Chapter 118

A Prince Weeps at the Ancestral Temple and Dies for Filial Duty; Two Generals Enter Western Shu and Vie for Merit

Meanwhile, in Chengdu, the Latter Lord heard that Deng Ai had taken Mianzhu and that Zhuge Zhan and his son had both perished. Greatly alarmed, he hastily summoned his civil and military officials to deliberate. A close attendant reported, “Outside the city, the people are helping the aged and carrying the young, and their weeping shakes the air. Each is fleeing for his life.” The Latter Lord was terrified and knew not what to do. Suddenly a scout rode in with word that the Wei army was nearing the city walls. Many officials counseled, “Our troops are few and our generals scarce; we cannot meet the enemy. Better to abandon Chengdu at once and flee to the seven southern commanderies. The country there is steep and rugged and may be held in defense. We can then enlist the aid of the tribesmen and return later to recover the realm.” Qiao Zhou, Grand Master for Splendid Happiness, said, “That will not do. The southern tribes have long been prone to rebellion, and in ordinary times we have shown them no kindness. If we seek refuge among them now, we shall surely meet with disaster.” Other officials then memorialized, “Shu and Wu are allied. Now that matters are desperate, we can go over to Wu.” Qiao Zhou again remonstrated: “Since ancient times, no Son of Heaven has ever maintained himself by lodging in another state. I judge that Wei can swallow Wu, but Wu cannot swallow Wei. If Your Majesty declares himself a subject of Wu, that will be one humiliation. If Wu is afterward swallowed by Wei and Your Majesty must then declare himself a subject of Wei, that will be a second humiliation. Better not to seek refuge in Wu, but to surrender directly to Wei. Wei will surely divide off territory and enfeoff Your Majesty; thus, above, you may preserve the ancestral temples, and below, you may safeguard the common people. I beg Your Majesty to consider it.” The Latter Lord remained undecided and withdrew into the palace.

The next day, opinions were still in tumult. Seeing the urgency of the situation, Qiao Zhou once more submitted a memorial of remonstrance. The Latter Lord accepted his counsel. Just as he was preparing to go out and surrender, a man suddenly stepped from behind a screen and harshly reviled Qiao Zhou: “You rotten scholar who clings to life! How dare you recklessly debate the great affairs of the altars of state? Since ancient times, when has there ever been a Son of Heaven who surrendered?” The Latter Lord looked and saw that it was his fifth son, Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi. The Latter Lord had seven sons: the eldest was Liu Xuan; the second, Liu Yao; the third, Liu Cong; the fourth, Liu Zan; the fifth was Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi; the sixth, Liu Xun; and the seventh, Liu Qu. Of the seven, only Liu Chen had been intelligent from childhood, with courage and acuity surpassing other men; all the rest were weak and docile. The Latter Lord said to him, “All the great ministers now agree that we ought to surrender. Will you alone, relying on the valor of hot blood, have the whole city drenched in blood?” Liu Chen replied, “When the Former Emperor lived, Qiao Zhou never took part in affairs of state. Now he presumes to debate a matter of supreme importance and rashly utters words that sow disorder. This is utterly unreasonable. By my humble reckoning, Chengdu still has tens of thousands of troops, while Jiang Wei’s entire army remains at Jiange. If he learns that the Wei army has violated the imperial precincts, he will surely come to our aid. By striking from within and without, we may win complete success. How can we heed the words of a rotten scholar and lightly cast away the foundation laid by the Former Emperor?” The Latter Lord rebuked him: “What can a child like you know of Heaven’s appointed time?” Liu Chen knocked his head upon the ground and wept. “If our fortunes are exhausted, our strength spent, and ruin about to overtake us, then father and sons, sovereign and ministers, should make one last stand with our backs to the city and die together for the altars of state. Thus may we face the Former Emperor. But how can we surrender?” The Latter Lord would not listen. Liu Chen wailed aloud: “The Former Emperor did not establish this foundation with ease. Now it is to be abandoned in a single day. I would rather die than endure the shame!” The Latter Lord ordered his attendants to thrust him out through the palace gates. He then commanded Qiao Zhou to compose a letter of surrender and sent Zhang Shao, privately appointed Palace Attendant, together with Deng Liang, Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-Law, and Qiao Zhou, bearing the imperial jade seal to Luocheng to sue for surrender.

At that time Deng Ai sent several hundred armored horsemen toward Chengdu each day to scout. That day they saw the banners of surrender raised, and Deng Ai was overjoyed. Before long, Zhang Shao and the others arrived, and Deng Ai ordered men to welcome them in. The three bowed prostrate below the steps and presented the terms of surrender and the imperial jade seal. Deng Ai opened the letter and read it. Greatly delighted, he accepted the seal and treated Zhang Shao, Qiao Zhou, and Deng Liang with high honor. He then wrote a reply and entrusted it to the three men to carry back to Chengdu and reassure the people. They took leave of Deng Ai and returned directly to Chengdu. Entering the Latter Lord’s presence, they presented the reply and described in detail the kindness with which Deng Ai had treated them. The Latter Lord broke the seal and read the letter. Greatly pleased, he at once dispatched Jiang Xian, Grand Coachman, with an edict ordering Jiang Wei to surrender without delay. He also sent Li Hu, Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, to deliver the registers to Deng Ai. There were altogether 280,000 households; 940,000 men and women; 102,000 armored soldiers; 40,000 officials; more than 400,000 measures of grain in the granaries; 3,000 jin of gold and silver; and 200,000 bolts each of brocade, damask, colored silk, and plain silk. Other goods remained in the storehouses, too numerous to be fully counted. The first day of the twelfth month was chosen for the sovereign and his ministers to go out and surrender.

When Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi, heard of this, his fury towered to the heavens, and he entered the palace wearing his sword. His wife, Lady Cui, asked, “Why does Your Highness look so unlike yourself today?” Liu Chen replied, “The Wei army is drawing near. My imperial father has accepted the terms of surrender, and tomorrow the sovereign and his ministers will go out and submit. From this time forth, the altars of state will be extinguished. I mean first to die and meet the Former Emperor beneath the earth rather than bend my knees before another!” Lady Cui said, “Noble indeed! Noble indeed! Such a death is well chosen! I beg to die first; Your Highness may die afterward.” Liu Chen said, “Why should you die?” Lady Cui replied, “Your Highness dies for your father; I die for my husband. The righteousness is the same. When the husband perishes, the wife dies—why need you ask?” When she had spoken, she dashed herself against a pillar and died. Liu Chen then slew his three sons with his own hand, cut off his wife’s head, and carried it to the Temple of Emperor Zhaolie. Prostrating himself, he cried, “Your servant is ashamed to see the foundation of our house abandoned to others. Therefore I first slew my wife and sons, severing all ties that might cling to my heart; now I shall offer my one life in requital to my ancestor! If my ancestor has a spirit, may he know his grandson’s heart!” He wept bitterly until blood flowed from his eyes, then cut his own throat and died. When the people of Shu heard of it, not one was unmoved to grief. A later poet wrote in praise:

Sovereign and ministers gladly bent the knee;One son alone was stricken by despair.Gone now were all the hopes of western Sichuan—How heroic was Beidi’s prince!He gave his life to requite his mighty ancestor,And tore his hair while weeping to the vault of heaven.Awe-inspiring still, he seems alive—Who dares to say the Han had wholly died?

When the Latter Lord heard that the Prince of Beidi had cut his own throat, he ordered that he be buried. The next day the Wei army arrived in great force. The Latter Lord, leading the crown prince, the other princes, and more than sixty civil and military officials, went ten li out through the northern gate to surrender, their hands bound behind them and a coffin carried on a cart. Deng Ai raised the Latter Lord to his feet, personally untied his bonds, burned the coffin and its cart, and entered the city beside him in a carriage. A later poet lamented:

Tens of thousands of Wei troops entered Sichuan;The Latter Lord clung to life and failed to die.Huang Hao to the last preserved his will to cheat the state;Jiang Wei in vain bore gifts that might have saved the age.How fierce the hearts of loyal men who kept their faith entire!How mournful the resolve of that imperial prince who held his honor!Zhaolie built his enterprise with toil beyond all measure,Yet in one morning all his deeds were turned to ash.

Thereupon all the people of Chengdu came forth with incense and flowers to welcome them. Deng Ai appointed the Latter Lord General of Agile Cavalry, while all the other civil and military officials received offices according to their ranks. He asked the Latter Lord to return to the palace and issue proclamations pacifying the people, and he took possession of the granaries and treasuries. He also ordered Zhang Jun, Minister of Ceremonies, and Zhang Shao, Assistant Inspector of Yizhou, to summon the soldiers and people of the various commanderies to submit peacefully. Others were sent to persuade Jiang Wei to surrender, while messengers were dispatched to Luoyang to report the victory. When Deng Ai learned of Huang Hao’s treachery and wickedness, he intended to behead him. Huang Hao bribed Deng Ai’s attendants with gold and precious objects and thereby escaped death. From that time, the Han was no more. On the fall of the Han, a later poet wrote these lines in remembrance of the Marquis of Wu:

Even apes and birds still seem to fear his stern dispatches;Wind and cloud should surely guard his frontier palisades.In vain the great commander wielded his inspired brush;At last men saw a captive king conveyed by relay carriage.His talents matched Guan Zhong and Yue Yi—he shamed them not;But Guan Yu and Zhang Fei lacked Heaven’s favor—what could he do?In later years, passing his shrine within the Brocade City,One chants the “Liangfu Song,” and grief remains unspent!

Meanwhile, Jiang Xian, the Grand Coachman, arrived at Jiange and entered Jiang Wei’s presence. He delivered the Latter Lord’s edict and told him of the surrender. Jiang Wei was so shocked that he could not speak. When the generals beneath his tent heard, they were all filled with grief and resentment. Gnashing their teeth, glaring in fury, their beards and hair bristling upright, they drew their swords, hacked at the rocks, and cried aloud, “We have fought to the death! Why did the court surrender before us?” The sound of their wailing could be heard for scores of li. Seeing that the hearts of the men still yearned for Han, Jiang Wei soothed them with kindly words: “Do not be troubled, generals. I have a plan by which the House of Han may be restored.” The generals begged to hear it. Jiang Wei drew each of them close and whispered the stratagem in his ear. He then raised banners of surrender throughout Jiange Pass and first sent a man to Zhong Hui’s camp to report that Jiang Wei was coming to surrender with Zhang Yi, Liao Hua, Dong Jue, and the others. Zhong Hui was overjoyed and sent men to welcome Jiang Wei into his tent. Zhong Hui said, “Boyue, why have you come so late?” With a grave expression and tears in his eyes, Jiang Wei replied, “The whole army of the state was entrusted to me. For me to have come to this pass today may still be called swift.” Zhong Hui marveled greatly at him. He descended from his seat, exchanged bows with Jiang Wei, and treated him as an honored guest. Jiang Wei said to Zhong Hui, “I have heard that ever since the campaign in Huainan, not one of the general’s calculations has failed. The present greatness of the Sima clan is entirely due to your efforts. Therefore I willingly bow my head before you. But had it been Deng Shizai, I would have fought him to the death. How could I ever have surrendered to him?” Zhong Hui thereupon broke an arrow as a pledge and swore brotherhood with Jiang Wei. Their affection became exceedingly close, and he allowed Jiang Wei to retain command of his troops as before. Jiang Wei rejoiced inwardly and sent Jiang Xian back to Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai appointed Shi Zuan Inspector of Yizhou, while Qian Hong, Wang Qi, and the others were each placed in charge of provinces and commanderies. He also built a terrace at Mianzhu to commemorate his military achievement and held a great banquet for all the officials of Shu. When Deng Ai was half-drunk, he pointed at the assembled officials and said, “It is only because you were fortunate enough to encounter me that you are alive today. Had you encountered another general, you would all have been annihilated.” The officials rose and bowed their thanks. Suddenly Jiang Xian arrived and reported that Jiang Wei had surrendered of his own accord to Zhong Hui, General Who Pacifies the West. Deng Ai was bitterly angered against Zhong Hui on this account, and he wrote a letter to be carried to Sima Zhao, Duke of Jin, at Luoyang. Sima Zhao received and read it. The letter said:

“Your servant Ai humbly submits that in warfare there are occasions when proclamation must precede action. Now, taking advantage of the momentum gained by pacifying Shu, we should press on against Wu. This is the moment to sweep it away as one rolls up a mat. Yet after so great a campaign, the officers and soldiers are weary and cannot be employed at once. We should leave twenty thousand troops from Longyou and twenty thousand troops from Shu to boil salt, develop the mines and foundries, and build boats, thus preparing in advance for an advance downriver. Then we should send envoys to explain the advantages of submission and the perils of resistance, and Wu may be pacified without a campaign. Moreover, Liu Shan should be treated generously in order to induce Sun Xiu to submit. If Liu Shan is sent to the capital at once, the men of Wu will inevitably become suspicious and will not be encouraged in their desire to embrace our transforming rule. He should therefore remain temporarily in Shu and be required to reach the capital in the winter of next year. Liu Shan may now be enfeoffed as Prince of Fufeng and granted wealth sufficient to maintain his household, while his sons should receive the ranks of dukes and ministers, thereby displaying the favor bestowed upon those who accept our mandate. Then the men of Wu, awed by our might and won by our virtue, will submit as soon as they hear the wind.”

When Sima Zhao had finished reading, he strongly suspected that Deng Ai intended to act on his own authority. He therefore first sent a personal letter to Wei Guan, and afterward issued an edict enfeoffing Deng Ai:

“Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, displayed his might and exerted his martial valor, penetrating deep into enemy territory and compelling the ruler who had usurped the imperial title to bind his neck and submit. Before the campaign had passed through a single season, before battle had lasted through a single day, the foe dispersed like clouds and was rolled up like a mat, and Ba and Shu were swept clear and pacified. Even Bai Qi’s destruction of mighty Chu and Han Xin’s conquest of formidable Zhao cannot compare with this achievement. Let Ai therefore be appointed Grand Commandant, and let twenty thousand households be added to his fief. Let his two sons be enfeoffed as village marquises, each with a fief of one thousand households.”

After Deng Ai had received the edict, Army Inspector Wei Guan produced Sima Zhao’s personal letter and gave it to him. The letter stated that the matters proposed by Deng Ai must await a report to the throne and could not be put into effect on his own authority. Deng Ai said, “‘When a general is in the field, there are commands from his sovereign that he need not obey.’ Since I have received an edict granting me full authority for the campaign, how can my actions be obstructed?” He then wrote another letter and ordered the envoy to carry it to Luoyang. At the time, everyone at court was saying that Deng Ai surely harbored treasonous intentions, and Sima Zhao’s suspicion deepened. Presently the envoy returned and presented Deng Ai’s letter. Sima Zhao broke the seal and read:

“Your servant Ai received the mandate to campaign in the west. Now that the chief malefactor has submitted, I must act as circumstances require in order to pacify those newly attached to us. If I await commands from the court, messages must travel back and forth over a long road, and the days and months will be drawn out. According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, when a great officer is beyond the borders, he may act on his own authority whenever his actions can secure the altars of state and benefit the realm. Wu has not yet submitted and its position is linked with that of Shu; we cannot cling to ordinary rules and thereby lose our opportunity. The art of war teaches that in advancing one does not seek fame, and in retreating one does not avoid blame. Though Ai lacks the integrity of the men of old, he will never shrink from suspicion of himself and thereby cause harm to the state. I submit this declaration in advance, believing that these measures may properly be carried out.”

When Sima Zhao had finished reading, he was greatly alarmed and hastily consulted Jia Chong. “Deng Ai has grown arrogant through his achievements and acts entirely as he pleases. His treasonous intent is now exposed. What is to be done?” Jia Chong replied, “Why does my lord not bestow a high office upon Zhong Hui and use him to restrain Deng Ai?” Sima Zhao followed his counsel. He sent an envoy bearing an edict appointing Zhong Hui Minister over the Masses, while commanding Wei Guan to supervise both armies. He also gave Wei Guan a personal letter instructing him and Zhong Hui to watch Deng Ai closely and guard against any revolt. Zhong Hui received and read the edict:

“Zhong Hui, General Who Pacifies the West, proved invincible wherever he advanced, and no powerful foe could stand before him. He exercised authority over all the cities and gathered in those who had fled and scattered. The mighty leaders of Shu came before him with their hands bound behind them and submitted to our mandate. No calculation in his plans was overlooked; no deed that he undertook failed of accomplishment. Let Hui therefore be appointed Minister over the Masses and advanced to the rank of county marquis, with ten thousand households added to his fief. Let two of his sons be enfeoffed as village marquises, each with a fief of one thousand households.”

After receiving his new rank, Zhong Hui at once summoned Jiang Wei to consult with him. “Deng Ai’s achievement surpasses mine, and he has also been appointed Grand Commandant. Now Duke Sima suspects him of harboring treasonous intentions; for that reason he has made Wei Guan army inspector and ordered me by edict to restrain him. What wise counsel have you, Boyue?” Jiang Wei replied, “I have heard that Deng Ai was born to a low and humble station and in his youth tended calves for a farming household. Now, through mere chance, he has followed the narrow bypaths of Yinping, clinging to trees and hanging from cliffs, and thus achieved this great success. It did not arise from any excellent strategy but depended entirely upon the vast good fortune of the state. Had the general and I not held each other in check at Jiange, how could Deng Ai ever have won this merit? Now he wishes to enfeoff the ruler of Shu as Prince of Fufeng, which is plainly an attempt to bind the people of Shu closely to himself. His treasonous intention may be seen without being spoken. Duke Sima is right to suspect him.” Zhong Hui highly approved these words. Jiang Wei continued, “Please dismiss your attendants. I have a confidential matter to tell you.” Zhong Hui ordered everyone to withdraw. Jiang Wei drew a map from his sleeve and handed it to him, saying, “In former days, when the Marquis of Wu first emerged from his thatched cottage, he presented this map to the Former Emperor and said, ‘The land of Yizhou contains a thousand li of fertile fields; its people are numerous and its state wealthy. Here an imperial enterprise may be founded.’ Because of this, the Former Emperor established his power at Chengdu. Now that Deng Ai has reached such a place, how could he not grow presumptuous?” Zhong Hui was delighted and pointed to the map, asking about the disposition of its mountains and rivers. Jiang Wei explained them one by one. Zhong Hui then asked, “What strategy should we use to remove Deng Ai?” Jiang Wei replied, “While Duke Sima’s suspicions are aroused, you should quickly submit a memorial describing Deng Ai’s treasonous conduct. Duke Sima will surely order the general to suppress him, and he may then be seized at a single stroke.” Zhong Hui followed his counsel and immediately sent a man with a memorial to Luoyang, declaring that Deng Ai had arrogated power and acted without restraint, winning over the people of Shu, and that he was certain to rebel sooner or later. At this, all the civil and military officials at court were alarmed. Zhong Hui also ordered men to intercept Deng Ai’s memorials along the road. Imitating Deng Ai’s handwriting, he rewrote them in arrogant language, thereby lending proof to his own accusations.

When Sima Zhao saw Deng Ai’s memorial, he flew into a rage. He immediately sent a man to Zhong Hui’s army with orders for Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai. He also sent Jia Chong with thirty thousand troops into Xiegu Valley, while he himself accompanied the Wei emperor, Cao Huan, in a personal imperial expedition. Shao Ti, an assistant in the Western Bureau, remonstrated: “Zhong Hui’s army is six times as large as Deng Ai’s. Zhong Hui alone is fully capable of arresting him. Why must Your Excellency go in person?” Sima Zhao laughed. “Have you forgotten what you once told me? You said that Zhong Hui would surely rebel in the end. This expedition of mine is not directed against Deng Ai, but against Zhong Hui.” Shao Ti smiled and said, “I feared that Your Excellency might have forgotten, and therefore I asked. Since this is indeed your intention, you must keep it strictly secret and let no word escape.” Sima Zhao approved his counsel and set out with the great army. At that time Jia Chong also suspected that Zhong Hui was contemplating revolt and secretly reported it to Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao said, “Since I have sent you out, must I suspect you as well? Once we reach Chang’an, all will become clear.” Spies had already reported to Zhong Hui that Sima Zhao had reached Chang’an. Alarmed, Zhong Hui hastily summoned Jiang Wei to discuss a plan for arresting Deng Ai. Truly:

No sooner had the surrendered generals of western Shu been received,Than once again a mighty army stirred at Chang’an.

What plan Jiang Wei devised to overthrow Deng Ai will be revealed in the next chapter.

A Prince Weeps at the Ancestral Temple and Dies for Filial Duty; Two Generals Enter Western Shu and Vie for Merit

Meanwhile, the Latter Lord was in Chengdu when he heard that Deng Ai had taken Mianzhu and that Zhuge Zhan and his son had both died. Greatly alarmed, he hastily summoned his civil and military officials to deliberate. A close attendant reported, “Outside the city, the people are helping the old and carrying the young, their cries shaking the air as they flee for their lives.” The Latter Lord was terrified and at a loss. Suddenly, a scout rode in to report that the Wei army was approaching the city. Many officials argued, “Our troops are few and our generals scarce. It will be difficult to meet the enemy. We should abandon Chengdu at once and flee to the seven commanderies of Nanzhong. The terrain there is rugged and defensible. We can enlist troops from the southern tribes and later return to recover the country.” Qiao Zhou, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, said, “That will not do. The southern tribes have long been rebellious, and we have shown them no kindness in ordinary times. If we seek refuge with them now, we will certainly meet with disaster.” Many officials then proposed, “Shu and Wu are allies. Now that the situation is desperate, we can seek refuge with Wu.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated again: “Since ancient times, no Son of Heaven has remained a sovereign while dependent on another state. I believe Wei is capable of swallowing Wu, but Wu cannot swallow Wei. If Your Majesty submits to Wu, that will be one humiliation. If Wu is later swallowed by Wei and Your Majesty must submit to Wei in turn, that will be a second humiliation. It would be better not to seek refuge with Wu, but to surrender directly to Wei. Wei will surely grant Your Majesty a territory and title. Thus, above, you can preserve the ancestral temples, and below, you can safeguard the common people. I beg Your Majesty to consider this.” The Latter Lord could not decide and withdrew into the palace.

The next day, the officials continued to argue back and forth. Seeing that the situation was urgent, Qiao Zhou submitted another memorial of remonstrance. The Latter Lord accepted Qiao Zhou’s advice. Just as he was preparing to surrender, a man suddenly emerged from behind a screen and fiercely cursed Qiao Zhou: “You decayed scholar who clings to life! How dare you recklessly discuss the great affairs of the state! Since ancient times, when has there ever been a Son of Heaven who surrendered?” The Latter Lord looked and saw that it was his fifth son, Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi. The Latter Lord had seven sons: the eldest, Liu Xuan; the second, Liu Yao; the third, Liu Cong; the fourth, Liu Zan; the fifth, Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi; the sixth, Liu Xun; and the seventh, Liu Qu. Of the seven, only Liu Chen had been intelligent from childhood, with extraordinary courage and acuity. The others were all weak and mild. The Latter Lord said to Liu Chen, “All the chief ministers now agree that we should surrender. Are you alone going to rely on rash courage and make the whole city run with blood?” Liu Chen replied, “When the First Emperor was alive, Qiao Zhou never took part in affairs of state. Now he recklessly discusses this great matter and suddenly utters such disorderly words. It is utterly unreasonable. By my estimate, Chengdu still has tens of thousands of troops, while Jiang Wei’s entire army remains at Jiange. If he learns that the Wei army has invaded the imperial capital, he will certainly come to our aid. By attacking from both inside and outside, we can achieve complete victory. How can we listen to the words of a decayed scholar and lightly abandon the foundation established by the First Emperor?” The Latter Lord rebuked him: “What can a child like you know of the course of Heaven?” Liu Chen knocked his head against the floor and wept: “If our position is exhausted, our strength spent, and ruin about to overtake us, then father and sons, ruler and ministers, should make one last stand with our backs to the city walls and die together for the state. Then we could face the First Emperor. But how can we surrender?” The Latter Lord would not listen. Liu Chen burst into loud sobs and cried, “It was no easy thing for the First Emperor to establish this foundation. Now it is to be abandoned in a single day. I would rather die than endure such disgrace!” The Latter Lord ordered his attendants to thrust him out through the palace gates. He then commanded Qiao Zhou to draft a letter of surrender and sent the provisionally appointed Palace Attendant Zhang Shao, Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant Deng Liang, and Qiao Zhou to carry the imperial seal to Luo County and request surrender.

At that time, Deng Ai sent several hundred armored cavalrymen each day to scout around Chengdu. That day, when they saw that flags of surrender had been raised, Deng Ai was overjoyed. Before long, Zhang Shao and the others arrived, and Deng Ai ordered men to receive them. The three men bowed prostrate at the foot of the steps and presented the terms of surrender and the imperial seal. Deng Ai opened the letter of surrender and read it. Delighted, he accepted the imperial seal and treated Zhang Shao, Qiao Zhou, Deng Liang, and the others with great honor. Deng Ai wrote a reply and gave it to the three men to carry back to Chengdu to reassure the people. The three took leave of Deng Ai and returned directly to Chengdu. They entered the palace, presented the reply to the Latter Lord, and gave a detailed account of how graciously Deng Ai had treated them. The Latter Lord broke the seal and read the letter. Greatly pleased, he immediately sent Grand Coachman Jiang Xian with an imperial command ordering Jiang Wei to surrender without delay. He also sent Li Hu, Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, to deliver the official registers to Deng Ai. There were altogether 280,000 households; 940,000 men and women; 102,000 armored officers and soldiers; 40,000 officials; more than 400,000 measures of grain in the storehouses; 3,000 jin of gold and silver; and 200,000 bolts each of brocade, patterned silk, colored silk, and plain silk. Other goods remained in the treasuries, too numerous to list in full. The first day of the twelfth month was chosen for the ruler and his ministers to go out and surrender.

When Liu Chen, Prince of Beidi, heard of this, his anger rose to the heavens, and he entered the palace wearing his sword. His wife, Lady Cui, asked, “Why does Your Highness look so different today?” Liu Chen replied, “The Wei army is drawing near. My imperial father has already accepted the terms of surrender, and tomorrow the ruler and his ministers will go out and submit. From this day forward, the state will be destroyed. I wish to die first and meet the First Emperor beneath the earth rather than bend my knees to another.” Lady Cui said, “Worthy indeed! Worthy indeed! This is a fitting death. Allow me to die first; it will not be too late for Your Highness to die afterward.” Liu Chen asked, “Why should you die?” Lady Cui answered, “Your Highness dies for your father, and I die for my husband. The principle is the same. When the husband dies, the wife dies with him. Why is there any need to ask?” When she had finished speaking, she dashed herself against a pillar and died. Liu Chen then killed his three sons with his own hand, cut off his wife’s head, and carried it to the temple of Emperor Zhaolie. Prostrating himself, he wept and said, “Your subject is ashamed to see the foundation of the dynasty abandoned to others. Therefore I first killed my wife and sons to sever every attachment, and now I will offer up my life in recompense to my ancestor! If my ancestor’s spirit still has awareness, may he know his descendant’s heart!” He wept bitterly until blood flowed from his eyes, then cut his own throat and died. When the people of Shu heard of it, not one failed to grieve. A later poet praised him:

Ruler and ministers gladly bent the knee;One son alone was overcome with grief.The cause of Western Sichuan now is lost—How valiant was the Prince of Beidi!He gave his life to honor his great ancestor,Clutched at his hair, and wept beneath the heavens.So awe-inspiring, he seems alive today;Who dares to say that Han has truly died?

When the Latter Lord heard that the Prince of Beidi had cut his own throat, he ordered that he be buried. The next day, the Wei army arrived in great force. The Latter Lord led the crown prince, the other princes, and more than sixty civil and military officials out through the north gate and ten li beyond the city to surrender, their hands bound behind them and coffins carried in carts beside them. Deng Ai helped the Latter Lord to his feet, personally untied his bonds, and burned the coffin cart. Then they entered the city together in their carriages. A later poet lamented:

Tens of thousands of Wei troops entered Sichuan;The Latter Lord clung to life and would not die.Huang Hao to the end deceived the state;Jiang Wei possessed in vain the talent to save his age.How fierce the hearts of loyal, righteous men!How mournful the resolve of the prince who kept his honor!Emperor Zhaolie’s work had not been easy,Yet in one morning all his deeds became ashes.

The people of Chengdu all prepared incense and flowers to welcome them. Deng Ai appointed the Latter Lord General of Agile Cavalry, while the other civil and military officials received offices according to their respective ranks. He asked the Latter Lord to return to the palace and issue proclamations reassuring the people, and he took formal possession of the granaries and treasuries. He also ordered Zhang Jun, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and Zhang Shao, Assistant Administrator of Yizhou, to pacify and win over the soldiers and people of the various commanderies. He further sent men to persuade Jiang Wei to surrender. At the same time, he dispatched a messenger to Luoyang to report the victory. When Deng Ai learned how treacherous and wicked Huang Hao was, he wanted to behead him. Huang Hao bribed Deng Ai’s attendants with gold and precious objects and thus escaped death. From that time onward, Han was no more. After the fall of Han, a later poet wrote in remembrance of the Martial Marquis:

Even apes and birds still feared his written orders;The winds and clouds should guard his old defenses.In vain the great commander wielded his inspired brush;At last a captive king was hurried off by relay carriage.His gifts matched Guan Zhong and Yue Yi without shame;But what could be done when Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were doomed?In later years, passing his shrine in Brocade City,One chants his “Liangfu Song,” with endless sorrow.

Meanwhile, Grand Coachman Jiang Xian reached Jiange and entered Jiang Wei’s presence. He transmitted the Latter Lord’s imperial command and told him of the surrender. Jiang Wei was so shocked that he could not speak. When the generals in his camp heard the news, they were all filled with resentment. They ground their teeth, glared in fury, and bristled from beard to hair. Drawing their swords, they hacked at the rocks and shouted, “We have fought to the death! Why did they surrender before us?” Their wailing could be heard for dozens of li. Seeing that the hearts of the men still yearned for Han, Jiang Wei soothed them with reassuring words: “Do not worry, generals. I have a plan by which the House of Han may be restored.” The generals asked him what it was. Jiang Wei brought each of them close and whispered the plan into their ears. He then raised flags of surrender all over Jiange Pass and first sent a man to Zhong Hui’s camp to announce that Jiang Wei was bringing Zhang Yi, Liao Hua, Dong Jue, and the others to surrender. Zhong Hui was overjoyed and sent men to welcome Jiang Wei into his tent. Zhong Hui said, “Why have you come so late, Boyue?” With a solemn expression and tears streaming down his face, Jiang Wei replied, “The entire army of the state was entrusted to me. For me to come today is still soon enough.” Zhong Hui was greatly impressed. He descended from his seat and exchanged bows with Jiang Wei, treating him as an honored guest. Jiang Wei said to Zhong Hui, “I have heard that ever since your campaign in Huainan, not one of your calculations has failed. The present greatness of the Sima clan is entirely due to your efforts. That is why I willingly bow my head to you. But as for Deng Shizai, I would have fought him to the death. How could I ever have surrendered to him?” Zhong Hui then broke an arrow as a pledge and swore brotherhood with Jiang Wei. Their affection and intimacy became very close, and Zhong Hui allowed Jiang Wei to retain command of his troops as before. Jiang Wei was secretly delighted and sent Jiang Xian back to Chengdu.

Meanwhile, Deng Ai appointed Shi Zuan Inspector of Yizhou and placed Qian Hong, Wang Qi, and the others in command of various provinces and commanderies. He also built a terrace at Mianzhu to commemorate his military achievement and held a great banquet for all the officials of Shu. When Deng Ai was half drunk, he pointed at the assembled officials and said, “It is only because you were fortunate enough to encounter me that you are alive today. Had you met some other general, you would all have been exterminated.” The officials rose and bowed their thanks. Suddenly, Jiang Xian arrived and reported that Jiang Wei had surrendered to Zhong Hui, General Who Pacifies the West. Deng Ai bitterly resented Zhong Hui because of this and wrote a letter that he ordered a messenger to carry to Sima Zhao, Duke of Jin, in Luoyang. Sima Zhao received and read the letter. It said:

Your subject Ai humbly believes that in warfare some actions begin with a show of force and are followed by actual operations. Now, taking advantage of the momentum gained from pacifying Shu, we should move against Wu. This is the moment to sweep it away like rolling up a mat. Yet after this great campaign, the officers and soldiers are exhausted and cannot be employed immediately. We should leave twenty thousand troops from Longyou and twenty thousand troops from Shu to boil salt, develop the ironworks, and construct boats, thereby preparing in advance for a campaign downstream. Then we should send an envoy to explain the advantages and dangers to Wu, and Wu may be pacified without a campaign. We should also treat Liu Shan generously in order to win over Sun Xiu. If Liu Shan is sent to the capital at once, the people of Wu will certainly become suspicious and will not be encouraged to embrace our civilization. He should be allowed to remain temporarily in Shu and should not arrive at the capital until the winter of next year. Liu Shan may now be enfeoffed as Prince of Fufeng and granted money and property sufficient to support his household. His sons should receive the ranks of dukes and high ministers, thus displaying the favor shown to one who submits to our mandate. Then the people of Wu, fearing our might and cherishing our virtue, will submit at the mere report of our coming.

After reading the letter, Sima Zhao strongly suspected that Deng Ai intended to act on his own authority. He first sent a personal letter to Wei Guan, and afterward issued the following decree granting Deng Ai new titles:

Deng Ai, General Who Conquers the West, displayed his power and exerted his martial might, penetrating deep into enemy territory and compelling the usurping ruler to bind his own neck and surrender. His campaign did not exceed its appointed season, nor did his battles last to the end of a day. He scattered the enemy like clouds and swept them away like a rolled mat, pacifying all of Ba and Shu. Even Bai Qi’s defeat of mighty Chu and Han Xin’s conquest of formidable Zhao cannot compare with his achievement. Deng Ai is hereby appointed Grand Commandant and granted an additional fief of twenty thousand households. His two sons are each enfeoffed as Village Marquis, with estates of one thousand households apiece.

After Deng Ai received the decree, Army Inspector Wei Guan took out Sima Zhao’s personal letter and gave it to him. The letter stated that the matters Deng Ai had proposed must await a report to the court and could not be carried out on his own authority. Deng Ai said, “‘When a general is in the field, there are commands from his sovereign that he need not obey.’ Since I received an imperial mandate to conduct the campaign independently, how can my actions be obstructed?” He then wrote another letter and ordered the imperial messenger to carry it to Luoyang. At that time, everyone at court was saying that Deng Ai certainly intended to rebel, and Sima Zhao’s suspicions deepened. Presently, the messenger returned and presented Deng Ai’s letter. Sima Zhao broke the seal and read:

Ai received the command to campaign in the west. Now that the chief evildoer has submitted, I must act as circumstances require in order to pacify those who have newly surrendered. If I wait for commands from the court, the journey there and back will consume days and months. According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, when a great officer has crossed the borders, if there is something he can do to secure the state and benefit the country, he may decide it on his own authority. Wu has not yet submitted and is linked by circumstance with Shu. We must not cling to ordinary procedure and thereby lose our opportunity. The art of war says that one should advance without seeking fame and withdraw without avoiding blame. Though Ai does not possess the integrity of the ancients, I will never seek to protect myself at the expense of the state. I submit this statement in advance so that the measures I propose may be authorized.

After reading the letter, Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed. He hurriedly consulted Jia Chong, saying, “Deng Ai has grown proud because of his achievements and now acts entirely as he pleases. His intention to rebel is clear. What are we to do?” Jia Chong replied, “Why does my lord not grant Zhong Hui a higher title and use him to restrain Deng Ai?” Sima Zhao accepted his advice and sent a messenger with a decree appointing Zhong Hui Minister over the Masses. He also ordered Wei Guan to supervise both armies and gave him a personal letter instructing him and Zhong Hui to watch Deng Ai closely and guard against any uprising. Zhong Hui received and read the decree, which said:

Zhong Hui, General Who Pacifies the West, has proved invincible wherever he has gone, with no mighty foe able to stand before him. He brought the cities under unified command and gathered in those who fled and scattered. The great leaders of Shu bound their hands behind them and submitted to our mandate. Not one of his plans failed, and not one of his undertakings was without achievement. Zhong Hui is hereby appointed Minister over the Masses, advanced to the rank of County Marquis, and granted an additional fief of ten thousand households. Two of his sons are each enfeoffed as Village Marquis, with estates of one thousand households apiece.

After receiving his new title, Zhong Hui summoned Jiang Wei to consult with him and said, “Deng Ai’s achievement surpasses mine, and he has also been appointed Grand Commandant. Now Duke Sima suspects that Deng Ai intends to rebel, which is why he has made Wei Guan army inspector and ordered me to restrain him. What wise counsel do you have, Boyue?” Jiang Wei replied, “I have heard that Deng Ai was born to a low and humble station and in his youth tended calves for a farming household. Now, by mere luck, he followed the narrow byway through Yinping, climbing trees and hanging from cliffs, and accomplished this great feat. It did not result from any brilliant plan, but was truly due to the state’s vast good fortune. If you and I had not been opposing one another at Jiange, how could Deng Ai ever have accomplished it? Now he wishes to enfeoff the ruler of Shu as Prince of Fufeng, which is a way of deeply binding the people of Shu to himself. His rebellious intent is obvious without being stated. Duke Sima is right to suspect him.” Zhong Hui highly approved of these words. Jiang Wei continued, “Please dismiss your attendants. I have a secret matter to report.” Zhong Hui ordered everyone around him to withdraw. Jiang Wei then took a map from his sleeve, handed it to Zhong Hui, and said, “Long ago, when the Martial Marquis first emerged from his thatched cottage, he presented this map to the First Emperor and said, ‘The land of Yizhou contains a thousand li of fertile plains. Its people are numerous and its state is wealthy. It can serve as the foundation for an imperial enterprise.’ Because of this, the First Emperor established his rule in Chengdu. Now that Deng Ai has reached this place, how could he not become arrogant?” Zhong Hui was delighted and pointed to the map, asking about the configuration of its mountains and rivers. Jiang Wei explained each one in detail. Zhong Hui then asked, “What plan should we use to eliminate Deng Ai?” Jiang Wei answered, “While Duke Sima is suspicious of him, you should quickly submit a memorial describing Deng Ai’s signs of rebellion. Duke Sima will certainly order you to attack him, and you can capture him in a single stroke.” Zhong Hui followed his advice. He immediately sent a man to carry a memorial to Luoyang, declaring that Deng Ai exercised arbitrary power, acted without restraint, and courted the people of Shu, and that he would certainly rebel sooner or later. The civil and military officials at court were all alarmed. Zhong Hui also sent men to intercept Deng Ai’s memorials along the road. Imitating Deng Ai’s handwriting, they rewrote them in arrogant language to substantiate Zhong Hui’s accusations.

When Sima Zhao saw Deng Ai’s memorial, he flew into a rage. He immediately sent a man to Zhong Hui’s army with orders for Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai. He also dispatched Jia Chong with thirty thousand troops into Xie Valley, while he himself accompanied the Wei emperor Cao Huan on an imperial expedition. Shao Ti, an assistant clerk in the Western Bureau, remonstrated: “Zhong Hui’s army is six times larger than Deng Ai’s. Zhong Hui alone is sufficient to arrest him. Why must Your Excellency go in person?” Sima Zhao laughed and said, “Have you forgotten what you said before? You once told me that Zhong Hui would eventually rebel. I am not making this journey because of Deng Ai, but because of Zhong Hui.” Shao Ti smiled and said, “I feared that Your Excellency might have forgotten, and so I asked. Since you already intend this, you must keep it absolutely secret and allow no word of it to leak out.” Sima Zhao agreed and set out with his great army. At the time, Jia Chong also suspected that Zhong Hui might rebel and secretly reported it to Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao said, “Since I have sent you, does that mean I suspect you as well? Once we reach Chang’an, everything will become clear.” Spies had already reported to Zhong Hui that Sima Zhao had reached Chang’an, and Zhong Hui hurriedly summoned Jiang Wei to discuss a plan for arresting Deng Ai. Just as the verse says:

No sooner had Shu’s surrendered generals been receivedThan a great army marched forth from Chang’an.

What plan Jiang Wei used to defeat Deng Ai will be revealed in the next chapter.