〃He has merit； he has mitted no fault；〃 exclaimed Liu Bei。 〃Why slay him？〃
But Zhuge Liang replied； 〃Ingratitude。 To eat a man's bread and slay him is most disloyal； to live on his land and offer his territory to another is most wrong。 He will certainly turn against his new master。 Wherefore it is well to put him to death and prevent him from doing harm。〃
〃If we slay this man； others who may wish to surrender will be deterred by the danger。 I pray you forgive him。〃
Zhuge Liang pointed his finger at Wei Yan and said； 〃You are pardoned。 You would do well to be perfectly faithful to your lord as well as grateful。 Do not let a single thought stray elsewhere； or I will have your head by fair means or foul。〃
Wei Yan made a low obeisance。
Having given in with good grace； Huang Zhong introduced a nephew of Liu Biao； named Liu Pan； then living in Yuxian near by。 Liu Bei gave Liu Pan the governorship of Changsha。
All being tranquil at the four territories； Liu Bei and his army returned to Jingzhou City。 The name of Youkou was changed to Gongan； and soon all was prosperous。 Able people from all sides came to assist in the administration。 Guards were placed at strategic points。
When Zhou Yu went to Chaisang to recover from his wound； he left Gan Ning in mand at Baling and Ling Tong at Hanyang。 The fleet was shared between these two places to be ready to move when required。 The remainder of the force was under Cheng Pu； and he went to Hefei； where Sun Quan had been since the fight at the Red Cliffs。 Sun Quan was still fighting the northern army； and in half a score encounters； small and great； neither had gained a decided advantage。 Sun Quan could not approach the city but entrenched himself about fifteen miles away。
Whe