Zhang Liao became famous after a battle at the ancient Xiaoyao Ford

🏃🏻‍♂️Leaving Mingjiao Temple, head north across Shouchun Road, and arrive at the ancient Xiaoyao Ford across the street. The Xiaoyao Ford Park is quite large, located in the northeast corner of the old city district, with the water area accounting for more than one-third of the park. The lake at Xiaoyao Ford is called Xiaoyao Lake, which is connected to the Fei River and was part of the ancient city moat. 👍Connected to the main entrance of the park is a long tree-lined path, with ancient trees towering on both sides, and in the middle of the road stands a statue of a general on horseback, brandishing a whip, depicting the great general Zhang Liao of the Cao Wei dynasty. In 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', Zhang Liao was Cao Cao's favored general, and in real history, he also became famous in the Battle of Hefei, shaking the region of Jiangdong. ⚔️Zhang Liao, styled Wenyuan, from Shuozhou, Shanxi, was ennobled as Marquis of Jinyang. In the 20th year of Jian'an (215), Cao Cao led an army to campaign against Zhang Lu, and Zhang Liao, along with Yue Jin and Li Dian, led 7,000 troops to garrison Hefei. Sun Quan took advantage of the situation and led an army of 100,000 to besiege Hefei. Zhang Liao organized 800 dare-to-die soldiers overnight, and early the next morning, he personally led the charge into the enemy camp, fighting until noon, and went straight to the commander's flag. Sun Quan was caught off guard and suffered a great defeat. 🛡️Zhang Liao defeated Sun Quan's army of 100,000 with only 800 infantry, becoming a classic example of winning with fewer against many in history. Cao Cao greatly appreciated Zhang Liao and appointed him as the General Who Conquers the East. ✨Passing through the children's park on the west side of the tree-lined path, continue westward, cross the Wenyuan Bridge, and there is an azalea garden with blooming flowers. To the north of the azalea garden is Zhang Liao's tomb, with a stele pavilion built on top of the tombstone, named Wenyuan Pavilion. Before the tomb mound, there is a stone archway inscribed with: 'Defeated Sun Wu's army of 100,000, a remarkable feat recorded in history; led Cao Wei's 7,000 troops, a fine tale passed down through the ages'. 🍃Returning to the vicinity of the main gate, come to the Xiaoyao Pavilion by the shore of Xiaoyao Lake. The Xiaoyao Pavilion is a four-cornered square tower, with the plaque 'Pavilion Lake Autumn Moon' hanging above. Although the exterior has only two floors, it is quite imposing. Climbing up the pavilion, inside there is Zhuangzi's 'Free and Easy Wandering'. Leaning on the railing for a view, the beautiful scenery of Xiaoyao Lake is all in sight. ⛩️The water of Xiaoyao Lake is clear and green, with willows on the lakeshore, and small boats floating on the lake, truly carefree and at ease. There are two small islands in the lake, one of which is the Heart of the Lake Island connected to the lakeshore by a nine-hole bridge, and on the other small island, it is said that there is also Zhang Liao's ceremonial mound.