Qiao Zhou appeared before Deng Ai, and when he asked to surrender, even Deng Ai was somewhat bewildered.
Deng Ai had already prepared himself to fight a siege.
He had never imagined that things would go so smoothly.
He even suspected a trap, but when he saw the emperor's seal and even Liu Shan's letter there, Deng Ai immediately believed that their surrender was genuine.
Deng Ai then led his army swiftly toward Chengdu.
This was wonderful news.
When Deng Ai arrived with his army, he saw Liu Shan in the distance, approaching him with the crown prince, the princes, and the ministers, more than sixty people in all.
They had all bound themselves. Liu Shan walked at the very front, and there was even a coffin behind him.
Even Deng Ai was bewildered by this display.
Upon reaching Deng Ai, Liu Shan hurriedly bowed in greeting.
"Unaware of your heavenly might, General, I repeatedly resorted to arms. Knowing the gravity of my crimes, I have bound my hands and come before you bearing a coffin. I hope you will pardon our crimes!"
Deng Ai had clearly dressed up for the occasion. No longer wearing his battered armor, he held a staff of authority and looked imposing. After Liu Shan bowed to him, Deng Ai personally stepped forward and untied his bonds.
Then he pointed at the coffin and said, "Burn that thing!"
Seeing Deng Ai's actions, both Liu Shan and the other ministers breathed sighs of relief. It seemed Qiao Zhou had been right: Deng Ai had no intention of humiliating them.
Only then did Deng Ai say solemnly, "The ruler of Shu has surrendered today and submitted to royal rule. This is a momentous event for the realm. I am willing to follow the precedent of Deng Yu,