Hearing news that Sun Quan plans to attack Jingzhou, Liu Bei requested reinforcements and supplies from Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang however despatched some aged soldiers and a fraction of the supplies. Liu Bei got infuriated with how he was treated by Liu Zhang for risking his men's lives and his countering Zhang Lu and sought Pang Tong's advice. In the end he chose the 2nd choice which is somewhat moderate. He feels the 1st might be too risky and aggressive while the 3rd is too unbearable to withdraw for nothing.
| Pang Tong’s Proposed Choices | Liu Bei's Decision | |
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1st: Ready elite troops with ample supplies and launch a speedy attack to capture Chengdu in a single battle and thus Xichuan. |  |
| 2nd: Fushui Pass is a strategic location between Chengdu and Jingzhou. Sent a letter to Yang Huai and Gao Pei informing them of his return to Jingzhou. Both of them will come out of the pass to send Liu Bei off. Kill Yang Huai and Gao Pei, seize control of Fushui Pass. From the Pass, lead an army to capture Chengdu.[Liu Bei's Choice] | ||
| 3rd: Beat a hasty retreat to Jingzhou and wait for another opportunity. | ||