Chapter 62: Taking Fu Pass, Yang and Gao Lose Their Heads; Attacking Luo City, Huang and Wei Quarrel over Merit

Chapter 62: Taking Fu Pass, Yang and Gao Lose Their Heads; Attacking Luo City, Huang and Wei Vie for Merit

Zhang Zhao presented a plan, saying: "For the time being, do not move troops. If we send out an army, Cao Cao will surely come again. It would be better to write two letters: one to Liu Zhang, stating that Liu Bei has allied with Eastern Wu to jointly seize Western Sichuan, causing Liu Zhang to grow suspicious and attack Liu Bei; the other to Zhang Lu, telling him to advance his troops toward Jingzhou, so that Liu Bei cannot aid his front and rear. Then we can raise an army to attack, and the matter will succeed." Sun Quan heeded this and immediately dispatched envoys to the two places.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei had been at Jiameng Pass for a long time and had won the people's hearts. Suddenly he received a dispatch from Zhuge Liang, learning that Lady Sun had already returned to Eastern Wu. He also heard that Cao Cao had raised an army to invade Ruxu, and so he consulted with Pang Tong, saying: "Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan. If Cao Cao wins, he will surely come to seize Jingzhou; if Sun Quan wins, he will also surely come to seize Jingzhou. What should be done?" Pang Tong said: "My lord need not worry. With Kongming there, I expect Eastern Wu dares not invade Jingzhou. My lord can send someone with a letter to Liu Zhang, merely claiming that Cao Cao is attacking Sun Quan. Sun Quan has asked Jingzhou for help, and we are neighboring states as close as lips and teeth—we cannot refuse to rescue him; Zhang Lu is merely a thief who knows only to defend himself, and he will never dare to violate our borders. I now wish to lead troops back to Jingzhou and join forces with Sun Quan to defeat Cao Cao, but unfortunately we lack soldiers and provisions. I hope, for the sake of our kinship, that you will quickly send three or four thousand elite troops and one hundred thousand hu of marching rations to assist us, and please do not delay. If we obtain the troops and supplies, we can make further plans."

Liu Bei heeded this and sent a man to Chengdu. When he reached the pass, Yang Huai and Gao Pei learned of the matter, and had Gao Pei guard the pass while Yang Huai accompanied the envoy into Chengdu. They met with Liu Zhang and presented the letter. After Liu Zhang finished reading, he asked Yang Huai why he had also come. Yang Huai said: "I came solely because of this letter. Since Liu Bei entered Sichuan, he has widely bestowed kindness to win the people's hearts, and his intentions are very bad. Now he requests troops and supplies—by no means should we give them to him. If we help him, it will be like carrying firewood to put out a fire." Liu Zhang said: "Liu Bei and I are bound by brotherly affection; how can I refuse to help?" One man stepped forward and said: "Liu Bei is a fierce and ambitious man. To let him remain long in Shu without leaving is like releasing a tiger into the house; now to supply him with troops and provisions is like adding wings to the tiger!" Everyone looked at the man—he was from Zhengyang in Lingling, surnamed Liu, named Ba, styled Zichu. After hearing Liu Ba's words, Liu Zhang hesitated and could not decide. Huang Quan again earnestly remonstrated. Liu Zhang then grudgingly allocated four thousand aged and feeble soldiers and ten thousand hu of rice, wrote a reply, and sent the envoy to report to Liu Bei, still ordering Yang Huai and Gao Pei to guard the pass strictly.

Liu Zhang's envoy reached Jiameng Pass, met with Liu Bei, and presented the reply. Liu Bei said angrily: "I have worn myself out for you in resisting the enemy. Now you begrudge your wealth and are unwilling to grant rewards—how can I make the soldiers fight with devotion?" He then tore up the reply and rose, cursing loudly. The envoy fled back to Chengdu. Pang Tong said: "My lord has always valued benevolence and righteousness. Today you tore up the letter in anger—all former affection is lost." Liu Bei said: "Since this is so, what should be done?" Pang Tong said: "I have three plans; please, my lord, choose which to carry out."

Liu Bei asked what the three plans were. Pang Tong said: "Now select elite troops and march day and night directly to attack Chengdu—this is the best plan. Yang Huai and Gao Pei are famous generals of Shu, each relying on strong forces to hold the passes; now if my lord feigns a return to Jingzhou, these two generals, upon hearing this, will surely come to see you off. At the place of farewell, seize and kill them, take the pass, first capture Fucheng, and then turn toward Chengdu—this is the middle plan. Retreat to Baidi City, hurry back to Jingzhou overnight, and slowly plan further advances—this is the inferior plan. If you hesitate and do not leave, you will fall into great difficulty and cannot be saved." Liu Bei said: "The military advisor's best plan is too hasty, and the inferior plan too slow; the middle plan is neither urgent nor leisurely and can be carried out."

He then sent a letter to Liu Zhang, merely saying that Cao Cao had ordered his general Yue Jin to lead troops to Qingni Town, and that all his generals could not withstand him; he himself had to go to resist in person, and lacking time for a face-to-face farewell, he was specially writing to take his leave. When the letter reached Chengdu, Zhang Song heard that Liu Bei wanted to return to Jingzhou and took it as genuine, so he wrote a letter, intending to send someone to deliver it to Liu Bei. Just then, his elder brother Zhang Su, the governor of Guanghan, arrived, and Zhang Song hastily hid the letter in his sleeve while entertaining Zhang Su in conversation. Zhang Su noticed Zhang Song's distracted manner and grew suspicious. Zhang Song brought out wine and drank with Zhang Su. Amidst their toasts, the letter suddenly fell to the ground, where Zhang Su's attendant picked it up. After the feast, the attendant presented the letter to Zhang Su. Zhang Su opened and read it. The letter roughly said: "The other day I presented my plan to the Imperial Uncle, and it was not false or mistaken—why has he still not sent troops? To take by force and rule by compliance is a method valued by the ancients. Now the great matter is already within grasp; why do you wish to abandon this and return to Jingzhou? When I heard this news, it felt like losing something. When this letter arrives, please advance your troops quickly. I will act as an internal ally—do not delay and harm yourself!"

Zhang Su was greatly startled and said: "My brother has done something that will bring destruction to our entire family; I cannot fail to report it." That very night, he took the letter to meet Liu Zhang and detailed how his younger brother Zhang Song was conspiring with Liu Bei to deliver Western Sichuan. Liu Zhang said furiously: "I have never treated him poorly—why does he plot rebellion!" He then ordered Zhang Song's entire family arrested and beheaded in the marketplace. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this:

"Rare from ancient times to see all at a glance, who knew a letter would leak heaven's secrets? Not yet witnessing Xuande's rise to kingly enterprise, first in Chengdu blood stained the robes."

Having executed Zhang Song, Liu Zhang assembled his civil and military officials and said: "Liu Bei wants to seize my foundation—what should be done?" Huang Quan said: "The matter cannot be delayed. Immediately send word to all the passes, increase troops to hold them, and allow not a single man or horse from Jingzhou to enter the passes." Liu Zhang heeded this and that very night dispatched orders to all the passes.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei led his troops back to Fucheng, first sending someone to report at Fushui Pass, requesting Yang Huai and Gao Pei to come out of the pass to bid farewell. When Yang and Gao heard the report, they discussed it, saying: "Why is Liu Bei returning this time?" Gao Pei said: "Liu Bei deserves death. Let each of us conceal a sharp blade on our person, and at the place of farewell, assassinate him to remove our lord's calamity." Yang Huai said: "This plan is excellent." The two took only two hundred followers and came out of the pass to see him off, leaving the rest of their men at the pass. Liu Bei's main army had all set out. When they reached the banks of the Fushui River, Pang Tong, on horseback, said to Liu Bei: "If Yang Huai and Gao Pei come joyfully, beware of them; if they do not come, immediately raise the army to directly take their pass—do not delay."

Just as he spoke, a sudden whirlwind arose and blew down the "Commander" banner in front of the horse. Liu Bei asked Pang Tong: "What omen is this?" Pang Tong said: "This is a warning. Yang Huai and Gao Pei surely have murderous intent—we must guard well." Liu Bei then donned heavy armor and personally girded his sword as a precaution. Someone reported that the two generals, Yang and Gao, had come to see him off. Liu Bei ordered the army to halt. Pang Tong instructed Wei Yan and Huang Zhong: "As for all the soldiers coming from the pass, regardless of cavalry or infantry, let not a single one return." The two generals received their orders and departed.

As for Yang Huai and Gao Pei, each concealed a sharp blade on their person, leading two hundred soldiers, carrying sheep and bearing wine, straight to the army's front. Seeing that the other side seemed unguarded, they secretly rejoiced, thinking their plot had succeeded. Entering the tent, they saw Liu Bei sitting with Pang Tong inside. The two generals bowed and said: "We heard the Imperial Uncle was returning from afar; we have prepared a modest gift to see you off." They then offered wine to Liu Bei. Liu Bei said: "You two generals have had no easy task guarding the pass—you should drink this cup first."

After the two generals finished their wine, Liu Bei said, “I have confidential matters to discuss with you two generals; let all irrelevant persons withdraw.” He then ordered the two hundred men they had brought to be expelled from the central command tent. Liu Bei shouted, “Guards, seize these two traitors!” Liu Feng and Guan Ping responded from behind the screen and came out. Yang Huai and Gao Pei tried to resist, but Liu Feng and Guan Ping each captured one. Liu Bei rebuked them, saying, “I am of the same clan as your lord; why did you conspire to sow discord between us?” Pang Tong ordered the attendants to search their persons, and indeed, a sharp dagger was found on each of them. Pang Tong immediately ordered them beheaded. Liu Bei hesitated. Pang Tong said, “These two intended to harm my lord; their crime is unforgivable.” He then ordered the executioners to behead Yang Huai and Gao Pei in front of the tent. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had already seized the two hundred followers, not letting a single one escape. Liu Bei called them in and gave each wine to calm their fears. Liu Bei said, “Yang Huai and Gao Pei tried to drive a wedge between us brothers and concealed daggers to assassinate me, so I killed them. You are innocent; do not be alarmed or suspicious.” The men all bowed in thanks. Pang Tong said, “Now I will borrow you to guide the way and lead our army to seize the pass. Each of you will be heavily rewarded.”

The men all agreed. That night, the two hundred went first, with the main army following. The vanguard arrived at the pass and shouted, “The two generals have urgent business and are returning; open the pass quickly!” Those on the wall, recognizing their own troops, opened the pass immediately. The main army surged in, and without bloodying their swords, they captured Fu Pass. All the Shu troops surrendered. Liu Bei rewarded them generously and then divided his forces to guard the front and rear. The next day, he feasted the troops, holding a banquet in the official hall. Liu Bei, drinking freely, looked at Pang Tong and said, “Today’s gathering can be called joyful, can it not?” Pang Tong said, “Attacking another’s state and taking pleasure in it—this is not the army of a benevolent man.” Liu Bei said, “I have heard that when King Wu of Zhou attacked the Shang, he made music and celebrated his achievements; was that not also the army of a benevolent man? How can your words be so unreasonable? Withdraw at once!” Pang Tong laughed and rose. The attendants helped Liu Bei into the rear hall, where he slept until midnight, when his intoxication wore off. The attendants told Liu Bei what Pang Tong had said. Liu Bei was deeply regretful. The next morning, he dressed, ascended the hall, and invited Pang Tong, apologizing, “Yesterday, in my drunkenness, I spoke offensively. I hope you will not take it to heart.” Pang Tong laughed and behaved as usual. Liu Bei said, “Yesterday’s words were my fault alone.” Pang Tong said, “Both lord and minister were at fault; why should it be only my lord?” Liu Bei also laughed, and their joy was as before.

Now when Liu Zhang heard that Liu Bei had killed Yang Huai and Gao Pei and taken Fu Pass by surprise, he was greatly alarmed and said, “I never expected this to happen today!” He then assembled his civil and military officials to ask for a strategy to repel the enemy. Huang Quan said, “You should send troops to garrison Luo City immediately, blocking the vital thoroughfare. Even if Liu Bei has elite troops and fierce generals, he cannot get through.” Liu Zhang then ordered Liu Gui, Leng Bao, Zhang Ren, and Deng Xian to muster fifty thousand troops and march day and night to guard Luo City and resist Liu Bei.

As the four generals marched, Liu Gui said, “I have heard that in Jinping Mountain there is a remarkable man, whose Daoist title is Purple Void Superior One, who can foresee a person’s life, death, rank, and fortune. Today, as we march, we happen to pass by Jinping Mountain. Why not try to consult him?” Zhang Ren said, “A great man marches to meet the enemy; how can he ask a rustic hermit?” Liu Gui said, “That is not right. The Sage said, ‘With perfect sincerity, one can foresee the future.’ When we consult a man of insight, we should seek good fortune and avoid disaster.”

The four then led fifty or sixty riders to the foot of the mountain and asked a woodcutter for directions. The woodcutter pointed to the high peak and said that was where the superior man lived. The four went up the mountain and arrived at a hermitage, where a young acolyte came out to greet them. After they gave their names, the acolyte led them inside. There they saw the Purple Void Superior One sitting on a rush cushion. The four bowed and asked about their future. The Purple Void Superior One said, “I am a useless man of the wilderness; how could I know good or ill fortune?” Liu Gui bowed and asked repeatedly. The Superior One then ordered the acolyte to fetch brush and paper and wrote down eight lines of verse, which he gave to Liu Gui. The text read: “Left dragon and right phoenix, flying into Western River. The young phoenix falls to earth, the crouching dragon ascends to heaven. One gains, one loses—the number of Heaven is thus. Act when you see the opportunity, and do not perish in the Nine Springs.”

Liu Gui again asked, “What of the fate of us four?” The Purple Void Superior One said, “The fixed number is hard to escape; why ask again?” When Liu Gui pressed further, the Superior One’s brows drooped and his eyes closed, as if asleep, and he did not reply. The four went down the mountain. Liu Gui said, “The immortal’s words cannot be disbelieved.” Zhang Ren said, “This is a crazy old man; what use is listening to him?” They then mounted and marched on. After reaching Luo City, they divided their troops and deployed them to guard various strategic points. Liu Gui said, “Luo City is the shield of Chengdu; if we lose this city, Chengdu will be hard to hold. Let us, the four of us, deliberate: two will guard the city, and two will go ahead of Luo City, relying on the mountains and perilous terrain, to establish two stockades, not allowing the enemy to approach the city walls.” Leng Bao and Deng Xian said, “We are willing to go and set up the stockades.” Liu Gui was greatly pleased and divided twenty thousand troops, giving them to Leng Bao and Deng Xian, who set up camp sixty li from the city. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren guarded Luo City.

Now after Liu Bei had taken Fu Pass, he consulted with Pang Tong about advancing on Luo City. Someone reported that Liu Zhang had sent four generals, and that very day Leng Bao and Deng Xian were leading twenty thousand troops sixty li from the city, where they had set up two large stockades. Liu Bei assembled his men and asked, “Who dares to take the first merit and attack the stockades of those two commanders?” The veteran general Huang Zhong stepped forward and said, “This old man is willing to go.” Liu Bei said, “Old general, lead your own troops to Luo City. If you can capture the stockades of Leng Bao and Deng Xian, you will surely be heavily rewarded.”

Huang Zhong was overjoyed. He immediately took command of his troops and, after thanking Liu Bei, was about to set out. Suddenly, a man came out from below the tent and said, “The old general is advanced in years; how can he go? I, though unworthy, am willing to go.” Liu Bei looked and saw it was Wei Yan. Huang Zhong said, “I have already received the command; how dare you overstep your authority?” Wei Yan said, “Old general, do not rely on your strength and vigor. I have heard that Leng Bao and Deng Xian are famous generals of Shu, in the prime of their youth and vigor. I fear the old general may not be able to capture them, and that would spoil our lord’s great plan. Therefore, I wish to take your place—this is out of goodwill.” Huang Zhong said angrily, “You call me old! Dare you compete with me in martial skill?” Wei Yan said, “Right here before our lord, let us compete face to face. The winner goes—how about that?”

Huang Zhong then quickly descended the steps and called for a junior officer to bring his blade. Liu Bei hastily stopped them, saying, “No! Now that I am raising troops to take Riverland, I rely entirely on the strength of you two. If two tigers fight, one will surely be hurt. That would certainly ruin my great plan. Let me mediate between you two; do not argue.” Pang Tong said, “You two need not contend. Now Leng Bao and Deng Xian have set up two stockades. Let each of you lead your own troops and attack one stockade. Whoever captures theirs first will be credited with the first merit.” So it was decided: Huang Zhong would attack Leng Bao’s stockade, and Wei Yan would attack Deng Xian’s. The two each accepted their orders and left. Pang Tong said, “These two going off—I fear they may quarrel on the road. My lord should personally lead the rear guard.” Liu Bei left Pang Tong to guard the city, while he himself, with Liu Feng and Guan Ping, led five thousand troops and followed.

Now Huang Zhong returned to his camp and issued orders: the next day, the cooking fires would be lit at the fourth watch, all preparations completed by the fifth watch, and at dawn the troops would advance, going through the mountain valley on the left. Wei Yan, however, secretly sent someone to spy on when Huang Zhong would set out. The spy reported back: “The cooking fires will be lit at the fourth watch tomorrow, and they will set out at the fifth watch.” Wei Yan was secretly pleased and ordered his troops to light the cooking fires at the second watch and set out at the third watch, so as to arrive at Deng Xian’s stockade by dawn.

The troops received their orders, ate their fill, muffled the horses’ bells, placed gags in their own mouths, rolled up their flags, and bound their armor, secretly going to raid the stockade. Around the third watch, they advanced from their camp. Halfway there, Wei Yan thought to himself while on horseback, “If I only attack Deng Xian’s stockade, it won’t show my skill. Better to first attack Leng Bao’s stockade, then use the victorious troops to attack Deng Xian’s stockade. Both merits will be mine.” So he immediately gave orders on horseback, directing the troops to take the mountain path on the left. At daybreak, they were not far from Leng Bao’s stockade. He ordered the troops to rest briefly and arranged their drums, gongs, banners, flags, spears, swords, and other weapons.

A scout from the ambush party had already reported back to the camp, and Leng Bao was prepared. At the sound of a cannon, the three armies mounted their horses and charged out. Wei Yan, urging his horse forward and raising his blade, engaged Leng Bao in battle. The two generals crossed weapons, and after thirty exchanges, the Sichuan troops split into two groups to attack the Han army. The Han soldiers had been marching for half the night, men and horses exhausted, unable to withstand the assault, and retreated in defeat. Wei Yan, hearing the disorder in the ranks behind him, abandoned Leng Bao, turned his horse, and fled. The Sichuan troops pursued closely, and the Han army suffered a major rout. Before they had gone five li, a thunderous drumming rose from behind the mountain, and Deng Xian led a contingent of troops charging out from a valley, shouting loudly: “Wei Yan, dismount and surrender at once!”

Wei Yan spurred his horse into a gallop, but suddenly the horse stumbled, its forelegs buckling, throwing Wei Yan to the ground. Deng Xian’s horse rushed forward, and he thrust his spear to stab Wei Yan. Before the spear could reach its target, a bowstring twanged, and Deng Xian tumbled backward off his horse. Leng Bao, coming up to rescue him, saw a great general charging down from the mountain slope on horseback, shouting sternly: “The veteran general Huang Zhong is here!” Whirling his blade, he rode straight for Leng Bao. Leng Bao could not withstand the assault and fled to the rear. Huang Zhong seized the opportunity to give chase, and the Sichuan troops fell into chaos.

Huang Zhong’s army rescued Wei Yan, killed Deng Xian, and pursued all the way to the camp gate. Leng Bao turned his horse back and engaged Huang Zhong in another battle. Before ten exchanges had passed, the rear army swarmed forward, and Leng Bao was forced to abandon the left camp, leading his defeated troops toward the right camp. There he saw that the camp’s flags had all been changed. Leng Bao was greatly alarmed. Reining in his horse to look, he saw at the head of the camp a great general in golden armor and brocade robes—it was Liu Xuande, with Liu Feng to his left and Guan Ping to his right. He shouted: “I have already taken this camp; where do you think you are going?” It turned out that Xuande had led troops to provide rear support and had taken advantage of the moment to seize Deng Xian’s camp.

With no escape on either side, Leng Bao took a remote mountain path, intending to return to Luocheng. Before he had gone ten li, an ambush suddenly sprang up from a narrow defile. Hooks and grappling poles rose together, and Leng Bao was captured alive. It happened that Wei Yan, knowing his own guilt and unable to explain it away, had gathered the rear troops and, guided by a Sichuan soldier, set an ambush here. He caught Leng Bao precisely, bound him with ropes, and delivered him to Xuande’s camp.

Now, Liu Bei erected a banner of amnesty, decreeing that any Sichuan soldier who laid down his weapons and removed his armor was not to be harmed; anyone who injured such a soldier would pay with his life. He also announced to the surrendered troops: “You men of Sichuan all have parents, wives, and children. Those willing to surrender will be enrolled in the army; those unwilling will be released to return home.” At this, a thunderous cheer arose. Huang Zhong, having settled his camp, came directly to see Liu Bei and said that Wei Yan had disobeyed military orders and should be beheaded. Liu Bei hastily summoned Wei Yan, who arrived escorting the captured Leng Bao. Liu Bei said: “Though Wei Yan is guilty, this deed can atone for his crime.” He ordered Wei Yan to thank Huang Zhong for saving his life and forbade any further quarrels between them. Wei Yan kowtowed and admitted his fault. Liu Bei heavily rewarded Huang Zhong. He then sent men to bring Leng Bao before his tent. Liu Bei untied his bonds, offered him wine to calm his shock, and asked: “Are you willing to surrender?” Leng Bao replied: “Since I have been granted the grace of escaping death, how could I not surrender? Liu Gui and Zhang Ren are my sworn brothers in life and death. If you would release me to return, I will immediately persuade them both to surrender and offer up Luocheng as well.” Liu Bei was overjoyed and bestowed upon him clothes, a saddle, and a horse, allowing him to return to Luocheng. Wei Yan said: “This man cannot be released. Once he slips away, he will never come back.” Liu Bei said: “I treat others with benevolence and righteousness; they will not betray me.”

Now, Leng Bao returned to Luocheng. When he saw Liu Gui and Zhang Ren, he did not mention being captured and released, but only said that he had killed a dozen men, seized some horses, and escaped. Liu Gui hastily sent someone to Chengdu to request reinforcements. When Liu Zhang heard that Deng Xian had been lost, he was greatly alarmed and hastily summoned his council. His eldest son, Liu Xun, stepped forward and said: “I am willing to lead troops to defend Luocheng.” Liu Zhang said: “Since my son is willing to go, who should be sent to assist him?” One man stepped forward and said: “I am willing to go.” Liu Zhang looked and saw it was his maternal uncle, Wu Yi. Liu Zhang said: “It would be best if my uncle goes. Who can serve as a deputy commander?” Wu Yi recommended Wu Lan and Lei Tong as deputy commanders. They raised twenty thousand troops and arrived at Luocheng. Liu Gui and Zhang Ren received them and recounted the previous events in detail. Wu Yi said: “The enemy is at the city walls; it will be difficult to resist them. What plans do you have?” Leng Bao said: “This area lies against the Fu River, which flows very swiftly. The forward camp is pitched at the foot of the mountain, in the lowest terrain. I request five thousand troops, each carrying iron spades and hoes, to go and breach the Fu River’s waters. This will drown all of Liu Bei’s soldiers.” Wu Yi approved the plan and immediately ordered Leng Bao to go and breach the river, with Wu Lan and Lei Tong leading troops to support him. Leng Bao received the order and went to prepare the breaching implements.

Now, Liu Bei ordered Huang Zhong and Wei Yan each to guard their camps, while he himself returned to Fucheng to discuss matters with Military Advisor Pang Tong. A scout reported: “Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has sent an envoy to make an alliance with Zhang Lu of Eastern Chuan, and they are about to attack Jiameng Pass.” Liu Bei said in alarm: “If Jiameng Pass is lost, our rear will be cut off, and I will be unable to advance or retreat. What should be done?” Pang Tong said to Meng Da: “You are a man of Sichuan and familiar with the terrain. How would it be for you to go and defend Jiameng Pass?” Meng Da replied: “Allow me to recommend one man to go with me to guard the pass, and it will be secure without fail.” Liu Bei asked who it was. Meng Da said: “This man once served as a Commandant of the Center under Liu Biao of Jingzhou. He is a native of Zhijiang in Nan Commandery. His surname is Huo and his given name Jun, styled Zhongmiao.” Liu Bei was greatly pleased and immediately sent Meng Da and Huo Jun to guard Jiameng Pass.

Pang Tong returned to his lodging, when the gatekeeper suddenly reported: “A visitor has come specially to call on you.” Pang Tong went out to greet him and saw a man eight feet tall, with a very imposing appearance, his hair cut short and hanging over his neck, his clothing somewhat disheveled. Pang Tong asked: “Sir, who are you?” The man did not answer but went straight into the hall and lay down on the bed, face up. Pang Tong was puzzled and asked him repeatedly. The man said: “Wait a moment, and I shall discuss the affairs of the empire with you.” Pang Tong, even more mystified, ordered his attendants to bring food and drink. The man rose and ate without any courtesy, consuming a great deal, and then lay down again to sleep. Pang Tong, uncertain, sent someone to invite Fa Zheng to come and look at the man, fearing he might be a spy. Fa Zheng arrived quickly. Pang Tong went out to greet him and said: “There is a man who is acting thus and so.” Fa Zheng said: “Could it be Peng Yongyan?” He ascended the steps and looked. The man jumped up and said: “Xiaozhi, you are well since we last met!” And indeed:

Because a Sichuan man met an old acquaintance,

It caused the waters of the Fu River to cease their flood.

Who this man was, is left for the next chapter to explain.