Chapter 85

The First Emperor Entrusts His Orphan by Final Edict; Zhuge Liang Repels Five Armies from His Ease

Now in the sixth month of summer, the second year of Zhangwu, Lu Xun of Eastern Wu inflicted a crushing defeat upon the armies of Shu at Xiaoting and Yiling. The First Emperor fled back to Baidi City, where Zhao Yun led troops in holding the defenses. Suddenly Ma Liang arrived. Seeing that the great army had already been defeated, he bitterly regretted that it was too late, and reported to the First Emperor all that Kongming had said. The First Emperor sighed, “Had We heeded the Chancellor’s counsel earlier, We would never have suffered today’s defeat! With what face can We now return to Chengdu and meet Our ministers?” He therefore issued an edict ordering the army to remain at Baidi City and had the posthouse converted into the Palace of Eternal Peace. When it was reported that Feng Xi, Zhang Nan, Fu Tong, Cheng Ji, Shamoke, and others had all died in the service of the realm, the First Emperor was overcome with grief. Then a close attendant memorialized: “Huang Quan has led the troops north of the river over to Wei. Your Majesty should deliver his family to the proper authorities for punishment.” The First Emperor said, “Huang Quan was cut off by the armies of Wu on the river’s northern bank. With no road by which to return, he had no choice but to surrender to Wei. It was We who failed Quan, not Quan who failed Us. Why punish his family?” He continued to provide them with stipends of grain for their support.

Now Huang Quan, having surrendered to Wei, was brought by the generals before Cao Pi. Pi said, “In submitting to Us today, do you hope to emulate Chen Ping and Han Xin?” Huang Quan wept and memorialized: “I received extraordinary favor and profound kindness from the Emperor of Shu. He ordered me to command the armies north of the river, but Lu Xun cut me off. I had no road by which to return to Shu, and I could not surrender to Wu; therefore I came to place myself in Your Majesty’s hands. As the general of a defeated army, I count it fortunate merely to escape death. How would I dare aspire to emulate the men of old?” Cao Pi was greatly pleased and appointed Huang Quan General Who Guards the South. Quan firmly declined the office. Suddenly a close attendant reported, “A spy has come from Shu and says that the ruler of Shu has put Huang Quan’s entire family to death.” Quan said, “The ruler of Shu and I trusted each other with perfect sincerity. He knows my true heart and would certainly never kill my wife and children.” Cao Pi agreed. A later poet reproached Huang Quan in these lines:

Unable to yield to Wu, he yielded to Cao;How can a loyal heart serve dynasties twain?Alas that Huang Quan begrudged a single death—Ziyang’s stern judgment shall not spare his stain.

Cao Pi asked Jia Xu, “We wish to unite the realm. Should We first take Shu, or first take Wu?” Jia Xu replied, “Liu Bei possesses heroic ability, while Zhuge Liang is exceptionally skilled in governing a state. Sun Quan of Eastern Wu knows how to discern strength from weakness, and Lu Xun has stationed troops at strategic passes, behind the river and across the lakes. Neither state can readily be plotted against. As I see it, among our generals there is none who can match either Sun Quan or Liu Bei. Even if Your Majesty were to descend upon them in all your imperial might, I still see no assurance of complete success. We should hold fast and await changes within those two states.” Cao Pi said, “We have already dispatched three great armies against Wu. How could there be any reason they should not prevail?” Liu Ye, Director of the Imperial Secretariat, said, “Lu Xun of Eastern Wu has only lately defeated seven hundred thousand troops of Shu. High and low are united in purpose, and they are further protected by rivers and lakes; they cannot be subdued in haste. Lu Xun is full of stratagems and will certainly have made preparations.” Cao Pi said, “Formerly you urged Us to attack Wu, yet now you seek to dissuade Us. Why?” Liu Ye replied, “The circumstances are different. Formerly Eastern Wu had suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Shu, and its power had been sharply checked; therefore it could be attacked. Now that it has won a complete victory, its ardor has increased a hundredfold, and it cannot yet be assailed.” Cao Pi said, “Our mind is made up. Say no more.” He then personally led the Imperial Guard to reinforce the armies advancing by the three routes. Scouts had already reported that Eastern Wu was prepared: Lü Fan had been ordered to lead troops against Cao Xiu; Zhuge Jin had led troops to Nan Commandery to oppose Cao Zhen; and Zhu Huan had led troops to hold Ruxu against Cao Ren. Liu Ye said, “Since they are prepared, I fear there is nothing to be gained by going.” Cao Pi would not listen, but led his army onward.

Now the Wu general Zhu Huan was only twenty-seven years old, yet possessed extraordinary courage and resourcefulness, and Sun Quan held him in great affection. At that time he commanded the forces at Ruxu. Hearing that Cao Ren had led a great army to seize Xianxi, Zhu Huan sent nearly all his troops to defend Xianxi, leaving only five thousand horsemen to guard the city. Suddenly it was reported that Cao Ren had ordered his generals Chang Diao, Zhuge Qian, and Wang Shuang to lead fifty thousand picked troops in a rapid advance upon Ruxu City. All the soldiers showed fear. Zhu Huan pressed his hand to his sword and said, “Victory and defeat depend upon the commander, not upon the number of troops. The Art of War says: ‘When the invading army is twice the number of the defending army, and the defenders half that of the invaders, the defenders may still prevail.’ Cao Ren has now journeyed a thousand li, and his men and horses are weary. You and I together hold a lofty walled city, facing the great river to the south and backed by rugged mountains to the north. We await the weary at our ease, and as hosts we command the intruding guests. These are conditions for victory in every battle. Even if Cao Pi himself were to come, he would scarcely be worth fearing—much less Cao Ren and his fellows!” He then issued orders for all the troops to lower their banners and silence their drums, making it appear that no one was defending the city.

Meanwhile, Chang Diao, vanguard general of Wei, led his picked troops to seize Ruxu City. From afar he saw neither troops nor horses upon the walls. Diao urged his army to advance swiftly. When they were not far from the city, a cannon suddenly boomed, and banners rose on every side. Zhu Huan came galloping forth, sword held crosswise, and rode straight at Chang Diao. Before three bouts had been fought, Huan cut Chang Diao down from his horse with a single stroke. The troops of Wu seized the advantage and charged, routing the army of Wei and killing countless men. Zhu Huan won a great victory and captured innumerable banners, weapons, and warhorses. Cao Ren arrived afterward with the main body, only to be attacked by the troops of Wu pouring out from Xianxi. Cao Ren suffered a crushing defeat and withdrew. Returning to the Emperor of Wei, he reported the defeat in full. Cao Pi was greatly alarmed. While they were still discussing the matter, a scout suddenly reported: “Cao Zhen and Xiahou Shang surrounded Nan Commandery, but Lu Xun had concealed troops within, while Zhuge Jin lay in ambush outside. Attacked from within and without, they suffered a great defeat.” Before he had finished speaking, another scout suddenly reported: “Cao Xiu too has been defeated by Lü Fan.” When Cao Pi learned that all three armies had been defeated, he heaved a deep sigh and said, “We refused to heed the words of Jia Xu and Liu Ye, and this defeat has indeed come upon Us!” It was then summer, and a great pestilence was spreading. Six or seven out of every ten horsemen and foot soldiers died, so Cao Pi led the army back to Luoyang. From that time onward, Wu and Wei were no longer at peace.

Now the First Emperor fell ill in the Palace of Eternal Peace and could not rise, and his condition gradually worsened. By the fourth month of summer in the third year of Zhangwu, he knew that the sickness had entered his limbs. Moreover, he wept for his two younger brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and his illness grew graver. His vision became dim, and he could not bear the sight of his attendants. He therefore rebuked and dismissed everyone around him and lay alone upon the dragon couch. Suddenly a cold wind rose and made the lamp flicker, extinguishing it and then causing it to flare up again. Beneath the lamplight he saw two men standing in attendance. The First Emperor angrily said, “Our mind is troubled, and We ordered you all to withdraw. Why have you returned?” He rebuked them, but they did not leave. The First Emperor sat up and looked: the man standing above was Guan Yunchang, and the one below was Zhang Yide. Greatly startled, the First Emperor said, “So my two brothers still live!” Yunchang said, “We are not men, but spirits. Because in all our lives we never departed from good faith and righteousness, the Supreme Lord has appointed us both as gods. The time is not far off when Elder Brother will be reunited with us.” The First Emperor seized hold of them and wept aloud. Suddenly he awoke with a start, and his two brothers were gone. He immediately summoned his attendants and asked the hour. It was precisely the third watch. The First Emperor sighed, “We shall not remain long in the world of men!” He therefore sent messengers to Chengdu, summoning Chancellor Zhuge Liang, Prefect of the Imperial Secretariat Li Yan, and the others to come by forced marches to the Palace of Eternal Peace and receive his final commands. Kongming and the others came to the palace with the First Emperor’s second son, Liu Yong, Prince of Lu, and Liu Li, Prince of Liang, leaving Crown Prince Liu Shan to guard Chengdu.

When Kongming reached the Palace of Eternal Peace and saw that the First Emperor was in mortal danger, he hastily prostrated himself beneath the dragon couch. The First Emperor issued an order inviting Kongming to sit beside the couch. Stroking his back, he said, “Ever since We gained the Chancellor, We have been fortunate enough to establish an imperial enterprise. Who could have expected that Our understanding would prove so shallow, that We would reject the Chancellor’s counsel and bring defeat upon Ourself? Regret and remorse have become a sickness, and death may come at any moment. Our heir is weak, and We cannot but entrust the great affairs of state to you.” When he had finished, tears streamed down his face. Kongming too wept and said, “I pray that Your Majesty will carefully preserve your imperial person and fulfill the hopes of all beneath Heaven!” The First Emperor looked around and saw Ma Su, Ma Liang’s younger brother, standing nearby. He ordered Ma Su to withdraw for the moment. When Su had gone out, the First Emperor said to Kongming, “What does the Chancellor think of Ma Su’s abilities?” Kongming replied, “He too is an outstanding talent of the present age.” The First Emperor said, “It is not so. In Our judgment, this man’s words exceed his actual abilities, and he cannot be entrusted with great responsibilities. The Chancellor should examine him carefully.” After giving this charge, he issued an order summoning all the ministers into the hall. He had paper and brush brought, wrote his final edict, and handed it to Kongming, sighing as he said, “We have read few books and know only their general purport. The Sage said: ‘When a bird is about to die, its cry is mournful; when a man is about to die, his words are good.’ We had intended to destroy the traitor Cao together with you all and jointly uphold the House of Han. Unhappily, We must leave you midway. We trouble the Chancellor to deliver this edict to Crown Prince Shan and instruct him not to regard it as commonplace advice. In all matters, We look to the Chancellor!”

Kongming and the others prostrated themselves upon the ground, weeping, and said, “We pray that Your Majesty will rest and preserve your imperial person! We shall exert ourselves like dogs and horses to repay Your Majesty’s grace in recognizing and employing us.” The First Emperor ordered the palace attendants to help Kongming rise. With one hand wiping away his tears and the other grasping Kongming’s hand, he said, “We are dying! There are words from Our inmost heart that We must tell you.” Kongming said, “What sacred command has Your Majesty to give?” The First Emperor wept and said, “Your talents are ten times those of Cao Pi. You will surely be able to bring peace to the realm, establish order in the state, and ultimately accomplish the great enterprise. If Our heir is fit to assist, then assist him. If he proves unworthy, you may become master of Chengdu yourself.” When Kongming heard this, sweat poured over his whole body, and his hands and feet failed him. He prostrated himself on the ground, weeping, and said, “How would I dare not exhaust the strength of my limbs, display the constancy of loyal devotion, and continue until death?” Having spoken, he knocked his head against the floor until blood flowed. The First Emperor again invited Kongming to sit upon the couch, then summoned Liu Yong, Prince of Lu, and Liu Li, Prince of Liang, to come forward. He charged them, saying, “You must both remember Our words. After We are gone, you three brothers must all serve the Chancellor as a father and never show him neglect.” When he had finished, he ordered the two princes to bow together before Kongming. After the two princes had bowed, Kongming said, “Even if my liver and brains were smeared upon the ground, how could I ever repay the grace of Your Majesty’s recognition?”

The First Emperor said to all the officers, “We have entrusted Our orphaned heir to the Chancellor and ordered Our successor to serve him as a father. None of you must show him neglect and thereby disappoint Our hopes.” He also charged Zhao Yun, saying, “Through hardship and peril, you have followed Us to this day. We never imagined that we would part in this place. Remember Our old friendship and watch over Our son morning and night. Do not fail Our words.” Yun bowed through his tears and said, “How would I dare not exert myself like a dog or horse?” The First Emperor again said to all the officers, “You officers are many, and We cannot give each of you a separate charge. We pray that you will all take care of yourselves.” When he had finished speaking, he passed away at the age of sixty-three. It was the twenty-fourth day of the fourth month in the third year of Zhangwu. In later times Du Fu lamented him in a poem:

The Lord of Shu, intent on Wu, approached the Three Gorges;The year he died found him in Yong’an Palace.I picture his emerald carriage beyond the empty hills,His jade halls vanished amid rude country dwellings.In the ancient shrine, water cranes nest in fir and pine;At yearly rites, old villagers hurry there to pray.The shrine of Marquis Wu stands ever close beside it:One in body, lord and minister share the same sacrifice.

When the First Emperor passed away, every civil and military official was overcome with grief. Kongming led them in escorting the imperial coffin back to Chengdu. Crown Prince Liu Shan came out of the city to meet the funeral cortege and had the coffin placed within the main hall. When the rites of mourning had been completed, the final edict was opened and read. The edict said:

“When We first fell ill, it was merely a flux of the bowels. Later, other ailments arose in succession, until We could scarcely hope to recover. We have heard it said, ‘A man who reaches fifty cannot be said to have died before his time.’ We are now more than sixty; what regret can there be in death? Our only concern is for you brothers. Strive! Strive! Do not commit an evil because it is small, nor refrain from doing a good deed because it is small. Only worthiness and virtue can win men’s allegiance. Your father’s virtue was meager and is not sufficient for you to imitate. After We are gone, conduct affairs together with the Chancellor. Serve him as your father and do not be remiss! Do not forget! You brothers must further seek knowledge and distinction. This is Our utmost charge! Our utmost charge!”

When the assembled ministers had finished reading the edict, Kongming said, “The state cannot be without a sovereign for a single day. I ask that the succeeding lord be enthroned to continue the Han succession.” Crown Prince Liu Shan was therefore enthroned as emperor, and the reign title was changed to Jianxing. Zhuge Liang was created Marquis of Wuxiang and appointed Governor of Yizhou. The First Emperor was buried in Huiling and given the posthumous title Emperor Zhaolie. Empress Wu was honored as Empress Dowager. Lady Gan was posthumously titled Empress Zhaolie, and Lady Mi was likewise posthumously titled Empress. The ministers were promoted and rewarded, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

The scouts of Wei soon learned of these events and reported them in the Central Plains. A close attendant memorialized the news to the Emperor of Wei. Cao Pi was greatly delighted and said, “Liu Bei is dead, and We need fear nothing more. Why should We not take advantage of the lack of a ruler in his state and raise an army against it?” Jia Xu remonstrated: “With Liu Bei dead, he must surely have entrusted his orphaned heir to Zhuge Liang. Moved by Bei’s grace in recognizing his talents, Liang will certainly devote his whole heart and strength to supporting the succeeding ruler. Your Majesty must not attack in haste.” As he was speaking, a man suddenly strode resolutely from the ranks and said, “If we do not advance at this moment, what other time are we waiting for?” Everyone looked and saw that it was Sima Yi. Cao Pi was overjoyed and immediately asked him for a plan. Yi said, “If we raise only the armies of the Central Kingdom, it will be difficult to win swiftly. We must employ five great armies to attack from all sides, leaving Zhuge Liang unable to respond from head to tail. Only then can Shu be taken.”

Cao Pi asked what the five routes were. Sima Yi replied, “A letter should be written and a messenger sent to Kebineng, king of the Xianbei in Liaodong. Bribe him with gold and silk, and have him raise one hundred thousand Qiang troops west of Liao to advance overland against Xiping Pass. That will be the first route. Another letter should be written, and a messenger bearing official patents and rewards sent directly into the Southern Man country to see King Meng Huo. Have him raise one hundred thousand troops to attack the four commanderies of Yizhou, Yongchang, Zangke, and Yuejun, thereby striking the south of Western Chuan. That will be the second route. Another messenger should be sent into Wu to renew friendly relations and promise the cession of territory, inducing Sun Quan to raise one hundred thousand troops, attack the entrance between the two rivers of Chuan, and advance directly upon Fu City. That will be the third route. A messenger may also be sent to the surrendered general Meng Da, ordering him to raise one hundred thousand troops from Shangyong and attack Hanzhong from the east. That will be the fourth route. Then order General-in-Chief Cao Zhen to serve as Commander-in-Chief and lead one hundred thousand troops directly from Jingzhao through Yangping Pass to seize Western Chuan. That will be the fifth route. In all, five hundred thousand troops will advance simultaneously by five routes. Even if Zhuge Liang possessed the talents of Lü Wang, how could he withstand them?” Cao Pi was greatly pleased and secretly dispatched four eloquent officials as envoys. He also appointed Cao Zhen Commander-in-Chief and ordered him to lead one hundred thousand troops directly against Yangping Pass. At this time Zhang Liao and the other veteran generals had all been enfeoffed as marquises and were stationed throughout Ji, Xu, and Qing provinces and at Hefei and other places, guarding the passes, ferries, defiles, and strategic entrances. They were therefore not summoned for this campaign.

Now since Liu Shan, the Latter Emperor of Shu-Han, had ascended the throne, many of the former ministers had died of illness, too many to recount in detail. All affairs of court administration, official selection, revenue and grain, petitions and lawsuits, and the like were submitted to Chancellor Zhuge for decision. At that time the Latter Emperor had not yet established an empress. Kongming and the assembled ministers memorialized: “The daughter of the late General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Fei is exceedingly virtuous. She is seventeen years old and may be taken as empress of the principal palace.” The Latter Emperor took her as his empress.

In the eighth month of autumn, the first year of Jianxing, a sudden frontier report arrived: “Wei has mobilized five great armies to seize Western Chuan. On the first route, Cao Zhen, as Commander-in-Chief, has raised one hundred thousand troops to take Yangping Pass. On the second, the rebel general Meng Da has raised one hundred thousand troops from Shangyong to invade Hanzhong. On the third, Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has raised one hundred thousand picked troops to seize the mouth of the gorges and enter Chuan. On the fourth, King Meng Huo of the Southern Man has raised one hundred thousand Man troops to invade the four commanderies of Yizhou. On the fifth, the foreign king Kebineng has raised one hundred thousand Qiang troops to invade Xiping Pass. These five armies are extremely formidable. The Chancellor has already been informed, but for some unknown reason he has not appeared to conduct affairs for several days.” The Latter Emperor was greatly alarmed when he heard this and immediately dispatched a close attendant bearing an imperial command to summon Kongming to court. After the envoy had been gone half the day, he returned and reported, “The servants at the Chancellor’s residence say that the Chancellor is ill and cannot come out.” The Latter Emperor grew still more anxious. The following day, he ordered Dong Yun, Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and Du Qiong, Grandee Remonstrant and Consultant, to go before the Chancellor’s sickbed and report this grave emergency. Dong and Du reached the Chancellor’s residence, but neither was permitted to enter. Du Qiong said, “The Former Emperor entrusted his orphaned heir to the Chancellor. Now His Majesty has only just ascended the throne, and Cao Pi’s armies are invading by five routes. The military crisis is desperate. Why does the Chancellor feign illness and refuse to come forth?” After a long while, the gatekeeper conveyed the Chancellor’s command: “His illness has somewhat improved. Tomorrow morning he will attend the public hall to discuss affairs.” Dong Yun and Du Qiong sighed and returned. The next day, many officers again came and waited before the Chancellor’s residence. From morning until evening, he still did not appear. The officers were filled with alarm but had no choice save to disperse. Du Qiong entered the palace and memorialized to the Latter Emperor: “I beg Your Majesty to go in person to the Chancellor’s residence and ask him for a plan.” The Latter Emperor immediately led many officers into the palace and informed the Empress Dowager. Greatly alarmed, the Empress Dowager said, “Why does the Chancellor behave in this fashion? He is betraying the trust placed in him by the Former Emperor! I shall go to him myself.” Dong Yun memorialized: “Your Highness must not go lightly. I believe the Chancellor must have some profound design. Let His Majesty go first. If the Chancellor is indeed negligent, it will not be too late for Your Highness to summon him to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and question him there.” The Empress Dowager accepted his counsel.

The following day, the Latter Emperor drove in person to the Chancellor’s residence. When the gatekeeper saw the imperial carriage arrive, he hastily prostrated himself upon the ground in welcome. The Latter Emperor asked, “Where is the Chancellor?” The gatekeeper replied, “I do not know where he is. We have only the Chancellor’s command to bar all officials and allow no one to enter without permission.” The Latter Emperor therefore descended from his carriage and proceeded on foot. He passed alone through the third gate and saw Kongming leaning upon a bamboo staff beside a small pond, watching the fish. The Latter Emperor stood behind him for a long time before slowly saying, “Is the Chancellor well and at ease?” Kongming looked back and, seeing that it was the Latter Emperor, hastily cast aside his staff and prostrated himself upon the ground, saying, “Your servant deserves ten thousand deaths!” The Latter Emperor helped him rise and asked, “Cao Pi has now divided his troops into five armies, and the invasion of our borders is most urgent. Why does my Chancellor-Father refuse to leave his residence and attend to affairs?” Kongming laughed heartily, helped the Latter Emperor into an inner chamber, and, when they were seated, memorialized: “How could I be unaware that the armies are advancing by five routes? I was not watching the fish; I was deep in thought.” The Latter Emperor said, “What, then, is to be done?” Kongming replied, “The armies of Kebineng, king of the Qiang; Meng Huo, king of the Southern Man; the rebel general Meng Da; and Cao Zhen of Wei—these four armies I have already driven back. Only Sun Quan’s army remains. I already have a plan to make it withdraw, but I require an eloquent man as envoy. Because I have not yet found the right person, I have been pondering the matter deeply. Why need Your Majesty be troubled?”

When the Latter Emperor heard this, he was both astonished and delighted, and said, “My Chancellor-Father indeed possesses designs unfathomable even to ghosts and gods! I beg to hear the means by which the armies have been repelled.” Kongming said, “The Former Emperor entrusted Your Majesty to me. How would I dare be negligent for a single morning or evening? The officers in Chengdu do not understand the subtlety of warfare, whose highest excellence lies in making one’s designs unfathomable. How could I disclose them to others? Your old servant first learned that Kebineng, king of the western tribes, was leading troops against Xiping Pass. I considered that Ma Chao’s family had lived in Western Chuan for generations and that he had long enjoyed the allegiance of the Qiang, who revered him as the General of Divine Might. I had already sent a man by forced marches with a dispatch ordering Ma Chao to guard Xiping Pass closely and place four forces in ambush, relieving one another daily, to resist the enemy. Thus there is no need to worry about that route. As for Meng Huo of the Southern Man, whose troops are invading the four commanderies, I also sent an urgent dispatch ordering Wei Yan to lead an army in feints—entering from the left and emerging on the right, then entering from the right and emerging on the left. The Man troops rely only upon courage and strength and are highly suspicious. When they see these feinting forces, they will certainly not dare advance. Thus that route too gives no cause for concern. I also learned that Meng Da was leading troops out toward Hanzhong. Meng Da and Li Yan once swore a bond of life and death. When I returned to Chengdu, I left Li Yan to guard the Palace of Eternal Peace. I have written a letter in Li Yan’s own hand and sent someone to deliver it to Meng Da. Da will certainly plead illness and refuse to advance, thereby slackening the spirit of his army. Thus that route too gives no cause for concern. I further learned that Cao Zhen was leading troops against Yangping Pass. The terrain there is precipitous and can readily be defended. I have already dispatched Zhao Yun with an army to guard the pass, with strict orders not to give battle. When Cao Zhen sees that our army will not come out, he will soon withdraw of his own accord. None of these four armies need be feared. Yet lest our safety not be complete, I have secretly ordered the two generals Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each to lead thirty thousand troops and station them at vital points, ready to reinforce every route. None of these deployments passed through Chengdu, and so no one here knew of them. Only Eastern Wu’s army remains, and it may not move at all. If it sees the four armies victorious and Chuan in peril, it will certainly come to attack us. But if the four armies fail, why should it be willing to move? I judge that Sun Quan remembers the resentment caused by Cao Pi’s invasion of Wu by three routes and certainly will not heed his words. Even so, we must employ an eloquent man to go directly to Eastern Wu and explain the advantages and dangers. Once Eastern Wu is persuaded to withdraw first, why should the other four armies cause concern? But I have not yet found a man capable of persuading Wu, and therefore I have hesitated. Why trouble Your Majesty’s sacred person to come here?” The Latter Emperor said, “The Empress Dowager also wished to come and see my Chancellor-Father. Now that We have heard your words, it is as though We have awakened from a dream. What further cause have We for anxiety?”

Kongming drank several cups with the Latter Emperor, then escorted him from the residence. All the officers stood gathered outside the gate and saw that the Latter Emperor’s face bore a joyful expression. The Latter Emperor took leave of Kongming, mounted the imperial carriage, and returned to court. Everyone remained bewildered and uncertain. Among the assembled officers, Kongming saw one man raise his face to Heaven and laugh, his countenance likewise showing delight. Kongming looked closely and saw that it was Deng Zhi, styled Bomiao, a native of Xinye in Yiyang. He was then Minister of Revenue and a descendant of Deng Yu, Minister of War under the Han. Kongming secretly ordered someone to detain Deng Zhi. When the other officers had all dispersed, Kongming invited Zhi into his study and asked him, “Shu, Wei, and Wu now divide the realm among them in a tripartite balance. If we wish to conquer the other two states, reunify the realm, and restore the Han, which state should we attack first?” Zhi replied, “In my humble judgment, although Wei is a traitor to the Han, its power is exceedingly great and cannot readily be shaken. We must proceed slowly and plot against it over time. His Majesty has only just ascended the throne, and the hearts of the people are not yet settled. We should unite with Eastern Wu and form a bond as close as lips and teeth, washing away the old enmity of the Former Emperor. This is the plan for enduring security. I do not know whether it accords with the Chancellor’s honored judgment.” Kongming laughed heartily and said, “I have pondered this for a long time, but until now I had not found the man I needed. Today, at last, I have found him!” Zhi said, “For what purpose does the Chancellor require such a man?” Kongming replied, “I wish to send someone to form an alliance with Eastern Wu. Since you have clearly understood my intent, you will surely not disgrace your sovereign’s commission. No one but you can undertake the mission to Wu.” Zhi said, “My poor talents and shallow wisdom may not suffice for so grave a responsibility.” Kongming said, “Tomorrow I shall memorialize the Son of Heaven and request that Bomiao make the journey. You must not decline.” Zhi agreed and withdrew. The following day, Kongming obtained the Latter Emperor’s approval and dispatched Deng Zhi to persuade Eastern Wu. Zhi took leave and set out toward Eastern Wu. Truly:

The men of Wu had scarcely seen the spears laid by,When Shu’s envoy came with jade and silk to renew amity.

What befell Deng Zhi on this journey is unknown; read the next chapter to learn how it unfolded.

The First Emperor Entrusts His Orphan by Final Edict; Zhuge Liang Repels Five Armies from His Ease

In the summer, in the sixth month of the second year of Zhangwu, Lu Xun of Eastern Wu inflicted a crushing defeat on the Shu army at Yiling and Xiaoting. The First Emperor fled back to Baidi City, where Zhao Yun led troops in holding the defenses. Ma Liang suddenly arrived, and when he saw that the great army had already been defeated, it was too late for regret. He reported to the First Emperor what Kongming had said. The First Emperor sighed and said, “If We had listened to the Chancellor’s advice earlier, We would not have suffered today’s defeat! How can We now show Our face in Chengdu again before all Our ministers?” He then issued an edict ordering the army to remain at Baidi City and had the posthouse converted into Yong’an Palace. Reports came that Feng Xi, Zhang Nan, Fu Tong, Cheng Ji, Shamoke, and others had all died in the service of the state, and the First Emperor grieved without end. A close attendant also memorialized: “Huang Quan has led the troops north of the Yangtze in surrendering to Wei. Your Majesty should send his family to the proper authorities for punishment.” The First Emperor said, “Huang Quan was cut off by the Wu army on the north bank of the Yangtze. With no road back, he had no choice but to surrender to Wei. It was We who failed Quan, not Quan who failed Us. Why punish his family?” He continued to provide them with stipends of grain for their support.

Now Huang Quan, having surrendered to Wei, was brought by the generals before Cao Pi. Pi said, “Now that you have surrendered to Us, do you intend to follow the example of Chen Ping and Han Xin?” Quan wept and replied, “I received extraordinary favor and generous treatment from the Emperor of Shu, who ordered me to command the armies north of the Yangtze. But Lu Xun cut me off. I had no road back to Shu, and surrender to Wu was impossible, so I came to place myself in Your Majesty’s hands. As the general of a defeated army, I count it a blessing merely to escape death. How would I dare compare myself to the men of old?” Cao Pi was delighted and appointed Huang Quan General Who Guards the South. Quan firmly declined the office. Suddenly, a close attendant reported, “A spy has come from Shu and says that the ruler of Shu has executed Huang Quan’s entire family.” Quan said, “The ruler of Shu and I trusted each other with complete sincerity. He knows my true heart and certainly would not kill my wife and children.” Cao Pi agreed with him. A later poet reproached Huang Quan in these lines:

Unable to surrender to Wu, he surrendered to Cao;How can loyalty and honor serve two courts?How lamentable that Huang Quan so cherished a single life—Ziyang’s judgment spares him no reproach.

Cao Pi asked Jia Xu, “We wish to unite the realm. Should We take Shu first, or Wu?” Jia Xu replied, “Liu Bei possesses heroic ability, and Zhuge Liang is exceptionally skilled at governing a state. Sun Quan of Eastern Wu knows how to distinguish strength from weakness, while Lu Xun stations troops at strategic passes, with the Yangtze and the lakes as barriers. Neither can be swiftly conquered by stratagem. In my view, none among our generals is a match for Sun Quan or Liu Bei. Even if Your Majesty were to descend upon them with the majesty of Heaven, I still see no assurance of complete success. We should hold our ground and wait for changes within the two states.” Pi said, “We have already sent three great armies against Wu. How could they fail to win?” Liu Ye, Imperial Secretary, said, “Lu Xun of Eastern Wu has recently defeated seven hundred thousand Shu troops. All ranks are now united in purpose, and they also have the barriers of rivers and lakes. They cannot be quickly subdued. Lu Xun is full of schemes and will certainly be prepared.” Pi said, “Previously you urged Us to attack Wu, yet now you advise against it. Why?” Ye replied, “Circumstances have changed. At that time, Eastern Wu had repeatedly been defeated by Shu, and its strength and spirit had suddenly collapsed, so it could be attacked. Now it has won a complete victory, and its fighting spirit has increased a hundredfold. It cannot yet be attacked.” Pi said, “Our mind is made up. Say no more.” He then personally led the Imperial Guard to support the armies on the three routes. Scouts soon reported that Eastern Wu had already made preparations: Lü Fan had been ordered to lead troops against Cao Xiu; Zhuge Jin had led troops to Nan Commandery to oppose Cao Zhen; and Zhu Huan had led troops to hold Ruxu against Cao Ren. Liu Ye said, “Since they are already prepared, I fear going there will accomplish nothing.” Cao Pi would not listen and led the army away.

Now the Wu general Zhu Huan was only twenty-seven years old, but possessed exceptional courage and strategic ability, and Sun Quan greatly favored him. At the time, he commanded the forces at Ruxu. When he heard that Cao Ren was leading a large army to seize Xianxi, Zhu Huan dispatched nearly all his troops to defend Xianxi, leaving only five thousand cavalry to guard the city. Suddenly, a report came that Cao Ren had ordered the senior general Chang Diao, together with Zhuge Qian and Wang Shuang, to lead fifty thousand elite troops in a swift attack on Ruxu City. All the soldiers showed fear. Zhu Huan laid his hand on his sword and said, “Victory and defeat depend on the commander, not on the size of his army. The Art of War says, ‘Even when an invading army is twice as large and the defending army only half its size, the defenders can still defeat the invaders.’ Cao Ren has now traveled a thousand miles, and both men and horses are exhausted. You and I occupy a high-walled city, with the great river before us to the south and rugged mountains behind us to the north. We are rested and await the weary; as defenders, we control the invaders. These are conditions for victory in every battle. Even if Cao Pi came in person, we would have nothing to fear, much less Cao Ren and his men!” He then gave orders for all the soldiers to lower their banners and silence their drums, making it appear that no one was guarding the city.

Now Chang Diao, vanguard general of Wei, led his elite troops to seize Ruxu City. From a distance he saw no soldiers or horses on the walls. Diao urged his troops forward at full speed. When they were not far from the city, a cannon suddenly thundered and banners rose everywhere. Zhu Huan charged out on a galloping horse, saber held crosswise, and rode straight at Chang Diao. Before they had fought three bouts, Huan cut Chang Diao from his horse with a single stroke. Taking advantage of the moment, the Wu troops charged and slaughtered the enemy. The Wei army suffered a crushing defeat, with countless men killed. Zhu Huan won a great victory and captured innumerable banners, weapons, and warhorses. Cao Ren arrived afterward with his troops, only to be attacked by Wu forces charging out from Xianxi. Cao Ren was badly defeated and withdrew. He returned to the Emperor of Wei and reported the defeat in detail. Cao Pi was greatly alarmed. While they were still discussing the matter, a scout suddenly reported, “Cao Zhen and Xiahou Shang surrounded Nan Commandery, but Lu Xun had troops concealed inside and Zhuge Jin had troops concealed outside. They attacked from within and without, inflicting a crushing defeat.” Before he had finished speaking, another scout suddenly reported, “Cao Xiu has also been defeated by Lü Fan.” When Pi learned that all three armies had been defeated, he heaved a long sigh and said, “We did not listen to Jia Xu and Liu Ye, and now this defeat has indeed come upon Us!” It was summertime, and a great epidemic was spreading. Six or seven out of every ten cavalrymen and infantrymen died, so Pi led the army back to Luoyang. From that time onward, Wu and Wei were no longer at peace.

Meanwhile, the First Emperor fell ill at Yong’an Palace and could not rise. His condition gradually worsened. By the fourth month of the summer of the third year of Zhangwu, he knew that the illness had spread through all his limbs. He also wept for his two younger brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and his illness grew still more severe. His vision blurred, and he could no longer bear to see his attendants. He therefore ordered everyone away and lay alone upon the imperial couch. Suddenly, a cold wind sprang up, making the lamp flicker until it went out and then flared to life again. In the lamplight, two men could be seen standing in attendance. The First Emperor angrily said, “Our mind is troubled, and We ordered you all to withdraw. Why have you come back?” He rebuked them, but they did not leave. The First Emperor rose and looked at them. The one in the place of honor was Yunzhang, and the other was Yide. Greatly astonished, the First Emperor said, “So my two younger brothers are still alive!” Yunzhang said, “We are no longer men, but spirits. Because throughout our lives we never betrayed trust or honor, the Supreme Emperor has issued decrees making us gods. Elder Brother, the time when you will be reunited with your brothers is not far away.” The First Emperor seized hold of them and wept bitterly. Suddenly he awoke with a start, and his two brothers were gone. He immediately summoned his attendants and asked the time. It was the third watch of the night. The First Emperor sighed and said, “We will not remain long in this mortal world!” He then sent messengers to Chengdu, summoning Chancellor Zhuge Liang, Imperial Secretariat Director Li Yan, and the others to travel through the night to Yong’an Palace and receive his final commands. Kongming and the others came to Yong’an Palace to see the Emperor, accompanied by the First Emperor’s second son, Liu Yong, Prince of Lu, and Liu Li, Prince of Liang. Crown Prince Liu Shan remained behind to guard Chengdu.

When Kongming arrived at Yong’an Palace and saw that the First Emperor was gravely ill, he hurriedly bowed to the ground before the imperial couch. The First Emperor issued an order inviting Kongming to sit beside the couch, then stroked his back and said, “Ever since We gained the Chancellor’s service, We have been fortunate enough to establish an imperial enterprise. Who could have expected that Our wisdom and understanding would prove so shallow that We would reject the Chancellor’s advice and bring defeat upon Ourself? Regret and remorse have made Us ill, and death may come at any moment. Our heir is weak, so We have no choice but to entrust this great matter to you.” When he finished speaking, tears covered his face. Kongming also wept and said, “May Your Majesty take good care of your sacred person and fulfill the hopes of all the realm!” The First Emperor looked around and saw Ma Su, Ma Liang’s younger brother, standing nearby. He ordered Ma Su to withdraw for the moment. When Su had left, the First Emperor said to Kongming, “What does the Chancellor think of Ma Su’s abilities?” Kongming said, “This man is also one of the outstanding talents of the age.” The First Emperor said, “No. In Our judgment, this man’s words exceed his actual ability. He must not be given great responsibility. The Chancellor should examine him carefully.” After giving these instructions, he issued an order summoning all the ministers into the hall. He called for paper and brush, wrote his final edict, handed it to Kongming, and sighed: “We are not well read, but We have a rough understanding of the larger principles. The Sage said, ‘When a bird is about to die, its cry is mournful; when a man is about to die, his words are good.’ We had intended to destroy the Cao traitors together with all of you and restore the House of Han, but unhappily We must leave you halfway through the task. We ask the Chancellor to deliver this edict to Crown Prince Shan and tell him not to regard its words as commonplace advice. In all matters, We continue to place Our hopes in the Chancellor!”

Kongming and the others wept and bowed to the ground, saying, “May Your Majesty rest and recover your sacred health! We will exert ourselves like dogs and horses to repay the grace of Your Majesty’s recognition and favor.” The First Emperor ordered the palace attendants to help Kongming rise. Covering his tears with one hand and grasping Kongming’s hand with the other, he said, “We are now about to die! There are words from Our innermost heart that We must tell you!” Kongming said, “What is Your Majesty’s sacred command?” The First Emperor wept and said, “Your ability is ten times Cao Pi’s. You will surely be able to bring peace to the state, secure the realm, and ultimately accomplish the great enterprise. If Our heir is fit to assist, then assist him. If he proves incapable, you may become master of Chengdu yourself.” When Kongming heard this, sweat poured over his entire body, and he did not know what to do with his hands or feet. Weeping, he bowed to the ground and said, “How would I dare do anything but exhaust the strength of my limbs, display the devotion of a loyal and steadfast subject, and continue until death?” When he finished, he knocked his head against the floor until it bled. The First Emperor again invited Kongming to sit upon the couch, then called Liu Yong, Prince of Lu, and Liu Li, Prince of Liang, to come forward and instructed them: “You must both remember Our words. After We are gone, you three brothers must all serve the Chancellor as your father and must never treat him with disrespect.” When he had finished, he ordered the two princes to bow to Kongming. After they had bowed, Kongming said, “Even if my liver and brains are spilled upon the ground, how could I ever repay the grace of Your Majesty’s recognition?”

The First Emperor said to the assembled officials, “We have entrusted Our orphaned heir to the Chancellor and ordered Our successor to serve him as a father. None of you must show him disrespect and thereby disappoint Our hopes.” He then charged Zhao Yun: “You and We have followed each other through hardship and peril down to this day. We never imagined that we would part in this place. Remember Our old friendship, look after Our son night and day, and do not fail Us in what We have said.” Yun wept, bowed, and said, “How would I dare fail to labor like a dog or horse?” The First Emperor then said to all the officials, “We cannot give individual instructions to every one of you. We ask you all to take good care of yourselves.” When he had finished speaking, the imperial carriage departed this life. He was sixty-three years old. It was the twenty-fourth day of the fourth month in the third year of Zhangwu. Later, Du Fu lamented him in a poem:

The Lord of Shu eyed Wu and marched toward the Three Gorges;The year he died, he too was in Yong’an Palace.One imagines his kingly banners beyond the empty hills,While the jade hall stands vacant among rustic rooms.Water cranes nest in the cedars and pines of the ancient shrine;At seasonal rites and year-end sacrifices, village elders hurry there.The shrine of Marquis Wu has always stood close beside it:Ruler and minister, as one body, share the same offerings.

After the First Emperor passed away, every civil and military official was overcome with grief. Kongming led all the officials in escorting the imperial coffin back to Chengdu. Crown Prince Liu Shan went outside the city to meet the funeral procession, and the coffin was placed in the main hall. When the rites of mourning had been completed, the final edict was opened and read. The edict said:

When We first fell ill, it was only diarrhea. Later, other illnesses arose as well, and it seems We will not recover. We have heard it said, “A man who reaches fifty cannot be said to have died young.” We are now over sixty, so what regret can there be in death? Our only concern is for you brothers. Strive! Strive! Do not commit an evil because it is small, and do not neglect a good deed because it is small. Only worthiness and virtue can win the submission of others. Your father’s virtue is meager and not sufficient to serve as your model. After We are gone, conduct affairs together with the Chancellor. Serve him as your father. Do not be negligent! Do not forget! You brothers must strive all the more to gain knowledge and distinction. This is Our most earnest charge! Our most earnest charge!

When the assembled ministers had finished reading the edict, Kongming said, “The state cannot be without a ruler for a single day. I ask that the successor be enthroned to continue the line of Han.” Crown Prince Liu Shan was therefore enthroned as emperor, and the era name was changed to Jianxing. Zhuge Liang was additionally enfeoffed as Marquis of Wuxiang and appointed Governor of Yi Province. The First Emperor was buried in Huiling and given the posthumous title Emperor Zhaolie. Empress Wu was honored as Empress Dowager. Lady Gan was posthumously honored as Empress Zhaolie, and Lady Mi was also posthumously honored as empress. The assembled ministers were promoted and rewarded, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

Wei scouts soon learned of these events and reported them in the Central Plains. A close attendant informed the Emperor of Wei. Cao Pi was delighted and said, “Liu Bei is dead, so We have nothing more to fear. Why not take advantage of the fact that his state has no established ruler and raise an army against it?” Jia Xu remonstrated: “When Liu Bei died, he must have entrusted his orphaned heir to Zhuge Liang. Moved by gratitude for Bei’s recognition and favor, Liang will certainly devote his entire heart and exhaust all his strength in supporting the new ruler. Your Majesty must not attack him hastily.” While he was still speaking, one man boldly stepped out from the ranks and said, “If we do not advance now, what time are we waiting for?” Everyone looked and saw that it was Sima Yi. Cao Pi was delighted and asked Yi for his plan. Yi said, “If we raise only the armies of the central kingdom, it will be difficult to win quickly. We must employ five great armies, attacking from every side, so that Zhuge Liang cannot come to the aid of both his front and rear. Only then can he be defeated.”

Pi asked what the five routes were. Yi replied, “A letter should be written and an envoy sent to Kebineng, king of the Xianbei in Liaodong. He should be bribed with gold and silk and instructed to raise one hundred thousand Qiang troops from Liaoxi and advance first by land to seize Xiping Pass. That will be the first route. Another letter should be written, and an envoy carrying official patents and rewards should be sent directly into the southern barbarian lands to meet Meng Huo, king of the barbarians. He should be instructed to raise one hundred thousand troops and attack the four commanderies of Yizhou, Yongchang, Zangke, and Yuesui, striking at the south of Western Sichuan. That will be the second route. Another envoy should be sent to restore friendly relations with Wu, promising to cede territory and instructing Sun Quan to raise one hundred thousand troops, attack the entrance between the two Sichuan regions, and advance directly on Fu City. That will be the third route. An envoy should also be sent to the surrendered general Meng Da, instructing him to raise one hundred thousand troops from Shangyong and attack Hanzhong from the east. That will be the fourth route. Then Great General Cao Zhen should be appointed commander-in-chief and ordered to lead one hundred thousand troops directly from Jingzhao through Yangping Pass to take Western Sichuan. That will be the fifth route. Altogether there will be five hundred thousand troops advancing simultaneously along five routes. Even if Zhuge Liang possessed the talent of Lü Wang, how could he withstand them?” Cao Pi was delighted. He immediately and secretly sent four eloquent officials as envoys, and he appointed Cao Zhen commander-in-chief, ordering him to lead one hundred thousand troops directly against Yangping Pass. At this time, Zhang Liao and the other veteran generals had all been enfeoffed as marquises and were stationed in Ji, Xu, and Qing provinces, at Hefei, and elsewhere, guarding strategic crossings, passes, and defiles. They were therefore not called upon again.

Now Liu Shan, the Later Emperor of Shu-Han, had seen many of the veteran ministers die from illness since his accession, too many to recount in detail. All affairs concerning the court, the selection of officials, finances and provisions, petitions and lawsuits, and related matters were left to Chancellor Zhuge Liang to decide. At the time, the Later Emperor had not yet chosen an empress. Kongming and the assembled ministers memorialized: “The late General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhang Fei has a very virtuous daughter. She is seventeen years old and may be received into the palace as empress.” The Later Emperor immediately took her as his empress.

In the eighth month of autumn, in the first year of Jianxing, a sudden frontier report arrived: “Wei has mobilized five great armies to seize Western Sichuan. On the first route, Cao Zhen, as commander-in-chief, has raised one hundred thousand troops to take Yangping Pass. On the second route, the rebel general Meng Da has raised one hundred thousand troops from Shangyong to invade Hanzhong. On the third route, Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has raised one hundred thousand elite troops to seize the entrance to the gorges and advance into Sichuan. On the fourth route, the barbarian king Meng Huo has raised one hundred thousand barbarian troops to invade the four commanderies of Yi Province. On the fifth route, the foreign king Kebineng has raised one hundred thousand Qiang troops to invade Xiping Pass. These five armies are extremely formidable. The Chancellor was informed beforehand, but for some unknown reason, he has not appeared to conduct official business for several days.” When the Later Emperor heard this, he was greatly alarmed and immediately sent a close attendant bearing an imperial command to summon Kongming to court. The envoy was gone for half a day before returning to report, “The servants at the Chancellor’s residence say that the Chancellor is ill and will not come out.” The Later Emperor grew still more anxious. The next day, he ordered Dong Yun, Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and Du Qiong, Grandee Remonstrant and Consultant, to go to the Chancellor’s bedside and inform him of this great emergency. Dong and Du reached the Chancellor’s residence, but neither was allowed to enter. Du Qiong said, “The late Emperor entrusted his orphaned heir to the Chancellor. Now His Majesty has only just ascended the throne, and Cao Pi has sent five armies to invade our borders. The military situation is critical. Why does the Chancellor pretend to be ill and refuse to come out?” After a long while, the gatekeeper relayed the Chancellor’s order: “My health has improved somewhat. Tomorrow morning I will appear in the main government hall to discuss affairs.” Dong and Du sighed and returned. The next day, many officials again came to wait outside the Chancellor’s residence. They waited from morning until evening, but once more he did not appear. The officials were all deeply anxious and had no choice but to disperse. Du Qiong entered the palace and memorialized the Later Emperor: “I ask Your Majesty to go personally to the Chancellor’s residence and seek his counsel.” The Later Emperor immediately led a number of officials into the inner palace and informed the Empress Dowager. Greatly alarmed, the Empress Dowager said, “Why is the Chancellor behaving this way? He is betraying the trust the late Emperor placed in him! I will go there myself.” Dong Yun memorialized: “Your Majesty must not go there lightly. I believe the Chancellor must have some profound insight. Let His Majesty go first. If the Chancellor is truly negligent, it will not be too late for Your Majesty to summon him to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and question him there.” The Empress Dowager accepted his advice.

The next day, the Later Emperor personally rode to the Chancellor’s residence. When the gatekeeper saw the imperial carriage arrive, he hurriedly bowed to the ground in welcome. The Later Emperor asked, “Where is the Chancellor?” The gatekeeper said, “I do not know where he is. The Chancellor has only left strict orders that we stop all the officials and not allow anyone to enter without permission.” The Later Emperor therefore left his carriage and proceeded on foot. He passed alone through the third gate and saw Kongming leaning on a bamboo staff beside a small pond, watching the fish. The Later Emperor stood behind him for a long time before slowly saying, “Is the Chancellor well and at ease?” Kongming looked back and saw that it was the Later Emperor. He hurriedly threw down his staff, bowed to the ground, and said, “I deserve ten thousand deaths!” The Later Emperor helped him rise and asked, “Cao Pi has now divided his troops into five armies and is urgently invading our borders. Why does my Chancellor-Father refuse to leave his residence and conduct official business?” Kongming laughed heartily, helped the Later Emperor into an inner chamber, and, when they were seated, memorialized: “How could I be unaware that the five armies have come? I was not watching the fish. I was considering a matter.” The Later Emperor said, “What are we to do?” Kongming said, “The Qiang king Kebineng, the barbarian king Meng Huo, the rebel general Meng Da, and the Wei general Cao Zhen—these four armies I have already driven back. Only Sun Quan’s army remains. I already have a plan to make it withdraw, but I need an eloquent man to serve as envoy. Because I have not yet found the right man, I have been thinking it over carefully. Why should Your Majesty be concerned?”

When the Later Emperor heard this, he was both amazed and delighted. He said, “My Chancellor-Father truly possesses unfathomable, almost supernatural skill! I beg to hear your plans for driving back the armies.” Kongming said, “The late Emperor entrusted Your Majesty to me. How would I dare be negligent for even a morning or an evening? The officials of Chengdu do not understand the subtleties of warfare, in which the essential thing is to act beyond other men’s expectations. How could these matters be revealed to them? I knew in advance that Kebineng, king of the western tribes, was leading troops against Xiping Pass. I considered that Ma Chao’s ancestors had lived in Western Sichuan for generations and that he had long enjoyed the loyalty of the Qiang people, who regard him as the General of Divine Might. I had already sent a man galloping through the night with an urgent dispatch ordering Ma Chao to hold Xiping Pass firmly. He was to conceal four detachments of troops and rotate them daily in resisting the enemy. Thus there is no need to worry about that route. As for Meng Huo of the southern barbarians, whose troops are invading the four commanderies, I also sent an urgent dispatch ordering Wei Yan to lead an army out on the left and enter on the right, then go out on the right and enter on the left, creating the appearance of multiple forces. The barbarian troops rely only on courage and strength and are extremely suspicious. When they see these deceptive forces, they will certainly not dare advance. Thus there is also no need to worry about that route. I also knew that Meng Da was leading troops toward Hanzhong. Meng Da and Li Yan once swore a bond of life and death. When I returned to Chengdu, I left Li Yan to guard Yong’an Palace. I have already written a letter in imitation of Li Yan’s own hand and sent someone to deliver it to Meng Da. Da will certainly pretend to be ill and refuse to advance, thereby weakening his army’s morale. Thus there is no need to worry about that route either. I also knew that Cao Zhen was leading troops against Yangping Pass. The terrain there is steep and rugged and can be held. I have already transferred Zhao Yun there with an army to guard the pass, with strict orders not to give battle. When Cao Zhen sees that our army will not come out, he will soon withdraw on his own. None of these four armies is cause for concern. Still fearing that these measures might not provide complete security, I secretly transferred the two generals Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, each with thirty thousand troops, and stationed them at strategic points so that they can reinforce any route. None of these troop movements passed through Chengdu, which is why no one here learned of them. Only the army from Eastern Wu remains, and it may not move at all. If the other four armies are victorious and Sichuan is in danger, Wu will certainly come to attack us. But if those four armies fail, why would Wu be willing to move? I believe Sun Quan still remembers his resentment over Cao Pi’s three-pronged invasion of Wu and will certainly refuse to obey him. Even so, we must employ an eloquent man and send him directly to Eastern Wu to explain the advantages and dangers. Once Eastern Wu has been persuaded to withdraw, why should we fear the other four armies? I have hesitated only because I have not yet found the man to persuade Wu. Why trouble Your Majesty’s sacred carriage to come here in person?” The Later Emperor said, “The Empress Dowager also wished to come and see my Chancellor-Father. Now that I have heard your words, it is as though I have awakened from a dream. What cause have I to worry anymore?”

Kongming and the Later Emperor drank several cups together, and Kongming escorted him out of the residence. The assembled officials were all standing around outside the gate, and they saw that the Later Emperor’s face showed delight. The Later Emperor took leave of Kongming, mounted the imperial carriage, and returned to court. Everyone remained uncertain and perplexed. Among the officials, Kongming saw one man throw back his head and laugh, his face also showing delight. Kongming looked at him and recognized Deng Zhi, courtesy name Bomiao, a native of Xinye in Yiyang. He was currently Minister of Revenue and was a descendant of Deng Yu, Minister of War under the Han. Kongming secretly ordered someone to keep Deng Zhi behind. When all the other officials had dispersed, Kongming invited Zhi into his study and asked him, “Shu, Wei, and Wu now stand divided as three states. If we wish to conquer the other two, reunite the realm, and restore the Han, which state should we attack first?” Zhi said, “In my humble judgment, although Wei consists of traitors to the Han, its power is very great and cannot be shaken quickly. We should move slowly and plan against it over time. His Majesty has only just ascended the throne, and the hearts of the people are not yet settled. We should ally ourselves with Eastern Wu, joining together as lips and teeth, and completely wash away the late Emperor’s old enmity with them. This is the best long-term policy. I do not know whether it accords with the Chancellor’s esteemed opinion.” Kongming laughed heartily and said, “I have considered this for a long time, but I had not found the right man. Today, at last, I have!” Zhi said, “For what purpose does the Chancellor need such a man?” Kongming said, “I wish to send someone to form an alliance with Eastern Wu. Since you have understood my intention, you will surely not disgrace your ruler’s command. No one but you can undertake the mission to Wu.” Zhi said, “My talent is poor and my wisdom shallow. I fear I am unequal to such an important responsibility.” Kongming said, “Tomorrow I will memorialize the Son of Heaven and ask Bomiao to make this journey. You must not refuse.” Zhi agreed and withdrew. The next day, Kongming received the Later Emperor’s approval and sent Deng Zhi to persuade Eastern Wu. Zhi bowed farewell and set out toward Eastern Wu. Indeed:

The men of Wu had only just seen warfare cease,When Shu’s envoy came once more with jade and silk.

What came of Deng Zhi’s mission will be explained in the next chapter.