall form my own judgment." Thereupon he mounted his horse and, leading his servants, headed toward the borders of Jingzhou. He had reached the border of Yingzhou when suddenly he saw a body of soldiers and horses, about five hundred riders, led by a senior general in light attire and soft dress. The general reined in his horse and asked, "Could the one coming be Grand Counselor Zhang?" Song replied, "It is I." The general hastily dismounted and bowed, saying, "Zhao Yun has long awaited you." Song dismounted and returned the salute, saying, "Could you be none other than Zhao Zilong of Changshan?" Yun replied, "It is I. By order of my lord Liu Xuande, knowing that Your Honor has traveled far and endured the hardships of the road, I was specially commanded to offer you food and wine."

As he spoke, soldiers presented wine and food on their knees, and Yun respectfully offered them. Song reflected to himself: "They say Liu Xuande is generous and loves to treat guests with kindness—now I see it is truly so." He then drank several cups with Zhao Yun and mounted his horse to travel together. When they reached the border of Jingzhou, the day was growing late. They arrived at a post-station, where more than a hundred men stood in attendance outside the gate, beating drums to welcome them. A general bowed before Song's horse and said, "By order of my elder brother, knowing that Your Honor has traveled far through wind and dust, I, Guan, have swept the post-station courtyard to await your rest." Song dismounted and entered the post-station together with Guan Yunzhang and Zhao Zilong, exchanging courtesies and taking their seats. In a short while, food and wine was served, and the two men earnestly pressed him to drink. They drank well into the second watch before the feast ended, and he passed the night there.

The next day, after the morning meal had been finished, they mounted their horses and had ridden no more than three or five *li* when they saw a group of soldiers and horses approaching. It was Xuande himself, accompanied by the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix, coming in person to greet him. Seeing Zhang Song from afar, Xuande dismounted early and waited. Song also hastily dismounted to meet him. Xuande said, "I have long heard of Your Honor's lofty reputation, like the sound of thunder filling my ears. I regret that mountains and clouds lie far between us, and I have been unable to receive your instruction. Now that I hear you are returning to the capital, I have come specially to welcome you. If you would not disdain to stop for a while in our humble province, so that I may pour out my longing and admiration, it would be an immeasurable blessing!" Song was greatly pleased, and thereupon they mounted their horses and rode side by side into the city. When they reached the government hall, each performed the appropriate courtesies, and host and guest took their seats in proper order. A banquet was laid out to entertain him.

During the drinking, Xuade spoke only of casual matters and made no mention of Western Shu. Song tried to provoke the subject with a question, saying, "Now that the Imperial Uncle holds Jingzhou, how many commanderies does he still possess?" Kongming said, "Jingzhou was merely borrowed from Eastern Wu, and they repeatedly send men to demand its return. Now my lord, being the son-in-law of Eastern Wu, is for the time being residing there." Song said, "Eastern Wu holds six commanderies and eighty-one prefectures—the people are strong and the nation is wealthy. Are they still unsatisfied?" Pang Tong said: "My lord is an Imperial Uncle of the House of Han, yet he cannot occupy a single commandery or prefecture. Others are all vermin of the Han, yet they all rely on strength to seize territory. Only the wise cannot but feel indignant at this." Xuande said, "You two, please say no more. What virtue do I possess that I should aspire to so much?" Song said: "Not so. You, my lord, are a scion of the Imperial House of Han, and your benevolence and righteousness fill the four seas. Far from merely occupying commanderies and prefectures, even if you were to supplant the正统 and ascend the Imperial Throne, it would not be beyond your due." Xuande bowed and thanked him, saying, "Your words go too far—how could I presume to accept such praise?"

From then on, Zhang Song was feasted and entertained for three consecutive days, with no mention made of matters concerning the land of Chuan. When Song took his leave, Xuande set up a farewell banquet at the ten-li pavilion. Xuande raised his cup and poured wine for Song, saying, "I am deeply grateful that you, good sir, did not disdain to stay and converse with me for three days. Now that we part, I know not when I shall again have the privilege of receiving your instruction." Having spoken, tears streamed down his face.

Zhang Song reflected to himself: "Xuande is so magnanimous and loves his men of worth so deeply—how can I forsake him? Better to speak plainly and have him seize Xichuan." He then said, "I too wish to attend upon you morning and evening, but regret that I have yet had no opportunity. I have observed that Jingzhou is hemmed in by Sun Quan to the east, who ever harbors ambitions like a crouching tiger, and by Cao Cao to the north, who constantly desires to swallow it up like a whale. It is no place to linger long either." Xuande said, "I know this full well, but I have not yet found a place where I may settle." Song said, "Yizhou is protected by strategic passes, with fertile plains stretching a thousand li, its people prosperous and its state wealthy. Men of talent and wisdom have long admired Your Highness's virtue. If you raise the forces of Jing and Xiang and drive westward, your hegemony may be established and the House of Han restored." Xuande said, "How dare I presume so much? Liu Yizhou is also of the imperial clan, and his grace has long been spread throughout Shu. How could anyone else hope to displace him?"

Song said, "I am not one who would betray his lord for glory. Having now met a wise lord, I dare not conceal what is in my heart. Though Liu Jiyu possesses the land of Yizhou, his nature is weak and dim; he cannot employ the worthy or make use of the capable. Moreover, Zhang Lu to the north constantly seeks to invade. The people's hearts are scattered, and they long for a wise master. I set out on this mission intending to offer submission to Cao Cao, but that villain gave full rein to his treacherous arrogance, treating the worthy with contempt and the learned with disdain. That is why I have come especially to see Your Highness. Let Your Highness first seize Xichuan as a base, then plan northward for Hanzhong, gather in the Central Plains, and set the imperial court aright. Your name will be inscribed in the annals of history—there is no greater achievement than this. If Your Highness truly intends to take Xichuan, I am willing to render the humble service of a dog or horse as an internal ally. I know not what Your Highness's esteemed opinion may be."

Xuande said, "I am deeply moved by your generous intentions. But Liu Jiyu and I are of the same clan. If I were to attack him, I fear the whole world would spit upon me in condemnation." Song said, "A man of mettle, when he acts in the world, must strive to establish merit and achieve great deeds, seizing the lead. If you do not take it now and another takes it instead, you will regret it too late." Xuande said, "I have heard that the roads of Shu are rugged and difficult, with a thousand mountains and ten thousand rivers; carts cannot run side by side, nor horses abreast. Even if I wished to take it, what good strategy could I employ?"

Song drew a map from his sleeve and handed it to Xuande, saying, "Deeply moved by Your Highness's abundant virtue, I presume to present this map. Simply look at it, and you will know the roads through the land of Shu." Xuande unrolled it slightly and saw that it was entirely marked with geographical routes—distances near and far, widths broad and narrow, mountains and strategic passes, treasuries and grain stores—all recorded clearly. Song said, "Your Highness may act swiftly. I have two sworn friends who are as dear to me as my own heart: Fa Zheng and Meng Da. These two will surely lend their aid. When they arrive in Jingzhou, you may discuss matters together." Xuande bowed with his hands clasped and said, "The green mountains never age, the flowing waters run forever. When this matter is accomplished one day, I shall surely repay you handsomely." Song said, "Having met a wise lord, I could not but speak with all my heart. How could I presume to hope for reward?" With that, he took his leave. Kongming ordered Yunlong and the others to escort him several tens of li before returning.

Zhang Song returned to Yizhou and first met his friend Fa Zheng. Zheng, styled Xiaozhi, was a native of Youfuzhou Commandery and the son of the worthy scholar Fa Zhen. Song met Zheng and told him everything: "Cao Cao treats the worthy with contempt and the learned with disdain. One may share hardship with him, but not prosperity. I have already promised Yizhou to Imperial Uncle Liu. I wished especially to discuss this with you." Fa Zheng said, "I have long judged Liu Zhang to be incompetent, and my heart has long inclined toward the Imperial Uncle. Our minds are the same—what doubt can there be?" Shortly afterward, Meng Da arrived. Da, styled Ziqing, was a native of the same district as Fa Zheng. When Da entered, he found Zheng and Song speaking in private. Da said, "I already know what you two gentlemen have in mind. You intend to offer up Yizhou, do you not?" Song said, "That is indeed our intention. But try to guess—to whom should we offer it?" Da said: "None other than Liu Xuande will do." The three men clapped their hands and laughed. Zheng then said to Song, "When you see Liu Zhang tomorrow, what will you do?" Song said, "I shall recommend you two as envoys to go to Jingzhou." Both agreed.

The next day, Zhang Song had an audience with Liu Zhang. Zhang asked, "How did your business fare?" Song said, "Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han who seeks to usurp the empire under heaven. There is nothing to be said to him. He already has designs on seizing Chuan." Zhang said, "If that is so, what shall we do?" Song said, "I have a plan by which Zhang Lu and Cao Cao will certainly not dare to lightly invade Xichuan." Zhang said, "What is your plan?" Song said, "The Imperial Uncle Liu of Jingzhou is of the same clan as Your Lordship. He is benevolent, kind, magnanimous, and possesses the bearing of an elder. After the fierce battle at Red Cliff, Cao Cao was so frightened at the mention of him that his gall bladder split—how much more so Zhang Lu? Why does Your Lordship not send an envoy to establish friendly relations with him, making him an external ally? Thus you may resist both Cao Cao and Zhang Lu." Zhang said, "I have had this thought for a long time. Who could serve as envoy?" Song said, "None but Fa Zheng and Meng Da could go." Zhang immediately summoned the two men, prepared a letter, and appointed Fa Zheng as envoy to first establish friendly relations, and then sent Meng Da with five thousand elite soldiers to welcome Xuande into Chuan as an ally.

While they were deliberating, a man burst in from outside, his face streaming with sweat, and shouted, "My lord, if you heed Zhang Song's advice, the forty-one provinces and commanderies will already belong to another!" Song was greatly alarmed. He looked at the man and saw that he was a native of Ba in Xiling, named Huang Quan, courtesy name Gongheng, currently serving as a chief clerk in Liu Zhang's administration.

Liu Zhang asked, "Xuande and I share the same clan. I therefore sought his friendship as an ally. Why do you speak thus?" Quan replied, "I have long known that Liu Bei treats others with generosity, overcomes the rigid with softness, and has no equal among heroes. Far away he has won the hearts of men; nearby he has earned the people's admiration. He further possesses the wisdom and counsel of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan as his wings and supporters. If he is summoned into Shu and treated as a subordinate retainer, how could Liu Bei consent to bow his head and play a lesser role? If he is treated with the courtesy due a guest, then one state cannot tolerate two masters. If you heed your servant's words now, Western Shu will enjoy the security of Mount Tai. If you do not heed them, my lord will face danger piled as high as a stack of eggs. Zhang Song passed through Jing Province yesterday and must be plotting together with Liu Bei. Execute Zhang Song first, then cut off relations with Liu Bei, and Western Sichuan will be most fortunate indeed."

Liu Zhang said, "If Cao Cao and Zhang Lu arrive, how shall I resist them?" Quan replied, "It would be better to close the frontiers and seal the passes, dig deep moats and raise high ramparts, and wait for times to clear." Liu Zhang said, "Enemy troops are invading our borders—this is a crisis as urgent as fire singeing the brows. To wait for times to clear would be a slow strategy." He therefore rejected Quan's advice and dispatched Fa Zheng.

Another man obstructed him, saying, "You must not! You must not!" Liu Zhang looked and saw that it was Wang Lei, an attendant official in his headquarters. Lei bowed his head to the ground and said, "My lord, by heeding Zhang Song's words now, you bring calamity upon yourself." Liu Zhang replied, "Not so. I seek good relations with Liu Xuande precisely because I wish to resist Zhang Lu." Lei said, "Zhang Lu's invasion is but a minor ailment, like ringworm or scabies. Liu Bei's entry into Sichuan is a grave danger to the heart and vitals. Moreover, Liu Bei is an ambitious hero of his age. He first served Cao Cao and plotted to do him harm; then he followed Sun Quan and seized Jing Province. With such a disposition, how can he be tolerated? If you summon him now, Western Sichuan is done for!" Liu Zhang shouted, "Speak no more such wild words! Xuande is my own clansman. How could he seize my patrimony?" He then ordered both men escorted out and commanded Fa Zheng to set out at once.

Fa Zheng departed Yi Province, made directly for Jing Province, and came to see Xuande. The formal courtesies completed, he presented a letter. Xuande broke the seal and read:

"Your younger clansman Liu Zhang bows again and presents this letter to my elder clansman General Xuande: I have long gazed up toward the heavens. The roads of Shu are rugged and difficult, and I have not yet had the opportunity to send tribute. This fills me with the deepest shame and anxiety. Zhang has heard that 'in fortune and misfortune, friends aid one another; in hardship and peril, they support one another.' So much the more should this be true among kinsmen! Now Zhang Lu is in the north, raising troops morning and evening, invading Zhang's borders, leaving me deeply unsettled. I have sent this man with a humble letter, begging your august attention. If you consider the bond between clansmen and fulfill the duty of brotherhood, then raise your army at once to destroy the reckless bandit, and we shall be as lips and teeth forever. Rich rewards shall follow. The letter cannot say all that I wish. I await your horsemen."

When Xuande had finished reading, he was overjoyed and prepared a feast for Fa Zheng. After several rounds of wine, Xuande dismissed those around him and said to Zheng in confidence, "I have long admired your wisdom and virtue, Xiaozhi. The Assistant Counselor Zhang spoke often of your great merits. Now that I have had the benefit of your counsel, my life is well rewarded." Fa Zheng replied, "A petty clerk from Shu—how is he worth mentioning? Yet I have heard that a horse neighs when it meets a Bo Le, and a man will die when he encounters one who truly understands him. The words Assistant Counselor Zhang spoke before—does the general still take them to heart?" Xuande said, "I am a stranger sojourning in this land. Have I not sighed with sorrow and grief? I have often thought: even the wren needs but a single branch, and the cunning rabbit hides in three burrows—how much more should a man? The land of Shu is rich and abundant—it is not that I do not desire it. But Liu Jiyu is my own clansman. I cannot bear to scheme against him."

Fa Zheng replied, "Yi Province is a kingdom of heaven's bounty. Without a ruler who can order disorder, it cannot be held. Now Liu Jiyu is unable to employ the worthy. This domain will soon belong to another. Today it offers itself to you, General—you cannot let this opportunity slip. Have you not heard the saying, 'He who pursues a hare must strike first'? If you wish to take it, this servant will give his life for it." Xuande clasped his hands and replied, "I must still deliberate."

That day the feast ended. Zhuge Liang personally escorted Fa Zheng back to his lodging. Xuande sat alone in deep thought. Pang Tong entered and said, "A matter that should be decided yet is not decided—this is the mark of a fool. My lord, you are wise and discerning. Why do you hesitate so much?" Xuade asked, "In your view, what should I do?" Tong replied, "To the east of Jing Province lies Sun Quan; to the north, Cao Cao—it is difficult to achieve great ambitions there. Yi Province has a million households, broad lands and wealth—it can sustain a great enterprise. Now by fortune we have Zhang Song and Fa Zheng as allies within. This is Heaven's gift. Why doubt?"

Xuade said, "The one who stands opposed to me as fire to water is Cao Cao. Cao Cao rules with harshness; I rule with leniency. Cao Cao rules with cruelty; I rule with benevolence. Cao Cao rules with cunning; I rule with loyalty. In every way I act contrary to Cao Cao, and thus my cause may succeed. If I should sacrifice great principle for a small advantage before the world, I will not do it." Pang Tong smiled and said, "My lord's words, though they accord with Heaven's principle, yet in times of chaos, when armies contend and strength is contested, there is not only one way. If one adheres rigidly to ordinary principles, he cannot advance an inch. One must adapt to circumstances. Moreover, to absorb the weak and attack the unruling, to seize by force and then hold by righteousness—this was the way of Tang and King Wu. If after the matter is settled, you repay him with righteousness and enfeoff him as a great state, where is the breach of good faith? If you do not take it today, another will. I pray you consider this carefully."

Xuande was suddenly enlightened and said, "Words of metal and stone—I will engrave them upon my heart and lungs." He thereupon summoned Zhuge Liang, and together they discussed raising troops to march west.

Zhuge Liang said, "Jing Province is a vital region; we must divide our forces to defend it." Xuade said, "I shall go to Western Sichuan with Pang Shiyuan, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. You, Master Strategist, may defend Jing Province with Lord Guan, Zhang Yide, and Zhaozi Long." Zhuge Liang agreed. Thus Zhuge Liang assumed overall command of Jing Province. Lord Guan blocked the main road to Xiangyang, holding the Qingni Pass. Zhang Fei took charge of patrolling the river across the four commanderies. Zhao Yun was stationed at Jiangling, guarding Gong'an.

Xuade appointed Huang Zhong as vanguard and Wei Yan as rear guard. Xuade himself, with Liu Feng and Guan Ping, formed the center army, with Pang Tong as strategist. With fifty thousand horse and foot, the army set out to march west.

On the eve of departure, Liao Hua suddenly arrived with a troop of soldiers to surrender. Liu Bei appointed Liao Hua to assist Guan Yu in resisting Cao Cao. That winter, they advanced with their army toward Xichuan. After marching only a short distance, Meng Da came to meet them, bowing before Liu Bei and saying, "Governor Liu of Yizhou has ordered me to lead five thousand soldiers to come from afar to welcome you." Liu Bei sent a messenger into Yizhou to report to Liu Zhang first. Liu Zhang then issued letters to the prefectures and commanderies along the route, instructing them to provide money and provisions. Liu Zhang wished to go in person to Fucheng to receive Liu Bei, and he immediately gave orders to prepare carriages, canopies, banners, flags, and armor—everything must be bright and splendid.

The Registrar Huang Quan entered and remonstrated, saying, "My lord, if you go, you will certainly be harmed by Liu Bei. I have drawn my salary for many years and cannot bear to see my lord fall into another man's treacherous scheme. I beg you to reconsider." Zhang Song said, "Huang Quan's words estrange the bonds of kinship and nourish the power of bandits and thieves—they truly bring no benefit to our lord." Liu Zhang then rebuked Huang Quan sharply, saying, "My mind is made up. How dare you oppose me!" Huang Quan knocked his head until it bled, came forward, and seized Liu Zhang's garment with his teeth to remonstrate. Liu Zhang flew into a rage, tore his garment, and rose. Huang Quan would not let go, and in the struggle two of his front teeth were knocked out. Liu Zhang ordered his attendants to drag Huang Quan out, and Huang Quan departed weeping bitterly.

As Liu Zhang was about to set out, a man cried out, "My lord does not accept Huang Gongheng's loyal counsel, and now you wish to go to your death of your own accord!" He prostrated himself on the steps to remonstrate. Liu Zhang looked at him and saw that it was Li Hui, a man from Jianning Yuanyang. He knocked his head and remonstrated, saying, "I have heard it said, 'A ruler has his outspoken ministers; a father has his outspoken sons.' Huang Gongheng's loyal and righteous words must certainly be heeded. If you allow Liu Bei to enter the province, it would be like welcoming a tiger at your own gate." Liu Bei said, "Xuande is my kinsman elder brother. How could he possibly harm me? Whoever speaks further on this matter will be executed!" He ordered his attendants to drag Li Hui out. Zhang Song said, "At present, the civil officials of Shu each look after their wives and children and no longer exert themselves for our lord. The generals are arrogant on account of their merits and each harms treacherous intentions. If we do not obtain the support of Imperial Uncle Liu, then enemies will attack from without and the people will attack from within—this is the certain path to defeat." Liu Zhang said, "Your plans are of deep benefit to me."

The next day, Liu Zhang mounted his horse and set out from Yumen Bridge Gate. A report came: "The Attendant Wang Lei has hanged himself upside down from the city gate by a rope, holding a memorial of remonstrance in one hand and a sword in the other. He declares that if his remonstrance is not heeded, he will cut the rope himself and dash out his life here." Liu Zhang ordered the memorial to be taken and read. It read roughly:

"Your servant Wang Lei, Attendant of Yizhou, weeps blood and bows his head: I have heard it said, 'Good medicine is bitter to the mouth but beneficial to the illness; loyal words grate on the ears but benefit conduct.' In former times, King Huai of Chu did not listen to the words of Qu Yuan and met in alliance at Wuguan, where he was trapped by Qin. Now my lord lightly departs from this great commandery, wishing to welcome Liu Bei at Fucheng. I fear you may have a way to go but no way to return. If you could execute Zhang Song in the marketplace and sever the pact with Liu Bei, then the old and young of Shu would be most fortunate, and your lord's foundation would also be most fortunate!"

When Liu Zhang finished reading, he flew into a rage and said, "I am meeting with a benevolent man, as intimate as orchids and irises—why do you insult me again and again!" Wang Lei gave a great shout, cut the rope himself, and dashed out his life on the ground. A later poet wrote a lament:

Hung upside down at the city gate, holding his memorial of remonstrance,

He staked his life to repay Liu Zhang.

Huang Qian lost his teeth and in the end surrendered to Bei—

How does his steadfast integrity compare to Wang Lei's resolve!

Liu Zhang led thirty thousand troops toward Fucheng. The rear army carried provisions, money, and silk in over a thousand carts to meet Liu Bei. Now Liu Bei's vanguard had already arrived at Juju. Wherever they went, they received provisions from Xichuan on the one hand, and on the other, Liu Bei's orders were strictly enforced—anyone who took so much as a single item from the common people would be beheaded. Thus wherever they went, not a blade of grass was disturbed. The people, supporting the old and leading the young, lined the roads to watch and bowed in worship with burning incense. Liu Bei comforted them all with kind words.

Meanwhile Fa Zheng secretly said to Pang Tong, "Recently Zhang Song sent a secret letter here, saying that when you meet Liu Zhang at Fucheng, you can seize the opportunity. This chance must not be lost." Pang Tong said, "Say no more about this for now. Wait until the two Lius meet, and then take advantage of the opportunity. If word leaks out prematurely, something may go wrong." Fa Zheng then kept the matter secret. Fucheng was three hundred and sixty li from Chengdu. Liu Zhang had already arrived and sent men to welcome Liu Bei. Both armies camped on the Fu River. Liu Bei entered the city and met Liu Zhang. They spoke as brothers, each recounting their familial affection. When the ceremony was complete, they wept and confided their innermost feelings to each other.

After the feast, each returned to his encampment to rest. Liu Zhang said to his officials, "How laughable that Huang Quan and Wang Lei suspected Imperial Uncle's heart with such groundless suspicion. Having seen him today, I know he is truly a man of benevolence and righteousness. With him as my ally, why should I worry about Cao Cao and Zhang Lu? Without Zhang Song, I would have missed this opportunity." He then removed the green robe he was wearing, along with five hundred taels of gold, and sent them to Chengdu to bestow upon Zhang Song. At this time, his subordinate generals and officials—Liu Gui, Leng Bao, Zhang Ren, Deng Xian, and others—said, "My lord, do not rejoice too soon. Liu Bei is soft on the outside but hard within; his intentions cannot be fathomed. You should still be on your guard." Liu Zhang smiled and said, "You are all overthinking this. How could my kinsman have a duplicitous heart?" All of them sighed and withdrew.

Meanwhile Liu Bei returned to his encampment. Pang Tong entered and said, "My lord, did you observe Liu Jiyu's behavior at today's banquet?" Liu Bei said, "Jiyu is a genuinely sincere man." Pang Tong said, "Although Jiyu is good-natured, his ministers Liu Gui, Zhang Ren, and the others all showed expressions of discontent. Among them, fortune and disaster cannot be guaranteed. In my humble opinion, it would be best to hold a feast tomorrow and invite Jiyu to attend. Conceal a hundred swordsmen and axemen behind the wall curtains. When my lord throws down his cup as the signal, kill him right at the banquet. Then rush into Chengdu in one surge—with blades unsheathed and bows unstrung—the matter could be settled without a fight." Liu Bei said, "Jiyu is my kinsman of the same clan, and he treats me with sincerity. Moreover, I have just arrived in Shu, and my benevolence and trust have not yet been established. If I were to do this, Heaven above would not permit it, and the people below would resent it. Even a hegemon would not act on such a plan as yours." Pang Tong said, "This was not my idea. It was Fa Xiaozhi who received Zhang Song's secret letter, saying that the matter brooks no delay and must be acted upon sooner or later."

Before he had finished speaking, Fa Zheng entered and said, "We do not act for ourselves alone; we follow the mandate of Heaven." Xuande replied, "Liu Zhang and I share the same lineage. I cannot bring myself to seize his domain." Fa Zheng said, "Your Excellency is mistaken in this. If you do not act, Zhang Lu—who holds a blood feud against the house of Liu for the murder of his mother—will surely come to conquer the region. You have crossed mountains and rivers, driven your soldiers and horses far from home. Now that you have arrived here, to advance brings merit; to retreat profits nothing. If you cling to doubt and delay, you will commit a grave error. Moreover, should your plans leak, you may well be outmaneuvered by another. Better to seize this moment when Heaven and men alike incline toward you, strike where least expected, and establish your foundation early—this is truly the superior strategy." Pang Tong, too, urged him repeatedly.

Indeed:

*How often in a man's life does he hold fast to kindness,*

*While a minister of talent presses ever onward with stratagem.*

What decision Xuande would make, read on in the next chapter.

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Romance of the Three Kingdoms