第一百七回
第一百七回 魏主政归司马氏 姜维兵败牛头山
却说司马懿闻曹爽同弟曹羲、曹训、曹彦并心腹何晏、邓飏、丁谧、毕轨、李胜等及御林军，随魏主曹芳出城谒明帝墓，就去畋猎。懿大喜，即到省中，令司徒高柔，假以节钺行大将军事，先据曹爽营；又令太仆王观行中领军事，据曹羲营。懿引旧官入后宫奏郭太后，言爽背先帝托孤之恩，奸邪乱国，其罪当废。郭太后大惊曰：“天子在外，如之奈何？”懿曰：“臣有奏天子之表，诛奸臣之计。太后勿忧。”太后惧怕，只得从之。懿急令太尉蒋济、尚书令司马孚，一同写表，遣黄门赍出城外，径至帝前申奏。懿自引大军据武库。早有人报知曹爽家，其妻刘氏急出厅前，唤守府官问曰：“今主公在外，仲达起兵何意？”守门将潘举曰：“夫人勿惊，我去问来。”乃引弓弩手数十人，登门楼望之。正见司马懿引兵过府前，举令人乱箭射下，懿不得过。偏将孙谦在后止之曰：“太傅为国家大事，休得放箭。”连止三次，举方不射。司马昭护父司马懿而过，引兵出城屯于洛河，守住浮桥。
且说曹爽手下司马鲁芝，见城中事变，来与参军辛敞商议曰：“今仲达如此变乱，将如之何？”敞曰：“可引本部兵出城去见天子。”芝然其言。敞急入后堂，其姊辛宪英见之，问曰：“汝有何事，慌速如此？”敞告曰：“天子在外，太傅闭了城门，必将谋逆。”宪英曰：“司马公未必谋逆，特欲杀曹将军耳。”敞惊曰：“此事未知如何？”宪英曰：“曹将军非司马公之对手，必然败矣。”敞曰：“今鲁司马教我同去，未知可去否？”宪英曰：“职守，人之大义也。凡人在难[1]，犹或恤之，执鞭而弃其事，不祥莫大焉。”敞从其言，乃与鲁芝引数十骑，斩关夺门而出。人报知司马懿，懿恐桓范亦走，急令人召之。范与其子商议，其子曰：“车驾在外，不如南出。”范从其言，乃上马至平昌门，城门已闭，把门将乃桓范旧吏司蕃也。范袖中取出一竹版曰：“太后有诏，可即开门。”司蕃曰：“请诏验之。”范叱曰：“汝是吾故吏，何敢如此！”蕃只得开门放出。范出的城外，唤司蕃曰：“太傅造反，汝可速随我去。”蕃大惊，追之不及。人报知司马懿，懿大惊曰：“‘智囊’泄矣！如之奈何？”蒋济曰：“驽马恋栈豆[2]，必不能用也。”懿乃召许允、陈泰曰：“汝去见曹爽，说太傅别无他事，只是削汝兄弟兵权而已。”许、陈二人去了。又召殿中校尉尹大目至，令蒋济作书与目，持去见爽。懿分付曰：“汝与爽厚，可领此任。汝见爽，说吾与蒋济指洛水为誓，只因兵权之事，别无他意。”尹大目依令而去。
却说曹爽正飞鹰走犬之际，忽报城内有变，太傅有表。爽大惊，几乎落马。黄门官捧表跪于天子之前，爽接表拆封，令近臣读之，表略曰：
征西大都督、太傅臣司马懿，诚惶诚恐，顿首谨表：臣昔从辽东还，先帝诏陛下与秦王及臣等，升御床，把臣臂，深以后事为念。今大将军曹爽，背弃顾命，败乱国典，内则僭拟，外专威权。以黄门张当为都监，专共交关，看察至尊，候伺神器，离间二宫，伤害骨肉。天下汹汹，人怀危惧。此非先帝诏陛下及嘱臣之本意也。
臣虽朽迈，敢忘往言？太尉臣济、尚书令臣孚等，皆以爽为有无君之心，兄弟不宜典兵宿卫，奏永宁宫。皇太后令，敕臣如奏施行。臣辄敕主者及黄门令，罢爽、羲、训吏兵，以侯就第，不得逗留，以稽车驾，敢有稽留，便以军法从事。臣辄力疾将兵，屯于洛水浮桥，伺察非常。谨此上闻，伏干圣听。
魏主曹芳听毕，乃唤曹爽曰：“太傅之言若此，卿如何裁处？”爽手足失措，回顾二弟曰：“为之奈何？”羲曰：“劣弟亦曾谏兄，兄执迷不听，致有今日。司马懿谲诈无比，孔明尚不能胜，况我兄弟乎？不如自缚见之，以免一死。”言未毕，参军辛敞、司马鲁芝到。爽问之，二人告曰：“城中把得铁桶相似，太傅引兵屯于洛水浮桥，势将不可复归。宜早定大计。”正言间，司农桓范骤马而至，谓爽曰：“太傅已变，将军何不请天子幸许都，调外兵以讨司马懿耶？”爽曰：“吾等全家皆在城中，岂可投他处求援？”范曰：“匹夫临难，尚欲望活！今主公身随天子，号令天下，谁敢不应？岂可自投死地乎？”爽闻言不决，惟流涕而已。范又曰：“此去许都，不过中宿。城中粮草，足支数载。今主公别营兵马，近在阙南，呼之即至。大司马之印，某将在此[3]。主公可急行，迟则休矣！”爽曰：“多官勿太催逼，待吾细细思之。”少顷，侍中许允、尚书陈泰至。二人告曰：“太傅只为将军权重，不过要削去兵权，别无他意。将军可早归城中。”爽默然不语。又只见殿中校尉尹大目到，目曰：“太傅指洛水为誓，并无他意。有蒋太尉书在此。将军可削去兵权，早归相府。”爽信为良言。桓范又告曰：“事急矣，休听外言而就死地！”
是夜，曹爽意不能决，乃拔剑在手，嗟叹寻思，自黄昏直流泪到晓，终是狐疑不定。桓范入帐催之曰：“主公思虑一昼夜，何尚不能决？”爽掷剑而叹曰：“我不起兵，情愿弃官，但为富家翁足矣！”范大哭，出帐曰：“曹子丹以智谋自矜！今兄弟三人，真豚犊耳！”痛哭不已。许允、陈泰令爽先纳印绶与司马懿。爽令将印送去，主簿杨综扯住印绶而哭曰：“主公今日舍兵权自缚去降，不免东市受戮也！”爽曰：“太傅必不失信于我。”于是曹爽将印绶与许、陈二人，先赍与司马懿。众军见无将印，尽皆四散。爽手下只有数骑官僚，到浮桥时，懿传令，教曹爽兄弟三人且回私宅，馀皆发监听候敕旨。爽等入城时，并无一人侍从。桓范至浮桥边，懿在马上以鞭指之曰：“桓大夫何故如此？”范低头不语，入城而去。
于是司马懿请驾拔营入洛阳。曹爽兄弟三人回家之后，懿用大锁锁门，令居民八百人围守其宅。曹爽心中忧闷，羲谓爽曰：“今家中乏粮，兄可作书与太傅借粮。如肯以粮借我，必无相害之心。”爽乃作书令人持去。司马懿览毕，遂遣人送粮一百斛，运至曹爽府内。爽大喜曰：“司马公本无害我之心也！”遂不以为忧。原来司马懿先将黄门张当捉下狱中问罪。当曰：“非我一人，更有何晏、邓飏、李胜、毕轨、丁谧等五人，同谋篡逆。”懿取了张当供词，却捉何晏等勘问明白，皆称三月间欲反。懿用长枷钉了。城门守将司蕃告称：“桓范矫诏出城，口称太傅谋反。”懿曰：“诬人反情，抵罪反坐。”亦将桓范等皆下狱，然后押曹爽兄弟三人并一干人犯，皆斩于市曹，灭其三族，其家产财物，尽抄入库。
时有曹爽从弟文叔之妻，乃夏侯令女也，早寡而无子，其父欲改嫁之，女截耳自誓。及爽被诛，其父复将嫁之，女又断去其鼻。其家惊惶，谓之曰：“人生世间，如轻尘栖弱草，何至自苦如此？且夫家又被司马氏诛戮已尽，守此欲谁为哉？”女泣曰：“吾闻‘仁者不以盛衰改节，义者不以存亡易心’。曹氏盛时，尚欲保终；况今灭亡，何忍弃之？此禽兽之行，吾岂为乎！”懿闻而贤之，听使乞子以养，为曹氏后。后人有诗曰：
弱草微尘尽达观，夏侯有女义如山。丈夫不及裙钗节，自顾须眉亦汗颜。
却说司马懿斩了曹爽，太尉蒋济曰：“尚有鲁芝、辛敞斩关夺门而出，杨综夺印不与，皆不可纵。”懿曰：“彼各为其主，乃义人也。”遂复各人旧职。辛敞叹曰：“吾若不问于姊，失大义矣！”后人有诗赞辛宪英曰：
为臣食禄当思报，事主临危合尽忠。辛氏宪英曾劝弟，故令千载颂高风。
司马懿饶了辛敞等，仍出榜晓谕：但有曹爽门下一应人等，尽皆免死，有官者照旧复职。军民各守家业，内外安堵。何、邓二人死于非命，果应管辂之言。后人有诗赞管辂曰：
传得圣贤真妙诀，平原管辂相通神。“鬼幽”“鬼躁”分何邓，未丧先知是死人。
却说魏主曹芳封司马懿为丞相，加九锡，懿固辞不肯受。芳不准，令父子三人同领国事。懿忽然想起：“曹爽全家虽诛，尚有夏侯玄守备雍州等处，系爽亲族，倘骤然作乱，如何提备？必当处置。”即下诏遣使往雍州，取征西将军夏侯玄赴洛阳议事。玄叔夏侯霸听知大惊，便引本部三千兵造反。有镇守雍州刺史郭淮，听知夏侯霸反，即率本部兵来，与夏侯霸交战。淮出马大骂曰：“汝既是大魏皇族，天子又不曾亏汝，何故背反？”霸亦骂曰：“吾祖父于国家多建勤劳，今司马懿何等匹夫，灭吾兄曹爽宗族，又来取我，早晚必思篡位。吾仗义讨贼，何反之有？”淮大怒，挺枪骤马，直取夏侯霸。霸挥刀纵马来迎，战不十合，淮败走，霸随后赶来。忽听的后军呐喊，霸急回马时，陈泰引兵杀来。郭淮复回，两路夹攻。霸大败而走，折兵大半，寻思无计，遂投汉中来降后主。
有人报与姜维，维心不信，令人体访[4]得实，方教入城。霸拜见毕，哭告前事。维曰：“昔微子去周，成万古之名。公能匡扶汉室，无愧古人也。”遂设宴相待。维就席问曰：“今司马懿父子掌握重权，有窥我国之志否？”霸曰：“老贼方图谋逆，未暇及外。但魏国新有二人，正在妙龄之际，若使领兵马，实吴、蜀之大患也。”维问：“二人是谁？”霸告曰：“一人现为秘书郎，乃颍川长社人，姓钟，名会，字士季，太傅钟繇之子，幼有胆智。繇尝率二子见文帝，会时年七岁，其兄毓年八岁。毓见帝惶惧，汗流满面。帝问毓曰：‘卿何以汗？’毓对曰：‘战战惶惶，汗出如浆。’帝问会曰：‘卿何以不汗？’会对曰：‘战战栗栗，汗不敢出。’帝独奇之。及稍长，喜读兵书，深明韬略，司马懿与蒋济皆奇其才。一人现为掾吏，乃义阳人也，姓邓，名艾，字士载，幼年失父，素有大志，但见高山大泽，辄窥度指画，何处可以屯兵，何处可以积粮，何处可以埋伏。人皆笑之，独司马懿奇其才，遂令参赞军机。艾为人口吃，每奏事必称‘艾……艾……’。懿戏谓曰：‘卿称艾艾，当有几艾？’艾应声曰：‘“凤兮凤兮”，故是一凤。’其资性敏捷，大抵如此。此二人深可畏也。”维笑曰：“量此孺子，何足道哉！”
于是姜维引夏侯霸至成都，入见后主。维奏曰：“司马懿谋杀曹爽，又来赚夏侯霸，霸因此投降。目今司马懿父子专权，曹芳懦弱，魏国将危。臣在汉中有年，兵精粮足，臣愿领王师，即以霸为向导官，克服中原，重兴汉室，以报陛下之恩，以终丞相之志。”尚书令费祎谏曰：“近者，蒋琬、董允皆相继而亡，内治无人。伯约只宜待时，不宜轻动。”维曰：“不然。人生如白驹过隙[5]，似此迁延岁月，何日恢复中原乎？”祎又曰：“孙子云：‘知彼知己，百战百胜。’我等皆不如丞相远甚，丞相尚不能恢复中原，何况我等？”维曰：“吾久居陇上，深知羌人之心。今若结羌人为援，虽未能克复中原，自陇而西，可断而有也。”后主曰：“卿既欲伐魏，可尽忠竭力，勿堕锐气，以负朕命。”于是姜维领敕辞朝，同夏侯霸径到汉中，计议起兵。维曰：“可先遣使去羌人处通盟，然后出西平，近雍州。先筑二城于麴山之下，令兵守之，以为掎角之势。我等尽发粮草于川口，依丞相旧制，次第进兵。”是年秋八月，先差蜀将句安、李歆同引一万五千兵，往麴山前连筑二城，句安守东城，李歆守西城。
早有细作报与雍州刺史郭淮。淮一面申报洛阳，一面遣副将陈泰引兵五万，来与蜀兵交战。句安、李歆各引一军出迎，因兵少不能抵敌，退入城中。泰令兵四面围住攻打，又以兵断其汉中粮道，句安、李歆城中粮缺。郭淮自引兵亦到，看了地势，忻然而喜，回到寨中，乃与陈泰计议曰：“此城山势高阜，必然水少，须出城取水，若断其上流，蜀兵皆渴死矣。”遂令军士掘土堰断上流，城中果然无水。李歆引兵出城取水，雍州兵围困甚急。歆死战不能出，只得退入城去。句安城中亦无水，乃会了李歆，引兵出城，并在一处，大战良久，又败入城去。军士枯渴。安与歆曰：“姜都督之兵，至今未到，不知何故。”歆曰：“我当舍命杀出求救。”遂引数十骑，开了城门，杀将出来。雍州兵四面围合，歆奋死冲突，方才得脱，只落得独自一人，身带重伤，馀皆没于乱军之中。是夜北风大起，阴云布合，天降大雪，因此城内蜀兵分粮化雪而食。
却说李歆撞出重围，从西山小路行了两日，正迎着姜维人马。歆下马伏地告曰：“麴山二城，皆被魏兵围困，绝了水道。幸得天降大雪，因此化雪度日。甚是危急。”维曰：“吾非来迟，为聚羌兵未到，因此误了。”遂令人送李歆入川养病。维问夏侯霸曰：“羌兵未到，魏兵围困麴山甚急，将军有何高见？”霸曰：“若等羌兵到，麴山二城皆陷矣。吾料雍州兵，必尽来麴山攻打，雍州城定然空虚。将军可引兵径往牛头山，抄在雍州之后，郭淮、陈泰必回救雍州，则麴山之围自解矣。”维大喜曰：“此计最善！”于是姜维引兵望牛头山而去。
却说陈泰见李歆杀出城去了，乃谓郭淮曰：“李歆若告急于姜维，姜维料吾大兵皆在麴山，必抄牛头山袭吾之后。将军可引一军去取洮水，断绝蜀兵粮道；吾分兵一半，径往牛头山击之。彼若知粮道已绝，必然自走矣。”郭淮从之，遂引一军暗取洮水。陈泰引一军径往牛头山来。
却说姜维兵至牛头山，忽听的前军发喊，报说魏兵截住去路，维慌忙自到军前视之。陈泰大喝曰：“汝欲袭吾雍州！吾已等候多时了！”维大怒，挺枪纵马，直取陈泰，泰挥刀而迎。战不三合，泰败走，维挥兵掩杀。雍州兵退回，占住山头。维收兵就牛头山下寨。维每日令兵搦战，不分胜负。夏侯霸谓姜维曰：“此处不是久停之所。连日交战，不分胜负，乃诱兵之计耳，必有异谋。不如暂退，再作良图。”正言间，忽报郭淮引一军取洮水，断了粮道。维大惊，急令夏侯霸先退，维自断后。陈泰分兵五路赶来。维独拒五路总口，战住魏兵。泰勒兵上山，矢石如雨。维急退到洮水之时，郭淮引兵杀来，维引兵往来冲突。魏兵阻其去路，密如铁桶。维奋死杀出，折兵大半，飞奔上阳平关来。前面又一军杀到，为首一员大将，纵马横刀而出。那人生得圆面大耳，方口厚唇，左目下生个黑瘤，瘤上生数十根黑毛，乃司马懿长子骠骑将军司马师也。维大怒曰：“孺子焉敢阻吾归路！”拍马挺枪，直来刺师，师挥刀相迎。只三合，杀败了司马师，维脱身径奔阳平关来。城上人开门放入姜维。司马师也来抢关，两边伏弩齐发，一弩发十矢，乃武侯临终时所遗“连弩”之法也。正是：难支此日三军败，独赖当年十矢传。未知司马师性命如何，且看下文分解。
[1] “凡人在难”四句——意思是说，看到一般的人在患难中，还会怜悯救助；在人家手下服役，遇到危难，反而丢弃职守，这是最不祥的事了。凡事情反常会带来灾祸，古人说作“不祥”。
[2] 驽马恋栈豆——劣马只惦着马棚里的饲料。譬喻无能的人只贪图安逸，缺乏远大的志向和谋略。
[3] 某将在此——我携带在这里。
[4] 体访——仔细察访。
[5] 白驹过隙——白驹是骏马，隙是洞孔或裂缝；白驹过隙，是说良马跑过一个洞隙，只在转瞬，极言其疾速；通常用以形容时间过得很快。
CHAPTER 107. The Ruler of Wei Hands Over The Power To Sima Yi; Jiang Wei Is Defeated At Ox Head Hills.
Sima Yi was very pleased to hear that Cao Shuang and his party were to follow the Ruler of Wei on a visit to the tombs combined with a hunt, for it meant that the whole enemy faction left the city.
As soon as they left, Sima Yi entered with his authority as Guardian of the Throne, gave Gao Rou, Minister of the Interior, provisional command of the army and sent him to seize the camp of Cao Shuang. A similar command was given to Wang Guan, Supervisor of the Palace, to occupy the camp of Cao Xi.
Having secured his position thus, Sima Yi and his supporters went to the palace of the Empress Dowager and said to her, “Cao Shuang has betrayed the trust placed in him by the late Emperor and has ruined the government. His fault must be expiated.”
Empress Guo replied, “What can be done in the absence of His Majesty?”
“I have prepared plans for the destruction of these base ministers and will see to it that no trouble happens to yourself.”
The Empress was much alarmed, but could only act as she was directed and agree. So two of Sima Yi's supporters, Commander Jiang Ji and High Minister Sima Fu, copied out the memorial he had prepared, and it was sent to the Ruler of Wei by the hand of an eunuch. Then the arsenals were seized.
Soon the news of the rising came to the knowledge of the family of Cao Shuang, and his wife, Lady Liu, came out from the inner apartments and summoned Pan Ju, Commander of the Gates, and inquired, “The Master is outside, and Sima Yi is revolting: what does it mean?”
“Your Ladyship need feel no alarm. Let me go and find out the truth,” said Pan Ju.
Thereupon Pan Ju, at the head of a several bowmen, went up on the wall and looked around. At that moment Sima Yi was crossing the court, and Pan Ju bade his men shoot. Sima Yi could not pass.
But Sun Qian, one of his generals, said, “You must not shoot at the Guardian of the Throne; he is on public service.”
Thrice Sun Qian urged his chief not to let the men shoot, and so Pan Ju desisted. Sima Yi went across guarded by his son Sima Zhao. Then he went out of the city and camped on River Luo at the Floating Bridge.
When the revolution began, one of Cao Shuang's officers, Luu Zhi by name, took counsel with Military Adviser Xin Chang.
“Now that this revolt has begun, what should we do?”
“Let us go to the Emperor with what troops we have,” replied Xin Chang.
“Perhaps the best course,” replied Luu Zhi.
And Xin Chang went into the inner chamber to get ready to start. There he met his sister, Xin Xianying, who asked the meaning of all this haste.
“His Majesty is out on a hunt, and Sima Yi has closed the gates of the city. This is rebellion.”
“I do not think so. He only means to slay Cao Shuang, his rival,” replied she.
“What will be the outcome of this?” asked her brother.
“Cao Shuang is no match for Sima Yi,” replied she.
“If Sima Yi asks us to join him, should we?” asked Xin Chang.
Xin Xianying replied, “You know what a true man should do. When a man is in danger, there is the greater need for sympathy. To be of Cao Shuang's people and desert him in an emergency is the greatest of evils.”
This speech decided Xin Chang, who went with Luu Zhi. At the head of a some twenty horsemen, they forced the gate and got out of the city.
When their escape was reported to Sima Yi, he thought that Huan Fan would surely try to follow their example, so he sent to call him. However, on the advice of his son, Huan Fan did not answer the summons, but decided to flee. He got into his carriage and drove hastily to the South Gate. But the gate was barred. The Commander of the Gate, Si Fan, was an old dependant of Huan Fan.
Huan Fan pulled out from his sleeve a slip of bamboo and said, “The Empress's command; open the gate for me.”
“Let me look,” said Si Fan.
“What! How dare you, an old servant of mine, behave thus?”
Si Fan let Huan Fan pass. As soon as he had got outside, Huan Fan shouted to Si Fan, “Sima Yi has raised a revolt, and you would better follow me.”
Si Fan realized that he had made a mistake, and chase after Huan Fan, but failed to come up with him.
“So the 'Bag of Wisdom' has got away too; that is a pity, but what can we do?” said Sima Yi, when they reported the escape.
“The old horse always hankers after the old stable and manger, and he would have been useless to us,” replied Jiang Ji.
Then Sima Yi called to him Xu Yun and Chen Tai and said, “Go you to Cao Shuang and say that I have no other intention than to take away the military power from him and his brothers.”
As soon as they had left, he called Yin Damu and ordered Jiang Ji prepare a letter to be taken to Cao Shuang by Yin Damu.
Said Sima Yi, “You are on good terms with the man and are the fittest person for this mission. Tell him that Jiang Ji and I are concerned solely with the military powers in the hands of himself and his brothers, as we have sworn pointing to River Luo.”
So Yin Damu went his way.
Out in the country Cao Shuang was enjoying the hunting, flying his falcons and coursing his hounds. Suddenly came the news of the rising in the city and the memorial against him. He almost fell out of the saddle when they told him. The eunuch handed in the memorial to the Ruler of Wei in the presence of Cao Shuang, who took it and opened it. A minister in attendance was ordered to read it. It said:
“Sima Yi, General Who Conquers the West and Imperial Guardian, with bowed head and trepidation, presents this memorial. On my return from the expedition into Liaodong, His late Majesty summoned Your Majesty, Cao Shuang, myself and certain others to his bedside, took me by the arm and impressed upon us all our duty in the years to be.
“Now Cao Shuang has betrayed the trust placed in him, has disordered the kingdom, usurped power at court, and seized upon power in the regions. He has appointed Zhang Dang, Administer of the City, to control the court and spy upon Your Majesty. He is surely lying in wait to seize the empire. He has sown dissension in the royal family and injured his own flesh and blood. The whole land is in confusion, and people's hearts are full of fear. All this is opposed to the injunctions of His late Majesty and his commands to me.
“Stupid and worthless as I am, yet I dare not forget the words of His late Majesty. My colleagues, Jiang Ji and Sima Fu, agree that Cao Shuang is disloyal at heart, and great military powers should not be entrusted to him or his brothers.
“I have memorialized Her Majesty and obtained her authority to act.
“All military powers have been wrested from the hands of Cao Shuang, Cao Xi, and Cao Xun, leaving them only the simple title of lordships, so that hereafter they may be unable to hinder or control Your Majesty's actions. If there be any obstruction, the matter shall be summarily dealt with.
“Although in ill health, as a precautionary measure I have camped at the Floating Bridge, whence I write this.”
When they had made an end of reading, the Ruler of Wei turned to Cao Shuang and said, “In the face of such words what mean you to do?”
Cao Shuang was at a loss and turned to his younger brother, saying, “What now?”
Cao Xi replied, “I remonstrated with you, but you were obstinate and listened not. So it has come to this. Sima Yi is false and cunning beyond measure. If Zhuge Liang could not get the better of him, could we hope to do so? I see nothing but to yield that haply we may live.”
Just at this moment arrived Xin Chang and Luu Zhi. Cao Shuang asked what tidings they brought.
They replied, “The city is completely and closely surrounded, Sima Yi is camped on the river at the Floating Bridge, and you cannot return. You must decide how to act at once.”
Then galloped up Huan Fan, who said, “This is really rebellion; why not request His Majesty to proceed to Xuchang till regional troops can arrive and deal with Sima Yi?”
Cao Shuang replied, “How can we go to another place when all our families are in the city?”
“Even a fool in this crisis would think only of life. You have the Son of Heaven with you here and command all the forces of the empire. None would dare disobey you, and yet you march quietly to death.”
Cao Shuang could not decide to strike a blow for safety; he did nothing but snivel.
Huan Fan continued, “The stay in Xuchang would be but brief, and there are ample supplies for years. You have forces at your call at the South Pass. You hold the seal of Minister of War, and I have brought it with me. Everything is in your favor. Act! Act at once! Delay is death.”
“Do not hurry me,” said Cao Shuang. “Let me think it over carefully.”
Then came Xu Yun and Chen Tai, the two messengers of Sima Yi, and said, “The Guardian of the Throne desires only to strip the military power of the Regent Marshal. If the Regent Marshal yields, he may return peacefully to the city.”
Still Cao Shuang hesitated.
Next arrived Yin Damu, saying, “The Imperial Guardian had sworn by River Luo to the singleness of his aim. Here is letter of Minister Jiang Ji. The Regent Marshal should relinquish the military power and return to the palace in peace.”
When Cao Shuang seemed disposed to accept the assurance of Sima Yi, Huan Fan inveighed against it, saying, “You are a dead man if you listen to the voice of these people!”
Night found Cao Shuang still vacillating. As twilight faded into darkness he stood, sword in hand, sad, sighing and weeping. And morning found him still trying to make up his mind.
Huan Fan again urged him to decide upon some course.
“You have had a whole day and a whole night for reflection and must decide,” said he.
“I will not fight; I will yield all; being a wealthy man is enough,” said Cao Shuang, throwing down his sword.
Huan Fan left the tent wailing.
“Cao Zhen might boast of his abilities, but his sons are mere cattle,” said he, weeping copiously.
The two messengers, Xu Yun and Chen Tai, bade Cao Shuang offer his seal of office to Sima Yi, and it was brought.
But First Secretary Yang Zong clung to it and would not give it up, saying, “Alas! That you, my lord, should resign your powers and make such a pitiful surrender. For surely you will not escape death in the eastern market place.”
“The Imperial Guardian will surely keep faith with me,” said Cao Shuang.
The seal was borne away, and Cao Shuang's generals and soldiers, thus released from the bonds of discipline, dispersed and the hosts melted away. When the brothers reached the Floating Bridge, they were ordered to go to their dwellings, and they went. Their supporters were imprisoned to await the edicts of the Emperor.
Cao Shuang and his friends, so lately all-powerful, entered the city alone, without even a servant following.
As Huan Fan approached the bridge, Sima Yi, from horseback, pointed his whip disdainfully at him and said, “What brought you to this?”
Huan Fan made no reply, but with head bent followed the others.
It was decided to request the Emperor to declare the hunt at an end and order a return to the city. Cao Shuang, Cao Xi, and Cao Xun were confined in their own house, the gate whereof was fastened with a huge lock, and soldiers were set to guard it round about. They were sad and anxious, not knowing what would be their fate.
Then Cao Xi said, “We have but little food left. Let us write and ask for supplies. If Sima Yi sends us food, we may be sure he does not intend harm.”
They wrote, and a hundred carts of supplies were sent. This cheered them, and Cao Shuang said, “Our lives are safe in the hands of Sima Yi.”
Sima Yi had Zhang Dang arrested and put to the question. Zhang Dang said he was not the only one who had tried to subvert the government, and he named the five friends of Cao Shuang—He Yan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, Ding Mi, and Bi Gui. So they were arrested and, when interrogated, confessed that a revolt had been arranged for the third month. Sima Yi had them locked in one long wooden collar.
The Commander of the Gates, Si Fan, testified that Huan Fan had imposed upon him with a pretended command from Her Majesty and so had escaped out of the city. Beside Huan Fan had said the Imperial Guardian was a rebel.
Then said Sima Yi, “When a person maligns another and is false, the punishment for such a crime as he imputes falls upon his own head.”
Huan Fan and those with him were thrown into prison.
Presently Cao Shuang and his brothers, all persons connected with them, and their clans were put to death in the market place. All the treasures of their houses was sent to the public treasury.
Now there was a certain woman of the Xiahou family who had been wife to Wen Shu, a second cousin of Cao Shuang. Early left a childless widow, her father wished her to marry again. Lady Xiahou refused and cut off her ears as a pledge of constancy. However, when the Caos were all put to death, her father arranged another marriage for her; whereupon she cut off her nose. Her own people were chagrined at her obstinate determination.
“For whom are you keeping your vow?” said they. “Man is but as the light dust upon the tender grass, and what is the good of mutilating your body?”
The woman replied, weeping, “I have heard that honorable persons do not break a vow of chastity for the sake of wealth, and the hearts of righteous persons are constant unto death regardless of all losses. While the house of Cao enjoyed prosperity, I remained faithful; how much more should I be true now that it has fallen upon evil days? Can I act like a mere beast of the field?”
The story of her devotion came to the ears of Sima Yi, who praised her conduct and allowed her to adopt a son to rear as her own and so continue the family.
A poem says:
What is a man to be mindful of?
A grain of dust on a blade of grass;
Such virtue as Lady Xiahou had
Stands out sublime as the ages pass.
This fair young wife of gentle mien
Dared all to maintain her purpose high.
What people though strong in the flush of life
Have equaled her in constancy?
After Cao Shuang had suffered death, Jiang Ji said to Sima Yi, “Xin Chang and Luu Zhi and others who had been of his party had forced the gate and joined the rebels. Yang Zong had opposed the surrender of the seal of the late minister. They deserve punishment.”
However, no action was taken against them.
“They are righteous people who serves their master faithfully,” said Sima Yi, and he even confirmed these men in their offices.
Xin Chang sighed, “Had I not listened to the advice of my sister, I would have walked in the way of unrighteousness.”
A poet has praised his sister, Xin Xianying.
“You call him lord and take his pay,
Then stand by him when danger nears.”
Thus to her brother spoke Xin Xianying,
And won fair fame though endless years.
A general amnesty was extended to all Cao Shuang's partisans, and no officer was removed or dismissed for having supported the late order of things. All were left in possession of their property, and soon all was tranquillity.
However, it is to be noted that He Yan and Deng Yang met the unhappy end that Guan Lu had foretold for them.
The seer Guan Lu was deeply read
In all the lore of the ancient sages.
Thus he could see events to come
As clear as those of former ages.
And he perceived the soul of He Yan,
Already in the vale of gloom.
And knew the outer shell of Deng Yang
Was hastening to an early tomb.
After his recovery of power, Sima Yi was made Prime Minister and received the Nine Gifts of Dignities. Sima Yi refused these honors, but the Ruler of Wei insisted and would take no denial. His two sons were made assistants to their father, and all state affairs fell under the control of these three.
However, Sima Yi remembered that one man, Xiahou Ba, a member of the Cao clan, still commanded at Yongzhou. In his position Xiahou Ba might be a real danger, and he must be removed. So an edict was issued calling him to Capital Luoyang to discuss affairs.
Upon receiving this call, Xiahou Ba was shocked; but instead of obeying this call, he declared himself a rebel, and he had a force of three thousand troops to support him. As soon as this was known, Guo Huai marched to suppress the malcontent. The two armies were soon face to face, and Guo Huai went to the front and began to revile his opponent.
“How could you rebel against the ruling house, you who are of the same clan as our great founder, and you who have always been treated generously?”
Xiahou Ba replied, “My forefathers served the state right well, but who is this Sima Yi that he has put to death my kinspeople and would now destroy me? What is his aim, if it be not to usurp the Throne? If I can cut him off and so frustrate his design, I shall at least be no traitor to the state.”
Guo Huai rode forward to attack, and Xiahou Ba advanced to the encounter. They fought some ten bouts, and then Guo Huai turned and fled. But this was only a feint to lead on his enemy, for ere Xiahou Ba had gone far, he heard a shout behind him and turned to see Chen Tai about to attack. At the same moment Guo Huai turned again, and thus Xiahou Ba was between two fires. He could effect nothing, so he fled, losing many troops. Soon he decided that his only course was to flee to Hanzhong and to surrender to the Ruler of Shu.
Wherefore he went into Hanzhong to see if haply the Latter Ruler would accept his services. When Jiang Wei heard of his desire to surrender, he had doubts of Xiahou Ba's sincerity. However, after due inquiry Jiang Wei was satisfied and allowed the renegade from Wei to enter the city. After making his obeisance, Xiahou Ba, with many tears, told the story of his wrongs. Jiang Wei expressed sympathy.
Said Jiang Wei, “In the ancient time Wei Zi left the court of Zhou in disgust, and this act has assured to him everlasting honor. You may be able now to assist in the restoration of the House of Han, and you will then stand no whit inferior to any person of antiquity.”
A banquet was ordered, and while it was being prepared the host talked of affairs in Capital Luoyang.
“The Simas are now most powerful and in a position to carry out any scheme they planned. Think you that they have any intentions against Shu?”
“The old traitor has enough to do with his rebellion; he has no leisure to trouble about any outside matters. However, two other young leaders in Wei have lately come to the front, and if Sima Yi sent them against Shu and Wu, it might go ill with you both.”
“And who are these two?”
“One is named Zhong Hui, a man of Changsha; he is a son of the former Imperial Guardian Zhong Yao. As a mere boy he was noted for being bold and smart. His father used to take him and his brother, Zhong Yu, to court. Zhong Hui was seven and his brother a year older. Emperor Pi noticed one day that the elder boy was sweating and asked him the reason. Zhong Yu replied, 'Whenever I am frightened, the sweat pours out.' Then Emperor Pi said to the other boy, 'You do not seem frightened.' And Zhong Hui replied, 'I am so frightened that the sweat cannot come out.' The Emperor was discerned the extraordinary ability of the boy. A little later Zhong Hui was always studying books on war and tactics, and became an able strategist, so that he won admiration from both Sima Yi and Jiang Ji. Zhong Hui is being a secretary in the Palace.
“The second man is Deng Ai from Yiyang. He was left an orphan very early, but he was ambitious and enterprising. If he saw lofty mountains or wide marshes, he always looked for those points where soldiers might be stationed or depots of provisions made or combustibles laid. People ridiculed him, but Sima Yi saw there was much to admire and employed the young man on his staff. Deng Ai had an impediment in his speech, so that he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai,' and Sima Yi used to make fun of him and asked him one day how many there were of him since he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai.' Deng Ai at once replied, 'There is only one phoenix when they say 'O Phoenix! O Phoenix!'' This ready repartee shows the quickness of his intellect, and you may well be on your guard against him and the other, for they are to be feared.”
“I do not think them worth even talking about,” replied Jiang Wei.
Jiang Wei took Xiahou Ba to Chengdu and presented him to the Latter Ruler.
Jiang Wei said, “Sima Yi had slain Cao Shuang, and he wanted to bait Xiahou Ba, who yielded to Shu. Now the Simas, father and sons, are holding the supreme power, the young Ruler Cao Fang is a weakling, and Wei's fortune is near its end. For many years in Hanzhong, our troops have been well trained, and our stores and depots filled with ample supplies. Now I wish to lead an expedition, using Xiahou Ba as guide, to conquer the Middle Land and to reestablish the House of Han in its old capital. This is how I could show my gratitude to Your Majesty and fulfill the desire of the late Prime Minister.”
But Fei Yi, Chair of the Secretariat, opposed any expedition, saying, “We have lately lost by death two trusty minister, Jiang Wan and Dong Yun, and there is no one left fit to take care of the government. The attempt should be postponed; no hasty move should be made.”
“Not so,” replied Jiang Wei. “Life is short. Our days flash by as the glint of a white horse across a chink in the door. We are waiting and waiting. Are we never to try to restore Han to its old glory?”
“Remember the saying of the wise Sun Zi: 'Know thyself and know thine enemy, then is victory sure.' We are not the equals of the late Prime Minister, and where he failed, are we likely to succeed?”
Jiang Wei said, “I would enlist the aid of the Qiangs. I have lived near them in Xizhou and know them well. With their help, even if we do not gain the whole empire, we can at least conquer and hold all west of Xizhou.”
The Latter Ruler here closed the discussion, saying, “Sir, as you desire to conquer Wei, do your best. I will not damp your enthusiasm.”
Thus the Latter Ruler's consent was given. Then Jiang Wei left the court and betook himself, with Xiahou Ba, into Hanzhong to prepare for a new expedition.
“We will first send an envoy to the Qiangs to make a league with them,” said Jiang Wei. “Then we will march out by the Xiping Pass to Yongzhou, where we will throw up two ramparts in Qushan in Qushan Mountains and garrison them. The position is a point of vantage. Then we will send supplies beyond the pass by land and waterways, and advance gradually, according to the plan devised by the late Prime Minister.”
In the autumn of the year (AD 249) they sent the two Shu generals, Li Xin and Gou An, with fifteen thousand troops, to construct the two ramparts in Qushan in Qushan Mountains, of which Gou An was to hold the eastern and Li Xin the western.
When the news reached Yongzhou, the Imperial Protector, Guo Huai, sent a report to Luoyang and also dispatched Chen Tai with a force of fifty thousand troops to oppose the troops of Shu. When that army arrived, Li Xin and Gou An led their troops to meet it; but their armies were too weak to stand such a large force, and they once more retired into the city. Chen Tai ordered his army to lay siege and occupy the road that led to Hanzhong, so that supplies were cut off.
After some days, and when the soldiers of Shu began to feel the pinch of hunger, Guo Huai came to see what progress his general was making.
At sight of the position he rejoiced exceedingly, and when he returned to camp he said to Chen Tai, “In this high country the city must be short of water, which means that the besieged must come out for supplies. Let us cut off the streams that supply them, and they will perish of thirst.”
So the Wei soldiers were set to work to divert the streams above the city, and the besieged were soon distressed. Li Xin led out a strong force to try to seize the water sources and fought stubbornly, but was at length worsted and driven back within the walls. After that Li Xin and Gou An joined their forces and made another attempt to go out and fight. But the Yongzhou troops surrounded them, and a melee ensured until Li Xin and Gou An fought their way back to the city.
Meanwhile the soldiers were parched with thirst. Gou An discussed the circumstance with Li Xin, saying, “I do not understand the delay of Commander Jiang Wei's reinforcements.”
Li Xin said, “Let me try to fight my way out and get help.”
So the gates were opened, and Li Xin rode out with some twenty horsemen. These were opposed and had to fight every inch of the way, but eventually Li Xin won though severely wounded. All his followers had fallen.
That night a strong north wind brought a heavy fall of snow, and the besieged were thus temporarily relieved from the water famine. They melted the snow and prepared food.
Li Xin, severely wounded, made his way west along the hill paths. After two days he fell in with Jiang Wei.
He dismounted, prostrated himself, and told his story: “Qushan had been surrounded and cut off water supplies. By luck it snowed, and our soldiers were partly relieved. But the situation was very urgent.”
“The delay is not due to my slackness; the Qiang allies we depended upon have not come,” said Jiang Wei.
Jiang Wei sent an escort with the wounded Li Xin to conduct him to Chengdu, where his wounds could be treated.
Turning to Xiahou Ba, Jiang Wei asked, “The Qiangs do not come, and the Wei army is besieging Qushan; General, do you have any plan to propose?”
Xiahou Ba replied, “If we wait for the coming of the Qiangs, it looks as if we shall be too late to relieve Qushan. It is very probable that Yongzhou has been left undefended, wherefore I propose that you go toward Ox Head Hills and work round to the rear of Yongzhou, which will cause the Wei army to fall back to relieve Yongzhou and so relieve our force.”
“The plan appears excellent,” replied Jiang Wei. And he set out.
When Chen Tai knew that Li Xin had escaped, he said to his chief, “Now that this man has got out, he will tell Jiang Wei of the danger and Jiang Wei will conclude that our efforts are concentrated on the ramparts and will endeavor to attack our rear. Therefore I suggest, General, that you go to River Yao and stop the supplies of our enemies, while I go to the Ox Head Hills and smite them. They will retreat as soon as they know their supplies are threatened.”
So Guo Huai marched secretly to River Yao, while Chen Tai went to the hills.
When the Shu army led by Jiang Wei came near the Ox Head Hills, they heard a great shouting in front, and the scouts came in to report that the road was barred. Jiang Wei himself rode out to look.
“So you intended to attack Yongzhou, did you?” shouted Chen Tai. “But we know it and have been watching for you a long time.”
Jiang Wei rode forth to attack. Chen Tai advanced with a flourish of his sword, and they engaged. Chen Tai soon ran away. Then the soldiers of Shu came forward and fell on, driving the soldiers of Wei back to the summit of the hills. But they halted there, and Jiang Wei encamped at the foot of the hills, whence he challenged the enemy every day. But he could gain no victory.
Seeing no result after some days of this, Xiahou Ba said, “This is no place to remain in. We can get no victory and are tempting fate by remaining open to a surprise. I think we should retire till some better plan can be tried.”
Just then it was reported that the supplies road by River Yao was in the hands of Guo Huai, and it was imperative to retreat. Shocked with the news, Jiang Wei bade Xiahou Ba march away first, and he covered the retreat. Chen Tai pursued in five divisions along five different roads, but Jiang Wei got possession of the meeting point and held them all in check, finally forcing them back on the hills. But from this position Chen Tai ordered his troops to shoot heavy discharges of arrows and stones so that Jiang Wei was forced to abandon his position. He went to River Yao, where Guo Huai led his force out to attack. Jiang Wei went to and fro smiting where he could, but he was surrounded and only got out by a desperate effort and after suffering more than half of his force.
Jiang Wei hastened toward Yangping Pass, but fell in with another body of the enemy, at the head of which he saw a fierce, youthful leader, who at once rode out furiously to attack. This leader had a round face, long ears, and a square mouth with thick lips. Below his left eye was a large hairy mole. It was the elder son of Sima Yi. He was General of the Flying Cavalry, Sima Shi.
“Simpleton, how dare you stand in my way?” yelled Jiang Wei, as he rode forward with his spear set.
Sima Shi met the attack, and a few bouts were fought before Sima Shi fled. Jiang Wei came off victor and so was free to continue his way. Presently he reached the pass and was welcomed within its sheltering walls. Sima Shi soon followed and attacked the Pass after his arrival, but those within the ramparts replied with the multiple crossbows which threw ten bolts at each discharge. For the army of Shu had made these engines of war after the design left by Zhuge Liang.
Owing to superior weapons, Shu defeated Wei,
Wei would never recover what was lost that day.
What befell Sima Shi will be told in the next chapter.