Chapter 117

Deng Ai Steals across Yinping; Zhuge Zhan Dies in Battle at Mianzhu

Now Dong Jue, General-in-Chief Who Supports the State, heard that Wei troops had invaded the frontier by more than ten routes, so he led twenty thousand men to hold Jian’ge. That day, seeing great clouds of dust rising in the distance, he suspected the Wei army had come and hurriedly led his troops to secure the pass. Dong Jue himself went before the lines to inspect the newcomers and found they were Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, and Zhang Yi. Overjoyed, Dong Jue welcomed them into the pass. After the formal courtesies, he tearfully recounted the affair of the Latter Emperor and Huang Hao. Jiang Wei said, “Do not be troubled, sir. So long as I am here, I will never allow Wei to swallow Shu. For now, let us hold Jian’ge and devise at leisure a plan to repel the enemy.” Dong Jue said, “Though this pass can indeed be defended, there is no one in Chengdu. Should the enemy launch a surprise attack there, our whole position will collapse.” Jiang Wei said, “Chengdu is protected by steep mountains and rugged terrain and cannot easily be taken. There is no need to worry.” While they were speaking, a report suddenly came that Zhuge Xu had led troops to the foot of the pass. Jiang Wei flew into a rage and hastily led five thousand men down from the pass to attack. He drove straight into the Wei formation, charging left and right, and routed Zhuge Xu, who fled and pitched camp several dozen li away. Countless Wei soldiers were slain, and the Shu troops seized many horses, weapons, and implements. Jiang Wei then withdrew his men into the pass.

Meanwhile, Zhong Hui encamped twenty-five li from Jian’ge, and Zhuge Xu came in person to confess his guilt. Zhong Hui angrily said, “I ordered you to hold the bridgehead at Yinping and cut off Jiang Wei’s road of retreat. How did you lose it? And now, without receiving any order from me, you advanced on your own authority and brought about this defeat!” Zhuge Xu replied, “Jiang Wei is full of treacherous schemes. He feigned an attack on Yongzhou, and, fearing Yongzhou might be lost, I led my troops to its rescue. Jiang Wei seized the opportunity to escape. I pursued him to the foot of the pass, never expecting to be defeated by him again.” Zhong Hui was furious and ordered him beheaded. Army Inspector Wei Guan said, “Though Zhuge Xu is guilty, he is under the command of General Who Conquers the West Deng Ai. You should not put him to death, General, lest you damage the harmony between your armies.” Zhong Hui said, “I have come expressly to conquer Shu under the Son of Heaven’s clear edict and the solemn command of the Duke of Jin. Even if Deng Ai himself were guilty, I would be bound to execute him.” Everyone pleaded earnestly, and Zhong Hui at last had Zhuge Xu confined in a prison cart and sent to Luoyang for the Duke of Jin to deal with. He then incorporated Zhuge Xu’s troops into his own command. When someone reported this to Deng Ai, Deng Ai angrily said, “You and I hold equal rank. I have long guarded the frontier and rendered great service to the state. How dare you presume to exalt yourself above me!” His son Deng Zhong advised him, “‘If one cannot endure a small grievance, one will disrupt a great design.’ If you fall out with him, Father, you will certainly hinder the great affairs of the state. I beg you to bear with him for now.” Deng Ai followed his advice, though anger remained in his heart, and rode with a dozen horsemen to see Zhong Hui.

When Zhong Hui heard that Deng Ai had arrived, he asked those around him, “How many troops has Deng Ai brought?” They replied, “Only a dozen horsemen.” Zhong Hui then ordered several hundred armed guards to be drawn up both inside and outside his tent. Deng Ai dismounted and entered. Zhong Hui received him into the tent, and they exchanged the proper courtesies. Seeing the stern array of troops, Deng Ai felt uneasy and sought to sound him out, saying, “Your capture of Hanzhong is a great blessing to the court. You should now settle on a plan to take Jian’ge swiftly.” Zhong Hui said, “What is your considered opinion, General?” Deng Ai repeatedly professed his inability, but Zhong Hui pressed him for an answer. Deng Ai replied, “In my humble judgment, one army may be led by the narrow road through Yinping to emerge at Deyang Pavilion in Hanzhong. With this surprise force, Chengdu may be taken directly. Jiang Wei will certainly withdraw his troops to rescue it, whereupon you, General, may take advantage of the opening to seize Jian’ge and win complete success.” Zhong Hui was delighted. “Your plan is excellent, General! You may set out with your troops at once. I shall remain here awaiting news of your victory.” The two drank wine and parted. Returning to his own tent, Zhong Hui said to his generals, “Everyone says Deng Ai is a man of ability, but from what I have seen today, he is merely a mediocrity!” They asked why. Zhong Hui said, “The narrow road through Yinping runs entirely among lofty mountains and precipitous ridges. If Shu places a mere hundred men at the strategic defiles and cuts off his road back, all Deng Ai’s troops will starve to death. I need only advance by the main road. Why should I fear that Shu will not be conquered?” He therefore set up scaling ladders and catapult frames and concentrated his attacks upon Jian’ge Pass.

Deng Ai, meanwhile, passed out through the camp gate and mounted his horse. Looking back at his attendants, he asked, “What did you think of Zhong Hui’s manner toward me?” They replied, “Judging by his words and expression, he plainly did not approve of your proposal, General, but merely forced himself to agree aloud.” Deng Ai laughed. “He thinks I cannot take Chengdu. I am all the more determined to take it!” When he returned to his own camp, Shi Zuan, Deng Zhong, and the other officers and men met him and asked, “What lofty discussion did you have today with General Who Guards the West Zhong Hui?” Deng Ai said, “I spoke to him in all sincerity, but he regards me as a mediocrity. Now that he has taken Hanzhong, he considers it a supreme achievement. Yet if I had not held Jiang Wei in check at Tazhong, how could he ever have succeeded? If I now take Chengdu, that will surpass his capture of Hanzhong!” That night he issued orders to strike camp and move all his troops toward the narrow road through Yinping. They made camp seven hundred li from Jian’ge. Someone reported to Zhong Hui, “Deng Ai has gone to take Chengdu.” Zhong Hui laughed at Deng Ai’s folly.

Deng Ai composed a secret dispatch and sent a messenger racing to report to Sima Zhao. At the same time, he assembled his generals below his tent and asked them, “I intend now to take advantage of the enemy’s unpreparedness and seize Chengdu, establishing with all of you a fame that will never perish. Are you willing to follow me?” The generals answered, “We are ready to obey your commands and would not refuse even ten thousand deaths!” Deng Ai first ordered his son Deng Zhong to lead five thousand picked troops. They were to wear no armor, and each was to carry axes, chisels, and other tools. Whenever they encountered steep and perilous terrain, they were to hew through the mountains, open a road, and construct bridges and galleries to allow the army to pass. Deng Ai selected thirty thousand soldiers, each carrying dried provisions and ropes, and set out. After traveling a little more than a hundred li, he detached three thousand men to establish a camp there. After another hundred li, he again detached three thousand men to make camp. In the tenth month of that year they advanced from Yinping into sheer cliffs and precipitous valleys. For more than twenty days they traveled over seven hundred li, all through uninhabited country. The Wei troops established several camps along the way until only two thousand horse and foot remained. Ahead they came to a ridge called Sky-Scraping Ridge. Horses could go no farther, so Deng Ai climbed the ridge on foot, where he found Deng Zhong and all the road-opening soldiers in tears. Deng Ai asked the reason. Deng Zhong told him, “The western face of this ridge is a sheer wall and towering precipice. It cannot be cut through, and all our former labor has been wasted. That is why we weep.” Deng Ai said, “Our army has come this far after traveling more than seven hundred li. Beyond this ridge lies Jiangyou. How can we turn back now?” He called to all the soldiers, “‘If one does not enter the tiger’s lair, how can one obtain the tiger’s cub?’ You and I have come to this place together. If we succeed, we shall share wealth and honor alike.” All answered, “We will obey your command, General.” Deng Ai ordered the weapons and equipment thrown down first. Then he wrapped himself in felt and was the first to roll down. Those lieutenants who had felt coats wrapped themselves in them and rolled after him; those without felt coats bound ropes around their waists and descended by clutching trees and hanging from branches, proceeding one behind another like fish in a line. Deng Ai, Deng Zhong, the two thousand soldiers, and the strong men who had opened the mountain road all crossed Sky-Scraping Ridge. They had only just put their armor and equipment in order and resumed their march when they saw beside the road a stone tablet engraved with the words: “Inscribed by Zhuge, the Martial Marquis and Prime Minister.” The inscription read:

“When the two fires first arise, one shall cross this place.When two warriors contend for mastery, both shall soon perish.”

After reading it, Deng Ai was greatly alarmed. He hastily bowed twice before the tablet and said, “The Martial Marquis was truly a divine man! Alas that I could not serve him as my teacher!” A later poet wrote:

Yinping’s rugged ridges rise level with the sky;Black cranes circle there, still fearful of the flight.From this place Deng Ai descended wrapped in felt—Who knew that Zhuge had foreseen it all?

Now Deng Ai had secretly crossed Yinping, and as he led his troops onward, he came upon a large, deserted camp. Those around him said, “We have heard that while the Martial Marquis lived, he assigned one thousand troops to guard this perilous defile. The present ruler of Shu, Liu Shan, abolished the post.” Deng Ai sighed without cease, then said to his men, “We have had a road here, but we have no road back. The city of Jiangyou ahead is amply supplied with provisions. Advance, and you may live; retreat, and you will die. You must unite all your strength and attack it.” Everyone answered, “We are willing to fight to the death here!” Deng Ai went on foot, leading his two thousand men, and marched by forced stages through the night to seize Jiangyou.

The commander defending Jiangyou was Ma Miao. Though he had heard that Eastern Chuan had fallen and had made some preparations, he guarded only against an attack along the main road. Relying also on Jiang Wei’s whole army to hold Jian’ge Pass, he treated the military situation lightly. That day, after drilling his troops, he returned home and drank wine with his wife, Lady Li, beside the hearth. His wife asked, “We have repeatedly heard that the frontier situation is most urgent. Why do you show no sign of concern, General?” Ma Miao said, “Jiang Boyue has the great affairs of state in his hands. What has any of it to do with me?” His wife said, “Even so, the city you have been charged to defend is by no means unimportant.” Ma Miao said, “The Son of Heaven trusts Huang Hao and is sunk in wine and women. I expect disaster is not far off. When the Wei army arrives, surrender will be the best course. Why trouble ourselves?” His wife flew into a rage and spat in his face. “You are a man, yet already harbor thoughts both disloyal and dishonorable! In vain have you received rank and emolument from the state. How can I bear to look upon you again?” Ashamed, Ma Miao had no words to answer. Suddenly a servant rushed in and reported, “The Wei general Deng Ai has come from no one knows where with more than two thousand men, and they have swarmed into the city!” Ma Miao was horrified. He hurried out to offer his surrender, prostrated himself below the public hall, and tearfully declared, “I have long wished in my heart to surrender. I now offer to summon all the city’s inhabitants and the troops under my command and have them submit to you, General.” Deng Ai accepted his surrender. He incorporated the troops of Jiangyou into his own command and appointed Ma Miao as his guide. Suddenly it was reported that Ma Miao’s wife had hanged herself. Deng Ai asked the reason, and Ma Miao told him the truth. Moved by her virtue, Deng Ai ordered that she be buried with full honors and personally went to offer sacrifice. None among the men of Wei who heard of it failed to sigh in admiration. A later poet praised her:

The Latter Emperor, sunk in folly, brought Han’s rule to its end;Heaven sent Deng Ai to seize the western lands of Chuan.Alas, though Ba and Shu possessed so many famous generals,Not one could match the virtue of Lady Li of Jiangyou!

After taking Jiangyou, Deng Ai summoned the rest of his troops from the narrow road through Yinping. When all had assembled at Jiangyou, he marched directly to attack Fucheng. His subordinate commander Tian Xu said, “Our army has come through perilous country and is utterly exhausted. We should rest for several days before advancing.” Deng Ai flew into a rage. “In war, divine speed is precious. How dare you unsettle the morale of my army?” He shouted for the guards to drag Tian Xu out and behead him. Only the generals’ urgent pleas saved him. Deng Ai himself drove the army onward to Fucheng. The officials, soldiers, and people inside the city thought the enemy had descended from heaven, and all surrendered. Men of Shu hastened to carry the news to Chengdu. When the Latter Emperor heard it, he anxiously summoned Huang Hao and questioned him. Huang Hao memorialized, “This is merely a false report. The divine man would never mislead Your Majesty.” The Latter Emperor again summoned the sorceress to question her, but no one knew where she had gone. By this time, urgent memorials from near and far came like driving snowflakes, and messengers arrived and departed in an unbroken stream. The Latter Emperor convened the court to deliberate. The many officials merely looked at one another, and not one spoke a word. Xi Zheng stepped forward and memorialized, “The situation is now desperate. Your Majesty should summon the Martial Marquis’s son and consult him on a plan to repel the enemy.” The Martial Marquis’s son was Zhuge Zhan, styled Siyuan. His mother, Lady Huang, was the daughter of Huang Chengyan. Though exceedingly plain in appearance, she possessed extraordinary gifts: above, she understood the patterns of the heavens; below, she discerned the forms of the earth. There was no work on strategy, tactics, or the hidden arts that she did not comprehend. While the Martial Marquis lived in Nanyang, he heard of her worth and asked to marry her. In his studies, the Martial Marquis received much assistance from his wife. After his death, she too died soon afterward, and in her final teachings she urged her son Zhan above all to be loyal and filial. Zhuge Zhan had been intelligent from childhood. He married a daughter of the Latter Emperor and became Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-Law. Later he inherited his father’s title, Marquis of Wuxiang. In the fourth year of Jingyao, he was promoted to General of the Guard for the Army on Campaign. Because Huang Hao held power at the time, Zhuge Zhan had pleaded illness and remained out of office.

The Latter Emperor accepted Xi Zheng’s advice and immediately issued three edicts in succession summoning Zhuge Zhan to the palace. Tearfully, the Latter Emperor said, “Deng Ai’s troops are already encamped at Fucheng, and Chengdu is in peril. For the sake of my late father, save my life!” Zhuge Zhan also wept as he memorialized, “My father and I received profound favor from the Former Emperor and exceptional grace from Your Majesty. Even if my liver and brains were smeared upon the ground, I could never repay it. I beg Your Majesty to muster all the troops in Chengdu and entrust them to me, that I may fight one final battle to the death.” The Latter Emperor at once placed seventy thousand troops from Chengdu under Zhuge Zhan’s command. After taking leave of the Latter Emperor, Zhuge Zhan put the army in order, assembled his generals, and asked, “Who dares serve as vanguard?” Before he had finished, a young officer stepped forward and said, “Now that you hold supreme command, Father, your son wishes to serve as vanguard.” All looked and saw that it was Zhuge Zhan’s eldest son, Zhuge Shang. At the time, Shang was nineteen years old. He had read widely in military works and was thoroughly trained in the martial arts. Zhuge Zhan was delighted and appointed him vanguard. That day the great army departed Chengdu and went to meet the Wei troops.

Ma Miao had presented Deng Ai with a geographical map that showed in full detail the one hundred sixty li from Fucheng to Chengdu, marking every mountain, river, road, pass, and perilous defile. After examining it, Deng Ai exclaimed in alarm, “If I merely hold Fucheng and the men of Shu occupy the mountains ahead, how can I succeed? If we delay for long and Jiang Wei’s troops arrive, my army will be in danger.” He swiftly summoned Shi Zuan and his son Deng Zhong and instructed them, “Lead a force and march through the night directly to Mianzhu to oppose the Shu troops. I will follow close behind. You must not be negligent or slow. If you allow the enemy to occupy the strategic heights first, I will assuredly behead you!”

Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong led their troops toward Mianzhu, but before they reached it, they encountered the Shu army. Both armies deployed in battle formation. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong reined in their horses beneath the standard at the gate of their camp and saw the Shu troops arranged in the Eight Trigrams Formation. After three rolls of the drums, the gate standards parted, and several dozen officers escorted a four-wheeled carriage forward. Seated upright upon it was a man wearing a silk cap and holding a feather fan, clad in a crane-feather cloak with square-cut skirts. Above the carriage flew a yellow banner inscribed: “Zhuge, the Martial Marquis and Prime Minister of Han.” Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong were so terrified that sweat poured over their bodies. Looking back at their soldiers, they cried, “So Kongming is still alive! We are finished!” They hurriedly wheeled their troops about, but the Shu army swept down upon them, and the Wei troops fled in utter defeat. The Shu soldiers pursued and slaughtered them for more than twenty li before encountering Deng Ai’s reinforcements. The two sides then withdrew their troops. Deng Ai seated himself in his command tent and summoned Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong to account for themselves. “Why did you retreat without fighting?” Deng Zhong replied, “We saw Zhuge Kongming leading the troops in the Shu formation, and therefore fled back.” Deng Ai angrily said, “Even if Kongming had returned to life, why should I fear him? Your rash retreat brought about this defeat. You should be beheaded at once to uphold military law!” Everyone pleaded desperately, and only then did Deng Ai’s anger subside. He sent scouts to investigate, and they returned to report that Kongming’s son Zhuge Zhan commanded the army, Zhuge Zhan’s son Zhuge Shang served as vanguard, and the figure seated in the carriage was a wooden image of Kongming.

When Deng Ai heard this, he reassigned Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong, saying, “The moment of victory or defeat rests upon this one stroke. If you fail to win again, you will assuredly be beheaded!” Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong again led ten thousand men into battle. Zhuge Shang, alone on horseback with a single spear, summoned all his vigor and fought both men until they retreated. Zhuge Zhan then directed the troops on his two wings to charge. They crashed into the Wei formation, thrusting left and right and surging back and forth through the enemy scores of times. The Wei troops suffered a crushing defeat, and the dead were beyond counting. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong fled after being wounded. Zhuge Zhan drove his army after them for more than twenty li, then established a camp to confront the enemy. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong returned to Deng Ai. Seeing both men wounded, Deng Ai found it inconvenient to reproach them. Instead, he consulted his generals, saying, “Shu has Zhuge Zhan, who has ably inherited his father’s purpose. In two battles he has killed more than ten thousand of my men. Unless we destroy him swiftly, he will surely become a calamity hereafter.” Army Inspector Qiu Ben said, “Why not write him a letter to entice him?” Deng Ai followed his advice and composed a letter, which he sent by an envoy into the Shu camp. The officer at the gate led the envoy before the command tent, where he presented the letter. Zhuge Zhan broke the seal and read:

Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, sends this letter beneath the banner of Zhuge Siyuan, General of the Guard for the Army on Campaign:

In my humble observation, among all the worthy and talented men of recent times, none has equaled your honored father. In former days, when he first emerged from his thatched cottage, a single discourse of his divided the realm into three kingdoms. He pacified Jingzhou and Yizhou and thereby established a hegemonic enterprise seldom equaled in ancient or modern times. Later, he marched six times from Mount Qi; that he did not prevail was not from any lack of wisdom or strength, but solely because Heaven had so ordained.

Now the Latter Emperor is benighted and weak, and the royal aura of his house has come to an end. I, Deng Ai, obey the Son of Heaven’s command and have brought a mighty army to conquer Shu. Already I have seized all the lands in my path, and Chengdu is in peril from morning to evening. Why do you not obey Heaven, follow the will of the people, and come over to me in righteousness? I shall memorialize the throne to enfeoff you as Prince of Langya, that you may shed glory upon your ancestors. These are assuredly no empty words. I trust you will preserve this letter and examine it well.

When Zhuge Zhan finished reading, he flew into a towering rage and tore the letter to pieces. He ordered the guards to behead the envoy at once, then commanded the envoy’s attendants to carry the head back to the Wei camp and present it to Deng Ai. Deng Ai was furious and intended to go out immediately to battle. Qiu Ben remonstrated, “You must not go out rashly, General. You should defeat him by stratagem.” Deng Ai accepted his advice. He ordered Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui, and Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi, to conceal two forces in the rear, while he personally led his army forward. At that moment Zhuge Zhan was about to issue a challenge when a sudden report came that Deng Ai himself had arrived with his troops. Zhuge Zhan flew into a rage, led his army out at once, and charged directly into the Wei formation. Deng Ai fled in defeat. Zhuge Zhan pursued and pressed the slaughter, but suddenly the two ambush forces attacked. The Shu troops were utterly defeated and withdrew into Mianzhu. Deng Ai ordered the city surrounded. The Wei troops raised a great shout on every side and encircled Mianzhu as tightly as an iron barrel.

Inside the city, Zhuge Zhan saw that the enemy was pressing close, so he ordered Peng He to carry a letter and fight his way out to seek aid from Eastern Wu. Peng He reached Eastern Wu, obtained an audience with the Wu ruler Sun Xiu, and presented the urgent appeal. After reading it, the ruler of Wu consulted his ministers, saying, “Since Shu is in desperate peril, how can I sit and watch without coming to its aid?” He immediately appointed the veteran general Ding Feng as commander-in-chief, with Ding Feng the Younger and Sun Yi as his deputies, and ordered them to lead fifty thousand troops to the rescue of Shu. Ding Feng received the decree and took the field. He assigned Ding Feng the Younger and Sun Yi twenty thousand troops to advance toward Mianzhong, while he personally led thirty thousand toward Shouchun, dividing the troops into three columns to render aid.

When Zhuge Zhan saw that no relief force had arrived, he said to his generals, “To defend for long is no sound plan.” He left his son Zhuge Shang and Secretary Zhang Zun to guard the city, then donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led the three divisions out through three gates flung wide for the attack. Seeing the troops emerge, Deng Ai withdrew his men. Zhuge Zhan pursued with all his strength. Suddenly a cannon boomed, troops closed in from all four sides, and Zhuge Zhan was trapped at the heart of the encirclement. Leading his men, he charged left and right and slew several hundred enemies. Deng Ai ordered all his troops to loose their arrows. The Shu soldiers scattered in every direction. Struck by an arrow, Zhuge Zhan fell from his horse and cried aloud, “My strength is spent! I must repay the state with my death!” He drew his sword, cut his own throat, and died. From the city wall, his son Zhuge Shang saw his father fall amid the enemy host and flew into a towering rage. He donned his armor and mounted his horse. Zhang Zun remonstrated, “Young General, you must not go out rashly!” Zhuge Shang sighed and said, “My grandfather, my father, and I have received profound favor from the state. Now that my father has died before the enemy, what use have I for life?” He spurred his horse out to battle and died amid the fighting. A later poet praised Zhuge Zhan and Zhuge Shang, father and son:

It was not that these loyal ministers alone lacked cunning;Heaven itself had willed the fiery house of Liu should end.The worthy heir whom Zhuge left in former daysIn honor and devotion truly matched the Martial Marquis.

Deng Ai pitied their loyalty and had father and son buried together. Then, taking advantage of the opening, he attacked Mianzhu. Zhang Zun, Huang Chong, and Li Qiu each led a force out to fight. The Shu troops were few and the Wei troops many; all three men died in battle, and Deng Ai thereby captured Mianzhu. After rewarding and feasting his army, he set out to take Chengdu. Truly:

Behold the Latter Emperor in the hour of danger:It differed not from when Liu Zhang was pressed of old.

How Chengdu would be defended remains unknown; read the next chapter to learn the outcome.

Deng Ai Steals across Yinping; Zhuge Zhan Dies in Battle at Mianzhu

Now Dong Jue, Grand General Who Supports the State, heard that the Wei army had invaded the realm along more than ten routes, so he led twenty thousand troops to hold Jian Pass. That day, he saw a great cloud of dust rising in the distance and, suspecting it was the Wei army, hurriedly led his troops to secure the pass. Dong Jue went forward in person to inspect the approaching force and saw that it was Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, and Zhang Yi. Overjoyed, Dong Jue welcomed them into the pass. After the formal greetings, he tearfully told them what the Latter Emperor and Huang Hao had done. Jiang Wei said, “Do not worry, sir. So long as I am here, I will never allow Wei to swallow Shu. For now, let us defend Jian Pass and gradually devise a plan to drive back the enemy.” Dong Jue said, “Though this pass can be defended, there is no one in Chengdu. If the enemy should attack it, our entire position will collapse.” Jiang Wei said, “Chengdu is protected by steep mountains and rugged terrain. It cannot be taken easily, so there is no need to worry.” While they were speaking, a report suddenly came that Zhuge Xu had led troops to attack below the pass. Jiang Wei flew into a rage and hurriedly led five thousand troops down from the pass. He charged straight into the Wei formation, smashing left and right until Zhuge Xu was utterly defeated and fled. Zhuge Xu withdrew several dozen li and made camp. Countless Wei soldiers were killed, and the Shu troops seized many horses, weapons, and pieces of equipment. Jiang Wei then withdrew his troops to the pass.

Meanwhile, Zhong Hui made camp twenty-five li from Jian Pass, and Zhuge Xu came in person to confess his guilt. Zhong Hui angrily said, “I ordered you to guard the bridgehead at Yinping and cut off Jiang Wei’s road of retreat. How did you lose it? And now, without receiving any order from me, you advanced on your own and brought about this defeat!” Zhuge Xu said, “Jiang Wei is full of cunning schemes. He pretended that he intended to seize Yong Province, and I feared Yong Province would be lost, so I led my troops to its rescue. Jiang Wei took the opportunity to escape. I pursued him to the foot of the pass, never expecting to be defeated again.” Zhong Hui was furious and ordered him beheaded. Army Inspector Wei Guan said, “Though Zhuge Xu is guilty, he is under the command of General Who Conquers the West Deng Ai. You should not execute him, General, or you may damage relations between the two armies.” Zhong Hui said, “I have come especially to conquer Shu under the Son of Heaven’s explicit edict and Duke of Jin’s direct command. Even if Deng Ai himself were guilty, I would have him beheaded.” Everyone earnestly pleaded with him. Zhong Hui therefore had Zhuge Xu placed in a prison cart and sent to Luoyang, leaving his fate to the Duke of Jin. He then incorporated Zhuge Xu’s troops into his own command. Someone reported this to Deng Ai. Deng Ai angrily said, “You and I hold the same official rank. I have long guarded the frontier and rendered great service to the state. How dare you presumptuously set yourself above me?” His son Deng Zhong advised him, “‘Failure to endure a small grievance may ruin a great plan.’ If you fall out with him, Father, you are certain to jeopardize the affairs of the state. I hope you will tolerate him for the time being.” Deng Ai accepted his advice, but he remained angry at heart and rode with only a dozen horsemen to see Zhong Hui.

When Zhong Hui heard that Deng Ai had arrived, he asked those around him, “How many troops has Deng Ai brought?” They replied, “Only a dozen horsemen.” Zhong Hui then ordered several hundred armed guards to form ranks inside and outside his command tent. Deng Ai dismounted and entered. Zhong Hui received him in the tent, and they exchanged the proper courtesies. Seeing how imposing and disciplined the troops were, Deng Ai felt uneasy and tried to draw Zhong Hui out by saying, “Your capture of Hanzhong is a great blessing to the court. You should quickly devise a plan to take Jian Pass.” Zhong Hui said, “What is your enlightened opinion, General?” Deng Ai repeatedly protested that he had no ability, but Zhong Hui pressed him for an answer. Deng Ai replied, “In my humble judgment, one army could take the narrow path through Yinping, emerge at Deyang Pavilion in Hanzhong, and use a surprise force to advance directly on Chengdu. Jiang Wei would certainly withdraw his troops to rescue it. You could then take advantage of the opening to seize Jian Pass and win complete success.” Zhong Hui was delighted. “Your plan is excellent, General! You may lead your troops there at once. I will remain here and await news of your victory.” The two drank wine and parted. Returning to his own tent, Zhong Hui said to his officers, “Everyone says Deng Ai is capable, but from what I saw today, he is nothing more than a mediocrity!” The officers asked why. Zhong Hui said, “The narrow road through Yinping consists entirely of lofty mountains and precipitous ridges. If Shu stations only a hundred or so men at the strategic points and cuts off his road of retreat, all of Deng Ai’s troops will starve to death. I need only advance by the proper road. Why should I fear that Shu will not fall?” He therefore set up scaling ladders and catapult frames and concentrated his attack on Jian Pass.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai left the camp gate, mounted his horse, and turned to ask his attendants, “How did Zhong Hui treat me?” They replied, “Judging by his words and expression, he did not agree with what you said at all. He merely pretended to assent.” Deng Ai laughed. “He thinks I cannot take Chengdu, but I am determined to take it!” When he returned to his own camp, Shi Zuan, Deng Zhong, and the other officers came to meet him and asked, “What lofty matters did you discuss today with General Who Guards the West Zhong Hui?” Deng Ai said, “I spoke to him in all sincerity, but he regarded me as a mediocrity. Now that he has taken Hanzhong, he considers it an achievement beyond compare. But if I had not held Jiang Wei in check at Tazhong, how could he have succeeded? If I now take Chengdu, it will be a greater victory than taking Hanzhong!” That very night, he gave orders to strike camp and advance toward the narrow road through Yinping. He made camp seven hundred li from Jian Pass. Someone reported to Zhong Hui, “Deng Ai intends to go and seize Chengdu.” Zhong Hui laughed at Deng Ai’s foolishness.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai composed a secret letter and dispatched a messenger to report with all speed to Sima Zhao. At the same time, he assembled his officers beneath his command tent and asked, “I now intend to take advantage of the opening and seize Chengdu, winning immortal fame for all of you. Are you willing to follow me?” The officers replied, “We are ready to obey your orders and would not refuse even ten thousand deaths!” Deng Ai first ordered his son Deng Zhong to lead five thousand picked troops. They were to wear no armor, and each man was to carry axes, chisels, and tools. Whenever they encountered steep or dangerous ground, they were to cut through the mountains, open roads, and construct trestle bridges so the army could pass. Deng Ai selected thirty thousand troops, each carrying dry provisions and rope, and set out. After traveling a little more than a hundred li, he detached three thousand troops and had them establish a camp there. After another hundred li, he detached another three thousand to make camp. In the tenth month of that year, they advanced from Yinping into sheer cliffs and precipitous valleys. Over more than twenty days, they traveled upward of seven hundred li, all through uninhabited country. The Wei army left several camps along the way until only two thousand troops and horses remained. They then reached a ridge called Sky-Scraping Ridge. The horses could go no farther, so Deng Ai climbed the ridge on foot and found Deng Zhong and all the soldiers opening the road in tears. Deng Ai asked why. Deng Zhong told him, “The western side of this ridge is a sheer wall and towering precipice. It cannot be cut through, so all our previous labor has been in vain. That is why they are weeping.” Deng Ai said, “Our army has come this far, traveling more than seven hundred li. Beyond this ridge lies Jiangyou. How can we turn back now?” He called to the troops, “‘Unless one enters the tiger’s den, how can one obtain the tiger’s cubs?’ You and I have come all the way here. If we succeed, we will share wealth and honor together.” They all replied, “We are willing to obey your command, General.” Deng Ai ordered them first to throw their weapons and equipment down the slope. Then he wrapped his body in felt and rolled down ahead of the others. The deputy commanders who had felt coats wrapped themselves in them and rolled down, while those without felt coats tied ropes around their waists, clung to trees, and lowered themselves in single file. Deng Ai, Deng Zhong, the two thousand soldiers, and the strong men who had opened the mountain roads all crossed Sky-Scraping Ridge. They had only just put their armor and equipment back in order and resumed their march when they saw a stone tablet beside the road, engraved with the words: “Inscribed by Chancellor Zhuge, the Martial Marquis.” The inscription read: “When the two fires first arise, a man shall cross here. Two warriors shall contend for mastery, and before long both shall die.” After reading it, Deng Ai was greatly startled. He hurriedly bowed twice before the tablet and said, “The Martial Marquis was truly a divine man! What a pity that I could not serve him as my teacher!” A later poet wrote:Yinping’s steep ridges rise level with the sky;Even dark cranes circle there, afraid to fly.Wrapped in felt, Deng Ai descended from this height—Who knew Zhuge had foreseen it all aright?

Deng Ai secretly crossed through Yinping and continued leading his troops onward. They then came upon a large, empty camp. Those around him said, “We have heard that when the Martial Marquis was alive, he assigned one thousand troops to guard this dangerous pass. But the ruler of Shu, Liu Shan, abolished the garrison.” Deng Ai sighed repeatedly and said to the others, “We have a road by which we came, but no road by which we can return. The city of Jiangyou ahead is well stocked with provisions. If you advance, you may live; if you retreat, you will die. We must unite our strength and take it.” They all replied, “We are willing to fight to the death here!” Deng Ai went on foot, leading his force of more than two thousand men. Traveling day and night at double speed, they rushed to seize Jiangyou.

The officer defending Jiangyou was Ma Miao. Though he had made preparations after hearing that Eastern Sichuan had been lost, he guarded only against an attack along the main road. Moreover, he relied on Jiang Wei’s entire army holding Jian Pass, so he did not take the military situation seriously. That day, after drilling his troops, he returned home and sat drinking wine by the stove with his wife, Lady Li. His wife asked, “We have repeatedly heard that the frontier situation is extremely urgent. Why do you show no concern at all, General?” Ma Miao said, “Jiang Boyue has the larger matter in hand. What does it have to do with me?” His wife said, “Even so, the city you are charged with defending is far from unimportant.” Ma Miao said, “The Son of Heaven trusts Huang Hao and is lost in wine and women. I expect disaster is not far away. When the Wei army arrives, the best course will be to surrender. Why worry about it?” His wife flew into a rage and spat in his face. “You are a man, yet you already harbor disloyal and dishonorable thoughts! You have received the state’s rank and salary in vain. How can I ever face you again?” Ma Miao was ashamed and had no answer. Suddenly, a servant rushed in and reported, “The Wei general Deng Ai has come from no one knows where. He led more than two thousand men in a mass charge and has already entered the city!” Ma Miao was greatly alarmed. He hurried out to offer his surrender, prostrated himself beneath the public hall, and tearfully declared, “I have long wished to surrender. I now offer to summon the city’s inhabitants and all the troops under my command to surrender to you, General.” Deng Ai accepted his surrender. He incorporated the soldiers of Jiangyou into his own command and appointed Ma Miao as his guide. Suddenly, a report came that Ma Miao’s wife had hanged herself. Deng Ai asked why, and Ma Miao told him the truth. Moved by her virtue, Deng Ai ordered that she be buried with full honors and personally went to offer sacrifice. Every Wei soldier who heard of it sighed with admiration. A later poet praised her:The Latter Emperor was lost, and Han’s fate overturned;Heaven sent Deng Ai, and Western Sichuan soon was turned.Though Ba and Shu had many generals of renowned name,None matched the worthy Lady Li of Jiangyou in fame!

After taking Jiangyou, Deng Ai summoned the troops stationed along the narrow road through Yinping. Once they had all assembled at Jiangyou, he advanced directly against Fu. His subordinate general Tian Xu said, “Our army came here through dangerous country and is utterly exhausted. We should rest and recover for several days before advancing.” Deng Ai flew into a rage. “In warfare, speed is of the utmost value. How dare you disrupt my army’s morale?” He shouted for the guards to drag Tian Xu out and behead him. Only after all the officers pleaded earnestly was Tian Xu spared. Deng Ai personally drove his troops onward to Fu. The officials, soldiers, and people inside the city thought the enemy had descended from heaven, and all surrendered. Men of Shu sped the news to Chengdu. When the Latter Emperor heard it, he hurriedly summoned Huang Hao and questioned him. Huang Hao replied, “This is merely a false report. The divine man would never mislead Your Majesty.” The Latter Emperor again summoned the female medium, only to find that no one knew where she had gone. By then, urgent memorials from near and far were arriving like snowflakes, and messengers came and went without interruption. The Latter Emperor convened court to discuss the crisis, but all the officials merely looked at one another and not one spoke a word. Xi Zheng stepped forward and memorialized, “The situation is now desperate. Your Majesty should summon the Martial Marquis’s son to discuss a plan for repelling the enemy.” The Martial Marquis’s son was Zhuge Zhan, whose courtesy name was Siyuan. His mother, Lady Huang, was the daughter of Huang Chengyan. Though extremely plain in appearance, she possessed extraordinary talent. She understood the movements of the heavens above and the features of the earth below, and there was no work on military strategy or the hidden arts of Qimen Dunjia that she did not comprehend. While the Martial Marquis was in Nanyang, he heard of her worth and asked to marry her. In his studies, the Martial Marquis received much assistance from his wife. After the Martial Marquis died, she soon passed away as well. In her final instructions, she exhorted her son Zhuge Zhan above all to be loyal and filial. Zhuge Zhan was intelligent from childhood. He married a daughter of the Latter Emperor and became Commandant of the Imperial Consort. Later he inherited his father’s title, Marquis of Wuxiang. In the fourth year of Jingyao, he was promoted to General of the Guard for the Marching Army. Because Huang Hao controlled affairs at the time, Zhuge Zhan had claimed illness and withdrawn from public life.

The Latter Emperor accepted Xi Zheng’s advice and immediately issued three edicts in succession summoning Zhuge Zhan to the palace. The Latter Emperor tearfully told him, “Deng Ai’s troops are already encamped at Fu, and Chengdu is in danger. For the sake of the late ruler, save my life!” Zhuge Zhan also wept as he replied, “My father and I received profound favor from the late emperor and exceptional treatment from Your Majesty. Even if my liver and brains were smeared across the ground, I could not repay it. I ask Your Majesty to mobilize every soldier in Chengdu and allow me to lead them in a decisive battle to the death.” The Latter Emperor immediately assigned seventy thousand troops and officers from Chengdu to Zhuge Zhan. Zhuge Zhan took leave of the Latter Emperor, put the army in order, assembled his generals, and asked, “Who dares serve as vanguard?” Before he had finished speaking, a young officer stepped forward and said, “Now that Father holds supreme command, I am willing to serve as vanguard.” Everyone looked and saw that it was Zhuge Zhan’s eldest son, Zhuge Shang. Zhuge Shang was nineteen years old. He had read military texts extensively and trained in many martial arts. Zhuge Zhan was delighted and appointed him vanguard. That day, the great army left Chengdu to meet the Wei forces.

Meanwhile, Ma Miao presented Deng Ai with a geographical map showing in full detail the one hundred sixty li from Fu to Chengdu, including the mountains, rivers, roads, passes, and dangerous terrain. After studying it, Deng Ai said in alarm, “If I merely hold Fu and the men of Shu occupy the mountains ahead, how can I succeed? If we delay for long and Jiang Wei’s troops arrive, my army will be in danger.” He quickly summoned Shi Zuan and his son Deng Zhong and instructed them, “Lead a force directly to Mianzhu, marching through the night, and block the Shu army. I will follow close behind. You must not be slow or negligent. If you allow them to seize the strategic positions first, I will most certainly behead you!”

Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong led their troops toward Mianzhu but encountered the Shu army before they reached it. Both armies drew up their formations. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong reined in their horses beneath the gate banner and saw that the Shu troops had formed the Eight Trigrams Formation. After three rolls of the drums, the gate banners parted, and several dozen officers escorted a four-wheeled carriage forward. A man sat upright upon it, wearing a silk headcloth and holding a feather fan, with a crane-feather cloak over his square-cut robe. A yellow banner was unfurled above the carriage, bearing the words: “Zhuge, Chancellor of Han and Martial Marquis.” Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong were so terrified that sweat poured over their bodies. They turned to their soldiers and said, “So Kongming is still alive! We are finished!” They hurriedly ordered a retreat, but the Shu troops charged after them. The Wei army was utterly defeated and fled. The Shu troops pursued for more than twenty li before encountering Deng Ai’s reinforcements. Both sides then withdrew their troops. Deng Ai seated himself in his command tent, summoned Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong, and rebuked them: “Why did you retreat without fighting?” Deng Zhong said, “We saw Zhuge Kongming leading the troops in the Shu formation, so we fled back.” Deng Ai angrily said, “Even if Kongming had returned to life, why should I fear him? Your reckless retreat caused this defeat. You should be beheaded at once to uphold military law!” Everyone pleaded earnestly, and only then did Deng Ai’s anger subside. He sent scouts to investigate, and they returned to report that Kongming’s son Zhuge Zhan was the commanding general, Zhuge Zhan’s son Zhuge Shang was the vanguard, and the figure seated on the carriage was a wooden image of Kongming.

When Deng Ai heard this, he dispatched Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong, saying, “The opportunity for success or failure rests on this one action. If you fail to win again, you will certainly be beheaded!” Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong led another ten thousand troops into battle. Zhuge Shang, alone on horseback and armed with a single spear, roused his full fighting spirit and drove both men back. Zhuge Zhan ordered the troops on both wings to charge. They smashed into the Wei formation and surged left and right, fighting back and forth dozens of times. The Wei army was utterly defeated, and the dead were beyond counting. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong fled after being wounded. Zhuge Zhan drove his troops after them for more than twenty li, then established a camp to confront the enemy. Shi Zuan and Deng Zhong returned to Deng Ai. Seeing that both men were wounded, Deng Ai could not very well rebuke them. He therefore consulted his officers, saying, “Shu has Zhuge Zhan, who has ably carried on his father’s purpose. In two battles, he has killed more than ten thousand of my troops. Unless we destroy him quickly, he will certainly become a menace later.” Army Inspector Qiu Ben said, “Why not write him a letter to entice him?” Deng Ai accepted his advice, composed a letter, and sent a messenger to deliver it to the Shu camp. The officer guarding the gate brought the messenger beneath the command tent, where he presented the letter. Zhuge Zhan broke the seal and read it. The letter said:

Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, sends this letter to the command of Zhuge Siyuan, General of the Guard for the Marching Army: In my humble observation, among the worthy and talented men of recent times, none has equaled your honored father. In former days, upon first emerging from his thatched cottage, with a single discourse he divided the realm into three kingdoms. He pacified Jing and Yi and thereby established a hegemonic enterprise, an achievement rarely matched in ancient or modern times. Later, he marched from Mount Qi six times. His failure was not due to any lack of wisdom or strength, but solely to Heaven’s decree. Now the Latter Emperor is muddled and weak, and his royal mandate has come to an end. I have received the Son of Heaven’s command and brought a great army to conquer Shu. I have already obtained all its territory, and Chengdu is in imminent danger. Why do you not answer Heaven’s will, comply with the wishes of the people, and come over to us in the cause of righteousness? I will memorialize that you be made Prince of Langya, bringing glory to your ancestors. These are certainly no empty words. I trust you will preserve this letter and consider it carefully.

After reading the letter, Zhuge Zhan flew into a rage and tore it to pieces. He ordered the guards to behead the messenger at once, then commanded the messenger’s attendant to carry the severed head back to the Wei camp and present it to Deng Ai. Deng Ai was furious and immediately wanted to go out to battle. Qiu Ben advised him, “You must not go out rashly, General. You should defeat him with an unorthodox stratagem.” Deng Ai accepted his advice and ordered Wang Qi, Administrator of Tianshui, and Qian Hong, Administrator of Longxi, to conceal two forces in ambush behind the battlefield. Deng Ai then personally led his troops forward. At that moment, Zhuge Zhan was preparing to issue a challenge when a report suddenly came that Deng Ai had personally led his troops there. Zhuge Zhan flew into a rage, led his army out, and charged directly into the Wei formation. Deng Ai turned and fled. Zhuge Zhan pursued him, pressing the attack. Suddenly, the two hidden forces charged out from either side. The Shu army was utterly defeated and withdrew into Mianzhu. Deng Ai ordered the city surrounded. The entire Wei army raised a battle cry and enclosed Mianzhu as tightly as an iron barrel.

Inside the city, Zhuge Zhan saw that the enemy was pressing him hard. He therefore ordered Peng He to carry a letter and fight his way out, then go to Eastern Wu and request aid. Peng He reached Eastern Wu, appeared before the ruler of Wu, Sun Xiu, and presented the urgent letter. After reading it, the ruler of Wu consulted his officials, saying, “Now that Shu is in grave danger, how can I sit by and refuse to rescue it?” He immediately appointed the veteran general Ding Feng commander in chief, with Ding Feng and Sun Yi as his deputy commanders, and ordered them to lead fifty thousand troops to the aid of Shu. Ding Feng received the decree and led out the army. He assigned Ding Feng and Sun Yi twenty thousand troops to advance toward Mianzhong, while he personally led thirty thousand toward Shouchun, dividing the army into three columns to provide assistance.

Meanwhile, when Zhuge Zhan saw that no relief troops had arrived, he said to his officers, “Holding out for long is not a sound plan.” He left his son Zhuge Shang and Imperial Secretary Zhang Zun to guard the city, then donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led the whole army out through three gates in a great assault. When Deng Ai saw the troops emerge, he withdrew his army. Zhuge Zhan pursued with all his strength. Suddenly, a cannon sounded, and troops closed in from all four sides, trapping Zhuge Zhan at the center. Zhuge Zhan led his troops charging left and right and killed several hundred men. Deng Ai ordered the whole army to shoot arrows at them, and the Shu troops scattered in every direction. Zhuge Zhan was struck by an arrow and fell from his horse. He cried out, “My strength is exhausted! I must repay the state with my death!” He drew his sword, cut his own throat, and died. His son Zhuge Shang, watching from the city wall, saw his father die amid the enemy army and flew into a rage. He put on his armor and mounted his horse. Zhang Zun advised him, “Young General, you must not go out rashly.” Zhuge Shang sighed. “My grandfather, my father, and I have all received profound favor from the state. Now that my father has died at the enemy’s hands, what use is it for me to live?” He spurred his horse out into battle and died in the fighting. A later poet praised Zhuge Zhan and Zhuge Shang, father and son:It was not that these loyal ministers lacked a plan;Heaven itself intended to extinguish the house of Han.The worthy heir whom Zhuge left in former daysTruly carried on the Martial Marquis’s loyal ways.

Deng Ai admired their loyalty and had father and son buried together. He then took advantage of the opening to attack Mianzhu. Zhang Zun, Huang Chong, and Li Qiu each led a force out to meet him. The Shu troops were few and the Wei troops many, and all three men were killed in battle. Deng Ai thus captured Mianzhu. After rewarding and feasting his troops, he advanced to take Chengdu. Just as the verse says:See how the Latter Emperor faced the hour of dread:It differed little from when Liu Zhang was hard-pressed.It remains unknown how Chengdu defended itself; read on to learn what happened next.