第九十八回

第九十八回 追汉军王双受诛 袭陈仓武侯取胜

却说司马懿奏曰：“臣尝奏陛下，言孔明必出陈仓，故以郝昭守之，今果然矣。彼若从陈仓入寇，运粮甚便。今幸有郝昭、王双守把，不敢从此路运粮。其馀小道，搬运艰难。臣算蜀兵行粮止有一月，利在急战，我军只宜久守。陛下可降诏，令曹真坚守诸路关隘，不要出战。不须一月，蜀兵自走。那时乘虚而击之，诸葛亮可擒也。”睿欣然曰：“卿既有先见之明，何不自引一军以袭之？”懿曰：“臣非惜身重命，实欲存下此兵，以防东吴陆逊耳。孙权不久必将僭号称尊，如称尊号，恐陛下伐之，定先入寇也。臣故欲以兵待之。”正言间，忽近臣奏曰：“曹都督奏报军情。”懿曰：“陛下可即令人告戒曹真：凡追赶蜀兵，必须观其虚实，不可深入重地，以中诸葛亮之计。”睿即时下诏，遣太常卿韩暨持节告戒曹真：“切不可战，务在谨守。只待蜀兵退去，方才击之。”司马懿送韩暨于城外，嘱之曰：“吾以此功让与子丹，公见子丹，休言是吾所陈之意，只道天子降诏，教保守为上。追赶之人，大要仔细，勿遣性急气躁者追之。”暨辞去。

却说曹真正升帐议事，忽报天子遣太常卿韩暨持节至。真出寨接入，受诏已毕，退与郭淮、孙礼计议。淮笑曰：“此乃司马仲达之见也。”真曰：“此见若何？”淮曰：“此言深识诸葛亮用兵之法。久后能御蜀兵者，必仲达也。”真曰：“倘蜀兵不退，又将如何？”淮曰：“可密令人去教王双，引兵于小路巡哨，彼自不敢运粮。待其粮尽兵退，乘势追击，可获全胜。”孙礼曰：“某去祁山虚妆做运粮兵，车上尽装干柴茅草，以硫黄焰硝灌之，却教人虚报陇西运粮到。若蜀人无粮，必然来抢。待入其中，放火烧车，外以伏兵应之，可胜矣。”真喜曰：“此计大妙！”即令孙礼引兵依计而行。又遣人教王双引兵于小路上巡哨，郭淮引兵提调箕谷、街亭，令诸路军马守把险要。真又令张辽子张虎为先锋，乐进子乐为副先锋，同守头营，不许出战。

却说孔明在祁山寨中，每日令人挑战，魏兵坚守不出。孔明唤姜维等商议曰：“魏兵坚守不出，是料吾军中无粮也。今陈仓转运不通，其馀小路盘涉艰难，吾算随军粮草，不敷一月用度，如之奈何？”正踌躇间，忽报：“陇西魏军运粮数千车于祁山之西，运粮官乃孙礼也。”孔明曰：“其人如何？”有魏人告曰：“此人曾随魏主出猎于大石山，忽惊起一猛虎，直奔御前，孙礼下马拔剑斩之，从此封为上将军。乃曹真心腹人也。”孔明笑曰：“此是魏将料吾乏粮，故用此计。车上装载者，必是茅草引火之物。吾平生专用火攻，彼乃欲以此计诱我耶？彼若知吾军去劫粮车，必来劫吾寨矣。可将计就计而行。”遂唤马岱分付曰：“汝引三千军径到魏兵屯粮之所，不可入营，但于上风头放火。若烧着车仗，魏兵必来围吾寨。”又差马忠、张嶷各引五千兵在外围住，内外夹攻。三人受计去了。又唤关兴、张苞分付曰：“魏兵头营接连四通之路。今晚若西山火起，魏兵必来劫吾营。汝二人却伏于魏寨左右，只等他兵出寨，汝二人便可劫之。”又唤吴班、吴懿分付曰：“汝二人各引一军伏于营外。如魏兵到，可截其归路。”孔明分拨已毕，自在祁山上凭高而坐。魏兵探知蜀兵要来劫粮，慌忙报与孙礼，礼令人飞报曹真。真遣人去头营分付张虎、乐：“看今夜山西火起，蜀兵必来救应。可以出军，如此如此。”二将受计，令人登楼专看号火。

却说孙礼把军伏于山西，只待蜀兵到。是夜二更，马岱引三千兵来，人皆衔枚，马尽勒口，径到山西。见许多车仗，重重叠叠，攒绕成营，车仗虚插旌旗。正值西南风起，岱令军士径去营南放火，车仗尽着，火光冲天。孙礼只道蜀兵到，魏寨内放号火，急引兵一齐掩至。背后鼓角喧天，两路兵杀来，乃是马忠、张嶷，把魏军围在垓心。孙礼大惊。又听的魏军中喊声起，一彪军从火光边杀来，乃是马岱。内外夹攻，魏兵大败。火紧风急，人马乱窜，死者无数。孙礼引中伤军，突烟冒火而走。

却说张虎在营中望见火光，大开寨门，与乐尽引人马，杀奔蜀寨来，寨中却不见一人。急收军回时，吴班、吴懿两路兵杀出，断其归路。张、乐二将急冲出重围，奔回本寨，只见土城之上，箭如飞蝗，原来却被关兴、张苞袭了营寨。魏兵大败，皆投曹真寨来。方欲入寨，只见一彪败军飞奔而来，乃是孙礼，遂同入寨见真，各言中计之事。真听知，谨守大寨，更不出战。蜀兵得胜，回见孔明。

孔明令人密授计与魏延，一面教拔寨齐起。杨仪曰：“今已大胜，挫尽魏兵锐气，何故反欲收军？”孔明曰：“吾兵无粮，利在急战。今彼坚守不出，吾受其病矣。彼今虽暂时兵败，中原必有添益，若以轻骑袭吾粮道，那时要归不能。今乘魏兵新败，不敢正视蜀兵，便可出其不意，乘机退去。所忧者但魏延一军，在陈仓道口拒住王双，急不能脱身。吾已令人授以密计，教斩王双，使魏人不敢来追。只今后队先行。”当夜，孔明只留金鼓手在寨中打更。一夜兵已尽退，只落空营。

却说曹真正在寨中忧闷，忽报左将军张郃领军到。郃下马入帐，谓真曰：“某奉圣旨，特来听调。”真曰：“曾别仲达否？”郃曰：“仲达分付云：‘吾军胜，蜀兵必不便去；若吾军败，蜀兵必即去矣。’今吾军失利之后，都督曾往哨探蜀兵消息否？”真曰：“未也。”于是即令人往探之，果是虚营，只插着数十面旌旗，兵已去了二日也。曹真懊悔无及。

且说魏延受了密计，当夜二更拔寨，急回汉中。早有细作报知王双。双大驱军马，并力追赶。追到二十馀里，看看赶上，见魏延旗号在前，双大叫曰：“魏延休走！”蜀兵更不回头。双拍马赶来。背后魏兵叫曰：“城外寨中火起，恐中敌人奸计。”双急勒马回时，只见一片火光冲天，慌令退军。行到山坡左侧，忽一骑马从林中骤出，大喝曰：“魏延在此！”王双大惊，措手不及，被延一刀砍于马下。魏兵疑有埋伏，四散逃走。延手下止有三十骑人马，望汉中缓缓而行。后人有诗赞曰：

孔明妙算胜孙庞，耿若长星照一方。进退行兵神莫测，陈仓道口斩王双。

原来魏延受了孔明密计：先教存下三十骑，伏于王双营边，只待王双起兵赶时，却去他营中放火，待他回寨，出其不意，突出斩之。魏延斩了王双，引兵回到汉中见孔明，交割了人马。孔明设宴大会，不在话下。

且说张郃追蜀兵不上，回到寨中。忽有陈仓城郝昭差人申报，言王双被斩。曹真闻知，伤感不已，因此忧成疾病，遂回洛阳，命郭淮、孙礼、张郃守长安诸道。

却说吴王孙权设朝，有细作人报说：“蜀诸葛丞相出兵两次，魏都督曹真兵损将亡。”于是群臣皆劝吴王兴师伐魏，以图中原，权犹疑未决。张昭奏曰：“近闻武昌东山，凤凰来仪；大江之中，黄龙屡现。主公德配唐、虞，明并文、武，可即皇帝位，然后兴兵。”多官皆应曰：“子布之言是也。”遂选定夏四月丙寅日，筑坛于武昌南郊。是日，群臣请权登坛即皇帝位，改黄武八年为黄龙元年。谥父孙坚为武烈皇帝，母吴氏为武烈皇后，兄孙策为长沙桓王。立子孙登为皇太子，命诸葛瑾长子诸葛恪为太子左辅，张昭次子张休为太子右弼。

恪字元逊，身长七尺，极聪明，善应对，权甚爱之。年六岁时，值东吴筵会，恪随父在座。权见诸葛瑾面长，乃令人牵一驴来，用粉笔书其面曰：“诸葛子瑜”。众皆大笑。恪趋至前，取粉笔添二字于其下曰：“诸葛子瑜之驴”。满座之人，无不惊讶。权大喜，遂将驴赐之。又一日，大宴官僚，权命恪把盏。巡至张昭面前，昭不饮，曰：“此非养老之礼也。”权谓恪曰：“汝能强子布饮乎？”恪领命，乃谓昭曰：“昔姜尚父年九十，秉旄仗钺，未尝言老。今临阵之日，先生在后，饮酒之日，先生在前。何谓不养老也？”昭无言可答，只得强饮。权因此爱之，故命辅太子。张昭佐吴王，位列三公之上，故以其子张休为太子右弼。又以顾雍为丞相，陆逊为上将军，辅太子守武昌。权复还建业，群臣共议伐魏之策。张昭奏曰：“陛下初登宝位，未可动兵。只宜修文偃武，增设学校，以安民心，遣使入川，与蜀同盟，共分天下，缓缓图之。”

权从其言，即令使命星夜入川，来见后主。礼毕，细奏其事。后主闻知，遂与群臣商议，众议皆谓孙权僭逆，宜绝其盟好。蒋琬曰：“可令人问于丞相。”后主即遣使到汉中问孔明。孔明曰：“可令人赍礼物入吴作贺，乞遣陆逊兴师伐魏。魏必命司马懿拒之。懿若南拒东吴，我再出祁山，长安可图也。”后主依言，遂令太尉陈震，将名马、玉带、金珠、宝贝，入吴作贺。震至东吴，见了孙权，呈上国书。权大喜，设宴相待，打发回蜀。权召陆逊入，告以西蜀约会兴兵伐魏之事。逊曰：“此乃孔明惧司马懿之谋也。既与同盟，不得不从。今却虚作起兵之势，遥与西蜀为应。待孔明攻魏急，吾可乘虚取中原也。”即时下令，教荆襄各处都要训练人马，择日兴师。

却说陈震回到汉中，报知孔明。孔明尚忧陈仓不可轻进，先令人去哨探。回报说：“陈仓城中郝昭病重。”孔明曰：“大事成矣。”遂唤魏延、姜维分付曰：“汝二人领五千兵，星夜直奔陈仓城下，如见火起，并力攻城。”二人俱未深信，又来告曰：“何日可行？”孔明曰：“三日都要完备。不须辞我，即便起行。”二人受计去了。又唤关兴、张苞至，附耳低言，如此如此。二人各受密计而去。

且说郭淮闻郝昭病重，乃与张郃商议曰：“郝昭病重，你可速去替他。我自写表申奏朝廷，别行定夺。”张郃引着三千兵，急来替郝昭。时郝昭病危，当夜正呻吟之间，忽报蜀军到城下了，昭急令人上城守把。时各门上火起，城中大乱，昭听知惊死。蜀兵一拥入城。

却说魏延、姜维领兵到陈仓城下看时，并不见一面旗号，又无打更之人。二人惊疑，不敢攻城。忽听得城上一声炮响，四面旗帜齐竖。只见一人纶巾羽扇，鹤氅道袍，大叫曰：“汝二人来的迟了！”二人视之，乃孔明也。二人慌忙下马，拜伏于地曰：“丞相真神计也！”孔明令放入城，谓二人曰：“吾打探得郝昭病重，吾令汝三日内领兵取城，此乃稳众人之心也。吾却令关兴、张苞，只推点军，暗出汉中。吾即藏于军中，星夜倍道径到城下，使彼不能调兵。吾早有细作在城内放火、发喊相助，令魏兵惊疑不定。兵无主将，必自乱矣。吾因而取之，易如反掌。兵法云：‘出其不意，攻其无备。’正谓此也。”魏延、姜维拜伏。孔明怜郝昭之死，令彼妻小扶灵柩回魏，以表其忠。

孔明谓魏延、姜维曰：“汝二人且莫卸甲，可引兵去袭散关，把关之人，若知兵到，必然惊走。若稍迟便有魏兵至关，即难攻矣。”魏延、姜维受命，引兵径到散关，把关之人，果然尽走。二人上关才要卸甲，遥见关外尘头大起，魏兵到来。二人相谓曰：“丞相神算，不可测度！”急登楼视之，乃魏将张郃也。二人乃分兵守住险道。张郃见蜀兵把住要路，遂令退军。魏延随后追杀一阵，魏兵死者无数，张郃大败而去。延回到关上，令人报知孔明。孔明先自领兵，出陈仓斜谷，取了建威。后面蜀兵陆续进发。后主又命大将陈式来助。孔明驱大兵复出祁山。安下营寨，孔明聚众言曰：“吾二次出祁山，不得其利。今又到此，吾料魏人必依旧战之地，与吾相敌。彼意疑我取雍、郿二处，必以兵拒守。吾观阴平、武都二郡，与汉连接，若得此城，亦可分魏兵之势。何人敢取之？”姜维曰：“某愿往。”王平应曰：“某亦愿往。”孔明大喜，遂令姜维引兵一万取武都，王平引兵一万取阴平。二人领兵去了。

再说张郃回到长安，见郭淮、孙礼，说：“陈仓已失，郝昭已亡，散关亦被蜀兵夺了。今孔明复出祁山，分道进兵。”淮大惊曰：“若如此，必取雍、郿矣！”乃留张郃守长安，令孙礼保雍城。淮自引兵星夜来郿城守御，一面上表入洛阳告急。

却说魏主曹睿设朝，近臣奏曰：“陈仓城已失，郝昭已亡，诸葛亮又出祁山，散关亦被蜀兵夺了。”睿大惊。忽又奏满宠等有表，说：“东吴孙权僭称帝号，与蜀同盟。今遣陆逊在武昌训练人马，听候调用。只在旦夕，必入寇矣。”睿闻知两处危急，举止失措，甚是惊慌。此时曹真病未痊，即召司马懿商议。懿奏曰：“以臣愚意所料，东吴必不举兵。”睿曰：“卿何以知之？”懿曰：“孔明尝思报猇亭之仇，非不欲吞吴也，只恐中原乘虚击彼，故暂与东吴结盟。陆逊亦知其意，故假作兴兵之势以应之，实是坐观成败耳。陛下不必防吴，只须防蜀。”睿曰：“卿真高见！”遂封懿为大都督，总摄陇西诸路军马，令近臣取曹真总兵将印来。懿曰：“臣自去取之。”遂辞帝出朝，径到曹真府下，先令人入府报知，懿方进见。问病毕，懿曰：“东吴、西蜀会合，兴兵入寇，今孔明又出祁山下寨，明公知之乎？”真惊讶曰：“吾家人知我病重，不令我知。似此国家危急，何不拜仲达为都督，以退蜀兵耶？”懿曰：“某才薄智浅，不称其职。”真曰：“取印与仲达。”懿曰：“都督少虑。某愿助一臂之力，只不敢受此印也。”真跃起曰：“如仲达不领此任，中国必危矣！吾当抱病见帝以保之！”懿曰：“天子已有恩命，但懿不敢受耳。”真大喜曰：“仲达今领此任，可退蜀兵。”懿见真再三让印，遂受之，入内辞了魏主，引兵往长安来与孔明决战。正是：旧帅印为新帅取，两路兵惟一路来。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

CHAPTER 98. Pursuing The Shu Army, Wang Shuang Meets His Death; Raiding Chencang, Zhuge Liang Scores A Victory.

Now Sima Yi spoke to the Ruler of Wei, saying, “I have said repeatedly that Zhuge Liang would come against us by way of Chencang; wherefore I set Hao Zhao to guard it. If an enemy did invade, he could easily obtain his supplies by that road; but with Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang on guard there, he will not dare to come that way. It is very difficult to get supplies any other way. Therefore I can give the invaders a month to exhaust their food. Hence their advantage lies in forcing a battle; ours is postponing it as long as possible. Wherefore I pray Your Majesty order Cao Zhen to hold passes and positions tenaciously and on no account to seek battle. In a month the enemy will have to retreat, and that will be our opportunity.”

Cao Rui was pleased to hear so succinct a statement, but he said, “Since, Noble Sir, you foresaw all this so plainly, why did you not lead an army to prevent it?”

“It is not because I grudged the effort, but I had to keep the army here to guard against Lu Xun of Wu. Sun Quan will declare himself 'Emperor' before long. If he does, he will be afraid of Your Majesty's attack, and so he will try to invade us first. I shall be ready to defend our frontier. The army is prepared.”

Just then one of the courtiers announced dispatches from Cao Zhen on military affairs, and Sima Yi closed his speech, saying, “Your Majesty should send someone especially to caution the general to be careful not to be tricked by Zhuge Liang, not to pursue rashly, and never to penetrate deeply into the enemy country.”

The Ruler of Wei gave the order, and he sent the command by the hand of Minister Han Ji and gave him authority to warn Cao Zhen against giving battle.

Sima Yi escorted the royal messenger out of the city and, at parting, said, “I am giving this magnificent opportunity to obtain glory to Cao Zhen, but do not tell him the suggestion was mine; only quote the royal command. Tell him that defense is the best, pursuit is to be most cautious, and he is not to send any impetuous leader to follow up the enemy.”

Han Ji agreed and took leave.

Cao Zhen was deep in affairs connected with his army when they brought news of a royal messenger, but he went forth to bid Han Ji welcome; and when the ceremonial receipt of the edict had come to an end, he retired to discuss matters with Guo Huai and Sun Li.

“That is Sima Yi's idea,” said Guo Huai with a laugh.

“But what of the idea?” asked Cao Zhen.

“It means that the man who perfectly understands Zhuge Liang's plans and who will eventually have to be called in to defeat them is our friend Sima Yi.”

“But if the Shu army holds its ground?” “We will send Wang Shuang to reconnoiter and keep on the move along the by-roads so that they dare not attempt to bring up supplies. They must retreat when they have no more to eat, and we shall be able to beat them.”

Then said Sun Li, “Let me go out to Qishan as if to escort a convoy from Xizhou, only the carts shall be laden with combustibles instead of grain. We will sprinkle sulfur and saltpeter over wood and reeds. The troops of Shu, who lack supplies, will surely seize the convoy and take it to their own camp, when we will set fire to the carts. When they are blazing, our hidden men can attack.”

“It seems an excellent plan,” said Cao Zhen.

And he issued the requisite orders: Sun Li to pretend to escort a convoy; Wang Shuang to prowl about the by-roads; Guo Huai and various generals to command in the Chi Valley, Jieting, and other strategic points. Also Zhang Hu, son of Zhang Liao, was made leader of the van, and Yue Chen, son of Yue Jin, was his second. These two were to remain on guard in the outermost camp.

Now at Qishan, Zhuge Liang sought to bring on a battle, and daily sent champions to provoke a combat. But the men of Wei would not come out.

Then Zhuge Liang called Jiang Wei and certain others to him and said, “I do not know what to do. The enemy refuse battle, because they know we are short of food. We can get none by way of Chencang, and all other roads are very difficult. I reckon the grain we brought with us will not last a month.”

While thus perplexed, they heard that many carts of provisions for Wei were passing by from Xizhou, and the convoy was commanded by Sun Li.

“What is known of this Sun Li?” asked Zhuge Liang.

A certain man of Wei replied, “He is a bold man. Once he was out hunting with the Ruler of Wei on Great Rock Hill, and a tiger suddenly appeared in front of his master's chariot. He jumped off his horse and dispatched the beast with his sword. He was rewarded with a leadership. He is an intimate friend of Cao Zhen.”

“This is a ruse,” said Zhuge Liang. “They know we are short of food, and those carts are only a temptation. They are laden with combustibles. How can they imagine that I shall be deceived by this sort of thing, when I have fought them with fire so many times? If we go to seize the convoy, they will come and raid our camp. But I will meet ruse with ruse.”

Then Zhuge Liang sent Ma Dai with order: “You and three thousand troops are to make your way to the enemy's store camp and, when the wind serves, to start a fire. When the stores are burning, the soldiers of Wei will come to surround our camp. That is how we will provoke a battle.”

He also sent Ma Zhong and Zhang Ni with five thousand troops each to halt near the camp so that they might attack from without.

These having gone, he called Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, and said, “The outermost camp of Wei is on the main road. This night, when the enemy see a blaze, our camp will be attacked, so you two are to lie in wait on the two sides of the Wei camp and seize it when they have left.”

Calling Wu Ban and Wu Yi, he said, “You are to lie in wait outside the camp to cut off the retreat of the force of Wei.” All these arrangements made, Zhuge Liang betook himself to the summit of the Qishan Mountains to watch the results.

The soldiers of Wei heard that their enemies were coming to seize the grain convoy and ran to tell Sun Li, who sent on a message to Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen sent to the chief camp to Zhang Hu and Yue Chen and told them to look out for a signal blaze; that would mean the coming of the army of Shu, and then they were to raid the Shu camp immediately. Watchers were sent on the tower to look out for the promised blaze.

Meanwhile Sun Li marched over and hid in the west hills to await the coming of the men of Shu. That night, at the second watch, Ma Dai came with his three thousand troops all silent, the soldiers with gags, the horses with a lashing round their muzzles. They saw tier after tier of carts on the hills, making an enclosure like a walled camp, and on the carts were planted many flags.

They waited. Presently the southwest wind came up, and then they launched the fire. Soon all the carts were in a blaze that lit up the sky. Sun Li saw the blaze and could only conclude that the troops of Shu had arrived and his own side were giving the signal, so he dashed out to attack. But soon two parties of soldiers were heard behind him closing in. These were Ma Zhong and Zhang Ni, who soon had Sun Li as in a net. Then he heard a third ominous roll of drums, which heralded the approach of Ma Dai from the direction of the blaze.

Under these several attacks, the troops of Wei quailed and gave way. The fire grew more and more fierce. Soldiers ran and horses stampeded, and the dead were too many to count. Sun Li made a dash through the smoke and fire of the battle and got away.

When Zhang Hu and Yue Chen saw the fire, they threw open the gates of their camp and sallied forth to help defeat the army of Shu by seizing their camp. But when they reached the Shu camp, they found it empty. So they hurried to set out to return. That was the moment for Wu Ban and Wu Yi to appear and cut off their retreat. However, they fought bravely and got through. But when at length they reached their own camp, they were met by arrows flying thick as locusts. For Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had taken possession in their absence.

They could only set out for headquarters to report their mishap. As they neared Cao Zhen's camp, they met another remnant marching up. They were Sun Li's soldiers, and the two parties went into camp together and told the tale of their victimization. Cao Zhen thereafter looked to his defenses and attacked no more.

Thus victorious, the soldiers of Shu went to Zhuge Liang, who at once dispatched secret directions to Wei Yan. Then Zhuge Liang gave orders to break camp and retreat.

This move was not understood, and Yang Yi asked the leader, “O Minister, you have just scored a victory, and the enemy have lost their bravery; why retreat?”

“Because we are short of food,” said Zhuge Liang. “Our success lay in swift victory, but the enemy will not fight, and thus they weaken us day by day. Though we have worsted them now, they will soon be reinforced, and their light horse can cut off our provisions. Then we could not retreat at all. For a time they will not dare look at us, and we must take the occasion to do what they do not expect, and retreat. But I am solicitous about Wei Yan, who is on the Chencang road to keep off Wang Shuang. I fear he cannot get away. I have sent him certain orders to slay Wang Shuang, and then the force of Wei will not dare to pursue.”

So the retreat began, but to deceive the enemy the watchmen were left in the empty camp to beat the watches through the night. Cao Zhen was depressed at his recent misfortune. Then they told him Zhang He had come. Zhang He came up to the gate, dismounted, and entered.

When he saw Cao Zhen, he said, “I have received a royal command to come and to be into your arrangements.”

“Did you take leave of friend Sima Yi?” asked Cao Zhen.

Zhang He said, “His instructions to me were to stay away if you were victor, to come if you were not. It seems that our side has missed success. Have you since found out what the troops of Shu are doing?”

“Not yet.”

So Cao Zhen sent out some scouts, and they found empty camps. There were flags flying, but the army had been gone two days. Cao Zhen was disgusted.

When Wei Yan received his secret orders, he broke up camp that night and hastened toward Hanzhong. Wang Shuang's scouts heard this and told their chief, who hurried in pursuit. After about seven miles, he came in sight of Wei Yan's ensigns. As soon as he got within hailing distance, he shouted, “Do not flee, Wei Yan!”

But no one looked back, so he again pressed forward.

Then he heard one of his guards behind him shouting, “There is a blaze in the camp outside the wall; I think it is some wile of the enemy.”

Wang Shuang pulled up and, turning, saw the fire. He therefore tried to draw off his troops. Just as he passed a hill, a horseman suddenly came out of a wood.

“Here is Wei Yan!” shouted the horseman.

Wang Shuang was too startled to defend himself and fell at the first stroke of Wei Yan's blade. Wang Shuang's troops thought this was only the beginning of an ambush and serious attack, so they scattered; but really Wei Yan only had thirty men with him, and they moved off leisurely toward Hanzhong.

No man could better Zhuge Liang's foresight keen;

Brilliant as a comet where it flashed:

Back and forth at will his soldiers dashed,

And Wang Shuang's dead body marked where they had been.

The secret orders sent to Wei Yan was that he was to keep back thirty men and hide beside Wang Shuang's camp till that warrior left. Then the camp was to be set on fire. After that the thirty were to wait till Wang Shuang's return to fall upon him. The plan being successfully carried out, Wei Yan followed the retreating army into Hanzhong and handed over his command.

The Shu army having retreated safely to Hanzhong, feastings were held in celebration of the event.

Zhang He, who, failing to come up with the retiring enemy, presently returned to camp. Hao Zhao sent a letter to say that Wang Shuang had met his end. This loss caused Cao Zhen deep grief, so that he became ill and had to return to Luoyang. He left Zhang He, Sun Li, and Guo Huai to guard the approaches to Changan.

At a court held by Sun Quan, the Prince of Wu, a certain spy reported the doings in the west and the damages Wei had suffered in Zhuge Liang's expeditions. Thereupon certain ministers urged on Sun Quan that he should attack Wei and try to gain the Middle Land.

However, Sun Quan could not make up his mind, and Zhang Zhao endeavored to prove to him that his hour was come by this memorial:

“I have heard that a phoenix has lately appeared in the hills east of Wuchang and bowed; that a yellow dragon has been seen in the Great River. My lord, your virtue matches that of Kings Tang and Yu, and your understanding is on a level with that of Kings Wu and Wen. Wherefore you should now proceed to the imperial style and then raise an army to maintain your authority.”

And many other officers supported Zhang Zhao's proposal. They finally persuaded Sun Quan to decide upon the 'tiger' day in the forth month, in summer. They prepared an altar on the south of Wuchang, and on that day his courtiers formally requested him to ascend to the high place and assume the style of “Emperor.”

“Yellow Dragon” was chosen as the style of the reign. Sun Jian, the deceased father of the new Emperor, was given the title of the Martially Glorious Emperor, his mother Empress Wu, and his elder brother, Sun Ce, was made posthumously Prince of Changsha, and his son, Sun Deng, was styled Heir Apparent. The rank of Left Companion of the Heir Apparent was conferred upon the eldest son of Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Ke. The rank of Right Companion of the Heir Apparent was bestowed upon the second son of Zhang Zhao, Zhang Xiu.

This son of Zhuge Jin was a person below middle height, but very clever, and especially apt at capping verses. Sun Quan liked him much. When Zhuge Ke was six, he went with his father to a banquet. Sun Quan noticed that Zhuge Jin had a long face, so he bade a man lead in a donkey, and he wrote on it with chalk, “My friend Zhuge Jin.” Every one roared with laughter. But the youngster ran up and added a few strokes making it read, “My friend Zhuge Jin's donkey.” The guests were astonished at his ready wit, and praised him. Sun Quan was also pleased and made him a present of the donkey.

Another day, at a large official banquet, Sun Quan sent the boy with a goblet of wine to each courtier. When he came to Zhang Zhao, the old man declined it, saying, “This is not the proper treatment for old age.”

“Can you not make him drink?” said Sun Quan.

Then said Zhuge Ke to the old gentleman, “You remember Father Lu Wang; he was ninety and yet gripped the signaling flags and wielded the axes of an army commander in the field. He never spoke of age. Nowadays in battle we put seniors behind, but at the banquet board we give them a front place. How can you say we do not treat old age properly?”

Zhang Zhao had no reply ready, and so had to drink. This sort of precocity endeared the boy to Sun Quan, and now Sun Quan made him the Left Companion to the Heir Apparent.

Zhang Zhao's son, Zhang Xiu, was chosen for honor on account of the eminent services of his father. Then Gu Yong became Prime Minister and Lu Xun, Regent Marshal. And Lu Xun assisted the Heir Apparent in the custody of Wuchang.

As Sun Quan seemed powerful and well established, the whole of his court turned their thoughts toward the suppression of Wei. Only Zhang Zhao opposed it and tendered counsels of internal reform.

“It is not well to begin Your Majesty's new reign with fighting; rather improve learning and hide the sword; establish schools and so give the people the blessings of peace. Make a treaty with Shu to share the empire, and lay your plans slowly and carefully.” Sun Quan saw the wisdom of the advice. He sent an envoy into the Lands of Rivers to lay the scheme of an alliance before the Latter Ruler. The Latter Ruler called his courtiers to discuss it. Many were opposed to Sun Quan as an upstart usurper and advised rejection of any friendly proposals from him. Then Jiang Wan said they might get the opinion of Zhuge Liang.

So they sent and put the matter before the Prime Minister.

Zhuge Liang said, “Send an envoy with presents and felicitations and ask Sun Quan to send Lu Xun against Wei. Then Sima Yi will be engaged with Wu, and I may once more march to Qishan and attempt Capital Changan.”

Wherefore the Chair of the Secretariat, Chen Zhen, was sent with presents of horses, and a jeweled belt, and gold and pearls and precious things into the South Land to congratulate the Ruler of Wu on his newly assumed dignity. And the presents were accepted, and the bearer thereof honored and allowed to return.

When this was all over, Sun Quan called in Lu Xun and asked his opinion about the concerted attack on Wei. Lu Xun saw through the scheme at once.

“We owe this to Zhuge Liang's fear of Sima Yi,” said he. “However, we must consent since Shu asks it. We will make a show of raising an army and in a measure support them. When Zhuge Liang has actually attacked Wei, we will make for the Middle Land ourselves.”

Orders went forth for enlisting and training Jingzhou soldiers ready for an expedition to start presently.

When Chen Zhen returned to Hanzhong and reported to the Prime Minister, Zhuge Liang was still worried that he could not advanced by the road through Chencang. Soon after this, however, scouts brought the news that the able defender of the city, Hao Zhao, was very ill.

“That means success for me,” cried he, cheering.

He called in Wei Yan and Jiang Wei, and said, “Take five thousand troops and hasten to Chencang. If you see a blaze, then attack.”

They could hardly believe the order was meant, and came again to see their chief and asked the exact date of departure.

“In three days you should be ready to march. Do not come to take leave of me, but set out as soon as possible.”

After they had left his tent, he summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and gave them secret instructions.

Now when Guo Huai heard that the commander of Chencang was ill, he and Zhang He talked over the matter.

Guo Huai said, “Hao Zhao is very ill; you would better go and relieve him. I will report to the capital what we have done that they may arrange.”

So Zhang He started with his three thousand troops to relieve the sick man. Hao Zhao was indeed at the point of death, and suddenly they told him that the army of Shu had reached the walls. Hao Zhao roused himself and bade them go on the ramparts. But then fire broke out at each gate, a panic spread in the city and the noise of the confusion startled the dying man so that he passed away just as the troops of Shu were bursting in.

When Wei Yan and Jiang Wei reached the walls, they were perplexed to find no sign of life. No flags were flying and no watchmen struck the hours. They delayed their attack for a time. Then they heard a bomb, and suddenly the wall was thick with flags, and there appeared the well-known figure of the minister.

“You have come too late,” cried Zhuge Liang.

Both dropped out of the saddle and prostrated themselves.

“Really, you are supernatural, O Minister!” they cried.

They entered the city, and then he explained to them, saying, “I heard the news that Hao Zhao was seriously sick, so I sent you with the deadline of three days as a blind to calm the people of this city. Then I hid myself in the ranks of another force under Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, which came to Chencang by double marches. Also, I had sent spies into the city to start the fires and throw the defenders into confusion. An army without a leader could never fight, and I could take the city easily. This is an instance of the rule of war: 'Do the unexpected; attack the unprepared.'“

They bowed. In commiseration Zhuge Liang sent all the family of Hao Zhao, and his coffin, over to Wei, thus showing his sense of the dead man's loyalty.

Turning once more to Wei Yan and Jiang Wei, he said, “But do not divest yourself of your armor. Go and attack San Pass and drive away the guards while they are in a state of surprise. If you delay, Wei will have sent reinforcements.”

They went. Surely enough the capture of San Pass was easy as the Wei soldiers scattered. But when they went up to look around, they saw a great cloud of dust moving toward them; the reinforcements were already near.

They remarked to each other, “The Prime Minister's foresight was superhuman.”

When they had looked a little longer, they saw the leader of the Wei army then approaching was Zhang He.

They then divided their soldiers to hold the approaches. When Zhang He saw that all was prepared, he retired. Wei Yan followed and fought a battle, defeating Zhang He heavily.

Wei Yan sent to report his success, but Zhuge Liang had already left Chencang and had gone into the Xie Valley to capture the county of Jianwei. Other armies from Shu followed. Moreover, the Latter Ruler sent Chen Shi to assist in the campaign. Zhuge Liang then marched his main force to Qishan and there made a camp. Then he called an assembly of officers.

“Twice have I gone out by Qishan without success, but at last I am here. I think Wei will resume the former battle ground and oppose us. If so, they will assume that I shall attack Yongcheng and Meicheng and send armies to defend them. But I see Yinping and Wudu are connected with Hanzhong; and if I can win these, I can drive a wedge into the Wei force. Who will go to take these places?”

Jiang Wei and Wang Ping offered themselves. The former was sent with ten thousand troops to capture Wudu; the latter, with an equal force, went to Yinping.

Zhang He went back to Changan and saw Guo Huai and Sun Li, to whom he said, “Chencang is lost, Hao Zhao is dead, San Pass is taken, and Zhuge Liang is again at Qishan; and thence has sent out two armies.”

Guo Huai was frightened, saying, “In that case, Yongcheng and Meicheng are in danger.”

Leaving Zhang He to guard Changan, he sent Sun Li to Yongcheng, and he himself set out at once for Meicheng. He sent an urgent report to Luoyang.

At Wei's next court the Emperor was informed of all the misfortunes in the west and the threats in the east.

Man Chong said, “Sun Quan has declared himself 'Emperor,' and Lu Xun is drilling his army in Wuchang. An invasion from the east can be expected soon.”

Cao Rui was embarrassed and frightened. Cao Zhen, being ill, could not be consulted, and Sima Yi was called. He was ready with a proposal.

“In my humble opinion, Wu will not attack us,” said Sima Yi.

“What makes you think so?” asked the Ruler of Wei.

“Because Zhuge Liang still resents, and wishes to avenge, the event at Xiaoting. He never ceases to desire to absorb Wu. His only fear is that we may swoop down upon Shu. That is why there is an alliance with Wu. Lu Xun knows it also quite well, and he is only making a show of raising an army as they arranged. The truth is he is sitting on the fence. Hence Your Majesty may disregard the menace on the east, and only protect yourself against Shu.”

“Your insight is very profound,” said the Ruler of Wei.

Sima Yi was created Commander-in-Chief of all the forces in the west, and the Ruler of Wei directed a courtier to go to Cao Zhen for the seal.

“I would rather go myself,” said Sima Yi. So he left the audience and went to the palace of Cao Zhen, where presently he saw the invalid. First he asked after his health and then gradually opened his errand.

“Shu and Wu have made an alliance to invade us, and Zhuge Liang is at Qishan. Have you heard, Illustrious Sir?”

“My people have kept back all news as I am ill,” said he, startled. “But if this is true, the country is in danger. Why have they not made you Commander-in-Chief to stop this invasion?”

“I am unequal to the post,” said Sima Yi.

“Bring the seal and give it to him,” said Cao Zhen to his attendants.

“You are anxious on my account; really I am only come to lend you an arm. I dare not accept the seal.”

Cao Zhen started up, saying, “If you do not take it, I shall have to go to see the Emperor, ill as I am. The Middle Land is in danger.”

“Really the Emperor has already shown his kindness, but I dare not accept his offer.” “If you have been appointed, then Shu will be driven off.”

Thrice Sima Yi declined the seal, but eventually he received it into his hands as he knew Cao Zhen was sincere. Then he took leave of the Ruler of Wei and marched to Changan.

The seal of office changes hands,

Two armies now one force become.

Sima Yi's success or failure will be told in the next chapter.