Chapter 101

Zhuge Liang Disguises Himself as a Deity in Longxi; Zhang He Falls into a Trap While Racing to Sword Pass

Now Zhuge Liang, having used the stratagem of reducing his troops while increasing the number of cooking fires, withdrew his army to Hanzhong. Sima Yi, fearing an ambush, dared not pursue and likewise withdrew his forces to Chang’an. Thus the Shu army did not lose a single man. After richly rewarding the entire army, Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu and entered the palace to see the Latter Emperor. He memorialized: “This old minister marched out from Mount Qi, intending to seize Chang’an, when I unexpectedly received an edict from Your Majesty recalling me. I do not know what grave matter prompted it.” The Latter Emperor had no answer. After a long while, he said, “It had been so long since We had seen the Prime Minister’s face that Our heart greatly yearned for you. We therefore issued a special edict recalling you. There was no other reason.” Zhuge Liang said, “That was not Your Majesty’s true intent. Some treacherous minister must have slandered me, alleging that I harbored disloyal designs.” Hearing this, the Latter Emperor remained silent. Zhuge Liang said, “This old minister received the late Emperor’s profound favor and swore to repay it with death. If there are treacherous villains within the court, how can I campaign against the rebels without?” The Latter Emperor said, “We mistakenly listened to the words of a eunuch and recalled the Prime Minister in a moment of folly. Only today has the obstruction been cleared from Our mind, but it is too late for regret.” Zhuge Liang summoned the eunuchs and subjected them to a thorough inquiry, whereupon he learned that the rumors had been spread by Gou An. Men were sent in haste to arrest him, but he had already fled to Wei. Zhuge Liang executed the eunuchs who had submitted false memorials, and dismissed all the rest from the palace. He also severely rebuked Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others for failing to detect the treachery and remonstrate with the Emperor. The two men repeatedly assented and acknowledged their guilt.

Zhuge Liang took leave of the Latter Emperor and returned to Hanzhong. On the one hand, he issued a dispatch ordering Li Yan to provide grain and fodder and continue transporting them to the front; on the other, he once more deliberated upon launching a campaign. Yang Yi said, “After our several recent campaigns, the strength of the army is exhausted, while provisions have again failed to keep pace. It would be better now to divide the army into two contingents, each serving for a fixed term of three months. Thus, from an army of two hundred thousand, only one hundred thousand would march out from Mount Qi. After remaining there three months, those hundred thousand would be relieved by the other hundred thousand. By rotating the contingents in this way, the army’s strength would never be depleted. Then, advancing gradually, we may gain the Central Plain.” Zhuge Liang said, “Your words accord exactly with my own thought. My conquest of the Central Plain is not the work of a morning or an evening. We must indeed make such a long-term plan.” He therefore issued an order dividing the troops into two contingents, each to serve a term of one hundred days and relieve the other in rotation. Anyone who exceeded the prescribed term would be dealt with according to military law.

In the second month of spring, in the ninth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang once more led an army against Wei. It was then the fifth year of Taihe in Wei. When the Emperor of Wei, Cao Rui, learned that Zhuge Liang was again invading the Central Plain, he hastily summoned Sima Yi to deliberate. Sima Yi said, “Now that Zidan is dead, I am willing to devote all my strength to exterminating these marauding rebels and thereby repay Your Majesty.” Cao Rui was overjoyed and gave a banquet in his honor. The following day, a messenger reported that the Shu army was pressing its invasion. Cao Rui at once commanded Sima Yi to take the field against the enemy and personally ordered out his imperial carriage to escort him beyond the city. After taking leave of the Emperor of Wei, Sima Yi proceeded directly to Chang’an, where he assembled the forces from every region and discussed a plan for defeating the Shu army. Zhang He said, “I am willing to lead a force to defend Yong and Mei and hold off the Shu army.” Sima Yi said, “My vanguard cannot withstand Zhuge Liang’s host by itself, and to divide our forces between front and rear offers no prospect of victory. It would be better to leave troops guarding Shanggui and send all the rest to Mount Qi. Would you be willing to serve as vanguard?” Zhang He was delighted. “I have always cherished loyalty and righteousness and longed to devote myself wholly to the service of the state, but regretted that I had never met one who understood me. Now that the Commander-in-Chief is willing to entrust me with this great responsibility, I would not refuse though I faced ten thousand deaths.” Sima Yi accordingly appointed Zhang He vanguard and placed him in command of the main army. He also ordered Guo Huai to defend the commanderies of Longxi, while the other generals advanced by separate routes. Scouts from the van reported: “Zhuge Liang is leading his main army toward Mount Qi. His advance commanders, Wang Ping and Zhang Yi, have come directly from Chencang, passed Jian’ge, and are advancing from San Pass toward Xie Valley.” Sima Yi said to Zhang He, “Now that Zhuge Liang is driving swiftly forward, he will certainly reap the wheat of Longxi to provision his army. You are to encamp at Mount Qi, while Guo Huai and I patrol the commanderies around Tianshui to prevent the rebel troops from cutting the wheat.” Zhang He accepted the order and led forty thousand men to defend Mount Qi. Sima Yi led the main army toward Longxi.

Now when Zhuge Liang’s army reached Mount Qi and had finished pitching camp, he saw that Wei troops had already made preparations along the bank of the Wei River. He said to his generals, “This must be Sima Yi’s doing. Our camp is now short of grain. I have repeatedly sent men to press Li Yan to transport rice for our supply, but it still has not arrived. I believe the wheat in the Long region is ripe. We may secretly lead troops out to reap it.” He therefore left Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, Wu Ban, and Wu Yi to guard the camp at Mount Qi, while he himself led Jiang Wei, Wei Yan, and the other generals to Lu City. The governor of Lu City had long known Zhuge Liang’s reputation and hastily opened the gates and came out to surrender. After reassuring him, Zhuge Liang asked, “Where is the wheat now ripe?” The governor replied, “The wheat in the Long region is already ripe.” Zhuge Liang left Zhang Yi and Ma Zhong to guard Lu City, then led the other generals and the entire army toward the Long region. His vanguard reported back, “Sima Yi has brought troops here.” Zhuge Liang exclaimed in surprise, “The man foresaw that I would come to reap the wheat!” He at once bathed and changed his garments, then had three identical four-wheeled carriages brought forward, all adorned in precisely the same fashion. Zhuge Liang had ordered these carriages made beforehand in Shu. He now commanded Jiang Wei to lead one thousand soldiers to escort a carriage, with another five hundred beating drums, and conceal himself behind Shanggui. Ma Dai was to take the left and Wei Yan the right, each likewise leading one thousand soldiers to escort a carriage and five hundred to beat drums. Each carriage was to be pushed by twenty-four men, barefoot and dressed in black, with loosened hair and swords in hand, each holding a black seven-star banner as they pushed on either side. The three commanders received their plans and departed with their troops and carriages. Zhuge Liang further ordered thirty thousand soldiers, each carrying a sickle and pack rope, to stand ready to reap the wheat. Then he selected twenty-four strong and valiant men, dressed each in black, with loosened hair and swords in hand, to surround the four-wheeled carriage as its attendants. He ordered Guan Xing to attire himself in the likeness of Tianpeng, carrying a black seven-star banner and walking before the carriage. Zhuge Liang seated himself upright upon it and advanced toward the Wei camp.

The Wei scouts were greatly alarmed at the sight, unable to tell whether these were men or ghosts, and hastened to report to Sima Yi. Sima Yi came out of camp to look for himself. He saw Zhuge Liang wearing his cap and crane-feather cloak, a feather fan moving in his hand as he sat erect upon the carriage. To either side stood twenty-four men with loosened hair and drawn swords, while before it walked a man carrying a black banner. Dimly seen, they resembled heavenly spirits. Sima Yi said, “This is another of Zhuge Liang’s uncanny tricks!” He detached two thousand horse and foot and ordered them, “Go swiftly and seize them all—carriage and men together!” The Wei soldiers received the order and rushed forward in pursuit. When Zhuge Liang saw them coming, he had the carriage turned around and moved slowly toward the Shu camp in the distance. The Wei troops spurred their horses after him, but a chill wind sighed around them and cold mist spread everywhere. They pursued with all their might for some distance, yet could not overtake him. Deeply alarmed, they all reined in their horses and said, “How strange! We have chased at full speed for thirty li. He remains before us, yet we cannot catch him. What are we to do?”

Seeing that the soldiers had ceased to come on, Zhuge Liang ordered the carriage pushed back toward them and halted facing the Wei troops. After hesitating a long while, they once more loosed their reins and galloped after him. Zhuge Liang again turned his carriage and moved slowly away. The Wei soldiers chased another twenty li, yet though he remained before their eyes, they never overtook him, and all stood stupefied. Zhuge Liang ordered the carriage turned to face them and had it pushed backward. The Wei soldiers were about to pursue once more when Sima Yi arrived behind them at the head of another force. He passed down an order: “Zhuge Liang is deeply versed in the Eight Gates and the Arts of Concealment and can command the spirits of the Six Ding and Six Jia. This is the method of ‘contracting the earth’ from the Celestial Book of the Six Jia. The army must not pursue him.” Just as the soldiers reined around to withdraw, war drums thundered from the left and a body of troops came charging upon them. From amid the Shu ranks emerged twenty-four men with loosened hair and swords in hand, barefoot and dressed in black, surrounding a four-wheeled carriage. Upon it sat Zhuge Liang, erect in his cap and crane-feather cloak, moving a feather fan in his hand. Sima Yi cried in astonishment, “A moment ago Zhuge Liang was sitting on that other carriage! We chased him for fifty li and could not catch him. How can another Zhuge Liang be here? Strange! Strange!” Before he had finished speaking, war drums sounded from the right and another body of troops came charging forth. Upon another four-wheeled carriage sat a second Zhuge Liang, likewise surrounded by twenty-four barefoot men in black, with loosened hair and swords in hand. Sima Yi was filled with doubt. Turning to his generals, he said, “These must be divine soldiers!” The entire army fell into confusion. None dared give battle, and all fled in disorder.

While they were fleeing, war drums suddenly thundered again and yet another body of troops charged upon them. At their head was a four-wheeled carriage upon which Zhuge Liang sat erect, with attendants pushing it on either side exactly as before. Every Wei soldier was horrified. Sima Yi could not tell whether they were men or ghosts, nor did he know how many Shu troops there were. Terrified, he hastily led his men into Shanggui, closed the gates, and refused to come out. By that time Zhuge Liang had already ordered thirty thousand picked troops to reap all the wheat of the Long region and transport it to Lu City for threshing and drying. Sima Yi remained within Shanggui for three days, not daring to leave the city. Only after he saw the Shu army withdraw did he venture to send troops out to scout. Along the road they captured a Shu soldier and brought him before Sima Yi. Sima Yi questioned him, and the man replied, “I was one of those reaping the wheat. I lost my horse and was captured.” Sima Yi asked, “What divine soldiers were those we saw earlier?” The man answered, “The three ambushing forces were not led by Zhuge Liang at all, but by Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Wei Yan. Each force had only one thousand soldiers escorting a carriage and five hundred beating drums. Only the carriage that first came to lure you out bore Zhuge Liang himself.” Sima Yi looked up to heaven and sighed deeply. “Zhuge Liang possesses the genius to appear like a god and vanish like a ghost!” Suddenly it was reported that Deputy Commander-in-Chief Guo Huai had come to see him. Sima Yi received him, and after they had exchanged the proper courtesies, Guo Huai said, “I have heard that the Shu army is not numerous and is now threshing wheat at Lu City. We can attack it.” Sima Yi recounted the earlier events in detail. Guo Huai laughed. “That deception served him only for a moment. Now that we have seen through it, what is there to fear? I shall lead a force against his rear, while you lead another against his front. Lu City will be taken and Zhuge Liang captured.” Sima Yi agreed, and the army advanced in two divisions.

Now Zhuge Liang was with his army threshing and drying wheat at Lu City when he suddenly summoned his generals to receive orders. “The enemy will certainly attack the city tonight. I judge that the wheat fields east and west of Lu City are well suited for ambushes. Who dares go there for me?” Jiang Wei, Wei Yan, Ma Dai, and Ma Zhong stepped forward and said, “We are willing to go.” Zhuge Liang was delighted. He ordered Jiang Wei and Wei Yan each to lead two thousand men and lie in ambush to the southeast and northwest, while Ma Dai and Ma Zhong were each to lead two thousand men and lie hidden to the southwest and northeast. “When you hear the signal cannon, charge from all four corners at once.” The four generals received the plan and departed with their troops. Zhuge Liang himself led a little more than a hundred men, each carrying firecrackers, out of the city and concealed them in the wheat fields to wait.

Now Sima Yi led his army straight to the foot of Lu City. By then the light was fading, and he said to his generals, “If we advance by day, those within the city will certainly be prepared. We should take advantage of the night to attack. The walls here are low and the moat shallow; we can readily break in.” He therefore stationed his army outside the city. During the first watch, Guo Huai also arrived with his troops. The two forces joined, and at a single roll of drums they surrounded Lu City on every side like an iron barrel. From the walls, ten thousand crossbows loosed at once, while arrows and stones fell like rain, and the Wei troops dared not advance. Suddenly signal charges exploded one after another amid the Wei army. The whole host was thrown into alarm, not knowing from where the enemy was coming. When Guo Huai sent men to search the wheat fields, flames leaped skyward at all four corners and mighty battle cries arose. Four divisions of Shu troops charged in together, while all four gates of Lu City flew open and the soldiers within rushed out. Attacked from within and without, the Wei troops were slaughtered in a great battle, and countless men perished. Sima Yi led his defeated soldiers in a desperate struggle through the encirclement and seized a hilltop, while Guo Huai likewise led his broken troops behind the hill and established a camp there. Zhuge Liang entered the city and ordered the four generals to pitch camp at the four corners.

Guo Huai said to Sima Yi, “We have faced the Shu army for a long while and have found no means to drive it back. Now we have suffered another defeat and lost more than three thousand men. Unless we devise a plan soon, it will be difficult for us to withdraw later.” Sima Yi said, “What, then, should we do?” Guo Huai replied, “We should send urgent dispatches summoning the forces of Yong and Liang to join in exterminating the enemy. I am willing to lead troops in a surprise attack on Jian’ge and cut off their road of retreat. Their grain and fodder will then be unable to pass, and their entire army will fall into confusion. If we strike them while taking advantage of that moment, the enemy can be destroyed.” Sima Yi agreed and dispatched urgent orders by night to Yong and Liang, calling up their forces. Before many days had passed, the general Sun Li arrived with troops from the various commanderies. Sima Yi at once ordered Sun Li to join Guo Huai in an attack on Jian’ge.

Now Zhuge Liang had been confronting the enemy at Lu City for a long time without seeing the Wei army come forth to battle. He summoned Ma Dai and Jiang Wei into the city and gave them orders: “The Wei troops are holding the mountain strongholds and refusing battle for two reasons: first, they expect our wheat to run out and leave us without provisions; second, they have sent troops to attack Jian’ge and sever our supply route. Each of you is to lead ten thousand men ahead and occupy the strategic passes. When the Wei troops see that we are prepared, they will withdraw of their own accord.” The two men departed with their forces. Chief Clerk Yang Yi then entered the tent and reported: “The Prime Minister formerly ordered that the main army be relieved every hundred days. That term has now expired. The troops from Hanzhong have already emerged from the mouth of the river gorges, and official dispatches have arrived from the road ahead. They await only a rendezvous to exchange places. Of the eighty thousand soldiers now here, forty thousand are due to be relieved.” Zhuge Liang said, “Since the order has been given, have them depart at once.”

When the troops heard this, each man packed his belongings and prepared to set out. Suddenly it was reported that Sun Li, leading two hundred thousand troops from Yong and Liang, had come to aid the battle and was on his way to seize Jian’ge, while Sima Yi himself was leading troops to attack Lu City. All the Shu soldiers were alarmed. Yang Yi entered and said to Zhuge Liang, “The Wei army is approaching with great urgency. The Prime Minister should temporarily retain the troops due to be relieved and use them to repel the enemy. When the new troops arrive, the exchange can be made.” Zhuge Liang said, “That cannot be done. In employing troops and commanding generals, trust is the foundation. Since my order was given beforehand, how can I break faith? Moreover, the Shu soldiers who are due to leave have all prepared to return home, and their parents, wives, and children are leaning against their doorways awaiting them. Though I now face great peril, I will never detain them.” He immediately passed down an order that the troops due to depart were to leave that very day. When the soldiers heard it, they all cried aloud: “The Prime Minister shows us such grace that we are willing not to return for now. Each of us will cast away his life and slaughter the Wei troops to repay the Prime Minister!” Zhuge Liang said, “You ought to return home. How can you remain here any longer?” But all the soldiers wished to fight and were unwilling to go home. Zhuge Liang said, “Since you are determined to fight beside me, go out of the city and pitch camp. When the Wei army arrives, do not allow it time even to catch its breath, but attack at once. This is the method of awaiting the weary in a state of repose.” The soldiers received the order. Each took up his weapon and joyfully left the city, where they drew up in formation and waited.

Now the troops from Western Liang had marched by forced stages, and both men and horses were exhausted. Just as they were about to pitch camp and rest, the Shu troops surged upon them as one. Every man fought with courage; the generals were fierce and the troops valiant. The soldiers of Yong and Liang could not withstand them and turned in retreat. The Shu troops pursued with all their strength, slaughtering them until corpses covered the wilderness and blood ran in channels. Zhuge Liang came out of the city, gathered his victorious troops, and brought them within to reward their labors. Suddenly it was reported that an urgent letter had arrived from Li Yan at Yong’an. Greatly alarmed, Zhuge Liang broke the seal and read it. The letter said:

“I have recently heard that Eastern Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang and made peace with Wei. Wei has commanded Wu to attack Shu, though fortunately Wu has not yet raised troops. I have now ascertained this intelligence and respectfully beg the Prime Minister to make prudent plans without delay.”

When Zhuge Liang had finished reading, he was deeply alarmed and suspicious. He assembled his generals and said, “If Eastern Wu raises troops to invade Shu, I must return with all speed.” He immediately issued orders for the troops in the great camp at Mount Qi to withdraw into Western Shu for the time being. “Sima Yi knows that I have troops stationed here and will certainly not dare pursue them.” Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, Wu Ban, and Wu Yi therefore divided the army into two columns and slowly withdrew into Western Shu.

When Zhang He saw the Shu troops withdraw, he feared some stratagem and dared not pursue. Instead, he led his soldiers to see Sima Yi and said, “The Shu army has now withdrawn. I do not know what it intends.” Sima Yi said, “Zhuge Liang has countless cunning schemes. We must not move rashly. It would be better to hold fast until his provisions are exhausted, when he will naturally withdraw.” The general Wei Ping stepped forward and said, “The Shu army has abandoned its camp at Mount Qi and retreated. This is precisely the time to pursue our advantage. Yet the Commander-in-Chief holds the army motionless, fearing Shu as one fears a tiger. What will you do when the whole realm laughs at you?” Sima Yi remained adamant and refused.

Now when Zhuge Liang learned that the troops from Mount Qi had returned, he summoned Ma Zhong and Yang Yi into his tent and entrusted them with a secret plan. He ordered them to lead ten thousand crossbowmen ahead to the Mumen Road at Jian’ge and lie in ambush on both sides. If the Wei troops pursued them there, they were to wait for his signal cannon, then roll down timber and stones to cut off the enemy’s retreat and shoot upon them from both ends. The two men departed with their troops. Zhuge Liang next summoned Wei Yan and Guan Xing and ordered them to lead troops as the rear guard. He had banners planted everywhere along all four sides of the city walls, while firewood and brush were piled at random within and smoke and flames were raised as a feint. The main army then marched toward the Mumen Road.

Scouts from the Wei camp came to report to Sima Yi: “The main body of the Shu army has withdrawn, but we do not know how many troops remain in the city.” Sima Yi went personally to inspect it. Seeing banners planted on the walls and smoke rising within, he laughed and said, “This is an empty city.” He sent men to reconnoiter, and it was indeed empty. Sima Yi was delighted. “Zhuge Liang has withdrawn. Who dares pursue him?” Vanguard commander Zhang He said, “I am willing to go.” Sima Yi restrained him, saying, “Your nature is impetuous. You must not go.” Zhang He said, “When the Commander-in-Chief marched through the pass, you appointed me vanguard. Today is precisely the time to win distinction, yet you refuse to employ me. Why?” Sima Yi said, “Since the Shu army has withdrawn, it will certainly have planted ambushes at the narrow and dangerous places. Only with the utmost caution can you pursue.” Zhang He said, “I understand that already. You need not be concerned.” Sima Yi said, “Since you insist on going, see that you do not regret it.” Zhang He replied, “A true man gives his life to repay his country. Though I die ten thousand deaths, I shall have no regret.” Sima Yi said, “Since you are resolved to go, lead five thousand men in advance. I shall order Wei Ping to follow with twenty thousand horse and foot to guard against ambushes, while I myself will lead three thousand soldiers behind them as support.”

Zhang He received the order and led his troops in swift pursuit. After traveling more than thirty li, he suddenly heard mighty battle cries behind him. A body of troops burst from the woods, and the general at their head reined in his horse, held his sword crosswise, and shouted, “Rebel general, where are you leading those troops?” Zhang He turned and saw that it was Wei Yan. Enraged, he wheeled his horse and engaged him. Before ten bouts had passed, Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Zhang He pursued him for more than thirty li, then reined in and looked about. Seeing no ambush anywhere, he spurred forward again. Just as he rounded a hillside, loud battle cries arose once more and another body of troops burst forth. The general at their head was Guan Xing. Holding his sword crosswise and reining in his horse, he cried, “Zhang He, do not flee! I am here!” Zhang He urged his horse forward and engaged him. Before ten bouts had passed, Guan Xing turned his horse and fled. Zhang He pursued close behind. When they reached a dense wood, Zhang He grew suspicious and sent men to scout in every direction. No ambush was found, so he set aside his fears and resumed the chase. Unexpectedly, Wei Yan had circled around and appeared before him. Zhang He fought him for more than ten bouts, whereupon Wei Yan again fled in defeat. Zhang He pursued in fury, only to find Guan Xing had likewise circled ahead and blocked his road. Zhang He was enraged and spurred forward to engage him. After ten bouts, the Shu troops cast away clothing, armor, gear, and other articles until the road was completely obstructed. The Wei soldiers all dismounted and fought to seize them.

Wei Yan and Guan Xing took turns fighting Zhang He, who pursued them with furious courage. As night drew near, they reached the entrance to the Mumen Road. Wei Yan wheeled his horse and shouted abuse: “Zhang He, rebellious villain! I will no longer avoid you! Keep pursuing me, and I shall now fight you to the death!” Zhang He was consumed with rage. Leveling his spear, he spurred straight at Wei Yan, who brandished his sword and came to meet him. Before ten bouts had passed, Wei Yan suffered a crushing defeat. Abandoning armor, clothing, helmet, and even his spare horse, he led his defeated troops into the Mumen Road. Zhang He’s lust for slaughter was now fully aroused, and when he saw Wei Yan fleeing in utter rout, he galloped after him. By then darkness had fallen. At the explosion of a cannon, flames leaped skyward from the mountains, and great stones and tangled timbers came rolling down, blocking the road ahead. Zhang He cried in alarm, “I have fallen into a trap!” He hastily turned his horse, but behind him timber and stones had already filled the road of retreat. Only one open space remained between sheer cliffs on either side, and Zhang He had no path forward or back. Suddenly a wooden clapper sounded. Ten thousand crossbows loosed from both sides, and Zhang He and more than a hundred of his subordinate officers were all shot dead within the Mumen Road. A poet of later times wrote:

Ambushed crossbows flew like ten thousand stars,And on Mumen Road they felled the mighty warrior.To this day, when travelers pass through Jian’ge,They still speak the strategist’s ancient name.

Now after Zhang He had died, the pursuing Wei troops arrived behind him. When they saw the road blocked, they knew that Zhang He had fallen into a trap. They reined their horses around and hastily withdrew. Suddenly a great shout came from the mountaintop: “Prime Minister Zhuge is here!” The soldiers looked up and saw Zhuge Liang standing amid the firelight. Pointing at them, he said, “Today I went hunting and meant to shoot a ‘horse,’ but by mistake I struck a ‘stag.’ Depart in peace, every one of you, and report to Zhongda that sooner or later he will surely be captured by me.” The Wei troops returned to Sima Yi and related the whole affair in detail. Sima Yi was overcome with grief. Looking up to heaven, he sighed, “That Zhang Junyi has lost his life is my fault!” He then withdrew his army to Luoyang. When the Emperor of Wei learned that Zhang He was dead, he shed tears and sighed. He ordered that the body be recovered and buried with great honors.

Now Zhuge Liang entered Hanzhong and prepared to return to Chengdu to see the Latter Emperor. Protector-General Li Yan falsely memorialized to the Latter Emperor: “I had already prepared the army’s provisions and was about to transport them to the Prime Minister’s front. I do not know why the Prime Minister suddenly withdrew his army.” When the Latter Emperor heard the memorial, he immediately ordered Imperial Secretary Fei Yi to go to Hanzhong, see Zhuge Liang, and ask why he had withdrawn. Fei Yi reached Hanzhong and conveyed the Latter Emperor’s intent. Zhuge Liang was astonished. “Li Yan sent me an urgent letter saying that Eastern Wu was about to raise troops and invade Shu. That was why I withdrew the army.” Fei Yi said, “Li Yan memorialized that the army’s provisions were already prepared and that the Prime Minister had withdrawn without cause. For this reason the Son of Heaven commanded me to come and inquire.” Zhuge Liang was furious and ordered an investigation. It was discovered that Li Yan, having failed to supply the army with provisions, feared that the Prime Minister would punish him. He had therefore sent a letter to bring Zhuge Liang back, then falsely memorialized to the Emperor to conceal his own offense. Zhuge Liang cried in fury, “For his own selfish ends, this wretch has ruined a great affair of state!” He ordered Li Yan summoned and intended to behead him. Fei Yi urged him, “Prime Minister, remember the late Emperor’s charge when he entrusted the orphaned heir to you, and spare Li Yan for the present.” Zhuge Liang agreed. Fei Yi then prepared a memorial and reported the matter to the Emperor. After reading it, the Latter Emperor flew into a rage and ordered the guards to drag Li Yan out and behead him. Army Adviser Jiang Wan stepped from the ranks and memorialized: “Li Yan was a minister to whom the late Emperor entrusted the orphaned heir. I beg Your Majesty graciously to spare him.” The Latter Emperor consented. Li Yan was stripped of rank and reduced to a commoner, then banished to Zitong Commandery to live out his days in idleness.

Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu and appointed Li Yan’s son, Li Feng, as chief clerk. He accumulated fodder and stockpiled grain, lectured on formations and discussed military arts, repaired weapons and equipment, and nourished and cared for the officers and soldiers, intending to campaign again after three years. The people and soldiers of the Two Rivers all revered his benevolence and virtue. Time slipped swiftly by, and before anyone was aware of it, three years had passed. It was then the second month of spring in the twelfth year of Jianxing. Zhuge Liang entered the court and memorialized: “For three years I have nourished and cared for the soldiers. Grain and fodder are abundant, our weapons and equipment are complete, and our men and horses are strong and valiant. We can now attack Wei. This time, unless I sweep away the treacherous faction and restore the Central Plain, I swear I will not return to see Your Majesty!” The Latter Emperor said, “The realm has now settled into the balance of the three powers. Neither Wu nor Wei has invaded us. Why does the Father of the Chancellor not enjoy the peace?” Zhuge Liang said, “I received the late Emperor’s favor in recognizing my worth. Even in dreams I have never ceased devising plans to conquer Wei. To exhaust my strength and fulfill my loyalty, recover the Central Plain for Your Majesty, and revive the House of Han—this is my desire.” Before he had finished speaking, a man stepped from the ranks and said, “The Prime Minister must not raise an army.” All looked at him. It was Qiao Zhou. Truly:

The Martial Marquis spent all his strength in care for the state;The Grand Historian, discerning fate, now spoke of Heaven.

What counsel Qiao Zhou offered will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Zhuge Liang Disguises Himself as a Deity in Longxi; Zhang He Falls into a Trap While Racing to Sword Pass

Now Zhuge Liang used the method of reducing the number of troops while increasing the number of cookfires to withdraw safely to Hanzhong. Sima Yi, fearing an ambush, did not dare pursue him and likewise withdrew his army to Chang’an. As a result, the Shu army did not lose a single man. After richly rewarding the entire army, Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu and went in to see the Latter Emperor. He reported, “This old minister marched out through Mount Qi intending to take Chang’an, but then I suddenly received Your Majesty’s edict recalling me. I do not know what grave matter prompted it.” The Latter Emperor had no answer. After a long while, he said, “I had not seen the Prime Minister’s face for so long that I missed you deeply, and so I issued a special edict recalling you. There was no other reason.” Zhuge Liang said, “That was not Your Majesty’s true intention. Some treacherous minister must have slandered me by saying I harbored disloyal ambitions.” Hearing this, the Latter Emperor remained silent. Zhuge Liang said, “This old minister received the late emperor’s profound favor and swore to repay it with his life. If there are treacherous villains within the court, how can I campaign against the enemy?” The Latter Emperor said, “I mistakenly listened to the words of the eunuchs and recalled the Prime Minister on a moment’s impulse. Only today have my eyes been opened, and it is too late for regret.” Zhuge Liang summoned the eunuchs and interrogated them, and only then learned that it was all due to the rumors spread by Gou An. He immediately sent men to arrest him, but Gou An had already fled to Wei. Zhuge Liang executed the eunuchs who had made the false accusations and dismissed all the rest from the palace. He also severely rebuked Jiang Wan, Fei Yi, and the others for failing to detect the treachery and remonstrate with the emperor. The two repeatedly acknowledged their guilt.

Zhuge Liang took leave of the Latter Emperor and returned to Hanzhong. On the one hand, he issued orders directing Li Yan to prepare provisions and continue transporting them to the front; on the other, he again discussed launching a campaign. Yang Yi said, “Our previous campaigns have exhausted the army, and our provisions have repeatedly failed to keep pace. It would now be better to divide the troops into two rotations, each serving for three months. For example, out of an army of two hundred thousand, we would lead only one hundred thousand through Mount Qi. After they had been stationed there for three months, the other hundred thousand would replace them. By rotating the troops in this way, our military strength would never be depleted. Then we could advance gradually, and the Central Plains would be within our reach.” Zhuge Liang said, “Your proposal accords perfectly with my own thinking. My campaign against the Central Plains is not something that can be completed in a day or a night. We must indeed make such long-term plans.” He therefore issued orders dividing the army into two rotations, setting a term of one hundred days, and requiring the troops to rotate in turn. Anyone who exceeded the term would be punished under military law.

In the second month of spring in the ninth year of Jianxing, Zhuge Liang once again led an army against Wei. This was the fifth year of Taihe in Wei. When the Wei emperor Cao Rui learned that Zhuge Liang was again invading the Central Plains, he urgently summoned Sima Yi to confer. Sima Yi said, “Now that Zidan is dead, I am willing to exert all my strength to exterminate these rebels and repay Your Majesty.” Cao Rui was delighted and held a banquet in his honor. The next day, a report came that the Shu army was pressing its attack. Cao Rui immediately ordered Sima Yi to march out against the enemy and personally had his imperial carriage prepared to escort him beyond the city. After taking leave of the Wei emperor, Sima Yi went straight to Chang’an, where he assembled the forces from every region and discussed plans for defeating the Shu army. Zhang He said, “I am willing to lead a force to defend Yong and Mei and hold off the Shu army.” Sima Yi said, “Our vanguard cannot withstand Zhuge Liang’s entire army by itself. Dividing our forces into front and rear would not be a sound strategy for victory. It would be better to leave troops to defend Shanggui and send all the rest to Mount Qi. Would you be willing to serve as vanguard?” Zhang He was overjoyed and said, “I have always cherished loyalty and righteousness and wished to devote myself fully to serving the state, but regretted that I had never met anyone who truly understood me. Now that the Commander-in-Chief is willing to entrust me with this heavy responsibility, I would not refuse even if I had to die ten thousand times.” Sima Yi accordingly appointed Zhang He as vanguard and placed him in command of the main army. He also ordered Guo Huai to defend the commanderies of Longxi, while the other generals advanced by separate routes. Scouts from the vanguard reported, “Zhuge Liang is leading his main army toward Mount Qi. His advance commanders, Wang Ping and Zhang Yi, have marched directly from Chencang, passed through Jiange, and are coming by way of San Pass toward Xie Valley.” Sima Yi said to Zhang He, “Zhuge Liang is now advancing rapidly and will certainly harvest the wheat in Longxi to supply his army. You are to establish camp at Mount Qi, while Guo Huai and I patrol the commanderies around Tianshui to prevent the enemy from cutting the wheat.” Zhang He accepted the order and led forty thousand troops to defend Mount Qi. Sima Yi led the main army toward Longxi.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang’s army reached Mount Qi and established camp. Seeing that Wei troops were already prepared along the banks of the Wei River, he said to his generals, “This must be Sima Yi’s doing. Our camp is presently short of provisions. I have repeatedly sent men to press Li Yan to transport grain to the front, but it still has not arrived. I believe the wheat in Longxi is ripe, so we can secretly lead troops there to harvest it.” He left Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, Wu Ban, and Wu Yi to guard the camp at Mount Qi, while he personally led Jiang Wei, Wei Yan, and the other generals to Lucheng. The governor of Lucheng had long known Zhuge Liang’s reputation and hurriedly opened the gates and surrendered. After reassuring him, Zhuge Liang asked, “Where is the wheat ripe at this time?” The governor replied, “The wheat in Longxi is already ripe.” Zhuge Liang left Zhang Yi and Ma Zhong to guard Lucheng, then personally led the generals and the entire army toward Longxi. The vanguard reported, “Sima Yi has led troops here.” Zhuge Liang exclaimed in surprise, “He anticipated that I would come to harvest the wheat!” He immediately bathed and changed his clothes, then ordered three identical four-wheeled carriages brought forward, each decorated in exactly the same fashion. Zhuge Liang had arranged for these carriages to be built in Shu beforehand. He now ordered Jiang Wei to lead one thousand troops to escort one carriage, with five hundred more beating drums, and to lie in ambush behind Shanggui. Ma Dai was assigned to the left and Wei Yan to the right, each likewise leading one thousand troops to escort a carriage and five hundred troops to beat drums. Each carriage was pushed by twenty-four men dressed in black, barefoot, with loose hair and swords in hand, each carrying a black seven-star banner as they pushed on either side. The three generals received their secret instructions and departed with their troops and carriages. Zhuge Liang then ordered thirty thousand soldiers, each equipped with a sickle and carrying ropes, to stand ready to harvest the wheat. Next he selected twenty-four strong, able-bodied men, dressed each one in black, with loose hair and sword in hand, and had them surround a four-wheeled carriage as its attendants. He ordered Guan Xing to dress in the likeness of Marshal Tianpeng and walk before the carriage carrying a black seven-star banner. Zhuge Liang seated himself upright upon the carriage and proceeded toward the Wei camp.

When the Wei scouts saw this, they were terrified and could not tell whether the figures were men or ghosts. They rushed to report to Sima Yi. Sima Yi came out of camp to look for himself and saw Zhuge Liang wearing his ceremonial cap and crane-feather cloak, waving a feather fan as he sat upright upon the carriage. Around him were twenty-four men with loose hair and swords in hand, while one man walked in front carrying a black banner. Through the haze, they looked like heavenly spirits. Sima Yi said, “This is another of Zhuge Liang’s tricks!” He detached two thousand troops and commanded them, “Hurry after them and capture the carriage and everyone with it!” The Wei troops accepted the order and charged forward together. When Zhuge Liang saw the Wei troops coming in pursuit, he ordered the carriage turned around and moved slowly toward the distant Shu camp. The Wei soldiers spurred their horses and gave chase, but a chill wind softly stirred and cold mist spread all around. They pursued with all their strength for some distance but could not catch him. Astonished, they all reined in their horses and said, “How strange! We have chased him at full speed for thirty li, and although he has remained in sight ahead of us, we have not been able to catch him. What are we to do?”

Seeing that the troops had stopped coming, Zhuge Liang ordered the carriage brought back and halted facing the Wei soldiers. After hesitating for a long while, the Wei troops once again loosed their reins and charged after him. Zhuge Liang again turned the carriage and moved slowly away. The Wei troops pursued for another twenty li, but though they could still see him ahead, they never caught up and were left utterly bewildered. Zhuge Liang ordered the carriage turned to face the Wei troops and had it pushed backward. The Wei troops were about to pursue again when Sima Yi arrived behind them at the head of another force. He issued an order: “Zhuge Liang is skilled in the Eight Gates and the arts of concealment and can command the spirits of the Six Ding and Six Jia. This is the ‘shrinking the earth’ technique from the Heavenly Book of the Six Jia. The troops must not pursue him.” Just as the soldiers reined in their horses to turn back, war drums thundered on the left and a force charged toward them. Sima Yi hurriedly ordered his soldiers to resist. From among the Shu troops came twenty-four men with loose hair and swords in hand, dressed in black and barefoot, surrounding a four-wheeled carriage. Zhuge Liang sat upright upon it, wearing his ceremonial cap and crane-feather cloak and waving his feather fan. Sima Yi exclaimed in astonishment, “A moment ago Zhuge Liang was sitting on that other carriage. We chased him for fifty li without catching him, so how can Zhuge Liang be here too? Strange! Strange!” Before he had finished speaking, war drums sounded again on the right and another force charged toward them. A Zhuge Liang was seated on this four-wheeled carriage as well, and he too was surrounded by twenty-four men dressed in black and barefoot, with loose hair and swords in hand. Sima Yi was filled with suspicion. Looking back at his generals, he said, “These must be divine troops!” The whole army fell into confusion. None dared fight, and all fled.

As they were fleeing, war drums suddenly thundered, and yet another force charged upon them. At its head was a four-wheeled carriage with Zhuge Liang seated upright upon it, surrounded by attendants identical to those before. Every Wei soldier was horrified. Sima Yi did not know whether they were men or ghosts, nor did he know how many Shu troops there were. Overcome with fear, he hurriedly led his army into Shanggui, closed the gates, and refused to come out. By this time, Zhuge Liang had already ordered thirty thousand elite troops to harvest all the wheat in Longxi and transport it to Lucheng for threshing and drying. Sima Yi remained inside Shanggui for three days without daring to leave the city. Only after he saw the Shu troops withdraw did he dare send his soldiers out to scout. Along the road they captured a Shu soldier and brought him before Sima Yi. Sima Yi questioned him, and the man said, “I was one of the men harvesting the wheat. I lost my horse and was captured.” Sima Yi asked, “What were those divine troops we saw before?” The man replied, “The three ambushing forces were not led by Zhuge Liang at all, but by Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Wei Yan. Each force had only one thousand soldiers escorting its carriage and five hundred beating drums. Only the carriage that first came to lure you out actually carried Zhuge Liang.” Sima Yi raised his face to heaven and sighed deeply. “Zhuge Liang’s stratagems are as unfathomable as the coming and going of gods and ghosts!” Suddenly it was reported that Deputy Commander-in-Chief Guo Huai had come to see him. Sima Yi received him, and after the formal greetings, Guo Huai said, “I have heard that the Shu forces are not numerous and are now threshing wheat at Lucheng. We can attack them.” Sima Yi related the previous events in detail. Guo Huai laughed and said, “He deceived us only for the moment. Now that we have seen through the trick, what is there to fear? I will lead one force to attack his rear, while you lead another against his front. Lucheng can be taken and Zhuge Liang captured.” Sima Yi agreed, and the two advanced by separate routes.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang was leading his army in threshing and drying wheat at Lucheng when he suddenly summoned his generals to receive orders. “The enemy will certainly attack the city tonight. I believe the wheat fields east and west of Lucheng are suitable for ambushes. Who dares go there for me?” Jiang Wei, Wei Yan, Ma Dai, and Ma Zhong stepped forward and said, “We are willing to go.” Zhuge Liang was delighted. He ordered Jiang Wei and Wei Yan each to lead two thousand troops and lie in ambush to the southeast and northwest, respectively, while Ma Dai and Ma Zhong each led two thousand troops to the southwest and northeast. “When you hear the signal cannon, attack from all four corners at once.” The four generals accepted the plan and departed with their troops. Zhuge Liang personally led more than a hundred men, each carrying incendiary charges, out of the city and lay in wait among the wheat fields.

Sima Yi led his army directly to the walls of Lucheng. By then night had fallen, and he said to his generals, “If we advance by daylight, the men in the city will certainly be prepared. We should take advantage of the night to attack. The walls here are low and the moat is shallow, so we can easily break through.” He stationed his army outside the city. During the first watch, Guo Huai also arrived with his troops. The two forces united, and at the sound of a drum they surrounded Lucheng on all four sides as tightly as an iron barrel. Ten thousand crossbows fired at once from the walls, and arrows and stones fell like rain, preventing the Wei troops from advancing. Suddenly signal cannons sounded repeatedly within the Wei army. The entire army was terrified and did not know where the attack was coming from. Guo Huai sent men to search the wheat fields, but flames shot into the sky from all four corners and great battle cries arose. Four columns of Shu troops charged in together. All four gates of Lucheng flew open and the troops inside rushed out. Attacking from within and without, they inflicted a crushing defeat, killing countless Wei soldiers. Sima Yi fought desperately through the encirclement with his defeated troops and occupied a hilltop. Guo Huai likewise led his beaten troops around the rear of the hill and made camp there. Zhuge Liang entered the city and ordered the four generals to establish camps at the four corners.

Guo Huai said to Sima Yi, “We have been locked in a standoff with the Shu army for a long time and have found no way to force it to retreat. Now we have suffered another defeat and lost more than three thousand men. If we do not make plans soon, it will be difficult for us to withdraw later.” Sima Yi asked, “Then what should we do?” Guo Huai replied, “We should issue dispatches summoning the forces of Yong and Liang to join us in destroying the enemy. I am willing to lead an army in a surprise attack on Jiange and cut off their route of retreat. This will sever their supply lines and throw their entire army into confusion. If we then take advantage of the situation and strike, the enemy can be destroyed.” Sima Yi agreed and immediately sent urgent dispatches by night to mobilize troops from Yong and Liang. Before many days had passed, the general Sun Li arrived with troops from the various commanderies. Sima Yi immediately ordered Sun Li to join Guo Huai in attacking Jiange.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang had maintained the standoff at Lucheng for a long time without seeing the Wei army come out to fight. He summoned Ma Dai and Jiang Wei into the city and gave them orders: “The Wei army is holding the mountain passes and refuses to fight us. First, they believe we have finished the wheat and have no provisions left; second, they have sent troops to attack Jiange and sever our supply route. Each of you is to lead ten thousand troops ahead and occupy the strategic positions. When the Wei troops see that we are prepared, they will naturally withdraw.” The two departed with their forces. Chief Clerk Yang Yi entered the command tent and reported, “The Prime Minister previously ordered the main army to rotate every one hundred days. The term has now expired, and the replacement troops from Hanzhong have already emerged from the mouth of the pass. Their dispatch has reached us from the road ahead, and they are only waiting to meet us and exchange places. Of the eighty thousand troops presently here, forty thousand are due to be relieved.” Zhuge Liang said, “Since the order has already been given, have them leave at once.”

When the soldiers heard this, they each packed their belongings and prepared to depart. Suddenly a report came that Sun Li was leading two hundred thousand troops from Yong and Liang to reinforce the battle and attack Jiange, while Sima Yi himself was leading troops against Lucheng. Every Shu soldier was alarmed. Yang Yi went in and said to Zhuge Liang, “The Wei troops are approaching with great urgency. The Prime Minister should temporarily retain the men due for relief to repel the enemy. Once the new troops arrive, they can be exchanged.” Zhuge Liang said, “No. In employing troops and commanding generals, trust is fundamental. Since I gave the order beforehand, how can I break my word? Moreover, the Shu troops who are due to leave have all made preparations to return home, and their parents, wives, and children are leaning against their doors watching for them. Even if I now face the gravest danger, I will never detain them.” He immediately ordered all troops due to leave to depart that same day. When the soldiers heard this, they all cried out, “The Prime Minister has shown us such kindness that we are willing not to return yet. Each of us will risk his life and slaughter the Wei troops to repay the Prime Minister!” Zhuge Liang said, “You are due to return home. How can you remain here?” But all the soldiers wished to fight and refused to go home. Zhuge Liang said, “Since you insist on fighting for me, go outside the city and establish camp. When the Wei army arrives, do not give them time to catch their breath, but attack at once. This is the method of waiting at ease for an exhausted enemy.” The troops accepted the order. Each took up his weapon and joyfully marched outside the city, where they formed ranks and waited.

The troops from Western Liang had come by forced marches, and both men and horses were exhausted. Just as they were about to establish camp and rest, the Shu troops surged forward in a mass. Every man fought bravely, and their generals were fierce and their troops valiant. The soldiers from Yong and Liang could not withstand them and retreated. The Shu army pursued with all its strength, slaughtering them until the corpses of the Yong and Liang soldiers covered the countryside and their blood flowed in channels. Zhuge Liang came out of the city, gathered his victorious troops, and led them back inside to reward them. Suddenly a report arrived that Li Yan at Yong’an had sent an urgent letter. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed and broke the seal to read it. The letter said:

“I recently heard that Eastern Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang and allied itself with Wei. Wei has ordered Wu to attack Shu in its place, though fortunately Wu has not yet mobilized. I have now learned this intelligence and humbly beg the Prime Minister to devise a sound plan without delay.”

After reading the letter, Zhuge Liang was deeply alarmed and suspicious. He assembled his generals and said, “If Eastern Wu raises an army to invade Shu, I must return quickly.” He immediately issued orders for the troops in the main camp at Mount Qi to withdraw to Western Sichuan. “Sima Yi knows that I have troops stationed here and will certainly not dare pursue them.” Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, Wu Ban, and Wu Yi accordingly divided their forces into two columns and slowly withdrew into Western Sichuan.

When Zhang He saw the Shu troops withdrawing, he feared it might be a stratagem and did not dare pursue them. He led his troops to see Sima Yi and said, “The Shu army is now withdrawing. I do not know what this means.” Sima Yi replied, “Zhuge Liang has countless cunning schemes. We must not move rashly. It would be better to hold our positions firmly and wait until his provisions are exhausted. Then he will naturally withdraw.” The general Wei Ping stepped forward and said, “The Shu troops have abandoned their camp at Mount Qi and retreated. This is precisely the time to pursue them and press our advantage. Yet the Commander-in-Chief holds his troops motionless, fearing Shu as one fears a tiger. What will you do when the whole world laughs at you?” Sima Yi firmly refused to agree.

When Zhuge Liang learned that the troops from Mount Qi had returned, he summoned Ma Zhong and Yang Yi to his tent and gave them a secret plan. He ordered them to lead ten thousand crossbowmen ahead to the Mumen Road near Jiange and set ambushes on both sides. If the Wei troops pursued them there, they were to wait for his signal cannon, then quickly roll logs and stones down to cut off the enemy’s route. Afterward, both sides were to fire on them together. The two departed with their troops. Zhuge Liang then summoned Wei Yan and Guan Xing and ordered them to lead troops as the rear guard. Banners were planted all around the city walls, while firewood and straw were piled haphazardly within the city and smoke and fires were lit as a deception. The main army then withdrew toward the Mumen Road.

Patrol scouts from the Wei camp reported to Sima Yi, “The main body of the Shu army has withdrawn, but we do not know how many troops remain inside the city.” Sima Yi went personally to inspect it. Seeing banners planted on the walls and smoke rising within, he laughed and said, “This is an empty city.” He sent men to investigate, and it was indeed empty. Sima Yi was delighted and said, “Zhuge Liang has withdrawn. Who dares pursue him?” Vanguard General Zhang He said, “I am willing to go.” Sima Yi tried to stop him, saying, “You are impatient by nature. You must not go.” Zhang He said, “When the Commander-in-Chief marched out through the passes, you appointed me vanguard. Today is precisely the time to win merit, yet now you will not employ me. Why?” Sima Yi replied, “As the Shu troops withdraw, they will certainly have ambushes at dangerous and obstructed places. You must be extremely careful if you pursue them.” Zhang He said, “I already understand. You need not worry.” Sima Yi said, “If you insist on going, do not regret it later.” Zhang He replied, “A true man gives his life to serve his country. Even if I die ten thousand deaths, I will have no regrets.” Sima Yi said, “Since you insist on going, take five thousand troops and proceed first. I will have Wei Ping follow with twenty thousand cavalry and infantry to guard against ambushes. I will personally follow with three thousand troops to support you.”

Zhang He accepted the order and led his troops in rapid pursuit. After traveling more than thirty li, he suddenly heard great battle cries behind him, and a force emerged from the woods. Its commanding general halted his horse with his saber held crosswise and shouted, “Rebel general, where are you taking those troops?” Zhang He looked back and saw that it was Wei Yan. Furious, Zhang He turned his horse and engaged him. Before ten exchanges had passed, Wei Yan pretended to be defeated and fled. Zhang He pursued him for another thirty li, then reined in and looked around. Seeing no ambush anywhere, he spurred his horse and continued the pursuit. Just as he rounded a mountainside, battle cries suddenly arose again and another force appeared. Its commanding general was Guan Xing, who halted his horse with his saber held crosswise and cried, “Zhang He, do not run! I am here!” Zhang He urged his horse forward to fight him. Before ten exchanges had passed, Guan Xing turned his horse and fled. Zhang He pursued him. When they reached a dense forest, Zhang He became suspicious and sent men to scout in every direction. They found no ambush, so he put his mind at ease and continued the pursuit. Unexpectedly, Wei Yan had circled around in front of him. Zhang He fought him for more than ten exchanges, but Wei Yan again fled in defeat. Zhang He pursued furiously, only for Guan Xing to circle ahead and block his path. Enraged, Zhang He spurred his horse forward to fight. After ten exchanges, the Shu troops threw away all their clothing, armor, equipment, and other belongings until the road was completely blocked. The Wei soldiers all dismounted and fought over the spoils.

Wei Yan and Guan Xing took turns fighting Zhang He, who pursued them with furious courage. As night approached, they reached the entrance to the Mumen Road. Wei Yan wheeled his horse around and shouted abuse: “Zhang He, you traitorous rebel! I will no longer merely hold you off! Just keep coming after me, and now I will fight you to the death!” Zhang He was enraged. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Wei Yan. Wei Yan brandished his saber to meet him. Before ten exchanges had passed, Wei Yan suffered a crushing defeat. He abandoned all his armor, helmet, and spare horses and led his defeated troops into the Mumen Road. Excited by the killing and seeing Wei Yan flee in utter defeat, Zhang He spurred his horse after him. By then it was completely dark. A cannon sounded, flames shot into the sky from the mountains, and great stones and tangled logs rolled down, blocking the road ahead. Zhang He cried out in horror, “I have fallen into a trap!” He hurriedly turned his horse, but behind him the route of retreat had already been filled with logs and stones. Only a small open space remained in the middle, with sheer cliffs rising on both sides. Zhang He had no way forward or back. Suddenly a wooden clapper sounded, and ten thousand crossbows fired from both sides, shooting Zhang He and more than a hundred of his subordinate officers dead on the Mumen Road. A later poet wrote:

Hidden crossbows loosed ten thousand flying stars;On Mumen Road they shot the mighty warrior down.To this day, when travelers pass through Jiange,They still speak of the strategist’s ancient fame.

After Zhang He had died, the pursuing Wei troops arrived behind him. Seeing that the road was blocked, they knew that Zhang He had fallen into a trap. The soldiers turned their horses and hurriedly retreated. Suddenly they heard a loud cry from the mountaintop: “Prime Minister Zhuge is here!” The soldiers looked up and saw Zhuge Liang standing amid the firelight. Pointing at them, he said, “I went hunting today intending to shoot a ‘horse,’ but by mistake I struck a ‘roe deer.’ All of you may leave without fear. Report to Zhongda that sooner or later he will surely be captured by me.” The Wei troops returned to Sima Yi and related the events in detail. Sima Yi was overcome with grief. Raising his face to heaven, he sighed, “Zhang Junyi’s death was my fault!” He then withdrew his army to Luoyang. When the Wei emperor heard that Zhang He was dead, he shed tears and sighed. He ordered that the body be recovered and buried with great honors.

Zhuge Liang returned to Hanzhong and prepared to go back to Chengdu to see the Latter Emperor. Protector-General Li Yan falsely reported to the Latter Emperor, “I have already prepared the army’s provisions and was about to transport them to the Prime Minister’s forces at the front. I do not know why the Prime Minister suddenly withdrew his army.” When the Latter Emperor heard this report, he immediately ordered Imperial Secretary Fei Yi to go to Hanzhong, see Zhuge Liang, and ask why he had withdrawn. Fei Yi reached Hanzhong and conveyed the Latter Emperor’s wishes. Zhuge Liang exclaimed in astonishment, “Li Yan sent me an urgent letter saying that Eastern Wu was about to raise an army and invade Sichuan. That is why I withdrew.” Fei Yi said, “Li Yan reported that the army’s provisions had already been prepared and that the Prime Minister withdrew without cause. That is why the emperor sent me to inquire.” Zhuge Liang was furious and ordered an investigation. It emerged that Li Yan had failed to supply the army’s provisions and, fearing that the Prime Minister would hold him guilty, had sent the letter to bring him back. He had then made a false report to the emperor to conceal his own failure. Zhuge Liang said angrily, “For his own selfish reasons, that wretch has ruined a great affair of state!” He ordered Li Yan summoned and intended to execute him. Fei Yi advised, “Prime Minister, remember that the late emperor entrusted the heir to his care. Please spare him for now.” Zhuge Liang agreed. Fei Yi immediately prepared a memorial reporting the matter to the emperor. After reading it, the Latter Emperor flew into a rage and ordered armed guards to drag Li Yan out and behead him. Army Adviser Jiang Wan stepped forward and reported, “Li Yan was one of the ministers to whom the late emperor entrusted his heir. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy and pardon him.” The Latter Emperor agreed. Li Yan was stripped of rank and reduced to a commoner, then exiled to live in idleness in Zitong Commandery.

Zhuge Liang returned to Chengdu and appointed Li Yan’s son, Li Feng, as chief clerk. He accumulated fodder and grain, instructed the troops in formations and warfare, repaired and prepared military equipment, and cared for his officers and soldiers. Only after three years would he campaign again. The people and soldiers of the two riverlands all revered his benevolence and virtue. Time passed swiftly, and before anyone realized it, three years had gone by. It was now the second month of spring in the twelfth year of Jianxing. Zhuge Liang entered the court and reported, “I have now cared for and strengthened the troops for three years. Our provisions are abundant, our military equipment is complete, and our men and horses are powerful. We can attack Wei. This time, unless I sweep away the treacherous faction and recover the Central Plains, I swear I will not return to see Your Majesty!” The Latter Emperor said, “The realm has now settled into a balance among three powers. Neither Wu nor Wei has invaded us. Why does my Minister-Father not peacefully enjoy this time of tranquility?” Zhuge Liang replied, “I received the late emperor’s gracious recognition and trust. Even in my dreams, I have never ceased devising plans to attack Wei. To exhaust my strength in loyal service, recover the Central Plains for Your Majesty, and restore the House of Han—this is my desire.” Before he had finished speaking, a man stepped out from among the ranks of officials and said, “The Prime Minister must not raise an army.” Everyone looked and saw that it was Qiao Zhou. Truly:

The Martial Marquis spent all his strength, concerned only for the state;The Grand Historian, discerning fate, now spoke again of Heaven.

What argument Qiao Zhou offered will be revealed in the next chapter.