Bai Xiaowen had learned of this news long ago—earlier even than the person delivering the report.
After Liu Zhang's envoy entered Hanzhong's territory, Qiao Rui welcomed him first, followed by Li Shuyi, and finally Cecilia. He was practically escorted all the way into Nanzheng City.
The reason was simple: this envoy was named Zhang Song.
Zhang Song was a famous turncoat diplomat in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, yet he had left behind a rather positive reputation. When Zhang Song died, there was even a poem mourning him.
Throughout Romance of the Three Kingdoms, among the countless turncoats, Zhang Song was the only one to receive a mourning poem and ritual tribute.
On the one hand, Zhang Song was rather arrogant by nature. He had not offered up Yizhou for fame, wealth, or power, but for a loftier reason—for the sake of a wise ruler.
On the other hand, Zhang Song possessed a photographic memory. That talent had also touched the heart of the author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms (whose name shall remain unmentioned).
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhang Song first went as an envoy to Cao Cao, intending to offer Yizhou to him. Who could have known that Cao Cao would judge him by his appearance, look down on the worthy, and slight the learned? This left Zhang Song, ugly on the outside but arrogant within, deeply wounded. Then, on his way back to Yizhou, Liu Bei intercepted him.
At that time, Liu Bei possessed only Jingzhou and was eager to seize Western Sichuan. He could hardly have been more attentive and considerate toward Zhang Song.
Just look at the reception: first, he sent Zhao Yun to welcome him; then he sent Guan Yu; finally, Liu Bei personally appeared with Zhuge Liang to entertain Zhang