An Epic Tale of Loyalty, Righteousness, and Martial Prowess
In Luo Guanzhong’s legendary epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu‘s (关羽, Quan Vũ), courtesy name Yunchang (云长, Vân Trường), journey of “Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals” (Chinese: 过五关斩六将) stands not only as a display of peerless martial arts, but also as one of the greatest heroic sagas of Loyalty, Righteousness, and Valor.
Chapter I: The premise and high honors under Cao Cao
In the 5th year of Jian’an (200 AD), Cao Cao (曹操, Tào Tháo) launched a campaign against Xu Province. Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị) was defeated and fled to Hebei to join Yuan Shao (袁绍, Viên Thiệu), while Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi) took refuge at Gucheng. Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) was cornered at Xiapi, protecting Liu Bei’s two wives (Lady Gan (甘夫人, Cam Phu nhân) and Lady Mi (糜夫人, Mi Phu nhân)).
Guan Yu – 关羽 – Quan Vũ
Zhang Liao (张辽, Trương Liêu), courtesy name Wenyuan (文远, Văn Viễn), an old friend, came to persuade him to surrender. Guan Yu refused to surrender to Cao Cao directly, instead proposing “Three Conditions”:
“First, I surrender to the Han Dynasty, not to Cao Cao.”
“Second, my two sisters-in-law shall be provided for using Imperial Uncle Liu Bei’s stipend, and no one may enter their quarters uninvited.”
“Third, the moment I learn of Liu Bei’s whereabouts, regardless of distance, I will immediately leave to reunite with him.”
Cao Cao, admiring Guan Yu’s immense talent, agreed to these terms. At Xu Capital, Cao Cao treated Guan Yu with supreme generosity: “a small banquet every three days and a grand feast every five days”, granting him the noble title of Marquis of Hanshou Village (汉寿亭侯) alongside countless gifts of gold, silver, and maidens. Yet, Guan Yu forwarded all these gifts directly to his sisters-in-law. Seeing Guan Yu’s green robe worn thin, Cao Cao presented him with a luxurious new silk robe. Guan Yu wore the new robe underneath and covered it with his old robe. When asked why, Guan Yu replied: “This old robe was a gift from my brother. Wearing it reminds me of him; I cannot bear to forget him.” Cao Cao sighed and remarked: “A true knight of righteousness!”
Zhang Liao – 张辽 – Trương Liêu
When Cao Cao gifted him the legendary steed, Red Hare (赤兔马, Ngựa Xích Thố), Guan Yu bowed deeply in gratitude. Cao Cao asked: “I have given Yunchang countless treasures without receiving such a deep bow; why bow so deeply for a horse?” Guan Yu answered:
“I know this steed can cover a thousand li in a single day. Now, if I hear news of my brother, I can reach him in a single day!”
To repay Cao Cao’s kindness before departing, Guan Yu rode into battle at Baima and Yanjin, swinging his Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龙偃月刀, Thanh Long Yển Nguyệt Đao) to slay Yuan Shao’s premier generals, Yan Liang (颜良, Nhan Lương) and Wen Chou (文丑, Văn Sú), breaking the siege for Cao Cao.
Chapter II: Resigning the seal and bidding farewell to Xu capital
Upon receiving a secret letter from Liu Bei, Guan Yu made up his mind to depart. He visited Cao Cao’s residence to bid farewell, but Cao Cao purposefully hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign at his gate.
Guan Yu then took decisive actions:
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Returned all gold, silver, and treasures gifted by Cao Cao, neatly locking them in the storehouse.
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Hung the seal of Marquis of Hanshou Village in the main hall.
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Wrote a farewell letter to Cao Cao.
Escorting the carriage of his two sisters-in-law, Guan Yu headed north to find Liu Bei. Noticing that Guan Yu lacked an official travel permit (passport/tally), Cao Cao’s generals urged him to pursue and arrest Guan Yu. However, Cao Cao admired his integrity and said: “He serves his master without forgetting his roots; he is a true man of honor. Do not pursue him.” Cao Cao even personally led his officers to the riverside to bid farewell, gifting Guan Yu a cloak. Guan Yu used the tip of his blade to accept the cloak while remaining mounted to guard against treachery, then bowed and departed.
Chapter III: The journey of five passes and six generals
Because he departed in great haste without Cao Cao’s official travel permit, his journey through the checkpoints turned into a series of deadly encounters.
Pass 1: Dongling Pass – Slaying Kong Xiu (孔秀, Khổng Tú)
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Pass Guardian: Kong Xiu (孔秀).
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Course of Events: Kong Xiu demanded to inspect the travel permits. Guan Yu explained that due to his hasty departure, he had no time to request one from the Prime Minister. Kong Xiu refused passage, demanding that the two ladies be held hostage while he reported to Xu Capital.
Kong Xiu – 孔秀 – Khổng Tú
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Outcome: Guan Yu flew into a rage: “Do you think my blade is dull?” Kong Xiu charged with his spear. As their horses crossed in a single bout, Guan Yu swung his blade, and Kong Xiu fell dead beneath the horse’s hooves. The terrified guards fell to their knees and yielded the road.
Pass 2: Luoyang Pass – Slaying Meng Tan (孟坦) & Han Fu (韩福)
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Pass Guardians: Governor Han Fu (Wei) (韩福, Hàn Phúc) and General Meng Tan (孟坦, Mạnh Thản).
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Course of Events: Han Fu (Wei) plotted with Meng Tan. Meng Tan volunteered to engage in battle and feign retreat to lure Guan Yu into the range of Han Fu’s snipers.
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Outcome: Meng Tan fought for a few passes before fleeing. However, he underestimated the incredible speed of Red Hare; Guan Yu overtook him in an instant and cleaved Meng Tan in two. Han Fu (Wei), hiding behind the gate, shot a crossbow bolt that hit Guan Yu’s left arm, causing heavy bleeding. Guan Yu gritted his teeth against the pain, charged forward, and cleaved Han Fu (Wei) from shoulder to waist with a single stroke.
Meng Tan – 孟坦 – Mạnh Thản
Han Fu (Wei) – 韩福 – Hàn Phúc
Pass 3: Yishui Pass – Slaying Bian Xi (卞喜)
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Pass Guardian: Bian Xi (卞喜, Biện Hỷ) – a former Yellow Turban rebel who surrendered to Cao Cao, wielding a flying mace (meteor hammer).
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Course of Events: Aware of Guan Yu’s prowess, Bian Xi feigned hospitality by inviting Guan Yu and his sisters-in-law to a banquet at Zhenguo Temple. He ambushed 200 armed assassins inside the temple, planning to strike at the signal of a raised cup.
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Turning Point: A monk named Monk Pujing (普净, Phổ Tịnh), Guan Yu’s fellow townsman, noticed the plot and struck a Buddhist statue with his staff, subtly warning Guan Yu: “This poor monk hails from the same hometown as General; how could I stand by and watch you fall into danger?”
Phổ Tịnh (Monk Pujing – 普净) – Tam Quốc Chí – Three Kingdoms
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Outcome: Sensing the murderous intent, Guan Yu drew his sword and confronted Bian Xi: “I came in goodwill; why have you hidden assassins?” Terrified, Bian Xi fled while hurling his meteor hammer. Guan Yu deflected the weapon with his blade, closed the distance, and cut Bian Xi in half.
Bian Xi – 卞喜 – Biện Hỉ
Pass 4: Xingyang Pass – Slaying Wang Zhi (王植)
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Pass Guardian: Governor Wang Zhi (王植, Vương Thực) – an in-law relative of Han Fu (Wei).
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Course of Events: Wang Zhi pretended to welcome Guan Yu warmly at the guesthouse, but secretly instructed officer Hu Ban (胡班, Hồ Ban) to lead 1,000 soldiers to surround the building and burn everyone alive at night.
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Turning Point: Hu Ban sneaked over to peek through the window at Guan Yu. He saw Guan Yu stroking his long beard with one hand while reading the Spring and Autumn Annals under an oil lamp, displaying an aura of divine majesty. Hu Ban sighed: “He is truly an immortal from heaven!” Guan Yu called Hu Ban inside and presented a letter from Hu Ban’s father, Hu Hua (胡华, Hồ Hoa), asking to pass along greetings.
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Outcome: Moved by Guan Yu’s righteousness, Hu Ban revealed the fire plot: “Wang Zhi intends to burn you to death; his troops have already surrounded the compound!” Hu Ban secretly opened the city gates to let Guan Yu escape. Wang Zhi discovered the escape and gave chase. Guan Yu turned back and shouted, “Rebel!” before charging forward and slaying Wang Zhi off his horse with a single blow.
Wang Zhi – 王植 – Vương Thực
Pass 5: Yellow River Ferry (Huazhou) – Slaying Qin Qi (秦琪)
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Pass Guardian: Qin Qi (秦琪, Tần Kỳ) – commander of the ferry crossing and a favored officer/nephew under General Xiahou Dun (夏侯惇, Hạ Hầu Đôn).
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Course of Events: Qin Qi was arrogant and adamantly refused to provide a boat to cross the river.
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Classic Dialogue:
Qin Qi: “You have slain our pass guardians; do you know who I am? I am the nephew of High General Xiahou Dun!”
Guan Yu: “How do you compare to Yan Liang and Wen Chou?”
Qin Qi: “My skills may be modest, but I am no Yan Liang or Wen Chou!”
Guan Yu: “Do you wish to become the sixth head beneath my blade?”
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Outcome: Enraged, Qin Qi wielded his broadsword and charged. In less than one bout, Qin Qi’s head was severed from his neck. Guan Yu seized a boat and safely escorted his sisters-in-law across the Yellow River.
Qin Qi – 秦琪 – Tần Kỳ
Chapter IV: The aftermath at Gucheng & the conclusion of the epic
Just after crossing the Yellow River, Xiahou Dun (夏侯惇) caught up to avenge his nephew Qin Qi. The two engaged in a fierce duel for over ten bouts before Cao Cao’s messenger arrived with a formal clearance order. Even so, Xiahou Dun refused to back down until Zhang Liao arrived to mediate the conflict.
The journey culminated in the emotional “Gucheng Reunion” (古城会). Zhang Fei (张飞) suspected Guan Yu of betraying their oath by serving Cao Cao and demanded a fight. To prove his loyalty, Guan Yu pledged to decapitate Cao Cao’s general, Cai Yang (蔡阳, Sài Dương) (Qin Qi’s uncle-in-law who had pursued him for revenge), within three drumbeats.
Cai Yang – 蔡阳 – Sài Dương
Before the third drumbeat resonated, Cai Yang’s head fell beneath Red Hare’s hooves.
Zhang Fei wept and fell to his knees in apology. The three sworn brothers—Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—were tearfully reunited.
Summary of “Five passes and six generals”
| No. | Pass / Location | Guardian General(s) | Weapon / Tactic | Combat Duration |
| 1 |
Dongling Pass (东岭关) |
Kong Xiu (孔秀) |
Spear | 1 Bout (Slain instantly) |
| 2 |
Luoyang Pass (洛阳关) |
Meng Tan (孟坦) Han Fu (Wei)(韩福) |
Spear Ambush Crossbow |
1 Bout (Meng Tan slain) 1 Bout ((Han Fu (Wei) slain) |
| 3 |
Yishui Pass (汜水关) |
Bian Xi (卞喜) |
Flying Mace (Meteor Hammer) | 1 Bout (Deflected mace, cut in half) |
| 4 |
Xingyang Pass (荥阳关) |
Wang Zhi (王植) |
Broadsword / Fire Ambush | 1 Bout (Slain during pursuit) |
| 5 |
Yellow River Ferry (黄河渡口) |
Qin Qi (秦琪) |
Broadsword | 1 Bout (Decapitated) |
Cultural significance and modern lessons
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Historical Fact vs. Literary Fiction:
According to Chen Shou’s historical record Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志), Guan Yu did indeed depart Cao Cao to seek Liu Bei. However, the specific sequence of crossing five passes and slaying six generals was a literary creation by Luo Guanzhong to elevate Guan Yu to a divine status as the “God of War”.
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Symbol of Perseverance & Modern Idiom:
Today, the idiom “Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals” (过五关斩六将) has transcended literature to become a popular metaphor in business, sports, and daily life:
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Overcoming a Series of Obstacles: Describes an individual or team successfully navigating through a grueling succession of difficult stages, tough qualifiers, or fierce competitors to reach the ultimate goal.
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Unwavering Focus & Integrity: Serves as a testament to staying true to one’s core values, resisting material temptations (such as Cao Cao’s gifts of gold and honor), and fearlessly facing formidable challenges.
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