The Three Kingdoms Volume 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

defeated by his rival Liu Bang of Han.
    § Headed by Liu Bang (256–195 B.C. ) who established Han Dynasty, composed of West Han (206 B.C. – A.D. 8) and East Han ( A.D. 25–220).
    ¶ Guang Wu (6 B.C. – A.D. 57), founder of East Han Dynasty, who restored the rule of Han after destroying the usurper Wang Mang (45 B.C. – A.D. 23).
    ** Referring to the three kingdoms of Wei, Shu (Han), and Wu, reigning from A.D. 220–280.
    * A place near modern Beijing.
    * One jin equals half a kilogram.
    * One li equals half a kilometer.
    * A place in modern Anhui in East China.

CHAPTER TWO

    Zhang Fei Thrashes the Inspector in Wrath
    He Jin Plots to Kill the Eunuchs in Secret

    N ow this Dong Zhuo, also known as Dong Zhong-ying, was from Lintao in northwest China. An arrogant man by nature, he held the official rank of Prefect of Hedong. But that day his disrespectful manner toward the three brothers had angered Zhang Fei so much that he wanted to kill him.
    “Remember he’s a government official,” said Liu Bei and Guan Yu, checking him hastily. “We’ve no right to slay him.”
    “It’s bitter to take orders from such a wretch—I’d rather slay him,” roared Zhang Fei. “You can stay here if you want but I’ll seek some other place.”
    “We three are one in life and death, there is no parting for us,” said Liu Bei. “We’ll all go, then.”
    This put Zhang Fei in a better mood, and they decided to go back to Zhu Jun’s place. They set out and lost no time in traveling till they came to Zhu Jun, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Zhang Bao.
    At this time Cao Cao had joined Huangfu Song in fighting against Zhang Liang and a fierce battle was fought at Quyang. In the meantime, Zhu Jun was ready to attack Zhang Bao who had mustered an army of about 80–90,000 men positioned behind some hills. Liu Bei was made to be leader of the vanguard to confront the rebels. When the two armies were drawn facing each other, a subordinate officer from the rebels’ side came out to offer battle. Liu Bei ordered Zhang Fei to smite him. Zhang Fei rode out at full speed, his spear ready to strike. After a few bouts he pierced his opponent, who fell from his horse. At this Liu Bei led his army to press forward. But just then, Zhang Bao, while still mounted, loosened his hair, held up his sword and uttered incantations. All of a sudden the wind began to howl and the thunder to roll. A dense black cloud from the sky settled upon the ground and an innumerable number of horsemen and footmen seemed to rush out of the cloud, charging at the imperial troops. Liu Bei immediately turned back but the soldiers were already scared and they returned defeated.
    Liu Bei reported the matter to Zhu Jun, who said, “So he uses black magic. Tomorrow I will prepare the blood of slaughtered hogs, goats, and dogs as a counter magic. * Tell the soldiers to hide themselves at the hilltops, and when they see the enemies approach, sprinkle this blood over them. Then the black magic will lose its power.”
    Following Zhu Jun’s order, Liu Bei gave his two brothers a thousand men each and told them to get ready a plentiful supply of the blood of hogs, goats, and dogs and all kinds of filthy things and hide themselves on the high ground behind some hills. The next day, when the rebels with fluttering banners and beating drums came out to challenge, Liu Bei rode forth to meet them. While the two armies were fighting, again Zhang Bao resorted to black magic and again there were high winds and loud thunder. Sand and stones were swept up and flew through the air. Black masses of vapor filled the sky and numerous troops descended from on high. Liu Bei turned, as before, to flee and Zhang Bao followed in hot pursuit. But just as the rebels were passing through the hills, trumpets sounded and the ambushed soldiers threw down filth and showered blood. Then the masses of troops in the air fluttered to the ground, revealing themselves as paper men