The Eastern Han forces regroup, and in 36 they have Gongsun surrounded in his capital Chengdu (modern Chengdu, Sichuan).

However, initial attempts to besiege the city are unsuccessful, and Wu, then in command of the expeditionary force, considers withdrawing.

Persuaded by his lieutenant Zhang Kan that Gongsun is in desperate straits, however, Wu tricks Gongsun into believing that the Eastern Han forces are collapsing from fatigue, drawing him out of the city and engaging in battle.

Gongsun is mortally wounded in battle, and Chengdu surrenders in winter 36.

Liu's general Wu Han subsequently kills more than ten thousand people.

(Hou Han Shu by Fan Ye, vol.

13 [Biography of Emperor Guangwu])