he portent meant。 He sent at once to ask Zhuge Liang to tell him。
Zhuge Liang sent back the reply： 〃This means the loss of a great leader； and there will be bad news in a few days。〃
So the army was halted and did not march。 Then the arrival of a message from Hu Ban of Langzhong was announced。
The First Ruler's foreboding increased； and he stamped his foot； saying； 〃Alas！ My other brother is gone！〃
Opening the letter he found it was indeed so。 As he read the news of the assassination； he uttered a loud cry and fell in a swoon。 He was raised； and presently they brought him back to life。
Next day they reported a body of horsemen ing。 The First Ruler went out of the camp to look at them and presently saw a young general； dressed all in white armor； sweeping forth in quite a terror。 The First Ruler recognized that was Zhang Bao。
As soon as Zhang Bao reached the First Ruler's presence； he dismounted and bowed to the earth； weeping； 〃My father has been killed by Fan Jiang and Zhang Da。 They have gone over to Wu； taking my father's head with them！〃
The news was very grievous； and the First Ruler burst into tears and even refused food。
His officers remonstrated； saying； 〃Now Your Majesty has the loss of two brothers to avenge； and you must not destroy yourself。〃
So after a time he began to eat and drink； and he then offered the leadership of the van to Zhang Bao； saying； 〃Are you and Hu Ban willing to lead your troops to attack Wu and to avenge your father？〃
〃For my country or for my father； I would shrink from no sacrifice；〃 said the young man。
Just as the force for the young man's leadership was being organized； another party of horsemen approached； also dressed in white armors。 This was a small force