San Kuo/Volume 2/Chapter 93

Chiang Wei propounded his scheme of defence, saying, “Chuko Liang will lay an ambush behind the city, induce our soldiers to go out and then take advantage of its undefended state to capture it. Now give me three companies of good men, and I will place them in ambush at a certain critical place. Lead your men out, but go slowly and not too far, and then turn to retire. However, look out for a signal, and if you see one, attack, for the attack will be double. If Chuko is there himself we shall capture him.”

The Prefect adopted this plan, gave the needed men to Chiang Wei, who marched at once, and then went forth himself with Liang Ch‘ien. Only two civil officials were left to guard the city.

Chao Yün had been sent to lie in ambush in a secret place among the hills till the T‘ienshui men left the city, when he was to rush in and capture it. His spies reported the departure of the Prefect, and he sent on the news to those who were acting with him, Chang I and Kao Hsiang, that they might attack Ma Tsun.

Chao Yün and his five companies then quickly marched to the city wall and called out, “I am Chao Tzu-lung of Ch‘angshan; you have fallen into our trap you know, but if you will surrender quickly you will save many lives.”

But instead of being alarmed Liang Hsü looked down and said, “On the contrary, you have fallen into our trap; only you do not know it yet.”

Chao Yün began his attack on the walls. Soon there was heard a roar, and fire broke out all round, and forth came a youthful leader armed with a spear, riding a curvetting steed.

“Look at me, Chiang of T‘ienshui!” cried he.

Chao Yün made at him, but after a few bouts he found Chiang Wei was getting too much for him. He was surprised, and wondered who the youngling could be, for he had never heard that such a man belonged to T‘ienshui. As the fight went on along came the other forces under Ma Tsun and his colleague, now returning. As Chao Yün found he could not prevail, he set to cut his way through and lead off his defeated men. He was pursued, but the timely interposition of his colleagues saved him, and he got away safely.

​K‘ung-ming was surprised when he heard what had happened.

“Who is this,” said he, “who has thus seen into the dark depths of my secret plan?”

A man of Nanan, who happened to be there, told him Chiang’s name and all about him. Chao Yün also praised his skill with the spear, which was superior to any other’s.

K‘ung-ming said, “I want to take T‘ienshui now; I did not expect to find such a man as this.”

The Shu army then advanced in force. Chiang Wei went back to Ma Tsun and said, “Chao Yün’s defeat will bring up K‘ung-ming with the main body. He will conclude that we shall be in the city, wherefore you had better divide your force into four. I, with one party, will go into hiding on the east so that I may cut off our enemies if they come that way. You, O Prefect, and two other leaders, had better lie in ambush on the other sides of the city. Let Liang Hsü and the common people go up on the wall.”

K‘ung-ming’s general orders were to proceed at once to attack a city from the first moment they reached it, and by the rolling of drums incite and urge the men to advance with a rush. The keenness of the men would be spoiled by any delay.

So this time also the army came straight up to the rampart. But they hesitated and dared not attack when they saw the flags flying in such good order and apparently such thorough preparation.

About the middle of the night, fires started up all around and a great shouting was heard. No one could see whence the soldiers were coming, but there were answering shouts from the wall. The men of Shu grew frightened and ran. K‘ung-ming mounted a horse and, with Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao as escort, got out of danger. Looking back, they saw many mounted men with torches winding along like a huge serpent. K‘ung-ming bade Kuan Hsing find out what this meant, and when he heard that these were Chiang Wei’s men, he remarked that an army owed more to its leading than to its numbers.

“This man Chiang is a true genius,” mused he.

He led the army back to camp, and then he thought for a long time. Suddenly he called up one of the Anting men and said, “Where is the mother of this Chiang Wei?”

“She lives in Chihsien,” replied he.

Kung-ming called Wei Yen and said to him, “March off with a body of men, giving out that you are going to take Chihsien. If Chiang Wei comes up let him enter the city.

“What is the most important place in connection with this place?” asked K‘ung-ming.

The man replied, “The storehouse of T‘ienshui is at Shangkuei; if that is taken the supplies are cut off.”

​This was good news, so Chao Yün was sent to attack Shangkuei while K‘ung-ming made a camp some distance south of the city.

The spies took the news of the movements of these three forces into T‘ienshui. When Chiang Wei heard that one army was to attack his own place he pleaded with Ma Tsun the Prefect to let him go to its defence, that he might keep the city and do his duty by his mother at the same time. So he received command of three companies and marched toward his home.

When Chiang Wei came near the walls he saw a cohort under Wei Yen. He attacked. After a show of defence Wei Yen retreated, and Chiang entered the city. He closed the gates and prepared to defend the wall. Then he went home to see his mother.

In the same way Liang Ch‘ien was allowed to enter Shangkuei.

Then K‘ung-ming sent for his prisoner, Hsiahou Mou, and, when he was brought to his tent, said suddenly. “Are you afraid of death?”

Hsiahou prostrated himself and begged for his life.

“Well, Chiang Wei of T‘ienshui, who is now gone to guard Chihsien, has sent a letter to say that he would surrender if only that would secure your safety. Now I am going to let you go if you will promise to induce Chiang Wei to come over to me. Do you accept the condition?”

“I am willing to induce him to yield to you,” said Hsiahou Mou.

K‘ung-ming then gave his prisoner clothing and a horse and let him ride away. Nor did he send anyone to follow him, but let him choose his own road.

Having got outside, Hsiahou wanted to get away, but he was perfectly ignorant of the roads and knew not which to take. Presently he came across some people, apparently in flight, and he questioned them.

“We are Chihsien people,” said they. “Chiang Wei has surrendered the city and deserted to Chuko Liang. The men of Shu are looting and burning, and we have escaped. We are going to Shangkuei.”

“Do you know who is holding T‘ienshui?”

“The Prefect Ma is in there,” said they.

Hearing this, Hsiahou rode quickly toward T‘ienshui. Presently he met more people, evidently fugitives, leading sons and carrying daughters, who told the same story. By and by he came to the gate of the city, and, as he was recognised, the wardens of the gate admitted him, and the Prefect came to greet him and asked of his adventures. He told all that had happened, that Chiang Wei had surrendered and related what the fugitives had said.

​“I did not think Chiang Wei would have gone over to Shu,” said the Prefect sadly.

“It seems he thought by this to save you, General,” said Liang Hsü. “I am sure he has made only a pretence of surrendering.”

“Where is the pretence when it is a fact that he has surrendered?” said Hsiahou.

They were all perplexed. Then at the watch-setting the men of Shu came to begin an attack. The fires round the wall were very bright, and there in the glare was seen Chiang Wei, armed and riding up and down under the ramparts calling out for Hsiahou Mou.

Hsiahou Mou and the Prefect ascended the wall, whence they saw Chiang Wei swaggering to and fro. Seeing the chiefs on the wall, he called out, “I surrendered for the sake of you, General; why have you gone back on your word?”

“Why did you surrender to Shu after enjoying so much of Wei’s bounty?” said Hsiahou. “And why do you talk thus?”

“What do you mean talking thus after writing me a letter telling me to surrender? You want to secure your own safety by involving me. But I have surrendered, and as I am a superior captain in their service now, I see no sense in returning to Wei.”

So saying, he urged the men on to the attack. The assault continued till dawn, when the besiegers drew off.

Now the appearance of Chiang Wei in this fashion was but a ruse. K‘ung-ming had found among his men one who resembled Chiang Wei and had disguised him so that Chiang Wei appeared to be leading the attack on the ramparts. In the smoke and fire during the night no one could penetrate the disguise.

K‘ung-ming then led the army to attack Chihsien. The grain in the city was insufficient to feed the people. From the wall Chiang Wei saw waggons of grain and forage being driven into Wei Yen’s camp, and he determined to try to secure some. So he led three companies out of the city to attack the train of waggons. As soon as he appeared the convoy abandoned the carts and fled. Chiang Wei seized them, and was taking them into the city, when he was met by a cohort under the command of Chang I. They fought. After a short time Wang P‘ing came to reinforce his colleague, so that Chiang Wei was attacked on two sides. All Chiang’s efforts were vain, and he had to abandon the spoil and try to re-enter the city.

But as he drew near he saw the walls were decorated with Shu ensigns, for Wei Yen had captured the place and was in possession. By desperate fighting Chiang Wei got clear and set off for T‘ienshui. But he only had a few score horsemen left. Presently the small force fell in with Chang Pao, and ​at the end of this engagement Chiang Wei found himself alone, a single horseman. He reached the city and hailed the gate. The watchers above the gate knew him and went to tell the Prefect.

“This fellow has come to beguile me into opening the gate,” said Ma Tsun.

So he ordered the defenders to shoot at him. Chiang Wei turned back, but there were the men of Shu close at hand. He set off as fast as he could for Shangkuei. But when he got there Liang Ch‘ien hurled a valley of abuse at him.

“You traitor,” cried he. “Dare you come to try to cajole me out of my city? I know you have surrendered to Shu.”

His men also began to shoot at the hapless fugitive.

Chiang Wei was helpless. He could not explain the real truth to those who doubted him. Lifting his eyes to heaven, while tears rolled down his cheeks, he whipped up his steed and rode off toward Ch‘angan.

Before he had got very far he came to a spot where were many heavy foliaged trees. From among these appeared a company of soldiers, led by Kuan Hsing. Weary as were both horse and rider, there was no chance of successful resistance, and Chiang Wei turned back. But soon appeared a small chariot in which sat K‘ung-ming, dressed simply as usual in a white robe and carrying his feather fan.

“Friend Chiang,” said he, “is it not time to yield?”

Chiang Wei stopped and pondered. There was K‘ung-ming, and Kuan Hsing’s men were behind him. There was no way out. So he dismounted and bowed his head in submission. K‘ung-ming at once got out of the chariot and bade him welcome, taking him by the hand and saying, “Ever since I left iny humble cottage I have been seeking some worthy man to whom I might impart the knowledge that my life has been spent in acquiring. I have found no one till this moment, and now my desire is attained. You are the one.”

Chiang Wei bowed and thanked him, and they two returned to camp.

Soon after their arrival the new recruit and K‘ung-ming consulted how to capture T‘ienshui and Shangkuei. Chiang Wei had a scheme.

“The two civil officers in charge of the city are excellent friends of mine,” said he, “and I will write a letter to each, shoot it over the wall tied to an arrow, and ask them to help by raising a revolt within the city.”

They decided upon this, and two secret letters were duly written and sent flying over the ramparts, where they were found and taken to the Prefect. Ma Tsun was doubtful what action to take and consulted with Hsiahou Mou, asking him to decide.

“Put both the men to death,” he replied.

​But Yin Shang heard what was toward and said to his colleague, “The best course for us is to yield the city to Shu and trust to them to treat us well as our recompense.”

That evening Hsiahou Mou sent many times to summon the two officers to him, but they thought it too great a risk to answer the call. Instead, they armed themselves and rode at the head of their own soldiers to the gates, opened them and let in the men of Shu. The Prefect and his exalted guest fled by the west gate with a few faithful followers and sought refuge with the Ch‘iang.

The traitors welcomed K‘ung-ming, who entered the city, restored order and calmed the people.

This done, K‘ung-ming asked how he might capture Shangkuei. Liang Hsü said, “My brother holds that city, and I will call upon him to yield it.”

Thereupon Liang Hsü rode over to Shangkuei and called out his brother to submit. K‘ung-ming rewarded him and then made Liang Hsü Prefect of T‘ienshui; Yin Shang, magistrate of Chich'êng; and Liang Ch‘ien, magistrate of Shangkuei.

Next the army prepared to advance. Some of the officers asked their chief why he did not pursue and capture Hsiahou Mou.

He replied, “I let him go as I would release a duck; in my friend Chiang Wei I recognised a phoenix.”

Such awe and fear seized upon the country round when these exploits were heard of that many other cities simply opened their gates without making any resistance. The army then, horse and foot, marched on to Ch‘ishan.

When they reached the west bank of the River Wei the scouts reported their movements in Loyang, and, at a court held in the first year of the period Tai-Ho a minister told the king of the threatened invasion. He said, “Hsiahou, the imperial Son-in-law, has lost the three cities and fled to the Ch‘iang. The enemy has reached Ch‘ishan, and their advanced columns are on the west bank of the Wei. I pray that an army be sent to repulse them.”

The Emperor Jui was alarmed and asked for some general to go out and drive off the enemy.

The Minister Wang Lang stepped forward and said, “I observed that whenever the General Ts‘ao Chên was sent by the late Emperor on any expedition he succeeded; why not send him to drive off these men of Shu?”

Jui approved of the suggestion, whereupon he called up Ts‘ao Chên and said to him, “The late Emperor confided me to your guardianship; you cannot sit by while the enemy ravages the country.”

Ts‘ao Chên replied, “Your Majesty, my talents are but poor and unequal to the task you propose.”

​“You are a trusted minister of state and you may not really refuse this task,” said the Emperor.

“I will use the little strength left me to accompany you,” said Wang Lang.

“After the bounties I have received I cannot refuse,” replied T’s'ao Chên. “But I must ask for an assistant.”

“You have only to name him, O noble One,” said the Emperor.

So Ts‘ao Chên named Kuo Huai, a man of Yangchu, whose official rank was Marquis of Shêt‘ing; he was also Governor of Yungchou.

Thereupon Ts‘ao Chên was appointed Commander-in-chief, and the ensigns of rank were conferred upon him. Kuo Huai was appointed his second and Wang Lang was created Instructor of the Army. He was then already old, seventy-six.

The army of Ts‘ao Chên consisted of twenty legions, the best men from both capitals. His brother, Ts‘ao Tsun, was made leader of the van with an assistant, Chu Tsan, “Opposer of Brigands.” The army moved out in the eleventh year, and the Emperor went with it to the outside of the west gate.

Ts‘ao Chên marched by way of Ch‘angan and camped on the west bank of the Wei River. At a council which the Commander-in-chief called to consider the best mode of attack, Wang Lang asked that he might be allowed to parley with the enemy.

“Let the army be drawn up in complete battle order and unfurl all the banners. I will go out and call a parley with Chuko Liang, at which I will make him yield to us without a blow, and the men of Shu shall march home again.”

Ts‘ao Chên agreed that the aged councellor should try. So orders were given to take the early meal at the fourth watch and have the men fall in in their companies and files at daylight, all in review order. Everything was to be grand and imposing, the flags fluttering and the drums rolling, every man in his place. Just before this display a messenger was to deliver a declaration of war.

Next day, when the armies were drawn up facing each other in front of Ch‘ishan, the men of Shu saw that their enemies were fine, bold men, very different from those that Hsiahou Mou had brought against them. Then after three rolls of the drums the Minister Wang Lang mounted his horse and rode out, preceded by the Commander-in-chief and followed by the second in command. The two leaders of the van remained in charge of the army. Then an orderly rode to the front and called out in a loud voice, “We request the leader of the opposing army to come out to a parley.”

At this, an opening was made at the main standard, through which came out Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao, who took up their ​stations right and left. Then followed a guard, and beneath the standard, in the rcentre of the array, was seen a four-wheeled carriage wherein sat K‘ung-ming, with turban, white robe and black sash; and the feather fan was in his hand. He advanced with the utmost dignity. Looking up, he saw three commander’s umbrellas and flags bearing large white characters. In the middle was an aged figure, the Minister Wang Lang.

“He intends to deliver an oration,” thought K‘ung-ming, “I must answer as best I may.”

His carriage was then pushed to the front beyond the line of battle, and he directed one of his officers to reply, saying, “The Prime Minister of the Hans is willing to speak with the Minister Wang.”

Wang Lang advanced. K‘ung-ming saluted him from the carriage with raised hands, and Wang replied from horseback with an inclination. Then he began his oration.

“I am happy to meet you, noble Sir; your reputation has been long known to me. Since you recognise the decrees of Heaven and are acquainted with the conditions of the world, why do you, without any excuse, lead out such an army?”

K‘ung-ming replied, “How mean you no excuse? I hold an edict to destroy rebels.”

Wang Lang replied, “Heaven has its mutations, and changes its instruments from time to time; but the supreme dignity comes at last to the man of virtue. This is the inevitable and immutable law. In the days of Huan and Ling arose the Yellow Turban rebellion, and the whole earth was involved in wrangling and warfare. Later, in the periods Ch‘u-P‘ing and Chien-An, Tung Cho arose in revolt, a revolt which Li Ts‘ui and Kuo Ssŭ continued after he had been destroyed. Next Yüan Shu usurped the imperial style, and his brother Yüan Shao played the man of might and valour in the land of Yeh. Liu Piao occupied Chingchou, and Lü Pu seized and held Hsü District. Thus rebels have arisen in the land like swarms of wasps and bold spirits have followed their own will, to the danger of the supreme dignity and the peril of the people. Then the founder of our House, the Emperor Wu (Ts‘ao Ts‘ao), swept away rebellion purged the land and restored order. All hearts turned to him in gratitude, and the people of the four quarters admired his virtue. He gained his position by no manifestation of force; it was simply the will of Heaven. His son and successor, the Emperor Wên, was wise and warlike, adequate to the great heritage and fitted to wield supreme power. Wherefore, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the desires of men, and following the example of the earliest emperors, he took his place as arbiter of the Central Government, whereby the myriad countries are ​ordered and governed. Can any maintain that it was not the desire of Heaven and the wish of men?

“Noble Sir, you are a man of natural talent and acquired attainments, worthy, you say yourself, to be compared with Kuan and Yo. Why then place yourself in opposition to the decree of Heaven and turn away from the desire of mankind to do this thing? You cannot be ignorant of the wise old saying that he who accords with the Heavens shall flourish, while he who opposes shall be destroyed.

“Now the armies of Wei are countless legions, and their able leaders are beyond number. Can the glow-worm in the parched stubble rival the glorious moon in the sky? If you will turn down your weapons and throw aside your armour and dutifully yield, you shall not lose your rank. The state will have tranquillity and the people rejoice. Is not that a desirable consummation?”

K‘ung-ming laughed. Said he, “I regarded you as an old and tried servant of the Han Dynasty and thought you would hold some noble discourse. Could I imagine you would talk so foully? I have a word to say that all the army may hear. In the days of Huan and Ling the rule of Han declined, the officers of state were the authors of evil, the government fell into confusion and misfortune settled on the country. Trouble was rife in every quarter. The three rebels you mentioned arose one after another, deposing the emperor and afflicting the people. Because the household officers were corrupt and foolish, and the court officials were as brute beasts, living only that they might feed; because men, wolfishly cruel in their hearts, currishly mean in their conduct, were in office one after another and slavish flatterers bending slavish knees confounded the administration, therefore the Throne became as a waste heap and the people were trodden into the mire. I know all about you. You came from the eastern sea-shore; you got into office with a low degree; you properly aided your sovereign and supported the state, cared for the tranquillity of Han and magnified the Lius. But could one have imagined that you would turn and assist rebels and enter into a plot to usurp the Throne? Indeed your crime is great and your guilt heavy. Heaven and earth will not suffer you; the inhabitants of this country would devour you. But happily the design of Heaven is to retain the glorious dynasty. The late Emperor Chao-Lieh continued the line in Hsich‘uan, and I have been entrusted by the present Emperor with the task of destroying you rebels. Since you are such a false and specious minister you have but to hide your body and cover your head, concern yourself about your belly and your back, but do not come out before the army to rave about the decrees of Heaven. You hoary-headed old fool! you grey-haired rebel! Mark you, to-day is your last day; this day even you descend to the Nine ​Springs. How will you stand before the two score and four emperors of Han that you will meet there? Retire, you old rebel! Go tell your rebellious companions to come and fight one battle with me that shall decide the victory.”

Fierce wrath filled the old man’s breast. With one despairing cry he fell to the earth dead.

This exploit of K‘ung-ming’s has been lauded in verse:—

After Wang Lang had fallen, K‘ung-ming waved the fan toward Ts‘ao Chên and said, “As for you, I leave you alone for this occasion. Go and get your army in order for to-morrow’s battle.”

The chariot turned and left the ground; both armies retired for that day. To Ts‘ao Chên fell the melancholy duty of rendering the last services to the aged counsellor and setting his coffin on its journey to Ch‘angan.

Then said the general Kuo Huai, “Chuko Liang will certainly think the army occupied with mourning and make a night attack. Let us anticipate him and set out an ambush about our camp. Let two bodies of our men be hidden outside and two others take the occasion to raid the camp of the enemy.”

“I thought of such a scheme myself,” said Ts‘ao Chên. “It exactly suits my plans.”

So the orders were given; the two leaders of the van were to take a legion each, get away by the rear of the mountain and look out for the passing of the men of Shu. When they had gone by, these two were to make for their camp. They were only to attempt a raid if the men of Shu had left. Then the Commander-in-chief arranged with his second each to lead a force and hide outside the camp. A few men only were to be left within to make a fire if the enemy were seen to be coming. And each captain set about his necessary preprations.

When K‘ung-ming reached his tent he called to him Chao Yün and Wei Yen, and said to them, “You two are to make a night attack.”

“Ts‘ao Chên is a man of experience and will be on the lookout,” ventured Wei Yen.

“But that is just what I want; I want him to know we shall attack to-night. He will then put some men in hiding in rear of Ch‘ishan, who will make for our camp as soon as they see us pass toward theirs. I am sending you to let yourselves be seen passing the hill, but you are to camp behind it and at a distance. When the men of Wei attack this camp you will ​see a signal. Then Wei Yen will hold the approach to the hill, and Chao Yün will make his way back in fighting order. He will meet the men of Wei returning and will let them pass on to you. You will attack. The enemy will assuredly fall to fighting among themselves, and we shall conquer.”

These two having gone away to carry out their portions of the plan, he next called up Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao: “You are to take each a legion and hide in the high road to the mountain. When the men of Wei come, let them pass and then march along the road they came by to the camp they have just left.”

These two having left, the plan concluded with placing four bodies of men in ambush about the camp.

Within the camp the tents and shelters were left standing as if the camp was occupied, while wood and straw were heaped up ready to give the signal. This done, K‘ung-ming and his officers retired to the rear of the camp to watch proceedings.

On the side of Wei the two van-leaders, Ts‘ao Tsun and Chu Tsan, left at dusk and hastened toward the camp of Shu. About the second watch they saw men busily moving about in front of the hill.

Ts‘ao Tsun thought to himself, “Commander Kuo Huai is an excellent strategist and of wonderful prevision.”

Then he hastened the march, and in the third watch reached the camp of Shu. He at once dashed into the enclosure, but only to find it totally deserted. Not a man was visible. At once he knew he had stumbled into a trap, and began to withdraw. Then the flames sprang up. Chu Tsan arrived ready to fight, and the two bodies of men, thrown into confusion, fought with each other till the two leaders met, when they found out they were fighting their own men.

As they were restoring order, on came the four bodies of men of Shu who had lain in ambush ready for them. The two leaders, with a handful of those nearest to them, ran away to get to the high road. But before long the rolling drums announced another body of their enemy, and their flight was stopped by Chao Yün.

“Whither go ye, O rebel leaders?” cried he. “Stop, for here is death.”

But the two leaders of Wei still fled. Then came up a force led by Wei Yen and completed the defeat. The men of Wei were wholly beaten and ran away to their own camp. But the guard left in the camp thought they were the enemy come to raid, so they lit the fires, and at this signal Ts‘ao Chên rushed up from one side and Kuo Huai from the other, and a fierce fight with their own men began.

While this was going on, three cohorts of the men of Shu arrived from three points, and a great and confused battle began. The men of Wei were driven off and chased for ten li.

​In the fight Wei lost many leaders, and Kʻung-ming gained a great success. Ts‘ao Chên and Kuo Huai got together their beaten men and went back to their own camp.

When they discussed the fight, Ts‘ao Chên said, “The enemy are too strong for us. Have you any plan to drive them away?”

Replied Kuo Huai, “Our defeat is one of the ordinary events of war. Let us not be cast down. I have a plan to suggest that will disorder them so that one body cannot help the other and they will all be compelled to flee.”

The plan will be unfolded in the next chapter.