Chapter 97

The Martial Marquis Again Memorializes for War Against Wei; Jiang Wei Offers a False Letter to Defeat Cao’s Army

Now in the ninth month of autumn, the sixth year of Jianxing of Shu-Han, the Wei commander Cao Xiu suffered a crushing defeat at Shiting at the hands of Eastern Wu’s Lu Xun. His carriages, horses, military stores, and weapons were all utterly lost. Overcome with fear and distress, Cao Xiu fell ill. Upon reaching Luoyang, a malignant ulcer erupted on his back, and he died. The ruler of Wei, Cao Rui, decreed that he be buried with great honors. Sima Yi then led his army back. The generals came out to meet him and asked, “Commander Cao’s defeat concerns you as supreme commander. Why have you returned in such haste?” Sima Yi replied, “I judge that Zhuge Liang, learning of our defeat, will surely take advantage of our weakness and come to seize Chang’an. If Longxi should fall into danger, who would rescue it? That is why I have returned.” The others all took this for cowardice and withdrew with derisive smiles.

Meanwhile, Eastern Wu sent an envoy with a letter to Shu, requesting troops for an attack on Wei and reporting the great defeat inflicted upon Cao Xiu. Their purpose was, first, to display their own might, and second, to strengthen the bonds of alliance. The Latter Emperor was delighted and sent the letter to Hanzhong to inform Kongming. At that time Kongming’s troops were strong, his horses vigorous, his grain and fodder abundant, and all necessary supplies fully prepared; he was just about to launch a campaign. Upon receiving this news, he held a great banquet for his generals and discussed the expedition with them. Suddenly, a violent wind arose from the northeast and snapped a pine tree in the courtyard. All were greatly startled. Kongming at once cast a divination and said, “This wind foretells the loss of a great general!” The generals did not believe him. While they were still drinking, a report suddenly came that Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, the elder and younger sons of Zhao Yun, General Who Guards the South, had come to see the prime minister. Kongming was appalled. Casting his cup to the ground, he cried, “Zilong is no more!” The two sons entered, bowed, and wept, saying, “Our father’s illness worsened at the third watch last night, and he died.” Kongming stamped his foot and wept: “With Zilong’s death, the state has lost one of its pillars, and I have lost an arm!” Not one of the generals failed to shed tears. Kongming ordered the two sons to go to Chengdu and report the death to the Emperor. When the Latter Emperor heard that Zhao Yun was dead, he wailed aloud: “When We were young, had it not been for Zilong, We would have perished amid the rebel host!” He immediately issued an edict posthumously appointing Zhao Yun General-in-Chief and granting him the title Marquis Shunping. He ordered him buried east of Jinping Mountain in Chengdu, where a temple was erected and sacrifices offered in all four seasons. A later poet wrote:

Changshan brought forth a tiger general,Whose wisdom and courage matched Guan and Zhang.His deeds at the Han River endure;At Dangyang his name shone bright.Twice he saved the infant lord,And with one heart repaid the former Emperor.Loyal and valiant, inscribed in history,His fragrance shall endure a hundred ages.

The Latter Emperor, remembering Zhao Yun’s achievements in former days, bestowed lavish rites upon his funeral and sacrifices. He appointed Zhao Tong a Palace Gentleman General of the Tiger Guard and Zhao Guang a General of the Gate, ordering them both to guard their father’s tomb. The two thanked him and withdrew. Suddenly, a court attendant reported, “Prime Minister Zhuge has completed the disposition of his generals and troops and will set out this very day to attack Wei.” The Latter Emperor asked the views of his assembled ministers, most of whom said that no hasty action should be taken. The Emperor remained uncertain. Then came another report: the prime minister had sent Yang Yi with a memorial on the expedition. The Latter Emperor summoned him, and Yang Yi presented the memorial. The Emperor opened and read it at the imperial desk. It said:

The Former Emperor understood that Han and the usurping rebels could not coexist, and that the royal enterprise could not remain secure in only one region; therefore, he entrusted to me the task of defeating the rebels. With the Former Emperor’s discernment, he took the measure of my abilities and knew that in my campaign against the rebels my talents would be meager while the enemy was strong. Yet if we do not attack the rebels, the royal enterprise will likewise perish. Rather than sit and await destruction, would it not be better to attack them? Therefore, he entrusted the task to me without doubt. From the day I received his command, I slept uneasily and found no savor in food. Considering the northern expedition, I judged that the south must first be pacified. Therefore, in the fifth month I crossed the Lu River, penetrated deep into barren lands, and ate only once every two days. It was not that I did not cherish my own life; but the royal enterprise could not remain secure within the capital of Shu alone. Thus I braved danger and hardship to fulfill the Former Emperor’s dying intention, though some who debate policy have called this an unsound plan. Now the rebels have only lately been wearied in the west and are occupied in the east. The art of war bids us strike the weary; this is the time to advance. I respectfully set forth the matter as follows:

Emperor Gao’s brilliance rivaled the sun and moon, and his counselors were profound in wisdom; yet even he encountered dangers and suffered wounds, passing through peril before attaining security. Your Majesty does not yet equal Emperor Gao, and your counselors are not the peers of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping; yet some would seek victory through protracted schemes and sit still while bringing the realm to order. This is the first matter I cannot understand.

Liu Yao and Wang Lang each occupied their own provinces and commanderies. Whenever they discussed security or proposed a plan, they constantly invoked the sages; yet their bellies were filled with doubts and their breasts obstructed by every difficulty. If they did not fight this year, neither would they campaign the next, allowing Sun Ce to grow powerful at his ease until he annexed all Jiangdong. This is the second matter I cannot understand.

Cao Cao’s intelligence and strategy far surpassed those of ordinary men, and in the use of troops he approached Sun Wu and Wu Qi. Yet he was hard pressed at Nanyang, endangered at Wuchao, imperiled at Qilian, beset at Liyang, nearly defeated at Beishan, and almost killed at Tong Pass. Only after all this did he establish his false rule for a time. How much less may I, with my feeble talents, hope to settle the realm without passing through danger? This is the third matter I cannot understand.

Cao Cao attacked Chang Ba five times without subduing him and crossed Chaohu four times without success. He employed Li Fu, yet Li Fu plotted against him; he entrusted command to Xiahou Yuan, yet Xiahou Yuan was defeated and slain. The Former Emperor always praised Cao Cao’s abilities, yet even Cao Cao suffered such failures. How then can one so dull and inferior as I be certain of victory? This is the fourth matter I cannot understand.

It has been only a year since I came to Hanzhong. Yet in that time we have lost Zhao Yun, Yang Qun, Ma Yu, Yan Zhi, Ding Li, Bai Shou, Liu He, Deng Tong, and others, as well as more than seventy company commanders and garrison officers. We have also lost more than a thousand assault troops, the Invincibles, veterans of the Cong and Qingqiang peoples, roving cavalry, and mounted warriors. These were all elite men gathered from every quarter over several decades, not forces that any single province could supply. If several more years pass, two-thirds of them will be gone. With what, then, shall we contend against the enemy? This is the fifth matter I cannot understand.

The people are now impoverished and the troops exhausted, yet military affairs cannot be suspended. Since they cannot be suspended, the toil and expense are the same whether we remain still or march. Yet some would have us fail to act while there is still time and seek, with the territory of a single province, to sustain a prolonged struggle against the rebels. This is the sixth matter I cannot understand.

Events are, by their nature, difficult to judge. In former days the Former Emperor’s army was defeated in Chu. At that time Cao Cao clapped his hands and declared that the realm was settled. Yet afterward the Former Emperor allied himself in the east with Wu and Yue, seized Ba and Shu in the west, raised an army for a northern campaign, and took Xiahou Yuan’s head. Thus Cao Cao’s calculations failed, while the cause of Han neared fulfillment. But then Wu violated the alliance, Guan Yu was destroyed, the campaign at Zigui miscarried, and Cao Pi proclaimed himself emperor. Such are all human affairs: they cannot easily be foreseen. I shall bend myself to the task and exhaust my strength until death alone ends my service. As for success or failure, advantage or misfortune, these lie beyond my ability to foresee.

The Latter Emperor was greatly pleased after reading the memorial and immediately issued an edict authorizing Kongming to begin the campaign. Having received the command, Kongming mobilized an army of three hundred thousand and appointed Wei Yan commander of the vanguard, ordering him to proceed directly toward the entrance to the Chencang road.

Spies had already carried word to Luoyang. Sima Yi reported the matter to the ruler of Wei, who convened a grand council of civil and military officials. General-in-Chief Cao Zhen stepped forward and memorialized: “When I lately defended Longxi, my merit was slight and my fault great, and I remain overwhelmed with fear. I now beg leave to lead a great army and capture Zhuge Liang. I have recently obtained a great warrior who wields a sixty-jin broadsword, rides a thousand-li warhorse, and can draw an iron-ribbed bow of two shi. He also carries three concealed meteor hammers and strikes his mark with every cast. He possesses courage that ten thousand men could not withstand. He is from Didao in Longxi; his surname is Wang, his given name Shuang, and his courtesy name Ziquan. I recommend this man as vanguard.” Cao Rui was delighted and immediately summoned Wang Shuang into the hall. He saw a man nine feet tall, with a dark face and yellow eyes, a bear’s waist, and a tiger’s back. Cao Rui laughed and said, “With such a great general in Our service, what have We to fear?” He bestowed upon Wang Shuang a brocade robe and golden armor, appointed him General of Tiger Might, and made him chief vanguard of the forward division. Cao Zhen was appointed Chief Commander. After thanking the Emperor for his favor and leaving court, Cao Zhen led one hundred fifty thousand picked troops to join Guo Huai and Zhang He, dividing their forces to guard the strategic passes.

Meanwhile, scouts from the leading ranks of the Shu army reached Chencang and returned to report to Kongming: “A city has now been built at the entrance to the Chencang road. A general named Hao Zhao commands its defense. Its moats are deep and its ramparts high, chevaux-de-frise are arrayed everywhere, and every precaution has been taken. It would be better to bypass this city and take the narrow mountain path over Taibai Ridge to Qishan.” Kongming said, “Directly north of Chencang lies Jieting. We must take this city before we can advance.” He ordered Wei Yan to lead troops beneath the walls and attack from all four sides. After several days without breaking through, Wei Yan returned and told Kongming that the city was difficult to take. Kongming flew into a rage and was about to have him executed when a man beneath his command stepped forward and said, “Though I possess little talent, I have followed the prime minister for many years without ever rendering worthy service. I ask leave to enter Chencang and persuade Hao Zhao to surrender, without our needing to draw a bow or loose a single arrow.” The others looked and saw that it was Yin Xiang, an officer of the army. Kongming said, “With what words will you persuade him?” Yin Xiang replied, “Hao Zhao and I are both natives of Longxi and have been close friends since childhood. If I go to him now and explain where advantage and peril lie, he will surely surrender.” Kongming at once ordered him to go.

Yin Xiang galloped straight to the foot of the city and called out, “Yin Xiang, an old friend of Hao Bodao, has come to see him!” The men on the wall reported this to Hao Zhao, who ordered the gate opened and Yin Xiang admitted. They climbed the wall and met there. Hao Zhao asked, “What brings my old friend here?” Yin Xiang replied, “I serve in Kongming’s headquarters in Western Shu, where I assist in military planning and am treated as an honored guest. He has expressly sent me to see you, for I have important words to convey.” Hao Zhao’s expression changed abruptly, and he said, “Zhuge Liang is the mortal enemy of my state! I serve Wei, and you serve Shu; each of us serves his own lord! Once we were brothers, but now we are enemies! You need say no more. Leave the city at once!” Yin Xiang was about to speak again, but Hao Zhao had already gone out onto the battle tower. The Wei soldiers hurried Yin Xiang onto his horse and drove him outside the city. Looking back, Yin Xiang saw Hao Zhao standing behind a protective wooden railing. Reining in his horse, Yin Xiang pointed his whip at him and said, “Worthy brother Bodao, why are you so unfeeling?” Hao Zhao replied, “You know the laws of Wei. I have received the state’s favor, and death is the only course left to me. Brother, you need employ no more persuasive words. Return quickly to Zhuge Liang and tell him to come and attack the city. I do not fear him!”

Yin Xiang returned and told Kongming, “Before I could even begin speaking, Hao Zhao cut me off.” Kongming said, “Go see him again and explain the advantages and dangers.” Yin Xiang returned beneath the city and asked to see Hao Zhao. Hao Zhao came out upon the battle tower. Reining in his horse, Yin Xiang called loudly, “Worthy brother Bodao, heed my loyal counsel! You hold one isolated city. How can you resist an army of several hundred thousand? If you do not surrender quickly, repentance will come too late. Moreover, you refuse allegiance to the Great Han and instead serve the treacherous state of Wei. How can you be so blind to Heaven’s Mandate, so unable to distinguish purity from corruption? I pray you will consider it.” Hao Zhao flew into a rage, nocked an arrow to his bow, pointed it at Yin Xiang, and shouted, “My former words are final! Say no more. Withdraw at once; I will not shoot you!” Yin Xiang returned to Kongming and related Hao Zhao’s conduct in full. Kongming angrily exclaimed, “This insolent wretch goes too far! Does he think I have no engines for attacking a city?” He summoned a local inhabitant and asked, “How many men and horses are there within Chencang?” The man replied, “I do not know the exact number, but there are about three thousand men.” Kongming laughed. “How can such a petty city resist me? We must not wait for their reinforcements to arrive. Attack with all speed!”

The army therefore constructed a hundred scaling towers. Each could hold more than ten men at the top and was shielded on all sides with wooden boards. The soldiers also carried short ladders and rope lines, prepared to ascend the walls together when the war drums sounded. From the battle tower, Hao Zhao saw the Shu troops raising their scaling towers and advancing from all four sides. He immediately ordered his three thousand soldiers to take up fire arrows and deploy around the entire city. When the towers drew near, they were to shoot in unison. Kongming had assumed that the city was unprepared, and so had constructed many scaling towers and ordered the whole army to advance with drums, shouts, and battle cries. Unexpectedly, fire arrows poured down from the walls. All the scaling towers were burned, and many of the soldiers atop them died in the flames. Arrows and stones rained down from the city, and the Shu troops retreated. Kongming angrily declared, “You may burn my scaling towers, but I shall now employ battering rams!” He had the rams prepared during the night. The next day, his troops again advanced from all four sides with drums and battle cries. Hao Zhao hastily ordered stones bored through and threaded with kudzu ropes, then swung down against the rams, smashing them all to pieces. Kongming next ordered earth carried forward to fill the city moat and commanded Liao Hua to take three thousand men armed with spades and mattocks and dig tunnels by night, secretly entering the city from below. Hao Zhao countered by digging a second trench within the city to cut the tunnels off. Thus they attacked day and night for more than twenty days, yet found no means to break through. Kongming grew troubled at heart. Suddenly a report came: “Reinforcements have arrived from the east! Their banners bear the words ‘Wang Shuang, Great Vanguard General of Wei.’” Kongming asked, “Who can go to meet him?” Wei Yan said, “I am willing to go.” Kongming replied, “You are the chief vanguard general and must not be lightly dispatched.” He asked again, “Who dares go against him?” The lieutenant general Xie Xiong answered at once and stepped forward. Kongming gave him three thousand troops, and he departed. Kongming asked once more, “Who else dares go?” The lieutenant general Gong Qi immediately volunteered. Kongming also gave him three thousand troops, and he departed. Fearing that Hao Zhao might lead the garrison in a sudden charge from the city, Kongming withdrew his army twenty li and established camp.

Xie Xiong led his troops forward and encountered Wang Shuang. Before three bouts had passed, Wang Shuang cut him down with one stroke of his sword. The Shu troops fled in defeat, and Wang Shuang pursued them. Gong Qi came forward to meet him, but after only three bouts he too was slain by Wang Shuang. The defeated troops returned and reported to Kongming, who was greatly alarmed and hastily ordered Liao Hua, Wang Ping, and Zhang Ni to go out against him. The two armies drew up facing one another, and Zhang Ni rode forth while Wang Ping and Liao Hua held the flanks of the formation. Wang Shuang spurred forward and fought several bouts with Zhang Ni, neither gaining the advantage. Wang Shuang then feigned defeat and fled, and Zhang Ni pursued him. Seeing that Zhang Ni had fallen into the trap, Wang Ping hurriedly called, “Do not pursue!” As Zhang Ni wheeled his horse, Wang Shuang’s meteor hammer had already come flying. It struck him squarely in the back. Zhang Ni slumped over his saddle and fled, while Wang Shuang turned his horse and pursued. Wang Ping and Liao Hua intercepted him and rescued Zhang Ni, bringing him back into the formation. Wang Shuang drove his troops forward in a fierce assault, inflicting heavy losses upon the Shu army. Zhang Ni coughed up several mouthfuls of blood and returned to Kongming, saying, “Wang Shuang is a matchless hero. His twenty thousand troops have now encamped outside Chencang. They have erected palisades on every side, raised multiple walls, and dug deep trenches. Their defenses are exceedingly strict.” Seeing that he had lost two generals and that Zhang Ni had also been wounded, Kongming summoned Jiang Wei and said, “The Chencang road cannot be used. What other plan is there?” Jiang Wei replied, “The walls of Chencang are strong and Hao Zhao’s defenses exceedingly close. Now that he has Wang Shuang’s support, the city truly cannot be taken. It would be better to order a great general to establish a strong camp protected by mountains and water. Then Cao Zhen may be captured.” Kongming followed his advice. He ordered Wang Ping and Li Hui to lead two thousand troops and guard the side road to Jieting, while Wei Yan led a force to hold the mouth of the Chencang road. Ma Dai was appointed vanguard, with Guan Xing and Zhang Bao providing support before and behind. The army then took a narrow path out through Xie Valley and advanced toward Qishan.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhen, recalling how Sima Yi had taken the credit from him during the previous campaign, went to Luokou and assigned Guo Huai and Sun Li to guard the eastern and western approaches. When he heard that the entrance to Chencang was in danger, he had already sent Wang Shuang to its relief. On learning that Wang Shuang had slain enemy generals and won merit, he was overjoyed. He appointed Fei Yao, a great general of the Central Guard, acting commander of the forward division and ordered the other generals to guard their respective passes. Suddenly a report came that a spy had been captured in the mountain valley and brought before him. Cao Zhen ordered the man led in and made to kneel beneath the command tent. The man said, “I am no spy, but have come to see the commander with a secret matter. I was mistakenly seized by troops lying in ambush along the road. I beg you to dismiss those around us.” Cao Zhen had his bonds removed and ordered his attendants to withdraw for the moment. The man then said, “I am a trusted confidant of Jiang Boyue, who sent me to deliver a secret letter.” Cao Zhen asked, “Where is the letter?” The man drew it from inside the clothing next to his skin and presented it. Cao Zhen opened and read it. It said:

“Your guilty general Jiang Wei bows a hundred times and presents this letter beneath the command of Chief Commander Cao. I reflect that for generations my family enjoyed the emoluments of Wei, while I myself was honored with the defense of a frontier city. I received boundless favor, yet found no means to repay it. Recently I mistakenly fell prey to Zhuge Liang’s cunning scheme and was trapped amid precipitous cliffs. But when have I ever ceased to long for my former state? Now, fortunately, the Shu troops have marched west, and Zhuge Liang has no suspicion of me. If you, Commander, bring a great army in person and feign defeat upon meeting the enemy, I shall remain in the rear and use the lighting of fires as my signal. I will first burn the Shu army’s grain and fodder; then, when your great army turns and attacks, Zhuge Liang can be captured. My purpose is not merely to win merit and repay the state, but truly to redeem my former offense. If you deign to perceive my sincerity, quickly send me your command.”

Cao Zhen was overjoyed after reading the letter and exclaimed, “Heaven has sent me this chance to succeed!” He rewarded the messenger lavishly and ordered him to return with word that they would join forces at the appointed time. Cao Zhen summoned Fei Yao and consulted him: “Jiang Wei has secretly sent me a letter proposing that we act thus and thus.” Fei Yao said, “Zhuge Liang is full of schemes, and Jiang Wei is broad in cunning. He may have been sent by Zhuge Liang. I fear there is deceit in this.” Cao Zhen replied, “He was originally a man of Wei and surrendered to Shu only because he had no choice. What cause is there for suspicion?” Fei Yao said, “Commander, you must not advance rashly. Remain here and hold the main camp. I am willing to lead a force to support Jiang Wei. If we succeed, the credit shall be yours; if there is treachery, I shall bear it myself.” Cao Zhen was delighted and ordered Fei Yao to lead fifty thousand troops toward Xie Valley. After marching for two or three stages, Fei Yao halted his army and sent out scouts. At the hour of shen that day, they returned and reported, “Shu troops are coming along the Xie Valley road.” Fei Yao hastily urged his army forward. Before battle could be joined, the Shu troops retreated. Fei Yao ordered his men to pursue. The Shu troops returned, but just as the Wei army was about to form ranks against them, they withdrew once more. This happened three times. The delays continued until the hour of shen the following day. For a day and a night the Wei army had not dared rest, fearing an attack by the Shu troops. Just as they were about to encamp and cook their food, tremendous shouts suddenly arose on every side, drums thundered, horns sounded together, and Shu troops came swarming over mountains and fields. The gate banners parted, and a four-wheeled carriage appeared, with Kongming seated upright within it. He sent a man to request that the Wei commander come forward to speak. Fei Yao spurred his horse out. Seeing Kongming in the distance, he rejoiced inwardly and turned to those around him, saying, “If the Shu troops press forward, retreat. But when you see fire rising behind the mountain, turn back and attack. Other troops will come to support us.” Having given these instructions, Fei Yao rode out and called, “You were defeated before! Why have you come chasing after me again?” Kongming replied, “Call Cao Zhen out to speak with me!” Fei Yao cursed him: “Commander Cao is a scion of the imperial house. How would he consent to meet a rebel?”

Kongming flew into a rage and swept his feather fan forward. Ma Dai charged out on the left and Zhang Ni on the right, each leading a body of troops. The Wei soldiers at once retreated. They had gone less than thirty li when they looked back and saw fire rising behind the Shu army, while ceaseless battle cries filled the air. Two more forces charged out, Guan Xing on the left and Zhang Bao on the right. From the mountains, arrows and stones came raining down upon the Wei troops, who suffered a crushing defeat. Fei Yao realized that he had fallen into a trap. Gathering his retreating troops, he fled toward the mountain valley, but men and horses alike were exhausted. Guan Xing came in pursuit from behind with fresh troops. The Wei soldiers trampled one another underfoot, while countless others fell into the ravines and died. Fei Yao fled for his life and encountered a body of troops at the mouth of a mountain slope. Their leader was Jiang Wei. Fei Yao cursed him loudly: “Faithless rebel! In my misfortune I have fallen into your treacherous scheme!” Jiang Wei laughed. “I meant to capture Cao Zhen, but deceived you by mistake. Dismount at once and surrender!” Fei Yao spurred his horse and forced a path through, fleeing into the mountain valley. Suddenly he saw flames surging to the sky ahead, while the pursuing troops closed in behind. Fei Yao cut his own throat and died, and all the remaining soldiers surrendered. Kongming drove his army onward through the night until he reached Qishan, where he established camp and brought his forces to a halt. He richly rewarded Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said, “My only regret is that I failed to kill Cao Zhen.” Kongming likewise said, “Alas, a great scheme has yielded only a small result.”

When Cao Zhen learned that Fei Yao had been lost, regret came too late. He therefore consulted Guo Huai on a plan for withdrawing the army. Sun Li and Xin Pi then prepared a memorial by night and reported to the ruler of Wei that the Shu army had again emerged at Qishan, while Cao Zhen had lost troops and generals and now stood in grave danger. Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. He immediately summoned Sima Yi into the inner palace and said, “Cao Zhen has lost troops and generals, and the Shu army has again emerged at Qishan. What plan have you to drive them back?” Sima Yi replied, “I already have a plan to make Zhuge Liang retreat. The army of Wei need not display its might or vaunt its power; the Shu troops will withdraw of their own accord.” Indeed:

Zidan has shown he possesses no art to prevail;All now depends on Zhongda’s masterly plan.

What that plan was will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

The Martial Marquis Again Memorializes for War Against Wei; Jiang Wei Offers a False Letter to Defeat Cao’s Army

In the autumn, in the ninth month of the sixth year of Jianxing of Shu-Han, the Wei commander Cao Xiu was crushingly defeated by Eastern Wu’s Lu Xun at Shiting. His carriages, horses, military supplies, and equipment were all completely lost. Cao Xiu was so terrified and distressed that anxiety made him ill. After reaching Luoyang, he developed an ulcer on his back and died. The ruler of Wei, Cao Rui, ordered that he be buried with full honors. Sima Yi led his army back. The generals came out to meet him and asked, “Commander Cao’s defeat concerns the commander-in-chief. Why have you hurried back?” Sima Yi said, “I expect that when Zhuge Liang learns of our defeat, he will surely take advantage of the opening to seize Chang’an. If Longxi is threatened, who will save it? That is why I returned.” They all took this for cowardice and withdrew with mocking smiles.

Meanwhile, Eastern Wu sent an envoy with a letter to Shu, requesting troops for an attack on Wei and reporting the great defeat inflicted on Cao Xiu. Their purpose was, first, to display their own might and, second, to maintain their friendly alliance. The Latter Emperor was delighted and had the letter carried to Hanzhong to inform Kongming. At that time, Kongming had strong troops and sturdy horses, abundant grain and fodder, and every kind of necessary equipment fully prepared. He was just about to begin the campaign. Upon hearing the news, he held a great banquet for all the generals to discuss the expedition. Suddenly, a violent wind rose from the northeast and snapped a pine tree in the courtyard. Everyone was greatly alarmed. Kongming made a divination and said, “This wind foretells the loss of a great general!” The generals did not believe him. While they were still drinking, a report suddenly came that Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang, the elder and younger sons of Zhao Yun, General Who Guards the South, had come to see the prime minister. Kongming was greatly startled. He threw his cup to the ground and said, “Zilong is no more!” The two sons entered, bowed, and wept, saying, “Our father became gravely ill at midnight last night and died.” Kongming stamped his feet and cried, “With Zilong’s death, the state has lost one of its pillars, and I have lost an arm!” Not one of the generals failed to shed tears. Kongming ordered the two sons to go to Chengdu, appear before the emperor, and report the death. When the Latter Emperor heard that Zhao Yun had died, he burst into loud weeping and said, “When I was young, if not for Zilong, I would have died amid the chaos of battle!” He immediately issued an edict posthumously granting Zhao Yun the rank of Great General and the posthumous title Marquis Shunping. He ordered him buried east of Jinping Mountain in Chengdu, with a memorial temple established where sacrifices would be offered in all four seasons. A later poet wrote:

Changshan produced a tiger general,Whose wisdom and courage matched Guan and Zhang.His exploits upon the Han River endure;At Dangyang, his name shone bright.Twice he rescued the young lord,With one resolve repaying the former emperor.History records his loyal valor;His fragrance shall endure a hundred generations.

The Latter Emperor, remembering Zhao Yun’s former achievements, honored him with lavish funeral rites and sacrifices. He appointed Zhao Tong General of the Gentlemen of the Rapid as Tigers and Zhao Guang General of the Gate, then ordered them to guard their father’s tomb. The two thanked him and withdrew. Suddenly, a close attendant reported, “Prime Minister Zhuge has finished assigning his generals and troops and will set out at once to attack Wei.” The Latter Emperor asked the officials at court for their opinions, and most said that he should not act rashly. The Latter Emperor remained uncertain. Suddenly, it was reported that the prime minister had sent Yang Yi with a memorial on setting forth for war. The Latter Emperor ordered Yang Yi admitted, and Yang Yi presented the memorial. The Latter Emperor opened it upon the imperial desk and read it. The memorial said:

The Former Emperor considered that the Han and the traitorous usurpers could not both stand, and that the royal enterprise could not rest secure in only one corner of the realm. He therefore entrusted me with the task of punishing the traitors. With the Former Emperor’s wisdom, he judged my abilities and thus knew that in my campaign against the traitors, my talent was weak and the enemy strong. Yet if we do not attack the traitors, the royal enterprise will also perish. Rather than sit and await destruction, would it not be better to attack them? For this reason, he entrusted the task to me without doubt. From the day I received his command, I could not sleep securely or find pleasure in food. Reflecting that before campaigning in the north, we first had to enter the south, I crossed the Lu River in the fifth month, penetrated deep into barren lands, and ate only once every two days. It is not that I failed to value my own life. I saw only that the royal enterprise could not remain secure in the capital of Shu alone, and therefore I braved danger and hardship to fulfill the Former Emperor’s dying intention. Yet some who debate the matter call this a mistaken plan. Now the enemy has just been exhausted in the west and is occupied in the east. The art of war tells us to take advantage of an enemy’s weariness. This is the moment to advance. I respectfully set forth the reasons below:

Emperor Gao’s brilliance equaled the sun and moon, and his counselors were profound in wisdom. Yet even he encountered dangers and suffered wounds, finding security only after passing through peril. Your Majesty does not yet equal Emperor Gao, and your counselors are not the equals of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping; yet you wish to achieve victory through long-term plans and settle the empire while remaining seated. This is the first matter I do not understand.

Liu Yao and Wang Lang each occupied their own provinces and commanderies. When they discussed security and proposed plans, they constantly cited the sages, while their bellies were full of doubts and their breasts blocked with countless objections. By failing to fight one year and failing to campaign the next, they allowed Sun Quan to grow powerful until he finally annexed the whole of Jiangdong. This is the second matter I do not understand.

Cao Cao’s intelligence and strategy far surpassed those of ordinary men, and in his use of troops he resembled Sun Wu and Wu Qi. Yet he was trapped at Nanyang, endangered at Wuchao, imperiled at Qilian, hard-pressed at Liyang, nearly defeated at Beishan, and almost killed at Tong Pass. Only after all this did he falsely establish himself for a time. Since my abilities are weak, how could I hope to settle the matter without danger? This is the third matter I do not understand.

Cao Cao attacked Chang Ba five times without defeating him and crossed Chaohu four times without success. He employed Li Fu, yet Li Fu plotted against him; he entrusted responsibility to Xiahou, yet Xiahou was defeated and killed. The Former Emperor often praised Cao Cao’s abilities, and even Cao Cao made such mistakes. Since I am dull and inferior, how can I be certain of victory? This is the fourth matter I do not understand.

It has been only one year since I came to Hanzhong. Yet in that time we have lost Zhao Yun, Yang Qun, Ma Yu, Yan Zhi, Ding Li, Bai Shou, Liu He, Deng Tong, and others, together with more than seventy company commanders and garrison officers. We have also lost more than a thousand assault troops, Invincibles, Cong veterans, Qiang warriors, roving cavalry, and mounted warriors. These were all elite soldiers gathered from the four quarters over several decades, not men who could be supplied by any single province. If several more years pass, two-thirds of them will be lost. With what, then, are we to oppose the enemy? This is the fifth matter I do not understand.

The people are now impoverished and the soldiers weary, yet military affairs cannot be suspended. Since they cannot be suspended, remaining in place and advancing require equal labor and expense. Yet some would not act against the enemy at once, but would use the territory of a single province to sustain a prolonged contest with him. This is the sixth matter I do not understand.

Affairs are difficult to settle. Formerly, when the Former Emperor’s army was defeated in Chu, Cao Cao clapped his hands and declared that the empire was already settled. Afterward, however, the Former Emperor allied himself in the east with Wu and Yue, took Ba and Shu in the west, raised troops for a northern campaign, and had Xiahou’s head presented to him. This was Cao Cao’s miscalculation, and the cause of Han was on the verge of success. Then Wu once again violated the alliance, Guan Yu was destroyed, the campaign at Zigui ended in disaster, and Cao Pi proclaimed himself emperor. All affairs are like this and difficult to foresee. I shall bend myself to the task and exhaust my strength until death alone ends my service. As for success or failure, advantage or misfortune, these are beyond my ability to foresee.

The Latter Emperor was greatly pleased after reading the memorial and immediately issued an edict authorizing Kongming to begin the campaign. Having received the command, Kongming mobilized an army of three hundred thousand. He ordered Wei Yan to take overall command of the vanguard and proceed directly toward the entrance of the Chencang road.

Spies had already carried the report to Luoyang. Sima Yi informed the ruler of Wei, who convened a great assembly of civil and military officials to deliberate. Great General Cao Zhen stepped forward and memorialized, “When I last defended Longxi, my merit was slight and my guilt great, leaving me overwhelmed with fear. I now request permission to lead a great army and capture Zhuge Liang. I have recently obtained a great general who wields a sixty-jin broadsword, rides a thousand-li campaign horse, can draw an iron-ribbed bow of two-stone strength, and secretly carries three meteor hammers with which he strikes his target every time. He possesses courage that ten thousand men could not withstand. He is from Didao in Longxi. His surname is Wang, his given name Shuang, and his courtesy name Ziquan. I recommend this man as vanguard.” Cao Rui was delighted and immediately summoned Wang Shuang into the hall. He saw a man nine feet tall, with a dark face and yellow eyes, a bear’s waist, and a tiger’s back. Cao Rui laughed and said, “With such a great general in my service, what have I to fear?” He bestowed on Wang Shuang a brocade robe and golden armor and appointed him General of Tiger Might and Grand Vanguard of the Forward Division. Cao Zhen was appointed Commander-in-Chief. After thanking the emperor for his favor and leaving court, Cao Zhen led one hundred fifty thousand elite troops to join Guo Huai and Zhang He, dividing their forces to guard the strategic passes.

Meanwhile, scouts from the forward ranks of the Shu army reached Chencang and returned to report to Kongming: “A city has been built at the entrance to the Chencang road and is defended by a general named Hao Zhao. Its trenches are deep and its ramparts high, chevaux-de-frise have been set everywhere, and the defenses are extremely strict. It would be better to bypass this city and take the narrow bird path over the Taibai Ridge to reach Mount Qi.” Kongming said, “Directly north of Chencang lies Jieting. We must take this city before we can advance.” He ordered Wei Yan to lead troops beneath the city walls and attack from all four sides. After several days without breaking through, Wei Yan returned and told Kongming that the city was difficult to take. Kongming was furious and intended to execute him. Suddenly, a man beneath his command said, “Though I have little ability, I have followed the prime minister for many years without ever repaying his favor. I am willing to enter the city of Chencang and persuade Hao Zhao to surrender without our having to draw a single bow or shoot a single arrow.” Everyone looked and saw that the man was Yin Xiang, a subordinate officer. Kongming said, “What will you say to persuade him?” Yin Xiang replied, “Hao Zhao and I are both natives of Longxi and have been close friends since childhood. If I go to him now and explain the benefits and dangers, he will certainly surrender.” Kongming immediately ordered him to go.

Yin Xiang galloped straight to the foot of the city wall and called out, “Yin Xiang, an old friend of Hao Bodao, has come to see him.” The men on the wall informed Hao Zhao, who ordered the gate opened and Yin Xiang admitted. They went up onto the wall to meet. Hao Zhao asked, “Old friend, what brings you here?” Yin Xiang said, “I serve in Kongming’s headquarters in Western Shu, assisting with military strategy, and I am treated as an honored guest. He has specially sent me to see you because I have something important to tell you.” Hao Zhao’s face abruptly changed, and he said, “Zhuge Liang is an enemy of my state! I serve Wei and you serve Shu; each of us serves his own lord! Formerly we were like brothers, but now we are enemies! You need say no more. Please leave the city at once!” Yin Xiang was about to speak again, but Hao Zhao had already gone up into the gate tower. Wei soldiers hurried Yin Xiang onto his horse and drove him out of the city. Yin Xiang looked back and saw Hao Zhao standing behind the protective wooden railing. Reining in his horse, Yin Xiang pointed his whip and said, “Worthy younger brother Bodao, why are you so lacking in affection?” Hao Zhao said, “You know the laws of Wei. I have received the state’s favor, and all I can do is die for it. Brother, you need not waste any more persuasive words. Go back at once to Zhuge Liang and tell him to hurry and attack the city. I am not afraid!”

Yin Xiang returned and told Kongming, “Before I could even begin speaking, Hao Zhao cut me off.” Kongming said, “Go see him again and explain the benefits and dangers.” Yin Xiang again went beneath the city and requested a meeting with Hao Zhao. Hao Zhao came out onto the gate tower. Yin Xiang reined in his horse and called loudly, “Worthy younger brother Bodao, listen to my loyal advice. You are defending one isolated city. How can you resist an army of several hundred thousand? If you do not surrender early, regret will come too late. Moreover, instead of submitting to the Great Han, you serve the traitorous Wei. How can you be so ignorant of Heaven’s will and so unable to distinguish purity from corruption? I hope you will consider this, Bodao.” Hao Zhao was furious. He took up his bow, set an arrow to the string, pointed it at Yin Xiang, and shouted, “My previous words were final! You need say no more. Withdraw at once, and I will not shoot you!” Yin Xiang returned to Kongming and gave a full account of Hao Zhao’s attitude. Kongming said furiously, “This common wretch is intolerably insolent! Does he think I have no equipment for attacking a city?” He then summoned local people and asked, “How many soldiers are in Chencang?” The locals replied, “We do not know the exact number, but there are about three thousand.” Kongming laughed and said, “How can such a little city resist me? Do not wait for their reinforcements to arrive. Attack with all speed!”

The army therefore constructed one hundred scaling platforms. Each could hold more than ten men at the top and was protected on all sides with wooden boards. The soldiers each carried short ladders and flexible ropes, ready to rush the walls together when the drums sounded. From the gate tower, Hao Zhao saw the Shu troops setting up their scaling platforms and approaching from every direction. He immediately ordered his three thousand soldiers to take fire arrows and deploy on all four sides. When the platforms drew near the walls, they were all to shoot at once. Kongming had assumed that there were no preparations inside the city, so he had built a great number of scaling platforms and ordered the entire army to advance with pounding drums and battle cries. Unexpectedly, fire arrows flew from the walls all at once. Every scaling platform was burned, and many soldiers upon them were burned to death. Arrows and stones rained down from the walls, and all the Shu troops withdrew. Kongming said furiously, “You burned my scaling platforms, but now I will use battering wagons!” He therefore had battering wagons prepared throughout the night. The following day, his troops again advanced from all four sides amid pounding drums and battle cries. Hao Zhao urgently ordered stones to be bored through, threaded with kudzu ropes, and hurled down. All the battering wagons were smashed apart. Kongming next ordered earth carried up to fill the city moat and commanded Liao Hua to lead three thousand soldiers with spades and mattocks to dig tunnels by night and secretly enter the city. Hao Zhao responded by digging another deep trench inside the city to cut off the tunnels. In this way they attacked day and night for more than twenty days, but there was no way to break through. Kongming became deeply troubled. Suddenly, a report came: “Reinforcements have arrived from the east. Their banners read, ‘Wang Shuang, Great Vanguard General of Wei.’” Kongming asked, “Who can meet him?” Wei Yan said, “I am willing to go.” Kongming said, “You are the chief vanguard general and must not be lightly sent out.” He asked again, “Who dares meet him?” The lieutenant general Xie Xiong stepped forward at once. Kongming gave him three thousand soldiers, and he departed. Kongming asked again, “Who dares go after him?” The lieutenant general Gong Qi immediately volunteered. Kongming likewise gave him three thousand soldiers, and he departed. Fearing that Hao Zhao might lead troops out of the city in a sudden attack, Kongming withdrew his men twenty miles and established a camp.

Xie Xiong led his troops forward and encountered Wang Shuang head-on. In fewer than three exchanges, Wang Shuang cut him down with a single stroke. The Shu soldiers fled in defeat, and Wang Shuang pursued them. Gong Qi came up to meet him, but after only three exchanges, he too was slain by Wang Shuang. The defeated soldiers returned and reported to Kongming. Greatly alarmed, Kongming hurriedly ordered Liao Hua, Wang Ping, and Zhang Yi to meet the enemy. The two armies formed their battle lines, and Zhang Yi rode out. Wang Ping and Liao Hua held the flanks of the formation. Wang Shuang spurred his horse forward and fought Zhang Yi for several exchanges, with neither gaining the advantage. Wang Shuang then feigned defeat and fled, and Zhang Yi pursued him. Seeing that Zhang Yi had fallen into the trap, Wang Ping hurriedly shouted, “Do not pursue!” Just as Zhang Yi wheeled his horse around, Wang Shuang’s meteor hammer had already arrived and struck him squarely in the back. Zhang Yi slumped over his saddle and fled, while Wang Shuang turned his horse and pursued. Wang Ping and Liao Hua intercepted him and rescued Zhang Yi, bringing him back to their lines. Wang Shuang drove his troops forward in a fierce assault, inflicting heavy losses on the Shu army. Zhang Yi coughed up several mouthfuls of blood and returned to see Kongming. He said, “Wang Shuang is an invincible hero. His twenty thousand troops have now camped outside Chencang. They have erected stockades on all four sides, built multiple walls, dug deep trenches, and established extremely strict defenses.” Seeing that he had lost two generals and that Zhang Yi had also been wounded, Kongming summoned Jiang Wei and said, “The route through the entrance to the Chencang road is impassable. What other plan is there?” Jiang Wei said, “The walls of Chencang are strong, and Hao Zhao’s defenses are extremely thorough. Now that he also has Wang Shuang’s assistance, the city truly cannot be taken. It would be better to order a great general to establish a secure camp beside the mountains and water. Then Cao Zhen can be caught.” Kongming followed his advice. He ordered Wang Ping and Li Hui to lead two thousand soldiers to guard the minor road at Jieting, while Wei Yan led a force to guard the entrance to Chencang. Ma Dai was appointed vanguard, with Guan Xing and Zhang Bao providing support in front and rear. The army took a narrow path out through Xiegu and advanced toward Mount Qi.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhen remembered how Sima Yi had taken the credit from him on the previous occasion. He therefore went to Luokou and assigned Guo Huai and Sun Li to guard the eastern and western approaches. Upon hearing that the entrance to Chencang was in danger, he had already sent Wang Shuang to its rescue. When he learned that Wang Shuang had slain enemy generals and won distinction, he was delighted. He then appointed Fei Yao, Great General of the Central Guard, acting commander of the forward division, while the other generals separately guarded the strategic passes. Suddenly, a report came that a spy had been captured in the mountain valleys. Cao Zhen ordered the man brought in, and he knelt beneath the command tent. The man said, “I am not a spy. I came to see the commander-in-chief with secret intelligence but was mistakenly captured by troops lying in ambush along the road. I beg you to dismiss those around us.” Cao Zhen had his bonds removed, and the attendants temporarily withdrew. The man said, “I am a trusted agent of Jiang Boyue and was sent by my lord with a secret letter.” Cao Zhen asked, “Where is the letter?” The man took it from inside the clothing next to his skin and presented it. Cao Zhen opened it and read:

“Your guilty general Jiang Wei bows a hundred times and presents this letter to Commander-in-Chief Cao. I reflect that my family has received the stipends of Wei for generations, and that I was honored with the defense of a frontier city. I received great favor, yet had no means to repay it. Recently, I mistakenly fell victim to Zhuge Liang’s cunning scheme and became trapped amid precipitous cliffs. How could I ever forget my former state? Fortunately, the Shu army is now marching west, and Zhuge Liang has no suspicion of me. If the commander-in-chief personally leads his great army here and encounters the enemy, he may feign defeat. I will be in the rear and will use fire as the signal. First I will burn the Shu army’s grain and fodder, and then your great army can turn and attack them from behind. In that way, Zhuge Liang can be captured. I seek not merely to render service and repay the state, but truly to redeem my former offense. If you will graciously examine my proposal, quickly send me your command.”

After reading the letter, Cao Zhen was delighted and said, “Heaven has sent me this opportunity for success!” He richly rewarded the messenger and ordered him to return with the reply that they would join forces at the appointed time. Cao Zhen summoned Fei Yao and said, “Jiang Wei has secretly sent me a letter directing me to do thus and so.” Fei Yao said, “Zhuge Liang has many schemes, and Jiang Wei is highly resourceful. He may have been sent by Zhuge Liang, and I fear there is deception in this.” Cao Zhen said, “He was originally a man of Wei and surrendered to Shu only because he had no choice. Why should we suspect him?” Fei Yao said, “The commander-in-chief must not advance rashly, but should hold the main camp securely. I am willing to lead a force to support Jiang Wei. If we succeed, the credit will belong to the commander-in-chief. If there is treachery, I will deal with it myself.” Cao Zhen was delighted and ordered Fei Yao to lead fifty thousand troops toward Xiegu. After traveling for two or three stages, Fei Yao halted his army and sent men to scout. At about the hour of shen that day, they returned and reported, “Shu troops are coming through the Xiegu road.” Fei Yao hurriedly urged his troops forward. Before battle could be joined, the Shu troops withdrew. Fei Yao ordered his soldiers to pursue them. The Shu troops returned, but just as the two sides were about to form lines for battle, they withdrew again. This happened three times. The delays continued until the hour of shen the following day. The Wei army had not dared rest for an entire day and night, fearing an attack by the Shu forces. Just as they were about to halt and cook their meals, tremendous shouts suddenly rose on every side. Drums pounded and horns sounded together as Shu troops came pouring over the mountains and across the plains. The command banners parted, revealing a four-wheeled carriage in which Kongming sat erect. He sent a man to request that the Wei commander come forward to speak. Fei Yao rode out. Seeing Kongming in the distance, he secretly rejoiced. Turning to those around him, he said, “If the Shu troops charge us, withdraw. When you see fire rising behind the mountain, turn back and attack. Troops will come to support us.” After giving these instructions, Fei Yao rode forward and called out, “You were defeated before! Why have you come chasing after us again?” Kongming said, “Call Cao Zhen out to speak with me!” Fei Yao cursed him, saying, “Commander Cao is a scion of the imperial house! How could he consent to meet a rebel?”

Kongming was furious and waved his feather fan. Ma Dai charged out on the left and Zhang Yi on the right, each leading a body of troops. The Wei soldiers immediately retreated. Before they had gone thirty miles, they saw fire rising behind the Shu army and heard unceasing battle cries. Two more forces attacked, with Guan Xing on the left and Zhang Bao on the right. Arrows and stones rained down from the mountains. The Wei army was utterly defeated. Fei Yao realized that he had fallen into a trap. He gathered the retreating soldiers and fled toward a mountain valley, but both men and horses were exhausted. Behind them, Guan Xing approached with fresh troops. Countless Wei soldiers were trampled by their own men or fell into the ravines and died. Fei Yao fled for his life but encountered a force at the mouth of a mountain slope. Its commander was Jiang Wei. Fei Yao cursed him loudly: “Faithless traitor! In my misfortune, I have fallen into your treacherous scheme!” Jiang Wei laughed and said, “I meant to capture Cao Zhen, but deceived you by mistake. Dismount at once and surrender!” Fei Yao urged his horse forward, forced his way through, and fled into the valley. Suddenly, he saw flames rising to the sky within the valley, while pursuing troops arrived behind him. Fei Yao cut his own throat and died, and all his remaining troops surrendered. Kongming drove his army onward through the night until he reached the front of Mount Qi, where he established camp and brought his forces to a halt. He richly rewarded Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said, “My only regret is that I failed to kill Cao Zhen.” Kongming also said, “What a pity that a great scheme produced only a minor result.”

When Cao Zhen learned that Fei Yao had been lost, regret came too late. He therefore discussed plans for retreat with Guo Huai. Sun Li and Xin Pi then prepared a memorial during the night and submitted it to the ruler of Wei, reporting that the Shu army had again emerged at Mount Qi, that Cao Zhen had lost troops and generals, and that the situation was extremely critical. Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. He immediately summoned Sima Yi into his presence and said, “Cao Zhen has lost troops and generals, and the Shu army has again emerged at Mount Qi. What plan do you have to drive them back?” Sima Yi said, “I already have a plan to make Zhuge Liang retreat. There will be no need for the Wei army to display its martial power and might; the Shu army will withdraw on its own.” Thus it was said:

Zidan has shown he has no means to win;Now all depends on Zhongda’s masterful plan.

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