Chapter 95

Ma Su Rejects Counsel and Loses Jieting; the Martial Marquis Plays His Lute and Repels Sima Yi

Now the Wei emperor Cao Rui appointed Zhang He vanguard and ordered him to advance with Sima Yi. At the same time, he commanded Xin Pi and Sun Li to lead fifty thousand troops to the aid of Cao Zhen. The two men departed in obedience to the edict.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi led two hundred thousand troops through the pass and encamped. He summoned the vanguard Zhang He to his tent and said, “Zhuge Liang has always been cautious and has never dared act rashly. Had I been directing his campaign, I would first have gone straight through Ziwu Valley and seized Chang’an; it would have been ours long ago. It is not that he lacks strategy, but that he fears mishap and will not hazard danger. He is now certain to send his army through Xie Valley to seize Mei. If he moves upon Mei, he must divide his forces into two columns, one of which will take Ji Valley. I have already sent dispatches ordering Zidan to hold Mei; if the enemy comes, he is not to offer battle. I have ordered Sun Li and Xin Pi to block the mouth of the road through Ji Valley; if troops come that way, they are to strike them with a surprise force.”

Zhang He asked, “Where, then, should you advance, General?”

Sima Yi replied, “I have long known that west of the Qinling Mountains there is a road through a place called Jieting, beside which stands a town called Lieliu. These two places are both vital throats of Hanzhong. Zhuge Liang, believing Zidan unprepared, will certainly advance through there. You and I shall go straight to Jieting, which is not far from Yangping Pass. Once Liang learns that I have cut the vital road at Jieting and severed his supply route, he will be unable to hold any part of Longxi and must flee back to Hanzhong that very night. If he withdraws, I shall lead troops along the byways and strike him, winning complete victory. If he does not return, I shall barricade every minor road and station troops to guard them all. After a month without provisions, every Shu soldier will starve to death, and Liang himself must fall into my hands.”

Zhang He suddenly understood. Bowing to the ground, he said, “Your calculations are divine, Commander-in-Chief!”

Sima Yi said, “Even so, Zhuge Liang is not to be compared with Meng Da. As vanguard, you must not advance lightly. Pass word to all the generals to follow the western mountain road and scout far ahead. Only if there is no ambush may they proceed. If they grow careless, they will certainly fall into Zhuge Liang’s trap.”

Zhang He received the plan and led his army away.

Now Kongming was in his camp at Mount Qi when word suddenly came that a scout from Xincheng had arrived. Kongming hastily summoned him and questioned him. The scout reported, “Sima Yi marched at double speed and reached Xincheng in eight days, taking Meng Da unprepared. Shen Dan, Shen Yi, Li Fu, and Deng Xian also aided him from within, and Meng Da was killed amid the confused fighting. Sima Yi has now withdrawn to Chang’an, where he met with the emperor of Wei; together with Zhang He, he has led an army through the pass to oppose our forces.”

Kongming was greatly alarmed. “Meng Da acted without secrecy, so his death was inevitable. Now that Sima Yi has come through the pass, he will surely seize Jieting and cut the road at our very throat.”

He then asked, “Who dares lead troops to defend Jieting?”

Before he had finished speaking, Staff Officer Ma Su said, “I am willing to go.”

Kongming said, “Though Jieting is small, its importance is immense. If Jieting is lost, our entire army is finished. Though you are deeply versed in strategy, that place has neither walls nor fortifications, nor any natural barrier. It will be exceedingly difficult to defend.”

Ma Su said, “Since childhood I have read the military classics and have gained considerable knowledge of warfare. Can it be that I am incapable of defending a mere Jieting?”

Kongming said, “Sima Yi is no ordinary man, and his vanguard Zhang He is one of Wei’s renowned generals. I fear you will be unable to withstand them.”

Ma Su replied, “Never mind Sima Yi and Zhang He—even if Cao Rui came in person, what would there be to fear? If anything goes amiss, I beg you to execute my entire household.”

Kongming said, “There are no idle words in the army.”

“I am willing to sign a military pledge,” said Ma Su.

Kongming consented, and Ma Su accordingly wrote out the pledge and presented it.

Kongming said, “I shall give you twenty-five thousand picked troops and assign another senior general to assist you.” He immediately summoned Wang Ping and instructed him: “I have long known you to be cautious in all your conduct, and for that reason I specially entrust this grave responsibility to you. You must act with the utmost care. Your camp must be placed upon the vital road, so that the enemy cannot slip past in haste. Once the camp has been established, draw a detailed map showing the terrain in every direction and send it to me for inspection. Discuss every matter thoroughly before acting, and do nothing lightly. If the place you defend remains secure, yours will be the foremost merit in the capture of Chang’an. Take heed! Take heed!”

The two men bowed farewell and led their troops away. Kongming reflected that the two might yet meet with mishap, so he summoned Gao Xiang and said, “Northeast of Jieting stands a town called Lieliu, situated upon a secluded mountain road. Troops may be stationed and encamped there. I give you ten thousand men. Go and garrison the town. If Jieting is endangered, lead your troops to its rescue.”

Gao Xiang led his army away. Kongming then reflected that Gao Xiang was no match for Zhang He. A great general must be stationed to the right of Jieting before it could be properly secured. He therefore summoned Wei Yan and ordered him to take his own troops and encamp behind Jieting.

Wei Yan said, “I serve in the forward division and should rightly be the first to break the enemy. Why do you place me in an idle position?”

Kongming replied, “Breaking the enemy in the vanguard is but the work of a subordinate commander. I now order you to support Jieting and guard the strategic road to Yangping Pass, thereby holding the vital throat of Hanzhong. This is a grave responsibility. How can you call it idle? Do not regard it lightly and thereby ruin my great enterprise. You must be exceedingly vigilant!”

Wei Yan was delighted and led his troops away. Only then did Kongming’s heart find some ease. He summoned Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi and instructed them: “Now that Sima Yi has taken the field, matters are not as they were before. Each of you is to lead a force through Ji Valley as a feint. If you encounter Wei troops, whether you fight or decline battle, keep them in alarm. I shall personally command the main army and go directly through Xie Valley to seize Mei. If Mei falls, Chang’an can be taken.”

The two men received their orders and departed. Kongming appointed Jiang Wei vanguard and sent the army through Xie Valley.

When Ma Su and Wang Ping reached Jieting with their troops, they surveyed the terrain. Ma Su laughed and said, “Why was the Prime Minister so anxious? In this remote mountain region, how would the Wei army dare come?”

Wang Ping said, “Even if the Wei troops dare not come, we should encamp here at the junction of the five roads and immediately order the soldiers to cut timber for palisades, making provision for a prolonged defense.”

Ma Su said, “How can the middle of the road be a place to encamp? Beside us is a hill isolated on every side and covered with dense woods. This is a natural stronghold bestowed by Heaven. We should station the army upon it.”

Wang Ping said, “You are mistaken, Staff Officer. If we station troops on the road and build ramparts, the enemy could not slip past even with a hundred thousand men. But if we abandon this vital road and station the army upon the hill, what plan could save us if the Wei troops suddenly arrived and surrounded us on every side?”

Ma Su laughed loudly. “Yours is truly a woman’s understanding! The military classics say, ‘Looking down from high ground, one’s force is like a blade splitting bamboo.’ If the Wei troops come, I shall see that not a scrap of their armor returns!”

Wang Ping said, “I have followed the Prime Minister through many campaigns, and wherever we went, he carefully instructed me. From what I see, this hill is fatal ground. If the Wei troops cut off our route to the water, our soldiers will fall into disorder without even fighting.”

Ma Su said, “Speak no more nonsense! Sunzi says, ‘Place them on deadly ground, and only then will they live.’ If the Wei troops cut off our route to the water, will the Shu soldiers not fight to the death? Each man will be worth a hundred. I have always studied the military classics, and even the Prime Minister consults me upon every matter. How dare you obstruct me?”

Wang Ping said, “If you insist upon encamping on the hill, divide the troops with me and let me establish a smaller camp west of the hill, so that the two camps may support each other like the horns of an ox. If the Wei troops arrive, we can answer one another.”

Ma Su refused. Suddenly, the inhabitants of the hills came fleeing toward them in groups, reporting that the Wei army had arrived. Wang Ping prepared to take his leave.

Ma Su said, “Since you will not obey my orders, take five thousand troops and go establish your own camp. When I have broken the Wei army, do not expect to share the merit before the Prime Minister!”

Wang Ping led his troops ten li from the hill and made camp. He drew a map and that very night sent a messenger to report to Kongming, fully explaining that Ma Su had encamped upon the hill.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi, within the town, ordered his second son, Sima Zhao, to scout the road ahead. If troops were guarding Jieting, the army was to remain where it was and advance no farther. Sima Zhao obeyed the order, reconnoitered the area, and returned to his father.

“Troops are guarding Jieting,” he reported.

Sima Yi sighed. “Zhuge Liang is truly a divine man. I am no match for him!”

Sima Zhao laughed. “Why do you cast down your own spirits, Father? In my judgment, Jieting will be easy to take.”

Sima Yi asked, “How dare you utter such a boast?”

His son replied, “I scouted it myself. There are no camps or palisades on the road; the entire army is stationed upon the hill. That is how I know it can be broken.”

Sima Yi was overjoyed. “If the troops truly are upon the hill, then Heaven itself has granted me success!”

He changed his clothing and personally rode out with more than a hundred horsemen to inspect the place. The night was clear and the moon bright. He went straight to the foot of the hill, rode all around it on reconnaissance, and only then returned. Ma Su saw him from the hilltop and laughed loudly.

“If he is fated to live, he will not come to surround this hill.”

He issued orders to his generals: “If the enemy comes, wait until you see the red flag waved from the summit, then descend on every side.”

When Sima Yi returned to camp, he sent men to discover which general commanded the defense of Jieting. They reported, “It is Ma Su, the younger brother of Ma Liang.”

Sima Yi laughed. “He has nothing but an empty reputation and is merely a mediocre fellow! How can Kongming entrust such a man without ruining his cause?”

He then asked, “Are there any other forces to the right or left of Jieting?”

The scouts reported, “Wang Ping has established a camp ten li from the hill.”

Sima Yi ordered Zhang He to lead a force and block the road by which Wang Ping might come. He then ordered Shen Dan and Shen Yi to lead two columns around the hill and first cut off the route to the water. They were to wait until the Shu troops fell into disorder, then take advantage of the moment and strike. All dispositions were settled that night.

At dawn the next day, Zhang He led his troops away first and took position to the rear. Sima Yi drove the main army forward in a great surge and completely surrounded the hill. When Ma Su looked down from above, he saw Wei soldiers covering hills and fields, their banners and formations exceedingly ordered. At the sight, the Shu troops all lost heart and dared not descend.

Ma Su waved the red flag, but officers and soldiers merely pushed one another forward, and not a man dared move. Ma Su flew into a rage and personally killed two generals. Terrified, the troops had no choice but to make a desperate charge down the hill against the Wei army. The Wei troops stood motionless. The Shu soldiers retreated back up the hill.

Seeing that the affair had gone awry, Ma Su ordered his men to guard the camp gates closely and await support from outside.

When Wang Ping saw the Wei army arrive, he led his troops forward to attack and encountered Zhang He. They fought for more than several dozen bouts, but Wang Ping’s strength was exhausted and his position isolated, so he had no choice but to withdraw.

The Wei army maintained the encirclement from the Hour of the Dragon until the Hour of the Dog. There was no water on the hill; the soldiers could not eat, and great disorder broke out in the camp. By midnight, the Shu troops on the southern side of the hill threw open the camp gates, descended, and surrendered to Wei. Ma Su could not restrain them. Sima Yi then ordered fires set all along the hillside, throwing the Shu troops above into still greater confusion.

Knowing that he could no longer hold out, Ma Su drove the remnant of his force down the hill and fled westward. Sima Yi opened a broad road and allowed Ma Su to pass. Zhang He then led troops in pursuit from the rear. After they had gone more than thirty li, drums and horns sounded together ahead, and a body of troops appeared. They let Ma Su pass, then barred Zhang He’s way. Their leader was Wei Yan, who brandished his saber, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Zhang He.

Zhang He wheeled his army and fled. Wei Yan drove his troops after him and recaptured Jieting. After pursuing more than fifty li, a great shout arose, and hidden troops sprang out on both sides: Sima Yi on the left and Sima Zhao on the right. They swept around behind Wei Yan and trapped him at the center of the encirclement. Zhang He returned, and the three armies joined as one.

Wei Yan charged left and right but could not break free, and more than half his troops were lost. At the moment of greatest danger, a force suddenly cut its way in. It was Wang Ping.

Wei Yan cried in delight, “Now I shall live!”

The two generals joined their forces and fought a fierce battle before the Wei troops finally withdrew. But when they hurried back to their camp, they found it filled with Wei banners. Shen Dan and Shen Yi came charging out. Wang Ping and Wei Yan therefore fled straight to Lieliu to seek refuge with Gao Xiang.

By this time, Gao Xiang had learned that Jieting was lost. He raised every soldier in Lieliu and marched to the rescue. On the way he encountered Wei Yan and Wang Ping, who related all that had happened.

Gao Xiang said, “We had best raid the Wei camp tonight and recover Jieting.”

The three men settled their plan beneath a hillside. As dusk approached, they divided their troops into three columns. Wei Yan led the first force forward and went directly to Jieting. Seeing not a single man there, he grew deeply suspicious and dared not advance lightly. He concealed his troops beside the road and waited.

Presently Gao Xiang’s army arrived, and the two generals discussed how they had no idea where the Wei troops were. While they remained at a loss, Wang Ping’s force still failed to appear. Suddenly, a cannon blast sounded, flames leaped into the sky, and drums shook the earth. Wei troops poured forth and surrounded Wei Yan and Gao Xiang at the heart of the encirclement. The two generals fought with all their strength but could not break free.

Then they heard shouts like thunder behind the hillside, and a body of troops cut its way in. It was Wang Ping. He rescued Gao Xiang and Wei Yan, and together they fled straight toward Lieliu.

By the time they reached the foot of the town walls, another army had already arrived nearby. Upon its banner were written in large characters: “Guo Huai, Commander-in-Chief of Wei.” It turned out that Guo Huai had conferred with Cao Zhen. Fearing that Sima Yi would gain all the merit, Cao Zhen had detached Guo Huai to seize Jieting. When Guo Huai learned that Sima Yi and Zhang He had already accomplished the feat, he led his troops straight against Lieliu.

He encountered the three generals, and a fierce battle followed. The Shu army suffered very heavy casualties. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, Wei Yan hastily joined Wang Ping and Gao Xiang in retreating toward the pass.

Guo Huai gathered his troops and said to those around him, “Though I did not obtain Jieting, I have taken Lieliu, which is also a great achievement.”

He led his army straight to the town and called for the gates to be opened. Suddenly, a cannon sounded from the wall, and banners rose on every side. The foremost great banner bore the words: “Sima Yi, Commander-in-Chief Who Pacifies the West.”

Sima Yi raised the suspended drawbridge, leaned against the protective wooden railing, and laughed loudly. “Why have you come so late, Boji?”

Guo Huai was greatly startled. “Zhongda’s divine foresight is beyond me!”

He then entered the town. After they had exchanged greetings, Sima Yi said, “Now that Jieting is lost, Zhuge Liang is certain to flee. You must hasten with Zidan to pursue him day and night.”

Guo Huai followed his advice and departed from the town.

Sima Yi summoned Zhang He and said, “Zidan and Boji feared that I would gain all the merit, so they came to seize this town. Yet I did not seek the achievement for myself alone; my success was only a stroke of fortune. I calculate that Wei Yan, Wang Ping, Ma Su, Gao Xiang, and the others will first go to occupy Yangping Pass. If I go to take the pass, Zhuge Liang will surely follow and attack my rear, and I shall fall into his trap. The military classics say, ‘Do not press a returning army; do not pursue a desperate foe.’ Take the byways and cut off the troops retreating through Ji Valley. I shall personally lead troops against those in Xie Valley. If they flee in defeat, do not try to bar their way outright. Merely intercept them midway, and all the Shu army’s baggage and supplies will fall into our hands.”

Zhang He received the plan and departed with half the army.

Sima Yi then gave orders: “We shall go straight to Xie Valley, advancing by way of Xicheng. Though Xicheng is a small county in a remote mountain region, it is where the Shu army stores its grain and is also the junction of the roads from Nan’an, Tianshui, and Anding. If we take that town, the three commanderies can be recovered.”

Sima Yi therefore left Shen Dan and Shen Yi to guard Lieliu and personally led the main army toward Xie Valley.

Ever since Kongming had sent Ma Su and the others to defend Jieting, he had remained uneasy and uncertain. Suddenly, a messenger from Wang Ping arrived with a map. Kongming summoned him, and his attendants presented the map. Kongming opened it upon his writing table and examined it. Then he struck the table in alarm.

“Ma Su is ignorant! He has cast my army into a pit!”

Those around him asked, “Why are you so alarmed, Prime Minister?”

Kongming replied, “From this map I see that he has abandoned the vital road and occupied the hill for his camp. If the Wei army comes in force, surrounds him on every side, and cuts his route to the water, his army will fall into disorder in less than two days. If Jieting is lost, where can any of us return?”

Chief Clerk Yang Yi stepped forward and said, “Though I possess little talent, I am willing to replace Ma Youchang and bring him back.”

Kongming explained to Yang Yi, point by point, how the camp was to be established. Yang Yi was just about to depart when a mounted messenger suddenly arrived with word that both Jieting and Lieliu had been lost.

Kongming stamped his foot and sighed deeply. “The great enterprise is lost! This is my fault!”

He hastily summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them: “Each of you is to lead three thousand picked troops along the byway toward Mount Wugong. If you encounter Wei troops, do not engage them in force. Beat your drums, raise loud shouts, and pose as a decoy force to alarm them. They will withdraw of their own accord, but you must not pursue. Once their army has completely retired, make for Yangping Pass.”

He next ordered Zhang Yi to lead troops ahead and repair the defenses of Jiange, thereby securing the route of retreat. He secretly issued orders for the main army to pack its baggage in silence and prepare to depart. He ordered Ma Dai and Jiang Wei to cover the rear, first concealing themselves in the mountain valleys and waiting until every other unit had withdrawn before gathering their own troops.

He also sent trusted men by separate roads to command the officials, soldiers, and people of the three commanderies of Tianshui, Nan’an, and Anding to enter Hanzhong. Finally, he sent a confidant to Ji County to fetch Jiang Wei’s aged mother and escort her into Hanzhong.

When Kongming had completed all these dispositions, he first led five thousand troops to Xicheng County to remove the grain and fodder. Suddenly, more than ten mounted couriers arrived in rapid succession, reporting that Sima Yi was leading an army of one hundred fifty thousand men in a swarming advance upon Xicheng.

At that time Kongming had no great general at his side, but only a group of civil officials. Of the five thousand troops he had brought, half had already gone ahead to transport the grain and fodder, leaving only two thousand five hundred soldiers within the town. When the officials heard the news, they all lost color.

Kongming climbed the wall and looked out. Sure enough, dust towered into the sky as the Wei army advanced upon Xicheng County in two columns. Kongming issued orders that every banner and flag be hidden. The officers were each to guard their assigned posts upon the walls. Anyone who moved in or out without authorization or spoke in a loud voice was to be beheaded immediately.

He ordered all four gates thrown wide open. At each gate he placed twenty soldiers disguised as commoners, who were to sweep and sprinkle the streets. If the Wei troops arrived, they were not to move without orders; he had a plan of his own.

Kongming then donned his crane-feather cloak and silk cap. Taking with him two young attendants bearing a zither, he seated himself at the railing before the tower above the gate, lit incense, and began to play.

When the scouts of Sima Yi’s vanguard reached the town and saw this scene, none dared advance. They hurriedly reported it to Sima Yi, who laughed and refused to believe them. He halted the entire army and galloped forward himself to observe from a distance.

Sure enough, he saw Kongming seated atop the gate tower, his face wreathed in smiles as he burned incense and played the zither. To his left stood a boy holding a precious sword; to his right stood another holding a yak-tail whisk. Inside and outside the gates, more than twenty commoners swept the ground with lowered heads, utterly oblivious to all around them.

After observing this, Sima Yi grew deeply suspicious. He returned to the center of his army and ordered the rear guard to become the vanguard and the vanguard the rear guard, then withdrew along the road toward the northern hills.

His second son, Sima Zhao, said, “Could it not be that Zhuge Liang has no troops and has assumed this manner as a pretense? Why do you withdraw so quickly, Father?”

Sima Yi replied, “Liang has always been cautious and has never taken risks. Now he has thrown open the gates, so there must be an ambush. If our troops advance, we shall fall into his trap. What do you young men know? We must withdraw at once.”

Thus both columns of the Wei army retreated. When Kongming saw the Wei troops vanish into the distance, he clapped his hands and laughed. The officials were all dumbfounded.

They asked him, “Sima Yi is a renowned general of Wei. Today he brought one hundred fifty thousand picked troops here, yet the moment he saw you, Prime Minister, he withdrew in haste. Why was that?”

Kongming replied, “He judged me by my lifelong caution and believed I would never take a risk. Seeing matters arranged in this fashion, he suspected an ambush and therefore withdrew. I did not resort to danger willingly; necessity compelled me to use this device. He will surely lead his army along the byway north of the hills. I have already ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to wait there for him.”

All marveled and said in admiration, “The mysteries of your strategy, Prime Minister, are beyond the fathoming of gods and spirits. Had it been left to us, we would surely have abandoned the town and fled.”

Kongming said, “I had only two thousand five hundred soldiers. If I had abandoned the town and fled, I could never have escaped far. Would I not have been captured by Sima Yi?”

A later poet praised the event:

A three-foot zither proved mightier than a host,When Zhuge turned the foe from Xicheng’s wall.Where thrice fifty thousand wheeled their steeds away,Men point in wonder and still doubt it all.

When he had finished speaking, Kongming clapped his hands and laughed. “Had I been Sima Yi, I would not have withdrawn so readily.”

He then gave orders for the people of Xicheng to accompany the army into Hanzhong, for Sima Yi would certainly return. Kongming accordingly left Xicheng and withdrew toward Hanzhong. The officials, troops, and people of Tianshui, Anding, and Nan’an arrived in a steady succession.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi was retreating along the byway toward Mount Wugong when suddenly cries of battle rose behind the hills and drums shook the earth.

Sima Yi looked back at his two sons and said, “Had I not withdrawn, I would surely have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!”

Then an army came charging down the main road. Upon its banner were written in large characters: “Zhang Bao, Right Guard Commander and Tiger-Wing General.” The Wei soldiers cast away their armor and flung down their spears as they fled.

Before they had gone one stage, shouts shook the mountain valleys, and drums and horns clamored to the heavens. Ahead stood a great banner bearing the words: “Guan Xing, Left Guard Commander and Dragon-Vanguard General.” The mountain valleys echoed with the din, and there was no telling how many Shu troops lay within. The Wei soldiers were already racked by suspicion and dared not linger. They abandoned all their baggage and supplies and fled.

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao both obeyed their orders and did not pursue. They gathered great quantities of weapons, grain, and fodder before returning.

Seeing that the valleys were filled with Shu troops, Sima Yi dared not emerge onto the main road and therefore returned to Jieting.

By this time Cao Zhen had learned that Kongming was withdrawing and hastily led troops in pursuit. A cannon sounded behind the mountain, and Shu soldiers came pouring over hills and fields. At their head were the great generals Jiang Wei and Ma Dai.

Cao Zhen was greatly alarmed and hurriedly ordered a retreat, but his vanguard commander Chen Zao had already been slain by Ma Dai. Cao Zhen led his army back in a panic, fleeing like rats. The Shu troops all returned to Hanzhong that night.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had stationed troops in ambush along the road through Ji Valley. When they received Kongming’s order to withdraw, Zhao Yun said to Deng Zhi, “Once the Wei army learns that our troops are retreating, it will certainly pursue. I shall first lead a force and conceal it behind them. You are to march under my banners and withdraw slowly. I shall protect you every step of the way.”

Meanwhile, Guo Huai led his troops back into the road through Ji Valley. He summoned his vanguard commander Su Yong and instructed him: “The Shu general Zhao Yun is a warrior of matchless courage. You must guard against him carefully. If his army retreats, there will surely be a stratagem behind it.”

Su Yong replied eagerly, “If you will support me, Commander-in-Chief, I shall capture Zhao Yun alive.”

He led three thousand troops of the forward division into Ji Valley. Just as he was about to overtake the Shu army, a red banner with white characters suddenly appeared from behind the hillside. Upon it was written: “Zhao Yun.”

Su Yong hastily recalled his troops and fled. Before he had gone several li, a tremendous shout arose and a body of troops burst forth. At their head was a great general, who leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and thundered, “Do you know Zhao Zilong?”

Su Yong cried in alarm, “How can there be another Zhao Yun here?”

Taken completely unawares, he was stabbed beneath his horse by a single thrust of Zhao Yun’s spear. The rest of his army scattered.

Zhao Yun continued his measured advance. Another force then appeared behind him, commanded by Guo Huai’s subordinate general Wan Zheng. Seeing the Wei troops pressing close in pursuit, Zhao Yun reined in his horse, leveled his spear, and stood at the mouth of the road, waiting to meet the approaching general. The Shu army had already gone more than thirty li.

Wan Zheng recognized Zhao Yun and dared not advance. Zhao Yun waited until twilight before turning his horse and withdrawing slowly.

When Guo Huai’s troops arrived, Wan Zheng told him that Zhao Yun’s valor was undiminished, and for that reason he had not dared approach. Guo Huai ordered an urgent pursuit. Wan Zheng sent several hundred stout cavalrymen racing ahead.

When they reached a great forest, they suddenly heard a mighty shout from behind: “Zhao Zilong is here!”

More than a hundred Wei soldiers were so terrified that they fell from their horses, while the rest fled over the ridge. Wan Zheng forced himself to offer battle, but Zhao Yun shot an arrow into the tassel of his helmet, causing him to tumble in terror into a ravine.

Pointing his spear at him, Zhao Yun said, “I spare your life so that you may return. Go quickly and tell Guo Huai to pursue me!”

Wan Zheng escaped with his life and returned. Zhao Yun escorted the wagons, equipment, soldiers, and horses toward Hanzhong without losing a single thing along the way. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai recovered the three commanderies and claimed the achievement as their own.

Sima Yi now advanced with his forces divided, but by this time the entire Shu army had returned to Hanzhong. He led one force back to Xicheng and questioned the inhabitants who had remained behind, as well as recluses from the remote hills. All told him that Kongming had possessed only two thousand five hundred troops within the town and had no military generals with him, only a few civil officials; there had been no ambush whatsoever.

Commoners from Mount Wugong also reported, “Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each had only three thousand troops. They circled the hills, raising shouts and beating their drums to frighten the pursuers. They had no other army and never dared engage in battle.”

Sima Yi’s regret came too late. He raised his face to heaven and sighed. “I am no match for Kongming!”

After pacifying the officials and people, he led his army straight back to Chang’an and appeared before the emperor of Wei.

Cao Rui said, “The recovery of the commanderies of Longxi today is entirely your achievement.”

Sima Yi memorialized, “The Shu army is now gathered in Hanzhong and has not yet been utterly destroyed. I beg leave to unite our great forces and conquer Shu, that I may repay Your Majesty.”

Cao Rui was overjoyed and ordered Sima Yi to raise an army at once. Suddenly, one man stepped out from the ranks of officials and memorialized, “Your servant has a plan sufficient to pacify Shu and compel Wu to submit.”

Indeed:

The lords and generals of Shu have just returned,While ruler and ministers in Wei devise new schemes.Who was the man who offered this design?Read on, and all shall be revealed.

Ma Su Rejects Counsel and Loses Jieting; the Martial Marquis Plays His Lute and Repels Sima Yi

Meanwhile, the Wei emperor Cao Rui appointed Zhang He as vanguard and ordered him to advance together with Sima Yi. At the same time, he ordered Xin Pi and Sun Li to lead fifty thousand troops to reinforce Cao Zhen. The two men departed in obedience to the edict.

Sima Yi led two hundred thousand troops out through the pass and made camp. He summoned the vanguard commander Zhang He to his tent and said, “Zhuge Liang has always been cautious and has never dared to act rashly. If I were commanding his army, I would have taken the direct route through Ziwu Valley and seized Chang’an long ago. It is not that he lacks strategy, but that he fears something may go wrong and refuses to take risks. He will certainly bring his army out through Xie Valley and come to seize Mei. If he attacks Mei, he is sure to divide his forces into two routes, with one army taking Ji Valley. I have already sent dispatches ordering Zidan to defend Mei and not to come out and fight if the enemy arrives. I have also ordered Sun Li and Xin Pi to block the entrance to Ji Valley and strike with a surprise force if the enemy comes.” Zhang He asked, “Where does the general intend to advance now?” Sima Yi replied, “I have long known that west of the Qinling Mountains there is a road through a place called Jieting, beside which stands a city called Lieliu. These two places are both vital chokepoints leading to Hanzhong. Zhuge Liang believes Zidan is unprepared and will certainly advance through here. You and I will go straight to Jieting, which is not far from Yangping Pass. If Zhuge Liang learns that I have cut off the vital route through Jieting and severed his supply line, he will be unable to hold any part of Longxi securely and will surely flee back to Hanzhong overnight. If he withdraws, I will lead troops along the minor roads to attack him and win a complete victory. If he does not retreat, I will barricade all the minor roads and station troops to guard them. After a month without provisions, all the Shu troops will starve to death, and Zhuge Liang will certainly be captured by me.” Zhang He suddenly understood. He bowed to the ground and said, “Your Excellency’s calculations are truly divine!” Sima Yi said, “Even so, Zhuge Liang is not to be compared with Meng Da. As vanguard, you must not advance lightly. Pass orders to all the generals to follow the western mountain road and scout far ahead. They may advance only if there are no ambushes. If they are negligent, they will certainly fall into Zhuge Liang’s trap.” Zhang He accepted the plan and led his army away.

Meanwhile, Kongming was in his camp at Mount Qi when he was suddenly informed that a scout from Xincheng had arrived. Kongming quickly summoned him and questioned him. The scout reported, “Sima Yi marched at double speed and reached Xincheng in only eight days, catching Meng Da completely unprepared. Shen Dan, Shen Yi, Li Fu, and Deng Xian also aided him from within, and Meng Da was killed amid the fighting. Sima Yi has now withdrawn to Chang’an, met with the emperor of Wei, and led troops out through the pass together with Zhang He to resist our army.” Kongming was greatly alarmed and said, “Meng Da conducted his affairs without secrecy, so his death was inevitable. Now that Sima Yi has come through the pass, he will certainly seize Jieting and cut the road that is our lifeline.” He then asked, “Who dares lead troops to defend Jieting?” Before he had finished speaking, Army Adviser Ma Su said, “I am willing to go.” Kongming said, “Though Jieting is small, it is of immense importance. If Jieting is lost, my entire army is finished. Although you are deeply versed in strategy, there are no city walls there and no natural barriers, making it extremely difficult to defend.” Ma Su said, “I have studied military texts since childhood and know the art of war quite well. How could I be unable to defend a mere Jieting?” Kongming said, “Sima Yi is no ordinary man. Moreover, his vanguard commander Zhang He is a famous general of Wei. I fear you will be unable to withstand them.” Ma Su said, “Never mind Sima Yi and Zhang He—even if Cao Rui came in person, what would there be to fear? If anything goes wrong, I beg you to execute my entire family.” Kongming said, “There are no idle words in the army.” Ma Su replied, “I am willing to sign a written pledge under military law.” Kongming consented, and Ma Su wrote out the pledge and presented it.

Kongming said, “I will give you twenty-five thousand elite troops and assign another senior general to assist you.” He then summoned Wang Ping and instructed him, “I have always known you to be cautious, and that is why I am entrusting you with this grave responsibility. You must act with the utmost care. Make camp at the vital point on the road so that the enemy cannot slip past in haste. Once the camp is established, draw a detailed map showing the terrain in every direction and bring it back for me to examine. Discuss everything fully before acting, and do nothing lightly. If you hold the position securely, yours will be the foremost merit in the capture of Chang’an. Take heed! Take heed!” The two men bowed farewell and led their troops away. Kongming reflected that they might still fail, so he summoned Gao Xiang and said, “Northeast of Jieting is a city called Lieliu, situated on a remote mountain road. Troops can be stationed there in camp. I give you ten thousand men to garrison that city. If Jieting is endangered, lead your troops to its rescue.” Gao Xiang led his troops away. Kongming then considered that Gao Xiang was no match for Zhang He and that he needed a great general stationed to the right rear of Jieting before it could be properly protected. He therefore summoned Wei Yan and ordered him to take his own troops and make camp behind Jieting. Wei Yan said, “I am a commander of the forward division and should rightly be the first to break the enemy. Why have you placed me in an idle position?” Kongming replied, “Breaking the enemy as vanguard is merely the work of a subordinate commander. I am now ordering you to support Jieting, command the vital road to Yangping Pass, and guard the main approaches to Hanzhong. This is a grave responsibility. How can you call it idle? Do not treat it lightly and ruin my great enterprise. You must be extremely careful and attentive!” Wei Yan was delighted and led his troops away. Only then was Kongming reassured. He summoned Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi and instructed them, “Now that Sima Yi has taken the field, matters are different from before. Each of you is to lead an army out through Ji Valley as a decoy force. If you encounter Wei troops, whether you fight or refrain from fighting, keep them alarmed and uncertain. I will personally command the main army through Xie Valley and advance directly on Mei. If we take Mei, Chang’an can be conquered.” The two men accepted their orders and departed. Kongming appointed Jiang Wei as vanguard and sent the army out through Xie Valley.

When Ma Su and Wang Ping reached Jieting with their troops, they surveyed the terrain. Ma Su laughed and said, “Why was the prime minister so worried? In a remote mountain district like this, how would the Wei army dare come?” Wang Ping said, “Even if the Wei army does not dare come, we should make camp here at the junction of the five roads and immediately order the soldiers to cut timber and build a stockade, so we can hold out for the long term.” Ma Su said, “How could the middle of the road be a place to establish camp? There is a mountain beside us, cut off on all four sides and thickly covered with trees. This is a natural stronghold bestowed by Heaven. We should station our army on the mountain.” Wang Ping said, “The army adviser is mistaken. If we station our troops on the road and build fortifications, even if the enemy has a hundred thousand men, they will be unable to slip past. But if we abandon this vital road and station our troops on the mountain, what plan will save us if the Wei army suddenly arrives and surrounds us on all sides?” Ma Su laughed loudly and said, “Yours is truly a woman’s understanding! The military texts say, ‘Looking down from high ground, one’s force is like a blade splitting bamboo.’ If the Wei army comes, I will make sure not a single piece of its armor returns!” Wang Ping said, “I have accompanied the prime minister through many campaigns, and wherever we went, he instructed me in every detail. As I see it, this mountain is death ground. If the Wei army cuts off our route to the water, our soldiers will fall into disorder without even fighting.” Ma Su said, “Do not talk nonsense! Sun Tzu says, ‘Place them on death ground, and only then will they live.’ If the Wei army cuts us off from the water, will the Shu soldiers not fight to the death? Each man will be worth a hundred. I have always studied military texts, and even the prime minister consults me on many matters. Why do you insist on opposing me?” Wang Ping said, “If the army adviser insists on making camp on the mountain, then divide the troops and give some to me. I will establish a small camp to the west below the mountain, so the two camps can support each other. If the Wei army comes, we can respond together.” Ma Su refused. Suddenly, the local inhabitants came racing out of the mountains in groups and reported that the Wei army had arrived. Wang Ping prepared to leave. Ma Su said, “Since you refuse to obey my orders, I will give you five thousand men to establish your own camp. Once I have defeated the Wei army, you had better not expect a share of the credit before the prime minister!” Wang Ping led his troops ten miles from the mountain and established camp. He drew a map and sent a man riding through the night to report to Kongming, giving a full account of how Ma Su had made camp on the mountain.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi was in the city. He ordered his second son, Sima Zhao, to scout the road ahead, telling him that if troops were guarding Jieting, the army was to halt and advance no farther. Sima Zhao obeyed, scouted the area, and returned to his father, saying, “There are troops guarding Jieting.” Sima Yi sighed and said, “Zhuge Liang is truly a divine man. I am not his equal!” Sima Zhao laughed and said, “Father, why undermine your own confidence? I believe Jieting can easily be taken.” Sima Yi asked, “How dare you make such a bold claim?” Sima Zhao replied, “I personally scouted the place. There are no camps or stockades on the road, and the entire army is stationed on the mountain. That is how I know it can be defeated.” Sima Yi was overjoyed and said, “If the troops truly are on the mountain, then Heaven itself is granting me success!” He changed his clothes and personally rode out with more than a hundred cavalrymen to inspect the position. The sky was clear and the moon bright that night. He went directly to the foot of the mountain, reconnoitered all around it, and only then returned. Ma Su saw him from the mountain and laughed loudly, saying, “If he values his life, he will not come to surround this mountain.” He passed orders to his generals: “If the enemy comes, watch for the red flag waving on the summit, and then charge down from all four sides.”

After Sima Yi returned to camp, he sent men to find out which general was commanding the defense of Jieting. They reported, “It is Ma Su, the younger brother of Ma Liang.” Sima Yi laughed and said, “He has nothing but an empty reputation and is merely a mediocre man! How could Kongming avoid disaster when he employs such a person?” He then asked, “Are there any other troops near Jieting?” A scout reported, “Wang Ping has established a camp ten miles from the mountain.” Sima Yi ordered Zhang He to lead one army and block Wang Ping’s route of advance. He then ordered Shen Dan and Shen Yi to lead two forces around the mountain and first cut off the route to the water. Once the Shu troops had fallen into disorder, they were to take advantage of the situation and attack. All the deployments were settled that night. At dawn the following day, Zhang He led his troops away first to circle behind the position. Sima Yi then drove his entire army forward in a mass and completely surrounded the mountain. Looking down from above, Ma Su saw Wei troops covering the hills and fields, their banners and formations exceptionally orderly. At the sight, all the Shu soldiers lost heart and dared not descend the mountain. Ma Su waved the red flag, but the officers and soldiers merely pushed one another forward, and not one dared move. Ma Su was furious and personally killed two officers. The troops were terrified and had no choice but to force themselves down the mountain and charge the Wei army. The Wei troops stood perfectly still. The Shu soldiers retreated back up the mountain. Seeing that matters were going badly, Ma Su ordered the troops to guard the camp gates closely and wait for relief from outside.

When Wang Ping saw the Wei army arrive, he led his troops in an attack and encountered Zhang He. They fought for more than fifty rounds, but Wang Ping’s strength was exhausted and he stood isolated, so he had no choice but to retreat. The Wei army kept the mountain surrounded from the hour of the dragon until the hour of the dog. There was no water on the mountain, the soldiers could not prepare food, and the camp fell into great disorder. Amid the uproar at midnight, the Shu troops on the southern side threw open the camp gates, descended the mountain, and surrendered to Wei. Ma Su could not stop them. Sima Yi also ordered his men to set fires all along the mountain, throwing the Shu soldiers above into even greater confusion. Ma Su realized he could no longer hold the position, so he drove his remaining troops down the mountain and fled west. Sima Yi left a broad road open and allowed Ma Su to pass. Zhang He then led troops in pursuit from behind. After they had gone more than thirty miles, drums and horns suddenly sounded ahead, and a body of troops emerged, allowed Ma Su through, and blocked Zhang He. The commander was Wei Yan. Brandishing his saber and spurring his horse, Wei Yan charged straight at Zhang He. Zhang He wheeled his army around and fled. Wei Yan drove his troops after him and retook Jieting. After he had pursued for more than fifty miles, a great shout arose and ambushing troops appeared on both sides: Sima Yi on the left and Sima Zhao on the right. They circled behind Wei Yan and trapped him in their encirclement. Zhang He returned, and the three forces joined together. Wei Yan charged left and right but could not break free, and more than half his troops were lost. At that critical moment, another body of troops suddenly fought its way in. It was Wang Ping. Wei Yan cried joyfully, “I will live after all!” The two generals united their forces and fought fiercely until the Wei troops finally withdrew. When they hurried back to camp, they found it filled with Wei banners. Shen Dan and Shen Yi charged out from within. Wang Ping and Wei Yan fled directly to Lieliu and sought refuge with Gao Xiang.

By this time, Gao Xiang had learned that Jieting was lost. He mobilized all the troops in Lieliu and went to the rescue, encountering Wei Yan and Wang Ping, who told him what had happened. Gao Xiang said, “We should raid the Wei camp tonight and recover Jieting.” The three men settled their plan at the foot of a hillside. As evening approached, they divided their troops into three forces. Wei Yan led the advance and went straight to Jieting, but when he saw no one there, he became deeply suspicious and did not dare advance rashly. He concealed his men at the entrance to the road and waited. Soon Gao Xiang’s troops arrived, and the two men discussed how they had no idea where the Wei army was. While they were still at a loss, Wang Ping’s troops had yet to appear. Suddenly, a cannon boomed, flames shot into the sky, and drums shook the earth. Wei troops emerged on every side and trapped Wei Yan and Gao Xiang in the center. The two men fought with all their strength but could not break free. Suddenly they heard shouts like thunder from behind the hillside, and a body of troops charged in. It was Wang Ping, who rescued Gao Xiang and Wei Yan. Together they fled directly toward Lieliu. By the time they reached the foot of the city walls, an army had already arrived beside the city. Its banners bore the large words “Guo Huai, Chief Commander of Wei.” It turned out that Guo Huai had discussed matters with Cao Zhen and, fearing that Sima Yi would receive all the credit, had been sent to seize Jieting. When he learned that Sima Yi and Zhang He had already accomplished the feat, he led his troops in a direct surprise attack on Lieliu. There he encountered the three generals, and a fierce battle followed. The Shu forces suffered extremely heavy casualties. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, Wei Yan hurried away with Wang Ping and Gao Xiang toward the pass.

After Guo Huai recalled his troops, he said to those around him, “Although I did not take Jieting, I have captured Lieliu, which is also a great achievement.” He led his troops directly to the city and called for the gates to be opened. Suddenly a cannon sounded from the walls, and banners were raised everywhere. At the front was a great banner bearing the words “Sima Yi, Chief Commander Who Pacifies the West.” Sima Yi raised the suspended panel, leaned against the protective wooden railing, and laughed loudly. “Why have you come so late, Boji?” Guo Huai was greatly astonished and said, “Zhongda’s divine foresight is beyond me!” He then entered the city. After they had exchanged greetings, Sima Yi said, “Now that Jieting has been lost, Zhuge Liang is certain to flee. You must quickly join Zidan and pursue him through the night.” Guo Huai followed his advice and left the city. Sima Yi then summoned Zhang He and said, “Zidan and Boji feared I would win all the credit, so they came to take this city. I did not seek to monopolize the achievement; I merely succeeded by good fortune. I expect Wei Yan, Wang Ping, Ma Su, Gao Xiang, and the others will first go and occupy Yangping Pass. If I go to seize the pass, Zhuge Liang will certainly attack from behind, and I will fall into his trap. The military texts say, ‘Do not press an army returning home, and do not pursue a desperate enemy.’ Take a minor road and intercept the troops retreating from Ji Valley. I will personally lead troops against those coming from Xie Valley. If they flee in defeat, do not try to stop them outright. Merely cut them off midway, and we can capture all the Shu army’s baggage and supplies.” Zhang He accepted the plan and departed with half the army. Sima Yi then gave orders: “We will head directly for Xie Valley, advancing by way of Xicheng. Though Xicheng is only a remote mountain county, it is where the Shu army stores its provisions and also controls the main roads linking Nan’an, Tianshui, and Anding. If we take this city, we can recover all three commanderies.” Sima Yi therefore left Shen Dan and Shen Yi to guard Lieliu and personally led the main army toward Xie Valley.

Ever since Kongming had sent Ma Su and the others to defend Jieting, he had remained uneasy and uncertain. Suddenly, a messenger from Wang Ping arrived with a map. Kongming summoned him, and his attendants presented the map. Kongming opened it on his writing table and examined it. Striking the table in alarm, he cried, “Ma Su is ignorant! He has doomed my army!” Those around him asked, “Why is the prime minister so alarmed?” Kongming said, “From this map I can see that he has abandoned the vital road and established his camp on the mountain. If the Wei army comes in force, surrounds him on all sides, and cuts off his route to the water, his army will fall into disorder in less than two days. If Jieting is lost, where can we return?” Chief Clerk Yang Yi stepped forward and said, “Though I have little ability, I am willing to replace Ma Youchang.” Kongming explained every detail of how the camp was to be established. Yang Yi was just preparing to leave when a courier suddenly arrived and reported that both Jieting and Lieliu had been lost. Kongming stamped his foot and sighed deeply. “Our great enterprise is ruined! This is my fault!” He quickly summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them, “Each of you is to lead three thousand elite troops along the minor roads of Mount Wugong. If you encounter Wei troops, do not launch a major attack. Beat your drums and raise loud battle cries to frighten them with a decoy force. They will withdraw on their own, but you must not pursue them. Once their army has completely retreated, proceed to Yangping Pass.” He also ordered Zhang Yi to lead troops ahead and repair the defenses at Jiange to secure the route of retreat. He secretly passed down orders for the main army to quietly pack its baggage and prepare to depart. He ordered Ma Dai and Jiang Wei to cover the rear, first concealing themselves in the mountain valleys and withdrawing only after all the other troops had passed. He also sent trusted men by separate routes to order the officials, soldiers, and civilians of Tianshui, Nan’an, and Anding to move into Hanzhong. Another trusted man was sent to Ji County to bring Jiang Wei’s aged mother into Hanzhong.

Once Kongming had made all his arrangements, he personally led five thousand troops to Xicheng County to transport provisions and fodder. Suddenly, more than ten mounted couriers arrived in rapid succession, reporting that Sima Yi was leading an army of one hundred fifty thousand men swarming toward Xicheng. At that time Kongming had no generals at his side, only a group of civil officials. Half of the five thousand troops he had brought had already gone ahead to transport provisions, leaving only twenty-five hundred soldiers in the city. When the officials heard the news, they all turned pale. Kongming climbed the city wall and looked out. Sure enough, dust towered into the sky as the Wei army advanced in two columns toward Xicheng County. Kongming issued orders for every flag and banner to be hidden. Each officer was to guard his assigned station on the walls, and anyone who moved in or out without authorization or spoke in a loud voice was to be executed immediately. He ordered all four gates thrown wide open and placed twenty soldiers at each gate, disguised as common people and sweeping the streets. If the Wei army arrived, no one was to move without orders, for he had a plan of his own. Kongming then put on his crane-feather cloak and silk headscarf. Taking two young attendants with him, one carrying a zither, he went to the tower facing the enemy, sat by the railing, burned incense, and played the zither.

When Sima Yi’s scouts reached the city and saw this scene, none dared advance. They hurried back to report to Sima Yi. He laughed and refused to believe them, so he halted the entire army and rode forward himself to observe from a distance. Sure enough, he saw Kongming seated atop the city tower, smiling serenely as he burned incense and played the zither. To his left stood a young attendant holding a precious sword, and to his right another holding a yak-tail whisk. Inside and outside the city gates, more than twenty commoners swept with lowered heads, acting as though no one else were there. After observing all this, Sima Yi became deeply suspicious. He returned to the center army and ordered the rear guard to become the vanguard and the vanguard to become the rear guard, then withdrew along the road through the northern hills. His second son, Sima Zhao, said, “Could it be that Zhuge Liang has no troops and is merely putting on this display? Why are you withdrawing so quickly, Father?” Sima Yi replied, “Zhuge Liang has always been cautious and has never taken risks. Now he has thrown the city gates wide open, so there must be an ambush. If our troops advance, we will fall into his trap. What do you know of such matters? We must retreat at once.” The two columns of Wei troops therefore withdrew. When Kongming saw the Wei army receding into the distance, he clapped his hands and laughed. The officials were all utterly astonished. They asked Kongming, “Sima Yi is a famous general of Wei. Today he came here with one hundred fifty thousand elite troops, yet the moment he saw the prime minister, he withdrew. Why?” Kongming replied, “He knew that I have always been cautious and would never take risks. When he saw this scene, he suspected an ambush and therefore withdrew. I did not take this risk willingly; I used it only because I had no alternative. He is certain to lead his army along the minor road north of the mountains. I have already ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to wait for him there.” Everyone exclaimed in astonished admiration, “The prime minister’s mysterious calculations are unfathomable even to spirits and gods. If it had been left to us, we would certainly have abandoned the city and fled.” Kongming said, “I had only twenty-five hundred soldiers. If I had abandoned the city and fled, we could not have gone far. How could I then have avoided capture by Sima Yi?” A later poet praised the event:

A three-foot zither proved stronger than a mighty host,When Zhuge drove the foe from Xicheng’s walls.Where one hundred fifty thousand turned their horses back,Even now men point and wonder at the cause.

After saying this, Kongming clapped his hands and laughed loudly. “If I had been Sima Yi, I would not have withdrawn so quickly.” He then issued orders for the people of Xicheng to accompany the army into Hanzhong, since Sima Yi was certain to return. Kongming therefore left Xicheng and headed for Hanzhong. The officials, soldiers, and civilians of Tianshui, Anding, and Nan’an arrived one group after another.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi withdrew along a minor road through Mount Wugong. Suddenly, battle cries filled the sky behind a hillside, and drums shook the earth. Sima Yi looked back at his two sons and said, “Had I not withdrawn, I would certainly have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” An army came charging down the main road, its banner bearing the large words “Zhang Bao, Right Guard Commander and Tiger-Wing General.” The Wei troops threw away their armor and spears and fled. Before they had gone one stage, shouts shook the valley, drums and horns thundered, and a great banner appeared ahead bearing the words “Guan Xing, Left Guard Commander and Dragon-Soaring General.” The mountain valleys echoed with the noise, making it impossible to tell how many Shu troops there were. The Wei army was already full of suspicion and dared not remain long, so the soldiers abandoned all their baggage and supplies as they fled. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao both obeyed their orders and did not dare pursue. They returned after capturing a great quantity of weapons, provisions, and fodder. Sima Yi saw Shu troops throughout the valleys and did not dare return to the main road, so he withdrew to Jieting. By this time, Cao Zhen had learned that Kongming was retreating and hurriedly led troops in pursuit. A cannon boomed behind the mountain, and Shu soldiers appeared all over the hills and fields. The leading generals were Jiang Wei and Ma Dai. Cao Zhen was greatly alarmed and hurriedly ordered a retreat, but his vanguard commander Chen Zao had already been slain by Ma Dai. Cao Zhen led his troops scurrying away like rats, while the entire Shu army hurried back to Hanzhong through the night.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had stationed troops in ambush along the road through Ji Valley. When they received Kongming’s order to retreat, Zhao Yun said to Deng Zhi, “Once the Wei army learns that our troops are withdrawing, it will certainly pursue us. I will first lead a force and lie in ambush behind them. You are to lead the troops under my banners and withdraw slowly. I will protect you every step of the way.”

Meanwhile, Guo Huai led his troops back into Ji Valley. He summoned his vanguard commander Su Yong and instructed him, “The Shu general Zhao Yun is invincibly brave. You must guard against him with the utmost care. If his army retreats, there is sure to be a scheme behind it.” Su Yong cheerfully replied, “If Your Excellency will support me, I will capture Zhao Yun alive.” He then led three thousand troops of the forward division into Ji Valley. Just as he was about to overtake the Shu army, a red banner with white lettering appeared from behind a hillside, bearing the name “Zhao Yun.” Su Yong hurriedly called back his troops and retreated. Before he had gone several miles, a tremendous shout arose and a body of troops charged out. At their head was a great general, leveling his spear and spurring his horse. He roared, “Do you know Zhao Zilong?” Su Yong was horrified and cried, “How can there be another Zhao Yun here?” Caught completely unprepared, he was stabbed from his horse and killed by a single thrust of Zhao Yun’s spear. The remaining troops scattered. Zhao Yun continued slowly forward, but another army arrived behind him, led by Guo Huai’s subordinate general Wan Zheng. Seeing the Wei troops pressing hard in pursuit, Zhao Yun reined in his horse, leveled his spear, and stood at the entrance to the road, waiting to engage the approaching general. The Shu troops had already gone more than thirty miles. Wan Zheng recognized Zhao Yun and dared not advance. Zhao Yun waited until dusk before turning his horse and withdrawing slowly. When Guo Huai’s troops arrived, Wan Zheng told him that Zhao Yun was as valiant as ever and that he had therefore not dared approach. Guo Huai ordered the army to pursue at once, and Wan Zheng sent several hundred mounted warriors after Zhao Yun. When they reached a great forest, they suddenly heard a loud shout behind them: “Zhao Zilong is here!” More than a hundred Wei soldiers were so terrified that they fell from their horses, while the rest fled over the ridges. Wan Zheng forced himself to engage Zhao Yun, but Zhao Yun shot an arrow into the tassel of his helmet, startling him so badly that he tumbled into a ravine. Pointing his spear at him, Zhao Yun said, “I will spare your life so you can return! Quickly tell Guo Huai to come after me!” Wan Zheng escaped with his life and returned. Zhao Yun escorted all the wagons, equipment, men, and horses toward Hanzhong without losing a single thing along the road. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai recovered the three commanderies and claimed the achievement as their own.

Meanwhile, Sima Yi advanced with his forces divided, but by then all the Shu troops had returned to Hanzhong. Sima Yi led an army back to Xicheng and questioned the inhabitants who had remained behind, as well as recluses living in the remote mountains. They all said that Kongming had possessed only twenty-five hundred soldiers in the city, had no military generals with him, and was accompanied by only a few civil officials, with no other troops lying in ambush. Common people from Mount Wugong also reported, “Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each had only three thousand troops. They circled through the mountains shouting and beating drums to frighten the pursuers. There were no other troops, and they never dared engage in battle.” Sima Yi regretted his decision, but it was too late. Looking up to Heaven, he sighed, “I am not Kongming’s equal!” He then reassured the officials and people, led his troops directly back to Chang’an, and went to court before the emperor of Wei. Cao Rui said, “The recovery of the commanderies of Longxi today is entirely your achievement.” Sima Yi memorialized, “The Shu army is now entirely in Hanzhong and has not yet been completely destroyed. I ask permission to unite our great armies and conquer Shu, in repayment of Your Majesty’s favor.” Cao Rui was overjoyed and ordered Sima Yi to mobilize his forces at once. Suddenly, a man stepped out from among the ranks of officials and memorialized, “I have a plan sufficient to pacify Shu and compel Wu to surrender.” Truly:

The generals and ministers of Shu had scarcely returned home,When Wei’s ruler and his ministers devised another scheme.Who was the man who offered this plan?Read the next chapter to learn what happened.