Chapter 93

Jiang Wei Submits to Zhuge Liang; the Marquis of Wuxiang Reviles Wang Lang to Death

Now Jiang Wei offered Ma Zun a plan: “Zhuge Liang will surely conceal troops behind the commandery, lure our forces out of the city, and then take advantage of its emptiness to seize it. I request three thousand picked troops to lie in ambush along the vital road. Let the Administrator lead his troops out afterward, but do not go far; march only thirty li, then turn back. At the sight of fire, attack from front and rear, and we shall win a great victory. If Zhuge Liang comes in person, he will certainly be captured by me.” Ma Zun adopted his plan and assigned the picked troops to Jiang Wei. He then led troops out of the city with Liang Qian to await developments, leaving only Liang Xu and Yin Shang to defend the city. As it happened, Kongming had indeed sent Zhao Yun with a force to lie hidden among the remote hills, intending to take the city by surprise as soon as the troops of Tianshui had departed. That day, a scout reported to Zhao Yun that Ma Zun, Administrator of Tianshui, had raised his troops and left the city, leaving only civil officials to defend it. Zhao Yun was overjoyed. He sent word to Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang, ordering them to intercept and attack Ma Zun along the vital roads. These two forces had also been posted there beforehand by Kongming.

Zhao Yun then led five thousand troops straight to the walls of Tianshui Commandery and shouted, “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! You have fallen into our trap. Surrender the city at once and spare yourselves from slaughter!” From the wall, Liang Xu laughed loudly and replied, “You have fallen into the stratagem of our Jiang Boyue, yet still you do not know it!” Zhao Yun was about to assault the city when suddenly shouts thundered on every side and flames soared into the sky. At the head of the oncoming force rode a young general, who leveled his spear, spurred his horse forward, and cried, “Do you know Jiang Boyue of Tianshui?” Zhao Yun raised his spear and charged straight at Jiang Wei. They had fought only a few bouts when Jiang Wei’s spirit and vigor redoubled. Zhao Yun was greatly astonished and thought to himself, “Who would have expected to find such a man in this place!” While they were still fighting, two forces closed in from either side: Ma Zun and Liang Qian had led their troops back to the attack. Unable to attend to both front and rear, Zhao Yun hacked open a road and fled with his defeated troops, while Jiang Wei pursued him. Fortunately, the two forces under Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang charged out and covered his retreat. When Zhao Yun returned to Kongming, he reported that he had fallen into the enemy’s stratagem. Startled, Kongming asked, “Who is this man who has fathomed my hidden design?” A man from Nan’an said, “His surname is Jiang, his given name Wei, and his style Boyue. He is a native of Ji in Tianshui. He serves his mother with utmost filial devotion, excels in both letters and arms, and possesses wisdom and courage in full measure. He is truly an outstanding hero of the age.” Zhao Yun also praised Jiang Wei’s spearcraft, saying it was altogether unlike that of other men. Kongming said, “I now intend to take Tianshui, but I never expected such a man to be there.” He then brought forward the main army.

Jiang Wei returned and said to Ma Zun, “Zhao Yun has been defeated, so Kongming will certainly come in person. He will suppose all our troops to be within the city. We should now divide our own forces into four detachments. I shall lead one force to lie in ambush east of the city and intercept his troops when they arrive. The Administrator, Liang Qian, and Yin Shang should each lead a force and conceal themselves outside the city. Liang Xu shall command the people in defending the walls.” The assignments were settled accordingly.

Because Kongming was wary of Jiang Wei, he himself took command of the vanguard and advanced toward Tianshui Commandery. As they drew near the city, Kongming issued an order: “In every siege, the three armies must be roused on the first day of arrival, then charge straight forward amid the din of drums and battle cries. If the assault is delayed too long, their keen spirit will be utterly broken, and it will be difficult to take the city swiftly.” The army therefore marched directly to the walls. But when Kongming saw that the banners atop the city were arrayed in perfect order, he did not dare attack rashly. At midnight, flames suddenly soared into the sky on every side, and shouts shook the earth. No one knew where the attacking troops had come from. Then drums and cries rose from the city walls in answer, and the Shu soldiers scattered in confusion. Kongming hastily mounted his horse. Guarded by the two generals Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, he fought his way out of the encirclement. Looking back, he saw troops advancing from the east, a long line of fire resembling a great serpent. Kongming ordered Guan Xing to investigate, and he returned to report, “Those are Jiang Wei’s troops.” Kongming sighed and said, “The worth of an army lies not in its numbers, but in the man who directs it. This man is truly a commander of talent!” He withdrew his troops to camp and pondered for a long while. Then he summoned a man from Anding and asked, “Where is Jiang Wei’s mother now?” The man replied, “Jiang Wei’s mother presently resides in Ji County.” Kongming summoned Wei Yan and instructed him, “Take a force, make a great show of strength, and feign an attempt to capture Ji County. If Jiang Wei arrives, allow him to enter the city.” He then asked, “What place here is of greatest strategic importance?” The man from Anding replied, “All the money and grain of Tianshui are stored in Shanggui. If Shanggui is taken, the supply route will be severed of itself.” Kongming was delighted and ordered Zhao Yun to lead a force against Shanggui. Kongming himself encamped thirty li from the city. Before long, a report reached Tianshui Commandery that the Shu army had divided into three forces: one was keeping watch on the commandery, one was taking Shanggui, and one was taking Ji. When Jiang Wei heard this, he pleaded sorrowfully with Ma Zun: “My mother is now in Ji, and I fear she may come to harm. I beg for a force to go and save the city, while also protecting my aged mother.” Ma Zun consented and ordered Jiang Wei to lead three thousand troops to defend Ji, while Liang Qian led another three thousand to defend Shanggui.

Jiang Wei led his troops to Ji, where he found a force drawn up before him. At its head was the Shu general Wei Yan. The two generals fought for several bouts, after which Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Jiang Wei entered the city, closed the gates, and directed the defense. He paid his respects to his aged mother and did not come forth to battle again. Zhao Yun likewise allowed Liang Qian to pass into Shanggui. Kongming then sent men to Nan’an Commandery to bring Xiahou Mao before his tent. Kongming asked him, “Do you fear death?” Xiahou Mao fell down in terror and begged for his life. Kongming said, “Jiang Wei is now defending Ji and has sent me a letter saying, ‘So long as the Imperial Son-in-Law remains in your hands, I am willing to surrender.’ I shall now spare your life. Will you persuade Jiang Wei to submit?” Xiahou Mao replied, “I am willing to persuade him.” Kongming then gave him clothing, a saddle, and a horse, and released him without any escort, leaving him to go on his own.

Once Xiahou Mao had escaped from the camp, he sought a road by which to flee, but unfortunately he did not know the way. As he traveled, he encountered several people running along. Xiahou Mao questioned them, and they replied, “We are people of Ji County. Jiang Wei has now surrendered the city to Zhuge Liang, and the Shu general Wei Yan has set fires and plundered property. For that reason, we have abandoned our homes and are fleeing to Shanggui.” Xiahou Mao asked again, “Who now defends Tianshui?” One of the local people replied, “Administrator Ma is within Tianshui.” Hearing this, Xiahou Mao spurred his horse toward Tianshui. Along the way, he saw more common people coming with sons in tow and daughters in their arms, and all told the same story. Xiahou Mao reached the walls of Tianshui and called for the gate to be opened. The men on the wall recognized him and hurriedly opened the gate to receive him. Ma Zun bowed in astonishment and questioned him. Xiahou Mao related the whole matter concerning Jiang Wei and repeated what the common people had said. Ma Zun sighed and said, “I never expected Jiang Wei to turn traitor and join Shu!” Liang Xu said, “He intends to save the Commander, and so he has only pretended to surrender by sending that message.” Xiahou Mao replied, “Jiang Wei has already surrendered. How can it be a pretense?” While they were still wavering in uncertainty, the first watch had begun, and the Shu troops came again to attack the city. Amid the firelight, they saw Jiang Wei below the walls, spear leveled and horse reined in, shouting, “I request Commander Xiahou to come forth and speak!” Xiahou Mao, Ma Zun, and the others all went up on the wall. There they saw Jiang Wei brandishing his arms and flaunting his might as he cried, “I surrendered for the Commander’s sake! Why has the Commander broken his former promise?” Xiahou Mao said, “You have received the favor of Wei. Why have you surrendered to Shu? What former promise do you mean?” Jiang Wei answered, “You wrote a letter ordering me to surrender to Shu. Why do you now speak so? You wanted to save yourself, but instead you have entrapped me! I have now surrendered to Shu and been promoted to senior general. How could I possibly return to Wei?” With that, he drove his troops against the city. They did not withdraw until dawn. In fact, the man disguised as Jiang Wei during the night was part of Kongming’s stratagem. He had selected a soldier of similar appearance to impersonate Jiang Wei and attack the city, knowing that in the firelight no one could distinguish true from false.

Kongming then led his troops against Ji. There was little grain in the city, and not enough to feed the soldiers. From atop the walls, Jiang Wei saw Shu troops moving grain and fodder in carts large and small into Wei Yan’s camp. He led three thousand troops out of the city and went straight to seize the provisions. The Shu soldiers abandoned all the grain carts and fled by whatever road they could find. Having captured the grain and fodder, Jiang Wei was about to return to the city when a force barred his way, led by the Shu general Zhang Yi. The two generals crossed weapons, but they had fought only a few bouts when Wang Ping arrived with another force, and together the two sides attacked Jiang Wei. His strength exhausted, Jiang Wei could not withstand them. He forced open a road and raced back toward the city, only to see that Shu banners had already been planted on the walls: Wei Yan had seized the city by surprise. Jiang Wei hacked a path toward Tianshui with only a dozen or so horsemen still under his command. After another clash with Zhang Bao, he was left with only his horse and spear. He reached the walls of Tianshui and called for the gate to be opened. When the soldiers on the wall saw that it was Jiang Wei, they hurried to report to Ma Zun. Ma Zun said, “Jiang Wei has come to trick us into opening the gate.” He ordered the men on the wall to loose a shower of arrows. Jiang Wei looked back and saw the Shu troops close behind him, so he galloped toward Shanggui. When Liang Qian saw Jiang Wei from the wall, he cursed him loudly: “Traitor to your country! How dare you come and trick me out of my city? I already know that you have surrendered to Shu!” He too ordered a shower of arrows loosed. Unable to explain himself, Jiang Wei raised his face to heaven and heaved a long sigh as tears streamed from his eyes. He turned his horse and rode toward Chang’an. He had traveled only a few li when he came to a thick, luxuriant forest of great trees. At a sudden shout, several thousand soldiers poured forth, led by the Shu general Guan Xing, who blocked his road. With both man and horse exhausted, Jiang Wei could not resist and wheeled his mount to flee. Suddenly a small carriage emerged from behind a hillside. The man within wore a silk cap and a crane-feather cloak and held a feather fan in his hand. It was Kongming. Kongming called out to Jiang Wei, “Boyue, why do you still refuse to submit even now?” Jiang Wei pondered for a long while. Kongming was before him, Guan Xing behind him, and there was no road of escape. He had no choice but to dismount and surrender. Kongming hurriedly descended from his carriage to welcome him, took Jiang Wei by the hand, and said, “Since first I left my thatched cottage, I have sought worthy men everywhere, hoping to pass on the learning of my lifetime. My one regret has been that I could not find the proper man. Now that I have met Boyue, my desire is fulfilled.” Jiang Wei rejoiced and bowed in gratitude.

Kongming returned to camp with Jiang Wei and ascended to his command tent to discuss plans for taking Tianshui and Shanggui. Jiang Wei said, “Yin Shang and Liang Xu within Tianshui are my closest friends. I shall write two secret letters and shoot them into the city. They will cause disorder within, and the city can then be taken.” Kongming agreed. Jiang Wei wrote two secret letters, tied them to arrows, galloped straight to the city walls, and shot them inside. A junior officer picked them up and presented them to Ma Zun. Ma Zun grew deeply suspicious and consulted Xiahou Mao, saying, “Liang Xu and Yin Shang are conspiring with Jiang Wei and intend to act as his agents within. Commander, you should dispose of them without delay.” Xiahou Mao said, “The two men should be killed.” When Yin Shang learned of this, he said to Liang Xu, “We would do better to offer the city and surrender to Shu, so that we may seek advancement.” That night, Xiahou Mao repeatedly sent men to summon Liang Xu and Yin Shang for a conference. The two realized that the danger was urgent. They donned their armor, mounted their horses, took up their weapons, and led their own troops to throw open the city gates and admit the Shu army. Xiahou Mao and Ma Zun panicked and fled with several hundred men through the west gate, abandoning the city and seeking refuge among the Qiang. Liang Xu and Yin Shang welcomed Kongming into the city. After the people had been reassured, Kongming asked for a plan to take Shanggui. Liang Xu said, “That city is defended by my own younger brother, Liang Qian. I am willing to persuade him to surrender.” Kongming was overjoyed. That same day, Liang Xu went to Shanggui and called Liang Qian out of the city to submit. Kongming rewarded them generously. He appointed Liang Xu Administrator of Tianshui, Yin Shang Magistrate of Ji, and Liang Qian Magistrate of Shanggui. When Kongming had completed all his arrangements, he put his troops in order and advanced. His generals asked, “Why does the Prime Minister not pursue and capture Xiahou Mao?” Kongming replied, “To release Xiahou Mao is merely to release a duck. But in Boyue, I have gained a phoenix.” After Kongming acquired the three cities, the fame of his might resounded far and wide, and commanderies and prefectures near and distant surrendered at the mere report of his approach. Kongming reorganized his forces, brought out the entire army of Hanzhong, advanced through Mount Qi, and brought his troops to the western bank of the Wei River. Scouts carried the report to Luoyang.

It was the first year of Taihe in the reign of Cao Rui, Ruler of Wei. He ascended the hall and convened the court. A close minister memorialized, “The Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou has lost the three commanderies and fled among the Qiang. The Shu army has now reached Mount Qi, and its vanguard has come to the western bank of the Wei River. We beg Your Majesty to dispatch troops swiftly to destroy the enemy.” Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his assembled ministers, “Who can drive back the Shu army for me?” Minister of Works Wang Lang stepped forth and memorialized, “I observed that whenever the late emperor employed General-in-Chief Cao Zhen, he invariably conquered wherever he went. Why does Your Majesty not appoint him Commander-in-Chief and send him to drive back the Shu army?” Cao Rui approved the proposal and summoned Cao Zhen, saying, “The late emperor entrusted his orphan heir to you. Now the Shu army has invaded the Central Plain. How can you bear to sit and watch?” Cao Zhen memorialized, “Your servant’s talents are meager and his wisdom shallow. I am unequal to the office.” Wang Lang said, “The General is a pillar of the state and must not persist in refusing. Though this old servant is dull and feeble, I am willing to accompany the General.” Cao Zhen again memorialized, “Having received such great favor, how dare your servant refuse? I ask only that one man be appointed my deputy.” Cao Rui said, “Choose the man yourself.” Cao Zhen recommended a native of Yangqu in Taiyuan whose surname was Guo, given name Huai, and style Boji. He held the title Marquis of Sheting and served as Inspector of Yongzhou. Cao Rui accepted the recommendation. He appointed Cao Zhen Commander-in-Chief and granted him the imperial tally and battle-ax; he named Guo Huai Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Wang Lang Military Adviser. Wang Lang was then seventy-six years old. Two hundred thousand troops were selected from the eastern and western capitals and placed under Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen appointed his clansman Cao Zun as vanguard commander and General Who Quells Rebels Zhu Zan as deputy vanguard commander. The army marched in the eleventh month, and Cao Rui, Ruler of Wei, personally escorted it beyond the western gate before returning.

Cao Zhen led the great army to Chang’an, crossed to the western bank of the Wei River, and established camp. He consulted Wang Lang and Guo Huai on a plan to repel the enemy. Wang Lang said, “Tomorrow, arrange the ranks with strict precision and display all our banners. I shall ride out in person. With a single speech, I guarantee that Zhuge Liang will bow his hands and surrender, and the Shu army will withdraw without a battle.” Cao Zhen was delighted. That night, he issued orders that the army was to prepare its meal at the fourth watch, and that by dawn its ranks must be perfectly ordered, its men and horses imposing, and its banners, drums, and horns arranged according to proper sequence. He also sent a letter of challenge in advance. The next day, the two armies came forth to confront each other and drew up their battle lines before Mount Qi. The Shu army saw that the Wei forces were exceedingly grand and formidable, altogether unlike those of Xiahou Mao.

When the drums and horns of the three armies had ceased, Minister of Works Wang Lang rode forth. Above him stood Commander-in-Chief Cao Zhen, and below him Deputy Commander-in-Chief Guo Huai, while the two vanguard commanders held the corners of the formation. A mounted herald rode before the army and shouted, “Let the commander of the opposing host come forth to speak!” The gate banners of the Shu army opened, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao emerged to left and right, reining in their horses on either side. Behind them, ranks of valiant generals took their places. Beneath the shadow of the gate banners, a four-wheeled carriage appeared in the center. Kongming sat upright within it, wearing a silk cap, holding a feather fan, and dressed in a plain robe with a black sash. Thus, with an air of transcendent ease, he came forth. Kongming raised his eyes and saw three canopies before the Wei formation, with the names of their owners written in great characters upon the banners. The white-bearded old man in the center was their military adviser, Minister of Works Wang Lang. Kongming thought to himself, “Wang Lang will surely come forth to argue his case. I must answer him as circumstances require.” He ordered his carriage pushed beyond the formation and told an officer of the guard to announce, “The Prime Minister of Han will confer with the Minister of Works.” Wang Lang urged his horse forward. Kongming clasped his hands in salute from the carriage, and Wang Lang bent from the saddle to return the courtesy. Wang Lang said, “I have long heard Your Excellency’s great name, and today I am fortunate enough to meet you. Since you understand Heaven’s Mandate and recognize the demands of the age, why have you raised an army without just cause?” Kongming replied, “I have received an imperial command to punish rebels. How can you say that my cause is unjust?” Wang Lang said, “The decrees of Heaven are subject to change, and the imperial vessel passes into other hands, returning to the man of virtue. This is the natural order. Formerly, from the reigns of Huan and Ling onward, the Yellow Turbans began their rebellion, and disorder raged throughout the realm. Then, during the Chuping and Jian’an eras, Dong Zhuo committed treason, and Li Jue and Guo Si continued his cruelties. Yuan Shu usurped the imperial title at Shouchun, while Yuan Shao claimed supremacy at Ye. Liu Biao occupied Jingzhou, and Lü Bu swallowed up Xu Commandery like a tiger. Bandits arose in swarms, and treacherous warlords spread their wings like hawks. The state stood in the peril of a heap of eggs, and the people suffered as though hanging head downward. Our Grand Progenitor, Emperor Wu, swept the whole realm clean and subdued all within the eight directions. The myriad people gave him their hearts, and all quarters revered his virtue. He did not gain the realm by power and force; in truth, Heaven’s Mandate came to rest upon him. Our dynastic founder, Emperor Wen, was divine in both civil and martial virtue. He received the great succession, answered Heaven, and accorded with mankind. Following Yao’s abdication to Shun, he took his place in the Central Realm and governed the myriad states. Was this not the will of Heaven and the desire of mankind? Your Excellency possesses vast talent and embraces great capacity, wishing to compare yourself with Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Why, then, do you insist upon acting against Heaven’s law and contrary to human feeling? Have you not heard the ancients say, ‘Those who obey Heaven shall prosper; those who defy Heaven shall perish’? Our great Wei now has a million armored soldiers and a thousand able generals. How can the glow of a firefly in rotting grass compare with the bright moon in the heart of heaven? Your Excellency should reverse your spear, lay aside your armor, and come to submit with due ceremony. You will not lose the rank of marquis. The state will be secure and the people joyful. Would that not be splendid?”

Kongming laughed loudly from his carriage and said, “I had thought that a venerable senior minister of the Han court would surely offer some lofty discourse. How could I have expected such base words! I have something to say; let all the armies listen in silence. In the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, the authority of Han declined, and the eunuchs bred calamity. The state fell into disorder, the years brought famine, and turmoil spread through every quarter. After the Yellow Turbans, Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si, and others arose one after another. They abducted and coerced the Emperor of Han and brutally oppressed the living. This happened because in the halls of government, rotten timbers served as officials, and between the palace steps, beasts and birds fed upon official stipends. Men with the hearts of wolves and the conduct of dogs thronged the court, while servile wretches with cringing faces and bending knees grasped the reins of government. Thus the altars of the state were reduced to ruins, and the common people were plunged into misery. I have long known your career! Your family dwelt for generations beside the Eastern Sea, and you first entered office after being nominated as Filial and Incorrupt. By right, you should have upheld your sovereign, aided the state, brought peace to Han, and restored the house of Liu. Who could have expected that instead you would assist traitors and join their plot to usurp the throne? Your crimes are grievous; neither Heaven nor Earth can tolerate them! All beneath Heaven long to devour your flesh! Fortunately, Heaven did not intend the glorious Han to perish, and Emperor Zhaolie continued the imperial line in Western Shu. I have now received the command of his successor and raised an army to punish the rebels. Since you are a minister of flattery and deceit, you should have hidden yourself away, tucked in your head, and clung ignobly to food and clothing. How dare you stand before the ranks and babble recklessly of Heaven’s decrees? White-headed commoner! Gray-bearded old traitor! This very day you will descend to the Nine Springs. With what face will you meet the twenty-four emperors of Han? Withdraw at once, old traitor! Send out the rebel ministers, and let them decide victory or defeat with me!” When Wang Lang had heard this, rage filled his breast. He gave one great cry, fell beneath his horse, and died. A later poet praised Kongming:

From Western Qin his armies came,His mighty genius matched ten thousand men.He lightly moved his three-inch tongue,And railed an old false minister to death.

Kongming pointed his fan at Cao Zhen and said, “I shall not press you. Put your army in order, and tomorrow we shall decide the battle.” With that, he turned his carriage around. Both armies then withdrew. Cao Zhen placed Wang Lang’s corpse in a coffin and sent it back to Chang’an. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Guo Huai said, “Zhuge Liang will suppose that our army is occupied with mourning. Tonight he will surely come to raid our camp. We should divide our troops into four forces. Two forces shall take secluded mountain paths and exploit the opening to raid the Shu camp, while two others lie in ambush outside our own camp and strike the enemy from left and right.” Cao Zhen was delighted and said, “This plan accords with my own.” He issued orders summoning the two vanguard commanders, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, and instructed them: “Each of you is to lead ten thousand troops around behind Mount Qi. When you see the Shu army advancing toward our camp, march forward and raid the Shu camp. If the Shu troops do not move, withdraw and return. You must not advance rashly.” The two men received the plan and led their troops away. Cao Zhen then said to Guo Huai, “Each of us shall lead a force and lie in ambush outside the camp. Within it, we shall heap brushwood as a decoy and leave only a few men behind. If the Shu troops arrive, they are to light the fires as a signal.” The generals divided to left and right and went to make their preparations.

When Kongming returned to his command tent, he first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to receive their orders. Kongming said, “Each of you is to lead his own troops and raid the Wei camp.” Wei Yan stepped forward and said, “Cao Zhen is deeply versed in the art of war. He will surely anticipate that we shall take advantage of their mourning to raid the camp. How could he fail to guard against us?” Kongming laughed and said, “I want Cao Zhen to know that we are going to raid his camp. He will surely conceal troops behind Mount Qi, wait until our soldiers have passed, and then come to attack our camp. Therefore I order you two to lead your troops forward, pass along the rear road at the foot of the mountain, and establish a camp at some distance. There you shall await the Wei troops coming to raid my camp. When you see fire rise as the signal, divide into two forces. Wenchang, you are to hold the mountain pass; Zilong, lead your troops back to attack. You will surely encounter the Wei troops. Allow them to flee homeward, then press your attack while they are in retreat. They will inevitably trample and slaughter one another, and we shall gain a complete victory.” The two generals accepted the plan and led their troops away. Kongming next summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them, “Each of you is to lead a force and lie in ambush along the vital roads through Mount Qi. Allow the Wei troops to pass, then follow the road by which they came and charge straight toward the Wei camp.” The two accepted the plan and departed with their troops. Kongming also ordered the four generals Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Ni to lie in ambush outside the camp and meet the Wei troops from all four sides. Kongming then erected a sham stockade, heaped brushwood in its center for the signal fires, and personally led the other generals behind the camp to observe developments.

The Wei vanguard commanders Cao Zun and Zhu Zan left camp at dusk and advanced by winding roads. Around the second watch, they saw from afar the dim movement of troops before the mountain. Cao Zun thought to himself, “Deputy Commander Guo’s calculations are truly divine!” He urged his troops forward at all speed. By the time they reached the Shu camp, it was nearly the third watch. Cao Zun charged into the camp first, only to find it empty, with not a single man inside. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, he hastily withdrew his troops, but fires rose within the camp. Zhu Zan’s troops arrived and began trampling and slaughtering their own comrades, throwing men and horses into utter confusion. When Cao Zun and Zhu Zan met on horseback, they finally realized that their forces were crushing one another. Just as they hurried to unite their troops, tremendous shouts arose on every side, and Wang Ping, Ma Dai, Zhang Ni, and Zhang Yi charged upon them. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan fled toward the main road with barely a hundred trusted horsemen. Suddenly drums and horns sounded together, and a force barred their path. At its head was the great general Zhao Zilong of Changshan, who shouted, “Where are you going, rebel generals? Submit to death at once!” Cao Zun and Zhu Zan forced open a road and fled. Another shout suddenly arose, and Wei Yan charged in with yet another force. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan suffered a crushing defeat and raced back toward their own camp. The soldiers guarding it assumed that the Shu army had come to raid them and hurriedly lit the signal fires. Cao Zhen charged in from the left and Guo Huai from the right, and their forces began trampling and slaughtering one another. Then three Shu forces attacked from the rear: Wei Yan in the center, Guan Xing on the left, and Zhang Bao on the right. They inflicted a terrible slaughter. The Wei troops fled for more than ten li, and a great many Wei generals were killed. Only after gaining a complete victory did Kongming recall his troops. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai gathered their defeated forces and returned to camp, where they conferred, saying, “The Wei army now stands isolated, while the Shu army is powerful. By what plan can we repel it?” Guo Huai said, “Victory and defeat are common affairs in war and no cause for alarm. I have a plan that will leave the Shu army unable to attend to both head and tail. They will certainly withdraw of their own accord.” Thus it was said:

Alas for Wei’s commanders, whose designs could not succeed;They turned their gaze westward to seek relieving troops.

What the plan was will be revealed in the next chapter.

Jiang Wei Submits to Zhuge Liang; the Marquis of Wuxiang Reviles Wang Lang to Death

Meanwhile, Jiang Wei offered Ma Zun a plan: “Zhuge Liang will surely plant an ambush behind the commandery and lure our troops out of the city so he can attack while it is undefended. I ask for three thousand elite soldiers to lie in ambush along the strategic route. Afterward, Your Excellency should lead troops out of the city, but do not go far. Turn back after only thirty li. As soon as you see fire rise as the signal, attack from front and rear, and we will win a great victory. If Zhuge Liang comes in person, he will certainly be captured by me.” Ma Zun adopted his plan and gave Jiang Wei the elite troops to depart with. He then led troops out of the city with Liang Qian and waited, leaving only Liang Xu and Yin Shang to guard the city. As it happened, Kongming had indeed sent Zhao Yun with a force to lie concealed among the remote hills, waiting only for the troops of Tianshui to leave the city so he could attack while it was undefended. That day, a scout reported to Zhao Yun that Ma Zun, the Administrator of Tianshui, had raised his troops and left the city, leaving only civil officials to defend it. Zhao Yun was delighted. He also sent word to Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang, ordering them to intercept and strike down Ma Zun along the strategic route. These two forces had likewise been planted in ambush beforehand by Kongming.

Zhao Yun led five thousand troops straight to the walls of Tianshui Commandery and shouted, “I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! You have fallen into our trap. Surrender the city at once and spare yourselves from execution!” From atop the walls, Liang Xu laughed and said, “You have fallen into the trap of our Jiang Boyue, yet you still do not know it!” Zhao Yun was just about to attack the city when suddenly tremendous shouts arose, and flames shot into the sky on every side. At the head of the force was a young general, who leveled his spear, spurred his horse forward, and cried, “Now you see Jiang Boyue of Tianshui!” Zhao Yun raised his spear and charged straight at Jiang Wei. They had fought only a few bouts when Jiang Wei’s vigor redoubled. Zhao Yun was greatly startled and thought to himself, “Who would have imagined there was such a man in this place?” As they fought, two armies came in from either side. They were Ma Zun and Liang Qian, leading their troops back to the attack. Unable to defend both front and rear, Zhao Yun broke open a path and fled with his defeated troops, with Jiang Wei in pursuit. Fortunately, the two forces under Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang charged out and covered his retreat. Zhao Yun returned to Kongming and reported that he had fallen into the enemy’s trap. Kongming asked in surprise, “Who is this man who has seen through the subtleties of my plan?” A man from Nan’an told him, “His surname is Jiang, his given name is Wei, and his courtesy name is Boyue. He is from Ji in Tianshui. He serves his mother with the utmost filial devotion, excels in both civil and military arts, and is fully endowed with wisdom and courage. He is truly an outstanding man of this age.” Zhao Yun also praised Jiang Wei’s spear technique, saying it was entirely unlike that of other men. Kongming said, “I now intend to take Tianshui, but I never expected such a man to be there.” He then brought the main army forward.

Jiang Wei returned to Ma Zun and said, “Zhao Yun has been defeated and driven off, so Kongming will certainly come in person. He will assume that our entire army is inside the city. We should now divide our troops into four forces. I will lead one force to lie in ambush east of the city and intercept his troops when they arrive. Your Excellency, Liang Qian, and Yin Shang should each lead one force and conceal yourselves outside the city. Liang Xu will lead the people in defending the walls.” These assignments were settled.

Because Kongming was wary of Jiang Wei, he personally commanded the vanguard and advanced toward Tianshui Commandery. When they were close to the city, Kongming gave this order: “Whenever attacking a city, one must inspire the entire army on the first day of arrival and charge straight up amid drums and battle cries. If the attack is delayed for many days, the troops’ sharp spirit will be completely broken, and it will be difficult to take the city quickly.” The main army therefore went straight to the foot of the walls. But seeing the banners atop the city arranged in perfect order, Kongming did not dare attack rashly. At midnight, flames suddenly shot into the sky on every side and shouts shook the earth, though no one knew where the attacking troops had come from. The men on the walls also beat their drums and shouted in response, and the Shu troops scattered in confusion. Kongming hurriedly mounted his horse. Protected by the two generals Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, he fought his way out of the encirclement. Looking back, he saw a body of troops to the east accompanied by an unbroken line of fire, resembling a long serpent. Kongming ordered Guan Xing to investigate. Guan Xing returned and reported, “Those are Jiang Wei’s troops.” Kongming sighed and said, “The value of an army does not lie in its numbers, but in the way a man commands it. This man truly has the talent of a great general!” He withdrew his troops to camp and pondered for a long while. Then he summoned a man from Anding and asked, “Where is Jiang Wei’s mother now?” The man replied, “Jiang Wei’s mother now lives in Ji County.” Kongming summoned Wei Yan and instructed him, “Lead a force there, make a great show of strength, and pretend to seize Ji County. If Jiang Wei comes, allow him to enter the city.” He then asked, “What other strategic place is nearby?” The man from Anding replied, “All the money and grain of Tianshui are stored in Shanggui. If Shanggui is taken, the supply route will be cut by itself.” Kongming was delighted and ordered Zhao Yun to lead a force to attack Shanggui. Kongming established camp thirty li from the city. Soon someone reported to Tianshui Commandery that the Shu army had divided into three forces: one was holding watch over the commandery, one was going to take Shanggui, and one was going to take Ji City. When Jiang Wei heard this, he pleaded sorrowfully with Ma Zun: “My mother is now in Ji City, and I fear some harm may come to her. I beg for a force to go and save the city while also protecting my aged mother.” Ma Zun consented and ordered Jiang Wei to lead three thousand troops to defend Ji City, while Liang Qian led three thousand troops to defend Shanggui.

Jiang Wei led his troops to Ji City, where a body of soldiers had formed ranks ahead of him. The Shu general at their head was Wei Yan. The two generals fought for several bouts, and then Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Jiang Wei entered the city, closed the gates, and led his troops in its defense. He paid his respects to his aged mother and did not come out to fight. Zhao Yun likewise allowed Liang Qian to pass and enter Shanggui. Kongming then sent men to Nan’an Commandery to bring Xiahou Mao to his command tent. Kongming asked him, “Are you afraid to die?” Xiahou Mao prostrated himself in terror and begged for his life. Kongming said, “Jiang Wei is now defending Ji Province, and he has sent me a letter saying, ‘So long as the Imperial Son-in-Law remains here, I am willing to come and surrender.’ I will now spare your life. Are you willing to persuade Jiang Wei to submit?” Xiahou Mao replied, “I am willing to persuade him.” Kongming gave him clothing, a saddled horse, and no escort, then released him to go on his own.

After Xiahou Mao escaped from the camp, he wanted to find a road away but did not know the routes. As he traveled, he met several people fleeing. Xiahou Mao questioned them, and they replied, “We are people of Ji County. Jiang Wei has now offered up the city and surrendered to Zhuge Liang. The Shu general Wei Yan set fires and plundered property, so we abandoned our homes and fled. We are going to Shanggui.” Xiahou Mao asked again, “Who is now defending Tianshui?” The locals replied, “Administrator Ma is inside Tianshui.” Hearing this, Xiahou Mao spurred his horse toward Tianshui. He met more commoners carrying their sons and daughters, and everything they said was the same. Xiahou Mao reached the walls of Tianshui and called for the gate to be opened. The men on the walls recognized him and hurriedly opened the gate to welcome him. Ma Zun bowed in alarm and questioned him. Xiahou Mao gave a detailed account of the matter concerning Jiang Wei and also repeated what the commoners had said. Ma Zun sighed and said, “I never imagined Jiang Wei would turn traitor and join Shu!” Liang Xu said, “He intends to save the Commander, which is why he falsely claimed that he would surrender.” Xiahou Mao said, “Jiang Wei has already surrendered. How can it be false?” While they were still wavering, the first watch had begun, and Shu troops came once more to attack the city. Amid the firelight they saw Jiang Wei beneath the walls, spear leveled and horse reined in, shouting, “I ask Commander Xiahou to come speak with me!” Xiahou Mao, Ma Zun, and the others all went up onto the walls. They saw Jiang Wei below, brandishing his weapons and displaying his might as he shouted, “I surrendered for your sake, Commander! Why have you gone back on your word?” Xiahou Mao replied, “You received the favor of Wei. Why did you surrender to Shu? What word have I gone back on?” Jiang Wei answered, “You wrote me a letter ordering me to surrender to Shu. Why do you speak this way now? You wanted to escape, so you brought ruin upon me instead! I have now surrendered to Shu and been promoted to a senior general. How could I possibly return to Wei?” When he finished speaking, he drove his troops against the city. They did not withdraw until dawn. In fact, the Jiang Wei who had been disguised and sent there by night was part of Kongming’s plan. He had ordered a soldier of similar appearance to impersonate Jiang Wei and attack the city, knowing that in the firelight no one could distinguish the true man from the false.

Kongming then led his troops to attack Ji City. There was little grain inside, and not enough food for the army. From atop the walls, Jiang Wei saw the Shu army transporting grain and fodder in carts large and small into Wei Yan’s camp. Jiang Wei led three thousand soldiers out of the city and went straight to seize the supplies. The Shu troops abandoned all the supply carts and fled in search of an escape route. Jiang Wei captured the grain and fodder and was about to return to the city when a body of troops blocked his way. The Shu general at their head was Zhang Yi. The two generals clashed, but before they had fought many bouts, Wang Ping arrived with another force and attacked from the other side. Exhausted and unable to withstand them, Jiang Wei forced a path back toward the city. But Shu banners had already been planted atop the walls: Wei Yan had taken it by surprise. Jiang Wei fought his way toward Tianshui, with only a little more than ten horsemen still under him. After another clash with Zhang Bao, Jiang Wei was left entirely alone, with only his horse and spear. He reached the walls of Tianshui and called for the gate to be opened. When the soldiers on the walls saw that it was Jiang Wei, they hurriedly reported to Ma Zun. Ma Zun said, “This is Jiang Wei coming to trick us into opening the gates.” He ordered the men on the walls to shoot down a shower of arrows. Jiang Wei looked back and saw the Shu troops closing in, so he galloped toward Shanggui. When Liang Qian saw Jiang Wei from atop the walls, he cursed him loudly: “Traitor to your country! How dare you come and try to trick me out of my city? I already know that you have surrendered to Shu!” He then ordered a shower of arrows shot down. Unable to explain himself, Jiang Wei looked up to heaven and sighed deeply, tears streaming from both eyes. He turned his horse and rode toward Chang’an. Before he had gone several li, he reached a place thick with great trees and dense woods. At a sudden shout, several thousand soldiers surged out. The Shu general Guan Xing was at their head and blocked his way. Jiang Wei and his horse were both exhausted, and he could not resist them, so he wheeled his horse around and fled. Suddenly, a small carriage emerged from behind the slope. The man in it wore a silk cap and a crane-feather cloak and held a feather fan in his hand. It was Kongming. Kongming called to Jiang Wei, “Boyue, why have you still not surrendered?” Jiang Wei thought for a long time. Kongming was before him, Guan Xing was behind him, and there was no road of escape. He had no choice but to dismount and surrender. Kongming hurriedly descended from his carriage to welcome him. Taking Jiang Wei by the hand, he said, “Ever since I first left my thatched cottage, I have searched everywhere for a worthy man to whom I could transmit all that I have learned in my life. I have regretted only that I could not find the right person. Now that I have met Boyue, my wish is fulfilled.” Jiang Wei was overjoyed and bowed in thanks.

Kongming returned to camp with Jiang Wei, took his seat in the command tent, and discussed plans to capture Tianshui and Shanggui. Jiang Wei said, “Yin Shang and Liang Xu, who are inside Tianshui, are extremely close to me. I will write two secret letters and shoot them into the city. That will create internal disorder, and the city can then be taken.” Kongming agreed. Jiang Wei wrote two secret letters, tied them to arrows, galloped straight to the city walls, and shot them inside. A junior officer picked them up and presented them to Ma Zun. Ma Zun became deeply suspicious and consulted Xiahou Mao: “Liang Xu and Yin Shang are in league with Jiang Wei and intend to act as his agents inside the city. Commander, you should deal with them quickly.” Xiahou Mao said, “The two men should be killed.” When Yin Shang learned of this, he said to Liang Xu, “It would be better to surrender the city to Shu and seek advancement there.” That night, Xiahou Mao repeatedly sent men to summon Liang Xu and Yin Shang for a discussion. The two realized that matters had become urgent, so they put on their armor, mounted their horses, took up their weapons, and led their own troops in throwing the gates wide open to admit the Shu army. Xiahou Mao and Ma Zun panicked and led several hundred men out the western gate, abandoning the city and fleeing into Qiang territory. Liang Xu and Yin Shang welcomed Kongming into the city. After restoring order among the people, Kongming asked for a plan to take Shanggui. Liang Xu said, “My own younger brother, Liang Qian, is defending that city. I am willing to persuade him to surrender.” Kongming was delighted. That same day, Liang Xu went to Shanggui and called Liang Qian out of the city to surrender. Kongming rewarded them generously and appointed Liang Xu Administrator of Tianshui, Yin Shang Magistrate of Ji City, and Liang Qian Magistrate of Shanggui. After completing these assignments, Kongming put his troops in order and prepared to advance. The generals asked, “Prime Minister, why did you not go and capture Xiahou Mao?” Kongming replied, “Releasing Xiahou Mao was like releasing a duck. But in gaining Boyue, I have gained a phoenix.” After Kongming obtained the three cities, his prestige rose tremendously, and the commanderies and provinces near and far surrendered at the mere report of his approach. Kongming reorganized his forces, brought out the entire army of Hanzhong, advanced to Mount Qi, and brought his troops to the western side of the Wei River. Scouts reported the news to Luoyang.

It was the first year of the Taihe era under Cao Rui, Emperor of Wei. He ascended the throne hall and convened the court. A close attendant memorialized, “The Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou has already lost three commanderies and fled into Qiang territory. The Shu army has now reached Mount Qi, and its vanguard has approached the western side of the Wei River. We beg Your Majesty to dispatch troops quickly and destroy the enemy.” Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his ministers, “Who can drive back the Shu army for Us?” Minister over the Masses Wang Lang stepped forward and memorialized, “I observed that whenever the late emperor employed General-in-Chief Cao Zhen, he conquered wherever he went. Why does Your Majesty not appoint him Commander-in-Chief and have him drive back the Shu army?” Cao Rui approved his proposal and summoned Cao Zhen, saying, “The late emperor entrusted the orphaned heir to you. Now the Shu army has invaded the Central Plain. How can you bear to sit by and watch?” Cao Zhen memorialized, “My talents are meager and my wisdom shallow. I am unworthy of such an office.” Wang Lang said, “General, you are a pillar of the state and must not persist in refusing. Though this old minister is slow and dull, I am willing to accompany you.” Cao Zhen again memorialized, “I have received immense favor. How could I dare refuse? I ask only that one man be appointed my deputy.” Cao Rui said, “Choose him yourself.” Cao Zhen then recommended a man from Yangqu in Taiyuan. His surname was Guo, his given name was Huai, and his courtesy name was Boji. He held the title Marquis of Sheting and served as Inspector of Yong Province. Cao Rui accepted the recommendation. He appointed Cao Zhen Commander-in-Chief and granted him the imperial tally and battle-ax. He appointed Guo Huai Deputy Commander and Wang Lang Military Adviser. Wang Lang was already seventy-six years old. Cao Rui selected two hundred thousand troops from the eastern and western capitals and assigned them to Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen appointed his clansman Cao Zun as vanguard commander and General Who Sweeps Away Rebels Zhu Zan as deputy vanguard commander. The army set out in the eleventh month, and Emperor Cao Rui personally escorted it beyond the western gate before returning.

Cao Zhen led the great army to Chang’an, crossed to the western side of the Wei River, and established camp. Cao Zhen consulted Wang Lang and Guo Huai on a plan to repel the enemy. Wang Lang said, “Tomorrow, arrange the ranks in perfect order and spread out all the banners. This old man will go out in person. With a single speech, I guarantee that Zhuge Liang will submit with folded hands and the Shu army will withdraw without a battle.” Cao Zhen was delighted and issued orders that night: the next day, food was to be prepared during the fourth watch, and by dawn the ranks must be orderly, the men and horses imposing, and the banners, drums, and horns all arranged according to their proper stations. He sent a declaration of war ahead of them. The next day, the two armies met and formed battle lines before Mount Qi. The Shu army saw that the Wei troops were extremely formidable and entirely unlike Xiahou Mao’s men.

When the drums and horns of the armies had fallen silent, Minister over the Masses Wang Lang rode out. Commander Cao Zhen was at the place of honor on his right, while Deputy Commander Guo Huai was on his left, and the two vanguard commanders held the corners of the formation. A mounted scout rode before the army and shouted, “Let the commander of the opposing army come forward to speak!” The standard at the gate of the Shu formation opened, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao emerged to left and right, reining in their horses on either side. Behind them, ranks of valiant generals filed out and took their places. Beneath the shadow of the gate banners, a four-wheeled carriage appeared in the center. Kongming sat upright in it, wearing a silk cap, holding a feather fan, and dressed in white robes with a black sash. He came forward with an air of serene detachment. Looking up, Kongming saw three command canopies before the Wei formation, with the names of their commanders written in large characters on their banners. The white-bearded old man in the center was Military Adviser and Minister over the Masses Wang Lang. Kongming thought to himself, “Wang Lang will surely come forward with an argument. I must answer him as circumstances require.” He ordered his carriage pushed beyond the lines, then told a junior officer of the guard to announce, “The Prime Minister of Han will speak with the Minister over the Masses.” Wang Lang urged his horse forward. Kongming clasped his hands in greeting from his carriage, and Wang Lang bowed slightly from the saddle in return. Wang Lang said, “I have long heard of your great name and am fortunate to meet you today. Since you understand Heaven’s decree and recognize the demands of the times, why have you raised an army without a just cause?” Kongming replied, “I have received an imperial edict to punish rebels. How can you call that a cause without justice?” Wang Lang said, “The course of Heaven changes, and the imperial throne passes into other hands, returning to a man of virtue. This is the natural order. Formerly, from the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling onward, the Yellow Turbans began their rebellion and armed conflict spread throughout the realm. By the Chuping and Jian’an eras, Dong Zhuo had committed treason, and Li Jue and Guo Si had continued his atrocities. Yuan Shu usurped the imperial title in Shouchun, while Yuan Shao proclaimed his supremacy in Ye. Liu Biao occupied Jing Province, while Lü Bu swallowed up Xu Commandery like a tiger. Bandits rose like swarming bees and treacherous warlords soared like hawks. The dynasty was in danger like a pile of eggs, and the people suffered as though suspended upside down. Our Martial Emperor, the Great Ancestor, swept the whole realm clean and rolled up all the wildernesses beneath his power. The myriad people gave him their hearts, and all quarters revered his virtue. He did not obtain the realm through power and force; it was truly Heaven’s decree that returned to him. Emperor Wen, Founder of Our Dynasty, was divine and sagely in both civil and military affairs. He assumed the great succession in accord with Heaven and the people, following Yao in yielding the throne to Shun. He occupied the central realm and governed the myriad nations. Was this not the will of Heaven and the desire of mankind? You possess great talent and the capacity for great achievement, and you wish to compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Why, then, do you insist on acting against the principles of Heaven and contrary to human feeling? Have you not heard the ancients say, ‘Those who follow Heaven prosper; those who defy Heaven perish’? Our mighty Wei now has a million armored soldiers and a thousand excellent generals. How could the glimmer of a firefly in rotten grass compare with the brilliant moon at the center of heaven? You should reverse your weapons, remove your armor, and come to surrender with due ceremony. You would not lose the rank of marquis. The country would be peaceful and the people joyful. Would that not be wonderful?”

Kongming laughed loudly from his carriage and said, “I thought a venerable senior minister of the Han court would surely offer some lofty argument. Who could have expected such contemptible words? I have something to say. Let both armies listen in silence! In the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, the authority of Han declined and eunuchs bred disaster. The country fell into disorder, the harvests failed, and turmoil arose in every quarter. After the Yellow Turbans, Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si, and the rest rose one after another. They abducted the Han emperor and savagely oppressed the people. This happened because rotten timber served as officials in the imperial court and beasts in the palace halls drew government stipends. Men with wolves’ hearts and dogs’ conduct poured endlessly into the court, while groveling slaves crowded forward to wield power. Thus the dynasty was reduced to ruins and the common people plunged into misery. I have long known all about your conduct! Your family lived for generations on the shores of the Eastern Sea, and you first entered government after being nominated as Filial and Incorrupt. By all rights, you should have set the sovereign straight, supported the state, secured the Han, and restored the house of Liu. Yet instead you helped a treacherous rebel and joined his plot to usurp the throne! Your crimes are so grave that Heaven and Earth will not tolerate you! All the people under Heaven long to eat your flesh! Fortunately, Heaven did not intend the glorious Han to end, and Emperor Zhaolie continued the imperial line in Western Sichuan. I have now received the command of his successor and raised an army to punish rebels. Since you are a sycophantic minister, you should have hidden yourself and kept your head down, clinging to life merely for food and clothing. How dare you stand before the battle lines and spout nonsense about the course of Heaven? White-haired fool! Gray-bearded old traitor! This very day you will descend to the Nine Springs. How will you face the twenty-four emperors of Han? Retreat at once, old traitor! Send out the rebel ministers to decide victory and defeat with me!” When Wang Lang heard this, rage filled his chest. He gave one great cry, fell beneath his horse, and died. A later poet praised Kongming:

His troops and horses marched from western Qin;His mighty genius matched ten thousand men.He lightly moved his three-inch tongue,And cursed an old treacherous minister to death.

Kongming pointed his fan at Cao Zhen and said, “I will not press you. Put your troops in order, and tomorrow we will decide the battle.” With that, he turned his carriage around. Both armies then withdrew. Cao Zhen placed Wang Lang’s body in a coffin and sent it back to Chang’an. Deputy Commander Guo Huai said, “Zhuge Liang will assume that our army is conducting funeral rites, so he will certainly come to raid our camp tonight. We should divide our troops into four forces. Two should travel by remote mountain paths and take advantage of the opening to raid the Shu camp, while the other two lie in ambush outside our own camp and attack the enemy from left and right.” Cao Zhen was delighted and said, “This plan agrees perfectly with my own.” He issued orders summoning the two vanguard commanders, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, and instructed them: “Each of you is to lead ten thousand troops around to the rear of Mount Qi. If you see the Shu army advancing toward our camp, move forward and raid the Shu camp. If the Shu army does not move, withdraw your troops and return. Do not advance rashly.” The two accepted the plan and led their troops away. Cao Zhen then said to Guo Huai, “Each of us will lead a force and lie in ambush outside the camp. Inside, we will pile up empty stacks of firewood and leave only a few men. If the Shu troops arrive, they will set fire to it as the signal.” The generals divided to left and right and went to make their preparations.

When Kongming returned to his command tent, he first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to receive orders. Kongming said, “Each of you is to lead your own troops and raid the Wei camp.” Wei Yan stepped forward and said, “Cao Zhen is deeply versed in the art of war. He will certainly expect us to take advantage of the funeral to raid his camp. How could he fail to prepare for us?” Kongming laughed and said, “I want Cao Zhen to know that I am going to raid his camp. He will surely plant an ambush behind Mount Qi, wait for our troops to pass, and then come to attack our camp. That is why I am ordering the two of you to lead your troops forward, travel around the back road at the foot of the mountain, and establish camp at a distance to wait for the Wei troops to raid our camp. When you see fire rise as the signal, divide your troops into two forces. Wenchang, block the mountain pass. Zilong, lead your troops back to the attack. You will certainly encounter the Wei troops, but let them flee back. Then press the attack while you have the advantage. They will inevitably trample and kill one another, and you will win a complete victory.” The two generals accepted the plan and led their troops away. Kongming then summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them, “Each of you is to lead a force and lie in ambush along the strategic routes of Mount Qi. Let the Wei troops pass, then follow the route by which they came and charge toward the Wei camp.” The two accepted the plan and led their troops away. Kongming also ordered the four generals Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Ni to lie in ambush outside the camp and attack the Wei troops from all four sides. Kongming then erected a false camp stockade and piled firewood in the center to provide a signal fire. He personally led the other generals behind the camp and waited to see what would happen.

The Wei vanguard commanders Cao Zun and Zhu Zan left their camp at dusk and advanced gradually. Around the second watch, they saw troops faintly moving in the distance before the mountain. Cao Zun thought to himself, “Commander Guo truly has divine foresight and marvelous judgment!” He urged his troops forward at once. By the time they reached the Shu camp, it was nearly the third watch. Cao Zun charged into the camp first, only to find it deserted, without a single man inside. Realizing that he had fallen into a trap, he hurriedly ordered his troops to withdraw. Then fire rose within the camp. Zhu Zan’s troops arrived and began trampling and killing Cao Zun’s men, throwing both men and horses into total confusion. Only when Cao Zun and Zhu Zan met on horseback did they realize that their own forces had been trampling one another. Just as they hurried to combine their troops, tremendous shouts arose on every side, and Wang Ping, Ma Dai, Zhang Ni, and Zhang Yi charged in. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan led just over a hundred trusted horsemen and fled along the main road. Suddenly drums and horns sounded together, and a body of troops blocked their escape. The great general at their head was Zhao Zilong of Changshan, who shouted, “Where do you rebel generals think you are going? Come quickly and accept death!” Cao Zun and Zhu Zan forced a path and fled. Suddenly more shouts arose, and Wei Yan charged in with another force. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan suffered a crushing defeat and fled back toward their own camp. The soldiers guarding the camp assumed that Shu troops had come to raid it and hurriedly lit the signal fires. Cao Zhen charged in from the left and Guo Huai from the right, and their forces began trampling and killing one another. Three Shu forces then attacked from behind: Wei Yan in the center, Guan Xing on the left, and Zhang Bao on the right. They inflicted a tremendous slaughter. The Wei troops fled for more than ten li, and a great many Wei generals were killed. Only after winning a complete victory did Kongming withdraw his troops. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai gathered their defeated army and returned to camp, where they consulted together: “The Wei army is now isolated, while the Shu army is powerful. What plan can drive it back?” Guo Huai said, “Victory and defeat are common in war and no cause for concern. I have a plan that will prevent the Shu army’s head and tail from supporting each other. It will then certainly withdraw of its own accord.” Thus it was said:

How pitiful that Wei’s generals could not prevail;They turned toward the west to seek relief.

What the plan was will be explained in the next chapter.