Romance of Three Kingdoms

1. Oath in the Peach Garden

In the waning years of the Eastern Han, the court was corrupt and the people could scarcely live. Zhang Jiao rose in revolt at Julu. Liu Bei, for rescuing the folk of Anxi County, incurred dismissal and fled about You Province. Later appointed magistrate of Pingyuan, he found the inspector demanding bribes; in fury Liu Bei beat him, cast off his office, and escaped. Long resolved to uphold the imperiled and succor the distressed, Liu Bei then swore brotherhood with Guan and Zhang in the peach garden.