Young Phoenix Pang Tong (The Three Kingdoms)

 

Young Phoenix Pang Tong had lent his assistance during the battle at the Red Cliff when he tricked Cao Cao into chaining his boats together with metal chains and facilitated the success of the fire attack.

Pang Tong offered his service to Liu Bei when he was turned down by Sun Quan. Unfortunately, he was merely offered the post of Leiyang magistrate as he was perceived as 'unattractive.' In retaliation, Pang Tong spent his days drinking and sleeping upon arriving in Leiyang.

One day, Zhang Fei dropped by for an inspection and reprimanded Pang Tong for drinking and neglecting his official duties. Pang Tong pointed out that given the fact his role was too insignificant given that he was able to easily defeat Cao Cao and Sun Quan in the past. He proved his point by settling all the arrears of the 100 days (since he had arrived) by midday.

Upon learning this, Liu Bei finally realised that Pang Tong had talent and appointed him Vice Commanding Advisor, much to Pang Tong's delight.

When the governor of Yizhou, Liu Zhang, sought Liu Bei's help to stop the invasion of Zhang Lu, Liu Bei and Pang Tong led 50,000 troops to the West Riverland. It was then that Cao Cao launched his attack on Dongwu too.

Liu Bei asked for the return of Jingzhou so he could join forces with Sun Quan to consolidate his defense against Cao Cao. He had also asked to borrow 40,000 well-trained soldiers and 10,000 hu of grain.

However, Liu Zhang only lent him 4,000 old and ill troops, and 10,000 hu of grain. Enraged, Liu Bei severed his ties with Liu Zhang. With the help of Pang Tong, he led his army to take possession of Fucheng, a city of military importance. He then continued his attack towards Luocheng, the entrance of the road to Chengdu.

It was around this time that Zhuge Liang sent a messenger to Liu Bei, warning him that Venus was approaching Luocheng, and suggested they put their attack on hold for the time being.

Pang Tong, however, chose to ignore the warning. Before departure, Pang Tong was thrown off his horse. Liu Bei quickly offered his horse to Pang Tong.

Pang Tong led his troops towards the mountain roads on the West, where he and his troops were attacked at Fallen Phoenix Slope. Pang Tong was killed in battle.

Liu Bei quickly retreated to his camp at Fucheng and sent his men to invite Zhuge Liang to join him at the West Riverland. Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun arrived at West Riverland to assist Liu Bei while Guan Yu stayed back to defend Jingzhou.

Liu Bei eventually took control of West Riverland, and became Princee of Zhanzhong. That formed a tripartite confrontation with Cao Cao and Sun Quan in control of other parts of the land.

- Compiled from The Three Kingdoms