The struggle for control of Jing Province intensified as Gongsun Zan, upon learning that Yuan Shao had already consolidated his position, dispatched his younger brother, Gongsun Yue, to demand Yuan Shao honor their agreement and divide the territory. Yuan Shao, however, responded cryptically, stating he had a message for Gongsun Yue’s elder brother, Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Yue, unable to press the matter further, offered only a brief greeting before departing.
Ambush and the Death of Gongsun Yue
Before Gongsun Yue could travel fifty li, a detachment of soldiers emerged from the roadside. A voice declared, “I am the vanguard of Dongtan!” Arrows rained down, and Gongsun Yue was killed. A single follower who managed to escape rushed to Gongsun Zan with the devastating news.
Enraged by his brother’s death, Gongsun Zan accused Yuan Shao of treachery. “That scoundrel Yuan Shao lured me into a trap, claiming he would cede Jing Province, only to seize it for himself. Now, disguised as Dongtan’s soldiers, he has murdered my brother! I must have revenge, even if it costs me my life.” Immediately, Gongsun Zan led his elite troops towards Jing Province.
The Confrontation at Pan River
Yuan Shao, receiving intelligence of Gongsun Zan’s advance, also mobilized his forces. The two armies met at Pan River, positioning themselves on opposite banks. Gongsun Zan, riding to the bridge, hurled insults across the water, calling Yuan Shao a “wicked man with no shred of decency” and questioning his audacity in betraying him.
Yuan Shao, equally incensed, rode to the bridge’s edge and pointed at Gongsun Zan, retorting, “Han Fu entrusted Jing Province to me because of his incompetence. What right do you have to interfere?”
Gongsun Zan retorted, “In the past, I thought you were a loyal subject and treated you with respect. But seeing your actions now, you truly embody the saying ‘a heart like a dung beetle, actions like excrement!’ How dare you show your face in public with such character?”
The Duel and the Emergence of Zhao Yun
Yuan Shao, his fury reaching its peak, roared, “Who will capture that man for me immediately?” Without hesitation, General Wen Chou rode forward, brandishing his spear and charging across the bridge.
Gongsun Zan met Wen Chou at the bridge, and they engaged in a fierce sword fight. After more than ten exchanges, Gongsun Zan, finding himself outmatched, was forced to retreat. Wen Chou pursued him relentlessly.
As Gongsun Zan fled into the midst of his own soldiers, Wen Chou, swift as an arrow, followed, cutting down soldiers indiscriminately. Four of Gongsun Zan’s generals converged on Wen Chou. One was struck down by Wen Chou’s spear, and the remaining three, overcome by fear, fled. Wen Chou then turned his attention back to Gongsun Zan, pursuing him closely.
Gongsun Zan, his quiver empty, fled on his horse, desperately trying to reach the safety of the mountains. Wen Chou rode up close and shouted, “Get off your horse and surrender!” Gongsun Zan, disoriented, dropped his bow. His horse stumbled into a hidden pit, throwing him down the embankment. As Wen Chou prepared to strike with his spear, a young general suddenly appeared from the left side of the embankment, intercepting Wen Chou.
A Hero’s Intervention
This young general, described as being eight feet tall with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a formidable jawline, engaged Wen Chou in a prolonged battle of fifty to sixty rounds. The intense duel created an opportunity for Gongsun Zan to escape. When Gongsun Zan’s other officers arrived, Wen Chou, sensing the shift in momentum, retreated.
Gongsun Zan, having regained his composure, climbed down the embankment and asked the young general his name and origin. The young man bowed respectfully and replied, “I am Zhao Yun, courtesy name Zilong, from Changshan, Zhen Ding. My surname is Zhao. I was formerly under Gongsun Zan, but learning of his lack of loyalty to the Emperor and his disregard for the welfare of the people, I became greatly disillusioned. I left him and was on my way to join General Liu Bei when I unexpectedly encountered you here.”
Overjoyed, Gongsun Zan escorted Zhao Yun back to Yingchuan, where he reorganized his troops and prepared for further conflict.
