In Jiangxia, within Xiling City, Wen Ping had come under Liu Biao's orders to defend against Liu Bei.
The moment he entered the city, he took direct command of its defenses, turning Xiling into an impregnable fortress.
He was no ordinary man. A native of Wan City, he had been ordered to hold Northern Jing for many years.
Before this, Zhang Xiu had merely been a screen Liu Biao placed in the north; the true line of defense had been in Wen Ping's hands.
Though he had achieved little in offensive warfare, he was a master of defense.
Ever since entering the city, he had repelled Liu Bei's attacks several times, each time sending Liu Bei back empty-handed.
Seeing this, Huang She, the Governor of Jiangxia, was more than happy to relinquish authority and simply let Wen Ping command the troops under his banner.
Yet this situation did not last long. Once Pang Tong joined Liu Bei's army, Liu Bei changed his method of attack.
Rather than massing his forces for a fierce assault on Xiling as before, Liu Bei began splitting up his troops.
He sent the navy to break through westward, while dispatching another force on a rapid march toward the west.
When the news reached the city, Wen Ping ordered Su Fei to go to Xiakou and defend against Gan Ning, while also sending scouts to investigate the movements of Liu Bei's army.
Only after this investigation did they learn that Zhang Fei was advancing toward Anlu County to their west.
Ever since Huang Zu had been replaced by Huang She, he had retired to his hometown and settled in Anlu County.
The moment Huang She heard that Zhang Fei was going to attack Anlu, his face blanched. He hurriedly said to Wen Ping:
"My father and