Book of Shu · Biographies of Pang Tong and Fa Zheng

Pang Tong, courtesy name Shiyuan, was a native of Xiangyang. When young he appeared plain and dull, and no one recognized his abilities. Sima Hui of Yingchuan was refined and discerning in judging people. Pang Tong visited him upon reaching early manhood. Sima Hui was gathering mulberry leaves in a tree and seated Pang Tong beneath it. They talked from daytime until night. Sima Hui found him extraordinary and said that he should rank foremost among the scholars of the southern provinces. His reputation thus gradually became known.

Later the commandery appointed Pang Tong Merit Officer. He enjoyed evaluating people and worked diligently to cultivate and encourage them. His praise often exceeded their abilities. When contemporaries found this strange and asked why, he replied: 'The realm is now in great disorder, and refined principles decline. Good people are few and bad people many. I wish to revive customs and cultivate the Way. Unless I embellish my praise, their reputations will not inspire admiration; without admiration, few will pursue goodness. If I promote ten and err about five, I still gain half. If this can elevate the age's teaching and encourage the ambitious, is that not acceptable?' Wu general Zhou Yu helped the Former Lord (Liu Bei) <the retrospective designation for Shu's founding ruler> take Jing Province and concurrently became Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery. When Zhou Yu died, Pang Tong escorted his funeral procession to Wu, where many had heard his name. As he was about to return west, people gathered at Chang Gate, including Lu Ji, Gu Shao, and Quan Cong. Pang Tong said: 'Master Lu (Lu Ji) is like an ordinary horse possessing the speed of a splendid steed; Master Gu (Gu Shao) is like an ordinary ox capable of bearing a heavy load far away.'

He told Quan Cong: 'You are generous and aspire to reputation, resembling Fan Zizhao of Runan.

Though your wisdom and ability are not great, you too are an excellent man of the age.' Lu Ji and Gu Shao told Pang Tong: 'If the realm becomes peaceful, we should join you in assessing the scholars of the four seas.' They formed close ties with him before he returned.

When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) governed Jing Province, Pang Tong served as an administrative officer acting as Magistrate of Leiyang. He neglected the county's administration and was dismissed. Wu general Lu Su wrote to the Former Lord (Liu Bei): 'Pang Shiyuan (Pang Tong) is not a talent for a hundred-li county. Only as Administrative Aide or Attendant Officer could he begin to stretch his splendid steed's legs.' Zhuge Liang also recommended him. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) met and conversed pleasantly with him, greatly esteemed his abilities, and appointed him Administrative Aide.

His intimacy and favor ranked just below Zhuge Liang's, and they were both made Generals of the Household Acting as Military Advisers.

Zhuge Liang remained to guard Jing Province. Pang Tong accompanied Liu Bei into Shu.

When Liu Zhang, Governor of Yi Province, met the Former Lord (Liu Bei) at Fu, Pang Tong proposed: 'At this meeting you can seize him, General, and secure an entire province without the labor of warfare.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) said: 'Having just entered another's territory, I have not yet demonstrated kindness and good faith. That is impossible.' After Liu Zhang returned to Chengdu, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) was to campaign north against Hanzhong on his behalf. Pang Tong again urged: 'Secretly select picked troops, march day and night, and strike directly at Chengdu. Liu Zhang lacks military ability and has made no preparations. If a great army arrives suddenly, one stroke will settle it: this is the best plan. Yang Huai and Gao Pei, Liu Zhang's renowned generals, each command strong troops at the passes. I hear they have repeatedly written advising him to send you back to Jing Province. Before you reach them, send word that Jing Province faces an emergency and you intend to return to rescue it. Have the troops pack and visibly prepare to leave. These two men respect your illustrious reputation and will also rejoice at your departure, so they will surely come with a small mounted escort to see you. Seize them then, take over their troops, and advance toward Chengdu: this is the middle plan. Withdraw to Baidi, link up with Jing Province, and slowly consider another attempt: this is the lowest plan. If you hesitate and remain, you will fall into great difficulty. You cannot stay long.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) accepted the middle plan, immediately beheaded Yang Huai and Gao Pei, and turned toward Chengdu, conquering wherever he passed. At a great gathering in Fu, he provided wine and music and told Pang Tong: 'Today's gathering may be called joyful.' Pang Tong said: 'To attack another man's state and rejoice in it is not the warfare of a humane man.' Drunk, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) angrily replied: 'King Wu (Ji Fa) <"Martial King," a posthumous Zhou royal title> attacked King Zhou (Zi Shou) <the conventional designation of Shang's last ruler>, with singing before and dancing behind. Was he not humane? Your words are improper. Get up and leave at once!' Pang Tong hesitated and withdrew. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) soon regretted it and invited him back. Pang Tong resumed his place without apologizing and ate and drank as usual. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) asked: 'In our discussion just now, who was at fault?' Pang Tong answered: 'Ruler and minister were both at fault.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) laughed heartily, and the feasting resumed as before.

They advanced to besiege Luo County. Pang Tong led the assault on the city and was struck by a stray arrow. He died aged thirty-six. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) grieved deeply and wept whenever he spoke of him. Pang Tong's father was appointed Consultant and promoted to Grandee Who Remonstrates, with Zhuge Liang personally performing the ceremony. Pang Tong was posthumously granted the rank Marquis Within the Passes (Pang Tong) <a marquisate without a territorial fief> and the posthumous title Marquis Jing (Pang Tong) <a posthumous marquisate title>. His son Pang Hong, courtesy name Jushi, was firm, straightforward, and outspoken in praise and criticism. He slighted Chen Zhi, Prefect of the Masters of Writing, who consequently suppressed his career. He died while Grand Administrator of Fuling. Pang Tong's younger brother Pang Lin, Administrative Aide of Jing Province, accompanied Huang Quan, General Who Guards the North, in the campaign against Wu. After the army's defeat he followed Huang Quan into Wei, where he was enfeoffed as a ranked marquis and rose to Grand Administrator of Julu.

Fa Zheng, courtesy name Xiaozhi, was from Mei in Fufeng. His grandfather Fa Zhen was renowned for integrity. <The source inserts 右, 'Right,' parenthetically before Fufeng.>

Early in Jian'an, famine spread through the realm. Fa Zheng and Meng Da of the same commandery entered Shu together to depend on Liu Zhang. After a long time Fa Zheng became Magistrate of Xindu and was later summoned as Colonel for Military Deliberation. Not only was he not entrusted with important work, but fellow migrants from his own region also slandered him as lacking good conduct. His ambitions were frustrated. Zhang Song, Attendant Officer of Yi Province, was close to him. Judging Liu Zhang incapable of accomplishing anything, they often sighed privately. After Zhang Song returned from seeing Lord Cao (Cao Cao) in Jing Province, he urged Liu Zhang to break with Lord Cao (Cao Cao) and ally with the Former Lord (Liu Bei). Liu Zhang asked: 'Who can serve as envoy?' Zhang Song recommended Fa Zheng, who declined but had no choice and went. Returning, Fa Zheng told Zhang Song that the Former Lord (Liu Bei) possessed heroic strategy. They secretly planned together and wished to support him, but had no opportunity. Later Liu Zhang became afraid on hearing that Lord Cao (Cao Cao) intended to send generals against Zhang Lu. Zhang Song urged him to welcome the Former Lord (Liu Bei) and have him attack Zhang Lu, again sending Fa Zheng with the commission. After delivering the official message, Fa Zheng privately proposed to the Former Lord (Liu Bei): 'With your outstanding talents, General, take advantage of Governor Liu (Liu Zhang)'s weakness. Zhang Song, a mainstay of the province, will respond from within. Then use Yi Province's wealth and the natural defenses of this heavenly storehouse to establish your enterprise. It will be as easy as turning your hand.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) agreed, sailed west upstream, and met Liu Zhang at Fu. He went north to Jiameng and then turned south to take Liu Zhang's territory.

Zheng Du urged Liu Zhang:

'The General of the Left (Liu Bei) <a military title used to identify him> attacks us with an army far from home, numbering fewer than ten thousand. The troops have not won popular allegiance, rely on grain in the fields, and have no baggage train. The best plan is to move all the people of Baxi and Zitong west of the Fu River, burn every granary and all grain in the fields, raise high ramparts and deep trenches, and wait quietly. When they arrive and request battle, refuse. Deprived of supplies for long, within a hundred days they must withdraw. Strike them as they go, and they will certainly be captured.' Hearing this, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) was troubled and asked Fa Zheng about it. Fa Zheng said: 'He will never use it. There is nothing to worry about.' As predicted, Liu Zhang told his subordinates: 'I have heard of resisting enemies to secure the people, but not of disturbing the people to avoid enemies.' He dismissed Zheng Du and rejected his plan. When the army besieged Luo City, Fa Zheng wrote to Liu Zhang: 'I am by nature without skill, and our alliance has been damaged. Fearing that those around you do not understand the full circumstances and will lay all blame upon me, disgracing me to the end of my life and bringing dishonor upon your service, I have remained outside at my own cost and dared not return to report. Fearing that such talk would offend your hearing, I have not lately presented respectful letters. Remembering your former treatment of me, I look toward you with sorrow. Yet consider how I disclosed my heart from beginning to end: I truly concealed no feelings and left nothing unsaid. It was only that I was foolish, my plans poor, and my sincerity failed to move you, that matters came to this. Now the state's affairs are dangerous and disaster is imminent. Although cast aside, and although my words may provoke hatred and blame, I still wish to exhaust what is in my heart and offer my remaining loyalty. 'I know your original intention, General. You truly wished earnestly not to disappoint the General of the Left (Liu Bei). That things nevertheless came to this is because those around you did not understand how to deal with a hero. They thought they could break faith, profane oaths, and bring him to their will through temper and pride. Day after day they sought only what pleased your ears and eyes, following and flattering your wishes without distant thought or profound plans for the state. Once the crisis had formed, they again failed to assess the relative strength of the two sides. Because the General of the Left (Liu Bei)'s men were far from home and had no stored grain, they hoped to use the many against the few and hold out for a long time. Yet from the pass to here, every place he crossed has fallen. Detached palaces and separate camps collapse day by day. Though Luo has ten thousand troops, they are soldiers of shattered formations and commanders of defeated armies. If you wish to decide matters in a single day's battle, your forces and commanders are truly no match. 'If instead you plan for the long term by calculating provisions, our defensive camps are now secure and grain has accumulated, while your territory shrinks daily and your people grow poorer. The fronts confronting you multiply, and supply distances are immense. In my foolish judgment, you must be exhausted first and can no longer sustain a protracted struggle. Even merely facing each other in place would be beyond your endurance. Now Zhang Yide (Zhang Fei), with tens of thousands, has already secured Badong, entered Qianwei's borders, and detached forces to pacify Zizhong and Deyang. Advancing along three distant routes, how can he be resisted? <The source's expression 三邈道 is unusual; the precise wording remains uncertain.> Those who originally advised you must have said this army was remote, without provisions, beyond the reach of supply transport, and too small to receive reinforcements. Now the route from Jing Province is open and our numbers have increased many times. Moreover Sun, General of Chariots and Cavalry (Sun Quan) <a military designation>, has sent his younger brother, Li Yi, Gan Ning, and others as supporting forces. 'If you contest the advantages of invader and defender and seek victory through territory, our side now possesses all Badong and has secured more than half of Guanghan and Qianwei; Baxi too is no longer yours. Yi Province can now rely only on Shu, and Shu is also devastated. Two parts out of three are lost. Officials and people are exhausted, and eight households in ten think of disorder. If the enemy is far away, the people cannot endure the labor service; if near, they will change masters in a day. The counties of Guanghan are a clear example. Moreover Yufu and the northern pass are truly the gates of fortune and misfortune for Yi Province. Both are now open. Strong cities have fallen, armies have been defeated, and troops and commanders are exhausted. The enemy advances along several routes and has entered the heart of your territory. Sitting in defense of Chengdu and Luo, the balance between survival and destruction is plainly visible. 'These are only the broad outlines and outward comparisons; the remaining details cannot be exhausted in words. Even in my lowly foolishness I know that the situation cannot be reversed. How much more must the intelligent advisers around you perceive it! They merely steal a little daily hope, seek indulgence and favor, and refuse to think far ahead or devote themselves to offering sound plans. When affairs are exhausted and pressure extreme, each will seek his own survival and preserve his household. They will shift and turn, abandoning their present plans, rather than die to the end for you in danger. Your honored family alone will bear the trouble. Though I have acquired a reputation for disloyalty, in my heart I believe I have not betrayed your virtue. Remembering my duty and obligation, I truly feel deep pain. Since the General of the Left (Liu Bei) first set out, his former affection has remained and he has truly had no slighting intention. In my foolish view, you can consider a change of course and preserve your honored house.' In Jian'an 19, the army advanced to besiege Chengdu. Xu Jing, Liu Zhang's Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery, intended to climb over the wall and surrender, but the plan was discovered and failed. Because destruction was close, Liu Zhang did not execute him. After Liu Zhang submitted, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) despised Xu Jing for this and would not employ him. Fa Zheng urged: 'There are men who gain empty fame without its substance: Xu Jing is one. But you, my lord, are just founding a great enterprise, and you cannot explain matters to every household in the realm. Xu Jing's inflated reputation has spread throughout the four seas. If you fail to treat him courteously, people everywhere will think you despise worthies. You should show him respect and honor to impress those far and near, following the former King of Yan <King Zhao of Yan; his personal name has differing transmitted forms and is not fixed here> in his treatment of Guo Wei.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) then treated Xu Jing generously.

Fa Zheng was made Grand Administrator of Shu Commandery and General Who Displays Martial Might. Outside the court he governed the capital region; within it he served as chief strategist. Whether a favor of one meal or a grievance of a hostile glance, he repaid everything, and arbitrarily killed several people who had slandered or injured him. Someone told Zhuge Liang: 'Fa Zheng is far too unrestrained in Shu Commandery. General, you should inform our lord (Liu Bei) and curb his power to reward and punish.' Zhuge Liang replied: 'When our lord (Liu Bei) was at Gong'an, he feared Lord Cao (Cao Cao)'s strength in the north and Sun Quan's pressure in the east; close at hand he feared that Lady Sun might cause trouble at his very side. At that time he was like a wolf stumbling whether advancing or retreating. Fa Xiaozhi (Fa Zheng) gave him wings, enabling him to soar beyond restraint. How can we now stop Fa Zheng from acting as he wishes?' Earlier Sun Quan had married his younger sister to the Former Lord (Liu Bei). Talented, quick, strong, and fierce, she resembled her elder brothers. More than a hundred female attendants stood beside her with swords in their hands, and whenever the Former Lord (Liu Bei) entered, he felt inward apprehension. Zhuge Liang also knew that the Former Lord (Liu Bei) had long loved and trusted Fa Zheng, and therefore spoke as he did.

In Jian'an 22, Fa Zheng urged the Former Lord (Liu Bei): 'Cao Cao made Zhang Lu surrender in a single campaign and secured Hanzhong. Yet instead of using that momentum against Ba and Shu, he left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to garrison it and hurried north himself. This was not because his intelligence failed or his strength was insufficient. He must have faced pressing troubles at home. Assessing Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He's abilities, they do not surpass our state's commanders. If we take the army against them, we can certainly win. On the day of victory, expand farming, accumulate grain, and watch for divisions and openings. At best we can overthrow the enemy and uphold the royal house; at the middle level we can gradually consume Yong and Liang and extend our territory; at the least we can hold strategic points securely and plan for the long term. Heaven has surely given us this opportunity. We must not miss it.' <The source prints 之克 and supplies 克之, reversing the two characters in the phrase about victory.> The Former Lord (Liu Bei) approved and led his generals into Hanzhong, with Fa Zheng accompanying him. In Jian'an 24, the Former Lord (Liu Bei) crossed the Mian River south from Yangping, advanced gradually along the mountains, and made camps at Dingjun and Xingshi. Xiahou Yuan brought troops to contest the ground. Fa Zheng said: 'Now we can attack.' The Former Lord (Liu Bei) ordered Huang Zhong to attack downhill with drums and shouts. He decisively defeated Xiahou Yuan's army, and Xiahou Yuan and others were beheaded. Campaigning west, Lord Cao (Cao Cao) heard of Fa Zheng's plan and said: 'I always knew Xuande (Liu Bei) was not capable of this himself. Someone must have instructed him.'

When the Former Lord (Liu Bei) was established as King of Hanzhong (Liu Bei) <a territorial royal title>, he made Fa Zheng Prefect of the Masters of Writing and General Protecting the Army. Fa Zheng died the following year, aged forty-five. The Former Lord (Liu Bei) wept for him for several days. His posthumous title was Marquis Yi (Fa Zheng) <a posthumous marquisate title>. His son Fa Miao received the rank Marquis Within the Passes (Fa Miao) and rose to Commandant of Attending Carriages and Grand Administrator of Hanyang. Although Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng differed in their tastes, they respected one another through public duty. Zhuge Liang repeatedly admired Fa Zheng's intelligence and methods. After the Former Lord (Liu Bei) assumed the imperial title, he intended to campaign east against Sun Quan to avenge the humiliation of Guan Yu. Many ministers remonstrated, but he accepted none. In Zhangwu 2, his great army was defeated, and he withdrew to Baidi. Zhuge Liang sighed: 'If Fa Xiaozhi (Fa Zheng) were alive, he could have restrained our sovereign (Liu Bei) and prevented the eastern campaign. Even if he had gone east, he surely would not have fallen into disaster.'

Appraisal: Pang Tong had a refined interest in people, studied the classics, and reflected on strategy. In Jing and Chu he was called a lofty talent. Fa Zheng clearly perceived success and failure and possessed remarkable plans and calculations, but was not renowned for moral character. Comparing them with Wei's ministers, might Pang Tong be a 'middle or younger brother' to Xun Yu <a figurative comparison of standing, not a family relationship>, and Fa Zheng a match for Cheng Yu and Guo Jia?