After desperate fighting Sima Yi extricated his beaten army from the press and occupied a hill, while Guo Huai got round to the rear of the hill and encamped. Zhuge Liang returned to the city and the four officers were ordered to camp at the four corners of the walls.
Guo Huai went to see his chief and said, “We have been at close quarters with the enemy for a long time yet we have no way to drive them off. Now we have lost another fight, and unless something is done we won’t get away at all.”
“What can we do?” asked Sima Yi.
“You can write to officers at Yong and Liang and order them to move their forces here to help. I will lead my men to attack Sword Pass and cut off Zhuge Liang’s retreat and intercept his supplies. That should result in confusion among his men and our chances for victory will come.”
Sima Yi agreed and the letters were dispatched. Soon, Sun Li came leading the forces of the two districts. He was sent to help Guo Huai in the attack on Sword Pass.
Now Zhuge Liang had been holding Lucheng for many days, but the Wei army did not show up. Thinking it was time to make another move, he summoned Jiang Wei and Ma Dai inside the city and said to them: “The men of Wei are well posted on the hills and refuse to give battle. Presumably, they must have anticipated that we are short of food, and they must have sent an army to attack Sword Pass to cut off our supply route. Now I want each of you to take 10,000 men and garrison the strategic points. When they find us prepared they will retreat.” The two took their orders and left.
Presently, Yang Yi came in to see Zhuge Liang. “Sir, formerly you ordered the army to alternate every hundred days. Now the time is due to relieve the forces. The troops from Hanzhong are already on their way and the documents for the exchange have arrived. All that remains to be done is the actual switch over. We have 80,000 men here, and half of them are due for exchange.”
“All right. Let these leave quickly according to the order,” replied Zhuge Liang.
So the home-going troops packed up their belongings. Just then came the alarming news of Sun Li leading a huge army from Yong and Liang to assist in the attack on Sword Pass and of Sima Yi’s imminent attack on Lucheng. In the face of such a great danger, Yang Yi suggested keeping the replacement forces to withstand the enemy and not allowing them to leave until the new army had arrived.
Zhuge Liang objected: “I must keep faith with the men. Since the order for the periodical exchange of men has been issued it must be carried out. Besides, the men due to pull out are all ready to leave, and their parents, wives, and children are leaning against the gates, waiting for them to come home. Whatever great difficulty I face today I will not keep them here.”
Then he gave orders for the exchange soldiers to march homeward that very day. But when the soldiers heard the order, they were overwhelmed by the prime minister’s generosity, and they cried in unison that they preferred to risk their lives in fighting against the Wei army to show their gratitude to him.
“But you’re due to go home—you can’t stay here,” said Zhuge Liang.
But they insisted that they would stay to fight instead of going home.
“Since you wish to stay and fight for me, you can encamp outside the city. As soon as the men of Wei arrive, attack vigorously at once, without giving them any time to recover breath. This is the tactic of ‘Attacking the weary with a fresh force.’”
So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to prepare themselves in readiness.
Now the men of Wei, who had traveled in double time, were worn out and badly in need of rest. But before they could pitch their tents for some repose the men of Shu fell upon them lustily, officers full of vigor, men filled with courage. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retreated. The men of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole field and blood flowed in rivers.
It was a victory for Zhuge Liang, and he came out to welcome the victorious army into the city and distribute rewards among them.
Suddenly there arrived an urgent letter from Li Yan of Yongan. Zhuge Liang tore it open and read: “I have heard recently that Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang and entered into an alliance with Wei, which has urged Wu to attack us. Fortunately the army of Wu has not yet set out, but I hope you, sir, will take quick actions.”
Doubts and fears crowded in upon Zhuge Liang’s mind as he read. He summoned his officers. “If Wu is coming to invade our land, I have to retreat quickly,” he said and immediately issued orders for the Qishan force to withdraw back into Shu. “Sima Yi won’t dare to pursue while we are camped here.”
The Qishan force broke camp and marched back in two divisions. Zhang He watched them go, but was too fearful of some hidden ruse in the retreat to attempt to follow. He went to see Sima Yi.
“The enemy has retreated for no apparent reasons.”
“Zhuge Liang is full of tricks,” said Sima Yi. “Remain where you are and keep a careful lookout. When they have exhausted their grain, they must retreat for good.”
At this a general called Wei Ping stepped forward. “But we should seize the moment of their retreat to smite them,” he said. “Yet you are afraid to move, Commander, as if they were tigers. How the world will laugh at us!”
Sima Yi, however, was resolutely opposed to pursuit.
When Zhuge Liang knew that the Qishan men had got away safely, he called Yang Yi and Ma Zhong and told them to lead 10,000 bowmen out to the Wooden Gate Trail at Sword Pass and place them in ambush on both sides of the road to wait for the men of Wei, if they came to pursue.
“When you hear the explosion of a signal bomb, roll down logs and rocks to barricade their way of retreat. Then shoot at them on two sides.”
When they left he ordered Wei Yan and Guan Xing to guard the rear of the retreating army. Then a false image of occupation was prepared: the walls of the city were decorated lavishly with flags; piles of straw and fire-wood were stacked here and there; and smoldering fires were set. Then the soldiers marched out toward the Wooden Gate Trail.
Spies of Wei returned to inform Sima Yi that the main force of the Shu army had departed, but they did not know how many were still left in the city. Sima Yi himself went to look, and there he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the flags fluttering on the wall.
He smiled. “The city is deserted.”
Then he sent men in to confirm this, and they returned to say that the place was really empty.
Overjoyed, Sima Yi said, “So Zhuge Liang is really gone—who will pursue?”
“I will,” replied Zhang He.
“No, you’re too impulsive,” said Sima Yi.
“You appointed me leader of the van when you started for this expedition,” said Zhang He. “Why don’t you employ me today, when there is glory to be gained?”
“Although they are retreating, they will leave an ambush at every dangerous point. Utmost caution is needed to pursue.”
“I know that. Have no worries.”
“Well, you yourself wish to go. Don’t regret it later.”
“A real hero is ready to sacrifice himself for his country,” replied Zhang He. “I will never regret, even if I have to die a myriad deaths!”
“Since you’re determined to go, take 5,000 men and start out first. Let Wei Ping follow you with 20,000 infantry and cavalrymen, in case there are ambushes. I will come later with 3,000, to help where necessary.”
So Zhang He set out and advanced quickly. Thirty li onwards he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly there appeared from some woods a cohort led by a general of high rank, who reined in his steed and leveled his sword, crying, “Where do you think you are going, you rebel?”
Zhang He swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yan, for it was he who had come. But after a few passes Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Zhang He chased for another thirty li and then stopped to look back: there was no ambush whatsoever. Feeling secure, he galloped onward to pursue. But just as he rounded a slope, there arose yells and another body of sol
diers came out.
“Zhang He, do not run away!” cried this officer, who was Guan Xing.
Guan Xing galloped close, and Zhang He dashed forth to fight with him, but after half a score of passes Guan Xing suddenly turned his steed and galloped away. Zhang He followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Suspicious of an ambush, Zhang He sent his men to search the thickets. As they discovered no danger inside, Zhang He again pursued. But quite unexpectedly Wei Yan somehow got round ahead of him and now appeared again. The two fought about a dozen bouts and again Wei Yan ran away. Zhang He followed angrily, but this time Guan Xing also got round ahead of him and barred his way. Zhang He, now provoked to fury, fought his opponent for about ten bouts. Then the men of Shu again ran away, abandoning all their armor and weapons. The road was thus littered with spoils and, unable to resist the temptation, the Wei men slipped from their horses and began to loot.
The same maneuver continued. Wei Yen and Guan Xing took turns to engage Zhang He, who pressed on undaunted. By evening they were close to the Wooden Gate Trail.
Suddenly Wei Yan swung round and yelled, “Zhang He, you rebel! I did not mean to fight you yet you followed me all this while. Now I will fight you to the death.”
Zhang He, hot with indignation, plunged forth with his spear set to strike Wei Yan, who brandished his sword to meet him. After less than ten bouts, Wei Yan was thoroughly worsted and threw aside his clothes, armor, and helmet. With only his horse left he rode away along the Wooden Gate Trail, followed by his beaten troops. Zhang He’s lust to kill was then fully roused. Seeing that Wei Yan had fled in sheer defeat, he set out after him, sensing no danger.
By that time darkness had gathered. Suddenly an explosion rocked the air and all at once the hills were illuminated by bright lights of flames. At the same time huge boulders and great chunks of timber came rolling down the slopes and blocked his way of escape.
“I’ve been trapped!” cried Zhang He in great alarm. Turning round hastily, he found the road behind already sealed. On his two sides were craggy precipices, leaving only a narrow strip of open space in the middle. Then, rat-tat-tat! came the sound of a rattle, and from two sides flew clouds of arrows and showers of bolts. Zhang He and his hundred or so officers were all killed in the trail.
With myriad shining bolts the air was filled,
The road was littered with brave soldiers killed;
People who travel by Sword Pass today
Still talk of the minister’s fame of old.
Soon the reinforcement troops of Wei came up, but too late to help. Finding the road blocked, they realized that their comrades had fallen victims to a trap, and they hastily turned back. But suddenly from the top of the hill people shouted: “Prime Minister Zhuge is here!”
Looking up, they saw his figure outlined against a fire. Pointing to the men of Wei below, he cried, “I have been hunting, as you see—only instead of slaying a horse I have killed a deer.* But you may go in peace, and when you see Sima Yi, tell him that he will be my quarry one of these days.”
The soldiers told this to Sima Yi when they returned, and he was deeply grieved, blaming himself for the death of his comrade Zhang He. Then he led his army back to Luoyang. The Emperor wept when he learned of the death of his brave general, and had his body honorably buried.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang had returned to Hanzhong and wanted to go on to the capital to see his lord. But before he set out, Li Yan, whose letter concerning the possible attack from Wu had resulted in the withdrawl of the Shu army, said to the Second Ruler falsely: “I have prepared all the supplies for the army and will send them on to the prime minister. I do not know why he has returned.”
The Second Ruler sent Fei Yi to Hanzhong to inquire why the army had withdrawn. And when Fei Yi delivered the Second Ruler’s question to Zhuge Liang, the latter was greatly surprised.
“Li Yan sent an urgent letter in which he said Wu was going to invade us, so I came back.”
Then Fei Yi related to Zhuge Liang what Li Yan had said to the Second Ruler. Zhuge Liang was furious to hear this and ordered someone to investigate the matter. Then it came out that Li Yan had failed to collect sufficient grain to keep the army supplied and, for fear of being held responsible by the prime minister, had sent the first false letter to the army that it might retreat before the shortage became apparent. His petition to the Second Ruler was intended to cover up his fault.
“The fool has ruined the great design of the state just to save his own skin.”
In his wrath Zhuge Liang wished to call in the offender and put him to death. But Fei Yi pleaded for the culprit, reminding the prime minister that Li Yan was among those whom the late Emperor had entrusted with the care of his son. Zhuge Liang approved. Fei Yi then returned to the capital and reported the matter to the Second Ruler, who also flared up in rage and ordered Li Yan to be executed.
But this time Jiang Wan intervened. “Your late father named Li Yan as one of your guardians. I beg Your Majesty will show mercy.”
So Li Yan’s life was spared but he was stripped of all rank and exiled to Zitong.
Zhuge Liang went back to the capital, where he employed Li Yan’s son in his service. Preparations then began for an expedition to start in three years. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order, and officers and men well cared for. By his kindness to all men Zhuge Liang won great popularity.
Time moved swiftly. All of a sudden, three years had passed. In the second month of the thirteenth year of Jian Xing, Zhuge Liang went to court and presented a memorial, which said: “I have been resting the army for three years. Now supplies are ample and military equipment all in order. Both men and horses are strong and sturdy. This is the moment to raise an expedition against Wei. If I cannot sweep away the evil hordes and recover the northern land this time, may I never set eyes on Your Majesty again!”
The Second Ruler replied: “The tripartite rule is a firmly established reality at present, and Wu and Wei do not trouble us at all. Why not enjoy the present peace, Father-Minister?”
“I have received such great kindness from your father that I am always thinking of a way to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best to restore the northern territory to Your Majesty and reestablish the rule of Han. This is my sole wish.”
As he said this an official stepped forth and objected, “No, the army must not be raised!”
It was Qiao Zhou who had spoken against the campaign.
Zhuge Liang’s sole thought was service, himself he would not spare;
But Qiao had watched the starry sky, and read misfortune there.
Qiao Zhou’s arguments will be disclosed in the next chapter.
Footnote
* Here “horse,” pronounced ma in Chinese, refers to Sima Yi; and “deer,” pronounced zhang, refers to Zhang He.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWO
Sima Yi Occupies the Wei Bridge over Beiyuan
Zhuge Liang Constructs Wooden Oxen and Running Horses
Qiao Zhou, who spoke against the expedition, was an official responsible for observing celestial bodies. Addressing the Second Ruler, he said, “I am bound by duty to report to Your Majesty whether there are auspices of fortune or misfortune. Not long ago, hundreds of thousands of orioles flew from the south and drowned themselves in the Han Waters. This is an evil omen. Moreover, I have been studying the aspect of the sky and found the movements of the stars point to an aura of prosperity in the north. To attack Wei will not be to our benefit. Thirdly, the people in the capital claim they hear the cypress trees moan at night. With these evil omens, I think the prime minister should not go to war, but remain at home to protect the regime.”
Zhuge Liang said, “The late Emperor laid upon me a heavy responsibility, and I must exert myself to the utmost to destroy these rebels. The policy of a state must not be changed because of some unsubstantiated signs of trouble.”
Undeterred, he ordered a great sacrifice to be offered at the Temple of
Emperor Zhao Lie (Liu Bei). There, weeping, he prostrated himself and made this declaration: “I, Liang, have made five expeditions to Qishan without gaining any expansion of territory and this fault weighs heavily upon me. Now once again I will lead the army to Qishan and I pledge to devote all my heart and might to the extermination of the rebels of Han and the restoration of the northern territory. To achieve this end I will exert myself to the last remnant of my strength and die content.”
The sacrifice ended, he took leave of the Second Ruler and set out for Hanzhong to make the final arrangements for his military campaign. While so engaged, he received the unexpected news of the death of Guan Xing due to illnesses. He was so grieved that he cried himself faint. When he finally recovered consciousness his officers did their utmost to console him.
“How pitiful!” he lamented. “Why does Heaven deny long life to the loyal and good? I have lost a most able general just as I am setting out and need him most.”
As all are born, so all must die;
Men are as gnats against the sky;
But loyalty or piety
May give them immortality.
The armies of Shu numbered 340,000 and they marched along in five divisions, with Jiang Wei and Wei Yan in the van. All the troops were to converge at Qishan. Li Gui, who was in charge of supplies, was ordered to convey grain and forage first into Ye Valley in readiness.
In Wei the reign title had earlier been changed to Blue Dragon, because such an animal had been seen to issue from a well in Mopo. At the time it was the second year of the new reigning period.
News of Zhuge Liang’s fresh expedition was duly reported to the ruler of Wei, who was distressed and at once called in Sima Yi for consultation.
Sima Yi replied, “The aspect of the sky is very favorable to us and unfavorable to Shu. But Zhuge Liang is attempting to pit his powers against Heaven. He is only asking for defeat and destruction for himself. And I, by virtue of Your Majesty’s good fortune, will be the instrument of that destruction. But permit me to name four men to go with me.”
The Three Kingdoms, Volume 3: Welcome the Tiger: An Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation Page 40
