Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong returned in triumph from their western campaign, Zhuge Liang returned from his southern campaign, and Guan Yu's and Lan Tian's families entered the capital. During this period, the Han Army slowed its outward advance. Besides consolidating the territories it had recovered, it also hurried to wipe out the remaining enemy forces around Luoyang.
At the end of March, several Han armies led by Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao crossed the Yellow River and besieged the remaining State of Wei troops in Henei Commandery.
At the time, Zhu Ling was stationed at Huai County, the commandery seat. Zhang He, having retreated from Luoyang, did not dare return directly to Ye City, so he stationed himself at Wude east of Huai County, figuring that if the situation turned bad, he could conveniently withdraw.
Grand Marshal and General-in-Chief Guan Yu had originally intended to deal with Zhang He personally. But before the battle, Zhang Fei volunteered, claiming experience in dealing with Zhang He, so Wude was left to Zhang Fei and Ma Chao to capture.
The Jing Province army group crossed the river at Wushe Ford. Pang De led troops to take Wen County, Heyang, Bo County, and other cities; Guan Ping led troops to take Pinggao, Zhou County, and Yewang; Lan Ji took the outer cities of Yong City and Shanyang. Guan Yu personally led his main force to besiege Zhu Ling at Huai County, while Zhang Fei and Ma Chao crossed the river at Hucheng Pavilion to attack Wude.
Zhang Fei crossed the river without trouble and reached the north bank of the Yellow River. He split his forces in half, having Ma Chao besiege Wude while blockading the Qin River south of Wude to prevent Zhang He from fleeing by water toward the