第八十七回

第八十七回 征南寇丞相大兴师 抗天兵蛮王初受执

却说诸葛丞相在于成都，事无大小，皆亲自从公决断。两川之民，忻乐太平，夜不闭户，路不拾遗。又幸连年大熟，老幼鼓腹讴歌，凡遇差徭，争先早办。因此军需器械应用之物，无不完备，米满仓廒，财盈府库。

建兴三年，益州飞报：“蛮王孟获，大起蛮兵十万，犯境侵掠。建宁太守雍闿，乃汉朝什方侯雍齿之后，今结连孟获造反。牂牁郡太守朱褒、越巂郡太守高定，二人献了城。止有永昌太守王伉不肯反。现今雍闿、朱褒、高定三人部下人马，皆与孟获为向导官，攻打永昌郡。今王伉与功曹吕凯，会集百姓，死守此城，其势甚急。”孔明乃入朝奏后主曰：“臣观南蛮不服，实国家之大患也。臣当自领大军，前去征讨。”后主曰：“东有孙权，北有曹丕，今相父弃朕而去，倘吴、魏来攻，如之奈何？”孔明曰：“东吴方与我国讲和，料无异心。若有异心，李严在白帝城，此人可当陆逊也。曹丕新败，锐气已丧，未能远图，且有马超守把汉中诸处关口，不必忧也。臣又留关兴、张苞等分两军为救应，保陛下万无一失。今臣先去扫荡蛮方，然后北伐，以图中原，报先帝三顾之恩、托孤之重。”后主曰：“朕年幼无知，惟相父斟酌行之。”言未毕，班部内一人出曰：“不可！不可！”众视之，乃南阳人也，姓王，名连，字文仪，现为谏议大夫。连谏曰：“南方不毛之地[1]，瘴疫之乡，丞相秉钧衡之重任，而自远征，非所宜也。且雍闿等乃疥癣之疾，丞相只须遣一大将讨之，必然成功。”孔明曰：“南蛮之地，离国甚远，人多不习王化，收伏甚难，吾当亲去征之。可刚可柔，别有斟酌，非可容易[2]托人。”

王连再三苦劝，孔明不从。是日，孔明辞了后主，令蒋琬为参军，费祎为长史，董厥、樊建二人为掾史，赵云、魏延为大将总督军马，王平、张翼为副将，并川将数十员，共起川兵五十万，前望益州进发。忽有关公第三子关索，入军来见孔明曰：“自荆州失陷，逃难在鲍家庄养病。每要赴川见先帝报仇，疮痕未合，不能起行。近已安痊，打探得东吴仇人已皆诛戮，径来西川见帝，恰在途中遇见征南之兵，特来投见。”孔明闻之，嗟讶不已，一面遣人申报朝廷，就令关索为前部先锋，一同征南。大队人马，各依队伍而行，饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行，所经之处，秋毫无犯。

却说雍闿听知孔明自统大军而来，即与高定、朱褒商议，分兵三路：高定取中路，雍闿在左，朱褒在右，三路各引兵五六万迎敌。于是高定令鄂焕为前部先锋。焕身长九尺，面貌丑恶，使一枝方天戟，有万夫不当之勇，领本部兵，离了大寨，来迎蜀兵。

却说孔明统大军已到益州界分。前部先锋魏延，副将张翼、王平，才入界口，正遇鄂焕军马。两阵对圆，魏延出马大骂曰：“反贼早早受降！”鄂焕拍马与魏延交锋。战不数合，延诈败走，焕随后赶来。走不数里，喊声大震。张翼、王平两路军杀来，绝其后路，延复回。三员将并力拒战，生擒鄂焕。解到大寨，入见孔明。孔明令去其缚，以酒食待之。问曰：“汝是何人部将？”焕曰：“某是高定部将。”孔明曰：“吾知高定乃忠义之士，今为雍闿所惑，以致如此。吾今放汝回去，令高太守早早归降，免遭大祸。”鄂焕拜谢而去，回见高定，说孔明之德，定亦感激不已。次日，雍闿至寨。礼毕，闿曰：“如何得鄂焕回也？”定曰：“诸葛亮以义放之。”闿曰：“此乃诸葛亮反间之计，欲令我两人不和，故施此谋也。”定半信不信，心中犹豫。忽报蜀将搦战，闿自引三万兵出迎。战不数合，闿拨马便走，延率兵大进，追杀二十馀里。次日，雍闿又起兵来迎。孔明一连三日不出。至第四日，雍闿、高定分兵两路，来取蜀寨。

却说孔明令魏延等两路伺候，果然雍闿、高定两路兵来，被伏兵杀伤大半，生擒者无数，都解到大寨来。雍闿的人囚在一边，高定的人囚在一边，却令军士谣说：“但是高定的人免死，雍闿的人尽杀。”众军皆闻此言。少时，孔明令取雍闿的人到帐前，问曰：“汝等皆是何人部从？”众伪曰：“高定部下人也。”孔明教皆免其死，与酒食赏劳，令人送出界首，纵放回寨。孔明又唤高定的人问之。众皆告曰：“吾等实是高定部下军士。”孔明亦皆免其死，赐以酒食，却扬言曰：“雍闿今日使人投降，要献汝主并朱褒首级以为功劳，吾甚不忍。汝等既是高定部下军，吾放汝等回去，再不可背反。若再擒来，决不轻恕。”

众皆拜谢而去。回到本寨，入见高定，说知此事。定乃密遣人去雍闿寨中探听，却有一般放回的人，言说孔明之德，因此雍闿部军，多有归顺高定之心。虽然如此，高定心中不稳，又令一人来孔明寨中探听虚实，被伏路军捉来见孔明。孔明故意认做雍闿的人，唤入帐中问曰：“汝元帅既约下献高定、朱褒二人首级，因何误了日期？汝这厮不精细，如何做得细作！”军士含糊答应。孔明以酒食赐之，修密书一封，付军士曰：“汝持此书付雍闿，教他早早下手，休得误事。”细作拜谢而去，回见高定，呈上孔明之书，说雍闿如此如此。定看书毕，大怒曰：“吾以真心待之，彼反欲害吾，情理难容！”便唤鄂焕商议。焕曰：“孔明乃仁人，背之不祥。我等谋反作恶，皆雍闿之故，不如杀闿以投孔明。”定曰：“如何下手？”焕曰：“可设一席，令人去请雍闿。彼若无异心，必坦然而来，若其不来，必有异心。我主可攻其前，某伏于寨后小路候之，闿可擒矣。”高定从其言，设席请雍闿。闿果疑前日放回军士之言，惧而不来。是夜高定引兵杀投雍闿寨中。原来有孔明放回免死的人，皆想高定之德，乘时助战，雍闿军不战自乱。闿上马望山路而走，行不二里，鼓声响处，一彪军出，乃鄂焕也，挺方天戟，骤马当先。雍闿措手不及，被焕一戟刺于马下，就枭其首级。闿部下军士皆降高定。定引两部军来降孔明，献雍闿首级于帐下，孔明高坐于帐上，喝令左右推转高定，斩首报来。定曰：“某感丞相大恩，今将雍闿首级来降，何故斩也？”孔明大笑曰：“汝来诈降。敢瞒吾耶！”定曰：“丞相何以知吾诈降？”孔明于匣中取出一缄，与高定曰：“朱褒已使人密献降书，说你与雍闿结生死之交，岂肯一旦便杀此人？吾故知汝诈也。”定叫屈曰：“朱褒乃反间之计也。丞相切不可信！”孔明曰：“吾亦难凭一面之词。汝若捉得朱褒，方表真心。”定曰：“丞相休疑。某去擒朱褒来见丞相，若何？”孔明曰：“若如此，吾疑心方息也。”

高定即引部将鄂焕并本部兵，杀奔朱褒营来。比及离寨约有十里，山后一彪军到，乃朱褒也。褒见高定军来，慌忙与高定答话。定大骂曰：“汝如何写书与诸葛丞相处，使反间之计害吾耶？”褒目瞪口呆，不能回答。忽然鄂焕于马后转过，一戟刺朱褒于马下。定厉声而言曰：“如不顺者皆戮之！”于是众军一齐拜降。定引两部军来见孔明，献朱褒首级于帐下，孔明大笑曰：“吾故使汝杀此二贼，以表忠心。”遂命高定为益州太守，总摄三郡，令鄂焕为牙将。三路军马已平。

于是永昌太守王伉出城迎接孔明。孔明入城已毕，问曰：“谁与公守此城，以保无虞？”伉曰：“某今日得此郡无危者，皆赖永昌不韦人，姓吕，名凯，字季平。皆此人之力。”孔明遂请吕凯至。凯入见礼毕，孔明曰：“久闻公乃永昌高士，多亏公保守此城。今欲平蛮方，公有何高见？”吕凯遂取一图，呈与孔明曰：“某自历仕以来，知南人欲反久矣，故密遣人入其境，察看可屯兵交战之处，画成一图，名曰‘平蛮指掌图’。今敢献与明公。明公试观之，可为征蛮之一助也。”孔明大喜，就用吕凯为行军教授，兼向导官。于是孔明提兵大进，深入南蛮之境。

正行军之次，忽报天子差使命至。孔明请入中军，但见一人素袍白衣而进，乃马谡也，为兄马良新亡，因此挂孝。谡曰：“奉主上敕命，赐众军酒帛。”孔明接诏已毕，依命一一给散，遂留马谡在帐叙话。孔明问曰：“吾奉天子诏削平蛮方，久闻幼常高见，望乞赐教。”谡曰：“愚有片言，望丞相察之：南蛮恃其地远山险，不服久矣，虽今日破之，明日复叛。丞相大军到彼，必然平服，但班师之日，必用北伐曹丕，蛮兵若知内虚，其反必速。夫用兵之道：‘攻心为上，攻城为下；心战为上，兵战为下。’愿丞相但服其心足矣。”孔明叹曰：“幼常足知吾肺腑也！”于是孔明遂令马谡为参军，即统大兵前进。

却说蛮王孟获，听知孔明智破雍闿等，遂聚三洞元帅商议：第一洞乃金环三结元帅，第二洞乃董荼那元帅，第三洞乃阿会喃元帅。三洞元帅入见孟获，获曰：“今诸葛丞相领大军来侵我境界，不得不并力敌之。汝三人可分兵三路而进，如得胜者，便为洞主。”于是分金环三结取中路，董荼那取左路，阿会喃取右路，各引五万蛮兵，依令而行。

却说孔明正在寨中议事，忽哨马飞报，说三洞元帅分兵三路到来。孔明听毕，即唤赵云、魏延至，却都不分付；更唤王平、马忠至，嘱之曰：“今蛮兵三路而来，吾欲令子龙、文长去，此二人不识地理，未敢用之。王平可往左路迎敌，马忠可往右路迎敌。吾却使子龙、文长随后接应。今日整顿军马，来日平明进发。”二人听令而去。又唤张嶷、张翼分付曰：“汝二人同领一军，往中路迎敌。今日整点军马，来日与王平、马忠约会而进。吾欲令子龙、文长去取，奈二人不识地理，故未敢用之。”张嶷、张翼听令去了。

赵云、魏延见孔明不用，各有愠色。孔明曰：“吾非不用汝二人，但恐以中年涉险，为蛮人所算，失其锐气耳。”赵云曰：“倘我等识地理，若何？”孔明曰：“汝二人只宜小心，休得妄动。”二人怏怏而退。赵云请魏延到自己寨内商议曰：“吾二人为先锋，却说不识地理而不肯用。今用此后辈，吾等岂不羞乎？”延曰：“吾二人只今就上马，亲去探之，捉住土人，便教引进，以敌蛮兵，大事可成。”云从之，遂上马径取中路而来。方行不数里，远远望见尘头大起。二人上山坡看时，果见数十骑蛮兵，纵马而来。二人两路冲出。蛮兵见了，大惊而走。赵云、魏延各生擒几人，回到本寨，以酒食待之，却细问其故。蛮兵告曰：“前面是金环三结元帅大寨，正在山口。寨边东西两路，却通五溪洞并董荼那、阿会喃各寨之后。”

赵云、魏延听知此话，遂点精兵五千，教擒来蛮兵引路。比及起军时，已是二更天气，月明星朗，趁着月色而行。刚到金环三结大寨之时，约有四更，蛮兵方起造饭，准备天明厮杀。忽然赵云、魏延两路杀入，蛮兵大乱。赵云直杀入中军，正逢金环三结元帅，交马只一合，被云一枪刺落马下，就枭其首级。馀军溃散。魏延便分兵一半，望东路抄董荼那寨来。赵云分兵一半，望西路抄阿会喃寨来。比及杀到蛮兵大寨之时，天已平明。

先说魏延杀奔董荼那寨来，董荼那听知寨后有军杀至，便引兵出寨拒敌。忽然寨前门一声喊起，蛮兵大乱。原来王平军马早已到了。两下夹攻，蛮兵大败。董荼那夺路走脱，魏延追赶不上。

却说赵云引兵杀到阿会喃寨后之时，马忠已杀至寨前。两下夹攻，蛮兵大败，阿会喃乘乱走脱。各自收军，回见孔明。孔明问曰：“三洞蛮兵，走了两洞之主。金环三结元帅首级安在？”赵云将首级献功。众皆言曰：“董荼那、阿会喃皆弃马越岭而去，因此赶他不上。”孔明大笑曰：“二人吾已擒下了。”赵、魏二人并诸将皆不信。少顷，张嶷解董荼那到，张翼解阿会喃到。众皆惊讶。孔明曰：“吾观吕凯图本，已知他各人下的寨子，故以言激子龙、文长之锐气，故教深入重地，先破金环三结，随即分兵左右寨后抄出，以王平、马忠应之。非子龙、文长不可当此任也。吾料董荼那、阿会喃必从便径往山路而走，故遣张嶷、张翼以伏兵待之，令关索以兵接应，擒此二人。”诸将皆拜伏曰：“丞相机算，神鬼莫测！”

孔明令押过董荼那、阿会喃至帐下，尽去其缚，以酒食衣服赐之，令各自归洞，勿得助恶。二人泣拜，各投小路而去。孔明谓诸将曰：“来日孟获必然亲自引兵厮杀，便可就此擒之。”乃唤赵云、魏延至，付与计策，各引五千兵去了。又唤王平、关索同引一军，授计而去。孔明分拨已毕，坐于帐上待之。

却说蛮王孟获在帐中正坐，忽哨马报来，说三洞元帅，俱被孔明捉将去了，部下之兵，各自溃散。获大怒，遂起蛮兵迤逦进发，正遇王平军马。两阵对圆，王平出马横刀望之，只见门旗开处，数百南蛮骑将两势摆开。中间孟获出马，头顶嵌宝紫金冠，身披缨络红锦袍，腰系碾玉狮子带，脚穿鹰嘴抹绿靴，骑一匹卷毛赤兔马，悬两口松纹镶宝剑，昂然观望，回顾左右蛮将曰：“人每说诸葛亮善能用兵，今观此阵，旌旗杂乱，队伍交错，刀枪器械，无一可能胜吾者，始知前日之言谬也。早知如此，吾反多时矣。谁敢去擒蜀将，以振军威？”言未尽，一将应声而出，名唤忙牙长，使一口截头大刀，骑一匹黄骠马，来取王平。二将交锋，战不数合，王平便走。孟获驱兵大进，迤逦追赶。关索略战又走，约退二十馀里。孟获正追杀之间，忽然喊声大起，左有张嶷，右有张翼，两路兵杀出，截断归路。王平、关索复兵杀回。前后夹攻，蛮兵大败。孟获引部将死战得脱，望锦带山而逃，背后三路兵追杀将来。获正奔走之间，前面喊声大起，一彪军拦住，为首大将乃常山赵子龙也。获见了大惊，慌忙奔锦带山小路而走。子龙冲杀一阵，蛮兵大败，生擒者无数。孟获止与数十骑奔入山谷之中，背后追兵至近，前面路狭，马不能行，乃弃了马匹，爬山越岭而逃。忽然山谷中一声鼓响，乃是魏延受了孔明计策，引五百步军，伏于此处。孟获抵敌不住，被魏延生擒活捉了，从骑皆降。

魏延解孟获到大寨来见孔明。孔明早已杀牛宰马，设宴在寨；却教帐中排开七重围子手[3]，刀枪剑戟，灿若霜雪；又执御赐黄金钺斧，曲柄伞盖，前后羽葆鼓吹，左右排开御林军，布列得十分严整。孔明端坐于帐上，只见蛮兵纷纷穰穰，解到无数。孔明唤到帐中，尽去其缚，抚谕曰：“汝等皆是好百姓，不幸被孟获所拘，今受惊唬。吾想汝等父母、兄弟、妻子必倚门而望，若听知阵败，定然割肚牵肠，眼中流血。吾今尽放汝等回去，以安各人父母、兄弟、妻子之心。”言讫，各赐酒食米粮而遣之。蛮兵深感其恩，泣拜而去。孔明教唤武士押过孟获来。不移时，前推后拥，缚至帐前。获跪于帐下，孔明曰：“先帝待汝不薄，汝何敢背反？”获曰：“两川之地，皆是他人所占土地，汝主倚强夺之，自称为帝。吾世居此处，汝等无礼侵我土地，何为反耶？”孔明曰：“吾今擒汝，汝心服否？”获曰：“山僻路狭，误遭汝手，如何肯服！”孔明曰：“汝既不服，吾放汝去，若何？”获曰：“汝放我回去，再整军马，共决雌雄。若能再擒吾，吾方服也。”孔明即令去其缚，与衣服穿了，赐以酒食，给与鞍马，差人送出路，径望本寨而去。正是：寇入掌中还放去，人居化外未能降。未知再来交战若何，且看下文分解。

[1] 不毛之地——指荒瘠未开垦的地方。不毛，不生长五谷。

[2] 容易——轻率、随便。

[3] 围子手——即“围宿军”的俗称。元代早期，皇城还没有筑立，朝会时用军士围护，叫围宿军。这是小说中保留着元代制度俗语的痕迹。

CHAPTER 87. Conquering The South Mang, The Prime Minister Marches The Army; Opposing Heaven Troops, The King Of The Mangs Is Captured.

With Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's administration of affairs in the two Lands of Rivers began a period of happiness and prosperity for the people. Tranquillity prevailed, and the state of society was well nigh perfect: doors unbolted at night, property left by the roadside remaining untouched till the owner returned for it. Moreover, the harvests were rich year after year, and old and young, with fair, round bellies, well lined, simply sang with joy. The people hastened to fulfill their state duties and vied with each other in the performance of all arts. As a natural consequence all military preparations were perfect, the granaries bursting with grain and the treasury full to overflowing.

Such was the state of things when, in the third year of Beginning Prosperity (AD 225), the news came from Yiazhou to the capital to report: “The Mang King, Meng Huo, leading one hundred thousand Mang tribesmen, has invaded the south and is laying waste the country; Yong Kai, the Governor of Jianning, a descent of the Han Lord Yong Chi of Shifang, had joined Meng Huo to rebel. Zhu Bao and Gao Ding, the Governors of Zangge and Yuesui, have yielded to the invaders; but the Governor of Yongchang, Wang Kang, is staunchly holding out. The three rebels—Yong Kai, Gao Ding, and Zhu Bao—, who had joined the invaders, are now acting as guides and assisting in the attack on Yongchang, which has remained faithful. Governor Wang Kang, ably assisted by Lu Kai, one of his subordinates, is making a desperate effort to defend the city with only its ordinary inhabitants as fighting men. The position is very desperate.”

When this news came, Zhuge Liang went into the palace and thus memorialized to his lord, “The contumacy of the Mangs is a real danger to our state. I feel it incumbent upon me to lead an expedition to reduce the tribespeople to obedience.”

But the Latter Ruler was afraid, and said, “Sun Quan is in the east, and Cao Pi the north; if you abandon me and either of them comes, what shall do?”

“Your Majesty need have no fear. We have just concluded a league of peace with Wu, and I think they will be true to their pledge. Li Yan in Baidicheng is quite a match for Lu Xun. Cao Pi's recent defeat has taken the keenness out of his army, so that he will not feel inclined to make any expeditions further. Ma Chao is in command at the passes between Wei and Hanzhong. I shall also leave Guan Xing and Zhang Bao with forces to reinforce any point where danger may appear. I can assure Your Majesty that no untoward event will happen.

“I am going to sweep clean the Mang country, so that we may have a free hand to attack Wei when the day comes. Thus I shall be enabled to requite the honor paid me by your father the First Ruler, who came thrice to seek me and who doubled my obligation when he confided to me the care of his son.”

“Indeed I am young and ignorant,” replied the Latter Ruler, “and can only exist with you to decide for me.”

At that moment Counselor Wang Lian, a man of Nanyang, stepped forward, crying, “No, no, Sir; you may not go! The South Mang is a wild country reeking with malaria. It is wrong that an officer of state in such an exalted and responsible position should go away on a distant expedition. These rebels and barbarians are but an irritation, not a disease, and an ordinary leader would be enough to send against them. He would not fail.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “This country of the Mangs is distant and mostly uncivilized. To reduce them to reasonableness will be difficult, and I feel I ought to go. When to be harsh and when to show leniency are matters to be decided on at the moment, and instructions cannot be easily given to another.”

Zhuge Liang steadily opposed all Wang Lian's efforts to bring about a change of intention, and he soon took leave of the Latter Ruler and made ready to start.

Jiang Wan was Army Counselor of the expedition; Fei Yi, Recorder; Fan Jian and Dong Jue, Army Inspectors; Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, Commanders; Wang Ping and Zhang Yi, Deputy Generals. Beside these were other half a hundred leaders and officers of Shu, and the whole force was five hundred thousand troops.

Soon after the force marched south to Yiazhou, Guan Suo, the third son of Guan Yu, appeared and wished to see Zhuge Liang, and he said, “After the fall of Jingzhou, I was hidden by the Bao family from where I wanted to go to the Lands of Rivers to ask for a revenge for my father; but I fell in illness, which was long and severe, and I only just recovered. I was then traveling toward Chengdu to meet with the Emperor, when I met the army in the south expedition. I know that vengeance has been taken on the murderers of my father. And now I want to present myself to the Prime Minster.”

Zhuge Liang was greatly affected to see him. He sent news of the young man's arrival to the court and gave Guan Suo a post of Van Leader.

The army, foot and horse, marched in the best of order, eating when hungry, drinking when thirsty, camping at night, and moving by day. No plundering was permitted, and the people suffered not at all.

When Yong Kai and his fellow rebels heard that Zhuge Liang was marching against them, they called their troops together and formed three divisions, Gao Ding in the center, Yong Kai on the left, and Zhu Bao on the right. They mustered about fifty thousand troops in each army, and they went to oppose the march of the Shu army.

Gao Ding sent E Huan to lead the van. This E Huan was nine spans tall in stature, but savage of countenance. His weapon was a two-bladed halberd. He was very valiant and could face many warriors. He led his own cohort out in advance of the main body and fell in with the leading bodies of the Shu army immediately after they had got into Yiazhou.

The two sides drew up for battle; and, the arrays being complete, Wei Yan rode out and vilified the rebels, shouting, “O Malcontent! Be quick to surrender!”

Instead, E Huan galloped out and fought with Wei Yan. After a few bouts Wei Yan seemed to be bested and fled. But this was only a ruse. As E Huan followed, the gongs clanged and from left and right poured out Zhang Yi and Wang Ping. Wei Yan turned around, and three generals besieged and captured E Huan.

He was taken to the tent of Zhuge Liang, who bade his attendants loose his bonds, gave him wine and comforted him.

Then Zhuge Liang asked, “Whom do you belong to?”

E Huan replied, “I am one of the generals under Gao Ding.”

“I know Gao Ding as a loyal and good sort, but he has been led away by this Yong Kai. Now I shall release you, but you are to bring Gao Ding to his senses and see to it that he comes to surrender and avoids grave disaster.”

E Huan thanked him and withdrew. He went to his own side and soon saw Gao Ding. He told Gao Ding what Zhuge Liang had said, and Zhuge Liang's kindly feeling deeply affected Gao Ding.

Next day, Yong Kai came over to Gao Ding's camp to visit him. After the exchange of salutations, Yong Kai asked, “How did E Huan manage to return?”

“Zhuge Liang released him out of pure kindness,” replied Gao Ding.

“This is a ruse of his to separate you from me: he wishes to make us enemies.”

Gao Ding almost believed this too, and he was much perplexed.

Just then the watchers reported that the leaders of Shu had come up and were offering battle. So Yong Kai led out thirty thousand troops to take up the challenge. But after the third encounter he fled. Wei Yan pursued him and smote for a distance of seven miles.

Next day Yong Kai challenged, but the soldiers of Shu refused to fight, and remained within their lines for three days. On the fourth day Yong Kai and Gao Ding divided their troops into two parts and came to attack the camp. Now Zhuge Liang had told Wei Yan to wait for this double attack, and so when it came to pass, both divisions fell into an ambush and suffered great loss, many being killed and more captured.

The prisoners were taken to the camp, and the soldiers belonging to the two leaders—Yong Kai and Gao Ding—were confined separately. Then Zhuge Liang told the soldiers to let it be known that only those belonging to Gao Ding would be spared, the others would be put to death. When time had been given for this story to spread among the prisoners, Yong Kai's troops were brought up to the commander's tent.

“Whose soldiers were you?” asked Zhuge Liang.

“Gao Ding's,” cried they all, falsely.

Then they were all pardoned, and, after being given wine and food, they were taken to the frontier and set free.

Next the real Gao Ding's soldiers were brought forward, and the same question was put to them.

“We all really belong to Gao Ding's command,” said they.

In like manner they were pardoned and refreshed with wine and food.

Then Zhuge Liang addressed them, saying, “Yong Kai has just sent a messenger to ask that he may surrender, and he offers to bring with him the heads of Gao Ding and Zhu Bao as a proof of merit. But I will not receive him, and you, since you are Gao Ding's soldiers, shall be released and allowed to return to him. But let there be no ingratitude and fighting again, for if there is, I certainly will not pardon you next time.”

So they thanked their liberator and went away. As soon as they reached their own camp, they told the whole story. Then Gao Ding sent a spy to the camp of Yong Kai to find out what was doing. There the spy met those who had been released, and they were all talking about Zhuge Liang's kindness, and many of them were inclined to desert their own camp for the other.

Although this seemed very satisfactory, yet Gao Ding did not feel convinced, and he sent another man to Zhuge Liang's camp to try to verify the rumor. But this man was captured and taken before the Commander-in-Chief, who pretended that he thought the spy belonged to Yong Kai, and said to him, “Why has your leader failed to send me the heads of Gao Ding and Zhu Bao as he promised? You lot are not very clever, and what are you come to spy out?”

The soldier muttered and mumbled in confusion. But Zhuge Liang gave the man wine and food, and then wrote a letter which he handed to the spy, saying, “You give this letter to your commander, Yong Kai, and tell him to get the job done quickly.”

The spy took the letter and got away. As soon as he reached camp, he gave the letter to Gao Ding and also the message.

Gao Ding read the missive and became very angry.

“I have ever been true to him, and yet he wants to kill me. It is hard to be either friendly or reasonable.”

Then he decided to take E Huan into his confidence, and called him. E Huan was much prejudiced in favor of Zhuge Liang, and said, “Zhuge Liang is a most benevolent man, and it would be ill to turn our backs upon him. It is Yong Kai's fault that we are now rebels, and our best course would be to slay him and betake ourselves to Zhuge Liang.”

“How could it be done?” asked Gao Ding.

“Invite him to a banquet. If he refuses, it means he is a traitor, and then you can attack him in front while I will lie in wait behind his camp to capture him as he runs away.”

They agreed to try this plan; the banquet was prepared and Yong Kai invited. But as Yong Kai's mind was full of suspicion from what his returned soldiers had said, he would not come. That night, as soon as darkness fell, Gao Ding attacked his camp.

Now the soldiers who had been released were imbued with the goodness of Gao Ding all quite ready to help him fight. On the other hand, Yong Kai's troops mutinied against him, and so Yong Kai mounted his steed and fled. Before he had gone far, he found his road blocked by the cohort under E Huan, who galloped out with his halberd and confronted the fugitive. Yong Kai could not defend himself, and was struck down. E Huan decapitated him. As soon as they knew he was dead, his troops joined themselves to Gao Ding, who then went and surrendered to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang received Gao Ding sitting in state in his tent, but at once ordered the lictors to decapitate Gao Ding.

But Gao Ding said, “Influenced by your kindness, Sir, I have brought the head of my colleague as a proof of the sincerity of my surrender; why should I die?”

“You come with false intent; do you think you can hoodwink me?” said Zhuge Liang, laughing.

“What proof have you that I am false?”

Zhuge Liang drew a letter from his box, and said, “Zhu Bao sent this secretly to say he wished to surrender, and he said you and Yong Kai were sworn friends to death. How could you suddenly change your feelings and slay him? That is how I know your treachery.”

“Zhu Bao only tried to make trouble,” cried Gao Ding, kneeling.

Zhuge Liang still refused to believe him, and said, “I cannot believe you without more solid proof. If you would slay Zhu Bao, I could take that as proving you were sincere in your surrender.”

“Do not doubt me. What if I go and capture this man?”

“If you did that, my doubts would be set at rest.”

Thereupon Gao Ding and his subordinate, E Huan, led away their troops to the camp of Zhu Bao. When they were about three miles from his camp, Zhu Bao appeared with a cohort. As soon as they recognized each other, Zhu Bao hastily came forward to parley.

But Gao Ding cried out to him, “Why did you write a letter to the Prime Minister and so intrigue with him to get me killed?”

Zhu Bao stared open mouthed and could not reply. Then E Huan rode out from behind his chief and struck Zhu Bao with his halberd so that he fell to the ground.

Thereupon Gao Ding shouted, “The soldiers should either yield or be slain!”

And they yielded in a body.

Gao Ding then went back to Zhuge Liang and offered the head of the man just slain.

Zhuge Liang laughed again. “I have made you kill both these as a proof of loyalty.”

Then he created Gao Ding Governor of Yiazhou and chief of three territories, while E Huan was made General. Thus the three divisions were disposed of and troubled the peace no more.

Governor Wang Kang of Yongchang then came out of the city and welcomed Zhuge Liang; and, when Zhuge Liang had made his entry into that city, he called Wang Kang and asked, “Who has aided you in the defense of this city?”

The Governor said, “The safety of this city is due entirely to Lu Kai.”

So Lu Kai was called. He came and bowed.

Zhuge Liang said, “Long since I heard of you as a remarkable person of this area. We are greatly indebted to you for its safety. Now we wish to conquer the Mangs; have you any advice to offer?”

Lu Kai then produced a map of the country and presented it, saying, “From the time of my appointment, I have felt certain that the southern tribespeople would rise against you, and so I sent secret agents to map out the country and find the strategic points. From that information I prepared this map, which I call 'The Plan to Subdue the Mangs.' I beg you, Sir, to accept it, as it may be of use.”

Then Zhuge Liang took Lu Kai into his service as Military Adviser and Guide. With Lu Kai's help, Zhuge Liang advanced and penetrated deeply into the country.

While the army was advancing, there came a messenger from the court. When he appeared, Zhuge Liang saw it was Ma Su, and he was clothed in white. He was in mourning for his brother, Ma Liang, who had just died.

He said, “I come by special command of the Emperor with gifts of wine and silks for the soldiers.”

When the ceremonies proper on receipt of a mandate from the Emperor had been performed, and the gifts distributed as instructed, Ma Su was asked to remain to talk over matters.

Zhuge Liang said, “I have His Majesty's command to conquer these Mangs. I hear you have some advice to offer, and I should be pleased if you would instruct me.”

“Yes; I have one thing to say that may be worth thinking over. These people refuse to recognize our supremacy, because they think their country is distant and difficult. If you should overcome them today, tomorrow they would revolt. Wherever your army marches, they are overcome and submit; but the day you withdraw the army and attack Cao Pi, they will renew their attack. In arms even it is best to attack hearts rather than cities; to fight with sentiment is better than to fight with weapons. It will be well if you can win them over.”

“You read my inmost thoughts,” said Zhuge Liang.

Then Ma Su was retained with the army as Military Adviser, and the army marched on.

When the King of the Mangs, Meng Huo, heard how cleverly Zhuge Liang had got rid of Yong Kai, he called together the leaders of the “Three Ravines” to discuss matters. The chief of the first Ravine was Jinhua Sanjie, of the second Dongtu Na, and of the third Ahui Nan.

These having come to the King's place, he said to them, “Zhuge Liang and his Grand Army has invaded our country, and we must exert our united strength to drive out the invaders. You three must lead your forces, and whoever conquers the enemy shall be chief of chiefs.”

It was arranged that Jinhua Sanjie should march in the center division, Dongtu Na on the left, and Ahui Nan on the right. Each division was fifty thousand tribesmen.

When the scouts made out that the Mang armies were coming, they at once told Zhuge Liang, who called Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to his side, but gave them no orders.

Next he sent for Wang Ping and Ma Zhong, and said to them, “I cannot send Zhao Yun and Wei Yan against the Mangs because they do not know the country. You two are to go, one against each wing, and the two veteran warriors shall support you. Get your troops ready and start tomorrow at dawn.”

Wang Ping and Ma Zhong took the orders and went out.

Then Zhang Yi and Zhang Ni were given orders: “You two are to march against the center army; you are to act with Wang Ping and Ma Zhong tomorrow. I want to send Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, but I am still afraid they do not know the country well.”

Zhang Yi and Zhang Ni also received the orders and went out. Zhao Yun and Wei Yan now began to feel hurt. Noticing this, Zhuge Liang said, “I have no wish to pass you over, you two, but I fear that if you get too deeply into the country and should fall victims to the Mangs, it will have an ill effect on the others.”

“But what if we did know the geography of the country?” said Zhao Yun.

“All I say to you is to be careful how you do anything,” replied Zhuge Liang.

The two soldiers left and went together to the camp of Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun said, “We are greatly ashamed at being put in the background because we do not know the country. We cannot bear this.”

“Then let us ride out and survey,” said his colleague. “Let us capture a few natives and make them show us the road, and let us defeat these tribesmen.”

They rode off. Before they had gone far they saw a cloud of dust in the distance. Climbing a hill to get a better view, they saw a small party of mounted Mangs coming toward them. The two waited till they were near and then suddenly burst out. The Mangs, taken entirely by surprise, ran away all but a few, who yielded themselves prisoners. The two warriors returned to camp.

The prisoners were given wine and food; and when they had satisfied their hunger, they were questioned.

Said they, “The camp of Chief Jinhua Sanjie is just in front, just by the entrance to the mountains. Near the camp, running east and west, is the Five Valleys. The camps of the other two chiefs—Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan—are behind.”

Having listening to this information, Zhao Yun and Wei Yan got together five thousand troops, took the captured men as guides, and marched out about the second watch. It was a clear night, and the moon gave light to march by.

The first camp was reached about the fourth watch. The Mang soldiers were already awake and preparing their morning meal, as they intended to attack at daylight. Suddenly Zhao Yun and Wei Yan gave a signal of attack, and their troops poured forward. The vigorous and unexpected attack of the two generals threw the camp into confusion. Zhao Yun fought into the center of the camp and encountered Jinhua Sanjie. Both leaders engaged, and Zhao Yun slew Jinhua Sanjie by a spear thrust. Then Zhao Yun dismounted and cut off the head of the Chief.

Then Wei Yan took half the force and went west to the second camp, while Zhao Yun marched east to the third one. By the time they reached the camps, day had dawned. The Mangs also had news of Wei Yan's coming, and drew up the camp to oppose. But when they had got clear, there was a great uproar behind them at the stockade gates, and confusion followed. The reason was the arrival of Wang Ping. Between the two bodies, the Mangs were beaten. Their Chief, Dongtu Na, forced his way out and got away. Wei Yan's soldiers followed, but they could not catch him.

When Zhao Yun led his troops east to attack the third camp in the rear, Ma Zhong made an attack on the front. They scored a success, but the Chief Ahui Nan escaped.

They returned to headquarters, and Zhuge Liang said, “The three parties of Mangs have fled, and Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan escaped; where is the head of Jinhua Sanjie?” Zhao Yun produced it. At the same time he reported: “Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan escaped by abandoning their horses and going over the hills. Therefore, we could not be followed.”

“They are already prisoners,” said Zhuge Liang with a laugh.

The fighting men could not credit it. But soon after Zhang Ni brought out Dongtu Na, and Zhang Yi Ahui Nan.

When the Shu leaders expressed surprise and admiration, Zhuge Liang said, “I had studied the map and knew the positions of the camps. I taunted Zhao Yun and Wei Yan into making a supreme effort into the camp of Jinhua Sanjie; at the same time that I sent other forces under Wang Ping and Ma Zhong, with the purpose to support Zhao Yun and Wei Yan and to force Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan to flee. I felt certain the two chiefs would run away along those small roads, and I set soldiers under Zhang Ni and Zhang Yi on those roads to wait for them. They also were supported.”

They all bowed, saying, “The Prime Minister's calculations are divine and incomprehensible.”

The two captive chiefs were then called. As soon as they appeared, Zhuge Liang loosed their bonds, gave them refreshments and released them, bidding them offend no more. They thanked him for their liberty, and disappeared along a by-road.

Then Zhuge Liang said to his generals, “Tomorrow Meng Huo will come in person to make an attack. We shall probably capture him again.”

Then he summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan and gave them orders. They left, each with five thousand troops. Next he sent Wang Ping. And then he sat in his tent to wait for the result.

The King of the Mangs was sitting in his tent when the scouts told him that his three chiefs had been captured and their armies scattered. It made him very angry, and he quickly got his army ready to march. Soon he met Wang Ping, and, when the armies were arrayed, Wang Ping rode out to the front, saber in his hand. The flaunting banners of the array formation of his foes then opened out, and he saw their ranks. Many generals were on horseback on both sides. In the middle was the King, who advanced to the front. He wore a golden, inlaid head-dress; his belt bore a lion's face as clasp; his boots had pointed toes and were green; he rode a frizzy-haired horse the color of a red hare; he carried at his waist a pair of swords chased with the pine amber.

He looked haughtily at his foes, and then, turning to his generals, said, “It has always been said that Zhuge Liang is a wonderful soldier, but I see that is false. Look at this array with its banners all in confusion and the ranks in disorder. There is not a weapon among all the swords and spears better than ours. If I had only realized this before, I would have fought them long ago. Who dares go out and capture a Shu general to show them what sort of warriors we are?”

At once a general rode toward the leader Wang Ping. His name was Mangya Chang; his weapon was a huge headsman's sword, and he rode a dun pony. Riding up to Wang Ping, the two engaged.

Wang Ping only fought a short time, and then fled. Meng Huo at once ordered his troops on in quick pursuit, and the troops of Shu retreated seven miles or so before the Mangs were near enough to fight. Just as the Mangs thought their enemies were in their power, a great shouting arose and two cohorts appeared, Zhang Ni from the left and Zhang Yi from the right, and attacked. The Mangs could not retreat, and as the force under Wang Ping and Guan Suo also turned upon them, the Mangs were surrounded and lost the day. Meng Huo and some of his generals fought their way out and made for the Brocade Mountains. The troops of Shu followed and forced them forward, and presently there appeared, in front, Zhao Yun.

Meng Huo hastily changed his route to go deeper into the mountains, but Zhao Yun's soldiers spread around, and the Mangs could not make a stand. Here many were captured. Meng Huo and a few horsemen got away into a valley, which, however, soon became too narrow for the horses to advance. Meng Huo then left his horse and crawled up the mountains, but very soon he fell upon Wei Yan, who had been sent with five hundred troops to lie in wait in that very valley. Meng Huo tried to struggle but soon was captured.

The King and his followers were taken to the main camp, where Zhuge Liang was waiting with wine and meat ready for the captives. But his tent was now guarded by soldiers all well armed with snow-glittering weapons, beside the lictors bearing the golden axes, a present from the Emperor, and other insignia of rank. The feather-hatted drummers and clarion players were in front and behind, and the Imperial Guards were extended on both sides. The whole was very imposing and awe-inspiring.

Zhuge Liang was seated at the top of it all and watched the captives as they came forward in crowds. When they were all assembled, he ordered their bonds to be loosed, and then he addressed them.

“You are all simple and well-disposed people who have been led into trouble by Meng Huo. I know your fathers and mothers, your brothers and wives, and your children are anxiously watching from the doorways for your return, and they are cut to dear suffering that the news of defeat and capture has reached their ears. They are weeping bitter tears for you. And so I will set you all free to go home and comfort them.”

After they had been given food and wine and a present of grain, he sent them all away. They went off grateful for the kindness shown them, but they wept as they thanked Zhuge Liang.

Then the guards were told to bring the King before the tent. He came, bound, being hustled forward. He knelt in front of the Commander-in-Chief, who said, “Why did you rebel after the generous treatment you have received from our Emperor?”

“The two Lands of the Rivers belonged to others, and your lord took it from them by force, and gave himself the title of Emperor. My people have lived here for ages, and you and yours invaded my country without the least excuse. How can you talk of rebellion to me?”

“You are my prisoner; will you submit or are you still contumacious?”

“Why should I submit? You happened to find me in a narrow place; that is all.”

“If I release you, what then?”

“If you release me I shall return, and when I have set my army in order, I shall come to fight you again. However, if you catch me once more, I will submit.”

The King's bonds were loosed; he was clothed and refreshed, given a horse and caparisons, and sent with a guide to his own camp.

Once more the captured chieftain is let go,

To yield tribesmen are ever slow.

Further results of this war will be related in the next chapter.