Three Kingdoms Geography Popularization: Strategic Key Location on Liu Bei's Journey into Sichuan — Mianzhu

Brief Introduction

Mianzhu, formerly known as Mianzhu County, is located in present-day Mianzhu City, Deyang, Sichuan Province. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Three Kingdoms history, Mianzhu was not only an important gateway to Yizhou (the Shu region) but also a critical strategic node during Liu Bei's campaign into Western Sichuan and his seizure of Yizhou. This city witnessed the end of Liu Yan's regime and recorded a significant step in the entry of Liu Bei's forces into Shu.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Geographic Location and Strategic Value
Mianzhu is situated in the northern part of the Chengdu Plain and serves as the mandatory route to Chengdu. During the Three Kingdoms period, whoever controlled Mianzhu held the initiative to attack Chengdu. For Liu Bei, capturing Mianzhu meant tearing open a gap in Liu Zhang's defense line.

2. Differences between History and the Novel
* Historical Facts: In 194 AD, Liu Yan (Liu Zhang's father), the Governor of Yizhou, was defeated and killed by Zhang Ren, a general under Zhang Lu, at Mianzhu. This is the earliest notable event associated with Mianzhu.
* Liu Bei's Entry into Sichuan: In 214 AD, Liu Bei officially broke with Liu Zhang and marched into Yizhou. At this time, Mianzhu, serving as one of Liu Zhang's defense lines, was conquered by Liu Bei's army.

3. Key Figures
In Liu Bei's campaign, Zhang Fei was the primary general responsible for conquering Mianzhu. His victory at this location laid the foundation for the subsequent siege of Chengdu.

Connection with "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

In Chapter 62 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, titled "Taking Fuguan, Yang and Gao Decapitated; Attacking Luocheng, Huang and Han Compete for Merit," and related chapters, the process of Liu Bei's war in Sichuan is described in detail.

* Plot Background: Liu Bei was invited into Sichuan by Liu Zhang, but later, due to Liu Zhang's suspicion, the two turned against each other. Liu Bei led his army south, capturing cities and territories along the way.
* Battle of Mianzhu: The novel describes Zhang Fei being ordered to attack Mianzhu. Facing resistance from Liu Zhang's garrison, Zhang Fei displayed unparalleled bravery, decisively defeated the enemy, and successfully occupied Mianzhu. This battle not only showcased Zhang Fei's martial prowess but also marked the formal deepening of Liu Bei's forces into the heartland of Yizhou.
* Literary Significance: Through the Battle of Mianzhu, the author Luo Guanzhong highlighted Liu Bei's determination for military expansion beneath his "benevolent and righteous" exterior, while also衬托 (highlighting) Zhang Fei's image as a brave vanguard general.

Conclusion

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Mianzhu is not merely a place name; it is an important milestone in Liu Bei's establishment of the Shu Han regime. From Liu Yan's downfall to Liu Bei's conquest, Mianzhu witnessed the change of regimes in Yizhou. For readers, understanding the strategic status of Mianzhu helps to better grasp the complexity and difficulty of Liu Bei's war of entry into Sichuan.

Keywords: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei, Mianzhu, Zhang Fei, Yizhou, Three Kingdoms Geography