Chapter 87

The Prime Minister Raises a Great Army Against the Southern Tribes; the Man King Is Captured in His First Resistance

Now Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor, remained in Chengdu, personally and impartially deciding every matter, great or small. The people of the Two Rivers rejoiced in peace; doors were left unbarred at night, and lost articles lay untouched upon the roads. Moreover, harvests had been abundant year after year. Old and young alike, well fed and content, sang for joy; whenever labor service was levied, all vied to fulfill it early. Thus every article needed for the army, from supplies to weapons and equipment, stood fully prepared; rice filled the granaries, and wealth overflowed the treasuries.

In the third year of Jianxing, an urgent dispatch came from Yizhou: Meng Huo, King of the Man tribes, had raised one hundred thousand warriors and was raiding across the frontier. Yong Kai, Administrator of Jianning and a descendant of Yong Chi, Marquis of Shifang under the Han, had now allied himself with Meng Huo in rebellion. Zhu Bao, Administrator of Zangke Commandery, and Gao Ding, Administrator of Yuexi Commandery, had both surrendered their cities; only Wang Kang, Administrator of Yongchang, refused to rebel. The troops under Yong Kai, Zhu Bao, and Gao Ding were all serving as guides for Meng Huo and attacking Yongchang Commandery. Wang Kang and his Officer of Merit, Lü Kai, had rallied the people and were defending the city to the death, but their situation was desperate. Kongming therefore entered the court and memorialized the Latter Emperor: “In my judgment, the refusal of the southern tribes to submit is a grave danger to the state. I should personally lead a great army to chastise them.”

The Latter Emperor said, “Sun Quan lies to the east, and Cao Pi to the north. If my Chancellor-Father leaves me now, what shall I do if Wu or Wei attacks?”

Kongming replied, “Eastern Wu has only lately made peace with our state and is unlikely to harbor disloyal intentions. Should it do so, Li Yan is stationed at Baidi; he is capable of opposing Lu Xun. Cao Pi has recently suffered defeat and lost the edge of his spirit, so he cannot yet undertake a distant campaign. Moreover, Ma Chao guards the passes around Hanzhong, so there is no cause for concern. I shall also leave Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, and others with two separate armies to provide support, ensuring that Your Majesty remains safe beyond all possibility of mishap. I shall first sweep the southern tribes into submission, then march north to recover the Central Plain, thereby repaying the late Emperor’s grace in visiting me three times and honoring the great trust he placed in me when he entrusted his orphan to my care.”

The Latter Emperor said, “I am young and without wisdom. Chancellor-Father, weigh the matter and act as you deem best.”

Before he had finished speaking, a man stepped out from the ranks of officials and cried, “You must not! You must not!” All looked and saw that it was Wang Lian, styled Wenyi, a native of Nanyang who then held office as Grand Remonstrant. Wang Lian protested: “The south is a barren land and a region rife with pestilential vapors. The Chancellor bears the heavy responsibility of governing the realm; it is not fitting that he undertake so distant a campaign in person. Besides, Yong Kai and the others are no more than a rash upon the skin. The Chancellor need only send a great general against them, and success will assuredly follow.”

Kongming replied, “The lands of the southern tribes lie far from the heart of the state, and their people are largely unaccustomed to the transforming influence of royal rule. It will be exceedingly difficult to win their submission. I must go in person to subdue them. Whether firmness or gentleness is called for must be separately weighed in each case; such a task cannot lightly be entrusted to another.”

Wang Lian pleaded with him bitterly again and again, but Kongming would not listen. That day Kongming took leave of the Latter Emperor. He appointed Jiang Wan as Army Adviser; Fei Yi as Chief Clerk; Dong Jue and Fan Jian as secretarial officers; Zhao Yun and Wei Yan as chief generals with overall command of the troops; and Wang Ping and Zhang Yi as deputy generals. Together with several dozen officers from the Riverlands, he raised five hundred thousand troops from Shu and set out toward Yizhou.

Suddenly Guan Suo, Lord Guan’s third son, entered the army and came before Kongming, saying, “After Jingzhou fell, I fled for refuge to the Bao family estate, where I remained to nurse my wounds. I repeatedly wished to go to the Riverlands, present myself to the late Emperor, and avenge our wrongs, but my wounds had not closed and I was unable to travel. Recently I recovered completely, and upon learning that all our enemies in Eastern Wu had been put to death, I came directly to the Western Riverlands to seek audience with the Emperor. On the road I happened to encounter the army marching south, so I have come especially to offer my service.”

On hearing this, Kongming sighed in wonder. He sent a report to the court and appointed Guan Suo vanguard of the advance force, to accompany the southern expedition. The great host marched in its appointed formations. They ate when hungry, drank when thirsty, rested by night, and traveled at dawn; wherever they passed, they committed not the slightest offense against the people.

Now when Yong Kai learned that Kongming was personally leading the great army against him, he conferred with Gao Ding and Zhu Bao and divided their forces into three columns: Gao Ding took the center, Yong Kai the left, and Zhu Bao the right. Each led fifty or sixty thousand troops to meet the enemy. Gao Ding appointed E Huan vanguard of the advance force. E Huan stood nine feet tall and had a fierce and ugly face. He wielded a halberd of the “Square Heaven” pattern and possessed courage that ten thousand men could not withstand. Leading the troops under his command, he left the main camp to meet the army of Shu.

Kongming’s great army had now reached the borders of Yizhou. No sooner had the advance vanguard—Wei Yan, with the deputy generals Zhang Yi and Wang Ping—entered the frontier pass than they encountered E Huan’s troops. The two armies formed their battle lines, and Wei Yan rode forth, shouting abuse: “Rebel! Surrender at once!”

E Huan spurred forward and engaged Wei Yan. After only a few bouts, Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled, with E Huan in pursuit. They had gone only a few li when a tremendous clamor arose. Zhang Yi and Wang Ping attacked from two directions and cut off E Huan’s retreat. Wei Yan wheeled around, and the three generals joined forces against him, capturing E Huan alive. They escorted him to the main camp and brought him before Kongming.

Kongming ordered his bonds removed and treated him to wine and food. Then he asked, “Whose officer are you?”

“I am an officer under Gao Ding,” E Huan replied.

Kongming said, “I know Gao Ding to be a loyal and honorable man. He has been deceived by Yong Kai, and that alone has brought him to this pass. I shall now release you. Return and tell Administrator Gao to submit without delay, lest he suffer a great calamity.”

E Huan bowed his thanks and departed. Returning to Gao Ding, he told him of Kongming’s generosity, and Gao Ding too was deeply moved.

The next day Yong Kai came to Gao Ding’s camp. After the customary greetings, he asked, “How did E Huan manage to return?”

“Zhuge Liang released him out of righteousness,” Gao Ding replied.

“This is Zhuge Liang’s scheme to sow discord,” said Yong Kai. “He wishes to set the two of us at odds, and that is why he has employed this stratagem.”

Gao Ding half believed and half doubted him, and uncertainty filled his heart. Suddenly a report came that a general of Shu was challenging them to battle. Gao Ding personally led thirty thousand troops out to meet him. After only a few bouts he wheeled his horse and fled. Wei Yan led his troops in a great advance and pursued him for more than twenty li. The following day Yong Kai again raised troops to meet the enemy, but for three successive days Kongming did not come forth. On the fourth day Yong Kai and Gao Ding divided their forces into two columns and advanced upon the camp of Shu.

Kongming had ordered Wei Yan to lie in wait along both routes. Sure enough, when the two armies of Yong Kai and Gao Ding arrived, the ambushing troops fell upon them, killing or wounding more than half and capturing countless others alive. All the prisoners were escorted to the main camp. Yong Kai’s men were confined on one side, and Gao Ding’s men on the other. Kongming then had his soldiers spread this rumor: “All Gao Ding’s men will be spared; all Yong Kai’s men will be killed.”

The prisoners all heard these words. Presently Kongming ordered Yong Kai’s men brought before his tent and asked, “Under whose command do you serve?”

They falsely replied, “We are men under Gao Ding.”

Kongming spared them all, rewarded them with wine and food, and had them escorted to the frontier and released to return to their camp.

Kongming next summoned Gao Ding’s men and questioned them. They all declared, “We truly are soldiers under Gao Ding.”

Kongming likewise spared them all and bestowed wine and food upon them, but then publicly announced: “Today Yong Kai sent a man to offer his surrender. He proposes to present the heads of your lord and Zhu Bao as proof of merit, a thing I find most distressing. Since you are soldiers under Gao Ding, I shall release you to return. You must never rebel again. If you are captured another time, you will receive no mercy.”

They all bowed their thanks and departed. Returning to their camp, they went before Gao Ding and told him everything. Gao Ding secretly sent a man to Yong Kai’s camp to investigate, and there he found that those who had likewise been released were speaking of Kongming’s generosity. Consequently, many soldiers in Yong Kai’s army had conceived a desire to submit to Gao Ding.

Even so, Gao Ding remained uneasy. He sent another man to Kongming’s camp to discover the truth. Soldiers lying in ambush along the road seized the spy and brought him before Kongming. Kongming deliberately pretended to take him for one of Yong Kai’s men. Summoning him into the tent, he demanded, “Since your commander agreed to present the heads of Gao Ding and Zhu Bao, why has he missed the appointed day? You bungling wretch! How can you serve as a spy when you are so careless?”

The soldier gave evasive answers. Kongming bestowed wine and food upon him, then wrote a secret letter and handed it to him, saying, “Take this letter to Yong Kai. Tell him to act quickly and not delay the affair.”

The spy bowed his thanks and departed. Returning to Gao Ding, he presented Kongming’s letter and related what Kongming had said concerning Yong Kai. After reading the letter, Gao Ding flew into a rage. “I treated him with perfect sincerity,” he cried, “yet he seeks to harm me in return! Neither reason nor justice can tolerate this!”

He summoned E Huan to consult with him. E Huan said, “Kongming is a benevolent man; to oppose him can bring no good fortune. Our rebellion and wrongdoing were all caused by Yong Kai. Better to kill him and offer our submission to Kongming.”

“How are we to do it?” Gao Ding asked.

E Huan replied, “Prepare a banquet and send someone to invite Yong Kai. If he harbors no treachery, he will assuredly come without misgiving. If he refuses to come, then he certainly has treacherous intentions. My lord may then attack the front of his camp, while I lie in wait on the narrow road behind it. In that way he can be captured.”

Gao Ding followed his advice and prepared a banquet to which he invited Yong Kai. Yong Kai, however, had become suspicious because of what the soldiers released the previous day had said. Fearing a trap, he refused to come.

That night Gao Ding led his troops in an assault upon Yong Kai’s camp. Those whom Kongming had spared and released were all grateful for Gao Ding’s kindness, and seized the opportunity to aid him in the fighting. Yong Kai’s army fell into disorder without offering battle. Yong Kai mounted and fled toward a mountain road. Before he had gone two li, drums thundered and a body of troops emerged. It was E Huan, gripping his Square Heaven halberd and galloping at their head. Taken wholly by surprise, Yong Kai was thrust from his horse by a single stroke of E Huan’s halberd, and E Huan at once cut off his head. All the soldiers under Yong Kai then surrendered to Gao Ding.

Gao Ding led both bodies of troops to surrender to Kongming and presented Yong Kai’s head beneath the command tent. Seated high within the tent, Kongming shouted to those beside him, “Drag Gao Ding away and bring me his head!”

Gao Ding cried, “Moved by the Chancellor’s great kindness, I have brought Yong Kai’s head and come to surrender. Why, then, would you have me beheaded?”

Kongming laughed loudly. “You have come under pretense of surrender. Do you dare deceive me?”

“How does the Chancellor know my surrender is false?” Gao Ding asked.

Kongming took a sealed letter from a casket and handed it to Gao Ding, saying, “Zhu Bao has already sent a man to offer me this secret letter of surrender. He says that you and Yong Kai swore friendship unto life and death. How could you have been willing to kill him so suddenly? Therefore I know that your surrender is false.”

Gao Ding protested his innocence. “This is Zhu Bao’s scheme to sow discord! The Chancellor must not believe it!”

Kongming said, “It is difficult for me to rely upon the words of only one side. If you capture Zhu Bao, then your sincerity will be proven.”

“Let the Chancellor harbor no doubts,” Gao Ding replied. “What if I go and capture Zhu Bao and bring him before you?”

“If you do that,” said Kongming, “my suspicions will be laid to rest.”

Gao Ding immediately led E Huan and the troops under his command in a rush toward Zhu Bao’s camp. When they were still about ten li away, a body of troops emerged from behind a mountain. It was Zhu Bao. Seeing Gao Ding’s army approach, Zhu Bao hurriedly rode forward to speak with him.

Gao Ding reviled him, crying, “Why did you write to Chancellor Zhuge and use a scheme of discord to bring about my destruction?”

Zhu Bao stared at him, dumbfounded and unable to answer. Suddenly E Huan swung his horse out from behind Gao Ding and thrust Zhu Bao from the saddle with one stroke of his halberd.

Gao Ding shouted sternly, “All who refuse submission shall be put to death!”

At once the soldiers bowed together and surrendered. Gao Ding led both bodies of troops back to Kongming and presented Zhu Bao’s head beneath the command tent.

Kongming laughed loudly. “I deliberately caused you to kill these two traitors, thereby proving your loyalty.”

He then appointed Gao Ding Administrator of Yizhou, with overall authority over the three commanderies, and made E Huan a standard-bearing officer. Thus the armies on all three routes were pacified.

Wang Kang, Administrator of Yongchang, now came out of the city to welcome Kongming. After Kongming had entered, he asked, “Who helped you defend this city and preserve it from danger?”

Wang Kang replied, “That this commandery stands safe today is entirely due to a man of Buwei County in Yongchang. His surname is Lü, his given name Kai, and his style Jiping. All is owing to his efforts.”

Kongming at once asked that Lü Kai be summoned. Lü Kai entered and, after the customary courtesies, Kongming said, “I have long heard that you are a man of exceptional worth in Yongchang. It is largely thanks to you that this city was preserved. I now intend to pacify the southern tribes. What wise counsel can you offer?”

Lü Kai took out a map and presented it to Kongming, saying, “Ever since I entered official service, I have known that the southern people had long intended rebellion. I therefore secretly sent men into their territory to examine the places where troops might be stationed and battles fought, and from their findings I drew this map, which I have named the ‘Map for Pacifying the Southern Tribes as Easily as Turning the Palm.’ I now venture to offer it to my lord. If my lord will examine it, it may prove of some assistance in the southern campaign.”

Kongming was delighted. He appointed Lü Kai military instructor and guide to the army. Then Kongming led his forces onward, penetrating deep into the lands of the southern tribes.

While the army was on the march, word suddenly came that an imperial envoy had arrived. Kongming had him admitted to the central command and saw a man enter dressed in plain white mourning robes. It was Ma Su, who wore mourning because his elder brother Ma Liang had recently died.

Ma Su said, “By imperial decree, I have brought wine and silk to bestow upon the troops.”

After receiving the edict, Kongming distributed the gifts one by one according to the Emperor’s command. He then kept Ma Su in his tent for conversation.

Kongming asked him, “By imperial edict, I am charged with pacifying the southern tribes. I have long heard of Youchang’s lofty insight, and I ask you to favor me with your instruction.”

Ma Su replied, “I have but a few humble words, which I hope the Chancellor will consider. The southern tribes rely upon the remoteness of their lands and the ruggedness of their mountains, and for a long time they have refused submission. Though you defeat them today, tomorrow they will rebel again. When the Chancellor’s great army reaches their territory, it will certainly pacify them; yet as soon as you withdraw, you will surely need the troops for a northern expedition against Cao Pi. If the southern warriors learn that the interior has been left empty, they will rebel again without delay. The principle of warfare is this: ‘To attack the heart is best; to attack a city is inferior. War of the mind is best; war with weapons is inferior.’ I pray the Chancellor will content himself with winning their hearts.”

Kongming sighed and said, “Youchang truly understands the depths of my heart!”

He therefore appointed Ma Su an Army Adviser and continued forward at the head of the great host.

Now Meng Huo, King of the Man tribes, learned that Kongming had outwitted and destroyed Yong Kai and the others. He accordingly summoned the commanders of three ravines for consultation. The commander of the First Ravine was Jinhuan Sanjie; the commander of the Second Ravine was Dong Tuna; and the commander of the Third Ravine was Ahuinan. The three commanders came before Meng Huo.

Meng Huo said, “Chancellor Zhuge now leads a great army in an invasion of our territory. We have no choice but to unite our strength against him. You three shall divide your forces and advance by three routes. Whoever gains the victory shall be made lord of all the ravines.”

He assigned Jinhuan Sanjie to the center, Dong Tuna to the left, and Ahuinan to the right. Each led fifty thousand tribal warriors and marched according to his orders.

Kongming was deliberating in his camp when a scout galloped in with a report that the three ravine commanders were approaching by three separate routes. Having heard the report, Kongming summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, but gave them no orders. He then summoned Wang Ping and Ma Zhong and instructed them: “The tribal army is approaching by three routes. I had intended to send Zilong and Wenchang against it, but neither man knows the terrain, so I dare not employ them. Wang Ping shall go by the left route to meet the enemy, and Ma Zhong by the right. I shall have Zilong and Wenchang follow behind to provide support. Muster your troops today and set forth tomorrow at dawn.”

The two accepted their orders and departed.

Kongming next summoned Zhang Yi and Zhang Yi and instructed them: “You two shall jointly command one army and go by the central route to meet the enemy. Muster your troops today, and tomorrow advance in concert with Wang Ping and Ma Zhong. I intended to send Zilong and Wenchang, but as neither man knows the terrain, I dare not employ them.”

Zhang Yi and Zhang Yi received their orders and withdrew.

Seeing that Kongming had not employed them, Zhao Yun and Wei Yan both showed resentment. Kongming said, “It is not that I refuse to employ you. I fear only that, at your years, you may venture into danger, fall victim to some scheme of the tribesmen, and lose the keen edge of your valor.”

Zhao Yun asked, “What if we knew the terrain?”

Kongming replied, “You two should merely remain cautious and make no reckless move.”

The two withdrew in dejection. Zhao Yun invited Wei Yan to his own camp to confer with him and said, “We are the vanguard, yet he refuses to employ us because he says we do not know the terrain. Now he gives the task to these younger men. Is that not a disgrace to us?”

Wei Yan said, “Let us mount at once and personally reconnoiter the country. We can seize some natives and compel them to guide us. Then we may engage the tribal army and accomplish a great feat.”

Zhao Yun agreed, and the two mounted and rode directly along the central route. They had gone only a few li when they saw a great cloud of dust rising in the distance. Riding up a hillside to look, they saw several dozen tribal horsemen galloping toward them. The two charged from opposite directions. The tribal soldiers took fright and fled. Zhao Yun and Wei Yan each captured several men alive and returned to their camp. There they gave the prisoners wine and food and questioned them closely about the situation.

The tribal soldiers told them, “Ahead lies the main camp of Commander Jinhuan Sanjie, stationed at a mountain pass. Two roads beside the camp, one east and one west, lead to the Five Streams Ravines and to the rear of the camps of Dong Tuna and Ahuinan.”

When Zhao Yun and Wei Yan heard this, they selected five thousand seasoned troops and ordered the captured tribesmen to guide them. By the time the force set out, it was already the second watch. The moon was bright and the stars shone clearly, and they advanced by moonlight. They reached Jinhuan Sanjie’s main camp at about the fourth watch. The tribal troops had only just risen to cook their meal in preparation for battle at dawn.

Suddenly Zhao Yun and Wei Yan attacked from two directions, throwing the tribal army into chaos. Zhao Yun drove straight into the central camp and encountered Commander Jinhuan Sanjie. They crossed horses for only a single bout before Zhao Yun thrust him from the saddle with one spear stroke and cut off his head. The remaining troops broke and scattered.

Wei Yan divided off half the force and swept eastward against Dong Tuna’s camp. Zhao Yun took the other half and swept westward against Ahuinan’s camp. By the time they reached the tribal encampments, dawn had already broken.

First, Wei Yan rushed against Dong Tuna’s camp. When Dong Tuna learned that troops were attacking from the rear, he led his men out of camp to oppose them. Suddenly a great shout arose at the front gate, and the tribal army fell into confusion. Wang Ping’s troops had already arrived. Attacked from both sides, the tribal warriors suffered a crushing defeat. Dong Tuna forced a path through and escaped, and Wei Yan could not overtake him.

Meanwhile, when Zhao Yun led his troops to the rear of Ahuinan’s camp, Ma Zhong had already attacked its front. Assailed from both sides, the tribal army was routed, and Ahuinan escaped amid the confusion.

Each force gathered its troops and returned to report to Kongming. Kongming asked, “Of the armies from the three ravines, two commanders escaped. Where is the head of Commander Jinhuan Sanjie?”

Zhao Yun presented the head as proof of his achievement. The generals all said, “Dong Tuna and Ahuinan abandoned their horses and fled over the ridges. That is why we could not catch them.”

Kongming laughed loudly. “I have already captured both men.”

Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, and all the other generals refused to believe him.

A short while later, Zhang Yi escorted Dong Tuna into the camp, and Zhang Yi brought in Ahuinan. Everyone was amazed.

Kongming said, “From studying Lü Kai’s map, I already knew where each man had pitched his camp. Therefore, I used words to provoke the valor of Zilong and Wenchang and induced them to penetrate deep into the enemy’s country. They first destroyed Jinhuan Sanjie, then divided their troops to sweep against the rear of the camps on the left and right, while Wang Ping and Ma Zhong attacked in support. No one but Zilong and Wenchang could have borne this responsibility. I calculated that Dong Tuna and Ahuinan would surely take the nearest paths and flee into the mountains. I therefore sent Zhang Yi and Zhang Yi to await them in ambush, with Guan Suo leading troops in support, and so these two men were captured.”

All the generals bowed in submission and said, “The Chancellor’s divine calculations are beyond the fathoming of spirits or demons!”

Kongming ordered Dong Tuna and Ahuinan brought beneath the command tent. He had all their bonds removed, bestowed wine, food, and clothing upon them, and ordered each to return to his ravine and no longer aid wrongdoing. The two men wept, bowed, and departed by separate narrow paths.

Kongming then said to his generals, “Tomorrow Meng Huo will certainly lead his army in person to offer battle. We may seize him then.”

He summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, entrusted each with a plan, and sent them off with five thousand troops apiece. Then he summoned Wang Ping and Guan Suo, gave them a strategy, and sent them away together at the head of another force. Having completed all his dispositions, Kongming sat in his command tent and waited.

Meng Huo, King of the Man tribes, was seated in his tent when a scout suddenly arrived and reported that the commanders of all three ravines had been captured by Kongming and led away, while the troops under them had scattered in rout. Meng Huo flew into a rage. He raised the tribal army and advanced in a long column, until he encountered Wang Ping’s troops.

The two armies formed their lines. Wang Ping rode forth, holding his saber crosswise, and looked toward the enemy. The gate banners parted, and several hundred mounted tribal officers deployed in two wings. Meng Huo rode out between them. On his head he wore a purple-gold crown set with precious stones; over his body, a red brocade robe adorned with jeweled tassels; around his waist, a belt decorated with carved jade lions; and on his feet, green-trimmed boots with hawk-shaped toes. He rode a curly-maned Red Hare horse, and at his side hung two jeweled swords patterned like pine grain. Gazing proudly before him, he turned to the tribal commanders at either side and said:

“Men are forever saying that Zhuge Liang excels in the art of war. Yet when I look at this formation, I see banners and standards in disorder, and ranks and files all confused. Among their sabers, spears, weapons, and equipment, there is not one thing that can surpass ours. Only now do I understand how false were all the words formerly spoken of him. Had I known this earlier, I would have rebelled long ago. Who dares capture the general of Shu and exalt the might of our army?”

Before Meng Huo had finished, a general answered the challenge and rode forth. His name was Mang Yachang. He wielded a broad, square-tipped saber and rode a yellow-dappled horse. He advanced to engage Wang Ping.

The two generals fought, but after only a few bouts Wang Ping fled. Meng Huo drove his army forward in a great advance and pursued him in a long column. Guan Suo offered brief resistance and then also withdrew. They retreated for more than twenty li.

As Meng Huo pressed the pursuit, a great clamor suddenly arose. Zhang Yi attacked from the left and Zhang Yi from the right, their two forces cutting off the road of retreat. Wang Ping and Guan Suo turned their troops and attacked once more. Assailed from front and rear, the tribal army suffered a crushing defeat.

Meng Huo and his officers fought desperately and broke free, fleeing toward Mount Jindai. The three forces came in pursuit behind them. While Meng Huo was still fleeing, a great shout arose ahead and a body of troops blocked his path. The great general at their head was Zhao Zilong of Changshan.

Meng Huo was appalled at the sight and hurriedly fled down a narrow path toward Mount Jindai. Zilong charged through the tribal troops, inflicting a great defeat and capturing countless men alive. With no more than several dozen riders, Meng Huo fled into a mountain valley. The pursuers drew close behind, while the road ahead became so narrow that horses could not pass. Meng Huo and his men therefore abandoned their mounts and escaped on foot, scrambling over mountains and ridges.

Suddenly a drum thundered within the valley. Wei Yan, acting upon Kongming’s strategy, had led five hundred infantrymen into ambush there. Meng Huo could not withstand him and was captured alive by Wei Yan. All the horsemen who had accompanied him surrendered.

Wei Yan escorted Meng Huo to the main camp and brought him before Kongming. Kongming had already slaughtered oxen and sheep and prepared a banquet within the camp. He ordered seven ranks of executioners arrayed inside the command tent, with sabers, spears, swords, and halberds glittering like frost and snow. He also displayed the gold battle-ax bestowed by the Emperor and the curved-handled imperial parasols. Before and behind stood feathered standards, drummers, and musicians, while imperial guards were drawn up on either side, everything arranged with perfect dignity and order.

Kongming sat erect in the command tent. Great throngs of captured tribal soldiers were escorted before him, jostling and milling in countless numbers. Kongming summoned them into the tent, ordered all their bonds removed, and soothed them with these words:

“You are all good common people. Unhappily, Meng Huo compelled you to serve him, and now you have suffered terror and alarm. I imagine your parents, brothers, wives, and children must even now be leaning against their gates and gazing down the road for your return. If they hear that your army has been defeated, grief will surely rend their hearts, and blood will flow from their eyes. I shall now release every one of you to return home and set the hearts of your parents, brothers, wives, and children at ease.”

When he had finished speaking, he gave each man wine, food, rice, and provisions, and sent them away. The tribal soldiers were deeply moved by his kindness. Weeping, they bowed and departed.

Kongming then ordered the guards to bring Meng Huo before him. Before long, shoved from behind and dragged from the front, Meng Huo was led bound beneath the command tent. He knelt below Kongming.

Kongming said, “The late Emperor treated you with no small kindness. How dare you rebel?”

Meng Huo replied, “The lands of the Two Rivers were all territories seized from others. Your lord took them by force and then proclaimed himself Emperor. My people have dwelt here for generations, yet you have rudely invaded our lands. How can you call that rebellion?”

Kongming said, “Now that I have captured you, do you submit in your heart?”

Meng Huo replied, “The mountains are remote and the roads narrow. I merely fell into your hands by mischance. How could I willingly submit?”

“Since you do not submit,” said Kongming, “what if I release you?”

Meng Huo replied, “Release me and let me return to reorganize my army. Then we shall decide between us which is superior. If you can capture me again, only then will I submit.”

Kongming immediately ordered his bonds removed. He had clothing put upon him, bestowed wine and food, provided him with a saddled horse, and assigned men to escort him to the road. Meng Huo then went directly back toward his own camp. Just so:

The foe, though held within his palm, he frees again;Beyond transforming rule, the tribes submit not yet.

What happened when they met again in battle will be revealed in the next chapter.

The Prime Minister Raises a Great Army Against the Southern Tribes; the Man King Is Captured in His First Resistance

Meanwhile, Chancellor Zhuge was in Chengdu, personally attending to public business and deciding every matter, great or small. The people of the Two Riverlands rejoiced in peace and prosperity. Doors were left unlocked at night, and no one picked up anything lost on the road. Fortunately, there were also abundant harvests year after year. Old and young alike ate their fill and sang for joy, and whenever labor or service was levied, everyone vied to complete it early. As a result, every item needed by the army, including weapons and equipment, was fully prepared; rice filled the granaries, and wealth overflowed the treasuries.

In the third year of Jianxing, an urgent report arrived from Yizhou: Meng Huo, king of the southern tribes, had raised one hundred thousand tribal troops and was raiding across the frontier. Yong Kai, Administrator of Jianning and a descendant of Yong Chi, Marquis of Shifang under the Han dynasty, had now allied himself with Meng Huo in rebellion. Zhu Bao, Administrator of Zangke Commandery, and Gao Ding, Administrator of Yuexi Commandery, had both surrendered their cities. Only Wang Kang, Administrator of Yongchang, refused to rebel. The forces under Yong Kai, Zhu Bao, and Gao Ding were all serving as guides for Meng Huo and attacking Yongchang Commandery. Wang Kang and his Officer of Merit, Lü Kai, had rallied the people and were defending the city to the death, but their position was extremely urgent. Kongming entered the court and said to the Latter Emperor, “In my judgment, the southern tribes’ refusal to submit is a grave danger to the state. I should personally lead the main army to campaign against them.” The Latter Emperor said, “Sun Quan is to the east and Cao Pi to the north. If my Chancellor-Father leaves me now, what shall we do if Wu or Wei attacks?” Kongming said, “Eastern Wu has just made peace with our state, so I do not expect them to harbor any disloyal intentions. Even if they do, Li Yan is at Baidi City, and he is capable of opposing Lu Xun. Cao Pi has recently been defeated and has lost his fighting spirit, so he cannot yet undertake any distant designs. Moreover, Ma Chao is guarding the passes around Hanzhong, so there is no need for concern. I will also leave Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, and the others behind, divided into two armies to provide support, ensuring that Your Majesty will be entirely safe. I shall first go and pacify the southern tribes, and then campaign north to seek control of the Central Plains, repaying the late Emperor’s grace in visiting me three times and the weighty trust he placed in me when he entrusted his orphan to my care.” The Latter Emperor said, “I am young and ignorant. Chancellor-Father, use your own judgment in carrying this out.”

Before he had finished speaking, a man stepped out from the ranks of officials and cried, “You must not! You must not!” Everyone looked and saw that he was Wang Lian, courtesy name Wenyi, a native of Nanyang who currently served as Grand Remonstrant. Wang Lian advised, “The south is a barren land plagued by miasma and pestilence. The Chancellor bears the heavy responsibility of governing the state, and it is not fitting for you to undertake a distant campaign in person. Besides, Yong Kai and the others are no more than a minor skin ailment. The Chancellor need only send one great general against them, and he will certainly succeed.” Kongming said, “The lands of the southern tribes are far from the heart of the state, and most of their people are unaccustomed to royal civilization. It will be very difficult to win their submission, so I must personally campaign against them. Whether to use firmness or leniency will require careful judgment and cannot lightly be entrusted to another.” Wang Lian pleaded with him again and again, but Kongming would not listen. That day, Kongming took leave of the Latter Emperor and appointed Jiang Wan as military adviser; Fei Yi as chief clerk; Dong Jue and Fan Jian as staff officers; Zhao Yun and Wei Yan as chief generals with overall command of the troops; and Wang Ping and Zhang Yi as deputy generals. Together with several dozen generals from Sichuan, he raised five hundred thousand troops and advanced toward Yizhou. Suddenly Guan Suo, Lord Guan’s third son, entered the army and came before Kongming, saying, “After Jingzhou fell, I escaped to Bao Family Manor to recover from my wounds. I repeatedly wished to go to Sichuan, see the late Emperor, and seek vengeance, but my wounds had not healed and I was unable to travel. I have only recently recovered. After learning that all our enemies in Eastern Wu had already been executed, I came directly to Western Sichuan to see the Emperor. On the way, I happened to encounter the army campaigning in the south, so I have come especially to present myself.” When Kongming heard this, he sighed in astonishment. He immediately sent a report to the court and appointed Guan Suo vanguard of the advance force, taking him along on the southern campaign. The great body of troops marched in their assigned formations. They ate when hungry, drank when thirsty, lodged at night, and marched at dawn; wherever they passed, they did not disturb so much as a single blade of grass.

Meanwhile, when Yong Kai learned that Kongming was personally leading the main army against him, he consulted Gao Ding and Zhu Bao, and they divided their forces into three columns. Gao Ding took the center, Yong Kai the left, and Zhu Bao the right, each leading fifty or sixty thousand troops to meet the enemy. Gao Ding then appointed E Huan vanguard of the advance force. E Huan stood nine feet tall, had a fierce and ugly face, wielded a square-bladed halberd, and possessed courage sufficient to withstand ten thousand men. Leading his own troops, he left the main camp and went to meet the Shu army.

Meanwhile, Kongming had led the main army to the borders of Yizhou. Wei Yan, vanguard of the advance force, and his deputy generals Zhang Yi and Wang Ping had barely entered the frontier pass when they encountered E Huan’s troops. The two armies formed their battle lines, and Wei Yan rode out and cursed, “Rebels, surrender at once!” E Huan spurred forward and engaged Wei Yan. After only a few bouts, Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled, and E Huan pursued him. They had not gone several miles when a tremendous clamor arose. Zhang Yi and Wang Ping attacked from two directions and cut off E Huan’s retreat. Wei Yan turned back, and the three generals joined forces against E Huan and captured him alive. He was taken to the main camp and brought before Kongming. Kongming ordered his bonds removed and treated him to wine and food. He asked, “Whose general are you?” E Huan replied, “I am a general under Gao Ding.” Kongming said, “I know that Gao Ding is a loyal and honorable man. He has been deceived by Yong Kai, and that is why matters have come to this. I will now release you. Go back and tell Administrator Gao to surrender at once, so that he may escape a great calamity.” E Huan bowed in gratitude and departed. When he returned to Gao Ding, he told him of Kongming’s kindness, and Gao Ding was deeply moved. The next day, Yong Kai came to the camp. After the formal greetings, he asked, “How did E Huan manage to return?” Gao Ding said, “Zhuge Liang released him as an act of righteousness.” Yong Kai said, “This is Zhuge Liang’s scheme to sow dissension. He wants to make the two of us quarrel, so he devised this plan.” Gao Ding only half believed him and remained uncertain. Suddenly it was reported that a Shu general was challenging them to battle. Gao Ding personally led thirty thousand troops out to meet him. After only a few bouts, he wheeled his horse and fled. Wei Yan led his troops in a great advance and pursued for more than twenty miles. The next day, Yong Kai again brought out troops to meet them, but Kongming did not come out for three consecutive days. On the fourth day, Yong Kai and Gao Ding divided their troops into two columns and advanced to seize the Shu camp.

Kongming had ordered Wei Yan to wait in ambush along both routes. Sure enough, when the two armies of Yong Kai and Gao Ding arrived, the ambush troops attacked, killing or wounding more than half and capturing countless others alive. All the captives were taken to the main camp. Yong Kai’s men were imprisoned on one side and Gao Ding’s men on the other. Kongming then had the soldiers spread the word: “All of Gao Ding’s men will be spared, but every one of Yong Kai’s men will be killed.” All the captives heard this. Shortly afterward, Kongming ordered Yong Kai’s men brought before his tent and asked them, “Whose followers are you?” They falsely replied, “We are men under Gao Ding.” Kongming spared them all, rewarded them with wine and food, and had them escorted to the frontier and released to return to their camp. Kongming then summoned Gao Ding’s men and questioned them. They all said, “We truly are soldiers under Gao Ding.” Kongming likewise spared them all and gave them wine and food, but publicly declared, “Today Yong Kai sent a man to surrender, offering to present the heads of your lord and Zhu Bao as his contribution. I could not bear to allow it. Since you are soldiers under Gao Ding, I am releasing you to return, but you must never rebel again. If you are captured another time, you will certainly not be treated so leniently.”

They all bowed in gratitude and departed. When they returned to their own camp, they went before Gao Ding and told him everything. Gao Ding secretly sent a man to Yong Kai’s camp to investigate. There he found that the men Kongming had released were likewise speaking of Kongming’s kindness. As a result, many of Yong Kai’s soldiers were inclined to submit to Gao Ding. Even so, Gao Ding remained uneasy, so he sent another man into Kongming’s camp to discover the true situation. The scout was captured by troops lying in ambush and brought before Kongming. Kongming deliberately pretended to take him for one of Yong Kai’s men. He summoned him into the tent and asked, “Your commander agreed to present the heads of Gao Ding and Zhu Bao. Why has he missed the appointed date? You fool are not careful at all. How can you possibly serve as a spy?” The soldier gave vague answers. Kongming gave him wine and food, then wrote a secret letter and handed it to him, saying, “Take this letter to Yong Kai and tell him to act quickly. He must not delay the matter.”

The spy bowed in gratitude and departed. Returning to Gao Ding, he presented Kongming’s letter and reported that Yong Kai had done this and that. After Gao Ding read the letter, he furiously exclaimed, “I have treated him with complete sincerity, yet he intends to harm me! This cannot be tolerated!” He summoned E Huan to consult with him. E Huan said, “Kongming is a benevolent man, and it would be inauspicious to oppose him. We rebelled and committed these evil acts entirely because of Yong Kai. It would be better to kill him and submit to Kongming.” Gao Ding asked, “How should we act?” E Huan said, “You can prepare a banquet and send someone to invite Yong Kai. If he harbors no disloyal intentions, he will certainly come without hesitation. If he refuses to come, he must have treacherous intentions. My lord can attack the front of his camp while I wait in ambush along the small road behind it. Then we can capture him.” Gao Ding followed his advice and prepared a banquet to which he invited Yong Kai. Sure enough, Yong Kai was suspicious because of what the soldiers released the previous day had told him, and he was too afraid to come. That night, Gao Ding led his troops in an attack on Yong Kai’s camp. The men Kongming had released and spared were all grateful for Gao Ding’s kindness, so they seized the opportunity to join the attack. Yong Kai’s army fell into disorder without fighting. Yong Kai mounted his horse and fled toward a mountain path. He had not gone two miles when drums sounded and a body of troops appeared. It was E Huan, charging at their head with his square-bladed halberd leveled. Yong Kai was caught off guard, and E Huan stabbed him from his horse with a single thrust, then cut off his head. All Yong Kai’s soldiers surrendered to Gao Ding.

Gao Ding led both armies to surrender to Kongming and presented Yong Kai’s head before the command tent. Kongming sat high in the tent and shouted for his attendants to seize Gao Ding, take him out, and return with his head. Gao Ding said, “Moved by the Chancellor’s great kindness, I have brought Yong Kai’s head and come to surrender. Why do you mean to behead me?” Kongming laughed loudly and said, “You have come under false pretenses. Do you dare deceive me?” Gao Ding said, “How does the Chancellor know that my surrender is false?” Kongming took a sealed letter from a box, handed it to Gao Ding, and said, “Zhu Bao has secretly sent a letter of surrender, saying that you and Yong Kai swore to live and die together. How could you possibly kill him so abruptly? That is how I know your surrender is false.” Gao Ding protested, “This is Zhu Bao’s scheme to sow dissension. Chancellor, you must not believe it!” Kongming said, “It is also difficult for me to rely on only one side’s account. If you capture Zhu Bao, you will prove your sincerity.” Gao Ding said, “Chancellor, do not doubt me. What if I go and capture Zhu Bao and bring him before you?” Kongming said, “If you do that, my doubts will be put to rest.”

Gao Ding immediately led his general E Huan and his own troops toward Zhu Bao’s camp. When they were about ten miles from the camp, a body of troops came around the mountain. It was Zhu Bao. Seeing Gao Ding’s army approach, Zhu Bao hurriedly rode forward to speak with him. Gao Ding cursed him furiously: “Why did you write to Chancellor Zhuge and use a scheme to sow dissension and harm me?” Zhu Bao stared open-mouthed and could not answer. Suddenly E Huan wheeled around from behind Gao Ding’s horse and stabbed Zhu Bao from his mount with one thrust of his halberd. Gao Ding shouted sternly, “Anyone who refuses to submit will be executed!” At once, the entire army bowed and surrendered. Gao Ding led both armies before Kongming and presented Zhu Bao’s head beneath the command tent. Kongming laughed loudly and said, “I deliberately made you kill these two rebels so that you could prove your loyalty.” He then appointed Gao Ding Administrator of Yizhou with overall authority over the three commanderies, and appointed E Huan an officer of the standard. The armies of all three routes had now been pacified.

Wang Kang, Administrator of Yongchang, then came out of the city to welcome Kongming. After Kongming entered the city, he asked, “Who helped you defend this city and keep it secure?” Wang Kang said, “That this commandery has remained safe until today is entirely due to a man from Buwei in Yongchang whose surname is Lü, given name Kai, and courtesy name Jiping. It is all his achievement.” Kongming therefore invited Lü Kai to come before him. Lü Kai entered and, after the formal greetings, Kongming said, “I have long heard that you are a distinguished scholar of Yongchang. It is largely thanks to you that this city has been preserved. I now intend to pacify the lands of the southern tribes. What wise counsel can you offer?” Lü Kai took out a map and presented it to Kongming, saying, “Ever since I entered government service, I have known that the southerners have long intended to rebel. I therefore secretly sent men into their territory to inspect the places suitable for encampments and battles, and I had them drawn into a map called ‘The Map for Pacifying the Southern Tribes as Clearly as the Palm of One’s Hand.’ I now venture to present it to you, my lord. If you examine it, it may assist you in your campaign against the tribes.” Kongming was delighted and appointed Lü Kai instructor to the field army as well as official guide. Kongming then led his troops forward in a great advance, penetrating deep into the territory of the southern tribes.

While the army was on the march, it was suddenly reported that an imperial envoy had arrived. Kongming invited the envoy into the central camp and saw a man enter in plain white mourning robes. It was Ma Su, who was in mourning because his elder brother Ma Liang had recently died. Ma Su said, “By His Majesty’s command, I have brought wine and silk for the troops.” After Kongming received the edict, he distributed everything one by one according to its instructions, then kept Ma Su in the tent for conversation. Kongming asked, “I have received the Son of Heaven’s command to pacify the lands of the southern tribes. I have long heard of Youchang’s wise judgment and hope you will favor me with your instruction.” Ma Su said, “I have a few humble words, and I hope the Chancellor will consider them. The southern tribes rely on the remoteness of their lands and the dangers of their mountains, and they have long refused to submit. Even if they are defeated today, they will rebel again tomorrow. When the Chancellor’s great army reaches them, they will certainly be pacified. But once the army returns, it will surely be needed for a northern campaign against Cao Pi. If the tribal troops learn that the interior is undefended, they will quickly rebel again. The principle of warfare is: ‘Attacking the heart is best; attacking cities is inferior. Psychological warfare is best; armed warfare is inferior.’ I hope the Chancellor will be satisfied with winning their hearts.” Kongming sighed and said, “Youchang truly understands my innermost thoughts!” Kongming then appointed Ma Su as a military adviser and continued advancing with the main army.

Meanwhile, when Meng Huo, king of the southern tribes, learned that Kongming had used his wisdom to defeat Yong Kai and the others, he summoned the commanders of three tribal territories for consultation. The commander of the first territory was Jinhuan Sanjie; the commander of the second was Dong Tuna; and the commander of the third was Ahuinan. The three commanders came before Meng Huo. Meng Huo said, “Chancellor Zhuge is now leading a great army into our territory, so we must join forces against him. You three are to divide the troops into three columns and advance. Whoever wins shall become chief of all the territories.” He assigned Jinhuan Sanjie to the center, Dong Tuna to the left, and Ahuinan to the right. Each led fifty thousand tribal troops and marched according to orders.

Meanwhile, Kongming was discussing military affairs in his camp when a scout galloped in to report that the commanders of the three tribal territories were approaching in three separate columns. After hearing the report, Kongming summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan but gave them no orders. He then summoned Wang Ping and Ma Zhong and instructed them, “The tribal troops are approaching in three columns. I wished to send Zilong and Wenchang, but neither of them knows the terrain, so I have not dared use them. Wang Ping may go to the left route to meet the enemy, and Ma Zhong may go to the right route. I will send Zilong and Wenchang behind you as support. Prepare your troops today and set out at daybreak tomorrow.” The two men accepted their orders and departed. Kongming then summoned Zhang Ni and Zhang Yi and instructed them, “You two are to lead one army together and take the center route to meet the enemy. Muster your troops today, and tomorrow advance in coordination with Wang Ping and Ma Zhong. I wished to have Zilong and Wenchang take on this mission, but neither of them knows the terrain, so I have not dared use them.” Zhang Ni and Zhang Yi accepted their orders and departed.

Zhao Yun and Wei Yan were both displeased that Kongming had not employed them. Kongming said, “It is not that I have no wish to use you. I only fear that, at your age, you might encounter danger, fall victim to some tribal scheme, and lose your fighting spirit.” Zhao Yun said, “What if we learn the terrain?” Kongming said, “You two should simply be cautious and must not act recklessly.” The two withdrew resentfully. Zhao Yun invited Wei Yan to his own camp to consult with him, saying, “We are the vanguard, yet he says we do not know the terrain and refuses to use us. Now he employs these younger men. Should we not be ashamed?” Wei Yan said, “Let us mount our horses at once and personally scout the ground. We can capture some local people and make them guide us forward. Then we can engage the tribal troops and accomplish a great victory.” Zhao Yun agreed, and the two mounted their horses and rode directly along the center route. They had traveled only a few miles when they saw a great cloud of dust rising in the distance. The two rode up a hillside and saw several dozen tribal horsemen galloping toward them. They charged out from two directions. The tribal soldiers were greatly alarmed and fled. Zhao Yun and Wei Yan each captured several men alive and returned to their own camp. After treating the captives to wine and food, they questioned them closely. The tribal soldiers said, “Ahead is Commander Jinhuan Sanjie’s main camp, located at the mountain pass. Two roads beside the camp, one east and one west, lead to the rear of the Five Streams territory and the camps of Dong Tuna and Ahuinan.”

When Zhao Yun and Wei Yan learned this, they selected five thousand elite troops and ordered the captured tribesmen to guide them. By the time the army set out, it was already the second watch of the night. The moon was bright and the stars were clear, and they marched by moonlight. When they reached Jinhuan Sanjie’s main camp, it was around the fourth watch. The tribal troops had just risen to cook their food and were preparing to fight at daybreak. Suddenly Zhao Yun and Wei Yan attacked from two directions, throwing the tribal soldiers into complete confusion. Zhao Yun fought straight into the central camp and encountered Commander Jinhuan Sanjie. After only one exchange on horseback, Zhao Yun knocked him from his mount with a thrust of his spear and cut off his head. The remaining troops scattered. Wei Yan immediately divided off half the army and took the eastern road to strike Dong Tuna’s camp from the rear. Zhao Yun took the other half and followed the western road to strike Ahuinan’s camp from the rear. By the time they reached the tribal camps, dawn had broken.

First, Wei Yan attacked Dong Tuna’s camp. When Dong Tuna learned that troops had reached the rear of his camp, he led his men out to resist them. Suddenly a great shout arose at the camp’s front gate, and the tribal troops fell into confusion. Wang Ping’s army had already arrived. Attacked from both sides, the tribal troops suffered a great defeat. Dong Tuna forced his way out and escaped, and Wei Yan was unable to overtake him. Meanwhile, when Zhao Yun led his troops to the rear of Ahuinan’s camp, Ma Zhong had already reached its front. Attacked from both sides, the tribal troops suffered a great defeat, and Ahuinan escaped amid the confusion. The generals each withdrew their troops and returned to see Kongming. Kongming asked, “Of the troops from the three tribal territories, two chiefs have escaped. Where is Commander Jinhuan Sanjie’s head?” Zhao Yun presented the head as proof of his achievement. Everyone said, “Dong Tuna and Ahuinan abandoned their horses and escaped over the ridges. That is why we could not catch them.” Kongming laughed loudly and said, “I have already captured both men.” Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, and all the other generals refused to believe him.

A short while later, Zhang Ni brought in Dong Tuna under guard, and Zhang Yi brought in Ahuinan. Everyone was astonished. Kongming said, “After examining Lü Kai’s map, I already knew where each man had pitched his camp. I therefore used words to provoke Zilong and Wenchang’s fighting spirit, causing them to penetrate deep into enemy territory, first defeat Jinhuan Sanjie, and then divide their forces to emerge behind the camps on the left and right, where Wang Ping and Ma Zhong would support them. No one but Zilong and Wenchang could have undertaken this mission. I anticipated that Dong Tuna and Ahuinan would take convenient shortcuts and flee along the mountain roads. I therefore sent Zhang Ni and Zhang Yi to wait for them in ambush, with Guan Suo leading troops in support, and thus captured both men.” All the generals bowed low and said, “The Chancellor’s divine calculations are beyond the fathoming of spirits or demons!” Kongming ordered Dong Tuna and Ahuinan brought before the tent. He had all their bonds removed, bestowed wine, food, and clothing upon them, and ordered each to return to his own territory and never again assist the wicked. The two men bowed tearfully and each departed along a narrow path. Kongming told the generals, “Tomorrow Meng Huo will certainly lead troops here in person to fight. We can capture him then.” He summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, gave each a plan, and sent them away with five thousand troops apiece. He then summoned Wang Ping and Guan Suo, ordered them to lead another army together, gave them a plan, and sent them away. When Kongming had completed all his deployments, he sat in the command tent and waited.

Meanwhile, Meng Huo, king of the southern tribes, was seated in his tent when a scout suddenly arrived and reported that the commanders of all three tribal territories had been captured by Kongming and taken away, and that their soldiers had scattered. Meng Huo was furious. He raised the tribal army and advanced in a long column until he encountered Wang Ping’s troops. The two armies formed their battle lines. Wang Ping rode out with his saber held crosswise and looked ahead. The gate banners parted, and several hundred mounted tribal officers deployed in two wings. Meng Huo rode out in the center. On his head he wore a purple-gold crown inset with jewels; over his body, a red brocade robe adorned with strings of gems; around his waist, a belt with a carved jade lion; and on his feet, green-trimmed boots with eagle-beak toes. He rode a curly-maned Red Hare horse and carried two jeweled swords patterned like pine grain. Gazing proudly ahead, he turned to the tribal generals at his sides and said, “People are always saying that Zhuge Liang is skilled in warfare. Yet look at this formation: the banners are in disorder, the ranks are tangled, and not one of their blades, spears, weapons, or implements can surpass ours. Now I know that everything previously said about him was false. Had I known this earlier, I would have rebelled long ago. Who dares capture the Shu general and raise our army’s prestige?”

Before he had finished speaking, a general answered and rode out. His name was Mangyachang. Wielding a broad, square-tipped saber and riding a yellow horse with white markings, he charged at Wang Ping. The two generals engaged, but after only a few bouts Wang Ping fled. Meng Huo drove his troops into a great advance and pursued in a long column. Guan Suo fought briefly and then also withdrew. They retreated for more than twenty miles. While Meng Huo was pressing the pursuit, a great clamor suddenly arose. Zhang Ni attacked from the left and Zhang Yi from the right, cutting off the route of retreat. Wang Ping and Guan Suo turned their troops and attacked again. Assaulted from front and rear, the tribal troops suffered a great defeat. Meng Huo led his generals in a desperate fight and broke free, fleeing toward Mount Jindai. The three enemy columns pursued from behind. As Meng Huo fled, a great shout suddenly arose ahead, and a body of troops blocked his way. The leading general was Zhao Zilong of Changshan. Meng Huo was horrified and hastily fled along a narrow road toward Mount Jindai. Zilong charged and attacked, inflicting a great defeat on the tribal troops and capturing countless men alive. Meng Huo, accompanied by only several dozen riders, fled into a mountain valley. The pursuing troops drew close behind, while the road ahead became so narrow that horses could not pass. Meng Huo and his men abandoned their mounts and escaped by climbing mountains and crossing ridges. Suddenly a drum sounded in the valley. Following Kongming’s plan, Wei Yan had led five hundred infantrymen into ambush there. Meng Huo could not withstand them and was captured alive by Wei Yan. All his accompanying horsemen surrendered.

Wei Yan escorted Meng Huo to the main camp to see Kongming. Kongming had already slaughtered cattle and sheep and prepared a banquet in the camp. He had seven ranks of executioners arrayed within the tent, their sabers, spears, swords, and halberds glittering like frost and snow. He also displayed the imperial golden battle-ax, curved-handled parasols and canopies, feathered standards, and ceremonial musicians, with imperial guards arrayed on both sides. Everything was arranged in perfect order. Kongming sat erect in the command tent as countless tribal soldiers were brought in under guard amid a noisy commotion. Kongming summoned them into the tent, had all their bonds removed, and gently addressed them: “You are all good common people. Unfortunately, you were coerced by Meng Huo, and now you have suffered this fright. I imagine your parents, brothers, wives, and children must be leaning against their gates and watching for your return. If they hear that your army has been defeated, they will surely be torn with anguish and weep tears of blood. I will now release all of you so that the hearts of your parents, brothers, wives, and children may be set at ease.” When he had finished speaking, he gave each man wine, food, and grain, and sent them away. The tribal soldiers were deeply moved by his kindness. They bowed tearfully and departed. Kongming ordered the guards to bring Meng Huo before him. Before long, Meng Huo was pushed and dragged forward, bound and brought before the command tent. He knelt below the dais. Kongming said, “The late Emperor treated you generously. How dare you rebel?” Meng Huo said, “The Two Riverlands were territory seized from others. Your ruler relied on force to take them and proclaimed himself emperor. My people have lived here for generations, yet you have rudely invaded our land. How can you call this rebellion?” Kongming said, “Now that I have captured you, do you submit in your heart?” Meng Huo said, “The mountains are remote and the roads narrow. I fell into your hands only by mischance. How could I willingly submit?” Kongming said, “Since you do not submit, what if I release you?” Meng Huo said, “Release me and let me return to reorganize my troops, and we will decide who is stronger. If you can capture me again, then I will submit.” Kongming immediately ordered his bonds removed. He had him dressed in new clothing, gave him wine and food, provided him with a saddled horse, and sent men to escort him to the road, from which he went directly back toward his own camp. Just so:

The foe was in his grasp, yet he released him still;Beyond civilization’s reach, men would not bow to his will.

What happened when Meng Huo returned to fight again will be told in the next chapter.