Three Kingdoms

by Luo Guanzhong (Moss Roberts trans. )

  Zhong Hui knew he had seen the spirit of the Martial Lord and was overwhelmed by the strangeness of it. Then and there he ordered the forward army to carry a white banner inscribed "Protect the Kingdom, Spare the People" ; and to execute anyone taking the life of a Riverlander without authorization. As a result, the Hanzhong population emerged from the walled towns and welcomed the invaders. Zhong Hui reassured each surrendering town of its safety and consequently experienced no opposition whatever. A poet of later times left these lines of praise:

  The ghostly myriads circling Mount Dingjun

  Made Zhong Hui pay due homage to its potent god,

  Who guided—in life—the fortunes of the Liu,

  Whose word—from beyond—will save the folk of Shu.

  Meanwhile, in Tazhong, Jiang Wei had heard that a vast Wei army was approaching and had instructed Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, and Dong Jue to rally their troops and meet the threat. He also arrayed a portion of his own force to await the enemy. When the arrival of the Wei army was announced, Jiang Wei advanced to meet it. The commanding general in the Wei ranks was the governor of Tianshui district, Wang Qi, who rode forth and shouted, "I have one million troops and a thousand top commanders. We are moving in twenty field armies and have already reached Chengdu. If you refuse a timely surrender and try and resist, it will prove your ignorance of Heaven's Mandate." In great anger Jiang Wei raised his spear and raced into the field, straight for Wang Qi. After a brief clash Wang Qi fled in defeat, and Jiang Wei pushed his forces twenty li in pursuit. Suddenly he heard metal gongs as a contingent of soldiers fanned out before him under a banner inscribed "Longxi District Governor Qian Hong."

  With a smile Jiang Wei said, "Those rats are no match for me," and urged his soldiers on. After another ten li he encountered Deng Ai's advance, and the two forces met in furious combat. Jiang Wei demonstrated his mettle and closed with Deng Ai more than ten times, but neither prevailed. Then behind him gong and drum sounded again, and he tried to retreat. But a report came from the rear army: "All camps at Sweet Pine have been destroyed by the Jincheng district governor, Yang Xin." Shocked at this loss, Jiang Wei swiftly ordered his lieutenant to fly decoy insignia and resume the struggle with Deng Ai while he himself rushed the rear army to the rescue of Sweet Pine. En route he encountered Yang Xin.

  Yang Xin declined to engage and fled toward the mountain pathways. Jiang Wei pursued closely; but as he passed below a cliff, timber and rocks tumbled down and blocked his advance. By the time Jiang Wei made it halfway back, Deng Ai had taken a heavy toll of his Riverlands force. Wei troops moved up in full force and surrounded Jiang Wei. Breaking through the ring with a cohort of riders, Jiang Wei took refuge in his main camp, where he staged a stout defense while waiting for reinforcement. At that moment a mounted courier arrived and reported: "Zhong Hui has taken Yang'an Pass. The defending commander Jiang Shu has surrendered. Fu Qian perished in the fight, and Hanzhong is in Wei hands. The commanders at Yuecheng and Hanzheng, Wang Han and Jiang Bin, also surrendered on learning of the loss of Hanzhong. And Hu Ji, unable to offer further resistance, escaped to Chengdu to seek reinforcement."

  Disheartened by the news, Jiang Wei ordered his men to break camp. That night, coming to a crossing of Boundary River, Jiang Wei's troops found a company of men spread out before them; the Wei commander at their head was Jincheng district governor Yang Xin. In great anger Jiang Wei galloped ahead and put Yang Xin to flight in a single passage-at-arms. Jiang Wei shot three arrows, but none found its mark. In frustration Jiang Wei broke the bow in two and gave chase with upraised spear, but his horse lost its footing and threw him to the ground. Yang Xin reversed course and charged his fallen pursuer; Jiang Wei sprang to his feet and with a single thrust drove his spear into the chest of Yang Xin's horse. Other northern troops raced to the scene and rescued Yang Xin. Jiang Wei remounted an accompanying horse and was about to resume pursuit when he was told that Deng Ai's forces were coming from behind. Fearful of the growing disorganization of his forces, Jiang Wei recalled his men for an attempt to retake Hanzhong.

  Mounted scouts reported to Jiang Wei: "Imperial Inspector Zhuge Xu of Yongzhou has cut off the avenue of retreat." And so Jiang Wei occupied a strategic intersection in the hills and pitched camp. The northern troops then positioned themselves at one end of Yinping Bridge: Jiang Wei could neither advance nor retreat. Giving a prolonged sigh, he said, "Then Heaven dooms me!" His lieutenant Ning Sui said, "Even if northern troops have blocked Yinping Bridge, Yongzhou will be lightly defended. General, if we go through Konghan Gorge into Yongzhou, Zhuge Xu will have to pull his men out of Yinping to save Yongzhou. And then you can beat them to Saber Gateway and hold it against them, General. That way Hanzhong can be retaken."

  Adopting this plan, Jiang Wei sent his troops into Konghan Gorge to create the impression that he meant to capture Yongzhou. Spies soon carried word back to Zhuge Xu. Greatly alarmed, Xu said, "I share responsibility for the defense of Yongzhou, and if it is lost, the court will make me answer for it." So saying, Zhuge Xu quickly transferred his troops to Yongzhou by the southern route, leaving behind only a single contingent to hold Yinping Bridge. Jiang Wei marched some thirty li by the northern route. Then, judging that the Wei troops had begun to move, he halted and reversed course, making the rearguard the van, and headed back to Yinping Bridge. As he had expected, most of the Wei units had departed. Jiang Wei easily dispersed the few troops holding the bridge and went on to burn their fortifications. By the time Zhuge Xu had learned of the loss of the bridge and started back, Jiang Wei was beyond overtaking.

  Jiang Wei crossed Yinping Bridge and marched straight ahead. He met up with General of the Left Zhang Yi and General of the Right Liao Hua. When Jiang Wei demanded an explanation for their arrival, Zhang Yi answered, "Huang Hao has refused to send out troops; he listens to everything a sorceress tells him. When I heard Hanzhong had fallen, I came with my own forces, but Yang'an Pass was already in Zhong Hui's hands. Then I heard that you were in straits, General, and came to offer my assistance." With that all three forces combined and advanced to White Water Pass.

  Liao Hua said, "We face enemies on every side. Food supplies cannot get through. We should withdraw and hold Saber Gateway while we consider another strategy." Jiang Wei hesitated, unable to decide. Suddenly he was informed that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai were advancing with more than ten field armies. Jiang Wei wanted to split into three forces again and engage the invaders, but Liao Hua said, "White Water is confining terrain and many routes pass through it. It is not a good place for waging war. It would be better to withdraw and save Saber Gateway. If that is lost, we will have no escape." Jiang Wei adopted this plan and led the Riverlands forces to Saber Gateway. But as he approached the pass, drums and horns sounded in unison and hearty shouts filled the air. On all sides banners went up: a contingent of troops was holding the pass.3 Indeed:

  The formidable terrain of Hanzhong was theirs no more;

  And the storm had reached as far as Saber Gateway.

  Where did these troops come from?

  Read on.

  117

  Deng Ai Slips Through Yinping Pass;

  Zhuge Zhan Fights to the End at Mianzhu

  Supreme Commander Dong Jue, Sustainer of the Dynasty, informed that more than ten Wei field armies had entered Riverlands territory, brought up twenty thousand troops to defend Saber Gateway. That day, watching the dust billowing up in the distance, Dong Jue rushed ahead to the pass, believing that northern forces were approaching. But as he rode on, Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, and Zhang Yi came into view instead. Overjoyed, Dong Jue welcomed them into the pass and, after the formalities, complained bitterly about the association of the Second Emperor with Huang Hao. Jiang Wei said, "Rest assured, while Jiang Wei lives, the Wei will never gobble up Shu. First, we must hold Saber Gateway; next, work out tactics for driving back the foe."

  Dong Jue said, "This pass is defensible, of course, but the capital has no troops and will fall easily to an enemy surprise." Jia
ng Wei replied, "The arduous terrain around Chengdu should thwart any invaders. You need not worry." As they were speaking, Zhuge Xu was reported to be at the pass with his forces. Eager for combat, Jiang Wei rushed to the spot with five thousand and struck directly at the Wei ranks. Driving and thrusting left and right, he routed Zhuge Xu and claimed the life of many a northerner. The survivors fled and pitched camp some distance away. After the Riverlands troops had seized quantities of horses and weapons, Jiang Wei recalled his forces and returned to the pass.

  Zhong Hui was camped some twenty li from Saber Gateway. Zhuge Xu came before him there to acknowledge his failure. Zhong Hui said hotly, "You failed to hold Yinping Bridge and block Jiang Wei's retreat as ordered. Then you took it upon yourself again to advance on your own authority. The result is this defeat." Zhuge Xu answered, "Jiang Wei is a man of infinite cunning. His feint toward Yongzhou deceived me into going there to defend it, thereby giving him the opportunity to escape. I pursued him to the pass never expecting to suffer a second defeat there." Zhong Hui angrily ordered the commander executed. Army Superviser Wei Guan said, "Despite his offense, he was under the direction of General Deng Ai, Conqueror of the West. Putting Xu to death, General, will only damage your relations with Deng Ai."

  Zhong Hui replied, "I hold a clear mandate from the Son of Heaven, Cao Huan, supported by the weighty charge of the lord-patriarch of Jin, Sima Zhao, to lead this punitive expedition against the Riverlands. Even if Deng Ai himself were responsible, I would have to execute him!" Despite the commanders' strenuous protests, Zhong Hui had Zhuge Xu moved to Luoyang in a cage-cart and placed in the hands of the lord-patriarch. Afterward he transferred all of Zhuge Xu's troops to his own command.

  Outraged by Zhuge Xu's punishment, Deng Ai cried, "I hold a rank as high as Zhong Hui's and have long rendered service in policing these borders. How dare he take it upon himself to act so high and mighty?" Ai's son, Deng Zhong, urged him to forbear, saying, "'Intolerance for trifles ruins great plans. ' Father, if you fall out with him, you will fail the dynasty. I hope you can restrain yourself for the time being." Deng Ai allowed himself to be guided by his son's advice, but his resentment was not allayed. He led a dozen riders to see Zhong Hui.

  Zhong Hui queried his advisers about Deng Ai's visit: "How many troops are coming?" When they answered, "Only a dozen," Zhong Hui ordered a few hundred guards to take up positions inside and outside his tent. Deng Ai dismounted and entered. Zhong Hui welcomed him in. Deng Ai observed that Hui's troops were well disciplined, and he became uneasy. He said pointedly, "General, your capture of Hanzhong was a great boon to the government. Now we must decide on a plan for the swift capture of Saber Gateway." Zhong Hui responded, "What is your own view, General?" Deng Ai claimed he lacked the ability to make a suggestion, but Zhong Hui insisted, so he said, "In my humble view, we should lead a company through Yinping and out of Hanzhong's Deyang precinct along the lesser routes, then use special forces to capture Chengdu directly. Jiang Wei should pull back to save the capital, leaving Saber Gateway exposed to your attack, General. You would win the day." Well pleased, Zhong Hui said, "A marvelous plan, General! Take troops at once. I will stay here awaiting word of your victory." The two men feasted and parted company.

  Zhong Hui returned to his tent and said to his commanders, "Everyone says how able Deng Ai is; however, I saw in him today but a mediocre talent." The commanders asked him why, and Zhong Hui said, "The side and back roads around Yinping all run through high hills and steep ranges. If Shu has a hundred or so men guarding the strongpoints who can cut off his retreat, Deng Ai's troops will starve to death. I will go only by the main road, for I have no doubts: the land of Shu will fall." And so he readied scaling ladders and trebuchets for the assault on the pass at Saber Gateway.

  Deng Ai came forth from the entrance to Zhong Hui's camp and mounted. Turning back to his followers, he asked, "What sort of man does Zhong Hui consider me to be?" His followers said, "Judging by his words and expression, he strongly disagreed with what you said but forced himself to appear to agree publicly." With a smile Deng Ai said, "He thinks I can't take Chengdu. But I'll show him."

  Back at camp Shi Zuan, Deng Zhong, and a group of high officers received Deng Ai and asked, "What decision have you and General Zhong Hui come to?" "I told him what was really on my mind," Deng Ai answered, "but he still rates me as a commander of ordinary ability. He conquered Hanzhong—a major accomplishment in his eyes—only because I tied down Jiang Wei's forces at Tazhong. But I'll show him now by taking Chengdu itself!" That night he ordered all camps to break and all forces to advance to Yinping by side and back roads. Seven hundred li distant from Saber Gateway Deng Ai halted and pitched camp. "Deng Ai means to take Chengdu," someone reported to Zhong Hui, who simply ridiculed Deng Ai's folly.

  Meanwhile, Deng Ai dispatched a secret letter to Sima Zhao and then convened his commanders. He put the question to them: "We have a chance to take Chengdu and establish undying fame. Are you willing to follow me?" The commanders responded, "We will honor your command, undaunted even by death." Deng Ai sent his son, Zhong, in the lead with five thousand crack troops. They wore no armor but carried tools for hewing and boring so they could cut across hills, open roads, and throw up bridges to facilitate the main army's advance.

  Next, Deng Ai selected thirty thousand men, who took dry provisions and ropes and set out. After about one hundred li, Deng Ai selected three thousand men and had them make camp. Then he led the whole body of troops another one hundred li. Again he selected three thousand more and had them make camp. Twenty days after they had begun marching from Yinping in the tenth month of that year (a. d. 263), they found themselves in the midst of towering cliffs and sharp gorges; they had traveled through seven hundred li of uninhabited territory. As they proceeded, the Wei soldiers had set up a number of camps, and now a mere two thousand men and horses remained for the last stages.

  Before them lay the Heaven-Scraping Mountains, too arduous for horses to cross. Deng Ai advanced on foot until he saw Deng Zhong and his squad of earthmoving warriors directly ahead, groaning and weeping. Deng Ai asked the reason, and Deng Zhong said, "West of these mountains rise sheer walls of rock and giant cliffs we cannot cut through. We have toiled for nothing, it seems, and therefore we weep." Deng Ai said, "We have already come seven hundred li. On the other side of these rocks is Jiangyou. To return is unthinkable." Calling the troops around him, he went on, "'To get the tiger's cubs, go inside her lair. ' We have come this far together, and if we succeed, the wealth and honors will be shared by all." The troops responded, "We will follow your command."

  Deng Ai ordered the men first to slide their weapons down the far side of the slope. He then wrapped himself in felt padding and rolled down the slope. His lieutenants, who had felt jackets, followed him. Those without felt jackets wound the rope they had brought with them around their waists and went down in a single line, grabbing at trees and hanging from shrubs. In this way Deng Ai, Deng Zhong, and the two thousand soldiers, along with the road-building brigade, made it over the Heaven-Scraping Mountains. Then, taking only the time to put their equipment in good order, they continued their march. By the side of the road they saw a stone engraved with the words "By the Martial Lord Zhuge, Prime Minister." The text read: "Two fires first spring forth; a man will cross. Two warriors contend; soon they will die."1 Deng Ai, astonished to find this stone, hurriedly prostrated himself before it. "The Martial Lord was more than human," he said. "How sad that I was never meant to serve him." Later someone left this verse:

  Yinping's steep-pitched peaks reach heaven-high;

  Even the sky crane reels before such height.

  Yet Deng Ai wrapped in felt went hurtling down,

  Marveling at Zhuge Liang's foresight.

  Deng Ai had slipped through Yinping. Subsequently resuming his march, he noticed a large vacant campsite. His advisers told him, "People say the Martial Lord once deployed a thousand men to hold this point. But the Riverlands ruler, Liu Sha
n, has evacuated it." Deng Ai could not suppress his astonishment. "There is no going back now," he told his men. "Jiangyou ahead has food enough. Advance and survive; retreat and perish. We must redouble our efforts and attack it!" "We will fight to the death," they responded. And so Deng Ai, on foot, led a cohort of two thousand on a forced march to seize the town of Jiangyou.2

  * * *

  * * *

  Jiangyou's defending commander, Ma Miao, had heard that Dongchuan3 had fallen to the enemy. Though he made some preparations, Ma Miao fortified only the main route and did not attach especial importance to the report, particularly with Saber Gateway defended by Jiang Wei's whole army. That day Ma Miao had returned from field exercises and was dining with his wife, Lady Li, by the warmth of a stove, when she asked, "With so many urgent reports from the border, General, why do you seem so calm?" "Our security is in Jiang Wei's hands; it's not my responsibility," Ma Miao replied. "Nevertheless," his wife went on, "the town you defend is not unimportant." "The Son of Heaven listens to no one but Huang Hao," Ma Miao answered. "He is steeped in depravity and his end is near. If Wei troops arrive, we will do best to surrender. So why concern ourselves?" In great anger Lady Li spat on Ma Miao's face and cried, "It is wrong for a man with such disloyal and dishonorable thoughts to accept rank and office from his liege. For the sake of my own dignity, I shall not see you again!" Ma Miao was too ashamed to reply.