第九十一回

第九十一回 祭泸水汉相班师 伐中原武侯上表

却说孔明班师回国，孟获率引大小洞主酋长，及诸部落，罗拜相送。前军至泸水，时值九月秋天，忽然阴云布合，狂风骤起，兵不能渡。回报孔明，孔明遂问孟获，获曰：“此水原有猖神作祸，往来者必须祭之。”孔明曰：“用何物祭享？”获曰：“旧时国中因猖神作祸，用七七四十九颗人头并黑牛白羊祭之，自然风恬浪静，更兼连年丰稔。”孔明曰：“吾今事已平定，安可妄杀一人？”遂自到泸水岸边观看。果见阴风大起，波涛汹涌，人马皆惊。孔明甚疑，即寻土人问之。土人告说：“自丞相经过之后，夜夜只闻得水边鬼哭神号，自黄昏直至天晓，哭声不绝。瘴烟之内，阴鬼无数，因此作祸，无人敢渡。”孔明曰：“此乃我之罪愆也。前者马岱引蜀兵千馀，皆死于水中。更兼杀死南人，尽弃此处。狂魂怨鬼，不能解释，以致如此。吾今晚当亲自往祭。”土人曰：“须依旧例，杀四十九颗人头为祭，则怨鬼自散也。”孔明曰：“本为人死而成怨鬼，岂可又杀生人耶？吾自有主意。”唤行厨宰杀牛马，和面为剂，塑成人头，内以牛羊等肉代之，名曰“馒头”。当夜于泸水岸上，设香案，铺祭物，列灯四十九盏，扬幡招魂，将馒头等物，陈设于地。三更时分，孔明金冠鹤氅，亲自临祭，令董厥读祭文，其文曰：

维大汉建兴三年秋九月一日，武乡侯、领益州牧、丞相诸葛亮，谨陈祭仪，享于故殁王事蜀中将校及南人亡者阴魂曰：

我大汉皇帝，威胜五霸，明继三王。昨自远方侵境，异俗起兵，纵虿尾以兴妖，恣狼心而逞乱。我奉王命，问罪遐荒；大举貔貅，悉除蝼蚁；雄军云集，狂寇冰消。才闻破竹之声，便是失猿之势。但士卒儿郎，尽是九州豪杰；官僚将校，皆为四海英雄。习武从戎，投明事主，莫不同申三令，共展七擒，齐坚奉国之诚，并效忠君之志。何期汝等偶失兵机，缘落奸计：或为流矢所中，魂掩泉台；或为刀剑所伤，魄归长夜：生则有勇，死则成名。今凯歌欲还，献俘将及。汝等英灵尚在，祈祷必闻：随我旌旗，逐我部曲，同回上国，各认本乡，受骨肉之蒸尝，领家人之祭祀；莫作他乡之鬼，徒为异域之魂。我当奏之天子，使汝等各家尽霑恩露，年给衣粮，月赐廪禄：用兹酬答，以慰汝心。至于本境土神，南方亡鬼，血食有常，凭依不远；生者既凛天威，死者亦归王化，想宜宁帖，毋致号啕。聊表丹诚，敬陈祭祀。呜呼，哀哉！伏惟尚飨！

读毕祭文，孔明放声大哭，极其痛切，情动三军，无不下泪。孟获等众，尽皆哭泣。只见愁云怨雾之中，隐隐有数千鬼魂，皆随风而散。于是孔明令左右将祭物尽弃于泸水之中。

次日，孔明引大军俱到泸水南岸，但见云收雾散，风静浪平。蜀兵安然尽渡泸水，果然“鞭敲金镫响，人唱凯歌还”。行到永昌，孔明留王伉、吕凯守四郡，发付孟获领众自回，嘱其勤政驭下，善抚居民，勿失农务。孟获涕泣拜别而去，孔明自引大军回成都。后主排銮驾出郭三十里迎接，下辇立于道傍，以候孔明。孔明慌下车伏道而言曰：“臣不能速平南方，使主上怀忧，臣之罪也。”后主扶起孔明，并车而回，设太平筵会，重赏三军。自此远邦进贡来朝者二百馀处。孔明奏准后主，将殁于王事者之家，一一优恤。人心欢悦，朝野清平。

却说魏主曹丕，在位七年，即蜀汉建兴四年也。丕先纳夫人甄氏，即袁绍次子袁熙之妇，前破邺城时所得。后生一子，名睿，字元仲，自幼聪明，丕甚爱之。后丕又纳安平广宗人郭永之女为贵妃，甚有颜色，其父尝曰：“吾女乃女中之王也。”故号为“女王”。自丕纳为贵妃，因甄夫人失宠，郭贵妃欲谋为后，却与幸臣张韬商议。时丕有疾，韬乃诈称于甄夫人宫中掘得桐木偶人，上书天子年月日时，为魇镇[1]之事。丕大怒，遂将甄夫人赐死，立郭贵妃为后。因无出[2]，养曹睿为己子，虽甚爱之，不立为嗣。睿年至十五岁，弓马熟娴。当年春二月，丕带睿出猎。行于山坞之间，赶出子母二鹿，丕一箭射倒母鹿，回观小鹿驰于曹睿马前。丕大呼曰：“吾儿何不射之？”睿在马上泣告曰：“陛下已杀其母，臣安忍复杀其子也。”丕闻之，掷弓于地曰：“吾儿真仁德之主也！”于是遂封睿为平原王。

夏五月，丕感寒疾，医治不痊，乃召中军大将军曹真、镇军大将军陈群、抚军大将军司马懿三人入寝宫。丕唤曹睿至，指谓曹真等曰：“今朕病已沉重，不能复生。此子年幼，卿等三人可善辅之，勿负朕心。”三人皆告曰：“陛下何出此言？臣等愿竭力以事陛下，至千秋万岁。”丕曰：“今年许昌城门无故自崩，乃不祥之兆，朕故自知必死也。”正言间，内侍奏征东大将军曹休入宫问安。丕召入谓曰：“卿等皆国家柱石之臣也，若能同心辅朕之子，朕死亦瞑目矣！”言讫，堕泪而薨。时年四十岁，在位七年。于是曹真、陈群、司马懿、曹休等，一面举哀，一面拥立曹睿为大魏皇帝。谥父丕为文皇帝，谥母甄氏为文昭皇后。封钟繇为太傅，曹真为大将军，曹休为大司马，华歆为太尉，王朗为司徒，陈群为司空，司马懿为骠骑大将军。其馀文武官僚，各各封赠。大赦天下。时雍、凉二州缺人守把，司马懿上表乞守西凉等处。曹睿从之，遂封懿提督雍、凉等处兵马，领诏去讫。

早有细作飞报入川。孔明大惊曰：“曹丕已死，孺子曹睿即位。馀皆不足虑，司马懿深有谋略，今督雍、凉兵马，倘训练成时，必为蜀中之大患。不如先起兵伐之。”参军马谡曰：“今丞相平南方回，军马疲敝，只宜存恤，岂可复远征？某有一计，使司马懿自死于曹睿之手，未知丞相钧意允否？”孔明问是何计，马谡曰：“司马懿虽是魏国大臣，曹睿素怀疑忌。何不密遣人往洛阳、邺郡等处，布散流言，道此人欲反，更作司马懿告示天下榜文，遍贴诸处，使曹睿心疑，必然杀此人也。”孔明从之，即遣人密行此计去了。

却说邺城门上，忽一日见贴下告示一道。守门者揭了，来奏曹睿。睿观之，其文曰：

骠骑大将军总领雍、凉等处兵马事司马懿，谨以信义布告天下：昔太祖武皇帝，创立基业，本欲立陈思王子建为社稷主，不幸奸谗交集，岁久潜龙。皇孙曹睿，素无德行，妄自居尊，有负太祖之遗意。今吾应天顺人，克日兴师，以慰万民之望。告示到日，各宜归命新君。如不顺者，当灭九族！先此告闻，想宜知悉。

曹睿览毕，大惊失色，急问群臣。太尉华歆奏曰：“司马懿上表乞守雍、凉，正为此也。先时太祖武皇帝尝谓臣曰：‘司马懿鹰视狼顾，不可付以兵权，久必为国家大祸。’今日反情已萌，可速诛之。”王朗奏曰：“司马懿深明韬略，善晓兵机，素有大志。若不早除，久必为祸。”睿乃降旨，欲兴兵御驾亲征。忽班部中闪出大将军曹真奏曰：“不可。文皇帝托孤于臣等数人，是知司马仲达无异志也。今事未知真假，遽尔加兵，乃逼之反耳。或者蜀、吴奸细行反间之计，使我君臣自乱，彼却乘虚而击，未可知也。陛下幸察之。”睿曰：“司马懿若果谋反，将奈何？”真曰：“如陛下心疑，可仿汉高伪游云梦之计[3]。御驾幸安邑，司马懿必然来迎；观其动静，就车前擒之，可也。”睿从之，遂命曹真监国，亲自领御林军十万，径到安邑。

司马懿不知其故，欲令天子知其威严，乃整兵马，率甲士数万来迎。近臣奏曰：“司马懿果率兵十馀万，前来抗拒，实有反心矣。”睿慌命曹休先领兵迎之。司马懿见兵马前来，只疑车驾亲至，伏道而迎。曹休出曰：“仲达受先帝托孤之重，何故反耶？”懿大惊失色，汗流遍体，乃问其故。休备言前事。懿曰：“此吴、蜀奸细反间之计，欲使我君臣自相残害，彼却乘虚而袭。某当自见天子辨之。”遂急退了军马，至睿车前俯伏泣奏曰：“臣受先帝托孤之重，安敢有异心？必是吴、蜀之奸计。臣请提一旅之师，先破蜀，后伐吴，报先帝与陛下，以明臣心。”睿疑虑未决。华歆奏曰：“不可付之兵权，可即罢归田里。”睿依言，将司马懿削职回乡，命曹休总督雍、凉军马。曹睿驾回洛阳。

却说细作探知此事，报入川中。孔明闻之大喜曰：“吾欲伐魏久矣，奈有司马懿总雍、凉之兵。今既中计遭贬，吾有何忧！”次日，后主早朝，大会官僚，孔明出班，上《出师表》一道。表曰：

臣亮言：先帝创业未半，而中道崩殂。今天下三分，益州罢敝，此诚危急存亡之秋也。然侍卫之臣不懈于内，忠志之士忘身于外者，盖追先帝之殊遇，欲报之于陛下也。诚宜开张圣听，以光先帝遗德，恢弘志士之气；不宜妄自菲薄，引喻失义，以塞忠谏之路也。宫中府中[4]，俱为一体；陟罚臧否，不宜异同。若有作奸犯科及为忠善者，宜付有司论其刑赏，以昭陛下平明之治；不宜偏私，使内外异法也。侍中、侍郎郭攸之、费祎、董允等，此皆良实，志虑忠纯，是以先帝简拔以遗陛下：愚以为宫中之事，事无大小，悉以咨之，然后施行，必得裨补阙漏，有所广益。将军向宠，性行淑均，晓畅军事，试用之于昔日，先帝称之曰“能”，是以众议举宠以为督：愚以为营中之事，事无大小，悉以咨之，必能使行阵和穆，优劣得所也。亲贤臣，远小人，此先汉所以兴隆也；亲小人，远贤臣，此后汉所以倾颓也。先帝在时，每与臣论此事，未尝不叹息痛恨于桓、灵也！侍中、尚书、长史、参军[5]，此悉贞亮死节之臣也，愿陛下亲之、信之，则汉室之隆，可计日而待也。

臣本布衣，躬耕南阳，苟全性命于乱世，不求闻达于诸侯。先帝不以臣卑鄙，猥自枉屈，三顾臣于草庐之中，谘臣以当世之事，由是感激，遂许先帝以驱驰。后值倾覆，受任于败军之际，奉命于危难之间：尔来二十有一年矣。先帝知臣谨慎，故临崩寄臣以大事也。受命以来，夙夜忧虑，恐付托不效，以伤先帝之明，故五月渡泸，深入不毛。今南方已定，甲兵已足，当奖帅三军，北定中原，庶竭驽钝，攘除奸凶，兴复汉室，还于旧都：此臣所以报先帝而忠陛下之职分也。至于斟酌损益，进尽忠言，则攸之、祎、允之任也。愿陛下托臣以讨贼兴复之效，不效则治臣之罪，以告先帝之灵；若无兴复之言，则责攸之、祎、允等之咎，以彰其慢。陛下亦宜自谋，以谘诹善道，察纳雅言，深追先帝遗诏。臣不胜受恩感激！今当远离，临表涕泣，不知所云。

后主览表曰：“相父南征，远涉艰难，方始回都，坐未安席，今又欲北征，恐劳神思。”孔明曰：“臣受先帝托孤之重，夙夜未尝有怠。今南方已平，可无内顾之忧，不就此时讨贼，恢复中原，更待何日？”忽班部中太史谯周出奏曰：“臣夜观天象，北方旺气正盛，星曜倍明，未可图也。”乃顾孔明曰：“丞相深明天文，何故强为？”孔明曰：“天道变易不常，岂可拘执？吾今且驻军马于汉中，观其动静而后行。”谯周苦谏不从。于是孔明乃留郭攸之、董允、费祎等为侍中，总摄宫中之事。又留向宠为大将，总督御林军马；蒋琬为参军；张裔为长史，掌丞相府事；杜琼为谏议大夫；杜微、杨洪为尚书；孟光、来敏为祭酒；尹默、李为博士；郤正、费诗为秘书；谯周为太史。——内外文武官僚一百馀员，同理蜀中之事。

孔明受诏归府，唤诸将听令。前督部：镇北将军、领丞相司马、凉州刺史、都亭侯魏延；前军都督：领扶风太守张翼，牙门将：裨将军王平；后军领兵使：安汉将军、领建宁太守李恢，副将：定远将军、领汉中太守吕义；兼管运粮左军领兵使：平北将军、陈仓侯马岱，副将飞卫将军廖化；右军领兵使：奋威将军、博阳亭侯马忠，抚戎将军、关内侯张嶷；行中军师：车骑大将军、都乡侯刘琰；中监军：扬武将军邓芝；中参军：安远将军马谡；前将军：都亭侯袁；左将军：高阳侯吴懿；右将军：玄都侯高翔；后将军：安乐侯吴班；领长史：绥军将军杨仪；前将军：征南将军刘巴；前护军：偏将军、汉城亭侯许允；左护军：笃信中郎将丁咸；右护军：偏将军刘敏；后护军：典军中郎将官雝；行参军：昭武中郎将胡济；行参军：谏议将军阎晏；行参军：偏将军爨习；行参军：裨将军杜义，武略中郎将杜祺，绥戎都尉盛；从事：武略中郎将樊岐；典军书记：樊建；丞相令史：董厥；帐前左护卫使：龙骧将军关兴，右护卫使：虎翼将军张苞。以上一应官员，都随着平北大都督、丞相、武乡侯、领益州牧、知内外事诸葛亮。分拨已定，又檄李严等守川口以拒东吴。选定建兴五年春三月丙寅日，出师伐魏。忽帐下一老将，厉声而进曰：“我虽年迈，尚有廉颇之勇，马援之雄。此二古人皆不服老，何故不用我耶？”众视之，乃赵云也。孔明曰：“吾自平南回都，马孟起病故，吾甚惜之，以为折一臂也。今将军年纪已高，倘稍有参差，动摇一世英名，减却蜀中锐气。”云厉声曰：“吾自随先帝以来，临阵不退，遇敌则先。大丈夫得死于疆场者，幸也，吾何恨焉？愿为前部先锋！”孔明再三苦劝不住。云曰：“如不教我为先锋，就撞死于阶下！”孔明曰：“将军既要为先锋，须得一人同去——”言未尽，一人应曰：“某虽不才，愿助老将军先引一军前去破敌。”孔明视之，乃邓芝也。孔明大喜，即拨精兵五千，副将十员，随赵云、邓芝去讫。孔明出师，后主引百官送于北门外十里。孔明辞了后主，旌旗蔽野，戈戟如林，率军望汉中迤逦进发。

却说边庭探知此事，报入洛阳。是日曹睿设朝，近臣奏曰：“边官报称：诸葛亮率领大兵三十馀万，出屯汉中，令赵云、邓芝为前部先锋，引兵入境。”睿大惊，问群臣曰：“谁可为将，以退蜀兵？”忽一人应声而出曰：“臣父死于汉中，切齿之恨，未尝得报。今蜀兵犯境，臣愿引本部猛将，更乞陛下赐关西之兵，前往破蜀。上为国家效力，下报父仇，臣万死不恨！”众视之，乃夏侯渊之子夏侯楙也。楙字子休，其性最急，又最吝，自幼嗣与夏侯惇为子。后夏侯渊为黄忠所斩，曹操怜之，以女清河公主招楙为驸马，因此朝中钦敬。虽掌兵权，未尝临阵，当时自请出征，曹睿即命为大都督，调关西诸路军马前去迎敌。司徒王朗谏曰：“不可。夏侯驸马素不曾经战，今付以大任，非其所宜。更兼诸葛亮足智多谋，深通韬略，不可轻敌。”夏侯楙叱曰：“司徒莫非结连诸葛亮，欲为内应耶？吾自幼从父学习韬略，深通兵法。汝何欺我年幼？吾若不生擒诸葛亮，誓不回见天子！”王朗等皆不敢言。夏侯楙辞了魏主，星夜到长安，调关西诸路军马二十馀万，来敌孔明。正是：欲秉白旄麾将士，却教黄吻掌兵权。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 魇（yǎn）镇——据迷信说法，可以暗害人的一种巫术。

[2] 无出——指郭贵妃自己没有生育儿子。

[3] 汉高伪游云梦之计——汉高祖刘邦怀疑楚王韩信谋反，用陈平的计策，假装到云梦去巡游，骗韩信迎接，因而逮住韩信。

[4] 宫中府中——宫中，指皇宫。府中，指丞相府。

[5] 侍中、尚书、长史、参军——侍中指郭攸之、费祎等；尚书指陈震；长史指张裔；参军指蒋琬。

CHAPTER 91. Sacrificing At River Scorpio, The Prime Minister Marches Homeward; Attacking Wei, The Lord Of Wuxiang Presents A Memorial.

Meng Huo at the head of the Mang Chieftains and Notables attended to do honor to the army of Shu on its departure. They reached the River Lu in autumn, the ninth month. But on trying to cross the river, a tremendous storm came and hindered them. Wei Yan having reported his difficulty to Zhuge Liang, Meng Huo was asked if he knew of any reason for such a storm.

Meng Huo replied, “Wild spirits have always troubled those who would cross this river; it is necessary to propitiate them with sacrifices.”

“What is the sacrifice?” asked Zhuge Liang.

“In the old days when malicious spirits brought misfortune, they sacrificed humans to the number of seven sevens and offered their heads. They also slew a black ox and a white goat. Sacrifice thus; the wind will subside and the waters come to rest. The same used to be done to secure a plenteous harvest.”

“How can I slay a single man without good reason now that fighting is done and peace has returned?” said Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang went down to the river to see for himself. The north wind was blowing hard, and the waves were high. Both humans and horses seemed frightened. He himself was perplexed. Then he sought out some of the natives and questioned them.

They said, “We have heard the demons moaning every night since the army crossed the river. The cries begin at dusk and continued till dawn. There are many dark demons in the malarial vapors and no one dared cross.”

“The sin is mine,” said Zhuge Liang, “for more than a thousand soldiers of Ma Dai perished in these waters beside the southern people. Their poor distressed souls are not yet freed. Therefore I will come this night and sacrifice to them.”

“According to the ancient rule the number of victims ought to be forty-nine; then the spirits will disperse,” said the natives.

“As the resentful demons are here because of the deaths of people, where is the sense in slaying more humans? But this will I do. I will make balls of flour paste after the manner of human heads and stuff them with the flesh of oxen and goats. These shall be used instead of human heads, for indeed they be called 'mantou' or 'human heads.'“

By nightfall, an altar had been set up on the bank of the river with the sacrificial objects all arranged. There were also forty-nine lamps. Flags were flying to summon the souls. The “mantou” were piled up on the ground. In the middle of the third watch, at midnight, Zhuge Liang, dressed in Taoist garb, went to offer the sacrifice in person, and he bade Dong Jue read this prayer: “On the first day of the ninth month of the third year of the era Beginning Prosperity of the Han Dynasty, I, Zhuge Liang, Prime Minister of Han, Lord of Wuxiang, Imperial Protector of Yiazhou, reverently order this sacrifice to appease the shades of those soldiers of Shu who have died in their country's service and those of the southern people who have perished.

“I now declare to you, O ye shades, the majesty of my master, the Emperor of the mighty Han Dynasty, excelling that of the Five Feudatories and brilliantly continuing the glory of the three ancient kings. Recently, when the distant south rebelliously invaded his territory, contumeliously sent an army, loosed the venom of their sorcery, and gave free rein to their savagery in rebellion, I was commanded to punish their crimes. Wherefore my brave armies marched and utterly destroyed the contemptible rebels. My brave soldiers gathered like the clouds, and the insensate rebels melted away. Hearing of the easy successes I won, they were entirely demoralized.

“My army consists of heroes from the Nine Regions and officers and people are famous in the empire; all are expert in war and skilled in the use of arms; they go whither light leads them and serve the Emperor. All have exerted themselves to obey orders and carried out the plans for the seven captures of Meng Huo. They were whole-hearted in their service and vied in loyalty. Who could foresee that you, O Spirits, would be sacrificed in the strategy and be involved in the enemies' wicked wiles? Some of you went down to the deep springs wounded by flying arrows; others went out into the long night hurt by lethal weapons. Living you were valorous, dead you left behind a name.

“Now we are returning home. The victors' song is in our mouths and our prisoners accompany us. Your spirits are with us still and certainly hear our prayers. Follow the banners, come with the host, return to your country, each to his own village, where you may enjoy the savor of the meat offerings and receive the sacrifices of your own families. Do not become wandering ghosts in unfamiliar hamlets of restless shades in strange cities. I will memorialize our Emperor that your wives and little ones may enjoy his gracious bounty, every year gifts of food and clothing, every month donations for sustenance. Comfort yourselves with this provision.

“As for you, Spirits of this place, shades of the departed people of the south, here is the usual sacrifice. You are near home. Living you stood in awe of the celestial majesty, dead you come within the sphere of refining influence. It is right that you should hold your peace and refrain from uttering unseemly cries. With bowed head I pray you partake of the sweet savor of this sacrifice.

“Alas, ye dead! To you this offering!”

Zhuge Liang broke into loud lamentations at the end of this prayer and manifested extreme emotion, and the whole army shed tears. Meng Huo and his followers also moaned and wept, and amid the sad clouds and angry mists they saw the vague forms of many demons floating away on the wind till they disappeared.

The material portion of the sacrifice was then thrown into the river. Next day the army stood on the south bank with a clear sky over their heads and calm waters at their feet, the clouds gone and the winds hushed; and the crossing was made without misadventure. They continued their way, whips cracking, gongs clanging, spurs jingling, and ever and anon the song of victory rising over all.

Passing through Yongchang, Wang Kang and Lu Kai were left there in command of the four territories—Yiazhou, Yongchang, Zangge, and Yuesui. And then Meng Huo was permitted to leave. He was ordered to be diligent in his administration, maintain good control, and soothe and care for the people left to him to govern and to see to it that agriculture was promoted. He took leave with tears rolling down his cheeks.

When the army neared Capital Chengdu, the Latter Ruler came out ten miles in state to welcome his victorious minister. The Emperor stood by the roadside as Zhuge Liang came up, and waited.

Zhuge Liang quickly descended from his chariot, prostrated himself and said, “Thy servant has offended in causing his master anxiety; but the conquest of the south was long.”

The Emperor took Zhuge Liang kindly by the hand and raised him. Then the chariots of the Son of God and his minister returned to Chengdu side by side. In the capital were great rejoicings with banquets and rewards for the army. Henceforward distant nations sent tribute to the Imperial Court to the number of two hundred.

As proposed in a memorial, the Emperor provided for the families of the soldiers who had lost their lives in the expedition, and they were made happy. And the whole land enjoyed tranquillity.

The Ruler of Wei, Cao Pi, had now ruled seven years, and it was the fourth year of Beginning Prosperity in Shu-Han calendar. Cao Pi had taken to wife a lady of the Zhen family, formerly the wife of the second son of Yuan Shao. He had discovered Lady Zhen at the sack of Yejun and had married her. She bore him a son, Cao Rui, who was very clever and a great favorite with his father. Later Cao Pi took as Beloved Consort a daughter of Guo Yong in Guangzong. Lady Guo was a woman of exceeding beauty, whom her father said, “She is the king among women,” and the name “Female King” stuck to her. But with Lady Guo's arrival at court, Lady Zhen fell from her lord's favor, and the Beloved Consort's ambition led her to intrigue to replace the Empress. She took Zhang Tao, a minister at the court, into her confidence.

At that time the Emperor was indisposed, and Zhang Tao alleged, saying, “In the palace of the Empress has been dug up a wooden image with Your Majesty's date of birth written thereon. It is meant to exercise a maleficent influence.”

Cao Pi in his anger forced his Empress to commit suicide; and he set up the Beloved Consort in her place.

But Lady Guo had no issue. Wherefore she nourished Cao Rui as her own. However, loved as Cao Rui was, he was not then named heir.

When he was about fifteen, Cao Rui, who was an expert archer and a daring rider, accompanied his father to the hunt. In a gully they started a doe and its fawn. Cao Pi shot the doe, while the fawn fled. Seeing that the fawn's course led past his son's horse, Cao Pi called out to him to shoot it. Instead the youth bursts into tears.

“Your Majesty has slain the mother; how can one kill the child as well?”

The words struck the Emperor with remorse. He threw aside his bow, saying, “My son, you would make a benevolent and virtuous ruler.”

From this circumstance Cao Pi decided that Cao Rui should succeed, and conferred upon him the princedom of Pingyuan.

In the fifth month the Emperor fell ill, and medical treatment was of no avail. So the chief officers were summoned to the bedside of the Emperor. They were Commander of the Central Army Cao Zhen, General Who Guards the West Chen Qun, and Grand Commander Sima Yi. When they had come, the Emperor's son was called, and the dying Emperor spoke thus: “I am grievously ill, and my end is near. I confide to your care and guidance this son of mine; you must support him out of good feeling for me.”

“Why does Your Majesty talk thus?” said they. “We will do our utmost to serve you for a thousand autumns and a myriad years.”

“No; I know that I am about to die,” said the Emperor. “The sudden fall of the gates of Xuchang this year was the omen, as I well knew.”

Just then the attendants said that General Who Conquers the East Cao Xiu had come to ask after the Emperor's health. They were told to call Cao Xiu into the chamber.

When he had entered, Cao Pi said to him, “You and these three are the pillars and cornerstones of the state. If you will only uphold my son, I can close my eyes in peace.”

These were his last words. A flood of tears gushed forth, and Cao Pi sank back on the couch dead. He was forty years of age and had reigned seven years (AD 229).

The four ministers raised the wailing for the dead and forthwith busied themselves with setting up Cao Rui as the Emperor of Great Wei. The late Emperor received the posthumous style of “Emperor Pi.” The late Empress, the consort who had suffered death, was styled “Empress Zhen.”

Honors were distributed freely in celebration of the new reign. Zhong Yao was made Imperial Guardian; Cao Zhen, Regent Marshal; Cao Xiu, Minister of War; Hua Xin, Grand Commander; Wang Lang, Minister of the Interior; Chen Qun, Minister of Works; Sima Yi, Imperial Commander of the Flying Cavalry; and many others, conspicuous and obscure, were promoted. A general amnesty was declared throughout all the land.

About this time a vacancy existed in the governorship of Xizhou and Xiliang. Sima Yi asked for the post and got it. He left for his new office as soon as he had received the appointment.

In due time the news of all these doings reached Zhuge Liang and perturbed him not a little.

He was anxious, saying, “Cao Pi is dead, and his son Cao Rui has succeeded him. But that is not my concern. Only I am worried about Sima Yi, who is very crafty and skillful in the art of war, and who, in command of all western forces of Xizhou and Xiliang, may prove a serious danger to Shu. This Sima Yi ought to be attacked at once.”

Counselor Ma Su spoke of this matter. “You, O Minister, have just returned from an arduous and exhausting expedition, and you should take time to recuperate before you undertake such another. However, I have a scheme by which Cao Rui may be brought to work the destruction of Sima Yi. May I lay it before you?”

“What plan have you?” said he.

“The young emperor has no confidence in Sima Yi although Sima Yi is a high minister of state. Now send someone secretly to Luoyang and Yejun to disseminate reports that Sima Yi is about to rebel. Further, prepare a proclamation in his name and post it up so as to cause Cao Rui to mistrust him and put him to death.”

Zhuge Liang adopted the suggestion.

Whence it came about that a notice suddenly appeared on the city gate of Yejun. The wardens of the gate took it down and sent it to Cao Rui. This is what it said:

“I, Sima Yi, Imperial Commander of the Flying Cavalry, Commander of the Forces of Xizhou and Xiliang, confident in the universal principles of right, now inform the empire, saying:

“The Founder of this Dynasty, Emperor Cao, established himself with the design of recurring the empire to the Lord of Linzi Cao Zhi. Unfortunately, calumny spread abroad, and the Emperor could not manifest himself for many years. His grandson, Cao Rui, does not follow a virtuous course, though sitting in the high place, and has not fulfilled the great intention of his ancestor. Now I, in accordance with the will of Heaven and favoring the desires of the people, have decided upon a day to set my army in motion in order to secure the wish of the people; and when that day arrives, I call upon each one to gather to his lord; and I will destroy utterly the family of any who shall disobey. You are hereby informed that you may all know.”

This document frightened the young Emperor, and he turned pale. At once he called a council of his officials to consider it.

Hua Xin said, “That was the reason for his having requested the governorship of Xizhou and Xiliang. Now Emperor Cao, the Founder of Great Wei, frequently said to me that Sima Yi was ambitious and hungry, and should not be entrusted with military authority lest he harm the state. This is the first beginning of rebellion, and the author should be put to death.”

Wang Lang said, “Sima Yi is a master of strategy and skilled in tactics. Moreover, he is ambitious and will cause mischief if he be allowed to live.”

Wherefore Cao Rui wrote a command to raise an army, which he would lead to punish the minister.

Suddenly Cao Zhen stood forth from the rank of military officers and said, “What you advise is impossible. His late Majesty, Emperor Pi, confided his son to the care of certain officers of state, of whom Sima Yi is one, wherefore it is certain that he felt sure of his probity. So far nothing is known certainly. If you hastily send an army to repress him, you may force him into rebellion. This may be but one of the base tricks of Shu or Wu to cause dissension in our midst so that occasion be found to further their own aims. As no one knows, I pray Your Majesty reflect before you do anything.”

“Supposing Sima Yi really contemplates a revolt; what then?” said Cao Rui.

Cao Zhen replied, “If Your Majesty suspects him, then do as did Liu Bang the Supreme Ancestor of Han when, under pretense of taking a trip on the Lake Yunmeng, he summoned his vassals—and seized Han Xin, who had been denounced. Go to Anyi; Sima Yi will assuredly come out to meet you, and his actions and demeanor may be watched closely. He can be arrested if needed.”

Cao Rui changed his mind. Leaving Cao Zhen to regulate the affairs of state, the young Emperor went out with the Imperial Guards, to the number of one hundred thousand, and traveled to Anyi.

Ignorant of the reason of the Emperor's coming, and anxious to show off his dignity, Sima Yi went to welcome his ruler in all the pomp of a commander of a great army.

As Sima Yi approached, the courtiers told the Emperor, saying, “Sima Yi's defection is certain since such a large army can only mean that he is prepared to resist.”

Whereupon Cao Xiu, with a large force, was sent in front to meet him. Sima Yi thought the Imperial Chariot was coming, and he advanced alone and stood humbly by the roadside till Cao Xiu came up.

Cao Xiu advanced and said, “Friend, His late Majesty entrusted you with the heavy responsibility of caring for his son; why are you in revolt?”

Sima Yi turned pale, and a cold sweat broke out all over him as he asked the reason for such a charge. Cao Xiu told him what had occurred.

“This is a vile plot on the part of our rivals, Shu and Wu, to cause dissension,” said Sima Yi. “It is a design to make the Emperor work evil upon his ministers that thereby another may profit. I must see the Son of Heaven and explain.”

Ordering his army to retire, Sima Yi went forward alone to the Emperor's chariot, bowed low and said, weeping “His late Majesty gave me charge of his son; could I betray him? This is a wile of the enemy. I crave permission to lead an army, first to destroy Shu and then to attack Wu, whereby to show my gratitude to the late Emperor and Your Majesty and manifest my own true heart.”

However, Cao Rui did not feel quite convinced, and Hua Xin said, “In any case withdraw his military powers and let him go into retirement.”

And thus it was decided. Sima Yi was forced to retire to his native village. Cao Xiu succeeded to his command, and Cao Rui returned to Luoyang.

Zhuge Liang rejoiced when they told him of the success that had attended the ruse.

“Sima Yi and the forces he commanded in Xizhou and Xiliang have been the obstacles in my long-wished-for attack on Wei. Now he has fallen, I have no more anxiety.”

At the first great assembly of officers at court, Zhuge Liang stepped forth and presented to the Ruler of Shu a memorial on the expedition he contemplated.

“The First Ruler had accomplished but half his great task at his death. At this moment the empire is in three parts, and our country is weak; it is a most critical moment for us. Still, ministers are not remiss in the capital, and loyal and devoted soldiers sacrifice their lives abroad, for they still remember the special kindness of the First Ruler and wish to show their gratitude to him by service to Your Majesty. Therefore it would be indeed fitting that you should extend your holy virtue to glorify his virtuous memory in the stimulation of the will of your purposeful officers. Your Majesty should not lose yourself in the pursuit of mean things, quoting phrases to confound the eternal principles of rectitude and so preventing remonstrance from honest people. One rule applies to the palace of the Emperor and the residence of a courtier; there must be one law rewarding the good and punishing the evil. Evil-doers and law-breakers, as also true and good people, should be dealt with according to their deserts by the officers concerned in order to manifest Your Majesty's impartial and enlightened administration. Partiality is wrong, as is one law for the court and another for the regions.

“The High Ministers Fei Yi, Guo Youzhi, and Dong Yun are honest men, devotedly anxious to be loyal to the last degree; wherefore His late Majesty chose them in his testament. My advice is to consult them in all palace matters, great or small, before taking action. Your Majesty will reap the enormous advantage of having any failings corrected.

“General Xiang Chong is a man of well-balanced temperament, versed in military matters, to whom, after testing him, the late Emperor applied the epithet 'capable.' The consensus of opinion is that he should be Commander-in-Chief. My advice is to consult him in all military matters, great or small, whereby your military forces will yield their maximum, each one being employed to the best advantage. “Attract worthy people; repel mean ones. This policy achieved the glory of the Former Hans, while its reversal ruined the Latter Hans. When the late Emperor was with us, he often discussed this with your servant, and he took much to heart the story of Emperors Huan and Ling.

“The Chair of the Secretariat Chen Zhen, Commander Zhang Yi, and Minister Jiang Wan are both incorruptible and enlightened people, honest to the death. I wish that Your Majesty should have them near and hold them in confidence. If this be done, then the glory of the House of Han will be quickly consummated.

“I was originally a private person, a farmer in Nanyang, concerned only to secure personal safety in a troubled age and not seeking conversation with the contending nobles. His late Majesty, the First Ruler, overlooking the commonness of my origin, condescended to seek me thrice in my humble cot and consult me on the trend of events. His magnanimity affected me deeply, and I consented to do my utmost for him. Then came defeat, and I took office at a moment of darkest outlook and at a most difficult crisis. This is twenty-one years ago. The First Ruler recognized my diligent care, and when dying he confided the great task to me. From that day I have lived a life of anxiety lest I should fail in my trust and so dim his glory.

“That is why I undertook the expedition to the lands beyond the River Lu. Now the Southern Mang has been quelled, and our army is in good condition. I ought to lead it against the north, where I may meet with a measure of success in the removal of the wicked ones, the restoration of Han and a return to the old capital. This is my duty out of gratitude to the late Emperor and loyalty to Your Majesty. As to a discussion of the pros and cons and giving a true version of the whole matter, that belongs to Guo Youzhi and Fei Yi and Dong Yun. I desire Your Majesty to confide to me the task of slaying the rebels and restoring the Hans. If I fail, then punish me by telling the spirit of the late Emperor. If you know not what restoration implies, that is the fault of your advisers.

“Your Majesty should take pains to be guided into the right path and examine carefully what is laid before you, carefully remembering the late Emperor's testament.

“I cannot express what would be my delight if you had the goodness to accept and act on my advice.

“Now I am about to depart on a distant expedition, I write this with tears and clearly know what I have said.”

The Emperor read it through and said, “My Father-Minister, you have only just returned from a distant and fatiguing expedition against the Southern Mangs; you are not yet refreshed, and I fear this march to the north will be almost too much even for you.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “The heaviest responsibility lies upon me, the well-being of Your Majesty confided to me by the First Ruler. My efforts may not be relaxed night or day. The south is at rest, at home is no anxiety; what better time could be hoped for to destroy the rebels and recover the capital?”

Forth from the ranks of courtiers stood Minister Qiao Zhou and said, “I have studied the aspect of the stars; the northern quarter is brilliant and strong. The scheme will not speed.”

Then turning toward the Prime Minister, he continued, “You, O Minister, understand the mysteries of the skies; why do you oppose the stars?”

“Because the stars are in infinite changes,” replied Zhuge Liang. “One may rely on the stars too much. Moreover, I have already sent the army into Hanzhong, where I shall act as soon as I have studied what is afoot.” Qiao Zhou pleaded in vain; Zhuge Liang was too strongly set upon his purpose to yield. So Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, and Fei Yi were ordered to attend to matters in the palace; Xiang Chong was to control all military affairs and forces; Jiang Wan was made Military Adviser; Chen Zhen became Chair of the Secretariat; Zhang Yi, Controller of the Prime Minister's palace; Du Qiong, Imperial Censor; Du Wei and Yang Hong, Ministers; Meng Guang and Lai Min, Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan, Academicians; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi, General Secretaries; Qiao Zhou, Imperial Recorder; and others to the number of over a hundred, all to manage the administration of Shu in the absence of Zhuge Liang.

After having received his Emperor's command to lead an expedition against the North, Zhuge Liang returned to his palace and summoned the officers of the army to listen to the orders. And they came, and to each was appointed a duty in the great army of Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief of the North-conquering Expedition, Prime Minister of Shu, Lord of Wuxiang, Imperial Protector of Yiazhou, Director of Internal and External Affairs.

Wei Yan was made Commander of the Front Army; Li Hui, Commander of the Rear Army; Ma Dai, Commander of the Left Army; Ma Zhong, Commander of the Right Army; Liu Yan, Deng Zhi, and Ma Su, Commanders of the Central Army; Guan Xing, Commander of the Left Guard; Zhang Bao, Commander of the Right Guard; Zhang Ni, Wang Ping, Wu Yi, Wu Ban, Liao Hua, Liu Ba, Gao Xiang, and others, Marching Generals; Yan Yan, Hu Ji, Cuan Xi, Yang Yi, and others, Military Counselors; Fan Jian, Dong Jue, Guan Yong, and others, Secretaries and Recorders; Ding Xian and others, Officers of the Commissariat.

Li Yan was given the task of guarding the passes against Wu.

All being ready, a day was chosen for the start: the fifth year, the third month, on the day of “tiger.”

After the appointments had all been made, there came forward a veteran who had listened in vain for the duty assigned him.

“Old I may be,” said he, “yet have I still the valor of Lian Po and the heroism of Ma Yuan. Why am I thought useless any more than these two who refused to acknowledge old age?”

It was Zhao Yun.

Zhuge Liang said, “I have lost my friend Ma Chao by illness since I returned from the Southern Expedition, and I feel as I had lost an arm. Now, General, you must own that the years are mounting up. Any slight lapse would not only shake the life-long reputation of yourself, but might have a bad effect on the whole army.”

Zhao Yun replied bitterly, “I have never quailed in the presence of the enemy from the day I first joined the First Ruler; I have ever pressed to the front. It is a happy ending for a person of valor to die on the frontier. Think you that I should resent it? Let me lead the van, I pray.”

Zhuge Liang used all his skill to dissuade the veteran, but in vain; he was set on it, threatening suicide if this honor was refused him. At last Zhuge Liang yielded an the condition that he would accept a colleague.

“I will go to help the veteran leader,” cried Deng Zhi, without a moment's hesitation. “I am not worth much, but I will help lead the attack on the enemy.”

Accordingly five thousand of veterans were chosen for the advanced guard, and with them, to assist Zhao Yun, went Deng Zhi and ten other generals. After the vanguard had set out, the main body marched by the north gate, the Emperor himself going to see his minister start. The farewell was taken three miles from the gate, in the face of the grand army with its banners and pennons flaunting in the wind, and spears and swords gleaming in the sun.

Then they took the road leading to Hanzhong.

Naturally, this movement was duly reported in Luoyang at a court held by Cao Rui, when a minister said, “A report from the border stations says that Zhuge Liang has marched three hundred thousand troops into Hanzhong. Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi are leading the advanced guard.”

The report alarmed the Emperor, and he asked, “Who can lead an army to repel the advance?”

At once out spoke one, saying, “My father died in Hanzhong, and to my bitter resentment his death is unavenged. Now I desire to lead the army against Shu, and I pray that the armies west of the Pass may be given me for this purpose. I shall render a service to the state, as well as taking vengeance for my father. I care not what fate may befall me.”

The speaker was Xiahou Yuan's son, Xiahou Mao. He was by nature very impulsive and also very miserly. When young he had been adopted by Xiahou Dun. When Xiahou Yuan was killed by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao was moved and married Xiahou Mao to one of his daughters, Princess Qinghe, so that he was an Emperor's son-in-law. As such he enjoyed great deference at court. But although he held a military commission, he had never been with the army. However, as he requested the command, he was made Commander-in-Chief to get the western army ready to march.

The Minister Wang Lang spoke against the appointment, saying, “The appointment is wrong. Xiahou Mao, the Son-in-Law, has never seen a battle and is unsuitable for this post, especially when his opponent is the clever and crafty Zhuge Liang, a man thoroughly versed in strategy.”

“I suppose you have arranged with Zhuge Liang to be his ally,” sneered Xiahou Mao. “Ever since I was a boy, I have studied strategy, and I am well acquainted with army matters. Why do you despise my youth? Unless I capture this Zhuge Liang, I pledge myself never again to see the Emperor's face.”

Wang Lang and his supporters were silenced. Xiahou Mao took leave of the Ruler of Wei and hastened to Changan to get his army in order. He had two hundred thousand troops from the western areas.

He would go to battle, take the signal flags in grip,

But could he play the leader, he a lad with callow lip?

The next chapter will deal with this campaign.