Chapter 96

Zhuge Liang Executes Ma Su with Tears; Zhou Fang Cuts His Hair to Deceive Cao Xiu

Now the man who had offered this counsel was Sun Zi, Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Cao Rui asked, “What excellent plan have you?” Sun Zi memorialized: “In former days, when Emperor Wu, the Great Progenitor, subdued Zhang Lu, he first fell into peril and only afterward achieved success. He once said to his assembled ministers, ‘The country around Nanzheng is truly Heaven’s prison.’ The central route through Xie Valley consists of five hundred li of rocky caverns and is no ground for the use of arms. If Your Majesty now means to levy all the troops in the realm to attack Shu, Eastern Wu will again invade our borders. It would be better to divide the troops now at hand among our great commanders, ordering them to hold the strategic passes while conserving their strength and storing up their vigor. Within no more than a few years, the central realm will grow stronger day by day, while the two states of Wu and Shu will inevitably turn upon and injure each other. If we then move against them, will not victory be assured? I beg Your Majesty to decide.” Cao Rui then asked Sima Yi, “What do you think of this argument?” Sima Yi replied, “Minister Sun’s words are entirely sound.” Cao Rui accepted the counsel and ordered Sima Yi to assign the generals to guard the strategic positions. He left Guo Huai and Zhang He to defend Chang’an, bestowed lavish rewards upon the three chariots, and drove back to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang returned to Hanzhong and mustered his officers and men, only to find Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi missing. Deeply troubled, he ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each to lead a force to their aid. The two were just about to depart when word came that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had arrived without having lost a single man or horse; not one wagon, piece of equipment, or other article had been abandoned. Zhuge Liang was overjoyed and personally led the generals out to welcome them. Zhao Yun hastily dismounted, prostrated himself, and said, “Why should the Prime Minister trouble himself to come so far to welcome a defeated general?” Zhuge Liang quickly raised him, took him by the hand, and said, “It was my failure to discern the worthy from the unworthy that brought matters to this pass! Everywhere else our troops and commanders suffered losses, yet Zilong alone did not lose a single man or horse. How was this?” Deng Zhi answered, “I led the troops ahead, while Zilong alone guarded the rear. He slew enemy generals and won merit, striking fear into the foe. Thus none of our military stores or other supplies were abandoned.” Zhuge Liang said, “A true general indeed!” He thereupon took fifty jin of gold to present to Zhao Yun and ten thousand bolts of silk to reward Zhao Yun’s soldiers. Zhao Yun declined them, saying, “The army has not gained so much as an inch of ground, and all of us are guilty. If we were rewarded instead, it would show that the Prime Minister’s rewards and punishments were not just. I ask that these gifts be stored in the treasury for now and bestowed upon the whole army this coming winter. That will not be too late.” Zhuge Liang sighed and said, “While the Former Emperor lived, he often praised Zilong’s virtue. Today he has proved the truth of that praise!” Thereafter he esteemed and respected Zhao Yun more than ever.

Suddenly it was reported that Ma Su, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang had arrived. Zhuge Liang first summoned Wang Ping into the tent and rebuked him: “I ordered you and Ma Su to defend Jieting together. Why did you not remonstrate with him and so prevent this disaster?” Wang Ping replied, “I urged him again and again to build an earthen fort directly on the road and defend it. But the Army Adviser became furious and refused to listen, so I took five thousand men and made camp ten li from the mountain. The Wei troops came suddenly and surrounded the mountain on every side. More than ten times I led my men in assaults, but we could not break through. The next day our army collapsed like crumbling earth and shattered tiles, and countless men surrendered. Unable to maintain my isolated force, I went to seek aid from Wei Wenchang. Halfway there, Wei troops trapped us in a mountain valley, but I fought desperately and broke out. By the time I returned to our camp, the Wei army had already occupied it. When I was making for Lieliu, I met Gao Xiang on the road, and we divided our forces into three columns to raid the Wei encampment, hoping to recover Jieting. But when I saw that there were no troops lying in ambush along the roads around Jieting, I grew suspicious. I climbed to a height and looked out, only to see Wei Yan and Gao Xiang surrounded by the Wei army. I at once charged into the encirclement, rescued the two generals, and joined forces with the Army Adviser. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, I hastened back to defend it. It was not that I failed to remonstrate. If the Prime Minister does not believe me, he may question the officers of every division.”

Zhuge Liang shouted for Wang Ping to withdraw, then summoned Ma Su into the tent. Ma Su came bound and knelt before the command tent. Zhuge Liang’s countenance changed as he said, “From childhood you have read the books of war to repletion and are thoroughly versed in the methods of battle. Time and again I admonished and warned you that Jieting was the very foundation of my campaign, and you pledged the lives of your entire household when you accepted this grave responsibility. Had you listened to Wang Ping from the beginning, how could this calamity have occurred? Now the army is defeated, generals have been lost, territory has fallen, and cities have been abandoned—all through your fault! If I do not enforce military law openly and justly, how shall I command the obedience of the host? You have broken the law; do not resent me. After your death, I shall provide your wife and children with monthly grain and stipends. You need have no concern for them.” He ordered the guards to take Ma Su out and behead him. Ma Su wept and said, “The Prime Minister has regarded me as a son, and I have regarded the Prime Minister as a father. I have indeed committed a capital crime and cannot escape death. I ask only that the Prime Minister remember the righteousness shown by Emperor Shun, who executed Gun but employed Yu. Then, though I die, I shall bear no resentment in the Nine Springs!” When he had finished, he wept aloud. Zhuge Liang waved away his tears and said, “The bond between you and me was that of brothers. Your sons shall be my sons. There is no need to say more.”

The guards led Ma Su beyond the camp gate and were about to execute him when Jiang Wan, an Army Adviser newly arrived from Chengdu, saw the soldiers preparing to behead Ma Su. Greatly alarmed, he cried out for them to stay their hands, then entered to see Zhuge Liang and said, “In former times, when Chu put Dechen to death, Duke Wen rejoiced. Now the empire is not yet settled, yet you would execute a man of wisdom and strategy. Is that not a grievous waste?” Zhuge Liang answered through his tears, “The reason Sun Wu was able to win victories throughout the empire was that his enforcement of the law was clear. Now contention rages in every quarter and the clash of arms has only begun. If the law must be set aside, how are we to punish the rebels? He must be executed.” In a short while, the guards presented Ma Su’s head beneath the steps. Zhuge Liang wept without cease. Jiang Wan asked, “Now that Youchang has been found guilty and military law has been upheld, why does the Prime Minister weep?” Zhuge Liang replied, “I do not weep for Ma Su. I recall that when the Former Emperor lay in mortal peril at Baidi City, he once warned me: ‘Ma Su’s words exceed his actual ability. He must not be entrusted with great responsibility.’ Events have now proved his words true. I bitterly regret my own failure of discernment, and when I remember the Former Emperor’s wisdom, I cannot help but weep in anguish!” Officers and soldiers, high and low, all shed tears. Ma Su was thirty-nine years old when he died. It was then the fifth month of summer in the sixth year of Jianxing. A later poet wrote:

The crime of losing Jieting was far from light;Alas that Ma Su idly discoursed on war.Before the camp gate his head fell to uphold stern military law;Yet, wiping away his tears, Zhuge Liang still recalled the Former Emperor’s wisdom.

After Zhuge Liang had executed Ma Su, he had the severed head displayed throughout every camp. This done, he ordered it sewn back onto the body, provided a coffin, and had Ma Su buried. He personally composed the sacrificial address and performed the rites, while taking special care to support Ma Su’s wife and children and providing them with monthly grain and stipends. Zhuge Liang then composed a memorial and ordered Jiang Wan to present it to the Latter Emperor, asking to be demoted from the office of Prime Minister. Jiang Wan returned to Chengdu, entered the imperial presence, and submitted Zhuge Liang’s memorial. The Latter Emperor opened it and read:

“Your servant is a man of mediocre talent who has presumptuously usurped a position beyond his merit. Taking the banners and battle-ax into my own hands, I sought to inspire the Three Armies. Yet I failed to instruct them in regulations and make the law clear, or to devise sound plans when events arose. Thus came the breach of orders at Jieting and the failure to take due precautions in Ji Valley. The blame lies wholly with your servant, who lacked discernment, failed to understand men, and was too often blind in considering affairs. The Spring and Autumn Annals demand full accountability; how can I escape my crime? I ask to be demoted by three ranks, that my failures and offenses may be duly corrected. Overwhelmed with shame and remorse, your servant bows prostrate and awaits Your Majesty’s command!”

After reading the memorial, the Latter Emperor said, “Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Why should the Prime Minister speak this way?” Fei Yi, Palace Attendant, memorialized: “I have heard that those who govern a state must place the highest importance upon upholding the law. If the law is not enforced, how can the people be made obedient? The Prime Minister has suffered defeat and asks of his own accord to be demoted. This is precisely what is proper.” The Latter Emperor accepted his counsel and issued an edict demoting Zhuge Liang to General of the Right, though he was to continue exercising the functions of Prime Minister, commanding the troops as before. Fei Yi was ordered to carry the edict to Hanzhong. After Zhuge Liang had received the edict of demotion, Fei Yi, fearing that he might feel ashamed, congratulated him, saying, “The people of Shu know that the Prime Minister at first captured four counties, and they rejoice greatly in it.” Zhuge Liang’s countenance changed. “What manner of words are these?” he said. “To gain something and then lose it is no different from never having gained it at all. For you to congratulate me on this merely deepens my shame.” Fei Yi said again, “I recently heard that the Prime Minister has obtained Jiang Wei, and the Son of Heaven is greatly pleased.” Zhuge Liang angrily replied, “I returned with a defeated army without having seized a single inch of ground. This is my great crime. What harm does the loss of one Jiang Wei do to Wei?” Fei Yi said again, “The Prime Minister now commands a mighty host of several hundred thousand. Can you attack Wei once more?” Zhuge Liang replied, “When our great armies were encamped at Mount Qi and Ji Valley, our troops outnumbered those of the enemy, yet we could not defeat them and were instead defeated by them. The fault lay not in the number of troops, but in the commander. I now mean to reduce the troops and dismiss unnecessary officers, clarify rewards and punishments, reflect upon my errors, and seek methods of adaptation and change for the future. Otherwise, what use would greater numbers be? From this day onward, let all who possess farsighted concern for the state diligently assail my faults and rebuke my shortcomings. Then our affairs may be settled, the rebels destroyed, and success awaited almost on tiptoe.” Fei Yi and all the generals were persuaded by his argument. Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. In Hanzhong, Zhuge Liang cherished the soldiers and cared for the people, drilled the troops and lectured on warfare, constructed engines for attacking cities and crossing rivers, amassed grain and fodder, and prepared battle rafts for future campaigns. Wei spies learned of these preparations and reported them to Luoyang.

When Cao Rui, Emperor of Wei, heard the report, he immediately summoned Sima Yi to discuss a plan for conquering Shu. Sima Yi said, “Shu cannot yet be attacked. The season is now fiercely hot, and the Shu army is certain not to come forth. If our troops penetrate deeply into their territory, they will hold the strategic passes, which cannot be taken in haste.” Cao Rui asked, “What are we to do if their army invades us again?” Sima Yi replied, “I have already calculated that this time Zhuge Liang will surely imitate Han Xin’s stratagem of secretly crossing by way of Chencang. I shall recommend one man to go to the mouth of the Chencang road, build a fortified city, and hold it. Then nothing can go wrong. This man stands nine chi tall, has arms like an ape, is an excellent archer, and possesses profound strategy. If Zhuge Liang invades, this man alone will suffice to withstand him.” Cao Rui was delighted and asked, “Who is he?” Sima Yi memorialized, “He is a native of Taiyuan, surnamed Hao, given name Zhao, style Bodao. He is now General of Miscellaneous Pacification and guards the region west of the Yellow River.” Cao Rui accepted the recommendation, promoted Hao Bodao to General Who Guards the West, and ordered him to defend the mouth of the Chencang road. An envoy departed bearing the edict.

Suddenly it was reported that Cao Xiu, Grand Commander and Commander-in-Chief of the Army in Yangzhou, had submitted a memorial stating that Zhou Fang, Administrator of Shenyang in Eastern Wu, wished to surrender his commandery and had secretly sent a man to set forth seven points. He declared that Eastern Wu could be destroyed and begged that troops be dispatched at once to seize it. Cao Rui opened the memorial upon the imperial couch and read it together with Sima Yi. Sima Yi said, “These arguments are entirely reasonable. Wu is destined to perish. I ask leave to lead an army to assist Cao Xiu.” Suddenly one man among the ranks of officials memorialized: “The words of the men of Wu are ever shifting and inconsistent and must not be deeply trusted. Zhou Fang is a man of intelligence and strategy and would certainly never surrender. This is nothing but a deceitful plan to lure our army forward.” Everyone looked and saw that the speaker was Jia Kui, General Who Establishes Might. Sima Yi said, “These words, too, cannot go unheeded; yet the opportunity must not be missed.” The Emperor of Wei said, “Zhongda and Jia Kui may go together to assist Cao Xiu.” The two received their orders and departed. Thereupon Cao Xiu led the main army straight toward Wancheng. Jia Kui led Man Chong, General of the Vanguard, and Hu Zhi, Administrator of Eastern Wan, straight toward Yangcheng and on to Dongguan. Sima Yi led the troops under his own command directly toward Jiangling.

Meanwhile, Sun Quan, ruler of Wu, was at Dongguan near Wuchang. He assembled his officials and said, “Zhou Fang, Administrator of Poyang, has sent a secret memorial reporting that Cao Xiu, Wei’s Commander of Yangzhou, intends to invade us. Zhou Fang has now employed a deceitful stratagem, secretly setting forth seven points to lure the Wei army deep into dangerous ground, where we may lay ambushes and capture it. The Wei forces are now approaching in three columns. What superior counsel have you, gentlemen?” Gu Yong stepped forward and said, “No one but Lu Boyan dares undertake so grave a responsibility.” Sun Quan was overjoyed. He summoned Lu Xun and appointed him Great General Who Supports the State and Commander-in-Chief Who Pacifies the North, giving him command of the imperial troops and authority to act in the ruler’s stead. He bestowed upon him the white yak-tail standard and yellow battle-ax, and ordered all civil and military officials to obey his commands. Sun Quan personally held Lu Xun’s whip for him. After receiving his commission and giving thanks, Lu Xun recommended two men to serve as commanders on his left and right and lead divided forces against the enemy’s three columns. Sun Quan asked who they were. Lu Xun replied, “Zhu Huan, General of Martial Might, and Quan Cong, General Who Secures the South, may serve as my assistants.” Sun Quan agreed and at once appointed Zhu Huan Commander of the Left and Quan Cong Commander of the Right. Lu Xun thereupon took supreme command of more than seven hundred thousand troops from the eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze and from Jingzhou and the lake country. He placed Zhu Huan on the left and Quan Cong on the right, while he himself held the center, and the three columns advanced. Zhu Huan offered a plan: “Cao Xiu holds command through imperial kinship, not because he is a general of wisdom and courage. Now he has listened to Zhou Fang’s enticing words and penetrated deep into dangerous ground. If the Commander-in-Chief attacks him, Cao Xiu will certainly be defeated. After his defeat, he must flee by one of two roads: Jiashi on the left or Guiche on the right. Both are remote mountain paths of the greatest steepness and danger. I ask leave to lead one army, while Quan Zihuang leads another, and lie in ambush amid the mountain fastnesses. If we first block the roads with timber and boulders, Cao Xiu may be captured. Once Cao Xiu is taken, we can drive straight onward, seize Shouchun as easily as turning the hand, and then threaten Xu and Luoyang. Such an opportunity comes but once in ten thousand generations.” Lu Xun said, “That is not a good plan. I have an excellent design of my own.” Zhu Huan withdrew, nursing resentment. Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and the others to hold Jiangling against Sima Yi. All the forces were duly assigned and arrayed.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiu’s army approached Wancheng, and Zhou Fang came out to welcome him, proceeding directly to Cao Xiu’s tent. Cao Xiu asked, “I recently received your letter. The seven points you set forth were deeply persuasive, and I reported them to the Son of Heaven. For this reason, a great army has advanced in three columns. If we obtain the lands east of the Yangtze, your merit will be great indeed. Some say that you are full of schemes and fear that your words may not be true. Yet I am certain you would not deceive me.” Zhou Fang burst into tears, hastily snatched the sword worn by one of his attendants, and made to cut his own throat. Cao Xiu quickly stopped him. Gripping the sword, Zhou Fang said, “In setting forth my seven points, I regretted only that I could not tear out my heart and liver to show you. Now suspicion has arisen against me. Some man of Wu must have employed a scheme of estrangement. If you heed his words, I shall surely die. Heaven alone can bear witness to my loyal heart!” When he had finished, he again tried to kill himself. Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed and hastily embraced him, saying, “I spoke only in jest. Why do you act like this?” Zhou Fang then used the sword to cut off his hair and flung it to the ground. “I have treated you with a loyal heart,” he said, “yet you treat me as a jest. I cut off the hair bequeathed to me by my parents to prove the sincerity of my heart.”

Cao Xiu now trusted Zhou Fang completely and gave a banquet in his honor. When the feast ended, Zhou Fang took his leave. Suddenly it was reported that Jia Kui, General Who Establishes Might, had come to see him. Cao Xiu ordered him admitted and asked, “Why have you come?” Jia Kui replied, “I judge that the troops of Eastern Wu must all be concentrated at Wancheng. The Commander must not advance lightly. Wait until I attack in concert with you from another direction, and the enemy army can be broken.” Cao Xiu angrily said, “Do you mean to steal my glory?” Jia Kui replied, “I have also heard that Zhou Fang cut off his hair in token of his oath. This is a fraud. In former times, Yaoli severed his own arm in order to assassinate Qingji. Zhou Fang must not be deeply trusted.” Cao Xiu flew into a rage. “I am just about to move the army,” he cried. “Why do you utter such words and weaken the spirit of my troops?” He shouted to his attendants to drag Jia Kui out and behead him. The generals pleaded, “Before the army has even advanced, to execute a great commander would be inauspicious. We beg you to spare him for the present.” Cao Xiu consented. He left Jia Kui’s troops in camp to be deployed as needed, while he personally led an army against Dongguan. When Zhou Fang learned that Jia Kui had been stripped of his military authority, he rejoiced in secret, saying, “Had Cao Xiu followed Jia Kui’s counsel, Eastern Wu would have been defeated! Now Heaven grants me success!” He immediately sent a man secretly to Wancheng to inform Lu Xun. Lu Xun summoned his generals to receive their orders and said, “Shiting lies ahead. Though it is in mountainous country, there is ample ground for ambushes. Go ahead quickly, occupy the broad ground at Shiting, and draw up your formations to await the Wei army.” He then appointed Xu Sheng vanguard and ordered him to advance with his troops.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiu ordered Zhou Fang to lead the army forward. As they marched, Cao Xiu asked, “What place lies ahead?” Zhou Fang replied, “Shiting lies before us. It is suitable for encampment.” Cao Xiu followed his advice and led the entire army, together with its wagons, weapons, and equipment, to Shiting, where they encamped. The following day, mounted scouts reported, “An unknown number of Wu troops have occupied the mountain pass ahead.” Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed. “Zhou Fang said there were no troops,” he cried. “Why, then, are they prepared for us?” He hurriedly sought Zhou Fang to question him, but was told that Zhou Fang had taken several dozen men and vanished no one knew where. Cao Xiu bitterly repented. “I have fallen into the enemy’s trap!” he said. “Even so, there is nothing to fear.” He ordered the great general Zhang Pu to lead several thousand troops as vanguard and engage the army of Wu. When the two battle lines were drawn up facing each other, Zhang Pu rode forth and shouted abuse: “Rebel general, surrender at once!” Xu Sheng rode out to meet him. They fought for countless bouts, until Zhang Pu could no longer withstand him. He reined about, withdrew his troops, and returned to Cao Xiu, reporting that Xu Sheng’s valor was irresistible. Cao Xiu said, “I shall defeat him with surprise troops.” He ordered Zhang Pu to take twenty thousand men and lie in ambush south of Shiting, and Xue Qiao to take another twenty thousand and lie in ambush to the north. “Tomorrow I shall personally lead one thousand men to challenge the enemy. I shall feign defeat and lure them before the northern hills. When you hear a cannon shot, attack from three sides, and we shall certainly win a great victory.” The two generals received the plan and that same night each led twenty thousand men into ambush.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun summoned Zhu Huan and Quan Cong and instructed them: “Each of you is to lead thirty thousand men around the hills of Shiting to the rear of Cao Xiu’s camp. Set fires as the signal. I shall personally lead the main army forward along the center and capture Cao Xiu.” At dusk that day, the two generals received the plan and advanced with their troops. Around the second watch, Zhu Huan led one force around to the rear of the Wei camp and encountered Zhang Pu’s ambush. Zhang Pu did not know they were Wu troops and came straight up to question them, whereupon Zhu Huan cut him down from his horse with a single stroke. The Wei soldiers fled, and Zhu Huan ordered his rear ranks to set fires. Quan Cong led another force around to the rear of the Wei camp and ran directly into Xue Qiao’s formation, where a fierce slaughter ensued. Xue Qiao was defeated and fled. The Wei troops suffered heavy losses and ran back to their main camp. Behind them, Zhu Huan and Quan Cong came killing in from two directions. Cao Xiu’s camp fell into utter confusion, the men trampling and colliding with one another. Cao Xiu hastily mounted and fled toward the Jiashi road. Xu Sheng led a great body of horse and foot straight in along the main road. Countless Wei soldiers were killed, and those fleeing for their lives cast away all their armor and clothing. Greatly alarmed, Cao Xiu spurred on with all his strength through the Jiashi road. Suddenly a force burst out from a side path, led by the great general Jia Kui. Cao Xiu’s panic eased somewhat, and he said in shame, “I refused to heed your counsel and have indeed suffered this defeat!” Jia Kui replied, “Commander, you must hasten out of this road. If the Wu troops block it with timber and stones, we shall all be in peril!” Cao Xiu thereupon galloped ahead, while Jia Kui guarded the rear. Wherever the woods were thick or the narrow paths steep and dangerous, Jia Kui set up many banners and standards to suggest hidden troops. When Xu Sheng arrived in pursuit and saw the tips of banners appearing below the hillsides, he suspected an ambush and dared not pursue. He recalled his troops and returned. Thus Cao Xiu was saved. When Sima Yi heard of Cao Xiu’s defeat, he too withdrew his army.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun was awaiting news of victory. Before long, Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Cong all arrived. The wagons, weapons, oxen, horses, donkeys, mules, military stores, and equipment they had captured were beyond counting, and more than ten thousand enemy soldiers had surrendered. Lu Xun was overjoyed and at once returned triumphantly to Wu together with Administrator Zhou Fang and all the generals. Sun Quan, ruler of Wu, led his civil and military officials out of Wuchang to welcome them and held the imperial canopy over Lu Xun as they entered the city. All the generals were promoted and rewarded. Seeing that Zhou Fang had no hair, Sun Quan comforted and commended him, saying, “By cutting off your hair, you accomplished this great undertaking. Your merit and fame deserve to be inscribed on bamboo and silk.” He immediately enfeoffed Zhou Fang as Marquis Within the Passes and held a magnificent banquet to reward the army and celebrate the victory. Lu Xun memorialized: “Cao Xiu has now suffered a crushing defeat, and the Wei troops have lost heart. We should compose a state letter and send an envoy into Shu, urging Zhuge Liang to advance and attack them.” Sun Quan accepted his counsel and sent an envoy bearing the letter into Shu. Truly:

Because the eastern state knew how to work a stratagem,The western land of Shu once more set its armies in motion.

Whether Zhuge Liang would again attack Wei, and whether he would meet victory or defeat, will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Zhuge Liang Executes Ma Su with Tears; Zhou Fang Cuts His Hair to Deceive Cao Xiu

The man who had offered the plan was Sun Zi, Minister of State. Cao Rui asked, “What ingenious plan do you have?” Sun Zi memorialized: “In former days, when Emperor Wu, the Grand Progenitor, conquered Zhang Lu, he escaped danger only after finding himself in peril. He once said to his ministers, ‘The country around Nanzheng is truly a prison made by Heaven.’ The road through the middle of Xie Valley consists of five hundred li of rocky caverns and is no place for military operations. If we now raise all the troops in the empire to attack Shu, Eastern Wu will invade us again. It would be better to divide our present forces among our great commanders and order them to hold the strategic passes, while resting and strengthening the troops. In no more than a few years, the central realm will grow stronger by the day, while the kingdoms of Wu and Shu will inevitably begin to destroy each other. If we then move against them, would victory not be assured? I beg Your Majesty to decide.” Cao Rui then asked Sima Yi, “What do you think of this argument?” Sima Yi replied, “Minister Sun’s words are entirely sound.” Cao Rui accepted the advice and ordered Sima Yi to assign the commanders to guard the strategic passes. He left Guo Huai and Zhang He to defend Chang’an, lavishly rewarded the three armies, and returned in his imperial carriage to Luoyang.

Meanwhile, when Kongming returned to Hanzhong and counted his troops, only Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi were missing, which greatly worried him. He therefore ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each to lead a force to meet them. The two were just about to set out when word suddenly came that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had arrived without losing a single man or horse; none of their baggage or equipment had been lost either. Kongming was overjoyed and personally led his commanders out to welcome them. Zhao Yun hurriedly dismounted, prostrated himself, and said, “Why should the Chancellor trouble himself to come so far to welcome a defeated commander?” Kongming quickly helped him up, took his hand, and said, “It was my failure to distinguish the worthy from the foolish that brought us to this! The troops and commanders everywhere else suffered losses, yet Zilong did not lose a single man or horse. How was this done?” Deng Zhi said, “I led the troops ahead while Zilong alone covered the rear. He slew enemy commanders and won distinction, frightening the enemy. That is why none of our military supplies or other equipment had to be abandoned.” Kongming said, “A true general!” He then took fifty jin of gold to present to Zhao Yun and ten thousand bolts of silk to reward Zhao Yun’s soldiers. Zhao Yun declined, saying, “The army has not gained an inch of ground, and all of us are guilty. If we were rewarded instead, then the Chancellor’s rewards and punishments would be unclear. Please deposit these things in the treasury for now. It will not be too late to bestow them on the troops this winter.” Kongming sighed and said, “When the Late Emperor was alive, he often praised Zilong’s virtue. Today I see that he was right!” Thereafter, he respected Zhao Yun more than ever.

Suddenly it was reported that Ma Su, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang had arrived. Kongming first summoned Wang Ping into his tent and rebuked him: “I ordered you and Ma Su to defend Jieting together. Why did you not remonstrate with him and prevent this disaster?” Wang Ping said, “I urged him again and again to build an earthen fort on the main road and defend it. The Army Adviser became furious and refused to listen, so I took five thousand troops and established a camp ten li from the mountain. When the Wei troops suddenly arrived and surrounded the mountain on all four sides, I led my men in more than ten assaults, but every time we failed to break through. The next day, our forces collapsed completely, and countless men surrendered. My isolated force could not hold its ground, so I went to seek help from Wei Wenchang. Halfway there, Wei troops trapped us in a valley, but I fought desperately and broke out. By the time I returned to our camp, the Wei troops had already occupied it. On my way to Lieliu, I encountered Gao Xiang, so we divided our troops into three columns and went to raid the Wei camp, hoping to recover Jieting. But when I saw that there were no troops in ambush along the road to Jieting, I became suspicious. I climbed to high ground and looked out, and saw that Wei Yan and Gao Xiang had been surrounded by Wei troops. I immediately fought my way into the encirclement and rescued the two commanders, then joined them with the Army Adviser. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, I hurried back to defend it. It was not that I failed to remonstrate. If the Chancellor does not believe me, he may ask the officers and commanders of every unit.”

Kongming shouted for Wang Ping to withdraw, then summoned Ma Su into the tent. Ma Su had bound himself and knelt before the tent. Kongming’s expression changed as he said, “From childhood you have read the military classics extensively and mastered the methods of warfare. I repeatedly warned and admonished you that Jieting was the foundation of my entire campaign, and you pledged the lives of your whole family when you accepted this grave responsibility. If you had listened to Wang Ping from the beginning, how could this disaster have occurred? Our army has been defeated, our commanders lost, our territory seized, and our cities taken—all because of you! If I do not enforce military law openly and properly, how can I command the obedience of the men? You have now broken the law, so do not blame me. After your death, I will provide your family with a monthly allowance of grain. You need not worry about them.” He ordered the attendants to take Ma Su out and behead him. Ma Su wept and said, “The Chancellor has treated me as a son, and I have regarded the Chancellor as a father. I truly cannot escape the death penalty for my crime. I only hope the Chancellor will remember the principle by which Emperor Shun put Gun to death but employed Yu. Then, though I die, I will bear no resentment in the Nine Springs!” When he had finished, he wept aloud. Kongming wiped away his tears and said, “You and I have been as close as brothers. Your sons are my sons. There is no need to say more.”

The attendants took Ma Su outside the camp gate and were about to execute him when Army Adviser Jiang Wan arrived from Chengdu. Seeing the warriors preparing to behead Ma Su, he was greatly alarmed and shouted for them to spare the man. He went in to see Kongming and said, “In former times, when Chu put Dechen to death, Duke Wen rejoiced. The empire is not yet settled. Is it not a pity to execute a man of wisdom and strategy?” Kongming replied through his tears, “The reason Sun Wu was able to win victories throughout the empire was that he enforced the law clearly. Now the four quarters are in turmoil and warfare has only just begun. If we abandon the law, how can we punish the rebels? He must be executed.” Shortly afterward, the warriors presented Ma Su’s head below the steps. Kongming wept without cease. Jiang Wan asked, “Now that Youchang has been punished for his crime and military law has been upheld, why does the Chancellor weep?” Kongming said, “I am not weeping for Ma Su. I remember that when the Late Emperor lay in mortal danger at Baidi City, he warned me, ‘Ma Su’s words exceed his actual abilities. He must not be entrusted with great responsibilities.’ Now his words have proved true. I bitterly regret my own lack of judgment, and as I recall the Late Emperor’s wisdom, I cannot help but weep!” Every officer and soldier, high and low, shed tears. Ma Su was thirty-nine years old when he died. It was then the fifth month of summer in the sixth year of Jianxing. A later poet wrote:

The loss of Jieting was no trivial crime;How sad that Ma Su spoke of war in vain.Beheaded at the gate, the army’s law was stern;Wiping his tears, Kongming recalled the Late Emperor’s wisdom.

After Kongming had executed Ma Su and displayed his head throughout every camp, he had it sewn back onto the body, placed the body in a coffin, and buried it. He personally composed a funeral prayer and conducted the sacrifices. He also took special care to provide for Ma Su’s family, giving them a monthly allowance of grain. Kongming then wrote a memorial himself and ordered Jiang Wan to submit it to the Latter Lord, requesting that he be demoted from the office of Chancellor. Jiang Wan returned to Chengdu, entered the Latter Lord’s presence, and presented Kongming’s memorial. The Latter Lord opened it and read:

I, your subject, am a man of mediocre ability who has presumptuously occupied a position for which I am unfit. I personally took up the standards and battle-ax to inspire the three armies, yet I failed to establish proper instruction and make the law clear, and I failed to plan correctly when events arose. Thus there was the offense of disobeying orders at Jieting and the failure to take precautions at Ji Valley. All the blame lies with me, for I lacked discernment, failed to understand men, and was often blind in my consideration of affairs. The Spring and Autumn Annals demand complete accountability. How can I escape punishment? I request that I be demoted by three ranks, so that my failures and offenses may be properly censured. Overcome with shame, I bow face down and await Your Majesty’s command!

After reading it, the Latter Lord said, “Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. Why should the Chancellor say such things?” Palace Attendant Fei Yi memorialized: “I have heard that those who govern a state must regard obedience to the law as paramount. If the law is not enforced, how can the people be made to submit? Since the Chancellor has suffered a defeat and has himself requested demotion, it is entirely proper.” The Latter Lord accepted this advice and issued an edict demoting Kongming to General of the Right, while authorizing him to perform the duties of Chancellor and, as before, exercise overall command of the troops. He then ordered Fei Yi to carry the edict to Hanzhong. After Kongming had received the edict of demotion, Fei Yi feared that he might feel humiliated, so he congratulated him, saying, “The people of Shu were delighted to learn that the Chancellor initially captured four counties.” Kongming’s expression changed. “What sort of remark is that? To gain something and then lose it is the same as never having gained it at all. For you to congratulate me on this only gives me greater cause for shame.” Fei Yi said again, “I recently heard that the Chancellor obtained Jiang Wei, and the Son of Heaven was greatly pleased.” Kongming angrily replied, “I returned after my army was defeated without gaining a single inch of territory. This is a grave crime on my part. What harm does the mere acquisition of one Jiang Wei do to Wei?” Fei Yi then said, “The Chancellor now commands a mighty army of several hundred thousand. Can you attack Wei again?” Kongming replied, “Formerly, when our great army was encamped at Mount Qi and Ji Valley, our troops outnumbered those of the enemy, yet we were unable to defeat them and instead were defeated ourselves. The fault did not lie in the number of soldiers, but in the commanding generals. I now intend to reduce the troops and eliminate unnecessary commanders, make punishments clear, reflect upon my errors, and study ways of adapting our methods in the future. Unless I do so, what use would greater numbers be? From now on, let all those who take a farsighted view of affairs of state diligently criticize my faults and condemn my shortcomings. Then our undertaking can be settled, the rebels can be destroyed, and success may soon be expected.” Fei Yi and the commanders all accepted his argument. Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. In Hanzhong, Kongming cared for the soldiers and cherished the people, trained the troops, and instructed them in warfare. He had equipment made for attacking cities and crossing rivers, accumulated grain and fodder, and prepared war rafts for future campaigns. Wei spies learned of this and reported it to Luoyang.

When Cao Rui, ruler of Wei, heard this, he immediately summoned Sima Yi to discuss a plan for conquering Shu. Sima Yi said, “Shu cannot yet be attacked. The weather is now fiercely hot, so the troops of Shu will certainly not come out. If our army penetrates deeply into their territory, they will defend the strategic passes, and we will find it difficult to take them quickly.” Cao Rui asked, “What if their troops invade again?” Sima Yi replied, “I have already calculated that this time Zhuge Liang will certainly imitate Han Xin’s stratagem of secretly crossing by way of Chencang. I recommend that one man be sent to the entrance of the Chencang road to build a fortress and defend it. Then nothing can possibly go wrong. This man is nine feet tall, has arms like an ape, is an excellent archer, and possesses profound strategic ability. If Zhuge Liang invades, this man will be sufficient to oppose him.” Cao Rui was delighted and asked, “Who is this man?” Sima Yi replied, “He is a native of Taiyuan. His surname is Hao, his given name is Zhao, and his courtesy name is Bodao. He is currently General of Miscellaneous Pacification and is guarding Hexi.” Cao Rui accepted the recommendation, promoted Hao Bodao to General Who Guards the West, and ordered him to defend the entrance of the Chencang road. A messenger was then sent off carrying the edict.

Suddenly a report arrived that Cao Xiu, Grand Commander and military governor of Yangzhou, had submitted a memorial stating that Zhou Fang, Administrator of Shenyang in Eastern Wu, wished to surrender his commandery and had secretly sent a man to present seven points explaining how Eastern Wu could be defeated. Cao Xiu requested that troops be dispatched at once to conquer it. Cao Rui opened the memorial on his imperial couch and read it together with Sima Yi. Sima Yi said, “These arguments are entirely reasonable. Wu is ready to be destroyed. I am willing to lead an army to assist Cao Xiu.” Suddenly a man among the ranks of officials memorialized: “The words of men from Wu are fickle and inconsistent and cannot be deeply trusted. Zhou Fang is a man of wisdom and strategy and would certainly never surrender. This must be a deceitful plan to lure in our troops.” Everyone looked and saw that it was Jia Kui, General Who Establishes Might. Sima Yi said, “We cannot ignore these words, but neither can we miss this opportunity.” The ruler of Wei said, “Zhongda and Jia Kui may go together to assist Cao Xiu.” The two received their orders and departed. Cao Xiu then led the main army directly toward Wan City. Jia Kui led Man Chong, General of the Vanguard, and Hu Zhi, Administrator of Eastern Wan, directly toward Yangcheng and on to Dongguan. Sima Yi led his own troops directly toward Jiangling.

Meanwhile, Sun Quan, ruler of Wu, was at Dongguan in Wuchang. He assembled the officials and said, “I have received a secret memorial from Zhou Fang, Administrator of Poyang, reporting that Cao Xiu, Wei’s military governor of Yangzhou, intends to invade. Zhou Fang has now devised a deceptive stratagem and secretly presented seven points to lure the Wei troops deep into our territory, where we can set ambushes and capture them. The Wei forces are now approaching by three routes. What wise counsel do you have?” Gu Yong stepped forward and said, “No one but Lu Boyan is capable of assuming this great responsibility.” Sun Quan was delighted. He summoned Lu Xun and appointed him Great General Who Supports the State and Supreme Commander Who Pacifies the North. He placed the great Imperial Guard army under his command and authorized him to exercise royal authority. He bestowed on him a white yak-tail standard and a yellow battle-ax and ordered all civil and military officials to obey his commands. Sun Quan personally held the whip for Lu Xun. After receiving his orders and expressing his thanks, Lu Xun recommended two men to serve as commanders of the left and right, dividing the forces to meet the enemy’s three columns. Sun Quan asked who they were, and Lu Xun replied, “Zhu Huan, General Who Displays Might, and Quan Cong, General Who Pacifies the South, may serve as my assistants.” Sun Quan agreed and immediately appointed Zhu Huan Commander of the Left and Quan Cong Commander of the Right. Lu Xun then assumed overall command of more than seven hundred thousand men from the eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze and the regions of Jingzhou and the lakes. He stationed Zhu Huan on the left and Quan Cong on the right, while he himself held the center, and the three columns advanced. Zhu Huan offered a plan: “Cao Xiu has been entrusted with power because of his relationship to the imperial house, not because he is a commander of wisdom and courage. Now he has listened to Zhou Fang’s deceptive words and advanced deep into our territory. When the Supreme Commander attacks him, Cao Xiu will certainly be defeated. After his defeat, he must flee by one of two roads: Jiashi on the left or Guiche on the right. Both are narrow, remote mountain paths and extremely dangerous. I am willing to lead one army while Quan Zihuang leads another. We will lie in ambush in the mountain passes after first blocking the roads with timber and boulders. Then Cao Xiu can be captured. Once Cao Xiu is taken, we can drive straight ahead and seize Shouchun with no more effort than spitting into our hands. From there we can threaten Xuchang and Luoyang. This is an opportunity that comes only once in ten thousand generations.” Lu Xun said, “That is not a good plan. I have an ingenious strategy of my own.” Zhu Huan withdrew, harboring resentment. Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and the others to hold Jiangling against Sima Yi. He then completed the deployment of all the forces.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiu’s army reached Wan City, and Zhou Fang came to welcome him, proceeding directly to Cao Xiu’s tent. Cao Xiu asked, “I recently received your letter. The seven points you presented were extremely convincing, and I reported them to the Son of Heaven. That is why this great army has advanced by three routes. If we gain the territory east of the Yangtze, your achievement will be considerable. Someone has said that you are very cunning and that what you have told us may not be true. But I am sure you would never deceive me.” Zhou Fang burst into tears, snatched the sword worn by one of his attendants, and tried to cut his own throat. Cao Xiu hurriedly stopped him. Holding the sword, Zhou Fang said, “In presenting those seven points, my only regret was that I could not tear out my heart and liver to show my sincerity. Yet now suspicion has arisen against me. Some man of Wu must be using a scheme to sow distrust. If you listen to his words, I will surely die! Only Heaven can bear witness to my loyal heart!” When he had finished speaking, he again tried to kill himself. Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed and hurriedly seized him, saying, “I was only joking. Why do you behave like this?” Zhou Fang then used the sword to cut off his hair and threw it to the ground, saying, “I treat you with a loyal heart, but you treat me as a joke. I cut off the hair bequeathed to me by my parents to demonstrate the sincerity of my heart.”

Cao Xiu now trusted Zhou Fang completely and held a banquet in his honor. When the banquet ended, Zhou Fang took his leave. Suddenly it was reported that Jia Kui, General Who Establishes Might, had come to see Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu ordered him admitted and asked, “Why have you come?” Jia Kui said, “I believe the troops of Eastern Wu must all be concentrated at Wan City. The Commander must not advance rashly. Wait until my force and yours can attack from two sides, and then the enemy can be defeated.” Cao Xiu angrily said, “Are you trying to steal my glory?” Jia Kui replied, “I have also heard that Zhou Fang cut off his hair to confirm his oath. This is a deception. In former times, Yaoli cut off his own arm in order to assassinate Qingji. Zhou Fang must not be deeply trusted.” Cao Xiu flew into a rage and said, “I am just about to move the army. Why do you say this and weaken the morale of my troops?” He ordered the attendants to take Jia Kui out and behead him. The commanders pleaded, “It is inauspicious for the army to execute a great commander before the advance has even begun. We beg you to spare him for now.” Cao Xiu agreed. He kept Jia Kui’s troops in camp to be deployed as needed, while he personally led an army toward Dongguan. When Zhou Fang learned that Jia Kui had been stripped of his command, he was secretly delighted. “If Cao Xiu had followed Jia Kui’s advice, Eastern Wu would have been defeated! Now Heaven is enabling me to succeed!” He immediately sent a man secretly to Wan City to inform Lu Xun. Lu Xun summoned his commanders to receive their orders and said, “Although Shiting ahead lies amid mountain roads, there is enough room to set an ambush. Go there early, seize the broad ground at Shiting, and form your battle lines to await the Wei army.” He then appointed Xu Sheng as vanguard and ordered him to lead the troops forward.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiu ordered Zhou Fang to lead the army forward. As they marched, Cao Xiu asked, “What place lies ahead?” Zhou Fang replied, “Shiting lies ahead. It is suitable for encampment.” Cao Xiu followed his advice and led the whole army, together with its wagons, weapons, and equipment, to Shiting, where they encamped. The next day, mounted scouts reported, “An unknown number of Wu troops are ahead, occupying the mountain pass.” Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed and said, “Zhou Fang said there were no troops. Why, then, are they prepared?” He hurriedly sought Zhou Fang to question him, but was told that Zhou Fang had led several dozen men away and no one knew where they had gone. Cao Xiu bitterly regretted his mistake and said, “I have fallen into the enemy’s trap! Even so, there is nothing to fear.” He then ordered the great commander Zhang Pu to serve as vanguard and lead several thousand soldiers into battle against the Wu army. The two formations drew up opposite each other. Zhang Pu rode out and shouted abuse: “Enemy commander, surrender at once!” Xu Sheng rode out to meet him. They fought for countless bouts, until Zhang Pu could no longer hold his own. He reined in his horse, withdrew his troops, and returned to Cao Xiu, reporting that Xu Sheng’s valor was irresistible. Cao Xiu said, “I will defeat him with a surprise attack.” He ordered Zhang Pu to lead twenty thousand troops into ambush south of Shiting and Xue Qiao to lead another twenty thousand into ambush north of Shiting. “Tomorrow I will personally lead one thousand troops to challenge the enemy. I will then pretend to lose and feign defeat, luring them before the northern hills. When I fire a cannon as the signal, attack from three sides. We will certainly win a great victory.” The two commanders received the plan, and each led twenty thousand troops away that night to set their ambushes.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun summoned Zhu Huan and Quan Cong and instructed them: “Each of you is to lead thirty thousand troops around the hills of Shiting to the rear of Cao Xiu’s camp. Set fires as the signal. I will personally lead the main army forward along the center route, and we will capture Cao Xiu.” At dusk that day, the two commanders received the plan and led their troops forward. During the second watch, Zhu Huan’s force had just made its way to the rear of the Wei camp when it encountered Zhang Pu’s ambush. Zhang Pu did not realize they were Wu troops and came straight forward to question them, whereupon Zhu Huan cut him down from his horse with a single stroke. The Wei troops fled, and Zhu Huan ordered his rear ranks to set fires. Quan Cong led his force around to the rear of the Wei camp and ran directly into Xue Qiao’s formation, where a fierce battle immediately broke out. Xue Qiao was defeated and fled. The Wei troops suffered heavy losses and rushed back to their main camp. Zhu Huan’s and Quan Cong’s forces came attacking from behind. Cao Xiu’s camp fell into complete chaos, with his own men colliding and trampling one another. Cao Xiu hastily mounted and fled toward the Jiashi road. Xu Sheng led a great body of troops in an attack along the main road. Countless Wei soldiers were killed, and those who escaped with their lives threw away all their clothing and armor. Greatly alarmed, Cao Xiu fled with all his strength along the Jiashi road. Suddenly a body of troops charged out from a side path. Their leading commander was Jia Kui. Cao Xiu’s panic subsided somewhat, and he said in shame, “I refused to follow your advice, and so I have suffered this defeat!” Jia Kui said, “Commander, you must get out of this road quickly. If the Wu troops block it with timber and stones, we will all be in danger!” Cao Xiu therefore spurred his horse onward while Jia Kui covered the rear. Wherever the woods were thick and the narrow paths steep and dangerous, Jia Kui planted large numbers of banners and flags to create the appearance of concealed troops. When Xu Sheng arrived in pursuit and saw the tips of banners showing below the hillsides, he suspected an ambush and did not dare continue. He recalled his troops and returned. In this way Jia Kui saved Cao Xiu. When Sima Yi learned of Cao Xiu’s defeat, he also withdrew his army.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun was waiting for news of victory. Before long, Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Cong all arrived. They had captured an incalculable number of wagons, weapons, oxen, horses, donkeys, mules, military supplies, and pieces of equipment, as well as tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers. Lu Xun was overjoyed and immediately returned in triumph to Wu together with Administrator Zhou Fang and all the commanders. Sun Quan, ruler of Wu, led his civil and military officials out of Wuchang to welcome them. He covered Lu Xun with the imperial canopy as they entered the city. All the commanders received promotions and rewards. Seeing that Zhou Fang had no hair, Sun Quan praised and consoled him, saying, “You cut off your hair and thereby accomplished this great undertaking. Your achievement and fame deserve to be recorded on bamboo and silk.” He immediately enfeoffed Zhou Fang as Marquis Within the Passes and held a great banquet to reward the troops and celebrate. Lu Xun memorialized: “Now Cao Xiu has suffered a crushing defeat, and the Wei troops have lost heart. We should compose a state letter and send a messenger into Shu, instructing Zhuge Liang to advance and attack them.” Sun Quan followed his advice and sent a messenger carrying the letter into Shu. Just so:

Because the eastern kingdom knew how to execute a plan,The troops of western Shu were set in motion once again.

Whether Kongming would be victorious or defeated when he attacked Wei again will be revealed in the next chapter.