Liu Bei Enters Yizhou: The Historical Account of Liu Zhang Inviting Liu Bei into Shu to Fight Zhang Lu

Brief Introduction

In the 16th Year of Jian'an (211 AD), during the late Eastern Han Dynasty when warlords divided the land, Liu Zhang, the Inspector of Yizhou, faced military expansion pressure from Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. To ensure self-preservation, Liu Zhang adopted the advice of his subordinates, Zhang Song and Fa Zheng, and invited Liu Bei to lead troops into Shu to assist in defense. This event is historically known as "Liu Bei Enters Yizhou." It was not only a turning point in Liu Bei's career but also became the cornerstone for the establishment of the Shu Han Regime.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Strategic Background: Zhang Lu controlled Hanzhong and repeatedly raided northern Yizhou. Liu Zhang's forces were thin and unable to withstand the attacks, urgently needing external aid.
2. Opportunity for Entering Shu: Zhang Song and Fa Zheng believed Liu Bei had a reputation for heroism and was of the same clan as Liu Zhang, so his military strength could be borrowed to resist the enemy. Liu Bei had long coveted Yizhou and readily agreed, leading an army of 20,000 into Shu.
3. Evolution of the Situation: After entering Shu, Liu Bei stationed his troops at Jiameng Pass but did not fully commit to fighting Zhang Lu. Instead, he gathered popular support and accumulated strength. Liu Zhang suspected Liu Bei of having ulterior motives, relations deteriorated, and war eventually broke out, resulting in Liu Bei seizing Yizhou.
4. Key Figures: Besides Liu and Zhang, strategists such as Pang Tong and Fa Zheng played crucial roles in planning the entry into Shu and the subsequent seizure of the region.

Connection with "Zizhi Tongjian" Content

Sima Guang recorded this event in detail in "Zizhi Tongjian · Han Ji 50." The book not only restores the dialogue details between Liu Zhang and Liu Bei but also profoundly analyzes the reasons for Liu Zhang's failure.
* Historical Records: "Zizhi Tongjian" details how Liu Zhang轻信 (lightly trusted) Zhang Song's words, and how Liu Bei used the pretext of "fighting Zhang Lu" to carry out the reality of "taking Yizhou."
* Sima Guang's Commentary: Sima Guang provided commentary in the form of "Chen Guang Yue" (When Minister Guang Speaks). He considered Liu Zhang "dim and weak," lacking decisiveness, trusting outsiders while ignoring potential threats. He pointed out that Liu Zhang lost his territory because he could not recognize talent and employ them well, and was too benevolent while lacking authority. In contrast, Liu Bei demonstrated high political wisdom, utilizing Liu Zhang's trust to infiltrate step by step. This chapter is a classic case study in "Zizhi Tongjian" analyzing character and historical fate, revealing the game of power and strategy in chaotic times.

Historical Significance

This event marked Liu Bei's transformation from a wandering warlord to a feudal lord with a base. The seizure of Yizhou gave Liu Bei the capital to rival Cao Cao and Sun Quan, directly promoting the formation of the Tripartite Confrontation (Three Kingdoms) pattern. For future generations, this is also an important model for studying ancient political gaming and strategic decision-making.

Keywords: #LiuBei #LiuZhang #Yizhou #ZizhiTongjian #ThreeKingdomsHistory #ZhangLu #FaZheng