Chapter 70

Fierce Zhang Fei Cleverly Takes Wakou Pass; Aged Huang Zhong Seizes Mount Tiandang by Stratagem

Now Zhang He’s force numbered thirty thousand. He divided it among three stockades, each set beside a rugged mountain fastness. One was called Dangqu Stockade, another Mengtou Stockade, and the third Dangshi Stockade. That day, Zhang He left half the troops in each stockade to defend it and led the other half away to seize Baxi. Scouts had already reached Baxi with the report that Zhang He was coming at the head of an army. Zhang Fei hastily summoned Lei Tong to confer. Lei Tong said, “The terrain around Langzhong is rugged and mountainous, well suited for ambushes. Lead your troops out to engage him, General, and I shall aid you with a surprise force. Zhang He can then be captured.”

Zhang Fei assigned five thousand picked troops to Lei Tong, who departed with them. Zhang Fei himself led ten thousand men thirty li from Langzhong, where he encountered Zhang He’s army. The two forces drew up in battle order. Zhang Fei rode out and challenged Zhang He to single combat. Zhang He leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and came forth. They had fought more than thirty bouts when a sudden clamor arose in Zhang He’s rear ranks. His men had caught sight of the banners of a Shu force behind the mountain, and confusion broke out. Zhang He dared not prolong the fight. He wheeled his horse and fled, with Zhang Fei charging after him. Ahead, Lei Tong led his troops out to attack. Assailed from both sides, Zhang He’s army suffered a crushing defeat. Zhang Fei and Lei Tong pursued through the night, driving him all the way to Dangqu Mountain. Zhang He again divided his troops among the three stockades, set out great numbers of rolling logs and catapult stones, and held fast, refusing battle. Zhang Fei established camp ten li from Dangqu. The next day he led his men out to challenge the enemy. On the mountain Zhang He had drums and wind instruments loudly played while he drank wine, but he would not descend. Zhang Fei ordered his soldiers to hurl abuse at him, but Zhang He still refused to come out. Zhang Fei had no choice but to return to camp.

The next day, Lei Tong went beneath the mountain to issue another challenge. Again Zhang He would not come out. Lei Tong drove his soldiers up the slope, but rolling logs and stones came crashing down from above. Lei Tong hastily withdrew. Troops from the Dangshi and Mengtou stockades then sallied out and routed him. The next day Zhang Fei again went forth to challenge Zhang He, but once more Zhang He refused to emerge. Zhang Fei had his soldiers revile him with every manner of filthy abuse, and Zhang He answered their curses from the mountain. Zhang Fei pondered the situation but could devise no means of prevailing. After the two sides had confronted each other for more than fifty days, Zhang Fei established a great camp before the mountain and drank wine every day. When thoroughly drunk, he would sit before the mountain and shout insults.

Liu Bei sent an envoy to reward the troops. Seeing Zhang Fei drinking all day long, the envoy returned and reported it to Liu Bei. Greatly alarmed, Liu Bei hastened to ask Kongming’s counsel. Kongming laughed and said, “So that is what has happened. I fear there is no good wine at the front. Chengdu has fine vintages in abundance. Have fifty jars loaded onto three carts and sent to General Zhang for his drinking.” Liu Bei said, “My brother has always brought trouble upon himself through drink. Why, Military Adviser, would you send him even more wine?” Kongming laughed. “My lord, you have been Zhang Fei’s sworn brother for many years. Do you still not know his character? Zhang Fei has always been fierce and unyielding; yet during the conquest of the Riverlands he released Yan Yan out of regard for righteousness. That was not the act of a mere fighting man. He has now faced Zhang He for more than fifty days, and when drunk he sits before the mountain shouting abuse, as though no one else were there. He is not craving the cup; this is his scheme to defeat Zhang He.” Liu Bei said, “Even so, he must not grow overconfident. Send Wei Yan to assist him.” Kongming therefore ordered Wei Yan to escort the wine to the front. Yellow flags were planted on each cart, bearing in large characters: “FINE WINE FOR OFFICIAL USE AT THE FRONT.” Wei Yan accepted the command and brought the wine to the stockade. He met Zhang Fei and conveyed that their lord had bestowed the wine upon him. Zhang Fei bowed and accepted it, then instructed Wei Yan and Lei Tong each to lead a force as the left and right wings. The moment they saw a red flag raised in the camp, each was to advance. Zhang Fei then had the wine arrayed before his tent and ordered his soldiers to drink amid a great display of banners and drums.

A spy carried word up the mountain, and Zhang He came in person to the summit to observe. He saw Zhang Fei seated beneath his awning drinking wine, while two young soldiers wrestled before him for sport. Zhang He said, “Zhang Fei’s contempt for me has gone too far!” He gave orders to descend the mountain that night and raid Zhang Fei’s camp, while the troops of the Mengtou and Dangshi stockades were to sally out in support on his left and right. That night, under the faint light of the moon, Zhang He led his army down the mountainside and advanced directly upon the camp. From a distance he saw Zhang Fei’s tent brilliantly lit with lamps and candles, and Zhang Fei still drinking within. Zhang He gave a great shout and charged at the head of his men, while drums thundered before the mountain in support. He drove straight into the central camp, only to see Zhang Fei sitting perfectly still. Zhang He galloped up and thrust his spear at him—but it was only a figure made of straw. As he hastily reined about, a rapid succession of cannon blasts erupted behind the tent. A general sprang forth to block his retreat, round eyes glaring and voice booming like thunder. It was Zhang Fei. Leveling his serpent spear and urging on his horse, he charged straight at Zhang He. The two generals fought in the firelight for thirty to fifty bouts. Zhang He kept hoping that aid would come from the other two stockades, unaware that Wei Yan and Lei Tong had already routed both relief forces and seized the two positions in the same assault. No aid appeared, and Zhang He was at his wits’ end. Then he saw flames rising on the mountain: Zhang Fei’s rear force had already captured his own stockade and palisades. With all three stockades lost, Zhang He had no choice but to flee to Wakou Pass. Zhang Fei won a great victory, and the report was carried to Chengdu. Liu Bei rejoiced and now fully understood that Zhang Fei’s drinking had been a stratagem meant solely to lure Zhang He down from the mountain.

Zhang He withdrew to defend Wakou Pass. Of his thirty thousand troops, twenty thousand had been lost. He sent a messenger to Cao Hong asking for aid. Cao Hong flew into a rage. “You would not heed my words, but insisted on advancing. You have lost vital defiles and now come asking for help!” He refused to send troops and instead dispatched a man to press Zhang He to give battle. In great distress, Zhang He had no choice but to devise a plan. He divided two forces and sent them to lie in ambush among the secluded hills before the pass, instructing them, “I shall feign defeat. Zhang Fei is certain to pursue. When he does, cut off his road of retreat.”

That day Zhang He led his army forward and encountered Lei Tong. After only a few bouts Zhang He fled in defeat, and Lei Tong pursued. Both ambush forces sprang out together and severed his retreat. Zhang He turned back and speared Lei Tong from his horse. The defeated troops returned and reported the disaster to Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei came in person to challenge Zhang He, who again feigned defeat; but Zhang Fei did not pursue. Zhang He returned to fight and, after only a few exchanges, fled once more. Zhang Fei recognized the stratagem, recalled his army to camp, and conferred with Wei Yan. “Zhang He used an ambush to kill Lei Tong, and now he seeks to entrap me. Why should we not turn his own stratagem against him?” Wei Yan asked, “How?” Zhang Fei replied, “Tomorrow I shall lead one force ahead, while you follow with picked troops. When the ambushers emerge, divide your men and strike them. Take more than ten carts, conceal firewood and dry grass in each, block the narrow road with them, and set them ablaze. I shall seize the opportunity to capture Zhang He and avenge Lei Tong.” Wei Yan accepted the plan. The next day Zhang Fei led his troops forward. Zhang He’s army again approached and engaged him. After ten bouts Zhang He once more pretended to be defeated. Zhang Fei pursued with horse and foot, while Zhang He alternately fought and withdrew. Having drawn Zhang Fei past the mouth of a mountain valley, Zhang He brought his rear ranks to the front, formed camp again, and renewed the battle. He expected his two fierce bands of ambushers to emerge and encircle Zhang Fei. Instead, Wei Yan arrived with his picked troops, drove the ambushers into the valley mouth, blocked the mountain road with the carts, and set them on fire. The grass and trees throughout the valley caught, smoke obscured every path, and the soldiers could not escape. Zhang Fei drove his troops onward in a relentless assault. Zhang He suffered a crushing defeat and fought desperately until he hacked open a road of escape. He fled up to Wakou Pass, gathered the remnants of his army, and held fast, refusing to come out.

For several days Zhang Fei and Wei Yan assaulted the pass but could not take it. Seeing that nothing was to be gained, Zhang Fei withdrew his army twenty li. Then he and Wei Yan led several dozen horsemen in person to reconnoiter minor paths on both sides. Suddenly they saw several men and women, each carrying a small bundle on the back, making their way along a secluded mountain track by clinging to vines and creepers. From horseback Zhang Fei pointed at them with his whip and said to Wei Yan, “The capture of Wakou Pass rests upon these few common folk.” He at once called his soldiers and instructed them, “Do not frighten them. Summon those people here courteously.” The soldiers promptly brought them before his horse. Zhang Fei reassured them with kind words and asked where they had come from. They replied, “We are all residents of Hanzhong and now wish to return home. We heard that the great armies were fighting and that the official road through Langzhong had been blocked. We therefore passed through Cangxi and are taking the route from Zitong Mountain through Huijinchuan into Hanzhong, so that we may return to our homes.” Zhang Fei asked, “How far is Wakou Pass by this road?” They answered, “The narrow path through Zitong Mountain comes out directly behind Wakou Pass.” Zhang Fei rejoiced. He brought the people into camp, gave them food and wine, and instructed Wei Yan to lead troops against the front of the pass. “I shall personally lead light cavalry through Zitong Mountain and attack from the rear.” He then ordered the commoners to guide him, selected five hundred light horsemen, and advanced along the narrow path.

Meanwhile, Zhang He was sunk in gloom because no relief force had arrived. A man reported, “Wei Yan is attacking below the pass.” Zhang He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and was about to descend the mountain when another report came: “Fires have broken out along four or five roads behind the pass. We do not know where these troops have come from.” Zhang He personally led troops to meet them. As the banners parted, Zhang Fei was already before him. Zhang He was appalled. He hastily fled along a narrow path, but the way was too rough for his horse. Zhang Fei pursued hard from behind. Zhang He abandoned his mount, climbed the mountain, found a footpath, and escaped. With only a dozen or so followers, he made his way on foot to Nanzheng and presented himself to Cao Hong. Seeing that Zhang He had only a dozen men left, Cao Hong flew into a rage. “I told you not to go, but you submitted a written pledge and insisted on going. Today you have lost the entire army. Why did you not kill yourself? What have you come back for?” He shouted for his attendants to drag Zhang He out and behead him. Guo Huai, Marshal of the Army, remonstrated: “‘An army of thousands is easily raised; a single general is hard to find.’ Though Zhang He is guilty, he is greatly cherished by the King of Wei and must not be summarily executed. Give him another five thousand troops and have him strike directly at Jiameng Pass, thereby drawing the enemy’s forces away from the surrounding regions. Hanzhong will then be secure. If he fails, punish both offenses together.” Cao Hong followed this counsel. He gave Zhang He another five thousand troops and ordered him to seize Jiameng Pass. Zhang He accepted the command and departed.

The commanders guarding Jiameng Pass, Meng Da and Huo Jun, learned that Zhang He’s troops were approaching. Huo Jun wished only to defend the pass firmly, but Meng Da insisted upon meeting the enemy. He led troops down from the pass and engaged Zhang He, only to be badly defeated and driven back. Huo Jun hastily sent a dispatch to Chengdu. When Liu Bei heard the news, he summoned the Military Adviser for consultation. Kongming assembled the generals in the hall and said, “Jiameng Pass is now in grave peril. We must bring Zhang Fei from Langzhong; only he can drive Zhang He back.” Fa Zheng said, “Zhang Fei’s troops are now stationed at Wakou, guarding Langzhong, which is also a vital position. He must not be recalled. Choose one of the generals in your command to go and defeat Zhang He.” Kongming laughed. “Zhang He is a renowned general of Wei, beyond the reach of ordinary men. Apart from Zhang Fei, no one can withstand him.” Suddenly one man stepped forward and cried sternly, “Why does the Military Adviser hold the rest of us in such contempt? Though I possess little talent, I am willing to cut off Zhang He’s head and lay it beneath your standard.”

All looked and saw that it was the veteran general Huang Zhong. Kongming said, “Though Hansheng is valiant, age has overtaken him. I fear he is no match for Zhang He.” At this Huang Zhong’s white beard bristled. “Though I am old, my two arms can still draw a bow of three piculs, and my body still possesses the strength of a thousand catties. Am I not enough to face a wretch like Zhang He?” Kongming said, “General, you are nearly seventy. How can you say you are not old?” Huang Zhong strode down from the hall, seized a great saber from its rack, and whirled it as swiftly as though it flew. Then he took down the stout bows hanging on the wall and, drawing them one after another, snapped two in succession. Kongming said, “If you are to go, General, who will serve as your deputy?” Huang Zhong replied, “The veteran general Yan Yan may accompany me. If anything goes amiss, take this white head first.” Liu Bei was overjoyed and immediately ordered Huang Zhong and Yan Yan to go and engage Zhang He. Zhao Yun remonstrated, “Zhang He has now come in person against Jiameng Pass. This is no occasion for the Military Adviser to make sport. If Jiameng Pass is lost, Yizhou will be imperiled. Why send two aged generals against so formidable a foe?” Kongming said, “You think that because these two are old they can accomplish nothing. But I predict that Hanzhong itself will be won through their hands.” Zhao Yun and the others withdrew, each laughing scornfully.

When Huang Zhong and Yan Yan arrived at the pass, Meng Da and Huo Jun saw them and inwardly mocked Kongming’s poor arrangements. “How can he send only two old men to a place of such vital importance?” Huang Zhong said to Yan Yan, “Have you observed the manner of these men? They laugh at us because we are old. Now we must win an extraordinary victory and compel them all to respect us.” Yan Yan said, “I await your commands, General.” The two settled their plan. Huang Zhong led the army down from the pass and drew up against Zhang He. Zhang He rode forth, saw Huang Zhong, and laughed. “At your great age, do you still know no shame? Do you truly mean to come out and fight?” Huang Zhong angrily replied, “Whelp, you scorn me for my years! The treasured saber in my hand has not grown old!” He slapped his horse forward and fought Zhang He. Their two steeds crossed, and they battled for more than twenty bouts. Suddenly a clamor arose behind Zhang He. Yan Yan had taken a narrow path and circled into the rear of his army. Attacked from both sides, Zhang He was utterly defeated. They pursued him through the night, driving his troops back eighty or ninety li. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan then recalled their men, entered camp, and held their forces motionless.

When Cao Hong heard that Zhang He had lost another battle, he again intended to punish him. Guo Huai said, “If Zhang He is pressed too hard, he will certainly defect to Western Shu. Send generals to assist him and, under the guise of support, keep close watch over him so that no disloyal thought may arise.” Cao Hong agreed. He immediately dispatched Xiahou Dun’s nephew Xiahou Shang and Han Hao, younger brother of the surrendered general Han Xuan. The two led five thousand troops to assist in the fighting. They set out at once, reached Zhang He’s camp, and inquired about the military situation. Zhang He said, “The veteran Huang Zhong is a formidable hero, and with Yan Yan aiding him, he must not be taken lightly.” Han Hao said, “I knew the measure of that old villain when I was in Changsha. He and Wei Yan surrendered the city and brought about my elder brother’s death. Now that I have encountered him, I must avenge that wrong.” He and Xiahou Shang then led the newly arrived troops out of camp and advanced.

Huang Zhong had been reconnoitering for several days and already knew all the roads and paths. Yan Yan said, “Ahead lies a place called Tiandang Mountain. Cao Cao stores provisions and fodder there. If we seize it and cut off his supplies, Hanzhong can be won.” Huang Zhong replied, “Your words accord perfectly with my own intention. You must do thus and thus.” Following the plan, Yan Yan led a force away by himself.

When Huang Zhong heard that Xiahou Shang and Han Hao had arrived, he led his troops out of camp. Before the lines Han Hao reviled him: “Faithless old traitor!” Then, urging on his horse and leveling his spear, he charged Huang Zhong. Xiahou Shang came forth as well to attack from the other side. Huang Zhong fought the two generals fiercely, contending with each for more than ten bouts, then turned and fled. The two pursued him for more than twenty li and captured his camp. Huang Zhong hastily established another. The next day Xiahou Shang and Han Hao came after him. Huang Zhong again took the field, fought several bouts, and fled once more. The two generals pursued him another twenty li, seized his camp, and summoned Zhang He to guard the rear stockade. Zhang He came to the forward camp and warned them, “Huang Zhong has retreated two days in succession. There must be some deceit in it.” Xiahou Shang rebuked him. “Such cowardice explains your repeated defeats! Say no more. Watch the two of us win merit!” Ashamed, Zhang He withdrew.

The next day the two generals again gave battle, and Huang Zhong again retreated more than twenty li. The two followed steadily after him. On the following day they brought out their troops, and Huang Zhong fled at the mere sight of them. Defeated in several successive engagements, he withdrew all the way to the pass. The two generals pressed up to the gates and established camp below, while Huang Zhong held the pass firmly and refused to emerge. Meng Da secretly sent a dispatch to Liu Bei, reporting, “Huang Zhong has suffered several defeats and has now withdrawn into the pass.” In alarm, Liu Bei asked Kongming what should be done. Kongming replied, “This is the veteran general’s stratagem for making the enemy arrogant.” Zhao Yun and the others did not believe him. Liu Bei sent Liu Feng to the pass to reinforce Huang Zhong. When Huang Zhong met him, he asked, “Young General, why have you come to assist in the battle?” Liu Feng said, “My father learned that you had suffered several defeats, General, and therefore sent me.” Huang Zhong laughed. “This is my stratagem for making the enemy arrogant. Watch tonight’s battle: I shall recover every camp and seize their provisions and horses. I merely lent them those stockades so they could gather their baggage there. Tonight Huo Jun shall remain to guard the pass, while General Meng may accompany me to carry off the grain and fodder and seize the horses. Young General, watch how I break the enemy.”

That night, at the second watch, Huang Zhong led five thousand troops straight down through the opened gates. Xiahou Shang and Han Hao, having seen no one come out of the pass for several days, had both grown lax. Huang Zhong burst through their stockade and charged in before the men could don armor or the horses be saddled. The two generals fled separately for their lives, while their troops and horses trampled one another, leaving countless dead. By daybreak Huang Zhong had captured three stockades in succession. Innumerable weapons, saddles, and horses had been abandoned in them, and he ordered Meng Da to transport everything into the pass. Huang Zhong then pressed his troops onward in pursuit. Liu Feng said, “The soldiers are exhausted. We should rest awhile.” Huang Zhong replied, “‘Unless one enters the tiger’s den, how can one obtain the tiger’s cubs?’” He spurred ahead, and all the soldiers strained onward. Zhang He’s troops were thrown into confusion by their own defeated men and could not maintain their positions. They fled rearward, abandoning numerous palisades and camps, until they reached the banks of the Han River.

Zhang He found Xiahou Shang and Han Hao and conferred with them. “Tiandang Mountain is where the grain and fodder are stored. It adjoins Micang Mountain, another supply depot. Together they are the source that sustains the soldiers of Hanzhong. If either is lost through negligence, Hanzhong itself is lost. We must consider how to defend them.” Xiahou Shang said, “My uncle Xiahou Yuan has detached troops to guard Micang Mountain. It directly adjoins Mount Dingjun, so there is no need for concern. My elder kinsman Xiahou De guards Tiandang Mountain. We should go to him and join in defending that mountain.”

Zhang He and the two generals therefore traveled through the night to Tiandang Mountain. They met Xiahou De and related all that had happened. Xiahou De said, “I have one hundred thousand troops stationed here. You may lead them out and recover the former camps.” Zhang He replied, “We should defend firmly and not move rashly.” Suddenly a great din of gongs and drums arose before the mountain, and a man reported, “Huang Zhong’s troops have arrived.” Xiahou De laughed loudly. “The old villain knows nothing of the art of war. He relies on courage alone!” Zhang He said, “Huang Zhong possesses cunning, not merely courage.” Xiahou De replied, “The troops of the Riverlands have marched from afar and are exhausted after days of fighting. Moreover, they have penetrated deep into enemy territory. That shows a want of strategy.” Zhang He said, “Even so, we must not take them lightly. We should hold fast for the present.” Han Hao said, “Lend me three thousand picked troops to strike him, and I cannot fail to prevail.”

Xiahou De accordingly gave Han Hao troops and sent him down the mountain. Huang Zhong formed his ranks and advanced to meet him. Liu Feng remonstrated, “The sun is already sinking in the west. The army has come a long way and is weary. We should rest for the time being.” Huang Zhong laughed. “No. Heaven has bestowed this extraordinary triumph upon us. To refuse it would be to defy Heaven.” With that, he raised a thunderous clamor and drove forward. Han Hao led his troops into battle. Huang Zhong brandished his saber and charged straight at him. In a single bout he cut Han Hao down from his horse. The Shu troops gave a mighty shout and stormed up the mountain. Zhang He and Xiahou Shang hastily led their armies forward to meet them. Suddenly a great clamor arose behind the mountain, and flames shot skyward, bathing the heights and slopes in crimson. When Xiahou De led troops to fight the fire, he encountered the veteran general Yan Yan. Yan Yan raised his saber, brought it down, and cut Xiahou De from his horse. Huang Zhong had earlier sent Yan Yan with a force to lie concealed in a remote place among the mountains. He had only to await Huang Zhong’s arrival, then come forth and set the fires. The piles of firewood and fodder were all ignited at once; fierce flames soared upward and illuminated the mountain valleys.

Having slain Xiahou De, Yan Yan attacked from behind the mountain. Assailed front and rear, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang could not support one another. They had no choice but to abandon Tiandang Mountain and flee to Mount Dingjun to seek refuge with Xiahou Yuan. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan secured Tiandang Mountain, and swift messengers carried news of the victory to Chengdu. When Liu Bei heard it, all the generals rejoiced and offered congratulations. Fa Zheng said, “When Cao Cao accepted Zhang Lu’s surrender and pacified Hanzhong, he failed to use that momentum to seize Ba and Shu. Instead, he left Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to hold the region and led his own army north again. That was a grave error. Zhang He has now been newly defeated, and Tiandang Mountain has been lost. If my lord takes this opportunity to lead a great army against them in person, Hanzhong can be pacified. Once Hanzhong is secure, you may train troops and accumulate grain, watching for fissures and awaiting an opening. Advance, and you can strike the rebels; withdraw, and you can defend yourself. Heaven has granted this opportunity. It must not be lost.” Liu Bei and Kongming both heartily agreed. Orders were issued appointing Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei as vanguard commanders. Liu Bei and Kongming themselves would lead one hundred thousand troops and choose an auspicious day to advance upon Hanzhong. Proclamations were sent throughout the region, commanding every place to maintain the strictest vigilance.

It was the twenty-third year of Jian’an, in the seventh month of autumn, on an auspicious day. Liu Bei’s great army passed through Jiameng Pass and established camp beyond it. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan were summoned to the encampment and richly rewarded. Liu Bei said, “Everyone declared that you were old, General; only the Military Adviser understood your ability. Now you have indeed won an extraordinary victory. But Mount Dingjun in Hanzhong shields Nanzheng and is the place where grain and fodder are amassed. If Mount Dingjun can be taken, there will be nothing to fear along the road to Yangping. Do you still dare to seize Mount Dingjun, General?” Huang Zhong boldly accepted and at once wished to lead troops there. Kongming hastily stopped him. “Though the veteran general is heroic and valiant, Xiahou Yuan is not to be compared with Zhang He. Xiahou Yuan is deeply versed in military strategy and thoroughly understands the opportunities of war. Cao Cao relies upon him as the shield of Xiliang. He formerly stationed troops at Chang’an to oppose Ma Chao, and now he commands the forces in Hanzhong. Cao Cao entrusted this task to no other man but Xiahou Yuan because Xiahou Yuan possesses the talents of a great commander. Though you have defeated Zhang He, General, it remains uncertain whether you can defeat Xiahou Yuan. I intend to choose someone to go to Jingzhou and bring General Guan back to replace him. Only then can Xiahou Yuan be opposed.”

Huang Zhong answered indignantly, “In former times, when Lian Po was eighty years old, he could still eat a peck of rice and ten catties of meat. The feudal lords feared his valor and dared not violate the borders of Zhao. How much more is Huang Zhong capable, when he has not yet reached seventy? The Military Adviser calls me old. I shall now take no deputy general at all, but lead only three thousand of my own troops. I will cut off Xiahou Yuan’s head and lay it beneath your standard.” Again and again Kongming refused permission, but Huang Zhong persisted in demanding leave to go. Kongming said, “Since you insist on going, General, what if I send one man with you as army supervisor?” Truly:

To send a general forth, employ the goading art;Young men may prove inferior to those advanced in years.

Who that man was remains unknown. Read on, and the next chapter will reveal it.

Fierce Zhang Fei Cleverly Takes Wakou Pass; Aged Huang Zhong Seizes Mount Tiandang by Stratagem

Now Zhang He had thirty thousand troops, which he divided among three stockades, each protected by rugged mountain terrain. One was called Dangqu Stockade, one Mengtou Stockade, and one Dangshi Stockade. That day, Zhang He took half the troops from each of the three stockades to seize Baxi, leaving the other half to guard them. Scouts soon reached Baxi with word that Zhang He was advancing with his army. Zhang Fei hurriedly summoned Lei Tong to discuss the situation. Lei Tong said, “The terrain around Langzhong is rough and mountainous, making it suitable for an ambush. General, lead the troops out to engage him, and I will assist you with a surprise force. Then Zhang He can be captured.”

Zhang Fei assigned five thousand elite troops to Lei Tong and sent him off. He himself led ten thousand troops out thirty li from Langzhong, where he encountered Zhang He’s army. The two armies drew up their formations. Zhang Fei rode forward and challenged Zhang He to single combat. Zhang He leveled his spear and spurred out to meet him. They had fought for more than thirty bouts when shouting suddenly erupted in Zhang He’s rear ranks. They had caught sight of Shu banners behind the mountain and were thrown into disorder. Zhang He did not dare continue the fight. He wheeled his horse and fled, with Zhang Fei charging after him from behind. Ahead, Lei Tong also led his troops out to attack. Assaulted from both sides, Zhang He’s army suffered a crushing defeat. Zhang Fei and Lei Tong pursued through the night, driving him all the way to Mount Dangqu. Zhang He again divided his forces among the three stockades, set up large numbers of rolling logs and catapult stones, and held his defenses without coming out to fight. Zhang Fei made camp ten li from Dangqu and led his troops out to challenge him the next day. Up on the mountain, Zhang He had drums and music played loudly while he drank wine, and refused to come down. Zhang Fei ordered his soldiers to heap abuse on him, but Zhang He still would not come out. Zhang Fei had no choice but to return to camp.

The next day, Lei Tong again went below the mountain to challenge Zhang He, but Zhang He still would not come out. Lei Tong drove his soldiers up the mountain, where rolling logs and stones came crashing down on them. Lei Tong hurriedly withdrew. Troops from Dangshi and Mengtou stockades then came out and defeated him. The following day, Zhang Fei again went to issue a challenge, but Zhang He still refused to come out. Zhang Fei had his soldiers curse him with every kind of obscenity, and Zhang He cursed back from the mountain. Zhang Fei pondered the matter but could think of no plan. After the two sides had faced each other for more than fifty days, Zhang Fei established a large camp right before the mountain and drank wine every day. Once thoroughly drunk, he would sit in front of the mountain and hurl insults.

Liu Bei sent a man to reward the troops. When the envoy saw Zhang Fei drinking all day long, he returned and reported it to Liu Bei. Greatly alarmed, Liu Bei hurried to consult Kongming. Kongming laughed and said, “So that is what is happening. I fear there is no good wine at the front. Chengdu has plenty of fine vintages. Have fifty jars loaded onto three carts and send them to the front for General Zhang to drink.” Liu Bei said, “My brother has always caused trouble through drinking. Why, Military Adviser, would you send him even more wine?” Kongming laughed. “My lord, you have been Zhang Fei’s brother for so many years. Do you still not understand the man? Zhang Fei has always been fierce and headstrong, yet during the conquest of Yi Province he released Yan Yan out of respect for his righteousness. That was no deed of a mere brute. He has now faced Zhang He for more than fifty days, and after getting drunk he sits before the mountain hurling insults as if no one else were there. This is not a fondness for the cup, but a plan to defeat Zhang He.” Liu Bei said, “Even so, we must not be overconfident. Send Wei Yan to assist him.” Kongming ordered Wei Yan to escort the wine to the front. Yellow flags were planted on each cart, bearing the large inscription: “Fine Wine for Official Army Use.” Wei Yan accepted the order and escorted the wine to the stockade. When he met Zhang Fei, he conveyed that their lord had bestowed the wine on him. Zhang Fei bowed and accepted it, then instructed Wei Yan and Lei Tong each to lead a force and form the left and right wings. As soon as they saw a red flag raised in the camp, both were to advance. He then ordered the wine arranged beneath his command tent and had the soldiers drink openly with flags flying and drums beating.

A spy reported this up the mountain, and Zhang He personally came to the summit to observe. He saw Zhang Fei seated beneath his command tent drinking wine, while two young soldiers wrestled before him for amusement. Zhang He said, “Zhang Fei has humiliated me beyond endurance!” He gave orders to descend the mountain that night and raid Zhang Fei’s camp, while the forces from Mengtou and Dangshi stockades were to come out and support him on the left and right. That night, by the faint light of the moon, Zhang He led his army down the mountainside and went straight to the front of the stockade. From a distance he saw Zhang Fei’s camp brilliantly lit with lamps and candles, and Zhang Fei still drinking in his tent. Zhang He charged forward with a great shout, while drums below the mountain thundered in support, and drove straight into the central camp. There sat Zhang Fei, perfectly motionless. Zhang He galloped up and thrust his spear at him, only to discover that it was a straw dummy. As he hurriedly reined in and turned back, a rapid succession of signal bombs exploded behind the tent. A general charged forward and blocked his retreat, his round eyes glaring and his voice like a thunderclap. It was Zhang Fei. Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he charged straight at Zhang He. The two generals fought in the firelight for thirty to fifty bouts. Zhang He kept hoping for reinforcements from the two stockades, never knowing that Wei Yan and Lei Tong had already driven those reinforcements back and seized both stockades in the process. When Zhang He saw no relief troops and was at a loss, he looked up to see flames rising from the mountain: Zhang Fei’s rear force had already captured his main stockade. Having lost all three stockades, Zhang He had no choice but to flee to Wakou Pass. Zhang Fei won a great victory, and the news was reported to Chengdu. Liu Bei was overjoyed and only then understood that Zhang Fei’s drinking had been a stratagem intended to lure Zhang He down the mountain.

Meanwhile, Zhang He withdrew to defend Wakou Pass. Of his thirty thousand troops, he had lost twenty thousand. He sent a man to Cao Hong to request reinforcements. Cao Hong furiously said, “You refused to heed my words and insisted on advancing. You lost a crucial strategic pass, and now you come asking for help!” He refused to send troops and instead dispatched a man to press Zhang He to give battle. Zhang He grew anxious and had no choice but to devise a plan. He divided two forces and sent them to hide in ambush among the secluded hills before the pass, instructing them, “I will pretend to be defeated. Zhang Fei is certain to pursue me. When he does, cut off his route of retreat.”

That day, Zhang He led his army forward and encountered Lei Tong. After only a few bouts, Zhang He fled in apparent defeat, and Lei Tong pursued him. The two concealed forces came out together and cut off Lei Tong’s retreat. Zhang He turned back and speared Lei Tong from his horse. The defeated troops returned and reported the news to Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei personally came out to challenge Zhang He. Zhang He again pretended to be defeated, but Zhang Fei did not pursue. Zhang He returned to fight, then fled again after only a few bouts. Zhang Fei recognized the stratagem, withdrew his troops to camp, and discussed matters with Wei Yan. “Zhang He used an ambush to kill Lei Tong, and then tried to lure me into the same trap. Why not turn his own scheme against him?” Wei Yan asked, “How?” Zhang Fei said, “Tomorrow I will lead one force ahead, while you follow with elite troops. Once the ambush forces come out, divide your troops and attack them. Take more than ten carts, conceal firewood and dry grass in each, block the narrow road with them, and set them ablaze. I will seize the opportunity to capture Zhang He and avenge Lei Tong.” Wei Yan accepted the plan. The next day, Zhang Fei led his troops forward. Zhang He’s army again arrived, and he engaged Zhang Fei. After ten bouts, Zhang He once more pretended to be defeated. Zhang Fei pursued with cavalry and infantry, while Zhang He fought as he withdrew. After drawing Zhang Fei past the mouth of a mountain valley, Zhang He brought his rear force to the front, formed camp once more, and renewed the battle with Zhang Fei. He expected the two ambush forces to emerge and surround Zhang Fei. Instead, Wei Yan’s elite troops arrived, drove the ambushers into the mouth of the valley, blocked the mountain road with the carts, and set them on fire. The vegetation throughout the valley caught fire, and smoke obscured the paths, preventing the troops from emerging. Zhang Fei drove his army relentlessly through Zhang He’s ranks. Zhang He suffered a crushing defeat and fought desperately to open an escape route. He fled up to Wakou Pass, gathered his surviving troops, and held firm without coming out.

For several days, Zhang Fei and Wei Yan attacked the pass without taking it. Seeing that their efforts were futile, Zhang Fei withdrew his army twenty li. Then he and Wei Yan took several dozen horsemen and personally scouted for side paths on both sides. Suddenly they saw several men and women, each carrying a small bundle on their back, making their way along a secluded mountain path by clinging to vines and creepers. From horseback, Zhang Fei pointed to them with his whip and said to Wei Yan, “The capture of Wakou Pass depends on those few commoners.” He called his soldiers over and instructed them, “Do not frighten them. Bring those commoners here courteously.” The soldiers quickly summoned them before Zhang Fei’s horse. Zhang Fei reassured them with kind words, then asked where they had come from. The commoners replied, “We are all residents of Hanzhong and now wish to return home. We heard that the armies are fighting and that the main road through Langzhong is blocked. We have therefore passed through Cangxi and are taking a route through the Zitong Mountains and Huijin Valley into Hanzhong to return home.” Zhang Fei asked, “How far is Wakou Pass by this road?” The commoners said, “The narrow path through the Zitong Mountains comes out directly behind Wakou Pass.” Zhang Fei was delighted. He took the commoners back to camp, gave them food and wine, and instructed Wei Yan to lead troops in a frontal assault on the pass. “I will personally take light cavalry through the Zitong Mountains and attack the rear of the pass.” He then ordered the commoners to guide him, selected five hundred light cavalry, and advanced by the narrow path.

Meanwhile, Zhang He was troubled because no reinforcements had arrived. A man reported, “Wei Yan is attacking below the pass.” Zhang He donned his armor and mounted his horse, and was just about to descend the mountain when another report came: “Fires have broken out along four or five routes behind the pass. We do not know where these troops came from.” Zhang He personally led troops to meet them. As the banners opened, he saw Zhang Fei already before him. Zhang He was greatly alarmed and hurriedly fled along a narrow path, but the road was too rough for his horse. With Zhang Fei pressing close behind, Zhang He abandoned his horse, climbed the mountain, found a path, and escaped. Only a little over ten men remained with him. They proceeded on foot to Nanzheng and went to see Cao Hong. When Cao Hong saw that Zhang He had only a little over ten men left, he furiously said, “I told you not to go, but you demanded written authorization to proceed. Today you have lost the entire army. Why did you not kill yourself? What have you come back here for?” He shouted for his attendants to drag Zhang He out and behead him. Guo Huai, the Army Major, remonstrated: “‘An army is easy to raise, but a good general is hard to find.’ Though Zhang He is guilty, he is deeply valued by the King of Wei and must not be executed at once. Give him another five thousand troops and have him march directly against Jiameng Pass, forcing the enemy to shift troops from the surrounding areas. Hanzhong will then be secure. If he fails, punish him for both offenses together.” Cao Hong followed his advice. He gave Zhang He another five thousand troops and ordered him to seize Jiameng Pass. Zhang He accepted the command and departed.

Meanwhile, Meng Da and Huo Jun, the commanders guarding Jiameng Pass, learned that Zhang He’s army was coming. Huo Jun wanted only to hold the pass firmly, but Meng Da insisted on meeting the enemy. He led troops down from the pass and engaged Zhang He, but suffered a crushing defeat and returned. Huo Jun urgently sent a written report to Chengdu. When Liu Bei heard the news, he summoned the Military Adviser to discuss the situation. Kongming assembled the generals in the hall and said, “Jiameng Pass is now in grave danger. We must recall Zhang Fei from Langzhong before Zhang He can be repelled.” Fa Zheng said, “Zhang Fei’s troops are now stationed at Wakou Pass and holding Langzhong, which is also a crucial position. He cannot be recalled. Select one of the generals in this hall to go and defeat Zhang He.” Kongming laughed and said, “Zhang He is a famous general of Wei, far beyond the ordinary man. No one except Zhang Fei can withstand him.” Suddenly, one man strode out and declared sternly, “Why does the Military Adviser belittle the others? Though I am without talent, I am willing to behead Zhang He and present his head beneath your command banner.”

Everyone looked and saw that it was the veteran general Huang Zhong. Kongming said, “Though Hansheng is brave, you are advanced in years. I fear you are no match for Zhang He.” On hearing this, Huang Zhong’s white beard bristled, and he said, “Though I am old, my arms can still draw a bow of three piculs, and my body still possesses a thousand catties of strength. How could I be unequal to a wretch like Zhang He?” Kongming said, “General, you are nearly seventy. How can you say you are not old?” Huang Zhong strode down from the hall, took a great saber from the weapons rack, and whirled it about as swiftly as flight. Then he took the stout bows hanging on the wall and snapped two of them in succession as he drew them. Kongming said, “If the general is determined to go, who will serve as your deputy?” Huang Zhong said, “The veteran general Yan Yan can go with me. If anything goes wrong, take this white head first.” Liu Bei was overjoyed and immediately ordered Yan Yan and Huang Zhong to go and fight Zhang He. Zhao Yun remonstrated, “Zhang He is now personally attacking Jiameng Pass. Military Adviser, you must not treat this as a game. If Jiameng Pass is lost, Yi Province will be in danger. Why send two old generals against such a formidable enemy?” Kongming said, “You think the two of them are old and cannot accomplish anything, but I believe Hanzhong will be won through their hands.” Zhao Yun and the others all withdrew with skeptical smiles.

When Huang Zhong and Yan Yan arrived at the pass, Meng Da and Huo Jun saw them and privately laughed at Kongming’s poor deployment. “How could he send only two old men to such a crucial place?” Huang Zhong said to Yan Yan, “Did you see how everyone behaved? They laughed at us for being old. Now we must achieve an extraordinary victory and convince them all.” Yan Yan said, “I am ready to obey your orders, General.” After the two had settled on their plan, Huang Zhong led troops down from the pass and drew up against Zhang He. Zhang He rode out, saw Huang Zhong, and laughed. “At your great age, do you still have no sense of shame? Do you actually intend to fight?” Huang Zhong angrily replied, “You young whelp mock me for my age! The precious saber in my hand is not old!” He slapped his horse forward and fought Zhang He. Their horses crossed, and they battled for more than twenty bouts. Suddenly, shouting arose behind Zhang He. Yan Yan had taken a narrow path around to the rear of Zhang He’s army. Attacked from both sides, Zhang He suffered a crushing defeat. They pursued him through the night, and Zhang He’s troops retreated eighty or ninety li. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan then withdrew their forces to camp and took no further action.

When Cao Hong learned that Zhang He had lost another battle, he again wanted to punish him. Guo Huai said, “If Zhang He is pressed too hard, he is certain to defect to Western Shu. Send generals to assist him and supervise him at close range, so he will entertain no disloyal thoughts.” Cao Hong followed his advice and immediately dispatched Xiahou Dun’s nephew Xiahou Shang, together with Han Hao, the younger brother of the surrendered general Han Xuan. The two led five thousand troops to assist in the fighting. They set out at once, reached Zhang He’s camp, and asked about the military situation. Zhang He said, “The veteran general Huang Zhong is a formidable hero, and Yan Yan is assisting him. We must not underestimate the enemy.” Han Hao said, “When I was in Changsha, I learned how dangerous that old brigand is. He and Wei Yan delivered up the city and caused the death of my elder brother. Now that I have encountered him, I must avenge that wrong.” He and Xiahou Shang then led the fresh troops out of camp and advanced.

Huang Zhong had been scouting for several days and already knew all the routes. Yan Yan said, “Ahead lies a mountain called Mount Tiandang. Cao Cao stores grain and fodder there. If we seize that place and cut off his supplies, Hanzhong can be taken.” Huang Zhong said, “General, your words are exactly what I had in mind. You and I shall proceed in this manner.” Yan Yan followed the plan and departed at the head of a force.

When Huang Zhong learned that Xiahou Shang and Han Hao were coming, he led his troops out of camp. Before the battle line, Han Hao cursed Huang Zhong as “a faithless old brigand!” He spurred forward with his spear leveled and charged at Huang Zhong. Xiahou Shang also rode out to attack from the other side. Huang Zhong fought hard against both generals, exchanging more than ten bouts with each before turning and fleeing. The two pursued him for more than twenty li and captured Huang Zhong’s camp. Huang Zhong hastily established another camp. The next day, Xiahou Shang and Han Hao pursued him. Huang Zhong again came out to fight, but after several bouts he fled once more. The two generals chased him another twenty li and captured another of his camps, then summoned Zhang He to guard the rear camp. Zhang He came to the forward camp and advised them, “Huang Zhong has retreated for two days in succession. There must be some trick behind it.” Xiahou Shang rebuked Zhang He. “You are so cowardly—it is no wonder you have repeatedly been defeated! Say no more. Just watch the two of us win glory!” Zhang He withdrew in shame.

The next day, the two generals again gave battle, and Huang Zhong again retreated more than twenty li. The two steadily pursued him. On the following day, the two led out their troops, and Huang Zhong fled at the mere sight of them. After losing several engagements in succession, he retreated all the way into the pass. The two generals set up camp below the pass and attacked it, while Huang Zhong held firm and refused to come out. Meng Da secretly sent a written report to Liu Bei, saying, “Huang Zhong has lost several battles in succession and has now retreated into the pass.” Alarmed, Liu Bei questioned Kongming. Kongming said, “This is the veteran general’s stratagem of making the enemy arrogant.” Zhao Yun and the others did not believe him. Liu Bei sent Liu Feng to the pass to support Huang Zhong. When Huang Zhong met Liu Feng, he asked, “Young general, why have you come to assist in battle?” Liu Feng said, “My father learned that you had suffered several defeats, General, so he sent me here.” Huang Zhong laughed. “This is my stratagem to make the enemy arrogant. Watch tonight’s battle. We can recover every camp and seize their grain, provisions, and horses. I merely lent them those camps as places to store their baggage. Tonight Huo Jun will remain behind to guard the pass. General Meng can come with me to carry off their grain and fodder and seize their horses. Young general, watch me break the enemy.”

That night, during the second watch, Huang Zhong led five thousand troops straight down from the opened pass. Xiahou Shang and Han Hao had seen no one come out of the pass for several days and had both grown careless. Huang Zhong broke through the camp and charged directly inside. The men had no time to put on armor, nor the horses to be saddled. The two generals fled separately for their lives, while their troops and horses trampled one another, leaving countless dead. By daybreak, Huang Zhong had captured three camps in succession. Countless weapons, saddles, and horses had been abandoned in them, and he ordered Meng Da to transport them all into the pass. Huang Zhong then urged the army to continue the advance. Liu Feng said, “The soldiers are exhausted. We should rest for a while.” Huang Zhong replied, “‘If one does not enter the tiger’s den, how can one obtain the tiger’s cubs?’” He whipped his horse and advanced first, and all the soldiers exerted themselves to follow. Zhang He’s army was thrown into disorder by its own fleeing troops. Unable to maintain its camps, it retreated, abandoning many fortified stockades and fleeing all the way to the banks of the Han River.

Zhang He found Xiahou Shang and Han Hao and discussed the situation with them. “Mount Tiandang is where the grain and fodder are stored. It also connects with Mount Micang, another supply depot. These places are the lifeline of the troops in Hanzhong. If we lose them through negligence, Hanzhong itself will be lost. We must devise a way to defend them.” Xiahou Shang said, “My uncle Xiahou Yuan has detached troops to guard Mount Micang, which directly adjoins Mount Dingjun, so there is no need to worry about it. My elder kinsman Xiahou De commands Mount Tiandang. We should go join him and defend that mountain.”

Zhang He and the other two generals therefore traveled through the night to Mount Tiandang, where they met Xiahou De and gave him a full account of what had happened. Xiahou De said, “I have a hundred thousand troops stationed here. You may lead them out and retake the camps you lost.” Zhang He said, “We should hold firm and not act recklessly.” Suddenly, a tremendous clamor of gongs and drums arose before the mountain, and a man reported, “Huang Zhong’s troops have arrived.” Xiahou De laughed loudly. “That old brigand knows nothing of the art of war. He relies on courage alone!” Zhang He said, “Huang Zhong possesses cunning, not merely courage.” Xiahou De said, “The troops from Shu have traveled a great distance and are exhausted from many days of marching. Moreover, they have penetrated deep into enemy territory. That is not cunning.” Zhang He said, “Even so, we must not underestimate the enemy. We should hold firm for now.” Han Hao said, “Lend me three thousand elite troops to attack him. I am certain to defeat him.”

Xiahou De therefore assigned troops to Han Hao, who descended the mountain. Huang Zhong formed up his troops to meet him. Liu Feng advised, “The sun is already setting. The entire army has come a long way and is weary. We should rest for now.” Huang Zhong laughed. “No. Heaven has granted us this extraordinary opportunity. To refuse it would be to defy Heaven.” Having said this, he advanced in force amid beating drums and battle cries. Han Hao led his troops forward to fight. Huang Zhong brandished his saber and charged straight at him. In a single bout, he cut Han Hao down from his horse. The Shu troops shouted and stormed up the mountain. Zhang He and Xiahou Shang hurriedly led troops to meet them. Suddenly, they heard tremendous shouting behind the mountain as flames surged into the sky, dyeing everything above and below a fiery red. Xiahou De was leading troops to fight the fire when he encountered the veteran general Yan Yan. Yan Yan raised his saber, brought it down, and cut Xiahou De from his horse. Huang Zhong had previously sent Yan Yan to conceal his troops in a secluded part of the mountain. He had only waited for Huang Zhong’s army to arrive before coming out to set the fires. The piles of firewood and dry grass all ignited at once, and the raging flames leaped high, illuminating the mountain valleys.

After killing Xiahou De, Yan Yan attacked from behind the mountain. Unable to respond to the attacks from both front and rear, Zhang He and Xiahou Shang had no choice but to abandon Mount Tiandang and flee toward Mount Dingjun to seek refuge with Xiahou Yuan. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan secured Mount Tiandang, and a swift report of victory was sent to Chengdu. When Liu Bei heard the news, all the generals rejoiced. Fa Zheng said, “When Cao Cao compelled Zhang Lu to surrender and pacified Hanzhong, he failed to exploit that momentum to take Ba and Shu. Instead, he left the two generals Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He to hold the region while he personally led his army north. That was a grave mistake. Zhang He has now been newly defeated, and Mount Tiandang has been lost. If my lord takes this opportunity to lead a great army there in person, Hanzhong can be secured. Once Hanzhong has been secured, we can train our troops and accumulate grain, watching for weaknesses and awaiting our opportunity. We can advance to punish the traitors or withdraw to defend ourselves. Heaven has given us this opportunity, and we must not let it pass.” Liu Bei and Kongming both heartily agreed. They therefore issued orders appointing Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei as the vanguard. Liu Bei and Kongming would personally lead a hundred thousand troops and choose an auspicious day to advance on Hanzhong. Proclamations were sent throughout the territory ordering every position to maintain the strictest vigilance.

It was an auspicious day in the seventh month of autumn, in the twenty-third year of Jian’an. Liu Bei’s great army marched out of Jiameng Pass and established camp. Huang Zhong and Yan Yan were summoned to headquarters and richly rewarded. Liu Bei said, “Everyone said that you were old, General, but the Military Adviser alone recognized your ability. You have now indeed achieved an extraordinary victory. Yet Mount Dingjun in Hanzhong protects Nanzheng and is where grain and fodder are stockpiled. If Mount Dingjun can be taken, there will be nothing to fear along the route to Yangping. Do you still dare to take Mount Dingjun, General?” Huang Zhong eagerly accepted and at once asked to lead troops there. Kongming hurriedly stopped him. “Though the veteran general is brave, Xiahou Yuan is not to be compared with Zhang He. Xiahou Yuan is deeply versed in strategy and thoroughly understands the principles of war. Cao Cao relies on him as his shield in Xiliang. He was formerly stationed with troops at Chang’an to resist Ma Chao, and now he commands troops in Hanzhong. Cao Cao entrusted the task to no one else, but only to Xiahou Yuan, because Xiahou Yuan possesses the abilities of a great commander. Though you have defeated Zhang He, General, it remains uncertain whether you can defeat Xiahou Yuan. I intend to choose someone to go to Jingzhou and relieve General Guan so he may return. Only then will we have a man capable of opposing Xiahou Yuan.”

Huang Zhong answered indignantly, “In ancient times, Lian Po was eighty years old, yet he could still eat a dou of rice and ten catties of meat. The feudal lords feared his valor and dared not invade the borders of Zhao. Huang Zhong is not even seventy! The Military Adviser says that I am old, but I will take no deputy at all. I will lead only three thousand of my own troops, cut off Xiahou Yuan’s head, and present it beneath your command banner.” Kongming repeatedly refused permission, but Huang Zhong remained determined to go. Kongming said, “If the general insists on going, what if I send someone with you as army supervisor?” Truly:

To send a general forth, use words that sting;In valor, the young may not surpass the old.

Who that person was will be revealed in the next chapter.