Chapter 116

Zhong Hui Divides His Forces on the Hanzhong Road; the Martial Marquis Manifests His Spirit on Mount Dingjun

Now Sima Zhao said to Shao Ti, an assistant clerk of the Western Bureau: “The court officials all say that Shu cannot yet be attacked. This shows that their hearts are afraid; if such men were forced to fight, defeat would be inevitable. Zhong Hui alone has proposed the conquest of Shu, which proves that his heart knows no fear. Since his heart knows no fear, he will surely break Shu. Once Shu is broken, the courage of its people will already be shattered. ‘A defeated general cannot speak of valor; a minister of a fallen state cannot plot its preservation.’ Even if Zhong Hui should harbor rebellious ambitions, how could the people of Shu assist him? As for the men of Wei, once victorious, they will long to return home. They would never follow Zhong Hui in revolt, so there is still less cause for concern. These words are for you and me alone. On no account must you divulge them.” Shao Ti bowed in submission.

When Zhong Hui had finished establishing his encampment, he ascended to his command tent and summoned all his officers to receive their orders. Among them were Wei Guan, the Army Inspector; Hu Lie, the Army Protector; and the generals Tian Xu, Pang Hui, Tian Zhang, Yuan Qing, Qiu Jian, Xiahou Xian, Wang Jia, Huangfu Kai, Ju An, and more than eighty others. Zhong Hui said, “We must have a great general as vanguard, one who will open roads through the mountains and lay bridges wherever he meets water. Who dares undertake it?” One man answered at once, “I am willing to go.” Zhong Hui looked and saw that it was Xu Yi, son of the tiger general Xu Chu. All those present said, “No one but this man can serve as vanguard.” Zhong Hui called Xu Yi forward and said, “You are a warrior with a tiger’s frame and an ape’s arms, and both father and son bear illustrious names. Now all the generals have vouched for you as well. You may take the vanguard seal and lead five thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry directly against Hanzhong. The army will divide into three routes: you will command the center and emerge through Xie Valley; the left army will emerge through Luo Valley; and the right army through Ziwu Valley. These are all rugged and perilous mountain regions. You must order the troops to level the roads, repair the bridges, hew through mountains, and break apart rocks, so that nothing obstructs our passage. If you disobey, you will be dealt with under military law.” Xu Yi accepted the command and led his troops forward. Zhong Hui followed with more than a hundred thousand men, marching by day and night.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai was in Longxi. Having received the imperial command to attack Shu, he first ordered Sima Wang to go and hold the Qiang tribes in check. He then summoned Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yongzhou; Wang Qi, Governor of Tianshui; Qian Hong, Governor of Longxi; and Yang Xin, Governor of Jincheng, each to muster the troops under his command and report for orders. By the time the soldiers and horses had gathered like clouds, Deng Ai dreamed one night that he climbed a lofty mountain and gazed toward Hanzhong. Suddenly a spring burst forth beneath his feet, and the waters surged upward. In a moment he awoke with a start, his whole body streaming with sweat. He sat waiting for dawn, then summoned his guard officer, Shao Huan, to question him. Shao Huan had long been well versed in the Book of Changes. Deng Ai related the dream in full. Shao Huan replied, “The Changes says: ‘Water upon the mountain is called Obstruction. The hexagram Obstruction favors the southwest and does not favor the northeast.’ Confucius said: ‘Obstruction favors the southwest: to go there brings achievement. It does not favor the northeast: there the way comes to an end.’ On this campaign, General, you will certainly conquer Shu. Yet regrettably, obstruction will prevent your return.” At these words Deng Ai became grave and joyless. Suddenly Zhong Hui’s dispatch arrived, appointing a time for Deng Ai to raise his forces and join him in Hanzhong. Deng Ai therefore sent Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yongzhou, with fifteen thousand men to cut off Jiang Wei’s route of retreat. Next he sent Wang Qi, Governor of Tianshui, with fifteen thousand men to attack Tazhong from the left, and Qian Hong, Governor of Longxi, with fifteen thousand men to attack Tazhong from the right. He also sent Yang Xin, Governor of Jincheng, with fifteen thousand men to fall upon Jiang Wei’s rear at Gansong. Deng Ai himself led thirty thousand men to move between the various armies and support them.

When Zhong Hui’s army set forth, the officials escorted him beyond the city walls. Banners and standards blotted out the sun; armor gleamed with the chill of frost. The men were strong, the horses vigorous, and their martial splendor struck awe into every beholder. All gazed on them with admiration, save Liu Shi, a staff officer to the Chancellor of State, who merely smiled and said nothing. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang saw his cold smile, grasped his hand from horseback, and asked, “Will Zhong Hui and Deng Ai succeed in pacifying Shu on this expedition?” Liu Shi replied, “They will certainly destroy Shu. But I fear that neither of them will return to the capital.” Wang Xiang asked the reason, but Liu Shi only smiled and made no answer. Wang Xiang questioned him no further.

Once the Wei armies had set forth, a spy promptly entered Tazhong and reported the news to Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei immediately drew up a memorial to the Latter Emperor, asking him to issue an edict ordering Zhang Yi, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Left, to lead troops to defend Yangping Pass, and Liao Hua, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, to guard the bridge at Yinping: “These two places are of the utmost importance. If they are lost, Hanzhong cannot be preserved. At the same time an envoy must be sent to Wu to request aid. I shall myself raise the forces at Tazhong to resist the enemy.”

At that time the Latter Emperor had changed the fifth year of Jingyao to the first year of Yanxing, and spent his days amusing himself in the palace with the eunuch Huang Hao. When Jiang Wei’s memorial suddenly arrived, he summoned Huang Hao and asked, “The state of Wei has now sent Zhong Hui and Deng Ai with great hosts advancing by separate routes. What are we to do?”

Huang Hao memorialized: “This is merely Jiang Wei seeking to win fame and merit; that is why he has submitted this memorial. Let Your Majesty set your heart at ease and entertain no doubts or fears. I have heard that there is a sorceress in the city who serves a divine spirit and can foretell good and evil. You may summon her and question her.”

The Latter Emperor followed his advice. In the rear hall he arranged incense, flowers, paper offerings, candles, sacrificial articles, and other ritual gifts, then ordered Huang Hao to bring the sorceress into the palace in a small carriage and seat her upon the Dragon Bed. When the Latter Emperor had burned incense and finished his prayer, the sorceress suddenly loosened her hair, bared her feet, and leaped about the hall scores of times before circling upon the sacrificial table. Huang Hao said, “The divine spirit has descended. Your Majesty should dismiss the attendants and pray to it in person.” The Latter Emperor dismissed every attendant, bowed twice, and offered his prayer.

The sorceress cried out, “I am the tutelary god of Western Chuan! Your Majesty rejoices in peace and prosperity; why do you inquire into other matters? Within a few years, the territories of Wei will also belong to Your Majesty. You must not worry.”

As soon as she had spoken, she collapsed unconscious upon the floor and did not revive for a long while. The Latter Emperor was overjoyed and rewarded her lavishly. From that time forward he placed complete faith in the sorceress’s words and refused to heed Jiang Wei. Every day he did nothing but feast and revel in the palace. Jiang Wei repeatedly submitted urgent memorials, but Huang Hao concealed them all, and thus affairs of the greatest moment were fatally delayed.

Meanwhile, Zhong Hui’s great army wound onward toward Hanzhong. Xu Yi, vanguard of the foremost division, was eager to win the first merit and led his troops ahead to Nanzheng Pass. Xu Yi said to his subordinate officers, “Beyond this pass lies Hanzhong. There are not many troops atop it, so we can seize it by a single determined assault.” The officers received the order, and all pressed forward with united strength.

The Shu general guarding the pass was Lu Xun. Having learned in advance that the Wei army was coming, he had hidden soldiers on both sides of the wooden bridge before the pass and set up the ten-bolt repeating crossbows bequeathed by Marquis Wu. Just as Xu Yi’s soldiers charged the pass, a wooden clapper sounded, and arrows and stones fell like rain. As Xu Yi hastily withdrew, several dozen horsemen were shot down. The Wei troops suffered a severe defeat.

Xu Yi returned and reported to Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui himself brought more than a hundred armored horsemen from his personal guard to inspect the place, and sure enough, bolts and arrows poured down together. Zhong Hui wheeled his horse and turned back, whereupon Lu Xun led five hundred men charging down from the pass. Zhong Hui spurred his horse across the bridge, but the earth upon it collapsed, trapping his mount’s hoof and nearly pitching him from the saddle. The horse struggled but could not free itself, so Zhong Hui abandoned it and fled on foot. As he ran off the bridge, Lu Xun overtook him and thrust with his spear. But Xun Kai, from among the Wei troops, turned and loosed an arrow that shot Lu Xun from his horse.

Zhong Hui ordered his men to seize the pass in the wake of this success. Because Shu soldiers were still before the pass, the defenders above did not dare shoot their arrows. Zhong Hui scattered them, captured the mountain pass, and at once appointed Xun Kai Army Protector, rewarding him with a complete set of saddle, horse, and armor.

Zhong Hui then summoned Xu Yi to his tent and rebuked him: “As vanguard, it was your duty to open roads through the mountains, lay bridges wherever you met water, and devote yourself to repairing bridges and roads so that the army might advance. Just now, when I reached the bridge, my horse’s hoof was trapped, and I nearly fell from it. Had it not been for Xun Kai, I would already have been slain! Since you disobeyed my military order, you must be punished according to military law!” He shouted to the guards to drag Xu Yi out and behead him.

The generals pleaded, “His father, Xu Chu, rendered great service to the court. We beg the Commander-in-Chief to pardon him.”

Zhong Hui angrily replied, “If military law is not made clear, how can I command the host?” He therefore ordered Xu Yi beheaded as a warning to all. Not one of the generals was left unshaken.

At that time the Shu general Wang Han held Lecheng, while Jiang Bin held Hancheng. Seeing the overwhelming strength of the Wei army, neither dared give battle; they merely shut their gates and defended themselves. Zhong Hui gave the order: “In war, swiftness is precious. We must not halt even briefly.” He therefore commanded Li Fu of the vanguard to surround Lecheng and Army Protector Xun Kai to surround Hancheng, while he himself led the main army against Yangping Pass.

The Shu general defending the pass, Fu Qian, discussed with his deputy, Jiang Shu, whether to fight or hold firm. Jiang Shu said, “The Wei army is exceedingly numerous, and its power cannot be withstood. Our best course is to defend the pass resolutely.”

Fu Qian said, “No. The Wei troops have come from afar and must be weary. Though numerous, they need not be feared. If we do not descend from the pass to fight, Hancheng and Lecheng are lost.”

Jiang Shu remained silent and made no reply. Suddenly a report came that the main body of the Wei army had reached the foot of the pass. Jiang Shu and Fu Qian mounted the walls to survey it. Zhong Hui brandished his whip and shouted, “I have come with a hundred thousand men! If you surrender at once, each of you will be promoted and employed according to his rank. But if you stubbornly refuse submission, once I break through the pass, jade and common stone alike shall be consumed!”

Fu Qian flew into a rage. Ordering Jiang Shu to guard the pass, he personally led three thousand soldiers charging down from it. Zhong Hui turned and fled, and the entire Wei army retreated. Fu Qian pursued them in the flush of success, whereupon the Wei troops closed ranks once more. When Fu Qian sought to withdraw into the pass, the banners of Wei had already been raised above it.

Jiang Shu called out, “I have surrendered to Wei!”

Furious, Fu Qian cursed him in a stern voice: “Traitor who has forgotten grace and forsaken righteousness! With what face can you ever behold the Son of Heaven?” He wheeled his horse and renewed the battle against the Wei troops.

The Wei soldiers closed in from every side, surrounding Fu Qian at the heart of the press. He charged left and right, fighting desperately back and forth, but could not break free. Of the Shu soldiers under his command, eight or nine out of every ten were wounded. Fu Qian raised his face to heaven and sighed: “In life I was a minister of Shu; in death I shall be a ghost of Shu!” Once more he spurred his horse into the enemy. Struck by several spears, his robe and armor drenched in blood, he fell when his horse collapsed beneath him. Fu Qian then cut his own throat and died. A later poet lamented him:

One day he poured forth loyal wrath;A thousand autumns revere his righteous name.Better to die the death of Fu QianThan live the life of Jiang Shu.

After Zhong Hui captured Yangping Pass, he found within it immense stores of grain, fodder, and military equipment. Greatly delighted, he rewarded the Three Armies. That night the Wei troops lodged in the city of Yang’an. Suddenly, tremendous shouts arose to the southwest. Zhong Hui hurried out of his tent to look, but there was not the slightest movement. The Wei army dared not sleep the entire night.

At the second watch of the following night, the shouting again arose in the southwest. Alarmed and suspicious, Zhong Hui sent men to investigate at daybreak. They returned and reported, “We scouted for more than ten li into the distance and found not a single person.”

Still filled with uncertainty, Zhong Hui personally led several hundred horsemen, all fully armed and accoutered, to patrol toward the southwest. They came to a mountain, where suddenly a murderous vapor arose on every side, gloomy clouds gathered thickly, and mist shrouded the summit. Zhong Hui reined in his horse and asked the local guide, “What mountain is this?”

He answered, “This is Mount Dingjun. Xiahou Yuan died here long ago.”

On hearing this, Zhong Hui became melancholy and displeased, and reined around to return. As he rounded the mountainside, a violent gale suddenly sprang up. Several thousand horsemen burst forth behind them and charged with the wind. Zhong Hui was greatly alarmed and led his men galloping away. Countless officers fell from their horses. Yet when they reached Yangping Pass, not a single man or horse had been lost; they had merely bruised their faces in falling and lost their helmets.

They all said, “We saw men and horses charging out of the dark clouds, but when they drew near, they harmed no one. It was nothing but a whirlwind.”

Zhong Hui asked the surrendered general Jiang Shu, “Is there a divine temple on Mount Dingjun?”

Jiang Shu replied, “There is no divine temple there, only the tomb of Marquis Zhuge Wu.”

Zhong Hui exclaimed in astonishment, “This must be Marquis Wu manifesting his divine power. I shall go in person to offer sacrifice.”

The next day Zhong Hui prepared the sacrificial rites, slaughtered the full complement of ox, sheep, and pig, and went in person to the tomb of Marquis Wu, where he bowed twice and offered sacrifice. When the rites were complete, the violent wind abruptly ceased and the gloomy clouds scattered in every direction. Suddenly a gentle breeze began to blow and a fine rain softly fell. When the shower had passed, the sky cleared. The Wei soldiers rejoiced greatly, bowed in gratitude, and returned to camp.

That night Zhong Hui fell asleep leaning over a table in his tent. Suddenly a fresh breeze passed through, and he saw a man wearing a silk headcloth and carrying a feather fan. He was dressed in a crane-feather cloak, with white shoes and a black sash. His face was like fine jade, his lips as though painted with vermilion; his brows were delicate, his eyes bright, and he stood eight feet tall. In his light and graceful bearing, he had the aspect of an immortal.

The man entered the tent. Zhong Hui rose to greet him and asked, “Who are you, sir?”

The man replied, “This morning I was greatly honored by your visit. I have a few words to tell you. Though the fortunes of Han have declined and Heaven’s mandate cannot be defied, the common people of the Two Rivers have been wantonly visited by the calamity of war and are truly to be pitied. After entering their land, you must on no account slaughter the innocent.”

With that, he swept his sleeves and departed. Zhong Hui tried to detain him, but suddenly awoke and discovered that it had been a dream. Realizing that it was the spirit of Marquis Wu, he was filled with astonishment and awe.

He therefore issued an order to the vanguard to raise a white banner bearing the four words, “Preserve the State, Pacify the People.” Wherever the army went, anyone who wantonly killed a single person would pay with his own life. Thereupon all the people of Hanzhong came out of their cities to bow and welcome him. Zhong Hui comforted them one by one, and his soldiers did not commit the slightest offense. A later poet praised this in verse:

Tens of thousands of ghostly troops encircled Dingjun,Compelling Zhong Hui to bow before the sacred spirit.In life, his counsels sustained the house of Liu;In death, his last command still shielded Shu’s people.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wei was at Tazhong. Hearing that the Wei armies were approaching in great force, he sent dispatches to Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, and Dong Jue, ordering them to bring troops to his support. At the same time, he divided his own forces and assigned his generals to await the enemy.

Suddenly it was reported that the Wei troops had arrived. Jiang Wei led his army out to meet them. The foremost general in the Wei formation was Wang Qi, Governor of Tianshui. Riding forth, Wang Qi shouted, “I now command a million soldiers and a thousand great generals! We are advancing in twenty separate columns and have already reached Chengdu. Instead of surrendering at once, you still seek to resist us. How can you be so ignorant of Heaven’s decree?”

Jiang Wei flew into a rage, leveled his spear, and galloped straight at Wang Qi. Before three bouts had been fought, Wang Qi was soundly defeated and fled. Jiang Wei drove his troops after him for twenty li, when suddenly gongs and drums sounded together and another force deployed before him. Upon its banner were written in large characters: “Qian Hong, Governor of Longxi.”

Jiang Wei laughed and said, “Such rat-like creatures are no match for me!” He urged his troops onward in pursuit. After another ten li, however, he encountered Deng Ai leading troops against him. The two armies plunged into a confused battle. Summoning all his spirit, Jiang Wei fought Deng Ai for more than ten bouts, with neither gaining the advantage. Then gongs and drums sounded once more behind him.

As Jiang Wei hastily withdrew, a messenger from the rear army reported, “All the camps at Gansong have been burned and destroyed by Yang Xin, Governor of Jincheng.”

Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed. He ordered his deputy generals to set up false banners and hold Deng Ai at bay, while he himself withdrew the rear division and hastened through the night to rescue Gansong. There he encountered Yang Xin. Yang Xin dared not engage him and fled along a mountain road, with Jiang Wei close behind.

As they approached the foot of a cliff, timber and stones rained down from above, and Jiang Wei could advance no farther. By the time he had turned back and reached the middle of the road, the Shu troops had already been defeated by Deng Ai. The main Wei army came on and surrounded Jiang Wei. Leading his horsemen, Jiang Wei fought his way out through the encirclement and fled into his main camp, where he held firm while awaiting reinforcements.

Suddenly a courier on a swift horse arrived and reported, “Zhong Hui has broken through Yangping Pass. The defending general Jiang Shu surrendered, Fu Qian died in battle, and Hanzhong now belongs to Wei. Wang Han, the defender of Lecheng, and Jiang Bin, the defender of Hancheng, learned that Hanzhong had fallen and likewise opened their gates and surrendered. Hu Ji could not withstand the enemy and has fled back to Chengdu to seek reinforcements.”

Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and immediately gave the order to strike camp. That night his army reached Jiangchuankou, where another force stood deployed before him. The leading Wei general was Yang Xin, Governor of Jincheng. Jiang Wei flew into a rage and galloped forward to engage him. After only one bout, Yang Xin fled in defeat.

Jiang Wei took up his bow and shot at him, but three arrows in succession all missed. His anger mounting, Jiang Wei broke his own bow, leveled his spear, and pursued. His warhorse stumbled with its forelegs and threw him to the ground. Yang Xin wheeled his horse and rode back to kill Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei leaped to his feet and thrust with his spear, striking Yang Xin’s horse squarely in the head. Wei troops came rushing up from behind and rescued Yang Xin.

Jiang Wei mounted his warhorse and was about to pursue when a report came that Deng Ai’s army had arrived behind him. Unable to attend to both front and rear, Jiang Wei gathered his forces and sought to regain Hanzhong. But a scout reported, “Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yongzhou, has already cut off the route of return.”

Jiang Wei encamped amid the mountain fastnesses, while the Wei troops stationed themselves at the Yinping bridgehead. With no road forward or back, Jiang Wei sighed deeply and said, “Heaven means to destroy me!”

His deputy general Ning Sui said, “Though the Wei troops have blocked the Yinping bridge, Yongzhou itself must be lightly defended. If you proceed through Konghan Valley and strike directly at Yongzhou, Zhuge Xu will surely withdraw his forces from Yinping to rescue it. You may then lead your army to Jian’ge and defend it. In that way Hanzhong can be recovered.”

Jiang Wei accepted the plan. He immediately led his troops into Konghan Valley, feigning an attack on Yongzhou. A spy reported this to Zhuge Xu. Zhuge Xu was greatly alarmed and said, “Yongzhou is the place where my forces are assembled. If I should lose it through negligence, the court will certainly call me to account.” He hastily withdrew the main army and took the southern route to relieve Yongzhou, leaving only a small force to guard the bridgehead.

Jiang Wei entered the northern road and advanced about thirty li. Reckoning that the Wei army must already have departed, he reined about and turned his rear division into the vanguard, then made straight for the bridgehead. Sure enough, the main body of the Wei army had gone, leaving only a few soldiers on guard. Jiang Wei scattered them in a single assault and burned all their stockades and palisades.

When Zhuge Xu learned that fires had arisen at the bridgehead, he led his army back once more. But Jiang Wei’s troops had already been gone for half a day, and Zhuge Xu did not dare pursue them.

Jiang Wei led his troops across the bridgehead and was proceeding onward when another army approached from ahead. It was commanded by Zhang Yi, General of the Left, and Liao Hua, General of the Right. Jiang Wei questioned them.

Zhang Yi said, “Huang Hao trusted the words of witches and mediums and refused to send troops. When I heard that Hanzhong was in danger, I raised an army on my own and came here, but by then Yangping Pass had already been captured by Zhong Hui. Now I have heard that you were surrounded, General, and have come especially to support you.”

The armies thereupon united into one. Liao Hua said, “We are now beset by enemies on every side, and our grain routes have been cut. It would be better to withdraw and defend Jian’ge, then devise a sound plan.”

Jiang Wei hesitated, unable to decide. Suddenly it was reported that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai had divided their troops into more than ten columns and were advancing to attack. Jiang Wei wished to divide his forces with Zhang Yi and Liao Hua and meet them in battle.

Liao Hua said, “The terrain at Baishui is confined and the roads are numerous. It is no place to contest in battle. Better to withdraw for now and go to save Jian’ge. If Jian’ge is lost, our road will be cut off.”

Jiang Wei accepted his counsel and led his army toward Jian’ge. As they drew near the pass, they suddenly heard drums and horns sounding together and great shouts rising. Standards and banners stood everywhere, and an army had seized the entrance to the pass. Truly:

Hanzhong’s rugged strongholds were already lost;Now sudden storms arose at Jian’ge too.

Whose army it was will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Zhong Hui Divides His Forces on the Hanzhong Road; the Martial Marquis Manifests His Spirit on Mount Dingjun

Sima Zhao said to Shao Ti, an assistant in the Western Bureau, “The court officials all say that Shu cannot yet be attacked. This shows they are afraid at heart; if they were forced to fight, they would certainly be defeated. Zhong Hui alone has proposed the plan to conquer Shu, which shows that he is not afraid. Since he is not afraid, he is certain to destroy Shu. Once Shu is destroyed, the courage of its people will already be shattered. ‘A defeated general cannot speak of valor; an official of a fallen state cannot plan for survival.’ Even if Zhong Hui should harbor rebellious ambitions, how could the people of Shu help him? As for the Wei soldiers, once victorious they will long to return home. They certainly will not follow Zhong Hui in rebellion, so there is even less reason for concern. Only you and I are to know what I have said. You must never let it leak out.” Shao Ti bowed in admiration.

After Zhong Hui had established his camp, he took his seat in the command tent and assembled all the generals to receive their orders. Among them were Army Inspector Wei Guan, Army Protector Hu Lie, and the generals Tian Xu, Pang Hui, Tian Zhang, Yuan Qing, Qiu Jian, Xiahou Xian, Wang Jia, Huangfu Kai, Gou An, and more than eighty others. Zhong Hui said, “We need a great general to serve as vanguard, opening roads through the mountains and building bridges wherever he encounters water. Who dares undertake this?” One man immediately answered, “I am willing to go.” Zhong Hui looked and saw that it was Xu Yi, son of the fierce general Xu Chu. Everyone said, “No one else is fit to serve as vanguard.” Zhong Hui summoned Xu Yi and said, “You are a general with a tiger’s build and an ape’s arms, and both you and your father are renowned. Now all the generals endorse you as well. You may receive the seal of vanguard and command five thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry straight to Hanzhong. The army will divide into three routes: you will lead the center force through Xie Valley; the left force will go through Luo Valley; and the right force will go through Ziwu Valley. These are all rugged and dangerous mountain regions. You must have the troops level the roads, repair the bridges, cut through mountains, and break apart rocks, allowing nothing to obstruct us. If you disobey, you will be dealt with under military law.” Xu Yi accepted the order and advanced with his troops. Zhong Hui followed with more than one hundred thousand men, marching day and night.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai was in Longxi. After receiving the imperial edict to conquer Shu, he ordered Sima Wang to go and hold back the Qiang tribes. He also dispatched Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yong Province; Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui; Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi; and Yang Xin, Administrator of Jincheng, each to mobilize the troops under his command and report for orders. By the time the armies had assembled in great numbers, Deng Ai had a dream one night. He dreamed that he climbed a high mountain and looked toward Hanzhong, when a spring suddenly burst from beneath his feet and its waters surged upward. He awoke with a start, his entire body drenched in sweat, and sat waiting for dawn. Then he summoned his guard officer, Shao Huan, and questioned him. Shao Huan had long been well versed in the Book of Changes. Deng Ai told him the entire dream. Shao Huan replied, “The Book of Changes says, ‘Water above a mountain is called Obstruction. The hexagram Obstruction favors the southwest but not the northeast.’ Confucius said, ‘Obstruction favors the southwest because going there brings achievement; it does not favor the northeast because there the way comes to an end.’ On this expedition, General, you will certainly conquer Shu. Unfortunately, obstruction will prevent your return.” Deng Ai was saddened and displeased when he heard this. Just then, a dispatch arrived from Zhong Hui arranging for Deng Ai to raise his army and coordinate with him in Hanzhong. Deng Ai therefore sent Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yong Province, with fifteen thousand troops to cut off Jiang Wei’s route of retreat. Next he sent Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui, with fifteen thousand troops to attack Tazhong from the left, and Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi, with fifteen thousand men to attack Tazhong from the right. He also sent Yang Xin, Administrator of Jincheng, with fifteen thousand men to intercept Jiang Wei’s rear at Gansong. Deng Ai himself led thirty thousand troops, moving back and forth to provide support.

When Zhong Hui set out on the campaign, hundreds of officials escorted him beyond the city. His banners blotted out the sun, and his armor gleamed like frost. His men were strong, his horses vigorous, and his imposing might inspired awe. Everyone praised and admired him. Only Liu Shi, an adviser to the Chancellor of State, smiled faintly without speaking. Grand Commandant Wang Xiang saw Liu Shi’s cold smile, took his hand from horseback, and asked, “Will Zhong Hui and Deng Ai be able to pacify Shu on this expedition?” Liu Shi replied, “They will certainly destroy Shu, but I fear that neither of them will return to the capital.” Wang Xiang asked why, but Liu Shi merely smiled and did not answer. Wang Xiang then questioned him no further.

Once the Wei army had set out, spies soon reached Tazhong and reported the news to Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei immediately prepared a memorial to the Latter Emperor, requesting an edict ordering Zhang Yi, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Left, to lead troops in guarding Yangping Pass, and Liao Hua, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Right, to guard the bridge at Yinping: “These two places are of the utmost importance. If they are lost, Hanzhong cannot be preserved. An envoy should also be sent to Wu to request aid. Meanwhile, I will personally lead the troops at Tazhong against the enemy.” At this time the Latter Emperor had changed the fifth year of Jingyao to the first year of Yanxing, and spent his days amusing himself in the palace with the eunuch Huang Hao. When Jiang Wei’s memorial suddenly arrived, he summoned Huang Hao and asked, “Wei has now sent Zhong Hui and Deng Ai with great armies advancing by separate routes. What are we to do?” Huang Hao replied, “Jiang Wei merely wants to establish fame and merit, and that is why he has submitted this memorial. Set your mind at ease, Your Majesty, and have no doubts or fears. I have heard that there is a spirit medium in the city who worships a god and can foretell good and bad fortune. She can be summoned and questioned.” The Latter Emperor followed his advice. In a rear hall, he arranged incense, flowers, spirit money, candles, and sacrificial offerings, and ordered Huang Hao to bring the medium into the palace in a small carriage and seat her upon the imperial couch. When the Latter Emperor had burned incense and finished his prayer, the medium suddenly loosened her hair, bared her feet, leaped dozens of times around the hall, and spun about on top of the table. Huang Hao said, “The divine spirit has descended. Your Majesty should dismiss everyone and pray to it personally.” The Latter Emperor dismissed all his attendants, bowed twice, and offered his prayer. The medium cried out, “I am the local god of Western Sichuan! Your Majesty enjoys the happiness and peace of the realm. Why ask about other affairs? Within a few years, the territory of Wei will belong to Your Majesty as well. Your Majesty must not worry.” When she had finished speaking, she collapsed unconscious on the floor and did not revive until some time later. The Latter Emperor was delighted and rewarded her lavishly. From then on, he deeply believed the medium’s words and refused to heed Jiang Wei. Every day he did nothing but feast and make merry in the palace. Jiang Wei repeatedly submitted urgent memorials, but Huang Hao concealed them all, and so momentous affairs were neglected.

Zhong Hui’s great army advanced in a long column toward Hanzhong. Xu Yi, vanguard of the forward force, wanted to win the first distinction, so he led his troops ahead to Nanzheng Pass. Xu Yi said to his subordinate officers, “Beyond this pass lies Hanzhong. There are not many troops defending it, so we can seize it with one determined assault.” The officers received their orders and surged forward together. The Shu general guarding the pass, Lu Xun, had already learned that the Wei troops were coming. On both sides of the wooden bridge before the pass, he had concealed soldiers and set up the repeating crossbows left behind by Marquis Wu, each capable of firing ten bolts. As Xu Yi’s men charged the pass, a wooden clapper sounded, and arrows and stones rained down. By the time Xu Yi hastily retreated, dozens of cavalrymen had already been shot down. The Wei troops suffered a crushing defeat. Xu Yi returned and reported to Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui personally led more than a hundred armored cavalry from his own command to inspect the place, and sure enough, arrows and crossbow bolts came pouring down together. Zhong Hui wheeled his horse around to leave, but Lu Xun led five hundred troops down from the pass in pursuit. Zhong Hui spurred his horse across the bridge, but the earth on it collapsed and trapped his horse’s hooves, nearly throwing him from the saddle. When the horse could not pull free, Zhong Hui abandoned it and fled on foot. Just as he ran off the bridge, Lu Xun caught up and thrust his spear at him, but Xun Kai of the Wei army turned and shot an arrow, knocking Lu Xun from his horse. Zhong Hui ordered his men to seize the opportunity and storm the pass. Because Shu troops were still in front of the pass, its defenders did not dare fire their arrows. Zhong Hui scattered them and captured the mountain pass. He then appointed Xun Kai Army Protector and rewarded him with a complete set of saddle, horse, and armor. Zhong Hui summoned Xu Yi to his command tent and rebuked him: “As vanguard, it was your duty to open roads through the mountains and build bridges wherever you encountered water. Your special responsibility was to repair the bridges and roads so the army could march. Just now, when I reached the bridge, my horse’s hooves became trapped, and I nearly fell from it. If not for Xun Kai, I would have been killed! Since you have disobeyed my military order, you must be dealt with under military law!” He shouted for the guards to take Xu Yi out and behead him. The generals pleaded, “His father, Xu Chu, rendered meritorious service to the court. We beg the Commander-in-Chief to spare him.” Zhong Hui angrily replied, “If military law is not enforced, how can I command the army?” He then ordered Xu Yi beheaded as a warning to all. Every general was horrified.

At that time, the Shu general Wang Han was defending Lecheng, while Jiang Bin was defending Hancheng. Seeing the great strength of the Wei army, they did not dare come out to fight and merely shut their gates and held their positions. Zhong Hui issued an order: “Speed is the essence of warfare. We cannot pause even briefly.” He ordered Li Fu of the forward force to surround Lecheng and Army Protector Xun Kai to surround Hancheng, while he personally led the main army against Yangping Pass. The Shu general defending the pass, Fu Qian, discussed whether to fight or defend with his deputy, Jiang Shu. Jiang Shu said, “The Wei troops are extremely numerous, and their power cannot be resisted. Our best course is to hold firm.” Fu Qian said, “No. The Wei troops have come from far away and must be exhausted. Though numerous, they are nothing to fear. If we do not descend from the pass and fight, Hancheng and Lecheng are finished.” Jiang Shu remained silent and did not answer. Suddenly a report came that the main body of the Wei army had reached the pass. Jiang Shu and Fu Qian went up to the battlements to look. Zhong Hui raised his whip and shouted, “I have come here at the head of one hundred thousand men! If you come out and surrender at once, each of you will be promoted and employed according to your rank. But if you stubbornly refuse to submit, once we break through the pass, both jade and common stone will be burned together!” Fu Qian was furious. He ordered Jiang Shu to hold the pass while he personally led three thousand troops down to attack. Zhong Hui immediately fled, and the Wei troops all withdrew. Fu Qian pressed his advantage and pursued, whereupon the Wei troops closed in again. When Fu Qian tried to retreat into the pass, the banners of Wei had already been raised above it. Jiang Shu called out, “I have surrendered to Wei!” Fu Qian was enraged and cursed him in a stern voice: “You ungrateful, treacherous wretch! How can you have the face to appear before the Son of Heaven?” He wheeled his horse around and again engaged the Wei troops. The Wei forces closed in from all sides, surrounding Fu Qian at the center. He charged left and right, fighting desperately back and forth, but could not break free. Eight or nine out of every ten Shu soldiers under his command were wounded or killed. Fu Qian looked up to heaven and sighed, “In life I was a minister of Shu; in death I shall be a ghost of Shu!” Once more he spurred his horse into the attack. He was struck by several spears, and blood soaked his robe and armor. When his horse collapsed beneath him, Fu Qian cut his own throat and died. A later poet lamented:In one day he poured out his loyal wrath;For a thousand autumns, men revere his righteous name.Better to die as Fu Qian diedThan live the life Jiang Shu chose.

After Zhong Hui captured Yangping Pass, he found immense stores of grain, fodder, and weapons inside. Overjoyed, he rewarded the entire army. That night, the Wei troops lodged in the city of Yang’an. Suddenly, tremendous battle cries rose from the southwest. Zhong Hui hurried out of his tent to look, but there was no movement at all. The Wei army did not dare sleep all night. During the second watch on the following night, the cries rose again from the southwest. Alarmed and suspicious, Zhong Hui sent men to investigate at dawn. They returned and reported, “Our scouts searched more than ten li into the distance but found no one.” Still uneasy and uncertain, Zhong Hui personally led several hundred cavalry, all fully armed and equipped, to patrol toward the southwest. When they reached a mountain, they saw a murderous haze suddenly rise on every side, while gloomy clouds gathered and mist shrouded the peak. Zhong Hui reined in his horse and asked the local guide, “What mountain is this?” The guide replied, “This is Mount Dingjun, where Xiahou Yuan died long ago.” On hearing this, Zhong Hui became melancholy and displeased, and turned his horse back. As they rounded the mountainside, a fierce wind suddenly sprang up, and several thousand cavalry appeared behind them, charging down with the wind. Zhong Hui was terrified and led his men galloping away. Countless officers fell from their horses. Yet when they finally reached Yangping Pass, not one man or horse had been lost. They had only injured their faces in falls and lost their helmets. They all said, “We saw men and horses charging out of the dark clouds, but when they came close, they did not hurt anyone. It was nothing but a whirlwind.” Zhong Hui asked the surrendered general Jiang Shu, “Is there a shrine to some god on Mount Dingjun?” Jiang Shu replied, “There is no divine shrine there, only the tomb of Marquis Wu, Zhuge Liang.” Zhong Hui said in amazement, “This must have been a manifestation of Marquis Wu’s spirit. I must go there in person and make an offering.”

The next day, Zhong Hui prepared sacrificial offerings, slaughtered the full complement of sacrificial animals, and personally went to the tomb of Marquis Wu, where he bowed twice and performed the rites. Once the sacrifice was complete, the fierce wind immediately ceased and the gloomy clouds scattered in every direction. Suddenly, a gentle breeze began to blow and a fine rain fell. When the shower had passed, the sky cleared. The Wei troops were delighted. They all bowed in thanks and returned to camp. That night, Zhong Hui fell asleep leaning over a table in his tent. Suddenly, a gentle breeze passed through, and he saw a man wearing a silk headcloth and carrying a feather fan. The man was dressed in a crane-feather cloak, with white shoes and a black sash. His face was like polished jade, his lips as red as vermilion, his brows fine, and his eyes bright. He stood eight feet tall and had the ethereal bearing of an immortal. The man entered the tent. Zhong Hui rose to greet him and asked, “Who are you, sir?” The man replied, “This morning you honored me with a visit, and I have a few words to tell you. Although the destiny of Han has declined and Heaven’s will is difficult to oppose, the people of the two Sichuan regions have been struck down without cause by the weapons of war and are truly deserving of compassion. After entering their territory, you must never slaughter the people recklessly.” With that, he swept his sleeve and departed. Zhong Hui tried to detain him but suddenly awoke and found that it had been a dream. He knew it was the spirit of Marquis Wu and was filled with astonishment. He therefore sent an order to the forward army to raise a white banner bearing the four words “Protect the State and Safeguard the People.” Wherever they went, anyone who unlawfully killed even one person would pay with his life. The people of Hanzhong then all came out of their cities to bow and welcome the army. Zhong Hui comforted them one by one, and his soldiers did not take so much as a single autumn hair. A later poet praised him:Tens of thousands of ghostly soldiers circled Mount Dingjun,Compelling Zhong Hui to bow before the sacred spirit.In life, he devised plans to uphold the house of Liu;In death, he still left words protecting Shu’s people.

Meanwhile, at Tazhong, Jiang Wei learned that the Wei armies were advancing in great force. He sent dispatches ordering Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, and Dong Jue to bring troops to his support, while he divided his own forces and deployed his generals to await the enemy. Suddenly it was reported that the Wei troops had arrived. Jiang Wei led his army out to meet them. The foremost general in the Wei formation was Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui. Wang Qi rode out and shouted, “I now have an army of one million men and a thousand generals, advancing by twenty separate routes. We have already reached Chengdu! Instead of thinking of surrendering at once, you still mean to resist. How can you be so ignorant of Heaven’s will?” Jiang Wei was furious. Leveling his spear and urging his horse forward, he charged straight at Wang Qi. They had fought fewer than three bouts when Wang Qi was badly defeated and fled. Jiang Wei drove his troops after him for twenty li, when the sound of gongs and drums suddenly rose together and another force deployed before him. Its banner bore the large characters: “Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi.” Jiang Wei laughed and said, “Rats like these are no match for me!” He pressed his troops onward in pursuit. After another ten li, he encountered Deng Ai leading troops into the attack. The two armies became locked in confused battle. Jiang Wei summoned all his vigor and fought Deng Ai for more than ten bouts, with neither gaining the advantage. Then gongs and drums sounded again behind him. Just as Jiang Wei hurriedly withdrew, the rear force reported, “All the camps at Gansong have been burned down by Yang Xin, Administrator of Jincheng.” Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed. He quickly ordered a deputy general to set up banners as a feint and hold Deng Ai at bay, while he personally withdrew the rear force and marched through the night to rescue Gansong. There he encountered Yang Xin. Yang Xin did not dare engage him and fled toward the mountain road. Jiang Wei pursued close behind. As they approached the foot of a cliff, wood and stones rained down from above, and Jiang Wei could advance no farther. By the time he had gone halfway back, the Shu troops had already been defeated by Deng Ai. The main body of the Wei army arrived and surrounded Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei led his cavalry through the encirclement and withdrew into his main camp, where he held firm while awaiting reinforcements. Suddenly, an express rider arrived and reported, “Zhong Hui has broken through Yangping Pass. The defending general Jiang Shu surrendered, Fu Qian died in battle, and Hanzhong now belongs to Wei. Wang Han, defender of Lecheng, and Jiang Bin, defender of Hancheng, learned that Hanzhong had been lost and opened their gates to surrender as well. Hu Ji could not hold out and has fled back to Chengdu to seek reinforcements.”

Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and immediately gave orders to break camp. That night, his army reached the mouth of Jiangchuan, where another force stood deployed ahead. The leading Wei general was Yang Xin, Administrator of Jincheng. Jiang Wei was furious and spurred his horse forward to engage him. After only one bout, Yang Xin fled in defeat. Jiang Wei took up his bow and shot at him, but three arrows in succession all missed. His anger turning against the weapon, Jiang Wei broke his own bow, leveled his spear, and pursued. His horse stumbled on its forelegs and threw him to the ground. Yang Xin wheeled his horse around and came back to kill Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei leaped to his feet and thrust out his spear, striking Yang Xin’s horse squarely in the brain. Wei troops suddenly arrived from behind and rescued Yang Xin. Jiang Wei mounted his warhorse and was about to pursue when it was suddenly reported that Deng Ai’s troops were approaching from the rear. Unable to deal with both front and rear, Jiang Wei gathered his troops and attempted to retake Hanzhong. A scout reported, “Zhuge Xu, Inspector of Yong Province, has already cut off our route back.” Jiang Wei established camp on difficult mountain terrain. The Wei troops encamped at the head of Yinping Bridge. With no road forward or back, Jiang Wei sighed deeply and said, “Heaven is destroying me!” His deputy, Ning Sui, said, “Although the Wei troops have blocked Yinping Bridge, Yong Province itself must be lightly defended. If you proceed through Konghan Valley and head straight for Yong Province, Zhuge Xu will certainly withdraw his troops from Yinping to rescue Yong Province. You can then lead our troops to Jiange and defend it, after which Hanzhong can be recovered.” Jiang Wei followed his advice. He immediately sent his troops into Konghan Valley, pretending that he intended to capture Yong Province. Spies reported this to Zhuge Xu. Zhuge Xu was greatly alarmed and said, “Yong Province is where my forces assemble. If I lose it through negligence, the court will certainly hold me responsible.” He hurriedly withdrew his main army and took the southern road to rescue Yong Province, leaving only one detachment to guard the bridgehead. Jiang Wei entered the northern road and traveled about thirty li. Calculating that the Wei troops must by then have departed, he turned his army back, made the rear units the vanguard, and went straight to the bridgehead. Sure enough, the main body of the Wei army had gone, leaving only a small number of troops on guard. Jiang Wei scattered them in a single assault and burned all their camps and stockades. When Zhuge Xu learned that fires had broken out at the bridgehead, he led his troops back again. Jiang Wei’s army had already been gone for half a day, so Zhuge Xu did not dare pursue.

Jiang Wei led his troops across the bridgehead. As they were marching, an army approached from ahead, led by Zhang Yi, General of the Left, and Liao Hua, General of the Right. Jiang Wei questioned them. Zhang Yi said, “Huang Hao believed the words of mediums and shamans and refused to send troops. When I heard that Hanzhong was in danger, I raised troops on my own and came here, but by then Yangping Pass had already been taken by Zhong Hui. Now that I have heard you are trapped, General, I have come especially to support you.” They then combined their forces. Liao Hua said, “We are now under attack from every side, and our supply routes are blocked. We should retreat to defend Jiange and then devise a sound plan.” Jiang Wei remained uncertain and had not yet decided when it was suddenly reported that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai had divided their troops into more than ten columns and were advancing to attack. Jiang Wei wanted to divide the army with Zhang Yi and Liao Hua and meet them in battle. Liao Hua said, “The region around Baishui is narrow and has many roads. It is no place to fight. We should withdraw for now and go to the rescue of Jiange. If Jiange is lost, our way will be cut off.” Jiang Wei agreed and led his troops toward Jiange. As they approached the pass, it was suddenly reported that drums and horns were sounding together, battle cries were rising, banners had been raised everywhere, and an army was blocking the entrance to the pass. Truly:Hanzhong’s rugged strongholds were no more,And now fresh turmoil suddenly arose at Jiange.Whose army it was will be revealed in the next chapter.