Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Sima Yi, upon learning that Cao Shuang, along with his brothers Cao Xi, Cao Xun, and Cao Yan, and his close confidants He Yan, Yang Bi, Ding Mi, Bi Fan, and Li Sheng, as well as the Imperial Guard, had accompanied the Wei sovereign Cao Fang on an outing to pay respects to the tomb of the former Emperor Ming, and from there had gone hunting, was greatly overjoyed. He immediately went to the government offices and ordered Grand Commandant Gao Rou to act with the ceremonial axe and seal as Grand Commander, first to occupy Cao Shuang's encampment. He also ordered Minister Coachman Wang Guan to act as Commander of the Central Army and occupy Cao Xi's encampment. Sima Yi then led his former officials into the rear palace to report to Empress Dowager Guo, saying that Cao Shuang had betrayed the late Emperor's trust in entrusting him with the care of the state, that he was a wicked and evil man who had thrown the state into disorder, and that his crimes warranted his removal. The Empress Dowager Guo was greatly alarmed and said, "The Son of Heaven is outside the city. What can be done?" Sima Yi replied, "Your subject has a memorial to present to the Son of Heaven and a plan to execute the wicked ministers. Let not the Empress Dowager worry." The Empress Dowager, frightened, had no choice but to consent. Sima Yi hastily ordered Grand Commandant Jiang Ji and Palace Secretary Sima Fu to jointly draft a memorial, which was then carried out of the city by a eunuch gate attendant and delivered directly before the Emperor. Sima Yi himself led his great army to occupy the arsenal. Word was quickly reported to Cao Shuang's residence. His wife, Lady Liu, hurried out to the front hall and summoned the steward of the household, saying, "The Master is outside the city. What does Zhongda intend by raising troops?" The gate commander, Pan Ju, said, "Let not the Lady be alarmed. I shall go and inquire." He then led several dozen archers and crossbowmen up onto the gate tower to look out. Just then he saw Sima Yi leading his troops past the front of the residence, and Pan Ju ordered his men to rain arrows down, so that Sima Yi could not pass. His lieutenant, Sun Qian, stopped him from behind, saying, "The Grand Tutor is acting on matters of great importance to the state. Do not loose your arrows." He stopped him three times before Pan Ju finally ceased firing. Sima Zhao shielded his father Sima Yi as they passed, then led his troops out of the camp and encamped along the Luo River, where he secured the floating bridge.

Now the officer under Cao Shuang's command, Lu Zhi, saw the upheaval in the city and came to consult with his aide, Xin Chang, saying, "Zhongda has caused such a disturbance. What shall we do?" Xin Chang said, "We can lead our troops out of the city to see the Son of Heaven." Lu Zhi agreed. Xin Chang then hurried into the inner chambers. His elder sister, Xin Xianying, saw him and asked, "What matter is it that has you in such a flurry?" Xin Chang told her, "The Son of Heaven is outside the city. The Grand Tutor has closed the city gates. He must be plotting rebellion." Xin Xianying said, "The Duke of Sima is not necessarily plotting rebellion. He merely wishes to kill General Cao." Xin Chang, startled, said, "How can you know this?" Xin Xianying replied, "General Cao is no match for the Duke of Sima. He will certainly be defeated." Xin Chang said, "The other day the Duke of Sima invited me to go with him. I wonder whether I should have gone." Xin Xianying said, "One's duty is a matter of great principle for a man. Even when others are in difficulty, one should show compassion. To abandon one's post while still holding the whip of office—there is no greater ill omen." Xin Chang followed her advice, and together with Lu Zhi, he led several dozen horsemen to break through the gate and fight their way out of the city.

This was reported to Sima Yi. Fearing that Huan Fan might also escape, he hastily ordered men to summon him. Huan Fan consulted with his son. His son said, "The Emperor's carriage is outside the city. We had better head south." Huan Fan followed this advice and rode to the Pingchang Gate. The gate was already closed, but the gate commander was Si Fan, a former subordinate of Huan Fan. Huan Fan took a bamboo tablet from his sleeve and said, "The Empress Dowager has an edict. Open the gate at once." Si Fan said, "Please let me examine the edict." Huan Fan rebuked him, "You are my former subordinate. How dare you do this?" Si Fan had no choice but to open the gate and let him out. Once outside the city, Huan Fan called to Si Fan, "The Grand Tutor is in rebellion. You had better come with me quickly." Si Fan was greatly alarmed but was unable to catch up with him. This was reported to Sima Yi. Sima Yi was greatly alarmed and said, "The man with the plans has leaked away! What can be done?" Jiang Ji said, "A wretched horse is attached to its fodder and stable. He certainly cannot be put to use." Sima Yi then summoned Xu Yun and Chen Tai and said, "Go and see Cao Shuang. Tell him that the Grand Tutor has no other intention, only to strip you and your brothers of your military authority." Xu and Chen departed. He also summoned Commandant of the Palace Guard Yin Daming and ordered Jiang Ji to write a letter, which Yin was to carry to Cao Shuang. Sima Yi instructed him, "You are on good terms with Cao Shuang, so you can undertake this task. When you see him, tell him that Jiang Ji and I have sworn an oath by the Luo River: this concerns only the matter of military authority, and we have no other intentions." Yin Daming departed as ordered.

Meanwhile, Cao Shuang was engaged in falconry and hound-running when suddenly word was brought that there had been a disturbance in the city and that the Grand Tutor had submitted a memorial. Cao Shuang was so greatly alarmed that he nearly fell from his horse. A eunuch gate official knelt before the Son of Heaven, bearing the memorial. Cao Shuang received it, broke the seal, and ordered a close attendant to read it aloud. The memorial read in part:

"Your subject, Grand Tutor Sima Yi, Grand Commander of the Western Expedition, in deepest fear and trembling, prostrates himself and respectfully presents this memorial:

"When I returned from Liaodong, the late Emperor summoned Your Majesty, the Prince of Qin, and myself to ascend the imperial couch. He took my arm and spoke with deep concern about the affairs of succession. Now the Grand General Cao Shuang has forsaken the charge entrusted to him at the late Emperor's deathbed and has brought chaos to the laws of the state. Within the palace he has made himself equal to the sovereign; without he has monopolized authority and power. He has appointed the eunuch Zhang Dang as Chief Supervisor, who deals exclusively with secret communications. He watches over the Most Venerable One and covets the sacred instruments of power. He has sown discord between the two palaces and harmed those of the same flesh and blood. All under Heaven is in turmoil, and the people live in fear. This was not the intention of the late Emperor when he issued his charge to Your Majesty and entrusted me with this care.

"Though I am old and decrepit, how could I forget his words? Grand Commandant Jiang Ji, Palace Secretary Sima Fu, and others all believe that Cao Shuang harbors a heart devoid of loyalty to his sovereign, and that his brothers are unfit to command the garrison troops and guard the palace. They have now memorialized Empress Dowager Yongning and commanded me to carry out the actions set forth in this memorial. I have accordingly ordered the Chief Steward and the Director of the Palace Gate to relieve Cao Shuang, Cao Xi, and Cao Xun of their offices and troops, and to send them to their marquess estates, not permitting them to linger and delay the imperial carriage. Should anyone dare to tarry, he shall be dealt with according to military law. I will, despite my illness, lead my troops to encamp at the floating bridge over the Luo River, watching for any unusual developments. I respectfully submit this report and await the sacred judgment of the Son of Heaven."

After Wei's ruler Cao Fang had listened to this, he called for Cao Shuang and said, "If the Grand Tutor speaks thus, how shall you deal with it?" Shuang was beside himself with panic and turned to look at his two younger brothers, saying, "What are we to do?" Cao Xi said, "Your worthless brother once remonstrated with you, Elder Brother, but you were stubborn and would not listen, which has brought us to this day. Sima Yi is as cunning and deceitful as any man alive—even Zhuge Liang could not overcome him, much less we brothers. We had better bind ourselves and go to him, so as to spare our lives." Before he had finished speaking, the Army Advisor Xin Chang and the Sima Lu Zhi arrived. Shuang questioned them. The two men reported, "The city is as tightly guarded as an iron bucket. The Grand Tutor has led his troops to camp at the Luoyang River floating bridge. It looks as though there is no way back—you must make a decisive plan at once." Even as they spoke, the Minister of Agriculture Huan Fan rode up in haste and said to Shuang, "The Grand Tutor has staged a coup. Why does Your Excellency not request the Son of Heaven to proceed to Xudu and summon outside troops to suppress Sima Yi?" Shuang said, "Our whole families are in the city. How can we seek help elsewhere?" Huan Fan said, "A common man facing death still hopes to live! Today you, my lord, are at the side of the Son of Heaven and can command the whole of the empire—who would dare not respond? How can you walk willingly into the land of death?"

Shuang heard these words but could not decide; he merely shed tears. Huan Fan said again, "Xudu is no more than half a night's journey from here. The grain stores within the city would last several years. Your Excellency's separate camp and troops are close to the south of the palace—they would arrive the moment you call. The seal of the Grand Marshal is in my hands. Your Excellency must act with all speed; if you delay, it will be too late!" Shuang said, "Do not press me so urgently, my officials. Let me think it through carefully." Presently, the Palace Attendant Xu Yun and the Secretary-General Chen Tai arrived. They reported, "The Grand Tutor acts only because Your Excellency holds too much power. He merely wishes to strip you of your military authority—he has no other intention. You should return to the city at once." Shuang remained silent. Then the Commander of the Palace Guard, Yin Damao, also arrived. He said, "The Grand Tutor swore an oath by the Luoyang River that he has no other intentions. Here is a letter from Grand Marshal Jiang. Your Excellency may relinquish your military authority and return to the Chancellor's residence." Shuang believed this to be good counsel. Huan Fan warned him again, "The situation is desperate! Do not listen to outsiders and walk into the land of death!"

That night Cao Shuang could not make up his mind. He drew his sword and, with sighs and brooding, went on deliberating; from dusk until dawn he shed tears continuously, yet in the end his doubts remained unresolved. Huan Fan entered the tent and urged him, "My lord has deliberated for a full day and night—how can you still be unable to decide?" Shuang threw down his sword and sighed, "I will not raise troops. I am willing to resign my office and be nothing more than a wealthy commoner—that is enough for me!" Huan Fan wept bitterly and came out of the tent, saying, "Cao Zidan prided himself on his cunning, but now his three brothers are nothing but piglets and calves!" He went on weeping without cease. Xu Yun and Chen Tai told Shuang to first surrender his seals and ribbons of office to Sima Yi. Shuang ordered that the seals be sent over. The Chief Clerk Yang Zong held back the seals and ribbons, weeping, and said, "If Your Excellency surrenders his military authority today and goes bound to submit, you will not escape execution in the Eastern Market!" Shuang said, "The Grand Tutor will surely not break his word to me." And so Cao Shuang handed over the seals and ribbons to Xu and Chen, who went ahead to deliver them to Sima Yi. When the troops saw that there were no general's seals, they scattered in all directions. Shuang was left with only a handful of mounted officials. When they reached the floating bridge, Sima Yi gave orders that Cao Shuang and his two brothers be sent back to their private residences, while the rest were placed in confinement pending imperial instructions. When Shuang and the others entered the city, not a single attendant was with them. Huan Fan reached the floating bridge, and Sima Yi, from horseback, pointed at him with his whip and said, "Why does Grand Master Huan behave thus?" Huan Fan lowered his head, said nothing, and went into the city.

Thereupon Sima Yi requested the Emperor's carriage to break camp and enter Luoyang. After the three Cao Shuang brothers had returned home, Sima Yi had the gates locked with great bolts and ordered eight hundred commoners to surround and guard their residences. Cao Shuang was heavy at heart. Cao Xi said to Shuang, "Now there is no grain in the house. Elder Brother should write a letter to the Grand Tutor to borrow grain. If he is willing to lend it to us, he surely does not intend us any harm." Shuang thereupon wrote a letter and sent a man to deliver it. Sima Yi read the letter and dispatched someone with a hundred *hu* of grain, which was transported to Cao Shuang's residence. Shuang was overjoyed and said, "Duke Sima never intended to harm me after all!" And he ceased to worry.

Now Sima Yi had earlier arrested the Palace Attendant Zhang Dang and thrown him into prison for interrogation. Zhang Dang said, "I was not the only one. There are also He Yan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, Bi Fan, and Ding Mi—five others who plotted rebellion together." Sima Yi took Zhang Dang's confession and then arrested He Yan and the others for thorough interrogation. All confessed that in the third month they had intended to revolt. Sima Yi had them clamped in long cangues. The city gate commander Si Fan reported that Huan Fan had left the city on a forged edict, claiming that the Grand Tutor was plotting rebellion. Sima Yi said, "To falsely accuse others of rebellion brings the same punishment upon oneself." He also threw Huan Fan and the others into prison. Then he had Cao Shuang and his three brothers, together with all the other offenders, led out to the marketplace, where they were all beheaded and their three clans exterminated. Their household property and goods were all confiscated and placed in the treasury.

At that time there was the wife of Cao Shu, a cousin of Cao Shuang, known as the Daughter of the Xiahou Ling family. She had been widowed early and had no children, and her father wished to have her remarried. She cut off her own ear to pledge her resolve. After Cao Shuang was executed, her father again wished to marry her off, and she cut off her own nose. Her family was alarmed and said to her, "A human life in this world is like light dust resting on a frail blade of grass—why torment yourself to such an extent? Moreover, your husband's family has already been utterly exterminated by the Sima clan. For whom do you keep this vigil?" The woman wept and said, "I have heard that 'the benevolent do not change their integrity with the rise and fall of fortune, and the righteous do not alter their hearts with the survival or destruction of those they serve.' When the Cao family was in its glory, I wished to remain faithful to the end; how much less could I bear to abandon them now in their ruin? Such would be the conduct of birds and beasts—how could I do such a thing?" Sima Yi heard of her and honored her virtue. He allowed her to adopt a child and raise it as an heir to the Cao line. A later poet wrote:

Light dust on frail grass—all is seen with detachment,

Yet the Xiahou daughter's righteousness stands firm as a mountain.

A man falls short of a woman's virtue,

And even a bearded brow must blush in shame.

Now it must be told that after Sima Yi had executed Cao Shuang, Grand Marshal Jiang Ji said, "There are still Lu Zhi and Xin Chang, who broke through the gates and forced their way out, and Yang Zong, who seized the seals and refused to hand them over—they must not be let off." Sima Yi said, "Each acted for his own master—they are righteous men." And he restored each of them to his former post. Xin Chang sighed and said, "If I had not consulted my elder sister, I would have failed in great righteousness!" A later poet praised Xin Xianying:

A minister receives his stipola and should think of how to repay it;

Serving one's lord in crisis, one owes him loyalty unto death.

Xian Ying of the Xin clan once admonished her brother; for a thousand years through ancient and modern times, her noble spirit has been praised.

Sima Yi spared Xin Chang and the others, and still issued a proclamation making it known: all persons associated with Cao Shuang's household were to be exempted from death; those who held offices were to resume their posts as before; soldiers and civilians alike were to maintain their livelihoods. Within and without, all was peaceful. He and Deng met their deaths in an untimely fashion, thus fulfilling indeed the words of Guan Lu. A later poet composed this verse in praise of Guan Lu:

He had received the true and wondrous art of the sages,

Guan Lu of Pingyuan could commune with spirits.

The ghostly still and the ghostly restless—thus he distinguished He and Deng,

That they would die before their time—he knew this of the doomed.

Let us tell now that the Wei ruler, Cao Fang, enfeoffed Sima Yi as Chancellor of State and bestowed upon him the Nine Distinctions. Yi firmly declined and would not accept them. Fang would not permit his refusal, and ordered that the father and his two sons jointly manage the affairs of state. Yi suddenly thought to himself: "Though the entire family of Cao Shuang has been put to death, there is still Xiahou Ba, who is defending Yongzhou and the like—he is of Shuang's clan. If he should suddenly rise in rebellion, how shall we guard against it? He must be dealt with." He at once issued an edict ordering someone to go to Yongzhou and summon the General Who Conquers the West, Xiahou Ba, to Luoyang to discuss matters of state. When Xiahou Ba learned of this, he was greatly alarmed and led his three thousand troops in revolt. The Inspector of Yongzhou, Guo Huai, hearing that Xiahou Ba had rebelled, at once led his own troops out and engaged him in battle. Guo Huai rode forward and cursed him, saying: "You are a member of the great Wei imperial clan. The Son of Heaven has done you no wrong. Why do you turn traitor?" Ba also cursed him, saying: "My grandfather and father established many meritorious deeds for the state. Now what manner of man is Sima Yi, who exterminated our Cao clan and now comes for me besides? Sooner or later he will surely seek to usurp the throne. I raise my forces in righteous pursuit of this traitor—how is it rebellion?" Huai, greatly enraged, leveled his spear and galloped forth straight at Xiahou Ba. Ba swung his sword and rode to meet him. They had fought no more than ten exchanges when Huai was defeated and fled; Ba pursued close behind him. Suddenly there came a clamor from the rear. Ba hastily wheeled his horse about, and Chen Tai came upon him with troops. Guo Huai turned back as well. Attacked from both sides, Ba was utterly routed and lost more than half his men. Finding no recourse, he made his way to Hanzhong and surrendered to the Later Host.

Someone reported this to Jiang Wei, who was skeptical at first. He sent men to verify the facts, and only then did he admit him into the city. When Xiahou Ba had completed his obeance, he recounted the events with tears. Wei said: "In ancient times, Weizi left the house of Zhou and won a name that has endured through the ages. If you, sir, can aid and support the House of Han, you will prove no less worthy than the ancients." He then prepared a feast in his honor. At the banquet, Wei asked: "Now that Sima Yi and his sons hold such great power, do they harbor designs against our state?" Ba answered: "The old villain is presently plotting his own usurpation; he has not yet had leisure to turn his attention outward. But there are two men in Wei, both in the prime of youth—if they were given command of troops, they would indeed be a great trouble for Wu and Shu alike." Wei asked: "Who are these two?" Ba told him: "One is presently serving as Palace Library Secretary, a man from Changshe in Yingchuan; his surname is Zhong, his given name Hui, and his style name Shiji. He is the son of the Grand Tutor Zhong You. From childhood he had courage and intelligence. Zhong You once brought both his sons to pay their respects to Emperor Wen. At the time Hui was seven years old and his elder brother Yu was eight. Yu, upon meeting the Emperor, was fearful and sweating profusely. The Emperor asked Yu, 'Why are you sweating?' Yu replied, 'With trembling and terror, my sweat flows like a deluge.' The Emperor then asked Hui, 'Why are you not sweating?' Hui replied, 'With trembling and shivering, my sweat dare not come forth.' The Emperor thought him singularly remarkable. As he grew older, he took delight in reading military texts and gained a profound understanding of strategy. Both Sima Yi and Jiang Ji praised his talents. The other is serving as a petty official; he is from Yiyang, his surname is Deng, his given name Ai, and his style name Shizai. He lost his father in childhood and was always a man of great ambition. Whenever he saw a high mountain or a broad marsh, he would survey it with his hands and indicate where troops might be stationed, where grain might be stored, and where ambushes might be laid. Everyone laughed at him; only Sima Yi marveled at his talent and ordered him to participate in military planning. Ai had a stammer, and whenever he presented a report he would say 'Ai, Ai.' Sima Yi joked with him, saying, 'You say Ai, Ai—how many Ai's are there?' Ai answered without hesitation, 'A feng, a feng—so there is but one feng.' His native quickness was of this sort. These two men are truly to be feared." Wei laughed and said: "Such mere youths—why should they be worth mentioning?"

Thereupon Jiang Wei led Xiahou Ba to Chengdu, where he had an audience with the Later Host. Wei memorialized: "Sima Yi murdered Cao Shuang and then tried to entrap Xiahou Ba; Ba therefore surrendered. At present Sima Yi and his sons monopolize power, Cao Fang is weak and incompetent, and the state of Wei stands in grave peril. Your servant has been in Hanzhong for years, with well-trained troops and ample provisions. Your servant ventures to request command of the royal forces, with Xiahou Ba serving as guide, to advance upon the Central Plains, restore the House of Han, repay Your Majesty's grace, and fulfill the late Chancellor's design." The Prefect of the Palace Secretariat, Fei Yi, admonished him: "Recently both Jiang Wan and Dong Yun have died in succession. There is no one to manage affairs at home. Bo Yue should simply wait the proper time and not act rashly." Wei said: "Not so. Man's life passes as a white steed flies past a crevice—if we keep delaying like this, when shall we ever recover the Central Plains?" Yi further said: "The Master Sun said: 'Know the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will never be defeated.' We all fall far short of the late Chancellor, and even he could not recover the Central Plains—how much less can we?" Wei said: "I have long dwelt in Longshang and understand the hearts of the Qiang people well. If now we make an alliance with the Qiang as allies, though we may not be able to recover all of the Central Plains, from Long westward we could seize and hold the territory." The Later Host said: "Since you wish to campaign against Wei, you may do so with all your loyalty and strength. Do not let your keen spirit falter and thus fail my command." Thereupon Jiang Wei received the imperial edict and took leave of the court. Together with Xiahou Ba he went straight to Hanzhong to plan the raising of troops. Wei said: "We should first send an envoy to the Qiang to establish a compact, then march out from Xiping toward Yongzhou. Let us first build two fortresses at the foot of Qushan and station troops there to form a pincer position. We shall transport all our grain supplies to the river mouth and advance in stages according to the late Chancellor's established methods." In the eighth month of autumn that year, the Shu commanders Li Duan and Li Xin were first dispatched together with fifteen thousand troops to Qushan, where they built two adjoining fortresses. Li Duan defended the eastern fortress, and Li Xin defended the western fortress.

A spy had already reported this to Guo Huai, Inspector of Yongzhou. Guo Huai sent a report to Luoyang and at the same time dispatched his subordinate general Chen Tai with fifty thousand soldiers to Qushan to engage the Shu forces. Ju An and Li Xin each led a force out to meet them; but being outnumbered, they could not resist and retreated back into the city. Chen Tai ordered his troops to surround the city and attack from all sides, and also sent soldiers to cut off the grain route from Hanzhong. Within the city, Ju An and Li Xin faced a shortage of provisions. Guo Huai himself then arrived with additional forces, surveyed the terrain, and rejoiced greatly. Returning to camp, he conferred with Chen Tai, saying, "This city sits on high ground and must have little water; they will have to come out of the city to fetch it. If we dam up the upstream flow, the Shu soldiers will all die of thirst." He then ordered his troops to dig earth and dam the water upstream. As expected, the city soon had no water. Li Xin led soldiers out to fetch water, but the Yongzhou troops surrounded them fiercely. Li Xin fought desperately but could not break through and was forced to retreat back into the city. Ju An also had no water in his city, so he joined Li Xin, and together they led their soldiers out, combining their forces. They fought for a long time but were again defeated and driven back into the city. The soldiers were parched with thirst. Ju An said to Li Xin, "Commander Jiang's army still has not arrived. I wonder why." Li Xin said, "I will risk my life to break through and seek help." He then led several dozen horsemen, opened the city gate, and fought his way out. The Yongzhou troops surrounded him from all sides. Li Xin charged desperately and finally broke free, but only a single man escaped, severely wounded; the rest were lost among the enemy ranks. That night a great north wind rose, dark clouds gathered, and heavy snow fell from the sky. Because of this, the Shu soldiers inside the city divided their rations and melted snow to eat.

Now Li Xin, having fought his way out of the encirclement, traveled for two days along the mountain path from the west and met Jiang Wei's forces head-on. Li Xin dismounted and prostrated himself on the ground, reporting, "Both cities at Qushan are surrounded by Wei troops, and the water supply has been cut off. Fortunately, heavy snow has fallen from heaven, so we have been melting snow to get through each day. The situation is most critical." Jiang Wei said, "It is not that I delayed in coming to your aid—I was waiting to gather the Qiang troops, and that is why I was late." He then had Li Xin sent into Sichuan to recuperate from his illness. Jiang Wei asked Xiahou Ba, "The Qiang troops have not yet arrived, and the Wei forces have Qushan tightly besieged. Do you have any wise counsel?" Xiahou Ba said, "If we wait for the Qiang troops to reach Qushan, both cities will have already fallen. I predict that the Yongzhou forces will all come to attack Qushan, leaving the city of Yongzhou certain to be undefended. You could lead your forces straight to Niutoushan, striking at the rear of Yongzhou. Guo Huai and Chen Tai will surely turn back to relieve Yongzhou, and then the siege at Qushan will dissolve on its own." Jiang Wei was overjoyed and said, "This is the best plan!" So Jiang Wei led his forces toward Niutoushan.

Now when Chen Tai saw that Li Xin had fought his way out of the city, he said to Guo Huai, "If Li Xin reports the emergency to Jiang Wei, Jiang Wei will surmise that all our forces are at Qushan and will certainly strike at Niutoushan to attack our rear. You could lead a detachment to seize Taoshui and cut off the Shu army's grain supply; I will take half our forces and head straight to Niutoushan to attack him. Once he learns that his grain route has been severed, he will certainly retreat on his own." Guo Huai agreed to this plan and led a detachment in secret to seize Taoshui. Chen Tai led another force straight toward Niutoushan.

Now when Jiang Wei's army arrived at Niutoushan, he suddenly heard shouting from the vanguard and received a report that Wei troops had blocked the road ahead. Jiang Wei hastened to the front of the army to assess the situation. Chen Tai shouted loudly, "You wish to attack our Yongzhou! I have been waiting here for a long time!" Jiang Wei, enraged, leveled his spear and charged straight at Chen Tai on horseback. Chen Tai raised his saber to meet him. After barely three exchanges, Chen Tai fled. Jiang Wei ordered his troops to press the pursuit. The Yongzhou forces fell back and occupied the mountain top. Jiang Wei gathered his forces and made camp at the foot of Niutoushan. Each day he sent soldiers to provoke battle, but neither side gained the upper hand. Xiahou Ba said to Jiang Wei, "This is no place to linger. Fighting day after day with no decisive victory—this is a stratagem to lure us in; they must have some other scheme in motion. It would be better to withdraw for now and devise a new plan." Even as he spoke, a report suddenly arrived that Guo Huai had led a force to seize Taoshui and had cut off the grain supply route. Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and hastily ordered Xiahou Ba to retreat first. Jiang Wei himself covered the rear. Chen Tai divided his forces into five columns and pursued. Jiang Wei held the junction of all five routes alone, fighting off the Wei soldiers. Chen Tai drew his troops up the mountain, and arrows and stones rained down like a torrent. Jiang Wei hastily retreated to Taoshui, where Guo Huai led his forces in an attack. Jiang Wei led his troops charging back and forth, but the Wei soldiers blocked his escape route, packed tight as an iron bucket. Jiang Wei fought desperately and broke through, but lost more than half his army. He fled in haste to Yangping Pass ahead. Another force appeared before him; the leading general rode out with saber leveled. This man had a round face with large ears, a square mouth and thick lips, and beneath his left eye he bore a black tumor, from which grew dozens of black hairs. He was Sima Shi, eldest son of Sima Yi and General of the Flying Cavalry. Jiang Wei flew into a rage and said, "How dare this brat block my way home!" He spurred his horse and leveled his spear, charging straight at Sima Shi. Sima Shi raised his saber to meet him. In just three exchanges, Sima Shi was defeated, and Jiang Wei broke free and fled straight to Yangping Pass. The defenders atop the gates opened them and let Jiang Wei in. Sima Shi came to seize the pass, but from both sides hidden crossbows fired simultaneously, each crossbow shooting ten bolts—this was the "repeating crossbow" method left behind by the late Marquis Wu before his death. Truly:

Hard to sustain this day the defeat of three armies;

Alone relying on the legacy of ten bolts from years past.

What became of Sima Shi's life? Read on to find out.