Chapter 110

Wen Yang Routs a Mighty Army Single-Handed; Jiang Wei Defeats a Great Foe with the River at His Back

Now in the first month of the second year of Zhengyuan in Wei, Guanqiu Jian, styled Zhonggong, a native of Wenxi in Henan, was Inspector of Yangzhou, General Who Guards the East, and commander of the troops and horses of Huainan. When he heard that Sima Shi had arbitrarily deposed one sovereign and enthroned another, he was filled with indignation. His eldest son, Guanqiu Dian, said, “Father, you hold authority over an entire region. Sima Shi has usurped power and deposed his sovereign; the state is in peril, like a pile of eggs. How can you remain quietly on guard and do nothing?” Jian said, “What you say is right, my son.” He therefore invited Inspector Wen Qin to confer with him. Qin had been a retainer of Cao Shuang; when he heard that day of Jian’s invitation, he came at once to pay his respects. Jian invited him into the rear hall, and after the courtesies had been exchanged, Jian began speaking, but his tears would not cease. Qin asked the reason. Jian said, “Sima Shi has usurped power and deposed his sovereign, overturning Heaven and Earth. How can I not grieve?” Qin said, “You, Commander, hold authority over an entire region. If you are willing to uphold righteousness and punish the traitor, I am ready to risk my life in your aid. My second son, Wen Shu, whose childhood name is A-Yang, has courage enough to withstand ten thousand men. He has long wished to kill the Sima brothers and avenge Cao Shuang. He may now be appointed vanguard.” Jian was overjoyed, and at once they poured a libation of wine and swore an oath. The two falsely declared that the Empress Dowager had issued a secret edict, and ordered all officers and soldiers, high and low, throughout Huainan to enter Shouchun. There they raised an altar in the west, slaughtered a white horse, smeared their lips with its blood, and swore an alliance. They proclaimed that Sima Shi was a monstrous rebel against the Way, and that, in obedience to the Empress Dowager’s secret edict, all the troops and horses of Huainan were to rise and punish the traitor in the cause of righteousness. All gladly submitted. Jian led sixty thousand troops and encamped at Xiangcheng. Wen Qin commanded twenty thousand men as a mobile force outside the city, moving to and fro in support. Jian sent proclamations throughout the commanderies, ordering each to raise troops and come to his aid.

Now Sima Shi had a tumor over his left eye that caused recurring pain and itching. He ordered a court physician to cut it away and seal the wound with medicine, and for several days remained in his residence recuperating. Suddenly he heard that Huainan was in peril, and summoned Grand Commandant Wang Su to discuss the matter. Su said, “Once, when Guan Yunchang’s might shook all the realm, Sun Quan ordered Lü Meng to seize Jingzhou by surprise and to give relief to the families of Guan’s officers and men. Because of this, Lord Guan’s army disintegrated. The families of the Huainan troops are now all in the Central Plain. If they are promptly shown kindness and their line of retreat is cut off by our forces, their army is certain to collapse like crumbling earth.” Shi said, “Your words are entirely correct. But the tumor over my eye has only just been removed, and I cannot go in person. Yet if I send another, I shall have no peace of mind.” At that time Zhong Hui, Palace Attendant of the Secretariat, was standing nearby. He advanced and said, “The troops of Huai and Chu are strong, and their edge is exceedingly keen. If another is sent to command the army against them, he will most likely fare badly. Should any mishap occur, the great enterprise will be ruined.” Sima Shi sprang to his feet and declared, “Unless I go in person, the rebels cannot be defeated!” He therefore left his younger brother Sima Zhao to guard Luoyang and assume overall direction of court affairs. Shi rode in a cushioned litter and journeyed east despite his illness. He ordered Zhuge Dan, General Who Guards the East, to assume overall command of all the armies of Yuzhou and advance on Shouchun by way of Anfeng Ford. He also ordered Hu Zun, General Who Conquers the East, to lead the armies of Qingzhou through the region of Qiao and Song and cut off the rebels’ retreat. In addition, he dispatched Wang Ji, Inspector of Yuzhou and Army Supervisor, to lead the vanguard and seize the territory of Zhennan first. Shi himself led the main army to encamp at Xiangyang, where he assembled his civil and military officers beneath his command tent to deliberate.

Zheng Bao, Minister of the Imperial Household, said, “Guanqiu Jian is fond of schemes but lacks resolution; Wen Qin is brave but without wisdom. Our great army has now taken them by surprise. Yet the troops of the Yangtze and Huai are at the height of their ardor and must not be taken lightly. We should dig deep moats and raise high ramparts to blunt their edge. This is the master strategy once employed by Zhou Yafu.” Army Supervisor Wang Ji said, “No. This revolt in Huainan did not arise because the soldiers and people desired disorder. They were all compelled by Guanqiu Jian’s power and had no choice but to follow him. The moment our great army arrives, they are certain to disintegrate.” Shi said, “Those words are excellent.” He accordingly advanced to the banks of the Yin River, with his central army encamped at Yin Bridge. Wang Ji said, “Nandun is an ideal place to station troops. We should march through the night and seize it. If we delay, Guanqiu Jian will certainly arrive first.” Shi therefore ordered Wang Ji to lead the vanguard and establish a camp beneath the walls of Nandun.

Now Guanqiu Jian was at Xiangcheng when he learned that Sima Shi had come in person, and he gathered his officers to deliberate. Vanguard Commander Ge Yong said, “Nandun lies against the hills and beside the water and is an excellent place to station troops. If the Wei army occupies it first, it will be difficult to dislodge them. We must seize it quickly.” Jian followed his counsel and led his army toward Nandun. While they were still on the march, a courier on a fleet horse came from ahead to report that troops had already encamped at Nandun. Jian did not believe him and went himself to the front of the army to look. Sure enough, banners covered the countryside, and the encampment stood in perfect order. Jian returned to his army, at a loss for any plan. Suddenly a scout galloped in with a report: “Sun Jun of Eastern Wu has led troops across the river and is coming to take Shouchun by surprise!” Jian was greatly alarmed. “If Shouchun is lost,” he cried, “where can I return?” That night he withdrew his army to Xiangcheng. When Sima Shi saw Guanqiu Jian’s army retreat, he assembled his officers to deliberate. Secretary Fu Gu said, “Guanqiu Jian has withdrawn because he fears the men of Wu will attack Shouchun. He is certain to return to Xiangcheng and divide his troops for its defense. General, you may order one force to seize Lejia, another to seize Xiangcheng, and a third to seize Shouchun. Then the troops of Huainan will inevitably retreat. Deng Ai, Inspector of Yanzhou, is resourceful and full of stratagems. If he leads an army directly against Lejia and is supported by a strong force, it will not be difficult to defeat the rebels.” Shi followed this advice and quickly dispatched a messenger bearing a written order, instructing Deng Ai to raise the troops of Yanzhou and take Lejia. Shi himself then led his army after him to join forces there.

Now Guanqiu Jian, while at Xiangcheng, continually sent men to scout around Lejia, fearing that an enemy force might arrive. He invited Wen Qin to his camp to confer with him. Qin said, “Commander, do not be anxious. Give me and my unworthy son Wen Yang only five thousand troops, and I dare guarantee the safety of Lejia.” Jian was overjoyed. Qin and his son led five thousand troops toward Lejia. The vanguard reported, “West of Lejia there are Wei troops everywhere, more than ten thousand by estimate. In the distance, above the central army, can be seen white yak-tail standards and a yellow battle-ax, a black canopy and vermilion banners clustered around the commander’s tent. Within it stands a brocade commander’s standard. This must be Sima Shi. His camp is still being established and is not yet complete.” At that time Wen Yang stood beside his father, his whip hanging at his side. On hearing this report, he said to him, “While their camp remains unfinished, we should divide our troops into two columns and strike from left and right. We shall win a complete victory.” Qin asked, “When shall we go?” Yang replied, “At dusk tonight, Father, lead twenty-five hundred troops in an assault from south of the city. I shall lead twenty-five hundred troops in from the north. At the third watch we must join together inside the Wei camp.” Qin followed his advice, and that evening divided the troops into two columns. Wen Yang was then only eighteen years old. He stood eight feet tall and was fully armed and armored, with a steel whip hanging at his waist. Taking up his spear, he mounted his horse and advanced toward the distant Wei encampment.

That night Sima Shi’s army reached Lejia and established a camp while waiting for Deng Ai, who had not yet arrived. Because the tumor over Shi’s eye had only recently been removed, the wound was painfully inflamed. He lay inside his tent with several hundred armored guards standing all around to protect him. At the third watch, a tremendous outcry suddenly arose within the camp, and men and horses were thrown into confusion. Shi urgently asked what had happened. A man reported, “A force has cut through the defenses from the north and driven straight into camp. The general at its head is so fierce that no one can withstand him.” Shi was greatly alarmed. His heart flared as though on fire, and his eyeball burst out through the wound where the tumor had been cut away. Blood streamed everywhere, and the pain was unbearable. Yet fearing that any outcry would throw the army into disorder, he clenched the edge of his quilt between his teeth and endured it, biting the quilt to shreds. Wen Yang’s troops, as it happened, had arrived first and swept into the camp in a mass. Yang charged left and right within the encampment, and wherever he went no man dared oppose him. Those who tried were stabbed with his spear or struck by his whip, and not one escaped death. Yang waited only for his father to arrive and support him from outside, but there was no sign of him. Several times he fought his way to the central command, only to be driven back by volleys of bows and crossbows. Yang fought on until daybreak, when he suddenly heard drums and horns clamoring to the north. Looking back at his followers, he said, “Why has Father failed to support me from the south and come instead from the north?” Yang spurred forward to look and saw an army moving like a furious gale. At its head was Deng Ai, who urged on his horse, brandished his saber, and shouted, “Rebel, do not flee!” Yang flew into a rage and advanced with leveled spear. They fought for fifty bouts without either gaining the advantage. While they were still engaged, the Wei troops surged forward, attacking from front and rear. Yang’s men scattered in every direction, leaving Wen Yang alone with his horse. He broke through the Wei ranks and fled south. Several hundred Wei officers behind him roused their courage and galloped in pursuit. By the time they neared Lejia Bridge, they were on the verge of overtaking him. Suddenly Yang reined about, gave a mighty shout, and charged straight into their ranks. Wherever his steel whip rose, men tumbled from their horses in succession, and the rest all fell back. Yang then resumed his unhurried way. The Wei officers gathered together in astonishment and said, “Can this man still dare drive back all of us? Let us unite our strength and pursue him!” Thereupon a hundred Wei officers again came after him. Yang burst into a towering rage. “You rats!” he cried. “Do you care nothing for your lives?” Raising his whip, he wheeled his horse and charged into the press of Wei officers. He beat several of them to death with his whip, then turned his horse once more and rode slowly away on a loose rein. Four or five times the Wei officers resumed their pursuit, and each time Wen Yang alone turned and drove them back. A later poet wrote:

At Long Slope, Zhao Zilong alone withstood Cao’s might,And from that day his hero’s name shone clear and bright.Where warriors strove within the walls of Lejia,Again was seen Wen Yang’s high courage in the fight.

Wen Qin, meanwhile, had been hindered by the rugged mountain roads and lost his way in a valley. He traveled for half the night, and by the time he found the road and emerged, dawn had already broken. Wen Yang and his troops were nowhere to be seen. Seeing only that the Wei army had won a great victory, Qin retreated without offering battle. The Wei troops pressed their advantage and pursued, and Qin led his men toward Shouchun.

Now Yin Damu, Commandant of the Palace Guard in Wei, had been a trusted confidant of Cao Shuang. Because Shuang had been murdered through Sima Yi’s schemes, Yin Damu had afterward entered Sima Shi’s service, but had always harbored the desire to kill Shi and avenge Shuang. Moreover, he had long been on close terms with Wen Qin. Now, seeing that the tumor in Shi’s eye had burst out and that Shi could scarcely move, he entered the tent and said, “Wen Qin originally had no intention of rebelling. He was driven to this only by Guanqiu Jian’s coercion. If I go and speak to him, he is certain to surrender.” Shi agreed. Damu donned helmet and armor, mounted his horse, and rode in pursuit of Wen Qin. When he was about to overtake him, he shouted, “Inspector Wen, do you recognize Yin Damu?” Qin turned his head to look. Damu removed his helmet, set it before him on the saddle, pointed with his whip, and said, “Inspector Wen, why can you not endure for just a few more days?” Damu knew that Shi would soon die and had therefore come to delay Qin. But Qin did not understand his meaning. He cursed him fiercely and made ready to draw his bow and shoot. Damu turned back, weeping bitterly. When Qin had gathered his troops and hurried to Shouchun, he found that Zhuge Dan had already led an army there and captured it. He turned back again toward Xiangcheng, only to find that the three armies of Hu Zun, Wang Ji, and Deng Ai had all arrived. Seeing his position was desperate, Qin fled to Sun Jun of Eastern Wu.

Now Guanqiu Jian, within Xiangcheng, learned that Shouchun had been lost, that Wen Qin’s forces had been defeated, and that three armies had reached the city walls. He therefore withdrew every soldier from the city and marched out to give battle. He encountered Deng Ai, and ordered Ge Yong to ride forth and engage him. Before a single bout was complete, Deng Ai cut Ge Yong down with one stroke of his saber and led his troops charging through the rebel formation. Guanqiu Jian fought desperately to resist him, but the troops from the Yangtze and Huai fell into great disorder. Hu Zun and Wang Ji led their forces in an assault from every side. Unable to withstand them, Guanqiu Jian took a dozen or so horsemen and fought his way out along the road. When he reached the walls of Shen County, the magistrate, Song Bai, opened the gate to welcome him and spread a banquet in his honor. Jian became thoroughly drunk, whereupon Bai ordered men to kill him and presented his head to the Wei army. Thus Huainan was pacified.

Sima Shi lay ill and could not rise. He summoned Zhuge Dan into his tent, bestowed upon him the seals and ribbons of office, and promoted him to Senior General Who Conquers the East, with overall command of all the armies in Yangzhou. Meanwhile, Shi withdrew his army and returned to Xuchang. The pain in his eye never ceased, and every night he saw Li Feng, Zhang Ji, and Xiahou Xuan standing before his couch. His mind and spirit grew confused, and knowing that he could not survive, he sent men to Luoyang to bring Sima Zhao to him. Zhao wept and bowed at the foot of the bed. Shi delivered these final words: “The power I now hold is so great that, though I might wish to lay the burden down, I cannot. You must succeed me in bearing it. Above all, never lightly entrust the great enterprise to another, lest you bring destruction upon our entire clan.” When he had finished, he handed Zhao the seals and ribbons, tears streaming down his face. Zhao was just about to question him when Shi gave a great cry, his eyeball burst out, and he died. It was then the second month of the second year of Zhengyuan. Sima Zhao announced the mourning and submitted a memorial to Cao Mao, Emperor of Wei. Mao sent an envoy to Xuchang bearing an edict ordering Sima Zhao to remain there temporarily with the army to guard against Eastern Wu. Zhao hesitated, unable to decide. Zhong Hui said, “The General-in-Chief has only just died, and men’s hearts are unsettled. If you remain here and some upheaval occurs at court, regret will come too late.” Zhao followed his counsel and immediately led the army back to encamp south of the Luo River. When Mao heard of this, he was greatly alarmed. Grand Commandant Wang Su memorialized, “Since Zhao has succeeded his elder brother in wielding supreme authority, Your Majesty should confer rank and title upon him to reassure him.” Mao therefore ordered Wang Su to bear an edict appointing Sima Zhao General-in-Chief and Manager of the Affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. Zhao entered court and gave thanks for the imperial favor. From that time on, all affairs great and small, both within the capital and beyond it, passed into Zhao’s hands.

Now spies from Western Shu learned of these events and reported them in Chengdu. Jiang Wei memorialized the Latter Emperor, saying, “Sima Shi has only just died, and Sima Zhao has only just assumed supreme authority. He will certainly not dare leave Luoyang without authorization. I beg leave to take advantage of this opening and attack Wei, so that we may recover the Central Plain.” The Latter Emperor approved and ordered Jiang Wei to raise an army against Wei. Wei went to Hanzhong and put the troops and horses in order. Zhang Yi, Senior General Who Conquers the West, said, “The territory of Shu is narrow and confined, and our funds and grain are scant. We should not undertake a distant expedition. Better to occupy the strategic passes, guard our proper bounds, care for the soldiers, and cherish the people. This is the way to preserve the state.” Wei said, “No. Before the Chancellor had even emerged from his thatched cottage, he had already determined that the realm would be divided in three; yet even afterward he made six campaigns from Mount Qi in his endeavor to recover the Central Plain. Unhappily, he died midway, and so his achievement remained incomplete. Since I received the Chancellor’s final charge, I must exhaust my loyalty in service to the state and carry on his purpose. Though I die, I shall have no regret. Now there is an opening in Wei that we may exploit. If we do not attack at this moment, for what time shall we wait?” Xiahou Ba said, “The general’s words are right. We should send light cavalry ahead through Fuhan. If we gain the region west of the Tao River and Nan’an, the other commanderies may be secured.” Zhang Yi said, “When we failed and returned before, it was always because our army set out too late. The Art of War says, ‘Attack where the enemy is unprepared; appear where he does not expect you.’ If we now advance with all speed, giving the men of Wei no time to prepare their defenses, we are certain to win a complete victory.”

Jiang Wei therefore led fifty thousand troops toward Fuhan. When the army reached the Tao River, soldiers guarding the frontier reported its arrival to Wang Jing, Inspector of Yongzhou, and Chen Tai, General Who Conquers the West. Wang Jing was first to raise an army, leading seventy thousand horse and foot to meet the invaders. Jiang Wei gave Zhang Yi detailed secret instructions, then did the same with Xiahou Ba. The two departed to carry out the plan, while Wei personally led the main army and drew up his formation with its back to the Tao River. Wang Jing rode forth with several subordinate generals and called out, “Wei, Wu, and Shu have already formed a balance like the three legs of a cauldron. Why do you repeatedly invade our borders?” Wei replied, “Sima Shi deposed his sovereign without cause. Neighboring states are bound by justice to call him to account—how much more so a hostile state?” Wang Jing looked back at his four generals, Zhang Ming, Hua Yong, Liu Da, and Zhu Fang, and said, “The Shu army has drawn up its formation with its back to the river. If it is defeated, it will be drowned. Jiang Wei is fierce and valiant. You four are to engage him. If his troops begin to retreat, pursue them at once.” The four generals rode out in two pairs, from left and right, and came to fight Jiang Wei. Wei fought them briefly for several bouts, then wheeled his horse and fled toward his own camp. Wang Jing drove all his cavalry and infantry forward in pursuit. Wei led his men westward toward the Tao River. As they neared the water, he shouted to his soldiers, “The crisis is upon us! Why do you not exert all your strength?” His officers and men turned together and fought back with all their might, inflicting a crushing defeat on the Wei army. Zhang Yi and Xiahou Ba had meanwhile circled behind the Wei forces and now attacked in two columns, trapping them in the center. Jiang Wei displayed all his martial prowess and awe-inspiring might, charging into the Wei host and striking left and right. The Wei troops fell into utter confusion, trampling one another underfoot. More than half were killed, countless others were driven into the Tao River, and over ten thousand heads were taken. Corpses lay heaped for several miles. Wang Jing, with a hundred horsemen from his defeated army, fought his way out with desperate courage and fled straight to Didao. He rushed into the city and closed the gates to defend it. Having won a complete victory, Jiang Wei rewarded his army and then proposed to advance and attack Didao. Zhang Yi remonstrated, “General, your achievement is complete and the fame of your might has spread far and wide. You may stop now. If you advance and matters do not go as you wish, it will be like adding feet to a painted snake.” Wei said, “No. When we were defeated before, I still wished to advance and range across the Central Plain. After today’s battle at the Tao River, the men of Wei are stricken with terror. By my reckoning, Didao may be had for the stretching forth of a hand. Do not yourself weaken our resolve.” Zhang Yi remonstrated again and again, but Wei would not listen. He marshaled his troops and advanced to seize Didao.

Now Chen Tai, General Who Conquers the West in Yongzhou, was preparing to raise an army and avenge Wang Jing’s defeat when Deng Ai, Inspector of Yanzhou, suddenly arrived with troops. Tai went out to receive him, and after the courtesies had been exchanged, Ai said, “By order of the General-in-Chief, I have come expressly to help you defeat the enemy.” Tai asked Deng Ai for a plan. Ai said, “After his victory at the Tao River, if Jiang Wei were to summon the Qiang tribes, press eastward to contest the passes and the Long region, and send proclamations through the four commanderies, it would be a grave danger to our army. But instead of thinking of this, he is seeking to capture Didao. Its walls are strong and cannot be taken quickly, so he will merely exhaust his troops and squander their strength. I shall now array troops at Xiang Ridge and then advance against him. The Shu army is certain to be defeated.” Chen Tai said, “A truly brilliant judgment!” He accordingly detached twenty companies of soldiers, fifty men to each company, all carrying banners, drums, horns, beacon materials, and the like. They hid by day and traveled by night until they lay in ambush amid the high mountains and deep valleys southeast of Didao. They were to wait only for the main army to arrive, then beat their drums and sound their horns together in response; at night they were to raise fires and set off signal blasts to terrify the enemy. When these dispositions had been completed, they waited for the Shu army to come. Chen Tai and Deng Ai then each led twenty thousand troops forward, one force following the other.

Now Jiang Wei surrounded Didao and ordered his troops to attack from all eight directions. After several days of continuous assaults, the city had not fallen. Wei grew deeply frustrated and could devise no plan. At dusk that day, couriers on fleet horses arrived three or five times in succession to report: “Two armies are approaching, with great characters plainly written upon their banners. One is commanded by Chen Tai, General Who Conquers the West; the other by Deng Ai, Inspector of Yanzhou.” Wei was greatly alarmed and summoned Xiahou Ba to confer. Ba said, “I once told you, General, that Deng Ai has understood the art of war from his youth and possesses a thorough knowledge of geography. Now that he has come with an army, he will prove a formidable opponent.” Wei said, “His army has come from afar. We must not let it gain a foothold, but strike it at once.” He left Zhang Yi to continue the attack on the city and ordered Xiahou Ba to lead troops against Chen Tai, while he himself led an army to meet Deng Ai. Before he had gone five li, a signal blast suddenly sounded to the southeast. Drums and horns shook the earth, and flames soared into the sky. Jiang Wei spurred his horse forward to look and saw the banners and insignia of Wei troops on every side. Greatly alarmed, he cried, “I have fallen into Deng Ai’s trap!” He immediately sent orders to Xiahou Ba and Zhang Yi to abandon Didao and retreat. Thus all the Shu troops withdrew to Hanzhong. Jiang Wei himself guarded the rear, hearing the ceaseless booming of drums behind him. Only after he had retreated into Jiange did he learn that the fires and drums at more than twenty places had all been a mere deception. Wei gathered his troops and withdrew to encamp at Zhongdi.

Now because of Jiang Wei’s victory west of the Tao River, the Latter Emperor issued an edict appointing him General-in-Chief. Wei accepted the office, submitted a memorial of gratitude for the imperial favor, and again discussed plans for a campaign against Wei. As the verse says:

Success once won needs no feet added to the snake;Yet tiger-fierce, he still would war on traitors make.

What came of this new northern campaign will be told in the next chapter.

Wen Yang Routs a Mighty Army Single-Handed; Jiang Wei Defeats a Great Foe with the River at His Back

In the first month of the second year of Zhengyuan in Wei, Guanqiu Jian, styled Zhonggong, a native of Wenxi in Henan, was Inspector of Yangzhou, General Who Guards the East, and commander of the troops of Huainan. When he heard that Sima Shi had taken it upon himself to depose one ruler and enthrone another, he was furious. His eldest son, Guanqiu Dian, said, “Father, you hold authority over an entire region. Sima Shi has usurped power and deposed the sovereign, placing the state in as precarious a position as a pile of eggs. How can you remain at ease and merely guard your own post?” Jian said, “What you say is right, my son.” He therefore invited Inspector Wen Qin to discuss the matter. Qin had once been a retainer of Cao Shuang. As soon as he heard that Jian had invited him, he came to pay his respects. Jian invited him into the rear hall, and after they had exchanged courtesies, Jian began weeping uncontrollably as they talked. Qin asked him why. Jian said, “Sima Shi has usurped power and deposed the sovereign, turning Heaven and Earth upside down. How could I not grieve?” Qin said, “You command an entire region. If you are willing to uphold righteousness and campaign against the traitor, I am ready to risk my life in your support. My second son, Wen Shu, whose childhood name is A’Yang, has courage enough to withstand ten thousand men. He has always wanted to kill the Sima brothers and avenge Cao Shuang. He can now be appointed vanguard.” Jian was overjoyed and at once poured a libation of wine and swore an oath with him. The two falsely claimed to possess a secret edict from the Empress Dowager and ordered every officer and soldier, high and low, in Huainan to enter the city of Shouchun. They erected an altar in the west, slaughtered a white horse, and smeared its blood on their lips as they swore an alliance. They proclaimed that Sima Shi had committed monstrous treason and that they had now received the Empress Dowager’s secret edict ordering them to mobilize all the troops of Huainan and campaign in righteousness against the traitor. Everyone gladly submitted. Jian led sixty thousand troops and encamped at Xiangcheng. Wen Qin commanded twenty thousand troops as a mobile force outside the city, moving back and forth to provide support. Jian sent proclamations to all the commanderies, ordering each of them to raise troops and assist him.

Now Sima Shi had a fleshy growth over his left eye that frequently caused him pain and itching. He ordered a court physician to cut it away and seal the wound with medicine, then remained at his residence for several days recuperating. Suddenly, word came that Huainan was in grave danger, so he summoned Grand Commandant Wang Su to discuss the matter. Su said, “In former times, when Guan Yunchang’s might shook all the lands of China, Sun Quan ordered Lü Meng to make a surprise attack and seize Jingzhou, while providing relief to the families of Guan Yu’s officers and soldiers. As a result, Lord Guan’s army collapsed. The families of Huainan’s officers and soldiers are now all in the Central Plains. We should quickly provide for them and use troops to cut off the rebels’ route home. Their forces will then surely crumble.” Shi said, “Your words are entirely correct. But I have just had this growth cut from my eye and cannot go in person. Yet if I send someone else, I will not feel secure.” Palace Secretariat Attendant Zhong Hui was present and advised, “The troops of Huai and Chu are strong, and their assault is extremely fierce. If another man is sent to command the army against them, he will most likely be defeated. Should any mishap occur, our great cause will be ruined.” Sima Shi sprang to his feet and said, “Unless I go in person, the rebels cannot be defeated!” He therefore left his younger brother Sima Zhao to guard Luoyang and take general charge of the affairs of the court. Sima Shi traveled east in a padded litter despite his illness. He ordered General Who Guards the East Zhuge Dan to take overall command of the armies of Yuzhou and advance from Anfeng Ford to seize Shouchun. He also ordered General Who Conquers the East Hu Zun to command the armies of Qingzhou, advance through the region of Qiao and Song, and cut off the rebels’ retreat. He further dispatched Inspector of Yuzhou and Army Supervisor Wang Ji to lead the vanguard and first seize Zhennan. Sima Shi led the main army to encamp at Xiangyang and assembled his civil and military officers in his command tent to deliberate.

Minister of the Imperial Household Zheng Bao said, “Guanqiu Jian is fond of schemes but lacks decisiveness, while Wen Qin has courage but no wisdom. Our great army has now taken them by surprise. The troops from the Yangtze and Huai regions are at the height of their ardor, so we must not underestimate them. We should dig deep moats and raise high ramparts to blunt their edge. This is the excellent strategy once used by Zhou Yafu.” Army Supervisor Wang Ji said, “No. This rebellion in Huainan did not arise because the soldiers and people desired disorder. They were all coerced by Guanqiu Jian’s power and had no choice but to follow him. As soon as our great army arrives, they are certain to collapse.” Sima Shi said, “That is an excellent observation.” He advanced to the banks of the Yin River and stationed the central army at Yin Bridge. Wang Ji said, “Nandun is an excellent place to encamp. We should march through the night and seize it. If we delay, Guanqiu Jian will certainly arrive first.” Sima Shi therefore ordered Wang Ji to lead the vanguard and establish a camp below the city of Nandun.

Now Guanqiu Jian was at Xiangcheng when he learned that Sima Shi had come in person, so he assembled his officers to deliberate. Vanguard General Ge Yong said, “Nandun lies beside mountains and water and is an excellent place to station troops. If the Wei army occupies it first, it will be difficult to dislodge them. We must seize it quickly.” Jian followed his advice and marched toward Nandun. While they were on the way, a courier on a swift horse reported from ahead that troops had already encamped at Nandun. Jian did not believe him and went to the front of the army to see for himself. Sure enough, banners covered the countryside and the camps were laid out in perfect order. Jian returned to his army at a loss for what to do. Suddenly, a scout galloped in and reported, “Sun Jun of Eastern Wu has led troops across the river and is advancing to make a surprise attack on Shouchun!” Jian exclaimed in alarm, “If Shouchun is lost, where can I return?” That night, he withdrew his army to Xiangcheng. When Sima Shi saw Guanqiu Jian’s army retreating, he assembled his officers to deliberate. Imperial Secretary Fu Gu said, “Guanqiu Jian has now withdrawn because he fears that the men of Wu will attack Shouchun. He is certain to return to Xiangcheng and divide his troops to defend it. General, you can order one force to seize Lejia, another to seize Xiangcheng, and another to seize Shouchun. The troops of Huainan will then surely retreat. Inspector of Yanzhou Deng Ai is resourceful and full of strategy. If he leads troops directly against Lejia and you support him with a large force, defeating the rebels will not be difficult.” Sima Shi followed his advice and urgently sent a messenger bearing a written command, ordering Deng Ai to mobilize the troops of Yanzhou and take Lejia. Sima Shi would then lead his army there to join him.

Now Guanqiu Jian was at Xiangcheng and repeatedly sent men to scout Lejia, fearing that enemy troops might arrive. He invited Wen Qin to his camp to confer. Qin said, “Commander, do not worry. My son Wen Yang and I need only five thousand troops, and I guarantee that we can hold Lejia.” Jian was delighted. Wen Qin and his son led five thousand troops toward Lejia. The vanguard reported, “The entire area west of Lejia is occupied by Wei troops, more than ten thousand by estimate. In the distance, the central army can be seen surrounded by white yak-tail standards, yellow battle-axes, black canopies, and scarlet banners, all clustered around the commander’s tiger-skin tent. Inside stands a brocade flag embroidered with the character ‘Commander.’ That must be Sima Shi. They are still setting up camp and have not yet finished.” At that time, Wen Yang stood beside his father with his whip hanging at his side. Hearing this report, he said to his father, “Before their camp is completed, we can divide our troops into two forces and strike from the left and right. We will win a complete victory.” Qin asked, “When should we go?” Yang said, “At dusk tonight, Father should lead twenty-five hundred troops and attack from the south of the city. I will lead twenty-five hundred troops and attack from the north. At the third watch, we must meet inside the Wei camp.” Qin agreed, and that evening they divided their troops into two forces. Wen Yang was only eighteen years old. He stood eight feet tall, was fully armed and clad in armor, and wore a steel whip at his waist. Taking up his spear, he mounted his horse and advanced toward the distant Wei camp.

That night, Sima Shi’s army reached Lejia and set up camp while waiting for Deng Ai, who had not yet arrived. Because the fleshy growth below Sima Shi’s eye had only recently been cut away, the wound was painful. He lay in his tent, guarded on all sides by several hundred armored soldiers. At the third watch, thunderous shouting suddenly erupted inside the camp, and men and horses were thrown into chaos. Sima Shi urgently asked what had happened. A man reported, “An army has cut straight through the encirclement from the north of the camp. The general at its head is so brave that no one can withstand him.” Sima Shi was horrified. His heart burned like fire, and his eyeball burst from the wound where the growth had been removed. Blood poured everywhere, and the pain was unbearable. Yet fearing that he might unsettle the army, he clenched the edge of his quilt between his teeth and endured it until he had bitten the quilt to shreds. It was Wen Yang’s troops who had arrived first and surged into the camp. He charged left and right within it, and wherever he went, no one dared stand against him. Anyone who resisted was stabbed with his spear or struck with his whip, and all were killed. Yang kept waiting for his father to arrive and support him from outside, but he never appeared. Several times Yang fought his way to the central command, but each time he was driven back by arrows and crossbow bolts. He fought straight through until dawn, when he suddenly heard drums and horns shaking the sky to the north. Yang looked back at his followers and said, “Why has Father come from the north instead of supporting me from the south?” He spurred his horse forward to look and saw an army sweeping toward him like a violent wind. The general at its head was Deng Ai, who brandished his saber from horseback and shouted, “Rebel, do not flee!” Wen Yang flew into a rage and met him with his spear. They fought for fifty bouts without either gaining the advantage. As they battled, the Wei troops surged forward and attacked from both front and rear. Wen Yang’s soldiers scattered and fled, leaving Wen Yang alone on his horse. He broke through the Wei troops and fled south. Several hundred Wei generals behind him roused themselves, spurred their horses, and gave chase. As they neared Lejia Bridge, they were about to catch him. Wen Yang suddenly reined around and gave a great shout, charging straight into the ranks of the Wei generals. Wherever his steel whip rose and fell, men tumbled from their horses one after another, and the rest all drew back. Yang then resumed his retreat at a leisurely pace. The Wei generals gathered together and said in astonishment, “Does that man still dare drive all of us back? Let us combine our strength and pursue him!” So a hundred Wei generals again gave chase. Wen Yang exploded in fury and cried, “You rats must place no value on your lives!” Raising his whip, he wheeled his horse and charged into the mass of Wei generals. He beat several men to death with his whip, then turned his horse again and rode slowly away with loose reins. Four or five times the Wei generals pursued him, and every time Wen Yang alone beat them back. A later poet wrote:

Long ago at Changban, one man held Cao’s host at bay;From that hour, Zhao Zilong’s heroic glory shone.Where warriors clashed within the walls of Lejia,Wen Yang once more displayed courage unsurpassed.

As it happened, Wen Qin had been hindered by the rugged mountain roads and lost his way in a valley. He traveled for half the night, and by the time he found his way out, dawn had already broken. Wen Yang and his troops were nowhere to be seen. Seeing that the Wei army had won a great victory, Qin retreated without fighting. The Wei troops seized the opportunity to pursue and attack, and Qin led his men toward Shouchun.

Now Yin Damu, a Palace Guard Commandant of Wei, had been one of Cao Shuang’s trusted men. Because Cao Shuang had been murdered through Sima Yi’s scheme, Yin Damu had entered Sima Shi’s service while constantly harboring the desire to kill him and avenge Cao Shuang. He had also long been on close terms with Wen Qin. Seeing now that the growth on Sima Shi’s eye had burst and that Sima Shi was unable to move, he entered the tent and said, “Wen Qin never intended to rebel. He was forced into this by Guanqiu Jian. I will go speak to him, and he will certainly surrender.” Sima Shi consented. Yin Damu donned helmet and armor, mounted his horse, and rode after Wen Qin. When he was about to catch up, he shouted, “Inspector Wen, do you see Yin Damu?” Qin looked back. Damu removed his helmet and placed it in front of his saddle, then pointed with his whip and said, “Inspector Wen, why can you not hold out for just a few more days?” Yin Damu knew that Sima Shi was about to die and had therefore come to delay Qin. Qin did not understand his meaning. He cursed him harshly and was about to draw his bow and shoot him. Yin Damu burst into tears and returned. Wen Qin gathered his troops and hurried toward Shouchun, only to find that Zhuge Dan had already led an army to capture it. When he turned back toward Xiangcheng, the three armies of Hu Zun, Wang Ji, and Deng Ai had all arrived. Seeing the danger of his position, Qin fled to Sun Jun of Eastern Wu.

Now Guanqiu Jian was inside Xiangcheng when he learned that Shouchun had been lost, Wen Qin had been defeated, and three armies had arrived outside the city. Jian therefore withdrew all the troops from the city and led them out to fight. He encountered Deng Ai, and ordered Ge Yong to ride out and engage him. Before a single bout was completed, Deng Ai cut Ge Yong down with one stroke of his saber and led his troops charging through the enemy formation. Guanqiu Jian fought desperately to resist him, but the troops from the Yangtze and Huai regions fell into complete disorder. Hu Zun and Wang Ji led their troops in attacks from every side. Unable to withstand them, Guanqiu Jian led a little more than ten horsemen in forcing a path of escape. When he reached the walls of Shen County, the county magistrate, Song Bai, opened the gates to welcome him and prepared a banquet in his honor. Jian became thoroughly drunk, whereupon Song Bai ordered men to kill him and presented his head to the Wei army. Huainan was thus pacified.

Sima Shi lay bedridden and could not rise. He summoned Zhuge Dan into his tent, bestowed the seals and ribbons of office upon him, and promoted him to Senior General Who Conquers the East, with command over all the armies of Yangzhou. Meanwhile, Sima Shi ordered the army to return to Xuchang. The pain in his eye would not cease, and every night he saw Li Feng, Zhang Ji, and Xiahou Xuan standing before his bed. His mind and spirit became dazed and confused, and knowing that he could not survive, he sent men to Luoyang to bring Sima Zhao to him. Zhao wept and bowed below his bed. Sima Shi gave him these final instructions: “My power is now so great that, though I might wish to lay down the burden, I cannot. You must succeed me. You must never lightly entrust our great undertaking to another, or you will bring destruction upon our entire clan.” When he had finished speaking, he handed Zhao the seals and ribbons of office, tears streaming down his face. Just as Zhao was about to ask him something, Sima Shi gave a great cry, his eyeball burst out, and he died. It was the second month of the second year of Zhengyuan. Sima Zhao announced the mourning and submitted a report to the Wei emperor, Cao Mao. Cao Mao sent an envoy bearing an edict to Xuchang, ordering Sima Zhao for the time being to remain there with the army as a defense against Eastern Wu. Zhao hesitated, unable to decide. Zhong Hui said, “The Senior General has only just died, and men’s loyalties are unsettled. If you remain here and some upheaval occurs at court, it will be too late for regret.” Zhao followed his advice and immediately led the army back to encamp south of the Luo River. Cao Mao was greatly alarmed when he heard of this. Grand Commandant Wang Su memorialized, “Since Sima Zhao has succeeded his elder brother and now wields great power, Your Majesty should confer rank and title upon him to put him at ease.” Cao Mao therefore ordered Wang Su to carry an edict appointing Sima Zhao Senior General and Manager of the Affairs of the Imperial Secretariat. Sima Zhao entered court and gave thanks for the imperial favor. From that time onward, every major and minor affair, both within the court and throughout the realm, came under Sima Zhao’s control.

Now spies from Western Shu learned of these events and reported them in Chengdu. Jiang Wei memorialized to the Latter Emperor, “Sima Shi has only just died, and Sima Zhao has only just taken control of the great authority. He certainly will not dare leave Luoyang without permission. I request leave to take advantage of this opportunity to attack Wei and recover the Central Plains.” The Latter Emperor consented and ordered Jiang Wei to mobilize an army against Wei. Jiang Wei went to Hanzhong and mustered his troops. Senior General Who Conquers the West Zhang Yi said, “The lands of Shu are narrow and confined, and our money and grain are scarce. We should not undertake a distant campaign. It would be better to occupy strategic positions, hold securely within our borders, care for the troops, and cherish the people. That is the proper plan for preserving the state.” Jiang Wei said, “No. Before the Chancellor ever left his thatched cottage, he had already devised the tripartite division of the realm. Even then, he campaigned from Mount Qi six times in his effort to secure the Central Plains. Unfortunately, he died midway through the undertaking, leaving his great work incomplete. Since I received the Chancellor’s final charge, I must give my utmost loyalty to repay the state and carry on his ambition. Even if I die, I will have no regrets. Wei now presents an opening we can exploit. If we do not attack at this moment, what are we waiting for?” Xiahou Ba said, “The general is right. We can send light cavalry ahead through Fuhan. If we secure the region west of the Tao River and Nan’an, all the other commanderies can be pacified.” Zhang Yi said, “The reason our previous campaigns failed and returned without victory was always that the army set out too late. The Art of War says, ‘Attack where the enemy is unprepared; appear where he does not expect you.’ If we now advance with all speed, leaving the men of Wei no time to prepare their defenses, we are certain to win a complete victory.”

Jiang Wei therefore led fifty thousand troops toward Fuhan. When the army reached the Tao River, the soldiers guarding the frontier reported the news to Inspector of Yongzhou Wang Jing and General Who Conquers the West Chen Tai. Wang Jing was first to mobilize, leading seventy thousand cavalry and infantry to meet the enemy. Jiang Wei gave Zhang Yi detailed secret instructions, then gave Xiahou Ba another set of secret instructions. The two accepted their plans and departed, while Jiang Wei personally led the main army and arrayed it with its back to the Tao River. Wang Jing rode out with several subordinate generals and called, “Wei, Wu, and Shu have already formed a balance like the three legs of a tripod. Why do you invade us time after time?” Jiang Wei replied, “Sima Shi deposed his sovereign without cause. Neighboring states are justified in calling him to account, much less a hostile enemy state!” Wang Jing looked back at his four generals, Zhang Ming, Hua Yong, Liu Da, and Zhu Fang, and said, “The Shu troops have formed their battle line with their backs to the water. If they are defeated, they will drown in the river. Jiang Wei is fierce and brave. You four are to fight him. If his troops begin to retreat, pursue them at once.” The four generals rode out in two pairs, left and right, to fight Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei fought them for only a few bouts before turning his horse and fleeing toward his own camp. Wang Jing drove his cavalry and infantry forward in a mass to pursue him. Jiang Wei led his troops westward along the Tao River. As they drew near the water, he shouted to his officers and men, “The situation is desperate! Why do you not exert your utmost strength?” All his generals turned and fought back with all their might, inflicting a crushing defeat on the Wei troops. Zhang Yi and Xiahou Ba had maneuvered behind the Wei army and now attacked from two directions, trapping the Wei troops in the center. Jiang Wei displayed all his martial prowess and charged into the Wei army, striking left and right. The Wei troops fell into total disorder and trampled one another. More than half were killed, countless others were driven into the Tao River, and over ten thousand heads were taken. Corpses lay piled for several miles. Wang Jing led a hundred surviving horsemen and fought his way out with all his strength, then fled straight to the city of Didao. He rushed inside and shut the gates to defend it. Having won a complete victory, Jiang Wei rewarded his army and then prepared to advance against Didao. Zhang Yi remonstrated, “General, your achievement is complete and the fame of your might has spread far and wide. You should stop now. If you advance and matters do not go as you wish, it will be just like adding feet to a finished picture of a snake.” Jiang Wei said, “No. After our previous defeats, I still sought to advance and sweep across the Central Plains. Today, after our victory at the Tao River, the men of Wei are terrified. I expect Didao to be as easy to take as turning over my hand. Do not undermine your own resolve.” Zhang Yi remonstrated again and again, but Jiang Wei would not listen. He mustered his troops and advanced to seize Didao.

Now Chen Tai, General Who Conquers the West in Yongzhou, was preparing to mobilize his troops and avenge Wang Jing’s defeat when Inspector of Yanzhou Deng Ai suddenly arrived with an army. Chen Tai received him, and after the proper courtesies had been exchanged, Deng Ai said, “I have received the Senior General’s orders and have come especially to help you defeat the enemy.” Chen Tai asked Deng Ai for a plan. Deng Ai said, “After his victory at the Tao River, if Jiang Wei were to rally the Qiang tribes, advance eastward to contest the regions of the passes and Long, and circulate proclamations through the four commanderies, it would pose a grave danger to our army. Instead of doing this, he is trying to capture Didao. Its walls are strong, and it cannot be taken quickly. He is only exhausting his troops and wasting their strength. I will now array troops at Xiang Ridge and then advance to strike him. The Shu army will certainly be defeated.” Chen Tai said, “That is truly an excellent plan!” He first detached twenty units of troops, each consisting of fifty men, all carrying banners, drums, horns, beacon materials, and similar equipment. They hid by day and traveled at night, taking up ambush positions in the high mountains and deep valleys southeast of Didao. They were to wait until the enemy arrived, then all beat drums and sound horns in response. At night, they were to light fires and set off signal cannon to frighten the enemy. When all these dispositions had been made, they waited for the Shu troops to arrive. Chen Tai and Deng Ai then each led twenty thousand troops forward, one army following the other.

Now Jiang Wei had surrounded Didao and ordered his troops to attack from all eight directions. After several days of continuous assaults, the city still had not fallen. He grew deeply frustrated and could devise no plan. At dusk that day, couriers on swift horses arrived three or five times in succession to report, “Two armies are approaching, with large characters clearly written on their banners. One is led by General Who Conquers the West Chen Tai, and the other by Inspector of Yanzhou Deng Ai.” Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and summoned Xiahou Ba to discuss the situation. Xiahou Ba said, “I once told you, General, that Deng Ai has understood the art of war and mastered geography since his youth. Now that he has arrived with an army, he will be a formidable opponent.” Jiang Wei said, “His army has come from far away. We must not give him time to establish a foothold, but strike him at once.” He left Zhang Yi to attack the city and ordered Xiahou Ba to lead troops against Chen Tai, while he himself led troops to meet Deng Ai. Before he had gone five li, a signal cannon suddenly sounded in the southeast. Drums and horns shook the earth, and flames soared into the sky. Jiang Wei spurred his horse forward to look and saw Wei banners all around him. He cried in alarm, “I have fallen into Deng Ai’s trap!” He immediately sent orders for Xiahou Ba and Zhang Yi to abandon Didao and withdraw. The Shu troops therefore all retreated to Hanzhong. Jiang Wei personally covered the rear and heard the sound of drums behind him without cease. Only when he had withdrawn into Jiange did he learn that the fires and drums at more than twenty locations had all been a deception. Jiang Wei gathered his army and withdrew to encamp at Zhongdi.

Because of Jiang Wei’s achievement west of the Tao River, the Latter Emperor issued an edict appointing him Senior General. Jiang Wei accepted the office and submitted a memorial expressing his gratitude for the imperial favor. He then again began planning a campaign against Wei. Just so:

Once success is won, there is no need to add feet to the snake;Yet to punish the traitors, he still sought to display a tiger’s might.

How this new northern campaign would fare will be revealed in the chapter that follows.