Three Kingdoms

by Luo Guanzhong (Moss Roberts trans. )

  Zhang He shouted to his commanders, "Now is the time to fight to the finish!" The Wei soldiers strove to break the enemy's hold but failed. Suddenly to the rear the noise of drums and horns rent the air: it was Sima Yi at the head of his own crack force! At their field marshal's direction, the Wei commanders surrounded Wang Ping and Zhang Yi. Zhang Yi cried, "His Excellency is a man of true genius! His plans leave nothing to chance. We must fight to the finish!" Zhang Yi divided the force into two companies: the first, under Wang Ping, went to block Zhang He and Dai Ling; the second, Zhang Yi led against Sima Yi. Thus, on two fronts the westerners fought, and their murderous clamor shattered the air.

  From a hilltop Jiang Wei and Liao Hua watched closely as the Wei army gained the upper hand over the Shu forces, whose ability to resist was waning. Jiang Wei said to Liao Hua, "Things look bad. We'd better open the brocade sack for Kongming's instructions." They tore it open and found the following: "If Sima Yi surrounds Wang Ping and Zhang Yi and their situation becomes untenable, divide your forces into two contingents and surprise Sima Yi's base camp. He'll have to pull back, and the confusion in his ranks will afford occasion to attack. Whether or not you take the camp itself, you will have a complete victory." Delighted, the two commanders divided their forces and headed for the field marshal's camp.

  Sima Yi, however, in anticipation of Kongming's maneuver had arranged for scouts to report in as he advanced. The field marshal was leading his forces in battle, when a mounted courier reached him with the news that two companies of western troops had gone to seize his base camp. Caught by surprise, Sima Yi said to his commanders, "You didn't believe me when I said their retreat was part of Kongming's plan! You insisted on pursuing them, and now we're in trouble!" Sima Yi beat a quick retreat; his desperate troops broke rank and fled. Zhang Yi fell upon the northerners from the rear and inflicted heavy losses. Zhang He and Dai Ling saw their position was hopeless and fled into the hills along the byways. The western triumph was now complete, owing much to Guan Xing, who had provided support from the rear to the various fighting units.

  By the time Sima Yi made it back to his own base camp, the Shu troops had already completed their mission and pulled back. After collecting his remnant forces, Sima Yi castigated his commanders: "What do you know of warfare! There's more to it than hot courage and battle lust—that's what ruined us. No more rash moves! Whoever disobeys shall suffer the consequences under martial law." The Wei commanders withdrew shamefaced; they had lost a great number of men and had abandoned countless horses and weapons on the field.

  Kongming led his triumphant forces home and at once began to prepare a fresh offensive. Suddenly a courier from Chengdu arrived and announced the death of Zhang Bao. At the news Kongming cried without restraint; he spit up blood and fainted. The commanders rushed to his aid. Kongming subsequently became too ill to leave his bed. The commanders grieved. Later a poet left these lines of admiration for Zhang Fei's son:

  Fierce and bold, Bao sought to do high deeds;

  But to this hero Heaven lent no hand.

  Kongming shed his tears on the western wind—

  Who else would match Bao's fealty to the Han?

  Ten days later Kongming summoned Dong Jue and Fan Jian to his tent. "I am losing my faculties, '' he advised them," and am unfit to manage the campaign. I prefer to return to Hanzhong for now, care for my health, and make new plans. All of you must keep this absolutely secret. If Sima Yi finds out, he will attack. " Then he issued the order to decamp in silence that same night.

  Sima Yi did not find out about their departure until five days after the western army had started back to Hanzhong. Sighing deeply, Sima Yi said, "Kongming's plans have something truly supernatural about them. I am no match for him!" Sima Yi left several commanders in his base camp, posted others to hold the strongpoints, and withdrew in force to the capital.

  Kongming stationed his main army in Hanzhong and returned to Chengdu to recuperate. Civil officials and military officers came forth from the city to welcome him and then escort him to his ministerial quarters. The Second Emperor came personally to express his concern and placed the prime minister under the care of the imperial physician. Slowly Kongming began to recover.

  In autumn, the seventh month of the eighth year of Jian Xing (a. d. 230), the Wei chief commander Cao Zhen's illness passed and he submitted a petition to the Emperor: "The armies of Shu have committed numerous border violations and continue to menace our northern kingdom. Unless we root out this enemy, grave consequences will ensue. Now autumn has come; our men and horses are rested. We should undertake a new campaign. I volunteer to join Sima Yi in leading a major force directly into Hanzhong to annihilate the treasonous faction and free our borders from the foe." Delighted, the ruler of Wei turned to Privy Counselor Liu Ye: "Cao Zhen advises me to attack Shu. What is your view?" Liu Ye addressed the ruler: "The regent-marshal is correct: we will suffer for it if we do not eradicate them. Let his proposal be acted on, Your Majesty." Cao Rui nodded in approval.

  As Liu Ye left the palace to go home, he was surrounded by a host of vassals who demanded, "Is it true that you and the Son of Heaven have decided to mobilize and attack the Riverlands?" "Not at all," Liu Ye replied. "The formidable mountains and rivers of Shu make invasion far too difficult. Such a waste of our military resources would be of little use to our dynasty." The assembly of officials withdrew without a word.

  Yang Ji entered the imperial presence and proposed: "Yesterday we listened to Liu Ye counsel Your Majesty to attack Shu; today he has informed the officials that Shu cannot be attacked. He is deceiving Your Majesty. Will Your Majesty call him to account?" Cao Rui summoned Liu Ye and in Yang Ji's presence asked him, "You have advised me to attack the west; yet you have told others it cannot be done. Why?" Liu Ye replied, "More careful consideration has led me to conclude that the invasion is not feasible." After Yang Ji had left the palace, Liu Ye said, "My advice yesterday concerned a state matter of the highest importance. How could I have disclosed the information so carelessly? Cunning is the heart of warfare. And secrecy is vital before an action commences." Cao Rui saw the light and showed Liu Ye more respect than ever.

  Less than ten days later the Wei ruler gave Sima Yi a detailed account of Cao Zhen's recommendation. Sima Yi said, "The Southland is unlikely to move against us. It is an opportune time to invade the Riverlands." Cao Rui appointed Cao Zhen chief commanding officer and First Field Marshal Who Conquers the West. Sima Yi was made chief general4 and Second Field Marshal Who Conquers the West; and Liu Ye was made director general. The three took leave of the ruler of Wei and led a grand army of four hundred thousand forward to Chang'an for a direct forced march on the Saber Gateway5 and the capture of Hanzhong. These moves were reported to Chengdu from Hanzhong.

  Fully recovered from his ailment, Kongming was training his forces in the techniques of the eightfold array in preparation for an attempt on the northern heartland. Informed of the recent movements of the Wei army, Kongming summoned Zhang Ni and Wang Ping and told them, "Take a thousand men and hold the old road to Chencang against the enemy. I will back you up with a large force." The two commanders responded, "The reports say that the Wei army numbers four hundred thousand and claims eight hundred thousand—a powerful show of force. How can a mere thousand troops hold that strongpoint or repel them if they arrive in any number?" "I would give you more," answered Kongming, "but it would be too hard on the men."

  Zhang Ni and Wang Ping eyed each other skeptically, reluctant to proceed. "If something goes wrong," Kongming said, "no one will blame you. Say no more, but hurry." Again the two pleaded: "You Excellency, do away with us here and now, if you will, but we fear to go." "How ignorant you are!" Kongming answered with a smile. "I am sending you with a specific purpose in mind. Yesterday I inspected the patterns in the sky and saw the star mansion Net circling toward the moon.6 During the month there is sure to be a major rainstorm, and that will keep the Wei army from coming through these rough mountains, their four
hundred thousand notwithstanding. That's why with only a few troops you're still in no danger. I intend to keep our massive armed force in Hanzhong for a month's rest and then use them to surprise the Wei army in retreat. One hundred thousand of my fresh troops will suffice to defeat their weary legions." Satisfied with this explanation, the two commanders took leave and departed.

  Kongming thus brought the main force into Hanzhong. There he issued orders to store one month's kindling, fodder, and grain against the autumn rains at all key strongpoints. Then he granted the army a month's rest, provided them with food and clothing, and waited watchfully until the time to march.

  To the north Cao Zhen and Sima Yi, in joint command of the main Wei army, had marched directly into Chencang but found not a single dwelling there. A native told them that Kongming had burned everything when he left. Cao Zhen wanted to set out at once on the Chencang road, but Sima Yi warned him, "Don't be rash. Last night watching the skies, I saw the star mansion Net rounding toward the moon; during the month there is sure to be a major rainstorm. If we move into their defended areas, we'll manage so long as we keep winning; but if our forces run into trouble, it will be almost impossible to withdraw. For now we had better throw up some rain shelters inside Chencang and protect ourselves." Cao Zhen followed his suggestion.

  Some ten days later the rains came, an incessant downpour that flooded the ground outside the town to a depth of three spans. The equipment was soaked; the men could not sleep. There was no relief day or night, and after thirty days of it the fodder was used up and many horses had died. The soldiers complained continuously. Accounts of the crisis reached Luoyang, where the ruler of Wei built an altar on which he prayed for clear weather. When his prayers went unanswered, Wang Su, a court officer in the Inner Bureau, presented this petition to the Emperor:

  An ancient text reminds us that "when the supply line is too long, the soldiers look starved; and if they have to gather firewood and kindling to make their meals, they won't sleep on a full stomach."7 And this refers to moving the army along flat ground, not advancing into mountainous country by forging the road ahead at a hundredfold cost in toil. Now on top of everything our troops face drenching rains and steep, slippery slopes. They are hard-pressed and have no freedom of movement. Our grain comes from afar and only intermittently. There is grave danger in proceeding under such conditions.

  I believe it is more than a month since Cao Zhen set out. But he has barely made it halfway through Zi-Wu Gorge because his soldiers are tied up in building the road. This will only enable the enemy to fight our weary troops with fresh forces—the thing the strategist fears above all else.

  Consider former eras: when King Wu of the house of Zhou waged war against the last Shang king,8 he went forth from the pass and then returned. Such exemplary caution was shown in our times when first Cao Cao and later Cao Pi went forth to conquer Sun Quan but stopped at the Great River without crossing into the Southland. Is it not evident that these previous exemplars thoroughly understood tactical flexibility, accepting Heaven's guidance because they recognized the limits circumstances imposed? I appeal to Your Majesty to consider the recent crisis caused by the rain and grant the men respite. When a future opportunity presents itself, a new campaign can be mounted in which the soldiers will "forget their mortality in their eagerness to oppose the foe."9

  The ruler of Wei perused the petition but remained undecided. Then Yang Fu and Hua Xin presented supporting petitions, and the ruler issued an edict recalling the two generals Cao Zhen and Sima Yi.

  Meanwhile, Cao Zhen said to Sima Yi, "Thirty days of this weather! The army has no fight left. The men think only of home, and there's no way to stop them." "Let's go back, then," Sima Yi replied. "And how do we drive back Kongming if he pursues?" Cao Zhen asked. "Hide two companies to block the rear—then the army can retreat," Sima Yi said. At that moment a courier brought the imperial command to withdraw. The two generals had the rear units take the lead and the lead units bring up the rear, and thus in reverse the army slowly retreated.

  Kongming had calculated that the rains were about to end. Under heavens still overcast he took one company to Chenggu and stationed it there. He also ordered the main army to converge on Red Slope and dig in. Then he summoned his commanders to his tent and said, "I am sure that the Wei army will depart, because the Wei ruler will order Cao Zhen and Sima Yi to bring the men home. They will be prepared against pursuers, though, so we'll have to let them go and wait for another day."

  Suddenly Wang Ping's messenger announced that the Wei army had begun withdrawing. Kongming instructed the man to tell Wang Ping, "Do not pursue them. I have a plan to destroy the northern troops." Indeed:

  The Wei left an ambush behind,

  But the Han prime minister never intended to pursue.10

  How would Kongming defeat Wei?

  Read on.

  100

  Raiding Han Troops Destroy Cao Zhen's Camp;

  Kongming's Battle Line Humbles Sima Yi1

  Hearing that Kongming had refused to pursue the Wei army, the Riverlands commanders crowded into his tent demanding an explanation. "The rain is ruining them," the commanders said. "They couldn't pitch camp and pulled back. It's the perfect time to strike! How could Your Excellency not do so?" "Sima Yi is a fine tactician," he replied. "He has left men in ambush, who will trap us if we pursue. Let him get farther away from us; then I'll send some men to cut across by Ye Gorge and hold the Qishan hills so the Wei can't defend from there." "There are better ways to take Chang'an," they answered. "What does Your Excellency want the hills for?" "The main way into Chang'an is through the hills. Troops from the Longxi districts always march down that route. Besides, with the River Wei ahead of us and Ye Gorge behind, we can maneuver left and right and hide troops, too. It's a good place to wage war. The hills control the larger terrain." This explanation convinced the commanders.

  Kongming ordered Wei Yan, Zhang Ni, Du Qiong, and Chen Shi to come out from Winnow Basket Gorge; and Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Ma Zhong to come out through Ye Gorge. All were to rally at the Qishan hills. His assignments made, Kongming took command of the main force, put Guan Xing and Liao Hua in the vanguard, and marched forth close behind them.

  During this time Cao Zhen and Sima Yi were surveying their forces from the rear. They ordered one company onto the Chencang road to reconnoitre; it reported finding no Riverlands troops coming. After the two field marshals had marched another ten days, the Wei commanders who had been left in ambush all went back and informed their leaders that there was no sign of western troops. Cao Zhen said, "The rains have knocked out the plank roads.2 How would the Riverlanders know we have pulled back?" Sima Yi said, "Shu troops will show themselves soon." "How do you know that?" Cao Zhen asked. Sima Yi replied, "The last few days have been clear; but they let us get this far without following only because they foresaw an ambush. After we have completely withdrawn, they will seize the Qishan hills." Cao Zhen was unpersuaded. "Why do you doubt it?" Sima Yi asked him. "I predict that Kongming will come out from the two gorges. You and I, Zidan, shall each cover one exit for a period of ten days. If the western army does not appear, I'll paint my face and come to your camp dressed as a woman to ask your pardon." "And if they do," Cao Zhen retorted, "I'll give you the jade belt and the horse that the Emperor bestowed on me."

  The two generals divided their force and moved into the hills: Cao Zhen west to Ye Gorge, Sima Yi to the east where Winnow Basket Gorge debouched. After the two had established camp, Sima Yi led a contingent into the gorge, and the rest of his force took up positions at key points. Sima Yi then disguised himself and mingled with the army in order to look over the various positions. At one camp a subordinate commander raised his eyes to the heavens and complained, "These rains have drenched us for so long, yet he will not go back! Now he makes us wait here again, laying wagers with the other commander despite all we and the men have to suffer!" On hearing this, Sima Yi returned to his tent, gathered his commanders, and had
the complaining officer brought forward.

  Sima Yi berated him. "The court trains its troops for a thousand days though they be used but a single time. How dare you voice complaints and weaken the army's morale?" Since the officer would not confess, Sima Yi called a witness from the same unit. The officer could no longer deny his misconduct. Sima Yi declared, "I'm not 'laying wagers. ' I'm trying to defeat Shu's army so that you can all go back to the court and claim your rightful reward for distinguished service. These absurd complaints will earn you the punishment you deserve!" At Sima Yi's order, armed guards removed the officer and executed him. Moments later the severed head was presented before the command tent; the commanders were aghast. Sima Yi said, "You commanders must do all you can to defend against the Shu army. When you hear my bombards from the central force, advance on all fronts." The commanders received the order and withdrew.

  Meanwhile Wei Yan, Zhang Ni, Chen Shi, and Du Qiong led their combined force of twenty thousand toward Winnow Basket Gorge. As they were marching, the arrival of Consulting Adviser Deng Zhi was announced. When the four commanders questioned him, he said, "The prime minister sends an order: if you leave Winnow Basket Gorge, be on the lookout for an ambush. Do not advance recklessly." Chen Shi said, "The prime minister is too cautious in his tactics. These rains have ruined the clothing and armor of the northern troops—they must have hurried home without leaving an ambush behind. If our men advance double-time, we can win a great victory. Why hold us back?" Deng Zhi responded, "His Excellency's schemes always work; his plans always succeed. Dare you disobey him?" Chen Shi replied, "If the prime minister were such a fine planner, he would not have come to grief at Jieting!"