Having read this and sent Ma Liang away, Liu Bei said, “I will return myself to Jingzhou and discuss the matter.”
But Pang Tong, who thought in his heart that Zhuge Liang's warning was due to a jealous desire to prevent him from winning the glory of conducting a victorious campaign, opposed this, saying, “I also have made calculations, and I read the signs to mean that the time is favorable for you to get possession of this land, and no evil is foreshown. Therefore be not of doubtful heart, my lord, but advance boldly.”
Liu Bei was won over and decided to follow Pang Tong's advice. He ordered Huang Zhong and Wei Yan to lead.
Pang Tong asked of Fa Zheng what roads there were to follow, and the latter drew a map, which was found to agree exactly with that left by Zhang Song.
Fa Zheng said, “North of the mountains is a high road leading to the east gate. South of the mountains is another path leading to the west gate. Both these roads are suitable for the advance of an army.”
So Pang Tong said to Liu Bei, “With Wei Yan to lead the way, I will go along the southern road, while you, my lord, will advance along the high road, with Huang Zhong in the van. We will attack Luocheng at the same time.”
Liu Bei replied, “I was trained as a mounted archer and am accustomed to by-roads, wherefore, O Instructor, I think you should take the high road and let me take the other.”
“There will be opposition on the high road, and you are the best to deal with it. Let me take the by-road.”
“No; this does not suit me,” replied Liu Bei. “A spirit bearing a massive iron club appeared to me in a dream and struck my right arm, so that I suffered great pain. I feel sure this expedition will turn out badly.”
Pang Tong replied, “When a soldier goes into battle, he may be killed, or he may be wounded; he accepts whichever is his fate. But should one hesitate because of a dream?”
“The real reason of my hesitation is the letter from Zhuge Liang. Wherefore I wish you to remain and guard River Fu Pass. Do you agree to that?”
Pang Tong smiled, saying, “Zhuge Liang has indeed filled your mind with doubts. The real thing is that he is unwilling to let me have the merit of accomplishing a great undertaking alone. That is why he has written this. And your doubts and hesitations have produced the dream. But I see nothing ill-omened, and I am prepared for any sacrifice and mean just what I say. Pray, my lord, say no more, but prepare to set forth.”
So the order went forth that the morning meal was to be taken early and the army was to march at dawn. Huang Zhong and Wei Yan were to take the lead, one along each road. These two set out first, and in due time Liu Bei and Pang Tong mounted and followed. Suddenly Pang Tong's horse shied and stumbled, throwing him off.
Liu Bei jumped down and seized the horse by the bridle, saying, “Why do you ride this wretched beast?”
“I have ridden him a long time, and he has never done this before,” was the reply.
“A shying steed risks a person's life,” said Liu Bei. “Ride my horse, which is thoroughly trained and will never fail you. Give me yours.”
They exchanged horses.
“I am deeply affected by your kindness,” said Pang Tong. “I could never repay you if I suffered death a thousand times.”
Soon their ways diverged. After his adviser had left, Liu Bei felt ill at ease and rode gloomily.
When the news of Ling Bao's capture and death reached Luocheng, Wu Yi and Liu Gui took counsel together. Their colleague, Zhang Ren, said, “I know a by-road on the east which is of great importance, and I pray you let me guard it while you two hold the city.”
So as soon as the news of the advancing armies came, Zhang Ren led three thousand troops to this road and placed them in ambush. They remained hidden while Wei Yan passed and made no attack. The main body under Pang Tong soon followed.
The soldiers in ambush saw a rider on a fine white horse and pointed him out to one another, saying, “That surely is Liu Bei on the white horse.”
Their leader Zhang Ren rejoiced too, and he gave certain orders.
Pang Tong hastened forward. By and by the mountain road narrowed to a defile with dense thickets on either hand, and as the season was when summer changes into autumn, the foliage was thick and impenetrable. His heart alarmed him, and presently he reined in his steed and asked if any knew the name of that place.
One of the soldiers of Yiazhou who had joined his army said, “This is called 'The Fallen Phoenix Slope.'“
Pang Tong shuddered. “An evil omen for me, since Blooming-Phoenix is my Taoist name. There is no luck for me here.”
