Chapter 96: Kongming Weeps as He Orders Ma Su’s Execution; Zhou Fang Cuts His Hair to Deceive Cao Xiu

The one who presented the plan was Minister Sun Zi. Cao Rui asked, "What excellent plan do you have?" Sun Zi memorialized, "In former days, when the Martial Emperor, Grand Progenitor, subdued Zhang Lu, success came only after peril; he once said to his ministers, 'The land of Nanzheng is truly a natural hell.' The middle Xie Valley Road is a five-hundred-li stone cavern, not a place for deploying troops. Now, if you wish to mobilize the entire realm’s forces to campaign against Shu, then Eastern Wu will surely invade again. It would be better to use the existing troops, ordering the generals to hold strategic passes, nurturing strength and conserving energy. Within a few years, the Central Plains will grow ever stronger, and Wu and Shu will inevitably destroy each other. Then we can scheme against them—would that not be a winning plan? I beg Your Majesty to decide." Cao Rui then asked Sima Yi, "What do you think of this view?" Sima Yi memorialized, "What Minister Sun says is most appropriate." Cao Rui followed the advice, ordered Sima Yi to assign the various generals to guard the strategic points, left Guo Huai and Zhang He to defend Chang’an, richly rewarded the three armies, and set out on his return to Luoyang.

Now Kongming returned to Hanzhong and mustered the troops, only to find that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi were missing, causing him great anxiety. He then ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to each lead a force to meet them. Just as they were about to depart, a report came that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had arrived, having lost neither a single man nor a single horse; all the baggage and equipment were also intact. Kongming was overjoyed and personally led the generals out to welcome them. Zhao Yun hastily dismounted and prostrated himself on the ground, saying, "I am a defeated general; how dare I trouble the Chancellor to come so far to greet me?" Kongming quickly helped him up, took his hand, and said, "It is because I failed to recognize the worthy from the foolish that things have come to this! Every unit of troops and officers has suffered losses; only Zilong has lost not a man nor a horse—how is this so?" Deng Zhi reported, "I led the troops forward, while Zilong alone covered the rear, slaying enemy generals and winning merit, so the enemy was terrified. Thus, military supplies were not abandoned." Kongming said, "Truly a general!" He then presented fifty jin of gold to Zhao Yun and another ten thousand bolts of silk to Zhao Yun’s troops. Zhao Yun declined, saying, "The three armies have achieved no merit of any measure, and we all bear our own guilt. If I were to accept rewards, it would mean the Chancellor’s rewards and punishments are unclear. I beg to have these stored in the treasury for now, and when winter comes, they can be distributed to the troops without delay." Kongming sighed and said, "When the late Emperor was alive, he often praised Zilong’s virtue, and now indeed it proves true!" From then on, he esteemed him even more.

Suddenly, a report came that Ma Su, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang had arrived. Kongming first called Wang Ping into his tent and rebuked him, saying, "I ordered you and Ma Su to jointly defend Jieting. Why did you not admonish him, causing the failure?" Wang Ping said, "I advised him repeatedly, urging that we build an earthen rampart on the main road to hold the position. The Military Advisor grew angry and would not listen. Thus, I led five thousand men on my own to set up camp ten li from the mountain. When the Wei troops suddenly arrived, they surrounded the mountain on all sides. I led my men to charge out more than ten times, but I could not break through. The next day, everything collapsed, and countless men surrendered. My isolated force could not hold its ground, so I fled to seek help from Wei Wenchang. On the way, I was trapped in a valley by Wei troops and fought desperately to break out. By the time I returned to the camp, it had already been taken by Wei. When I went to Lie Liu Fortress, I met Gao Xiang on the road, and we divided our forces into three to attack the Wei camp, hoping to retake Jieting. Because I saw no ambush troops on the road to Jieting, I grew suspicious. Climbing to a high vantage point, I saw Wei Yan and Gao Xiang surrounded by Wei troops. I then charged into the encirclement, rescued the two generals, and joined up with the Military Advisor. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, I hurried back to defend it. It was not that I failed to advise him. If the Chancellor does not believe me, you may ask the other officers and commanders."

Kongming dismissed Wang Ping and then called Ma Su into the tent. Ma Su had bound himself and knelt before the tent. Kongming’s expression darkened, and he said, "Since childhood, you have read military texts thoroughly and are well-versed in the art of war. I have repeatedly warned you that Jieting is our foundation. You staked your entire family’s lives on this heavy responsibility. If you had listened to Wang Ping’s advice, how could this disaster have occurred? Now, with losses of men and officers, lost territory and fallen cities, all of this is your fault! If military law is not strictly enforced, how can I command obedience? You have broken the law now—do not resent me. After your death, I will provide for your family with monthly grain rations; you need not worry." He then ordered the guards to take him out and behead him. Ma Su wept and said, "The Chancellor has treated me like a son, and I have regarded the Chancellor as a father. My crime is worthy of death, and I cannot escape it. I only beg the Chancellor to remember the principle of Shun executing Gun yet employing Yu, so that even in death, I will have no regrets in the Nine Springs!" After saying this, he wept bitterly. Kongming shed tears and said, "My bond with you is like that of brothers; your son is as my son—there is no need for further entreaties."

The guards brought Ma Su outside the camp gate and were about to behead him. Staff Officer Jiang Wan arrived from Chengdu and, seeing the executioner about to kill Ma Su, was greatly alarmed. He shouted, "Wait!" and entered the tent to see Kongming, saying, "In former times, when Chu killed Dechen, Duke Wen of Jin rejoiced. Now that the realm is not yet settled, to kill a man of wisdom—is it not a pity?" Kongming wept and replied, "In the past, Sun Wu was able to prevail in the world because he enforced the law strictly. Now, with strife on all sides and war just beginning, if the law is abolished, how can we punish the rebels? He must be executed." After a while, the guards presented Ma Su’s head before the dais. Kongming wept uncontrollably. Jiang Wan asked, "Now that Youchang has been punished and military law upheld, why does the Chancellor weep?" Kongming said, "I do not weep for Ma Su. I recall that when the late Emperor was on his deathbed at Baidi City, he charged me, saying, ‘Ma Su’s words exceed his abilities; he cannot be entrusted with great tasks.’ Now this has indeed come true. I deeply regret my own lack of discernment, and in recalling the late Emperor’s wisdom, I cannot help but weep!" All the officers and men, great and small, shed tears. Ma Su died at the age of thirty-nine. It was the fifth month of summer in the sixth year of Jianxing. Later, someone wrote a poem:

The loss of Jieting was no light crime;

Alas, Ma Su’s talk of war was vain.

At the camp gate, the blade upheld the law;

Wiping tears, he still recalled the late Emperor’s wisdom.

Now, after beheading Ma Su, Kongming displayed his head at all the camps as a warning, then sewed it back onto the body and buried it in a coffin. He personally wrote a sacrificial text and performed the rites, and he doubled the care for Ma Su’s family, providing monthly grain rations. Then Kongming composed a memorial, had Jiang Wan present it to the Later Ruler, and requested a demotion of his own chancellor rank. Jiang Wan returned to Chengdu, entered the court, and presented Kongming’s memorial. The Later Ruler opened it and read:

Your subject, a man of mediocre talent, has presumptuously held an undeserved post, personally wielding the command to inspire the three armies. I have failed to instruct in regulations and enforce laws strictly, and in handling affairs, I lacked foresight, leading to the violation of orders at Jieting and the failure to guard at Jigu. The blame lies in your subject’s lack of wisdom, failure to recognize talent, and confusion in planning. According to the principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals in blaming the worthy, how can my guilt be avoided? I beg to be demoted three ranks to atone for my errors. Your subject, overwhelmed with shame, awaits your decree prostrate!

After finishing the reading, the Later Ruler said, "Victory and defeat are common affairs in war; why does the Chancellor speak such words?" Attendant Fei Yi submitted a memorial, saying, "Your servant has heard that one who governs a state must regard the enforcement of law as paramount. If the law cannot be enforced, how can one command obedience? The Chancellor, having been defeated in battle, himself requests demotion, which is entirely appropriate." The Later Ruler heeded this, and accordingly issued an edict demoting Kongming to General of the Right, acting as Chancellor, still in overall command of the army and horses, and ordered Fei Yi to take the edict to Hanzhong. After Kongming accepted the edict of demotion, Fei Yi, fearing Kongming might feel ashamed, congratulated him, saying, "The people of Shu are delighted to know that the Chancellor initially captured four counties." Kongming's countenance changed, and he said, "What words are these? To gain and then lose is the same as not gaining at all. By congratulating me on this, you truly cause me shame." Fei Yi then said, "Recently I heard that the Chancellor has obtained Jiang Wei, and the Son of Heaven is greatly pleased." Kongming said angrily, "Having been defeated and withdrawn, without gaining an inch of land, this is my great crime. Even if I have obtained one Jiang Wei, what harm does it do to Wei?" Fei Yi added, "The Chancellor now commands a mighty host of several hundred thousand; can we again attack Wei?" Kongming said, "In the past, when the great army was stationed at Mount Qi and Jigu Valley, our troops outnumbered the rebels, yet we could not defeat them and were instead defeated by them; the problem lies not in the number of troops but in the commanding general. Now I wish to reduce troops and officers, strictly enforce rewards and punishments, reflect on past faults, and study ways of adapting for the future; if not, even with more troops, what use would they be? From now on, let all those who have deep plans and far-reaching thoughts for the state diligently attack my faults and point out my shortcomings; then the great task can be achieved, the rebels can be destroyed, and our merit can be awaited with uplifted eyes." Fei Yi and the various generals all admired his insight. Fei Yi then returned to Chengdu on his own. In Hanzhong, Kongming cherished the soldiers and cared for the people, drilled the troops and practiced martial arts, manufactured equipment for sieges and river crossings, accumulated grain and fodder, and prepared battle rafts, making plans for the future. Spies learned of this and reported it to Luoyang.

When Wei ruler Cao Rui heard of it, he immediately summoned Sima Yi to discuss plans for attacking Xichuan. Sima Yi said, "Shu cannot be attacked now. The weather is extremely hot, and the Shu troops will surely not come out to fight. If our army penetrates deep into their territory, they will hold the strategic passes, and it will be difficult to take them quickly." Cao Rui asked, "If the Shu troops invade again, what then?" Sima Yi said, "Your servant has already calculated that this time Zhuge Liang will surely imitate Han Xin's strategy of secretly passing through Chencang. I recommend one man to go to the Chencang pass, build a city and defend it, ensuring no loss. This man is nine feet tall, with arms as long as an ape's, skilled in archery, and deeply resourceful. If Zhuge Liang comes to attack, this man is sufficient to withstand him." Cao Rui was overjoyed and asked, "Who is this man?" Sima Yi memorialized, "He is a man of Taiyuan, surnamed Hao, named Zhao, styled Boda. He currently holds the post of General of Miscellaneous Valor and guards Hexi." Cao Rui followed his advice, promoted Hao Boda to General of the West, ordered him to guard the Chencang pass, and sent an envoy with an edict to proceed.

Suddenly someone reported that the Grand Marshal of Yangzhou, Cao Xiu, had submitted a memorial stating that the Administrator of Shenyang in Eastern Wu, Zhou Fang, was willing to surrender his commandery city, had secretly sent someone to set forth seven matters, saying that Eastern Wu could be defeated, and requested an early dispatch of troops to attack. Cao Rui then opened the memorial on his imperial couch and viewed it together with Sima Yi. Sima Yi memorialized, "These words are very reasonable; Wu is bound to fall. Your servant is willing to lead a force to assist Cao Xiu." Suddenly one man from the ranks memorialized, "The words of the Wu people are fickle and cannot be deeply trusted. Zhou Fang is a man of wisdom and strategy; he surely will not surrender. This is nothing but a cunning scheme to lure our army." Everyone looked and saw it was General Who Establishes Trust, Jia Kui. Sima Yi said, "These words must not be ignored, but the opportunity must not be missed either." The Wei ruler said, "Zhongda may go with Jia Kui to assist Cao Xiu." The two accepted the order and departed. Accordingly, Cao Xiu led the main army straight to Wan City, Jia Kui led the Forward General Man Chong and the Administrator of East Wan, Hu Zhi, straight to Yang City, advancing directly toward Dongguan; Sima Yi led his own troops straight to Jiangling.

Let us now speak of the Wu ruler Sun Quan, who, at Dongguan in Wuchang, assembled his officials to discuss, saying, "Now there is a secret memorial from the Administrator of Poyang, Zhou Fang, stating that the Wei Yangzhou Grand Marshal Cao Xiu has intentions to invade. Now Zhou Fang is using a false stratagem, secretly setting forth seven matters, to lure the Wei troops deep into our territory, where we can set an ambush and capture them. Now the Wei troops are coming in three routes; what wise views do my ministers have?" Gu Yong spoke, saying, "This great task cannot be shouldered by anyone other than Lu Boyan." Sun Quan was overjoyed, and accordingly summoned Lu Xun, appointing him Grand General Who Assists the State, Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Pacification, in command of the Imperial Guard army, acting on behalf of the king; he granted him the white yak-tail banner and the yellow battle-axe, and all civil and military officials were to submit to his authority. Sun Quan personally held the whip for Lu Xun. After Lu Xun accepted the order and thanked the grace, he then recommended two men as Left and Right Area Commanders to divide the troops to meet the three enemy routes. Sun Quan asked who they were. Lu Xun said, "General Who Exerts Valiance, Zhu Huan, and General Who Pacifies the South, Quan Cong; these two can serve as my assistants." Sun Quan heeded him, and immediately appointed Zhu Huan as Left Area Commander and Quan Cong as Right Area Commander. Accordingly, Lu Xun took overall command of the forces of the eighty-one prefectures south of the River and of Jing and Hu, numbering over seven hundred thousand, ordered Zhu Huan on the left wing, Quan Cong on the right wing, and Lu Xun himself seated in the central army, advancing in three routes. Zhu Huan offered a plan, saying, "Cao Xiu is employed because he is a royal relative, not a general of wisdom and courage. Now he has heeded Zhou Fang's deceptive words and penetrated deep into our territory. If the marshal attacks him with troops, Cao Xiu will surely be defeated. After his defeat, he will certainly take one of two roads: the left one is Jiashi, the right one is Guiche. Both these roads are remote mountain paths, extremely steep and dangerous. I am willing, together with Quan Zihuang, each to lead an army, ambush them in the mountain defiles, first block the roads with firewood and large stones, and then Cao Xiu can be captured. If we capture Cao Xiu, we can then drive straight in, take Shouchun as easily as turning over a hand, and thereby set our sights on Xuchang and Luoyang; this is a golden opportunity rarely seen in a thousand generations." Lu Xun said, "This is not a good plan; I have my own wonderful strategy." Thereupon Zhu Huan withdrew with discontent in his heart. Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and others to defend Jiangling, to withstand Sima Yi. All the various troops were deployed and ready.

Let us now speak of Cao Xiu leading his army to Wan City, where Zhou Fang came to welcome him, going straight to Cao Xiu's camp. Cao Xiu asked, "Recently I received your letter; the seven matters set forth were very reasonable. I have already memorialized the Son of Heaven, and therefore raised a great army to advance in three routes. If we obtain the lands east of the River, your merit will be no small matter. Some say you are full of strategy and resourcefulness, and fear that what you say may not be true. I expect that you surely will not deceive me." Zhou Fang wept loudly, and hastily drew the sword from his attendant's scabbard to cut his own throat; Cao Xiu hastily stopped him. Zhou Fang held the sword and said, "For the seven matters I set forth, I regret that I cannot spit out my heart and liver to show my sincerity. Now, instead, I am suspected; there must be Wu men using a counter-espionage scheme. If you heed their words, I will surely die; my loyalty can only be witnessed by Heaven!" Having said this, he again tried to cut his throat. Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed, and hastily embraced him, saying, "I was merely joking! Why must you do this?" Zhou Fang then cut off his hair with the sword and threw it to the ground, saying, "I treat you with loyalty, but you take me as a joke. I cut off the hair given by my parents to show this heart."

Cao Xiu was then thoroughly convinced and feasted Zhou Fang. After the banquet, Zhou Fang took his leave and departed. Suddenly, someone reported that General of the Established Might, Jia Kui, had come to see him. Cao Xiu bade him enter and asked, “What brings you here?” Jia Kui said, “I suspect that all the troops of Eastern Wu must be stationed at Wan City. Your Lordship should not advance rashly; allow me to attack from both flanks, and the rebel soldiers can be defeated.” Cao Xiu angrily replied, “Are you trying to steal my merit?” Jia Kui said, “Moreover, I have heard that Zhou Fang cut off his hair to swear an oath—this is deceit. In ancient times, Yao Li severed his arm to assassinate Qing Ji; such things cannot be trusted.” Cao Xiu, greatly enraged, said, “I am about to raise my army; why do you speak such words to shake our troops’ morale!” He ordered his attendants to drag Jia Kui out and behead him. The various generals pleaded, saying, “Before we have even advanced to battle, executing a high general would be inauspicious for the army. We beg you to spare him for now.” Cao Xiu heeded them and left Jia Kui’s troops stationed in the camp for his own use, while he himself led an army to take Dongguan. At this time, Zhou Fang heard that Jia Kui had been stripped of his command and secretly rejoiced, saying, “If Cao Xiu had followed Jia Kui’s advice, then Eastern Wu would have been defeated! Now Heaven allows me to succeed!” He immediately sent a man in secret to Wan City to report to Lu Xun. Lu Xun assembled his generals and gave orders: “Ahead lies Stone Pavilion; though it is a mountain road, it is well-suited for ambush. We must hasten to seize the open ground at Stone Pavilion, deploy our formations, and await the Wei army.” He then ordered Xu Sheng to be the vanguard and advance with his troops.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiu ordered Zhou Fang to lead the troops forward. As they marched, Cao Xiu asked, “What place lies ahead?” Zhou Fang said, “Ahead is Stone Pavilion; we can station troops here.” Cao Xiu heeded him and thus led the main army, along with carts, wagons, and equipment, all rushing to Stone Pavilion to encamp. The next day, scouts reported: “Ahead, the Wu troops, in unknown numbers, have occupied the mountain pass.” Cao Xiu, greatly startled, said, “Zhou Fang said there were no troops; why is there such preparation?” He hastily sought Zhou Fang to ask him, but someone reported that Zhou Fang, with several dozen men, had vanished, no one knew where. Cao Xiu, deeply regretful, said, “I have fallen for the rebels’ scheme! Even so, it is nothing to fear.” He then ordered the great general Zhang Pu as vanguard, leading several thousand troops to engage the Wu forces. The two armies faced each other in battle formation. Zhang Pu rode out and cursed, “Rebel general, surrender quickly!” Xu Sheng rode out to meet him. After only a few exchanges, Zhang Pu could not withstand the assault, reined in his horse, and withdrew his troops. Returning to see Cao Xiu, he reported that Xu Sheng was too formidable to overcome. Cao Xiu said, “I shall use a surprise stratagem to defeat him.” He then ordered Zhang Pu to lead twenty thousand troops to ambush south of Stone Pavilion. He also ordered Xue Qiao to lead twenty thousand troops to ambush north of Stone Pavilion. “Tomorrow, I shall personally lead a thousand troops to provoke battle, feign defeat, and lure the enemy before the northern hills. When the signal cannon fires, we will attack from three sides and surely achieve a great victory.” The two generals accepted the plan and each led twenty thousand troops to set their ambushes that night.

Meanwhile, Lu Xun summoned Zhu Huan and Quan Cong and instructed them: “The two of you shall each lead thirty thousand troops, circle around from Stone Pavilion Mountain to the rear of Cao Xiu’s camp, and set fire as a signal. I shall personally lead the main army to attack from the center, and we can capture Cao Xiu.” At dusk that day, the two generals accepted the plan and advanced with their troops. At the second watch, Zhu Huan led his army and just as they circled around to the rear of the Wei camp, they ran headlong into Zhang Pu’s ambush troops. Zhang Pu, not recognizing them as Wu soldiers, rode forward to question them, but Zhu Huan cut him down with one stroke of his sword. The Wei troops fled, and Zhu Huan ordered his rear forces to set fires. Quan Cong led his army around to the rear of the Wei camp and crashed directly into Xue Qiao’s formation, where they engaged in a great slaughter. Xue Qiao fled in defeat, and the Wei army suffered heavy losses, retreating back to their camp. Then Zhu Huan and Quan Cong’s two forces attacked from the rear. Chaos erupted in Cao Xiu’s camp, with soldiers trampling each other in confusion. Cao Xiu hastily mounted his horse and fled toward the Jiashi Road. Xu Sheng led the main army, advancing from the main road. The Wei dead were beyond count, and those who escaped discarded their armor. Cao Xiu, greatly alarmed, struggled to flee along the Jiashi Road. Suddenly, he saw a band of troops bursting out from a side path; the leading general was none other than Jia Kui. Cao Xiu’s panic subsided somewhat, and he said shamefully, “I did not adopt your advice and have indeed suffered such a defeat!” Jia Kui said, “Your Lordship should quickly take this road to escape. If the Wu troops block it with wood and stone, we will all be in danger!” Thereupon, Cao Xiu spurred his horse onward, while Jia Kui covered the rear. Jia Kui set up numerous flags and banners in the dense forests and along the steep paths as decoys. By the time Xu Sheng arrived, he saw the tips of banners flashing from the hillside, suspected an ambush, dared not pursue, and withdrew his troops. Thus, Cao Xiu was saved. Sima Yi, hearing of Cao Xiu’s defeat, also withdrew his troops.

Now, Lu Xun was eagerly awaiting news of victory. Soon, Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Cong all arrived. The captured war chariots, oxen, horses, donkeys, mules, military supplies, and equipment were beyond count, and there were several tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers. Lu Xun was overjoyed and immediately returned to the state of Wu together with Prefect Zhou Fang and the generals. The Lord of Wu, Sun Quan, led the civil and military officials out of Wuchang City to welcome him, using the imperial canopy to shade Lu Xun as he entered the city. All the generals received promotions and rewards. Sun Quan saw that Zhou Fang had no hair and comforted him, saying, “Your cutting off your hair accomplished this great deed; your merit and fame shall be recorded in the annals of history.” He immediately enfeoffed Zhou Fang as Marquis of Guannei, held a grand banquet to reward the troops, and celebrated the victory. Lu Xun submitted a memorial, saying, “Now Cao Xiu has been soundly defeated, and the Wei army’s courage is broken; we can compose a state letter and send an envoy into Sichuan to instruct Zhuge Liang to advance and attack them.” Sun Quan heeded his advice and thus sent an envoy bearing a letter into Sichuan. Truly this was:

Only because Eastern Wu could deploy its schemes,

Did Western Sichuan again have to mobilize its troops.

Only because Eastern Wu could deploy its schemes,

Did Western Sichuan again have to mobilize its troops.

Whether Kongming would once again campaign against Wei, and the outcome of victory or defeat, awaits the next chapter for explanation.