Military Novice Xiahou Mao

In early February of the third year of Wei's Huangchu era and the third year of Han's Yankang era, Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou Mao led his troops out of Chang'an.

Thirty thousand infantry and cavalry marched west along the mighty Wei River. All the army's supplies were transported by water, so Xiahou Mao advanced swiftly, reaching Shanggui, east of Ji County, in just over ten days.

Shanggui's gates were tightly shut, and the banners atop its walls stirred lazily in the wind. Only when Xiahou Mao rode up to the gate did the ancient wooden doors slowly open. The defending commander, Liang Qian, stood fully armored and led a contingent of infantry and cavalry out to welcome him.

Though Xiahou Mao was not Liang Province's commanding general, he had come by imperial order to reinforce the fighting in Tianshui. Moreover, he was a close retainer of Cao Pi, and by rights should have received the courtesy of Liang Province's officials. Yet Liang Qian of Shanggui had been so "disrespectful."

Noticing Xiahou Mao's displeased expression, the accompanying chief clerk Han Shao sneered and mocked Liang Qian. "General Liang certainly carries impressive official airs. The Imperial Son-in-Law has come all the way from Chang'an to save you, yet Shanggui's soldiers and citizens did not come out early to greet him. Could it be that Liang Province's officials recognize only General Zidan, Cao Zhen?"

Liang Qian first dismounted, then dropped to one knee and raised his clasped fists above his head. He explained loudly, "Please forgive me, Imperial Son-in-Law. Shanggui has been tricked by Zhang Fei too many times. Before confirming your identities, this subordinate did not dare open the gates and come out to receive you."

"I hear Zhang Fei is nothing but a reckless brute. Does that black-faced fellow know how to