Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Kongming led his army back to the kingdom. Meng Huo, together with the chiefs and leaders of all the tribes and settlements, lined up in tribute and saw them off. The vanguard reached the Lu River. It was the ninth month of autumn, when suddenly dark clouds gathered and fierce winds rose up suddenly. The troops could not cross. They reported this to Kongming.

Kongming then asked Meng Huo about it. Meng Huo said, "This river has long been plagued by malevolent spirits. Those who cross must make sacrifices to them."

Kongming asked, "What should be used for the offering?"

Meng Huo said, "In the past, when these malevolent spirits caused havoc in the kingdom, forty-nine human heads, together with black cattle and white sheep, were sacrificed. Then the winds naturally calmed and the waves grew still, and the harvests were bountiful for years on end."

Kongming said, "Now that the campaign has been settled, how can I wantonly kill a single man?" He went in person to the banks of the Lu River to observe. Indeed a great dark wind arose, the waves surged fiercely, and both men and horses were terrified.

Kongming was greatly puzzled and at once sought out local inhabitants to ask them. The locals told him, "Ever since the Prime Minister's army passed through, every night we have heard ghosts weeping and spirits wailing along the riverbank. From dusk until daybreak, the weeping never ceases. Within the miasmic vapors, countless dark spirits dwell. That is why they bring calamity, and no one dares cross."

Kongming said, "This is my fault. Previously Ma Dai led over a thousand Shu soldiers, and they all perished in these waters. Moreover, the southerners we killed were all cast into this place. Wild souls and resentful ghosts, unable to be released, have brought this about. Tonight I shall go in person to make the sacrifice."

The locals said, "It must be done according to the old custom—sacrifice forty-nine human heads, and the resentful ghosts will disperse of themselves."

Kongming said, "They became resentful ghosts because men died. How can I then kill living men? I have my own plan." He ordered the army cooks to slaughter cattle and horses, knead dough, and mold it into shapes resembling human heads, stuffing them with beef and mutton in place of human flesh. He called these "mantou." That night, by the banks of the Lu River, he set up a table with offerings, laid out sacrificial objects, arranged forty-nine lamps, and raised banners to summon the souls. The mantou and other items were placed upon the ground. At the third watch, Kongming, wearing his golden crown and crane-feather cloak, came in person to perform the sacrifice, and ordered Dong Jue to read the sacrificial text. It read:

On the first day of the ninth month of autumn, in the third year of Jianxing of the Great Han, the Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yizhou and Prime Minister Zhuang Liang, respectfully presents sacrificial rites to offer to the departed souls of Shu officers and soldiers who fell in service to the throne, and to the deceased spirits of the southern people:

Our Emperor of the Great Han surpasses the Five Hegemons in might and inherits the wisdom of the Three Kings. Recently invaders from afar encroached upon our borders, and foreign tribes raised their troops. They stirred up evil like a scorpion's tail, and gave free rein to their wolfish hearts in sowing disorder. I received the royal mandate to punish the distant wilderness. I led a great army of fierce warriors, sweeping away the petty foe as one would ants. Our mighty hosts gathered like clouds, and the reckless enemy melted like ice. No sooner had we heard the sound of splitting bamboo than the enemy's fortunes were already lost. Yet every soldier among them was a hero from the nine provinces; every officer and commander was a champion of the four seas. They had taken up arms and entered the martial service, giving themselves to a wise lord and a righteous cause. All alike received the three commands and submitted to the seven captures. They shared the same steadfast devotion to the state and the same loyal dedication to their sovereign. How was it, then, that some of you met with mischance in battle and fell victim to treacherous schemes—some struck by stray arrows, their souls sinking into the springs of the earth; some wounded by sword and blade, their spirits returning to the long night of death. In life they were brave; in death they won their fame.

Now the songs of victory are about to be sung, and the presentation of captives is at hand. Since your heroic spirits still endure, your prayers shall surely be heard. Follow my banners, join my ranks, and return together to the land of our sovereign. Let each of you find his native place, receive the seasonal offerings of his own flesh and blood, and partake of the sacrifices made by his family. Do not remain as ghosts in a stranger's land, nor linger as spirits in a foreign realm. I shall petition the Son of Heaven, so that each of your households may receive his grace and bounty—clothing and grain provided yearly, and stipends granted monthly. By these means I shall repay and comfort your hearts. As for the local earth spirits of this region and the departed ghosts of the south, they shall have their regular sacrifices and shall lack nothing to sustain them. The living stand in awe of Heaven's majesty, and the dead too shall submit to the king's transforming influence. May all be put to rest, and let there cease the sound of wailing.

I set forth my sincere devotion and present these offerings with reverence. Alas, how sorrowful! May you deign to partake of this sacrifice!

When the reading of the sacrificial text was finished, Kongming broke into loud weeping, most bitterly and grievously. His emotion moved the entire army, and there was not a man who did not shed tears. Meng Huo and all his followers wept as well. Amid the gloomy clouds and resentful mists, dimly visible were several thousand ghostly forms, all dispersing with the wind. Kongming then ordered his attendants to cast all the sacrificial offerings into the Lu River.

The next day, Kongming led the main army to the southern bank of the Lu River. They saw the clouds disperse, the mists clear, the winds grow still, and the waves become calm. The Shu troops crossed the Lu River in safety, and indeed it was as the saying goes: "Whips struck golden stirrups with a ringing sound, and men sang songs of victory." They marched to Yongchang, where Kongming left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to guard the four commanderies. He sent Meng Huo back with his followers, instructing him to govern diligently, to treat his people with care, and not to neglect the affairs of farming. Meng Huo wept, bowed, and took his leave.

Kongming led the army back to Chengdu. The Second Emperor rode out beyond the city walls thirty li to welcome him. He descended from his carriage and stood by the side of the road to await Kongming. Kongming hastily dismounted and prostrated himself on the road, saying, "Your minister was unable to pacify the south swiftly, causing Your Majesty to bear worry. This is your minister's crime."

The Second Emperor raised Kongming to his feet, and they rode together back in the same carriage. A banquet of peace was held, and the army was richly rewarded. From that time onward, more than two hundred distant lands sent tribute and came to court. Kongming, with the Second Emperor's approval, granted generous relief to the families of all those who had fallen in service to the throne. The hearts of the people were gladdened, and both court and countryside enjoyed peace and order.

Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, had reigned for seven years—this was the fourth year of Jianxing in Shu Han. Pi had first taken Lady Zhen as his wife, the widow of Yuan Xi, second son of Yuan Shao, whom he had captured when Ye city was taken. She bore him a son named Rui, styled Yuanzhong, who had shown intelligence from childhood, and Pi loved him dearly. Later Pi took as a consort the daughter of Guo Yong of Guangzong in Anping, a woman of great beauty. Her father had once said, "My daughter is a king among women," and so she was styled "Queen." After Pi took her as consort, Lady Zhen fell from favor, and the Consort Guo plotted to become empress. She consulted with the favored courtier Zhang Tao. At that time, Pi fell ill. Zhang Tao then falsely claimed that a wooden puppet had been dug up in Lady Zhen's palace, inscribed with the emperor's birth date and hour—a curse charm. Pi was furious and ordered Lady Zhen put to death, then made Consort Guo empress. Since she had no children of her own, she adopted Cao Rui as her son. Though she loved him greatly, she did not name him heir.

By the time Rui was fifteen, he was skilled in archery and horsemanship. In the second month of spring that year, Pi took Rui hunting. Riding through a mountain hollow, they drove out a doe and her fawn. Pi shot the doe with one arrow and turned to see the fawn darting before Cao Rui's horse. Pi cried out, "Why do you not shoot it?" Rui, weeping from horseback, replied, "Your Majesty has already slain its mother. How can you bear to kill its son as well?" Hearing this, Pi threw his bow to the ground and said, "You are truly a ruler of benevolence and virtue!" He then created Rui Prince of Pingyuan.

In the fifth month of summer, Pi contracted a cold illness that physicians could not cure. He summoned three men into his chamber: Grand General of the Imperial Army Cao Zhen, General Who Guards the State Chen Qun, and General Who Pacifies the Army Sima Yi. Pi called Cao Rui to his side and said to the three, "My illness is grave and I shall not recover. This child is young—you three must guide him well and do not betray my trust." They all replied, "Why does Your Majesty speak thus? We shall serve you with all our strength for a thousand autumns and ten thousand years." Pi said, "This year the gates of Xuchang collapsed without cause—an ill omen. I know I must die." Even as he spoke, an attendant announced that the General Who Conquers the East, Cao Xiu, had come to inquire after the emperor's health. Pi summoned him and said, "You are all pillars of the state. If you will unite in supporting my son, I shall close my eyes in peace." With these words, he wept and died. He was forty years old and had reigned seven years. Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, and Cao Xiu held mourning rites and enthroned Cao Rui as Emperor of Wei. They gave his father the posthumous title Emperor Wen and his mother the posthumous title Empress Wenzhao. Zhong Yu was appointed Grand Tutor; Cao Zhen, Grand General; Cao Xiu, Grand Marshal; Hua Xin, Grand Commandant; Wang Lang, Minister over the Masses; Chen Qun, Minister of Works; and Sima Yi, General of Agile Cavalry. The rest of the civil and military officials received promotions of various kinds. A general amnesty was declared throughout the realm.

Since Yong and Liang provinces lacked a commander, Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting to garrison the western Liang region. Cao Rui granted the request and appointed Sima Yi to oversee the troops of Yong and Liang. Sima Yi received the edict and departed.

A spy quickly carried the news into Shu. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed. "Cao Pi is dead and the boy Cao Rui sits on the throne. The rest are of no concern—but Sima Yi is deep in strategy and craft. Now that he commands the troops of Yong and Liang, once his army is trained, he will become a great threat to Shu. We should raise forces and attack him before that happens." The military counselor Ma Su said, "The Prime Minister has just returned from pacifying the south—the troops are exhausted. They must be rested and cared for. How can we send them on another distant campaign? I have a scheme that will bring Sima Yi's death at Cao Rui's own hands. I do not know whether the Prime Minister will approve." Zhuge Liang asked what the plan was. Ma Su said, "Though Sima Yi is a minister of Wei, Cao Rui has long suspected and resented him. Why not secretly send men to Ye, Luoyang, and other places to spread the rumor that Sima Yi intends to rebel? Post copies of a proclamation in Sima Yi's name throughout the realm. This will deepen Cao Rui's suspicion, and he will surely put Sima Yi to death." Zhuge Liang approved the plan and sent men to carry it out in secret.

Now at the city walls of Ye, one day a proclamation was found posted. The gate guards took it down and presented it to Cao Rui. Rui read it, and it said:

General of Agile Cavalry, Commander of the Troops of Yong and Liang and Other Regions, Sima Yi, proclaims to all under heaven in good faith: In former times, the Martial Emperor, our great founder, established the foundations of the state and originally intended to name Prince Zijian of Chensi as sovereign of the realm. Alas, slander and malice gathered about him, and the hidden dragon remained long in obscurity. The imperial grandson Cao Rui, lacking virtue in all things, has presumptuously taken the throne, betraying the late founder's wishes. Now I, responding to heaven and following the people's will, shall soon raise troops to satisfy the hopes of the myriad people. When this proclamation arrives, all should submit to the new sovereign. Those who do not shall be exterminated together with their nine kindreds. This notice is given in advance. Let all take heed.

When Cao Rui had read it, his face went pale with shock. He hastily questioned his ministers. Grand Commandant Hua Xin said, "Sima Yi memorialized to be given command of Yong and Liang—this is the very reason. The Martial Emperor once told me, 'Sima Yi has the gaze of an eagle and the look of a wolf over his shoulder—he must not be entrusted with military power, for in time he will bring great calamity upon the state.' The signs of rebellion have already appeared. He must be put to death at once." Wang Lang said, "Sima Yi is deeply versed in strategy and skilled in the arts of war. He has long harbored great ambitions. If he is not eliminated soon, he will surely become a scourge." Rui thereupon issued an edict to raise troops and lead the campaign in person. But from the ranks of the court stepped forth Grand General Cao Zhen, who said, "This must not be done. Emperor Wen entrusted the young ruler to us precisely because he knew Sima Yi had no disloyal intentions. Now the truth of the matter is uncertain, yet you would rush to attack—this would drive him to rebel. It may be that spies from Shu or Wu are using a scheme to sow discord, causing us to turn upon each other, so that they may strike while we are in disarray. I beg Your Majesty to consider this." Rui said, "If Sima Yi truly plots rebellion, what then?" Cao Zhen replied, "If Your Majesty suspects him, you may follow the example of Emperor Gaozu of Han, who feigned a tour to Yunmeng. Let Your Majesty go in person to Anyi—Sima Yi will certainly come to greet you. Observe his demeanor, and seize him before your carriage." Rui approved the plan. He appointed Cao Zhen to oversee the state and personally led an army of one hundred thousand imperial guards straight to Anyi.

Sima Yi, not knowing the reason behind it, wished to make the Son of Heaven aware of his authority, so he marshaled his troops and led several tens of thousands of armored soldiers to meet the emperor. A close minister reported: "Sima Yi has indeed led over a hundred thousand troops to resist—he truly harbors rebellious intentions!" Rui, in a panic, ordered Cao Xiu to lead troops to meet him first. When Sima Yi saw the troops approaching, he suspected only that the imperial carriage had come in person, and he prostrated himself by the roadside to welcome it. Cao Xiu came forward and said: "Zhongda, you received the late emperor's weighty charge to assist in governing—why do you rebel?" Yi was greatly alarmed, his face drained of color, sweat streaming over his entire body, and he asked the reason for this. Xiu explained the whole matter in detail. Yi said: "This is a scheme of treacherous spies from Wu and Shu, desiring to bring about mutual destruction between our ruler and his minister, so they may then attack when we are vulnerable. I should go before the Son of Heaven myself to explain this." He therefore hastily withdrew his troops and came before Rui's carriage, prostrating himself and weeping as he reported: "This minister received the late emperor's weighty charge to assist in governing—how could I harbor any ulterior motives? This must be a treacherous plot by Wu and Shu. I request to lead a single army, first to crush Shu, then to subjugate Wu, to repay the late emperor and Your Majesty, thereby making clear my loyalty." Rui remained undecided in his suspicions. Hua Xin reported: "You must not entrust him with military authority. He should be dismissed at once and sent back to his fields." Rui followed this advice, stripped Sima Yi of his office and sent him back to his hometown, and appointed Cao Xiu to command the armies of Yong and Liang. Cao Rui's carriage returned to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, a spy learned of this matter and reported it into the land of Shu. When Kongming heard of it, he was overjoyed, saying: "I have long wished to campaign against Wei, but Sima Yi commanded the armies of Yong and Liang. Now that he has fallen into the trap and been dismissed, what cause for worry do I have!" The next day, the Later Lord held his early morning court, assembling all the officials. Kongming stepped forward from the ranks and presented the "Chu Shi Biao" (Memorial on the Expedition). The memorial said:

Your subject Liang speaks: The First Emperor had not yet completed half his great enterprise when he perished midway. Now the realm is divided into three, and Yuzhou is weary and exhausted. This is truly a critical moment for survival or destruction. Yet the ministers of attendance do not relax within the palace, and loyal-minded gentlemen forget themselves in service outside—all because they recall the exceptional kindness of the First Emperor and wish to repay it to Your Majesty. You should truly broaden your sagely hearing to illuminate the First Emperor's legacy of virtue and to uplift the spirit of loyal gentlemen. You should not carelessly belittle yourself, nor employ metaphors that miss the mark, thereby blocking the path of loyal remonstrance. Within the palace and within the ministerial offices, these form a single body. In promoting, demoting, praising, or condemning, there should not be differences. Those who commit evil or violate the law, as well as those who do loyal and good deeds, should be handed over to the appropriate authorities to determine their punishment or reward, so as to manifest Your Majesty's fair and enlightened governance. You should not show partiality, causing different laws to be applied within and without.

The Palace Attendants and Attendant Gentlemen Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and others—all are honest and sincere, their thoughts loyal and pure. It was for this reason that the First Emperor selected and left them to Your Majesty. This foolish one believes that matters within the palace, whether great or small, should all be discussed with them before implementation; thus deficiencies may surely be remedied and much benefit gained. General Xiang Chong, in character and conduct, is both virtuous and balanced, thoroughly versed in military affairs. When he was tested in former days, the First Emperor praised him as capable, and therefore the assembly recommended Chong to be commander. This foolish one believes that matters within the camp, whether great or small, should all be discussed with him; thus the ranks will surely be harmonious, and the able and less able will each find their proper place.

To be close to worthy ministers and distant from petty men—this is why the Former Han flourished. To be close to petty men and distant from worthy ministers—this is why the Later Han declined. When the First Emperor was alive, whenever he discussed this matter with your subject, he never failed to sigh with regret and resentment against Emperors Huan and Ling. The Palace Attendants, Imperial Secretaries, Chief Clerks, and Army Advisors—all these are ministers of steadfast integrity who would die for their principles. May Your Majesty be close to them and trust them, and then the flourishing of the House of Han may be counted in days.

Your subject was originally a commoner, tilling the fields in Nanyang, merely seeking to preserve his life in a time of chaos, not striving for fame among the lords. The First Emperor did not consider your subject base and unworthy, but humbled himself and visited your subject three times in his thatched cottage, consulting your subject on the affairs of the age. Moved by this, your subject was grateful and promised to serve the First Emperor with all his effort. Later, when there was collapse, he received his commission at a time when the army had been defeated, and undertook his mission at a time of peril—twenty-one years have passed since then. The First Emperor knew your subject to be cautious, and therefore, facing death, entrusted your subject with great matters.

Since receiving this charge, your subject has worried both day and night, fearing that the trust placed in him might go unfulfilled and thus damage the First Emperor's wisdom. Therefore he crossed the Lu River in the fifth month, penetrating into barren territory. Now the south has been pacified and arms and armor are sufficient. He should lead and encourage the three armies to march north and settle the Central Plain, doing his utmost though dull and inept, driving out the treacherous villains, restoring the House of Han, and returning to the old capital: this is how your subject repays the First Emperor and fulfills his duty of loyalty to Your Majesty. As for weighing advantages and disadvantages and offering loyal counsel to the fullest—these are the responsibilities of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun. May Your Majesty entrust your subject with the task of punishing the traitors and restoring the dynasty; if it goes unfulfilled, then punish your subject's crime to report to the spirit of the First Emperor. If there are no words of restoration, then hold Youzhi, Yi, Yun, and the others accountable for their negligence, to make clear their dereliction. Your Majesty also should reflect on himself, to seek out good counsel, examine and accept worthy words, and deeply pursue the late emperor's testament—your subject cannot help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude! Now, as he departs far away, facing this memorial he weeps, not knowing what he has said.

When the Later Lord read the memorial, he said: "Imperial Father, your southern campaign involved arduous travel through distant lands; you had only just returned to the capital and had not yet settled in your seat—and now you wish to campaign to the north? I fear it will overtax your spirit and thought." Kongming said: "Your subject received the late emperor's weighty charge to assist in governing, and day and night he has never been remiss. Now the south has been pacified, and there is no need to worry about internal affairs. If we do not take this opportunity to punish the traitors and restore the Central Plain, when else shall we do so?" Suddenly, from among the ranks of officials, the Grand Astrologer Qiao Zhou stepped forward and reported: "Your subject has observed the heavens by night—the vital energy of the north is at its zenith, and the stars are doubly bright; it cannot be attacked." He then turned to Kongming and said: "The Prime Minister understands astronomy thoroughly—why do you force the issue?" Kongming said: "The Way of Heaven changes and is not constant—how can one be rigidly bound by it? For now I shall station the army in Hanzhong, observe their movements, and then act." Qiao Zhou remonstrated bitterly but was not heeded. Thereupon Kongming left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, and Fei Yi as Palace Attendants to oversee all matters within the palace; he also left Xiang Chong as Grand General to command the imperial guard troops; Chen Zhen as Palace Attendant; Jiang Wan as Army Advisor; Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk, to manage the affairs of the Prime Minister's office; Du Qiong as Remonstrance Counselor; Du Wei and Yang Hong as Imperial Secretaries; Meng Guang and Lai Min as Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan as Erudites; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi as Palace Library Officials; and Qiao Zhou as Grand Astologist. In all, over one hundred civil and military officials, both within and without, jointly managed the affairs of Shu.

Having received the edict, Kongming returned to his headquarters and summoned the generals to receive their orders: Vanguard Commander, General of the North, Aide to the Chancellor, Inspector of Liang Province, and Marquis of Duanting, Wei Yan; Commander of the Vanguard, Administrator of Fufeng, Zhang Yi; Commandant of the Palace Gates, Assistant General, Wang Ping; Commander of the Rear Army, General of Pacifying Han, Administrator of Jianning, Li Hui, with his deputy, General of Establishing Distance, Administrator of Hanzhong, Lü Yi; Commander of the Left Army for Transport of Provisions, General of Pacifying the North, Marquis of Chencang, Ma Dai, with his deputy, General of the Flying Guard, Liao Hua; Commander of the Right Army, General of Stirring Might, Marquis of Boyangting, Ma Zhong; General of Pacifying the Rongs, Marquis of Guannei, Zhang Ni; Acting Master of the Army, Chariot and Cavalry General, Marquis of Douxiang, Liu Yan; Central Army Supervisor, General of Wielding Force, Deng Zhi; Central Army Participant, General of Pacifying the Distance, Ma Su; Front General, Marquis of Duanting, Yuan Shen; Left General, Marquis of Gaoyang, Wu Yi; Right General, Marquis of Xuandu, Gao Xiang; Rear General, Marquis of Anle, Wu Ban; Chief Clerk, General of Pacifying the Army, Yang Yi; Front General, General of Conquering the South, Liu Ba; Front Army Protector, Assistant General, Marquis of Hanchengting, Xu Yun; Left Army Protector, Trustworthy Gentleman of the Palace, Ding Xian; Right Army Protector, Assistant General, Liu Zhi; Rear Army Protector, Gentleman of the Palace in Charge of the Army, Guan Yong; Acting Participant, Brilliant Gentleman of the Palace, Hu Ji; Acting Participant, Remonstrating General, Yan Yan; Acting Participant, Assistant General, Cuan Xi; Acting Participant, Assistant General, Yi Yi, Brilliant Gentleman of the Palace, Du Qi, Commander of Pacifying the Rongs, Sheng Bo; Attendant, Brilliant Gentleman of the Palace, Fan Qi; Secretary of the Army, Fan Jian; Records Officer of the Chancellor, Dong Jue; Left Guard of the Headquarters, Soaring Dragon General, Guan Xing; Right Guard of the Headquarters, Tiger Wing General, Zhang Bao. All the above officials were to follow the Grand Commander of Pacifying the North, Chancellor, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yizhou, and Director of Internal and External Affairs, Zhuge Liang.

When the assignments had been settled, a dispatch was sent to Li Yan and others to guard the Sichuan passes and hold off Eastern Wu. The expedition was set for the third month of the fifth year of Jianxing, on the day of bingyin. Suddenly, a veteran general in the headquarters stepped forward with a stern voice and said: "Though I am old, I still have the courage of Lian Po and the valor of Ma Yuan. These two ancients both refused to acknowledge old age—why then do you not employ me?" The assembly looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. Kongming said: "Since my return from the southern campaign, Mengqi fell gravely ill and passed away. I grieved deeply, feeling as though I had lost an arm. Now, General, your years are already advanced. Should anything go wrong, it would tarnish your illustrious name for a lifetime and diminish the martial spirit of the men of Shu." Zhao Yun said sternly: "Since I followed the late Emperor, I have never retreated from battle and always led the charge against the enemy. For a great man to die on the battlefield is a blessing—what regret could I have? I wish to be the vanguard!" Kongming earnestly tried to dissuade him several times, but to no avail. Zhao Yun said: "If you will not make me the vanguard, I shall dash my head upon the steps and die!" Kongming said: "Since you insist on being the vanguard, you must take another general with you." Before he had finished speaking, a man responded: "Though I am of no great talent, I wish to assist the old general by leading a vanguard force to strike the enemy." Kongming looked and saw that it was Deng Zhi. Kongming was greatly pleased and immediately assigned five thousand elite troops and ten assistant generals to accompany Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi, and they departed.

When Kongming set out with the army, the Second Emperor led the officials to see him off ten li beyond the northern gate. Kongming took leave of the Second Emperor, and with banners obscuring the fields and spears and halberds standing like a forest, he led the army in a winding advance toward Hanzhong.

Now, the frontier scouts learned of this and reported it to Luoyang. That day, Cao Rui held court, and a close official reported: "The frontier officers report that Zhuge Liang has led a great army of over three hundred thousand troops, encamped in Hanzhong, with Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi commanding the vanguard, and his forces have already crossed our border." Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his ministers, "Who can be made general to repel the Shu army?" Suddenly a man answered and stepped forward, saying: "My father died in Hanzhong, and the bitter hatred of that wound has never been avenged. Now that the Shu army has invaded, I wish to lead my own valiant generals and humbly beg Your Majesty to grant me the forces of Guanxi to go and crush Shu—to serve the country above and avenge my father below. I would not regret it even if I died ten thousand deaths." The assembly looked and saw that it was Xiahou Mao, son of Xiahou Yuan. Mao, styled Zixing, was by nature both impetuous and miserly. From youth he had been adopted as the son of Xiahou Dun. Later, Xiahou Yuan was slain by Huang Zhong, and Cao Cao took pity on him, giving him the Princess Qinghe in marriage to make him an imperial son-in-law. For this reason, the court held him in respect. Though he held military authority, he had never yet seen battle. Now he volunteered for the expedition, and Cao Rui immediately appointed him Grand Commander, ordering him to mobilize the armies of Guanxi to meet the enemy. The Minister over the Masses, Wang Lang, remonstrated, saying: "This cannot be done. The Imperial Son-in-law Xiahou has never before seen battle. To entrust him with such a great responsibility is unsuitable. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is cunning and resourceful, deeply versed in strategy and tactics. The enemy must not be taken lightly." Xiahou Mao rebuked him, saying: "Could it be that the Minister over the Masses has made a secret pact with Zhuge Liang to act as an inside agent? From youth I studied strategy under my father and am deeply versed in the art of war. How dare you deceive me on account of my youth? If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear I shall never return to face the Son of Heaven!" Wang Lang and the others dared say no more. Xiahou Mao took leave of the Wei ruler and hastened by night to Chang'an, where he mobilized over two hundred thousand troops of Guanxi to oppose Kongming. Truly:

He would have held the white banners to marshal his soldiers,

But instead let a youthful novice command the army.

What the outcome of the battle would be, read on in the following chapter.