se of need。 While on the march； a black flag was furled backwards and a crow flew over from north to south croaking thrice as it passed。
〃What good or evil things do these omens presage？〃 asked Liu Bei。
With hands hidden within his long sleeves； Zhuge Liang performed a rapid calculation on his fingers of the auspices and replied； 〃Changsha is taken and a great leader mastered。 We shall know soon after noon。〃
Sure enough a simple soldier presently came galloping along with the wele tidings of the capture of the city； and saying that the two city warriors who had aided them were near waiting the arrival of Liu Bei。 Soon after they arrived； Liu Bei entered the city； where he was escorted to the magistracy and heard the recital of Huang Zhong's deeds。
Liu Bei went in person to Huang Zhong's house and inquired for him； whereupon Huang Zhong came forth and yielded formally。 Huang Zhong requested to be permitted to bury the remains of the late Governor on the east of the city。
Lofty as is heaven above earth was the spirit of the general；
Who； even in his old age； suffered sorrows in the south；
Cheerfully had he approached death； with no thought of resentment；
But； bowing before the conqueror； he hung his head and was ashamed。
Praise the sword； gleaming snow…white； and the glory of super…human bravery；
Consider the mail…clad steed snuffing the wind and rejoicing in the battle；
That warrior's name shall stand high and its brightness be undiminished；
While the cold moon sheds her light on the waters of River Xiang。
Liu Bei was generous toward the veteran leader who had e under his banner。 But when Wei Yan was introduced； Zhuge Liang suddenly ordered him to be thrust forth and put to death。