Zhang Fei Defends Steepslope Bridge (after the battle of Changban)

Zhang Fei Defends Steepslope Bridge (after the battle of Changban)

In the highly acclaimed TV series “The Three Kingdoms” directed by Gao Xixi (2010-2012) one of the most memorable characters is Zhang Fei, third sworn brother to Lui Bei . Zhang Fei both in the novel and in this series was depicted as being an exceedingly loyal and formidable warrior. He was also bit uncouth, short-tempered and loved to drink. These vices often landed him in trouble. His weapon was a "1.8 zhang long steel spear, also called a "1.8 Zhang long serpent spear" because its head was shaped like a serpent.

The two segments I’ve selected here depicts a precarious time for Lui Bei. His arch nemesis Cao Cao with his superior force has already launched a campaign bent on wiping out the opposing forces in southern China. Cao Cao, with his armies now in Jing Province after the surrender of Lui Cong ( Lui Bei’s nephew), focuses his full attention on Lui Bei. Lui Bei, after the evacuation of Xinye County, is pursued by 5,000 of Cao Cao’s riders who catch up with him at Changban, Dangyan. Lui Bei, abandoning his family, flees with only Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and a small contingent of soldiers. Still in dire straits, Zhang Fei (with 20 horsemen) is charged with defending Steepslope Bridge and covering Lui Bei’s retreat.

The first segment depicts Zhang Fei’s courage and ferocity that freezes Cao Cao’s army in its tracks. At the same time it reveals Zhang Fei’s strategy that tricks Cao Cao into a retreat. 

The second segment depicts the flaw in Zhang Fei’s strategy which sabotages his earlier, effective defence, placing the retreat of Lui Bei in dire jeopardy. 

Fin