Chapter 109

A Han General Traps Sima Zhao by a Wondrous Stratagem; Cao Fang Is Deposed in Retribution upon the House of Wei

In the autumn of the sixteenth year of Yanxi of Shu-Han, General Jiang Wei raised an army of two hundred thousand. He appointed Liao Hua and Zhang Yi as vanguards of the left and right, Xiahou Ba as military adviser, and Zhang Ni as commissioner of grain transport, then led the great host out through Yangping Pass to attack Wei. Jiang Wei consulted Xiahou Ba, saying, “When we last attempted to take Yong Province, we failed and returned. If we march out again now, the enemy will surely be prepared once more. What excellent counsel have you?” Xiahou Ba replied, “Of all the commanderies in Longxi, only Nan’an possesses abundant stores of money and grain. If we take it first, it will serve well as our base. We failed and returned before because the Qiang troops did not arrive. We should now send a man ahead to meet with the Qiang west of Longshan, then advance through Shiying and march by Dongting directly upon Nan’an.” Jiang Wei was delighted. “Your plan is excellent!” He therefore sent Xi Zheng as envoy, bearing gold, pearls, and Shu brocade into Qiang territory to form an alliance with the Qiang king. The Qiang king, Midang, accepted the gifts and at once raised fifty thousand troops. He appointed the Qiang general Ehe Shaoge chief vanguard and sent him leading the army toward Nan’an.

When Guo Huai, General of the Left of Wei, received the report, he sent an urgent memorial to Luoyang. Sima Shi asked his generals, “Who dares go forth against the army of Shu?” General Who Upholds the State Xu Zhi replied, “I am willing to go.” Sima Shi had long known Xu Zhi to be a man of surpassing valor and was greatly pleased. He immediately appointed Xu Zhi vanguard and Sima Zhao commander-in-chief, and ordered them to lead the army toward Longxi. When the army reached Dongting, it encountered Jiang Wei, and the two sides drew up their battle lines. Xu Zhi, wielding a great mountain-cleaving ax, rode out and challenged the enemy. Liao Hua came from the Shu ranks to meet him. After only a few bouts, Liao Hua trailed his saber and fled. Zhang Yi spurred forth with leveled spear to take his place, but after only a few bouts he too was beaten back into the formation. Xu Zhi drove his troops forward in a fierce assault. The Shu army suffered a crushing defeat and retreated more than thirty li. Sima Zhao then recalled his men, and each army established its own camp.

Jiang Wei consulted Xiahou Ba, saying, “Xu Zhi is exceedingly brave. By what stratagem may we capture him?” Xiahou Ba replied, “Tomorrow we should feign defeat and overcome him with an ambush.” Jiang Wei said, “Sima Zhao is the son of Zhongda. How could he not understand the art of war? If he sees terrain suited for concealment, he will certainly refuse to pursue. I have observed that the Wei army has repeatedly cut our grain route. If we now use that very device to lure them, we can slay Xu Zhi.” He summoned Liao Hua and instructed him in every detail, then summoned Zhang Yi and likewise gave him his orders. The two departed with their troops. Meanwhile, Jiang Wei had iron caltrops scattered along the roads and numerous chevaux-de-frise set outside the camp, making it appear that he intended to remain for a long campaign.

For several days Xu Zhi led out troops to provoke battle, but the Shu army would not emerge. Scouts reported to Sima Zhao: “The Shu troops are behind Iron Cage Mountain, using wooden oxen and gliding horses to transport grain and fodder. They intend to remain for a long campaign and are merely awaiting the support of the Qiang army.” Sima Zhao summoned Xu Zhi and said, “The reason we defeated Shu before was that we cut their grain route. Now the Shu troops are transporting supplies behind Iron Cage Mountain. Tonight take five thousand men and sever their supply road; the Shu army will then withdraw of its own accord.” Xu Zhi accepted the order. At the first watch he led his troops toward Iron Cage Mountain and, sure enough, saw more than two hundred Shu soldiers driving over a hundred wooden oxen and gliding horses laden with grain and fodder. With a great shout the Wei troops rushed forward, Xu Zhi himself leading the way and blocking the road. The Shu soldiers abandoned all the provisions and fled. Xu Zhi divided his force in half, sending one part to escort the supplies back to camp while he led the other in pursuit. They had gone less than ten li when wagons drawn across the road blocked their way. Xu Zhi ordered his soldiers to dismount and pull the wagons apart, but suddenly fires sprang up on both sides. He hastily reined about to retreat, only to find the narrow defile behind him likewise blocked with wagons as flames burst forth. Xu Zhi and his men plunged through smoke and fire and spurred their horses out. At the blast of a cannon, two bodies of troops came charging in: Liao Hua from the left and Zhang Yi from the right. After a savage onslaught, the Wei troops were utterly routed. Xu Zhi fought desperately and escaped alone, but both man and horse were spent.

As Xu Zhi fled, another body of troops came charging from ahead, led by Jiang Wei. Xu Zhi was aghast and knew not what to do. Jiang Wei thrust with his spear and struck down Xu Zhi’s mount. Xu Zhi fell from the saddle and was hacked to death beneath the soldiers’ flashing blades. The half of Xu Zhi’s force escorting the provisions was also captured by Xiahou Ba, and every man surrendered. Xiahou Ba took the Wei soldiers’ armor, clothing, and horses and had Shu soldiers equip themselves with them and mount. Carrying the banners and insignia of the Wei army, they hastened by a side road directly back toward the Wei camp. Seeing troops of their own army returning, the Wei soldiers opened the gates and admitted them, whereupon the Shu soldiers began slaughtering everyone within the camp. Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed. As he hurriedly mounted to flee, Liao Hua came charging from ahead. Unable to advance, Sima Zhao hastily turned back, but Jiang Wei led troops against him by a side road. Finding every avenue closed, Sima Zhao had no choice but to lead his troops up Iron Cage Mountain and hold it. In fact, the mountain had only one path; on all four sides it was steep and difficult to climb. At its summit there was but a single spring, sufficient to provide water for only a hundred men. Sima Zhao now had six thousand men under his command, while Jiang Wei had sealed the mountain path. The spring could not supply enough water, and men and horses alike were parched with thirst. Sima Zhao looked up to Heaven and sighed deeply: “I shall die in this place!” A later poet wrote:

Jiang Wei’s wondrous schemes were no mean art;The hosts of Wei lay trapped on Iron Cage Mountain.Thus Pang Juan first entered the road to Maling,And Xiang Yu was first encircled at Jiuli Mountain.

Registrar Wang Tao said, “In former days, when Geng Gong was trapped, he bowed before a well and thereby obtained water from it. Why does the general not follow his example?” Sima Zhao accepted his counsel. He went to the spring at the summit of the mountain, bowed twice, and prayed: “I, Zhao, have come by imperial command to drive back the army of Shu. If it is ordained that I should die, let this sweet spring run dry; I shall cut my own throat and order all my troops to surrender. But if my allotted span of life and honor is not yet ended, may blue Heaven swiftly cause fresh water to gush forth and save the lives of all!” When he had finished praying, water welled from the spring and could be drawn without exhaustion. Thus neither men nor horses perished.

Now Jiang Wei, having trapped the Wei army at the foot of the mountain, said to his generals, “In former days, when the prime minister was at Shangfang Valley, he failed to capture Sima Yi, and I have always bitterly regretted it. But now Sima Zhao will surely fall into my hands!”

Meanwhile, when Guo Huai learned that Sima Zhao was trapped atop Iron Cage Mountain, he wished to lead troops to the rescue. Chen Tai said, “Jiang Wei has joined forces with the Qiang and intends first to take Nan’an. Now that the Qiang troops have arrived, if you withdraw to make a rescue, they will certainly exploit the opening and strike us from the rear. We should first send someone to feign surrender to the Qiang and contrive a plan from within. Once we have driven back this army, we may relieve the siege of Iron Cage Mountain.” Guo Huai followed his counsel and ordered Chen Tai to take five thousand troops directly to the Qiang king’s camp. Chen Tai removed his armor before entering, bowed with tears, and said, “Guo Huai is arrogant and overbearing and has long intended to kill me. I have therefore come to surrender. I know every detail of the strength and weakness of Guo Huai’s army. This very night, I wish to lead a force to raid his camp, and success will be certain. Once our troops reach the Wei camp, there will be men within to answer us.” Midang was overjoyed and ordered Ehe Shaoge to accompany Chen Tai in raiding the Wei camp. Ehe Shaoge placed Chen Tai’s supposedly surrendered troops in the rear and ordered Chen Tai to lead the Qiang soldiers in the vanguard. That night, at the second watch, they reached the Wei camp and found its gates standing wide open. Chen Tai rode in first. As Ehe Shaoge galloped into the camp with leveled spear, he had time to cry out only once in anguish before both horse and rider plunged into a concealed pit. Chen Tai attacked from the rear and Guo Huai from the left. The Qiang troops fell into chaos, trampling one another underfoot. Countless men were killed, and all who survived surrendered. Ehe Shaoge cut his own throat and died. Guo Huai and Chen Tai then led their troops straight into the Qiang camp. King Midang hurried from his tent to mount, but the Wei soldiers seized him alive and brought him before Guo Huai. Guo Huai hastily dismounted, personally unbound him, and soothed him with gracious words: “The imperial court has always regarded you as loyal and righteous. Why, then, have you now aided the men of Shu?” Midang, overcome with shame, bowed and confessed his guilt. Guo Huai then said to him, “You shall now lead the vanguard to relieve the siege of Iron Cage Mountain. Once the Shu army has been driven back, I shall memorialize the Son of Heaven, who will surely bestow rich rewards upon you.”

Midang agreed. He led the Qiang troops in front and the Wei troops behind, hastening directly toward Iron Cage Mountain. It was then the third watch. Midang first sent a man to inform Jiang Wei of his arrival. Jiang Wei was delighted and ordered that he be invited in for an audience. More than half the Wei troops had mingled among the Qiang ranks. When they reached the Shu camp, Jiang Wei ordered the main body to encamp outside, while Midang brought more than a hundred men before the central command tent. Jiang Wei and Xiahou Ba came out together to welcome him. Before Midang could speak, the Wei generals behind him suddenly began to attack. Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and hastily mounted and fled. The Qiang and Wei troops charged in together. The Shu soldiers were scattered in every direction, each man fleeing for his life. Jiang Wei had no weapon in hand, only a bow and quiver at his waist. In the confusion of his flight, all his arrows fell out, leaving him with an empty quiver. He fled toward the mountains, with Guo Huai leading troops in pursuit. Seeing that Jiang Wei was completely unarmed, Guo Huai spurred his horse and chased him with leveled spear. When Guo Huai had nearly overtaken him, Jiang Wei drew his empty bowstring and released it with a twang more than ten times. Guo Huai dodged again and again, but when no arrows came, he realized that Jiang Wei had none. He therefore hung up his steel spear, took his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot. Jiang Wei swiftly twisted aside, caught the arrow in passing, and at once set it to his own bowstring. Waiting until Guo Huai had drawn near, he aimed at his face and loosed with all his strength. At the twang of the string, Guo Huai fell from his horse. Jiang Wei reined about to kill him, but the Wei soldiers came galloping up. Jiang Wei had no time to strike; he could only snatch up Guo Huai’s spear and ride away. The Wei troops dared not pursue. They hurriedly rescued Guo Huai and brought him back to camp, but after the arrowhead was extracted, the blood would not cease flowing, and he died. Sima Zhao came down from the mountain and led his troops in pursuit, but turned back halfway. Xiahou Ba escaped soon afterward and joined Jiang Wei in flight. Jiang Wei had lost many men and horses and could not rally them along the road, so he returned to Hanzhong. Although he had suffered defeat, he had shot Guo Huai dead, slain Xu Zhi, and humbled the might of Wei; thus his achievements atoned for his fault.

Sima Zhao rewarded the Qiang troops and sent them back to their own country, then returned with his army to Luoyang. There he and his elder brother Sima Shi monopolized the power of the court, and none among the ministers dared refuse submission. Whenever the Wei ruler Cao Fang saw Sima Shi enter court, he trembled without cease, as though needles were piercing his back. One day, Cao Fang held court and saw Sima Shi enter the hall wearing his sword. In alarm, he hastened down from his throne to welcome him. Sima Shi laughed and said, “How can there be a rite by which a sovereign greets his subject? I beg Your Majesty to be at ease.” Presently the ministers began reporting affairs of state, but Sima Shi decided every matter himself and did not refer a single one to the Wei ruler. After a time, Sima Shi withdrew, striding proudly down from the hall. He mounted his carriage and left the palace, surrounded before and behind by no fewer than several thousand men and horse. Cao Fang retired to the rear hall and looked about him. Only three men remained: Xiahou Xuan, Minister of Ceremonies; Li Feng, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; and Zhang Ji, Grandee of Splendid Happiness. Zhang Ji was the father of Empress Zhang and thus Cao Fang’s imperial father-in-law. Cao Fang dismissed his attendants and went with the three men into a secret chamber to confer. Grasping Zhang Ji’s hand, Cao Fang wept and said, “Sima Shi treats me like a child and regards the hundred officials as mere grass and weeds. Sooner or later, the imperial altars will surely pass into his hands!” When he had spoken, he burst into loud sobs. Li Feng memorialized, “Your Majesty need not grieve. Though I possess little ability, I am willing, under Your Majesty’s enlightened edict, to gather the heroes of the four quarters and destroy this villain.” Xiahou Xuan memorialized, “My elder brother Xiahou Ba surrendered to Shu only because he feared that the Sima brothers meant to murder him. If we now destroy these villains, my brother will surely return. I belong to an old house allied to the imperial family; how could I sit idle and watch traitors throw the state into disorder? I am willing to receive the edict with the others and join in the campaign against them.” Cao Fang said, “I fear only that it cannot be done.” The three men wept and memorialized, “We swear to unite our hearts in destroying the traitors and repaying Your Majesty!”

Cao Fang removed the undershirt embroidered with dragons and phoenixes that he wore beneath his robes, bit open the tip of his finger, and wrote a secret edict in blood. Handing it to Zhang Ji, he admonished them: “My ancestor, Emperor Wu, put Dong Cheng to death because the secret undertaking was not closely guarded. You must proceed with the utmost caution and let nothing become known outside.” Li Feng said, “Why does Your Majesty utter such inauspicious words? We are not men of Dong Cheng’s sort, nor can Sima Shi compare with our Martial Ancestor. Your Majesty need have no doubts.” The three took their leave. When they reached the left side of the Donghua Gate, they saw Sima Shi approaching with his sword at his side. Several hundred followers accompanied him, all bearing weapons. The three men stood beside the road. Sima Shi asked, “Why are you three so late in leaving court?” Li Feng replied, “His Majesty was reading in the inner palace, and the three of us remained to attend his studies.” Sima Shi asked, “What book was he reading?” Li Feng replied, “A book concerning the Three Dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou.” Sima Shi asked, “What ancient affairs did His Majesty inquire about upon reading it?” Li Feng replied, “The Son of Heaven asked about Yi Yin’s support of the Shang and the Duke of Zhou’s regency. We all replied, ‘The General-in-Chief Sima is the Yi Yin and Duke of Zhou of the present age.’” Sima Shi sneered coldly. “Would you truly compare me to Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou? In your hearts you actually mean to call me Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo!” All three said, “We are men of the general’s own following. How could we dare do such a thing?” Sima Shi flew into a rage. “You are men who flatter with your mouths! What were you weeping about just now with the Son of Heaven in the secret chamber?” The three replied, “No such thing occurred.” Sima Shi shouted, “The rims of your eyes are still red with tears! How can you deny it?” Knowing the affair had been exposed, Xiahou Xuan raised his voice and cursed him: “We wept because your power overawes your sovereign and because you intend to usurp the throne!” Sima Shi was furious and ordered his guards to seize Xiahou Xuan. Xiahou Xuan bared his arms and clenched his fists, rushing straight at Sima Shi, but the guards overpowered him. Sima Shi ordered all three men searched. On Zhang Ji they found an undershirt embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, upon which words had been written in blood. The attendants presented it to Sima Shi. When he examined it, he saw that it was a secret edict. It read:

The brothers Sima Shi and Sima Zhao together hold all power and intend to usurp the throne. The edicts and decrees they issue do not express Our will. The officers and soldiers of every command shall unite in loyalty and righteousness, destroy these traitorous ministers, and uphold the imperial altars. When success is achieved, ranks and rewards shall be bestowed in abundance.

When Sima Shi had finished reading, he erupted in fury. “So you truly did mean to murder my brother and me! Neither law nor reason can tolerate this!” He ordered the three men cut in half at the waist in the marketplace and their clans exterminated to the third degree. The three cursed him without cease. By the time they reached the eastern marketplace, all their teeth had been beaten out, yet each continued to mutter curses indistinctly until he died. Sima Shi went straight into the inner palace. The Wei ruler Cao Fang was then discussing the affair with Empress Zhang. The empress said, “There are many eyes and ears within the palace. If the matter should be exposed, I shall surely be implicated!” While she was still speaking, Sima Shi suddenly entered. The empress was horrified. With one hand on his sword, Sima Shi said to Cao Fang, “My father established Your Majesty as sovereign, and his merit and virtue were no less than those of the Duke of Zhou. In my service to Your Majesty, how am I different from Yi Yin? Yet now you repay kindness with hatred and treat merit as a crime, plotting with two or three petty ministers to murder my brother and me. Why?” Cao Fang replied, “I had no such intention.” Sima Shi drew the undershirt from his sleeve, flung it to the floor, and said, “Then who made this?” Cao Fang’s soul flew beyond the heavens and his spirit scattered through the highest skies. Trembling, he replied, “I was forced into it by others. How would I dare conceive such a thought?” Sima Shi said, “What punishment should be imposed for falsely accusing a great minister of treason?” Cao Fang knelt and pleaded, “I am indeed guilty. I beg the General-in-Chief to pardon me!” Sima Shi said, “Your Majesty, please rise. The laws of the state cannot be set aside.” He then pointed at Empress Zhang and said, “She is Zhang Ji’s daughter and must by rights be eliminated!” Cao Fang wept bitterly and begged that she be spared, but Sima Shi refused. He ordered his attendants to seize Empress Zhang and drag her out. Inside the Donghua Gate, they strangled her with a length of white silk. A later poet wrote:

In former days Empress Fu passed through the palace gate,Barefoot, wailing in grief as she took leave of her lord.Today the Sima house follows that same precedent:Heaven decreed the debt be repaid by their descendants.

The next day, Sima Shi assembled all the ministers and said, “The present sovereign is dissolute and without the Way. He degrades himself through intimacy with courtesans and actors, listens to slanderous words, and bars the path of worthy men. His crimes exceed those of the Prince of Changyi under Han, and he is unfit to rule the realm. I propose respectfully to follow the precedents of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, establish another sovereign, preserve the imperial altars, and bring peace to the world. What say you?” They all replied, “The General-in-Chief is carrying out the deeds of Yi Yin and Huo Guang. This is what is meant by answering Heaven and obeying the people. Who would dare defy your command?” Sima Shi then entered Yongning Palace with the assembled officials and reported the matter to the empress dowager. She asked, “Whom does the General-in-Chief wish to establish as sovereign?” Sima Shi replied, “In my judgment, Cao Ju, Prince of Pengcheng, is intelligent, benevolent, and filial. He may become ruler of the realm.” The empress dowager said, “The Prince of Pengcheng is my uncle. If he is now established as sovereign, what position would that leave me in? There is the Duke of Gaogui District, Cao Mao, a grandson of Emperor Wen. He is gentle, respectful, self-disciplined, and yielding, and may be established instead. You great ministers should deliberate upon this with a view to the lasting good.” One man memorialized, “The empress dowager’s words are correct. He should be established at once.” They looked and saw that the speaker was Sima Fu, an elder clansman of Sima Shi. Sima Shi therefore sent an envoy to Yuancheng to summon the Duke of Gaogui District. He then requested that the empress dowager ascend the Taiji Hall and summon Cao Fang, whom she rebuked: “You are boundlessly dissolute and degrade yourself through intimacy with courtesans and actors. You are unfit to inherit the realm. You must surrender the imperial seals and ribbons and resume your title as Prince of Qi. You shall depart at once, and unless summoned by proclamation, you may not enter court.” Cao Fang wept and bowed before the empress dowager, surrendered the imperial regalia, mounted a prince’s carriage, and departed in bitter tears. Only a few loyal and righteous ministers saw him off, weeping as they went. A later poet wrote:

When Cao the Deceiver served as minister of Han,He bullied a widow and her orphaned child.Who knew that little more than forty years thereafter,His own widow and orphan would likewise be bullied?

Now Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui District, styled Yanshi, was a grandson of Emperor Wen and the son of Cao Lin, Prince Ding of Donghai. That day, Sima Shi summoned him in the empress dowager’s name. Civil and military officials prepared the imperial carriage and went to bow in welcome outside the Western Side Gate. Cao Mao hurriedly returned their courtesies. Grand Commandant Wang Su said, “The sovereign ought not return their bows.” Cao Mao replied, “I too am a subject of the realm. How could I fail to return their courtesies?” The civil and military officials helped Cao Mao into the imperial carriage to enter the palace, but he declined, saying, “I do not know why the empress dowager has summoned me. How would I dare ride into the palace in the imperial carriage?” He therefore went on foot to the eastern chamber of the Taiji Palace. Sima Shi came out to welcome him, and Cao Mao bowed first. Sima Shi hastily raised him up. When their greetings were concluded, he brought Cao Mao before the empress dowager. She said, “When I saw you in your childhood, you bore the countenance of an emperor. You may now become ruler of the realm. You must practice reverence and frugality, restrain expenditure, spread virtue, and extend benevolence. Do not bring disgrace upon the former emperors.” Cao Mao modestly declined again and again. Sima Shi ordered the civil and military officials to escort Cao Mao into the Taiji Hall, and that day he was established as the new sovereign. The sixth year of Jiaping was redesignated the first year of Zhengyuan, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. General-in-Chief Sima Shi was granted the yellow ax of imperial authority, the privilege of entering court without hastening his step, the privilege of being addressed without his personal name when affairs were reported, and the right to wear his sword in the palace hall. The civil and military officials each received titles and rewards.

In the first month of spring, in the second year of Zhengyuan, a secret agent came with an urgent report that Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Inspector of Yang Province, had raised troops and were advancing under the banner of avenging the deposed sovereign. Sima Shi was greatly alarmed. Truly:

Ministers of Han once cherished the will to defend their sovereign;Now generals of Wei again raise an army to punish traitors.

How they met the enemy will be told in the next chapter.

A Han General Traps Sima Zhao by a Wondrous Stratagem; Cao Fang Is Deposed in Retribution upon the House of Wei

In the autumn of the sixteenth year of the Yanxi era of Shu-Han, General Jiang Wei raised an army of two hundred thousand men. He appointed Liao Hua and Zhang Yi as left and right vanguard commanders, Xiahou Ba as military adviser, and Zhang Ni as transport commissioner, then led the great army out through Yangping Pass to attack Wei. Jiang Wei consulted Xiahou Ba, saying, “When we previously attempted to take Yong Province, we failed and returned. If we march out again now, the enemy will certainly be prepared once more. What wise strategy do you have?” Xiahou Ba said, “Of all the commanderies in the Long region, only Nan’an has abundant money and grain. If we take it first, it will be enough to serve as our base. We failed and returned last time because the Qiang troops did not arrive. We should now first send someone to meet with the Qiang west of Long, then advance through Shiying and proceed directly from Dongting to seize Nan’an.” Jiang Wei was delighted and said, “Your plan is excellent!” He therefore sent Xi Zheng as an envoy, carrying gold, pearls, and Shu brocade into Qiang territory to form an alliance with the Qiang king. The Qiang king, Midang, accepted the gifts and immediately raised fifty thousand troops. He appointed the Qiang general Ehe Shaoge as chief vanguard and led his army toward Nan’an.

When Guo Huai, Left General of Wei, received the report, he sent an urgent memorial to Luoyang. Sima Shi asked his generals, “Who dares go and face the army of Shu?” Xu Zhi, General Who Supports the State, said, “I am willing to go.” Sima Shi had long known that Xu Zhi’s courage surpassed that of ordinary men, and he was delighted. He immediately appointed Xu Zhi as vanguard, named Sima Zhao commander-in-chief, and ordered them to lead the army toward Longxi. When the army reached Dongting, it encountered Jiang Wei, and the two sides drew up their battle formations. Xu Zhi rode out to challenge them, wielding a great mountain-cleaving ax. Liao Hua rode out from the Shu formation to meet him. After only a few exchanges, Liao Hua dragged his saber behind him and fled in defeat. Zhang Yi then spurred his horse forward and met Xu Zhi with leveled spear, but after only a few exchanges, he too was defeated and withdrew into the formation. Xu Zhi drove his troops forward in a covering assault. The Shu army suffered a great defeat and retreated more than thirty li. Sima Zhao also recalled his troops, and each side established camp.

Jiang Wei consulted Xiahou Ba, saying, “Xu Zhi is extremely brave. What strategy can we use to capture him?” Xiahou Ba said, “Tomorrow we should feign defeat and overcome him with an ambush.” Jiang Wei said, “Sima Zhao is Sima Yi’s son. How could he not understand military strategy? If he sees terrain suitable for concealing troops, he will certainly refuse to pursue. I have seen the Wei army repeatedly cut our supply route. This time we can use that very tactic to lure them in, and then we can kill Xu Zhi.” He summoned Liao Hua and gave him detailed instructions, then summoned Zhang Yi and likewise told him what to do. The two departed with their troops. Meanwhile, Jiang Wei ordered his soldiers to scatter iron caltrops along the road and set up numerous chevaux-de-frise outside the camp, making it appear that they intended to remain for a long time.

For several days, Xu Zhi led troops out to challenge the enemy, but the Shu army would not emerge. Scouts reported to Sima Zhao, “The Shu army is behind Iron Cage Mountain, using wooden oxen and gliding horses to transport provisions and fodder. They intend to remain for a long campaign and are merely waiting for the Qiang troops to come to their support.” Sima Zhao summoned Xu Zhi and said, “The reason we defeated Shu before was that we cut their supply route. The Shu army is now transporting provisions behind Iron Cage Mountain. Tonight, lead five thousand men there and sever their supply route, and the Shu army will retreat on its own.” Xu Zhi accepted the order. During the first watch, he led his troops toward Iron Cage Mountain. Sure enough, he saw more than two hundred Shu soldiers driving over a hundred wooden oxen and gliding horses loaded with provisions and fodder. With a great shout, the Wei troops charged, and Xu Zhi led the way in blocking them. The Shu soldiers abandoned all the provisions and fled. Xu Zhi divided his troops in half, sending one half to escort the provisions back to camp while he personally led the other half in pursuit. Before he had gone ten li, a barricade of carts blocked the road ahead. Xu Zhi ordered his soldiers to dismount and pull the carts apart, but suddenly fires sprang up on both sides. Xu Zhi hastily reined in his horse and turned back, only to find another barricade of carts blocking the narrow pass behind him, where flames also burst forth. Xu Zhi and his men charged through smoke and fire and galloped out. At the sound of a cannon, troops attacked from two directions: Liao Hua from the left and Zhang Yi from the right. After a fierce slaughter, the Wei army suffered a crushing defeat. Xu Zhi fought desperately and escaped alone, but both man and horse were exhausted.

As Xu Zhi fled, another body of troops came charging toward him from ahead. It was Jiang Wei. Xu Zhi was shocked and at a loss. Jiang Wei thrust his spear into Xu Zhi’s mount, bringing it down. Xu Zhi fell from his horse and was hacked to death by the surrounding soldiers. The half of Xu Zhi’s force escorting the provisions was also captured by Xiahou Ba, and every man surrendered. Xiahou Ba took the Wei soldiers’ armor, clothing, and horses and had Shu soldiers put them on and mount up. Carrying Wei banners, they followed a side road directly back toward the Wei camp. When the Wei soldiers saw what appeared to be their own troops returning, they opened the gates and let them in. The Shu soldiers then began killing throughout the camp. Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly mounted to flee, but Liao Hua attacked from ahead. Unable to advance, Sima Zhao hastily turned back, only for Jiang Wei to lead troops against him along a side road. With no escape in any direction, Sima Zhao had no choice but to lead his troops up Iron Cage Mountain and hold it. This mountain had only one path, and all its other sides were so steep and rugged that they were difficult to climb. At the summit there was only one spring, which provided enough water for just one hundred men. Sima Zhao now had six thousand men under his command, and Jiang Wei had cut off the mountain path. The spring did not provide enough water, and men and horses alike were parched with thirst. Sima Zhao looked up to heaven and sighed deeply, saying, “I will die in this place!” A later poet wrote:Jiang Wei’s brilliant plan was no ordinary feat;The army of Wei was trapped on Iron Cage Mountain.Pang Juan had just entered the road through Maling,And Xiang Yu was newly encircled at Nine-Li Mountain.

Registrar Wang Tao advised him, “Long ago, when Geng Gong was trapped, he bowed before a well and obtained water from it. Why do you not follow his example, General?” Sima Zhao took his advice. He went to the spring at the mountaintop, bowed twice, and prayed, “I, Zhao, have obeyed the imperial command to come and drive back the Shu army. If I am destined to die, let this sweet spring run dry. I will then cut my own throat and order all my troops to surrender. But if my allotted years and fortune have not yet ended, I pray that Heaven will quickly make the sweet water flow and save all these lives!” When he had finished praying, the spring water gushed forth and could be drawn without exhaustion. Thus neither men nor horses died.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wei kept the Wei army trapped from below the mountain and said to his generals, “In former days, when the Chancellor trapped Sima Yi in the Upper Valley, he failed to capture him, and I have always bitterly regretted it. Now Sima Zhao will certainly be captured by me!”

When Guo Huai learned that Sima Zhao was trapped atop Iron Cage Mountain, he wanted to lead troops to his rescue. Chen Tai said, “Jiang Wei has joined forces with the Qiang army and intends first to seize Nan’an. Now that the Qiang troops have arrived, if you withdraw your army to mount a rescue, they will certainly take advantage of the opening to attack our rear. We should first send someone to feign surrender to the Qiang and act against them from within. Only after we have repelled this force can we relieve the siege of Iron Cage Mountain.” Guo Huai followed his advice and ordered Chen Tai to lead five thousand troops directly to the Qiang king’s camp. Chen Tai removed his armor before entering, then knelt weeping and said, “Guo Huai is arrogant and overbearing and has always wanted to kill me, so I have come to surrender. I know all the strengths and weaknesses of Guo Huai’s army. Tonight I wish to lead a force to raid his camp, and we are certain to succeed. When our troops reach the Wei camp, we will have men inside to support us.” Midang was delighted and ordered Ehe Shaoge to accompany Chen Tai in raiding the Wei camp. Ehe Shaoge placed Chen Tai’s supposedly surrendered troops in the rear and ordered Chen Tai to lead the Qiang troops in the vanguard. During the second watch that night, they reached the Wei camp and found its gates wide open. Chen Tai rode in first. As Ehe Shaoge spurred his horse and charged into the camp with leveled spear, he had time to cry out only once before both horse and rider plunged into a pitfall. Chen Tai attacked from behind, while Guo Huai attacked from the left. The Qiang troops fell into chaos and trampled one another. Countless men died, and all the survivors surrendered. Ehe Shaoge cut his own throat and died. Guo Huai and Chen Tai then led their troops straight into the Qiang camp. King Midang hurried out of his tent and was mounting his horse when the Wei troops seized him alive and brought him before Guo Huai. Guo Huai hastily dismounted, personally removed his bonds, and soothed him with kind words: “The imperial court has always regarded you as a loyal and righteous man. Why, then, have you now aided the men of Shu?” Midang was ashamed and admitted his guilt. Guo Huai then said to him, “Lead the vanguard now and go relieve the siege of Iron Cage Mountain. Once the Shu army has been driven back, I will memorialize the Son of Heaven, and you will receive generous rewards.”

Midang agreed. He led the Qiang troops in front, with the Wei troops behind, and headed directly toward Iron Cage Mountain. It was then the third watch. Midang first sent someone ahead to inform Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei was delighted and ordered that he be invited in for a meeting. Most of the Wei troops had mingled among the Qiang forces. When they reached the Shu camp, Jiang Wei ordered the main body to remain encamped outside, while Midang led more than a hundred men toward the central command tent. Jiang Wei and Xiahou Ba came out to welcome him. Before Midang could speak, the Wei officers behind him suddenly began killing. Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and hurriedly mounted his horse to flee. The Qiang and Wei troops charged into the camp together. The Shu troops scattered in all directions, each man fleeing for his life. Jiang Wei had no weapon in hand. He had only a bow and arrows at his waist, but in his hurried flight all his arrows fell out, leaving him with an empty quiver. He fled toward the mountains, with Guo Huai leading troops in pursuit. Seeing that Jiang Wei was completely unarmed, Guo Huai spurred his horse forward and chased him with leveled spear. As Guo Huai drew near, Jiang Wei pretended to draw his bowstring, making it twang more than ten times. Guo Huai dodged repeatedly, but when no arrows came, he realized that Jiang Wei had none. He therefore hung up his steel spear, took his bow, fitted an arrow to the string, and shot at Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei dodged swiftly and caught the arrow with his hand, then immediately fitted it to his own bowstring. When Guo Huai came close, Jiang Wei drew with all his strength and shot him directly in the face. Guo Huai fell from his horse as soon as the string sounded. Jiang Wei wheeled his horse around to kill him, but the Wei troops came galloping up. Jiang Wei had no time to strike and could only snatch Guo Huai’s spear before riding away. The Wei troops did not dare pursue. They hastily rescued Guo Huai and carried him back to camp, but when the arrowhead was pulled out, the blood would not stop flowing, and he died. Sima Zhao came down the mountain and led troops in pursuit, but turned back halfway. Xiahou Ba escaped soon afterward and fled together with Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei had lost many men and horses and could not regroup his forces along the way, so he returned to Hanzhong. Although his army had been defeated, he had shot Guo Huai to death, killed Xu Zhi, and diminished the might of Wei, thereby offsetting his fault with his achievements.

Sima Zhao rewarded the Qiang troops and sent them back to their own country, then withdrew his army and returned to Luoyang. There he and his elder brother Sima Shi monopolized authority at court, and none of the officials dared refuse submission. Whenever Cao Fang, the ruler of Wei, saw Sima Shi enter court, he trembled uncontrollably, as though needles were piercing his back. One day, Cao Fang held court. When he saw Sima Shi enter the hall wearing his sword, he hurriedly left his throne to welcome him. Sima Shi laughed and said, “How can there be a ceremony in which the sovereign welcomes his minister? Please be at ease, Your Majesty.” Soon the officials began presenting matters for deliberation, but Sima Shi decided them all himself without referring any of them to the ruler of Wei. After a while, Sima Shi withdrew. He strode proudly down the hall, boarded his carriage, and left the palace, escorted front and rear by no fewer than several thousand soldiers and horsemen. Cao Fang retired to the rear hall and looked around. Only three men were with him: Xiahou Xuan, Minister of Ceremonies; Li Feng, Director of the Imperial Secretariat; and Zhang Ji, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness. Zhang Ji was Empress Zhang’s father and therefore Cao Fang’s father-in-law. Cao Fang ordered the attendants to withdraw and went with the three men into a secret chamber to confer. Grasping Zhang Ji’s hand, Cao Fang wept and said, “Sima Shi treats me like a child and regards the hundred officials as mere weeds. Sooner or later, the imperial realm will surely fall into his hands!” When he finished speaking, he wept bitterly. Li Feng said, “Your Majesty, do not worry. Though I am without talent, I am willing to use Your Majesty’s enlightened edict to gather heroes from every region and destroy this traitor.” Xiahou Xuan said, “My elder brother Xiahou Ba surrendered to Shu only because he feared the Sima brothers would plot to kill him. If we eliminate these traitors now, my brother will certainly return. I belong to an old family of imperial kin. How could I sit by and watch wicked traitors throw the state into disorder? I am willing to join in carrying out the edict and attack them.” Cao Fang said, “I only fear that we will not succeed.” The three men wept and said, “We swear to unite our hearts in destroying the traitors and repaying Your Majesty!”

Cao Fang removed his dragon-and-phoenix undershirt, bit open the tip of his finger, and wrote a secret edict in blood. He handed it to Zhang Ji and warned him, “My ancestor Emperor Wu executed Dong Cheng because their secret undertaking was not kept confidential. You must all act with the utmost caution and let nothing leak out.” Li Feng said, “Why does Your Majesty speak such ominous words? We are not men like Dong Cheng, nor can Sima Shi be compared to our martial ancestor. Your Majesty must not doubt us.” The three took their leave. When they reached the left side of the Donghua Gate, they saw Sima Shi approaching with his sword, followed by several hundred men, all carrying weapons. The three stood beside the road. Sima Shi asked, “Why are you three leaving court so late?” Li Feng said, “His Majesty was reading in the inner court, and the three of us remained to attend him in his studies.” Sima Shi said, “What book was he reading?” Li Feng said, “A book about the Three Dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou.” Sima Shi said, “When His Majesty read this book, what historical events did he ask about?” Li Feng said, “The Son of Heaven asked about Yi Yin’s support of the Shang and the Duke of Zhou’s regency. We all replied, ‘The present General-in-Chief Sima is indeed another Yi Yin or Duke of Zhou.’” Sima Shi sneered and said, “Would you truly compare me to Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou? In your hearts, you actually mean that I am Wang Mang or Dong Zhuo!” The three men all said, “We are all men under your patronage, General. How would we dare say such a thing?” Sima Shi angrily said, “You are nothing but flatterers! What were you weeping about with the Son of Heaven in the secret chamber just now?” The three said, “Nothing of the kind occurred.” Sima Shi shouted, “Your eyes are still red from weeping! How can you deny it?” Realizing that the matter had already been exposed, Xiahou Xuan cried out in a stern voice, “We were weeping because your power overawes your sovereign and because you intend to usurp the throne!” Sima Shi flew into a rage and ordered his guards to seize Xiahou Xuan. Xiahou Xuan bared his arms, raised his fists, and rushed straight at Sima Shi, but the guards captured him. Sima Shi ordered all three men searched. On Zhang Ji they found a dragon-and-phoenix undershirt bearing words written in blood. The attendants presented it to Sima Shi. When he examined it, he saw that it was a secret edict. The edict read:

The brothers Sima Shi and Sima Zhao jointly hold supreme power and intend to usurp the throne. All the edicts and decrees they issue are against my will. The officers and soldiers of every command may together uphold loyalty and righteousness, destroy these traitorous ministers, and restore and support the imperial state. On the day success is achieved, ranks and rewards will be lavishly bestowed.

When Sima Shi finished reading, he flew into a violent rage and said, “So you truly intended to murder my brother and me! Neither law nor reason can tolerate this!” He ordered the three men cut in half at the waist in the marketplace and had all three of their clans exterminated. The three never ceased cursing him. By the time they reached the eastern marketplace, all their teeth had been knocked out, yet each continued to curse indistinctly until he died. Sima Shi went straight into the inner palace. Cao Fang, ruler of Wei, was then discussing the matter with Empress Zhang. The empress said, “There are many eyes and ears in the inner court. If the affair is exposed, it will certainly bring disaster upon me!” While she was still speaking, Sima Shi suddenly entered, and the empress was greatly alarmed. With his hand on his sword, Sima Shi said to Cao Fang, “My father established Your Majesty as sovereign, and his merit and virtue were no less than those of the Duke of Zhou. In my service to Your Majesty, how am I any different from Yi Yin? Yet now you repay kindness with hatred and treat merit as a crime. Why did you plot with two or three petty ministers to murder my brother and me?” Cao Fang said, “I had no such intention.” Sima Shi took the undershirt from his sleeve, threw it to the floor, and said, “Then who made this?” Cao Fang’s soul seemed to fly beyond the heavens and his spirit to scatter through the highest skies. Trembling, he answered, “I was forced into this entirely by others. How would I dare conceive such an intention?” Sima Shi said, “What punishment should be imposed for falsely accusing a great minister of treason?” Cao Fang knelt and pleaded, “I am indeed guilty. I beg the General-in-Chief to forgive me!” Sima Shi said, “Please rise, Your Majesty. The laws of the state cannot be set aside.” He then pointed at Empress Zhang and said, “She is Zhang Ji’s daughter and by rights must be eliminated!” Cao Fang wept bitterly and begged that she be spared, but Sima Shi refused. He ordered his attendants to seize Empress Zhang and take her inside the Donghua Gate, where they strangled her with a length of white silk. A later poet wrote:In former years Empress Fu was dragged through the palace gate,Barefoot, wailing in grief as she left her sovereign.Today Sima follows that same precedent;Heaven will make his descendants repay the deed.

The next day, Sima Shi assembled all the officials and said, “The present sovereign is wanton and immoral. He keeps intimate company with prostitutes and actors, listens to slander, and bars the path of worthy men. His crimes are worse than those of the Prince of Changyi under the Han, and he is unfit to rule the realm. I propose respectfully to follow the precedents of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, establish another man as the new sovereign, preserve the imperial state, and bring peace to the realm. What do you say?” They all replied, “In performing the deeds of Yi Yin and Huo Guang, the General-in-Chief is answering Heaven and obeying the people. Who would dare oppose your command?” Sima Shi then entered Yongning Palace with the assembled officials and reported the matter to the empress dowager. The empress dowager said, “Whom does the General-in-Chief wish to establish as sovereign?” Sima Shi said, “I consider Cao Ju, Prince of Pengcheng, intelligent, benevolent, and filial. He can become ruler of the realm.” The empress dowager said, “The Prince of Pengcheng is my uncle. If he is now established as sovereign, what position would that leave me in? There is also Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui District, a grandson of Emperor Wen. He is mild, respectful, and able to yield to others, and he may be established instead. You great ministers should consider the matter carefully and make a long-term plan.” One man said, “The empress dowager’s words are correct. He should be established at once.” Everyone looked and saw that the speaker was Sima Fu, Sima Shi’s paternal kinsman of the elder generation. Sima Shi therefore sent an envoy to Yuancheng to summon the Duke of Gaogui District. He then invited the empress dowager to ascend the Taiji Hall and summon Cao Fang to be reprimanded: “You are wanton beyond measure and keep intimate company with prostitutes and actors. You are unfit to inherit and rule the realm. You must surrender the imperial seals and ribbons, resume your title as Prince of Qi, and depart immediately. Unless summoned by imperial command, you are forbidden to enter the court.” Cao Fang wept and bowed to the empress dowager, surrendered the state seals, boarded a prince’s carriage, and departed in bitter tears. Only a few loyal and righteous ministers saw him off, their eyes filled with tears. A later poet wrote:In former days, when Cao Cao served as Han’s minister,He bullied its widow and orphaned child.Who knew that more than forty years later,His own widow and orphan would also be bullied?

Cao Mao, Duke of Gaogui District, had the courtesy name Yanshi. He was a grandson of Emperor Wen and the son of Cao Lin, Prince Ding of Donghai. That day, Sima Shi summoned him in the empress dowager’s name. The civil and military officials prepared the imperial carriage and welcomed him with bows outside the Western Side Gate. Cao Mao hurriedly returned their bows. Grand Commandant Wang Su said, “The sovereign should not return their bows.” Cao Mao said, “I too am a subject of the state. How could I fail to return their bows?” The civil and military officials helped Cao Mao onto the imperial carriage to enter the palace, but Cao Mao declined, saying, “I do not know why the empress dowager has summoned me. How would I dare ride into the palace in the imperial carriage?” He therefore walked to the eastern chamber of the Taiji Hall. Sima Shi came forward to receive him, but Cao Mao bowed first. Sima Shi hastily helped him up. After they exchanged greetings, Sima Shi led him before the empress dowager. She said, “When I saw you as a young child, you had the bearing of an emperor. You may now become ruler of the realm. You must be respectful and frugal, restrain expenditures, spread virtue, and practice benevolence. Do not bring disgrace upon the former emperors.” Cao Mao modestly declined three times. Sima Shi ordered the civil and military officials to escort Cao Mao into the Taiji Hall, and that day he was established as the new sovereign. The sixth year of the Jiaping era was changed to the first year of the Zhengyuan era, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. General-in-Chief Sima Shi was granted the yellow battle-ax, permitted to enter court without hastening his steps, exempted from being referred to by name when memorials were submitted concerning him, and allowed to wear his sword in the palace hall. All the civil and military officials received titles and rewards according to their rank.

In the first month of spring in the second year of the Zhengyuan era, a spy arrived with an urgent report that Guanqiu Jian, General Who Guards the East, and Wen Qin, Inspector of Yang Province, had raised an army in the name of the deposed ruler and were advancing. Sima Shi was greatly alarmed. Just so:Han ministers once resolved to rise in service of their king;Now generals of Wei raised an army to destroy the traitors.How they met the enemy will be revealed in the next chapter.