1
龐統字士元，襄陽人也。 少時樸鈍，未有識者。 潁川司馬徽清雅有知人鑒，統弱冠往見徽，徽採桑於樹上，坐統在樹下，共語自晝至夜。 徽甚異之，稱統當南州士之冠冕，由是漸顯。 〈《襄陽記》曰：諸葛孔明為臥龍，龐士元為鳳雛，司馬德操為水鏡，皆龐德公語也。 德公，襄陽人。 孔明每至其家，獨拜床下，德公初不令止。 德操嘗造德公，值其渡沔，上祀先人墓，德操徑入其室，呼德公妻子，使速作黍，「徐元直向雲有客當來就我與龐公譚。」 其妻子皆羅列拜於堂下，奔走供設。 須臾，德公還，直入相就，不知何者是客也。 德操年小德公十歲，兄事之，呼作龐公，故世人遂謂龐公是德公名，非也。 德公子山民，亦有令名，娶諸葛孔明小姊，為魏黃門吏部郎，早卒。 子渙，字世文，晉太康中為牂牁太守。 統，德公從子也，少未有識者，惟德公重之，年十八，使往見德操。 德操與語，既而嘆曰：「德公誠知人，此實盛德也。」〉 後郡命為功曹。 性好人倫，勤於長養。 每所稱述，多過其才，時人怪而問之，統答曰：「當今天下大亂，雅道陵遲，善人少而惡人多。 方欲興風俗，長道業，不美其譚即聲名不足慕企，不足慕企而為善者少矣。 今拔十失五，猶得其半，而可以崇邁世教，使有志者自勵，不亦可乎？」 吳將周瑜助先主取荊州，因領南郡太守。 瑜卒，統送喪至吳，吳人多聞其名。 及當西還，並會昌門，陸勣、顧劭、全琮皆往。 統曰：「陸子可謂駑馬有逸足之力，顧子可謂駑牛能負重致遠也。」 〈張勃吳錄曰：或問統曰：「如所目，陸子為勝乎？」 統曰：「駑馬雖精，所致一人耳。 駑牛一日行三百里，所致豈一人之重哉！」 劭就統宿，語，因問：「卿名知人，吾與卿孰愈？」 統曰：「陶冶世俗，甄綜人物，吾不及卿； 論帝王之秘策，攬倚伏之要最，吾似有一日之長。」 劭安其言而親之。〉 謂全琮曰：「卿好施慕名，有似汝南樊子昭。 〈蔣濟《萬機論》雲許子將褒貶不平，以拔樊子昭而抑許文休。 劉曄曰：「子昭拔自賈豎，年至耳順，退能守靜，進能不苟。」 濟答曰：「子昭誠自長幼完潔，然觀其臿齒牙，樹頰胲，吐脣吻，自非文休敵也。」 胲音改。〉 雖智力不多，亦一時之佳也。」 績、劭謂統曰：「使天下太平，當與卿共料四海之士。」 深與統相結而還。
Pang Tong, whose courtesy name was Shiyuan, came from Xiangyang. As a boy he seemed dull and unremarkable, and no one yet appreciated him. Sima Hui of Yingchuan was elegant and had a gift for sizing people up. When Tong came of age he paid him a visit: Hui was in a mulberry tree gathering leaves, had Tong sit below, and they conversed from dawn into the night. Hui found him remarkable and said Tong would stand first among the gentlemen of the south; thereafter Tong’s name slowly spread. 〈The Xiangyang Ji records that people called Zhuge Liang the Sleeping Dragon, Pang Tong the Fledgling Phoenix, and Sima Hui the Clear Mirror of Water—epithets attributed to Pang Degong. Pang Degong was a native of Xiangyang. Whenever Zhuge Liang visited, he alone bowed low at the bedside; Degong did not at first tell him to rise. Once Sima Hui called on Degong while Degong was away—he had crossed the Han to tend his ancestors’ graves uphill. Hui walked straight in, told Degong’s wife and children to cook millet quickly, and said, “Xu Shu mentioned that a guest would come visit me and Master Pang.” The women lined up to bow in the hall below and bustled about laying out the meal. Soon Degong came home, walked straight in, and sat down with everyone—no one could tell who was the guest. Hui was ten years Degong’s junior yet honored him like an elder and called him “Lord Pang,” so folk mistook “Lord Pang” for Degong’s personal name—incorrectly. Degong’s son Shanmin likewise enjoyed a good name; he married Zhuge Liang’s elder sister and served Wei as a Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gates and Director of the Bureau of Appointments, but died young. His son Huan, courtesy name Shiwen, served as Administrator of Zangke during the Jin dynasty’s Taikang period. Tong was Degong’s nephew. As a youth none praised him except Degong; at eighteen Degong sent him to meet Sima Hui. After talking with him, Hui sighed, “Degong truly knows men—this is real moral discernment.”〉 The commandery later appointed him Clerk of Merit. He delighted in appraising character and worked hard to mentor and lift others up. When he praised people he often overstated their abilities; contemporaries asked why. Tong answered, “The empire is torn apart and civility is in ruins—the virtuous are scarce and the vicious plentiful. I mean to revive decent habits and grow the moral vocation: unless people sound worthy in conversation, their reputations will not invite emulation—and without emulation few will choose the good. If I recommend ten and only five measure up, I still secure half the field and can thereby lift public teaching and stir the ambitious—is that not worthwhile?” The Wu commander Zhou Yu helped Liu Bei secure Jingzhou and on that basis also served as Administrator of Nan Commandery. When Zhou Yu died, Tong accompanied the bier east to Wu, where many had already heard of him. As he prepared to go west again, a gathering formed at Chang Gate: Lu Ji, Gu Shao, and Quan Cong all attended. Tong remarked, “Lu Ji is like a nag that still has a burst of speed; Gu Shao is like a draft ox that can haul a heavy load a long way.” 〈Zhang Bo’s Record of Wu relates that someone asked Tong, “If that is so, does Lu Ji come out ahead? Tong replied, “A nag may be spirited, yet what it carries is one rider. An ox plods three hundred li a day—what it hauls is far more than one man’s burden!” Gu Shao lodged with Tong that night and in conversation asked, “You are celebrated as a judge of men—which of us ranks higher? Tong said, “In shaping popular esteem and cataloguing talent, I am not your match; in weighing the hidden policies of emperors and the turning points of fortune and ruin, I believe I have the edge.” Shao accepted this and grew intimate with him.〉 To Quan Cong he said, “You are generous and crave a good name—you remind me of Fan Zizhao of Runan. 〈Jiang Ji’s Treatise on Myriad Affairs notes that Xu Shao’s praises and censures were skewed—he boosted Fan Zizhao and played down Xu Shao the younger. Liu Ye objected, “Zizhao rose from a merchant family; at sixty he could still withdraw in calm or advance without bending principle. Ji answered, “Zizhao is modest and steady from youth to age, but look at those buck teeth, those jowls, that mouth—in looks he cannot rival Xu Wenxiu.” The editorial note reads the syllable as gai.〉 His wit may be limited, yet he is still a notable man of the hour.” Lu Ji and Gu Shao told Tong, “Should the realm ever know peace, we would rank the talent of the four quarters at your side.” They grew close to Tong and then took their leave.
2
先主領荊州，統以從事守耒陽令，在縣不治，免官。 吳將魯肅遺先主書曰：「龐士元非百里才也，使處治中、別駕之任，始當展其驥足耳。」 諸葛亮亦言之於先主，先主見與善譚，大器之，以為治中從事。 〈江表傳曰：先主與統從容宴語，問曰：「卿為周公瑾功曹，孤到吳，聞此人密有白事，勸仲謀相留，有之乎？ 在君為君，卿其無隱。」 統對曰：「有之。」 備嘆息曰：「孤時危急，當有所求，故不得不往，殆不免周瑜之手！ 天下智謀之士，所見略同耳。 時孔明諫孤莫行，其意獨篤，亦慮此也。 孤以仲謀所防在北，當賴孤為援，故決意不疑。 此誠出於險塗，非萬全之計也。」〉 親待亞於諸葛亮，遂與亮併為軍師中郎將。 〈《九州春秋》曰：統說備曰：「荊州荒殘，人物殫盡，東有吳孫，北有曹氏，鼎足之計，難以得志。 今益州國富民強，戶口百萬，四部兵馬，所出必具，寶貨無求於外，今可權藉以定大事。」 備曰：「今指與吾為水火者，曹操也，操以急，吾以寬； 操以暴，吾以仁； 操以譎，吾以忠； 每與操反，事乃可成耳。 今以小故而失信義於天下者，吾所不取也。」 統曰：「權變之時，固非一道所能定也。 兼弱攻昧，五伯之事。 逆取順守，報之以義，事定之後，封以大國，何負於信？ 今日不取，終為人利耳。」 備遂行。〉 亮留鎮荊州。 統隨從入蜀。
While Liu Bei held Jingzhou, Tong served as Attendant and acting magistrate of Leiyang; his administration there was slack and he was removed from office. Lu Su of Wu wrote Liu Bei, “Pang Tong is no petty county talent—give him an Administrator’s Assistant or Chief Clerk post and his stallion’s stride will finally show.” Zhuge Liang spoke for him as well. Liu Bei received Tong, conversed at length, thought highly of him, and named him Assistant Clerk to the Administrator. 〈The Jiang Biao Zhuan states that Liu Bei banqueted with Tong and asked, “You were Zhou Yu’s Clerk of Merit. When I visited Wu I heard he secretly memorialized Sun Quan to keep me there—was that true? A subject owes his liege plain speech—do not conceal anything.” Tong answered, “It happened.” Liu Bei sighed, “I was cornered and had to seek aid—I had to go and barely escaped Zhou Yu’s grasp! Every keen mind in the land read the danger much the same way. Zhuge Liang alone urged me not to travel—his concern ran deepest because he foresaw exactly this. Liu Bei continued, “I reckoned Sun Quan’s worry lay north and that he would need me as an ally, so I went without hesitation. That was a gamble on a razor’s edge, no failsafe plan.”〉" He honored Tong next after Zhuge Liang and made Tong and Liang joint Military Advisers of the Household. 〈The Annals of the Nine Provinces records Tong urging Liu Bei: “Jingzhou is ruined and depopulated; Sun Quan bars you east and Cao Cao presses north—the three-way balance will be hard to achieve. Yizhou is wealthy and strong—over a million households, four hosts ready for any campaign, goods produced at home. Seize it now as a temporary base and you can anchor the great enterprise.” Liu Bei replied, “My nemesis is Cao Cao: he drives men hard; I treat them gently; he is cruel; I am humane; he is treacherous; I am sincere; I set myself against him in every way—that is how success is won. To throw away good faith before the empire for a petty gain—I will not do it.” Tong answered, “Fluid times are not mastered by a single rigid rule. Annexing the feeble and striking the blind—that was the Five Hegemons’ business. Take by surprise but govern afterward with virtue; reward justice with a generous fief—after victory, where is the broken pledge? Hesitate today and someone else will profit tomorrow.” Liu Bei followed his advice.〉 Zhuge Liang stayed behind to guard Jingzhou. Tong marched with him into Shu.
3
益州牧劉璋與先主會涪，統進策曰：「今因此會，便可執之，則將軍無用兵之勞而坐定一州也。」 先主曰：「初入他國，恩信未著，此不可也。」 璋既還成都，先主當為璋北征漢中，統復說曰：「陰選精兵，晝夜兼道，徑襲成都； 璋既不武，又素無預備，大軍卒至，一舉便定，此上計也。 楊懷、高沛，璋之名將，各仗強兵，據守關頭，聞數有箋諫璋，使發遣將軍還荊州。 將軍未至，遣與相聞，說荊州有急，欲還救之，並使裝束，外作歸形； 此二子既服將軍英名，又喜將軍之去，計必乘輕騎來見，將軍因此執之，進取其兵，乃向成都，此中計也。 退還白帝，連引荊州，徐還圖之，此下計也。 若沈吟不去，將致大困，不可久矣。」 先主然其中計，即斬懷、沛，還向成都，所過輒克。 於涪大會，置酒作樂，謂統曰：「今日之會，可謂樂矣。」 統曰：「伐人之國而以為歡，非仁者之兵也。」 先主醉，怒曰：「武王伐紂，前歌后舞，非仁者邪？ 卿言不當，宜速起出！」 於是統逡巡引退。 先主尋悔，請還。 統復故位，初不顧謝，飲食自若。 先主謂曰：「向者之論，阿誰為失？」 統對曰：「君臣俱失。」 先主大笑，宴樂如初。 〈習鑿齒曰：夫霸王者，必體仁義以為本，仗信順以為宗，一物不具，則其道乖矣。 今劉備襲奪璋土，權以濟業，負信違情，德義俱愆，雖功由是隆，宜大傷其敗，譬斷手全軀，何樂之有？ 龐統懼斯言之泄宣，知其君之必悟，故眾中匡其失，而不脩常謙之道，矯然太當，盡其蹇諤之風。 夫上失而能正，是有臣也，納勝而無執，是從理也； 有臣則陛隆堂高，從理則群策畢舉； 一言而三善兼明，暫諫而義彰百代，可謂達乎大體矣。 若惜其小失而廢其大益，矜此過言，自絕遠讜，能成業濟務者，未之有也。 臣松之以為謀襲劉璋，計雖出於統，然違義成功，本由詭道，心既內疚，則歡情自戢，故聞備稱樂之言，不覺率爾而對也。 備宴酣失時，事同樂禍，自比武王，曾無愧色，此備有非而統無失，其雲「君臣俱失」，蓋分謗之言耳。 習氏所論，雖大旨無乖，然推演之辭，近為流宕也。〉
Yizhou Governor Liu Zhang feasted Liu Bei at Fu. Tong proposed: “Use this meeting to seize him—then you gain the province without a campaign.” Liu Bei refused: “I have only just entered his territory; my grace and credibility are not yet rooted—I cannot do this.” After Liu Zhang went back to Chengdu, Liu Bei was to lead a northern expedition on Zhang’s behalf toward Hanzhong. Tong urged again: “Pick elite troops in secret, force-march day and night, and surprise Chengdu; Zhang is no fighter and has left no defenses; strike once your army appears—this is the best plan. Yang Huai and Gao Pei are Liu Zhang’s chief captains, each with strong garrisons on the choke points; they have urged Zhang in repeated memorials to send you home to Jingzhou. Before you reach them, notify them that Jingzhou is in crisis and you must hurry back; pack your baggage and look as if you are leaving; they admire your fame and will cheer your departure—they will ride out lightly to see you off; seize them, take their men, and swing toward Chengdu—the middle option. Fall back to Baidi, link arms with Jingzhou, and plot a slower return—the weakest plan. If you dawdle, you will land in deep trouble and cannot hold out long.” Liu Bei chose the middle course: he executed Huai and Pei and drove toward Chengdu, taking every place along the way. At Fu he threw a victory feast with wine and music and said to Tong, “This party is a fine celebration.” Tong replied, “To conquer another’s country and call it mirth—that is not how a humane host behaves.” Drunk, Liu Bei flared: “King Wu punished Zhou while soldiers sang in front and danced behind—was that inhumane? Your answer was rude—get out!” Tong withdrew in confusion. Liu Bei soon repented and summoned him back. Tong took his old seat without apologizing and ate and drank as if nothing had happened. Liu Bei asked, “In that exchange just now—who was wrong? Tong said, “Both lord and subject misstepped.” Liu Bei laughed, and the banquet resumed as before. 〈Xi Zuochi writes: A true king roots himself in benevolence and duty and leans on sincerity and deference; lacking any piece, he loses the Way. Liu Bei grabbed Liu Zhang’s land by ruse to build his power—breaking faith and wronging kin, failing both virtue and obligation. Even if his fortunes rose, he should have smarted at the moral wound; it is like hacking off a limb to save the trunk—where is the delight? Pang Tong, lest blunt truth leak everywhere, knew his lord could still be corrected; before the assembly he checked Liu Bei’s excess—not with meek courtesy but with blunt protest worthy of a fearless counselor. When a sovereign’s fault can be amended, true ministers exist; when good advice wins without pride, reason prevails. Loyal ministers lift the throne; heeding principle lifts every policy. One sentence reveals three virtues; one brave word beams across ages—this is seeing the whole picture. Clutch a petty slip and forfeit a great gain, or cling to prideful words and shut out far-sighted advice—no one who finished great work ever acted so. Pei Songzhi argues: The stratagem against Liu Zhang did stem from Tong, but triumph bought through deceit leaves a guilty heart—joy cannot run free; hearing Liu Bei boast of mirth, Tong answered rashly. Liu Bei was drunk and spoke out of turn, almost gloating; likening himself to King Wu without shame—there the lord erred, not the minister. Calling both “wrong” merely spread blame. Xi’s essay hits the broad point yet its elaboration wanders into flourish.
4
進圍雒縣，統率眾攻城，為流矢所中，卒，時年三十六。 先主痛惜，言則流涕。 拜統父議郎，遷諫議大夫，諸葛亮親為之拜。 追賜統爵關內侯，諡曰靖侯。 統子宏，字巨師，剛簡有臧否，輕傲尚書令陳袛，為袛所抑，卒於涪陵太守。 統弟林，以荊州治中從事參鎮北將軍黃權征吳，值軍敗，隨權入魏，魏封列侯，至鉅鹿太守。 〈《襄陽記》曰：林婦，同郡習禎妺。 禎事在楊戲《輔臣贊》。 曹公之破荊州，林婦與林分隔，守養弱女十有餘年，後林隨黃權降魏，始復集聚。 魏文帝聞而賢之，賜床帳衣服，以顯其義節。〉
When the army advanced to invest Luoxian, Tong led the assault and was hit by a stray arrow; he died at thirty-six. Liu Bei mourned deeply and wept whenever Tong’s name arose. He ennobled Tong’s father as a Court Gentleman and advanced him to Grand Counselor of the Household; Zhuge Liang himself led the ceremony of respect. Tong was posthumously invested as a secondary marquis (Marquis Within the Passes) with the posthumous name “Jing” (Stern). Tong’s son Hong, courtesy name Jushi, spoke plainly in praise and blame; he looked down on Palace Secretariat Director Chen Zhi, who retaliated; Hong ended his career as Administrator of Fuling. Pang Tong’s brother Lin served as an assistant in Jingzhou’s administration under General Who Guards the North Huang Quan on the Wu expedition; after the rout he followed Huang Quan into Wei, received a full marquisate from Wei, and eventually governed Julu as prefect. 〈According to the Xiangyang Ji, Lin married Xi Zhen’s younger sister, a woman from the same district. Xi Zhen’s biography appears in Yang Xi’s Ministerial Encomia. After Cao Cao seized Jingzhou, Lin’s wife lived apart from him for over a decade, raising their young daughter alone; once Lin crossed to Wei with Huang Quan, husband and wife were finally reunited. Cao Pi heard the story, admired her virtue, and rewarded her with bedding and clothing to honor her steadfast conduct.〉
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法正字孝直， （右） 扶風郿人也。 祖父真，有清節高名。 〈三輔決錄注曰：真字高卿，少明五經，兼通讖緯，學無常師，名有高才。 常幅巾見扶風守，守曰：「哀公雖不肖，猶臣仲尼，柳下惠不去父母之邦，欲相屈為功曹何如？」 真曰：「以明府見待有禮，故四時朝覲，若欲吏使之，真將在北山之北南山之南矣。」 扶風守遂不敢以為吏。 初，真年未弱冠，父在南郡，步往候父，已欲去，父留之待正旦，使觀朝吏會。 會者數百人，真於窗中闚其與父語。 畢，問真「孰賢」？ 真曰：「曹掾胡廣有公卿之量。」 其後廣果歷九卿三公之位，世以服真之知人。 前後徵辟，皆不就，友人郭正等美之，號曰玄德先生。 年八十九，中平五年卒。 正父衍，字季謀，司徒掾、廷尉左監。〉 建安初，天下饑荒，正與同郡孟達俱入蜀依劉璋，久之為新都令，後召署軍議校尉。 既不任用，又為其州邑俱僑客者所謗無行，志意不得。 益州別駕張松與正相善，忖璋不足與有為，常竊嘆息。 松於荊州見曹公還，勸璋絕曹公而自結先主。 璋曰：「誰可使者？」 松乃舉正，正辭讓，不得已而往。 正既還，為松稱說先主有雄略，密謀協規，原共戴奉，而未有緣。 後因璋聞曹公欲遣將征張魯之有懼心也，松遂說璋宜迎先主，使之討魯，復令正銜命。 正既宣旨，陰獻策於先主曰：「以明將軍之英才，乘劉牧之懦弱； 張松，州之股肱，以響應於內； 然後資益州之殷富，馮天府之險阻，以此成業，猶反掌也。」 先主然之，溯江而西，與璋會涪。 北至葭萌，南還取璋。
Fa Zheng—courtesy name Xiaozhi— Editor’s mark: right column. He was a native of Mei in Fufeng Commandery. His grandfather Zhen enjoyed renown for purity of character. 〈The gloss on the Sanfu jue lu records that Zhen, style Gaoqing, mastered the Five Classics in youth and probed prognostic texts as well; though without a regular tutor, he was celebrated as gifted. He presented himself informally to the prefect of Fufeng, who urged him: “Even a flawed lord like Duke Ai retained Confucius; Liuxia Hui refused to abandon his homeland—might you accept appointment as Clerk of Merit?” Zhen answered: “You honor me with courtesy, so I visit each season; force me into office and I shall vanish beyond the northern hills or the southern ranges.” The prefect dropped the matter and stopped pressing him. Once, before Zhen came of age, his father was stationed in Nan Commandery; he walked there to see him, prepared to depart, but his father kept him through New Year’s morning to watch the clerks’ gathering. Hundreds were present; Zhen watched from behind a lattice as they spoke with his father. Afterward he asked Zhen, “Who stands out among them?” Zhen replied: “Hu Guang of the clerks has the makings of a high minister.” Hu Guang later climbed through the Nine Ministers to the Three Excellencies, and contemporaries marveled at Zhen’s eye for talent. He refused every summons; companions like Guo Zheng lauded him and dubbed him Master Xuande. He passed away at eighty-nine in Zhongping 5. Fa Zheng’s father Yan, courtesy Jimou, served as an aide to the Minister over the Masses and as Left Overseer under the Minister of Justice.〉 Early in Jian’an, famine drove Fa Zheng and fellow townsman Meng Da into Shu under Liu Zhang; years later he became magistrate of Xindu, then acting Colonel for Military Deliberation. Passed over for higher posts and maligned by other outsiders in the province as dissolute, he grew frustrated and idle. Provincial Lieutenant Governor Zhang Song befriended Fa Zheng; both concluded Liu Zhang could achieve nothing grand, and Song often groaned in private. After Song returned from meeting Cao Cao in Jingzhou, he urged Liu Zhang to renounce Cao and ally with Liu Bei. Liu Zhang asked, “Who is fit to go?” Song recommended Fa Zheng, who protested yet finally obeyed. Back in Shu, Fa Zheng praised Liu Bei’s strategic vision to Song; the two conspired quietly to enthrone him but could find no occasion. When Liu Zhang heard Cao Cao might march on Zhang Lu and began to panic, Song argued for inviting Liu Bei to attack Zhang Lu and sent Fa Zheng once more with the summons. Once Fa Zheng delivered the edict, he whispered to Liu Bei: “Given your gifts as commander and Liu Zhang’s weakness, with Zhang Song—the provincial pillar—to rise inside in answer, you can exploit Yizhou’s wealth and its natural fortress—victory will come like flipping your palm.” Liu Bei accepted the plan, sailed west along the Yangzi, and joined Liu Zhang at Fu. He pushed north to Jiameng, then doubled back south to overpower Liu Zhang.
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鄭度說璋曰： 〈《華陽國志》曰：度，廣漢人，為州從事。〉 「左將軍縣軍襲我，兵不滿萬，士眾未附，野谷是資，軍無輜重。 其計莫若盡驅巴西、梓潼民內涪水以西，其倉廩野谷，一皆燒除，高壘深溝，靜以待之。 彼至，請戰，勿許，久無所資，不過百日，必將自走。 走而擊之，則必禽耳。」 先主聞而惡之，以問正。 正曰：「終不能用，無可憂也。」 璋果如正言，謂其群下曰：「吾聞拒敵以安民，未聞動民以避敵也。」 於是黜度，不用其計。 及軍圍雒城，正箋與璋曰：
Zheng Du counseled Liu Zhang: 〈The Records of Huayang Country states that Du came from Guanghan and held the post of provincial attendant.〉 “The General of the Left attacks us with a stranded force—under ten thousand men, loyalty still unsettled, living off the countryside, no supply wagons behind him. Your best move is to relocate Baxi and Zitong populations west of the Fu, burn every store of grain, fortify walls and ditches, and stand fast. When they ask to fight, deny them; starved within months they will break. Hit them on the run and they are yours.” Liu Bei heard the scheme with dread and questioned Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng replied: “Liu Zhang will never use it—you need not worry.” Liu Zhang behaved exactly as Fa Zheng foretold, declaring to his staff: “We resist foes to protect the people—not to harrow the people for fear of foes.” He cashiered Zheng Du and set the stratagem aside. During the siege of Luocheng, Fa Zheng sent Liu Zhang a letter:
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正受性無術，盟好違損，懼左右不明本末，必並歸咎，蒙恥沒身，辱及執事，是以損身於外，不敢反命。 恐聖聽穢惡其聲，故中間不有箋敬，顧念宿遇，瞻望悢々。 然惟前後披露腹心，自從始初以至於終，實不藏情，有所不盡，但愚闇策薄，精誠不感，以致於此耳。 今國事已危，禍害在速，雖捐放於外，言足憎尤，猶貪極所懷，以盡餘忠。 明將軍本心，正之所知也，實為區區不欲失左將軍之意，而卒至於是者，左右不達英雄從事之道，謂可違信黷誓，而以意氣相致，日月相遷，趨求順耳悅目，隨阿遂指，不圖遠慮為國深計故也。 事變既成，又不量強弱之勢，以為左將軍縣遠之眾，糧谷無儲，欲得以多擊少，曠日相持。 而從關至此，所歷輒破，離宮別屯，日自零落。 雒下雖有萬兵，皆壞陳之卒，破軍之將，若欲爭一旦之戰，則兵將勢力，實不相當。 各欲遠期計糧者，今此營守已固，谷米已積，而明將軍土地日削，百姓日困，敵對遂多，所供遠曠。 愚意計之，謂必先竭，將不復以持久也。 空爾相守，猶不相堪，今張益德數萬之眾，已定巴東，入犍為界，分平資中、德陽，三邈道侵，將何以御之？ 本為明將軍計者，必謂此軍縣遠無糧，饋運不及，兵少無繼。 今荊州道通，眾數十倍，加孫車騎遣弟及李異、甘寧等為其後繼。 若爭客主之勢，以土地相勝者，今此全有巴東，廣漢、犍為，過半已定，巴西一郡，復非明將軍之有也。 計益州所仰惟蜀，蜀亦破壞； 三分亡二，吏民疲睏，思為亂者十戶而八； 若敵遠則百姓不能堪役，敵近則一旦易主矣。 廣漢諸縣，是明比也。 又魚復與關頭實為益州福禍之門，今二門悉開，堅城皆下，諸軍並破，兵將俱盡，而敵家數道併進，已入心腹，坐守都、雒，存亡之勢，昭然可見。 斯乃大略，其外較耳，其餘屈曲，難以辭極也。 以正下愚，猶知此事不可覆成，況明將軍左右明智用謀之士，豈當不見此數哉？ 旦夕偷幸，求容取媚，不慮遠圖，莫肯盡心獻良計耳。 若事窮勢迫，將各索生，求濟門戶，展轉反覆，與今計異，不為明將軍盡死難也。 而尊門猶當受其憂。 正雖獲不忠之謗，然心自謂不負聖德，顧惟分義，實竊痛心。 左將軍從本舉來，舊心依依，實無薄意。 愚以為可圖變化，以保尊門。
I am no schemer; the covenant between us broke—I worry your attendants misunderstand the tale and will blame us together; I would die shamed and stain your name, so I remain outside and cannot answer your summons. I stayed silent lest my voice disgust your ears, yet I recall our past ties and look toward you with sorrow. From beginning to end I held nothing back; my stupidity and thin counsel failed to touch you—that is how we came here. The realm totters; ruin nears. Though exile makes my counsel odious, I speak my utmost to prove fealty. I understand your heart—you meant no slight to Liu Bei, yet courtiers mistook hero-to-hero dealings: they imagined oaths disposable, traded smooth praise season by season, chased flattery, and never planned for the realm. After the rupture they still misread power—thinking Liu Bei’s distant army had no grain and could be overwhelmed by mass and delay. Yet from the frontier to here each strongpoint has collapsed; outposts dwindle by the day. The garrison below Luoxia may count ten thousand, but they are shattered units led by beaten generals; a single pitched battle cannot balance the odds. Anyone banking on prolonged logistics should note: our lines are set and granaries full, while your domain shrinks, your people weaken, foes crowd about, and convoys from afar cannot feed you. By my poor judgment you will fail before we do—you cannot outlast us. Sheer standoff would exhaust you; now Zhang Fei commands myriad troops holding Badong, advancing through Qianwei, dividing Zizhong and Deyang, pressing on three axes—how can you stop him? Your advisers assumed Liu Bei’s army was isolated, unfed, outnumbered, unreinforced. But Jingzhou’s road runs clear; our host multiplies yours many times; Sun Quan’s brother with Li Yi, Gan Ning, and more marches in support. Measured by territory we already own Badong outright, most of Guanghan and Qianwei, and Baxi can no longer be called yours. The province depends on the Shu heartland, yet that core is ruined; two-thirds gone; officials and peasants stagger—eight houses in ten simmer for rebellion. Keep the enemy far and corvée breaks the people; draw him close and masters swap in a day. Guanghan’s towns prove it plainly. Yufu and the frontier passes are Yizhou’s hinge of weal and woe—both lie open now; cities fell, hosts ruined. Enemy columns pierce your bowels; guarding only Chengdu and Luoxia leaves fate starkly clear. That is the shape of it; finer points exceed speech. Even a dullard like me sees restoration is impossible—can your clever ministers miss the tally? They cling to lucky survival, angling for smiles, never plotting ahead—none offers honest counsel. Pressed tight they will seize safety, barter loyalties, flip sides—nothing like their present advice—and will not perish for your cause. Your clan will still suffer the grief. Men call me traitor, yet I feel I have not wronged your kindness; weighing obligation, my heart breaks. Liu Bei answered your first call; his affection remains—he bore you no ill will. I still think accommodation can shield your house.
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十九年，進圍成都，璋蜀郡太守許靖將逾城降，事覺，不果。 璋以危亡在近，故不誅靖。 璋既稽服，先主以此薄靖不用也。 正說曰：「天下有獲虛譽而無其實者，許靖是也。 然今主公始創大業，天下之人不可戶說，靖之浮稱，播流四海，若其不禮，天下之人以是謂主公為賤賢也。 宜加敬重，以眩遠近，追昔燕王之待郭隗。」 先主於是乃厚待靖。 〈孫盛曰：夫禮賢崇德，為邦之要道，封墓式閭，先王之令軌，故必以體行英邈，高義蓋世，然後可以延視四海，振服群黎。 苟非其人，道不虛行。 靖處室則友於不穆，出身則受位非所，語信則夷險易心，論識則殆為釁首，安在其可寵先而有以感致者乎？ 若乃浮虛是崇，偷薄斯榮，則秉直仗義之士，將何以禮之？ 正務眩惑之術，違貴尚之風，譬之郭隗，非其倫矣。 臣松之以為郭隗非賢，猶以權計蒙寵，況文休名聲夙著，天下謂之英偉，雖末年有瑕，而事不彰徹，若不加禮，何以釋遠近之惑乎？ 法正以靖方隗，未為不當，而盛以封墓式閭為難，何其迂哉！ 然則燕昭亦非，豈唯劉翁？ 至於友於不穆，失由子將，尋蔣濟之論，知非文休之尤。 盛又譏其受 （任） 非所，將謂仕於董卓。 卓初秉政，顯擢賢俊，受其策爵者森然皆是。 文休為選官。 在卓未至之前，後遷中丞，不為超越。 以此為貶，則荀爽、陳紀之儔皆應擯棄於世矣。〉 以正為蜀郡太守、揚武將軍，外統都畿，內為謀主。 一餐之德，睚眥之怨，無不報復，擅殺毀傷己者數人。 或謂諸葛亮曰：「法正於蜀郡太縱橫，將軍宜啟主公，抑其威福。」 亮答曰：「主公之在公安也，北畏曹公之強，東憚孫權之逼，近則懼孫夫人生變於肘腋之下； 當斯之時，進退狼跋，法孝直為之輔翼，令翻然翱翔，不可復制，如何禁止法正使不得行其意邪！」 初，孫權以妹妻先主，妹才捷剛猛，有諸兄之風，侍婢百餘人，皆親執刀侍立，先主每入，衷心常凜凜； 亮又知先主雅愛信正，故言如此。 〈孫盛曰：夫威福自下，亡家害國之道，刑縱於寵，毀政亂理之源，安可以功臣而極其陵肆，嬖幸而藉其國柄者哉？ 故顛頡雖勤，不免違命之刑，楊干雖親，猶加亂行之戮，夫豈不愛，王憲故也。 諸葛氏之言，於是乎失政刑矣。〉
In year 19 the army closed on Chengdu; Xu Jing, prefect of Shu under Liu Zhang, tried to slip over the wall to defect but was caught and could not complete it. With collapse imminent Liu Zhang spared Xu Jing’s life. Once Liu Zhang capitulated, Liu Bei despised Xu Jing and hesitated to use him. Fa Zheng argued: “The world holds reputations without substance—Xu Jing is one. Yet as you launch your rule you cannot lecture every home; Xu Jing’s renown rings everywhere—if you dishonor him, people will call you contemptuous of talent. Elevate him to impress distant audiences, as King Zhao of Yan honored Guo Wei.” Liu Bei accordingly welcomed Xu Jing with honor. 〈Sun Sheng remarks that honoring wise men anchors government; repairing graves marked sage-king usage—only transcendent virtue should command the four seas. Without the right person principle rings hollow. At home Xu Jing failed brotherly harmony; in career he took ill-fitting posts; in loyal speech he veered with fortune; in counsel he nearly sparked disaster—what merit earns awe? If puffery wins crowns, how do we salute those who stand on integrity? Fa Zheng used dazzlers’ tricks against noble taste—he is no Guo Wei. Pei Songzhi answers: Guo Wei was mediocre yet duped a throne; Xu Jing’s name towered—ignore courtesy and you fuel rumor. Fa Zheng’s analogy holds; Sun Sheng’s fuss over grave ritual is fussy pedantry. If so, King Zhao erred too—not Liu Bei alone. Domestic discord traces to Xu Shao’s verdict—read Jiang Ji and Xu Jing’s guilt shrinks. Sun Sheng also ridiculed Xu Jing’s acceptance of office— implying he served Dong Zhuo. When Zhuo seized government he promoted talent widely—those who accepted titles were legion. Xu Jing directed appointments. That predated Zhuo’s arrival in Luoyang; his promotion to imperial secretary followed normal course. Condemn him on this ground and you must exile Xun Shuang and Chen Ji as well. Fa Zheng became prefect of Shu and General Who Displays Might—he governed the capital region on the outside and framed strategy at Liu Bei’s side within. He repaid the slightest kindness or grudge—summarily killing several who had wronged him. Advisers urged Zhuge Liang: “Fa Zheng abuses his prefecture—tell our lord to rein him in.” Zhuge Liang answered: “When our lord sheltered at Gong’an he dreaded Cao Cao north, Sun Quan east, and Lady Sun plotting beside him; trapped between threats Fa Xiaozhi lent wings—today he vaults free—why choke Fa Zheng’s desires?” Sun Quan had married his sister to Liu Bei: she was sharp-tempered and fierce like her brothers, and over a hundred maids stood guard with naked blades—each time Liu Bei crossed her threshold his courage nearly failed him. Zhuge Liang knew how fond Liu Bei was of Fa Zheng—that is why he framed his answer this way. 〈Sun Sheng argues that delegating supreme authority downward destroys dynasties, and indulgent punishment corrupts rule—no merit minister should be allowed unchecked license or favorite lackeys the imperial grip. Thus Dian Xian earned execution despite diligence; Yang Gan died though royal kin—law, not affection, ruled the realm. In Sun Sheng’s eyes Zhuge Liang’s defense blurred the line between policy and penal justice.〉
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二十二年，正說先主曰：「曹操一舉而降張魯，定漢中，不因此勢以圖巴、蜀，而留夏侯淵、張郃屯守，身遽北還，此非其智不逮而力不足也，必將內有憂偪故耳。 今策淵、郃才略，不勝國之將帥，舉眾往討，則必可克。 之克〔克之〕之日，廣農積谷，觀釁伺隙，上可以傾覆寇敵，尊獎王室，中可以蠶食雍、涼，廣拓境土，下可以固守要害，為持久之計。 此蓋天以與我，時不可失也。」 先主善其策，乃率諸將進兵漢中，正亦從行。 二十四年，先主自陽平南渡沔水，緣山稍前，於定軍、興勢作營。 淵將兵來爭其地。 正曰：「可擊矣。」 先主命黃忠乘高鼓譟攻之，大破淵軍，淵等授首。 曹公西征，聞正之策，曰：「吾故知玄德不辦有此，必為人所教也。」 〈臣松之以為蜀與漢中，其由脣齒也。 劉主之智，豈不及此？ 將計略未展，正先發之耳。 夫聽用嘉謀以成功業，霸王之主，誰不皆然？ 魏武以為人所教，亦豈劣哉！ 此蓋恥恨之餘辭，非測實之當言也。〉
In 217 Fa Zheng told Liu Bei: “Cao Cao crushed Zhang Lu and took Hanzhong but did not push into Ba–Shu—only Yuan and He remain while he races north; either crisis grips his rear or he lacks nerve. Yuan and He are no better than our generals—commit the host and you will break them. Once Hanzhong falls, farm it, fill granaries, watch for gaps—best case you topple Cao and uphold the Han; mid case you bite into Yong and Liang; worst case you lock the choke points for a long defense. Heaven hands us this opening—we dare not miss it.” Liu Bei adopted the plan, advanced on Hanzhong with his commanders, and Fa Zheng rode at his side. In 219 Liu Bei forded the Han southward from Yangping, hugged the ridges, and camped at Dingjun and Xingshi. Xiahou Yuan moved up to dispute the ground. Fa Zheng said, “The moment to attack has come.” Liu Bei told Huang Zhong to hold the high ground, drum and clamor, and charge—Yuan’s line shattered and Yuan himself fell. Hearing the plan, Cao Cao sneered, “I knew Liu Bei could not think this up alone—some adviser fed him.” 〈Pei Songzhi notes that Shu and Hanzhong fit together like lip and teeth. Did Liu Bei lack wit to see that? The larger scheme was still forming—Fa Zheng simply voiced it ahead of others. What conquering founder ever refused sound advice? Cao Cao’s barb is wounded vanity, not acute analysis. Pei dismisses Cao’s remark as spite, not truth.〉
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先主立為漢中王，以正為尚書令、護軍將軍。 明年卒，時年四十五。 先主為之流涕者累日。 諡曰翼侯。 賜子邈爵關內侯，官至奉車都尉、漢陽太守。 諸葛亮與正，雖好尚不同，以公義相取。 亮每奇正智術。 先主既即尊號，將東征孫權以復關羽之恥，群臣多諫，一不從。 章武二年，大軍敗績，還住白帝。 亮嘆曰：「法孝直若在，則能制主上，令不東行； 就復東行，必不傾危矣。」 〈先主與曹公爭，勢有不便，宜退，而先主大怒不肯退，無敢諫者。 矢下如雨，正乃往當先主前，先主雲：「孝直避箭。」 正曰：「明公親當矢石，況小人乎？」 先主乃曰：「孝直，吾與汝俱去。」 遂退。〉
As King of Hanzhong Liu Bei named Fa Zheng Director of the Secretariat and General Who Guards the Army. He died the following year at forty-five. Liu Bei mourned him day after day. His posthumous name was Marquis Yi (“Wing”). His son Miao inherited a Marquis Within the Passes and rose to Colonel of the Chariots and prefect of Hanyang. Zhuge Liang and Fa Zheng differed in temperament yet respected each other’s office. Zhuge Liang repeatedly admired Fa Zheng’s schemes. Once Liu Bei took the throne he aimed east at Sun Quan to wipe away Guan Yu’s defeat—counselors pleaded in vain. In Zhangwu 2 the host was shattered and Liu Bei fell back to Baidi. Zhuge Liang sighed, “Had Fa Zheng lived he could have checked our lord and blocked the eastern march; even forced eastward, we might not have faced catastrophe.” 〈Once, opposing Cao Cao, Liu Bei ought to have retreated but raged and stayed—no one dared speak. Shafts filled the sky; Fa Zheng planted himself in front until Liu Bei cried, “Xiaozhi—take cover!” Fa Zheng answered, “If you brave bolts and stone, how can I shrink back?” Liu Bei said, “Xiaozhi—then we retreat together.” They broke off and withdrew.〉
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【評】
Editorial heading: Appraisal.
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評曰：龐統雅好人流，經學思謀，于時荊﹑楚謂之高俊．法正著見成敗，有奇畫策算，然不以德素稱也．儗之魏臣，統其荀彧之仲叔，正其程﹑郭之儔儷邪？
The historian concludes: Pang Tong cultivated talent and strategic thought—southerners called him eminent. Fa Zheng read victory and defeat with uncanny plans yet lacked renown for steady morals. Against Wei’s councilors, Tong rivals Xun Yu; Zheng belongs with Cheng Yu and Guo Jia.