Chapter 118: A Prince Dies Filially Weeping at the Ancestral Temple; Two Rivals Vie for Merit Entering Western Sichuan
CHAPTER 118: A PRINCE DIES FOR FILIAL PIETY AT THE ANCESTRAL TEMPLE; TWO OFFICERS CONTEND FOR MERIT UPON ENTERING WESTERN SICHUAN
Now the Later Ruler, in Chengdu, upon hearing that Deng Ai had taken Mianzhu and that Zhuge Zhan and his son had fallen in battle, was greatly alarmed. He hastily summoned his civil and military officials for consultation. A close attendant memorialized: “The people outside the city, carrying the old and leading the young, are weeping so loudly that the sound shakes the heavens, each fleeing for their lives.” The Later Ruler was panic-stricken and at a loss. Suddenly a scout arrived, reporting that the Wei troops were about to approach the city walls. The assembled officials deliberated, saying: “Our forces are few and our generals scarce; it is difficult to meet the enemy. It would be better to abandon Chengdu early and flee to the seven commanderies of Nanzhong. The terrain there is steep and dangerous, and we can hold a defense. Then, borrowing barbarian troops, we can return and recover our lost territory—it would not be too late.” The Guanglu Qiao Zhou said: “No. The southern barbarians have long been rebellious; we have shown them no favors in peacetime. If we now go to rely on them, we will surely incur great disaster.” The officials further memorialized: “Shu and Wu have already formed an alliance. Now that the situation is urgent, we can take refuge in Wu.” Qiao Zhou again admonished: “Since ancient times, there has never been a Son of Heaven who lodged in another state. I reckon that Wei will be able to annex Wu, but Wu cannot annex Wei. If we submit to Wu, that is one humiliation. If Wu is later swallowed by Wei, and Your Majesty then submits to Wei, that will be two humiliations. It is better not to go to Wu but to surrender to Wei. Wei will surely grant Your Majesty a fief. Thus, above, we preserve the ancestral temple; below, we soothe the common people. I hope Your Majesty will consider this.” The Later Ruler hesitated and withdrew into the palace.
The next day, everyone was in a tumult of discussion. Qiao Zhou, seeing the urgency of the matter, again submitted a direct memorial urging surrender. The Later Ruler heeded Qiao Zhou’s words. Just as he was about to go out and surrender, suddenly a person emerged from behind the folding screen and harshly rebuked Qiao Zhou: “You corrupt scholar, clinging to life and fearing death—how dare you recklessly discuss the affairs of state! Since ancient times, where has there been a Son of Heaven who surrendered?” The Later Ruler looked and saw that it was his fifth son, the Prince of Beidi, Liu Chen. The Later Ruler had seven sons in total: the eldest, Liu Xuan; the second, Liu Yao; the third, Liu Cong; the fourth, Liu Zan; the fifth was this Prince of Beidi, Liu Chen; the sixth, Liu Xun; and the seventh, Liu Qu. Among the seven sons, only Liu Chen was intelligent from childhood, surpassing others in alertness and talent; the rest were weak and kind. The Later Ruler said to Liu Chen: “Now the great ministers all advocate that we should surrender. Are you alone, relying on a momentary burst of hot blood, willing to make the entire city flow with blood?” Liu Chen said: “In the past, when the late Emperor was alive, Qiao Zhou never meddled in state affairs. Now he recklessly discusses great matters, always speaking nonsense, which is utterly unreasonable. I privately estimate that the troops in Chengdu still number several tens of thousands. Jiang Wei’s entire army is at Jian’ge. If they learn that the Wei troops have invaded the capital, they will surely come to our rescue and support. Attacking from within and without, we can achieve a complete victory. How can we listen to the words of a corrupt scholar and lightly abandon the foundation laid by the late Emperor?” The Later Ruler rebuked him, saying: “You are but a child—how can you understand the times!” Liu Chen kowtowed and wept, saying: “If our strength is exhausted and our resources spent, and disaster and defeat are imminent, then father and son, lord and vassal, should fight with our backs to the city walls, die together for the altars of state, and thus meet the late Emperor—that would be proper! How can we surrender!” The Later Ruler would not listen. Liu Chen wailed loudly: “The late Emperor founded this enterprise with great difficulty; today it is cast aside in one stroke. I would rather die than suffer disgrace!” The Later Ruler ordered his attendants to push him out of the palace gate. Then he had Qiao Zhou write the surrender document, and dispatched the acting Palace Attendant Zhang Shao, the Commandant of the Imperial Equipage Deng Liang, and Qiao Zhou to carry the imperial seal to Luo City to request surrender.
At that time, Deng sent several hundred iron cavalry to reconnoiter Chengdu every day. On that day, seeing the white surrender flags raised, Deng Ai was overjoyed. Before long, Zhang Shao and the others arrived. Deng Ai ordered them to be ushered in. The three men prostrated themselves at the foot of the steps, presented the surrender memorial and the imperial seal. Deng Ai opened the document, read it, was greatly pleased, accepted the seal, and entertained Zhang Shao, Qiao Zhou, and Deng Liang generously. Deng Ai wrote a reply, which he gave to the three men to take back to Chengdu to reassure the people. The three took their leave of Deng Ai and went straight back to Chengdu. They entered the palace to see the Later Ruler, presented the reply, and recounted in detail how well Deng Ai had treated them. The Later Ruler opened the letter, read it, was overjoyed, and immediately sent the Grand Herald Jiang Xian to carry an edict ordering Jiang Wei to surrender as soon as possible. He also sent the Gentleman of the Bureau of Records Li Hu to deliver the official registers to Deng Ai. In total, there were households numbering 280,000; men and women numbering 940,000; armored soldiers numbering 102,000; officials numbering 40,000; grain in the granaries over 400,000 hu; gold and silver 3,000 jin; brocade, silk, and colored silks each 200,000 bolts. The remaining items in the treasury could not be listed in detail. The first day of the twelfth month was selected for the sovereign and his ministers to go out and surrender.
When the Prince of Beidi, Liu Chen, heard this, his anger blazed to the heavens. He took his sword and entered the palace. His wife, Lady Cui, asked: “Your Highness’s expression is unusual today—why is this?” Liu Chen said: “The Wei troops are about to arrive. My father has already submitted the surrender memorial. Tomorrow, sovereign and ministers will go out and surrender. The state will perish from this day on. I wish to die first, so that I may meet the late Emperor in the underworld, rather than bend my knee to others!” Lady Cui said: “How virtuous! How virtuous! This is a worthy death! Allow me to die first; then Your Highness may die, and it will not be too late.” Liu Chen said: “Why should you die?” Lady Cui replied: “The prince dies for his father; the wife dies for her husband. The principle is the same. When the husband dies, the wife follows him in martyrdom—why must you ask?” Having spoken, she dashed her head against a pillar and died. Liu Chen then killed his three sons with his own hands, cut off his wife’s head, and carried it to the Temple of the Illustrious Virtue. He prostrated himself on the ground and wept, saying: “Your subject is ashamed to see the foundation cast away by others, so I have first killed my wife and children to sever all attachments, and then I will offer this one life to repay our ancestors! If the ancestors have spirits, let them know the heart of their grandson!” He wept bitterly until blood flowed from his eyes, then cut his own throat and died. When the people of Shu heard of this, none were not grieved. A later poet wrote a eulogy:
The sovereign and his ministers bowed the knee in shame,
One son alone bore his sorrow in solitude.
The enterprise of Western Sichuan was already lost—
How heroic, the Prince of Beidi!
He gave his life to repay the glorious ancestor,
Clutching his head, he wept and questioned Heaven.
Majestic, as if still alive—
Who says the House of Han is dead?
The sovereign and his ministers bowed the knee in shame,
One son alone bore his sorrow in solitude.
The enterprise of Western Sichuan was already lost—
How heroic, the Prince of Beidi!
He gave his life to repay the glorious ancestor,
Clutching his head, he wept and questioned Heaven.
Majestic, as if still alive—
Who says the House of Han is dead?
When the Later Ruler heard that the Prince of Beidi had cut his own throat, he ordered him to be buried. The next day, the Wei troops arrived in full force. The Later Ruler, leading the heir apparent, all the princes, and over sixty officials, with their hands bound behind their backs and a coffin carried on a cart, went out ten li from the north gate to surrender. Deng Ai helped the Later Ruler up, personally untied his bonds, burned the coffin, and rode together with him into the city. A later poet sighed, saying:
Tens of thousands of Wei troops entered Sichuan,
The Later Ruler stole life, not killing himself.
Huang Hao clung to his treacherous intent to the end,
Jiang Wei wasted in vain his world-saving talent.
How fierce the heart of the loyal and righteous knight!
How pitiful the will of the prince who kept his integrity!
What the Illustrious Virtue Emperor built was truly no easy task—
In one morning, his achievements turned to ashes.
Tens of thousands of Wei troops entered Sichuan,
The Later Ruler stole life, not killing himself.
Huang Hao clung to his treacherous intent to the end,
Jiang Wei wasted in vain his world-saving talent.
How fierce the heart of the loyal and righteous knight!
How pitiful the will of the prince who kept his integrity!
What the Illustrious Virtue Emperor built was truly no easy task—
In one morning, his achievements turned to ashes.
Thereupon, the people of Chengdu all prepared incense and flowers to welcome them. Deng Ai appointed the Later Ruler as General of the Chariots and Cavalry. The remaining civil and military officials were each given posts according to their rank. He requested the Later Ruler to return to the palace, issued proclamations to reassure the people, handed over the granaries, and ordered the Grand Master of Ceremonies Zhang Jun and the Bie Jia of Yi Province Zhang Shao to pacify the troops and civilians of all commanderies. He also sent men to persuade Jiang Wei to surrender. Meanwhile, he dispatched a messenger to Luoyang with news of the victory. Deng Ai, hearing of Huang Hao’s treacherous and dangerous nature, wanted to kill him. But Huang Hao bribed Deng Ai’s attendants with gold, silver, and precious goods, and thus escaped death. From this time, the Han dynasty perished. Later generations, recalling the fall of Han, composed a poem in memory of the Marquis of Wu:
Apes and birds still know to revere the documents;
Wind and clouds should have guarded the camp and rampart.
In vain the supreme commander wielded his divine brush;
At last, the surrendering king mounted the post carriage.
Truly, the talents of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi brought no shame;
What could be done that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had no fate?
In years to come, passing the shrine at Jinli,
The Liangfu Song, once chanted, leaves regret unending!
Apes and birds still know to revere the documents;
Wind and clouds should have guarded the camp and rampart.
In vain the supreme commander wielded his divine brush;
At last, the surrendering king mounted the post carriage.
Truly, the talents of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi brought no shame;
What could be done that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had no fate?
In years to come, passing the shrine at Jinli,
The Liangfu Song, once chanted, leaves regret unending!
Now let us speak of Imperial Clerk Jiang Xian, who arrived at the Sword Pass to see Jiang Wei and delivered the Later Ruler’s edict, explaining the matter of surrender. Jiang Wei was greatly startled, his face losing color, and he could not speak. When the officers below the tent heard this, they all became resentful, gnashing their teeth and glaring with fury, their beards and hair standing on end. Drawing their swords, they hacked at stones and shouted loudly: “We have fought to the death—why surrender first!” Their cries of lamentation could be heard for dozens of li. Jiang Wei, seeing that the hearts of men still yearned for the Han house, used soothing words to calm them, saying: “All you officers need not worry. I have a plan that can restore the Han dynasty.” The officers begged to hear it. Jiang Wei drew close to them and spoke in a low whisper, explaining his scheme. Then throughout the Sword Pass, surrender flags were erected everywhere. He first sent a man to Zhong Hui’s camp to report that Jiang Wei, along with Zhang Yi, Liao Hua, and Dong Jue, had come to surrender. Zhong Hui was overjoyed and ordered someone to welcome Jiang Wei into his tent. Zhong Hui said: “Bo Yue, why have you come so late?” Jiang Wei, with a solemn expression and tears in his eyes, replied: “The entire state’s army was in my hands; to have arrived at this point today is already considered quick.” Zhong Hui was greatly astonished, descended from his seat, bowed, and treated him as an honored guest. Jiang Wei said to Zhong Hui: “I have heard that since the time of Huainan, General, your plans have never missed; the rise of the Sima clan is entirely your achievement. That is why I am willing to submit humbly. If it were Deng Shizai, I would have fought him to the death. How could I ever surrender to him?” Zhong Hui then broke an arrow as an oath, swore brotherhood with Jiang Wei, and their bond became extremely close. He still allowed Jiang Wei to command his troops as before. Jiang Wei secretly rejoiced and sent Jiang Xian back to Chengdu.
Now let us speak of Deng Ai, who appointed Shi Zuan as Inspector of Yizhou, and Qian Hong, Wang Qi, and others to various commanderies and prefectures. He also built a platform at Mianzhu to display his military achievements and held a grand feast for all the Shu officials. When Deng Ai was half-drunk with wine, he pointed at the officials and said: “You are fortunate to have encountered me, and thus you have today. If you had met another general, you would all have been annihilated.” The officials rose and bowed in thanks. Suddenly, Jiang Xian arrived and reported that Jiang Wei had already surrendered to Zhong Zhenxi. Deng Ai therefore developed a deep hatred for Zhong Hui and wrote a letter, sending a messenger to Luoyang to deliver it to the Duke of Jin, Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao received the letter and opened it. The letter read:
“Your servant Deng Ai privately believes that the way of employing troops is first to create momentum and then to put it into actual action. Now, taking advantage of the power gained from pacifying Shu to attack Wu—this is the perfect opportunity to sweep across the world. However, after large-scale military operations, the officers and soldiers are exhausted and cannot be immediately used. It is appropriate to leave behind twenty thousand troops from Longyou and twenty thousand Shu troops, to boil salt and smelt iron, to develop metallurgy, and at the same time build ships, making advance preparations for a downstream advance. Then, send envoys to explain the advantages and disadvantages to Wu, and thus Wu can be subdued without a campaign. Furthermore, Liu Shan should be treated generously to induce Sun Xiu to surrender. If Liu Shan is immediately sent to the capital, the people of Wu will surely become suspicious, and this will not encourage their hearts to submit. For the time being, Liu Shan should be kept in Shu and sent to the capital next winter. Now, Liu Shan can be enfeoffed as the Prince of Fufeng, granted wealth and supplies, and his attendants provided for. His sons should be made dukes or ministers to demonstrate the favor of his submission. In this way, the people of Wu will fear our might and be grateful for our virtue, and they will submit as soon as they see our banners.”
Sima Zhao, after reading it, deeply suspected that Deng Ai had intentions of acting arbitrarily. He first sent a personal letter to Wei Guan and then issued an edict to demote Deng Ai. The edict read:
“General Who Conquers the West, Deng Ai, has displayed his power and stirred up his martial might, penetrated deep into enemy territory, and caused the usurping ruler to bind himself and come in surrender. His use of troops has not exceeded the time limit, and the campaign has not lasted more than a day, like scattering clouds and rolling up a mat, sweeping and pacifying Ba and Shu. Even Bai Qi defeating mighty Chu or Han Xin conquering strong Zhao cannot compare to such merit. Now appoint Deng Ai as Grand Commandant, increase his fief by twenty thousand households, and enfeoff his two sons as Marquises of Ting, each with a fief of one thousand households.”
After Deng Ai received the edict, the Army Supervisor Wei Guan produced Sima Zhao’s personal letter and handed it to Deng Ai. The letter said that the matters Deng Ai had memorialized must await the court’s approval and could not be carried out arbitrarily. Deng Ai said: “A general in the field may not accept the sovereign’s commands. Since I have been entrusted with the special authority to campaign, how can I be obstructed?” He then wrote another letter and sent it with a messenger to Luoyang. At that time, all the court officials said that Deng Ai must have rebellious intentions, and Sima Zhao became even more suspicious and wary. Suddenly, the messenger returned and presented Deng Ai’s letter. Sima Zhao tore open the envelope and read it. The letter said:
“Deng Ai, having received the mission to campaign in the west, has brought the chief culprit to submission. He should weigh the circumstances and act accordingly to stabilize those who have just submitted. If he waits for the court’s orders, then the journey back and forth will cause delays. The great principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals is that when a high official leaves the state, if he can stabilize the altars of earth and grain and benefit the state, it is permissible for him to act on his own authority. Now Wu has not yet submitted, and its situation is connected to Shu. One cannot be bound by routine and lose the opportune moment. The Art of War says: In advancing, one does not seek fame; in retreating, one does not avoid blame. Although Deng Ai does not possess the integrity of the ancients, he will ultimately not harm the state’s interests by avoiding suspicion for himself. This is first presented for approval and request for implementation.”
Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed after reading it and hastily consulted with Jia Chong, saying: “Deng Ai, relying on his merit, has become arrogant and acts willfully. The signs of rebellion are already evident. What is to be done?” Jia Chong said: “My lord, why not enfeoff Zhong Hui to check him?” Sima Zhao followed this advice and sent an envoy with an edict to make Zhong Hui Minister of Works, and also ordered Wei Guan to oversee both armies. He also wrote a personal letter to Wei Guan, instructing him to observe Deng Ai secretly together with Zhong Hui, to guard against any change. Zhong Hui received and read the edict. The edict read:
The General Who Pacifies the West, Zhong Hui, was invincible, with no strong enemy before him; he commanded and governed all the cities, and gathered and captured fleeing enemies. The heroes and commanders of Shu all came to submit with their hands bound behind their backs. His strategies never failed, and his actions never succeeded without good reason. Now Zhong Hui is appointed Minister over the Masses, enfeoffed as a Marquis of the County, with an increase of ten thousand households in his fief; his two sons are enfeoffed as Marquis of a Pavilion, each with a fief of one thousand households.
After receiving this honor, Zhong Hui immediately summoned Jiang Wei to discuss matters, saying: "Deng Ai’s merit surpasses mine, and he has been enfeoffed as Grand Commandant. Now Lord Sima suspects Deng Ai of rebellious intent, so he has ordered Wei Guan to serve as Supervisor of the Army and commanded me to restrain him. Bo Yue, what is your esteemed opinion?" Jiang Wei said: "I have heard that Deng Ai came from a humble and poor background; in his youth he was a cowherd for a farming family. Now, by luck, he took the Yinping oblique path, climbing trees and hanging from cliffs, achieving such great merit—this is not due to good strategy, but truly relying on the state’s abundant fortune. If not for General and I, Jiang Wei, confronting each other at Jian’ge, how could Deng Ai have accomplished such merit? Now he wishes to enfeoff the Lord of Shu as the Prince of Fufeng—this is a great effort to win over the people of Shu. His rebellious intent is evident without being spoken. The Duke of Jin’s suspicion is justified." Zhong Hui greatly agreed with his words. Jiang Wei added: "Please dismiss your attendants, for I have a confidential matter to report." Zhong Hui ordered all attendants to withdraw. Jiang Wei took a map from his sleeve and presented it to Zhong Hui, saying: "In the past, when Marquis Wu emerged from his thatched cottage, he offered this map to the late Emperor, saying: ‘The land of Yi Province has fertile fields stretching a thousand li, the people are prosperous, and the state is strong—it is enough to establish a hegemony.’ Thus the late Emperor founded the enterprise at Chengdu. Now that Deng Ai has arrived here, how could he not become arrogant?" Zhong Hui was greatly pleased, and pointing to the map, he asked about the mountains and rivers’ strategic features. Jiang Wei explained them one by one. Zhong Hui then asked: "What strategy should be used to eliminate Deng Ai?" Jiang Wei said: "Seizing the opportunity of the Duke of Jin’s suspicion and fear, you should quickly submit a memorial, stating the facts of Deng Ai’s rebellion. The Duke of Jin will surely order you to punish him, and with one move, he can be captured." Zhong Hui followed Jiang Wei’s advice and immediately sent a messenger bearing the memorial to Luoyang, stating that Deng Ai was acting arbitrarily and arrogantly, forging ties with the people of Shu, and that sooner or later he would certainly rebel. Thus the officials at court were all alarmed. Zhong Hui also sent men to intercept Deng Ai’s memorials along the way, imitating Deng Ai’s handwriting, rewriting them in arrogant and disrespectful language to corroborate his own words.
When Sima Zhao saw Deng Ai’s memorial, he was furiously angry. He immediately sent a man to Zhong Hui’s camp, commanding Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai. He also sent Jia Chong to lead thirty thousand troops into the Xie Valley, while Sima Zhao himself, together with the Wei ruler Cao Huan, set out on a personal expedition. The Western Secretary Shao Ti remonstrated, saying: "Zhong Hui’s troops are six times more numerous than Deng Ai’s. Now ordering Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai is sufficient—why must Your Lordship go in person?" Sima Zhao laughed and said: "Have you forgotten your words of the past? You once said that Zhong Hui would certainly rebel in the future. This expedition of mine is not for Deng Ai, but truly for Zhong Hui’s sake." Shao Ti smiled and said: "I feared Your Lordship might have forgotten, so I deliberately asked. Now that you have this intention, by all means keep it secret and do not let it leak out." Sima Zhao considered his words correct, and thus led the great army to set out. At that time, Jia Chong also suspected that Zhong Hui might cause trouble, and secretly reported this to Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao said: "If I sent you, would I also suspect you? Wait until we reach Chang’an, and then the matter will naturally become clear." Soon a scout reported to Zhong Hui that Sima Zhao had already arrived at Chang’an. Zhong Hui hastily summoned Jiang Wei to discuss the strategy for arresting Deng Ai. Indeed:
Just as the surrender of generals in Western Shu was seen,
Again the great army from Chang’an stirred the scene.
Just as the surrender of generals in Western Shu was seen,
Again the great army from Chang’an stirred the scene.
We do not know what strategy Jiang Wei would use to defeat Deng Ai, and must await the next chapter for the explanation.