Toward the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), China was torn by war. After a royal edict to recruit soldiers was issued in Zhuozhou, three heroes emerged.
One was Liu Bei, a descendant of Prince Liu Sheng of Zhongshan. While reading the posted edict and sighing, Liu Bei heard an impatient voice behind him: "What use is sighing, without a man's devotion to his country?"
The speaker introduced himself as Zhang Fei, whose livelihood was selling wine and slaughtering hogs. Liu Bei expressed his own desire to serve the country but lamented having no resources. Zhang Fei replied, "You needn't worry. I am willing to give up my fortune to raise an army and embark on this cause with you."
As the two talked merrily over drinks in a small restaurant, a handsome, martial-looking man of large build and red complexion entered. Liu and Zhang invited him to join them. The man was Guan Yu. He explained that he had been wandering for years after killing a local tyrant to uphold justice.
In their amiable conversation, the three discovered a shared ambition. The next day, in a peach garden, they swore brotherhood before heaven and earth with lit candles and incense. Liu Bei was the eldest, Guan Yu the second, and Zhang Fei the youngest. They vowed devotion to their country.
Later, the sworn brothers achieved great success. Liu Bei ascended to the throne of the State of Shu in 221 AD in present-day Sichuan.