Chapter 27 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms recounts one of the most legendary episodes in Chinese literature—Guan Yu’s solo journey to reunite with Liu Bei, famously known as “Riding Alone for Thousands of Li”.
While Luo Guanzhong’s narrative embellishes the tale with dramatic flair and heroic feats, historical records such as Chen Shou’s Records of the Three Kingdoms confirm the core truth: Guan Yu did leave Cao Cao’s service to rejoin Liu Bei, though without the elaborate sequence of battles. Nevertheless, this chapter crystallizes Guan Yu’s image as the ultimate paragon of loyalty, courage, and righteousness in Chinese cultural memory.
The silent farewell
After learning that Liu Bei was alive and in Hebei under Yuan Shao’s protection, Guan Yu resolved to depart Cao Cao’s court immediately. He sought a formal farewell, but Cao Cao, unwilling to let him go, deliberately avoided him.
Faced with silence, Guan Yu chose honor over protocol. He sealed his official Han dynasty seal, returned all gifts of gold and silks, and quietly left Xuchang—escorting Liu Bei’s two wives in a carriage, with only his famed Green Dragon Crescent Blade at his side.
This act—”Hanging the Seal, Sealing the Gold”—became a timeless symbol of righteous resignation: leaving power and wealth behind to uphold a sacred oath.
Five Passes, Six Generals: A trail of blood and honor
Though the historical record makes no mention of these battles, Romance of the Three Kingdoms Chapter 27 vividly describes five checkpoints where local officers, either out of suspicion, arrogance, or malice, attempted to stop Guan Yu. Each confrontation ends in swift justice:
- Dongling Pass – Kong Xiu’s Arrogance
At the first pass, Commander Kong Xiu demanded an official travel permit. When Guan Yu refused to produce one—citing his mission to find his brother—Kong blocked his way. In a flash, Guan Yu beheaded him with a single stroke.
- Luoyang – Ambush by Han Fu and Meng Tan
In Luoyang, Governor Han Fu and his officer Meng Tan laid a trap. Meng Tan shot Guan Yu in the arm with an arrow, but the wound only fueled his fury. Guan Yu charged forward, slew Meng Tan mid-gallop, then wheeled back to decapitate Han Fu.
- Sishui Pass – The Treachery of Bian Xi
At Sishui Pass, Bian Xi feigned hospitality, inviting Guan Yu to a banquet at Zhenguo Temple—where assassins lay hidden. But a compassionate monk named Pujing, moved by Guan Yu’s virtue, subtly warned him by tapping his own blade against a pillar. Alerted, Guan Yu turned the tables and killed Bian Xi and his men.
- Xingyang – Wang Zhi’s Fiery Plot
In Xingyang, Governor Wang Zhi pretended to welcome Guan Yu but planned to burn him alive at night. However, his subordinate Hu Ban, awed by Guan Yu’s reputation, secretly revealed the plot. Guan Yu fled under cover of darkness. When Wang pursued in rage, Guan Yu cut him cleanly in two.
- Yellow River Ferry – Qin Qi’s Insolence
At the final checkpoint, ferry commander Qin Qi refused passage with contempt. Enraged by the disrespect—and weary from days of peril—Guan Yu struck him down without hesitation.
Thus, “passing five passes and slaying six generals” became immortalized—not as mere violence, but as a righteous warrior clearing obstacles to fulfill his oath.
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