Chapter 84

Lu Xun Burns Camps for Seven Hundred Li; Zhuge Liang Ingeniously Deploys the Stone Sentinel Maze

Now Han Dang and Zhou Tai learned that the First Lord had shifted his camps to seek the cool shade and hastened to report this to Lu Xun. Lu Xun was overjoyed and personally led troops out to observe the enemy’s movements. He saw only a single encampment on open ground, containing scarcely ten thousand men, most of them old or infirm, beneath a great banner inscribed: “Vanguard Wu Ban.” Zhou Tai said, “I regard troops such as these as mere child’s play. Let General Han and me divide into two forces and attack them. If we fail to win, we will gladly submit to military punishment.” Lu Xun watched for a long while, then pointed with his whip and said, “In the valley ahead, a baleful air can faintly be seen rising. There must be an ambush below; that is why these weak troops have been posted on the open ground—to lure us out. You gentlemen must on no account attack.” When the commanders heard this, they all took him for a coward.

The next day, Wu Ban led his troops before the pass and challenged the defenders, flaunting his might and hurling insults without cease. Many of his soldiers stripped off their clothes and cast aside their armor, sitting or sleeping stark naked. Xu Sheng and Ding Feng entered Lu Xun’s tent and reported, “The men of Shu insult us beyond endurance! We beg leave to go out and attack them!” Lu Xun laughed and said, “You gentlemen rely only on hot-blooded courage and know nothing of the methods of Sun and Wu. This is their scheme to lure us out. Within three days you will see through their deception.” Xu Sheng said, “In three days their camps will have been moved and settled. How will we be able to strike them then?” Lu Xun replied, “It is precisely my wish that they move their camps.” The commanders withdrew with scornful smiles. Three days later, Lu Xun assembled them atop the pass to observe. Wu Ban’s troops had already withdrawn. Lu Xun pointed and said, “The baleful air is rising. Liu Bei is certain to emerge from the valley.” Before he had finished speaking, the Shu troops appeared, all fully armed and tightly arrayed, escorting the First Lord past. When the soldiers of Wu saw them, their courage failed utterly. Lu Xun said, “This is precisely why I refused to let you attack Wu Ban. Now that the troops in ambush have emerged, I shall surely defeat Shu within ten days.” The commanders all said, “If Shu was to be defeated, it should have been at the beginning. Now its linked camps extend five or six hundred li, and we have faced one another for seven or eight months. Every strategic point has been strongly defended. How can we defeat them?” Lu Xun said, “You gentlemen do not understand the art of war. Liu Bei is a formidable hero of the age, rich in resource and stratagem. When his troops first assembled, their discipline and organization were flawless; but after remaining on the defensive so long without finding an opening against us, his men are weary and their spirits frustrated. Today is the very time to take them.” Only then did the commanders sigh in admiration and submit to his judgment. A later poet praised him:

Within the tiger tent he spoke of war and mastered every art,Then set the fragrant bait with care to hook the whale and giant turtle.The tripartite realm was ever rich in heroes of renown;And now Lu Xun’s greatness shone anew south of the Yangtze.

Having settled his plan for defeating Shu, Lu Xun wrote a dispatch and sent an envoy to report to Sun Quan, declaring that Shu could be broken within a matter of days. After reading it, Sun Quan rejoiced greatly and said, “Jiangdong has produced another extraordinary man. What cause have I for worry? All the commanders sent memorials accusing him of cowardice, but I alone refused to believe them. Now, judging by his words, he is indeed no coward.” He therefore raised a great army of Wu to go to Lu Xun’s support.

Meanwhile, at Xiaoting, the First Lord sent his entire naval force downstream and established water stockades along the river, penetrating deep into the territory of Wu. Huang Quan remonstrated: “For a naval force moving downstream, advance is easy but retreat is difficult. I beg to serve as the vanguard. Your Majesty should remain in the rear, so that no mishap can possibly occur.” The First Lord replied, “The courage of the rebels of Wu has collapsed. I shall drive straight forward in a great advance. What obstacle can there be?” The officers remonstrated bitterly, but the First Lord would not listen. He divided his forces into two armies: Huang Quan was ordered to command the troops north of the river and guard against an attack from Wei, while the First Lord personally commanded the armies south of the river, setting up camps on both banks in preparation for a further advance. Scouts learned of this and rode through the night to report to the ruler of Wei: the army of Shu had invaded Wu and erected palisades and linked camps stretching more than seven hundred li in every direction, divided into over forty encampments, all established beside hills and beneath forests. Huang Quan now commanded troops on the north bank and sent patrols more than a hundred li out each day, though no one knew his purpose.

When the ruler of Wei heard this, he threw back his head and laughed. “Liu Bei is about to be defeated,” he said. His ministers asked the reason. The ruler of Wei replied, “Liu Xuande understands nothing of warfare. How can anyone resist an enemy with linked camps extending seven hundred li? To encompass open country, lowlands, heights, and difficult ground within one’s encampments is one of the greatest taboos in the art of war. Xuande will surely be defeated by Lu Xun of Eastern Wu. Within ten days, the news will arrive.” His ministers still did not believe him and all urged that troops be assigned as a precaution. The ruler of Wei said, “If Lu Xun wins, he will surely take the whole army of Eastern Wu to seize Xichuan. Once the army of Wu has gone far away and its own country lies empty, I shall make a false pretense of sending troops to assist in the campaign. Then our three armies will advance together, and Eastern Wu will be ours for the taking.” Everyone bowed in admiration. The ruler of Wei gave orders for Cao Ren to command one army from Ruxu, Cao Xiu another from Dongkou, and Cao Zhen another from Nanjun. “The three armies shall rendezvous on the appointed day and launch a surprise attack on Eastern Wu. I shall follow afterward to support you.” Thus the deployments were settled.

Leaving aside the Wei attack on Wu, let us speak of Ma Liang. Upon reaching the Riverlands, he went in to see Kongming, presented the map, and said, “The camps have now been shifted to both sides of the river, extending across seven hundred li. More than forty encampments have been established, all beside streams and ravines in places thickly wooded. His Majesty ordered me to bring this map for the Chancellor’s inspection.” When Kongming had examined it, he struck the table and cried in anguish, “Who advised His Majesty to establish his camps in this fashion? That man should be beheaded!” Ma Liang said, “It was all His Majesty’s own doing, not another man’s counsel.” Kongming sighed. “The destiny of the Han is ended!” Ma Liang asked why. Kongming replied, “To encompass open country, lowlands, heights, and difficult ground within one’s encampments is a great taboo among soldiers. If the enemy attacks with fire, how can they be rescued? And how can linked camps extending seven hundred li resist an enemy? Disaster is not far away! Lu Xun has remained behind his defenses and refused to come out for precisely this reason. You must hurry back to see the Emperor and have all the camps relocated. They must not remain as they are.” Ma Liang said, “But what if the troops of Wu have already won? What is to be done then?” Kongming replied, “Lu Xun will not dare pursue, and Chengdu can be preserved without danger.” Ma Liang asked, “Why will Lu Xun not pursue?” Kongming said, “Because he will fear an attack from Wei upon his rear. If His Majesty suffers a reverse, he should seek refuge in Baidicheng. When I entered the Riverlands, I stationed a hundred thousand troops at Yufupu.” Ma Liang was greatly startled. “I have passed through Yufupu several times, yet I have never seen a single soldier. Why does the Chancellor utter such a falsehood?” Kongming replied, “You will see in due course. There is no need to ask further.” Ma Liang obtained a memorial and hurried with all speed toward the imperial camp. Kongming himself returned to Chengdu and began deploying troops to provide relief.

When Lu Xun saw that the troops of Shu had grown lax and no longer took precautions, he ascended to his command seat, assembled officers and men of every rank, and issued his orders: “Since receiving my commission, I have never once given battle. Now that I have observed the Shu army, I know the state of its movements. I therefore intend first to seize one camp on the southern bank. Who dares undertake it?” Before he had finished speaking, Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Ling Tong, and others stepped forward at once and said, “We are willing to go!” Lu Xun ordered them all to withdraw and would not employ them. Instead, he summoned an obscure junior commander named Chunyu Dan and said, “I give you five thousand troops. Go and seize the fourth camp on the southern bank, which is held by the Shu commander Fu Tong. You must succeed tonight. I shall personally lead troops in your support.” Chunyu Dan departed with his force. Lu Xun then summoned Xu Sheng and Ding Feng and said, “Each of you is to lead three thousand troops and station yourself five li outside the camp. If Chunyu Dan returns defeated with pursuers behind him, you are to go out and rescue him, but you must not pursue the enemy.” The two commanders led their respective forces away.

At dusk, Chunyu Dan led his troops forward. By the time he reached the Shu camp, it was already past midnight. He ordered his men to raise a great clamor and charge in. From within the camp, Fu Tong led troops out to meet him and thrust his spear straight at Chunyu Dan. Unable to withstand him, Chunyu Dan wheeled his horse and fled. Suddenly a tremendous shout arose, and another force blocked his road, led by the general Zhao Rong. Chunyu Dan fought his way out and fled, losing more than half his men. As he ran, a band of southern tribesmen appeared from behind the mountain and barred his way, led by the tribal commander Shamoke. Chunyu Dan fought desperately and escaped, with three enemy forces pursuing from behind. When he had come within five li of his camp, Xu Sheng and Ding Feng attacked from either side. The troops of Shu withdrew, and they rescued Chunyu Dan and brought him back to camp. With an arrow still lodged in his body, Chunyu Dan entered Lu Xun’s presence and asked punishment. Lu Xun said, “The fault is not yours. I merely wished to test whether the enemy’s strength was real or hollow. My plan to break Shu is now complete.” Xu Sheng and Ding Feng said, “The army of Shu is overwhelmingly powerful and difficult to defeat. Such efforts will only cost us soldiers and commanders for nothing.” Lu Xun laughed. “There is only one man whom this scheme of mine could not deceive: Zhuge Liang. By Heaven’s good fortune he is not here, and so I shall accomplish a great deed.” He then assembled all his officers and men and issued orders. Zhu Ran was to advance by water. When a strong southeast wind arose the following afternoon, he was to load boats with dry reeds and proceed according to plan. Han Dang was to lead one army against the north bank, while Zhou Tai led another against the south bank. Every man was to carry a bundle of dry reeds concealing sulfur and saltpeter, together with tinder and a spear or sword, and all were to advance at once. Upon reaching the Shu camps, they were to set fire to them with the wind. Of the forty Shu camps, they were to burn only twenty, firing every other camp. Each army was to carry dry provisions and was forbidden to retreat even briefly. They were to pursue by day and night and stop only when Liu Bei had been captured. The commanders received their orders and departed, each entrusted with his part of the plan.

The First Lord was in his imperial camp pondering a plan to defeat Wu when suddenly the central army’s banners and pennants before his tent toppled over though there was no wind. He asked Cheng Ji, “What omen is this?” Cheng Ji replied, “Can it be that the troops of Wu will raid our camp tonight?” The First Lord said, “They were utterly defeated last night. How would they dare come again?” Cheng Ji replied, “But what if Lu Xun was merely testing us?” As they spoke, a man came to report that, viewed from the mountain, all the troops of Wu could be seen moving eastward along the hills. The First Lord said, “Those are decoy troops.” He ordered everyone to remain still, then commanded Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each to lead five hundred horsemen out on patrol. At dusk, Guan Xing returned and reported, “Fire has broken out in the camp north of the river.” The First Lord immediately ordered Guan Xing to the north bank and Zhang Bao to the south bank to discover the true situation. “If the troops of Wu arrive, report back at once.”

The two commanders obeyed and departed. During the first watch, a fierce southeast wind suddenly arose. Fire broke out in the camp to the left of the imperial headquarters. Before anyone could go to its aid, flames also sprang up in the camp to the right. Driven by the fierce wind, the fire raged swiftly, and all the trees caught alight. Tremendous shouts arose. The troops from both camps poured out and fled into the imperial headquarters, where the imperial soldiers trampled one another underfoot, leaving countless dead. Then the troops of Wu attacked from the rear, their numbers impossible to reckon. The First Lord hurriedly mounted and fled toward Feng Xi’s camp, but flames there were already leaping into the sky. North and south of the river, the blaze shone as bright as day. Feng Xi hastily mounted and fled with several dozen horsemen, only to encounter the force of the Wu commander Xu Sheng. He engaged them in fierce combat. On seeing this, the First Lord wheeled his horse and fled westward. Xu Sheng left Feng Xi and led his troops in pursuit. While the First Lord was in panic, another army blocked his way ahead, commanded by Ding Feng of Wu. Attacked from both sides, the First Lord was greatly alarmed. There was no road of escape in any direction. Suddenly a tremendous shout arose as a force burst into the encirclement. It was Zhang Bao, who rescued the First Lord and led the imperial guards away. As they fled, another force appeared ahead. It was the Shu commander Fu Tong, who joined his troops with theirs. The troops of Wu pursued close behind. The First Lord came to a mountain called Mount Ma’an, and Zhang Bao and Fu Tong urged him to ascend it. As soon as he reached the summit, shouts arose below: Lu Xun’s main army had surrounded Mount Ma’an. Zhang Bao and Fu Tong fought desperately to hold the mountain pass. Looking into the distance, the First Lord saw flames stretching without end across the countryside and corpses heaped one upon another, choking the river as they drifted downstream.

The next day, the troops of Wu set fire to the mountain from every side. The soldiers fled wildly, and the First Lord was seized with alarm. Suddenly, through the flames, a commander leading several horsemen fought his way up the mountain. It was Guan Xing. Prostrating himself, he pleaded, “Flames are closing in from every side. We cannot remain here long. Your Majesty must hasten to Baidicheng and gather the army anew.” The First Lord said, “Who dares guard the rear?” Fu Tong memorialized, “I am willing to hold them off with my life!” At dusk that day, Guan Xing led the van and Zhang Bao held the center, while Fu Tong remained behind to guard the rear. Protecting the First Lord, they fought their way down the mountain. When the troops of Wu saw the First Lord fleeing, all vied to claim the merit of capturing him. Each led a great force westward in pursuit, darkening the earth and sky. The First Lord ordered his soldiers to strip off their robes and armor, pile them across the road, and set them ablaze to cut off the pursuers. As they fled, a tremendous shout arose. The Wu commander Zhu Ran led a force from the riverbank and blocked their road. The First Lord cried, “I shall die here!” Guan Xing and Zhang Bao spurred their horses in repeated charges, but volleys of arrows drove them back. Both suffered severe wounds and could not break through. Then shouts rose behind them as Lu Xun led his great army out of the valley and attacked.

While the First Lord was in the greatest panic and the sky had just begun to brighten, a cry suddenly shook the heavens ahead. Zhu Ran’s soldiers tumbled one after another into the ravine and rolled headlong from the crags as a force burst through them and came to rescue the Emperor. The First Lord rejoiced greatly. Looking closer, he saw that it was Zhao Zilong of Changshan. Zhao Yun had been stationed at Jiangzhou in the Riverlands. When he heard that Wu and Shu had joined battle, he led his troops out. Suddenly seeing flames soaring into the sky throughout the southeast, Zhao Yun was alarmed and went to investigate from afar. Unexpectedly, he found the First Lord surrounded, and with fearless valor he charged in to save him. When Lu Xun heard that Zhao Yun had arrived, he suddenly ordered his troops to withdraw. As Zhao Yun fought forward, he encountered Zhu Ran and engaged him. Before a single bout had ended, Zhao Yun thrust Zhu Ran from his horse with one spear stroke. He scattered the troops of Wu, rescued the First Lord, and set out for Baidicheng. The First Lord said, “Though I have escaped, what is to become of all my officers and men?” Zhao Yun replied, “The enemy is behind us. We must not delay. Your Majesty should first enter Baidicheng and rest. I shall then lead troops back to rescue the commanders.” By this time, the First Lord had only a little over a hundred men left when he entered Baidicheng. A later poet praised Lu Xun:

With reeds and fire he broke the chain of camps,And Xuande fled in ruin to Baidicheng.At one stroke his dread name shook Shu and Wei;How could the King of Wu not honor such a scholar?

Fu Tong, who had remained behind to guard the rear, was surrounded on all eight sides by the army of Wu. Ding Feng shouted, “Countless soldiers of the Riverlands have died, and multitudes have surrendered. Your lord Liu Bei has already been captured. Your strength is spent and you stand alone. Why do you not surrender at once?” Fu Tong cursed him: “I am a general of Han! How could I ever surrender to the dogs of Wu?” Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he led the troops of Shu in a desperate fight to the death. For more than a hundred bouts he charged back and forth but could not escape. At last Fu Tong sighed deeply and said, “Today I am finished!” As the words left his mouth, he spat blood and died amid the army of Wu. A later poet praised Fu Tong:

At Yiling, Wu and Shu met in great war,And Lu Xun worked his scheme and burned the camps.Even in death he cursed the dogs of Wu;Fu Tong proved worthy of a general of Han.

Cheng Ji, libationer of Shu, fled alone on horseback to the riverbank and called upon the naval forces to meet the enemy. The troops of Wu pursued close behind, and the sailors scattered in flight. One of Cheng Ji’s subordinate commanders cried, “The troops of Wu are here! Libationer Cheng, flee quickly!” Cheng Ji angrily replied, “Since I followed His Majesty on campaign, never once have I fled from the enemy!” Before he had finished speaking, the soldiers of Wu suddenly arrived. With every road blocked, Cheng Ji drew his sword and cut his own throat. A later poet praised him:

High-hearted Cheng, the libationer of Shu,Left but one sword to answer his sovereign.Facing peril, he changed not his lifelong resolve,And won a fragrant name for all eternity.

Wu Ban and Zhang Nan had long been besieging the city of Yiling when Feng Xi suddenly arrived with news that the army of Shu had been defeated. They therefore led their troops away to rescue the First Lord, and only then did Sun Huan escape. As Zhang Nan and Feng Xi advanced, troops of Wu attacked them from the front, while Sun Huan sallied from Yiling behind them. Assailed from both sides, Zhang Nan and Feng Xi fought desperately to break through, but could not escape and died amid the chaos. A later poet praised them:

Feng Xi’s loyalty knew no second;Zhang Nan’s honor had few peers.Gladly they died upon the field,And in the histories share undying fame.

Wu Ban fought his way out of the encirclement but again encountered pursuing troops of Wu. Fortunately, Zhao Yun met him and rescued him, bringing him back to Baidicheng. The tribal king Shamoke was fleeing alone on horseback when he encountered Zhou Tai. After more than twenty bouts, Zhou Tai slew him. The Shu commanders Du Lu and Liu Ning both surrendered to Wu. Not a scrap of grain, fodder, weaponry, or equipment remained in the Shu camps. Countless Shu commanders and soldiers of the Riverlands surrendered. At that time, Lady Sun was in Wu. When she heard of the defeat at Xiaoting, a false report reached her that the First Lord had died in battle. She drove her carriage to the riverbank, gazed westward, and wept bitterly; then she threw herself into the river and died. Later generations erected a temple to her beside the river and named it the Shrine of the Valiant Lady. A later critic composed a poem lamenting her:

The First Lord’s broken army fled to Baidicheng;His lady heard disaster’s news and gave her life alone.To this day, the ancient tablet stands beside the river,Still bearing through the ages the name of a heroic woman.

Lu Xun, having won a complete victory, led his triumphant troops westward in pursuit. When he was not far from Kui Pass, he saw from horseback a baleful air rising to the heavens ahead, where the mountains bordered the river. He reined in his horse, turned to the commanders, and said, “There must be an ambush ahead. The army must not advance rashly.” He immediately withdrew more than ten li and formed his battle lines on broad, open ground to guard against the enemy, then sent scouts forward to investigate. They returned and reported that no troops were stationed there. Lu Xun did not believe them. He dismounted, climbed a mountain, and looked out. Again the baleful air arose. He sent men to investigate more carefully, but the scouts returned to report that not a man or horse was to be seen ahead. The sun was sinking in the west, yet the baleful air only grew stronger. Lu Xun, still uncertain, sent trusted men to investigate once more. They returned and reported that there were only eighty or ninety heaps of scattered stones beside the river, with no men or horses anywhere. Lu Xun’s suspicions deepened, and he ordered the local inhabitants to be summoned and questioned about the place. Presently, several men arrived. Lu Xun asked, “Who piled these scattered stones together? And why does a baleful air rise from among them?” The local men replied, “This place is called Yufupu. When Zhuge Liang entered the Riverlands, he drove his troops here and arranged the stones in a formation upon the sandy bank. Ever since then, a vapor like clouds has often risen from within.”

When Lu Xun heard this, he mounted and led several dozen horsemen to inspect the stone formation. Reining in on the mountainside, he saw gates and openings in every direction. Lu Xun laughed. “This is merely a trick to bewilder people. What use can it be?” He led several horsemen down the slope and rode straight into the stone formation to examine it. A subordinate commander said, “It is growing late. May the Commander-in-Chief return quickly.” Just as Lu Xun was about to leave the formation, a violent wind suddenly arose. In an instant, flying sand and hurtling stones blotted out earth and sky. He saw jagged, monstrous rocks branching like swords; banks of sand and walls of earth rose in layers like mountains; the river roared and the waves surged with a sound like clashing swords and beating drums. Lu Xun was terrified. “I have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” He tried to turn back at once, but could find no road out. While he was still bewildered and alarmed, an old man suddenly appeared before his horse and said with a smile, “Does the general wish to leave this formation?” Lu Xun replied, “I beg you, venerable sir, to guide me out.” Leaning on his staff, the old man walked slowly ahead and passed directly out of the stone formation without hindrance, leading Lu Xun back to the mountainside. Lu Xun asked, “Who are you, venerable sir?” The old man replied, “I am Huang Chengyan, the father-in-law of Zhuge Kongming. When my son-in-law entered the Riverlands, he laid out this stone formation and named it the Eightfold Formation. Its eight interchanging gates conform to the principles of Dunjia: Rest, Life, Injury, Obstruction, Prospect, Death, Alarm, and Opening. It changes without limit at every hour of every day and is equal to a hundred thousand elite soldiers. Before departing, my son-in-law instructed me: ‘In time to come, a great commander of Eastern Wu will lose his way within this formation. Do not lead him out.’ Just now, from the rocky heights, I saw you enter through the Gate of Death. I knew you did not understand the formation and would surely be trapped. All my life I have delighted in doing good, and I could not bear to see you perish here. Therefore, I led you out through the Gate of Life.” Lu Xun asked, “Have you, sir, ever studied the method of this formation?” Huang Chengyan replied, “Its transformations are inexhaustible. It cannot be mastered.” Lu Xun hastily dismounted, bowed his thanks, and returned. Later, Du Fu wrote:

His merit crowned the tripartite realm;His fame was sealed in the Eightfold Formation.The river flows, but the stones do not turn;The lasting grief—he failed to conquer Wu.

On returning to camp, Lu Xun sighed and said, “Kongming is truly the ‘Sleeping Dragon’! I cannot equal him.” He therefore ordered the army to withdraw. Those around him said, “Liu Bei’s army is defeated and his power exhausted. He is trapped within a lone city. This is the perfect moment to press our advantage and attack him. Why do you retreat merely upon seeing the stone formation?” Lu Xun replied, “I am not retreating because I fear the stone formation. I judge that Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, is no less treacherous and cunning than his father. Now that he knows I am pursuing the army of Shu, he will surely take advantage of our emptiness and attack us. If I advance deep into Xichuan, I will not be able to withdraw swiftly.” He ordered one commander to guard the rear and led the main army back. Before they had been withdrawing for two days, messengers arrived at full speed from three quarters and reported, “The Wei commander Cao Ren has advanced from Ruxu, Cao Xiu from Dongkou, and Cao Zhen from Nanjun. Three armies numbering several hundred thousand men are hastening day and night toward our borders. Their purpose is unknown.” Lu Xun laughed. “It is exactly as I expected. I have already ordered troops to resist them.” Thus it was said:

His heroic heart had sought to swallow western Shu,But victory’s reckoning now required defense against the northern court.

How the invading armies were repelled will be told in the next chapter.

Lu Xun Burns Camps for Seven Hundred Li; Zhuge Liang Ingeniously Deploys the Stone Sentinel Maze

Meanwhile, Han Dang and Zhou Tai learned that the First Emperor had moved his camps to seek cooler ground, and hurried to report this to Lu Xun. Lu Xun was delighted and personally led troops out to observe the enemy’s movements. He saw a single encampment on level ground, containing no more than ten thousand men, most of them old or weak, beneath a great banner inscribed “Vanguard Wu Ban.” Zhou Tai said, “In my eyes, troops like these are mere child’s play. I ask to divide with General Han into two forces and attack them. If we fail to win, I will gladly submit to military punishment.” Lu Xun watched for a long while, then pointed with his whip and said, “A faint aura of slaughter is rising from the valley ahead. There must be an ambush below. That is why they have placed these weak troops on open ground—to lure us out. You must on no account attack.” When the generals heard this, they all took him for a coward.

The next day, Wu Ban led his troops before the pass and challenged the defenders, flaunting his strength and prestige and hurling abuse without end. Many of his men stripped off their clothes and armor, exposing their naked bodies, and either lay sleeping or sat about. Xu Sheng and Ding Feng entered Lu Xun’s tent and reported, “The Shu troops are insulting us beyond endurance! We ask permission to attack them!” Lu Xun laughed and said, “You rely only on hot-blooded courage and know nothing of the military methods of Sun and Wu. This is their plan to lure us out. In three days, you will see through their deception.” Xu Sheng said, “In three days, they will have completed moving their camps. How will we be able to attack them then?” Lu Xun replied, “That is precisely why I want them to move their camps.” The generals withdrew with derisive smiles. Three days later, Lu Xun assembled the generals atop the pass to observe the enemy and saw that Wu Ban’s troops had already withdrawn. Pointing, Lu Xun said, “The aura of slaughter is rising. Liu Bei is certain to emerge from the valley.” Before he had finished speaking, the Shu troops appeared, fully armed and properly equipped, escorting the First Emperor past. When the Wu soldiers saw them, terror split their courage. Lu Xun said, “This is exactly why I refused to let you attack Wu Ban. Now that the ambushing troops have emerged, we will certainly defeat Shu within ten days.” The generals all said, “If Shu was to be defeated, it should have been done at the outset. Now their linked camps stretch five or six hundred li, and we have faced each other for seven or eight months. They have fortified every strategic position. How can we defeat them?” Lu Xun said, “You do not understand the art of war. Liu Bei is a formidable hero of the age, full of cunning plans. When his troops first assembled, their discipline and organization were exact. But they have now held their ground for a long time without finding any opening against us. Their soldiers are weary and their spirits frustrated. Today is precisely the time to take them.” Only then did the generals sigh in admiration and submit to his judgment. A later poet praised him:Within the tiger tent he spoke of war and followed the Six Secret Teachings,Setting fragrant bait to hook the monstrous whale and sea turtle.The Three Kingdoms age abounded naturally in heroes,And once again Jiangnan displayed the greatness of Lu Xun.

Lu Xun, having settled his plan to defeat Shu, wrote a letter and sent an envoy to report to Sun Quan, stating that Shu could be broken within days. After reading it, Sun Quan was delighted and said, “Jiangdong has produced another extraordinary man. What have I to worry about? All the generals wrote memorials calling him a coward, but I alone did not believe them. Now, judging by his words, he truly is no coward.” He then raised a large force of Wu troops to support him.

Meanwhile, at Xiaoting, the First Emperor sent his entire naval force downstream, establishing naval camps along the river as he advanced deep into Wu territory. Huang Quan remonstrated with him: “For a navy traveling downstream, it is easy to advance but difficult to retreat. I ask to serve as the vanguard. Your Majesty should remain with the rear formation, so that no mishap can possibly occur.” The First Emperor said, “The Wu rebels have lost their nerve. I will drive straight forward in a great advance. What obstacle can there be?” The officials bitterly remonstrated, but the First Emperor refused to listen. He divided his forces into two columns, ordering Huang Quan to command the troops north of the river as a precaution against attack by Wei, while he personally commanded the armies south of the river. The camps stood on both sides of the river as he prepared for a further advance. Scouts discovered this and reported overnight to the ruler of Wei: the Shu army had attacked Wu and erected palisades linking camps that stretched more than seven hundred li in every direction. The army was divided among more than forty camps, all established beside wooded hills. Huang Quan was now commanding troops on the river’s north bank and sending patrols more than a hundred li out every day, though no one knew his intention.

When the ruler of Wei heard this, he threw back his head and laughed. “Liu Bei is about to be defeated.” His ministers asked him why. The ruler of Wei said, “Liu Xuande does not understand the art of war. How can anyone link camps over seven hundred li and expect to resist an enemy? To spread troops across open plains and lowlands, difficult terrain and strategic barriers, is one of warfare’s greatest taboos. Xuande is certain to be defeated by Lu Xun of Eastern Wu. News will arrive within ten days.” His ministers still did not believe him and all urged him to assign troops as a precaution. The ruler of Wei said, “If Lu Xun wins, he will surely take all the troops of Eastern Wu to seize Xichuan. Once Wu’s army has gone far away, its homeland will be empty. I have falsely offered military assistance, but if we now advance simultaneously along three routes, Eastern Wu will be ours for the taking.” Everyone bowed in admiration. The ruler of Wei issued orders for Cao Ren to command one army out of Ruxu, Cao Xiu another out of Dongkou, and Cao Zhen another out of Nanjun. “The three armies are to rendezvous on an appointed date and launch a surprise attack on Eastern Wu. I will personally follow to support them.” With that, all deployments were settled.

Leaving aside Wei’s attack on Wu, Ma Liang reached Xichuan and went to see Kongming. Presenting him with a map, he said, “The camps have now been moved to occupy both banks of the river over a distance of seven hundred li. More than forty camps have been established, all beside streams and ravines in densely wooded places. His Majesty ordered me to bring this map for the Chancellor to examine.” After Kongming looked it over, he struck the table and cried in dismay, “Who advised His Majesty to establish his camps this way? That man should be beheaded!” Ma Liang said, “It was entirely His Majesty’s own doing, not another man’s plan.” Kongming sighed. “The allotted destiny of the Han is at an end!” Ma Liang asked why. Kongming said, “To establish camps spread across plains and lowlands, difficult terrain and strategic barriers, is one of the greatest taboos in warfare. If the enemy attacks with fire, how can they be saved? And how can anyone resist an enemy with linked camps stretching seven hundred li? Disaster is not far away! This is precisely why Lu Xun has held his ground and refused to come out. You must hurry back to see the Emperor and have all the camps relocated. They cannot remain as they are.” Ma Liang said, “What if the Wu forces have already won by now? What are we to do?” Kongming said, “Lu Xun will not dare pursue, so Chengdu can be kept safe from danger.” Ma Liang asked, “Why would Lu Xun not pursue?” Kongming said, “Because he will fear that Wei may attack his rear. If His Majesty suffers a reverse, he should withdraw to Baidi Castle for refuge. When I entered Xichuan, I already concealed one hundred thousand troops at Yufu Bank.” Ma Liang was astonished. “I have traveled through Yufu Bank several times, yet I have never seen a single soldier. Why does the Chancellor make such a false claim?” Kongming said, “You will see them later. There is no need for further questions.” Ma Liang obtained a memorial from him and raced with all speed toward the imperial camp. Kongming returned to Chengdu and began assigning troops to provide support.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun saw that the Shu troops had grown careless and no longer maintained their defenses. He took his seat in the command tent and assembled officers and soldiers of every rank to receive his orders. “Since receiving my commission, I have not once gone into battle. Now that I have observed the Shu army, I know enough about its disposition and movements. I therefore intend first to take one camp on the river’s south bank. Who dares go?” Before he had finished speaking, Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Ling Tong, and others promptly stepped forward and said, “We are willing to go.” Lu Xun ordered them all to withdraw and declined to use them. Instead, he summoned an obscure junior officer named Chunyu Dan from below the steps and said, “I give you five thousand troops to seize the fourth camp on the river’s south bank, which is defended by the Shu general Fu Tong. You must succeed tonight. I will personally lead troops to support you.” Chunyu Dan led his troops away. Lu Xun then summoned Xu Sheng and Ding Feng and said, “Each of you is to lead three thousand troops and station them five li outside our camp. If Chunyu Dan returns in defeat with enemy troops pursuing him, you must come out to rescue him, but you must not pursue the enemy.” The two generals went off to arrange their forces.

At dusk, Chunyu Dan led his troops forward. By the time he reached the Shu camp, it was already after the third watch. Dan ordered his men to charge in with a great clamor. Inside the Shu camp, Fu Tong led troops out to meet them and leveled his spear directly at Chunyu Dan. Unable to withstand him, Dan wheeled his horse and fled. Suddenly, thunderous shouts arose as a body of troops blocked his way, led by the general Zhao Rong. Dan fought his way through and fled, losing more than half his force. As he ran, a force of southern tribesmen emerged from behind the mountain and blocked him, led by the tribal general Shamoke. Dan fought desperately and broke free, but three enemy forces pursued him from behind. When he came within five li of his camp, the Wu generals Xu Sheng and Ding Feng attacked from both sides. The Shu troops withdrew, and they rescued Chunyu Dan and brought him back to camp. Dan, still carrying an arrow in his body, went to see Lu Xun and ask punishment. Lu Xun said, “This was not your fault. I merely wished to test the enemy’s true strength and weakness. I have now settled my plan for defeating Shu.” Xu Sheng and Ding Feng said, “The Shu army is immensely powerful and difficult to defeat. We will only waste troops and lose generals.” Lu Xun laughed and said, “There is only one man this plan of mine could not deceive: Zhuge Liang. By Heaven’s favor, he is not here, allowing me to accomplish a great feat.” He then assembled all officers and soldiers to receive their orders. He instructed Zhu Ran to advance by water. The next afternoon, when a strong southeasterly wind arose, Zhu Ran was to load his boats with dry grass and proceed according to plan. Han Dang was to lead one force against the river’s north bank, while Zhou Tai led another against the south bank. Every soldier was to carry a bundle of dry grass concealing sulfur and incendiary powder, as well as tinder and a spear or sword, and all were to advance together. On reaching a Shu camp, they were to set it ablaze downwind. Of Shu’s forty camps, they were to burn only twenty, setting fire to every other camp. Each force was to carry dry rations in advance and was forbidden to retreat even briefly. They were to pursue and attack day and night, stopping only when Liu Bei had been captured. The generals received their military orders, each accepted his assigned plan, and departed.

Meanwhile, the First Emperor was in the imperial camp considering a plan to defeat Wu when the central army’s standards and banners before his tent suddenly toppled though there was no wind. He asked Cheng Ji, “What omen is this?” Cheng Ji replied, “Could Wu troops be coming to raid the camp tonight?” The First Emperor said, “They were completely slaughtered last night. How would they dare come again?” Cheng Ji said, “What if Lu Xun was testing us?” As they spoke, someone reported that Wu troops had been seen in the distance on the mountains, all moving eastward along the ridges. The First Emperor said, “Those are decoy troops.” He ordered everyone to remain still, then commanded Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each to lead five hundred cavalrymen out on patrol. At dusk, Guan Xing returned and reported, “A fire has broken out in the camp north of the river.” The First Emperor hurriedly ordered Guan Xing to go north of the river and Zhang Bao south of it to determine the truth. “If the Wu troops arrive, report back at once.”

The two generals accepted their orders and departed. During the first watch, the southeasterly wind suddenly rose. A fire broke out in the camp to the left of the imperial camp. Just as men were about to go to its rescue, the camp on the imperial camp’s right also caught fire. Driven by the fierce wind, the flames spread rapidly, setting all the trees ablaze. Thunderous battle cries erupted. The troops and horses from both camps rushed toward the imperial camp, where the imperial soldiers trampled one another, leaving countless dead. Then the Wu army attacked from behind with untold numbers of troops and horses. The First Emperor hurriedly mounted and raced toward Feng Xi’s camp, but flames there were already leaping to the sky. North and south of the river, the glare was as bright as day. Feng Xi hurriedly mounted and fled with several dozen horsemen, only to encounter the forces of the Wu general Xu Sheng, whom he engaged in battle. When the First Emperor saw this, he wheeled his horse and fled west. Xu Sheng abandoned Feng Xi and led his troops after the First Emperor. As the First Emperor fled in panic, another force blocked him ahead, led by the Wu general Ding Feng. The two forces attacked from both sides. The First Emperor was horrified. There was no road of escape in any direction. Suddenly, tremendous shouts arose as a body of troops broke into the encirclement. It was Zhang Bao, who rescued the First Emperor and led the Imperial Guard away. As they traveled, another force appeared ahead. It was the Shu general Fu Tong, who joined his troops with theirs. The Wu army pursued from behind. The First Emperor reached a mountain called Mount Ma’an. Zhang Bao and Fu Tong urged him up the mountain, but as soon as he reached the heights, battle cries rose below. Lu Xun’s main army had surrounded Mount Ma’an. Zhang Bao and Fu Tong fought desperately to hold the mountain pass. Looking into the distance, the First Emperor saw unbroken flames across the countryside and corpses piled one upon another, choking the river as they drifted downstream.

The next day, Wu troops set fires on every side to burn the mountain. The soldiers fled wildly, and the First Emperor was terrified. Suddenly, a general leading several horsemen fought his way up the mountain through the flames. It was Guan Xing. Prostrating himself, he pleaded, “The fires are closing in from every side. We cannot remain here long. Your Majesty must hurry to Baidi Castle and gather your troops again.” The First Emperor said, “Who dares cover the rear?” Fu Tong reported, “I am willing to hold them off with my life!” At dusk that day, Guan Xing led the way, Zhang Bao held the center, and Fu Tong remained behind to cover the retreat as they protected the First Emperor and fought their way down the mountain. When the Wu troops saw the First Emperor fleeing, they all competed for the credit. Each led a great force, darkening the sky and covering the earth as they raced west in pursuit. The First Emperor ordered the soldiers to strip off all their robes and armor, heap them across the road, and set them on fire to cut off the pursuing troops. As they fled, tremendous shouts arose, and the Wu general Zhu Ran led a force in from the riverbank and blocked their way. The First Emperor cried, “I will die here!” Guan Xing and Zhang Bao spurred their horses and tried to break through, but volleys of arrows drove them back. Both were badly wounded and could not fight their way out. Then battle cries arose behind them as Lu Xun led his main army out of the valley to attack.

As the First Emperor panicked, the sky was just beginning to brighten. Suddenly, tremendous battle cries erupted ahead, and Zhu Ran’s soldiers tumbled one after another into the ravines and went rolling over the cliffs. A body of troops fought its way in to rescue the Emperor. The First Emperor was overjoyed. Looking closer, he saw it was Zhao Zilong of Changshan. At that time Zhao Yun had been stationed at Jiangzhou in Xichuan. When he heard that Wu and Shu had gone to war, he led his troops out. Suddenly seeing flames soaring into the sky throughout the southeast, Zhao Yun was alarmed and scouted from a distance. Unexpectedly, he found that the First Emperor was trapped, so he charged in with great courage. When Lu Xun heard that the general was Zhao Yun, he abruptly ordered his troops to withdraw. As Zhao Yun fought, he suddenly encountered Zhu Ran and engaged him. In less than one bout, Zhao Yun thrust his spear and killed Zhu Ran beneath his horse. He scattered the Wu troops, rescued the First Emperor, and headed for Baidi Castle. The First Emperor said, “Though I have escaped, what will become of all my officers and soldiers?” Zhao Yun said, “The enemy is behind us, and we cannot delay. Your Majesty should enter Baidi Castle and rest. I will lead troops back to rescue the other generals.” By this time, the First Emperor had only a little more than a hundred men remaining when he entered Baidi Castle. A later poet praised Lu Xun:Bearing dry grass and raising fire, he broke the linked camps;Xuande fled in desperation to Baidi Castle.In a single stroke his fearsome name shook Shu and Wei;How could the King of Wu not honor this scholar?

Meanwhile, Fu Tong, covering the rear, was surrounded on all sides by the Wu army. Ding Feng shouted, “Countless soldiers from Xichuan are dead, and a great many have surrendered. Your lord Liu Bei has already been captured. Your strength is exhausted and you stand alone. Why do you not surrender at once?” Fu Tong cursed him: “I am a general of Han! How could I ever surrender to the dogs of Wu?” Leveling his spear and spurring his horse, he led the Shu troops in a desperate fight to the death. For more than a hundred bouts, he charged back and forth but could not break free. Fu Tong sighed deeply and said, “Today is my end!” As soon as he had spoken, blood poured from his mouth, and he died amid the Wu army. A later poet praised Fu Tong:At Yiling, Wu and Shu clashed in a mighty war;Lu Xun employed his scheme and burned them with fire.Even at death, he still cursed the dogs of Wu;Fu Tong proved himself worthy of being a general of Han.

The Shu Libationer Cheng Ji rode alone to the riverbank and called upon the naval forces to meet the enemy. The Wu troops pursued close behind, and the naval forces scattered and fled. One of Cheng Ji’s subordinate officers cried, “The Wu troops are here! Libationer Cheng, flee quickly!” Cheng Ji angrily replied, “Since I followed His Majesty to war, I have never yet fled from an enemy!” Before he had finished speaking, the Wu troops surged upon him. With no road of escape on any side, Cheng Ji drew his sword and cut his own throat. A later poet praised him:Bold and steadfast was Libationer Cheng of Shu,Who kept one sword to repay his sovereign.Facing mortal danger, he never changed his lifelong resolve,And won a fragrant name that will endure through all the ages.

At the time, Wu Ban and Zhang Nan had long been besieging the city of Yiling. Suddenly Feng Xi arrived and told them the Shu army had been defeated, so they led their troops away to rescue the First Emperor. Only then was Sun Huan able to escape. As Zhang Nan and Feng Xi marched, Wu troops attacked from ahead while Sun Huan emerged from Yiling behind them. They were caught between attacks from both directions. Zhang Nan and Feng Xi fought desperately to break through, but could not escape and died amid the chaos of battle. A later poet praised them:Feng Xi’s loyalty never wavered;Zhang Nan’s devotion had few equals.They willingly died fighting on the battlefield,And together left fragrant names in the histories.

Wu Ban fought his way out of the encirclement, but encountered more Wu troops in pursuit. Fortunately, Zhao Yun met him and rescued him, bringing him back to Baidi Castle. The tribal king Shamoke was fleeing alone on horseback when he encountered Zhou Tai. After fighting for more than twenty bouts, Shamoke was killed by Zhou Tai. The Shu generals Du Lu and Liu Ning both surrendered to Wu. Not the smallest amount of the provisions, fodder, weapons, or equipment in Shu’s camps remained. Countless Shu generals and soldiers from Xichuan surrendered. At the time, Lady Sun was in Wu. When she heard that the army had been defeated at Xiaoting, a false report reached her that the First Emperor had died in battle. She had her carriage driven to the riverbank, faced west, and wept from afar, then threw herself into the river and died. Later generations built a temple to her beside the river and called it the Shrine of the Valiant Princess. A later critic composed a poem lamenting her:The First Emperor’s army withdrew to Baidi Castle;On hearing of his peril, his lady alone gave up her life.To this day, her memorial tablet remains beside the river,Still bearing through a thousand autumns the name of a heroic woman.

Lu Xun, having won complete victory, led his triumphant troops westward in pursuit. When they were not far from Kui Pass, Lu Xun saw from horseback that ahead, beside the mountains and river, an aura of slaughter was rising to the sky. He reined in his horse, looked back at the generals, and said, “There must be an ambush ahead. The army must not advance recklessly.” He immediately withdrew more than ten li and formed a battle line on open ground to guard against the enemy. Then he sent mounted scouts forward to investigate. They returned and reported that no troops were stationed there. Lu Xun did not believe them. He dismounted, climbed a hill, and looked out. Again the aura of slaughter arose. Lu Xun sent men to investigate with greater care, but the mounted scouts returned and reported that there was not a single man or horse ahead. As Lu Xun watched the sun begin to sink in the west, the aura of slaughter grew even stronger. Still uncertain, he sent trusted men to investigate once more. They returned and reported that there were only eighty or ninety heaps of jumbled stones beside the river and no men or horses at all. Lu Xun was deeply suspicious and ordered the local people brought in so he could ask the place’s name. Before long, several men arrived. Lu Xun asked them, “Who piled up these stones? And why is an aura of slaughter rising from among them?” One local replied, “This place is called Yufu Bank. When Zhuge Liang entered Xichuan, he brought troops here and arranged these stones in a battle formation on the sandbank. Ever since then, a cloudlike vapor has often risen from within.”

When Lu Xun heard this, he mounted and led several dozen riders to inspect the stone formation. Halting his horse on the hillside, he saw gates and entrances opening in every direction. Lu Xun laughed. “This is nothing but a trick to bewilder people. What use can it be?” He led several riders down the slope and went directly into the stone formation to inspect it. A subordinate general said, “The sun is setting. Please return early, Commander.” Just as Lu Xun was about to leave the formation, a violent wind suddenly arose. In an instant, flying sand and hurtling stones blotted out heaven and earth. Grotesque rocks towered all around, their jagged limbs like swords. Banks of sand and walls of earth rose in overlapping ranks like mountains. The river roared and its waves surged like the clash of swords and the thunder of drums. Lu Xun was horrified. “I have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” He hurried to turn back, but could find no way out. As he stood there frightened and uncertain, he suddenly saw an old man before his horse, smiling as he asked, “Does the general wish to leave this formation?” Lu Xun said, “I beg you, venerable sir, to lead me out.” Leaning on his staff, the old man walked slowly forward and went directly out of the stone formation without encountering any obstruction. He escorted Lu Xun to the hillside. Lu Xun asked, “Who are you, venerable sir?” The old man answered, “I am Huang Chengyan, the father-in-law of Zhuge Kongming. In the past, when my son-in-law entered Xichuan, he laid out this stone formation here and named it the Eightfold Formation. Its eight interchanging gates correspond to the Dunjia positions of Rest, Life, Injury, Obstruction, View, Death, Alarm, and Opening. Every day and every hour, it changes without limit and is equal to one hundred thousand elite troops. Before leaving, my son-in-law once instructed me: ‘In the future, a great general of Eastern Wu will lose his way inside the formation. Do not lead him out.’ Just now, from atop the rocky cliff, I saw you enter through the Gate of Death. I realized that you did not understand this formation and would surely become trapped. All my life I have delighted in doing good, and I could not bear to see you perish here. That is why I deliberately led you out through the Gate of Life.” Lu Xun asked, “Have you studied this formation’s methods?” Huang Chengyan replied, “Its transformations are endless. They cannot be learned.” Lu Xun hurriedly dismounted, bowed his thanks, and returned. Later, Du Fu wrote:His achievements crowned the realm divided into three;His fame was completed in the Eightfold Formation.The river flows, but the stones do not turn;His lasting regret was failing to conquer Wu.

After returning to camp, Lu Xun sighed and said, “Kongming is truly the ‘Sleeping Dragon’! I cannot equal him!” He then gave the order to withdraw the army. His attendants said, “Liu Bei’s army has been defeated and his power exhausted. He is trapped defending a single city. This is the perfect time to press our advantage and attack him. Why withdraw now merely because you saw the stone formation?” Lu Xun said, “I am not withdrawing because I fear the stone formation. I judge that Cao Pi, the ruler of Wei, is just as treacherous and cunning as his father. Now that he knows I am pursuing the Shu army, he will certainly take advantage of our absence to attack. If I advance deep into Xichuan, it will be difficult to withdraw in an emergency.” He therefore ordered one general to cover the rear and led the main army back. Less than two days after the retreat began, messengers came racing in from three places to report: “Cao Ren’s Wei army has emerged from Ruxu, Cao Xiu’s from Dongkou, and Cao Zhen’s from Nanjun. Several hundred thousand troops are racing day and night toward our borders along three routes, though their intention is unknown.” Lu Xun laughed and said, “This is exactly as I expected. I have already ordered troops to resist them.” Just so:His heroic ambition had only begun to swallow western Shu,But victory’s calculations still required him to guard against the northern court.How the invading armies were repelled will be told in the next chapter.