Chapter 88

Chapter 88

When Kong Meng had been released, the generals went to Zhuge Liang's tent and asked, "Meng Huo is the chief of the southern barbarians. Now that we have had the good fortune to capture him, the south should be pacified. Why did you release him, Prime Minister?" Kong Meng smiled and said, "Capturing this man is as easy as taking something from a bag. I must truly subdue his heart, and then peace will naturally follow." Upon hearing this, none of the generals were willing to believe him.

That day, Meng Huo traveled to the Lu River, where he happened upon the defeated and scattered barbarian soldiers who had come searching for him. When the soldiers saw Meng Huo, they were both startled and overjoyed. They bowed and asked, "How was the king able to return?" Huo said, "The Shu men had me imprisoned in their tent. I killed over ten of them and escaped under the cover of darkness. While on my way, I encountered a patrol, whom I also killed, and took their horse. That is how I managed to escape." All were overjoyed and escorted Meng Huo across the Lu River, where they set down camp. He summoned the chieftains of all the caves and gradually gathered the barbarian soldiers who had previously been released—some hundred thousand cavalry in total. At this time, Dong Tuona and Ahuinan were already in their caves. Meng Huo sent men to invite them, and the two, though fearful, had no choice but to lead their cave soldiers forward as well. Meng Huo issued orders, saying, "I now know Zhuge Liang's schemes. We must not engage him in battle, for if we do, we will fall into his treacherous plans. Those Shu soldiers have traveled from afar and are weary. Moreover, the weather is sweltering these days—how long can their troops endure? We hold the natural barrier of the Lu River. We will confine all boats and rafts to the south bank and build earthen fortifications everywhere, with deep trenches and high ramparts. Let us see how Zhuge Liang can devise his strategies then!" The chieftains followed his plan and gathered all boats and rafts along the south bank, constructing earthen fortifications. Where the terrain leaned against mountains and cliffs, they erected tall watchtowers, stocked with many crossbows, bolts, and stones, preparing for a long stay. Provisions were supplied and transported from each cave. Meng Huo considered this a foolproof strategy and was at ease without worry.

Meanwhile, Kong Meng advanced with his army. The vanguard had already reached the Lu River when a scout rushed in to report, "There are no boats or rafts within the Lu River, and the current is fierce. Along the opposite bank, earthen fortifications have been built, all manned by barbarian soldiers." It was the fifth month—the weather was scorching hot. In the southern lands, the heat was exceptionally intense, and the soldiers could not even bear to wear their armor. Kong Meng went to the bank of the Lu River to observe the situation himself, then returned to his camp and gathered all the generals to his tent. He issued orders, saying, "Now Meng Huo's forces are encamped south of the Lu River, with deep trenches and high ramparts to resist our army. Since I have brought my troops this far, how can I return empty-handed? Each of you is to lead your soldiers to rest among the mountains and trees, choosing places where the forests are thick and lush." He then sent Lü Kai a hundred miles from the Lu River to select a cool area, dividing it into four camps. Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, Zhang Yi, and Guan Suo were each assigned to guard one camp, with thatched shelters built both inside and outside to shade the horses, allowing the officers and men to rest in the cool and escape the summer heat. The military advisor Jiang Wan, upon seeing this, went in and asked Kong Meng, "In my opinion, the camps Lü Kai has built are most unfavorable—they repeat the very terrain where the late emperor was defeated by Eastern Wu. If the barbarians secretly cross the Lu River and raid our camps, and if they use fire, how would we save ourselves?" Kong Meng smiled and said, "Sir, do not be suspicious. I have my own brilliant calculations." Jiang Wan and the others did not understand his meaning.

Suddenly it was reported that Ma Dai had arrived from Shu proper with heat-relieving medicine and grain. Kong Meng ordered him to enter. After Ma Dai had paid his respects, the grain and medicine were distributed to the four camps. Kong Meng asked, "How many troops did you bring?" Ma Dai said, "Three thousand." Kong Meng said, "Our army is exhausted from repeated battles. I wish to use your troops—do you dare to advance?" Ma Dai said, "They are all the army of the court—what distinction is there between yours and mine? If the Prime Minister wishes to use them, I will not refuse even unto death." Kong Meng said, "Now Meng Huo holds the Lu River, and there is no way to cross. I wish to first cut off his supply route and cause his army to fall into chaos of its own accord." Ma Dai said, "How can it be cut off?" Kong Meng said, "A hundred and fifty miles from here, at the Sha Kou of the lower Lu River, the water is slow there, and rafts can be used to cross. Take your three thousand troops across the water, go directly into the barbarian caves, first cut off their provisions, then join forces with the two cave chieftains Dong Tuona and Ahuinan to act as an inside force. There must be no mistakes."

Ma Dai departed with delight and led his troops forward to Sha Kou, driving his men across the water. Because the water was shallow, most did not use the rafts but crossed bare-bodied instead. Halfway across, they all collapsed. They were rushed to the shore but died with blood flowing from their mouths and noses. Ma Dai was greatly alarmed and returned to report to Kong Meng that very night. Kong Meng summoned the local guide and questioned him. The local said, "At present, in the sweltering summer, poison accumulates in the Lu River. During the day it is extremely hot, and the poisonous vapors rise. Anyone who crosses the water will surely be poisoned. Or if one drinks this water, that person will certainly die. If you wish to cross, you must wait until the night is still and the water is cool, when the poisonous vapors do not rise. Eat your fill and then cross—only then will there be no harm." Kong Meng thereupon ordered the local to serve as guide and selected five or six hundred sturdy soldiers to accompany Ma Dai to the Lu River's Sha Kou. They built wooden rafts and crossed at midnight. Indeed, nothing happened. Ma Dai led two thousand strong soldiers, with the local as guide, straight to the mountain pass of Jia Shan Yu, through which all the barbarian caves' provisions were transported. That Jia Shan Yu had mountains on both sides with a single road in between, barely wide enough for one man and one horse to pass. Ma Dai seized Jia Shan Yu and deployed his soldiers, setting up camp. The cave barbarians were unaware and were delivering grain when Ma Dai intercepted them from both front and rear, seizing over a hundred carts of grain. The barbarians reported this to Meng Huo's main camp.

At this time, Meng Huo spent his days in his camp drinking and making merry, paying no attention of military affairs. He said to the various chieftains, "If I face Zhuge Liang in battle, I am certain to fall for his cunning schemes. Now, relying on the natural barrier of the Lu River, we shall dig deep moats and build high ramparts to await them. The men of Shu cannot endure the extreme heat and will surely retreat. Then we shall pursue and attack them, and we shall capture Zhuge Liang." Having spoken, he burst into loud laughter.

Suddenly, one chieftain within the ranks spoke up: "The waters at Sandmouth are shallow. If the Shu soldiers manage to cross there, it would be a grave danger. We should divide our forces to guard it." Meng Huo laughed and said, "You are a native of this land, and yet you do not know? I actually want the Shu soldiers to attempt to cross this river. Once they do, they will surely perish in the waters." The chieftain said again, "What if a native teaches them a method for crossing at night?" Meng Huo replied, "There is no need for such suspicions. How could anyone within our territory aid the enemy?"

Even as he was speaking, a report suddenly arrived: an unknown number of Shu soldiers had secretly crossed the Lu River, cut off the supply route through the mountains, and were flying the banner of "General of the Pacification of the North, Ma Dai." Meng Huo laughed and said, "Such petty fellows are not worth a thought!" He immediately dispatched his lieutenant Mang Yachang with three thousand troops to the mountain ravine.

Now, Ma Dai, seeing that the barbarian soldiers had arrived, deployed his two thousand troops on the front of the mountain. The two battle lines formed, and Mang Yachang rode out to engage Ma Dai. After a single exchange, Ma Dai cut him down with a single stroke of his blade. The barbarian soldiers were routed and returned to Meng Huo, reporting the matter in detail.

Meng Huo summoned his generals and asked, "Who dares to go and face Ma Dai?" Before he had finished speaking, Dong Tuna stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." Meng Huo was greatly pleased and gave him three thousand troops to set out. Meng Huo, fearing that more might cross the Lu River, also dispatched A Huinan with three thousand troops to guard Sandmouth.

Dong Tuna led the barbarian troops to the mountain ravine and made camp. Ma Dai brought his forces to meet him. Within his ranks, soldiers recognized Dong Tuna and informed Ma Dai accordingly. Ma Dai rode forward and cursed loudly, "Ungrateful, treacherous wretch! our Prime Minister spared your life, and yet you rebel again. Have you no shame?" Dong Tuna was covered in shame, had no words to answer, and retreated without fighting. Ma Dai pursued and struck a blow before withdrawing.

Dong Tuna returned to Meng Huo and said, "Ma Dai is a valiant hero; I could not withstand him." Meng Huo flew into a rage and said, "I know you were originally indebted to Zhuge Liang for your life. Your retreating without fighting today is clearly a deliberate betrayal!" He ordered him to be dragged out and executed. The chieftains pleaded for him repeatedly, and only then was his life spared. He had the warriors beat Dong Tuna with a hundred heavy strokes of the rod and sent him back to his own camp.

Several chieftains came to Dong Tuna and said, "Although we dwell in barbarian lands, we have never dared to invade the Middle Kingdom, nor has the Middle Kingdom ever invaded us. Now, compelled by Meng Huo's power, we have rebelled against our will. We consider that Kongming's divine foresight is beyond measure—even Cao Cao and Sun Quan stand in awe of him, let alone we of the barbarian lands? Moreover, we have all received the gift of life from him, and we have no way to repay it. Now we are willing to risk our lives, kill Meng Huo, and go over to Kongming, to spare the people of our caves from suffering."

Dong Tuna said, "I do not yet know what is in your hearts." Among them were those who had been previously released by Kongming. They all responded together, "We are willing to go!" Thereupon, Dong Tuna, gripping his steel blade, led over a hundred men straight toward the main camp.

At this hour, Meng Huo lay dead drunk within his tent. Dong Tuna and his men entered with their blades drawn. Two generals stood guard at the foot of the tent. Dong Tuna pointed his blade at them and said, "You too owe your lives to Prime Minister Zhuge. You ought to repay his kindness." The two generals said, "There is no need for you, General, to act. We shall capture Meng Huo alive and present him to the Prime Minister." They entered the tent together, seized and bound Meng Huo, escorted him to the banks of the Lu River, and sailed directly across to the northern shore. They sent ahead to inform Kongming.

Now, Kongming had already received intelligence from his agents regarding this matter. He therefore secretly issued orders, instructing the officers of all camps to prepare their weapons. He then commanded that the leading chieftains be brought in with Meng Huo, while the rest returned to their own camps to await further instructions.

Dong Tuna entered the central camp first to see Kongming and reported the matter in detail. Kongming rewarded him generously, comforted him with kind words, and sent Dong Tuna away with the assembled chieftains. He then ordered his executioners to bring in Meng Huo.

Kongming smiled and said, "You declared earlier: 'If you capture me again, I will submit.' How is it now?" Meng Huo replied, "This was not due to your ability. It was my own men turning against each other that brought about this result. How could I submit?" Kongming said, "What if I release you once more?" Meng Huo replied, "Although I am a barbarian, I am well acquainted in military strategy. If you, Prime Minister, truly release me to return to my caves, I shall lead my troops to decide the outcome once more. If you capture me again this time, I shall surrender wholeheartedly and shall never waver." Kongming said, "If I capture you this time and you still refuse to submit, I shall show no further mercy."

He ordered his attendants to remove Meng Huo's bonds. As before, he provided him with wine and food and seated him in his tent. Kongming said, "Since I left my thatched cottage, I have fought without ever being defeated and attacked without ever failing to take my objective. You are a man of the barbarian lands—why will you not submit?" Meng Huo remained silent and did not answer.

After the wine, Kongming invited Meng Huo to ride out with him from the camp to inspect the various encampments, the stockpiled grain and forage, and the accumulated weapons and equipment. Kongming pointed to them and said to Meng Huo, "If you do not surrender to me, you are truly a fool. With such elite soldiers and fierce generals, such stores of grain and weapons—how could you ever prevail against me? If you submit now, I will petition the Emperor that you may retain your royal title, and that your sons and grandsons may rule the barbarian lands forever. What do you say to that?" Meng Huo replied, "Though I might be willing to surrender, I fear that the people of my caves will not be willing in their hearts. If you will release me to return, I will rally my own forces and unite their hearts and minds. Only then can I submit."

Kongming was pleased and returned with Meng Huo to the main camp. They drank until late in the evening, and then Meng Huo took his leave. Kongming personally escorted him to the banks of the Lu River and sent him back to his camp by boat.

Meng Huo arrived at his own camp and first placed swordsmen and axemen in ambush beneath his tent. He then sent trusted men to the camps of Dong Tuna and Ahuinan, pretending that Zhuge Liang had a mission for them. The two were lured to Meng Huo's tent and there slain, their bodies cast into a ravine. Meng Huo at once dispatched loyal men to guard the mountain passes, then led his army out through Jiashan Valley to engage Ma Dai in battle, but found not a single man. When he asked the local inhabitants, they all told him that the enemy had moved all their grain and fodder the night before, recrossed the Lu River, and returned to their main camp. Meng Huo went back to his stronghold and consulted with his younger brother Meng You, saying, "Now I have learned everything there is to know about Zhuge Liang's situation, both his strengths and his weaknesses. Go and do exactly as I tell you."

Meng You took his brother's plan and led over a hundred barbarian soldiers, carrying gold and pearls, precious tusks and rhinoceros horns, across the Lu River straight to Zhuge Liang's main camp. He had just crossed when drums and horns sounded ahead and a body of troops drew up in formation: their commander was Ma Dai. Meng You was greatly alarmed. Ma Dai questioned him about the purpose of his visit, then had him wait outside and sent a messenger to report to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang was in his tent with Ma Su, Lü Kai, Jiang Wan, and Fei Yi, discussing the subjugation of the barbarians, when a man below the tent announced that Meng Huo had sent his brother Meng You to present tribute. Zhuge Liang turned to Ma Su and said, "Do you know his purpose in coming?" Ma Su replied, "I dare not say openly. Allow me to write it on paper and present it to Your Excellency, to see if it agrees with your own thinking." Zhuge Liang assented. Ma Su wrote his answer and presented it. Zhuge Liang read it and clapped his hands with a great laugh, saying, "The plan for capturing Meng Huo has already been set in motion by me. What you have seen is exactly the same as my own thinking." He then summoned Zhao Yun and gave him whispered instructions; he summoned Wei Yan and gave him secret orders as well; he summoned Wang Ping, Ma Zhong, and Guan Suo and gave each of them secret commands.

Having received their orders, all departed to carry them out. Then Meng You was summoned into the tent. Meng You bowed twice below the tent and said, "My elder brother Meng Huo, grateful for the Prime Minister's mercy in sparing his life, has nothing worthy of offering, so he has prepared a quantity of gold, pearls, and treasures as a token contribution for rewarding the troops. Later he will send separate tribute for the Son of Heaven." Zhuge Liang said, "Where is your brother now?" Meng You replied, "In gratitude for the Prime Minister's heavenly favor, he has gone directly to Yinke Mountain to gather more treasures and will return shortly." Zhuge Liang said, "How many men have you brought?" Meng You replied, "I did not dare bring many. Only about a hundred followers, all of whom are porters." Zhuge Liang had them all brought into the tent to be seen. They were men with pale blue eyes and dark faces, yellow hair and purple beards, wearing golden earrings, their hair bound up and their feet bare—tall, powerful men. Zhuge Liang had them seated and ordered his officers to press drinks upon them with warm hospitality.

Meanwhile Meng Huo sat in his tent awaiting news. Suddenly two men returned and were brought before him. They reported, "Zhuge Liang received the gifts with great delight and had all the followers brought into his tent, where he slaughtered cattle and sheep and prepared a feast. The Second Lord instructed us to report secretly to Your Lordship: tonight at the second watch, he will cooperate from within to accomplish the great undertaking." Meng Huo was overjoyed. He at once marshaled thirty thousand barbarian troops and divided them into three columns. Meng Huo instructed the chieftains of the various strongholds, "Let every unit carry fire-making tools. When we reach the Wei camp tonight, use fire as the signal. I will take the central camp myself and capture Zhuge Liang." The barbarian commanders received their orders and, at dusk, crossed the Lu River. Meng Huo led over a hundred trusted barbarian officers straight to Zhuge Liang's main camp, meeting no opposition along the way. He reached the camp gate and, at the head of his officers, spurred his horse through—only to find an empty camp, with not a single man in sight. Meng Huo charged into the central tent, where lamps and candles burned brightly, and found Meng You and all the barbarian soldiers lying dead drunk. In truth, Meng You had been entertained by Ma Su and Lü Kai on Zhuge Liang's orders. Musicians had performed plays and the officers had pressed drinks upon them with warm insistence, but the wine had been drugged. All had collapsed, as lifeless as the dead drunk. Meng Huo entered the tent and questioned them; those who had regained consciousness could only point to their mouths.

Realizing he had fallen into a trap, Meng Huo hastily rescued Meng You and the others. But as he was about to make for his central column, a great shout arose ahead and flames suddenly flared up, and the barbarian soldiers scattered in every direction. A body of troops charged in—their commander was the Wei general Wang Ping. Meng Huo was greatly alarmed. He rushed toward his left column, but there too the sky was ablaze with fire, and a body of troops charged in, led by the Wei general Wei Yan. Meng Huo fled in panic toward his right column, only to see flames rising once more and another body of troops charging in, led by the Wei general Zhao Yun. Attacked from three sides, he was hemmed in on all quarters. Meng Huo abandoned his soldiers and fled alone on horseback toward the Lu River. On the river he saw several dozen barbarian soldiers in a small boat. Meng Huo urgently ordered them to come to shore. He had just embarked with his horse when a signal was given and Meng Huo was seized and bound. Ma Dai had received his orders and had led his own men, disguised as barbarian soldiers, to man the boat lying in wait there, luring Meng Huo into capture.

Thereupon Zhuge Liang offered amnesty to the barbarian troops, and those who surrendered were beyond counting. He comforted each of them and harmed none. He then ordered the remaining fires to be extinguished. Presently, Ma Dai brought Meng Huo before him in bonds; Zhao Yun brought Meng You in bonds; and Ma Wei, Ma Zhong, Wang Ping, and Guan Suo brought the chieftains of the various caves before him. Zhuge Liang pointed at Meng Huo and laughed, saying, "You first sent your brother to feign surrender with a show of courtesy—but how could he deceive me? Now you have been captured once more. Do you submit?" Meng Huo replied, "It was because my brother craved food and drink that he fell into your poisoned trap, and thus our great enterprise was ruined. Had I come myself, with my brother responding with troops, we would have surely succeeded. This is Heaven's doing, not any failure of mine. How could I submit?" Zhuge Liang said, "This is now the third time. How can you still refuse to submit?" Meng Huo hung his head and said nothing. Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "I shall let you go back once again." Meng Huo said, "If you, Prime Minister, would release my brother and me to return home, we will gather our household retainers and fight you a great battle. If you then capture us, we shall surrender with our hearts truly settled." Zhuge Liang said, "If I capture you again, I shall surely show no leniency. Take care to apply yourself diligently to the books of strategy, reassemble your trusted followers, adopt wise counsel early, and do not bring regret upon yourself." He then ordered the guards to remove their bonds. Meng Huo, Meng You, and the chieftains of all the caves were all released. Meng Huo and the others bowed in thanks and departed.

By this time the Shu army had crossed the Lu River. When Meng Huo and the others reached the far bank, they saw troops and generals arrayed at the ford, their banners fluttering thick. As Meng Huo approached the camp, Ma Dai sat in a high seat and pointed his sword at him, saying, "If we capture you this time, we shall surely show no mercy!" When Meng Huo reached his own encampment, Zhao Yun had already seized it and deployed troops and horses there. Zhao Yun sat beneath his great banner and said with hand on sword, "The Prime Minister has treated you with such kindness—do not forget this great favor!" Meng Huo stammered assent and hurried away. As he was about to pass out of the border pass and up the hillside, Ma Yan led a thousand elite troops positioned on the slope. He reined in his horse and spoke sternly: "I have now penetrated your lair and seized your strategic strongholds. Yet you remain stubbornly deluded and resist the great army! If we capture you this time, your body shall be cut to pieces—I shall show no mercy whatsoever!" Meng Huo and the others fled in a panic, covering their heads, back toward their own cave. A later poet praised the occasion:

In the fifth month he led his troops into the barren land,

By the bright moon the Lu River rose with miasmal mist.

With mighty strategy he repaid the Three Visits' grace,

Did he shrink from the toil of seven captures in the southern chase?

Now Zhuge Liang, having crossed the Lu River, set up camp and bestowed great rewards upon the three armies. He gathered his generals before his tent and said, "The second time Meng Huo was captured, I had him observe the conditions of all our camps, precisely because I wished him to come raid us. I know Meng Huo has some understanding of military matters. I displayed our troops and supplies ostentatiously, in truth allowing Meng Huo to see what he took as our weaknesses—he would certainly use fire attack. He sent his brother to feign surrender, hoping to act as an inside ally. I have captured him three times yet spared him, sincerely wishing to win his heart and not to exterminate his kind. I now make this plain to you all: do not shrink from toil, and devote yourselves to serving your state." The generals all prostrated themselves and said, "The Prime Minister possesses wisdom, benevolence, and courage in full measure—even Jiang Ziya and Zhang Liang cannot surpass you!" Zhuge Liang said, "How dare I compare myself to the ancients? I rely entirely upon your strength to accomplish this enterprise together." All the generals in the tent, hearing Zhuge Liang's words, were filled with joy.

As for Meng Huo, stung by the humiliation of three captures, he returned in fury to the Yin Keng Cave. He at once dispatched trusted men bearing gold, pearls, and precious goods to the eight regions and ninety-three districts, as well as to the tribes of the barbarian lands, to borrow several hundred thousand strong warriors armed with shields and swords. They were to assemble by a set day, and all the troops, surging like clouds and mist, were to obey Meng Huo's command. Scouts who had learned of this reported it to Zhuge Liang, who laughed and said, "I precisely want all the barbarian troops to gather, so that they may witness my ability." He then mounted his small carriage and set forth. Truly:

Had not the cave lord's fury blazed so fierce,

How could the Marshal's skill have shone so peerless?

What the outcome shall be, read on in the following chapter.