Pan Zhang - Wars Against Liu Bei

Wars Against Liu Bei

In 219, Pan Zhang participated in a campaign led by Sun Quan's general Lü Meng to seize control of Jing Province from Guan Yu, a general under Liu Bei. Pan Zhang and Zhu Ran blocked Guan Yu's retreat routes and stationed at Jiashi (夾石) when they reached Linju (臨沮). Guan Yu, along with his son Guan Ping and subordinate Zhao Lei, were captured alive in an ambush laid by Ma Zhong, a Major (司馬) under Pan Zhang. In recognition of Pan Zhang's contributions, Sun Quan split Yidu (宜都) and Zigui (秭歸) counties to form Guling commandery (固陵郡) and appointed Pan as the Administrator (太守) of the commandery, in addition to promoting Pan to "General of Inspiring Might" (振威將軍) and awarding him the title of "Marquis of Liyang" (溧陽侯). When Gan Ning died, Sun Quan placed Gan's subordinates under Pan Zhang's command.

In late 221, Liu Bei launched a campaign against Sun Quan to retake Jing Province, leading to the Battle of Xiaoting of 221-222. Pan Zhang participated in the battle under the leadership of Lu Xun, the commander-in-chief of Sun Quan's forces. After enduring some initial defeats and months of stalemate, Lu Xun eventually ordered a large-scale counterattack with the use of fire, inflicting a crushing defeat on Liu Bei's forces. During the attack, Pan Zhang's subordinates killed Feng Xi, a Protector of the Army (護軍) under Liu Bei, as well as several enemy soldiers. For his achievements, Pan Zhang was further promoted to "General Who Pacifies the North" (平北將軍) and appointed as Administrator of Xiangyang.