title: Zhang Xueliang: The General Who Never Fought
author: A. Shai
description: ARON SHAIis the Rector (Provost) of Tel Aviv University, Israel. He is a Professor of History and East Asian Studies and the Incumbent of the Shoul N. Eisenberg Chair for East Asian Affairs. He has authored books on China's modern history published in England, the United States, China and Israel, including<em>Origins of the War in the East: Britain, China and Japan</em>, <em>Britain and China: Imperial Momentum</em>, <em>China in International Affairs, </em><em>Twentieth Century China: Imperialism Imprisoned</em>, <em>The Fate of Foreign Firms in China: Imperialism Imprisoned</em>, <em>Sino-Israeli Relations: Current Reality and Future Prospects</em> andhas also published two historical novels, <em>Benhazar  Son to a Stranger</em> and <em>She Used to Call him Mano</em>.
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  # Chapter 1 – ** Ambush on the Narrow Gorge**
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  Xiang Shaolong and Lord Longyang rode out together out of the city, protected
  front and back by high skilled bodyguards.  
  
  
    
  
  
  After receiving the news that Xiang Shaolong was about to arrive in Handan,
  the atmosphere in the city had been very tense, like a tightly drawn
  bowstring, forcing everyone not to be able to take a breather.  
  
  
    
  
  
  Even though everyone was itching for a fight, seemingly very confident, but
  everyone was afraid that they will be one of the unlucky ones.  
  
  
    
  
  
  From this it could be seen that he had built a god-like reputation, no one
  dared to underestimate him.  
  
  
    
  
  
  Lord Longyang brought his horse nearer to him and said, “Why haven’t I seen
  Long Shan?”  
  
  
    
  
  
  Xiang Shaolong secretly commended Lord Longyang for being observant.  
  
  
    
  
  
  During this dangerous warring period, everyone was always vigilant. If it was
  any other influential officials, if they had someone as powerful as Teng Yi,
  they