Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Sima Yi memorialized: "Your servant previously memorialized Your Majesty that Kongming would certainly emerge from Chencang, and therefore stationed Hao Zhao there to guard it. Now it has indeed come to pass. If they invade through Chencang, transporting grain would be very convenient. Now fortunately Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang hold that position, so they dare not transport grain along that road; the other paths are arduous for transport. Your servant calculates that the Shu troops' provisions will last but a month—they benefit from a swift engagement. Our army should only hold fast for a prolonged defense. Your Majesty may issue an edict ordering Cao Zhen to firmly defend the passes along all routes and not to engage in battle. In less than a month, the Shu troops will withdraw of themselves. Then we may strike when they are vulnerable. Zhuge Liang can be captured."

Rui said with pleasure: "Since you possess such foresight, why not lead a force yourself to strike them?" Yi said: "Your servant does not value his own life above all; in truth, he wishes to preserve this force to guard against Lu Xun of Eastern Wu. Sun Quan will soon usurp the title and proclaim himself sovereign. If he assumes the imperial title, I fear Your Majesty will attack him, and he will certainly invade first. Your servant therefore wishes to keep troops in readiness against him."

Even as they spoke, an attendant suddenly memorialized: "Cao the Commander has submitted a military report." Yi said: "Your Majesty may immediately send someone to admonish Cao Zhen: whenever pursuing Shu troops, one must observe whether they are truly vulnerable, and must not penetrate deeply into their territory, lest one fall into Zhuge Liang's stratagem." Rui immediately issued an dispatch, sending Han Ji, Minister of Ceremonies, bearing the imperial staff to admonish Cao Zhen: "Under no circumstances engage in battle; devote yourself solely to cautious defense. Only when the Shu troops have withdrawn may you then strike." Sima Yi escorted Han Ji outside the city and instructed him: "I am yielding this merit to Zidan. When you see Zidan, say nothing of this as my idea—merely say that the Son of Heaven issued an edict instructing that defense is paramount. Those who pursue must be extremely careful; do not send impetuous or hot-tempered men to pursue them." Han Ji took his leave.

Now, Cao Zhen was holding a council in his command tent when suddenly it was reported that the Son of Heaven had sent Han Ji, Minister of Ceremonies, bearing the imperial staff. Zhen went out of the camp to receive him. After receiving the edict, he withdrew and conferred with Guo Huai and Sun Li. Huai smiled and said: "This is Sima Zhongda's insight." Zhen said: "What do you make of it?" Huai said: "This counsel shows deep understanding of Zhuge Liang's methods of warfare. In the long run, the one who will be able to resist the Shu forces will surely be Zhongda." Zhen said: "What if the Shu troops do not withdraw?" Huai said: "We can secretly send someone to instruct Wang Shuang to lead troops to patrol the side paths, and then they will not dare transport grain. When their provisions are exhausted and their troops withdraw, we may pursue and attack with the momentum, achieving total victory." Sun Li said: "I will go to Mount Qi and disguise myself as a grain transport soldier, filling the carts with dry firewood and kindling, soaked in sulfur and saltpeter, and have men falsely report that grain from Longxi has arrived. If the Shu troops lack provisions, they will certainly come to seize it. Once they enter, we will set fire to the carts and have ambush troops respond from outside—victory can be ours." Zhen said delightedly: "This stratagem is excellent!" He immediately ordered Sun Li to lead troops and execute the plan. He also sent someone to instruct Wang Shuang to lead troops to patrol the side paths, and Guo Huai to oversee Jigǔ and Jieting, ordering all forces to hold the strategic points. Zhen also appointed Zhang Liao's son Zhang Hu as vanguard and Yue Jin's son Yue Lin as vice vanguard, together defending the forward camp, and forbidding them to engage in battle.

Now, Zhuge Liang was in his camp at Mount Qi, sending men daily to challenge the enemy, but the Wei forces firmly defended and would not emerge. Zhuge Liang summoned Jiang Wei to confer: "The Wei forces hold fast and will not come out because they calculate that our army lacks provisions. Now transport through Chencang is blocked, and the other side paths are difficult to traverse. I calculate that our accompanying grain and fodder will not suffice for a month's use. What shall we do?" Even as he deliberated, suddenly it was reported that several thousand carts of Wei grain from Longxi were being transported west of Mount Qi, the transport officer being Sun Li. Zhuge Liang said: "What manner of man is he?" A man from Wei reported: "This man once accompanied the Wei ruler on a hunt at Great Stone Mountain. Suddenly a fierce tiger sprang up and charged straight toward the imperial presence. Sun Li dismounted, drew his sword, and slew it. From then on he was appointed Supreme General. He is a trusted confidant of Cao Zhen." Zhuge Liang smiled and said: "This is the Wei generals calculating that we lack provisions, and so employing this stratagem. What the carts carry must certainly be kindling and fire-raising materials. Throughout my life I have specialized in fire attacks—do they think to entice me with this scheme? If they know our troops are going to seize their grain, they will certainly come to seize our camp in turn. We may turn their stratagem against them."

There he summoned Ma Dai and instructed him: "Take three thousand troops and go directly to the Wei forces' grain storage location. Do not enter their camp, but set fire from the upwind side. If the carts are set alight, the Wei forces will certainly come to surround our camp." He also dispatched Ma Zhang and Zhang Yi, each leading five thousand troops to encircle the outside, attacking from within and without. The three men received their orders and departed. He then summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them: "The Wei forces' forward camp connects to roads in all four directions. Tonight if fire rises in the west hills, the Wei forces will certainly come to raid our camp. You two are to lie in ambush beside the Wei camp. Once their troops leave their camp, you two may raid it in turn." He also summoned Wu Ban and Wu Yi and instructed them: "Each of you lead one force to lie in ambush outside the camp. If Wei troops arrive, cut off their retreat." Having finished his dispositions, Zhuge Liang seated himself on high atop Mount Qi. Wei scouts learned that the Shu troops intended to seize the grain and hastily reported to Sun Li. Sun Li had men fly with a report to Cao Zhen. Zhen sent someone to the forward camp to instruct Zhang Hu and Yue Lin: "Watch for fire in the west hills tonight—the Shu troops will certainly come to respond. You may then deploy your troops, thus and so." The two received their orders and had men ascend the tower to watch exclusively for the fire signal.

Sun Li had stationed his troops in ambush among the hills to the west, waiting only for the Shu soldiers to arrive. That night, at the second watch, Ma Dai led three thousand men forward. Every soldier carried a bit in their mouths, and every horse had its bridle tied. They made straight for the western hills, where they saw many wagons and carts, piled high and heaped up, arranged in circles to form a camp. The wagons had banners and flags stuck among them as a ruse. Just then a southwestern wind sprang up. Ma Dai ordered his soldiers to rush to the south of the camp and set fire to it. The wagons all caught fire, and the blazing light shot up into the sky. Sun Li assumed that the Shu soldiers had entered the Wei camp to light signal fires, and he hastily led his troops in a concerted rush toward it. But from behind came the thunder of drums and horns, and two columns of soldiers came charging in—Ma忠 and Zhang嶷, who surrounded the Wei troops in the very center of the trap. Sun Li was greatly alarmed. Then he heard shouting rise up within the Wei army itself, and a force of soldiers came slashing through from the edge of the flames—it was Ma Dai. Attacked from within and without, the Wei army was routed. With the fire pressing hard and the wind driving it fiercely, men and horses scattered in chaos, and the dead were beyond counting. Sun Li led what was left of his wounded troops, forcing his way through the smoke and flames to escape.

Meanwhile, Zhang Hu, in his camp, saw the blazing fire shooting into the sky. He threw open the camp gates and, with Le綝, led all his men in a rush toward the Shu camp, but not a single man was to be found there. Hurriedly pulling his army back, he found Wu Ban and Wu懿 leading two columns of soldiers out to cut off his retreat. The two generals, Zhang and Le, fought their way desperately out of the encirclement and fled back to their own camp. But when they arrived, they saw that upon the earthen ramparts, arrows were flying like locusts. It turned out that Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had seized their camp. The Wei army was utterly defeated. The soldiers all fled to Cao Zhen's camp, and as they were about to enter, a column of defeated troops came flying toward them—it was Sun Li. They all went in together to see Cao Zhen and each told him how they had fallen into the trap. When Cao Zhen heard it all, he carefully defended his main camp and would not come out to fight again. The Shu troops, having won their victory, returned to report to Kongming.

Kongming had secretly sent orders to Wei Yan, while at the same time giving instructions to break camp and move out all together. Yang Yi said, "We have already won a great victory and have completely broken the Wei army's fighting spirit. Why then do you wish to withdraw our troops?" Kongming replied, "Our army has no grain, so we benefit from fighting quickly. Now that they hold fast and will not come out, we are the ones who will suffer. Though they have been temporarily defeated, the Central Plains will certainly send reinforcements. If they send light cavalry to attack our supply lines, we shall not be able to withdraw then. Now, taking advantage of the fact that the Wei army, newly defeated, dare not look the Shu troops in the face, we can retreat unexpectedly and seize the opportunity to get away. My only concern is Wei Yan's army, which is holding the Chencang road pass against Wang Shuang and cannot easily disengage. I have already sent him secret orders instructing him to slay Wang Shuang, so that the Wei men will not dare to pursue us. I will only have the rear guard set out first." That night Kongming left only drums and gongs in the camp to keep watch and sound the watches through the night. By the end of the night, the army had all withdrawn, leaving behind only an empty camp.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhen was in his camp, troubled and dejected, when it was suddenly reported that General of the Left Zhang He had arrived with his troops. Zhang He dismounted and entered the tent, saying to Cao Zhen, "I have received an imperial edict and have come specifically to place myself under your command." Cao Zhen said, "Did you see Sima Yi before you came?" Zhang He replied, "Sima Yi instructed me, saying, 'If our army wins, the Shu troops will certainly not withdraw. If our army loses, the Shu troops will withdraw at once.' Now that our army has suffered a setback, have you gone out to scout for news of the Shu army?" Cao Zhen said, "I have not." He immediately sent men to investigate, and indeed it was an empty camp, with only a few dozen banners stuck in the ground. The troops had already been gone for two days. Cao Zhen was filled with bitter regret.

Now, Wei Yan had received the secret orders. That night, at the second watch, he broke camp and hastened back toward Hanzhong. A spy had already reported the news to Wang Shuang, who drove his troops forward with all his might in pursuit. After chasing for more than twenty li, he was just about to catch up when he saw Wei Yan's banner ahead of him. Wei Yan shouted, "Wei Yan, stop running!" But the Shu soldiers did not turn back. Wang Shuang spurred his horse in pursuit. Then from behind, the Wei soldiers shouted, "Fire has broken out in the camp outside the city—we may have fallen into the enemy's treachery!" Wang Shuang hastily reined in his horse and turned back, only to see a sheet of flames shooting into the sky. In alarm, he ordered his army to retreat. As they reached the left side of a hill, a horseman suddenly burst out from the woods, shouting at the top of his voice, "Wei Yan is here!" Wang Shuang was greatly startled and, caught off guard, was cut from his horse by a single stroke of Wei Yan's blade. The Wei soldiers, suspecting an ambush, scattered and fled in all directions. Wei Yan had only thirty cavalrymen with him, and they made their way slowly toward Hanzhong. A later poet praised the event with these lines:

Kongming's cunning surpassed Sun and Pang's,

Steadily, like a long star, he illuminated one quarter.

In advance and retreat, his deployments were beyond all reckoning—

At the Chencang road pass, he slew Wang Shuang.

The truth was that Wei Yan, having received Kongming's brilliant plan, had first left thirty cavalrymen hidden near Wang Shuang's camp. When Wang Shuang set out in pursuit, they went to his camp and set it on fire. When Wang Shuang turned back to his camp, Wei Yan sprang out unexpectedly and slew him. Wei Yan led his troops, cut down Wang Shuang, returned to Hanzhong, and reported to Kongming, handing over the men and horses. Kongming held a great banquet in celebration—but of this, no more need be said.

Zhang He pursued the Shu army but could not overtake them, and returned to his camp. Then a man arrived from Chencang city sent by Hao Zhao to report that Wang Shuang had been slain. When Cao Zhen heard it, he was so grieved that he fell ill from the worry. He then returned to Luoyang, leaving Guo Huai, Sun Li, and Zhang He to defend the various approaches to Chang'an.

Meanwhile, the Lord of Wu, Sun Quan, held court. A spy reported to him, "The Shu Prime Minister Zhuge Liang has launched two campaigns, and the Wei commander Cao Zhen has lost soldiers and officers." Thereupon all the ministers urged the King of Wu to raise an army against Wei, with the aim of seizing the Central Plains. Sun Quan hesitated and had not yet decided. Zhang Zhao memorialized, "It has recently been heard that on East Mountain in Wuchang, a phoenix appeared; and in the great river, a yellow dragon has repeatedly manifested. Your lordship's virtue matches that of Yao and Shun, and your wisdom equals that of Kings Wen and Wu. You should ascend the imperial throne and then raise an army." The many officials all responded, "Zibu is right." They therefore selected the bingyin day of the fourth month in summer and built a terrace on the southern outskirts of Wuchang. On that day, the ministers invited Sun Quan to mount the terrace and ascend the imperial throne. They changed the eighth year of Huangwu to the first year of Huanglong. He posthumously honored his father Sun Jian as Emperor Wu Lie. His mother, of the Wu clan, was honored as Empress Wu Lie. His elder brother Sun Ce was honored as Prince Heng of Changsha. He established his son Sun Deng as crown prince. He appointed Zhuge Jin's eldest son, Zhuge Ke, as the Crown Prince's Left Assistant, and Zhang Zhao's second son, Zhang Xiu, as the Crown Prince's Right Assistant.

Ke was styled Yuansun, stood seven feet tall, possessed extraordinary intelligence, and was skilled in repartee. Quan held him in great affection. At the age of six, during a banquet in Eastern Wu, Ke attended alongside his father. Quan noticed that Zhuge Jin had a long face and ordered a donkey brought in. With chalk, he wrote on its face: "Zhuge Ziyu." All present burst into laughter. Ke hurried forward, took the chalk, and wrote two characters beneath: "Zhuge Ziyu's Donkey." Everyone in the hall was astonished. Quan was greatly pleased and bestowed the donkey upon him. On another day, at a grand feast for the officials, Quan ordered Ke to pour the wine. When he reached Zhang Zhao, Zhao refused to drink, saying, "This is not the proper rite to honor the aged." Quan said to Ke, "Can you compel Zibu to drink?" Ke accepted the charge and said to Zhao, "In former times, Grandfather Jiang was ninety years old, yet he wielded the banner and the battle-axe without ever speaking of old age. Today, when it comes to battle, you remain behind; when it comes to drinking, you take precedence—how can you say this does not honor the aged?" Zhang Zhao had no reply and was forced to drink. Quan therefore loved him all the more and appointed him to tutor the crown prince. Zhang Zhao assisted the King of Wu and ranked above the Three Excellencies, so his son Zhang Xiu was made Right Counselor to the Crown Prince. Gu Yong was appointed Chancellor and Lu Xun as Supreme Commander, to assist the crown prince in guarding Wuchang. Quan then returned to Jianye. The court ministers jointly discussed a strategy to campaign against Wei. Zhang Zhao memorialized: "Your Majesty has newly ascended the throne and should not yet mobilize troops. You should cultivate civil governance, set aside military matters, establish more schools to pacify the people's hearts, and send an envoy into Sichuan to form an alliance with Shu, to divide the realm together and advance gradually."

Quan followed his counsel and immediately ordered an envoy to rush by night and day into Sichuan to see the Latter Lord. After the rites were completed, the envoy presented the matter in detail. The Latter Lord, upon hearing of it, convened his ministers for deliberation. All agreed that Sun Quan had arrogated imperial title and that the alliance should be severed. Jiang Wan said, "We should send someone to consult the Prime Minister." The Latter Lord immediately dispatched an envoy to Hanzhong to ask Kongming. Kongming said, "Send someone bearing gifts to Wu to offer congratulations, and request that Lu Xun raise troops to attack Wei. Wei will surely order Sima Yi to resist him. If Yi opposes Wu to the south, I will then march out from Mount Qi, and Chang'an can be seized." The Latter Lord followed this counsel and ordered the Grand Commandant Yang Zhen to bring famed horses, jade belts, gold, pearls, and precious treasures to Wu to offer congratulations. Zhen arrived in Eastern Wu, had his audience with Sun Quan, and presented the state letter. Quan was greatly pleased, hosted him with a banquet, and sent him back to Shu. Quan summoned Lu Xun and informed him of Shu's invitation to join forces against Wei. Xun said, "This is because Kongming fears Sima Yi's schemes. Since we have joined in the plan, we cannot but comply. For now, we shall create the appearance of raising troops, to coordinate with the Shu forces from afar. When Kongming presses Wei hard, we can seize the Central Plains by exploiting their weakness." He immediately issued orders for all regions of Jing and Xiang to train their forces and prepare to march on a chosen day.

Now, Chen Zhen returned to Hanzhong and reported to Kongming. Kongming still worried that Chencang could not be lightly attacked and first sent men to scout. They returned with word: "Hao Zhao in Chencang city is gravely ill." Kongming said: "The great matter is accomplished!" He then summoned Jiang Yan and Jiang Wei and instructed them: "You two shall lead five thousand troops and speed by night and day straight to the walls of Chencang; when you see fires ignite, assault the city with united force." Neither fully believed this, and they came again to ask: "On what day shall we set out?" Kongming said: "Everything must be ready within three days; you need not take leave of me—set out at once." The two received their orders and departed. Then Kongming summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, whispered in their ears with detailed instructions, and each received his secret orders and departed.

Now, Guo Huai, hearing that Hao Zhao was gravely ill, discussed it with Zhang He: "Hao Zhao is gravely ill; you must go quickly to replace him. I will write a memorial to the court and await further instructions." Zhang He led three thousand troops and hastened to relieve Hao Zhao. At this time, Hao Zhao was at death's door. That night, as he lay groaning, sudden word arrived that Shu troops were at the walls. Zhao urgently ordered men to man the walls. At that moment, fires broke out at every gate, and the city fell into chaos. Zhao, upon hearing the commotion, died of shock. The Shu soldiers poured into the city.

Now, Jiang Yan and Jiang Wei led their troops to the walls of Chencang and looked about—they saw not a single banner nor any night watchman. The two were alarmed and suspicious and dared not attack. Suddenly a cannon shot thundered, and banners rose on all four sides. They saw only one figure in a silk kerchief and feather fan, wearing a crane-feathered robe and Daoist gown, who called out: "You two have arrived too late!" The two looked and recognized Kongming. They hastily dismounted and prostrated themselves on the ground, saying: "Your Excellency's stratagem is truly divine!" Kongming ordered them into the city and said to them: "I had learned that Hao Zhao was gravely ill, and I ordered you to take the city within three days—this was merely to steady the hearts of the troops. I had ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to pretend to muster their forces while secretly leaving Hanzhong. I concealed myself among the troops and sped by double marches night and day straight to the walls, so that the enemy could no longer redeploy their forces. I already had agents inside the city to set fires and raise shouts to assist, throwing the Wei troops into confusion and doubt. An army without a commanding general will inevitably fall into disorder of its own accord. I then seized it as easily as turning over one hand. The Art of War says: 'Strike where the enemy is unprepared; attack where he does not expect it.' This is precisely the meaning." Jiang Yan and Jiang Wei prostrated themselves in admiration. Kongming, pitying Hao Zhao's death, ordered his wife and children to escort his coffin back to Wei, as a testament to his loyalty.

Kongming said to Wei Yan and Jiang Wei: "Do not remove your armor yet. You may lead troops to attack San Guan. The men guarding the pass, upon learning that troops have arrived, will certainly flee in alarm. If you delay even slightly, Wei soldiers will reach the pass, and it will be difficult to attack." Wei Yan and Jiang Wei received the orders and led their troops straight to San Guan. The men guarding the pass indeed all fled. The two had just climbed the pass and were about to remove their armor when they saw in the distance great clouds of dust rising outside the pass—Wei troops had arrived. They said to each other: "The Prime Minister's divine calculations are beyond fathom!" They hurriedly ascended the tower to look, and it was the Wei general Zhang He. The two then divided their forces to hold the strategic passes. Zhang He saw that Shu troops held the key routes and ordered a withdrawal. Wei Yan pursued and cut down a wave of them. Countless Wei soldiers died, and Zhang He retreated in great defeat. Wei Yan returned to the pass and sent a man to report to Kongming.

Kongming first led his own troops out through Chencang and Xie Gu, and took Jianwei. Behind him, Shu forces advanced one after another. The Latter Lord also ordered the great general Chen Shi to assist. Kongming drove his great army out of Qishan once more. After setting up camp, Kongming gathered his officers and said: "When I came out of Qishan the second time, I gained no advantage. Now that we are here again, I expect the Wei forces will contest us at the same ground as before. They will suspect that we aim for Yong and Mei, and will certainly defend those two places with troops. I have observed that Wudu and Yinping connect with Han—if we can take these two commanderies, we can also divide the Wei forces. Who among you dares to seize them?" Jiang Wei said: "I volunteer." Wang Ping also said: "I volunteer as well." Kongming was greatly pleased. He ordered Jiang Wei to lead ten thousand troops to take Wudu, and Wang Ping to lead ten thousand troops to take Yinping. The two received their orders and departed.

Now, Zhang He returned to Chang'an and met with Guo Huai and Sun Li, saying: "Chencang has been lost, Hao Zhao has died, and San Guan has also been seized by Shu troops. Now Kongming has again emerged from Qishan, advancing by multiple routes." Guo Huai was greatly alarmed and said: "If this is so, they will certainly take Yong and Mei!" He left Zhang He to defend Chang'an and ordered Sun Li to protect Yongcheng. Guo Huai himself led troops by day and night to defend Meicheng, and at the same time sent a memorial to Luoyang to report the emergency.

Now, when the Wei sovereign Cao Rui held court, a close official reported: "Chencang has been lost, Hao Zhao has died, and Zhuge Liang has emerged from Qishan once more. San Guan has also been seized by Shu troops." Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. Then another report came: Man Chong and others had sent a memorial saying: "Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has presumptuously assumed an imperial title and formed an alliance with Shu. He has now sent Lu Xun to Wuchang to train troops, awaiting orders to deploy. At any moment, he will certainly invade." Upon learning that both fronts were in crisis, Cao Rui lost his composure and was deeply alarmed. At this time Cao Zhen had not yet recovered from his illness, so he summoned Sima Yi to deliberate.

Yi said: "In my humble estimation, Eastern Wu will certainly not raise troops." Rui said: "How do you know this?" Yi said: "Kongming has long wished to avenge the defeat at Xiaoting—it is not that he does not desire to swallow Wu. He only fears that the Central Plains will strike him while he is vulnerable, and so he has temporarily allied with Eastern Wu. Lu Xun also understands this intention, so he makes a show of mobilizing troops in response, while in reality sitting back to observe the outcome. Your Majesty need not guard against Wu; you need only guard against Shu." Rui said: "You truly have great insight!" He then appointed Yi as Grand Commander, with overall authority over all military forces in Longxi, and ordered a close official to fetch the commander's seal from Cao Zhen. Yi said: "I will retrieve it myself." He then took his leave of the emperor and went directly to Cao Zhen's residence. He first sent a man into the residence to announce him, and then went in to see him.

After inquiring about his illness, Yi said: "Eastern Wu and Western Shu have joined forces to invade. Now Kongming has again emerged from Qishan and established camp. Does Your Excellency know of this?" Cao Zhen, astonished, said: "My household knows I am gravely ill and has kept this from me. Since the state is in such peril, why not appoint Zhongda as commander to repel the Shu forces?" Yi said: "My talents are shallow and my wisdom limited—I am not equal to the post." Zhen said: "Take the seal and give it to Zhongda." Yi said: "Commander, have no concern. I am willing to lend my strength, but I dare not accept this seal." Zhen leapt up and said: "If Zhongda does not assume this responsibility, the Central States are in peril! I shall go before the Son of Heaven despite my illness to recommend you!" Yi said: "The Son of Heaven has already issued his gracious command, but I simply dare not accept it." Zhen said with great delight: "Now that Zhongda assumes this post, he can repel the Shu forces." Seeing that Zhen insisted on yielding the seal, Yi accepted it. He took his leave of the Wei sovereign and led his troops toward Chang'an to engage Kongming in a decisive battle. Truly:

The old commander's seal was taken by the new commander;

Though troops came from two directions, only one path led to battle.

What the outcome would be, read on in the next chapter.