Chapter 65

Ma Chao Battles at Jiameng Pass; Liu Bei Assumes the Governorship of Yizhou

Now Yan Pu was urging Zhang Lu not to aid Liu Zhang when Ma Chao stepped forward and said, “I am deeply grateful for my lord’s favor, yet have had no way to repay it. I beg leave to lead an army against Jiameng Pass and capture Liu Bei alive. I shall compel Liu Zhang to cede twenty prefectures and restore them to my lord.” Zhang Lu was overjoyed. He first sent Huang Quan back by a byroad, then immediately assigned twenty thousand troops to Ma Chao. At this time Pang De was bedridden with illness and unable to march, so he remained in Hanzhong. Zhang Lu appointed Yang Bo as army supervisor. Ma Chao and his younger cousin Ma Dai chose a day and set out.

Meanwhile, Xuande’s army was at Luo Castle. The messenger whom Fa Zheng had sent with a letter returned and reported, “Zheng Du has advised Liu Zhang to burn all grain in the countryside, together with the granaries everywhere, and to lead the people of Baxi west of the Fu River, where they are to dig deep moats, raise high ramparts, and refuse battle.” When Xuande and Kongming heard this, both were greatly alarmed. “If he adopts this counsel,” they said, “our position will be perilous!” Fa Zheng laughed. “My lord, do not be anxious. Though the plan is ruthless, Liu Zhang will certainly never use it.” Before many days had passed, word came that Liu Zhang was unwilling to uproot the people and had rejected Zheng Du’s advice. Only then was Xuande relieved. Kongming said, “We must advance swiftly and seize Mianzhu. Once we hold that place, Chengdu will be easy to take.” He therefore sent Huang Zhong and Wei Yan forward with troops. When Fei Guan learned that Xuande’s army was approaching, he sent Li Yan out to meet it. Li Yan led out three thousand men, and both sides formed their arrays. Huang Zhong rode forth and fought Li Yan for forty or fifty bouts, with neither gaining the advantage. From within the formation Kongming ordered the gong sounded for retreat. Huang Zhong returned and asked, “I was just about to capture Li Yan. Why did the military adviser recall me?” Kongming said, “I have now seen Li Yan’s martial skill. He cannot be overcome by force. When you fight again tomorrow, feign defeat and draw him into the valley; then we shall defeat him with an ambush.”

Huang Zhong accepted the plan. The next day Li Yan again led out his troops, and Huang Zhong rode forth to meet him. Before ten bouts had passed, Huang Zhong feigned defeat and fled with his men. Li Yan pursued, following him deep into a mountain valley, when suddenly he realized the danger. He was hastening to turn back when Wei Yan appeared ahead with troops drawn up across his path. From the hilltop Kongming called down, “If you do not surrender, strong crossbows lie in ambush on both sides, ready to avenge Pang Shiyuan!” Li Yan hurriedly dismounted, stripped off his armor, and surrendered; not one of his soldiers was harmed. Kongming brought Li Yan before Xuande, who treated him with great generosity. Li Yan said, “Though Fei Guan is related by marriage to the lord of Yizhou, he and I are very close. I should go and persuade him.” Xuande at once ordered Li Yan to return to the city and induce Fei Guan to surrender.

Li Yan entered Mianzhu and spoke to Fei Guan, praising Xuande’s benevolence and virtue and warning that if he did not surrender now, a great calamity would surely befall him. Fei Guan took his advice and opened the gates in submission. Xuande then entered Mianzhu and discussed dividing his forces for the capture of Chengdu. Suddenly a courier on a fleet horse arrived with an urgent report: “Meng Da and Huo Jun are defending Jiameng Pass, but Zhang Lu of Dongchuan has sent Ma Chao, Yang Bo, and Ma Dai with troops to attack it fiercely. If aid comes too late, the pass is lost!” Xuande was greatly alarmed. Kongming said, “Only Generals Zhang and Zhao are fit to oppose him.” Xuande said, “Zilong is away with the troops and has not yet returned. Yide is already here; we should send him at once.” Kongming said, “My lord, say nothing for the moment. Allow me to provoke him into going.”

When Zhang Fei heard that Ma Chao was attacking the pass, he stormed in shouting, “Let me take leave of my elder brother, and I will go fight Ma Chao at once!” Kongming pretended not to hear him and said to Xuande, “Now that Ma Chao is assailing the pass, we have no one able to oppose him. We must send to Jingzhou for Guan Yunchang; only he can meet such an enemy.” Zhang Fei cried, “Why does the military adviser think so little of me? I once stood alone against Cao Cao’s million troops. Why should I fear one mere Ma Chao?” Kongming said, “At Changban, Yide held the river and broke the bridge, but that was only because Cao Cao did not know the true state of affairs. Had he known it, could you have escaped unharmed? Ma Chao’s valor is known throughout the realm. In the great battle at the Bridge over the Wei, he drove Cao Cao to cut off his beard and cast away his robe, and nearly cost him his life. He is no ordinary opponent. Even Yunchang might not defeat him.” Zhang Fei said, “I will go this instant. If I fail to defeat Ma Chao, I willingly submit to military law!” Kongming said, “If you are willing to put that pledge in writing, you may serve as vanguard. I ask my lord to go in person as well. I shall remain to guard Mianzhu, and when Zilong returns, we can make further plans.” Wei Yan said, “I too am willing to go.”

Kongming ordered Wei Yan to ride ahead with five hundred mounted scouts, with Zhang Fei following and Xuande bringing up the rear, and they advanced toward Jiameng Pass. Wei Yan’s scouts reached the foot of the pass first and encountered Yang Bo. Wei Yan engaged him, and before ten bouts had passed, Yang Bo fled in defeat. Eager to steal the first merit from Zhang Fei, Wei Yan pressed after him. Ahead, another force stood arrayed, led by Ma Dai. Wei Yan took him for Ma Chao and charged with saber flourishing. He fought Ma Dai for fewer than ten bouts before Ma Dai also fled. Wei Yan pursued, but Ma Dai turned in the saddle and loosed an arrow, striking Wei Yan in the left arm. Wei Yan wheeled his horse and hastily retreated. Ma Dai pursued him as far as the pass, when suddenly he saw a general, roaring like thunder, gallop down from the walls and rush toward him. It was Zhang Fei, who had just arrived at the pass. Hearing the fighting below, he had come to look and, seeing Wei Yan struck by an arrow, had spurred down to rescue him.

Zhang Fei shouted at Ma Dai, “Who are you? Give your name before we fight!” Ma Dai replied, “I am Ma Dai of Xiliang.” Zhang Fei said, “So you are not Ma Chao! Be off with you! You are no match for me! Tell that rogue Ma Chao to come himself, and say Zhang Yide of Yan is here!” Ma Dai was furious. “How dare you despise me!” Leveling his spear, he urged his horse straight at Zhang Fei. They fought for fewer than ten bouts before Ma Dai fled in defeat. Zhang Fei was about to pursue when a rider came from the pass, calling, “Brother, do not chase him!” Zhang Fei turned and saw that it was Xuande. He therefore abandoned the pursuit, and together they went up into the pass. Xuande said, “I feared your impetuous temper, and so I hurried after you. Since you have defeated Ma Dai, rest for the night. Tomorrow you may fight Ma Chao.”

At daybreak the next morning, drums thundered beneath the pass as Ma Chao’s army arrived. Looking down from the walls, Xuande saw Ma Chao ride out from beneath the shadow of the standard at the gate, spear in hand. He wore a lion helmet and a beast-faced belt, silver armor and a white robe. His martial array was extraordinary, and his person outstanding. Xuande sighed and said, “Men call him ‘Ma Chao the Splendid,’ and truly his fame is deserved!” Zhang Fei at once wanted to descend from the pass, but Xuande hastily stopped him. “Do not fight yet. First we must avoid the edge of his fury.” Below the pass Ma Chao repeatedly challenged Zhang Fei to single combat. Above, Zhang Fei longed to swallow Ma Chao whole, but three or five times Xuande restrained him. By afternoon Xuande saw that the men and horses in Ma Chao’s ranks had grown weary. He therefore selected five hundred horsemen and followed Zhang Fei in a charge down from the pass. When Ma Chao saw Zhang Fei’s force approaching, he swept his spear backward as a signal and withdrew his army about a bowshot. Zhang Fei’s men halted together, while the troops from the pass filed out behind them. Zhang Fei leveled his spear and rode forward, shouting, “Do you know Zhang Yide of Yan?” Ma Chao replied, “My family has been ennobled for generations. How should I know some rustic churl?” Zhang Fei flew into a rage. Both horses surged forward, and both spears rose together. They fought for more than a hundred bouts without decision. Watching them, Xuande exclaimed, “True tiger-generals!” Fearing some mishap might befall Zhang Fei, he hastily ordered the gong sounded. The two generals returned to their respective lines.

Back in his formation, Zhang Fei rested his horse only briefly. Without putting on his helmet, he merely bound a kerchief around his head, mounted again, and rode out to challenge Ma Chao. Ma Chao came forth, and the two resumed their combat. Fearing for Zhang Fei, Xuande donned his own armor, descended from the pass, and went directly to the battle line. There he watched Zhang Fei and Ma Chao fight another hundred and more bouts, both displaying redoubled vigor. Xuande again ordered the gong sounded, and the two generals broke apart and returned to their own formations. By then the day was drawing to a close. Xuande said to Zhang Fei, “Ma Chao is brave and fierce; you must not take him lightly. Withdraw into the pass for now. You can fight again tomorrow.” But Zhang Fei’s blood was up, and he refused to stop. “I swear to die before I withdraw!” he shouted. Xuande said, “Night is falling. You cannot fight any longer today.” Zhang Fei replied, “Then light more torches and prepare for a night battle!” Ma Chao likewise changed horses and rode out again, shouting, “Zhang Fei! Do you dare fight by night?” Zhang Fei’s fury blazed. He exchanged mounts with Xuande, dashed from the ranks, and cried, “If I do not capture you, I swear never to return to the pass!” Ma Chao replied, “If I do not defeat you, I swear never to return to camp!”

Both armies raised a mighty shout and lit hundreds upon hundreds of torches until the field shone as bright as day. Once more the two generals clashed before the lines. After more than twenty bouts, Ma Chao wheeled his horse and fled. Zhang Fei shouted, “Where do you think you’re going?” In truth, seeing that he could not defeat Zhang Fei, Ma Chao had devised a stratagem. Feigning defeat, he lured Zhang Fei after him, secretly drew a bronze mace, twisted around in the saddle, took aim, and hurled it at him. But when Ma Chao fled, Zhang Fei had been on his guard. As the bronze mace came hurtling at him, he swerved, and it flew past his ear. As Zhang Fei reined around, Ma Chao came pursuing in turn. Zhang Fei checked his horse, took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, and shot backward at Ma Chao. Ma Chao dodged the shaft, and both generals returned to their own formations. From the battle line Xuande called out, “I treat men with benevolence and righteousness and do not practice deceit. Ma Mengqi, withdraw your troops and rest. I will not take advantage of the moment to pursue you.” Hearing this, Ma Chao personally covered the retreat while his troops gradually withdrew. Xuande likewise recalled his army into the pass.

The next day Zhang Fei again wished to descend from the pass and fight Ma Chao, when word came that the military adviser had arrived. Xuande went to receive Kongming. Kongming said, “I have heard that Mengqi is a tiger-general of the age. If he and Yide fight to the death, one of them must surely be harmed. I therefore ordered Zilong and Hansheng to hold Mianzhu and traveled here through the night. With a small stratagem, we can induce Ma Chao to submit to my lord.” Xuande said, “I have seen Ma Chao’s heroic courage and greatly admire him. How may we win him?” Kongming replied, “I have heard that Zhang Lu of Dongchuan wishes to proclaim himself ‘King of Hanning.’ His adviser Yang Song is exceedingly greedy for bribes. We can send a man by a byroad directly into Hanzhong, first using gold and silver to win Yang Song over, and then present Zhang Lu with a letter saying: ‘I contend with Liu Zhang for Xichuan in order to avenge you. Do not listen to slanderous words meant to divide us. When the matter is settled, I will sponsor you as King of Hanning.’ Then Zhang Lu will order Ma Chao’s army recalled. When the recall comes, we can employ a stratagem to bring Ma Chao over to us.”

Xuande was delighted. He immediately composed a letter and sent Sun Qian with gold and pearls by a byroad straight to Hanzhong. Sun Qian sought an audience through Yang Song, explained the matter to him, and presented him with the gold and pearls. Yang Song was overjoyed. He first conducted Sun Qian before Zhang Lu and spoke persuasively on his behalf. Zhang Lu said, “Xuande is only General of the Left. How can he sponsor me as King of Hanning?” Yang Song replied, “Liu Bei is an imperial uncle of the Great Han. It is entirely fitting that he should memorialize the throne on your behalf.” Zhang Lu was delighted and immediately sent a messenger ordering Ma Chao to cease hostilities. Sun Qian remained in Yang Song’s house awaiting the reply.

Before many days had passed, the messenger returned and reported, “Ma Chao says he cannot withdraw before achieving success.” Zhang Lu sent another man to replace him, but again Ma Chao refused to return. Three successive summons failed to bring him back. Yang Song said, “This man has always been faithless in word and deed. Since he refuses to cease hostilities, he must intend to rebel.” He then had rumors spread, saying, “Ma Chao intends to seize Xichuan and make himself ruler of Shu. He means to avenge his father and refuses to remain a subject of Hanzhong.” When Zhang Lu heard this, he asked Yang Song for advice. Yang Song said, “On the one hand, send someone to tell Ma Chao: ‘Since you desire success, I give you one month in which to accomplish three tasks. If you do so, you will be rewarded; if not, you will certainly be executed. First, you must take Xichuan; second, you must bring me Liu Zhang’s head; third, you must drive back the Jingzhou army. If you cannot accomplish all three, you may present your own head instead.’ On the other hand, order Zhang Wei to muster troops and guard the passes, lest Ma Chao’s army mutiny.”

Zhang Lu followed this counsel and sent a man to Ma Chao’s camp to state the three demands. Ma Chao was aghast. “How have matters changed so completely?” he exclaimed. He then consulted Ma Dai. “We had better withdraw our troops.” But Yang Song spread another rumor: “If Ma Chao brings his army back, he will certainly harbor treacherous designs.” Zhang Wei therefore divided his army into seven columns and firmly guarded the defiles, refusing to allow Ma Chao’s troops to enter. Unable either to advance or retreat, Ma Chao was at a loss. Kongming said to Xuande, “Ma Chao is now caught between advance and retreat. Trusting to this three-inch, never-rotting tongue of mine, I will go personally to his camp and persuade him to submit.” Xuande said, “You, Master, are my arms and legs, my very heart and vitals. If some mishap should befall you, what would I do?” Kongming firmly insisted on going, but Xuande refused again and again to let him depart.

While they were still hesitating, a report suddenly came that Zhao Yun had sent a letter recommending a man of Xichuan who wished to surrender. Xuande summoned the man and questioned him. He was a native of Yuyuan in Jianning, surnamed Li, named Hui, with the style De’ang. Xuande said, “I once heard that you remonstrated earnestly with Liu Zhang. Why have you now come over to me?” Li Hui replied, “I have heard it said: ‘A worthy bird chooses its tree to roost in; a worthy minister chooses his lord to serve.’ When I formerly remonstrated with the Governor of Yizhou, I was fulfilling a minister’s duty. Once he proved unable to use my counsel, I knew he must be defeated. Now, General, your benevolence and virtue are spread throughout Shu, and I know your undertaking must succeed. Therefore I have come to submit.” Xuande said, “Your coming, Master, must surely bring benefit to Liu Bei.” Li Hui replied, “I hear that Ma Chao is now caught between advance and retreat. When I was formerly in Longxi, I once made his acquaintance. I am willing to go and persuade him to submit. What do you say?” Kongming said, “I was just seeking someone to make the journey in my place. I should like to hear how you mean to persuade him.” Li Hui leaned close to Kongming’s ear and explained his plan in detail. Kongming was overjoyed and immediately sent him on his way.

When Li Hui reached Ma Chao’s camp, he first sent a man ahead to announce his name. Ma Chao said, “I know Li Hui to be a skilled debater. He has certainly come to persuade me.” He summoned twenty executioners with swords and axes and concealed them below the command tent, instructing them, “When I order you to strike, hack him into meat paste!” Presently Li Hui strode proudly into the tent. Ma Chao sat erect and motionless, and shouted at him, “Why have you come?” Li Hui replied, “I have come expressly as a persuader.” Ma Chao said, “The precious sword in my case has just been sharpened. Say what you have to say. If your words do not convince me, I shall ask you to test its edge!” Li Hui laughed. “Your calamity is not far off, General! I only fear that your newly sharpened sword will not be tested on my neck, but that you will soon be testing it on your own!” Ma Chao said, “What calamity threatens me?” Li Hui replied, “I have heard that even the most skillful detractor could not conceal the beauty of Xi Shi of Yue, while the most skillful flatterer could not hide the ugliness of Wuyan of Qi. ‘When the sun reaches its zenith, it declines; when the moon is full, it wanes.’ Such is the constant principle of the world. You, General, bear Cao Cao a blood feud for the murder of your father, while the people of Longxi hate you bitterly. At first you could neither rescue Liu Zhang nor drive back the Jingzhou army; afterward you could neither master Yang Song nor regain the favor of Zhang Lu. Now there is no place beneath the Four Seas that will receive you, and you stand alone without a lord. If you suffer another defeat like that at the Bridge over the Wei, or another loss like Jicheng, with what face will you meet the people of the world?” Ma Chao bowed his head to the ground and said, “Your words are entirely right. But I have no road left to take.” Li Hui said, “If you are willing to heed me, why have you concealed swordsmen and axemen outside the tent?” Ma Chao was deeply ashamed and ordered them all away. Li Hui continued, “Imperial Uncle Liu honors the worthy and humbles himself before men of ability. I knew he was certain to succeed, and therefore left Liu Zhang to join him. Your honored father once made a covenant with the Imperial Uncle to destroy the traitors. Why do you not abandon darkness and turn toward the light, so that above you may avenge your father and below establish merit and fame?” Ma Chao was overjoyed. He immediately summoned Yang Bo and cut him down with a single stroke of his sword. Taking Yang Bo’s head, he accompanied Li Hui to the pass and surrendered to Xuande. Xuande personally came out to receive him and treated him with all the courtesies due an honored guest. Ma Chao bowed to the ground and said, “Now that I have encountered an enlightened lord, it is as though the clouds and mist have parted and I behold the blue sky!”

By this time Sun Qian had returned. Xuande again ordered Huo Jun and Meng Da to guard the pass, then withdrew his army to take Chengdu. Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong met him at Mianzhu and escorted him into the city. A report arrived: “The Shu generals Liu Jun and Ma Han are approaching with an army.” Zhao Yun said, “I am willing to go and capture these two men!” As soon as he had spoken, he mounted and led his troops out. Xuande remained atop the city walls, entertaining Ma Chao with wine. Before they had even settled at the feast, Zilong returned with the heads of both generals and presented them before the banquet. Ma Chao was astonished and held him in still greater respect. Ma Chao said, “There is no need for my lord to fight. I shall call Liu Zhang out and make him surrender. If he refuses, my cousin Ma Dai and I will take Chengdu ourselves and present it to you with both hands.” Xuande was delighted. That day they reveled to their hearts’ content.

Meanwhile, the defeated troops returned to Yizhou and reported to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang was greatly alarmed and shut himself indoors, refusing to come out. When he was told that Ma Chao’s relief army had arrived north of the city, he finally dared ascend the walls to look. He saw Ma Chao and Ma Dai standing below the city, and Ma Chao shouted, “Let Liu Jiyu come forth and speak!” From atop the wall Liu Zhang asked what he wanted. Ma Chao pointed with his whip and said from horseback, “I originally led Zhang Lu’s troops here to rescue Yizhou. But Zhang Lu listened to Yang Song’s slander and instead sought to harm me. I have now submitted to Imperial Uncle Liu. You should admit his officers and surrender, sparing the people further suffering. If you persist in your delusion, I shall attack the city first!” Liu Zhang’s face turned the color of earth. His breath failed him, and he collapsed upon the wall. The officials revived him. Liu Zhang said, “In my blindness I have brought matters to this. What use is regret now? Better to open the gates and surrender, and so save the people of the whole city.” Dong He said, “There are still more than thirty thousand troops within the city, and our money, cloth, grain, and fodder can sustain us for a year. Why surrender at once?” Liu Zhang replied, “My father and I have ruled Shu for more than twenty years, yet have conferred no benevolence or virtue upon the people. For three years war has raged, and flesh and blood have been cast away upon the fields—all of it is my fault. How can my heart be at peace? Better to surrender and bring peace to the people.”

When those present heard him, they all shed tears. Suddenly one man stepped forward and said, “My lord’s words accord exactly with the will of Heaven.” They looked and saw Qiao Zhou, styled Yunnan, a native of Xichongguo in Baxi. He had long been versed in the patterns of the heavens. Liu Zhang questioned him, and Qiao Zhou said, “One night I observed the celestial signs and saw a multitude of stars gathered over Shu Commandery. Among them was a great star shining as brightly as the full moon: this is the sign of an emperor or king. Moreover, a year ago children sang this rhyme:

‘If you would eat rice from the new grain,You must await the Former Lord’s reign.’

“This is a prophecy. The Way of Heaven must not be opposed.” Huang Quan and Liu Ba were enraged when they heard him and wanted to behead him, but Liu Zhang restrained them. Suddenly another report came: “Xu Jing, the Administrator of Shu Commandery, has climbed over the wall and surrendered!” Liu Zhang burst into tears and returned to his residence.

The next day it was reported that Imperial Uncle Liu had sent his retainer Jian Yong to call at the city gates. Liu Zhang ordered the gates opened and Jian Yong admitted. Seated in his carriage, Jian Yong looked about with proud unconcern. Suddenly a man drew his sword and shouted, “A petty fellow who has risen in the world, and now behaves as though no one else existed! How dare you scorn the men of Shu?” Jian Yong hastily descended from his carriage and went to greet him. The man was Qin Mi, styled Zichi, a native of Mianzhu in Guanghan. Jian Yong smiled and said, “I did not recognize my worthy elder brother. I beg you not to blame me.” They then entered together to see Liu Zhang. Jian Yong fully explained Xuande’s magnanimity and generous nature and assured him that he had no intention of harming him. Liu Zhang thereupon resolved to surrender and entertained Jian Yong lavishly. The next day he personally brought the seals of office, credentials, and registers, shared a carriage with Jian Yong, and went out of the city to submit. Xuande came out of his camp to receive him, grasped his hands, and said with tears, “It is not that I wished to act without benevolence or righteousness; circumstances left me no choice!” They entered the camp together, where Liu Zhang handed over the seals, credentials, and registers. Then they mounted their horses and entered the city.

When Xuande entered Chengdu, the people welcomed him at their doors with incense, flowers, lamps, and candles. Xuande went to the public hall, ascended the dais, and took his seat. All the officials of the commandery bowed below the hall; only Huang Quan and Liu Ba closed their doors and refused to come out. The generals were furious and wanted to go kill them. Xuande hastily issued an order: “Whoever harms either of these two men shall have his three clans exterminated!” Xuande personally went to their doors and invited them to take office. Moved by his gracious courtesy, the two men came forth. Kongming then said, “Now that Xichuan has been pacified, the land cannot accommodate two lords. Liu Zhang should be sent away to Jingzhou.” Xuande replied, “I have only just obtained Shu Commandery. I cannot yet send Jiyu far away.” Kongming said, “Liu Zhang lost his inheritance because he was too weak. If my lord acts with a woman’s softheartedness and cannot decide when matters arise, I fear this land will not long remain in your possession.”

Xuande followed his counsel and gave a grand banquet. He asked Liu Zhang to gather his possessions, invested him with the seal and insignia of General Who Displays Might, and sent him with his wife, children, servants, and retainers to reside at Gong’an in Nan Commandery, ordering him to depart that very day. Xuande assumed the office of Governor of Yizhou. All the civil and military officers who had surrendered received generous rewards, and their ranks and titles were duly determined. Yan Yan was appointed General of the Van; Fa Zheng, Administrator of Shu Commandery; Dong He, Palace Gentleman Commanding the Army; Xu Jing, Chief Clerk to the General of the Left; Pang Xi, Major in the Central Camp; Liu Ba, General of the Left; and Huang Quan, General of the Right. More than sixty other civil and military officers who had surrendered—including Wu Yi, Fei Guan, Peng Yang, Zhuo Ying, Li Yan, Wu Lan, Lei Tong, Li Hui, Zhang Yi, Qin Mi, Qiao Zhou, Lü Yi, Huo Jun, Deng Zhi, Yang Hong, Zhou Qun, Fei Yi, Fei Shi, and Meng Da—were all promoted and employed. Zhuge Liang was appointed Military Adviser; Guan Yunchang, General Who Quells the Bandits and Lord of Hanshou Village; Zhang Fei, General Who Campaigns Afar and Lord of Xinting; Zhao Yun, General Who Guards the Distant Lands; Huang Zhong, General Who Campaigns in the West; Wei Yan, General Who Exalts Martial Might; and Ma Chao, General Who Pacifies the West. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Liu Feng, Wu Ban, Guan Ping, Zhou Cang, Liao Hua, Ma Liang, Ma Su, Jiang Wan, Yi Ji, and the entire body of civil and military officers formerly serving in Jingzhou and Xiangyang were likewise promoted and rewarded. An envoy was sent to Yunchang bearing five hundred jin of gold, one thousand jin of silver, fifty million cash, and one thousand bolts of Shu brocade. The other officials and generals received gifts according to their rank. Oxen and horses were slaughtered, the soldiers were lavishly rewarded, and the granaries were opened to relieve the people. Army and populace alike rejoiced greatly.

Once Yizhou had been pacified, Xuande wished to distribute Chengdu’s finest fields and residences among his officials. Zhao Yun remonstrated: “The people of Yizhou have repeatedly suffered the fires of war, and their fields and homes stand empty. They should now be restored to the people, so that they may dwell in peace and resume their livelihoods. Only then will the people’s hearts be settled. It is not fitting to seize these properties for private rewards.” Xuande was delighted and followed his advice. He then ordered Military Adviser Zhuge to draw up the laws and regulations for governing the realm. The criminal statutes were quite severe. Fa Zheng said, “In former times, Gaozu established only three articles of law, and the common people were all moved by his virtue. I beg the military adviser to lighten punishments and simplify the laws, thereby fulfilling the people’s hopes.” Kongming replied, “You know the one side but not the other. Qin employed cruel and tyrannical laws, and all the people resented it; therefore Gaozu won them through leniency and benevolence. But Liu Zhang was benighted and weak. Virtuous government went unenforced, and authority and punishment lacked rigor; thus the proper relations between ruler and minister gradually declined. He favored men with office until, reaching the highest stations, they grew arrogant; he indulged them with kindness until, when his favor was exhausted, they treated him with contempt. These abuses all arose from this. Now I overawe them with law, so that when the law is enforced, they will understand mercy; I restrict them in rank, so that when rank is bestowed, they will understand honor. When mercy and honor work together, superiors and inferiors alike observe proper bounds. Herein the way of good government is made manifest.” Fa Zheng bowed in submission. From that time onward, soldiers and people were peaceful and secure. Troops were assigned to garrison and pacify the forty-one prefectures, and all were settled. As Administrator of Shu Commandery, Fa Zheng repaid every kindness, even the gift of a single meal, and avenged every grudge, even the merest hostile glance. Someone reported to Kongming, “Xiaozhi is behaving far too imperiously. He should be restrained somewhat.” Kongming replied, “Formerly, when my lord was confined in Jingzhou, he feared Cao Cao to the north and dreaded Sun Quan to the east. Relying upon Xiaozhi as his support, he was suddenly able to spread his wings and soar beyond all restraint. How can we now forbid Xiaozhi from acting even a little according to his own wishes?” He therefore took no action. When Fa Zheng heard of this, he too became more restrained.

One day, while Xuande and Kongming were conversing at leisure, a report suddenly came that Yunchang had sent Guan Ping to express thanks for the gifts of gold and silk. Xuande summoned him. After Guan Ping had bowed, he presented a letter and said, “My father has learned that Ma Chao’s martial skill surpasses that of ordinary men. He wishes to enter Sichuan and test himself against him, and told me to report the matter to you, Uncle.” Xuande was greatly alarmed. “If Yunchang enters Shu and contends with Mengqi, the two will never stand together.” Kongming said, “There is no cause for concern. I shall write him a reply myself.” Fearing Yunchang’s impetuous temper, Xuande immediately had Kongming compose the letter and sent Guan Ping back to Jingzhou with orders to travel through the night. When Guan Ping returned to Jingzhou, Yunchang asked, “Did you tell them that I wished to measure my skill against Ma Mengqi?” Guan Ping replied, “The military adviser has sent you this letter.” Yunchang opened it and read:

“I have heard that you, General, wish to determine superiority with Mengqi. In my judgment, though Mengqi is fierce and valiant beyond ordinary men, he is no more than the equal of Qing Bu or Peng Yue. He may race neck and neck with Yide and contend with him for the lead, yet he cannot approach the peerless and transcendent Lord of the Splendid Beard. Your present charge over Jingzhou is no light responsibility. Should you enter Sichuan and Jingzhou suffer any loss, no guilt could be greater. I trust your clear understanding will perceive this.”

After reading it, Yunchang stroked his beard and laughed. “Kongming knows my heart!” He showed the letter to all his guests and abandoned any thought of entering Sichuan.

Meanwhile, Sun Quan of the Southland learned that Xuande had annexed Xichuan and sent Liu Zhang away to Gong’an. He summoned Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong and said, “When Liu Bei borrowed Jingzhou from me, he said he would return it once he had taken Xichuan. Now that he possesses the forty-one prefectures of Ba and Shu, we must demand the return of the commanderies along the Han River. If he refuses, we shall resort to arms.” Zhang Zhao said, “The Southland has only just been pacified; we must not raise troops. I have a plan that will make Liu Bei return Jingzhou to my lord with both hands.” Just so:

New sun and moon have dawned upon Western Shu,While Eastern Wu demands its ancient lands anew.

What the plan may be will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Ma Chao Battles at Jiameng Pass; Liu Bei Assumes the Governorship of Yizhou

Now Yan Pu was urging Zhang Lu not to aid Liu Zhang when Ma Chao stepped forward and said, “I am deeply grateful for my lord’s kindness and have had no way to repay it. I ask to lead an army against Jiameng Pass and capture Liu Bei alive. I will compel Liu Zhang to cede twenty commanderies and return them to my lord.” Zhang Lu was delighted. He first sent Huang Quan back by a minor road, then immediately assigned twenty thousand troops to Ma Chao. At this time, Pang De was bedridden with illness and unable to travel, so he remained in Hanzhong. Zhang Lu appointed Yang Bo as army supervisor. Ma Chao and his younger cousin Ma Dai selected a day and set out.

Meanwhile, Xuande’s forces were at Luo Castle. The messenger whom Fa Zheng had sent with a letter returned and reported, “Zheng Du has advised Liu Zhang to burn all the grain in the countryside and all the storehouses everywhere, then lead the people of Baxi west of the Fu River, dig deep trenches, build high ramparts, and refuse battle.” When Xuande and Kongming heard this, they were both greatly alarmed and said, “If he follows this advice, our position will be perilous!” Fa Zheng laughed and said, “Do not worry, my lord. Though the plan is ruthless, Liu Zhang will certainly be unable to adopt it.” Before many days had passed, word came that Liu Zhang had refused to relocate the people and had not followed Zheng Du’s advice. Only then did Xuande feel relieved. Kongming said, “We should advance quickly and take Mianzhu. Once we have that place, Chengdu will be easy to capture.” He therefore sent Huang Zhong and Wei Yan ahead with troops. When Fei Guan learned that Xuande’s army was coming, he sent Li Yan out to meet it. Li Yan led out three thousand troops, and both sides completed their formations. Huang Zhong rode forth and fought Li Yan for forty or fifty bouts, with neither gaining the advantage. From within the formation, Kongming ordered the gong sounded to recall the troops. Huang Zhong returned and asked, “I was just about to capture Li Yan. Why did the military adviser recall me?” Kongming said, “I have now seen Li Yan’s martial skill. He cannot be taken by force. When you fight again tomorrow, pretend to be defeated and lure him into the mountain valley. Then we will defeat him with a surprise force.”

Huang Zhong accepted the plan. The next day, Li Yan again led out his troops, and Huang Zhong rode forth to fight him. In fewer than ten bouts, Huang Zhong pretended to be defeated, turned his troops, and fled. Li Yan pursued, following him gradually into the mountain valley, when he suddenly realized what was happening. Just as he urgently tried to turn back, Wei Yan appeared ahead with troops drawn up across the way. From the hilltop, Kongming called out, “If you refuse to surrender, powerful crossbows lie in ambush on both sides, ready to avenge our Pang Shiyuan!” Li Yan hurriedly dismounted, removed his armor, and surrendered. Not one of his soldiers was harmed. Kongming brought Li Yan before Xuande, who treated him with great generosity. Li Yan said, “Though Fei Guan is related by marriage to the ruling family of Yizhou, he and I are very close. I should go and persuade him.” Xuande immediately ordered Li Yan to return to the city and induce Fei Guan to surrender.

Li Yan entered Mianzhu and praised Xuande’s benevolence and virtue to Fei Guan, telling him that if he did not surrender now, great disaster would surely follow. Fei Guan accepted his advice, opened the gates, and surrendered. Xuande then entered Mianzhu and discussed dividing his forces to take Chengdu. Suddenly, an express rider arrived with an urgent report: “Meng Da and Huo Jun are defending Jiameng Pass, but Zhang Lu of the Eastern River has now sent Ma Chao, Yang Bo, and Ma Dai to lead troops in a fierce assault. If aid is delayed, the pass will be lost!” Xuande was greatly alarmed. Kongming said, “Only Generals Zhang and Zhao can face this enemy.” Xuande said, “Zilong is away leading troops and has not yet returned. Yide is already here, so we can send him at once.” Kongming said, “My lord, say nothing for the moment. Allow me to provoke him into going.”

When Zhang Fei heard that Ma Chao was attacking the pass, he rushed in shouting, “I will take leave of my elder brother and go fight Ma Chao at once!” Kongming pretended not to hear him and said to Xuande, “Now that Ma Chao is attacking the pass, we have no one capable of opposing him. Only if we bring Guan Yunchang here from Jingzhou will we have someone who can face him.” Zhang Fei said, “Why does the military adviser think so little of me? I once stood alone against Cao Cao’s army of a million. Why should I fear a mere Ma Chao?” Kongming said, “At the river, Yide broke the bridge and held off the enemy only because Cao Cao did not know the true situation. If he had known it, could you really have escaped unharmed? Ma Chao’s valor is known throughout the realm. In the great battle at the Wei Bridge, he drove Cao Cao to cut off his beard and cast away his robe, and nearly took his life. He is no ordinary opponent. Even Yunchang might not be able to defeat him.” Zhang Fei said, “I will go this very moment. If I cannot defeat Ma Chao, I will willingly submit to military punishment!” Kongming said, “If you are willing to put that pledge in writing, you may serve as vanguard. I ask my lord to make the journey in person, while I remain to guard Mianzhu. When Zilong returns, I will make further arrangements.” Wei Yan said, “I am also willing to go.”

Kongming ordered Wei Yan to go ahead with five hundred scouting cavalry, followed by Zhang Fei, with Xuande bringing up the rear, and they advanced toward Jiameng Pass. Wei Yan’s scouts reached the foot of the pass first and happened upon Yang Bo. Wei Yan fought Yang Bo, and in fewer than ten bouts, Yang Bo fled in defeat. Wanting to steal the first victory from Zhang Fei, Wei Yan pressed the pursuit. Ahead, another force drew up in formation, led by Ma Dai. Wei Yan assumed he was Ma Chao and charged him, brandishing his saber and spurring his horse. He fought Ma Dai for fewer than ten bouts before Ma Dai fled in defeat. Wei Yan pursued, but Ma Dai turned in the saddle and shot an arrow that struck Wei Yan in the left arm. Wei Yan hurriedly wheeled his horse and fled. Ma Dai pursued him as far as the pass, where he saw a general whose shout was like thunder galloping down from the walls straight toward him. It was Zhang Fei, who had just arrived at the pass. Hearing the fighting outside, he had gone to look and saw Wei Yan struck by the arrow. He therefore galloped down from the pass and rescued him.

Zhang Fei shouted at Ma Dai, “Who are you? State your name before we fight!” Ma Dai replied, “I am Ma Dai of Xiliang.” Zhang Fei said, “So you are not Ma Chao! Go back at once! You are no match for me! Tell that wretch Ma Chao to come himself! Tell him Zhang Yide of Yan is here!” Ma Dai was furious. “How dare you look down on me!” he cried. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Zhang Fei. In fewer than ten bouts, Ma Dai fled in defeat. Zhang Fei was about to pursue when a rider came from the pass, calling, “Brother, do not pursue him!” Zhang Fei looked back and saw that Xuande had arrived. He therefore gave up the pursuit, and they went up into the pass together. Xuande said, “I feared your impetuous temper, so I hurried after you and came here. Since you have defeated Ma Dai, rest for the night. Tomorrow you can fight Ma Chao.”

At daybreak the next morning, drums thundered below the pass as Ma Chao’s army arrived. Looking down from the walls, Xuande saw Ma Chao gallop out from the shadow of the command banners, spear in hand. He wore a lion-crested helmet, a beast-faced belt, silver armor, and a white robe. His equipment was extraordinary, and his appearance was outstanding. Xuande sighed and said, “People call him ‘Ma Chao the Splendid,’ and his reputation is well deserved!” Zhang Fei immediately wanted to descend from the pass, but Xuande quickly stopped him. “Do not go out to fight yet. We must first avoid the edge of his fury.” Below the pass, Ma Chao challenged Zhang Fei alone to come out and fight. On the walls, Zhang Fei was so enraged that he wanted to swallow Ma Chao whole, but Xuande restrained him three or four times. By early afternoon, Xuande saw that the men and horses in Ma Chao’s formation were all weary. He then selected five hundred cavalry to follow Zhang Fei in a charge down from the pass. When Ma Chao saw Zhang Fei’s troops approaching, he gestured behind him with his spear, ordering his army to withdraw about a bowshot. Zhang Fei’s troops all came to a halt, while the forces from the pass continued filing out. Zhang Fei leveled his spear and rode forward, shouting, “Do you know Zhang Yide of Yan?” Ma Chao replied, “My family has held the ranks of dukes and marquises for generations. How would I know some rustic nobody?” Zhang Fei flew into a rage. Both horses charged, and both spears rose. They fought for more than a hundred bouts, with neither gaining the advantage. Watching them, Xuande sighed and said, “What true tiger-generals they are!” Fearing some mishap might befall Zhang Fei, he quickly ordered the gong sounded to recall the troops. The two generals each returned to his own side.

After Zhang Fei returned to his formation, he rested his horse briefly. Without putting on his helmet, he merely wrapped a cloth around his head, remounted, and rode out again to challenge Ma Chao. Ma Chao came out as well, and the two fought once more. Fearing for Zhang Fei, Xuande donned his own armor, descended from the pass, and went straight to the front. He watched Zhang Fei and Ma Chao fight another hundred or more bouts, both displaying even greater vigor than before, until he ordered the gong sounded to recall the troops. The two generals broke apart and each returned to his own formation. By then, the day was growing late. Xuande said to Zhang Fei, “Ma Chao is valiant. You must not underestimate him. Withdraw into the pass for now. You can fight him again tomorrow.” But Zhang Fei’s fighting spirit was fully aroused, and he refused to stop. He shouted, “I swear I will die before I go back!” Xuande said, “It is too late in the day. You cannot fight any longer.” Zhang Fei said, “Then light more torches and arrange a night battle!” Ma Chao also changed horses and rode out again, shouting, “Zhang Fei! Do you dare fight at night?” Zhang Fei’s temper flared. He exchanged mounts with Xuande, charged out, and cried, “If I cannot capture you, I swear I will not return to the pass!” Ma Chao replied, “If I cannot defeat you, I swear I will not return to camp!”

Both armies raised a mighty shout and lit a thousand torches, illuminating the field as brightly as day. The two generals again fought furiously before the lines. After more than twenty bouts, Ma Chao wheeled his horse and fled. Zhang Fei shouted, “Where do you think you’re going?” In fact, Ma Chao, seeing that he could not defeat Zhang Fei, had devised a plan. He pretended to be beaten and feigned flight to lure Zhang Fei into pursuing. Secretly drawing a bronze hammer into his hand, he twisted around in the saddle, took aim at Zhang Fei, and hurled it. But when Zhang Fei saw Ma Chao flee, he had already grown wary. As the bronze hammer came flying, Zhang Fei dodged, and it passed beside his ear. As Zhang Fei reined around his horse, Ma Chao came after him again. Zhang Fei steadied his mount, took up his bow, fitted an arrow, and shot back at Ma Chao, but Ma Chao dodged it. The two generals then returned to their own formations. From the front of his lines, Xuande called out, “I treat others with benevolence and justice and do not employ deceit. Ma Mengqi, withdraw your troops and rest. I will not take advantage of the moment to pursue you.” Hearing this, Ma Chao personally guarded the rear while his troops gradually withdrew. Xuande also recalled his army into the pass.

The next day, Zhang Fei again wanted to descend from the pass and fight Ma Chao, but word came that the military adviser had arrived. Xuande went to welcome Kongming. Kongming said, “I have heard that Mengqi is a tiger-general of this age. If he and Yide fight to the death, one of them is certain to be injured. I therefore ordered Zilong and Hansheng to hold Mianzhu and traveled here through the night. We can use a small stratagem to make Ma Chao submit to my lord.” Xuande said, “I have seen Ma Chao’s valor and admire him greatly. How can we win him?” Kongming said, “I have heard that Zhang Lu of the Eastern River wants to proclaim himself King of Hanning. His adviser Yang Song is exceedingly greedy for bribes. We can send someone by a minor road straight to Hanzhong, first using gold and silver to gain Yang Song’s goodwill, then presenting Zhang Lu with a letter saying, ‘My struggle with Liu Zhang for the Western River is being waged to avenge you. You must not believe slanderous attempts to divide us. Once the matter is settled, I guarantee that you will be made King of Hanning.’ Then have him recall Ma Chao’s troops. When his orders arrive to withdraw them, we can use a stratagem to induce Ma Chao to surrender.”

Xuande was delighted. He immediately wrote the letter and sent Sun Qian with gold and pearls by a minor road straight to Hanzhong. Sun Qian arranged to meet Yang Song, explained the entire affair, and presented him with the gold and pearls. Yang Song was overjoyed. He first brought Sun Qian before Zhang Lu and made a persuasive case for the proposal. Zhang Lu said, “Xuande is only General of the Left. How can he guarantee that I will be made King of Hanning?” Yang Song replied, “Liu Bei is an Imperial Uncle of the Great Han. He is fully entitled to sponsor your appointment.” Zhang Lu was delighted and sent a man to order Ma Chao to cease fighting. Sun Qian remained at Yang Song’s house to await the response.

Before many days had passed, the messenger returned and reported, “Ma Chao says he cannot withdraw before accomplishing his mission.” Zhang Lu sent another man to replace him, but Ma Chao again refused to return. Three successive orders were sent, yet he still did not come. Yang Song said, “This man has never been trustworthy in word or deed. Since he refuses to cease fighting, he must intend to rebel.” He then had rumors spread saying, “Ma Chao intends to seize the Western River, make himself ruler of Shu, and avenge his father. He refuses to remain a subject of Hanzhong.” When Zhang Lu heard this, he asked Yang Song for advice. Yang Song said, “On the one hand, send someone to tell Ma Chao, ‘Since you intend to succeed, I give you a one-month deadline to accomplish three things for me. If you accomplish them, you will be rewarded; otherwise, you will certainly be executed. First, you must take the Western River. Second, you must take Liu Zhang’s head. Third, you must drive back the Jingzhou army. If you fail in these three tasks, you may present your own head.’ On the other hand, order Zhang Wei to muster troops and guard the passes, in case Ma Chao’s army mutinies.”

Zhang Lu followed his advice and sent a man to Ma Chao’s camp to state these three demands. Ma Chao was greatly alarmed and said, “How could things change so completely?” He then discussed the matter with Ma Dai. “We had better withdraw our troops.” But Yang Song spread another rumor: “If Ma Chao brings his army back, he will certainly be harboring treacherous intentions.” Zhang Wei therefore divided his forces into seven columns and firmly guarded the strategic passes, refusing to let Ma Chao’s troops enter. Unable either to advance or retreat, Ma Chao had no plan he could use. Kongming said to Xuande, “Ma Chao is now caught in a dilemma. Relying on my three-inch, never-rotting tongue, I will personally go to his camp and persuade him to surrender.” Xuande said, “You, Master, are my arms and legs, my heart and closest confidant. If anything should go wrong, what would I do?” Kongming firmly insisted on going, but Xuande repeatedly refused to let him.

While they were still hesitating, a sudden report came that Zhao Yun had sent a letter recommending a man from the Western River who had come to surrender. Xuande summoned the man and questioned him. He was a native of Yuyuan in Jianning, surnamed Li, named Hui, with the courtesy name De’ang. Xuande said, “I once heard that you remonstrated bitterly with Liu Zhang. Why have you now come over to me?” Li Hui replied, “I have heard it said, ‘A fine bird chooses a tree to roost in, and a worthy minister chooses a lord to serve.’ When I formerly remonstrated with Governor Liu, it was to fulfill my duty as a subject. But when he proved unable to accept my counsel, I knew he was certain to fail. Now, General, your benevolence and virtue have spread throughout Shu. I know your enterprise is sure to succeed, and so I have come to join you.” Xuande said, “Your coming here, Master, will surely be of benefit to me.” Li Hui said, “I have now heard that Ma Chao is caught in a dilemma. I once met him in Longxi. Will you allow me to go and persuade him to surrender?” Kongming said, “I was just hoping to find someone to go in my place. I would like to hear what you intend to say.” Li Hui leaned close to Kongming’s ear and explained his plan in detail. Kongming was delighted and immediately sent him on his way.

When Li Hui reached Ma Chao’s camp, he first sent a man ahead to announce his name. Ma Chao said, “I know Li Hui is a persuasive speaker. He has surely come to talk me over.” He first summoned twenty swordsmen and axmen and concealed them below his tent, instructing them, “When I order you to cut him down, hack him into meat paste!” A short while later, Li Hui strode in proudly. Ma Chao remained seated upright in the tent without moving and barked at him, “Why have you come?” Li Hui replied, “I have come expressly as a persuader.” Ma Chao said, “The precious sword in my case has just been sharpened. Try saying what you have to say. If your words make no sense, I invite you to test my sword!” Li Hui laughed. “Disaster is not far from you, General! I fear that newly sharpened sword will have no chance to test itself on my head, for you will soon be using it on yourself!” Ma Chao asked, “What disaster threatens me?” Li Hui replied, “I have heard that in the case of Xi Shi of Yue, even those skilled at disparagement could not hide her beauty, while in the case of Wuyan of Qi, even those skilled at praise could not conceal her ugliness. ‘When the sun reaches its zenith, it declines; when the moon is full, it wanes.’ This is a constant principle of the world. General, you have a blood feud with Cao Cao for the murder of your father, while the people of Longxi also hate you bitterly. At first, you were unable to save Liu Zhang and drive back the Jingzhou army; afterward, you were unable to control Yang Song or even gain an audience with Zhang Lu. At present, there is nowhere within the four seas that can accommodate you, and you have no lord to serve. If you suffer another defeat like the one at the Wei Bridge, or another loss like that of Ji Castle, with what face will you meet the people of the world?” Ma Chao bowed his head to the ground and said, “Your words are excellent, but I have no path left to take.” Li Hui said, “Since you are willing to hear me, why have you hidden swordsmen and axmen outside the tent?” Ma Chao was deeply ashamed and angrily ordered them all away. Li Hui continued, “Imperial Uncle Liu honors the worthy and humbles himself before men of talent. I knew he was certain to succeed, and so I abandoned Liu Zhang to join him. Your honored father once pledged with the Imperial Uncle to fight the traitor together. Why do you not leave darkness and turn toward the light, so that above you may avenge your father and below you may establish merit and fame?” Ma Chao was overjoyed. He immediately summoned Yang Bo, cut him down with one stroke of his sword, and carried his head with Li Hui to the pass to surrender to Xuande. Xuande personally welcomed him in and treated him with the honors due the most distinguished guest. Ma Chao bowed his head to the ground and said, “Now that I have found an enlightened lord, it is like parting the clouds and mist and seeing the blue sky!”

By this time, Sun Qian had returned. Xuande again ordered Huo Jun and Meng Da to guard the pass, then withdrew his forces to take Chengdu. Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong came to meet him at Mianzhu. A report arrived: “The Shu generals Liu Jun and Ma Han are approaching with an army.” Zhao Yun said, “I volunteer to go and capture these two men!” As soon as he had spoken, he mounted his horse and led his troops out. Xuande remained in the city, entertaining Ma Chao with wine. Before they had even settled at the banquet, Zilong had already beheaded both men and presented their heads before the feast. Ma Chao was astonished and respected him all the more. Ma Chao said, “My lord need not fight. I will personally summon Liu Zhang out to surrender. If he refuses, my cousin Ma Dai and I will take Chengdu ourselves and present it to you with both hands.” Xuande was delighted. They made merry to the fullest that day.

Meanwhile, the defeated soldiers returned to Yizhou and reported to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang was greatly alarmed and shut himself inside, refusing to come out. Then someone reported that Ma Chao’s relief force had arrived north of the city. Only then did Liu Zhang dare climb the walls to look. He saw Ma Chao and Ma Dai standing below the city, and Ma Chao shouted, “I ask Liu Jiyu to come forward and speak!” Liu Zhang questioned him from the wall. Pointing his riding whip from horseback, Ma Chao said, “I originally led Zhang Lu’s troops here to save Yizhou. Who could have expected Zhang Lu to believe Yang Song’s slanders and turn against me, even seeking to harm me? I have now surrendered to Imperial Uncle Liu. You should accept the right course and submit, sparing the common people further suffering. If you stubbornly persist in your error, I will attack the city at once!” Liu Zhang was so terrified that his face turned the color of earth, and he fainted on the wall. The officials revived him. Liu Zhang said, “I was blind and foolish. What use is regret now? It would be better to open the gates and surrender, so that all the people in the city may be saved.” Dong He said, “There are still more than thirty thousand troops in the city, and our money, cloth, provisions, and fodder can last a year. Why surrender so readily?” Liu Zhang replied, “My father and I have ruled Shu for more than twenty years without bestowing any benevolence or virtue on the people. For three years we have waged war, and flesh and blood have been cast away in the wilderness. All of this is my fault. How can my conscience be at peace? It is better to surrender and bring peace to the people.”

When the others heard this, they all shed tears. Suddenly, one man stepped forward and said, “My lord’s words accord perfectly with the will of Heaven.” They looked and saw a native of Xichongguo in Baxi, surnamed Qiao, named Zhou, with the courtesy name Yunnan. This man had long been versed in astronomy. Liu Zhang questioned him, and Qiao Zhou replied, “One night, I observed the celestial signs and saw a cluster of stars gathering over Shu Commandery. The greatest star shone as brightly as the full moon, an omen of an emperor or king. Moreover, a year ago, children sang this rhyme: ‘If you want to eat new rice, you must wait until the Former Lord arrives.’ This was a prophecy. The Way of Heaven must not be opposed.” When Huang Quan and Liu Ba heard this, they were both furious and wanted to behead him, but Liu Zhang stopped them. Suddenly, another report came: “Xu Jing, Administrator of Shu Commandery, has climbed over the wall and gone out to surrender!” Liu Zhang burst into tears and returned to his residence.

The next day, someone reported that Imperial Uncle Liu had sent his retainer Jian Yong to call at the city gates. Liu Zhang ordered the gates opened and had him brought in. Jian Yong sat in his carriage, looking around with haughty indifference. Suddenly, a man drew his sword and shouted, “A petty man who gains success behaves as though no one else exists! How dare you show contempt for the men of Shu?” Jian Yong hurriedly got down from the carriage to greet him. The man was a native of Mianzhu in Guanghan, surnamed Qin, named Mi, with the courtesy name Zichi. Jian Yong laughed and said, “I did not recognize you, worthy elder brother. Please do not blame me.” They then went in together to see Liu Zhang. Jian Yong explained fully that Xuande was generous and broad-minded and had no intention of harming him. Liu Zhang thereupon resolved to surrender and treated Jian Yong generously. The next day, he personally brought his seals of office, ribbons, and official registers, rode out of the city in the same carriage as Jian Yong, and surrendered. Xuande came out of his camp to meet him, grasped his hands, and wept. “It is not that I wished to abandon benevolence and justice,” he said, “but circumstances left me no choice!” They entered the camp together, where Liu Zhang handed over the seals, ribbons, and official records. They then mounted their horses and entered the city.

When Xuande entered Chengdu, the people welcomed him at the gates with incense, flowers, lanterns, and candles. Xuande reached the public hall, ascended the dais, and took his seat. All the officials of the commandery bowed below the hall, except Huang Quan and Liu Ba, who shut their doors and refused to come out. The generals were furious and wanted to go kill them. Xuande hastily issued an order: “Anyone who harms either of these men will have all three generations of his family exterminated!” Xuande personally went to their homes and invited them to accept office. Moved by Xuande’s kindness and courtesy, both men came out. Kongming advised, “Now that the Western River has been pacified, there is no room for two lords. Liu Zhang should be sent away to Jingzhou.” Xuande said, “I have only just gained Shu Commandery. I cannot yet send Jiyu far away.” Kongming replied, “Liu Zhang lost his inheritance entirely because he was too weak. If my lord acts with a woman’s compassion and cannot make firm decisions when matters arise, I fear this territory will be difficult to hold for long.”

Xuande followed his advice and arranged a great banquet. He asked Liu Zhang to gather his property, conferred on him the seal and ribbon of General Who Displays Might, and sent him with his wife, children, servants, and dependents of every rank to reside at Gong’an in Nan Commandery, ordering him to depart that very day. Xuande assumed the office of Governor of Yizhou. He richly rewarded all the civil and military officials who had surrendered and assigned them ranks and titles. Yan Yan was made General of the Van; Fa Zheng, Administrator of Shu Commandery; Dong He, Palace Cadet General in Charge of the Army; Xu Jing, Chief Clerk to the General of the Left; Pang Xi, Marshal of the Encampment; Liu Ba, General of the Left; and Huang Quan, General of the Right. More than sixty other civil and military officials who had surrendered—including Wu Yi, Fei Guan, Peng Yang, Zhuo Ying, Li Yan, Wu Lan, Lei Tong, Li Hui, Zhang Yi, Qin Mi, Qiao Zhou, Lü Yi, Huo Jun, Deng Zhi, Yang Hong, Zhou Qun, Fei Yi, Fei Shi, and Meng Da—were all promoted and employed. Zhuge Liang was made Military Adviser; Guan Yunchang, General Who Sweeps Away Rebels and Lord of Hanshou Precinct; Zhang Fei, General Who Conquers Distant Lands and Lord of Xinting; Zhao Yun, General Who Guards Distant Lands; Huang Zhong, General Who Conquers the West; Wei Yan, General Who Exalts Martial Might; and Ma Chao, General Who Pacifies the West. Sun Qian, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, Liu Feng, Wu Ban, Guan Ping, Zhou Cang, Liao Hua, Ma Liang, Ma Su, Jiang Wan, Yi Ji, and all the former civil and military officials from Jingzhou and Xiangyang were likewise promoted and rewarded. An envoy was sent to present Yunchang with five hundred jin of gold, one thousand jin of silver, fifty million coins, and one thousand bolts of Shu brocade. The other officials and generals received gifts according to their ranks. Oxen and horses were slaughtered for a great feast for the soldiers, and the granaries were opened to relieve the people. Army and populace alike rejoiced greatly.

After Yizhou had been pacified, Xuande wanted to distribute Chengdu’s finest fields and houses among his officials. Zhao Yun remonstrated, “The people of Yizhou have repeatedly suffered the ravages of war, and their fields and homes are all deserted. They should now be returned to the people so they may live in peace and resume their occupations. Only then will the people’s hearts be settled. It is not right to seize this property for private rewards.” Xuande was delighted and followed his advice. He then had Military Adviser Zhuge formulate the laws and regulations for governing the state. The penal laws were quite severe. Fa Zheng said, “In former times, Emperor Gaozu established only three articles of law, and all the common people were moved by his virtue. I ask the military adviser to make punishments more lenient and laws less numerous, so as to fulfill the people’s hopes.” Kongming replied, “You know one side of the matter but not the other. Qin used cruel and oppressive laws, and the entire population resented them; therefore Gaozu won the empire through leniency and benevolence. But Liu Zhang was benighted and weak. He did not promote virtuous government, nor did he enforce authority and punishment. The proper relations between ruler and ministers gradually decayed. He indulged men by giving them rank, and once their rank reached its limit, they became arrogant. He accommodated them with favors, and when his favors were exhausted, they grew contemptuous. This was the true cause of the corruption. I will now awe them with law; once the law is enforced, they will recognize kindness. I will restrict them in rank; when rank is bestowed, they will recognize honor. When kindness and honor are applied together, both superiors and inferiors will observe proper limits. In this, the method of government becomes clear.” Fa Zheng bowed in submission. From then on, the army and people were peaceful and secure. Troops were divided among the forty-one commanderies to guard and pacify them, and all were brought under control. As Administrator of Shu Commandery, Fa Zheng repaid every kindness he had ever received, even the gift of a single meal, and avenged every grievance, even the slightest hostile glance. Someone reported to Kongming, “Xiaozhi is behaving far too tyrannically. He should be reprimanded somewhat.” Kongming replied, “In former times, when my lord was trapped in Jingzhou, he feared Cao Cao to the north and dreaded Sun Quan to the east. Relying on Xiaozhi’s assistance, he suddenly spread his wings and soared beyond anyone’s control. How can we now restrain Xiaozhi and prevent him from occasionally having his way?” He therefore took no action. When Fa Zheng heard of this, he also restrained himself.

One day, as Xuande was chatting leisurely with Kongming, a sudden report came that Yunchang had sent Guan Ping to express thanks for the gold and silk he had received. Xuande summoned him. After bowing, Guan Ping presented a letter and said, “My father has learned that Ma Chao’s martial skill surpasses that of ordinary men. He wants to come into the Western River and compare his abilities with Ma Chao’s, and he ordered me to report this matter to you, Uncle.” Xuande was greatly alarmed and said, “If Yunchang enters Shu and competes with Mengqi, the two will never tolerate each other.” Kongming said, “There is no cause for concern. I will write a reply myself.” Xuande feared only that Yunchang’s temper was too impetuous, so he immediately had Kongming write the letter and sent Guan Ping back to Jingzhou through the night. When Guan Ping returned to Jingzhou, Yunchang asked, “I wanted to test my abilities against Ma Mengqi. Did you mention it?” Guan Ping replied, “The military adviser has sent you this letter.” Yunchang opened it and read. It said: “I have heard that you, General, wish to determine which of you is superior to Mengqi. In my judgment, although Mengqi is extraordinarily bold and fierce, he is no more than another Qing Bu or Peng Yue. He may race neck and neck with Yide and compete with him for the lead, but he still falls short of the Bearded Lord, whose excellence and distinction are beyond compare. You now hold the command of Jingzhou, no insignificant responsibility. If you enter the Western River and Jingzhou should suffer any loss, no offense could be greater. I trust that your clear understanding will perceive this.” After reading it, Yunchang stroked his beard and laughed. “Kongming understands my heart!” He showed the letter to all his guests and thereafter had no intention of entering the Western River.

Meanwhile, when Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu learned that Xuande had annexed the Western River and sent Liu Zhang away to Gong’an, he summoned Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong to consult with them. He said, “When Liu Bei borrowed Jingzhou from me, he said he would return it once he had taken the Western River. Now he has gained the forty-one commanderies of Ba and Shu, so we must demand the return of the commanderies along the Han River. If he refuses, we will resort to arms.” Zhang Zhao said, “The region of Wu has only just been pacified. We must not mobilize troops. I have a plan that will make Liu Bei return Jingzhou to my lord with both hands.” Truly:

In Western Shu a new sun and moon have just begun to shine;Now Eastern Wu demands the return of its former lands.

What the plan was will be explained in the next chapter.