The Battle of Yiling and Its Aftermath

This flow traces Xuande’s revenge campaign, Lu Xun’s patient counterattack, and the strategic consequences of Shu’s defeat.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Campaign of Revenge

Xuande Rejects Caution The Oath Invoked Xuande declares that he must avenge Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, despite Zhao Zilong’s argument that Wei is the greater public threat. A Vast Mobilization The Shu ruler prepares a major invasion of Wu. His commitment to personal loyalty becomes a national campaign with consequences beyond the original grievance.

Lu Xun Holds Back

Patience Against Provocation Refusal to Engage Lu Xun withstands insults and demands for action from Wu commanders. He recognizes that Shu’s long lines and summer heat will weaken the invaders. The Enemy Exhausts Itself Xuande moves his troops into wooded positions, but the camps remain widely spread. Lu Xun waits for the moment when fire and speed can turn the formation against its builders.

The Fire Attack

A Network of Camps Burns A Coordinated Assault Lu Xun attacks Shu camps along the front, using fire to spread panic and prevent an organized response. A Shattered Army Xuande is driven toward Baidi with very few men. The defeat destroys the expedition’s momentum and confirms the danger of overextension.

The Eight Maze Puzzle

A Pursuer Turned Back An Apparent Barrier Lu Xun encounters ordered piles of stones near the river and believes they conceal an ambush. A Tactical and Moral Restraint Kong Ming’s father-in-law guides Lu Xun out of the formation. The episode halts pursuit and gives Lu Xun reason to avoid pressing further into hostile territory.

Xuande’s Death at Baidi

Defeat Becomes a Personal End The King Weakens Xuande remains at Baidi after the campaign, unable to overcome grief at the deaths of his brothers and the failure of the invasion. A Succession Entrusted He dies after naming Kong Ming guardian of Liu Shan. Yiling’s defeat thus changes the kingdom’s strategy and leaves its future in the hands of a regent.

After Guan Yu’s execution

During the first months of the campaign

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During Lu Xun’s pursuit toward Baidi

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