In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, during the reigns of the foolish Emperors Huan and Ling, court politics were corrupt, and the common people lived in hardship. At this time, Zhang Jiao and his two brothers, having received the “Essential Arts for Great Peace” from the Southern Hermit, initiated the Yellow Turban Rebellion. People from all corners responded to their call, and the government troops were powerless to resist.
The Meeting of Three Heroes
Liu Yan, the Governor of Youzhou (You Province), issued a call for volunteer soldiers to counter the rebellion. When this notice reached Zhuo County, it caught the attention of Liu Bei. Though living in poverty, Liu Bei harbored great ambitions and was particularly fond of befriending heroic figures from across the land. Moved by the notice, he sighed deeply, which attracted the attention of Zhang Fei, a local wine seller and butcher. The two men conversed joyfully and decided to join hands in pursuing a great cause. As they were drinking, Guan Yu, a fugitive pushing a cart, arrived with the intention of enlisting. The three men, sharing common aspirations, swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, vowing to work together with one heart to rescue the imperiled and aid the needy, to serve the nation above and bring peace to the common people below.
The first victory and beginning of a legend
They forged weapons, recruited local volunteers, and received support from wealthy merchants Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang. When the Yellow Scarves general Cheng Yuanzhi led 50,000 troops to attack, Liu Bei and his brothers marched forth with 500 men to meet them. Zhang Fei speared Deng Mao to death, and Guan Yu slew Cheng Yuanzhi, causing the rebel forces to scatter in defeat. This victorious first battle marked the beginning of Liu Bei’s journey through the tumultuous era.
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