The soldiers threw themselves to the ground and promised obedience. Thereupon the two leaders — Chen Ying and Bao Long — were beheaded. Their five hundred troops were made to lead the way and act as screen for a whole thousand of horsemen, and the party set out at full speed for Guiyang. When they got there, they summoned the gate and said that they had slain Zhao Yun and had got back. And they wished to speak with the Governor.

Those on the wall lighted flares and inspected those at the gate. Surely enough they wore the uniforms of their own people, and Zhao Fan went out to them. He was immediately seized and made prisoner. Then Zhao Yun entered the city, restored order, and sent off swift messengers to Liu Bei who at once, with his adviser, came to Guiyang.

When they had taken their seats, the late Governor was brought in and placed at the foot of the steps. In response to Zhuge Liang's questions, Zhao Fan related the history of the proposed marriage.

Said Zhuge Liang to Zhao Yun, “But this seems a fine project; why did you receive the proposal so roughly?”

Zhao Yun said, “Zhao Fan and I had just sworn brotherhood, and so marriage with his sister-in-law would have called down on my head universal blame. That is one reason. Another is that I should have made his sister fail to keep her dutiful chastity. And thirdly, I did not know whether I might trust such a proposal from one who had just yielded to force. My lord, your position as a recent victor was one of danger, and could I risk the failure of your plans for the sake of a woman?”

Liu Bei said, “But now that the plan has been carried out, and we are victors, would you care to marry her?”

“There are other women in the world. All my fear is for the building of a reputation. What is a family to me?”

“You are indeed right honorable,” said Liu Bei.

Zhao Fan was released and restored to the governorship. Zhao Yun was conspicuously rewarded.

But Zhang Fei was angry and disappointed.

“So Zhao Yun gets all the praise, and I am worth nothing,” cried he. “Just give me three thousand soldiers, and I will take Wuling and bring you the Governor.” This pleased Zhuge Liang, who said, “There is no reason why you should not go, but I will only require one condition of you.”

Wondrous, the plans of the general, so doth he conquer in battle;

Soldiers keenly competing gain renown in the fighting.

The condition that Zhuge Liang made will appear in the next chapter.

CHAPTER 53. Guan Yu Releases Huang Zhong; Sun Quan Fights With Zhang Liao.

What Zhuge Liang required from Zhang Fei was a formal recognition of responsibility for success. Said Zhuge Liang, “When Zhao Yun went on his expedition, he gave written guarantee of being responsible for success, and you ought to do the same now that you are starting for Wuling. In that case you may have men and start.”

So Zhang Fei gave the required document and received joyfully the three thousand of soldiers he had demanded. He set out at once and traveled without rest till he reached Wuling.

When the Governor of Wuling, Jin Xuan by name, heard that an expedition against him was afoot, he mustered his officers and recruited brave soldiers and put his weapons in order ready for the struggle. And his army moved out of the city.

A certain secretary, Gong Zhi, remonstrated with his chief for opposing a scion of the imperial house, saying, “Liu Bei is of the Hans, and recognized as an uncle of the Emperor. All the world knows he is kindly and righteous. Added to that his brother Zhang Fei is extraordinarily bold. We cannot face them in battle with hope of success. Our best course is to give in.”

But his master angrily replied, “Do you want to play the traitor and take the side of the rebels and help them?”

Jin Xuan called in the lictors and told them to put Gong Zhi to death. The other officers interceded for Gong Zhi, saying, “It augers ill to start an expedition by slaying your own officer.”

So the Governor merely sent Gong Zhi sway. He himself led the army out of the city. After marching seven miles, he met with Zhang Fei's army.

Zhang Fei at once rode to the front, spear ready to thrust, and opened with a shout. Jin Xuan turned to his officers and asked who would go out to fight him, but no one replied; they were too afraid.

So the Governor himself galloped out, flourishing his sword. Seeing him advance, Zhang Fei shouted in a voice of thunder. Poor Jin Xuan was seized with panic, turned pale and could not go on. He turned his steed and fled. Then Zhang Fei and his army went in pursuit and smote the fugitives, chasing them to the city wall.

Here the fugitives were greeted by a flight of arrows from their own wall. Greatly frightened, Jin Xuan looked up to see what this meant, and there was Gong Zhi, who had opposed him, standing on the wall.