or of Langzhong。
When Zhang Fei heard the tidings of Guan Yu's death at the hands of Sun Quan； he wept very bitterly day and night； so that his raiment was soaked with his tears。 His subordinates tried to cheer him with wine； but he over…drank； and this increased his ill…humor； which he vented on any offender in his camp。 Some of his people even died under the lash。 Every day he gazed southward； grinding his teeth with rage and glaring。 He wept and groaned without ceasing。
Then a messenger was announced。 He was summoned immediately； and Zhang Fei at once tore open and read his dispatches。 When Zhang Fei read the edict； he accepted his new rank in all humility； bowing northward toward the imperial mandate。 Then he gave a banquet to the messenger。
He said； 〃My enmity for the death of my brother is deep as the sea。 Why do not the officers at the court propose an avenging expedition？〃
The messenger replied； 〃Most of them favor first the destruction of Wei。 Wu is to follow。〃
〃What sort of talk is this？〃 cried Zhang Fei angrily。 〃When we three swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden； we pledged ourselves to die together。 Now； alas！ my brother has perished by the way； and can we enjoy wealth or honors without him？ I must see the Son of Heaven and pray to be allowed to lead the van。 I will wear mourning； and in that garb I will smite Wu and capture the bandit that rules there。 Sun Quan shall be sacrificed to my brother's manes in virtue of our oath。〃
Zhang Fei acpanied the messenger to Capital Chengdu。 In the meantime the First Ruler had been training his armies。 Day after day he went to the drill ground； and he decided upon a day to start； and he would acpany the expedition。 Thereupon a number of courtiers went to the palace of the Prime