Yangping Pass

Zhang Lu had never been one to make up his own mind. He listened to Zhang Wei and nodded his agreement.

Zhang Wei took Yang Ang, Yang Ren, and a host of Hanzhong Army officers to Yangping Pass. Zhang Lu remained behind to arrange provisions.

Yang Ren knew the terrain around Yangping Pass well. "There's a narrow passage before the pass, and the ground there is perilous. If we build a fortified camp above it, not a single Yuan Army soldier will get through."

Zhang Wei agreed wholeheartedly. "I'll defend Yangping Pass. You two go build the camp at the passage and prepare for battle."

Yang Ang and Yang Ren accepted the order and left.

Eager for revenge, Ma Chao led ten thousand troops through the night into Hanzhong, then headed straight for its capital, Nanzheng.

A scout reported that Yangping Pass was still forty li ahead.

Ma Dai urged caution. "Brother, don't rush. We've entered Zhang Lu's territory, and the soldiers have marched for a day and two nights. They're exhausted. Let's make camp and rest, then attack the pass once they've recovered."

"I know Hanzhong like the back of my hand," Ma Chao said. "Zhang Lu and his lot are no match for us. At Chang'an, Zhang Lu had a strong city and still couldn't withstand our army. How could a mere pass stop me now?"

Ma Chao ordered the vanguard to advance until it was fifteen li from Yangping Pass. Only then did they dig trenches and set up camp.

But in the middle of the night, fires suddenly broke out across the camp. Ma Chao hurriedly donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led Ma Dai and the others to meet the enemy. Yang Ang and Yang Ren had split their forces and struck the camp