Chapter 91

The Han Chancellor Sacrifices at the Lu River and Withdraws; the Martial Marquis Submits a Memorial to Conquer the Central Plain

Now Zhuge Liang withdrew his army and returned home, while Meng Huo led the cave lords and chieftains, great and small, together with all the tribes, to bow in farewell and see him off. When the vanguard reached the Lu River, it was the ninth month, in autumn. Suddenly dark clouds gathered, and a violent wind sprang up. The troops could not cross, and word was sent back to Zhuge Liang. He thereupon questioned Meng Huo, who said, “A malignant spirit has long plagued this river, and all who pass must offer sacrifice to it.” Zhuge Liang asked, “What must be offered?” Meng Huo replied, “In former times, when the malignant spirit brought calamity upon the country, forty-nine human heads, together with a black ox and a white sheep, were sacrificed. Then the wind would naturally subside, the waves grow calm, and abundant harvests follow year after year.” Zhuge Liang said, “Now that I have pacified the land, how can I wantonly kill even one man?” He then went in person to inspect the bank of the Lu River. Sure enough, a chill wind was rising fiercely, the waves surged and roared, and men and horses alike were terrified.

Zhuge Liang was deeply perplexed and sought out some local people to question them. They told him, “Ever since the Prime Minister passed this way, every night the wailing of ghosts and howling of spirits has been heard beside the river. From dusk until dawn, the cries never cease. Countless dark ghosts lurk amid the miasmal vapors, and because they bring calamity, no one dares cross.” Zhuge Liang said, “The fault is mine. Earlier, Ma Dai led more than a thousand soldiers of Shu, all of whom perished in the river; moreover, many southerners were slain and their bodies cast away here. Their wild souls and resentful ghosts have found no release, and this has brought matters to such a pass. Tonight I shall go in person to offer sacrifice.” The local people said, “You must follow the ancient custom and sacrifice forty-nine human heads. Then the resentful ghosts will disperse of themselves.” Zhuge Liang replied, “These became resentful ghosts because men were killed. How could I slay living men again? I have a plan of my own.” He summoned the army cooks and ordered them to slaughter cattle and horses. Dough was kneaded and molded into the shape of human heads, with beef and mutton placed inside as a substitute. These were called mantou. That night an incense altar was set up on the bank of the Lu River, the offerings laid out, forty-nine lamps arranged, and banners raised to summon the souls. The mantou and other offerings were displayed upon the ground. At the third watch, Zhuge Liang, wearing a golden cap and a crane-feather cloak, came in person to conduct the sacrifice and ordered Dong Jue to read the sacrificial prayer. It ran:

On the first day of the ninth month, in the autumn of the third year of Jianxing under the Great Han, Zhuge Liang, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Prime Minister, reverently sets forth these sacrificial rites and presents offerings to the departed spirits of the officers and soldiers of Shu who died in the service of the sovereign, and to the souls of the southerners who perished:

Our Emperor of the Great Han surpasses the Five Hegemons in majesty and succeeds the Three Kings in enlightened virtue. Of late, men from remote regions invaded our borders, and peoples of alien customs rose in arms. They let loose their scorpion tails to breed evil and indulged their wolfish hearts to wreak disorder. I received the royal command to punish guilt in the distant wilds. A mighty host of brave warriors was raised, and the swarms of petty vermin were wholly swept away. Our heroic army gathered like clouds, and the frenzied rebels melted like ice. No sooner was heard the sound of splitting bamboo than the enemy fled like an ape bereft of its tree. Yet the soldiers in the ranks were all heroes of the Nine Provinces, and the officers and commanders were champions from within the Four Seas. Trained in arms and entered into service, they gave themselves to an enlightened ruler. All alike obeyed the repeated commands and joined in accomplishing the seven captures. Together they upheld their loyal devotion to the state and displayed their resolve to serve their sovereign faithfully. Who could have foreseen that you would, by chance, lose the advantage of war and fall prey to treacherous schemes? Some were struck by stray arrows, their souls hidden beneath the Yellow Springs; others were wounded by sword and blade, their spirits consigned to eternal night. In life you possessed courage; in death you won renown.

Now our triumphant songs herald our return, and the presentation of captives draws near. Your heroic spirits yet endure and will surely hear this prayer. Follow my banners, accompany my ranks, and return with me to the realm above. Each of you may seek out his native village, receive the steamed offerings of his own flesh and blood, and accept the sacrifices of his family. Do not remain ghosts in a foreign land or wander uselessly as souls in an alien realm. I shall memorialize the Son of Heaven, so that every one of your households may be richly touched by imperial grace, receiving yearly grants of clothing and grain and monthly provisions and stipends. By these means shall your service be repaid and your hearts consoled. As for the local gods of this region and the departed spirits of the south, your blood offerings shall be regular, and the places upon which you depend shall not be far away. The living have submitted in awe to Heaven’s majesty; the dead, too, shall return to the transforming virtue of the kingly way. May you therefore rest in peace and raise no more lamentation.

Thus do I humbly express my loyal sincerity and reverently set forth these sacrifices. Alas, how grievous! I beseech you to accept and enjoy these offerings!

When the sacrificial prayer had been read, Zhuge Liang burst into loud weeping, so bitter and heartfelt that the emotions of the whole army were stirred, and not one among them failed to shed tears. Meng Huo and all his followers also wept. Then, amid clouds of sorrow and mists of resentment, several thousand ghostly spirits could faintly be seen, all dispersing upon the wind. Zhuge Liang thereupon ordered his attendants to cast all the sacrificial offerings into the Lu River.

The next day Zhuge Liang led the entire army to the southern bank of the Lu River. They saw that the clouds had withdrawn and the mists dispersed; the wind was still, and the waves were calm. The soldiers of Shu crossed the Lu River in perfect safety, and truly it was said: “Whips strike golden stirrups with a ringing sound; men sing songs of triumph as they journey home.” Upon reaching Yongchang, Zhuge Liang left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to guard the four commanderies. He then sent Meng Huo back with his people, exhorting him to govern diligently, control his subordinates, care well for the inhabitants, and never neglect the work of agriculture. Meng Huo bowed farewell in tears and departed. Zhuge Liang himself led the great army back to Chengdu. The Latter Emperor arrayed his imperial carriage and went thirty li beyond the city walls to receive him. Descending from his carriage, he stood beside the road to await Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang hastily alighted from his own carriage, prostrated himself in the road, and said, “I failed to pacify the south swiftly and caused Your Majesty to harbor anxiety. The fault is mine.” The Latter Emperor raised Zhuge Liang to his feet, and the two returned together in the same carriage. A great banquet of peace was held, and the whole army was richly rewarded. From that time onward, more than two hundred distant regions sent tribute and came to court. Zhuge Liang memorialized the Latter Emperor and obtained approval that the families of all who had died in the sovereign’s service should receive generous relief. The people rejoiced, and peace reigned both at court and throughout the realm.

Now Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, had reigned seven years; this was the fourth year of Jianxing in Shu-Han. Cao Pi had first taken as his wife Lady Zhen, formerly the wife of Yuan Xi, the second son of Yuan Shao, whom he had acquired when Ye was captured. She later bore him a son named Rui, whose courtesy name was Yuanzhong. Cao Rui was intelligent from childhood, and Cao Pi loved him greatly. Later Cao Pi took as Noble Consort the daughter of Guo Yong of Guangzong in Anping, a woman of surpassing beauty. Her father had once said, “My daughter is truly a queen among women.” She was therefore called “the Lady King.” After Cao Pi made her Noble Consort, Lady Zhen fell from favor. Noble Consort Guo wished to contrive her own elevation as empress and conspired with Zhang Tao, a favored courtier. At that time Cao Pi fell ill, and Zhang Tao falsely claimed that a figurine of paulownia wood had been dug up in Lady Zhen’s palace, inscribed with the Emperor’s year, month, day, and hour of birth, and intended for sorcerous malediction. Cao Pi flew into a rage and ordered Lady Zhen to take her own life, after which he made Noble Consort Guo empress. Because she had no child, she adopted Cao Rui as her own son. Though she loved him dearly, he was not named heir. By the age of fifteen, Cao Rui had become highly skilled with bow and horse. In the second month of spring that year, Cao Pi took him hunting. As they rode among the mountain hollows, a doe and her fawn were driven from cover. Cao Pi shot down the mother with a single arrow, then turned and saw the fawn running before Cao Rui’s horse. Cao Pi called loudly, “Why does my son not shoot it?” Cao Rui wept upon his horse and replied, “Your Majesty has already killed its mother. How could I bear to kill its child as well?” Hearing this, Cao Pi cast his bow to the ground and exclaimed, “My son is truly a ruler of benevolence and virtue!” He thereupon created Cao Rui Prince of Pingyuan.

In the fifth month of summer, Cao Pi contracted an illness from a chill. When medical treatment failed to cure him, he summoned three men to his bedchamber: Cao Zhen, General-in-Chief of the Central Army; Chen Qun, General-in-Chief Who Pacifies the Army; and Sima Yi, General-in-Chief Who Soothes the Army. Cao Pi called Cao Rui before him, pointed to him, and said to Cao Zhen and the others, “My illness has now grown grave, and I cannot live. This child is young. You three must assist him well and must not betray my trust.” All three replied, “Why does Your Majesty speak thus? We are willing to exhaust our strength in Your Majesty’s service for a thousand autumns and ten thousand years.” Cao Pi said, “This year a gate of Xuchang collapsed without cause. It was an omen of evil, and from it I knew that I must die.” While he was still speaking, a palace attendant reported that Cao Xiu, General-in-Chief Who Subdues the East, had entered the palace to inquire after his health. Cao Pi summoned him in and said, “You are all ministers who serve as pillars of the state. If you can unite your hearts in assisting my son, I shall close my eyes in peace even after death!” When he had spoken, tears fell from his eyes, and he died. He was forty years old and had reigned for seven years. Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, Cao Xiu, and the others at once proclaimed mourning and enthroned Cao Rui as Emperor of Great Wei. Cao Rui bestowed on his father, Cao Pi, the posthumous title Emperor Wen, and on his mother, Lady Zhen, the posthumous title Empress Wenzhao. Zhong Yao was appointed Grand Tutor; Cao Zhen, General-in-Chief; Cao Xiu, Grand Marshal; Hua Xin, Grand Commandant; Wang Lang, Minister over the Masses; Chen Qun, Minister of Works; and Sima Yi, General-in-Chief of Agile Cavalry. All the other civil and military officials received appointments and honors according to their rank. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire. At that time Yong and Liang provinces lacked commanders to defend them, and Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting command over Western Liang and the surrounding regions. Cao Rui granted the request and appointed Sima Yi commander of the troops and horses in Yong, Liang, and the neighboring territories. Sima Yi received the edict and departed.

Spies soon hastened into Shu with the report. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed and said, “Cao Pi is dead, and the child Cao Rui has ascended the throne. None of the others need concern us. But Sima Yi is a man of profound strategy, and now that he commands the troops of Yong and Liang, if he is allowed to train them to readiness, he will surely become a grave danger to Shu. It would be better to raise an army and attack him first.” Ma Su, an army adviser, said, “The Prime Minister has only just returned from pacifying the south, and the troops and horses are exhausted. They should be rested and cared for. How can they be sent on another distant campaign? I have a plan by which Sima Yi may be made to die at Cao Rui’s own hand, though I do not know whether it will meet with the Prime Minister’s august approval.” Zhuge Liang asked what the plan was, and Ma Su replied, “Although Sima Yi is a great minister of Wei, Cao Rui has always regarded him with suspicion and jealousy. Why not secretly dispatch men to Luoyang, Ye Commandery, and other places to spread rumors that Sima Yi intends to rebel? We can also forge proclamations in Sima Yi’s name addressed to all under Heaven and paste them everywhere. Cao Rui will grow suspicious and will certainly put him to death.” Zhuge Liang adopted the plan and immediately sent men in secret to carry it out.

Now at the gate of Ye, one day a proclamation was suddenly found pasted upon the wall. The gatekeepers tore it down and brought it to Cao Rui. He read it, and its text ran:

Sima Yi, General-in-Chief of Agile Cavalry and commander of the troops and horses in Yong, Liang, and the surrounding regions, respectfully proclaims in good faith to all under Heaven: In former days, Emperor Wu, the Great Progenitor, founded the imperial enterprise and originally intended to establish Zijian, Prince Si of Chen, as lord of the altars of soil and grain. Unfortunately, treacherous slanders gathered thickly against him, and for long years the hidden dragon remained submerged. The imperial grandson Cao Rui has always been devoid of virtue and conduct, yet has presumptuously raised himself to the imperial dignity, betraying the Great Progenitor’s dying intent. I now answer Heaven and obey the will of the people. On the appointed day I shall raise an army, thereby fulfilling the hopes of the multitude. When this proclamation reaches you, each of you must submit to the new sovereign. Whoever refuses obedience shall have all nine degrees of his kindred exterminated! This proclamation is issued in advance so that all may know and understand.

When Cao Rui had finished reading, he turned pale with alarm and hurriedly questioned his ministers. Grand Commandant Hua Xin memorialized, “Sima Yi submitted his request to guard Yong and Liang for precisely this purpose. Formerly Emperor Wu, the Great Progenitor, once said to me, ‘Sima Yi has the gaze of an eagle and turns his head like a wolf. He must not be entrusted with military power, for in time he will surely become a great calamity to the state.’ Now the first signs of rebellion have appeared. He must be put to death at once.” Wang Lang memorialized, “Sima Yi has a profound understanding of strategy and is thoroughly versed in the dispositions of war. He has always harbored lofty ambitions. Unless he is removed early, he will surely become a source of disaster in time.” Cao Rui thereupon issued an edict, intending to raise an army and lead an imperial expedition in person. Suddenly General-in-Chief Cao Zhen stepped forth from among the ranks of officials and memorialized, “That must not be done. Emperor Wen entrusted his orphaned heir to several of us, which shows that Sima Zhongda harbored no disloyal intent. The truth or falsehood of this affair is not yet known. If troops are hastily sent against him, he will merely be driven into rebellion. It may be that agents of Shu or Wu are using a scheme of estrangement to throw sovereign and ministers into disorder, after which they will strike while we are vulnerable. That possibility cannot be ignored. I beg Your Majesty to examine the matter carefully.” Cao Rui asked, “What if Sima Yi truly is plotting rebellion?” Cao Zhen replied, “If Your Majesty remains suspicious, you may imitate Emperor Gao of Han when he pretended to make a tour of Yunmeng. Let the imperial carriage proceed to Anyi. Sima Yi will certainly come to welcome you. Observe his movements and seize him before the imperial carriage if need be.” Cao Rui followed this counsel. He ordered Cao Zhen to oversee the government in his absence, then personally led one hundred thousand imperial guards directly to Anyi.

Sima Yi knew nothing of the reason for the Emperor’s coming. Wishing the Son of Heaven to behold the imposing might of his command, he arrayed his troops and horses and came to welcome him at the head of several tens of thousands of armored soldiers. A close attendant reported, “Sima Yi has indeed brought more than a hundred thousand troops to resist Your Majesty. He truly intends rebellion!” In alarm, Cao Rui ordered Cao Xiu to lead troops forward and meet him. When Sima Yi saw the approaching army, he supposed only that the imperial carriage had arrived in person, and he prostrated himself in the road to welcome it. Cao Xiu came forth and said, “Zhongda, the late Emperor entrusted you with the grave charge of safeguarding his orphaned heir. Why have you rebelled?” Sima Yi turned pale with astonishment, and sweat poured over his whole body. He asked the reason, and Cao Xiu related all that had happened. Sima Yi said, “This is a scheme of estrangement devised by agents of Wu and Shu. They wish to make sovereign and ministers destroy one another so that they may attack while we are vulnerable. I must see the Son of Heaven myself and explain.” He hurriedly withdrew his troops, went before Cao Rui’s carriage, prostrated himself, and tearfully memorialized, “I received from the late Emperor the grave charge of safeguarding his orphaned heir. How could I dare harbor a disloyal heart? This must be a treacherous scheme of Wu and Shu. I beg leave to command a single force, first to destroy Shu and afterward to attack Wu. Thus shall I requite the late Emperor and Your Majesty and make plain the loyalty of my heart.” Cao Rui remained torn by doubt. Hua Xin memorialized, “He must not be entrusted with military power. Strip him of office at once and send him back to his native fields.” Cao Rui followed this counsel, dismissed Sima Yi from office, and sent him home. He then ordered Cao Xiu to assume supreme command of the troops and horses of Yong and Liang. Cao Rui returned in his imperial carriage to Luoyang.

Now the spies learned of this affair and carried the report into Shu. When Zhuge Liang heard it, he rejoiced greatly and said, “I have long wished to attack Wei, but Sima Yi commanded the troops of Yong and Liang. Now that he has fallen into our snare and been dismissed, what have I to fear?” The next day, when the Latter Emperor held his morning court and assembled all the officials, Zhuge Liang stepped from the ranks and presented a memorial entitled “Memorial on Dispatching the Army.” It read:

Your servant Liang submits: Before the late Emperor had accomplished even half his great enterprise, he died midway upon the road. Today the realm is divided into three, and Yi Province is exhausted and distressed. This is truly a critical hour upon which survival or ruin depends. Yet the ministers of the guard within the palace remain unflagging in their duties, while loyal and resolute officers beyond it forget their own lives. This is because they remember the extraordinary favor shown them by the late Emperor and desire to repay it to Your Majesty. Your Majesty should truly open wide your sagacious hearing, thereby glorifying the virtue bequeathed by the late Emperor and enlarging the spirit of men of high purpose. You must not lightly disparage yourself, nor employ improper analogies, thereby blocking the road of loyal remonstrance. The palace and the ministerial offices form a single body; promotions and punishments, praise and censure, should not be applied by differing standards. If any commit treachery or violate the law, or if any perform loyal and virtuous deeds, they should be handed over to the proper authorities, who shall determine their punishments or rewards. In this way Your Majesty’s impartial and enlightened government will be made manifest. There must be no favoritism that causes one law to prevail within the palace and another beyond it.

The Palace Attendants and Gentlemen of the Palace, Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and the others, are all good and upright men whose purposes and judgments are loyal and pure. For this reason the late Emperor selected and promoted them to bequeath their service to Your Majesty. In my humble judgment, all palace affairs, great or small, should be referred to them before being put into effect. This will assuredly remedy deficiencies and omissions and bring broad benefit. General Xiang Chong is good and impartial in character and conduct and thoroughly understands military affairs. When he was tested in service in former days, the late Emperor praised him as capable. For this reason all agreed in recommending Xiang Chong as commander. In my humble judgment, all matters within the army camps, great or small, should be referred to him. He will surely bring harmony to the ranks and assign both the able and the less able to their proper places.

To draw near worthy ministers and keep petty men at a distance—this was the reason the Former Han flourished. To draw near petty men and keep worthy ministers at a distance—this was the reason the Later Han declined and fell. While the late Emperor lived, whenever he discussed this matter with me, he never failed to sigh and grieve bitterly over Emperors Huan and Ling. The Palace Attendant, the Masters of Writing, the Chief Clerk, and the Army Adviser are all steadfast and enlightened ministers who would die for their principles. I pray that Your Majesty will draw them near and place trust in them. Then the prosperity of the House of Han may be awaited within a calculable number of days.

I was originally a commoner, tilling my own fields in Nanyang, seeking merely to preserve my life in an age of disorder and not pursuing fame or advancement among the feudal lords. The late Emperor did not disdain me for my low and humble station, but deigned to lower himself and visit me three times in my thatched cottage, consulting me on the affairs of the age. Moved by his regard, I promised to place myself at his service. Later, when disaster overtook us, I received appointment at the hour of defeat and accepted command amid danger and distress. Twenty-one years have passed since then. The late Emperor knew me to be cautious and conscientious, and therefore, when the crisis came, entrusted me with affairs of the greatest consequence.

Since receiving that command, I have worried and labored night and day, fearing that I might fail in the trust committed to me and thereby mar the late Emperor’s enlightened judgment. Thus, in the fifth month, I crossed the Lu River and penetrated deep into barren lands. Now the south has been pacified, and our armor and weapons are fully prepared. It is fitting that I encourage and lead the three armies northward to pacify the Central Plain. I hope to exhaust my poor and limited abilities, cast out the treacherous evildoers, restore the House of Han, and return it to the former capital. This is the duty by which I repay the late Emperor and prove my loyalty to Your Majesty. As for weighing advantages and disadvantages and advancing loyal counsel without reserve, that is the responsibility of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun. I pray that Your Majesty will entrust me with the task of destroying the rebels and restoring the dynasty. If I fail, then punish my offense and report it to the spirit of the late Emperor. If no counsel for restoration is offered, then hold Youzhi, Yi, Yun, and the others responsible, thereby making their negligence manifest. Your Majesty should also take counsel with yourself, inquire broadly into the best course, examine and accept upright advice, and deeply cherish the late Emperor’s dying injunctions. I am overwhelmed by the favor I have received and by my gratitude. Now, as I am about to depart far away, I weep over this memorial and know not what I say.

After reading the memorial, the Latter Emperor said, “Father Prime Minister, on your southern campaign you crossed distant lands and endured great hardships. You have only just returned to the capital and have scarcely had time to warm your seat, yet now you wish to campaign in the north. I fear the strain upon your mind and spirit.” Zhuge Liang replied, “I received from the late Emperor the grave charge of safeguarding his orphaned heir, and neither by night nor by day have I ever dared grow lax. Now that the south has been pacified, there is no longer any need to fear trouble behind us. If we do not seize this moment to destroy the rebels and recover the Central Plain, for what day shall we wait?” Suddenly Qiao Zhou, Grand Astrologer, stepped from the ranks and memorialized, “Last night I observed the signs of Heaven. The vital force in the north is at its height, and the stars there shine with redoubled brilliance. No design should yet be made against it.” Then, turning to Zhuge Liang, he said, “The Prime Minister is profoundly versed in the patterns of Heaven. Why force the matter?” Zhuge Liang replied, “The Way of Heaven changes and shifts and is never constant. How can one cling rigidly to such signs? For the present, I shall station the troops in Hanzhong and observe the enemy’s movements before acting.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated bitterly, but Zhuge Liang would not heed him. Zhuge Liang then left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, Fei Yi, and the others as Palace Attendants, with general charge of affairs within the palace. He also left Xiang Chong as senior general in supreme command of the imperial guards; Chen Zhen as Palace Attendant; Jiang Wan as Army Adviser; Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk, in charge of the affairs of the Prime Minister’s Office; Du Qiong as Grand Master of Remonstrance; Du Wei and Yang Hong as Masters of Writing; Meng Guang and Lai Min as Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan as Erudites; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi as Imperial Secretaries; and Qiao Zhou as Grand Astrologer. More than a hundred civil and military officials, both within the court and beyond it, were appointed to govern the affairs of Shu together.

Having received the imperial command, Zhuge Liang returned to his residence and summoned the generals to hear their orders: Commander of the Forward Division—Wei Yan, General Who Guards the North, Marshal to the Prime Minister, Inspector of Liang Province, and Marquis of Duting; Commander of the Vanguard—Zhang Yi, concurrently Administrator of Fufeng; General of the Gate—Wang Ping, Assistant General; Commissioner Commanding the Rear Army—Li Hui, General Who Pacifies Han and concurrently Administrator of Jianning; his deputy—Lü Yi, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands and concurrently Administrator of Hanzhong; Commissioner Commanding the Left Army and concurrently supervising grain transport—Ma Dai, General Who Pacifies the North and Marquis of Chencang; his deputy—Liao Hua, General of the Flying Guard; Commissioner Commanding the Right Army—Ma Zhong, General Who Displays Might and Marquis of Boyangting; Zhang Ni, General Who Pacifies the Rong and Marquis Within the Passes; Acting Strategist of the Central Army—Liu Yan, General-in-Chief of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Duxiang; Central Army Inspector—Deng Zhi, General Who Exalts Martial Power; Central Army Adviser—Ma Su, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands; Yuan Lin, General of the Vanguard and Marquis of Duting; Wu Yi, General of the Left and Marquis of Gaoyang; Gao Xiang, General of the Right and Marquis of Xuandu; Wu Ban, General of the Rear and Marquis of Anle; Chief Clerk—Yang Yi, General Who Pacifies the Army; Liu Ba, General of the Vanguard and General Who Conquers the South; Commander of the Forward Guard—Xu Yun, General of the Flank and Marquis of Hanchengting; Commander of the Left Guard—Ding Xian, Household General of Earnest Faith; Commander of the Right Guard—Liu Zhi, General of the Flank; Commander of the Rear Guard—Guan Yong, Household General Who Regulates the Army; Acting Army Adviser—Hu Ji, Household General Who Manifests Martial Power; Acting Army Adviser—Yan Yan, General of Remonstrance; Acting Army Adviser—Cuan Xi, General of the Flank; Acting Army Advisers—Du Yi, Assistant General; Du Qi, Household General of Martial Strategy; and Sheng Bo, Commandant Who Pacifies the Rong; Aide—Fan Qi, Household General of Martial Strategy; Army Registrar—Fan Jian; Secretary to the Prime Minister—Dong Jue; Commander of the Left Guard Before the Command Tent—Guan Xing, General Who Soars Like a Dragon; Commander of the Right Guard—Zhang Bao, General of the Tiger’s Wing. All the foregoing officials were to accompany Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief Who Pacifies the North, Prime Minister, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Overseer of Affairs Within and Without the Court.

When all assignments had been settled, orders were also sent to Li Yan and the others to guard the approaches to Sichuan against Eastern Wu. The bingyin day of the third month in the spring of the fifth year of Jianxing was chosen for the army to march against Wei. Suddenly an aged general beneath the command tent stepped forward and cried in a stern voice, “Though I am advanced in years, I still possess the courage of Lian Po and the valor of Ma Yuan. Neither of those men of old would submit to age. Why, then, am I not employed?” All looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. Zhuge Liang said, “Since I returned to the capital after pacifying the south, Ma Mengqi has died of illness. I grieved deeply, feeling as though I had lost an arm. Now, General, you are advanced in years. Should the slightest mishap befall you, the heroic fame of a lifetime would be shaken, and the martial spirit of Shu diminished.” Zhao Yun cried sternly, “Since first I followed the late Emperor, I have never retreated in battle, and whenever I encountered the enemy, I was foremost. For a true man to die upon the frontier is a blessing. What regret could I have? I beg to serve as vanguard!” Zhuge Liang repeatedly urged him to reconsider, but could not dissuade him. Zhao Yun said, “If you will not let me serve as vanguard, I shall dash out my brains upon the steps!” Zhuge Liang replied, “Since the general insists upon serving as vanguard, another man must accompany you.” Before he had finished speaking, one man answered, “Though I possess little ability, I am willing to assist the old general, lead a force ahead, and go forth to destroy the enemy.” Zhuge Liang looked and saw that it was Deng Zhi. Greatly pleased, he immediately assigned five thousand picked troops and ten deputy generals to Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi, and they departed. When Zhuge Liang set out with the army, the Latter Emperor led all the officials ten li beyond the northern gate to see him off. Zhuge Liang took leave of the Latter Emperor, then advanced in stately progress toward Hanzhong at the head of the army, with banners covering the countryside and spears and halberds rising like a forest.

Now the frontier authorities learned of these events and sent a report to Luoyang. That day Cao Rui held court, and a close attendant memorialized, “The frontier officials report that Zhuge Liang has led an army of more than three hundred thousand men and encamped at Hanzhong. He has appointed Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi commanders of the vanguard and ordered them to lead troops across our border.” Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his ministers, “Who can serve as commander and drive back the army of Shu?” Suddenly one man stepped forth and replied, “My father died at Hanzhong, and I have never yet avenged that bitter, gnashing hatred. Now the troops of Shu have violated our borders. I am willing to lead the fierce generals of my own command, and I further beg Your Majesty to grant me the troops west of the passes, so that I may go forth and destroy Shu. Above, I shall render service to the state; below, I shall avenge my father. Though I die ten thousand deaths, I shall have no regret!” All looked and saw that it was Xiahou Mao, son of Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Mao’s courtesy name was Zixiu. By nature he was exceedingly impetuous and exceedingly miserly. In childhood he had been adopted as the son of Xiahou Dun. Later, after Xiahou Yuan was slain by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao took pity on Xiahou Mao and gave him the Princess of Qinghe in marriage, making him an imperial son-in-law. For this reason he was honored and respected at court. Though he held military authority, he had never fought in battle. Now that he volunteered for the campaign, Cao Rui immediately appointed him Commander-in-Chief and ordered him to muster the armies from all the western regions to meet the enemy. Minister over the Masses Wang Lang remonstrated, “This must not be done. The imperial son-in-law Xiahou has never experienced battle. It is not fitting to entrust him now with so great a responsibility. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is rich in wisdom and strategy and profoundly versed in the art of war. He must not be taken lightly.” Xiahou Mao rebuked him, saying, “Can it be that the Minister over the Masses is in league with Zhuge Liang and wishes to act as his agent within our court? From childhood I studied strategy under my father and have mastered the art of war. Why do you despise me for my youth? If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear never to return and face the Son of Heaven!” Wang Lang and the others no longer dared speak. Xiahou Mao took leave of the ruler of Wei, traveled day and night to Chang’an, and mobilized more than two hundred thousand troops from all the western regions to confront Zhuge Liang. Truly:

He sought to grasp the white yak-tail standard and command the warriors,But gave authority over armies to a yellow-beaked youth.

How the contest ended will be told in the next chapter.

The Han Chancellor Sacrifices at the Lu River and Withdraws; the Martial Marquis Submits a Memorial to Conquer the Central Plain

Now Zhuge Liang withdrew his army and returned home, while Meng Huo led the chiefs and chieftains of all the caves, great and small, together with the various tribes, in bowing to see him off. When the vanguard reached the Lu River, it was autumn, in the ninth month. Suddenly dark clouds gathered, and violent winds sprang up, so that the troops could not cross. This was reported to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang then asked Meng Huo about it, and Meng Huo said, “A violent spirit has always plagued this river. Those who travel across it must offer a sacrifice.” Zhuge Liang asked, “What must be offered?” Meng Huo said, “In former times, when the violent spirit brought calamity upon the country, forty-nine human heads, together with a black ox and a white sheep, were sacrificed to it. Then the winds would naturally subside and the waves grow calm, and there would also be abundant harvests year after year.” Zhuge Liang said, “Now that I have pacified the land, how can I wantonly kill even one person?” He then went in person to inspect the bank of the Lu River. Sure enough, a sinister wind rose fiercely, the waves surged violently, and both men and horses were terrified.

Zhuge Liang was deeply puzzled and immediately sought out local people to question them. They told him, “Ever since the Chancellor passed through here, every night we have heard ghosts weeping and spirits wailing beside the river. From dusk until dawn, the crying never stops. Countless ghosts lurk within the miasmal vapors. That is why they cause trouble, and no one dares cross.” Zhuge Liang said, “This is my fault. Earlier, Ma Dai led more than a thousand Shu soldiers here, and they all died in the river. In addition, the southerners who were killed were all abandoned here. Their raging souls and resentful ghosts have found no release, and that has brought this about. Tonight I shall go in person to offer sacrifice.” The local people said, “You must follow the old custom and kill forty-nine people, offering their heads in sacrifice. Then the resentful ghosts will disperse of themselves.” Zhuge Liang said, “These became resentful ghosts because people were killed. How could I kill living people again?” I have a plan of my own.” He summoned the army cooks and ordered them to slaughter cattle and horses. Dough was kneaded into portions and shaped like human heads, then filled with meat from cattle and sheep. These were called “mantou.” That night, an incense altar was set up on the bank of the Lu River, the offerings were laid out, forty-nine lamps were arranged, and banners were raised to summon the souls. The mantou and other offerings were displayed on the ground. At the third watch, Zhuge Liang, wearing a golden cap and a crane-feather robe, personally presided over the sacrifice and ordered Dong Jue to read the sacrificial address. It read:

On the first day of the ninth month, in the autumn of the third year of Jianxing of the Great Han, Zhuge Liang, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Chancellor, respectfully presents these sacrificial rites and makes offerings to the departed spirits of the officers and soldiers of Shu who died in the service of the state, and to the southerners who perished:

Our Emperor of the Great Han surpasses the Five Hegemons in majesty and carries on the enlightened rule of the Three Kings. Recently, men from distant lands invaded our borders, and people of alien customs raised troops against us. They loosed the venom of scorpions’ tails to spread evil and indulged their wolfish hearts in rebellion. By royal command, I went to punish the guilty in those remote wilds. I raised a mighty host and swept away the ants. Our heroic army gathered like clouds, and the frenzied enemy melted like ice. No sooner was heard the sound of splitting bamboo than they scattered like apes deprived of their trees. Yet all our soldiers were heroes from the Nine Provinces, and all our officials and commanders were champions from throughout the realm. Trained in arms and serving in the ranks, they devoted themselves to an enlightened ruler. Without exception, they helped enforce the repeated commands and together accomplished the seven captures. All stood firm in their sincerity toward the state and displayed their resolve to be loyal to their sovereign. Who could have expected that you would happen to lose the advantage in battle and fall victim to treacherous schemes? Some were struck by stray arrows, and their souls were buried beneath the Yellow Springs; others were wounded by swords and blades, and their spirits returned to the eternal night. In life you were brave; in death you won renown.

Now our songs of victory herald our return, and we are about to present the captives at court. Your heroic spirits still remain, and you will surely hear this prayer. Follow my banners, accompany my ranks, and return with us to the imperial realm. Each of you may then recognize his native village, receive the cooked offerings of his kin, and accept the sacrifices of his family. Do not remain ghosts in a foreign land or wander uselessly as spirits in an alien region. I shall report your deeds to the Son of Heaven, so that every one of your families may be fully touched by imperial grace, receiving yearly grants of clothing and grain and monthly provisions and stipends. In this way, I shall repay you and bring comfort to your hearts. As for the local gods of this region and the dead spirits of the south, your blood offerings are fixed by custom, and the places upon which you rely are not far away. The living have submitted in awe to Heaven’s majesty, and the dead must also return to the King’s transforming rule. You should now be peaceful and content and cause no more wailing or lamentation.

I offer this modest expression of my sincere heart and respectfully present these sacrifices. Alas, how sorrowful! I humbly pray that you will accept and enjoy them!

When the sacrificial address had been read, Zhuge Liang began to weep aloud, with the deepest grief. His emotion moved the entire army, and there was no one who did not shed tears. Meng Huo and all the others also wept. Then, amid the sorrowful clouds and resentful mists, thousands of ghostly spirits could faintly be seen, all dispersing with the wind. Zhuge Liang then ordered his attendants to cast all the sacrificial offerings into the Lu River.

The next day, Zhuge Liang led the entire army to the southern bank of the Lu River. They saw that the clouds had withdrawn, the mists had dispersed, the wind was still, and the waves were calm. All the Shu troops crossed the Lu River safely. Truly, “Whips struck golden stirrups with a ringing sound, and the men sang victory songs as they returned.” When they reached Yongchang, Zhuge Liang left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to guard the four commanderies. He sent Meng Huo back to lead his people, instructing him to govern diligently, manage his subordinates, treat the inhabitants well, and never neglect the work of farming. Meng Huo took his tearful leave, bowing before he departed. Zhuge Liang personally led the main army back to Chengdu. The Later Emperor had the imperial carriage prepared and came thirty li outside the city to welcome him. He descended from his carriage and stood beside the road to await Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang hurriedly got down from his carriage, prostrated himself on the road, and said, “I was unable to pacify the south quickly and caused Your Majesty anxiety. This is my fault.” The Later Emperor helped Zhuge Liang to his feet, and they returned together in the same carriage. A great banquet of peace was held, and the entire army was richly rewarded. From that time on, more than two hundred distant states sent tribute and attended court. Zhuge Liang obtained the Later Emperor’s approval to provide generous relief, one by one, to the families of all who had died in the service of the state. The people rejoiced, and peace prevailed both at court and throughout the country.

Now Cao Pi, ruler of Wei, had been on the throne for seven years, which was the fourth year of Jianxing in Shu-Han. Cao Pi had first taken as his wife Lady Zhen, the wife of Yuan Xi, Yuan Shao’s second son, whom he had obtained when Ye was conquered. She later gave birth to a son named Rui, whose courtesy name was Yuanzhong. He had been intelligent from childhood, and Cao Pi loved him dearly. Later, Cao Pi also took as Noble Consort the daughter of Guo Yong of Guangzong in Anping. She was exceedingly beautiful. Her father had once said, “My daughter is a queen among women.” She was therefore known as the “Queen.” After Cao Pi made her his Noble Consort, Lady Zhen lost his favor. Noble Consort Guo wished to scheme her way into becoming Empress, so she conspired with the favored minister Zhang Tao. At that time, Cao Pi fell ill. Zhang Tao falsely claimed that a wooden figure made of paulownia had been dug up in Lady Zhen’s palace, inscribed with the date and time of the Emperor’s birth and intended for use in a curse. Cao Pi flew into a rage and ordered Lady Zhen to take her own life, then installed Noble Consort Guo as Empress. Because she had no children, she adopted Cao Rui as her own son. Although Cao Pi loved Cao Rui dearly, he did not name him heir. By the age of fifteen, Cao Rui had become highly skilled with bow and horse. In the second month of spring that year, Cao Pi took Cao Rui hunting. As they passed through a mountain hollow, they flushed out a doe and her fawn. Cao Pi shot the mother dead with a single arrow, then turned and saw the fawn running before Cao Rui’s horse. Cao Pi shouted, “My son, why don’t you shoot it?” Cao Rui wept on horseback and replied, “Your Majesty has already killed its mother. How could I bear to kill her child as well?” When Cao Pi heard this, he threw his bow to the ground and said, “My son will truly be a benevolent and virtuous ruler!” He then enfeoffed Cao Rui as Prince of Pingyuan.

In the fifth month of summer, Cao Pi caught a chill. Medical treatment failed to cure him, so he summoned three men to his bedchamber: Cao Zhen, General-in-Chief of the Central Army; Chen Qun, General-in-Chief Who Guards the Army; and Sima Yi, General-in-Chief Who Pacifies the Army. Cao Pi called Cao Rui to him, pointed to him, and said to Cao Zhen and the others, “My illness is now grave, and I cannot recover. This boy is young. You three must assist him well and not betray my trust.” The three men all said, “Why does Your Majesty say such a thing? We are willing to devote all our strength to serving Your Majesty for ten thousand years.” Cao Pi said, “This year, a city gate of Xuchang collapsed for no reason. It is an ominous sign, and so I know that I am certain to die.” While he was still speaking, a palace attendant reported that Cao Xiu, General-in-Chief Who Conquers the East, had entered the palace to ask after his health. Cao Pi summoned him in and said, “All of you are pillar-stones of the state. If you can unite in supporting my son, I shall be able to close my eyes in peace even after death!” When he had finished speaking, tears fell from his eyes, and he died. He was forty years old and had reigned for seven years. Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, Cao Xiu, and the others proclaimed mourning while enthroning Cao Rui as Emperor of Great Wei. Cao Pi was given the posthumous title Emperor Wen, and Cao Rui’s mother, Lady Zhen, was given the posthumous title Empress Wenzhao. Zhong Yao was appointed Grand Tutor; Cao Zhen, General-in-Chief; Cao Xiu, Grand Marshal; Hua Xin, Grand Commandant; Wang Lang, Minister of the Masses; Chen Qun, Minister of Works; and Sima Yi, General-in-Chief of Agile Cavalry. All the other civil and military officials were granted ranks and rewards accordingly. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire. At that time, Yong and Liang provinces lacked anyone to guard them, so Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting command of Western Liang and the surrounding regions. Cao Rui granted his request and appointed Sima Yi commander of the troops of Yong, Liang, and the surrounding areas. Sima Yi received the edict and departed.

Spies quickly carried the news into Shu. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed and said, “Cao Pi is dead, and the boy Cao Rui has taken the throne. None of the others is worth worrying about. But Sima Yi is deeply resourceful, and now he commands the troops of Yong and Liang. If he is allowed to train them fully, he will certainly become a great danger to Shu. It would be better to raise an army against him first.” Staff Officer Ma Su said, “The Chancellor has only just returned from pacifying the south, and our soldiers and horses are exhausted. They should be allowed to rest and recover. How can we undertake another distant campaign? I have a plan that will make Sima Yi die at Cao Rui’s own hand, but I do not know whether it will meet with the Chancellor’s distinguished approval.” Zhuge Liang asked what the plan was, and Ma Su said, “Though Sima Yi is a high minister of Wei, Cao Rui has always harbored suspicion and jealousy toward him. Why not secretly send men to Luoyang, Ye Commandery, and other places to spread rumors that Sima Yi intends to rebel? We can also forge proclamations in Sima Yi’s name and post them everywhere. Cao Rui will become suspicious and will certainly kill him.” Zhuge Liang followed his advice and immediately sent men in secret to carry out the plan.

Now one day, a proclamation was suddenly found posted on the gate of Ye. The gate guards tore it down and brought it to Cao Rui. Cao Rui examined it. It read:

Sima Yi, General-in-Chief of Agile Cavalry and commander of all military affairs in Yong, Liang, and the surrounding regions, respectfully proclaims this to the empire in good faith: In former times, Emperor Wu, the Great Ancestor, founded this imperial enterprise. He originally intended to establish Zijian, Prince Si of Chen, as lord of the altars of soil and grain. Unfortunately, treacherous slanderers gathered around him, and the hidden dragon remained submerged for many years. The imperial grandson Cao Rui has always been devoid of virtue and conduct, yet has presumptuously placed himself in the seat of honor, betraying the Great Ancestor’s dying intention. I now answer Heaven and obey the wishes of the people. On the appointed day, I shall raise an army and fulfill the hopes of the people. When this proclamation arrives, all should submit to the new sovereign. Those who refuse obedience shall have their nine clans exterminated! This notice is issued in advance so that all may know and understand.

When Cao Rui finished reading, his face changed in terror, and he urgently questioned his ministers. Grand Commandant Hua Xin memorialized, “Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting command of Yong and Liang for this very purpose. Emperor Wu, the Great Ancestor, once told me, ‘Sima Yi has the gaze of an eagle and looks behind him like a wolf. He must not be entrusted with military power. In time, he will certainly become a great calamity to the state.’ Today the seeds of rebellion have already sprouted. He should be executed at once.” Wang Lang memorialized, “Sima Yi thoroughly understands strategy, is well versed in the principles of warfare, and has always harbored great ambitions. If he is not removed early, he will certainly cause disaster in time.” Cao Rui then issued an order to raise troops and personally lead an imperial expedition against him. Suddenly, General-in-Chief Cao Zhen stepped out from the ranks and memorialized, “You must not. Emperor Wen entrusted the young sovereign to several of us because he knew that Sima Zhongda had no disloyal intentions. We do not yet know whether this matter is true or false. If troops are rashly sent against him, that will only force him into rebellion. It may be that spies from Shu or Wu are using a scheme of estrangement to make sovereign and ministers turn against one another, after which they will exploit our weakness and attack. We cannot yet know. I beg Your Majesty to examine the matter carefully.” Cao Rui said, “If Sima Yi truly intends to rebel, what then?” Cao Zhen said, “If Your Majesty has doubts, you can imitate Emperor Gao of Han, who pretended to make an imperial tour of Yunmeng. Let Your Majesty travel to Anyi. Sima Yi will certainly come to welcome you. Observe his movements, and then seize him before the imperial carriage. That will do.” Cao Rui followed his advice. He ordered Cao Zhen to supervise the state in his absence, personally led a hundred thousand Imperial Forest troops, and went straight to Anyi.

Sima Yi did not know the reason for the Emperor’s visit. Wishing to let the Son of Heaven see the majesty of his forces, he marshaled his troops and led tens of thousands of armored soldiers to welcome him. A close attendant reported, “Sima Yi has indeed brought more than a hundred thousand troops to oppose Your Majesty. He truly intends rebellion!” In alarm, Cao Rui ordered Cao Xiu to lead troops ahead to confront him. When Sima Yi saw the soldiers and horses approaching, he assumed that the imperial carriage itself had arrived and prostrated himself by the road in welcome. Cao Xiu came forward and said, “Zhongda, you received the late Emperor’s grave charge to assist the young sovereign. Why have you rebelled?” Sima Yi was horrified. His face lost its color, and sweat poured over his entire body. He asked what had happened, and Cao Xiu told him everything that had occurred. Sima Yi said, “This is a scheme of estrangement by spies from Wu and Shu. They intend to make sovereign and ministers destroy one another, so that they can exploit the weakness and attack. I must see the Son of Heaven in person and explain.” He immediately withdrew his troops, went before Cao Rui’s carriage, prostrated himself, and tearfully memorialized, “I received the late Emperor’s grave charge to assist the young sovereign. How would I dare harbor disloyal intentions? This must be a treacherous scheme of Wu and Shu. I ask to lead a single army, first to defeat Shu and then to attack Wu, repaying the late Emperor and Your Majesty and proving my loyalty.” Cao Rui remained uncertain. Hua Xin memorialized, “He must not be entrusted with military power. He should be dismissed at once and sent back to his fields and village.” Cao Rui followed his advice, stripped Sima Yi of office, and sent him home. He ordered Cao Xiu to take overall command of the troops of Yong and Liang. Cao Rui then returned to Luoyang.

Now spies learned of this and reported it in Shu. When Zhuge Liang heard the news, he was delighted and said, “I have long wished to attack Wei, but Sima Yi commanded the troops of Yong and Liang. Now that he has fallen into our trap and been demoted, what have I to fear?” The next day, the Later Emperor held morning court and assembled all his officials. Zhuge Liang stepped from the ranks and submitted a Memorial on Dispatching the Army. It read:

I, Liang, respectfully state: Before the late Emperor had completed even half of his great enterprise, he passed away midway. Now the empire is divided into three, and Yi Province is exhausted and weakened. This is truly a critical moment upon which our survival or destruction depends. Yet the ministers of the palace guard remain diligent within, while loyal and resolute officers forget their own lives abroad. This is because they remember the late Emperor’s exceptional treatment and wish to repay it to Your Majesty. Your Majesty should truly open wide your enlightened hearing, to glorify the late Emperor’s remaining virtue and enlarge the spirit of men of high purpose. You should not belittle yourself without cause or use improper analogies that block the path of loyal remonstrance. The imperial palace and the Chancellor’s offices are one body. Promotions and punishments, praise and censure, should not be handled by different standards. If there are those who commit crimes and violate the law, or those who perform loyal and virtuous deeds, they should be handed over to the proper officials, who will determine their punishments or rewards. In this way, Your Majesty’s just and enlightened rule will be made manifest. There should be no favoritism that causes different laws to apply within and outside the palace.

The Palace Attendants and Palace Gentlemen Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and the others are all good and trustworthy men, loyal and pure in purpose and judgment. For that reason, the late Emperor selected and promoted them and left them to Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, all palace affairs, great or small, should be discussed with them before they are carried out. This will certainly remedy omissions and defects and bring broad benefit. General Xiang Chong is gentle and fair in character and conduct and has a thorough understanding of military affairs. When he was tested in the past, the late Emperor praised him as capable. For that reason, everyone recommended that Xiang Chong be appointed commander. In my humble opinion, all affairs of the army camp, great or small, should be discussed with him. He will certainly bring harmony to the ranks and place both the capable and the less capable where they belong.

To draw close to worthy ministers and keep petty men at a distance was the reason the Former Han flourished. To draw close to petty men and keep worthy ministers at a distance was the reason the Later Han declined. When the late Emperor was alive and discussed this matter with me, he never failed to sigh with grief and indignation over Emperors Huan and Ling. The Palace Attendants, Masters of Writing, Chief Clerks, and Staff Officers are all steadfast and loyal ministers who would die for their principles. I hope Your Majesty will draw close to them and trust them. Then the revival of the House of Han may be expected within a measurable number of days.

I was originally a commoner, personally tilling the soil in Nanyang, seeking only to preserve my life in chaotic times and not seeking fame or advancement among the feudal lords. The late Emperor did not despise me for my lowly and obscure position, but condescended to humble himself and visited me three times in my thatched cottage to consult me about the affairs of the age. I was moved by his regard and agreed to devote myself to his service. Later, when disaster struck, I accepted my appointment at the moment of defeat and received my orders amid danger and distress. Twenty-one years have passed since then. The late Emperor knew that I was cautious, and therefore, when facing death, he entrusted me with affairs of the greatest importance.

Since receiving that command, I have worried day and night, fearing that I might fail in the trust placed in me and thereby impair the late Emperor’s enlightened judgment. Therefore, in the fifth month, I crossed the Lu River and penetrated deeply into barren lands. Now that the south has been pacified and our armor and weapons are sufficient, I should encourage and lead the three armies north to pacify the Central Plain. I hope to exhaust my poor and limited abilities in driving out the wicked traitors, restoring the House of Han, and returning to the former capital. This is my duty in repaying the late Emperor and proving loyal to Your Majesty. As for weighing advantages and disadvantages and presenting loyal advice without reservation, those are the responsibilities of Youzhi, Yi, and Yun. I hope Your Majesty will entrust me with the task of destroying the rebels and restoring the dynasty. If I fail, punish me for my crime and report it to the spirit of the late Emperor. If no counsel is offered for the restoration, then hold Youzhi, Yi, Yun, and the others accountable, so that their negligence may be exposed. Your Majesty should also deliberate for yourself, inquire about the right course, examine and accept sound advice, and deeply honor the late Emperor’s final instructions. I am overwhelmed by the gratitude I feel for the favor I have received! Now, as I am about to depart on a distant journey, tears fall as I write this memorial, and I do not know what I am saying.

After reading the memorial, the Later Emperor said, “My Chancellor-Father endured hardship on a distant journey during the southern campaign. You have only just returned to the capital and have not yet sat securely upon your mat, yet now you wish to campaign in the north. I fear it will overtax your mind and spirit.” Zhuge Liang said, “I received the late Emperor’s grave charge to assist his orphaned heir, and I have never been negligent by day or night. Now that the south has been pacified, we need have no fears behind us. If we do not seize this moment to punish the rebels and recover the Central Plain, for what day should we wait?” Suddenly, Grand Astrologer Qiao Zhou stepped from the ranks and memorialized, “Last night I observed the signs in the heavens. The ascendant force in the north is now flourishing, and its stars shine with doubled brilliance. It cannot yet be attacked.” He then turned to Zhuge Liang and said, “The Chancellor thoroughly understands astronomy. Why do you insist on forcing the matter?” Zhuge Liang said, “The Way of Heaven changes and is never constant. How can we cling rigidly to one interpretation? For now, I shall station the army at Hanzhong, observe the enemy’s movements, and then act.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated bitterly, but Zhuge Liang would not listen. Zhuge Liang therefore left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, Fei Yi, and the others as Palace Attendants, with overall charge of affairs within the palace. He also left Xiang Chong as senior general, with overall command of the Imperial Forest troops; Chen Zhen as Palace Attendant; Jiang Wan as Staff Officer; Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk, in charge of the affairs of the Chancellor’s office; Du Qiong as Grand Master of Remonstrance; Du Wei and Yang Hong as Masters of Writing; Meng Guang and Lai Min as Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan as Erudites; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi as Secretaries; and Qiao Zhou as Grand Astrologer. More than a hundred civil and military officials, both within and outside the palace, were jointly to manage the affairs of Shu.

Zhuge Liang received the edict and returned to his residence, where he summoned the generals to hear their orders: Commander of the Forward Division, General Who Guards the North, concurrently Major in the Chancellor’s Office, Inspector of Liang Province, and Marquis of Duting, Wei Yan; Commander of the Vanguard, concurrently Administrator of Fufeng, Zhang Yi; Gate General and Assistant General, Wang Ping; Commander of the Rear Army, General Who Pacifies Han and concurrently Administrator of Jianning, Li Hui; his deputy, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands and concurrently Administrator of Hanzhong, Lü Yi; Commander of the Left Army, additionally responsible for the transport of provisions, General Who Pacifies the North and Marquis of Chencang, Ma Dai; his deputy, General of the Flying Guard, Liao Hua; Commander of the Right Army, General Who Displays Might and Marquis of Boyangting, Ma Zhong; General Who Pacifies the Rong and Marquis Within the Passes, Zhang Ni; Acting Strategist of the Central Army, General-in-Chief of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Duxiang, Liu Yan; Central Army Supervisor, General Who Exalts Martial Power, Deng Zhi; Staff Officer of the Central Army, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands, Ma Su; General of the Vanguard and Marquis of Duting, Yuan Lin; General of the Left and Marquis of Gaoyang, Wu Yi; General of the Right and Marquis of Xuandu, Gao Xiang; General of the Rear and Marquis of Anle, Wu Ban; Chief Clerk, General Who Reassures the Army, Yang Yi; General of the Vanguard and General Who Conquers the South, Liu Ba; Protector of the Vanguard, General of a Separate Command and Marquis of Hanchengting, Xu Yun; Protector of the Left, Household General of Steadfast Faith, Ding Xian; Protector of the Right, General of a Separate Command, Liu Zhi; Protector of the Rear, Household General Who Regulates the Army, Guan Yong; Acting Staff Officer, Household General Who Displays Martial Power, Hu Ji; Acting Staff Officer, General of Remonstrance, Yan Yan; Acting Staff Officer and General of a Separate Command, Cuan Xi; Acting Staff Officers, Assistant General Du Yi, Household General of Martial Strategy Du Qi, and Commandant Who Pacifies the Rong Sheng Bo; Aide and Household General of Martial Strategy, Fan Qi; Military Secretary, Fan Jian; Clerk to the Chancellor, Dong Jue; Left Guard Commander Before the Command Tent, General Who Soars Like a Dragon, Guan Xing; and Right Guard Commander, General of Tiger-Wing, Zhang Bao. All the above officials were to accompany Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief Who Pacifies the North, Chancellor, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Director of Affairs Within and Outside the Court.

When all the assignments had been settled, Zhuge Liang sent orders to Li Yan and the others to guard the approaches to Shu and resist Eastern Wu. The bingyin day of the third month in the spring of the fifth year of Jianxing was selected for the army to set out against Wei. Suddenly, an old general beneath the command tent strode forward and cried sternly, “Though I am advanced in years, I still possess the courage of Lian Po and the prowess of Ma Yuan. Neither of those two men of old would yield to age. Why will you not employ me?” Everyone looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. Zhuge Liang said, “Since I returned to the capital after pacifying the south, Ma Mengqi has died of illness. I deeply mourned him and felt as though I had lost an arm. Now you, General, are advanced in years. If any mishap should occur, it would shake the heroic reputation of your whole lifetime and diminish the fighting spirit of Shu.” Zhao Yun cried sternly, “Ever since I began following the late Emperor, I have never retreated before battle, and whenever I encountered the enemy, I was first against them. For a great man to die upon the frontier battlefield is a blessing. What regret would I have? I ask to serve as vanguard of the forward division!” Zhuge Liang repeatedly tried to dissuade him, but he would not be stopped. Zhao Yun said, “If you do not let me serve as vanguard, I will dash my head against the steps and die!” Zhuge Liang said, “Since the General insists on serving as vanguard, you must have someone go with you.” Before he had finished speaking, one man responded, “Though I have little ability, I am willing to assist the old general, lead an army ahead with him, and defeat the enemy.” Zhuge Liang looked and saw that it was Deng Zhi. Zhuge Liang was delighted and immediately assigned five thousand elite troops and ten deputy generals to accompany Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi. They departed. When Zhuge Liang set out, the Later Emperor led all the officials ten li beyond the northern gate to see him off. Zhuge Liang took leave of the Later Emperor. With banners covering the countryside and spears and halberds standing thick as a forest, he led the army on its winding advance toward Hanzhong.

Now the frontier authorities learned of this and reported it to Luoyang. That day, Cao Rui held court, and a close attendant memorialized, “The frontier officials report that Zhuge Liang has led an army of more than three hundred thousand men and encamped at Hanzhong. He has appointed Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi as vanguard commanders and sent them with troops across our border.” Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his ministers, “Who can serve as general and drive back the Shu army?” Suddenly, one man stepped forward and answered, “My father died at Hanzhong, and I have never had the chance to avenge that bitter hatred. Now that the Shu army has violated our borders, I am willing to lead the fierce generals under my command. I further ask Your Majesty to grant me the troops west of the passes, so I may go and defeat Shu. Above, I will serve the state; below, I will avenge my father. Even if I die ten thousand deaths, I shall have no regret!” Everyone looked and saw that it was Xiahou Mao, son of Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Mao’s courtesy name was Zixiu. He was extremely hot-tempered and extremely miserly. In childhood, he had been made Xiahou Dun’s adopted heir. Later, when Xiahou Yuan was slain by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao took pity on Xiahou Mao and gave him his daughter, the Princess of Qinghe, as his wife, making him an imperial son-in-law. He was therefore respected at court. Though he held military authority, he had never gone into battle. Now that he volunteered to campaign, Cao Rui immediately appointed him Commander-in-Chief and ordered him to mobilize the troops from all the routes west of the passes and advance against the enemy. Minister of the Masses Wang Lang remonstrated, “You must not. The imperial son-in-law Xiahou has never experienced battle. It is not appropriate to entrust him now with such a grave responsibility. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is resourceful and full of stratagems and thoroughly understands the arts of war. He must not be underestimated.” Xiahou Mao shouted, “Can it be that the Minister of the Masses is secretly allied with Zhuge Liang and intends to serve as his agent within our court? Since childhood, I have studied strategy under my father and gained a thorough command of the art of war. Why do you scorn me as young? If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear I shall never return to face the Son of Heaven!” Wang Lang and the others did not dare speak further. Xiahou Mao took leave of the ruler of Wei, hurried through the night to Chang’an, mobilized more than two hundred thousand troops from the various routes west of the passes, and advanced to oppose Zhuge Liang. Truly:

He wished to grasp the white yak-tail standard and inspire the fighting men,But instead entrusted military power to a yellow-mouthed youth.

What the outcome would be is unknown; read the next chapter to find out.