My Dynasty warriors story/ history of it

The beggining

At the end of the Second Century, China was shadowed in an ominous cloud of deceit, treachery and natural disaster. For the second time in history, the Han line ruled the empire. In the capital sat Emperor Ling, a man indulgent with the eunuchs who had raised him. Outside the palace, the peasants suffered in poverty due to harsh taxation. An epidemic afflicted the people as well, but out of the chaos emerged Zhang Jiao, a wandering magician who swore to rescue the people. His worshipers donned yellow turbans and followed him in an assault on the capital - the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

The Yellow Turban rebels numbered 360.000 strong, perhaps more. Zhang Jiao led them across the northern territories, pillaging and wreaking havoc. Eventually reaching the capital of Luoyang, they stormed into the palace and took revenge on the eunuchs by burning them to death. Emperor Ling desperately pleaded with General He Jin, an imperial relative, to round up an opposition. Immediately, a call went out for volunteers to defend the throne.

At this time, three men had sworn an oath of brotherhood in an expression of their aim to fight for the preservation of Han. They were Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He Jin recruited them to lead the opposition against the Yellow Turban rebels. It was not long before Zhang Jiao's rebels dispersed in the midst of such a daunting opposition. Among other renown men who added to the defense were Cao Cao, Dong Zhuo and Sun Jian.

In the brief time it took to suppress the rioters, Emperor Ling passed away and young Bian/Pien succeed to the throne. His ascension caused further strife at court over the rightful heir. Emperor Ling had two sons by two concubines, one of whom was He Jin's sister and had given birth to Bian. The other son was Xian/Hsien, and the eunuchs fought for his right to the throne. Nevertheless, Bian was crowned and a feud ensued. He Jin and Yuan Shao began secretly plotting against Zhang Rang and the other eunuchs who had influence at court. They sought out Dong Zhuo's aid. However, as He Jin had enemies within the palace, the scheme soon leaked out and he was murdered. Reacting for the sake of the Han Dynasty, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu saw to the mass murder of over two thousand palace eunuchs and their families.

The violence and confusion gave Dong Zhuo the perfect opportunity to seize the reins of power in Luoyang. Although he had played an uneventful role during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the massacre of the eunuchs, he swiftly maneuvered himself into power.

Emperor Bian and Prince Xian fled during the turmoil and were found by Dong Zhuo safely sheltered on a farm. By escorting them safely back to the palace, he won his way into Luoyang. However, his troops were soon a threat to all. Ding Yuan met Dong Zhuo's wrath when he tried to bring him down from power. Dong Zhuo had Lu Bu assassinate him. As a reward, Lu Bu received the Red Hare, a magnificent red horse that could outrun any other. Defiantly, Dong Zhuo moved Xian into the 'dragon's seat' as emperor, and sent Bian and his mother to their deaths. Thus, Dong Zhuo had monopolized palace authority.







LEADERS UNITE AND GUAN YU IS SPURRED INTO ACTION


Cao Cao felt cheated when Dong Zhuo usurped control of the palace. As a result, he issued a written appeal to overthrow the tyrant. Many leaders from far-reaching states responded by turning their forces towards Luoyang in unison with Cao Cao.

Yuan Shao was elected to lead the coalition because of his popularity throughout the land. More importantly, he was a descendant of the Han line of old. Sun Jian volunteered to take the vanguard, and rode forth to alert their enemy of impending attack.

While the coalition came into being, Dong Zhuo was basking in the leisures of court life. Thus the news of an organized opposition came as a shock but not for long. He had one famous warrior, Hua Xiong, who swore he would destroy Sun Jian before he reached the capital. He rode out and railed on Sun Jian's troops until they fell in desperate need of supplies. Yet, because of rumors that Sun Jian was likely to betray their group once in the capital, Yuan Shu refused to send reserves. Sun Jian's weakened army was defeated with ease, and Hua Xiong kept on going towards Yuan Shao.

As much as he tried, Yuan Shao could not fend off Hua Xiong. He dispatched worthy soldiers only to be crushed each time. Finally, he learned of Guan Yu, a highly skilled swordsman among his allies. A swordsman to slay a barbarian? It seemed impossible. Cao Cao poured out a hot cup of wine to rouse his fighting spirit, but Guan Yu left the full cup and tore off to the challenge. Before long he rushed back into the camp and cast down the head of Hua Xiong, his wine was still warm.

Dong Zhuo developed new plans to divide his enemy in two directions. With one unit stationed at the River Si Pass, a second unit, led by his dedicated general Lu Bu, pressed on to Tigertrap Pass. The coalition dispatched the majority of their army to Tigertrap Pass and held back some reserves. Suddenly they clashed, Lu Bu sprang forth mounted on the Red Hare and waving his spear overhead. He was about to cut down Gongsun Zan when Zhang Fei burst forth and blocked his spear. When Liu Bei and Guan Yu joined in the battle, Lu Bu panicked and sped away on the Red Hare.

Dong Zhuo's battle spirit died down after Lu Bu's retreat. He took counsel with his advisor Li Ru to decide their next move. Li Ru urged him to move the capital to Changan, where they could defend themselves from safer ground. The news of a move stirred up emotions within the capital, but Dong Zhuo was determined to leave Luoyang. He had all people of Luoyang who opposed the new capital labeled as traitors and put to death. The Emperor was powerless to stop him, and to ilustrate his control, Dong Zhuo pillaged the imperial tombs and stripped the palace of all wealth. When he left, Dong Zhuo put the torch to the capital and burned it to the ground. Once the center of luxury and glory, Luoyang fell to ruin.






CONTENDING WARLORDS AND THE TREACHERY OF LU BU

The union of leaders against Dong Zhuo gradually broke apart. In their struggle to depose the tyrant personal interests emerged and clashed. And now in the aftermath of Dong Zhuo's move to Changan, they left Luoyang. One day, Sun Jian was mourning the fall of the emperor when he stumbled across the Hereditary Seal of the empire. It was an accidental discovery which plunged the alliance into further disarray. Although many leaders secretly desired the seal, they accused Sun Jian of using it for selfish means. Thus, the coalition dispersed amidst suspicion.

Dong Zhuo established himself nearby the new capital in Meiwu and gloated over the security of his position. The Changan area was surrounded by mountains and a system of rivers, making it a prime defensive position. He figured that if his luck went right, he would have complete control over the emperor from his own fort. Even if opposition rose up against him again, he was confident of his strong defense. Little did he know that things would turn sour between him and Lu Bu, whom he had accepted as a son.

Lu Bu grew to hate Dong Zhuo through the 'beauty scheme', devised by Governor Wang Yun, and played out by the beautiful maiden Diao Chan. When Lu Bu and Dong Zhuo each confessed to him that they loved the same woman, Wang Yun decided to use the situation to his advantage, he had plans to overthrow Dong Zhuo. He betrothed Diao Chan to Lu Bu, and arranged secret meetings between her and Dong Zhuo, hoping to drive the men apart out of jealousy.

When Lu Bu heard that Diao Chan was visiting Dong Zhuo he began spying on them from the shadows. Each time Diao Chan spotted him, she teased him with flirting glances from Dong Zhuo's arms, and he grew all the more anxious for her love. One day when Lu Bu was with her in the garden, Dong Zhuo caught them in an embrace and rushed at them, sword in hand. They escaped with their lives, but Lu Bu was still in danger.

He went to Wang Yun, swearing revenge on Dong Zhuo, but he feared their relationship stood the way. "Your name is Lu, his is Dong." said Wang Yun. "Where was the paternal feeling when he drew his sword on you?"
"You have helped me see the true state of things." agreed Lu Bu.

Consequently, Wang Yun won Lu Bu over to his side in a scheme to assassinate Dong Zhuo. He sent a messenger to Meiwu with a decree summoning Dong Zhuo to the palace for the emperor's abdication. Although he met many inauspicious signs along the way, Dong Zhuo dismissed them all. A broken carriage wheel, an ill-tempered horse, gathering strom clouds, an ill-boding song, all signs were interpreted to soothe his ears. Once he set foot inside the palace Wang Yun cried out. "The rebel is here!" Out sprang Lu Bu and with a swipe of his sword he beheaded Dong Zhuo.

Directly after Dong Zhuo's death. Wang Yun was killed in a rebellion and the emperor was captured by insurgents. Cao Cao played a major role in suppressing the rebellion, earning great fame and the title 'Warden of the East' for his bravery.

Tao Qian, the prefect of Xuzhou, hoped to establish a peaceful relationship with Cao Cao. Thus when his father, Cao Sung was making his way through Xuzhou. Tao Qian greeted him with the utmost show of hospitality. However, he did not realize that discretely planted within his forces were rebels who opposed Cao Cao, and they ambushed and killed Cao Sung.

Cao Cao vowed revenge on Tao Qian when he learned of his father's death and immediately prepared to attack. To build up Tao Qian's defense, Mi Zhu entreated Prefect Kong Rong to send reinforcements. However, Kong Rong was amidst another dilemma, he was besieged by Yellow Turban insurgents. Kong Rong felt that he had no resources to offer, but then the brave warrior Taishi Ci broke through the rioters and went in search of support. He had a specific man in mind, Liu Bei.

It did not take much to persuade Liu Bei to answer the call for help. With his brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, he led 3000 select soldiers towards Kong Rong. The Yellow Turban rebels scattered as soon as the brothers arrived. With the insurgency calmed, Liu Bei went to Gongsun Zan and told him about Cao Cao's impending attack Xu. Thus, he was able to recruit Zhao Yun, with a battalion of over 2500 soldiers to support Tao Qian.

Cao Cao hoped to stop the reinforcements from reaching Xuzhou, but he had problems on his home front. In his absence Lu Bu had taken over Yanzhou with the help of Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, all but three of his castles were lost. He was forced to withdraw to defend his own district. Lu Bu had built a sturdy defense and was able to fend him off for well over a hundred days. But that year the locusts swarmed in unbelieveable numbers, completely wiping out crops in the area. The soldiers were already low on provisions, yet they suffered all the more from the uncontrollable famine, and the fighting came to an end.

Meanwhile, Tao Qian was ill and named Liu Bei, scion of the imperial family, as his successor. He summoned Liu Bei to his bed and made this last plea before he died. After Tao Qian had been properly mourned, the people of Xuzhou rallied for Liu Bei, and he humbly received the seal of office.

Having missed the opportunity to avenge his father's death, Cao Cao began to plan a second attempt to steal Xuzhou away from Liu Bei. He would have attacked straight away, but his advisor Xun Yu convinced him to turn to the east, where Yellow Turban rebels were rich in food and wealth. Food and fortune would renew the soldiers and peasants faith in him. Into the east he assailed and was successful. Then he moved his army full-force back to Yanzhou and gained back his territory. He forced Lu Bu to flee to Liu Bei in Xuzhou.

Ever since the brutal death of Dong Zhuo, the emperor had been pressured by two power mongers: Li Tsui, the Minister of War, and Kuo Ssu, the Grand Commander. A close advisor suggested to Emperor Xian that they ally with Cao Cao, who might be able to rid them of the oppressive duo. The court was back in Luoyang when Cao Cao accepted the imperial decree, and moved his army there. In no time Cao Cao had destroyed both tyrants and gained the emperor's trust. His power increased until he had control over all imperial matters.

However, Cao Cao still wanted to regain Xuzhou, and planned to overthrow Lu Bu and Liu Bei. His advisor Xun Yu devised two schemes to corner his opponents. The first was "The Rival Tigers Ruse" : Liu Bei and Lu Bu were the two tigers. Provoke the two tigers to fight, and one was certain to be killed. In this scheme Cao Cao ordered Liu Bei to expel Lu Bu from his territory in order to be recognized as the official Governor Xuzhou. If Liu Bei obeyed, he would lose military power, if not Lu Bu might attack out of spite and take over himself. Liu Bei saw through the scheme from the start, but Zhang Fei sided with the logic and wanted Lu Bu dead. In the end neither tiger made a move.

The second scheme was "Tiger-Wolf Trick." With Lu Bu as the tiger and Liu Bei as the wolf, the tiger would prey on the wolf's assets. This time Liu Bei received an imperial order to attack Yuan Shu. He saw the trap, but he followed the order since it came from the emperor. Zhang Fei was left in charge of Xuzhou. With Liu Bei gone, the bait was set, Lu Bu chased Zhang Fei out of the castle and subjected the city to his authority. Liu Bei was stranded between a rebellion and an attack. Reluctantly he retreated from the battlefield to Lu Bu.

Later, Cao Cao attacked by surprise and Lu Bu was caught and killed by Cao Cao. Liu Bei fled to Yuan Shao, but Guan Yu was captured in an ambush. Zhang Liao persuaded him to surrender to Cao Cao. Having lost track of Liu Bei, he agreed but only until a day when he could be reunited with his brother.




YUAN SHU DECLARES HIMSELF EMPEROR


Long-standing rivalry between Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao (brothers of different mothers) was the cause of many battles. Yuan Shao had just succumbed to Gongsun Zan in Yi Zhou when Yuan Shu requested him to forward badly needed supplies. When he was refused Yuan Shu approached Liu Biao, only to be refused again. When word got back to him that Yuan Shao and Liu Biao were joined in alliance, he vowed to get revenge on both of them.

Yuan Shu found the perfect pawn to carry out his plan. Sun Jian. He too had reasons for revenge on Yuan Shao and Liu Biao. He was immediately dispatched to attack Liu Biao, and the first assault went in Sun Jian's favor. But in the confusion of a bout he fled into a trap set by Huang Zu. Arrows rained down on him and he fell to his death.

When the fighting died down, news of Sun Jian's death was sent to his son, Sun Ce. He took over his father's prized possession, the Hereditary Seal, and pledged his service to Yuan Shu. He was dispatched to lead various crusades for Yuan Shu. However, Sun Ce yearned for personal success. Leaving the Seal to compensate for his absence, Sun Ce borrowed a brigade of men and set out to conquer in the east.

Once Yuan Shu had the Hereditary Seal in hand he grew arrogant and ambitious for more power. He refused to return it to Sun Ce and declared that possession of the Seal was proof alone that he was emperor. To fortify his 'empire' he tried to entice Lu Bu away from Liu Bei with extravagant gifts, and planned a marriage alliance between his son and Lu Bu's daughter. The wedding would have gone through, but Chen Gui's father Chen Deng outlined the treacherous plot behind the union, and Lu Bu stopped all arrangements.

Yuan Shu grew furious and prepared to strom Lu Bu's territory. However, Lu Bu had two defectors from his army. Cao Cao stepped in and organized Lu Bu, Liu Bei and Sun Ce to launch another attack on Yuan Shu. Unable to fend off an attack, Yuan Shu's people fled from the scene with their valuables.

In spite of a ruin of crushing defeats, Yuan Shu commanded as if he sat on the throne. He alternated many of his generals when he opted for a lifestyle of feigned royalty over a union with his brother. Finally cornered by Liu Bei and Cao Cao, Yuan Shu tried to survive on the meager supplies he had left. He died an utterly defeated man, never able to attain the imperial status he desired. The fateful Hereditary Seal was stolen away by Cao Cao.

SUN CE UNITES THE SOUTH LAND

Meanwhile, Sun Ce with merely three thousand borrowed soldiers from Yuan Shu set out to conquer the South Land, east of Yangtze River. On his way to fight Liu Yong, he met up with Zhou Yu, his close friend and sworn brother. Zhou Yu decided to follow him and became his advisor. He also introduced the two Zhangs (Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong) to serve him. The plan for the attack was set up and Sun Ce led his men into battle.

When Sun Ce was intercepted by Taishi Ci, they engaged in hand-to-hand combat. They fought for over a hundred bouts, but neither could gain an edge. Suddenly Liu Yong came up with a thousand of soldiers. A confused battle began between the handful of men on one side and a whole thousand troops on the other. Zhou Yu leading his troops came to the rescue, and returned to the camp. Next day Sun Ce led his army to the front of Liu Yong's camp, and Zhou Yu led a surprise force to capture the city. Liu Yong fled and Sun Ce moved on to challenge Taishi Ci. Following Zhou Yu's plan, he managed to capture him alive and recruited him.

With the help of Zhou Yu and his generals, Sun Ce defeated Liu Yong, Yan Baihu and Wang Lang. He improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased. The soldiers who had followed Liu Yong were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Sun Ce's army did so, those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with presents. And thus Sun Ce won the respect and praise of everyone and became very powerful.





THE BATTLE AT GUANDU


Cao Cao kept close watch over eastern China, just north of the Yangtze River. This was the most strategic position in China as well as the most plentiful territory. He knew that he had to defeat his greatest enemy in order to gain control of that land. This foe was Yuan Shao, a prominent warrior from a noble family who had an army that would fight to the death for him. Cao Cao had nothing but contempt for Yuan Shao. The emperor had given him command of court magistrates such as Cao Cao. These two warriors would inevitably clash.

Cao Cao and Yuan Shao led their forces into battle twice at Guandu. Cao Cao had been warned not to attempt an attack because his enemy's army much larger and wealthier in provisions. Despite the odds against him, he held out for over two months and gained a strategic hold over Yuan Shao in their first battle. During a stand-off Yuan Shao's advisors grew restless to fight. Xu You believed Cao Cao would fall to them in a guerrilla attack, but Yuan Shao waited for his opponent to make the next move.

Dissension grew within Yuan Shao's army, and eventually Xu You defected to Cao Cao. He had a plan that saved Cao Cao's men when they were down to their last provisions. He proposed an attack on Yuan Shao's supplies as quickly as possible. By this strategy, Cao Cao could destroy a greater army with his lesser force. Cao Cao rewarded Xu You and led a surprise attack on Yuan Shao. Having lost their fighting spirit in the stalemate, the army was completely destroyed and Cao Cao came out the victor. This was a crucial battle for both parties. Yuan Shao gained nothing but a poor reputation for stubborn tactics while Cao Cao continued his expansion.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH ZHUGE LIANG


During the Battle at Guandu, Cao Cao moved five army units towards Liu Bei as a means of confusing Yuan Shao of his motives. Cao Cao himself was camped near Yuan Shao, but his banners flew in front of his other adversary. Liu Bei saw that he was in a dangerous position, and took refuge with Liu Biao. If Cao Cao successfully gained control of the northeast territories, his next tactical move would be to head southward. With that in mind, Liu Bei suggested to Liu Biao that they prepare a surprise attack and destroy Cao Cao before he had a chance to assail their territory. However, Liu Biao feared Cao Cao too much to make a move in any direction.

Liu Bei remained with Liu Biao for some time before he began to lament over his own listlessness and itch for a chance to get back into action. Liu Biao's wife noticed how Liu Bei sighed, and sensed that he had intentions to betray them. She arranged to have him murdered, but her plans reached Liu Bei's ears and he fled. In his escape he had to struggle across a treacherous river. When he reached the other side he met Sima Hui, a great master that lived a secluded life in nature. Sima Hui was known as the "Water-mirror."

Sima Hui knew of Liu Bei's virtuous reputation, and assured him that he would be successful with the right advisors to aid him. "At this moment, brilliant minds can be found in our midst. You ought to seek their guidance. With the help of either the Hidden Dragon or the Phoenix Fledgling, you could restore order in the Empire." But, he would not tell Liu Bei where to find such men.

It so happened that Liu Bei had a particular advisor by the name of Xu Shu, who Cao Cao wanted under his own service. By the trickery of a forged letter, Xu Shu was convinced that his mother suffered mistreatment in the capital. Xu Shu was truly loyal to Liu Bei, however filial piety demanded that he rescue his mother. Before he left, he gave Liu Bei one last valuable piece of information: "Zhuge Liang is known as the Hidden Dragon, The Phoenix Fledgling is Pang Tong."

Liu Bei learned that the Hidden Dragon lived a cloistered life filled with introspection and study of the classics. On the first and second visit Liu Bei was turned away by an apprentice. Finally, on his third visit he was allowed to see the wise man. Liu Bei's perseverance is remembered in these three visits. As they talked Liu Bei outlined his desires to restore the Han Dynasty to its former state of glory. Zhuge Liang was pleased with his goals and offered him advice based on Cao Cao's victory over Yuan Shao.

"Cao Cao did not have the power to overcome Yuan Shao, but he beat him with clever strategy. Now he has secured the court and uses it as a tool to control a vast military. Hence, you should avoid conflict with him at this time. Sun Quan is successful east of the river, his family has held the area for three generations. He has a strong following, therefore rather than attacking, you must befriend him. If you look to the west, Yizhou is a fertile land and holds auspicious meaning for your pursuit, it is the land of the founder of the Han Empire."
In other words, he pointed out that in order to conquer Cao Cao, Liu Bei would need to ally with another power, Sun Quan, and acquire a base to work from, Jingzhou and Yizhou. Thus, Zhuge Liang judged that the Three Kingdoms Design was at work.

"Even if you gain possession of Jingzhou and Yizhou," he continued, "you will have to contend with the west and the south. Join in harmony with the tribes to the west and south, ally with Sun Quan, and maintain a good government. Heaven will award an opportunity to realize your aspirations in due time. Then you can send an esteemed general into Luoyang, while you push on to Changan. The people will welcome you. Follow this design and you will direct the restoration of Han."

The path to the capital seemed to open up before him as Liu Bei thought over these words. He bowed in acknowledgement of such intuitive counsel. Zhuge Liang was moved by Liu Bei's humble attitude- he was a respected leader, yet he had made three trips to his door for advice. Thus on Liu Bei's third visit he and Zhuge Liang swore themselves as master and servant, vowing to see through the Three Kingdoms Design. At the time of their union Liu Bei was 48 and Zhuge Liang was 27 years of age.





THE BATTLE AT RED WALL


Liu Biao's health was poor, and Zhuge Liang pressed Liu Bei to take over Jingzhou while he was weak. Yet, Liu Bei could not bring himself to usurp power from a man that had shown him kindness. Hence, when Liu Biao died, his young son Liu Zong succeeded him, he was fourteen years old.

Liu Zong knew that he was not well-liked, therefore he offered the whole district of Jingzhou to Cao Cao as a means of protecting his own interests. Cao Cao accepted Liu Zong's submission and took over Jingzhou effortlessly.

Taking advantage of the turn in events, Cao Cao thrust an ultimatum at Sun Quan in the Wu Kingdom. After consulting with Zhang Zhao and his other advisors, Sun Quan realized that his only option left was to surrender. Not only was Cao Cao in control of the imperial decree to unify the empire, but his naval forces were building up at Jingzhou, and the Yangtze River area would soon fall to him. Only one man urged him to defy Cao Cao, he was Lu Su.

At this point Sun Quan's advisors were leaning heavily towards submitting to Cao Cao, and Lu Su knew he had to pressure Sun Quan. He called in Zhuge Liang to offer his advice. As a result, a new plan was drawn up for Sun Quan and Liu Bei to create a joint defense against Cao Cao.
Zhuge Liang said, "When Cao Cao took over Jingzhou he drove Liu Bei away. He is gaining in power all the time. General, check your army and decide if you can meet his challenge. If so, dispatch the entire Wu army without delay. Otherwise, cease all military activity and surrender to him. Great misfortune is in store if you waver at all in your decision."
"Why does not Liu Bei yield?" questioned Sun Quan.
"As seen in the tale of Tien Heng of old, at times character is too noble to give in. Liu Bei is from the Han family and a man of unusual talent. He will resist Cao Cao to the end, and never submit to any below his rank. Only the Heavens can foretell his fate."
With these last words Sun Quan exploded, "Wu will fight to the death! I have decided, I will send one hundred thousand soldiers to join Liu Bei against Cao Cao. But Liu Bei needs time to recover from his last loss."
"Although beaten back," Zhuge Liang responded, "Liu Bei has over ten thousand men, including Guan Yu's navy, and Liu Qi still leads a brigade of ten thousand. Cao Cao may have power in numbers, but in truth they are inexperienced on the water. Together you can destroy Cao Cao and force him to retreat into the north. Then Jingzhou and your kingdom, Wu, will be secure. But you must act now."

Zhou Yu, a veteran general from Sun Ce's days offered his opinion as well. "Cao Cao has many weak points that foreshadow our success. Firstly, Ma Teng and Han Sui threaten his rear guard. Secondly, Cao Cao challenges with his navy, yet we know that northern men are inexperienced at naval warfare. Thirdly, the past winter wiped out his feed supplies for his horses. And lastly, his soldiers are men from the central district, they are unaccustomed to our climate along the river and will be afflicted by malaria. With all these points against him, Cao Cao can be defeated with ease." Sun Quan grew even more determined after hearing these words. He appointed Zhou Yu as the Commander-in-Chief and the Admiral Navy of Wu.

Zhou Yu started out in advance with Lu Su and Cheng Pu, leading an army thirty thousand strong, Sun Quan mobilized an even greater force and took up the rear guard. Finally, the enemies confronted each other at Red Wall, and Cao Cao and Zhou Yu put their strategies into action.

The first match on the water was uneventful, but Zhou Yu gained some information about the enemy. Cao Cao sent out Jiang Gan to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender, but nothing he said could make him budge. Jiang Gan returned with a letter saying that Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, who feigned defection over to Zhou Yu, were traitors. They promised to deliver Cao Cao's head to Zhou Yu. Cao Cao had the two generals executed immediately, yet actually the whole story was part of Zhou Yu's plan to eliminate the best generals in the enemy camp. In retaliation Cao Cao sent Cai Mao's younger cousins Cai Zhong and Cai He into Zhou Yu's camp as spies.

Zhou Yu saw through Cao Cao's strategy and manipulated the spies to his own advantage. Huang Gai, a Wu general, feigned a rebellion in front of them, and to impress the spies he was whipped in public. When Cao Cao heard the reports that enemy generals were turning against their leader, he sent Jiang Gan over to scout out potential defectors. In another clever scheme, Pang Tong returned with Jiang Gan and designed a plan for Cao Cao's navy. According to his "Chain Link" plan, all of Cao Cao's ships were locked together with iron chains. Thus Pang Tong, who was loyal to Zhou Yu all along, maneuvered the enemy into a battle formation that stood no chance against the incendiary attack to come.

Huang Gai faked defection again and led a dummy surrender ship laden with inflammables straight into the chain-linked ships. With a gust of wind from the south-east, the ships were consumed in a furious blaze. Then Zhou Yu and his men burst forth and assailed the frantic sailors while Cao Cao struggled to escape the merciless scene.

Cao Cao's forces were completely routed and his nationwide conquest was utterly crushed at Red Wall. Liu Bei benefited the most from this joint victory. He clinched Jingzhou and the southern districts, as planned, rounding off the foundations for three opposing powers.

CAO CAO DECLARES HIMSELF PRINCE OF WEI

Liu Zhang, a distant relative to Liu Bei, governed Yizhou in the Shu Kingdom. However, he was an incompetent leader and his land was threatened by the recent changes to the east. Although he sought to protect his territory from Cao Cao, little did he know that Zhang Song and Fa Zheng, were conspiring to surrender the district to Liu Bei. Eventually, with the help of Pang Tong, Liu Bei was convinced that it was his destiny to rule Yizhou. Thus, he became Lord of the Shu Kingdom.

In his rise to power, Liu Bei had overcome many great warriors: Zhang Ren, a strong warrior who killed Pang Tong in an ambush; Huang Quan, who resisted him to the end; Liu Ba, who harbored deep hatred of him; and Fei Guan, Liu Zhang's strong-minded brother-in-law. These men presented the greatest barriers to his entry into Shu. Yet, when he overcame them, Liu Bei respected their fierce loyalty for their lords and treated them fairly. His gracious manner quickly made him popular among the people of Yizhou.

Nearby events soon stirred up the people's fears again. Cao Cao had attacked Zhang Lu in Hanzhong, northeast from Yizhou. Now he was in possession of Yangping Pass, the most navigable pass between Wei and Shu territory. In the incursion Cao Cao had tricked Zhang Lu by feigning defeat after a battle that lasted over fifty days. Zhang Lu's men let down their guard as they watched the retreat, but suddenly Cao Cao switched around and beat his way through the unsuspecting army. Zhang Lu was forced to flee and Cao Cao gained control of the pass as well as of Hanzhong.

Two advisors, Sima Yi and Liu Ye, pressed Cao Cao to follow through into Shu. However, Cao Cao wanted to give his soldiers a rest after conquering Hanzhong, and decided to hold back for a while. Leaving Xiahou Yuan in charge at Hanzhong, he returned to the north and declared himself Prince of the Wei Kingdom. His son Cao Pi was installed as Crown Prince.

Hanzhong and Yizhou were once firm allies, as close as lips are to teeth. But now that Cao Cao had control of Hanzhong, and Liu Bei was in Yizhou, hostile relations were inevitable. With Xiahou Yuan in Hanzhong, Cao Cao sent Zhang He to command the border. Zhang He paced the borderlands, taunting Liu Bei's men in Yizhou. Zhang Fei and Huang Zhong were the first to ride out to meet his challenge. They repelled the enemy with admirable force, yet the border disputes continued.

The threat of Cao Cao leading an incursion on Yizhou put the people in a constant state of terror. Liu Bei knew that he had to help the people through the crisis. Rather than focusing on domestic management, he felt he had to respond militarily. At long last, following Fa Zheng's firm suggestion, Liu Bei started up an offensive aimed for Hanzhong.

When Zhang He retreated, Cao Cao left the capital with an army of forty legions to counterattack at the border. He went straight to Cao Hong in Nancheng, where Zhang He cautioned him that Liu Bei had bold and clever tactics. Ignoring his advice, Cao Cao sent out an order to provoke battle right away. On Liu Bei's side, Huang Zhong and advisor Fa Zheng were camped at Dingjun Mountain, trying to spur Xiahou Yuan to fight. They had no success until Zhang He and Cao Hong, Cao Cao's reinforcements arrived for war.

The armies assailed each other for days, Huang Zhong cut down Xiahou Yuan with a mightly blow of his sword, and Nancheng fell to Liu Bei. While his foe celebrated victory, Cao Cao planned to avenge the lost of his mightiest warrior. This time, he led the vanguard, yet each time his men advanced they were beaten back. Liu Bei would not relinquish of his new territory. Finally, when Cao Cao rode out into combat, Liu Bei's men stole around and set fire his camp. As he raced back to defend his position, Cao Cao was hit in the face by an arrow. Wounded, he withdrew his troops and Liu Bei gained possession of Hanzhong.

With Jingzhou and Hanzhong as new strongholds, the possibilities opened up for Liu Bei to advance into central China. his men urged him to assume the title of Prince, now that he had Wei territory, but Liu Bei refused. Zhuge Liang reasoned that in view of his political success he deserved the title. After deep consideration, Liu Bei was persuaded, and he was named "Prince of Hanzhong." The event demonstrated Liu Bei's triumph over Cao Cao, the titular "Prince of Wei." Furthermore, it was in line with the rule of hereditary succession in the name of the founder of the Han Dynasty.



LIU BEI ENTRUSTS SHU TO ZHUGE LIANG


During the time when the three kingdoms stood in opposition, territorial disputes were common. For example, Liu Bei and Sun Quan had to combine forces to defend from Cao Cao's relentless attacks. Although Liu Bei had promised to turn Jingzhou over to Zhou Yu after the Battle at Red Wall, he put Guan Yu in charge. Sun Quan and Zhou Yu conspired to take over the land. However, they could not match Zhuge Liang's tactics. As a result, Zhou Yu died amidst the struggle against Zhuge Liang.

Sun Quan tried to help Liu Bei push back Cao Cao, but he was worried about taking control of Jingzhou land he had benn promised. He finally resorted to emotional tactics, and sent Zhuge Liang's brother Zhuge Jin to Liu Bei to beg for the territory, or the Zhuge family would perish. Liu Bei agreed to turn over half of the district to spare Liang's family and ordered Guan Yu to yield the land to Sun Quan. However, Guan Yu refused on the basis of his pledge to fight for the sake of Han. Sun Quan grew wary that his and Liu Bei's aims had fallen out of harmony, and this was soon evidenced when Guan Yu pressed his army northward. Consequently, Sun Quan allied with Cao Cao, and they formed a pincer operation to block Guan Yu's movement.

Despite his mighty strength, Guan Yu could not stand up to his foes. Out of desperation he fled - straight into Pan Zhang's ambush. Captured at last, Guan Yu was brought forth to Sun Quan. He was given the opportunity to surrender, but he stubbornly refused. In the end, he honored the peach garden oath, but it could not save him from his fate, Sun Quan had him executed.

When Liu Bei heard of his brother's death, he swore to get revenge on Sun Quan. He sent out Zhang Fei to lead a counterattack and regain Jingzhou. Yet Zhang Fei was rough on his officers and two of them lived in constant fear of his outbursts. Slinking into his quarters late one night, they waited until they were sure he was sound asleep. Silently they sneaked up to Zhang Fei and stabbed him to death. When Sun Quan received his head, he heaved a sigh of relief to know that Liu Bei's second brother was no longer a threat.

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Wei, Cao Cao died of an illness of the brain, and his son Cao Pi succeeded him as Prince of Wei. Cao Pi soon developed a reputation for being even more ruthless than his father. Sun Quan submitted to Wei, and Cao Pi bestowed upon him the title "Prince of Wu". Thus, the three kingdoms were clearly defined. But in Shu, Liu Bei was boiling with revenge for the deaths of his sworn brothers. When he renewed his attack on Sun Quan, Cao Pi held back reinforcements, smugly waiting for his opponents to weaken themselves.

Sun Quan offered to restore Jingzhou to Liu Bei to establish a peaceful settlements, but he was flatly refused. There was no other course but to go to battle. The battle between the Wu and Shu took place at Yiling. Lu Xun led the Wu forces and quietly examined Liu Bei's approach. Being a student of strategy, his men thought his inactivity was a sign of incompetence. However, Lu Xun had definite plans. He waited for Liu Bei to position his troops in the open plains where he wanted him, then led a full-force attack down on the helpless enemy. Liu Bei's men were utterly defeated by this clever strategy.

Devastated over his loss at Yiling, Liu Bei retreated his army and went alone to the Palace of Eternal Peace. He succumbed to fatigue, and his condition worsened each day. He was troubled by memories of his two lost brothers and the binding oath they made under the blossoming peach trees. Sensing that he was soon to join them in another world, he called for his son Liu Shan and created his will. He named Liu Shan as heir and asked Zhuge Liang to oversee his reign.

Despite his affection for his son, Liu Bei doubted that he would be a valiant leader. Therefore he entrusted Zhuge Liang with the Shu Kingdom. "You are many times more clever than Cao Pi. You will be able to accomplish our noble task. If Liu Shan exhibits qualities befitting a leader please assist him. However, if he lacks the talent to fulfill his position, take the throne yourself".

In essence, Liu Bei entrusted the Shu Kingdom to Zhuge Liang before he died. Zhuge Liang had promised lifetime loyalty and service to Liu Bei and his kingdom of Shu. As was foreseen, Liu Shan was an incapable leader and Zhuge Liang soon stepped up to the throne to handle all the affairs as Prime Minister of Shu.

With Shu in its weakened state, the leaders of Wu and Wei eyed its borders. It was not long before the Wei Kingdom divided its army into five divisions and assailed into Shu. In the south, Yang Kai and Meng Huo stirred up a fierce rebellion. The kingdom was in an uproar, barely able to withstand an attack, and Zhuge Liang worried that Shu would lost to the enemy. For the second time, he established a tactical alliance with Wu to rebuff Wei. Then he pacified the southern regions, and waited for the opportunity to assail northward into the kingdom of Wei.



THE END OF THE THREE KINGDOMS


After Liu Bei's death, Zhuge Liang had to guide the people out of crisis by directing the political and military affairs of Shu. He structured domestic affairs by appointing wise men to govern beneath him, meanwhile he relied on Deng Zhi to restore an alliance with Wu.

The future of Shu depended on cooperation from the southern regions. First, in the face of an impending attack from the north, Shu needed protection in the rear. Second, products from the south were a great source of revenue. Third, domestic support boosted the spirits of the newly formed armies. Furthermore, the country would be stronger when the people were at peace.

The northern frontier was determined as the next conquest. Zhuge Liang trained the soldiers in his methods, in preparation to conquer new territory. Liu Shan accepted a position beneath him, but kept his title, Latter Ruler of Han (following Liu Bei the First Ruler). Zhuge Liang took the title "Prime Minister", and led his men into Wei. There, in the capital, Cao Pi died and was succeeded by his son Cao Rui.

Zhuge Liang dispatched Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi into the Hsieh Valley to draw the Wei army forth and clear out a path into Hanzhong. A battle ensued and the Shu army was victorious. Xiahou Mao, at the head of the Wei army, was beaten back and besieged at Anding in the north. With Nanan already surrounded, Zhuge Liang began a siege of the other two, and successfully captured all three cities.

However, an unfortunate turn in events thwarted the Shu advance. Zhuge Liang held secret communication with Meng Da of the Wei army. Formerly of Shu, Meng Da had been forced to desert to Wei under extreme circumstances, but still professed his loyalty to Shu. Now, he promised to help bring about the fall of Wei by attacking Luoyang while Zhuge Liang bombarded Changan. Yet, the plan leaked out and Sima Yi intercepted Meng Da before he could reach Luoyang. Zhuge Liang was greatly distressed because now it was up to him alone to defeat his greatest foe - Sima Yi.

As time passed, things began to look worse for the Shu army. Sima Yi was building up defenses within Luoyang and Changan. The most important land for the Shu army to control was Jieting. Zhuge Liang put Ma Su in charge of the main road through Jieting to Changan. He swore to protect the area with his life, yet upon his arrival he arranged his troops in an arbitrary order. Thus when Zhang He attacked, Ma Su was beaten back with ease, and Zhuge Liang's carefully planned strategy was shattered.

In the end, the only thing gained in that first campaign on the north was a Wei general, Jiang Wei. He surrendered to Zhuge Liang at the time when the Shu army overtook the three cities of Anding, Nanan and Tianshui. Following a series of losses, Zhuge Liang had no choice but to retreat his forces to Hanzhong. In a gesture to prove that he took responsibility for the Shu losses, Zhuge Liang degraded his own rank to commanding general and had Ma Su executed.

In the following period, Zhuge Liang made frequent attacks on the north. But the route from Shu into Wei traversed steep territory, and the Shu army had trouble in its weakened state. They were forced to scrounge for supplies, and endure repeated attacks and counterattacks. They made little progress forward into Wei.

Over time, the army built up its strength and national resources were replenished. Zhuge Liang dispatched the entire army to renew their conquest, and the Wei and Shu armies met on the Wuchang Plain. The two great commanders each positioned their armies. Zhuge Liang leading his men from Shu, Sima Yi leading his men from Wei. Sima Yi persisted in the strategy he had employed in their previous encounter. In order to avoid bloodshed, he stalled to starve out the Shu army and bring them to their own destruction.

With every challenge refused, Zhuge Liang never got the chance to fight a decisive battle. Therefore, neither starvation nor direct fighting brought about their eventual defeat. The hopelessness of his position worried him until he fell ill. He knew that his army stood a chance in battle, but not in a stalemate. In a desperate plan, Zhuge Liang sent a messenger to Sima Yi throwing insults at him, and hoping to stimulate a war. Through the messenger Sima Yi learned, to his advantage, that Zhuge Liang was restless and eating very little. Then one night, as Sima Yi was studying the stars, he noticed a shift that signaled the end of the leader. "Zhuge Liang is ill and not long for this world," he remarked. As foreseen, Zhuge Liang overwhelmed by fatigue, died soon after at the age of fifty-four. Without their commander, the Shu army immediately began to retreat. Observing their camp all the while, Sima Yi realized that his rival was gone. Zhuge Liang had been his most cunning challenger. Out of respect he uttered, "Truly he was a genius in our midst."

Roughly thirty years after the death of Zhuge Liang, the kingdom of Shu ultimately fell to ruin. Sima Yi's grandson Sima Yan usurped power and established the Jin Dynasty. The Jin empire eventually conquered Shu, and within a period of sixty years all states were unified as one country, China.

So how do you like it?

What's your thoughts, comments?

Damn,
you expect us to read all this.
well i will read it but u have to wait one or two days so tht i can see it fully and read it aswell....

Tim-kun...i have just a few comments...

Like Leader of the Blossoms-kun said," Too much to read a tone time."


Although much appreciated, its going to take awhile to read it, sorry Tim-kun.

I finally got done reading.
Very nicely done.



Just one problem, you have too much time on your hands.

you mean he have way to much time in his hands
i am starting to think tht time is his slave

Btw nice story tim...

hm nice, sounds a lot like the enclyclopedia in the game, u sure u didn't pleasurize off of it?

That take me along time to read


that right i read some of it


not all im lazy


did u copy and pasta it


soz about spelling error

Keiji Rocks

it's alrite we can understand most of it