Introduction: This article details Liu Bei’s strategic conquest of Yizhou (Sichuan) in 211 CE, a critical turning point in the Three Kingdoms era. It recounts how Liu Bei, aided by the strategist Pang Tong and a conspiracy led by Zhang Song, deceived Governor Liu Zhang to gain entry. The narrative highlights the shift from political maneuvering to open warfare, including the pivotal siege of Luocheng where Pang Tong died, and the decisive arrival of Zhuge Liang and Ma Chao. Ultimately, Liu Bei’s victory secured a stable base for the Shu Han kingdom, demonstrating his blend of moral pragmatism and military strategy.
Liu Zhang’s Panic
In 211 CE, news reached Liu Zhang, governor of Yizhou (modern Sichuan province), that Cao Cao planned to march through Guanzhong to attack Hanzhong – the northern gateway to Yizhou.
Alarmed, Liu Zhang feared that once Hanzhong fell, his own domain would be next. He grew despondent, even losing his appetite.
His anxiety did not go unnoticed. Zhang Song, his chief aide, proposed a bold solution:
“Invite Liu Bei – your kinsman and a man of virtue – from Jing Province. Let him attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong first. With Hanzhong secured, Yizhou will be safe.”
Unaware of Zhang Song’s true intentions, Liu Zhang agreed and dispatched Fa Zheng as envoy to Jing Province.
A secret conspiracy unfolds
In truth, Zhang Song and Fa Zheng had long deemed Liu Zhang unfit to rule. They secretly plotted to replace him with Liu Bei. Upon meeting Liu Bei, Fa Zheng revealed their plan:
“With Zhang Song inside Chengdu and your wisdom outside, taking Yizhou will be as easy as turning your palm.”
Liu Bei hesitated – until Pang Tong, his newly appointed military strategist, entered the room.
Known as “Fengchu” (Young Phoenix) – a peer to Zhuge Liang’s “Wolong” (Sleeping Dragon) – Pang Tong had only recently joined Liu Bei’s ranks. Initially assigned as a county magistrate, he was elevated to chief strategist after strong endorsements from Lu Su and Zhuge Liang.
Now, Pang Tong urged decisively:
“Jing Province is war-torn and vulnerable. Yizhou is rich, populous, and defensible. This is your chance to build an empire!”
Liu Bei countered with moral concern:
“Now, the one who opposes me with fire and water is Cao Cao. If Cao Cao is strict, I will be lenient; if he is cruel, I will be kind; if he is cunning, I will be loyal; in everything opposite to him, I have achieved this success. Moreover, I and Liu Zhang are of the same clan. Now, for the benefit of Yi Province, if we were to suddenly seize his territory without cause, people throughout the world would say I do not value righteousness. How could we handle that?”
But Pang Tong insisted:
“In these chaotic times, we cannot cling to rigid rules. Moreover, annexing and attacking the weak and fatuous ruler, seizing by force and governing with benevolence – this is the ancient way. After victory, grant Liu Zhang land and honor. Who will call you faithless? If you don’t take Yizhou now, Cao Cao will do it instead—wouldn’t that be far worse?”
Convinced, Liu Bei gave his assent.
The march into Yizhou
Liu Bei left Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun to guard Jing Province – a deliberate move to ease Liu Zhang’s suspicions. He himself led tens of thousands of troops, including generals Huang Zhong, Wei Yan, and Yi Ji, westward from Jiangling.
Liu Zhang, overjoyed, traveled from Chengdu to Fu County (modern Mianyang) to greet him. The two kinsmen embraced like brothers. Liu Zhang lavished gifts:
- 200,000 hu of grain
- 2,000 horses
- 1,000 chariots
- Silks, cloth, and an army
He commissioned Liu Bei to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong – and returned to Chengdu, unsuspecting.
Stalling at Jiameng: Building local support
Instead of advancing north, Liu Bei halted at Jiameng Pass (modern Guangyuan). For months, he focused on winning local hearts – distributing aid, listening to grievances, and earning popular support.
Then came a letter from Sun Quan:
“Cao Cao plans revenge for Red Cliffs. Return to Jingzhou at once!”
Torn between securing Yizhou and defending his base, Liu Bei wavered – until Pang Tong presented three strategic options:
- Upper Strategy: Launch an immediate surprise attack on Chengdu.
- Middle Strategy: Pretend to return to Jingzhou due to “emergency,” lure out suspicious border commanders Yang Huai and Gao Pei, eliminate them, seize their troops, then march on Chengdu.
- Lower Strategy: Retreat to Baidicheng (Baidi City), link up with Jingzhou, and bide time.
After deep reflection, Liu Bei chose:
“We shall adopt the middle strategy.”
He wrote to Liu Zhang requesting 10,000 elite soldiers and 10,000 hu of grain to fight Cao Cao first.
Liu Zhang, now suspicious, sent only 4,000 men and half the supplies.
Liu Bei seized the moment:
“We came thousands of li to protect Yizhou – yet he treats us so stingily! How can we fight for him?”
The plot exposed and War begins
Soon after, word arrived: Zhang Song’s conspiracy had been uncovered. Liu Zhang executed him and ordered all frontier posts to cut ties with Liu Bei.
No longer bound by pretense, Liu Bei summoned Yang Huai and Gao Pei under false pretenses, accused them of “disrespect,” and executed them on the spot. He absorbed their forces and launched a full-scale invasion.
Liu Zhang, inexperienced in war, sent general after general – only to suffer defeat or defection. Only Luocheng (Luo City, modern-day north of Guanghan) held firm.
The siege lasted over a year. Desperate, Liu Bei called for reinforcements from Jingzhou (Jing Province).
During a fierce assault, Pang Tong was struck by multiple arrows and died at age 36 – a devastating blow. Liu Bei wept bitterly, vowing:
“I will not rest until Luocheng falls!”
His troops, galvanized by grief, stormed the walls and captured the city.
Zhuge Liang and Ma Chao Arrive
Liu Bei pressed on to Chengdu, encircling the capital. Just then, Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun arrived with fresh troops from Jing Province.
Even more astonishing: Ma Chao – the famed “Splendid Tiger” of Liangzhou – had defected to Liu Bei’s cause.
After his defeat by Cao Cao at Tong Pass, Ma Chao fled to Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. But Zhang Lu distrusted him. Learning of this, Liu Bei sent envoys offering alliance. Ma Chao accepted and marched his cavalry to north of Chengdu.
The sight of Ma Chao’s banners shattered Chengdu’s morale. Citizens whispered:
“Liu Bei alone is fearsome – but now Ma Chao joins him? Resistance is hopeless!”
Liu Zhang’s surrender
Liu Bei sent Jian Yong into Chengdu to negotiate surrender. Jian Yong knew Liu Bei since youth and followed him in his endeavors. He was a unique strategist under Liu Bei, having once helped him escape from Yuan Shao. Though the city still held 30,000 elite troops and a year’s worth of grain, Liu Zhang refused to prolong the bloodshed:
“I’ve ruled Yizhou for over a decade with little virtue. Why spill more blood for my sake?”
He opened the gates and surrendered peacefully.
Liu Bei became Governor of Yizhou, appointing Zhuge Liang as Military Advisor General. Deeply moved by Liu Zhang’s surrender, Liu Bei treated him not as a captive but as an ally. He resettled Liu Zhang in Gong’an, Nan Commandery in Jing Province, returned all his possessions, and even granted him the title of General Who Inspires Awe. This demonstrated Liu Bei’s goodwill and his hope for reconciliation. He retained all loyal former officials of Liu Zhang, winning widespread approval.
As the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) notes, Liu Bei’s blend of strategic patience, moral pragmatism, and inclusive governance transformed Yizhou into the foundation of the future Shu Han kingdom.
Note
Liu Bei
Benevolent warlord and founder of Shu Han. He took control of Yizhou (modern Sichuan) to build a secure base for his kingdom.
Liu Zhang
Weak and indecisive governor of Yizhou. He invited Liu Bei for protection but lost his land peacefully.
Pang Tong
Brilliant strategist nicknamed “Young Phoenix”. He helped plan the conquest of Yizhou but died at the siege of Luocheng.
Zhuge Liang
Liu Bei’s top advisor. He led reinforcements from Jingzhou to complete the capture of Chengdu.
Zhang Song & Fa Zheng
Insiders in Yizhou who betrayed Liu Zhang and helped Liu Bei take power.
Ma Chao
Fierce warrior who joined Liu Bei and terrified Chengdu into surrendering.
Yizhou (Sichuan)
A fertile, mountainous region known as the “Land of Abundance”. It became the main territory of Shu Han.
Chengdu
Capital city of Yizhou and later the capital of Shu Han.
Middle Strategy
Pang Tong’s balanced plan: not too reckless, not too slow – the plan Liu Bei chose.
Benevolent governance
Liu Bei’s policy of winning popular support instead of ruling by fear.
Taking Yizhou like turning a palm
Meaning conquering Yizhou was easy with inside help.
Siege of Luocheng
A tough battle where Pang Tong died, becoming a tragic hero.
Peaceful surrender
Liu Zhang gave up to save civilians from war – a rare kind act in the warlord era.
Base of a kingdom
Yizhou was the secure foundation that allowed Liu Bei to found Shu Han.
Leave a Reply