He also devoted much time to serious studies and on one occa-
sion, displayed his excellent memory power by reciting word for
word, the entire volume of the Classics after reading it but once.
Kuan Yu’s other name is Yun-Chang.rough his great love for justice and fair-play, Kuan Yu soon
got himself into deep trouble when he slayed the licentious and
corrupt magistrate who forced a poor girl to become his concu-
bine. is made him into a criminal and Kuan Yu had to flee for
his life into the mountains. As he was trying to cross over to the
neighbouring province he chanced to stop by a stream to have a
wash; when to his surprise he noticed a great change to his ap-
pearance! His facial complexion had changed from white to a
reddish tint which saved him the trouble to disguise himself so
that he was able to walk through the sentries who were guarding
the mountain pass without the least of problem.
Upon reaching Chu-Chou of the Szechuan Province he soon
befriended two others who shared his noble ideals and virtues
and they ended up as “sworn brothers” in a ceremony which has
been recorded in the history as the “Brotherhood at the Peach
Orchard”. Chang-fei, a butcher, became the youngest brother.
He was a man of fiery temper who had an unyielding sense of
justice and was well known for his immense appetite both for
food and adventure. He also had a black face which was full of
whiskers and together with his formidable frame of some seven
feet high, very few would dare cross his path. His great love and
loyalty to Kuan Yu has won him a place of honour so that he is
always seen standing behind Kuan Ti in all depictions. Liu Pei,
the elder brother who came from a distinguished but impov-