Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Zhuge Liang then went out in a small chariot, leading several hundred cavalry to scout the way ahead. Before them lay a river called the Xi'er River. Though the current was sluggish, not a single boat or raft was to be found. Zhuge Liang ordered timber to be cut and fashioned into rafts for crossing, but the wood sank as soon as it touched the water. Zhuge Liang then inquired of Lü Kai, who said, "I have heard that upstream along the Xi'er River there is a mountain abundant with bamboo, the largest stalks measuring several spans around. We may send men to fell them and construct a bamboo bridge across the river to convey the army and horses over." Zhuge Liang at once dispatched thirty thousand men into the mountain, who cut several hundred thousand bamboo stalks and floated them downstream. At a narrow point on the river, they built a bamboo bridge over ten spans wide. He then drew up the main army in a single line of encampments on the north bank, using the river itself as a moat, the floating bridge as a gate, and piling up earth to form a wall. Crossing the bridge to the south bank, he established three great camps in a line, there to await the barbarian forces.

Now Meng Huo led several hundred thousand barbarian troops, burning with rage and hatred, toward the Xi'er River. Drawing near, he commanded his vanguard of ten thousand rattan-shield warriors to challenge the front camp to battle. Zhuge Liang, wearing his silk head-draped cap, draped in a crane-feather cloak, wielding a feather fan, and riding a four-horse chariot, emerged surrounded by his generals on either side. Zhuge Liang observed Meng Huo clad in rhinoceros-hide armor, his head topped with a vermilion helmet, a shield in his left hand and a blade in his right, riding a red-furred ox, hurling insults from his mouth. Under his command were over ten thousand cave warriors, each brandishing blade and shield, surging back and forth. Zhuge Liang hastily ordered a withdrawal into his own camp, closing it on all four sides and forbidding any engagement. The barbarian soldiers, stripped bare to the waist, came right up to the camp gates shouting abuse. The generals were furious and all came to report to Zhuge Liang, saying, "We beg permission to sally forth from the camp and fight to the death!" Zhuge Liang refused. The generals repeatedly pressed for battle, but Zhuge Liang restrained them, saying, "These people of the southern lands do not heed the civilizing ways of the king. Now that they have come, their savagery is at its peak—we must not meet them head-on. For now we shall hold firm for several days, until their frenzy has somewhat abated. Then I shall have a splendid stratagem to break them."

So the Shu forces held firm for several days. From a high vantage point, Zhuge Liang observed that the barbarian troops had grown largely slack and negligent. He then gathered his generals and said, "Are you willing to go out and fight?" The generals were eager to sally forth. Zhuge Liang first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan into his tent, whispered into their ears, and gave them their orders in detail. The two received their instructions and advanced first. He then summoned Wang Ping and Ma Zhong into the tent and gave them their orders as well. Next he called Ma Dai and instructed him, "I shall now abandon these three camps and withdraw back north of the river. As soon as our army retreats, you are to dismantle the floating bridge and move it downstream, then ferry the troops of Zhao Yun and Wei Yan across the river to come to our aid." Ma Dai received his orders and departed. He then called Zhang Yi and said, "When our army withdraws, set up many lamps and fires within the camps. When Meng Huo learns of this, he will surely pursue us. You are to cut off his rear." Zhang Yi received his orders and withdrew. Zhuge Liang had only Guan Suo guard his chariot. The army withdrew, and many lamps and fires were set up in the camps. The barbarian soldiers saw this and did not dare to charge.

The next day at dawn, Meng Huo led the main body of barbarian troops straight to the Shu camps. He found all three great camps completely abandoned, with several hundred carts of grain and supplies left behind inside. Meng You said, "Zhuge has abandoned his camps and fled. Could this be some scheme?" Meng Huo replied, "I reckon that Zhuge Liang has abandoned his baggage and left because some urgent matter has arisen in his own state: if not an invasion by Wu, then surely an attack by Wei. Therefore he set up lamps and fires to make us suspect a ruse, then abandoned the carts and departed. We must pursue him swiftly and not let this opportunity pass." Meng Huo then drove his vanguard forward until they reached the bank of the Xi'er River. Looking across, he saw that on the north bank the banners in the camps were arrayed as orderly and splendid as brocade; along the river's edge, a line of fortified earthworks had also been erected. The barbarian scouts who observed this dared not advance. Meng Huo said to Meng You, "This is Zhuge Liang, fearing that we would pursue him, so he has paused briefly on the north bank. In two days at most he will certainly move on." He then quartered his barbarian forces along the riverbank. He also sent men into the hills to cut bamboo and fashion rafts in preparation for crossing the river, while moving all his best fighting troops to the front of his camp. He did not know that the Shu forces had already entered his own territory.

That day, a great wind arose. On all sides fires blared and drums thundered, and the Shu soldiers charged in. The barbarian warriors fell into confusion and trampled one another. Meng Huo was greatly alarmed and hastily led his kinsmen and cave warriors to cut a path through, making straight for his old camp. Suddenly a force burst out of the camp—it was Zhao Yun. Meng Huo, in a panic, turned back toward the Xi'er River and fled into the mountain ravines. Another force then burst forth—it was Ma Dai. Meng Huo was left with only a few dozen battered remnants of his army, fleeing into the valley. Seeing dust and firelight to the south, north, and west, he dared not advance in those directions and could only flee eastward. Just as he rounded the mountain pass, before a great forest he saw several dozen attendants drawing a small chariot. Seated upon it was Zhuge Liang, laughing heartily. "Barbarian King Meng Huo!" he called out. "Heaven's defeat has brought you to this. I have been waiting here for a long time!" Meng Huo flew into a rage and turned to his attendants, saying, "I have fallen for this man's cunning schemes and suffered humiliation three times! Now by good fortune I have met him here. Charge forward with all your might and hack both man and chariot to pieces!" Several barbarian cavalrymen spurred their horses fiercely forward. Meng Huo himself led the war cry, rushing to the edge of the great forest—when with a crashing sound they stepped into a concealed pit and tumbled in together. From within the forest emerged Wei Yan, leading several hundred soldiers, who dragged them out one by one and bound them with ropes. Zhuge Liang had already arrived at the camp, where he pacified the barbarian soldiers and the chiefs and cave warriors of all the surrounding settlements. By this time the greater part of them had already returned to their home villages. Apart from those killed or wounded, all the rest surrendered. Zhuge Liang treated them with wine and meat, comforted them with kind words, and sent them all home. The barbarian soldiers departed filled with gratitude and admiration.

Shortly afterward, Zhang Yi brought Meng You before the tent. Kongming admonished him: "Your elder brother is deluded and obstinate—you ought to have counseled him. Now he has been captured by me four times over. What face has he left to show the world?" Meng You was overcome with shame and remorse. He prostrated himself on the ground and begged to be spared his life. Kongming said: "I have no intention of killing you today. I shall grant you your life and send you back to persuade your brother." He ordered the guards to cut his bonds and release him. Meng You departed in tears, bowing his thanks.

Before long, Wei Yan brought Meng Huo before the tent. Kongming said in a fury: "You have now been captured once more—what excuse do you have?" Meng Huo replied: "I fell by treachery this time. I shall die with my eyes unclosed!" Kongming ordered the guards to drag him out and behead him. Meng Huo showed no trace of fear. He turned back toward Kongming and said: "If you dare let me go again, I shall surely avenge these four defeats!" Kongming laughed loudly and commanded his attendants to remove Meng Huo's bonds. He had wine brought to steady his nerves and invited him to sit in the tent. Kongming asked: "I have now treated you with courtesy four times, yet you still refuse to submit. Why?" Meng Huo said: "Though I am a man of the outer wilds, unlike the Prime Minister, who relies on nothing but cunning schemes, how could I ever consent to submit?" Kongming said: "If I release you once more, can you fight again?" Meng Huo replied: "If the Prime Minister captures me again, then I shall yield with all my heart, offer up all the goods of my domain to reward your army, and swear never to rebel again."

Kongming smiled and sent him away. Meng Huo departed cheerfully, bowing his thanks. He then gathered several thousand sturdy men from the various caves and set off southward, winding along the road. Soon they saw dust rising in the distance, and a body of troops appeared—it was his brother Meng You, who had rallied the remnant forces to come and avenge his elder brother. The two brothers embraced each other, weeping, and recounted what had happened. Meng You said: "Our troops have been repeatedly defeated, and the Shu soldiers have won every time—we cannot withstand them. We must withdraw into the caves on the shady side of the mountains and refuse to come out. The Shu soldiers cannot endure the summer heat and will naturally retreat." Meng Huo asked: "Where can we take refuge?" Meng You said: "To the southwest there is a cave called Bald Dragon Cave. Its lord, King Duosi, is on very good terms with my brother. We can seek shelter with him."

Meng Huo then sent Meng You ahead to Bald Dragon Cave to meet King Duosi. Duosi hastily led out his cave soldiers to welcome them. Meng Huo entered the cave, and after the formal courtesies were concluded, he recounted what had happened. Duosi said: "Let Your Majesty set his mind at rest. If the Shu army comes, I shall ensure that not a single man or horse returns home, and that Zhuge Liang dies here!" Meng Huo was overjoyed and asked Duosi for his plan. Duosi said: "There are only two roads leading to this cave. The road to the northeast is the one by which Your Majesty came—the terrain is level, the soil rich, the water sweet, and men and horses can pass freely. If we block the cave entrance with timber and stones, even a million troops could not advance. To the northwest there is another road, with perilous mountains and terrible ridges, and the path is narrow. Though there are small trails, they are full of venomous serpents and scorpions. At dusk, mists and miasmas rise in great clouds and do not dissipate until the hours of si and wu; only during the hours of wei, shen, and you can one travel there. The water cannot be drunk, and men and horses can barely pass. Moreover, there are four poisonous springs here: the first is called the Spring of Muteness—its water is quite sweet, but if a man drinks it, he loses his speech and will die within ten days. The second is called the Spring of Destruction—this water is no different from boiling broth, and if a man bathes in it, his flesh will rot away completely, and when his bones are exposed, he will die. The third is called the Black Spring—its water is slightly clear, but if it splashes upon a man's body, his hands and feet will turn black and he will die. The fourth is called the Spring of Softness—its water is cold as ice, and if a man drinks it, his throat will lose all warmth and his body will become weak as silk floss, and he will die. In this place there are not even birds or insects—only the Han General Fubo [Ma Yuan] ever reached it. Since then, no one else has ever come here. Now if we block the northeast road and let Your Majesty dwell securely in my humble cave, when the Shu soldiers see the eastern road cut off, they must enter by the western road. Along that road there is no water, and when they encounter these four springs, they will surely drink. Even a million troops will never return. What need is there for weapons of war?" Meng Huo was overjoyed. He raised his hand to his forehead and said: "Today at last I have found a place where I can stand firm!" Then he pointed north and said: "Let Zhuge Liang be ever so cunning, he will be powerless here! The waters of these four springs are enough to avenge the shame of my defeated armies!" From then on, Meng Huo and Meng You feasted day and night with King Duosi.

Meanwhile, Kongming had seen no sign of Meng Huo's forces for several days running. He therefore issued orders for the army to leave the banks of the Xi'er River and advance southward. It was now the sixth month, in the height of summer, and the heat blazed like fire. A later poet wrote these verses on the bitter heat of the south:

*The mountains and marshes are nearly scorched and withered,*

*Firelight covers the great void.*

*I know not what lies beyond heaven and earth—*

*How much worse might the sweltering heat be?*

And another poem reads:

*The Red Emperor wields his sovereign power,*

*Dare any dark clouds be born?*

*The steaming vapors make the lone crane gasp,*

*The heated seas startle the giant turtle.*

*Who can bear to sit beside the stream?*

*Too listless to stroll among the bamboo.*

*How then do the frontier soldiers,*

*Clad in armor, march on this long campaign?*

As Kongming led the army forward, a scout came galloping with urgent news: "Meng Huo has retreated into Bald Dragon Cave and will not come out. He has blocked the vital road at the cave entrance, with soldiers guarding it. The mountains are evil and the ridges steep—we cannot advance." Kongming summoned Lü Kai and questioned him. Lü Kai said: "I have heard that this cave has a road, but I do not know the details." Jiang Wan said: "Meng Huo has been captured four times—he is already cowed. How dare he come out again? Moreover, the weather is scorching and our men and horses are exhausted. To attack would serve no purpose. We might as well withdraw the army and return home." Kongming said: "If we do that, we shall fall right into Meng Huo's trap. The moment our troops retreat, he will press his advantage and pursue us. We have come this far—how can we turn back now?" He then ordered Wang Ping to lead several hundred soldiers as the vanguard. He had the recently surrendered barbarian troops act as guides, seeking out the small path to the northwest. They came upon a spring, and both men and horses, being desperately thirsty, scrambled to drink the water. Wang Ping, having scouted this road, returned to report to Kongming. But by the time they reached the main camp, none of them could speak—they could only point to their mouths.

Kongming was greatly alarmed and realized it was poison. He then drove a small carriage himself, leading several dozen men to investigate, and found a pool of clear water, so deep its bottom could not be seen. The water's aura was forbidding, and the soldiers dared not test it. Kongming got down from his carriage and climbed high to survey the surroundings. On all sides were peaks and ridges; no birds could be heard. His heart was filled with deep suspicion. Suddenly he spotted an ancient temple on a distant hillock. Kongming climbed over vines and creepers to reach it. Inside a stone chamber stood a sculpture of a seated general, with a stone tablet beside it—this was the Temple of Ma Yuan, the Han Dynasty General Who Calms the Waves. Because he had pacified the barbarians and come to this place, the locals had built a temple to worship him. Kongming bowed twice and said: "I have received the heavy charge of the late emperor's entrustment of his orphan. Now I carry the sacred edict to come here and pacify the barbarians. I intended to wait until the barbarian lands were subdued, then attack Wei and annex Wu, and restore the Han dynasty. But now my soldiers, ignorant of the local geography, have drunk poisoned water by mistake and cannot make a sound. I earnestly hope that you, honored spirit, remembering the kindness and righteousness of our dynasty, will manifest your divine power and protect the three armies!"

When the prayers were finished, Kongming left the temple to seek out local people to ask about the matter. In the distance, he vaguely saw an old man on the opposite mountain, leaning on a staff as he approached—his appearance was quite extraordinary. Kongming invited the old man into the temple. After the courtesies were completed, they sat facing each other on a rock. Kongming asked: "What is your honorable surname, elder?" The old man said: "This old man has long heard the illustrious name of the great kingdom's prime minister and is fortunate to pay my respects. The people of the barbarian lands have been saved by the prime minister's mercy in many lives, and all are deeply grateful." Kongming asked about the reason for the spring water, and the old man replied: "The water the soldiers drank is from the Spring of Muteness. Those who drink it can barely speak, and in a few days they die. Beyond this spring, there are three more springs: to the southeast there is a spring whose water is extremely cold. If a person drinks it, their throat has no warmth, and their body grows weak and dies—it is called the Soft Spring. To the direct south there is a spring; if its water splashes on a person's body, their hands and feet all turn black and they die—it is called the Black Spring. To the southwest there is a spring that boils like hot water. If a person bathes in it, their flesh is completely stripped away and they dies—it is called the Destruction Spring. This region has these four springs, where toxic vapors gather; there is no medicine that can cure them. Moreover, miasma rises severely. Only during the hours of wei, shen, and you can people pass back and forth; during all other hours, the miasma is thick everywhere, and touching it means death."

Kongming said: "If this is so, then the barbarian lands cannot be pacified. If the barbarian lands are not pacified, how can I annex Wu and Wei and restore the Han dynasty? I would have failed the heavy charge entrusted to me by the late emperor—I would be better off dead!" The old man said: "Let not the prime minister worry. This old man can point out a place that can resolve this." Kongming said: "What noble counsel does the elder have? I beg you to instruct me." The old man said: "From here, go due west several li, and there is a mountain valley. Enter it and travel twenty li, and there is a stream called the Stream of Ten Thousand Peace. Above it lives a high recluse, called the Hermit of Ten Thousand Peace. This man has not left the stream for several decades. Behind his thatched hut is a spring, called the Spring of Peace and Joy. If a person has been poisoned and draws this water and drinks it, they will immediately recover. If someone has developed scabies or contracted miasma, bathing in the Stream of Ten Thousand Peace naturally cures them. Moreover, in front of the hut grows a type of grass called 'Allium-leaf Rue.' If a person holds a leaf in their mouth, the miasma will not infect them. The prime minister can quickly go there and seek it." Kongming bowed in thanks and asked: "I have received such life-saving kindness from the elder—my gratitude is beyond measure. May I hear your honorable surname?" The old man entered the temple and said: "I am the local mountain spirit, sent by the General Who Calms the Waves with his orders to come and give these directions." Having spoken, he called out and entered through the split stone wall behind the temple. Kongming was filled with astonishment. He bowed again to the temple spirit, then found his way back to his carriage along the old road and returned to the main camp.

The next day, Kongming prepared sacred incense and gifts, led Wang Ping and the many soldiers who had lost their voices, and through the night made their way toward the place the mountain spirit had described, winding along as they advanced. They entered the narrow path of the mountain valley and traveled about twenty li when they saw tall pines and great cypresses, lush bamboo and exotic flowers surrounding a hamlet. Within the fence enclosure were several thatched cottages, and a fragrant aroma greeted the nose. Kongming was overjoyed. He went to the front of the hamlet and knocked on the door. A young boy came out. Kongming was just about to state his name when a man emerged cheerfully—bamboo hat and straw sandals, white robe and black sash, blue eyes and yellow hair—who said: "Could the one who has come be none other than the Han prime minister?" Kongming smiled and said: "How did the recluse know?" The hermit said: "I have long heard of the prime minister's great banner marching south on this expedition—how could I not know!" He then invited Kongming into the thatched hall. After the courtesies were completed, host and guest took their seats. Kongming said: "I received the charge of entrustment from Emperor Zhaolie. Now I carry the sacred edict of the succeeding sovereign and have led the great army to this place, wishing to subdue the barbarian lands and bring them under the civilizing influence of royal rule. Unexpectedly, Meng Huo has hidden himself in a cave, and my soldiers have mistakenly drunk the water of the Spring of Muteness. Last night I received the manifestation of the General Who Calms the Waves, who told me that the recluse possesses a medicinal spring that can cure them. I beg you to show compassion and grant the divine water to save the remaining lives of the soldiers." The hermit said: "I am merely a worthless man of the mountains and wilds—why should the prime minister deign to visit in vain? This spring is right behind the hut." He had it fetched for them to drink.

Then the boy led Wang Ping and all the mute soldiers to the stream to draw water and drink; immediately they spat out foul saliva and were able to speak. The boy also led the army to the Wan'an Stream to bathe. The recluse served pine-seed tea and pine-flower greens in his hut for Kongming.

The recluse told him: "There are many venomous serpents and scorpions in the caves of this region. Willow flowers drift into the streams and springs, so the water must not be drunk. But if you dig into the ground to make a well and draw water from there, it will be safe to drink." Kongming asked for "allium leaves and rue-fragrant herbs," and the recluse had the soldiers gather them with all they had: "Let each man hold one leaf in his mouth, and the miasma will naturally be unable to invade them."

Kongming begged to know the recluse's name. The recluse laughed and said: "I am Meng Huo's elder brother, Meng Jie." Kongming was astonished. The recluse continued: "Prime Minister, do not doubt me—allow me to speak a few words. Our parents bore three sons: the eldest is myself, Meng Jie; the next is Meng Huo; and the youngest is Meng You. Our parents are both dead. My two younger brothers are fierce and wicked, and they do not submit to the ways of civilization. I have repeatedly admonished them, but they would not listen, so I changed my name and went into hiding here. Now my shameful younger brother has raised a rebellion, and has caused the Prime Minister to march deep into this barren land. I have suffered such indignity—Meng Jie deserves ten thousand deaths, and so I come before the Prime Minister to plead my guilt first."

Kongming sighed and said: "Now I believe that the tales of Robber Zhi and Brother Xia truly have their counterparts in our time." He then said to Meng Jie: "If I petition the Son of Heaven to establish you as a king, would that be acceptable?" Jie said: "I fled here to escape fame and glory—how could I still harbor any desire for wealth and rank?" Kongming then prepared gold and silk to present to him, but Meng Jie firmly refused to accept them. Kongming sighed with regret repeatedly, bowed, and departed.

A later poet wrote:

A lofty recluse dwelt alone, closed away from the world;

The Martial Marquis once here subdued the barbarian tribes.

To this day, in the ancient woods where no man treads,

Still the cold mist locks the old mountains.

Kongming returned to the main camp and ordered the soldiers to dig into the ground for water. They dug down more than twenty zhang, but found not a drop; they dug in more than ten places, and it was the same everywhere. The army was alarmed and terrified. At midnight Kongming burned incense and prayed to Heaven: "Your servant Liang, though lacking in talent, has received the blessing of the Great Han and been commanded to pacify the barbarians. Now on this march we lack water, and the soldiers and horses are parched and thirsted. If Heaven will not let the Great Han perish, then grant us a sweet spring! If our fortune is already spent, your servant Liang and the rest are willing to die here!" That night, having finished his prayers, at dawn they looked upon the wells, and all were filled with sweet spring water. A later poet wrote:

Leading the great army to pacify the barbarians for the state,

His heart held to the righteous way and accorded with the spirits.

Geng Gong bowed at the well and sweet water flowed forth—

With Zhuge's devotion, water was born in the night.

Once Kongming's army had obtained the sweet spring, they safely advanced along a small path and made camp directly before the Cave of Bald Dragon. The barbarian soldiers learned of this and came to report to Meng Huo: "The Shu soldiers are untouched by the miasma and plague, and they suffer no lack of water—all the springs have failed to harm them." The King Duosi heard this and did not believe it; he went himself with Meng Huo to gaze from a high mountain. They saw the Shu soldiers perfectly at ease, carrying water in large buckets and small pails, watering their horses and cooking their meals. When Duosi saw this, his hair stood on end. He turned back to Meng Huo and said: "These are divine soldiers!" Huo said: "My brother and I will fight the Shu army to the death—we will fall before their ranks rather than submit in bonds!" Duosi said: "If Your Majesty is defeated, my wives and children are finished as well. We should slaughter cattle and horses, richly reward the cave warriors, fear neither water nor fire, and charge directly into the Shu camp—only then can we win."

So he richly rewarded the barbarian troops. They were just about to set out when suddenly it was reported that Yang Feng, lord of the twenty-one silver-smelting caves to the west of the rear cave, was leading thirty thousand soldiers to aid in battle. Meng Huo was overjoyed and said: "Our neighbors are assisting me—I shall surely win!" He went out of the cave with the King Duosi to welcome them. Yang Feng led his troops in and said: "I have thirty thousand elite soldiers, all clad in iron armor, who can fly over mountains and cross ridges—enough to oppose a million Shu soldiers. I have five sons, all skilled in martial arts. I wish to assist Your Majesty." Feng ordered his five sons in to pay their respects. They were all powerfully built, tiger-like in physique, and brimming with martial vigor. Meng Huo was greatly pleased and set out a feast for Yang Feng and his sons. When the wine had flowed freely, Feng said: "The army lacks entertainment. I have barbarian women with the army who are skilled at dancing with swords and shields—let them provide some amusement." Huo gladly agreed. Presently, several dozen barbarian women, with unbound hair and bare feet, danced and leaped into the tent from outside. The barbarian soldiers clapped and sang in accompaniment. Yang Feng ordered his two sons to pour the wine. The two sons raised their cups and approached Meng Huo and Meng You. The two men took the cups and were just about to drink when Feng shouted a command. The two sons had already seized Meng Huo and Meng You and dragged them from their seats. The King Duosi tried to flee, but Yang Feng had already seized him. The barbarian women blocked the entrance to the tent—who dared approach? Huo said: "When the dead hare is caught, the living hare grieves; creatures of the same kind feel for one another. You and I are both lords of our respective caves—we have no past grievance between us. Why have you done this?" Feng said: "My brothers, my sons, and my nephes all owe the Prime Minister Zhuge our lives, and we have no way to repay him. Now that you have rebelled, why should we not capture you and present you to him!"

Thereupon, the barbarian troops from all the caves retreated to their home villages. Yang Feng brought Meng Huo, Meng You, Duosi, and others as prisoners to Zhuge Liang's camp. Zhuge Liang ordered them brought in. Yang Feng and his men bowed before the tent and said, "Our sons and nephews are all grateful for the Prime Minister's benevolence and virtue, and so we have captured Meng Huo, Meng You, and the others to present to you." Zhuge Liang rewarded them handsomely and ordered Meng Huo brought in. Zhuge Liang said with a smile, "Are you convinced this time?" Meng Huo replied, "It was not your ability—it was the people of my own caves turning against one another, which brought things to this. Kill me if you will, but I am not convinced!" Zhuge Liang said, "You lured me into a land without water, and there were those poisonous springs—the Mute Spring, the Destroying Spring, the Black Spring, and the Soft Spring—yet my army came to no harm. Is this not the will of Heaven? Why are you so obstinate?" Meng Huo replied again, "My ancestors dwell in the Silver Mine Mountains, with the natural barriers of the three rivers and the defenses of layered passes. If you can capture me there, then I and my descendants for generations will wholeheartedly submit to you." Zhuge Liang said, "I will let you go once more. Gather your troops and meet me again to decide the outcome. If I capture you then and you still refuse to submit, I will exterminate your entire clan to the ninth degree." He ordered his attendants to remove Meng Huo's bonds and release him. Meng Huo bowed twice and departed. Zhuge Liang also released Meng You and King Duosi from their bonds, and gave them food and wine to calm their fright. The two men trembled with fear and dared not look up. Zhuge Liang provided them with horses and sent them back. Truly it was said:

To venture deep into perilous lands is no simple feat;

To unfold still stranger stratagems is no accident!

What became of Meng Huo's return with his forces, and what the outcome was, read on in the following chapter.