Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Guo Huai said to Cao Zhen, "The Western Qiang have sent tribute every year since the time of the Grand Founder, and Emperor Wen also bestowed favors upon them. We can now occupy strategic passes and send men by small roads straight into Qiang territory to seek help, promising a marriage alliance. The Qiang will surely rise up and attack the rear of the Shu forces. Then we strike with our main army, attacking from both front and rear—would that not be a great victory?" Cao Zhen agreed and immediately dispatched a man with a letter to the Qiang by swift night travel.

Now the Western Qiang king, Cheliji, had sent tribute every year since the time of Cao Cao. He had two chief ministers—one civil and one military. The civil minister was Prime Minister Yadan, and the military minister was Marshal Yueji. At this time, a Wei envoy arrived at the kingdom bearing gold, pearls, and a letter. He first went to see Prime Minister Yadan, presented the gifts, and explained in detail their request for aid. Yadan led him before the king and presented the letter and gifts. Cheliji read the letter and assembled his ministers to deliberate. Yadan said, "We have long had dealings with Wei. Now Commander Cao begs our aid and promises a marriage alliance. We should rightly grant his request." Cheliji followed his counsel and ordered Yadan and Marshal Yueji to raise a Qiang army of one hundred and fifty thousand men, all skilled with bows and crossbows, spears, caltrops, and flying hammers. They also had armored chariots, covered with iron plates studded with nails, carrying provisions, weapons, and supplies. Some were drawn by camels, some by mules and horses—they were called "Iron Chariot Troops." The two ministers took leave of the king and led their forces straight to attack Xiping Pass.

The Shu general defending the pass, Han Zhen, hastily sent a report to Zhuge Liang. Upon receiving the news, Zhuge Liang asked his officers, "Who dares go and repel the Qiang forces?" Zhang Bao and Guan Xing both answered, "We are willing to go." Zhuge Liang said, "Though you two wish to go, the roads are unfamiliar to you." He then summoned Ma Dai and said, "You have long understood the nature of the Qiang people and have lived among them—you can serve as guide." He then raised fifty thousand elite troops and sent them with Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. The two officers led their forces away.

After several days' march, they encountered the Qiang army. Guan Xing first led over a hundred horsemen up a hillside to observe. He saw the Qiang linking their iron chariots end to end and making camps wherever they pleased. Weapons were arranged all over the chariots, making them look like walled cities. Guan Xing watched for a long time but could find no way to defeat them, so he returned to camp to discuss the matter with Zhang Bao and Ma Dai. Ma Dai said, "Let us wait until tomorrow when we see their formations, observe their strengths and weaknesses, and then devise another plan."

The next morning, they divided their forces into three columns—Guan Xing in the center, Zhang Bao on the left, and Ma Dai on the right—and all three advanced together. From the Qiang lines, Marshal Yueji rode out in bold spirits, wielding an iron hammer in his hand and wearing a jeweled carved bow at his waist. Guan Xing ordered all three columns to press forward. Suddenly the Qiang soldiers on both sides opened their ranks, and from the center iron chariot troops poured out like a tide, their bows and crossbows firing all at once. The Shu forces were routed. Ma Dai's and Zhang Bao's armies retreated first. Guan Xing's force was surrounded by the Qiang and driven into the northwest corner.

Guan Xing, trapped in the center, charged left and right but could not break free. The iron chariots pressed in densely around him like a walled city. The Shu soldiers could not help one another. Guan Xing looked for a path through the mountain valleys. As evening approached, he saw a cluster of black flags swarming toward him. A Qiang general, wielding an iron hammer, cried out, "Young officer, do not flee! I am Marshal Yueji!" Guan Xing rode forward with all his might, whipping his horse, but came upon a broken ravine and had to turn back to face Yueji in battle. Guan Xing's courage had faltered; he could not hold his ground and fled toward the ravine. Yueji pursued him and swung his iron hammer. Guan Xing hastily dodged, but the blow struck his horse's hip. The horse plunged into the ravine, and Guan Xing fell into the water.

Suddenly there was a great crash—behind him, Yueji, horse and all, had fallen headlong into the water for no apparent reason. Guan Xing struggled up in the water and saw a great general on the bank driving back the Qiang soldiers. Guan Xing raised his blade to strike Yueji, but Yueji leaped through the water and escaped. Guan Xing took Yueji's horse, led it onto the shore, straightened its saddle and bridle, mounted with his blade in hand. He saw the general still pursuing and slaughtering the Qiang soldiers ahead. Guan Xing thought to himself, "This man saved my life—I should meet him," and rode after him.

As he drew near, he saw through the clouds and mist a great general with a face as dark as a ripe date, eyebrows like sleeping silks, wearing a green robe and golden armor, wielding the Green Dragon Blade, riding the Hare, stroking his beautiful whiskers. He clearly recognized him as his father, Lord Guan. Guan Xing was greatly startled. Suddenly Lord Guan pointed with his hand toward the southeast and said, "My son, go quickly by this road. I will protect you back to camp." With that, he vanished. Guan Xing rode hard toward the southeast. At midnight, a force appeared—it was Zhang Bao. He asked Guan Xing, "Have you seen our second uncle?" Guan Xing asked, "How do you know?" Zhang Bao said, "I was being hard pressed by the iron chariot troops when I saw our uncle descend from the sky, put the Qiang soldiers to flight, and point, saying, 'Go by this road to save my son.' So I led my army straight here to find you." Guan Xing also recounted what had happened to him, and both marveled together. They returned to camp together.

Ma Dai received them and said, "There is no way to defeat this army by direct means. I will guard the camp. You two go report to the Chancellor and ask him to devise a plan to break them." So Guan Xing and Zhang Bao went by night to see Zhuge Liang and told him everything that had happened.

Zhuge Liang then ordered Zhao Yun and Yun Yan each to lead a force to set an ambush. He then mustered thirty thousand troops and, taking Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao, went in person to Ma Dai's camp to rest. The next day he ascended a high hill to observe. He saw the iron chariots stretching endlessly, with men and horses moving in all directions at great speed. Zhuge Liang said, "This is not difficult to break." He summoned Ma Dai and Zhang Yi and gave them their orders. They departed. He then called Jiang Wei and said, "Boyue, do you know the method for breaking the chariots?" Jiang Wei said, "The Qiang rely on nothing but brute courage—how could they know of subtle strategy?" Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "You know my mind. Now dark clouds are gathering thickly and the north wind blows fiercely—snow is on the way, and my plan can be set in motion." He ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to take their forces and lie in ambush. He ordered Jiang Wei to lead troops into battle: whenever the iron chariot troops came, he was to fall back and retreat. Before the camp gates he set up banners but stationed no troops. All preparations were complete.

It was now the end of the twelfth month, and as predicted, a great snow fell from the sky. Jiang Wei led his troops out, and Yue Ji came with his iron chariot soldiers. Jiang Wei immediately retreated. The Qiang soldiers pursued to the front of the camp, while Jiang Wei slipped out from the rear. The Qiang soldiers went right up to the camp and looked in, hearing the sound of drums and lutes being played inside, with empty banners and pennants hung on all four walls. They hurried back to report to Yue Ji. Yue Ji was suspicious and did not dare advance lightly. Yadan, the Grand Viceroy, said, "This is one of Zhuge Liang's tricks—a false show of troops to create suspicion. We can attack it." Yue Ji led his soldiers to the front of the camp, and there he saw Kongming, carrying a lute as he mounted his carriage, leading several riders into the camp and heading toward the rear. The Qiang soldiers rushed into the stockade and pursued him straight through the mountain pass, where they saw the small carriage disappearing into the forest. Yadan said to Yue Ji, "Even if these soldiers have an ambush, there is nothing to fear." So he led the great army in pursuit. They saw Jiang Wei's troops all fleeing across the snow-covered ground. Yue Ji flew into a rage and urged his soldiers to press the chase. The mountain road was blanketed in snow, appearing flat and open as far as the eye could see. Just as they were in hot pursuit, word came that Shu soldiers had emerged from behind the mountain. Yadan said, "Even if they have a small ambush force, what is there to fear?" He pressed his troops forward without pause. Suddenly there was a tremendous sound, as though mountains were collapsing and the earth was giving way—the Qiang soldiers all fell into pits and trenches. Behind them, the iron chariots had been moving swiftly and could not be stopped in time; they pushed forward and trampled one another. When the rear troops tried to retreat, Zhang Bao charged from the right and Guan Xing from the left, their two forces bursting forth, ten thousand crossbows firing at once. From behind, Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi attacked with three more columns of troops. The iron chariot soldiers fell into chaos. Yue Ji, the commander, fled toward the valley behind him and ran straight into Guan Xing. They engaged for only one pass when Xing raised his blade, gave a great shout, and cut him down from his horse. Yadan, the Grand Viceroy, had already been captured alive by Ma Dai and was brought as a prisoner to the main camp. The Qiang soldiers scattered in all directions. Kongming ascended to the command tent, and Ma Dai brought Yadan before him. Kongming ordered the guards to remove his bonds, gave him wine to calm his fears, and spoke kindly to reassure him. Yadan was deeply moved by his virtue. Kongming said, "My lord is the Emperor of the Great Han, and he has commanded me to punish the rebels. Why do you aid the rebels instead? I shall release you to return and tell your ruler: our state and yours are neighboring countries. Let us form an alliance of friendship forever, and do not listen to the words of rebels." He then returned to Yadan all the Qiang soldiers, chariots, horses, and equipment that had been captured, and sent them all home. They bowed in gratitude and departed. Kongming led both armies through the night to the camp at Mount Qi, ordering Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to advance first with their troops, while he also sent a messenger with a memorial to report the victory.

Now, Cao Zhen had been waiting for news from the Qiang for several days when a scout came and reported, "The Shu soldiers have struck their camp and are packing to depart." Guo Huai was overjoyed and said, "This is because the Qiang have attacked them, so they are retreating." He then divided his forces into two columns to pursue them. Ahead, the Shu soldiers fled in disorder, and the Wei soldiers gave chase. The vanguard commander, Cao Zun, was pressing the pursuit when suddenly the drums thundered and a force burst forth—their commander was Wei Yan, who shouted, "Rebels, do not flee!" Cao Zun was greatly startled and turned his horse to engage him. In fewer than three exchanges, Wei Yan cut him down with a single stroke of his saber. The deputy vanguard, Zhu Zan, was leading his troops in pursuit when another force suddenly appeared—their commander was Zhao Yun. Zhu Zan was caught off guard and was pierced by Yun's spear. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai, seeing that both vanguard commanders had fallen, wanted to withdraw their troops. But from behind, a great shouting arose, drums and horns sounding together, as Guan Xing and Zhang Bao's two columns burst forth and surrounded Cao Zhen and Guo Huai, dealing them a fierce blow. Cao and Guo fought their way out with their defeated troops. The Shu forces were completely victorious, pursuing all the way to the Wei River and seizing the Wei camp. Cao Zhen, having lost his two vanguard commanders, was overcome with grief. He could do nothing but write a memorial to the court, begging for reinforcements.

Now, Emperor Cao Rui of Wei held court. A courtier reported, "The Grand Commander Cao Zhen has suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Shu. He has lost two vanguard commanders, and the Qiang forces have suffered countless casualties as well. The situation is most urgent. He has sent up a memorial begging for aid and asks for Your Majesty's decision." Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and immediately asked for a strategy to repel the enemy. Hua Xin memorialized, "It is necessary that Your Majesty personally lead the expedition, gather all the lords, and inspire everyone to do their duty—only then can we drive them back. If not, Chang'an may be lost and Guanzhong will be in danger." The Grand Tutor Zhong You memorialized, "A general who surpasses others in knowledge can control others. Sun Tzu said, 'Know your enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will never be defeated.' I believe that although Cao Zhen has long commanded troops, he is no match for Zhuge Liang. I pledge my entire family, high and low, to recommend one man who can repel the Shu forces. I do not know whether Your Majesty will approve." Cao Rui said, "You are a venerable and senior minister. What worthy person can repel the Shu forces? Summon him quickly to share this burden with me." Zhong You memorialized, "In the past, when Zhuge Liang wanted to lead an invasion, he feared this man alone. So he spread rumors to make Your Majesty suspect and dismiss him, and only then did he dare to advance with full force. If you employ him now, Liang will withdraw of his own accord." Cao Rui asked who it was. You said, "The General of the Swift Cavalry, Sima Yi." Cao Rui sighed and said, "I also regret this matter now. Where is Zhongda at present?" You said, "I have heard that Zhongda has been living in leisure in Wancheng." Cao Rui immediately issued an edict, sending an envoy with the imperial credentials to restore Sima Yi to office, with the additional title of Pacifying the West Commander. He was to raise the troops from all the routes in Nanyang and proceed to Chang'an. Cao Rui would lead the expedition in person and ordered Sima Yi to meet him there by a set date. The envoy set off for Wancheng by night.

After Zhuge Liang set out on his expedition, he had won successive victories and was greatly pleased. One day, while gathered in his tent at Mount Qi for a council of war, he was told that Li Feng, the son of Li Yan—who was guarding Yong'an Palace—had come to see him. Zhuge Liang suspected an invasion by Eastern Wu and was deeply alarmed. He summoned Li Feng into the tent and questioned him.

Li Feng said, "I come to bring you good news."

"What good news?" asked Zhuge Liang.

Li Feng replied, "Meng Da surrendered to Wei out of necessity. At that time, Cao Pi admired his talents and often bestowed fine horses and precious gifts upon him. He rode in the emperor's carriage and was appointed Attendant Cavalier at the Gate and Commandery Governor of Xinchong, with authority over Shangyong, Jincheng, and other regions—entrusted with all affairs in the southwest. But after Cao Pi died and Cao Rui ascended the throne, many in the court grew jealous of him, and Meng Da lived in constant anxiety. He often said to his officers, 'I was originally a Shu general; I was forced into this position.' He has repeatedly sent trusted men with letters to my father, asking him to report to Your Excellency at the proper time: when the five-pronged attack on Shu was launched, he had the same intention. Now, stationed at Xinchong, upon learning that Your Excellency is campaigning against Wei, he wishes to raise the armies of Jincheng, Xinchong, and Shangyong, rise up in that region, and march straight on Luoyang—while Your Excellency takes Chang'an. Both capitals would then be secured. I have brought the messenger and the letters here for Your Excellency's inspection."

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed and richly rewarded Li Feng and his men.

Soon after, a spy reported: "The Wei ruler Cao Rui has gone in person to Chang'an. At the same time, he has issued an edict restoring Sima Yi to office, appointing him as Commander of the Pacification of the West, and ordering him to assemble his forces at Chang'an."

Zhuge Liang was deeply alarmed.

The staff officer Ma Su said, "Why should Cao Rui be feared? If he comes to Chang'an, we can simply capture him. Why is Your Excellency so alarmed?"

Zhuge Liang replied, "Do I fear Cao Rui? My only concern is Sima Yi alone. Now Meng Da wishes to undertake this great enterprise, but if he encounters Sima Yi, his plan will surely fail. Meng Da is no match for Sima Yi—he will certainly be captured. If Meng Da dies, the Central Plains will not be easily won."

Ma Su said, "Why not send a letter at once to warn Meng Da to be on his guard?"

Zhuge Liang agreed. He wrote a letter and ordered the messenger to return with all speed to Meng Da.

Meanwhile, Meng Da in Xinchong was eagerly awaiting the return of his trusted envoy. One day the man arrived and presented Zhuge Liang's reply. Meng Da broke the seal and read:

"I have received your letter, and I know well that your heart is loyal and righteous, and that you have not forgotten old ties. I am deeply gratified. If this great enterprise succeeds, your merit will be the first in the restoration of the Han dynasty. However, you must exercise the utmost secrecy and must not lightly entrust your plans to others. Be cautious! Be on guard! I have recently heard that Cao Rui has issued an edict restoring Sima Yi to command of the forces of Wan and Luoyang. If he learns of your uprising, he will surely arrive first. You must make complete preparations and must not treat this matter lightly."

When Meng Da finished reading, he laughed and say, "People say Zhuge Liang is overly cautious—this letter proves it." He wrote a reply and gave it to his trusted man to deliver to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang summoned the messenger into his tent. The man presented the reply, and Zhuge Liang broke the seal and read:

"In receiving your esteemed instructions, how dare I be in the least negligent? Privately, I believe there is no need to fear Sima Yi. Wan is about eight hundred li from Luoyang, and one thousand two hundred li from Xinchong. If Sima Yi learns of my uprising, he must first memorialize the Wei emperor—a process that will take a month. By then my city will be fortified, and all my officers and troops will be entrenched in strong defensive positions. Even if Sima Yi comes, what have I to fear? Let Your Excellency set your mind at ease and wait only for news of victory."

When Zhuge Liang finished reading, he threw the letter to the ground and stamped his foot. "Meng Da will surely die by Sima Yi's hand!"

Ma Su asked, "What does Your Excellency mean?"

Zhuge Liang replied, "The Art of War says: 'Attack where the enemy is unprepared; appear where he does not expect you.' How can we assume a whole month's delay? Since Cao Rui has entrusted Sima Yi with authority, he will suppress rebellion the moment it arises—why would he wait for an imperial mandate? If he learns of Meng Da's revolt, his troops will arrive within ten days. How will Meng Da be able to prepare?"

All the officers were convinced. Zhuge Liang hastily ordered the messenger: "If you have not yet risen in revolt, on no account let your confidants know of this—if they do, you will surely fail." The messenger took his leave and returned to Xinchong.

Sima Yi, meanwhile, was living in leisure at Wan. When he heard that the Wei armies had suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Shu, he looked up to heaven and heaved a long sigh.

His eldest son, Sima Shi, courtesy name Ziyuan, and his second son, Sima Zhao, courtesy name Zishang—both had long harbored great ambitions and were well versed in military texts. That day they stood by their father's side and, seeing him sigh, asked, "Why does Father sigh so deeply?"

Sima Yi said, "How could you understand such great matters?"

Sima Shi said, "Are you lamenting that the emperor does not employ you?"

Sima Zhao smiled and said, "It will not be long before a summons comes for Father."

Before he had finished speaking, a messenger arrived bearing the imperial insignia. Sima Yi listened to the edict and began to mobilize the forces of Wan and its surrounding regions.

Soon after, the family members of Shen Yi, the Governor of Jincheng Commandery, arrived seeking a secret audience on a matter of urgent importance. Sima Yi summoned them into a private chamber and questioned them. They gave a detailed account of Meng Da's planned rebellion. Meng Da's trusted man Li Fu and Meng Da's nephew Deng Xian also came forward with sworn statements.

When Sima Yi had heard everything, he struck his forehead and exclaimed, "This is the boundless heavenly blessing of His Majesty! Zhuge Liang's army is at Mount Qi, striking terror into all within and without. Now His Majesty has been compelled to go to Chang'an in person. If he had not summoned me at this very moment, Meng Da's uprising would have succeeded, and both capitals would have fallen! This rebel must be in league with Zhuge Liang. If I capture him first, Zhuge Liang will certainly be disheartened and withdraw his forces of his own accord."

His eldest son Sima Shi said, "Father, you should write a memorial to the emperor at once."

Sima Yi replied, "If we wait for the imperial mandate, a month will pass, and it will be too late."

He immediately issued orders for the army to set out, covering two days' march in one—anyone who lagged behind would be executed on the spot. At the same time, he ordered the staff officer Liang Ji to carry a proclamation by express to Xinchong, ordering Meng Da and his officers to prepare for the campaign, so as to allay his suspicions.

Liang Ji went ahead, while Sima Yi set out with his troops later. After two days of marching, a force emerged from the hillside below—it was Xu Huang, the Right General. Xu Huang dismounted and met with Sima Yi, saying, "The Emperor has reached Chang'an personally to repel the Shu forces. Where is the Commander-in-Chief headed?" Sima Yi said in a low voice, "Meng Da has rebelled. I am going to capture him." Xu Huang said, "I wish to serve as the vanguard." Sima Yi was greatly pleased and merged their forces. Xu Huang led the vanguard, Sima Yi commanded the central army, and his two sons guarded the rear. After marching another two days, the advance scouts of the front army captured a trusted confidant of Meng Da and found Zhuge Liang's reply letter on his person. They brought it to Sima Yi. Sima Yi said, "I will not kill you. Tell me everything from the beginning." The man had no choice but to report all the correspondence between Zhuge Liang and Meng Da. Sima Yi read Zhuge Liang's reply and was greatly alarmed, saying, "The wise in this world see things alike. Zhuge Liang has anticipated my plans. Fortunately, the Emperor's good fortune has brought us this intelligence. Meng Da is now powerless." He thereupon pressed the army forward with all speed through the night.

Now, Meng Da in Xincheng had made an agreement with Shen Yi, the Governor of Jincheng, and Shen Dan, the Governor of Shangyong, to rise up on a set day. Shen Dan and Shen Yi pretended to agree, drilling their soldiers daily while waiting for the Wei army to arrive, so they could act as an internal force. Yet they reported to Meng Da that weapons and provisions were not yet ready and that they dared not set a date for the uprising. Meng Da believed them without suspicion. Suddenly it was reported that the aide Liang Ji had arrived, and Meng Da welcomed him into the city. Liang Ji delivered Sima Yi's orders: "The Commander-in-Chief Sima has received the Emperor's edict to raise forces from all routes to drive back the Shu army. You, Governor, should assemble your troops and await orders." Meng Da asked, "When did the Commander-in-Chief set out?" Liang Ji replied, "By now he has left Wan and is heading toward Chang'an." Meng Da secretly rejoiced, saying, "My great enterprise will succeed!" He then held a banquet for Liang Ji and escorted him out of the city. He immediately informed Shen Yi and Shen Dan that they would rise the next day, hoist the banners of the Great Han, and dispatch all forces directly to seize Luoyang. Suddenly it was reported that dust was rising outside the city walls—no one knew where the troops were coming from. Meng Da ascended the wall to look. He saw a body of soldiers flying the banner of "Right General Xu Huang" racing toward the city. Meng Da was greatly alarmed and hastily raised the drawbridge. Xu Huang's horse could not stop and charged right up to the moat. Xu Huang shouted loudly, "Rebel Meng Da! Surrender at once!" Meng Da, in a fury, quickly drew his bow and shot, striking Xu Huang squarely on the forehead. The Wei generals carried him away. The defenders rained arrows from the walls, and the Wei troops withdrew. Meng Da was about to open the gate and pursue when banners filled the sky on all sides—Sima Yi's army had arrived. Meng Da looked up to heaven and sighed, "It is just as Zhuge Liang foresaid!" He then barred the gates and held firm.

Now, Xu Huang had been struck in the forehead by Meng Da's arrow. The troops carried him back to camp, removed the arrowhead, and had the physicians treat him. That very night he died, at the age of fifty-nine. Sima Yi had his coffin escorted back to Luoyang for burial. The next day, Meng Da surveyed the walls from every direction and saw that the Wei army surrounded the city as tightly as an iron bucket. Meng Da could neither walk nor sit at ease, his mind filled with alarm and doubt. Suddenly he saw two columns of troops charging in from outside, their banners bearing the names "Shen Dan" and "Shen Yi." Meng Da thought they were reinforcements and hastily led his own troops out through the open city gates. Shen Dan and Shen Yi shouted loudly, "Rebel, don't flee! Die at once!" Meng Da saw that the situation had turned against him and wheeled his horse back toward the city, but arrows rained down from the walls. Li Fu and Deng Xian, atop the city wall, cursed him loudly, "We have already surrendered the city!" Meng Da tried to fight his way out, but Shen Dan pursued him. Exhausted and caught off guard, Meng Da was speared from his horse by Shen Dan and beheaded. The remaining soldiers all surrendered. Li Fu and Deng Xian threw open the city gates and welcomed Sima Yi into the city. After comforting the people and rewarding the troops, Sima Yi dispatched a messenger to report to the Wei ruler, Cao Rui. Cao Rui was greatly pleased. He ordered Meng Da's head displayed in the marketplace of Luoyang, promoted Shen Dan and Shen Yi, and placed them under Sima Yi's command for the campaign. He also appointed Li Fu and Deng Xian to defend Xincheng and Shangyong.

Now, Sima Yi led his army to encamp outside the walls of Chang'an. He entered the city to see the Wei ruler. Cao Rui was greatly pleased and said, "I was momentarily unclear and fell for the enemy's scheme of sowing discord—my regret knows no bounds! Had you and the others not suppressed Meng Da's rebellion, both capitals would have been lost." Sima Yi reported, "Your minister learned of Shen Yi's secret report of the rebellion and wished to memorialize Your Majesty, but feared that the back-and-forth would cause delay. Therefore I did not wait for your edict but set out by night. Had I waited to file a report, we would have fallen into Zhuge Liang's trap." With that, he presented Zhuge Liang's secret letter to Meng Da. Cao Rui read it through and was greatly pleased, saying, "Your knowledge surpasses even that of Sun Wu and Wu Qi!" He bestowed upon him a pair of golden axes and declared that henceforth, in matters of urgent secrecy, Sima Yi need not file a report but could act as he saw fit. He then ordered Sima Yi to leave the pass and smash the Shu forces. Sima Yi memorialized, "Your minister recommends a great general to serve as vanguard." Cao Rui asked, "Whom do you recommend?" Sima Yi said, "Right General Zhang He is fit for this duty." Cao Rui smiled and said, "I was just about to employ him." He thereupon appointed Zhang He as vanguard commander and sent him with Sima Yi to leave Chang'an and crush the Shu army. Truly:

When a wise minister can employ his counsel,

He also seeks a fierce general to lend his might.

What the outcome would be, read on in the next chapter.