Three Kingdoms

by Luo Guanzhong (Moss Roberts trans. )

  From his carriage Kongming laughed. " I would have expected loftier argument from a venerable minister of the Han court, not these debased words. I have one thing to say to all officers and men. Hear me in silence. A long time ago in the age of Emperors Huan and Ling, the succession of the royal house fell into disorder and the evils wrought by the eunuchs resulted in widespread disaster. Misgovernment of the royal house and successive years of famine engulfed the four corners of the realm in turmoil. The Yellow Scarves were followed by Dong Zhuo and his generals, Li Jue and Guo Si. They kidnaped the Emperor and plundered the people. Corrupt officials served in the royal household, wild beasts in the imperial court. Men of wolfish heart and violent conduct controlled the public highways, while craven, servile sorts held every kind of administrative office.

  "The sacred shrines stand now in ruin, the common people in extremity. I have long known the record of your conduct: after dwelling by the shore of the eastern sea, you first entered office by election for filial devotion and personal integrity. It is unthinkable that you—you whose proper function was to shield your sovereign and uphold his house, to secure the Han and help the Liu to thrive—should have turned and aided renegades and rebels, plotting with them the usurpation of the dynasty! Heaven will not countenance such sins. Nothing but the taste of your flesh will satisfy the people's claim against you.

  "Fortunately, Heaven decided to continue the fire-signed Han dynasty in the person of the August Emperor Zhao Lie of the Riverlands. Today I bear the imperial order of his legitimate heir to field an army and chastise the rebels. There is nothing for groveling vassals like you but to get back out of sight and to see if you can somehow salvage your own miserable means of sustenance. How dare you step before the army lines to rant about 'changes in Heaven's ordained periods'? White-haired old fool! Grey-bearded villain! When you go home to the netherworld—any day now—how will you face the twenty-four sovereigns of the Han? Back, old villain, and have the turncoats settle the score with me."

  At Kongming's denunciation Wang Lang's chest heaved with rage. A loud cry broke from him, and he fell dead from his horse. A poet of later times wrote of Kongming thus:

  Forth from a land once known as Qin,

  With mettle to match a thousand times ten.

  He came with his light and limber tongue

  And lashed to death the false Wang Lang.

  Kongming next pointed his fan at Cao Zhen and said, "I shall not press you. Put your troops in order, and tomorrow we will settle it." With that, he returned to his line, and the two armies retired.3

  Cao Zhen had Wang Lang's body encoffined and taken back to Chang'an. Deputy Field Marshal Guo Huai said, "Zhuge Liang will surely strike tonight, expecting the army to hold mourning ceremonies. Let us make four units: two to take the mountain byroads and raid the Riverlands camp, and two to wait outside our camp to attack the enemy from the other side." Delighted, Cao Zhen said, "My thinking, exactly." He summoned Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, the two vanguard leaders, and charged them: "Take ten thousand men each and scour the area behind the Qishan hills. The moment you see Riverlands troops moving toward our camp, advance and raid theirs. If the enemy keeps its positions, withdraw. Do not risk engagement." The two left to carry out their orders.

  Cao Zhen then said to Guo Huai, "Let's each take a contingent outside the camp, leaving only piles of kindling and straw and a few men inside to signal with fire should the enemy come." The commanders went their several ways and saw to their preparations.

  Back in his command tent, Kongming summoned Zhao Zilong and Wei Yan for further instructions: "Take your own troops and raid the Wei camp." "Cao Zhen is too well schooled in the art of warfare," Wei Yan commented, "not to prepare for our attack during the funeral services." Kongming smiled and replied, "That is exactly what I want him to think—that we will raid his camp. He will put troops in ambush behind the hills of Qishan, waiting for us to pass so that he can attack our camp. That's why I want you two to advance, cross the back road at the foot of the mountains, and pitch camp farther along—so the enemy will feel free to attack. When we signal with fire, divide your men into two companies. You, Wei Yan, hold the approach to the hills. Zilong, you come back ready for battle. You will meet up with the Wei army; let them run, but attack when you have the advantage. They will mostly kill one another in the confusion, giving us the victory." The two commanders departed to carry out Kongming's plan.

  Next, Kongming ordered Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Ni to take up positions in ambush on all sides of the camp and prepare to counterattack the Wei army. Kongming himself remained at the empty base where he had kindling and straw piled high to give the signal by fire. He then withdrew behind the site with a few commanders to observe.

  The Wei vanguard, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, left camp at dusk and snaked forward. During the second watch, they spied soldiers on their left, hardly visible, moving in the distance. Cao Zun reflected, "Field Marshal Guo is really a marvel!" and urged his men forward. It was almost the third watch when he reached the Riverlands camp. Cao Zun charged in but found it empty. Assuming a trap, he retreated quickly. Flames shot up inside the camp just as his partner Zhu Zan arrived, and the two companies fell upon each other in a wild melee. Not until Cao Zun and Zhu Zan had found each other did they realize what was happening. As they hurried to regroup, shouts rang out on all sides of them, and Wang Ping, Ma Dai, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Ni closed in for the kill.

  Cao Zun and Zhu Zan were leading about one hundred trusted riders toward the main road when suddenly drums and horns sounded in unison: a band of soldiers barred their way. At their head, Zhao Zilong of Changshan. "Where to, rebels?" he shouted. "Submit quickly or die!" Cao Zun and Zhu Zan fled by the nearest route, but they were accosted at once by Wei Yan's company amid shouts and cries. Utterly defeated, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan returned to their base camp. There the defenders mistook them for Riverlands soldiers and signaled with fire, causing Cao Zhen and Guo Huai to attack from either side. As the Wei forces were slaughtering one another, the real Riverlands attack began from the rear: in the center, Wei Yan; on the left, Guan Xing; on the right, Zhang Bao. They struck in force, and the Wei army retreated ten li, having lost many commanders.

  His triumph complete, Kongming recalled his army. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai gathered up their beaten troops and returned to the camp. The two commanders shared their appraisal: "Now the Wei army is isolated, and the Shu army is stronger than ever. How can we drive them back?" Then Guo Huai said, "Defeat is a commonplace for the military man. Do not be discouraged. I have a plan to disorganize the Riverlands army and force them to flee." Indeed:

  Pity the Wei leaders who, having failed in their task,

  Must seek their relief from the west!

  What was Guo Huai's plan?

  Read on.

  94

  Zhuge Liang Defeats the Qiang in a Snowstorm;

  Sima Yi Captures Meng Da in Good Time

  Guo Huai disclosed his plan to Cao Zhen: "From the time of the Great Ancestor, Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), the Western Qiang have submitted annual tribute; Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) showed them especial kindness and generosity. Let us maintain our defense at this strategic point and send to the Qiang for help. An alliance by marriage should persuade them to strike the Riverlands army from behind as we attack in force. Engaged on two fronts, the enemy will yield!" Cao Zhen approved and sent a messenger to the Qiang.

  King Cheliji of the Western Qiang had presented yearly tribute to the Han court since the era of Cao Cao. He was served on the civil side by Prime Minister Yadan, and by Marshal Yueji on the military. On arriving with Cao Zhen's letter together with gifts of gold and pearls, the Wei emissary went first to Prime Minister Yadan to deliver the ritual gifts and explain Cao Zhen's purposes. Yadan conducted the man into the presence of King Cheliji, who accepted the letter and gifts and then conferred with his chiefs. "We have long maintained an unbroken friendship with the kingdom of Wei," Yadan said to them. "Now Field Marshal Cao seeks our he
lp and promises a marriage to strengthen the alliance. There is no reason to refuse his request." Cheliji approved and ordered Yadan and Yueji to muster one hundred and fifty thousand Qiang, warriors skilled in bow and crossbow, spear and sword, studded mace and flying hammer. They also had "iron wagons" —war chariots protected with iron armor—to transport their food and equipment. Some were drawn by camel, some by mule. Yadan and Yueji bade their king good-bye and led their troops to Xiping Pass. The Shu commander guarding the pass, Han Zhen, dispatched a report to Kongming.

  Informed of the threat, Kongming asked his commanders, "Who will drive the invaders back?" Zhang Bao and Guan Xing volunteered. "How will you manage, not knowing the roads?" Kongming asked, and he summoned Ma Dai. "You know the ways of the Qiang," he said, "and have lived among them long enough to serve as a guide." Kongming called up fifty thousand well-trained men and placed them under Zhang Bao and Guan Xing; the two set out and within several days had met up with the Qiang troops. Guan Xing led a hundred horsemen up a slope and observed the enemy linking their iron-paneled wagons together and pitching campsites here and there. The wagons, on which weapons were arrayed, functioned like a barrier defending a city. Guan Xing watched for a long time; but having no plan of attack, he returned to his camp to confer with Zhang Bao and Ma Dai. Ma Dai said, "Tomorrow look for weaknesses in their formation. Then we can plan further." The next morning, their forces divided into three—Guan Xing in the center, Zhang Bao on the left, and Ma Dai on the right—they advanced together.

  From the Qiang line Marshal Yueji sprang forward brave and smart, a steel hammer in his hand, a figured bow at his waist. Guan Xing motioned the three companies ahead. Suddenly, the Qiang line parted and the iron wagons came surging through like a tide as their crossbowmen filled the air with bolts. The Riverlands troops suffered a stunning defeat, and Ma Dai and Zhang Bao, the two wings, retreated. Guan Xing's company, however, had been enveloped by the Qiang and forced toward the northwest.

  Surrounded, Guan Xing thrust left and right but could not get past the wall of iron wagons. The Riverlands troops were unable to look out for one another, and Guan Xing fled, hoping to find a way out of the valley. Evening was fast approaching. He spied a cluster of black flags swarming toward him. A Qiang commander, armed with a steel hammer, shouted, "I am Marshal Yueji. Go no farther, little general!" Guan Xing dashed ahead, laying on the whip, but a swift stream blocked his way, forcing him to turn and do battle with Yueji.

  Guan Xing's courage deserted him. Unable to hold his ground, he plunged into the stream. Yueji overtook him and swung his heavy hammer, striking the horse squarely on the hipbone; the horse toppled, throwing Guan Xing into the water. Suddenly he heard a voice ring out as Yueji and his horse for no apparent reason went flying into the water, too. Guan Xing struggled against the waves to get a look. There on the bank he saw a powerful general driving off the Qiang soldiers. Guan Xing raised his sword to cut down Yueji, but he leaped from the water and fled.

  Guan Xing took Yueji's horse, drew it up to the bank, and rearranged the gear on it. Then hefting his sword, he mounted, all the while watching that same unknown general up ahead still pursuing the Qiang. Thinking to meet the man who had saved his life, Guan Xing rode hard after him, but as he drew close—lo! in swirls of mist he discerned the dim figure of a mighty general, his face dark as dates, his eyebrows like sleeping silkworms; in green battle gown and metal armor, he held his sword high, a Green Dragon; the horse he rode was a Red Hare; he fingered his beard gently. All doubt vanished. It was his late father! The astounded Guan Xing watched Lord Guan point southeast and say, "Flee that way, my son. I will protect you until you reach camp." With that, he was gone.

  Guan Xing fled in the direction the apparition had indicated. Toward midnight a band of troops approached him, led by Zhang Bao, who asked, "Did you see Second Uncle?" "How did you know?" Guan Xing asked in reply. "A force of iron wagons was chasing me, when I saw him descend from the sky and drive off the Qiang troops. He said, 'Take this road and save my son. ' So I led my troops straight here to find you." Guan Xing then recounted his experience to their mutual amazement. As the two returned to camp, Ma Dai welcomed them, saying, "There is no way to repel the enemy. I will defend the campsite while you two petition the prime minister for a plan to defeat them." Accordingly, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao went to Kongming and gave him a full report.

  Kongming ordered Zhao Zilong and Wei Yan each to hide one company in ambush outside camp. He then mustered thirty thousand soldiers and marched to Ma Dai's camp, together with Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao; there he rested his forces. The next day from a hilltop he watched the enemy's iron wagons and infantry and cavalry moving in every direction with dispatch. "This will not be difficult to break up," Kongming said, and he gave Ma Dai and Zhang Yi certain instructions. After they had left, he asked Jiang Wei, "Do you see a way to defeat them?" Jiang Wei replied, "The Qiang rely on raw courage and strength alone. What do they care for clever tactics?" "How well you know my thinking," Kongming said with a smile. "The thick clouds and rising north wind presage snow; and once we have snow, my plan will work." Kongming ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to ambush the enemy, and Jiang Wei to give battle openly but to withdraw if the iron wagon force was deployed. Lastly, by the entrance to the camp Kongming had decoy banners planted but deployed no troops. He thus completed the preparations.

  It was winter, the end of the twelfth month.1 The snow Kongming had expected began to fall. Jiang Wei advanced, then retreated as Yueji brought on his iron wagons. The Qiang troops pursued him to Kongming's camp, but Jiang Wei escaped through its rear. The Qiang had advanced to the edge of the camp, when they heard the sound of a zither being strummed from inside. On all four walls of the stockade they saw the decoy banners flying, and hurried back to Yueji to report. Puzzled, Yueji chose not to advance.

  Prime Minister Yadan said to Marshal Yueji, "Zhuge Liang's decoys. Let the attack continue." Yueji led his force to the front of the Riverlands camp, where he found Kongming climbing onto his chariot, a zither under his arm; sparsely attended, he left by the rear gate. The Qiang soldiers forced their way into the site and pursued Kongming, passing the gateway to the mountain. Ahead in the distance a small chariot seemed to be turning into a wood. "Even if there's an ambush, it will be nothing to be afraid of," Yadan said to Yueji, and continued to pursue Kongming in force. They saw Jiang Wei's troops dashing forward in the snow. Yueji angrily pressed forward. The snow had blanketed the pathways, smoothing out the landscape. Yueji was informed that Riverlands troops were coming from behind a hill. Yadan said, "A few troops in hiding. Nothing to worry about," and raced ahead.

  Suddenly a rumbling sound like an avalanche filled the air as the Qiang troops tumbled into a moat. The iron wagons went out of control and slid down after them, one crashing into the next. Troops farther behind tried to turn back but were attacked by Guan Xing and Zhang Bao from both sides as ten thousand crossbowmen let fly their bolts. From the rear the corps under Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi moved in for the kill. The iron wagon force had fallen apart. Marshal Yueji ducked into a recess behind but fell to Guan Xing's sword in a brief clash. Prime Minister Yadan was captured alive by Ma Dai and brought to the main camp. The Qiang soldiers scurried off in the four directions.

  Kongming took his seat in the command tent, and Ma Dai led the prisoner in. Kongming had Yadan freed, allowed him wine to relieve his fears, and spoke kind and comforting words to him. Yadan's gratitude was boundless. Kongming said, "The lord I serve, August Emperor of the great Han, commands me to chastise rebels and traitors. How dare you abet their sedition contrary to your proper duty? I shall let you return to tell this to your lord: 'My kingdom and yours are neighbors, pledged to eternal amity. Give no heed to the counsel of traitors. '" So saying, Kongming permitted all the captured Qiang as well as their wagons, horses, and equipment to return home with Yadan. The entire Qiang army prostrated itself in gratitude and departed. Directly afterward, Kongming l
ed his three armies to the main camp in the hills of Qishan. He commanded Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to lead the way; and he sent a formal report of the victory to the court in Chengdu.

  Meanwhile, the days had gone by while Cao Zhen waited for news from the Qiang. Suddenly, a soldier from the ambush corps reported: "The Riverlands army has broken camp and begun marching." Most pleased, Guo Huai said, "They are retreating because of the Qiang attack," and he sent two companies in pursuit. Ahead the Riverlands army fled chaotically, and the Wei army gave chase. Cao Zun was in the vanguard, when drumbeats began to shake the ground and a band of troops flashed into sight; their leader, Wei Yan. "Halt, traitors!" he cried. An astonished Cao Zun laid on the whip and engaged Wei Yan, who swiftly cut him down from his horse. The deputy vanguard leader Zhu Zan then entered the imbroglio, but a group under Zhao Zilong sprang into action, spearing Zhu Zan before he could defend himself.

  Cao Zhen and Guo Huai saw the two companies weakening and tried to recall them; but from behind shouts erupted, and drums and horns announced Guan Xing and Zhang Bao: their two corps surrounded Cao Zhen and Guo Huai. The two northern commanders withstood the fierce assault, however, and managed to lead their defeated force away. The triumphant Riverlands army pursued them to the River Wei and plundered the northern army's main camp. Cao Zhen, in despair over the loss of both vanguards, could only appeal in writing to the Wei court for reinforcement.