Chapter 89

The Marquis of Wuxiang Employs His Fourth Stratagem; the King of the Southern Man Is Captured a Fifth Time

Now Kongming himself drove a small carriage and led several hundred horsemen forward to reconnoiter the road. Before them lay a river called the Xi’er River. Though its current was gentle, not a single boat or raft was to be found. Kongming ordered trees felled and made into rafts for the crossing, but every log sank as soon as it touched the water. Kongming therefore asked Lü Kai, who replied, “I have heard that upstream on the Xi’er River stands a mountain thick with bamboo, the largest stalks measuring several arm spans around. Men may be sent to cut them and build a bamboo bridge across the river for the army and horses to pass.” Kongming at once dispatched thirty thousand men into the mountain. They cut several hundred thousand bamboo stalks and floated them downstream, then built a bamboo bridge more than ten fathoms wide at a narrow stretch of the river. He deployed the main army in a single line of encampments along the north bank, using the river as a moat, the floating bridge as a gate, and mounded earth as walls. Across the bridge on the south bank, he established three great camps in a line to await the barbarian army.

Meanwhile, Meng Huo came on in fury at the head of several hundred thousand barbarian troops. As he approached the Xi’er River, he led a vanguard of ten thousand tribal warriors armed with swords and shields straight to the foremost camp and challenged the defenders to battle. Kongming, wearing a silk kerchief on his head and a crane-feather cloak over his shoulders, with a feather fan in his hand, rode out in a four-horse carriage surrounded by his generals. He saw Meng Huo clad in rhinoceros-hide armor and wearing a vermilion helmet, a shield on his left arm and a sword in his right hand, mounted on a red-haired ox and shouting abuse. More than ten thousand tribesmen under him brandished swords and shields as they surged to and fro. Kongming promptly ordered a withdrawal into camp, had every gate tightly shut, and forbade anyone to give battle. The barbarian soldiers, naked to the waist, came right up to the camp gates and shouted insults. The generals were enraged and all came before Kongming, saying, “We are willing to leave the camp and fight them to the death!” Kongming would not permit it. Again and again they begged to fight, but Kongming stopped them, saying, “The people of the barbarian regions do not submit to the civilizing rule of the throne. They have now come in the full height of their savage arrogance, and we must not meet them head-on. Hold firm for several days. When their frenzy has somewhat abated, I shall have an ingenious plan to defeat them.”

The Shu army accordingly held firm for several days. From high ground Kongming observed the enemy and saw that the barbarian troops had grown lax. He then assembled his generals and asked, “Do you dare go out to fight?” All eagerly declared that they did. Kongming first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan into his tent, whispered instructions in their ears, and explained his plan in detail. The two accepted the scheme and departed first. He next called Wang Ping and Ma Zhong into the tent, gave them their instructions, and sent them away. Then he summoned Ma Dai and said, “I shall now abandon these three camps and withdraw across to the north bank. As soon as our army has retired, dismantle the floating bridge, move it downstream, and use it to bring Zhao Yun’s and Wei Yan’s forces across the river to support us.” Ma Dai accepted the plan and departed. Kongming also summoned Zhang Yi and said, “When our army withdraws, leave many lamps and fires burning in the camps. Once Meng Huo learns of our retreat, he will surely pursue us; you are to cut off his rear.” Zhang Yi received his instructions and withdrew. Kongming ordered only Guan Suo to guard his carriage. The entire army then retired, leaving numerous lamps and fires burning in the camps. Seeing them from afar, the barbarian soldiers did not dare attack.

At daybreak the next morning, Meng Huo led the great mass of his barbarian troops straight to the Shu camps. There they found all three great camps deserted, with several hundred wagons of provisions and military equipment abandoned within. Meng You said, “Zhuge Liang has abandoned his camps and fled. Could this be a stratagem?” Meng Huo replied, “I judge that Zhuge Liang has forsaken his baggage and withdrawn because some urgent crisis has arisen in his own realm. If Wu has not invaded, then Wei must have attacked. That is why he kept the lamps and fires burning as a feint and abandoned his wagons before departing. We must pursue him swiftly and not let this chance escape.” Meng Huo therefore drove his vanguard onward until they reached the bank of the Xi’er River. Looking across, they saw the banners in the camps on the north bank standing in perfect order as before, brilliant as brocaded clouds. Along the river stretched what seemed another city of embroidered splendor. The barbarian scouts saw this and none dared advance. Meng Huo said to Meng You, “Zhuge Liang fears our pursuit and has therefore halted for a short while on the north bank. Within two days he will certainly be gone.” He then encamped his barbarian troops by the river and sent men into the hills to cut bamboo for rafts in preparation for the crossing, while moving all his most battle-hardened warriors to the front of the camp. He did not know that the Shu troops had already penetrated his own territory.

That day a violent wind arose. Fires flared and drums thundered on every side as the Shu troops swept in. The barbarian tribesmen collided with one another in confusion. Meng Huo was greatly alarmed and hurriedly led the warriors of his own clan in cutting a path through the attackers, then raced toward his former camp. Suddenly a strong force charged out from within it, led by Zhao Yun. Meng Huo hastily turned back toward the Xi’er River and fled into the remote hills. Another powerful force then rushed out, led by Ma Dai. With only a few dozen battered and defeated soldiers remaining, Meng Huo fled into a mountain valley. Seeing clouds of dust and the glare of fire to the south, north, and west, he dared not advance in any of those directions and had no choice but to flee eastward. He had only just rounded the mouth of a pass when he saw several dozen attendants before a great forest escorting a small carriage. Seated upright upon it was Kongming, who laughed aloud and cried, “Barbarian King Meng Huo! Heaven has brought you to ruin here, and I have been waiting a long time for you!” Meng Huo, enraged, looked back at his followers and said, “I have fallen victim to this man’s treacherous schemes and suffered humiliation three times. By good fortune we have now encountered him here. Charge with all your strength and hack both man and carriage to pieces!” Several barbarian riders lunged fiercely forward. Meng Huo led them, shouting as he rushed before the great forest. With a sudden crash, they trod upon a concealed pit and all collapsed into it together. From within the forest emerged Wei Yan at the head of several hundred soldiers. One by one they dragged the barbarians out and bound them securely with ropes. Kongming returned first to the camp, where he pacified the barbarian soldiers, together with the chiefs of the various districts and the warriors of the caves. By then more than half had already returned to their homes. Apart from the dead and wounded, all the rest submitted. Kongming entertained them with meat and wine, soothed them with kindly words, and ordered them all released. The barbarian soldiers departed filled with gratitude and admiration.

A short while later, Zhang Yi brought Meng You in under guard. Kongming admonished him, saying, “Your elder brother is foolish and deluded; you ought to remonstrate with him. He has now been captured by me four times. How can he still have the face to appear before others?” Meng You’s face was covered with shame. He prostrated himself and begged to be spared. Kongming said, “Today is not the day on which I shall kill you. For the present I shall spare your life. Go and reason with your brother.” He ordered the guards to untie Meng You’s bonds and set him free. Meng You wept, bowed, and departed. Before long, Wei Yan brought Meng Huo in under guard. Kongming said angrily, “Now you have been captured by me yet again. What can you possibly say?” Meng Huo replied, “This time I mistakenly fell into a treacherous scheme. If I die now, my eyes will not close!” Kongming shouted to the guards to take him out and behead him. Meng Huo showed no fear at all, but turned back toward Kongming and said, “If you dare release me once more, I shall surely avenge the hatred of these four captures!” Kongming laughed loudly, ordered his attendants to remove Meng Huo’s bonds, gave him wine to settle his nerves, and seated him within the tent. Kongming asked, “I have now treated you with courtesy four times, yet you still refuse to submit. Why?” Meng Huo replied, “Though I am a man beyond the bounds of civilization, I am not like the Prime Minister, who relies wholly upon treacherous schemes. How could I willingly submit?” Kongming said, “If I release you again, will you still be able to fight?” Meng Huo replied, “If the Prime Minister captures me once more, then I shall submit with all my heart, offer everything in my cave to reward your army, and swear never again to rebel.”

Kongming smiled and sent him away. Meng Huo joyfully bowed in thanks and departed. He assembled several thousand sturdy warriors from the various caves and made his winding way southward. Before long he saw dust rising in the distance as a body of soldiers approached. It was his brother Meng You, who had rallied the remnants of their army and come to avenge him. The two brothers embraced and wept, then recounted all that had happened. Meng You said, “Our army has suffered defeat after defeat, while the Shu army has won victory after victory. We cannot withstand them. Our only course is to withdraw into a cave on the shaded side of the mountains and refuse to come out. The Shu troops will be unable to endure the heat and will naturally retreat.” Meng Huo asked, “Where can we take refuge?” Meng You replied, “Southwest of here lies a cave called Bald Dragon Cave. Its lord, King Duosi, is on very close terms with me. We may seek refuge with him.”

Meng Huo therefore first sent Meng You to Bald Dragon Cave to meet King Duosi. Duosi hastily led the warriors of his cave out to welcome them. Meng Huo entered the cave, exchanged the proper courtesies, and recounted all that had happened. Duosi said, “Set your mind at ease, Great King. If the Shu troops come, I shall see that not one man or horse returns home, and that they all die here together with Zhuge Liang!” Meng Huo was overjoyed and asked Duosi for his plan. Duosi replied, “There are only two roads into this cave. The northeastern road is the one by which Your Majesty came. The ground is level, the soil deep, and the water sweet, so men and horses can travel it. If we block the mouth of the cave with timber and stones, not even an army of a million will be able to enter. To the northwest is another road, where the mountains are perilous, the ridges forbidding, and the way narrow. Though there are small paths through it, many venomous snakes and vicious scorpions lurk there. At dusk the poisonous miasma rises heavily and does not disperse until the Hours of the Snake and Horse; only during the Hours of the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster may anyone pass. The water cannot be drunk, and men and horses find the way difficult. Moreover, there are four poisonous springs there. The first is called the Mute Spring. Its water is quite sweet, but anyone who drinks it loses the power of speech and inevitably dies within ten days. The second is called the Spring of Extinction. Its water is no different from boiling soup; anyone who bathes in it has his skin and flesh rotted away to the bone and must surely die. The third is called the Black Spring. Its water is faintly clear, but anyone splashed by it will have his hands and feet turn black and will die. The fourth is called the Soft Spring. Its water is like ice; anyone who drinks it loses all warmth in his throat, and his body grows soft as cotton before he dies. No insects or birds live in this region. Only the Han general Fubo once came here, and since his time not another person has reached this place. We shall now block the great northeastern road and let Your Majesty remain securely in my humble cave. When the Shu troops find the eastern road cut off, they will surely enter by the western way. There is no water along that road, and when they see these four springs they will certainly drink. Even if they number a million, not one will return. What need have we of swords or soldiers?” Meng Huo was delighted. Raising a hand to his brow, he exclaimed, “Only today have I found a place where I may safely shelter!” Then he pointed north and said, “However divine Zhuge Liang’s stratagems and calculations may be, he will have no means to employ them there! The waters of the four springs will be enough to avenge the hatred of my army’s defeats!” From that time onward, Meng Huo and Meng You feasted every day with King Duosi.

Meanwhile, after seeing no sign of Meng Huo’s troops for several days, Kongming issued orders for the great army to leave the Xi’er River and advance southward. It was then the blazing heat of the sixth month, fierce as fire. A later poet wrote of the bitter heat of the south:

The hills and marshes seem scorched dry,And fiery radiance veils the sky.Beyond the bounds of earth and heaven,How fiercer still must summer lie?

Another poem says:

The Red Emperor holds sovereign sway;No dark cloud dares arise.Cloud-steam makes the lone crane pant,Sea-heat alarms the giant turtle.One grieves to leave the streamside seat,And idly quits the bamboo shade.How fare those travelers from the sandy frontier,Who don their armor and march far once more?

As Kongming led the great army onward, a mounted scout suddenly galloped in to report: “Meng Huo has withdrawn into Bald Dragon Cave and refuses to come out. He has blocked the vital road at the cave mouth, with soldiers guarding it within. The mountains are harsh and the ridges steep; we cannot advance.” Kongming summoned Lü Kai and questioned him. Lü Kai replied, “I have heard that there is another road into this cave, but I do not know its particulars.” Jiang Wan said, “Meng Huo has been captured four times and must already have lost his courage. How would he dare come out again? Moreover, the weather is fiercely hot, and our men and horses are exhausted. Nothing is to be gained by continuing the campaign. We would do better to withdraw the army and return home.” Kongming said, “If we do that, we shall fall directly into Meng Huo’s plan. Once our army retreats, he will surely take advantage of the moment to pursue us. Now that we have come this far, how can there be any reason to turn back?” He therefore ordered Wang Ping to lead several hundred soldiers as the vanguard and had newly surrendered barbarians guide them into the northwestern path. They came to a spring, and as both men and horses were thirsty, they vied with one another to drink its water. Wang Ping, having confirmed that the road existed, returned to report to Kongming. By the time they reached the main camp, however, none of the men could speak; they could only point to their mouths.

Kongming was greatly alarmed. Realizing that they had been poisoned, he personally drove his small carriage and led several dozen men forward to inspect the place. He saw a pool of clear water so deep that its bottom could not be seen, with a chilling vapor rising from it. None of the soldiers dared test the water. Kongming descended from his carriage and climbed to a height to survey the country. Mountain peaks and ridges enclosed the place on every side, and not the cry of a bird or sparrow could be heard. Deeply suspicious, he suddenly glimpsed an ancient temple on a distant hill. Clinging to vines and creepers, Kongming made his way to it. Inside a stone chamber he found the image of a general seated upright, with a stone tablet beside it. It was a temple to Ma Yuan, the Han general Fubo. When he had come there to pacify the barbarians, the local people had built the temple to worship him. Kongming bowed twice and prayed: “I, Liang, received from the Former Emperor the grave charge of protecting his orphaned heir. Now, by imperial command, I have come here to pacify the barbarians. Once the barbarian regions are subdued, I mean to attack Wei, annex Wu, and restore peace to the imperial house of Han. My soldiers, ignorant of the land, have mistakenly drunk poisoned water and can no longer speak. I earnestly beseech your honored spirit to remember the grace and righteousness of our dynasty, manifest your divine power, and protect the three armies!”

When he had finished praying, Kongming left the temple to seek a local inhabitant whom he might question. Dimly, on the opposite mountain, he saw an old man approaching with the aid of a staff, extraordinary in appearance. Kongming invited the old man into the temple. After they had exchanged courtesies, they sat facing each other upon a stone. Kongming asked, “May I inquire into your honored name, venerable sir?” The old man replied, “I have long heard the illustrious renown of the Prime Minister of the great realm and count myself fortunate to meet you. Many people of the barbarian lands owe their lives to the Prime Minister, and all are deeply grateful.” Kongming asked about the spring water, and the old man replied, “The water your soldiers drank came from the Mute Spring. Those who drink it lose the power of speech and die within a few days. Beyond that spring are three others. To the southeast is a spring whose water is bitterly cold. Anyone who drinks it loses all warmth in his throat, grows weak in body, and dies. It is called the Soft Spring. Directly south is another spring. Anyone splashed by its water has his hands and feet turn black and dies. It is called the Black Spring. To the southwest is a spring that boils like hot soup. Anyone who bathes in it loses all his skin and flesh and dies. It is called the Spring of Extinction. These four springs lie in our region, where poisonous vapors gather. No medicine can cure their effects. The miasma also rises heavily, and passage is possible only during the Hours of the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster. At all other hours, the miasma spreads densely, and whoever touches it dies at once.”

Kongming said, “If that is so, the barbarian regions cannot be pacified. If they remain unpacified, how can I annex Wu and Wei and restore the imperial house of Han? I shall have failed the Former Emperor’s grave charge to protect his orphaned heir, and life will be worse than death!” The old man said, “Do not grieve, Prime Minister. I shall direct you to a place where a cure may be found.” Kongming said, “Whatever wise counsel you possess, venerable sir, I beg you to instruct me.” The old man replied, “Several li due west of here lies a mountain valley. Travel twenty li into it, and you will come to a stream called the Stream of Ten Thousand Blessings. There dwells a lofty recluse known as the Recluse of Ten Thousand Blessings. He has not left the stream for several decades. Behind his thatched hermitage is a spring called the Spring of Peace and Joy. If anyone who has been poisoned draws its water and drinks, he is cured at once. If a person suffers from scabies or sores, or has been stricken by miasma, he need only bathe in the Stream of Ten Thousand Blessings and will naturally recover. Moreover, before the hermitage grows a kind of herb called ‘chive-leaf rue.’ If a man holds one leaf in his mouth, the miasma cannot infect him. The Prime Minister should go swiftly and ask for it.” Kongming bowed in thanks and said, “I am immeasurably grateful for the life-saving grace you have shown me. May I hear your honored name?” The old man entered the temple and said, “I am the local mountain spirit. At the command of General Fubo, I have come expressly to guide you.” When he had finished speaking, he cried out, whereupon the stone wall behind the temple opened, and he passed within. Kongming marveled without end. He bowed twice more to the temple spirit, retraced his former path, mounted his carriage, and returned to the main camp.

The next day, Kongming prepared incense, a letter, and gifts, then took Wang Ping and all the mute soldiers and traveled through the night toward the place described by the mountain spirit. Winding onward, they entered a narrow path through a mountain valley and traveled somewhat more than twenty li. There they saw lofty pines and great cypresses, luxuriant bamboo, and wondrous flowers surrounding a country dwelling. Within a rustic fence stood several thatched cottages, from which a fragrant aroma wafted to their nostrils. Kongming was overjoyed. He went to the gate and knocked, and a young boy came out. Kongming was just about to give his name when a man wearing a bamboo cap and straw sandals, a white robe tied with a black cord, came cheerfully forth. His eyes were blue and his hair yellow. “Can the visitor be none other than the Prime Minister of Han?” he asked. Kongming smiled and said, “How did the worthy recluse know?” The recluse replied, “I have long heard that the Prime Minister’s great standard was advancing south on campaign. How could I fail to know?” He then invited Kongming into his thatched hall. After the courtesies were completed, host and guest took their proper seats. Kongming said, “I, Liang, received from Emperor Zhaolie the grave charge of protecting his orphaned heir. Now, by sacred command of the reigning sovereign, I have led a great army here to bring the barbarian lands into submission and under the civilizing rule of the throne. Unexpectedly, Meng Huo slipped into the cave country, and my soldiers mistakenly drank from the Mute Spring. Last night General Fubo manifested his divine power and told me that the worthy recluse possessed a medicinal spring that could cure them. I beg you to take pity and grant us this divine water, that the last remnants of my soldiers’ lives may be saved.” The recluse said, “I am no more than a useless old rustic of the mountains. Why should the Prime Minister have troubled himself to come here? The spring is just behind my hermitage.” He ordered water drawn and brought for the men to drink.

The boy then led Wang Ping and the whole band of mute soldiers to the stream, where they drew the water and drank. At once they vomited up foul saliva and regained the power of speech. The boy next led the soldiers to bathe in the Stream of Ten Thousand Blessings. Within the hermitage, the recluse served Kongming tea made from cypress seeds and a dish of pine blossoms. The recluse told him, “The barbarian caves hereabouts abound in venomous snakes and vicious scorpions. Willow blossoms drift into the streams and springs, making the water unfit to drink. Only by digging into the earth to form wells and drawing water from them may you drink safely.” Kongming asked for some chive-leaf rue, and the recluse ordered the soldiers to gather as much as they wished. “Let every man hold one leaf in his mouth, and the miasma will naturally be unable to infect him.” Kongming bowed and asked the recluse’s name. The recluse smiled and said, “I am Meng Jie, elder brother of Meng Huo.” Kongming was astonished. The recluse continued, “Prime Minister, do not be suspicious, but permit me a brief explanation. Three sons were born of the same father and mother. The eldest is myself, Meng Jie; the second is Meng Huo; and the third, Meng You. Our parents are both dead. My two younger brothers are violent and wicked and refuse to submit to the civilizing rule of the throne. I repeatedly remonstrated with them, but they would not listen. I therefore changed my name and surname and withdrew to live here in seclusion. Now my shameful brother has rebelled and compelled the Prime Minister to penetrate this barren wilderness and endure such hardships. For this, I, Meng Jie, deserve ten thousand deaths and must first beg pardon before the Prime Minister.” Kongming sighed and said, “Only now do I truly believe that the story of Robber Zhi and Liu Xiahui may occur again in our own time.” He then said to Meng Jie, “What if I memorialize the Son of Heaven and have you established as king?” Meng Jie replied, “I fled here because I despised rank and fame. How could I still harbor any desire for wealth and honor?” Kongming then offered him gold and silk, but Meng Jie firmly refused to accept them. Sighing with admiration, Kongming bowed farewell and returned. A later poet wrote:

The lofty recluse dwelt hidden behind his lonely gate;Here once the Martial Marquis broke the barbarians’ might.To this day, amid ancient trees where no men tread,Cold mist still seals the mountains of old.

After Kongming returned to the main camp, he ordered the soldiers to dig into the earth for water. They dug more than twenty fathoms without finding a single drop. At more than ten other places they dug with the same result. Alarm spread through the army. At midnight Kongming burned incense and appealed to Heaven, saying, “I, your servant Liang, am without talent, yet I humbly rely upon the good fortune of the great Han and have received the command to pacify the barbarians. Now, on our march, we lack water, and our men and horses are withering from thirst. If Heaven has not forsaken the great Han, then grant us sweet springs! But if our allotted fortune has come to an end, then I, Liang, and all the rest are willing to die in this place!” When his prayer was concluded that night, they looked at daybreak and found every well brimming with sweet water. A later poet wrote:

To pacify the south he led a mighty host,His heart aligned with the righteous Way and Heaven’s divine light.Geng Gong bowed at the well, and a sweet spring rose;At Zhuge’s devout prayer, water welled forth by night.

Once Kongming’s men and horses had obtained sweet water, they passed safely along the narrow path and encamped directly before Bald Dragon Cave. Barbarian scouts learned of this and reported to Meng Huo: “The Shu troops have not been infected by the miasma, nor do they suffer from thirst. None of the springs has had any effect.” When King Duosi heard this, he refused to believe it and went with Meng Huo to observe from a high mountain. There they saw the Shu troops safe and sound, carrying water and drink in great tubs and small buckets, watering their horses and cooking their meals. At the sight, Duosi’s hair stood on end. Turning to Meng Huo, he said, “These are troops aided by the gods!” Meng Huo replied, “My brother and I will fight the Shu troops to the death. We would rather perish before their ranks than meekly submit to be bound!” Duosi said, “If Your Majesty is defeated, my wife and children will also be lost. We must slaughter oxen and horses, richly reward the cave warriors, and have them brave water and fire to charge straight into the Shu camp. Only then can we win.”

The barbarian soldiers were accordingly given lavish rewards. Just as they were about to set out, a report arrived that Yang Feng, lord of the twenty-one caves of Silver Mine Cave to the west beyond the rear of the cave, was bringing thirty thousand troops to their aid. Meng Huo was overjoyed and said, “With neighboring troops coming to assist me, I shall surely be victorious!” He and King Duosi at once went out of the cave to welcome them. Yang Feng led his troops inside and said, “I have thirty thousand picked soldiers, all clad in iron armor and able to fly over mountains and cross the highest ridges. They are sufficient to oppose a million Shu troops. I also have five sons, all fully accomplished in the martial arts. I wish to assist Your Majesty.” Yang Feng ordered his five sons to enter and bow. All had leopard waists and tiger frames and presented an imposing, vigorous appearance. Meng Huo was delighted and prepared a banquet for Yang Feng and his sons. When the wine had reached its height, Yang Feng said, “The army lacks entertainment. I have with me some barbarian maidens skilled in dancing with swords and shields. Let them provide us with some amusement.” Meng Huo gladly agreed. Presently several dozen barbarian maidens, all with loose hair and bare feet, danced and leapt in from outside the tent, while the assembled barbarians clapped their hands and sang in accompaniment. Yang Feng ordered two of his sons to present the wine. The two raised cups and approached Meng Huo and Meng You. The brothers accepted the cups and were just about to drink when Yang Feng gave a great shout. His two sons instantly seized Meng Huo and Meng You and dragged them from their seats. King Duosi was about to flee but was seized by Yang Feng. The barbarian maidens barred the tent from side to side, and no one dared come forward. Meng Huo said, “When the rabbit dies, the fox mourns; creatures grieve for their own kind. You and I are both lords of our several caves, and there has never been any enmity between us. Why do you seek to harm me?” Yang Feng replied, “My brothers, sons, and nephews all feel the deepest gratitude for Prime Minister Zhuge’s mercy in sparing their lives, yet we have had no means to repay him. Now that you have rebelled, why should we not seize you and present you to him?”

The barbarian soldiers of the various caves all fled back to their homes. Yang Feng bound Meng Huo, Meng You, King Duosi, and the others and escorted them to Kongming’s camp. Kongming ordered them admitted. Yang Feng and his companions bowed below the command tent and said, “Our brothers, sons, and nephews are all grateful for the Prime Minister’s benevolence. We have therefore captured Meng Huo, Meng You, and the others and brought them here as an offering.” Kongming richly rewarded them and ordered Meng Huo brought forward. Kongming smiled and said, “Do you now submit in your heart?” Meng Huo replied, “This was not due to your ability. The men of my own caves turned upon and harmed one another, and thus I have come to this. If you wish to kill me, then kill me—but I do not submit!” Kongming said, “You lured me into a waterless region and then employed the deadly Mute Spring, Spring of Extinction, Black Spring, and Soft Spring against me. Yet my army has suffered no harm. Is this not Heaven’s will? Why do you remain so obstinate and deluded?” Meng Huo replied, “My ancestors have long dwelt in Silver Pit Mountain, where the Three Rivers form a natural barrier and many fortified passes stand secure. If you capture me there, then I and all my sons and grandsons shall submit with all our hearts and serve you faithfully.” Kongming said, “I shall release you once again. Return, reorganize your army, and decide victory or defeat with me. If I capture you then and you still refuse to submit, I shall exterminate all nine degrees of your kin.” He shouted to his attendants to remove Meng Huo’s bonds and set him free. Meng Huo bowed twice and departed. Kongming also had the bonds removed from Meng You and King Duosi, then gave them food and wine to settle their fright. The two trembled with fear and dared not look directly at him. Kongming ordered horses saddled and had them escorted back. Truly:

To venture deep into peril is no easy feat;To unfold yet stranger schemes can hardly be mere chance!

How Meng Huo reorganized his army and returned, and which side gained victory, will be told in the next chapter.

The Marquis of Wuxiang Employs His Fourth Stratagem; the King of the Southern Man Is Captured a Fifth Time

Meanwhile, Kongming personally rode in his small carriage and led several hundred horsemen forward to scout the road. Ahead lay a river called the Xi’er River. Although its current was slow, there was not a single boat or raft to be found. Kongming ordered trees felled and made into rafts for the crossing, but every piece of wood sank as soon as it touched the water. Kongming then questioned Lü Kai, who said, “I have heard that upstream on the Xi’er River there is a mountain where bamboo grows in abundance, some stalks so large that several men joining hands could encircle one. Men can be sent to cut it down and build a bamboo bridge across the river for the troops and horses to cross.” Kongming immediately dispatched thirty thousand men into the mountain. They cut several hundred thousand bamboo stalks and floated them downstream, then built a bamboo bridge more than a hundred feet wide at a narrow point in the river. He deployed the main army in a single line of camps along the north bank, using the river as a moat, the floating bridge as a gate, and mounded earth as walls. Across the bridge on the south bank, he established three large camps in a line to await the tribal army.

Meanwhile, Meng Huo came on in fury at the head of several hundred thousand tribal troops. As he approached the Xi’er River, he led ten thousand shield-bearing tribal warriors of the vanguard straight to the forward camp and challenged the defenders to battle. Kongming, wearing a silk headscarf and a crane-feather cloak and holding a feather fan, rode out in a four-horse carriage surrounded by his officers. He saw Meng Huo wearing rhinoceros-hide armor and a vermilion helmet, carrying a shield in his left hand and a saber in his right, riding a red-haired ox and shouting abuse. More than ten thousand warriors from the caves under his command brandished sabers and shields as they charged back and forth. Kongming hastily ordered a retreat into camp, had it sealed tight on all sides, and forbade anyone to fight. The tribal soldiers, stripped bare to the waist, came right up to the camp gates and hurled insults. The officers were furious and all reported to Kongming, “We are willing to leave the camp and fight them to the death!” Kongming refused permission. When the officers repeatedly asked to fight, Kongming stopped them, saying, “The people of the tribal lands do not submit to the civilizing authority of the court. They have come this time at the height of their savage arrogance, and we must not meet them head-on. Hold firm for several days. Once their frenzy begins to slacken, I will have an ingenious plan to defeat them.”

The Shu army therefore held firm for several days. Kongming observed the enemy from a high hill and, seeing that the tribal soldiers had grown lax, assembled his officers and asked, “Do you dare go out to battle?” They eagerly asked to be sent. Kongming first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan into his tent, whispered instructions in their ears, and told them exactly what to do. The two received the plan and departed first. He then summoned Wang Ping and Ma Zhong into the tent, gave them their instructions, and sent them away. Next he called Ma Dai and said, “I will now abandon these three camps and withdraw across the river to the north bank. Once our army has retreated, dismantle the floating bridge, move it downstream, and use it to bring Zhao Yun’s and Wei Yan’s troops across the river to reinforce us.” Ma Dai accepted the plan and departed. Kongming then called Zhang Yi and said, “After our army withdraws, many lights will be left burning in the camps. When Meng Huo learns of it, he will certainly pursue us. You are to cut off his rear.” Zhang Yi received the plan and withdrew. Kongming ordered only Guan Suo to protect his carriage. The troops withdrew, leaving many lights burning in the camps. Seeing them, the tribal soldiers did not dare make an attack.

At dawn the next day, Meng Huo led the main body of his tribal army directly to the Shu camps. He found all three large camps completely deserted, with more than a hundred carts of provisions, equipment, and weapons abandoned inside. Meng You said, “Zhuge Liang has abandoned his camps and fled. Could this be some scheme?” Meng Huo replied, “I believe Zhuge Liang has abandoned his baggage and gone because some urgent crisis has arisen in his own country. If Wu has not invaded, then Wei must have attacked. That is why he displayed all those lights as a decoy and then abandoned his wagons and fled. We must pursue him quickly and not let this opportunity pass.” Meng Huo therefore personally drove the vanguard all the way to the bank of the Xi’er River. Looking across to the north bank, he saw the banners in the camp still arranged as neatly as before, gleaming like embroidered clouds. Along the river stood what looked like another city of brocade. When the tribal scouts saw it, none dared advance. Meng Huo said to Meng You, “Zhuge Liang feared that I would pursue him, so he has halted briefly on the north bank. Within two days he is certain to leave.” He stationed the tribal soldiers on the riverbank and sent men into the mountains to cut bamboo for rafts in preparation for crossing. He also moved all his best fighting troops to the front of the camp. He did not realize that the Shu troops had already entered his own territory.

That day a fierce wind suddenly arose. Fires blazed and drums thundered on every side as the Shu troops charged in. The tribal warriors collided with one another in confusion. Meng Huo was greatly alarmed and hurriedly led the warriors of his own clan in cutting a path through the enemy, making straight for his old camp. Suddenly a powerful force charged out of the camp, led by Zhao Yun. Meng Huo hastily turned back toward the Xi’er River and fled into a remote part of the mountains. Another powerful force came charging out, led by Ma Dai. With only a few dozen battered survivors left, Meng Huo fled into a mountain valley. Seeing clouds of dust and the glow of fires to the south, north, and west, he dared not advance in any of those directions and had no choice but to run east. He had just rounded a mountain pass when he saw, before a great forest, several dozen attendants escorting a small carriage. Seated upright in the carriage was Kongming, who laughed loudly and cried, “Tribal King Meng Huo! Heaven has brought you to defeat here. I have been waiting for you a long time!” Meng Huo flew into a rage and looked back at his men. “I have fallen victim to this man’s treacherous schemes and suffered humiliation three times! Now, by good fortune, we have met him here. Charge forward with all your strength and hack both man and carriage to pieces!” Several tribal horsemen fiercely spurred forward. Meng Huo led them, shouting as he rushed toward the great forest. With a sudden crash they rode onto a concealed pit and all tumbled in together. From within the forest emerged Wei Yan with several hundred soldiers, who dragged them out one by one and bound them with ropes. Kongming had already returned to the camp, where he pacified the tribal soldiers, together with the district chieftains and cave warriors. By then more than half had already returned to their own villages. Apart from those killed or wounded, all the rest surrendered. Kongming treated them to wine and meat, soothed them with kind words, and ordered that they all be released. The tribal soldiers departed, sighing with gratitude.

A short while later, Zhang Yi brought in Meng You under guard. Kongming admonished him, saying, “Your elder brother is foolish and deluded. You should advise him. Now that he has been captured by me four times, how can he have the face to appear before anyone again?” Meng You’s face filled with shame. He prostrated himself and begged to be spared. Kongming said, “Today is not the day I will kill you. For now, I will spare your life so that you may go and reason with your brother.” He ordered the guards to untie Meng You and release him. Meng You bowed tearfully and departed. Before long, Wei Yan brought in Meng Huo under guard. Kongming said angrily, “Now you have been captured by me yet again. What can you possibly say for yourself?” Meng Huo replied, “This time I mistakenly fell into a treacherous scheme. If I die now, my eyes will not close in peace!” Kongming shouted for the guards to take him out and behead him. Meng Huo showed no fear at all. Looking back at Kongming, he said, “If you dare release me again, I will certainly avenge the humiliation of these four captures!” Kongming laughed loudly, ordered his attendants to remove Meng Huo’s bonds, gave him wine to calm his nerves, and seated him inside the tent. Kongming asked, “I have now treated you courteously four times, yet you still refuse to submit. Why?” Meng Huo replied, “Though I am a man beyond the bounds of civilization, I am not like the Prime Minister, who relies entirely on treacherous schemes. How could I willingly submit?” Kongming said, “If I release you again, will you still be able to fight?” Meng Huo answered, “If the Prime Minister captures me once more, I will then submit with all my heart, present everything in my cave settlement to reward your army, and swear never to rebel again.”

Kongming smiled and released him at once. Meng Huo joyfully bowed his thanks and departed. He gathered several thousand able-bodied warriors from the various caves and made his winding way south. Before long, he saw a cloud of dust rising ahead as a body of troops approached. It was his brother Meng You, who had rallied the remnants of their army and was coming to avenge him. The two brothers embraced and wept, then told each other what had happened. Meng You said, “Our forces have been defeated again and again, while the Shu forces have won repeatedly. We cannot withstand them. Our only course is to withdraw into a cave on the shadowed side of the mountains and refuse to come out. The Shu soldiers will be unable to endure the heat and will naturally retreat.” Meng Huo asked, “Where can we take refuge?” Meng You replied, “Southwest of here is a cave called Bald Dragon Cave. Its master, King Duosi, is a close friend of mine. We can go to him.”

Meng Huo therefore first had Meng You go to Bald Dragon Cave to see King Duosi. Duosi hurriedly led the cave warriors out to welcome him. Meng Huo entered the cave and, after the formal greetings, told him everything that had happened. Duosi said, “Set your mind at ease, Great King. If the Shu troops come here, I will make sure that not one man or horse returns home, and that they all die here along with Zhuge Liang!” Meng Huo was delighted and asked Duosi for his plan. Duosi said, “There are only two roads into this cave. The northeastern road is the one by which the Great King came. The ground is level, the soil is deep, the water is sweet, and both men and horses can travel it. If we block the mouth of the cave with timber and stone, even an army of a million will be unable to enter. To the northwest there is another road, but the mountains are perilous, the ridges rugged, and the path narrow. Though there are small trails through it, venomous snakes and vicious scorpions lurk everywhere. At dusk, poisonous mists rise and do not disperse until around midday. Travel is possible only during the Wei, Shen, and You hours. The water cannot be drunk, and both men and horses find the road difficult. There are also four poisonous springs there. The first is called the Mute Spring. Its water is quite sweet, but anyone who drinks it becomes unable to speak and will certainly die within ten days. The second is called the Spring of Destruction. Its water is no different from boiling broth. Anyone who bathes in it will have all his skin and flesh rot away, exposing his bones, and will certainly die. The third is called the Black Spring. Its water appears somewhat clear, but if any splashes onto a person, his hands and feet will turn black and he will die. The fourth is called the Weak Spring. Its water is like ice. Anyone who drinks it will lose all warmth in his throat, his body will become as limp as cotton, and he will die. No insects or birds live in this region. Only General Ma Yuan, the Han Dynasty’s Wave-Quelling General, ever reached this place; since then, not another person has come here. We will now block the main northeastern road and let the Great King remain securely in my humble cave. When the Shu troops find the eastern road cut off, they will certainly enter by the western road. There is no water along the way, so when they see the four springs, they are certain to drink. Even if they number a million, not one will return. What need is there for weapons or soldiers?” Meng Huo was overjoyed. Touching his forehead with his hand, he exclaimed, “Only today have I finally found a place where I can survive!” Then he pointed north and said, “No matter how divinely ingenious Zhuge Liang may be in his calculations, he will find no way to use them here! The waters of the four springs will be enough to avenge the humiliation of my army’s defeats!” From then on, Meng Huo and Meng You feasted every day with King Duosi.

Meanwhile, after several days passed without any sign of Meng Huo’s army, Kongming issued orders for the main army to leave the Xi’er River and advance south. It was now the blazing heat of the sixth month, and the air burned like fire. A later poet wrote of the southern land’s oppressive heat:Mountains and marshes parch and dry;Firelight engulfs the boundless sky.Beyond the farthest reach of earth,How fierce must summer’s heat arise?

Another poem says:The Red Emperor holds sovereign sway;Dark clouds dare not form in the sky.In steaming clouds, a lone crane gasps;The heated sea makes the great turtle start.Reluctantly, men leave the streamside shade;Wearily, they quit the bamboo groves.How can these travelers from the sandy frontierDon armor and march on another long campaign?

As Kongming led the main army forward, a mounted scout suddenly galloped up and reported, “Meng Huo has withdrawn into Bald Dragon Cave and refuses to come out. He has blocked the vital road into the cave and stationed troops to guard it. The mountains are treacherous and the ridges steep, so we cannot advance.” Kongming summoned Lü Kai and questioned him. Lü Kai replied, “I have heard that another road leads to this cave, but I do not know its details.” Jiang Wan said, “Meng Huo has been captured four times and has already lost his courage. How would he dare come out again? Moreover, the weather is now intensely hot and our troops and horses are exhausted. There is no advantage in continuing the campaign. It would be better to withdraw the army and return home.” Kongming replied, “If we did that, we would fall directly into Meng Huo’s plan. As soon as our army retreated, he would certainly take advantage of the situation and pursue us. Now that we have come this far, how could we turn back?” He therefore ordered Wang Ping to lead several hundred soldiers as the vanguard and had newly surrendered tribal troops guide them along the northwestern path. They came to a spring, and because both men and horses were thirsty, they all fought to drink its water. Wang Ping, having confirmed that the road existed, returned to report to Kongming. By the time he and his men reached the main camp, none of them could speak. They could only point at their mouths.

Kongming was greatly alarmed and realized that they had been poisoned. He personally rode out in his small carriage with several dozen men to investigate. He found a pool of clear water so deep that the bottom could not be seen, with an icy vapor rising from it. None of the soldiers dared test it. Kongming descended from his carriage and climbed to a high place to look around. Mountain peaks and ridges hemmed them in on every side, and not a single bird could be heard. He became deeply suspicious. Suddenly, on a distant hill, he saw an ancient temple. Clinging to vines and creepers, Kongming climbed up to it. Inside a stone building, he found a statue of a general seated upright. Beside it stood a stone tablet identifying the place as the temple of Ma Yuan, the Han Dynasty’s Wave-Quelling General. When Ma Yuan came there to pacify the southern tribes, the local people had built the temple to worship him. Kongming bowed twice and prayed, “I, Zhuge Liang, received the late Emperor’s weighty charge to care for his orphaned heir. Now, in obedience to the imperial command, I have come here to pacify the southern tribes. Once these tribal lands are pacified, I intend to campaign against Wei, annex Wu, and restore peace to the Han imperial house. My soldiers, not knowing the geography, mistakenly drank poisonous water and have lost the power of speech. I earnestly beg your honored spirit to remember the grace and righteousness of our dynasty, reveal your divine power, and protect the entire army!”

When he had finished praying, Kongming left the temple to seek a local inhabitant whom he could question. In the distance, on the opposite mountain, he dimly saw an old man approaching with a staff. His appearance was most unusual. Kongming invited the old man into the temple, exchanged formal greetings with him, and sat facing him on a rock. Kongming asked, “May I ask your honored name, venerable sir?” The old man replied, “I have long heard of the Prime Minister’s illustrious fame throughout the great realm, and I am fortunate to meet you. Many people of the tribal lands owe their lives to the Prime Minister, and all are deeply grateful.” Kongming asked him about the spring. The old man answered, “The water your soldiers drank came from the Mute Spring. Anyone who drinks it loses the power of speech and dies within a few days. Besides this spring, there are three others. To the southeast is a spring whose water is bitterly cold. If anyone drinks it, all warmth leaves his throat, his body grows weak, and he dies. It is called the Weak Spring. Directly south is a spring whose water, if splashed on a person, makes his hands and feet turn black and kills him. It is called the Black Spring. To the southwest is a spring that boils like hot broth. Anyone who bathes in it will have all his skin and flesh slough away and will die. It is called the Spring of Destruction. These four springs are found in this region, where poisonous vapors gather, and there is no medicine that can cure them. The pestilential mists are also extremely dense. Travel is possible only during the three periods of Wei, Shen, and You; at all other hours the miasma spreads thickly everywhere, and anyone who touches it dies at once.”

Kongming said, “If that is so, the tribal lands cannot be pacified. If the tribal lands are not pacified, how can I annex Wu and Wei and restore the Han imperial house? I will have failed the late Emperor’s weighty charge to care for his orphaned heir, and life will be worse than death!” The old man said, “Do not worry, Prime Minister. I will direct you to a place where the poison can be cured.” Kongming said, “Whatever wise guidance you have, venerable sir, I beg you to instruct me.” The old man replied, “Several miles directly west of here is a mountain valley. Travel twenty miles into it and you will find a stream called the Stream of Ten Thousand Safeties. A reclusive scholar lives there who is known as the Hermit of Ten Thousand Safeties. He has not left the stream for several decades. Behind his thatched hermitage is a spring called the Spring of Peace and Joy. If anyone has been poisoned, drawing its water and drinking it will cure him immediately. If anyone has scabies or leprosy, or has been affected by the miasma, bathing in the Stream of Ten Thousand Safeties will restore him naturally. In addition, a kind of herb grows before the hermitage called ‘allium-leaf rue.’ If a person holds one leaf in his mouth, the miasma cannot infect him. The Prime Minister should hurry there and ask for it.” Kongming bowed in thanks and said, “I am profoundly grateful for your life-saving kindness. May I know your honored name?” The old man entered the temple and said, “I am the local mountain spirit. At the command of the Wave-Quelling General, I came especially to guide you.” When he had finished speaking, he shouted, and the stone wall behind the temple opened. He entered it and vanished. Kongming was filled with astonishment. He bowed twice more to the temple spirit, returned by the old road to his carriage, and went back to the main camp.

The next day, Kongming prepared incense, a letter, and gifts, then led Wang Ping and all the mute soldiers through the night toward the place described by the mountain spirit. They followed the winding way into a narrow mountain valley and traveled a little more than twenty miles. There they saw tall pines and great cypresses, luxuriant bamboo and rare flowers, encircling a country estate. Within a fence stood several thatched cottages, and a rich fragrance filled the air. Kongming was delighted. He reached the estate and knocked at the gate, and a young boy came out. Just as Kongming was about to give his name, a man emerged, wearing a bamboo cap, straw sandals, a white robe, and a black sash. He had blue eyes and yellow hair, and he came forward cheerfully, saying, “Can my visitor be none other than the Prime Minister of Han?” Kongming smiled and asked, “How did you know, worthy recluse?” The hermit replied, “I have long heard that the Prime Minister’s great banner was coming south on campaign. How could I not know?” He then invited Kongming into the thatched hall. After they exchanged formal greetings, host and guest took their seats. Kongming said, “I, Zhuge Liang, received Emperor Zhaolie’s weighty charge to care for his orphaned heir. Now, in obedience to the reigning Emperor’s sacred command, I have led a great army here to subdue the tribal lands and bring them under the civilizing authority of the court. Unexpectedly, Meng Huo slipped into this cave region, and my soldiers mistakenly drank from the Mute Spring. Last night the Wave-Quelling General manifested his divine power and told me that you, worthy sir, possessed a medicinal spring that could cure them. I beg you to take pity on them and grant us this miraculous water, so that the soldiers’ remaining lives may be saved.” The hermit replied, “I am merely a useless old man of the mountains and fields. There was no need for the Prime Minister to trouble himself to come here. The spring is directly behind my hermitage.” He ordered water drawn for them to drink.

The boy led Wang Ping and the other mute soldiers to the stream, where they drew water and drank it. They immediately vomited up foul saliva and were able to speak again. The boy then led all the soldiers to bathe in the Stream of Ten Thousand Safeties. In the hermitage, the recluse served Kongming tea made from cypress seeds and a dish of pine blossoms. The recluse told him, “The tribal caves in this region contain many venomous snakes and vicious scorpions. Willow blossoms fall into the streams and springs, making their water unfit to drink. You must dig into the ground to make wells, and only then may you draw water to drink.” Kongming asked for the “allium-leaf rue,” and the recluse allowed the soldiers to gather as much as they wished. “Have every man hold one leaf in his mouth, and the miasma will naturally be unable to infect him.” Kongming bowed and asked the hermit’s name. The hermit smiled and said, “I am Meng Jie, the elder brother of Meng Huo.” Kongming was astonished. The recluse continued, “Do not be suspicious, Prime Minister. Allow me a few words of explanation. My parents had three sons. I, Meng Jie, am the eldest; Meng Huo is the second, and Meng You the third. Our parents are both dead. My two younger brothers are violent and wicked and refuse to submit to the civilizing authority of the court. I repeatedly advised them, but they would not listen. I therefore changed both my personal and family names and withdrew to live here. Now my unworthy brothers have rebelled and forced the Prime Minister to penetrate this barren wilderness and endure such hardships. For this, I, Meng Jie, deserve ten thousand deaths, and so I first beg forgiveness before the Prime Minister.” Kongming sighed and said, “Now I believe that the story of the bandit Zhi and his virtuous brother Liu Xiahui can indeed happen in our own time.” He then said to Meng Jie, “What if I petition the Emperor to establish you as king?” Meng Jie replied, “I fled here because I despise rank and fame. How could I still harbor any desire for wealth and honor?” Kongming then offered him gold and silk, but Meng Jie firmly refused to accept them. Kongming sighed repeatedly, bowed farewell, and returned. A later poet wrote:The noble recluse dwelt apart behind his closed gate;Here the Martial Marquis once subdued the southern tribes.To this day, ancient trees stand where no people dwell,And cold mists still enfold the mountains of old.

After Kongming returned to the main camp, he ordered the soldiers to dig for water. They dug more than two hundred feet without finding a single drop. They dug in more than ten places, but the result was always the same. The army grew alarmed. At midnight, Kongming burned incense and appealed to Heaven, saying, “I, your servant Zhuge Liang, though lacking in ability, rely upon the blessings of the Great Han and have received the command to pacify the southern tribes. Now, on the road, we have run short of water, and our soldiers and horses are parched with thirst. If Heaven does not intend to extinguish the Great Han, then grant us sweet springs at once! But if our allotted fortune has come to an end, I, Zhuge Liang, and all my men are willing to die here!” When his prayer was finished that night, they waited until dawn and looked into the wells. Every one of them was filled with sweet water. A later poet wrote:To pacify the tribes, he led a mighty host for the state;His righteous heart accorded with the spirits divine.When Geng Gong bowed at his well, sweet water sprang forth;At Zhuge’s devout prayer, water rose in the night.

Once Kongming’s soldiers and horses had obtained sweet water, they safely followed the narrow path straight to Bald Dragon Cave and established camp before it. Tribal scouts learned of this and reported to Meng Huo, “The Shu soldiers have not been infected by the pestilential miasma, nor are they suffering from thirst. None of the springs has had any effect.” King Duosi refused to believe it and went with Meng Huo to observe from a high mountain. They saw that the Shu soldiers were perfectly safe and well, carrying water in large tubs and small buckets, watering their horses and cooking their food. The sight made Duosi’s hair stand on end. Turning to Meng Huo, he said, “These are divine troops!” Meng Huo replied, “My brother and I will fight the Shu troops to the death. Even if we fall before their lines, how could we willingly let ourselves be bound?” Duosi said, “If the Great King is defeated, my wife and children will also be finished. We must slaughter oxen and horses, reward the cave warriors lavishly, and charge straight into the Shu camp without shrinking from flood or flame. Only then can we win.”

They therefore distributed lavish rewards among the tribal troops. Just as they were preparing to set out, a report came that Yang Feng, lord of the twenty-one caves of Silver Mine Cave to the west behind them, had arrived with thirty thousand troops to assist in the battle. Meng Huo was delighted. “Neighboring troops have come to help me. I am certain to win!” He and King Duosi immediately went out of the cave to welcome them. Yang Feng led his troops inside and said, “I have thirty thousand elite soldiers, all clad in iron armor. They can fly over mountains and cross ridges and are enough to oppose a million Shu troops. I also have five sons, all fully trained in the martial arts. I wish to assist the Great King.” Yang Feng ordered his five sons to enter and bow. All had powerful, tiger-like bodies and an imposing air. Meng Huo was overjoyed and arranged a banquet for Yang Feng and his sons. When they had drunk until they were half intoxicated, Yang Feng said, “There is little entertainment in the army. I have tribal women with me who are skilled at dancing with sabers and shields. Let them provide some amusement.” Meng Huo cheerfully agreed. A short while later, several dozen tribal women, all with loose hair and bare feet, danced and leaped into the tent from outside, while the assembled tribesmen clapped their hands and sang in accompaniment. Yang Feng ordered two of his sons to serve the wine. The two sons raised cups and approached Meng Huo and Meng You. The brothers took the cups and were just about to drink when Yang Feng gave a great shout. His two sons instantly seized Meng Huo and Meng You and dragged them from their seats. King Duosi tried to flee, but Yang Feng had already captured him. The tribal women barred the way across the tent, and no one dared come forward. Meng Huo said, “When the rabbit dies, the fox grieves; creatures mourn for their own kind. You and I are all lords of our respective caves, and there has never been any grievance between us. Why are you harming me?” Yang Feng replied, “My brothers, sons, and nephews all owe their lives to Prime Minister Zhuge’s mercy, and we have had no way to repay him. Now that you have rebelled, why should I not capture you and present you to him?”

The tribal soldiers from the various caves all returned to their own villages. Yang Feng bound Meng Huo, Meng You, King Duosi, and the others and escorted them to Kongming’s camp. Kongming ordered them admitted. Yang Feng and the others bowed below the command tent and said, “Our sons and nephews are all grateful for the Prime Minister’s kindness, and so we have captured Meng Huo, Meng You, and the others and brought them here as an offering.” Kongming rewarded them generously and ordered Meng Huo brought forward. Kongming smiled and asked, “Do you submit now?” Meng Huo replied, “This was not due to your ability. My own people from the caves turned on one another, and that is how this happened. Kill me if you wish, but I still do not submit!” Kongming said, “You lured me into a waterless region and employed the poisons of the Mute Spring, the Spring of Destruction, the Black Spring, and the Weak Spring, yet my army remains unharmed. Is that not Heaven’s will? Why do you remain so obstinate?” Meng Huo replied, “My ancestral home is in Silver Pit Mountain, protected by the barriers of three rivers and strong fortified passes. If you capture me there, then I and all my children and grandchildren will submit and serve you with all our hearts.” Kongming said, “I will release you once again. Go back, reorganize your army, and decide victory or defeat with me. If I capture you then and you still refuse to submit, I will exterminate all nine degrees of your clan.” He shouted for his attendants to remove Meng Huo’s bonds and release him. Meng Huo bowed twice and departed. Kongming also had the bonds removed from Meng You and King Duosi and gave them food and wine to calm their nerves. The two were so terrified that they did not dare look directly at him. Kongming ordered horses saddled and had them escorted back. Thus it was:To venture deep into dangerous ground is no easy thing;To unfold another wondrous plan can hardly be mere chance!What forces Meng Huo would assemble upon his return, and who would win or lose, will be revealed in the next chapter.