Jiang Wei paused and pondered for quite some time. In front of him was Zhuge Liang and behind were Guan Xing and his men. Besides, he did not really have anywhere else to go to. So he dismounted and offered his submission.
Zhuge Liang at once got out of his chariot to welcome him. Taking him by the hand, he said, “Ever since I left my humble cottage I have been seeking some worthy man to whom I might impart the knowledge that I have spent my life in acquiring. I never found the person, much to my regret. But now that I have met you, my desire is attained.”
Overjoyed, Jiang Wei bowed to thank him. Zhuge Liang then took him to camp, where a general council was called to discuss how to capture Tianshui and Shanggui.
Jiang Wei made a suggestion. “The two officials, Yin Shang and Liang Xu, are good friends of mine,” he said. “Let me write to them and shoot the letters into the city. That will cause mutiny and the city can be seized.”
Zhuge Liang adopted his plan. So the two secret letters were duly written and sent flying over the ramparts, where they were found and taken to the prefect. Filled with suspicion, the prefect referred the matter to Xiahou Mao and asked him to decide what to do as soon as possible.
“Put both the men to death,” replied Xiahou Mao.
But Yin Shang got wind of this and said to his friend, “We might as well yield the city to Shu and they will treat us well for that.”
That evening Xiahou Mao sent his men to summon the two officers to him several times. They knew that danger was imminent so, fully armed, they led the soldiers under their command to the main gate and opened it to let in the men of Shu. The prefect and his exalted guest, Xiahou Mao, fled in panic by the west gate with a few hundred faithful followers and sought refuge in Qianghu.
The defectors welcomed Zhuge Liang into the city, who restored order and calmed the people. This done, Zhuge Liang asked them how he might capture Shanggui. Liang Xu said, “My brother holds that city, and I will call upon him to yield it.”
Zhuge Liang was very pleased. Presently Liang Xu rode over to Shanggui and called out his brother to submit. Zhuge Liang rewarded him and then made Liang Xu prefect of Tianshui; Yin Shang, magistrate of Jixian; and Liang Qian, magistrate of Shanggui.
Now the army was ready to advance. Some of the officers asked their chief why he did not pursue and capture Xiahou Mao.
Zhuge Liang replied, “To release him is like freeing a duck, but in Jiang Wei I acquired a phoenix.”
With the seizure of these three cities Zhuge Liang’s fame increased greater than ever, and the neighboring towns and cities simply surrendered whenever his army passed without even putting up any resistance. Then he reorganized his army, adding to it all the remaining forces in Hanzhong, and advanced through the Qishan Mountains to the west bank of the Wei River.
Away in the capital of Wei, Zhuge Liang’s movements were reported to the young Emperor at a court assembly held in the first year of the period Tai He. He was told that Xiahou Mao had lost three cities and fled to Qiang hu, while the Shu enemy had reached the Qishan Mountains, and their advance units were already posted on the west bank of the Wei River. Alarmed, Cao Rui turned to his ministers and asked for a volunteer to go out and drive off the enemy.
Wang Lang stepped forward, saying, “I observed that every time General Cao Zhen was sent by the late Emperor on an expedition he succeeded—why not send him to drive off these men of Shu?”
Cao Rui accepted his advice, whereupon he summoned Cao Zhen, to whom he said, “The late Emperor confided me to your guardianship—you cannot sit by while the enemy ravages the country.”
Cao Zhen replied, “Your Majesty, my talents are but poor and unequal to the task you propose.”
“You are a trusted minister of the state and you must not refuse this task,” said Wang Lang. “Feeble as I am, I will accompany you on the expedition.”
“After the bounties I have received I dare not refuse,” replied Cao Zhen. “But I would like to have an assistant.”
“Just name whoever you want,” said the Emperor.
So Cao Zhen named Guo Huai, whose official rank was Marquis of Sheting and Governor of Yongzhou.
Consequently Cao Zhen was appointed commander-in-chief, with Guo Huai as deputy commander and Wang Lang, who was already seventy-six, as chief counselor. Two hundred thousand soldiers from both capitals were assigned to Cao Zhen, who selected his cousin, Cao Zun, as leader of the van and another officer, General Zhu Zan, as his second-in-command. The army moved out in the eleventh month, and the Emperor went outside the west gate to see it depart.
In due time the army arrived at Chang’an, where they crossed the Wei River and camped to its west. Cao Zhen consulted Wang Lang and Guo Huai about a strategy to drive out the invaders.
Wang Lang said, “Tomorrow let us draw up our army in excellent order and unfurl all the banners. I will go out and speak with Zhuge Liang. I’m sure my words will be enough to reduce Zhuge Liang to meek submission, and the men of Shu will march home without a fight.”
Delighted with this proposal, Cao Zhen gave a strict order: “Tomorrow morning, have breakfast at the fourth watch. By daylight the army must be in perfect order, and both men and horses are to be in best spirits. Everything is to be grand and imposing, with flags fluttering and drums rolling, and every man in his place.” Then he sent a messenger to the Shu camp to deliver a declaration of battle.
The next day, when the two armies were drawn up facing each other in front of the Qishan Mountains, the men of Shu saw that their enemies were powerful-looking men, very different from those whom Xiahou Mao had commanded. After three rolls of drums Wang Lang rode out, accompanied by Cao Zhen, the commander-in-chief and Guo Huai, the second-in-command. The two van leaders maintained a firm defense of the battle formations at two corners. Then an orderly galloped to the front and called out in a loud voice: “We request the commander of the opposing army to come out to a parley.”
At this, from the Shu battle array an opening was made at the main standard, through which rode out Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, who reined in their horses and took their positions on the right and left. They were followed by several groups of valiant officers who stood in orderly lines, and finally, there appeared from beneath the great standard in the center of the array a four-wheeled carriage, in which sat the stately figure of Zhuge Liang, wearing a silk headdress, white robe bound with a black sash, and holding a feather fan in his hand. He advanced with an air of perfect ease.
Looking across at the Wei battle lines, Zhuge Liang saw three big umbrellas and on the flags were large characters bearing the names of the commanders. In the middle was an aged figure, who was Minister Wang Lang, chief counselor of the army.
“He will try to influence me with words,” thought Zhuge Liang, “I must answer accordingly.” He ordered his carriage to be pushed beyond the formation of his army, and told a minor officer to go forth and call out, “The Prime Minister of Han wishes to speak with Minister Wang.”
At this call Wang Lang also rode out. Zhuge Liang bowed with his hands from the carriage, and Wang Lang bent his body slightly from horseback to return the salute. Then he began his prepared speech. “I have long heard of your reputation, sir, and I am pleased to meet you today. Since you are aware of the decrees of Heaven and understand the conditions of the world, why do you raise an army for an unjustified war?”
Zhuge Liang replied, “I hold an edict to destroy rebels. How can it be unjustified?”
Wang Lang said, “Even Heaven has its mutations, let alone human dynasties, which are subject to change from time to time; and the supreme dignity falls at last to the man of virtue. This is the inevitable law of nature. In the days of the emperors Huan and Ling, the Yellow Turban rebellion arose, and for a long time feudal lords competed for power in the country. Later, in the periods of Chu Ping and Jian An, there was the revolt of Dong Zhuo, followed by that of Li Jue and Guo Si. Next, Yuan Shu usurped the imperial title in Shouchun, while his brother Yuan Shao dominated
the vast territory of Ye. Liu Biao occupied Jingzhou, and Lu Bu swallowed up Xuzhou. Brigands rose like swarms of wasps and evil schemers followed their own will, creating most imminent danger to the imperial house and exposing the common people to the gravest of perils.
“Then the founder of Wei, Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), swept away rebellion in all directions, restoring order in the remotest corners of the land. All hearts turned to him in gratitude, and people from the four quarters admired his virtue. Yet, it was not through power or force that he gained this—it was simply the will of Heaven.
“His son and successor, Emperor Wen (Cao Pi), divinely well-versed in the art of letters and of war, ascended the throne in accordance with the decree of Heaven and the desire of men, and following the traditional example of Yao, yielding his supreme title to Shun. The Kingdom of Wei, set in the heart of China, dominates all the regions of the country. Is it not adequate proof that it accords to Heaven’s mandate and men’s wishes?
“Sir, you are a man of great talent and ambition. You even want to compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi of old. Why do you act in opposition to the design of Heaven and turn away from the desire of men? You cannot be ignorant of the wise old saying: He who accords with Heaven’s will flourishes, while he who opposes it shall be destroyed.
“Now we, the mighty Wei, have an army of a million soldiers and a thousand fine officers. Can the glowworm in the parched stubble rival the glorious moon in the sky? You, sir, had better put down your arms, take off your armor, and submit. You will be created a lord. That will mean tranquillity for the state and happiness for the people. Is that not a desirable outcome?”
Zhuge Liang laughed. “I thought I would hear some noble discourse from you, once a highly-esteemed minister of the Han Dynasty. Could I have imagined that you would utter such depraved words? Now listen, all officers and men, to what I have to say. In the days of the emperors Huan and Ling the rule of Han declined. Palace eunuchs brought calamity to the court, and trouble was rife in every quarter of the country. After the rebellion of the Yellow Turbans, there arose Dong Zhuo and his followers Li Jue and Guo Si, who abducted the emperor and persecuted the people. But what was the cause of all this? Because rotten wood served as officials in royal courts and brute beasts received their feed in imperial halls; because men with wolfish hearts and cur-like conduct filled up government offices and servile flatterers packed the administrative bodies. Therefore the state was in ruins and the people were trodden into the mire.
“I have long known your conduct. Originally a native of the shores of the eastern sea, you were recommended to be an official. As such, you ought to aid your sovereign and support the state, bring security to Han and prosperity to the House of Liu. Who could have expected that you would turn traitor and plot with the renegades to usurp the throne? Indeed, Heaven and Earth will not tolerate such heinous crimes as evil as yours! And the people throughout this country wish to devour your flesh.
“Fortunately, Heaven did not intend to terminate the Han Dynasty and the late Emperor Zhao Lie (Liu Bei) continued the line in the west. Today I have been entrusted by his heir, the present Emperor, with the mission of destroying you rebels. Since you are such a fawning servant you ought to hide your body and cover your face, and concern yourself with finding some means to sustain yourself. How dare you come out before the army to rave about the decrees of Heaven. You hoary-headed old fool! Gray-haired scoundrel! Any day from now you will go down to the Nine Springs. How will you face the twenty-four Emperors of Han? Go away, you old rascal! Tell your fellow rebels to come and fight a decisive battle with me!”
As Zhuge Liang finished his harangue, wrath filled Wang Lang’s heart. With one loud cry he fell down from his horse and died there and then.
This exploit of Zhuge Liang’s has been lauded in a poem:
On the soil of the former Qin, the armies met,
And Zhuge Liang’s courage defied a myriad men.
With his three-inch long tongue,
He cursed to death the vile old minister Wang Lang.
As Wang Lang dropped dead, Zhuge Liang, pointing toward Cao Zhen with his fan, said: “I am not going to force you to fight now. Go and put your army in order for tomorrow’s battle.”
So saying he turned back and both armies withdrew for that day. The corpse of the dead counselor was duly placed in a coffin and sent back to Chang’an.
The deputy commander, Guo Huai, proposed a ruse to his chief. “Zhuge Liang expects us to be in mourning and will certainly raid our camp tonight. We can divide our army into four units. Let two bodies of our men go and attack their camp through some secret mountain paths and the other two wait in ambush outside our own camp and smite the enemy troops when they come to raid us.”
Delighted with this plan, Cao Zhen replied, “That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking.”
So he summoned the two van leaders and said to them, “Take 10,000 men each and get to the back of the Qishan Mountains. When you see the men of Shu march toward our camp, proceed to attack theirs. But if our enemy makes no move, withdraw at once and don’t advance rashly.”
Then he arranged with Guo Huai to lead a force each and hide outside the camp, leaving only a few men and some firewood within. A fire was to be lit as a signal if the men of Shu were seen coming. Orders being given, officers went to make necessary preparations.
In the meantime, Zhuge Liang was also preparing for a night operation. He first called in Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, who were told to take their own troops and raid the enemy camp at night.
“Cao Zhen is an experienced strategist and will be on guard,” ventured Wei Yan in objection.
“But that’s just what I want,” laughed Zhuge Liang. “I want him to know we will attack his camp tonight. Undoubtedly he will place some troops in ambush behind Qishan, who will make for our camp as soon as they see our men head toward theirs. So I want you to let yourselves be seen passing the hill, but you’re to camp far in the distance so that they will feel safe to make an attempt at our camp. Wait until you see the signal of fire. At the same time, Wen-zhang (Wei Yan) is to hold the pass to the hill. And Zi-long, you are to turn back, and, on the way you will encounter the men of Wei returning–but let them pass at first and attack only when they are halfway in their retreat. The enemy will assuredly fall to fighting among themselves, and we will win a complete victory.”
These two having gone away to carry out their parts of the overall plan, Zhuge Liang next called up Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. “You two are to take a troop each and hide at some key points in the hill. When the men of Wei come, let them go. Then take the road they come by to their camp.”
These two having left, he placed four officers in ambush outside the camp to attack the men of Wei on all sides. Within the camp the tents and shelters were left standing as if the camp was occupied, while firewood was heaped up ready to give the signal. Zhuge Liang then retired with the others to the rear of the camp to watch.
As dusk fell, the two van leaders of the Wei army, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, left camp and moved quietly toward the camp of Shu. At about the second watch they spotted some slight movements in front of the hill in the distance.
Cao Zun thought to himself, “Commander Guo has really a wonderful prevision.”
Then he urged his men to speed up. At about midnight the troop reached the Shu camp. He at once dashed into the enclosure, only to find it totally deserted. Knowing that he had tumbled into a trap, he hurriedly began to retreat. As flames sprang up, his colleague Zhu Zan also arrived, and the two bodies of men fought with each other in the confusion. It was only after the two leaders met that they discovered they were fighting their own men.
As they hastened to restore order, loud shouting arose all around and on came the four bodies of men who had been lying in ambush for them. The two Wei leaders, with about a hundred of their close followers, fled in the direction of the high road. But before long rolling drums announced another body of their enemy, and they found their f
light cut short by Zhao Yun.
“Where are you going, you rebels?” he cried. “Quickly submit!”
The two leaders of Wei fled. But soon they were barred by yet another force, led by Wei Yan. They were thoroughly beaten and only barely managed to escape to their own camp. But the few sentinels left in the camp thought they were the men of Shu coming to raid, so they hastened to light the fire, and at this signal Cao Zhen rushed up from the left and Guo Huai from the right, and a confused fight with their own men began afresh.
While this was happening, three cohorts of the men of Shu arrived, with Wei Yan in the center, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao on the two flanks, and a fierce battle ensued. It ended with the defeat of the men of Wei, who lost many of their officers and retreated more than ten li. Zhuge Liang, after winning a great victory, called back his men and withdrew.
The two commanders of Wei collected together their beaten men and went back to camp, where they discussed their next move. Cao Zhen said, “Now we are weak but our enemy is strong. Have you any plan to drive them away?”
“Defeat or success is but common in war,” replied Guo Huai. “We mustn’t lose heart. I have a plan that will disorganize them so that they will be cut off from one another and compelled to withdraw.”
Sadly the Wei leaders failed,
To seek help they’d turn to the west.
Guo Huai’s plan will be unfolded in the next chapter.
CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR
Zhuge Liang Smites the Qiang Troops in a Snowstorm
Sima Yi Moves Swiftly to Capture Meng Da
Guo Huai laid his plan before his chief: “The Western Qiang (Tangut) tribes have paid annual tribute to us since the days of the Founder of our House. Later, Emperor Wen treated them kindly. Now let us maintain a strong defense at all the crucial vantage points here and at the same time send a secret emissary to seek their help. With a promise of a marriage alliance we may get them to attack Shu in the rear. At the same time our own army will strike in full force at the enemy in the front. Thus we will be attacking the men of Shu from all sides. How can we not win a great victory?”
The Three Kingdoms, Volume 3: Welcome the Tiger: The Epic Chinese Tale of Loyalty and War in a Dynamic New Translation Page 28