第一百六回

第一百六回 公孙渊兵败死襄平 司马懿诈病赚曹爽

却说公孙渊乃辽东公孙度之孙，公孙康之子也。建安十二年，曹操追袁尚，未到辽东，康斩尚首级献操，操封康为襄平侯。后康死，有二子，长曰晃，次曰渊，皆幼，康弟公孙恭继职。曹丕时封恭为车骑将军、襄平侯。太和二年，渊长大，文武兼备，性刚好斗，夺其叔公孙恭之位，曹睿封渊为扬烈将军、辽东太守。后孙权遣张弥、许晏赍金珠珍玉赴辽东，封渊为燕王。渊惧中原，乃斩张、许二人，送首与曹睿，睿封渊为大司马、乐浪公。渊心不足，与众商议，自号为燕王，改元绍汉元年。副将贾范谏曰：“中原待主公以上公之爵，不为卑贱，今若背反，实为不顺。更兼司马懿善能用兵，西蜀诸葛武侯且不能取胜，何况主公乎？”渊大怒，叱左右缚贾范，将斩之。参军伦直谏曰：“贾范之言是也。圣人云：‘国家将亡，必有妖孽。’今国中屡见怪异之事：近有犬戴巾帻，身披红衣，上屋作人行；又城南乡民造饭，饭甑之中，忽有一小儿蒸死于内；襄平北市中，地忽陷一穴，涌出一块肉，周围数尺，头面眼耳口鼻都具，独无手足，刀箭不能伤，不知何物，卜者占之曰：‘有形不成，有口无声；国家亡灭，故现其形。’有此三者，皆不祥之兆也。主公宜避凶就吉，不可轻举妄动。”渊勃然大怒，叱武士绑伦直并贾范同斩于市。令大将军卑衍为元帅，杨祚为先锋，起辽兵十五万，杀奔中原来。

边官报知魏主曹睿，睿大惊，乃召司马懿入朝计议。懿奏曰：“臣部下马步官军四万，足可破贼。”睿曰：“卿兵少路远，恐难收复。”懿曰：“兵不在多，在能设奇用智耳。臣托陛下洪福，必擒公孙渊以献陛下。”睿曰：“卿料公孙渊作何举动？”懿曰：“渊若弃城预走，是上计也；守辽东拒大军，是中计也；坐守襄平，是为下计，必被臣所擒矣。”睿曰：“此去往复几时？”懿曰：“四千里之地，往百日，攻百日，还百日，休息六十日，大约一年足矣。”睿曰：“倘吴、蜀入寇，如之奈何？”懿曰：“臣已定下守御之策，陛下勿忧。”睿大喜，即命司马懿兴师征讨公孙渊。懿辞朝出城，令胡遵为先锋，引前部兵先到辽东下寨。哨马飞报公孙渊。渊令卑衍、杨祚分八万兵屯于辽隧，围堑二十馀里，环绕鹿角，甚是严密。胡遵令人报知司马懿，懿笑曰：“贼不与我战，欲老我兵耳[1]。我料贼众大半在此，其巢穴空虚，不若弃却此处，径奔襄平，贼必往救，却于中途击之，必获全功。”于是勒兵从小路向襄平进发。

却说卑衍与杨祚商议曰：“若魏兵来攻，休与交战。彼千里而来，粮草不继，难以持久，粮尽必退。待他退时，然后出奇兵击之，司马懿可擒也。昔司马懿与蜀兵相拒，坚守渭南，孔明竟卒于军中，今日正与此理相同。”二人正商议间，忽报魏兵往南去了，卑衍大惊曰：“彼知吾襄平军少，去袭老营也。若襄平有失，我等守此处无益矣。”遂拔寨随后而起。早有探马飞报司马懿，懿笑曰：“中吾计矣！”乃令夏侯霸、夏侯威，各引一军伏于辽水之滨：“如辽兵到，两下齐出。”二人受计而往。早望见卑衍、杨祚引兵前来。一声炮响，两边鼓噪摇旗，左有夏侯霸，右有夏侯威，一齐杀出。卑、杨二人，无心恋战，夺路而走；奔至首山，正逢公孙渊兵到，合兵一处，回马再与魏兵交战。卑衍出马骂曰：“贼将休使诡计！汝敢出战否？”夏侯霸纵马挥刀来迎。战不数合，被夏侯霸一刀斩卑衍于马下，辽兵大乱。霸驱兵掩杀，公孙渊引败兵奔入襄平城去，闭门坚守不出。魏兵四面围合。

时值秋雨连绵，一月不止，平地水深三尺，运粮船自辽河口直至襄平城下。魏兵皆在水中，行坐不安。左都督裴景入帐告曰：“雨水不住，营中泥泞，军不可停，请移于前面山上。”懿怒曰：“捉公孙渊只在旦夕，安可移营？如有再言移营者斩！”裴景喏喏而退。少顷，右都督仇连又来告曰：“军士苦水，乞太尉移营高处。”懿大怒曰：“吾军令已发，汝何敢故违！”即命推出斩之，悬首于辕门外，于是军心震慑。

懿令南寨人马暂退二十里，纵城内军民出城樵采柴薪，牧放牛马。司马陈群问曰：“前太尉攻上庸之时，兵分八路，八日赶至城下，遂生擒孟达而成大功。今带甲四万，数千里而来，不令攻打城池，却使久居泥泞之中，又纵贼众樵牧。某实不知太尉是何主意？”懿笑曰：“公不知兵法耶？昔孟达粮多兵少，我粮少兵多，故不可不速战。出其不意，突然攻之，方可取胜。今辽兵多，我兵少，贼饥我饱，何必力攻？正当任彼自走，然后乘机击之。我今放开一条路，不绝彼之樵牧，是容彼自走也。”陈群拜服。

于是司马懿遣人赴洛阳催粮。魏主曹睿设朝，群臣皆奏曰：“近日秋雨连绵，一月不止，人马疲劳，可召回司马懿，权且罢兵。”睿曰：“司马太尉善能用兵，临危制变，多有良谋，捉公孙渊计日而待。卿等何必忧也？”遂不听群臣之谏，使人运粮解至司马懿军前。懿在寨中，又过数日，雨止天晴。是夜，懿出帐外，仰观天文，忽见一星，其大如斗，流光数丈，自首山东北，坠于襄平东南。各营将士，无不惊骇。懿见之大喜，乃谓众将曰：“五日之后，星落处必斩公孙渊矣。来日可并力攻城。”

众将得令，次日侵晨，引兵四面围合，筑土山，掘地道，立炮架，装云梯，日夜攻打不息，箭如急雨，射入城去。公孙渊在城中粮尽，皆宰牛马为食。人人怨恨，各无守心，欲斩渊首，献城归降。渊闻之，甚是惊忧，慌令相国王建、御史大夫柳甫，往魏寨请降。二人自城上系下，来告司马懿曰：“请太尉退二十里，我君臣自来投降。”懿大怒曰：“公孙渊何不自来？殊为无理！”叱武士推出斩之，将首级付与从人。从人回报，公孙渊大惊，又遣侍中卫演来到魏营。司马懿升帐，聚众将立于两边。演膝行而进，跪于帐下，告曰：“愿太尉息雷霆之怒。克日先送世子公孙修为质当，然后君臣自缚来降。”懿曰：“军事大要有五：能战当战，不能战当守，不能守当走，不能走当降，不能降当死耳！何必送子为质当？”叱卫演回报公孙渊。演抱头鼠窜而去，归告公孙渊。渊大惊，乃与子公孙修密议停当，选下一千人马，当夜二更时分，开了南门，往东南而走。渊见无人，心中暗喜。行不到十里，忽听得山上一声炮响，鼓角齐鸣，一枝兵拦住，中央乃司马懿也，左有司马师，右有司马昭，二人大叫曰：“反贼休走！”渊大惊，急拨马寻路欲走。早有胡遵兵到，左有夏侯霸、夏侯威，右有张虎、乐，四面围得铁桶相似。公孙渊父子，只得下马纳降。懿在马上顾诸将曰：“吾前夜丙寅日，见大星落于此处，今夜壬申日应矣。”众将称贺曰：“太尉真神机也！”懿传令斩之，公孙渊父子对面受戮。司马懿遂勒兵来取襄平，未及到城下时，胡遵早引兵入城。城中人民焚香拜迎，魏兵尽皆入城。懿坐于衙上，将公孙渊宗族，并同谋官僚人等俱杀之，计首级七十馀颗。出榜安民。人告懿曰：“贾范、伦直苦谏渊不可反叛，俱被渊所杀。”懿遂封其墓而荣其子孙。就将库内财物，赏劳三军，班师回洛阳。

却说魏主在宫中，夜至三更，忽然一阵阴风，吹灭灯光，只见毛皇后引数十个宫人哭至座前索命，睿因此得病。病渐沉重，命侍中光禄大夫刘放、孙资，掌枢密院一切事务；又召文帝子燕王曹宇为大将军，佐太子曹芳摄政。宇为人恭俭温和，未肯当此大任，坚辞不受。睿召刘放、孙资问曰：“宗族之内，何人可任？”二人久得曹真之惠，乃保奏曰：“惟曹子丹之子曹爽可也。”睿从之。二人又奏曰：“欲用曹爽，当遣燕王归国。”睿然其言。二人遂请睿降诏，赍出谕燕王曰：“有天子手诏，命燕王归国，限即日就行，若无诏不许入朝。”燕王涕泣而去。遂封曹爽为大将军，总摄朝政。睿病渐危，急令使持节诏司马懿还朝。懿受命，径到许昌，入见魏主。睿曰：“朕惟恐不得见卿。今日得见，死无恨矣。”懿顿首奏曰：“臣在途中，闻陛下圣体不安，恨不肋生两翼，飞至阙下。今日得睹龙颜，臣之幸也。”睿宣太子曹芳，大将军曹爽，侍中刘放、孙资等，皆至御榻之前。睿执司马懿之手曰：“昔刘玄德在白帝城病危，以幼子刘禅托孤于诸葛孔明，孔明因此竭尽忠诚，至死方休。偏邦尚然如此，何况大国乎？朕幼子曹芳，年才八岁，不堪掌理社稷。幸太尉及宗兄元勋旧臣，竭力相辅，无负朕心！”又唤芳曰：“仲达与朕一体，尔宜敬礼之。”遂命懿携芳近前，芳抱懿颈不放。睿曰：“太尉勿忘幼子今日相恋之情！”言讫，潸然泪下。懿顿首流涕。魏主昏沉，口不能言，只以手指太子，须臾而卒，在位十三年，寿三十六岁，时魏景初三年春正月下旬也。

当下司马懿、曹爽，扶太子曹芳即皇帝位。芳字兰卿，乃睿乞养之子，秘在宫中，人莫知其所由来。于是曹芳谥睿为明帝，葬于高平陵，尊郭皇后为皇太后，改元正始元年。司马懿与曹爽辅政。爽事懿甚谨，一应大事，必先启知。爽字昭伯，自幼出入宫中，明帝见爽谨慎，甚是爱敬。爽门下有客五百人，内有五人以浮华相尚：一是何晏，字平叔；一是邓飏，字玄茂，乃邓禹之后；一是李胜，字公昭；一是丁谧，字彦靖；一是毕轨，字昭先。又有大司农桓范字元则，颇有智谋，人多称为“智囊”。此数人皆爽所信任。何晏告爽曰：“主公大权，不可委托他人，恐生后患。”爽曰：“司马公与我同受先帝托孤之命，安忍背之？”晏曰：“昔日先公与仲达破蜀兵之时，累受此人之气，因而致死。主公如何不察也？”爽猛然省悟，遂与多官计议停当，入奏魏主曹芳曰：“司马懿功高德重，可加为太傅。”芳从之，自是兵权皆归于爽。爽命弟曹羲为中领军，曹训为武卫将军，曹彦为散骑常侍，各引三千御林军，任其出入禁宫。又用何晏、邓飏、丁谧为尚书，毕轨为司隶校尉，李胜为河南尹，此五人日夜与爽议事。于是曹爽门下宾客日盛。司马懿推病不出，二子亦皆退职闲居。爽每日与何晏等饮酒作乐，凡用衣服器皿，与朝廷无异，各处进贡玩好珍奇之物，先取上等者入己，然后进宫。佳人美女，充满府院。黄门张当，谄事曹爽，私选先帝侍妾七八人，送入府中。爽又选善歌舞良家子女三四十人，为家乐。又建重楼画阁，造金银器皿，用巧匠数百人，昼夜工作。

却说何晏闻平原管辂明数术，请与论《易》。时邓飏在座，问辂曰：“君自谓善《易》，而语不及《易》中词义，何也？”辂曰：“夫善《易》者，不言《易》也。”晏笑而赞之曰：“可谓要言不烦。”因谓辂曰：“试为我卜一卦，可至三公否？”又问：“连梦青蝇数十，来集鼻上，此是何兆？”辂曰：“元、恺辅舜[2]，周公佐周，皆以和惠谦恭，享有多福。今君侯位尊势重，而怀德者鲜，畏威者众，殆非小心求福之道。且鼻者，山也，山高而不危，所以长守贵也。今青蝇臭恶而集焉，位峻者颠，可不惧乎？愿君侯裒多益寡[3]，非礼勿履，然后三公可至，青蝇可驱也。”邓飏怒曰：“此老生之常谈耳！”辂曰：“老生者见不生，常谈者见不谈。”遂拂袖而去。二人大笑曰：“真狂士也！”辂到家，与舅言之。舅大惊曰：“何、邓二人，威权甚重，汝奈何犯之？”辂曰：“吾与死人语，何所畏耶！”舅问其故，辂曰：“邓飏行步，筋不束骨，脉不制肉，起立倾倚，若无手足，此为‘鬼躁’之相。何晏视候，魂不守宅，血不华色，精爽烟浮，容若槁木。此为‘鬼幽’之相。二人早晚必有杀身之祸，何足畏也！”其舅大骂辂为狂子而去。

却说曹爽尝与何晏、邓飏等畋猎。其弟曹羲谏曰：“兄威权太甚，而好出外游猎，倘为人所算，悔之无及。”爽叱曰：“兵权在吾手中，何惧之有！”司农桓范亦谏，不听。时魏主曹芳，改正始十年为嘉平元年。曹爽一向专权，不知仲达虚实，适魏主除李胜为荆州刺史，即令李胜往辞仲达，就探消息。胜径到太傅府中，早有门吏报入。司马懿谓二子曰：“此乃曹爽使来探吾病之虚实也。”乃去冠散发，上床拥被而坐，又令二婢扶策，方请李胜入府。胜至床前拜曰：“一向不见太傅，谁想如此病重。今天子命某为荆州刺史，特来拜辞。”懿佯答曰：“并州近朔方，好为之备。”胜曰：“除荆州刺史，非‘并州’也。”懿笑曰：“你方从并州来？”胜曰：“汉上荆州耳。”懿大笑曰：“你从荆州来也！”胜曰：“太傅如何病得这等了？”左右曰：“太傅耳聋。”胜曰：“乞纸笔一用。”左右取纸笔与胜。胜写毕，呈上。懿看之，笑曰：“吾病的耳聋了。此去保重。”言讫，以手指口。侍婢进汤，懿将口就之，汤流满襟，乃作哽噎之声曰：“吾今衰老病笃，死在旦夕矣。二子不肖，望君教之。君若见大将军，千万看觑二子！”言讫，倒在床上，声嘶气喘。李胜拜辞仲达，回见曹爽，细言其事。爽大喜曰：“此老若死，吾无忧矣！”

司马懿见李胜去了，遂起身谓二子曰：“李胜此去，回报消息，曹爽必不忌我矣。只待他出城畋猎之时，方可图之。”不一日，曹爽请魏主曹芳去谒高平陵，祭祀先帝。大小官僚，皆随驾出城。爽引三弟，并心腹人何晏等，及御林军护驾正行，司农桓范叩马谏曰：“主公总典禁兵，不宜兄弟皆出。倘城中有变，如之奈何？”爽以鞭指而叱之曰：“谁敢为变！再勿乱言！”当日，司马懿见爽出城，心中大喜，即起旧日手下破敌之人，并家将数十，引二子上马，径来谋杀曹爽。正是：闭户忽然有起色，驱兵自此逞雄风。未知曹爽性命如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 欲老我兵耳——想把我军拖得日久士气懈怠罢了。老，指军队久驻不战，以致疲沓松懈。

[2] 元、恺辅舜——元，指“八元”；恺，指“八恺”。历史传说：高辛氏有才子八人，叫做“八元”；高阳氏有才子八人，叫做“八恺”，都得到舜的重用，辅助舜把政事治理得很好。元，善良；恺，和好。

[3] 裒（póu）多益寡——裒是聚集；裒多益寡，就是多接受别人的意见，补助自己的不足。语出《易经·谦卦》。

CHAPTER 106. Suffering Defeat, Gongsun Yuan Meets His Death In Xiangping; Pretending Illness, Sima Yi Deceives Cao Shuang.

This Gongsun Yuan was a grandson of Gongsun Du the Warlike, and a son of Gongsun Kang in Liaodong. In the twelfth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity, when Cao Cao was pursuing Yuan Shang, who had fled eastward, Gongsun Kang had captured Yuan Shang, beheaded him, and sent his head to Cao Cao. For this service Gongsun Kang received the title of Lord of Xiangping. After Gongsun Kang's death, as his two sons—Gongsun Huang and Gongsun Yuan—were young, his brother Gongsun Gong took the chiefship; and Cao Pi, beside confirming the lordship, gave him the rank of General of the Flying Cavalry. A few years later, the second son, Gongsun Yuan, being now grown up, well-educated and trained in military exercises, obstinate and fond of fighting, took away his uncle's power and ruled the heritage of his father. Cao Rui conferred upon him the title of General Who Wields Ferocity, and made him Governor of Liaodong.

Then the Ruler of Wu, Sun Quan, anxious to secure Gongsun Yuan's support, sent two envoys, Zhang Mi and Xu Yan, with gifts of gold and gems and pearls and offered Gongsun Yuan the title of Prince of Yan. Fearing that the Middle Land would resent any dallying with Wu, Gongsun Yuan slew the Wu envoys and sent the heads to the Ruler of Wei. For this proof of fealty, Cao Rui gave him the title of Grand General and the Dukedom of Yuelang.

However, Gongsun Yuan was dissatisfied, and his thoughts turned toward independence. He took council with his officers and proposed to style himself Prince of Yan and to adopt a reign-title of Extending Han, the first year.

One general, Jia Fan, opposed this and said, “My lord, the central authorities have treated you well and honored you. I fear that Sima Yi is too skillful a leader for rebellion to succeed. You see even Zhuge Liang cannot defeat him; how much less can you?”

Gongsun Yuan's reply was to condemn Jia Fan to death. However, Adviser Lun Zhi ventured upon further remonstrance.

“Jia Fan spoke well. The Sacred One says that extraordinary phenomena presage the destruction of a state. Now this time portents are not wanting, and wonders have been seen. A dog, dressed in red and wearing a turban, went up to the roof and walking like a man. Moreover, while a certain person living in a village south of the city was cooking his food, he saw a child in the pan, boiled to death. A great cave opened near the market place and threw out a large, fleshy body completely human save that it lacked limbs. Swords could not cut it; arrows could not penetrate it. No one knew what to call it; and when they consulted the soothsayers, they obtained the reply, 'Incomplete shape, silent mouth: a state is near destruction.' These prodigies are all inauspicious. Flee from evil and strive to walk in fair fortune's way. Make no move without most careful thought.”

This second remonstrance enraged Gongsun Yuan still more, and he sent Lun Zhi to death with Jia Fan. Both were executed in the public place.

Gongsun Yuan then prepared to make a bid for empire. He raised an army of one hundred fifty thousand, appointed Bei Yan as Commander, and Yang Zuo as Leader of the Van. This army set out for the Middle Land.

Ruler of Wei was alarmed at the report of this rising, and sent for Sima Yi.

Sima Yi was not greatly perturbed, and said, “My forty thousand troops will be equal to the task.”

The Ruler of Wei replied, “The task is heavy, for your troops are few and the road is long.”

“The strength of an army is not in numbers, but in strategy. Aided by Your Majesty's good fortune, I shall certainly be able to bring this fellow Gongsun Yuan a captive to your feet.”

“What do you think will be the rebel's plan?” asked the Ruler of Wei.

“His high plan would be flight before our army can arrive; his middle plan would be defending his position in Liaodong; his low plan would be to try to hold Xiangping. In the last case I shall certainly capture him.”

“How long will the expedition take?”

“We have to cover one thousand five hundred miles which will take a hundred days. Attack will consume another hundred. The return will need a hundred, and with sixty days to rest we shall take a year.”

“Suppose during that year we are attacked by Wu or Shu.”

“My plans provide for that; Your Majesty need have no anxiety.”

The Ruler of Wei being thus reassured, formally ordered Sima Yi to undertake the expedition.

Hu Zun was appointed to lead the van. He went and camped in Liaodong. The scouts hastened to tell Gongsun Yuan, who sent Bei Yan and Yang Zuo to camp at Liaosui with eighty thousand troops. They surrounded their camp with a wall seven miles in circumference and placed thorny barriers outside the rampart. It seemed very secure.

Hu Zun saw these preparations and sent to tell his chief. Sima Yi smiled.

“So the rebel does not want to fight, but thinks to weary my soldiers,” said Sima Yi. “Now I am disposed to think that most of his army is within that wall, so that his stronghold is empty and undefended. I will make a dash at Xiangping. He will have to go to its rescue, and I will smite him on the way. I should score a great success.”

So Sima Yi hastened to Xiangping along unfrequented ways.

Meanwhile Bei Yan and Yang Zuo, the two generals within the walled camp, discussed their plans.

Yang Zuo said, “When the Wei army comes near, we will not fight. They will have come a long march and their supplies will be short, so that they cannot hold out long. When they retreat, we shall find our opportunity. These were the tactics Sima Yi used against Zhuge Liang on River Wei, and Zhuge Liang died before the end of the expedition. We will try similar means.”

Presently the scouts reported that the Wei army had marched south. Bei Yan at once saw the danger and said, “They are going to attack Xiangping, which they know has few troops. If that base be lost, this position is useless.”

So they broke up their camp and followed the enemy.

When Sima Yi heard it, he rejoiced, saying, “Now they will fall into the snare I have laid for them.”

Sima Yi sent Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei to take up position on the River Ji. They were to attack if the army of Liaodong came near them. They had not long to wait. As soon as Bei Yan and his army approached, Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Wei exploded a bomb, beat the drums, waved their flags, and came out, one force on each side. Bei Yan and Yang Zuo made a fight but soon fled to Shoushan Mountain, where they fell in with Gongsun Yuan and joined the main army. Then they turned to give battle to the Wei army.

Bei Yan rode to the front and reviled the enemy, taunted them with trickery and challenged to a fight in the open.

Xiahou Ba rode out to accept the challenge, and after a few bouts Bei Yan fell. In the confusion caused by the death of their leader, Xiahou Ba urged on his troops and drove Gongsun Yuan back to Xiangping, and Gongsun Yuan took refuge in the city.

The city was surrounded. It was autumn, and the rain fell day after day without ceasing. At the end of the month, the plain was under three feet of water, so that the grain boats sailed straight from River Ji to the city walls. The besiegers suffered much from the floods.

Pei Jing, Commander of the Left, went to Sima Yi and asked that the army might be moved to camp on the higher ground, out of the mud and water. But Sima Yi flouted the suggestion.

“How can the army move away just when success is in sight? The rebels will be conquered now any day; and if any other speaks about drawing off, he will be put to death.”

Pei Jing agreed and went away.

Soon after, Chou Lian, Commander of the Right, came to see his chief and repeated the suggestion, saying, “The soldiers are suffering from the rains. O Commander, let them camp on the hills.”

Sima Yi got angry and said, “I have sent the command, and you are against it.”

And he ordered Chou Lian to be executed. His head was suspended at the camp gate as a warning to others. The soldiers dared to complain any more.

Then Sima Yi ordered the south camp to be abandoned, and the army marched seven miles south, thus allowing the soldiers and people in the city to come out to gather fuel and pasture their cattle.

The attacking army could not understand this move, and Chen Qun spoke about it.

“When you besieged Shangyong, O Regent Marshal, you attacked all round at eight points, and the city fell in eight days. Meng Da was taken, and you won a great success. Now your forty thousand troops have borne their armors many days over long marches and you do not press the attack, but keep the them in the mud and mire and let the enemy gather supplies and feed their cattle. I do not know what your intention may be.”

“Sir,” replied the Commander-in-Chief, “I see you are ignorant of war after all. You do not understand the different conditions. Meng Da then had ample supplies and few troops; we were under exactly opposite conditions, and so we had to attack vigorously and at once. The suddenness of the attack defeated the enemy. But look at present conditions. The Liaodong troops are many and we few; they are on the verge of starvation, and we are full fed. Why should we force the attack? Our line is to let the soldiers desert and capture the city. Therefore I leave a gate open and the road free that they may run away.”

Chen Qun then understood and acknowledged the correctness of the strategy. Sima Yi sent to Luoyang to hasten supplies, that there should be no shortage.

However, the war was not supported in the capital, for when the messenger arrived and the Ruler of Wei summoned his courtiers, they said, “In Liaodong the rain has been continuous for a month, and the soldiers are in misery. Sima Yi ought to be recalled, and the war renewed at a more convenient season.”

The Ruler of Wei replied, “The leader of our army is most capable and best able to decide upon what should be done. He understands the conditions and is teeming with magnificent plans. He will certainly succeed. Wherefore, Noble Sirs, wait a few days and let us not be anxious about the result.”

So Cao Rui heeded not the voice of the dissentients, but took care that provisions were sent.

After a few days the rain ceased, and fine, clear weather followed. That night Sima Yi went out of his tent that he might study the sky. Suddenly he saw a very large and bright star start from a point over Shoushan Mountain and travel over toward Xiangping, where it fell. The soldiers were rather frightened at this apparition, but the leader rejoiced.

“Five days from now Gongsun Yuan will be slain where that star fell,” said he. “Therefore attack with vigor.”

They opened the attack the next morning at dawn, throwing up banks and sapping the walls, setting up stone-throwing machines and rearing ladders. When night came the attack did not cease. Arrows fell in the city like pelting rain.

Within the city, grain began to run short, and soon there was none. They slaughtered bullocks and horses for food. The soldiers began to be mutinous and no longer fought with any spirit. There was talk of slaying Gongsun Yuan and yielding the city.

Gongsun Yuan was disheartened and frightened, and decided to sue for peace. He sent his Prime Minister Wang Jian and Imperial Censor Liu Fu out of the city to beg Sima Yi to allow him to submit. These two had to be let down from the walls by ropes, as no other means of exit were possible.

Wang Jian and Liu Fu found their way to Sima Yi and said, “We pray you, O Regent Marshal, retire seven miles and allow the officers to come forth and surrender.”

“Why did not Gongsun Yuan himself come?” said Sima Yi. “He is rude.”

He put the two envoys to death and sent their heads back into the city.

Gongsun Yuan was still more alarmed, but he resolved to make one more attempt. This time he sent High Counselor Wey Yan as his envoy. Sima Yi received this messenger sitting in state in his tent with his officers standing right and left. Wey Yan approached on his knees, and when he reached the door of the tent recited his petition.

“I pray you, O Regent Marshal, turn your thunderous wrath from us; we will send the son of our leader, Gongsun Xiu, the Heir Apparent, as hostage and all the officers shall appear before you bound with cords.”

Sima Yi replied, “There are five possible operations for any army. If you can fight, fight; if you cannot fight, defend; if you cannot defend, flee; if you cannot flee, surrender; if you cannot surrender, die. These five courses are open to you, and a hostage would be useless. Now return and tell your master.”

Wey Yan put his hands over his head and fled like a rat. He went into the city and related what had happened to him.

The Gongsuns, father and son, resolved to flee. They chose a thousand of mounted troops, and in the dead of night opened the south gate and got out. They took the road to the east and were rejoiced to find it clear.

All went well for a distance of three miles, when a bomb exploded. This was followed by a roll of drums and the blare of trumpets; and a cohort stood in the way. The leader was Sima Yi, supported by his two sons—Sima Shi and Sima Zhao.

“Stop, O rebel!” cried the sons.

But Gongsun Yuan lashed his steed to a gallop. Then Hu Zun, Xiahou Ba, Xiahou Wei, Zhang Hu, and Yue Chen, with their troops, came up and quickly surrounded them so that they were helpless. Gongsun Yuan saw that escape was impossible, so he came with his son, dismounted, and offered surrender.

Sima Yi hardly looked at the two men, but he turned to his officers and said, “That night the star fell to this land, and today, five days later, the omen becomes true.”

They all felicitated him, saying, “The Regent Marshal is superhuman!”

Gongsun Yuan and Gongsun Xiu were slain where they stood. Then Sima Yi turned to resume the siege of Xiangping; but before he had reached the walls, Hu Zun's army had entered. Sima Yi went in and was received with great respect, the people burning incense as he passed. He went to the residence, and then the whole of the Gongsun Yuan's clan, and all who had assisted in his rising, were beheaded. They counted heads to the number of seventy.

The city taken and the rebels destroyed, Sima Yi issued a proclamation in order to restore confidence among the people.

Certain persons told him, “Jia Fan and Lun Zhi had been against the revolt and had therefore suffered death.”

So Sima Yi honored their tombs and conferred ranks upon their children. The contents of the treasury were distributed among the soldiers as rewards, and then the army marched back to Luoyang.

One night the Ruler of Wei was suddenly awakened by a chill blast that extinguished all the lights, but he saw the form of the late Empress Mao, with a score or two of other palace attendants, coming toward the bed whereon he lay, and as they approached they demanded his life. He was very frightened and fell ill so that he was like to die.

So the two officers, Liu Fang and Sun Zi, were set over the privy council, and he summoned his brother Cao Yu, the Prince of Yan, to the capital to make him Grand Commander and Regent Marshal to assist the Heir Apparent, Cao Fang. However, Cao Yu being modest and retiring by nature, declined these high offices and their responsibilities.

The Ruler of Wei then turned to his two confidants, Liu Fang and Sun Zi, inquired of them, saying, “Who of the family is a suitable person to support the Heir Apparent?”

As Liu Fang and Sun Zi had both received many favors from Cao Zhen, they replied, “None is so fit as Cao Shuang, the son of Cao Zhen.”

The Ruler of Wei approved their choice, and thus Cao Shuang became a great person.

Then Liu Fang and Sun Zi memorialized, saying, “As Cao Shuang has been chosen, Cao Yu, the Prince of Yan, should be ordered to leave the capital and return to Yan, his own place.”

The Ruler of Wei consented and issued an edict, which these two bore to Cao Yu, saying, “The edict in the Emperor's own hand bids you return to your own domain at once, and you are not to return to court without a special command.”

Cao Yu wept, but he left forthwith. Thereupon Cao Shuang was created Grand Commander and Regent Marshal, and administered the government.

But the Ruler of Wei's illness advanced rapidly, and he sent messenger with authority flag to call Sima Yi into the palace. As soon as he arrived, he was led to the Emperor's chamber.

“I feared lest I should not see you again;” said the Ruler of Wei, “but now I can die content.”

The general bowed and said, “On the road they told me the sacred person was not perfectly well; I grieved that I had not wings to hasten hither. But I am happy in that I now behold the dragon countenance.”

The heir, Cao Fang, was summoned to the Emperor's bedside and also Cao Shuang, Liu Fang, Sun Zi, and certain others.

Taking Sima Yi by the hand, the dying Emperor said, “When Liu Bei lay dying at Baidicheng, he confided his son, so soon to be an orphan, to the care of Zhuge Liang, who labored in this task to the very end and whose devotion only ceased with death. If such conduct is possible in the mere remnant of a dying dynasty continued in a small state, how much more may I hope for it in a great country! My son is only eight years of age, and incapable of sustaining the burden of rulership. Happily for him he has ample merit and experience around him in the persons of yourself and his relatives. He will never lack friends for my sake.”

Turning to the young prince, he continued, “My friend Sima Yi is as myself, and you are to treat him with the same respect and deference.”

Cao Rui bade Sima Yi lead the young prince forward. The boy threw his arms around Sima Yi's neck and clung to him.

“Never forget the affection he has just shown,” said Cao Rui, weeping. And Sima Yi wept also.

The dying man swooned; although he could not speak, his hand still pointed to his son, and soon after he died. Cao Rui had reigned thirteen years and was thirty-six years of age. His death took place in the first month of the third year of Spectacular Beginning (AD 239).

No time was lost in enthroning the new Emperor, the supporters being Sima Yi and Cao Shuang. The new ruler's name was Cao Fang. However, he was Cao Rui's son only by adoption. He had been brought up in the palace secretly, and no one knew his real origin.

The posthumous title of Emperor Rui the Knowledgeable was conferred upon the late ruler, and he was buried in the Gaoping Tombs. Empress Guo was given the title of Empress Dowager.

The new reign was styled Right Beginning, the first year. Sima Yi and Cao Shuang conducted the government, and in all matters Cao Shuang treated Sima Yi with deference and took no steps without his knowledge.

Cao Shuang was no stranger at court. Cao Rui had respected him for his diligence and care and had been very fond of him, He had had the freedom of the palace all his life. He had a host of five hundred clients and retainers. Among them were five wholly light and foppish. Their names were He Yan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, Ding Mi, and Bi Gui. Beside these five there was another named Huan Fan, Minister of Agriculture, a man of good parts, who had the sobriquet of “Bag of Wisdom”. These six were Cao Shuang's most trusted companions and confidants.

One day He Yan said, “My lord, you should not let your great powers slip into the hands of any other, or you will repent it.”

Cao Shuang replied, “Sima Yi as well as I received the late Emperor's sacred trust, and I mean to be true.”

He Yan said, “When your father and this Sima Yi were winning their victories in the west, your father suffered much from this man's temper, which ultimately brought about his death. Why do you not look into that?”

Cao Shuang seemed suddenly to wake up.

Having entered into an intrigue with the majority of the officers about the court, then one day he presented to the Ruler of Wei a memorial, saying, “Sima Yi should be promoted to the rank of Guardian of the Throne for his great merits and services.”

The promotion was made, and consequently Sima Yi, now a civil officer, let the whole military authority fall into the hands of Cao Shuang.

Having thus far succeeded, Cao Shuang next appointed his brothers to high military posts: Cao Xi as Commander of the Center Army; Cao Xun, Commander of the Imperial Guard; Cao Yan, Commander of the Cavalry. Each commanded three thousand of the palace guards, with right to go in and out of the palace at will. Moreover, three of his friends—He Yan, Deng Yang, and Ding Mi—were created Chairs of three Boards; Bi Gui, Commander of Capital District; and Li Sheng, Governor of Henan. These five and their patron were close associates in all concerns of state.

Cao Shuang gathered about him larger and still larger numbers of supporters, till Sima Yi gave out that he was ill and remained in seclusion. His two sons also resigned their offices.

Cao Shuang and his friends now gave themselves up to dissipation, spending days and nights in drinking and music. In their dress and the furniture of their table they copied the palace patterns. Tribute in the shape of jewels and curios went to the residence of Cao Shuang before it entered the Emperor Palace, and his courts swarmed with beautiful damsels.

Minister Zhang Dang of the Palace Bureau toadied to Cao Shuang so far as to select eighteen of the late Emperor's handmaids and send them to the now powerful minister. Cao Shuang also chose for him a chorus of two score well-born ladies who were skilled in music and dancing. Cao Shuang also built for himself beautiful towers and pavilions and made to himself vessels of gold and silver, the work of the most expert craftspeople, whom he kept constantly employed.

Now He Yan heard of Guan Lu's great skill in divination and sent to Pingyuan to invite him to discuss about the Book of Changes. When the soothsayer arrived, Deng Yang was of the company to meet him, and he said to Guan Lu, “You call yourself a skillful diviner, but your speech does not resemble the language of the Book of Changes. How is that?”

Guan Lu replied, “An interpreter does not use the language of the original.”

He Yan laughed, saying, “Certainly good words are not wearisome. But cast a lot for me, and tell me whether I shall ever arrive at the highest office or not, for I have dreamed repeatedly that many blue flies settled on my nose.”

Guan Lu replied, “Gao Kai and Gao Yuan aided King Shun; Duke Zhou assisted the young Emperor Cheng of Zhou Dynasty; all these were kindly and modest and enjoyed great happiness. You, Sir, have come to high honors and wield great powers, but those who esteem you are few and those who fear you, many. You are not careful to walk in the way of good fortune. Now the nose is an eminence. If an eminence retains its characteristic, thereby it remains in honor; But is it not that blue flies gather to foul objects and the lofty fears a fall? I would wish you to give of your abundance for the good of the poor and avoid walking in the wrong road. Then indeed may you reach the highest dignity, and the blue flies will disperse.”

“This is mere senile gossip,” said Deng Yang.

“The gift of age is to see that which is yet to come; the gift of gossip is to perceive what is not said,” replied Guan Lu. Thereupon he shook out his sleeves and went away.

“He is very mad, really,” said his two hosts.

Guan Lu went home. When he saw his uncle, Guan Lu gave him an account of the interview. His uncle was alarmed at the probable consequences, and said, “Why did you anger them? They are too powerful for you to offend.”

“What is there to fear? I have keen talking to two dead men.”

“What do you mean?”

“Deng Yang's gait is that of one whose sinews are loosed from his bones, and his pulse is unsteady. When he would stand, he totters as a man without limbs. This is the aspect of a disembodied soul. He Yan looks as if his soul was about to quit its habitation. He is bloodless, and what should be solid in him is mere vapor. He looks like rotten wood. This is the aspect of a soul even now in the dark valley. Both these men will certainly soon die a violent death, and none need fear them.”

His uncle left, cursing him for a madman.

Cao Shuang and his five friends were devoted to hunting and were often out of the city. Cao Xi, a brother of Cao Shuang, remonstrated with him about this and pointed out the dangers of such frequent absence on these excursions.

“You are in an exalted position and yet you are constantly being out hunting. If anyone took advantage of this to work you evil, you might have to be exceedingly regretful.”

Cao Shuang only showed anger and replied, “The whole military authority is in my hands and what is there to fear?”

Huan Fan, Minister of Agriculture, also reasoned with him, but Cao Shuang would not listen.

About this time the style of the reign was changed from Right Beginning, the tenth year, to Domestic Calm, the first year (AD 249).

Now ever since Cao Shuang had enjoyed the monopoly of military authority, he had never heard the truth about the state of health of the man he had maneuvered out of power. But when the Ruler of Wei appointed Li Sheng to the governorship of Qingzhou, Cao Shuang bade Li Sheng go to take leave of Sima Yi, at the same time to find out the true state of his health.

So Li Sheng proceeded to the residence of the High Minister and was announced.

Sima Yi saw through the device at once and told his sons, saying, “This is Cao Shuang's wish to find out my real condition.”

And he bade them play their parts in the scene he arranged, before the visitor was admitted.

Sima Yi threw aside his head-dress, so letting his hair fall in disorder, stretched himself upon his couch, tumbled the bed ding into confusion, got a couple of servant girls to support him, and then told his servants to lead in the visitor.

Li Sheng came in and went up to the sick man, saying, “It is a long time since I have seen you, and I did not know you were so seriously ill. His Majesty is sending me to Qingzhou, and I have come to pay my respects to you and bid you farewell.”

“Ah; Bingzhou is in the north; you will have to be very careful there,” said Sima Yi feigning that he had not heard.

“I am going as Governor of Qingzhou, not Bingzhou,” said Li Sheng.

“Oh, you have just come from Bingzhou.”

“Qingzhou, in Huashang Mountains.”

“Just back from Qingzhou, eh?” said Sima Yi, smiling.

“How very ill the Imperial Guardian is!” said Li Sheng to the servants.

“The Minister is deaf,” said they.

“Give me paper and a pen,” said Li Sheng.

Writing materials were brought, when Li Sheng wrote what he wished to say and put it before his host.

“My illness has made me very deaf; take care of yourself on the way,” said Sima Yi.

Looking up, he pointed to his mouth. One of the girls brought some broth and held the cup for him to drink. He put his lips to the cup, but spilled the broth all over his dress.

“I am very weak and ill,” said he, “and may die at any moment. My sons are but poor things, but you will instruct them; and when you see the Regent Marshal, you will ask him to take care of them for me, will you not?”

At this point Sima Yi fell back on the couch, panting, and Li Sheng took his leave. He told Cao Shuang what he had seen, and Cao Shuang rejoiced, thinking his rival could not last long.

“If the old man died, I should not be the one to grieve,” said Cao Shuang.

But no sooner had Cao Shuang gone than Sima Yi rose from his couch and said to his sons, “Li Sheng will take a full account of this to Cao Shuang, who will not fear me any more. But wait till Cao Shuang goes on his next hunting trip, and we will see what can be done.”

Soon after this, Cao Shuang proposed to the Ruler of Wei, Cao Fang, to visit the Gaoping Tombs where his father lay and perform the filial sacrifices in person. So they went, a goodly company of officers in the train of the imperial chariot, and Cao Shuang with all his brothers and his friends went with the guards.

Huan Fan, Minister of Agriculture, entreated him to remain in the city for fear of plots and risings.

“Your Lordship are in charge of the capital security, and you and your brothers should not leave the city together. Suppose there were a revolt, what then?”

But Cao Shuang asked angrily and rudely, “Who would dare make trouble? Hold your wild tongue.”

And he went with the Emperor.

His departure rejoiced the heart of Sima Yi, who at once began quietly to muster his trusty friends and henchmen and put the finishing touches to the plot for the overthrow of his rival.

Now terminates his forced inaction,

He must destroy the hostile faction.

Cao Shuang's fate will appear in the next chapter.