Pang Tong's sudden appearance outside Liu Bei's camp was no accident; he had been planning it for a long time.
As far back as before Liu Bei seized Jiangdong, Zhuge Liang had tried to persuade him to enter service.
But Pang Tong had earned fame in his youth. How could he be willing to begin as some minor clerk in Liu Bei's army?
Thus, he had told Zhuge Liang at the time that he would not emerge from retirement until Liu Bei came to Jing Province.
In his view, the ordinary path of advancement could never bring him into Liu Bei's inner circle in the short term.
Only by making a single cry that startled the world could he give his talents full play.
Liu Bei's campaign against Liu Biao was clearly such an opportunity. So long as Liu Bei encountered difficulties, he could step forth and help him.
What Pang Tong had not expected was that Qin Tian had far more tricks up his sleeve than he had imagined.
Before Liu Bei even reached Jing Province, Qin Tian had already charged fiercely into the four commanderies of Jingnan.
If Liu Bei was held back, Qin Tian would surely find a way to break through.
That would cause his original plan of helping Liu Bei seize Jing Province to die in the womb!
So, after carefully weighing the pros and cons, he decided to throw in his lot with Liu Bei of his own accord.
His only thought was to quickly establish merit and gain a firm foothold in Liu Bei's army.
Yet what he had not expected was that Liu Bei would run into Liu Xian's debate the moment he arrived!
To Pang Tong, this was like having a pillow delivered just as sleepiness struck. That was why he