Chapter 63: Zhuge Liang Weeps Bitterly for Pang Tong; Zhang Fei Releases Yan Yan in a Righteous Act
As the story goes, Fa Zheng met that man, and both clapped their hands and laughed. Pang Tong asked what was happening. Fa Zheng said, “This gentleman is from Guanghan, surnamed Peng, named Yang, styled Yongyan. He is a hero of Shu. Because he spoke bluntly and offended Liu Zhang, Liu Zhang punished him by making him a slave, so his hair is very short.” Pang Tong received him with the rites due a guest and asked Peng Yang where he had come from. Peng Yang said, “I have come specially to save the lives of your tens of thousands of men. I can only speak after seeing General Liu.” Fa Zheng quickly reported this to Liu Bei. Liu Bei went in person to pay his respects and asked the reason. Peng Yang said, “General, how many troops do you have at the forward camp?” Liu Bei told him truthfully, “Huang Zhong and Wei Yan are there.” Peng Yang said, “In the way of a commander, how can one not understand geography? The forward camp leans against the Fu River. If the river is breached and troops block the front and rear, not a single man can escape.” Liu Bei suddenly saw the light. Peng Yang said, “The star of Geng is in the west; the planet Venus descends upon this place. There will be unlucky events. Be extremely cautious.” Liu Bei then appointed Peng Yang as a staff adviser and sent men to secretly inform Wei Yan and Huang Zhong, instructing them to patrol and keep vigilant day and night to guard against the river being breached. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan discussed the matter: “Let each of us take one day in rotation; if enemy troops arrive, we will notify each other.”
Now Leng Bao saw that the night was stormy with wind and rain, so he led five thousand troops straight along the riverbank to advance and set about breaching the river. He only heard a great shout from behind. Leng Bao knew that preparations had been made and hastily withdrew his troops. Behind him, Wei Yan led his men in pursuit. The Sichuan troops trampled each other in confusion. As Leng Bao was fleeing, he ran into Wei Yan. After less than a few exchanges, he was captured alive by Wei Yan. By the time Wu Lan and Lei Tong came to reinforce, Huang Zhong’s army also attacked. Wei Yan escorted Leng Bao to Fu Pass. Liu Bei rebuked him, saying, “I treated you with benevolence and righteousness and let you return. How dare you betray me! This time it is hard to forgive!” He had Leng Bao taken out and beheaded, and heavily rewarded Wei Yan. Liu Bei held a feast to entertain Peng Yang. Suddenly, it was reported that Zhuge Liang, the Military Advisor of Jingzhou, had specially sent Ma Liang with a letter to this place. Liu Bei summoned Ma Liang in and asked him. After Ma Liang performed the rites, he said, “Jingzhou is peaceful; it does not trouble my lord to worry.” He then presented the letter from the Military Advisor. Liu Bei opened the letter and read it. Its general content was: “Last night I calculated the Taiyi number; this year is the Guihai year, and the star of Geng is in the west. I also observed the celestial signs; the planet Venus descends upon the region of Luo City. It portends misfortune for the commander. Be extremely cautious.”
After reading the letter, Liu Bei ordered Ma Liang to return first. Liu Bei said, “I want to return to Jingzhou to discuss this matter.” Pang Tong thought to himself, “Kongming fears that I will take Western Shu and achieve great merit, so he deliberately uses this letter to hinder me.” Then he said to Liu Bei, “I too have calculated the Taiyi number and already know that the star of Geng is in the west. It confirms that my lord is destined to obtain Western Shu and does not portend misfortune. I have also divined the celestial patterns and saw that the planet Venus descends upon Luo City. First, we beheaded the Shu general Leng Bao, which has already fulfilled the omen of misfortune. My lord must not be suspicious; advance swiftly with the army.”
Liu Bei, seeing Pang Tong repeatedly urging him, then led the army forward. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan welcomed him into the camp. Pang Tong asked Fa Zheng, “How far is it from here to Luo City?” Fa Zheng drew a map on the ground. Liu Bei took out the map that Zhang Song had left to compare, and there was no discrepancy. Fa Zheng said, “North of the mountain there is a main road, which directly takes the east gate of Luo City; south of the mountain there is a small path, which takes the west gate of Luo City. Both roads allow the army to advance.” Pang Tong said to Liu Bei, “Let me order Wei Yan to be the vanguard and advance by the southern small path; my lord orders Huang Zhong to be the vanguard and advance by the northern main road. We will meet together at Luo City.” Liu Bei said, “Since my youth I have been well-versed in archery and horsemanship and have often traveled small paths. Military Advisor may take the main road to take the east gate, and I will take the west gate.” Pang Tong said, “The main road will surely have enemy troops blocking it. My lord should lead the troops to resist them. I will take the small path.” Liu Bei said, “Military Advisor must not. Last night I dreamed of a divine person holding an iron staff striking my right arm. When I woke, I still felt arm pain. This campaign is probably unlucky.” Pang Tong said, “A brave man facing battle either dies or is wounded; this is a natural principle. Why be suspicious because of matters in a dream?” Liu Bei said, “What I am suspicious of is Kongming’s letter. Military Advisor, how about you guard Fu Pass?” Pang Tong laughed loudly and said, “My lord is being misled by Kongming. He does not want me to achieve great merit alone, so he deliberately says this to shake my lord’s resolve. A suspicious mind leads to dreams; what danger is there? I, Pang Tong, would gladly have my liver and brains smeared on the ground to fulfill my original wish. My lord, say no more. Tomorrow morning, we will act on schedule.” That day, orders were issued; the troops prepared their meals at the fifth watch and mounted their horses at daybreak. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan led the troops forward first. Liu Bei again made arrangements with Pang Tong. Suddenly, Pang Tong’s horse, its eyes unfamiliar with the terrain, stumbled and threw Pang Tong to the ground. Liu Bei dismounted and personally came to steady the horse. Liu Bei said, “Military Advisor, why ride this inferior horse?” Pang Tong said, “I have ridden this horse for a long time; it has never done this.” Liu Bei said, “Facing battle, if the horse’s eyes are unfamiliar, it can cost a man his life. My white horse has an extremely gentle temperament. Military Advisor may ride it; it will be perfectly safe. I will ride the inferior horse myself.” And he exchanged horses with Pang Tong. Pang Tong thanked him, saying, “I am deeply grateful for my lord’s great kindness. Even if I die ten thousand times, I cannot repay it.” Then each mounted and took their respective roads forward. Liu Bei watched Pang Tong leave and felt very uneasy in his heart, advancing gloomily.
Now in Luo City, Wu Yi and Liu Xun, hearing that Leng Bao had been lost, consulted with the other generals. Zhang Ren said, “Southeast of the city, in the mountain wilds, there is a small path that is most crucial. I will personally lead a force to guard it. You all must hold Luo City tightly and not let it be lost.” Suddenly, it was reported that the Han army had split into two routes and was coming to attack the city. Zhang Ren hastily led three thousand troops to first take the small path and set up an ambush. Seeing Wei Yan’s troops pass, Zhang Ren ordered them all to be let through without alarming them. Later, when he saw Pang Tong’s army approaching, Zhang Ren’s soldiers pointed from afar at the general in the army: “The one riding the white horse must be Liu Bei.” Zhang Ren was overjoyed and issued orders to act exactly as instructed.
Now Pang Tong advanced in a winding manner. Looking up, he saw the mountains on both sides were narrow and the trees dense. It was also the end of summer and beginning of autumn, with luxuriant foliage. Pang Tong felt very suspicious in his heart. He reined in his horse and asked, “What is the name of this place?” Among the troops, a newly surrendered soldier pointed and said, “This place is called the Fallen Phoenix Slope.” Pang Tong was startled and said, “My Dao name is Fledgling Phoenix; this place is called Fallen Phoenix Slope—it is unlucky for me.” He ordered the rear troops to quickly retreat. Just then, a cannon roared from the front of the mountain slope, and arrows flew like a swarm of locusts, aimed solely at the man riding the white horse. Alas! Pang Tong died under the hail of random arrows. He was then only thirty-six years old. Later generations wrote a poem lamenting him:
“Ancient hills connect, piled with purple and green;
Shiyuan’s home nestled by the mountain’s bend.
Children know well the song of the turtle-dove they cry;
In the lanes, his talent like an unleashed steed was heard.
He planned the tripartite division, carving it straight,
A lone figure roaming for ten thousand li.
Who knew the Heavenly Dog and falling meteor would strike,
Preventing the general from returning in silk robes.”
Previously, in the southeast, a children’s rhyme had said:
“One phoenix and one dragon,
Together they come to Shu.
Just halfway there,
The phoenix dies east of the slope.
Wind sends rain, rain sends wind,
When prosperous Han arises, the Shu road opens;
When the Shu road opens, only the dragon remains.”
On that day, Zhang Ren shot Pang Tong dead. The Han army was crowded and blocked, unable to advance or retreat, and more than half were killed. The forward troops urgently reported to Wei Yan. Wei Yan hastily tried to turn his troops back, but the mountain path was too narrow to fight. Moreover, Zhang Ren cut off their retreat route. From the heights, he shot at them with strong bows and hard crossbows. Wei Yan was panicked. A newly surrendered Shu soldier said, “Better to charge straight to the foot of Luo City and take the main road forward.” Wei Yan followed his advice and led the way, charging toward Luo City. Where the dust rose, an army appeared ahead—it was the Luo City defenders Wu Lan and Lei Tong. Behind them, Zhang Ren led his troops in pursuit. Attacked from front and rear, Wei Yan was surrounded in the thick of the fighting. Wei Yan fought desperately but could not break free. Suddenly, the rear of Wu Lan and Lei Tong’s army fell into chaos. The two generals hastily turned their horses to rescue their own men. Wei Yan took the opportunity to press forward. At the head came a general, brandishing his blade and urging his horse forward, shouting, “Wenchang! I have come specially to rescue you!” On looking, it was the veteran general Huang Zhong. Attacking from both sides, they defeated the two generals Wu and Lei and charged straight to the foot of Luo City. Liu Xun led his troops out to attack, but Liu Bei was behind, blocking and providing support. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan turned their horses and withdrew.
Liu Bei’s troops hurried back to their camp, but Zhang Ren’s forces cut them off again from a side path. Liu Gui, Wu Lan, and Lei Tong led the pursuit in the lead. Unable to hold the two camps, Liu Bei fought as he retreated, fleeing back to Fu Pass. The Shu soldiers, victorious, pursued in a winding chase. Liu Bei’s men were exhausted and his horses spent—they had no heart for battle and only focused on fleeing. As they neared Fu Pass, Zhang Ren’s army pressed them hard. Fortunately, on the left, Liu Feng, and on the right, Guan Ping, led thirty thousand fresh troops to block the enemy, driving Zhang Ren back. They chased him twenty li, recovering many war horses.
Liu Bei led a contingent back into Fu Pass and inquired about Pang Tong’s fate. Soldiers who had escaped with their lives from the Fallen Phoenix Slope reported: “The military counselor, man and horse together, was shot dead by arrows on the slope.” Upon hearing this, Liu Bei wept bitterly, gazing westward, and performed a distant soul-summoning sacrifice. All the generals wept. Huang Zhong said: “Now that we have lost Military Counselor Pang Tong, Zhang Ren will surely attack Fu Pass. What shall we do? It would be better to send someone to Jingzhou to request Military Counselor Zhuge Liang to come and discuss a plan for taking Western Sichuan.” As he spoke, a report came that Zhang Ren was leading his troops directly to the city walls to challenge them. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan both wanted to go out and fight. Liu Bei said: “Our army’s spirit has just been broken; we should hold firm and await the arrival of the military counselor.” Huang Zhong and Wei Yan accepted the order and only guarded the city closely. Liu Bei wrote a letter and instructed Guan Ping: “Go to Jingzhou on my behalf to invite the military counselor.” Guan Ping took the letter and traveled day and night to Jingzhou. Liu Bei himself held Fu Pass and did not give battle.
Now, Zhuge Liang was in Jingzhou. It happened to be the eve of the Seventh Day of the Seventh Moon, the Festival of the Weaver. He held a grand evening banquet for all the officials, and they discussed the matter of taking Western Sichuan. Suddenly, in the western sky, a star as large as a bushel fell from heaven, its light scattering in all directions. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed. He threw down his cup, covered his face, and wept, saying: “Alas! How grievous!” The officials, flustered, asked the reason. Zhuge Liang said: “Earlier I calculated that this year the Dipper of the Chariot Star is in the west, unfavorable to the military counselor; the Dog Star encroaches upon our army; the White Star approaches Luo City. I already wrote to our lord to be on guard. Who would have thought that tonight a star would fall in the west? Pang Shiyuan’s fate must be sealed!” Having said this, he wept loudly and said: “Now my lord has lost an arm!” All the officials were astonished and did not believe his words. Zhuge Liang said: “Within a few days, news will surely come.” That night the banquet ended without full enjoyment.
A few days later, Zhuge Liang was sitting with Guan Yu and others when a report came that Guan Ping had arrived. All the officials were startled. Guan Ping entered and presented Liu Bei’s letter. Zhuge Liang read it; the letter said: “On the seventh day of the seventh month this year, Military Counselor Pang was shot dead by arrows on the Fallen Phoenix Slope by Zhang Ren.” Zhuge Liang wept loudly, and none of the officials could hold back their tears. Zhuge Liang said: “Since our lord is at Fu Pass, caught between advance and retreat, I must go.” Guan Yu said: “If the military counselor goes, who will guard Jingzhou? Jingzhou is a vital place, and the responsibility is not light.” Zhuge Liang said: “Though our lord’s letter does not explicitly name this person, I already understand his intention.” He then showed the letter to all the officials and said: “In this letter, our lord entrusts Jingzhou to me, telling me to judge my own ability and appoint someone. Nevertheless, sending Guan Ping here with the letter means he intends for Guan Yunchang to take on this heavy task. Yunchang, mindful of the oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden, can strive his utmost to guard this place. The burden is not light; you must exert yourself.” Guan Yu did not decline further but accepted the order with a generous heart. Zhuge Liang held a banquet and handed over the seal and ribbon of command. Guan Yu received them with both hands. Zhuge Liang, holding the seal, said: “This whole matter rests on the general.” Guan Yu said: “A true man, having accepted a heavy responsibility, will only cease when dead.” Seeing Guan Yu utter the word “dead,” Zhuge Liang was displeased; he wished to withhold the seal, but the words had already been spoken. Zhuge Liang said: “If Cao Cao leads his army here, what should be done?” Guan Yu said: “Resist him with force.” Zhuge Liang said again: “If Cao Cao and Sun Quan both send troops together, what then?” Guan Yu said: “Divide the troops to resist them.” Zhuge Liang said: “If that is so, Jingzhou will be in danger. I have eight words; if the general remembers them well, you can preserve Jingzhou.” Guan Yu asked what the eight words were. Zhuge Liang said: “To the north, resist Cao Cao; to the east, make peace with Sun Quan.” Guan Yu said: “The military counselor’s words shall be engraved in my heart.”
Zhuge Liang then gave over the seal and ribbon of command, and appointed the civil officials Ma Liang, Yi Ji, Xiang Lang, and Mi Zhu, and the military officers Mi Fang, Liao Hua, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang to assist Guan Yu in jointly guarding Jingzhou. On one hand, he personally led the army into Sichuan. First, he dispatched ten thousand elite troops, with Zhang Fei commanding them, to take the main road and advance swiftly toward Ba Commandery and the west of Luo City; whoever arrived first would earn the first merit. Then he dispatched another force, with Zhao Yun as the vanguard, to go upstream against the current and rendezvous at Luo City. Zhuge Liang himself followed, taking along Jian Yong, Jiang Wan, and others. This Jiang Wan, styled Gongyan, was from Xiangxiang in Lingling; he was a famous scholar from Xiangyang in Jingzhou and currently served as a recorder.
That day, Zhuge Liang led fifteen thousand troops and set out on the same day as Zhang Fei. Before Zhang Fei departed, Zhuge Liang advised him: “There are many bold heroes in Western Sichuan; do not take them lightly. Along the way, restrain the three armies; do not plunder the people, lest you lose their hearts. Wherever you go, you must pacify and show compassion; do not recklessly vent your anger by whipping the soldiers. I hope the general will soon join forces at Luo City and not delay.”
Zhang Fei gladly accepted the order, mounted his horse, and set out, advancing along the way. Wherever he went, if the people surrendered, he did not harm a hair. He took the Hanchuan road directly. As he advanced to Ba Commandery, scouts reported: “Ba Commandery’s Grand Administrator Yan Yan is a famous general in Shu; though old in years, his energy is not diminished; he is skilled at drawing a strong bow and wielding a great sword; he has the prowess to withstand ten thousand men; he holds the city walls and has not raised a white flag of surrender.” Zhang Fei ordered his troops to set up camp ten li from the city and sent a man into the city, saying: “Tell that old rascal to come and surrender early, and I will spare the lives of the entire city’s people! If he does not submit, I will raze the city walls to the ground, sparing neither old nor young!”
Now, Yan Yan, at Ba Commandery, had heard that Liu Zhang had sent Fa Zheng to invite Liu Bei into Sichuan. Beating his chest, he sighed and said: “This is what is meant by sitting alone in a mountain and inviting a tiger to guard oneself!” Later, when he heard that Liu Bei had occupied Fu Pass, he was furious and repeatedly wanted to raise troops to fight, but feared that troops might come along this road. On this day, hearing that Zhang Fei’s army had arrived, he mustered his own five or six thousand men and prepared to meet the enemy. Someone offered a plan: “Zhang Fei, at Dangyang’s Long Slope, with a single shout, repulsed Cao Cao’s million-strong army. Even Cao Cao avoided him on hearing his name. He should not be taken lightly. Now it is best to dig deep moats and build high walls, hold firm, and not go out to fight. Their army, lacking grain and fodder, will naturally retreat within a month. Moreover, Zhang Fei has a fiery temper and is particularly fond of whipping his soldiers; if we do not engage him, he will surely become angry; in his anger, he will treat his men with violence; when the army’s morale shifts, we can take advantage and attack—then Zhang Fei can be captured.” Yan Yan heeded this advice and ordered all his soldiers to guard the city walls. Suddenly, he saw a soldier calling out: “Open the gate!” Yan Yan had him let in and questioned him. The soldier said he was sent by General Zhang Fei and delivered Zhang Fei’s words directly. Yan Yan, enraged, cursed: “How dare that wretch be so insolent! Am I, General Yan, one to surrender to a bandit? Use your mouth to tell Zhang Fei!” He summoned the guards, had the soldier’s ears and nose cut off, and then sent him back to the camp.
The soldiers returned and reported to Zhang Fei, tearfully telling him how Yan Yan had reviled him. Zhang Fei flew into a rage, gnashing his teeth and glaring with wide eyes. He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led several hundred cavalry to the foot of Ba Commandery’s walls to issue a challenge. The troops on the walls heaped abuse upon him. Zhang Fei, hot-tempered, several times charged to the drawbridge, trying to cross the moat, but was driven back by volleys of arrows. By evening, no one had come out, and Zhang Fei returned to camp with a belly full of rage. The next morning, he again led his troops to challenge. Yan Yan, from the tower atop the wall, shot an arrow that struck Zhang Fei’s helmet. Zhang Fei pointed at him and said, “When I catch you, you old scoundrel, I will personally eat your flesh!” By evening, he returned empty-handed once more. On the third day, Zhang Fei led his troops along the walls, cursing. The city was a mountain stronghold, surrounded by rugged hills. Zhang Fei himself rode up a mountain to look down into the city. He saw the soldiers fully armed, drawn up in ranks, lying in ambush within the city, but not emerging. He also saw laborers coming and going, carrying bricks and stones to help defend the walls. Zhang Fei ordered his cavalry to dismount and his infantry to sit down, hoping to lure the enemy out, but there was no response. After another day of cursing, he again returned empty-handed. In his camp, Zhang Fei pondered to himself, “Day after day of shouting abuse, and they still won’t come out—what can I do?” Suddenly, he thought of a plan. He ordered his troops not to go and challenge, but to prepare everything in camp and wait for battle. He sent only thirty or fifty soldiers directly to the city walls to hurl insults and provoke Yan Yan’s troops into coming out for a fight. Zhang Fei rubbed his fists and stamped his feet, eager for the enemy to arrive. The small squad cursed for three days straight, but the enemy did not emerge at all. Zhang Fei frowned and devised another scheme. He ordered his soldiers to scatter and cut firewood and grass, searching for paths, and stopped issuing challenges. Within the city, Yan Yan, seeing no activity from Zhang Fei for several days, grew suspicious. He sent a dozen or so soldiers, disguised as Zhang Fei’s woodcutting troops, to sneak out of the city, mingle with the others, and go into the mountains to gather information.
That day, all the troops returned to camp. Zhang Fei sat in his tent, stamping his feet and cursing, “Yan Yan, you old scoundrel, you’re infuriating me to death!” Then three or four men appeared before his tent and said, “General, do not be anxious. In the past few days, we have discovered a small path that can secretly bypass Ba Commandery.” Zhang Fei deliberately shouted, “Since such a place exists, why wasn’t it reported earlier?” The men replied, “We only scouted it out in these last few days.” Zhang Fei said, “There is no time to lose. Tonight, prepare the meal at the second watch, and march at the third watch under the bright moon. We will break camp completely, with the troops gagged and the horses’ bells removed, moving silently. I will lead the way ahead, and you will follow in order.” The order was issued and relayed throughout the camp.
The spies who had heard this news all returned to the city and reported it to Yan Yan. Yan Yan was overjoyed and said, “I knew this scoundrel couldn’t hold out! If he sneaks through the small path, his grain and baggage will surely be in the rear. I will cut off his retreat—how can he get past? Truly a fool without strategy, falling right into my trap!” He immediately issued orders for his troops to prepare for battle: “Prepare the meal at the second watch tonight, and leave the city at the third watch. Lie in ambush in the thickly wooded areas. When Zhang Fei passes the narrow throat of the path and the baggage train arrives, wait for the sound of the drum, then all attack at once.” The orders were given. As night fell, Yan Yan’s entire army ate their fill, donned their armor, and quietly left the city, scattering into ambush positions, waiting only for the drum. Yan Yan himself, with a dozen or so lieutenants, dismounted and hid in the forest. Around the third watch, they saw from afar Zhang Fei himself leading the way, his long spear leveled, riding his horse, quietly advancing with his troops. After they had gone no more than three or four li, the baggage train and troops behind began to move forward in succession. Yan Yan saw clearly and gave the signal; drums rolled from all sides, and the ambushing troops burst forth. Just as they were about to seize the baggage train, a gong sounded from behind, and a troop of cavalry charged in, shouting, “Old villain, don’t run! I’ve been waiting for you just right!” Yan Yan turned his head sharply and saw the leading general—a leopard’s head, round eyes, a swallow’s jaw, and tiger’s whiskers, wielding an eighteen-foot spear, riding a pitch-black horse—it was none other than Zhang Fei. Gongs clanged from every direction, and the troops attacked. When Yan Yan saw Zhang Fei, he was at a loss. They engaged in battle, but before a single exchange was complete, Zhang Fei feigned an opening. Yan Yan swung his blade, but Zhang Fei dodged, rushed in, seized Yan Yan by the strap of his armor, and took him alive, throwing him to the ground. The troops rushed forward and bound him with ropes. It turned out that the one who had passed by earlier was a fake Zhang Fei. Anticipating that Yan Yan would use the drum as a signal, Zhang Fei ordered his own forces to use the gong; as soon as the gong sounded, all units converged. Most of the Sichuan troops threw away their helmets and armor, abandoned their weapons, and surrendered.
Zhang Fei advanced to the foot of Ba Commandery’s walls, and the rear forces had already entered the city. Zhang Fei ordered that no commoners be harmed and issued proclamations to reassure the people. The executioners brought Yan Yan forward. Zhang Fei sat in the hall, but Yan Yan refused to kneel. Zhang Fei, eyes blazing and teeth clenched, shouted, “A great general has arrived here—why do you not surrender, and still dare to resist?” Yan Yan showed no fear and retorted, “You unrighteous men, invading my prefectures! There are beheaded generals, but no surrendering ones!” Zhang Fei, enraged, ordered his attendants to drag Yan Yan away and behead him. Yan Yan shouted, “You villain! If you want to cut, then cut—why rage?” Zhang Fei saw Yan Yan’s voice was strong and his expression unchanged, and so his anger turned to joy. He stepped down from the dais, ordered his attendants back, personally untied Yan Yan’s bonds, took clothes and put them on him, helped him to the central seat of honor, and bowed low, saying, “My earlier words were offensive; I hope you will not take offense. I have long known you, General, to be a man of heroic spirit.” Yan Yan, moved by his kindness and righteousness, surrendered. Later generations composed a poem praising Yan Yan:
White-haired, he dwelt in Western Shu,
His pure fame shook the great realm.
Loyal heart like the bright sun,
His vast spirit swept the Long River.
Better to die with head severed
Than to bend the knee in surrender?
The old general of Bazhou—
None other like him under heaven.
White-haired, he dwelt in Western Shu,
His pure fame shook the great realm.
Loyal heart like the bright sun,
His vast spirit swept the Long River.
Better to die with head severed
Than to bend the knee in surrender?
The old general of Bazhou—
None other like him under heaven.
There was also a poem praising Zhang Fei:
Capturing Yan Yan alive, unmatched in bravery,
Only by righteousness did he win over troops and people.
To this day, his temple image remains in Ba-Shu,
On festival days, wine and offerings are ever fresh as spring.
Capturing Yan Yan alive, unmatched in bravery,
Only by righteousness did he win over troops and people.
To this day, his temple image remains in Ba-Shu,
On festival days, wine and offerings are ever fresh as spring.
Zhang Fei asked for advice on the strategy to advance into Sichuan. Yan Yan said, “A defeated general, receiving such great kindness, has nothing to repay it but to offer his humble service. Without using a single bow or arrow, I will directly take Chengdu.” It was just:
Because one general turned his heart to allegiance,
It caused a chain of cities to surrender with ease.
Because one general turned his heart to allegiance,
It caused a chain of cities to surrender with ease.
What his plan was, let the next chapter explain.