Chapter 1

Pan Feng, styled Wushuang, was from Taian, Qingzhou. He stood nine feet tall, with a waist twelve feet in circumference, and wielded a massive axe weighing 180 catties. From a young age, he was well-versed in poetry and literature and proficient in military strategy. He possessed the talent to govern the world and the ambition to encompass the universe. He often compared himself to Jiang Shang and Zhang Liang, and Xu Shao evaluated him as: “A capable minister in troubled times, a hero in peaceful times,” a judgment that few could understand. At the time, the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, and Inspector General Han Fu was appointed to recruit troops to quell the rebellion. Knowing Pan Feng’s great reputation, Han Fu visited his residence seven times, desiring to hire him as a military advisor. On the way, Han Fu was ambushed by bandits, and the villagers reported this to Pan Feng. Soon, Feng arrived, roared loudly, and the bandits all fled. Han Fu was greatly impressed and said, “This is my Fan Kui.” He then appointed Pan Feng as a general. In battles against vast enemy forces, Pan Feng moved freely, taking the heads of enemy leaders as easily as picking items from a bag. Han Fu achieved many great victories and became the Governor of Ji Province, all thanks to Pan Feng’s efforts. Han Fu and Pan Feng ate from the same bowl and slept on the same bed, their bond as close as brothers. However, the strategists under Han Fu were all displeased and deeply envious of Pan Feng.

Pan Feng felt deeply grateful and plotted major strategies for Han Fu. Ji Province was prosperous, with abundant troops and supplies.

Yuan Shao, the Governor of Bohai, had intentions to seize Ji Province, and Pan Feng often advised Han Fu to be cautious. When Yuan Shao plotted to establish Liu Yu, the Governor of You Province, as emperor, Han Fu also wished to assist, but Pan Feng said, “No, deposing an emperor is not a feasible action, and Yuan Shao is not a trustworthy ally.” A strategist named Liu San privately advised: “As the saying goes, no gold is entirely pure, and no person is perfect. Although General Pan is invincible in bravery, he may lack in strategy, and should not be relied on entirely.” Han Fu believed this and did not heed Pan Feng’s advice. Yuan Shao once invited Han Fu to his camp, ordering Yan Liang and Wen Chou to perform sword dances before the banquet, intending to kill Han Fu. Pan Feng was enraged, seized Yan Liang’s sword, knocked him to the ground with one punch, and grabbed Wen Chou as if he were a child. Yuan Shao’s soldiers were all shocked and dared not advance, and Yuan Shao begged for mercy, weeping bitterly.

Later, Han Fu and Yuan Shu jointly appointed Yuan Shao as the leader of the alliance to overthrow Dong Zhuo. Yan Liang and Wen Chou were deeply afraid of Pan Feng and did not dare to join. Pan Feng saw that the leaders of the alliance had different intentions and predicted that they would not achieve their goals. He repeatedly advised Han Fu to return to Ji Province early to plan for the future. Han Fu said, “I want to rely on you to establish my reputation among the eighteen warlords. We have not yet achieved any significant victories; how can we retreat?” Pan Feng replied, “Tomorrow, I will surely behead an enemy general and establish my merit. My lord must follow my advice and make good plans early.” Han Fu agreed.

Yuan Shao wanted to eliminate Han Fu to seize his territory and never gave up. His strategist Feng Ji said, “What Han Fu fears most is Pan Feng. We must devise a plan to remove him.” Xu You suggested, “My lord can select a sick horse and gift it to Pan Feng, ordering him to go into battle. Pan Feng will surely be killed by the enemy general.” Tian Feng said, “This plan is good, but it may not be enough to kill Pan Feng. Pan Feng is cautious and strategic. If my lord gifts him a horse, he will not ride it lightly. We can ask Han Fu to make the exchange.” Yuan Shao followed this plan.

Yuan Shao rushed to Han Fu’s camp at night and wept, saying, “The misunderstanding the other day was not a trap. How can General Pan not understand? With a great enemy before us, we must unite. I wish to gift a thousand-mile horse to General Pan as an apology.” Han Fu said, “Good.” Yuan Shao added, “General Pan may not accept my gift, so I hope Han Fu will make the exchange privately. Once he rides my precious horse and achieves great merit, you can inform him, giving him a pleasant surprise.” Han Fu agreed again.

The next day, Dong Zhuo’s commander Hua Xiong led his iron cavalry to the gate, using a long pole to display Sun Jian’s red cap, and loudly challenged the camp. Yuan Shao asked, “Who dares to go out and fight?” From behind Yuan Shu, a valiant general named Yu She stepped forward and said, “I will go.” Yuan Shao was pleased and ordered Yu She to go out. Soon, a report came: “Yu She fought Hua Xiong for less than three rounds and was beheaded.” Everyone was shocked.

When the warlords were at a loss, Han Fu said, “I have a great general, Pan Feng, who can behead Hua Xiong.” Yuan Shao urgently ordered him to go out and fight. Pan Feng, wielding his large axe, left the camp. His subordinates led the sick horse that Yuan Shao had gifted the previous day. Pan Feng was puzzled but had no time to think much about it. He mounted the horse and went out to fight. Not long after, a report came: “Pan Feng has also been beheaded by Hua Xiong.” Everyone was stunned, and Han Fu wept, saying, “Wushuang is dead, and heaven has forsaken me!” Only Yuan Shao secretly rejoiced. Guan Yu rode out to fight and saw General Pan Feng lying on the ground, pierced by several arrows, with a smile on his face. He then saw Hua Xiong, dead on his horse, bleeding profusely and in a wretched state. Guan Yu secretly sighed, “General Pan is truly a mighty man. Hua Xiong’s internal organs were shattered in their encounter; I cannot match him.” He then cut off Hua Xiong’s head and returned to the camp. The wine gifted by Cao Cao was still warm, and everyone spread the story of Guan Yu “beheading Hua Xiong while the wine was still warm.”

The talented man of Ji Province, Chen Lin, sighed, “The drums at the camp gate sound loudly, and Wushuang falls from his horse, beheading Hua Xiong. If the enemy general could die on foot, how could a bearded hero achieve such great feats?” The alliance soon disbanded. The following year, Yuan Shao seized Ji Province, and Han Fu said, “If Pan Wushuang were here, I would not have suffered such a great loss!” He beat his chest and wept, “Alas, Pan Feng! Painful, Pan Feng! What a pity! Regretful, Pan Feng!” and then committed suicide.

In fact, after Pan Feng’s death, people lamented that Pan Wushuang’s reputation did not match his reality, and his body was left unattended for a time. A soldier of Han Fu, remembering Pan Feng’s past kindness, transported his body to prepare for burial. Pan Feng suddenly awoke, having only feigned death. He then lamented the selfishness of the warlords and Han Fu’s weakness and incompetence, concluding that he was not a wise ruler. Feeling disheartened, he decided to seek refuge in Jing Province, which was peaceful and stable.

Pan Feng came to Nanyang in Jing Province and spent his days farming, practicing martial arts, and reading at night. He often sang songs to express his aspirations, and the villagers of Wulong Ridge enjoyed singing songs praising Wushuang: “The virtuous live in peace, the disgraced toil in vain. In Nanyang, there are hermits, all in Wulong Ridge.” Later, Liu Xuande visited the warlords, and Zhuge Liang heard the villagers singing this song, often lamenting the words of true recluses. In Nanyang, Pan Feng was a close friend of Zhuge Liang, Pang Shiyuan, and Xu Yuanzhi. Pan Feng often said, “If the three of you meet a wise ruler and assist him, you can help him secure one-third of the empire.” When the three asked Pan Feng, he smiled but did not answer. Later, Sima Hui often sighed, “A wise ruler like Zhuge Liang or Pang Shiyuan, if one of them is obtained, can stabilize the world. A strategist as wise as Pan Wushuang is unfathomable, even to me.”

After eight years of seclusion in Jing Province, Pan Feng lamented that Liu Biao was good but could not appoint the right people, and evil could not be eliminated, leading to Jing Province eventually falling to others and inevitable warfare. He also heard that Sun Ce, a young hero, had taken control of the six commanderies and eighty-one counties of Jiangdong, where the people lived in prosperity. Therefore, he decided to move to Jiangdong. In Jiangdong, Pan Feng was known for his great talent in the local community. When Sun Quan was the magistrate of Yangxian, he heard of Pan Feng’s reputation and visited his home three times. Pan Feng was moved by his sincerity and joined him, instructing his servant before leaving, “Take good care of the house and do not let the fields go to waste. When I succeed, I will return to seclusion.” He then recruited over a hundred men and was appointed as a general, achieving success in suppressing bandits and being appointed as a military commander.

In the fifth year of Jian’an, Sun Ce died, and Sun Quan took over. Sun Quan was still weeping when Pan Feng said to him, “Is this the time to cry? The Duke of Zhou established laws, but Bo Qin did not follow them, not because he disobeyed his father, but because the times did not allow it. Now, with villains competing and wolves filling the roads, how can you mourn your relatives and adhere to rituals? This is like opening the door to invite thieves; it cannot be considered righteous.” He then changed Sun Quan’s attire, helped him mount his horse, and sent him to inspect the troops. Sun Quan asked Pan Feng about the development of Jiangdong. For the next month, Sun Quan and Pan Feng met in secret, and no one knew what they discussed. Afterward, Sun Quan began to exhibit the aura of an emperor.

At the time, only Kuaiji, Wu, Danyang, Yuzhang, and Luling had not fully submitted, and the heroes of the empire were scattered among the states. The guests and itinerant scholars were concerned about their safety and were not firmly loyal to any ruler. Zhou Yu, a seasoned general with exceptional talent, did not submit to Sun Quan and wanted to establish himself as the ruler of Wu. Pan Feng went to persuade him. Zhou Yu, who had always feared Pan Feng’s bravery and respected his loyalty, did not dare to oppose him and abandoned his plot, submitting to Sun Quan along with Zhang Zhao.

Cao Cao appointed Sun Quan as the General Who Pacifies the Bandits and the Governor of Kuaiji, stationed in Wu, and had him manage the administration of the region. Sun Quan treated Zhang Zhao with the respect due to a teacher and appointed Pan Feng as the Grand Marshal, with Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, and Lu Fan as his generals. He recruited talented individuals and sought out renowned scholars, including Lu Su and Zhuge Jin, who became his guests. He divided the generals to suppress the mountain tribes and punish those who disobeyed. Liu Biao in Jing Province frequently sent his generals, Wen Ping and Gan Ning, to raid the region. Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu could not resist them and sought help from Pan Feng. Pan Feng defeated them, and Wen Ping retreated in disarray. He captured Gan Ning but, admiring his bravery, released him. Later, Gan Ning, grateful for Pan Feng’s mercy and resentful of Huang Zu’s rudeness, defected to Jiangdong.

In the thirteenth year of Jian’an, Liu Biao died, and Pan Feng predicted that Cao Cao would take advantage of the situation to attack Jing Province and Jiangdong. He advised Sun Quan to ally with Liu Bei to resist Cao Cao. Sun Quan sent Lu Su to mourn Liu Biao’s sons and observe the situation. At the time, Cao Cao was already approaching, and Liu Biao’s son Liu Cong surrendered his forces. Liu Bei wanted to cross the river southward and met Lu Su, who asked where he was going. Liu Bei said, “I have an old friend, the Governor of Cangwu, Wu Ju, and I want to seek refuge with him.” Lu Su said, “Cangwu is remote and has few troops. It would be better to seek refuge in Jiangdong. Sun General controls six commanderies, has a strong army and ample supplies, and has a world-renowned general, Pan Wushuang, whom Cao Cao fears. It would be better to send a trusted envoy to form an alliance with Eastern Wu and achieve great things.” Liu Bei then sent Zhuge Liang to meet Sun Quan.

At the time, Cao Cao had just gained Liu Biao’s forces and was in a strong position. Many advisors were intimidated and advised Sun Quan to surrender. Cao Cao wrote to Sun Quan, saying, “Recently, I have been ordered to punish the guilty. My banner points south, and Liu Cong has surrendered. Now, I have an army of 800,000, and I will hunt with you in Wu.” Sun Quan showed the letter to his ministers, and they were all shocked. Only Pan Feng remained calm and opposed the idea, saying, “No. Although Cao Cao claims to be the Han Chancellor, he is actually a traitor to the Han. With your martial prowess and talent, and the legacy of your father and brother, you control Jiangdong, a vast territory with a strong army and capable heroes. You should conquer the world and eliminate the wicked for the Han. How can you surrender to Cao Cao? Let me plan for you: If the north were peaceful and Cao Cao had no internal worries, he could engage in a prolonged conflict and compete with us on the battlefield. But the north is not peaceful, and Ma Chao and Han Sui in Guanzhong are a threat to Cao Cao. Moreover, abandoning horses for boats and competing with Wu and Yue is not a strength of the Chinese. It is also winter, and the horses lack fodder. Driving Chinese soldiers far into the rivers and lakes, they are not accustomed to the water and will surely fall ill. These are the problems of warfare, and Cao Cao is taking risks. You should capture Cao Cao today. I request 30,000 elite soldiers to advance to Xiakou and ensure his defeat.”

Sun Quan exclaimed, “The old traitor has long desired to depose the Han and establish himself. He has only feared the two Yuans, Lü Bu, Liu Biao, and me. Now, the other heroes are gone, and only I remain. I and the old traitor cannot coexist. Your advice to fight is in line with my thoughts. This is heaven’s way of giving you to me.” He then appointed Pan Feng as the Grand Marshal, with Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu as his assistants. Pan Feng joined forces with Liu Bei to resist Cao Cao. They suddenly encountered Cao Cao’s forces, and Liu Bei’s army, seeing the overwhelming strength of Cao Cao, was terrified and scattered. Cao Cao then sent his generals Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Zhang He with 100,000 troops to besiege Pan Feng. Pan Feng fought fiercely and defeated them, causing Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Zhang He to retreat. He then pursued Cao Cao to Chibi, where Cao Cao’s 830,000-strong army was utterly defeated, collapsing like a mountain. Cao Cao burned the remaining ships and retreated, with most of his soldiers dying. Pan Feng returned in triumph, his reputation shaking the world, and children in the north would not cry when they heard his name.

In the fourteenth year, Pan Feng sent Zhou Yu to attack Cao Ren at Jiangling. Zhou Yu and Cao Ren held out for over a year, with many casualties. Cao Ren eventually abandoned the city. Sun Quan appointed Zhou Yu as the Governor of Nanchang. In the battle of Hefei, Sun Quan was defeated by Zhang Liao, and Chen Wu was killed. Song Qian and Xu Sheng retreated, and Zhang Liao pursued relentlessly. Pan Feng rushed to support them, and the Wei generals, who feared Pan Feng’s bravery, retreated. Sun Quan narrowly escaped and, holding Pan Feng’s hand, wept, “Without the general, Sun Quan would be dead!”

In the eighteenth year, Pan Feng was appointed as the commander of Ruxu. Cao Cao attacked Ruxu, and Pan Feng resisted for over a month. Pan Feng once led his generals out of the camp, surrounded by his men, with himself riding alone in the center. Many of Cao Cao’s soldiers did not recognize Pan Feng. Pan Feng laughed and said, “Do you want to see Pan Feng? I am just a man, not with four eyes and two mouths, but more intelligent and brave than others.” Cao Cao’s army was intimidated, and Cao Cao, seeing Pan Feng’s disciplined troops, sighed, “It is easy to shake a mountain, but hard to shake Pan Feng’s army. A general should be like Pan Wushuang!” and retreated, never again attempting to invade the south.

In the nineteenth year, Liu Bei gained control of Yizhou, and Sun Quan, seeing that Liu Bei had Yizhou, sent Zhuge Jin to request the commanderies of Jing Province. Liu Bei refused. Sun Quan then appointed officials to the southern three commanderies, but Guan Yu expelled them all. Sun Quan was furious and wanted to raise an army to seize Jing Province. Coincidentally, Cao Cao entered Hanzhong, and Liu Bei, fearing the loss of Yizhou, sent envoys to seek peace. Sun Quan sent Zhuge Jin to respond, renewing the alliance. They divided Jing Province, with the commanderies of Changsha, Jiangxia, and Guiyang to the east belonging to Sun Quan, and the commanderies of Nanjun, Lingling, and Wuling to the west belonging to Liu Bei. Liu Bei returned, and Cao Cao had already retreated.

At the time, Liu Bei left Guan Yu to guard Jing Province. Guan Yu, relying on his talent and bravery, often wanted to attack Jiangdong but feared Pan Feng’s reputation and did not dare to act. He then besieged Cao Ren at Xiangyang, leaving Jing Province vulnerable. Pan Feng led a large army to seize Jing Province. When Guan Yu heard that Pan Feng was approaching, he hastily lifted the siege of Xiangyang and returned to save Jing Province. They met at Linju, and Taishi Ci and Zhou Tai asked Pan Feng, “Are the troops of Jing Province strong?” Pan Feng replied, “From my observation, they are like clay chickens and tile dogs.” They also pointed out Guan Yu, riding a red rabbit horse and wearing green armor with a long beard. Pan Feng laughed and said, “From my observation, he is like a man selling his head. Gentlemen, wait a moment, and watch Pan Feng behead this traitor.” He then charged forward and swiftly beheaded Guan Yu. Guan Yu, known for his bravery, was revered as a god in Jing Province and was considered second only to Pan Feng. His swift defeat left the troops of Jing Province trembling, and they surrendered to Pan Feng. Pan Feng thus secured Jing Province. In the process, the military commander Lu Meng frequently offered advice to Pan Feng, who deeply appreciated it. After defeating Guan Yu, considering Lu Meng’s critical condition, Pan Feng attributed the victory to Lu Meng, earning praise from the people of Wu.

In the first year of Zhangwu, Liu Bei, enraged by the loss of Jing Province, prepared to attack Wu. In the seventh month of autumn, he led his army against Wu. Sun Quan ordered Pan Feng to lead the troops to resist. Pan Feng assessed that the Shu army had over fifty camps spread over seven hundred miles and decided to use fire to defeat the Shu forces at Yiling. Liu Bei fled, barely escaping with his life, and returned to Baidi City. Hearing that Pan Feng intended to take advantage of the situation to conquer Shu, Liu Bei was greatly alarmed and died of shock, entrusting his affairs to Zhuge Liang, saying, “Eastern Wu has Pan Feng, and it is better to seek peace rather than war. Chancellor, take note.” Shuhan then sent Deng Zhi to renew the alliance with Eastern Wu.

In the seventh year of Huangwu, in the spring, Zhou Fang pretended to defect to lure Cao Xiu. In the eighth month of autumn, Sun Quan arrived at Wan Kou and ordered Pan Feng to lead the generals to defeat Cao Xiu at Shiting. Cao Xiu, filled with regret, developed a boil on his back and died. Pan Feng wanted to take advantage of the victory to capture Shouchun and control Huainan, with the aim of advancing to Xu and Luo. However, Lu Xun, who was jealous of Pan Feng’s achievements, advised against it, and Sun Quan, fearing that Pan Feng’s growing power would overshadow his own, did not approve the plan. In the first year of Huanglong, in the spring, Pan Feng led the officials to urge Sun Quan to ascend the throne. In the fourth month of summer, reports came from Xia Kou and Wuchang that a yellow dragon and a phoenix had appeared. On the day of Bing Shen, Sun Quan ascended the throne in the southern suburbs, appointing Pan Feng as the Grand General, granting him the authority to command all military affairs, and establishing his office with the same status as the Three Excellencies.

In the third year of Jiayi, Sun Quan dreamed that the Heavenly Emperor spoke to Pan Feng, saying, “The star of Wuqu can now return to its place.” Sun Quan was disturbed by this. The next day, Pan Feng’s son, Ping, arrived and informed Sun Quan that Pan Feng had died. Sun Quan wept bitterly, vomiting blood. Pan Feng was brave and knowledgeable, respectful and humble, and skilled in nurturing his soldiers. Whenever he achieved success, Sun Quan rewarded him with gold, which he distributed to his troops, showing no favoritism. The soldiers called him “Father Pan,” and his army was known for its bravery and ferocity, feared by all, including Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Sun Quan relied on him as a trusted arm, and together they divided the empire into three, forming a tripartite balance of power.

The Record of the Divine says: When Wang Jun descended on Jiangdong, he was sleeping in his tent at night when a clear wind blew, and a figure appeared. Wang Jun saw a man in golden armor, nine feet tall, with a majestic presence. Wang Jun asked, “Who are you?” The armored man replied, “I am the former Wu general, Pan Feng. I have come to see you today. I have a word to say: Although Eastern Wu has declined and the will of heaven cannot be defied, the people of Jiangdong are suffering from war, which is truly pitiful. When you enter the region, do not kill the innocent.”