Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Meanwhile, Jiang Wei saw that Wei Yan had trampled out the lamp, and his heart burned with anger. He drew his sword, ready to slay him. Kongming stopped him, saying, "This is my fate to end—it is not Wenchang's fault." Wei then sheathed his sword. Kongming spat several mouthfuls of blood and collapsed onto his bed. He said to Wei Yan, "This is because Sima Yi, knowing I am ill, has sent someone to probe our strength and weakness. You must go out at once to meet the enemy." Wei Yan received the order, left the tent, mounted his horse, and led his soldiers out to attack the camp. Xiahou Ba saw Wei Yan and hastily withdrew his army in retreat. Wei Yan pursued him more than twenty li before returning. Kongming ordered Wei Yan to return to his own camp and hold it.

Jiang Wei entered the tent and went to Kongming's bedside to inquire after his health. Kongming said, "I had wished to exhaust my loyalty and strength to recover the Central Plains and restore the Han house; but Heaven wills otherwise, and I shall die before long. The learning of my lifetime has been set down in twenty-four chapters, totaling one hundred four thousand one hundred and twelve characters, including the Eight Duties, Seven Admonitions, Six Fears, and Five Dreads. I have reviewed all the generals—none can receive it. Only you may inherit my writings. Do not take this lightly!" Wei wept, bowed, and accepted them. Kongming then said, "I have a method for the repeating crossbow, which I have not yet put to use. The bolts are eight inches long, and one crossbow can fire ten bolts. I have drawn them all into diagrams. You may build and use them according to the method." Wei bowed and accepted this as well. Kongming then said, "The roads into Shu need not cause great concern; only the region of Yinping demands the most careful attention. Though this place is rugged and perilous, in time it will surely be lost." He then summoned Ma Dai into the tent, whispered into his ear, and entrusted him with a secret plan, instructing him, "After my death, you must carry out this plan." Ma Dai received the plan and departed. Shortly after, Yang Yi entered. Kongming called him to his bedside and handed him a brocade bag, secretly instructing him, "When I die, Wei Yan will surely rebel. Wait until he rebels, and when you face him on the battlefield, then open this bag. At that time, there will be someone to behead Wei Yan." When Kongming had finished all his arrangements, he fell into unconsciousness. By evening he revived, and that very night he drafted a memorial to the Second Ruler. The Second Ruler was greatly alarmed upon reading it and hastily ordered the Minister of Works, Li Fu, to travel by night to the army to inquire after Kongming's health and to ask about affairs after his death. Li Fu received the order and hastened to Wuzhang Yuan. He entered and saw Kongming, conveying the Second Ruler's commands. After inquiring after his health, Kongming said with flowing tears, "It is my misfortune to die before my task is done, wasting the great affairs of the state and deserving the condemnation of the world. After you all die, you must exhaust your loyalty to assist your ruler. The established laws of the state must not be altered; those I have employed must not be lightly cast aside. I have entrusted my military methods to Jiang Wei; he can carry on my ambitions and exert his strength for the state. My life hangs by a thread, and I shall shortly present a final memorial to the Emperor." Li Fu received these words and hastily took his leave.

Kongming, forcing his sick body upright, ordered his attendants to help him into a small carriage. He left the camp and toured the various encampments. He felt the autumn wind strike his face, piercing him to the bone, and he sighed deeply, "I shall lead no more campaigns against the rebels! O boundless Heaven—when will this end!" He sighed at length, then returned to his tent, where his illness grew still worse. He summoned Yang Yi and instructed him, "Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, Zhang Yi—all are loyal and righteous men, long tested in battle, who have borne much toil. They are fit to be entrusted with responsibility. After my death, conduct all affairs according to the established laws. Withdraw the army slowly—do not be hasty. You are deeply versed in strategy and planning, so I need not give many further instructions. Jiang Boyao possesses both wisdom and courage in full measure; he can cover the rear." Yang Yi wept, bowed, and received the order. Kongming ordered the four treasures of the study brought to him, and from his bed he wrote by hand a final memorial to the Second Ruler. The memorial read roughly as follows:

I have heard that life and death follow a constant law and none can escape their appointed end. As death approaches, I wish to offer what humble loyalty remains to me. Your minister Liang, by nature foolish and unskilled, encountered the difficulties of his age. He received his commission and standard and held sole authority over the state. He led the northern campaigns but did not achieve success. How could he have expected disease to penetrate to the depths of his being and his life to hang by a thread? He will not be able to complete his service to Your Majesty, and his regret is beyond measure! I humbly pray that Your Majesty will purify his heart and lessen his desires, restrain himself and cherish the people; extend the way of filial piety to the former emperor, and spread benevolent grace throughout the realm; raise up those in obscurity and bring forward the worthy and good; drive out the wicked and depraved, and strengthen the customs of the people.

My family in Chengdu has eight hundred mulberry trees and fifteen qing of poor fields. My sons and brothers have sufficient clothing and food of their own. As for your minister in his post elsewhere, he has made no other arrangements; his own clothing and food are entirely provided by the government. He has not engaged in any outside enterprise to increase his wealth by even the smallest measure. On the day of your minister's death, let there be no surplus silk within his household and no excess wealth outside, so as to burden Your Majesty.

Having finished writing, Kongming further instructed Yang Yi, "After my death, do not announce the mourning. Build a large shrine and seat my corpse inside it; place seven grains of rice in my mouth; set a bright lamp beneath my feet; keep the army calm as usual and on no account raise any lament—then the General Star will not fall. My spirit will, of its own accord, continue to guard the army. Sima Yi, seeing that the General Star has not fallen, will surely be alarmed and suspicious. Our army may let the rear camp march off first, then withdraw camp by camp in slow succession. If Sima Yi comes in pursuit, you may deploy formations and turn back your banners and drums. When he arrives, take the wooden effigy I had carved earlier, place it on a cart, and push it to the front of the army, with officers and soldiers of all ranks drawn up on either side. When Yi sees it, he will certainly flee in fright." Yang Yi assented to each instruction. That night, Kongming had men help him out, and gazing up at the Big Dipper, he pointed to one star and said, "This is my General Star." The others looked and saw its light was dim and flickering, on the verge of falling. Kongming pointed his sword at it and recited a spell under his breath. The moment the spell was finished, he hurried back to his tent and lost consciousness. The generals were thrown into a panic when Shangshu Li Fu arrived again. Seeing Kongming unconscious and unable to speak, he wept aloud, "I have brought calamity upon the great affairs of the state!" In a short while, Kongming revived. He opened his eyes and looked around, and saw Li Fu standing before the couch. Kongming said, "I already know the reason for your coming back." Fu apologized, saying, "I received the Son of Heaven's command to ask, after the Prime Minister passes on, who may be entrusted with the great affairs of state. Just now, in my haste, I neglected to inquire, and so I have returned." Kongming said, "After my death, the one fit to be entrusted with great affairs is Jiang Gongyan." Fu said, "After Gongyan, who may succeed him?" Kongming said, "Fei Wenwei may succeed him." Fu asked again, "After Wenwei, who should be the successor?" Kongming did not answer. The generals stepped forward to look, and found that he had already passed away. It was the twenty-third day of the eighth month of autumn, in the twelfth year of the Jianxing era; he was fifty-four years of age. Later, Du Fu of the Ministry of Works wrote a poem lamenting:

The long star fell last night before the camp—

The tidings tell that the Master has fallen this day.

In the tiger-tented headquarters, orders are heard no more;

On the unicorn terrace, only his meritorious name stands recorded.

In vain remain the three thousand guests at his gate;

Betrayed are the hundred thousand soldiers within his breast.

Amid the green shade in the clear daylight of today,

The voice of refined song is heard no more!

Bai Juyi also wrote a poem:

The Master dwelt in seclusion, lying hidden in the hills and woods,

And then the thrice-calling ruler sought and found him.

The fish reached Nanyang and only then found water;

The dragon flew to Heaven's River and became at once a nourishing rain.

He poured out every ounce of devoted care in the charge of the orphan king,

And gave his loyal and righteous heart wholly to the service of the state.

The memorials on the expeditions, both earlier and later, remain for all to see—

A single reading of them brings tears that soak one's gown.

Now, Liao Long, the Senior Colonel of Changshui in Shu, had always believed his talent and fame made him fit to be Kongming's lieutenant. He often fretted over his idle post, nursing resentment and discontent, and gave vent to slander without cease. Thereupon Kongming stripped him of rank and banished him among the commoners in Wenshan. When he heard of Kongming's death, he wept and said, "I shall be a barbarian to the end!" Li Yan, hearing of it, also wept bitterly and died of his illness. For Yan had hoped that Kongming would take him back and allow him to make amends for his earlier faults; he reckoned that after Kongming's death, no one would employ him. Later, Yuan Zhen wrote a poem praising Kongming:

He upheld the lord in turmoil and peril,

And gave his devoted care to the orphaned king.

His genius surpassed Guan Zhong and Yue Yi;

His wondrous strategies outshone Sun Wu and Wu Qi.

Solemn and awe-inspiring, the Memorial on the Expedition;

Stately and magnificent, the Eight Formations.

With such perfect virtue in full flower,

One must sigh that none like him exists in all ages, past or present!

That night, heaven was sorrowful and the earth was grievous; the moonlight gave no glow. Kongming breathed his last in peace. Jiang Wei and Yang Yi, obeying Kongming's dying instructions, dared not announce mourning; they prepared the remains according to his directions, placed them in the shrine, and set three hundred trusted guards to watch over them. They then issued secret orders, making Wei Yan cover the retreat, and the various camps withdrew one after another.

Now, Sima Yi had been observing the heavens at night. He saw a large star, red in color and radiant with pointed light, stream from the northeast to the southwest and fall within the Shu camp. It dipped three times and rose again, faintly humming. In surprise and delight, Yi exclaimed, "Kongming is dead!" He immediately gave orders to raise a great army and pursue. But just as he was leaving the camp gate, doubt suddenly seized him. "Kongming was skilled in the arts of the Six Ding and the Six Jia. Seeing that I have long refused battle, he has used this ruse of feigning death to lure me out. If I pursue now, I shall surely fall into his trap." Thereupon he reined in his horse and returned to camp, refusing to advance. He only sent Xiahou Ba secretly with several dozen cavalry to scout for news in the remote hills around Wuzhangyuan.

Now Wei Yan, in his own encampment, had a dream one night: he dreamed that two horns suddenly grew from his head. When he awoke, he was greatly puzzled and disturbed. The next day, the army's Marshal of the March, Zhao Zhi, arrived. Wei Yan invited him in and said, "I have long known that you are deeply versed in the principles of the Book of Changes. Last night I dreamed that horns grew from my head—I know not whether this portends fortune or calamity. I beg you to divine it for me." Zhao Zhi pondered for some time, then replied, "This is an exceedingly auspicious omen. The qilin has horns upon its head, and the green dragon has horns upon its head—both are signs of transformation and soaring ascent." Wei Yan was overjoyed and said, "If it proves as you say, I shall reward you handsomely!" Zhao Zhi took his leave and had not traveled several li when he encountered the Imperial Secretary Fei Yi. Fei Yi asked whence he had come. Zhao Zhi said, "I have just come from General Wei Yan's camp. Wei Yan dreamed that horns grew from his head and asked me to determine whether it was auspicious or inauspicious. In truth, this was no auspicious omen, but I feared he would take offense at a frank answer, so I explained it away with the qilin and the green dragon." Fei Yi said, "How did you know it was not an auspicious omen?" Zhao Zhi said: "Consider the character for 'horn'—角. It is composed of 'knife' above and 'use' below. Now to have a knife used upon one's head—that is a dire portent indeed!" Fei Yi said, "Say nothing of this to anyone." Zhao Zhi then departed.

Fei Yi went to Wei Yan's camp, dismissed those about him, and said, "Last night in the third watch, the Prime Minister passed away. With his final breaths he repeatedly instructed that you, General, should bring up the rear to hold off Sima Yi, withdrawing slowly and without announcing the mourning. Here are the military tallies—you may now set the troops in motion." Wei Yan said, "Who will manage the great affairs of the Prime Minister in his stead?" Fei Yi said, "The Prime Minister entrusted all matters of importance to Yang Yi; his secret methods of warfare were handed down to Jiang Wei. These tallies bear the orders of Yang Yi." Wei Yan said, "Though the Prime Minister is dead, I yet live. Yang Yi is nothing more than a chief clerk—how can he assume such a great charge? His proper duty is to escort the coffin back into Shu for burial. I myself will lead the main army against Sima Yi and strive for victory. Shall the great affairs of the state be abandoned because of the death of one man?" Fei Yi said, "The Prime Minister's final orders were that we withdraw for the time being—they must not be disobeyed." Wei Yan said angrily, "Had the Prime Minister followed my plan, Chang'an would have been taken long ago! I hold the rank of Vanguard General and Grand General Who Conquers the West, Marquis of Nanzheng—how should I consent to bring up the rear for a mere chief clerk?" Fei Yi said, "What you say has merit, yet you must not act rashly and give the enemy cause for mockery. Let me go to Yang Yi and reason with him on the matter, persuading him to yield command of the army to you. What say you?" Wei Yan agreed to this.

Fei Yi took leave of Wei Yan and went at once to the main camp to see Yang Yi, recounting in full what Wei Yan had said. Yang Yi replied, "As the Prime Minister lay dying, he secretly instructed me, saying, 'Wei Yan will surely harbor treacherous designs.' When I sent the tallies, I truly meant to test his intentions. Now his conduct proves the Prime Minister's words true. I shall simply order Jiang Wei to bring up the rear." Thereupon Yang Yi took command of the army and led the vanguard bearing the coffin forward, while Jiang Wei brought up the rear, withdrawing slowly in accordance with Kongming's final orders.

Wei Yan, in his camp, saw no sign of Fei Yi returning and grew suspicious. He ordered Ma Dai to take a score of horsemen to scout for news. Ma Dai reported: "The rear army is under Jiang Wei's command. The greater part of the vanguard has already withdrawn into the valley." Wei Yan flew into a rage and cried, "How dare this petty scholar deceive me! I will surely kill him!" He turned to Ma Dai and said, "Will you lend me your aid?" Ma Dai said, "I too have long hated Yang Yi. I am willing to help you attack him." Wei Yan was overjoyed. He struck his camp and led his own forces southward.

Now Xiahou Ba had led his army to Wuzhang Plains to reconnoiter and found not a single man there. He hastened back and reported to Sima Yi: "The Shu forces have all withdrawn!" Sima Yi stamped his foot and cried, "Kongming is truly dead! We must pursue at once!" Xiahou Ba said, "My lord, you must not advance rashly. Send subordinate generals ahead first." Sima Yi said, "This time I must go myself." He led his army forward with both his sons and fell upon the Shu camp with shouts and waving banners—but indeed there was not a single man within. Sima Yi said to his two sons, "Hurry forward with the troops. I will lead the vanguard." Sima Shi and Sima Zhao urged the army on from behind, while Sima Yi himself rode ahead. When they reached the foot of the mountain, they could see the Shu forces not far off, and Sima Yi pressed the pursuit with all his might. Suddenly a cannon thundered from behind the mountain, and the din of battle cries shook the earth. The Shu troops reversed their banners and beat their drums once more. From among the shadows of the trees flew the great standard of the Commander-in-Chief, inscribed with the words in large characters: "Han Prime Minister, Marquis of Wu District, Zhuge Liang." Sima Yi turned pale with terror. He looked more closely and saw several dozen generals emerge from the center of the formation, escorting a four-wheeled chariot. Seated upon it was Kongming himself, wearing his silk headband and feather fan, his crane-feather cloak and dark sash. Sima Yi cried out in alarm, "Kongming still lives! I have rashly entered the heart of his trap!" He wheeled his horse about and fled. Behind him Jiang Yi shouted: "Do not flee, you rebel! You have fallen into the trap set by our Prime Minister!" The Wei soldiers' souls fled from their bodies—they cast off their armor, flung down their spears and shields, and scrambled for their lives, trampling one another underfoot, the dead beyond counting. Sima Yi had fled some fifty li when two Wei generals caught up with him and seized his horse's bit, crying, "My lord, do not be alarmed!" Sima Yi reached up and touched his head. "Have I still my head?" they said. "Do not be afraid, my lord—the Shu forces are far behind." Sima Yi breathed heavily for some time before his composure returned. He opened his eyes and saw that it was Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Hui. He slowly gathered his reins and, with the two generals, made his way by a small path back to his own camp, sending his officers to lead the troops in scouting in all directions.

Two days later, country people came fleeing and reported: "When the Shu army withdrew into the valley, the sound of mourning shook the earth, and white banners were raised in their camp—Kongming is indeed dead. Only Jiang Wei remains with a thousand men to cover the rear. The Kongming in the chariot the other day was but a wooden figure." Sima Yi sighed and said, "I could predict his life, but I could not predict his death!" Hence the saying among the people of Shu: "The dead Zhuge Liang can put the living Sima Yi to flight." A later poet wrote:

The long star fell at midnight from the heavenly pivot,

And in their flight they still doubted whether Liang was dead.

Beyond the pass people laugh about it to this day—

"Did he have a head, or did he not?" they still ask!

When Sima Yi confirmed the certainty of Kongming's death, he once again led his troops in pursuit. Arriving at the Slope of Red Bank, he saw that the Shu forces had already retreated far away. He therefore withdrew, turning to his officers and saying, "Kongming is dead. We may all now rest with our heads on our pillows, free from worry!" He then led his army back. Along the way, he passed the places where Kongming had pitched his camps and set up his fortifications—before and behind, to the left and to the right, all arranged with perfect order. Yi sighed and said, "This was a genius such as the world has never seen!" He then led his troops back to Chang'an, assigning his officers to guard the strategic passes. Yi himself returned to Luoyang to report to his sovereign.

Now let us speak of Yang Yi and Jiang Wei. Having formed their battle array, they slowly withdrew into the gallery road, then changed into mourning garments and raised the banners of grief. The Shu soldiers wept, beating their heads against the ground; some even died of grief. The vanguard of the Shu army had just reached the gallery road when suddenly they saw flames shooting skyward and the clamor of battle shaking the earth ahead. A band of soldiers blocked the road. The officers were greatly alarmed and hastily reported this to Yang Yi. Truly it was:

Already they had seen the Wei officers depart—

They knew not what troops from Shu lands would appear.

As to whose soldiers these were, read the next chapter.