Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article illustrates the tactic of striking unprepared foes via Deng Ai’s risky Yinping march. Bypassing heavily guarded Jiange Pass through harsh unguarded mountains, Deng Ai launched a surprise assault on Chengdu, toppling Shu Han by breaking the enemy’s fixed defensive mindset.
Huang Quan (courtesy name Gongheng), born in Langzhong, Baxi Commandery (modern-day Langzhong, Sichuan), stands out in the turbulent Three Kingdoms era as a rare figure whose reputation grew with every change of master. Though he served three regimes – Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, and Cao Wei – he was never branded a turncoat. Instead,…