Chapter 115

The Latter Ruler Heeds Slander and Orders Retreat; Jiang Wei Seeks Safety under the Guise of Military Colonies

Now in the tenth month of winter, in the fifth year of Jingyao of the Shu-Han dynasty, the General-in-Chief Jiang Wei sent men to repair the plank roads through the night and put the army’s provisions and weapons in order. He also requisitioned boats from the waterways of Hanzhong. When all was ready, he submitted a memorial to the Latter Emperor: “Though in my repeated campaigns I have yet to achieve any great success, I have already shaken the courage of the men of Wei. Our troops have now been kept at rest for a long time. If they do not fight, they will grow idle, and idleness will bring sickness. Moreover, the soldiers long to give their lives, and the generals long to prove their devotion. If I do not prevail, I shall accept the penalty of death.” After reading the memorial, the Latter Emperor hesitated and could not decide. Qiao Zhou stepped forward from the ranks and memorialized: “Last night I observed the configurations of Heaven and saw that over the celestial field corresponding to western Shu, the general’s star was dim and without radiance. Now the General-in-Chief again wishes to lead forth an army, but this expedition will be exceedingly unfavorable. Your Majesty should issue an edict forbidding it.” The Latter Emperor said, “Let us first see how this campaign fares. If it truly meets with loss, then I shall restrain him.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated again and again, but the Emperor would not heed him. He returned home, sighing without cease, and thereafter pleaded illness and no longer appeared at court.

As Jiang Wei was about to raise his army, he asked Liao Hua, “Now that I am taking the field, I have sworn to recover the Central Plain. What place should I seize first?” Liao Hua replied, “Years of continuous campaigning have given neither soldiers nor people any peace. Moreover, Wei has Deng Ai, a man of ample wisdom and many stratagems, no ordinary adversary. Since you insist upon attempting what is exceedingly difficult, I dare not presume to decide the matter.” Jiang Wei flew into a rage and said, “In former days the Prime Minister made six expeditions from Qishan, and he too did so for the sake of the state. Now I am campaigning against Wei for the eighth time—can it be for any private purpose of my own? I shall first take Taoyang. Whoever opposes me will be beheaded!” He therefore left Liao Hua to guard Hanzhong, while he himself led the other generals and three hundred thousand troops straight toward Taoyang. Men at the passes of Shu soon carried word of this into the camp at Qishan. Deng Ai was then discussing warfare with Sima Wang. When he heard the news, he sent scouts to investigate, and they returned to report that the entire Shu army had come out by way of Taoyang. Sima Wang said, “Jiang Wei is full of stratagems. Could he be making a feint against Taoyang while actually intending to seize Qishan?” Deng Ai said, “This time Jiang Wei has truly come out against Taoyang.” Wang asked, “How do you know?” Ai replied, “In his former campaigns Jiang Wei repeatedly attacked places where we had provisions. Taoyang now has none. Jiang Wei must have reckoned that we would guard only Qishan and not Taoyang, and so he has advanced directly upon Taoyang. If he gains that city, he can store provisions and fodder there, ally himself with the Qiang tribes, and lay plans for a protracted campaign.” Wang said, “If that is so, what are we to do?” Ai replied, “We must withdraw all the troops from here, divide them into two forces, and go to the relief of Taoyang. Twenty-five li from Taoyang stands the small city of Houhe, which commands the throat of the approach to Taoyang. Lead one force and lie in ambush within Taoyang. Lower your banners, still your drums, and throw open all four gates; then proceed thus and thus. I shall lead the other force and lie in ambush at Houhe. We shall surely win a great victory.” When their plan was settled, each proceeded according to it. Only the deputy general Shi Zuan was left to guard the camp at Qishan.

Jiang Wei ordered Xiahou Ba to command the vanguard and lead a force ahead to seize Taoyang. Xiahou Ba advanced with his troops, and as he drew near Taoyang, he saw not a single banner upon the walls, while all four gates stood wide open. Suspicion arose in his heart, and he dared not enter. Turning to his generals, he said, “Can this be a trick?” They replied, “It is plainly an empty city. There were only a few common people within, and when they heard that the General-in-Chief’s army was coming, they all abandoned the city and fled.” Xiahou Ba remained unconvinced. He rode alone to reconnoiter south of the city and saw countless old people and children fleeing toward the northwest. Xiahou Ba was overjoyed. “It truly is an empty city!” he cried. He charged in at the head of his men, and the rest followed behind. They had only just reached the outer enclosure of the gate when a cannon blast suddenly sounded. Drums and horns thundered together from the walls, standards sprang up everywhere, and the drawbridges were hauled aloft. Xiahou Ba cried in alarm, “We have fallen into the trap!” He hurried to retreat, but arrows and stones rained down from the walls. Alas, Xiahou Ba and all five hundred of his soldiers died beneath the city. A later poet lamented:Bold Jiang Wei possessed a subtle, far-reaching plan;Who knew Deng Ai had secretly guarded against it?Pity Xiahou Ba, who cast his lot with Han—In an instant, beside the walls, he died beneath the arrows.

Sima Wang charged out from the city, and the Shu troops fled in utter defeat. Jiang Wei then arrived with his supporting forces, drove Sima Wang back, and encamped beside the city walls. When Jiang Wei heard that Xiahou Ba had been shot dead, he grieved and sighed without cease. During the second watch that night, Deng Ai secretly led a force out of Houhe and stole into the Shu camp. The Shu soldiers fell into confusion, and Jiang Wei could not restrain them. Drums and horns shook the heavens from the city, and Sima Wang led his troops forth to attack. Assailed from both sides, the Shu army suffered a crushing defeat. Jiang Wei charged left and right, fighting desperately until he broke free, then withdrew more than twenty li and established a camp. After two successive defeats and retreats, the hearts of the Shu soldiers were shaken. Jiang Wei said to his generals, “Victory and defeat are the common lot of soldiers. Though we have lost troops and generals, there is no cause for alarm. Success or failure will be decided by this one stroke. You must not waver from beginning to end. Whoever speaks of retreat will be beheaded at once.” Zhang Yi stepped forward and said, “The Wei troops are all gathered here, so Qishan must be empty. General, put your forces in order, engage Deng Ai, and attack Taoyang and Houhe. I shall lead a force to seize Qishan. Once its nine camps have fallen, we may drive our troops toward Chang’an. This is the best plan.” Jiang Wei agreed and immediately ordered Zhang Yi to lead the rear army straight against Qishan.

Jiang Wei himself led his troops to Houhe and challenged Deng Ai to battle. Deng Ai brought out his army to meet him. The two forces drew up facing each other, and the two commanders fought for more than several dozen bouts without either gaining the advantage. Each then withdrew his troops to camp. The next day Jiang Wei again led out his men to challenge, but Deng Ai held his soldiers in place and would not emerge. Jiang Wei ordered his troops to hurl insults at the enemy. Deng Ai pondered: “Though the men of Shu suffered a great slaughter at my hands, they have not withdrawn at all, but instead have come day after day to provoke battle. They must have divided their forces and sent a detachment to raid the camp at Qishan. The camp commander Shi Zuan has few troops and little wisdom; he will surely be defeated. I must personally go to his rescue.” He summoned his son Deng Zhong and instructed him: “Guard this place with the utmost care, no matter how the enemy challenges you. On no account sally forth lightly. Tonight I shall lead troops to the relief of Qishan.” At the second watch that night, as Jiang Wei was devising plans in his camp, he suddenly heard shouts outside that shook the earth, while drums and horns clamored to the skies. A messenger reported that Deng Ai had brought three thousand picked troops for a night attack, and the generals wished to go out against him. Jiang Wei stopped them, saying, “Do not move recklessly.” In fact, Deng Ai had led his troops before the Shu camp to reconnoiter it, then used the commotion as cover to hasten to the relief of Qishan. Deng Zhong withdrew into the city. Jiang Wei summoned his generals and said, “Deng Ai has made a false show of a night attack. He has surely gone to relieve the camp at Qishan.” He then called Fu Qian and instructed him: “Guard this camp, and do not engage the enemy lightly.” Having given these orders, Jiang Wei himself led three thousand troops to assist Zhang Yi.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yi had reached Qishan and was attacking it. The camp commander Shi Zuan had too few troops and could not hold out. Just as the camp seemed on the point of falling, Deng Ai’s army suddenly arrived and charged into battle. The Shu troops were badly defeated, and Zhang Yi was cut off behind the mountain, his road of return severed. While he was in desperate straits, he suddenly heard tremendous shouting and the thunder of drums and horns, and saw the Wei soldiers falling back in confusion. His attendants reported, “The General-in-Chief Jiang Boyue has arrived!” Zhang Yi seized the moment and drove his troops forward to respond. Attacked from both sides, Deng Ai suffered a reverse and hastily withdrew into the camp at Qishan, refusing to come out. Jiang Wei ordered his soldiers to surround and attack it from every side.

The tale now divides. In Chengdu, the Latter Emperor listened to the words of the eunuch Huang Hao and abandoned himself to wine and women, paying no heed to affairs of state. At that time the wife of the high minister Liu Yan, Lady Hu, was exceedingly beautiful. When she entered the palace to pay court to the Empress, the Empress kept her there, and she did not emerge for a full month. Liu Yan suspected that his wife had carried on an illicit affair with the Latter Emperor. He therefore summoned five hundred soldiers from his command, arrayed them before him, had his wife bound, and ordered each soldier to strike her face dozens of times with his shoe. She nearly died before recovering consciousness. When the Latter Emperor heard of it, he was furious and ordered the proper officials to deliberate upon Liu Yan’s crime. They rendered this judgment: “Common soldiers are not the persons appointed to chastise a wife, nor is the face a place upon which punishment may be inflicted. He should accordingly be executed and his corpse exposed in the marketplace.” Liu Yan was therefore beheaded. From that time onward, the titled wives of officials were forbidden to enter court. Yet because of the Latter Emperor’s debauchery, many officials at the time harbored doubts and resentment. Thus worthy men gradually withdrew, while petty men advanced day by day. At that time the General of the Right, Yan Yu, had not a shred of merit to his name; solely because he fawned upon Huang Hao, he had received high rank. Hearing that Jiang Wei commanded the army at Qishan, he persuaded Huang Hao to memorialize the Latter Emperor: “Jiang Wei has fought repeatedly without success. Yan Yu should be ordered to replace him.” The Latter Emperor accepted the proposal and sent an envoy bearing an edict to recall Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei was then attacking the stockades at Qishan, when one day three successive edicts arrived commanding him to withdraw his army. He had no choice but to obey. First he ordered the forces at Taoyang to retreat; afterward he and Zhang Yi withdrew slowly. Inside his camp Deng Ai heard drums and horns clamoring throughout the night, but did not know what they meant. At daybreak a man reported that all the Shu troops had withdrawn, leaving only an empty camp. Deng Ai suspected a stratagem and dared not pursue.

Jiang Wei proceeded straight to Hanzhong, where he halted his men and horses, then entered Chengdu with the imperial envoy to see the Latter Emperor. For ten days in succession the Emperor did not hold court, and Jiang Wei became suspicious. That day, when he went to the Donghua Gate, he encountered Xi Zheng, a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. Jiang Wei asked him, “The Son of Heaven summoned me to withdraw my army. Do you know the reason?” Xi Zheng smiled and said, “How can the General-in-Chief still not know? Huang Hao wished to give Yan Yu an opportunity to win merit, so he memorialized the court and caused an edict to be issued recalling you. But now he has heard that Deng Ai is highly skilled in warfare, and so the matter has been set aside.” Jiang Wei was furious. “I will kill that eunuch cur!” he cried. Xi Zheng restrained him, saying, “General, you carry on the work of the Marquis of Wu and bear a grave and weighty charge. How can you act rashly? If the Son of Heaven refuses to tolerate it, the result will only be disgraceful.” Jiang Wei thanked him, saying, “Your words are right, sir.” The next day the Latter Emperor and Huang Hao were feasting and drinking in the rear garden when Jiang Wei entered directly with several attendants. Someone had already informed Huang Hao, who hurriedly hid beside the artificial hills by the lake. Jiang Wei came beneath the pavilion, bowed before the Latter Emperor, and memorialized him in tears: “I had Deng Ai trapped at Qishan, yet Your Majesty issued three edicts in succession summoning me back to court. I do not know Your Sacred Majesty’s purpose.” The Latter Emperor remained silent. Jiang Wei memorialized again: “Huang Hao is treacherous and cunning and has arrogated power to himself. He is another of the Ten Regular Attendants from the time of Emperor Ling. Your Majesty has the recent example of Zhang Rang and the distant example of Zhao Gao. If this man is killed without delay, the court will naturally become pure and peaceful, and only then may the Central Plain be recovered.” The Latter Emperor laughed and said, “Huang Hao is merely a petty servant who runs at my bidding. Even if he has arrogated power, he is incapable of accomplishing anything. In former days Dong Yun always gnashed his teeth in hatred of Hao, which I found exceedingly strange. Why must you take the matter to heart?” Jiang Wei knocked his head upon the ground and memorialized: “If Your Majesty does not kill Huang Hao today, disaster is not far off.” The Latter Emperor said, “‘When we love a man, we wish him to live; when we hate him, we wish him to die.’ Why can you not tolerate a single eunuch?” He ordered a nearby attendant to summon Huang Hao from beside the artificial hills by the lake. When Hao came beneath the pavilion, the Emperor commanded him to bow before Jiang Wei and acknowledge his fault. Weeping, Huang Hao bowed and said, “I do nothing but attend upon His Majesty from morning till night and have never interfered in affairs of state. General, do not listen to the words of outsiders and seek to kill me. My life lies in your hands; I beg you to show me mercy.” When he had spoken, he knocked his head upon the ground and shed tears.

Jiang Wei departed in bitter anger and immediately went to see Xi Zheng, to whom he recounted the entire affair. Xi Zheng said, “Disaster is not far from you, General. If you fall into danger, the state will perish with you.” Jiang Wei said, “I beg you, sir, to instruct me in a plan that will preserve the state and secure my own person.” Xi Zheng replied, “In Longxi there is a place called Tazhong, whose soil is exceedingly rich and fertile. Why do you not follow the Marquis of Wu’s example of maintaining military colonies? Memorialize the Son of Heaven and ask to go to Tazhong to cultivate the fields. First, when the wheat ripens, it will augment the army’s supplies. Second, from there you may gradually lay plans against all the commanderies west of Longshan. Third, the men of Wei will not dare turn their full attention upon Hanzhong. Fourth, while you remain outside the capital and hold military power in your hands, no one will be able to plot against you, and you may escape disaster. This is the plan that will preserve the state and secure your person. You should carry it out without delay.” Jiang Wei was overjoyed and thanked him, saying, “Your words, sir, are as precious as gold and jade.” The next day Jiang Wei submitted a memorial to the Latter Emperor, requesting permission to establish military farms at Tazhong in imitation of the Marquis of Wu. The Latter Emperor consented. Jiang Wei then returned to Hanzhong and assembled his generals. “In my repeated campaigns,” he said, “I have failed to succeed because our provisions were insufficient. I shall now take eighty thousand troops to Tazhong to sow wheat and cultivate military farms, while slowly planning further advances. We have endured the hardships of war for a long time. Today we shall gather in our troops, accumulate grain, and withdraw to defend Hanzhong. The Wei army must transport its provisions a thousand li, crossing mountains and ridges, and will naturally become exhausted. Once exhausted, it must retreat. If we then take advantage of its weakness and pursue, we cannot fail to prevail.” He therefore ordered Hu Ji to guard the city of Hanshou, Wang Han to guard Lecheng, Jiang Bin to guard Hancheng, and Jiang Shu and Fu Qian together to defend the passes. When all assignments had been made, Jiang Wei personally led eighty thousand troops to Tazhong to sow wheat, laying plans for a protracted campaign.

When Deng Ai heard that Jiang Wei had established military farms at Tazhong and set up more than forty camps along the roads, linked without interruption like the coils of a long serpent, he ordered secret agents to survey the terrain and draw it upon maps. He then prepared a full memorial and submitted it. When Sima Zhao, Duke of Jin, saw it, he was furious. “Jiang Wei has repeatedly invaded the Central Plain,” he said, “yet we have been unable to destroy him. He is a mortal threat to me.” Jia Chong said, “Jiang Wei received the profound teachings of Kongming, and it will be difficult to drive him back quickly. We must obtain a general of both wisdom and courage and send him to assassinate Jiang Wei. Thus we may be spared the toil of mobilizing an army.” Xun Xu, a Palace Gentleman in the Office of the Army Adviser, said, “That is not so. Liu Shan, the ruler of Shu, is now lost in wine and women and places his trust in Huang Hao, while all his great ministers think only of escaping disaster. Jiang Wei’s establishment of military farms at Tazhong is itself a plan to avoid calamity. If a great general is ordered to attack Shu, victory is certain. Why employ assassins?” Sima Zhao laughed loudly. “Your words are excellent. I wish to attack Shu. Who can serve as commander?” Xun Xu replied, “Deng Ai is an outstanding talent of the age. If Zhong Hui is appointed his deputy, the great enterprise will succeed.” Sima Zhao was delighted. “That accords exactly with my own intention.” He summoned Zhong Hui and asked him, “I wish to appoint you commander-in-chief and send you to attack Eastern Wu. Can you undertake it?” Zhong Hui replied, “My lord’s true intention is not to attack Wu, but to attack Shu.” Sima Zhao laughed loudly. “You truly understand my mind. But if you go to attack Shu, what strategy will you use?” Zhong Hui said, “I anticipated that my lord wished to attack Shu and have already drawn the necessary maps.” Sima Zhao opened them and examined them. The maps recorded in exact detail where camps were to be established and provisions and fodder stored along every route, where the armies were to advance, and by what roads they were to retreat. Every part was set forth methodically. After examining them, Sima Zhao was overjoyed. “A true general indeed! What say you to joining forces with Deng Ai to take Shu?” Zhong Hui replied, “The roads into the lands of Shu are extensive, and we cannot advance by only one route. Deng Ai should be ordered to divide his forces and advance separately.” Sima Zhao therefore appointed Zhong Hui General Who Guards the West, granted him the imperial tally and battle-axe, and placed him in command of the troops of Guanzhong, with authority to mobilize forces from Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Jingzhou, Yangzhou, and other regions. At the same time, he sent an envoy bearing the imperial tally to appoint Deng Ai General Who Conquers the West and commander of the forces outside the passes and throughout Longxi, ordering him to agree upon a date for the invasion of Shu.

The next day Sima Zhao deliberated upon the matter outside the court. Deng Dun, General of the Vanguard, said, “Jiang Wei has repeatedly invaded the Central Plain, and our troops have suffered very heavy losses. Even now we can scarcely ensure the security of our defenses. How can we penetrate deep into perilous mountains and rivers and bring calamity and disorder upon ourselves?” Sima Zhao angrily replied, “I mean to raise an army of benevolence and righteousness to punish a ruler who has lost the Way. How dare you oppose my intention?” He shouted for the guards to drag Deng Dun out and behead him. A moment later Deng Dun’s head was presented at the foot of the steps. Everyone turned pale. Sima Zhao said, “Since my eastern campaign, I have rested for six years. My troops have been trained and my armor repaired, and every preparation is complete. I have long desired to attack Wu and Shu. Now I shall first subdue western Shu, then take advantage of the current flowing downstream and advance by water and land together to annex Eastern Wu. This is the strategy of destroying Guo and then taking Yu. By my reckoning, western Shu has eighty or ninety thousand officers and men defending Chengdu, no more than forty or fifty thousand guarding its frontiers, and no more than sixty or seventy thousand with Jiang Wei at his military farms. I have now ordered Deng Ai to lead more than a hundred thousand troops from outside the passes and west of Longshan, pinning Jiang Wei down at Tazhong so that he cannot turn eastward. I have sent Zhong Hui with two or three hundred thousand picked troops from Guanzhong to advance directly upon Luogu, attacking Hanzhong by three routes. Liu Shan, the ruler of Shu, is benighted and dull. Once the frontier cities are broken from without, men and women alike will tremble within. His destruction is certain.” All bowed in submission.

After Zhong Hui received the seal of General Who Guards the West, he raised his army to attack Shu. Fearing that his plans might leak out, he announced instead that he meant to attack Wu and ordered each of the five regions of Qingzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Jingzhou, and Yangzhou to build large ships. He also sent Tang Zi to the coastal districts of Dengzhou, Laizhou, and other prefectures to requisition seagoing vessels. Sima Zhao did not understand his purpose and summoned Zhong Hui to ask him, “You are to conquer Shu by the overland routes. What need have you to build ships?” Zhong Hui replied, “If Shu hears that our great army is advancing, it will certainly seek aid from Eastern Wu. I am therefore first creating a show of force and giving the appearance that we mean to attack Wu, so that Wu will not dare move rashly. Within a year Shu will have fallen and the ships will be finished. We may then attack Wu. Will that not follow naturally?” Sima Zhao was overjoyed and selected a day for the army’s departure.

It was then the fourth year of Jingyuan of Wei, on the third day of the seventh month, in autumn, when Zhong Hui set forth with the army. Sima Zhao escorted him ten li beyond the city before turning back. Shao Ti, an assistant in the Western Bureau, privately said to Sima Zhao, “My lord has now sent Zhong Hui to lead a hundred thousand troops against Shu. In my foolish judgment, Hui’s ambitions are vast and his pride is high. He must not be allowed to wield such great authority alone.” Sima Zhao smiled and said, “Do you think I do not know that?” Shao Ti replied, “Since my lord knows it, why not appoint another man to share his command?” Sima Zhao spoke at length, and Shao Ti’s doubts were instantly dispelled. Thus it was said:Just as the troops and horses spur onward to the fray,His general’s lawless heart he has discerned already.What Sima Zhao said remains unknown; read on to see how the tale unfolds.

The Latter Ruler Heeds Slander and Orders Retreat; Jiang Wei Seeks Safety under the Guise of Military Colonies

Now in the tenth month of winter, in the fifth year of Jingyao of Shu-Han, Grand General Jiang Wei sent men to repair the plank roads through the night and put the army’s provisions and weapons in order. He also requisitioned boats from the waterways of Hanzhong. When all preparations were complete, he submitted a memorial to the Latter Emperor: “Though I have repeatedly gone to war without yet achieving any great success, I have already shaken the courage of the men of Wei. Our troops have now rested for a long time. If they do not fight, they will grow idle, and idleness will lead to sickness. Moreover, the soldiers are eager to fight to the death, and the commanders are eager to carry out their orders. If I fail to win, I shall accept the penalty of death.” After reading the memorial, the Latter Emperor hesitated and could not decide. Qiao Zhou stepped forward from the ranks and memorialized: “Last night I observed the heavens and saw that over the region corresponding to western Shu, the General’s Star was dim and gave no light. Now the Grand General wishes to campaign again, but this expedition will be extremely unfavorable. Your Majesty should issue an edict stopping him.” The Latter Emperor said, “Let us first see how this campaign goes. If he truly suffers a setback, then we shall stop him.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated again and again, but the emperor would not listen. He returned home, sighing without end, and thereafter claimed illness and no longer appeared at court.

As Jiang Wei was about to raise the army, he asked Liao Hua, “Now that I am setting out, I have sworn to recover the Central Plains. What place should I take first?” Liao Hua replied, “Years of continuous warfare have left both soldiers and people without peace. Moreover, Wei has Deng Ai, who is resourceful and full of strategy, no ordinary opponent. Since you insist on attempting something so difficult, I do not dare offer a definite opinion.” Jiang Wei flew into a rage and said, “In former days the Chancellor made six expeditions from Mount Qi, and he did so for the sake of the state. I am now launching my eighth campaign against Wei. Do you think I am doing it for private gain? We shall take Taoyang first. Anyone who opposes me will be beheaded!” He left Liao Hua to defend Hanzhong, then personally led the other commanders and three hundred thousand troops straight toward Taoyang. Scouts at the passes soon carried word to the encampment at Mount Qi. Deng Ai was then discussing military affairs with Sima Wang. On hearing the news, he sent out scouts, who returned to report that all the Shu troops were advancing by way of Taoyang. Sima Wang said, “Jiang Wei is full of schemes. Could his apparent attack on Taoyang be a feint while his true objective is Mount Qi?” Deng Ai said, “This time Jiang Wei really is advancing on Taoyang.” Sima Wang asked, “How do you know?” Deng Ai replied, “In the past, whenever Jiang Wei marched out, he always attacked places where we had grain. Taoyang now has no grain. Jiang Wei must suppose that we will defend only Mount Qi and leave Taoyang unguarded, and that is why he is going straight for Taoyang. If he captures the city, he can stockpile grain and fodder there, join forces with the Qiang tribes, and make long-term plans.” Sima Wang said, “If that is so, what are we to do?” Deng Ai replied, “We should withdraw all the troops from here and divide them into two forces to relieve Taoyang. Twenty-five li from Taoyang is the small city of Houhe, which controls the vital approach to Taoyang. Lead one force and conceal it within Taoyang. Lower the banners, silence the drums, and throw open all four gates. Then proceed in this way and that. I shall lead the other force and lie in ambush at Houhe. We are certain to win a great victory.” Once their plan was settled, each acted accordingly. Only the deputy commander Shi Zuan was left to defend the encampment at Mount Qi.

Jiang Wei ordered Xiahou Ba to command the vanguard and lead a force straight to Taoyang. Xiahou Ba advanced with his troops, and as he approached Taoyang, he saw not a single banner on the walls and all four gates standing wide open. Suspicious, he did not dare enter the city. Turning to the other commanders, he said, “Could this be a trick?” They replied, “It is clearly an empty city. There were only a few common people here, and when they heard that the Grand General’s army was coming, they all abandoned the city and fled.” Xiahou Ba was still unconvinced. He rode alone to inspect the southern side of the city and saw countless old people and children fleeing toward the northwest. Delighted, he said, “It really is an empty city!” He charged in first, and the rest followed behind him. Just as they reached the outer ward, a cannon suddenly boomed. Drums and horns sounded together on the walls, banners rose everywhere, and the drawbridge was hauled up. Xiahou Ba cried in alarm, “We have fallen into a trap!” He hurried to retreat, but arrows and stones rained down from the walls. Alas, Xiahou Ba and five hundred soldiers all died beneath the city walls. A later poet lamented:Bold Jiang Wei’s subtle plans reached far,But Deng Ai secretly stood on guard.Poor Xiahou Ba, who had gone over to Han,In moments died beneath the arrows by the wall.

Sima Wang charged out from the city, and the Shu troops fled in a crushing defeat. Soon afterward, Jiang Wei arrived with the supporting force, drove Sima Wang back, and made camp beside the city. When Jiang Wei heard that Xiahou Ba had been shot dead, he grieved and sighed without end. During the second watch that night, Deng Ai secretly led a force out of Houhe and stealthily attacked the Shu camp. The Shu troops fell into chaos, and Jiang Wei could not bring them under control. Drums and horns thundered from the city walls as Sima Wang led his troops out to attack. Assailed from both sides, the Shu army suffered a crushing defeat. Jiang Wei charged left and right, fought desperately, and finally escaped. He withdrew more than twenty li and established another camp. After twice being defeated and driven back, the morale of the Shu troops began to waver. Jiang Wei told the commanders, “Victory and defeat are common in war. Though we have lost troops and commanders, there is no cause for concern. Success or failure now depends on this one stroke. You must remain steadfast to the end. Anyone who speaks of retreat will be beheaded at once.” Zhang Yi stepped forward and said, “All the Wei troops are gathered here, so Mount Qi must be empty. General, reorganize the army and engage Deng Ai while attacking Taoyang and Houhe. I shall lead a force to seize Mount Qi. Once we have taken its nine encampments, we can drive the army toward Chang’an. This is the best plan.” Jiang Wei agreed and immediately ordered Zhang Yi to lead the rear force straight to Mount Qi.

Jiang Wei personally led troops to Houhe and challenged Deng Ai to battle. Deng Ai brought out his army to meet him. The two armies formed their lines, and the two commanders fought for more than several dozen bouts without either gaining the advantage. Each then withdrew his troops to camp. The next day, Jiang Wei again led his troops out to challenge Deng Ai, but Deng Ai held his army back and would not come out. Jiang Wei ordered his men to shout insults. Deng Ai thought, “The men of Shu suffered a great slaughter at my hands, yet they have not retreated at all. Instead, they have returned day after day to challenge me. They must have divided their forces and sent troops to raid the encampment at Mount Qi. Its defender, Shi Zuan, has few troops and little resourcefulness, so he is certain to be defeated. I must go to his rescue in person.” He summoned his son Deng Zhong and instructed him, “Guard this place carefully. No matter how the enemy challenges you, do not rush out. Tonight I shall lead troops to reinforce Mount Qi.” During the second watch that night, as Jiang Wei was devising plans in his camp, he suddenly heard shouts shaking the ground outside and drums and horns roaring to the sky. A messenger reported that Deng Ai was leading three thousand elite troops in a night attack, and the commanders wished to go out. Jiang Wei stopped them, saying, “Do not move recklessly.” In fact, Deng Ai led his troops before the Shu camp only to scout it, then took advantage of the commotion to hurry to the relief of Mount Qi. Deng Zhong himself withdrew into the city. Jiang Wei summoned his commanders and said, “Deng Ai only made a show of launching a night attack. He has certainly gone to relieve the encampment at Mount Qi.” He then summoned Fu Qian and instructed him, “Guard this camp and do not lightly engage the enemy.” After giving these orders, Jiang Wei personally led three thousand troops to assist Zhang Yi.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yi had reached Mount Qi and was attacking it. The defender of the encampment, Shi Zuan, had too few troops and could not hold out. Just as the defenses were on the point of collapse, Deng Ai’s troops suddenly arrived and charged into the battle. The Shu army suffered a crushing defeat, and Zhang Yi was cut off behind the mountain with his route of retreat severed. Just as he was in desperate straits, he suddenly heard tremendous shouting and drums and horns roaring to the sky, and saw the Wei troops falling back in disorder. His attendants reported, “Grand General Jiang Boyue has arrived!” Zhang Yi seized the opportunity to drive his troops forward in support. Attacked from both sides, Deng Ai’s army suffered a defeat, and he hastily withdrew into the encampment on Mount Qi and refused to come out. Jiang Wei ordered his troops to surround and attack it from all four sides.

The story now divides. In Chengdu, the Latter Emperor listened to the words of the eunuch Huang Hao, indulged in wine and women, and paid no attention to affairs of state. At that time, Hu, the wife of the high minister Liu Yan, was exceptionally beautiful. She entered the palace to pay respects to the empress, who kept her there for an entire month before allowing her to leave. Liu Yan suspected that his wife had engaged in an affair with the Latter Emperor. He therefore summoned five hundred soldiers from his command, lined them up before him, and had his wife bound. He ordered each soldier to strike her dozens of times in the face with his shoe, until she nearly died before reviving. When the Latter Emperor heard of this, he flew into a rage and ordered the proper officials to deliberate Liu Yan’s crime. They rendered this judgment: “Soldiers are not the proper persons to beat a wife, nor is the face a proper place to receive punishment. He should therefore be executed and his body exposed in the marketplace.” Liu Yan was accordingly beheaded. From that time on, the wives of officials were forbidden to enter the court. Yet because of the Latter Emperor’s debauchery, many officials at the time harbored suspicions and resentment. Thus worthy men gradually withdrew, while petty men advanced day by day. At that time, Right General Yan Yu had not earned the slightest merit. Merely because he flattered Huang Hao, he had received a high rank. Hearing that Jiang Wei was commanding troops at Mount Qi, he persuaded Huang Hao to memorialize the Latter Emperor: “Jiang Wei has fought repeatedly without success. Yan Yu should be ordered to replace him.” The Latter Emperor followed his advice and dispatched a messenger bearing an edict recalling Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei was then attacking the stockades at Mount Qi, when one day three edicts arrived in succession ordering him to withdraw his army. Jiang Wei had no choice but to obey. He first ordered the troops at Taoyang to retreat, then slowly withdrew with Zhang Yi. Inside the encampment, Deng Ai heard drums and horns roaring all night, but did not know what they meant. At dawn, a messenger reported that all the Shu troops had withdrawn, leaving only an empty camp. Deng Ai suspected a trap and did not dare pursue them.

Jiang Wei went straight to Hanzhong and rested his troops and horses there. He then accompanied the imperial messenger into Chengdu to see the Latter Emperor. For ten consecutive days, the Latter Emperor did not hold court. Jiang Wei grew suspicious. One day he went to the Donghua Gate, where he encountered Xi Zheng, a Gentleman of the Palace Library. Jiang Wei asked him, “The Son of Heaven recalled me and ordered me to withdraw my army. Do you know the reason?” Xi Zheng laughed and replied, “How can the Grand General still not know? Huang Hao wanted Yan Yu to earn military merit, so he memorialized the court and had an edict issued recalling you. But now that he has heard how skilled Deng Ai is in warfare, he has dropped the matter.” Jiang Wei flew into a rage and said, “I shall kill that eunuch!” Xi Zheng stopped him, saying, “Grand General, you carry on the work of the Martial Marquis and bear a position of great responsibility. How can you act rashly? If the Son of Heaven refuses to tolerate it, the consequences will be most unfortunate.” Jiang Wei thanked him and said, “What you say is right, sir.” The next day, the Latter Emperor was feasting and drinking with Huang Hao in the rear garden when Jiang Wei led several men straight in. Someone had already informed Huang Hao, who hurriedly hid beside the artificial hills by the lake. Jiang Wei came beneath the pavilion, bowed to the Latter Emperor, and tearfully memorialized: “I had Deng Ai trapped at Mount Qi, but Your Majesty issued three edicts in succession recalling me to court. I do not understand Your Majesty’s intention.” The Latter Emperor remained silent. Jiang Wei continued, “Huang Hao is treacherous and cunning and has usurped power. He is like the Ten Regular Attendants of Emperor Ling’s time. Your Majesty has the recent example of Zhang Rang and the more distant example of Zhao Gao. Kill this man without delay, and the court will naturally become pure and peaceful; only then can the Central Plains be recovered.” The Latter Emperor laughed and said, “Huang Hao is merely a minor servant who runs errands for me. Even if he monopolizes authority, there is little he can do. In former days, Dong Yun would always gnash his teeth in hatred of Huang Hao, and I found it very strange. Why must you take the matter so seriously?” Jiang Wei knocked his head against the ground and memorialized, “If Your Majesty does not kill Huang Hao today, disaster will not be far away.” The Latter Emperor said, “‘When we love someone, we wish him to live; when we hate someone, we wish him to die.’ Why can you not tolerate a single eunuch?” He ordered an attendant to go beside the lakeside hills and summon Huang Hao to the pavilion, then commanded him to bow to Jiang Wei and admit his fault. Huang Hao wept and bowed before Jiang Wei, saying, “I merely wait upon His Majesty from morning until night. I have never interfered in affairs of state. General, do not listen to outsiders and seek to kill me. My life is in your hands; I beg you to have mercy on me.” When he had finished, he knocked his head against the ground and shed tears.

Jiang Wei departed in anger and immediately went to see Xi Zheng, to whom he related the entire affair in detail. Xi Zheng said, “General, disaster is not far from you. If you fall into danger, the state will perish soon afterward.” Jiang Wei said, “Please instruct me in a plan to preserve the state and protect myself.” Xi Zheng replied, “There is a place in Longxi called Tazhong. The land there is exceptionally fertile. Why do you not follow the Martial Marquis’s example of establishing military farms? Memorialize the Son of Heaven and ask to go to Tazhong to cultivate the land. First, the ripened wheat will increase the army’s supplies. Second, you can gradually plan to take all the commanderies west of Longshan. Third, the men of Wei will not dare threaten Hanzhong directly. Fourth, while you are outside the capital and hold military power, no one will be able to plot against you, and you can avoid disaster. This is a plan both to preserve the state and to protect yourself. You should carry it out without delay.” Jiang Wei was delighted and thanked him, saying, “Your words are as precious as gold and jade, sir.” The next day, Jiang Wei submitted a memorial to the Latter Emperor, requesting permission to establish military farms at Tazhong in imitation of the Martial Marquis. The Latter Emperor agreed. Jiang Wei then returned to Hanzhong and assembled his commanders, saying, “Though I have repeatedly campaigned, I have been unable to succeed because of insufficient provisions. I shall now lead eighty thousand troops to Tazhong to plant wheat and establish military farms while gradually planning further advances. We have long endured the hardships of battle. Today we shall draw in our troops, gather grain, and withdraw to defend Hanzhong. The Wei troops must transport their grain a thousand li across mountain ranges and will naturally become exhausted. Once exhausted, they will certainly retreat. At that time we shall pursue and attack them when they are vulnerable, and victory will be certain.” He then ordered Hu Ji to defend Hanshou, Wang Han to defend Lecheng, Jiang Bin to defend Hancheng, and Jiang Shu and Fu Qian to defend the strategic passes together. When all assignments had been made, Jiang Wei personally led eighty thousand troops to Tazhong to plant wheat and make long-term preparations.

When Deng Ai heard that Jiang Wei had established military farms at Tazhong and set up more than forty camps along the road, all linked without interruption like a long snake, he ordered spies to survey the terrain and draw detailed maps, which he submitted with a formal memorial. When Duke of Jin Sima Zhao saw them, he said angrily, “Jiang Wei has repeatedly invaded the Central Plains, yet we have been unable to destroy him. He is a mortal threat to me.” Jia Chong said, “Jiang Wei thoroughly absorbed Kongming’s teachings. It will be difficult to drive him back quickly. We must find a commander of both wisdom and courage to assassinate him, thereby avoiding the labor of mobilizing an army.” Xun Xu, Palace Attendant in the Office of the Imperial Secretariat, said, “That is not so. The ruler of Shu, Liu Shan, is lost in wine and women. He trusts and employs Huang Hao, while all his high ministers are concerned only with avoiding disaster. Jiang Wei’s establishment of military farms at Tazhong is itself a plan to escape trouble. If we order a great commander to attack Shu, he cannot fail to win. Why resort to an assassin?” Sima Zhao laughed loudly and said, “That is excellent advice. I wish to attack Shu. Who can serve as commander?” Xun Xu replied, “Deng Ai is an outstanding talent of this age. If Zhong Hui is appointed as his deputy, the great enterprise will succeed.” Sima Zhao was delighted and said, “That is exactly what I had in mind.” He summoned Zhong Hui and asked him, “I wish to appoint you as chief commander and send you to attack Eastern Wu. Can you do it?” Zhong Hui replied, “My lord does not truly intend to attack Wu. You actually intend to attack Shu.” Sima Zhao laughed loudly and said, “You truly understand my mind. But if you go to attack Shu, what strategy will you use?” Zhong Hui replied, “I anticipated that my lord intended to attack Shu, and I have already drawn the maps.” Sima Zhao unrolled them and examined them. The maps recorded in detail where camps should be established along each route, where grain and fodder should be stockpiled, and by what roads the armies should advance and retreat. Every detail had been systematically planned. After examining them, Sima Zhao was overjoyed and said, “You truly are a fine commander! What do you think of joining forces with Deng Ai to take Shu?” Zhong Hui replied, “The roads through the lands of Shu are extensive, and no single route will suffice. Deng Ai should be ordered to divide his forces and advance by separate routes.” Sima Zhao accordingly appointed Zhong Hui General Who Guards the West, granted him the imperial staff and battle-ax, and placed him in overall command of the troops in Guanzhong, with authority to mobilize forces from Qing, Xu, Yan, Yu, Jing, Yang, and the other regions. At the same time, he dispatched an envoy bearing the imperial staff to appoint Deng Ai General Who Conquers the West and place him in command of Longshang and the forces beyond the passes, ordering him to agree upon a date for the invasion of Shu.

The next day, Sima Zhao discussed the matter outside the imperial court. Former General Deng Dun said, “Jiang Wei has repeatedly invaded the Central Plains, and our troops have suffered heavy losses. Even by remaining on the defensive, we can scarcely protect ourselves. How can we penetrate deeply into dangerous mountains and rivers and bring disaster and chaos upon ourselves?” Sima Zhao angrily replied, “I intend to raise an army of benevolence and righteousness to punish a ruler without the Way. How dare you oppose my will?” He shouted for the guards to drag Deng Dun out and behead him. A short while later, Deng Dun’s head was presented below the steps. Everyone turned pale. Sima Zhao said, “Since my eastern campaign, I have rested for six years, training the troops and repairing the armor. All preparations are complete. I have long intended to attack Wu and Shu. Now we shall first pacify western Shu, then take advantage of the current to advance by both land and water and annex Eastern Wu as well. This is the method of destroying Guo and then taking Yu. I estimate that western Shu has eighty or ninety thousand soldiers and officers defending Chengdu, no more than forty or fifty thousand guarding the frontier, and no more than sixty or seventy thousand with Jiang Wei at the military farms. I have now ordered Deng Ai to lead more than one hundred thousand troops from Longyou and beyond the passes to hold Jiang Wei at Tazhong so that he cannot look eastward. I have sent Zhong Hui with two or three hundred thousand elite troops from Guanzhong straight to Luogu, attacking Hanzhong by three routes. The ruler of Shu, Liu Shan, is dim-witted. Once the frontier cities are breached, men and women within will be thrown into panic. Shu’s destruction is assured.” Everyone bowed in submission.

After Zhong Hui received the seal of General Who Guards the West, he raised an army to attack Shu. Fearing that his plans might be leaked, he publicly claimed that he was preparing to attack Wu and ordered the five regions of Qing, Yan, Yu, Jing, and Yang each to construct large ships. He also sent Tang Zi to Dengzhou, Laizhou, and other coastal areas to requisition seagoing vessels. Sima Zhao did not understand his intention and summoned Zhong Hui to ask him, “You are going to take Shu by an overland route. What need have you to build ships?” Zhong Hui replied, “If Shu hears that our armies are advancing in great strength, it will certainly seek aid from Eastern Wu. I am therefore making a great show in advance and creating the appearance that we mean to attack Wu, so Wu will not dare act rashly. Within a year, Shu will have been conquered and the ships will have been completed. Would it not then be perfectly convenient to attack Wu?” Sima Zhao was delighted and selected a day for the army to march.

It was the fourth year of Jingyuan of Wei, on the third day of the seventh month in autumn, when Zhong Hui marched out with his army. Sima Zhao escorted him ten li beyond the city before returning. Shao Ti, an assistant in the Western Bureau, privately told Sima Zhao, “My lord has now sent Zhong Hui to lead one hundred thousand troops against Shu. In my humble judgment, Zhong Hui is greatly ambitious and proud. He should not be allowed to hold such great authority alone.” Sima Zhao laughed and said, “Do you think I do not know that?” Shao Ti said, “Since my lord knows it, why not appoint someone to share his command?” Sima Zhao spoke at length, and Shao Ti’s doubts were immediately dispelled. Just so:As soldiers and horses are about to race to war,His general’s rebellious heart is recognized beforehand.What exactly he said remains unknown. Read on to see how the story unfolds.