Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 97: The Marquis of Wu Submits Another Memorial to Attack Wei; Jiang Wei Defeats the Wei Army by Presenting a Forged Letter

Chapter 97

In the autumn of the ninth month of the sixth year of the Jianxing reign of Shu Han, Cao Xiu, the Grand Commander of Wei, was utterly defeated by Lu Xun at Shiting in Wu. His chariots, horses, military supplies, weapons, and equipment were all lost. Cao Xiu was deeply terrified, fell ill from worry, and returned to Luoyang, where a poisonous boil erupted on his back and he died. Wei ruler Cao Rui issued an edict for a lavish burial. Sima Yi led his troops back. The generals welcomed him into camp and asked, “Commander Cao’s defeat was your responsibility, Marshal. Why did you hurry back?” Sima Yi replied, “I calculated that Zhuge Liang, knowing our army’s defeat, would surely seize the opportunity to attack Chang’an. If Longxi were to send an urgent plea, who could go to its rescue? That is why I returned.” The generals all thought he was timid and fearful, and they withdrew with sneers.

Meanwhile, Wu sent an envoy with a letter to Shu, requesting a joint campaign against Wei and recounting the great victory over Cao Xiu—partly to flaunt their prowess and partly to foster good relations. The Later Lord was overjoyed and dispatched a messenger with a letter to Hanzhong to inform Kongming. At this time, Kongming’s troops were strong, his horses robust, his grain ample, and everything needed was fully prepared; he was just about to launch his campaign. Upon hearing this news, he immediately held a banquet, gathered all his generals, and discussed the matter of setting out. Suddenly, a great wind arose from the northeast, snapping a pine tree in front of the courtyard. Everyone was greatly startled. Kongming performed a divination and said, “This wind portends the loss of a great general!” The generals did not believe him. As they were drinking, a report came that Zhao Tong, the eldest son of General of the South Zhao Yun, and his second son, Zhao Guang, sought an audience with the Chancellor. Kongming was shocked, threw down his wine cup, and said, “Zilong is finished!” The two sons entered, bowed, and said weeping, “Our father died of a severe illness last night at the third watch.” Kongming stamped his foot and wailed, “With Zilong’s death, the state has lost a pillar, and I have lost an arm!” Not a general present refrained from weeping. Kongming ordered the two sons to go to Chengdu to report the mourning to the ruler. When the Later Lord heard that Zhao Yun had died, he wept aloud and said, “When I was young, had it not been for Zilong, I would have died amid the chaos of battle!” He immediately issued an edict posthumously conferring on him the title of Grand General and the posthumous name of Marquis Shunping, ordering him to be buried east of Mount Jinshaping in Chengdu. A shrine was built, and sacrifices were offered in all four seasons. Later, someone wrote a poem:

In Changshan there was a tiger-general,

Whose wisdom and courage matched Guan and Zhang.

His deeds at Hanshui were glorious,

His name at Dangyang shone bright.

Twice he aided the young lord,

With a single thought to repay the former emperor.

The pure histories record his loyalty and devotion,

His fragrance should flow for a hundred generations.

In Changshan there was a tiger-general,

Whose wisdom and courage matched Guan and Zhang.

His deeds at Hanshui were glorious,

His name at Dangyang shone bright.

Twice he aided the young lord,

With a single thought to repay the former emperor.

The pure histories record his loyalty and devotion,

His fragrance should flow for a hundred generations.

The Later Lord, mindful of Zhao Yun’s past merits, held a lavish funeral and burial. He appointed Zhao Tong as General of the Palace Guard and Zhao Guang as Gate Commander, ordering them to guard the grave. The two sons took their leave and departed. Suddenly, a close minister reported: “Chancellor Zhuge has completed the deployment of troops and horses and will set out to attack Wei this very day.” The Later Lord consulted the court officials, most of whom said that it was inadvisable to act rashly. The Later Lord hesitated. Then a report came that the Chancellor had sent Yang Yi to present a memorial on the campaign. The Later Lord summoned him, and Yang Yi submitted the memorial. The Later Lord opened it on his imperial desk and read it. The memorial read:

The late Emperor, considering that Han and the rebels cannot coexist and that the imperial enterprise cannot be confined to a single corner, entrusted me with the task of punishing the rebels. By the late Emperor’s brilliance, weighing my abilities, he surely knew that my talents are weak and the enemy strong. Yet, if we do not attack, the imperial enterprise will perish. Would it not be better to attack than to sit and wait for destruction? Therefore, he entrusted the task to me without hesitation. From the day I received the command, I have slept uneasily and eaten without taste. Considering that the Northern Expedition must first pacify the south, I crossed the Lu River in the fifth month, deep into the barren lands, eating only one meal in two days. It is not that I do not cherish my own life. But I think that the imperial enterprise cannot be confined to the capital of Shu, so I risk dangers and hardships to carry out the late Emperor’s behest. Yet those who debate this consider it a poor plan. Now the rebels are weary in the west and busy with war in the east; the Art of War says to attack when the enemy is fatigued—this is the right time to strike. I reverently set forth these matters as follows:

The brilliant Emperor Gaozu was like the sun and moon; his counselors were profound in wisdom, yet he endured hardships and suffered wounds before turning danger into safety. Now Your Majesty is not as wise as Gaozu, and your counselors are not as good as Zhang Liang or Chen Ping, yet you wish to win through a long-term plan and wait for the world to settle—this is the first thing I cannot understand.

Liu Yao and Wang Lang each occupied provinces and commanderies. When discussing safety or devising plans, they constantly quoted the words of sages, but everyone was full of doubts and their hearts clogged with difficulties. They did not fight this year, nor campaign the next, allowing Sun Quan to grow great and thus swallow up Jiangdong—this is the second thing I cannot understand.

Cao Cao’s wisdom and stratagems far exceeded ordinary men; his methods of using troops rivaled those of Sun Wu and Wu Qi. Yet he was trapped at Nanyang, endangered at Wu’ao, imperiled at Qilian, pressed at Liyang, nearly defeated at Beishan, and almost died at Tong Pass before he could temporarily stabilize his rule. How much more so, with my meager abilities, can I hope to pacify the world without taking risks? This is the third thing I cannot understand.

Cao Cao attacked Chang Ba five times without success and crossed the Chao Lake four times without achievement. He employed Li Fu, but Li Fu plotted against him; he entrusted Xiahou Yuan, but Xiahou Yuan was defeated and died. The late Emperor often praised Cao Cao’s abilities, yet he had such failures. How much more so, with my inferior talents, can I be sure of victory? This is the fourth thing I cannot understand.

Since I arrived at Hanzhong, barely a year has passed. Yet we have lost Zhao Yun, Yang Qun, Ma Yu, Yan Zhi, Ding Li, Bai Shou, Liu He, Deng Tong, and others, along with over seventy company and garrison commanders. There were also over a thousand of the elite troops—the Tujiang, Wuqian, Cong Sou, Qing Qiang, Sanqi, and Wuqi. These men were gathered from all directions over several decades, a fine force that no single province could possess. If more years pass, two-thirds will be lost. Then on what basis can we face the enemy? This is my fifth point of incomprehension.

Now the people are impoverished, the soldiers weary, yet the conflict cannot cease; since it cannot cease, the labor and expense of defense and offense are the same; without early planning, relying on a single province to hold out long-term against the enemy: this is my sixth point of incomprehension.

What is hard to predict is the course of events. In the beginning, the late Emperor was defeated in the Chu region. At that time, Cao Cao clapped his hands in glee, thinking the realm was settled. Yet later the late Emperor allied east with Wu and Yue, seized Ba and Shu in the west, raised troops for the northern campaign, and Xiahou Yuan was beheaded. This was Cao Cao’s miscalculation, and the cause of Han was on the verge of success. But then Wu violated the covenant, Guan Yu fell, we were thwarted at Zigui, and Cao Pi usurped the throne. Everything is like this—hard to foresee. I will bend every effort and do my utmost, until death ends my service. As for success or failure, smoothness or difficulty, that is beyond my wisdom to foresee.

The Later Lord, upon reading the memorial, was greatly pleased and immediately ordered Kongming to march. Kongming accepted the command, raised three hundred thousand troops, appointed Wei Yan as commander of the vanguard, and headed straight for the Chencang road.

Soon a scout reported this to Luoyang. Sima Yi memorialized the Wei ruler, who convened a full assembly of civil and military officials. Grand General Cao Zhen stepped forward and said: “Your minister recently guarded Longxi, where my merits were slight and my offenses great, filling me with dread. Now I beg to lead a great army to capture Zhuge Liang. I have lately acquired a great general who wields a sixty-jin blade, rides a swift thousand-li steed, draws a two-stone iron-tipped bow, and conceals three meteor hammers, hitting the mark every time. He has the valor to match ten thousand men. He is from Didao in Longxi; his surname is Wang, given name Shuang, style Ziquan. I recommend him as vanguard.” Cao Rui was delighted and summoned Wang Shuang to the hall. Looking at him, he saw a man nine spans tall, with a dark face and yellow eyes, a bear’s waist and a tiger’s back. Cao Rui smiled and said: “With such a general in my service, what worry remains!” He then bestowed a brocade robe and golden armor, enfeoffed him as General of Tiger Might and Grand Vanguard. Cao Zhen was made Grand Commander. Cao Zhen thanked the grace and left the court, then led 150,000 elite troops, joining with Guo Huai and Zhang He to guard the strategic passes by separate routes.

Now the Shu army’s forward scouts reached Chencang and reported back to Kongming, saying: “At the Chencang road, a walled city has been built. Within, General Hao Zhao holds it, with deep moats, high ramparts, and chevaux-de-frise everywhere in tight array. It would be better to abandon this city and take the bird path over Mount Taibai to emerge at Mount Qi, which is more convenient.” Kongming said: “Directly north of Chencang lies Jieting. We must take this city before we can advance.” He ordered Wei Yan to lead troops to the city wall and attack from all sides. For several days they could not break through. Wei Yan again reported to Kongming, saying the city was hard to capture. Kongming, enraged, was about to behead Wei Yan. Suddenly a man from within the tent reported: “Though I lack talent, I have followed the Chancellor for many years without rendering service. I am willing to go to Chencang city and persuade Hao Zhao to surrender, without using a single bow or arrow.” All looked at him; it was the subordinate officer Yin Xiang. Kongming said: “What words will you use to convince him?” Yin Xiang replied: “Hao Zhao and I are both from Longxi and have been close friends since youth. If I go to him and argue the pros and cons, he will surely come to surrender.” Kongming then ordered him to go.

Yin Xiang spurred his horse and rode straight to the city wall, calling out: “An old friend of Hao Bidao, Yin Xiang, requests an audience.” Those on the wall reported to Hao Zhao. Hao Zhao ordered the gate opened and let him in, then ascended the gate tower to meet him. Hao Zhao asked: “Old friend, why have you come here?” Yin Xiang said: “I am in Zhuge Liang’s camp in Western Shu, planning military affairs, treated with the courtesy due a valued guest. He specially sent me to see you with important words to impart.” Hao Zhao’s face darkened with rage as he said: “Zhuge Liang is our nation’s enemy! I serve Wei; you serve Shu—each serves his own lord! In the past we were brothers; now we are foes! Say no more, and leave the city at once!” Yin Xiang tried to speak again, but Hao Zhao had already left the gate tower. Wei soldiers hurried him onto his horse and drove him out of the city. Yin Xiang turned back and saw Hao Zhao standing at the railing of the protective wooden parapet. Yin Xiang reined in his horse and pointed with his whip, saying: “Bidao, worthy brother, why are you so unfeeling?” Hao Zhao replied: “The laws of Wei are known to you, elder brother. I have received the nation’s favor; I will die and that is all. Say no more persuasive words. Return early to Zhuge Liang and tell him to attack quickly. I am not afraid!”

Yin Xiang returned and reported to Kongming: “Hao Zhao would not let me speak and stopped me at once.” Kongming said: “You can go see him again and argue the pros and cons.” Yin Xiang again went to the city wall and requested to see Hao Zhao. Hao Zhao came out to the gate tower. Yin Xiang reined in his horse and called out loudly: “Bidao, worthy brother, listen to my loyal advice. You hold a lone city—how can it withstand a host of hundreds of thousands? If you do not surrender soon, regret will be too late. Moreover, why serve the treacherous Wei instead of following the Great Han? How is it you know nothing of Heaven’s mandate and cannot distinguish pure from foul? I hope Bidao will think carefully.” Hao Zhao, enraged, drew his bow, nocked an arrow, pointed it at Yin Xiang, and shouted: “My earlier words are fixed. Say no more. Withdraw at once, and I will not shoot you!” Yin Xiang returned and saw Kongming, detailing Hao Zhao’s behavior. Kongming said in fury: “This commoner is excessively insolent! Does he think I have no siege equipment?” He then summoned a local and asked: “How many men are in Chencang city?” The local replied: “Though I do not know the exact number, it is about three thousand.” Kongming laughed and said: “A mere small town like this—how can it withstand me! Without waiting for his reinforcements to arrive, attack with all speed!”

Thus in the army they raised up a hundred scaling-towers. On each tower could stand ten or more men, and these were protected all around by wooden shields. The soldiers each took short ladders and soft ropes, and when they heard the drum signal from the main army, they were to ascend the city wall together. Hao Zhao, from the enemy tower, saw the Shu troops setting up their scaling-towers and advancing from all sides. He ordered three thousand soldiers to each take fire-arrows and station themselves on all sides; when the towers drew near the wall, they were to shoot together. Kongming had thought the city unprepared, so he had built the towers in great numbers and ordered the three armies to beat drums, shout, and advance; but unexpectedly, fire-arrows from the city shot out together, and all the scaling-towers were burned. Many of the soldiers on the towers were burned to death. Arrows and stones poured down from the city like rain, and the Shu troops all withdrew. Kongming, greatly angered, said, "You burn my towers, then I will use the 'battering-ram' method!" That very night he prepared battering-rams. The next day, again with drums and shouts from all sides, they advanced. Hao Zhao hastily ordered stones to be moved and holes drilled, and using hemp ropes to bind them, he hurled them flying, and all the battering-rams were broken. Kongming then ordered men to carry earth to fill the city moat, and commanded Liao Hua to lead three thousand soldiers with spades and picks to dig a tunnel from the night, secretly entering the city. Hao Zhao, within the city, also dug a deep transverse moat to cut them off. Thus they attacked day and night for over twenty days, but found no way to break through. Kongming was deeply distressed. Suddenly a report came: "Reinforcements from the east have arrived; on their banner is written 'Wei Vanguard General Wang Shuang.'" Kongming asked, "Who can go to oppose him?" Wei Yan said, "I am willing to go." Kongming said, "You are the vanguard general; you must not venture out lightly." He then asked, "Who dares to go?" Subordinate general Xie Xiong answered and came forward. Kongming gave him three thousand troops and sent him off. Kongming then asked, "Who dares to go again?" Subordinate general Gong Qi answered and volunteered to go. Kongming also gave him three thousand troops and sent him off. Kongming, worried that Hao Zhao within the city might lead out his troops, withdrew his forces twenty li and set up camp.

Now Xie Xiong led his troops forward and met Wang Shuang; before they had fought three bouts, Wang Shuang with one stroke of his sword cut Xie Xiong down. The Shu troops fled in defeat. Wang Shuang pursued them. Gong Qi took up the fight, and after only three exchanges of horse, he too was slain by Wang Shuang. The defeated troops reported back to Kongming. Kongming was greatly alarmed and hastily ordered Liao Hua, Wang Ping, and Zhang Ni to go out to meet him. The two battle arrays were drawn up, and Zhang Ni rode out. Wang Ping and Liao Hua held the line of battle. Wang Shuang galloped forward to engage Zhang Ni; after several bouts, they were evenly matched. Wang Shuang feigned defeat and fled, and Zhang Ni gave chase. Wang Ping saw that Zhang Ni had fallen into the trap and urgently shouted, "Do not pursue!" When Zhang Ni hastily turned his horse back, Wang Shuang's meteor hammer had already struck, hitting him squarely in the back. Zhang Ni bent over his saddle and fled, while Wang Shuang turned his horse and pursued. Wang Ping and Liao Hua intercepted, rescuing Zhang Ni back to the formation. Wang Shuang drove his troops in a great slaughter, and the Shu soldiers suffered many casualties. Zhang Ni vomited several mouthfuls of blood and returned to see Kongming, saying, "Wang Shuang is an unmatched hero. Now, with twenty thousand troops, he has set up camp outside Chencang city, erected palisades on all sides, built a high rampart, dug deep moats, and his defense is extremely tight." Kongming, seeing that he had lost two generals and Zhang Ni was wounded, summoned Jiang Wei and said, "The Chencang road—this route is impassable. Are there any other strategies?" Jiang Wei said, "Chencang city is strong, Hao Zhao's defense is extremely tight; with Wang Shuang aiding him, it is truly unassailable. Better to order a general to set up camp by the mountains and rivers, guarding firmly; we can capture Cao Zhen." Kongming followed his advice, and ordered Wang Ping and Li Hui to lead two thousand troops to guard the narrow road at Street Pavilion; Wei Yan to lead one army to guard the Chencang pass. Ma Dai was made vanguard, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao were made relief commanders for front and rear. They took the small road out through Xie Valley and advanced toward Mount Qi.

Now Cao Zhen, recalling how Sima Yi had previously taken credit for his achievements, had gone to Luokou to assign Guo Huai and Sun Li to guard east and west. When he heard of the emergency at Chencang pass, he had already sent Wang Shuang to relieve it. Hearing that Wang Shuang had slain generals and made a name, he was greatly pleased, and so ordered the central guard general Fei Yao to act temporarily as commander of the vanguard, while the other generals each guarded the strategic passes. Suddenly a report came that a spy had been captured in the valley and brought to see him. Cao Zhen ordered him brought in, and the man knelt in the tent. The man reported, "I am not a spy; I have secret information to present to the Grand Commander, but was mistakenly captured by the patrol troops. I request that you dismiss those around you." Cao Zhen then loosened his bonds, and the attendants withdrew for the moment. The man reported, "I am a trusted man of Jiang Boyue (Jiang Wei), sent by my master to deliver a secret letter." Cao Zhen said, "Where is the letter?" The man took it from the lining of his clothing and presented it. Cao Zhen tore it open and read:

"The guilty general Jiang Wei bows a hundred times and presents this letter to the Grand Commander Cao: I think of how my family has for generations enjoyed the bounty of Wei, and I was ashamed to guard the border towns; I received great favor but had no way to repay it. Yesterday I mistakenly fell into Zhuge Liang's treacherous plot and was trapped in a perilous cliff. I long for my old country—when have I ever forgotten it? Now it is fortunate that the Shu troops have marched westward, and Zhuge Liang has no suspicion of me. I rely on the Grand Commander to personally lead a great army; if you encounter the enemy, you can feign defeat. I will then be in the rear, using a signal fire to first burn the Shu army's grain and fodder, then turn the great army about to fall upon them, and Zhuge Liang can be captured. This is not to achieve merit in serving my country, but truly to redeem my former guilt. If you deign to examine this clearly, send your orders quickly."

When Cao Zhen finished reading, he was overjoyed and said, "This is Heaven sending me success!" He then richly rewarded the messenger and ordered him to return and report, to rendezvous according to the agreed time.

Cao Zhen summoned Fei Yao to discuss and said, "Now Jiang Wei has secretly sent a letter, telling me to do thus and so."

Fei Yao said, "Zhuge Liang is full of schemes, and Jiang Wei is wise and resourceful; perhaps this is something instigated by Zhuge Liang, and I fear there may be treachery."

Cao Zhen said, "He was originally a man of Wei and surrendered to Shu only because he had no choice. Why should we suspect him?"

Fei Yao said, "The Grand Commander must not advance rashly; only hold our own camp. I am willing to lead a force to support Jiang Wei. If successful, the credit goes to you, Grand Commander; if there is a trick, I will bear the consequences myself."

Cao Zhen was greatly pleased and ordered Fei Yao to lead fifty thousand troops and advance toward Xie Valley.

After marching for two or three stages, they encamped and sent scouts ahead.

That day, at the hour of Shen (3–5 p.m.), a scout returned and reported, "In Xie Valley, there are Shu troops coming."

Fei Yao hurriedly urged the troops forward.

Before the Shu troops could engage, they withdrew. Fei Yao ordered his men to pursue. The Shu troops came again, and just as they were about to form battle lines, they withdrew again. This happened three times.

Thus they delayed until the next day at the hour of Shen. The Wei army had not dared to rest for a whole day and night, only fearing a Shu attack.

Just as they were about to halt the army to make camp and cook food, suddenly a great shout arose from all four sides, drums and horns sounded together, and the Shu soldiers came swarming over the mountains and plains. As the banner at the gate opened, a four-wheeled carriage appeared, with Kongming seated upright inside; he sent someone to invite the Wei commander to come out for a parley. Fei Yao rode out on his horse; seeing Kongming from afar, he secretly rejoiced, and turning to his attendants, said: "If the Shu troops charge, then retreat. If you see a fire start behind the hill, turn back and attack, for there will be troops to support us." Having given these orders, Fei Yao rode forward and shouted: "You, the defeated general of before, why have you come again now?" Kongming said: "Call Cao Zhen out to speak with me!" Fei Yao cursed, saying: "Our commander Cao is of noble birth—how could he deign to meet with a rebel?" Kongming grew very angry, and waved his feather fan; on the left, Ma Dai, and on the right, Zhang Yi, led out their troops in a charge. The Wei troops then retreated. They had not gone thirty li when they saw a fire start behind the Shu army, with shouts ceaselessly rising. Two armies burst forth: on the left, Guan Xing, and on the right, Zhang Bao. Arrows and stones rained down from the mountain above. The Wei army suffered a great defeat. Fei Yao realized he had fallen into a trap, gathered his retreating troops, and fled into a mountain valley; both men and horses were exhausted. Behind him, Guan Xing led fresh troops in pursuit; countless Wei soldiers trampled each other and fell into ravines to their deaths. Fei Yao fled for his life, and just then encountered an army at a mountain pass—it was Jiang Wei. Fei Yao cursed him loudly, saying: "Rebel without faith! I was unlucky to fall for your treacherous scheme!" Jiang Wei laughed and said: "I wanted to capture Cao Zhen, and mistakenly tricked you instead. Dismount quickly and surrender!" Fei Yao spurred his horse to cut his way out and fled into the valley. Suddenly he saw flames rising to the sky within the valley, and the pursuing troops were close behind. Fei Yao cut his own throat and died; the remaining troops all surrendered. Kongming drove his army forward through the night until they reached the front of Mount Qi, where he set up camp, halted his forces, and richly rewarded Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei said: "I only regret that I could not kill Cao Zhen." Kongming also said: "It is a pity that a great plan was only partially used." Meanwhile, Cao Zhen, hearing that Fei Yao had been lost, regretted it bitterly, but it was too late; he then discussed the strategy for retreat with Guo Huai. Thereupon, Sun Li and Xin Pi wrote memorials that very night and sent them in haste to the Wei ruler, stating that the Shu army had again emerged from Mount Qi, and that Cao Zhen had lost troops and generals, putting the situation in great peril. Cao Rui was greatly alarmed, and immediately summoned Sima Yi inside, saying: "Cao Zhen has lost troops and generals, and the Shu army has again come out of Mount Qi. What plan do you have to drive them back?" Sima Yi said: "I already have a plan to repel Zhuge Liang. Without the Wei army displaying its might, the Shu soldiers will naturally retreat." Truly: Already we see Zidan lacks the art to win, Entirely relying on Zhongda’s good strategy. What this plan might be, we shall see in the next chapter's explanation.