第八十八回

第八十八回 渡泸水再缚番王 识诈降三擒孟获

却说孔明放了孟获，众将上帐问曰：“孟获乃南蛮渠魁，今幸被擒，南方便定，丞相何故放之？”孔明笑曰：“吾擒此人如囊中取物耳，直须降伏其心，自然平矣。”诸将闻言，皆未肯信。

当日孟获行至泸水，正遇手下败残的蛮兵，皆来寻探。众兵见了孟获，且惊且喜，拜问曰：“大王如何能勾回来？”获曰：“蜀人监我在帐中，被我杀死十馀人，乘夜黑而走。正行间，逢着一哨马军，亦被我杀之，夺了此马，因此得脱。”众皆大喜，拥孟获渡了泸水，下住寨栅，会集各洞酋长，陆续招聚原放回的蛮兵，约有十馀万骑。此时董荼那、阿会喃已在洞中。孟获使人去请，二人惧怕，只得也引洞兵来。获传令曰：“吾已知诸葛亮之计矣，不可与战，战则中他诡计。彼川兵远来劳苦，况即日天炎，彼兵岂能久住？吾等有此泸水之险，将船筏尽拘在南岸，一带皆筑土城，深沟高垒，看诸葛亮如何施谋！”众酋长从其计，尽拘船筏于南岸，一带筑起土城。有依山傍崖之地，高竖敌楼，楼上多设弓弩炮石，准备久处之计。粮草皆是各洞供运。孟获以为万全之策，坦然不忧。

却说孔明提兵大进，前军已至泸水，哨马飞报说：“泸水之内，并无船筏，又兼水势甚急，隔岸一带筑起土城，皆有蛮兵守把。”时值五月，天气炎热，南方之地，分外炎酷，军马衣甲，皆穿不得。孔明自至泸水边观毕，回到本寨，聚诸将至帐中，传令曰：“今孟获兵屯泸水之南，深沟高垒，以拒我兵。吾既提兵至此，如何空回？汝等各各引兵，依山傍树，拣林木茂盛之处，与我将息人马。”乃遣吕凯离泸水百里，拣阴凉之地，分作四个寨子，使王平、张嶷、张翼、关索各守一寨，内外皆搭草棚，遮盖马匹，将士乘凉，以避暑气。参军蒋琬看了，入问孔明曰：“某看吕凯所造之寨甚不好，正犯昔日先帝败于东吴时之地势矣。倘蛮兵偷渡泸水，前来劫寨，若用火攻，如何解救？”孔明笑曰：“公勿多疑，吾自有妙算。”蒋琬等皆不晓其意。

忽报蜀中差马岱解暑药并粮米到，孔明令入。岱参拜毕，一面将米药分派四寨。孔明问曰：“汝将带多少军来？”马岱曰：“有三千军。”孔明曰：“吾军累战疲困，欲用汝军，未知肯向前否？”岱曰：“皆是朝廷军马，何分彼我？丞相要用，虽死不辞。”孔明曰：“今孟获拒住泸水，无路可渡。吾欲先断其粮道，令彼军自乱。”岱曰：“如何断得？”孔明曰：“离此一百五十里，泸水下流沙口，此处水慢，可以扎筏而渡。汝提本部三千军渡水，直入蛮洞，先断其粮，然后会合董荼那、阿会喃两个洞主，便为内应。不可有误。”

马岱欣然去了，领兵前到沙口，驱兵渡水。因见水浅，大半不下筏，只裸衣而过，半渡皆倒，急救傍岸，口鼻出血而死。马岱大惊，连夜回告孔明。孔明随唤向导土人问之，土人曰：“目今炎天，毒聚泸水，日间甚热，毒气正发，有人渡水，必中其毒，或饮此水，其人必死。若要渡时，须待夜静水冷，毒气不起，饱食渡之，方可无事。”孔明遂令土人引路，又选精壮军五六百，随着马岱，来到泸水沙口，扎起木筏，半夜渡水，果然无事。岱领着二千壮军，令土人引路，径取蛮洞运粮总路口夹山峪而来。那夹山峪，两下是山，中间一条路，止容一人一马而过。马岱占了夹山峪，分拨军士，立起寨栅。洞蛮不知，正解粮到，被岱前后截住，夺粮百馀车。蛮人报入孟获大寨中。

此时孟获在寨中，终日饮酒取乐，不理军务，谓众酋长曰：“吾若与诸葛亮对敌，必中奸计。今靠此泸水之险，深沟高垒以待之，蜀人受不过酷热，必然退走。那时吾与汝等随后击之，便可擒诸葛亮也。”言讫，呵呵大笑。忽然班内一酋长曰：“沙口水浅，倘蜀兵透漏过来，深为利害，当分军守把。”获笑曰：“汝是本处土人，如何不知？吾正要蜀兵来渡此水，渡则必死于水中矣。”酋长又曰：“倘有土人说与夜渡之法，当复何如？”获曰：“不必多疑。吾境内之人，安肯助敌人耶？”正言之间，忽报蜀兵不知多少，暗渡泸水，绝断了夹山粮道，打着“平北将军马岱”旗号。获笑曰：“量此小辈，何足道哉！”即遣副将忙牙长，引三千兵投夹山峪来。

却说马岱望见蛮兵已到，遂将二千军摆在山前。两阵对圆，忙牙长出马，与马岱交锋，只一合，被岱一刀斩于马下。蛮兵大败走回，来见孟获，细言其事。获唤诸将问曰：“谁敢去敌马岱？”言未毕，董荼那出曰：“某愿往。”孟获大喜，遂与三千兵而去。获又恐有人再渡泸水，即遣阿会喃，引三千兵，去守把沙口。

却说董荼那引蛮兵到了夹山峪下寨，马岱引兵来迎。部内军有认得是董荼那，说与马岱如此如此。岱纵马向前大骂曰：“无义背恩之徒！吾丞相饶汝性命，今又背反，岂不自羞！”董荼那满面惭愧，无言可答，不战而退。马岱掩杀一阵而回。董荼那回见孟获曰：“马岱英雄，抵敌不住。”获大怒曰：“吾知汝原受诸葛亮之恩，今故不战而退，正是卖阵之计！”喝教推出斩了。众酋长再三哀告，方才免死，叱武士将董荼那打了一百大棍，放归本寨。诸多酋长皆来告董荼那曰：“我等虽居蛮方，未尝敢犯中国，中国亦不曾侵我。今因孟获势力相逼，不得已而造反。想孔明神机莫测，曹操、孙权尚自惧之，何况我等蛮方乎？况我等皆受其活命之恩，无可为报。今欲舍一死命，杀孟获去投孔明，以免洞中百姓涂炭之苦。”董荼那曰：“未知汝等心下若何？”内有原蒙孔明放回的人，一齐同声应曰：“愿往！”于是董荼那手执钢刀，引百馀人，直奔大寨而来。时孟获大醉于帐中，董荼那引众人持刀而入，帐下有两将侍立。董荼那以刀指曰：“汝等亦受诸葛丞相活命之恩，宜当报效。”二将曰：“不须将军下手，某当生擒孟获，去献丞相。”于是一齐入帐，将孟获执缚已定，押到泸水边，驾船直过北岸，先使人报知孔明。

却说孔明已有细作探知此事，于是密传号令，教各寨将士，整顿军器，方教为首酋长解孟获入来，其馀皆回本寨听候。董荼那先入中军见孔明，细说其事。孔明重加赏劳，用好言抚慰，遣董荼那引众酋长去了，然后令刀斧手推孟获入。孔明笑曰：“汝前者有言：‘但再擒得，便肯降服。’今日如何？”获曰：“此非汝之能也，乃吾手下之人自相残害，以致如此。如何肯服！”孔明曰：“吾今再放汝去，若何？”孟获曰：“吾虽蛮人，颇知兵法。若丞相端的肯放吾回洞中，吾当率兵再决胜负。若丞相这番再擒得我，那时倾心吐胆归降，并不敢改移也。”孔明曰：“这番生擒，如又不服，必无轻恕。”令左右去其绳索，仍前赐以酒食，列坐于帐上。孔明曰：“吾自出茅庐，战无不胜，攻无不取。汝蛮邦之人，何为不服？”获默然不答。

孔明酒后，唤孟获同上马出寨，看视诸营寨栅所屯粮草，所积军器。孔明指谓孟获曰：“汝不降吾，真愚人也。吾有如此之精兵猛将，粮草兵器，汝安能胜吾哉？汝若早降，吾当奏闻天子，令汝不失王位，子子孙孙，永镇蛮邦。意下若何？”获曰：“某虽肯降，怎奈洞中之人未肯心服。若丞相肯放回去，就当招安本部人马，同心合胆，方可归顺。”孔明忻然，又与孟获回到大寨。饮酒至晚，获辞去，孔明亲自送至泸水边，以船送获归寨。

孟获来到本寨，先伏刀斧手于帐下，差心腹人到董荼那、阿会喃寨中，只推孔明有使命至，将二人赚到大寨帐下，尽皆杀之，弃尸于涧。孟获随即遣亲信之人守把隘口，自引军出了夹山峪，要与马岱交战，却并不见一人，及问土人，皆言昨夜尽搬粮草复渡泸水，归大寨去了。获再回洞中，与亲弟孟优商议曰：“如今诸葛亮之虚实，吾已尽知，汝可去如此如此。”

孟优领了兄计，引百馀蛮兵，搬载金珠、宝贝、象牙、犀角之类，渡了泸水，径投孔明大寨而来。方才过了河时，前面鼓角齐鸣，一彪军摆开，为首大将乃马岱也。孟优大惊。岱问了来情，令在外厢，差人来报孔明。孔明正在帐中与马谡、吕凯、蒋琬、费祎等共议平蛮之事，忽帐下一人，报称孟获差弟孟优来进宝贝。孔明回顾马谡曰：“汝知其来意否？”谡曰：“不敢明言。容某暗写于纸上，呈与丞相，看合钧意否？”孔明从之。马谡写讫，呈与孔明。孔明看毕，抚掌大笑曰：“擒孟获之计，吾已差派下也。汝之所见，正与吾同。”遂唤赵云入，向耳畔分付如此如此；又唤魏延入，亦低言分付；又唤王平、马忠、关索入，亦密密地分付。

各人受了计策，皆依令而去，方召孟优入帐。优再拜于帐下曰：“家兄孟获，感丞相活命之恩，无可奉献，辄具金珠宝贝若干，权为赏军之资。续后别有进贡天子礼物。”孔明曰：“汝兄今在何处？”优曰：“为感丞相天恩，径往银坑山中收拾宝物去了，少时便回来也。”孔明曰：“汝带多少人来？”优曰：“不敢多带。只是随行百馀人，皆运货物者。”孔明尽教入帐看时，皆是青眼黑面，黄发紫须，耳带金环，鬅头[1]跣足，身长力大之士。孔明就令随席而坐，教诸将劝酒，殷勤相待。

却说孟获在帐中专望回音，忽报有二人回了，唤入问之，具说：“诸葛亮受了礼物大喜，将随行之人，皆唤入帐中，杀牛宰马，设宴相待。二大王令某密报大王：今夜二更，里应外合，以成大事。”

孟获听知甚喜，即点起三万蛮兵，分为三队。获唤各洞酋长分付曰：“各军尽带火具。今晚到了蜀寨时，放火为号。吾当自取中军，以擒诸葛亮。”诸多蛮将，受了计策，黄昏左侧，各渡泸水而来。孟获带领心腹蛮将百馀人，径投孔明大寨，于路并无一军阻当。前至寨门，获率众将骤马而入，乃是空寨，并不见一人。获撞入中军，只见帐中灯烛荧煌，孟优并番兵尽皆醉倒。原来孟优被孔明教马谡、吕凯二人管待，令乐人搬做杂剧，殷勤劝酒，酒内下药，尽皆昏倒，浑如醉死之人。孟获入帐问之，内有醒者，但指口而已。获知中计，急救了孟优等一干人，却待奔回中队，前面喊声大震，火光骤起，蛮兵各自逃窜。一彪军杀到，乃是蜀将王平。获大惊，急奔左队时，火光冲天，一彪军杀到，为首蜀将乃是魏延。获慌忙望右队而来，只见火光又起，又一彪军杀到，为首蜀将乃是赵云。三路军夹攻将来，四下无路。孟获弃了军士，匹马望泸水而逃。正见泸水上数十个蛮兵，驾一小舟，获慌令近岸。人马方才下船，一声号起，将孟获缚住。原来马岱受了计策，引本部兵扮作蛮兵，撑船在此，诱擒孟获。

于是孔明招安蛮兵，降者无数。孔明一一抚慰，并不加害，就教救灭了馀火。须臾，马岱擒孟获至，赵云擒孟优至，魏延、马忠、王平、关索擒诸洞酋长至。孔明指孟获而笑曰：“汝先令汝弟以礼诈降，如何瞒得吾过！今番又被我擒，汝可服否？”获曰：“此乃吾弟贪口腹之故，误中汝毒，因此失了大事。吾若自来，弟以兵应之，必然成功。此乃天败，非吾之不能也，如何肯服！”孔明曰：“今已三次，如何不服？”孟获低头无语。孔明笑曰：“吾再放汝回去。”孟获曰：“丞相若肯放吾兄弟回去，收拾家下亲丁，和丞相大战一场。那时擒得，方才死心塌地而降。”孔明曰：“再若擒住，必不轻恕。汝可小心在意，勤攻韬略之书，再整亲信之士，早用良策，勿生后悔。”遂令武士去其绳索，放起孟获，并孟优及各洞酋长，一齐都放。孟获等拜谢去了。此时蜀兵已渡泸水。孟获等过了泸水，只见岸口陈兵列将，旗帜纷纷。获到营前，马岱高坐，以剑指之曰：“这番拿住，必无轻放！”孟获到了自己寨时，赵云早已袭了此寨，布列兵马。云坐于大旗下，按剑而言曰：“丞相如此相待，休忘大恩！”获喏喏连声而去。将出界口山坡，魏延引一千精兵，摆在坡上，勒马厉声而言曰：“吾今已深入巢穴，夺汝险要，汝尚自愚迷，抗拒大军！这回拿住，碎尸万段，决不轻饶！”孟获等抱头鼠窜，望本洞而去。后人有诗赞曰：

五月驱兵入不毛，月明泸水瘴烟高。誓将雄略酬三顾，岂惮征蛮七纵劳。

却说孔明渡了泸水，下寨已毕，大赏三军，聚众将于帐下曰：“孟获第二番擒来，吾令遍观各营虚实，正欲令其来劫营也。吾知孟获颇晓兵法，吾以兵马粮草炫耀，实令孟获看吾破绽，必用火攻。彼令其弟诈降，欲为内应耳。吾三番擒之而不杀，诚欲服其心，不欲灭其类也。吾今明告汝等，勿得辞劳，可用心报国。”众将拜伏曰：“丞相智、仁、勇三者足备，虽子牙、张良不能及也。”孔明曰：“吾今安敢望古人耶？皆赖汝等之力，共成功业耳。”帐下诸将听得孔明之言，尽皆喜悦。

却说孟获受了三擒之气，忿忿归到银坑洞中，即差心腹人赍金珠宝贝，往八番九十三甸等处，并蛮方部落，借使牌刀獠丁军健数十万，克日齐备。各队人马，云堆雾拥，俱听孟获调用。伏路军探知其事，来报孔明。孔明笑曰：“吾正欲令蛮兵皆至，见吾之能也。”遂上小车而行。正是：若非洞主威风猛，怎显军师手段高！未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 鬅（pén）头——一般写作“蓬头”，头发散乱。

CHAPTER 88. Crossing River Scorpio—The Mang King Is Bound The Second Time; Recognizing A Pretended Surrender—Meng Huo Is Captured The Third Time.

The officers did not approve of the release of the King of the Mangs, and they came to the tent of Zhuge Liang and said, “Meng Huo is the most important personage of all the Mangs, and his capture is the key to restoring order in the south. Why then, O Minister, did you release him?”

“I can capture him just as easily as I can get something out of my pocket. What I want to do is to overcome and win his heart, so that peace may follow of itself.”

They listened, but they had no great confidence in the success of the policy of conciliation.

In the meantime Meng Huo had reached the River Lu, and there he fell in with some of his defeated leaders, who were trying to get news of their King's fate.

They were surprised, but glad, to see him, and asked, “How were Your Highness able to get back?”

The King lied, saying, “They confined me in a tent, and I broke out in the night. I slew more than ten guards and ran. And then I met one of their sentries, killed him, and that is how I got this horse.”

They never doubted his word, and very joyfully they hurried him over the river to a camping place. Then all the notables assembled from the various ravines, and the soldiers that had escaped death were mustered and got into shape as a fighting force.

The two leaders in the late campaign, Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan, were in one of the ravines, and Meng Huo sent to ask them to come. They were afraid, but they could not disobey, and they came with an escort.

When all had assembled, the King proclaimed as follows: “I know Zhuge Liang is too full of ruses for us to conquer him in a fight; we should only fall victims to other base devices. However, we must remember that his soldiers have marched far and the weather is sultry, which are factors in our favor. Beside, River Lu is our rampart. We will have boats and rafts on the south side, and we will build a mud wall. With such good defenses we can afford to wait and see what the enemy intends.”

His speech met with approval, and his plan was carried out. The wall was supported by the hills and strengthened by fighting turrets, upon which were placed large bows and crossbows and arrows and stones. The defenses looked as if they were permanent. Moreover, each ravine sent supplies in plenty. And having made these preparations, Meng Huo felt comfortable and safe.

Zhuge Liang had advanced, and his leading division was now close to the river. Spies came back to report: “No boats or rafts can be found to cross, and the current is too strong to think of fording. Beside, we can see the formidable defenses on the farther bank, the mud wall and the turrets all fully manned.”

The weather was burning hot, for it was the fifth mouth, and the soldiers could not tolerate their armor nor even their clothing. When Zhuge Liang had inspected the river, he returned to his tent and assembled his officers, to whom he read this order: “The enemy is securely established on the south bank ready to repel our attack. Yet, having come so far, we cannot return empty. For the present you will all seek what shelter you can find in the forests, and rest and refresh your people.”

Then he sent Lu Kai to a distance to select a cool stretch of thirty miles, and there he made four stockades. Within the stockades he built huts for the soldiers and sheds for the horses, so that they were sheltered from the intense heat. The four camps were stationed by Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, Zhang Yi, and Guan Suo.

However, Jiang Wan, observed these shelters and went to Zhuge Liang, saying, “These shelters of Lu Kai are very unsuitable. He has made the same mistake as that which led to the defeat of the First Ruler at the hands of Wu. He has not taken into account the surroundings of the stockades, and if the Mangs should come over and start a fire, there could be no rescue.”

“Do not anticipate trouble,” said the Commander-in-Chief, smiling. “I have provided against all such dangers.”

Jiang Wan did not know what the chief meant to do, but he said no more. Then Ma Dai arrived from the Lands of Rivers, and he brought summer medicines and further supplies of grain. He saw Zhuge Liang, and then proceeded to distribute the supplies he had brought according to orders.

Then Zhuge Liang said, “What force have you brought?”

“Three thousand,” was the reply.

“My people are weary and worn out; I want to use yours. You have no objections?”

“Of course not; they are equally government troops. They are ready even to die for you if you wish.”

“This Meng Huo is established on the river, and we have no means of crossing. But I am anxious to intercept his supplies, so that his troops may mutiny.”

“How can you do it?”

“Some fifty miles lower down River Lu there is a place called Shakou, where the current is slow; you could cross there on rafts. I wish you and your soldiers to cross and cut the road of supplies. After that you are to arrange with the two leaders—Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan—whose lives I spared, to be your allies on the inside, and we shall succeed.”

Ma Dai went off gladly enough, and marched his troops to Shakou, where they set about the crossing at once. And as the water was shallow, they did not trouble to make rafts, but just tucked up their clothes and waded in. But half-way across, the men began to fall over; and when they had been rescued and taken to the bank, many of them began to bleed from the nose and mouth and died. In great alarm, Ma Dai sent hasty messages to Zhuge Liang, who called in the native guides and asked what this meant.

They told him, “It happens so every year. In the hot season, poisonous miasma collects over the waters of the River Lu, especially during the heat of the day. Anyone who drinks the water will surely die. Travelers who wish to cross have to wait till night, because the cooler waters do not breathe out the poisonous vapors. Further, the crossing should be attempted on a full stomach.”

Zhuge Liang bade the local guides point out the best crossing place. He sent some well-seasoned soldiers to Ma Dai to lash together poles into rafts at Shakou, and in the night the crossing was safely accomplished. Further, the guides then led the three thousand men of Shu over to where the grain road of the Mangs led through a narrow valley, called Jiashan Gorge, where, for part of the way, only single file was possible as the road was only wide enough for a soldier and a horse.

Ma Dai at once occupied this valley and stationed a force there. And a stockade was put up with tents inside. Presently a convoy of grain came along, and it was captured, more than a hundred wagons. The guards ran off to Meng Huo's great camp and told him.

Meng Huo, thinking all was safe during the hot season, was enjoying himself; wine and music were the order of the day, and military matters were far from his thoughts. In his cups he admitted Zhuge Liang was ruseful, but said his army had nothing to fear.

“If I attempt to oppose Zhuge Liang, I shall certainly fall a victim to some wile of his. However, my waiting policy is a safe one. With our defenses, and the river to back them, we can wait for the heat to overcome these men of Shu, who cannot stand the hot season. They will have to retreat, and then we can harass them. And we will capture this Zhuge Liang.”

He lay back and laughed at the thought. However, one chief, more prudent than the others, stood forth and said, “Remember the shallows at Shakou; it would be very serious if the soldiers of Shu got across there secretly. It ought to be guarded.”

“You belong to these areas. Do you not know that I want the enemy to try to get across there? Why, they will all perish in the water.”

“But what if the natives tell them to cross only in the night?”

“Do not be so anxious,” said Meng Huo. “Our own people will not help the enemy that far.”

It was just then that intelligence came: “The troops of Shu, unknown in number, have crossed the river and, moreover, have seized the Jiashan Gorge. The flags show the words 'General Ma Dai Who Pacifies The North.'“

Meng Huo affected indifference.

“This sort of fellow is not worth talking about,” said he.

He sent General Mangya Chang with three thousands troops to recapture the gorge and reopen the grain road.

When Ma Dai saw the Mang soldiers approaching, he placed two thousand troops in front of the hills and drew up the troops in formal array. Then Mangya Chang rode out to give battle. This was but a small engagement, as the general of the tribespeople fell at the first stroke of Ma Dai's sword. The Mangs ran away at once.

They returned to the King's camp and told him what had happened. Whereupon he called up all his generals and asked for another to go up against Ma Dai.

“I will go,” cried Dongtu Na. The King gave him three thousand troops. After he had gone, Meng Huo thought it would be wise to keep others from crossing the river. So he sent a force of three thousand under Ahui Nan to guard Shakou.

Dongtu Na duly arrived at the gorge and made a camp. Ma Dai came out to meet him. Among the soldiers in his cohort were some who recognized the leader of the Mangs and told Ma Dai certain things about how he had been captured and liberated.

So Ma Dai galloped toward him, shouting, “O you ingrate! How could you forget the debt to the Prime Minister? Have you known no shame?”

Dongtu Na was very greatly ashamed and turned red in the face, and turned his horse before striking a blow. Ma Dai followed and fell on, slaying many of the Mangs. Then both sides withdrew.

Dongtu Na went back and told the King that Ma Dai was too strong for him.

But Meng Huo was angry, and cried, “You are a traitor! I know Zhuge Liang was good to you, and that is why you would not fight.”

Meng Huo ordered Dongtu Na out to execution. However, the notables and chiefs interceded, and the death penalty was remitted, but the unhappy leader was severely beaten, one hundred strokes with the heavy staff.

The chiefs were mostly on the side of the beaten general and against the King's policy.

They went to the tent of Dongtu Na and said, “Though we live in the Mang country, we have never had any thoughts of rebellion against the Imperial Government, nor has the Middle Empire ever encroached upon our land. We must own that Meng Huo's superior power forced us into this rising, and we could not help ourselves. Zhuge Liang is too clever for us, and no one can guess what he may do. Even Cao Cao and Sun Quan fear him; how much more must we? Moreover, we have received kindness at his hands and owe him our lives. We ought to show our gratitude. Now let us at all risks slay this Meng Huo and submit to Zhuge Liang so that our people may not suffer.”

Dongtu Na said, “I do not know your inner sentiments.”

At this, all those who had been prisoners and released cried with one voice, “We desire to go to Meng Huo.”

Thereupon Dongtu Na took in his hand a sharp sword, placed himself at the head of more than a hundred malcontents, and rushed into the great camp. At that moment Meng Huo was, as usual, intoxicated and lay in his tent. The mutineers rushed in. They found two generals on guard.

“You also received kindness from Zhuge Liang and ought to repay it,” cried Dongtu Na.

They replied, “You do not have to slay him; let us carry him a prisoner to the Prime Minister.”

So they bound the King securely, took him down to the river, and crossed in a boat to the northern bank. There they halted while they sent a messenger to Zhuge Liang.

Now Zhuge Liang knew what had been happening, and he had issued orders for every camp to prepare their weapons. All being ready, he told the chiefs to bring up their prisoner, and bade the others return to their camps. Dongtu Na went first and told the matter to Zhuge Liang, who praised his zeal and gave him presents. Then he retired with the chiefs, and the executioners brought in Meng Huo. “You said once before that if you were captured again, you would give in,” said Zhuge Liang, smiling. “Now will you yield?”

“This capture is not your work,” replied Meng Huo. “It is the work of these minions of mine who want to hurt me. I will not yield on this.”

“If I free you again, what then?”

“I am only a Mang, I know, but I am not wholly ignorant of war. If you, O Minister, let me return to my ravines, I will muster another army and fight a decisive battle with you. If you capture me again, then I will incline my heart and own myself beaten and yield. I will not go back on my promise again.”

“If you refuse to yield next time you are captured, I shall hardly pardon you.”

At Zhuge Liang's orders the cords were loosed and refreshments were brought for the prisoner.

“Remember,” said Zhuge Liang, “I have never failed yet. I have never failed to win a battle or to take a city I have assaulted. Why do you Mangs not yield?”

Meng Huo only nodded his head; he said nothing. After the wine, Zhuge Liang and Meng Huo rode round the camps together, and the King saw all the arrangements and the piles of stores and heaps of weapons.

And after the inspection Zhuge Liang said, “You are silly not to yield to me. You see my veteran soldiers, my able generals, my stores of all kinds and war gear; how can you hope to prevail against me? If you will yield, I will inform the Emperor, and you shall retain your kingship, and your sons and grandsons shall succeed as perpetual guardians of the Mang country. Do you not think it would be well?”

Meng Huo replied, “If I did yield, the people of my valleys would not be content. If you release me once more, I will see to it that my own people keep the peace and bring them round to unanimity of feeling, and then they will not oppose any more.”

Zhuge Liang was glad, and they returned to the main camp to feast until dusk, when Meng Huo took his leave. Zhuge Liang ordered a craft and went to see him across River Lu.

But Meng Huo's first act on his return to his own camp was to send one of his people to Dongtu Na's and Ahui Nan's camps, and pretend to ask them to come to meet a messenger from Zhuge Liang. When the two generals came, Meng Huo ordered assassins who had been placed hidden to do away with the two leaders. Their corpses were thrown into a gully. Then he sent his friends to guard the most important strategic points, while he marched to fight a battle with Ma Dai. But when he got near the valley, he saw no signs of the enemy, and, on questioning an inhabitant, he heard that the Shu army, with all their stores, had recrossed the river and joined the main body in the northern bank.

Meng Huo then returned to his own ravine and discussed matters with his brother, Meng You, saying, “I know all the details of the enemy's force from what I saw in their camp.”

And Meng Huo gave his brother certain instructions, which Meng You at once began to carry out. Meng You loaded a hundred men with gold and jewels and pearls and ivory and rhinoceros horn, crossed River Lu, and was on his way to the main camp of the Shu army, when he heard the sound of drums and a cohort under Ma Dai poured out to stop him. Meng You did not expect to meet an enemy, and was surprised. But Ma Dai only asked what he had come for. And when he had heard, Meng You was detained while a message was sent to Zhuge Liang. The messenger arrived while a council was in progress, the matter under discussion being how to reduce the Mangs. When the messenger had announced that Meng You had come bearing gifts of gold and pearls and such things, Zhuge Liang turned to Ma Su, saying, “Know you why this man has come?”

“I dare not say plainly; but let me write it,” said Ma Su.

“Write it, then.”

So Ma Su wrote and handed the paper to his chief, who had no sooner read it than he clapped his hands with joy, crying, “What you say is exactly what I think. But you may know I have already made arrangements for the capture of Meng Huo.”

Then Zhao Yun was called, and some orders were whispered into his ear. Next Wei Yan came, and he also went off with secret orders. Wang Ping, Ma Zhong, and Guan Suo also came, and left with particular instructions. All these things done, the bearer of gifts was called.

Meng You came and bowed low at the door of the tent, saying, “The brother of my house, Meng Huo, having received great kindness at your hands in sparing his life, feels bound to offer a paltry gift. He has presumed to collect a few pearls and some gold and other trifling jewels by way of something to give your soldiers. And hereafter he will send tribute to your Emperor.”

“Where is your brother at this moment?” asked Zhuge Liang.

“Having been the recipient of your great bounty, he has gone to the Silver Pit Hills to collect some treasures. He will soon return.”

“How many soldiers have you brought?”

“Only about a hundred; I should not dare to bring any large number. They are just porters.”

They were brought in for Zhuge Liang's inspection. They had blue eyes and swarthy faces, auburn hair and brown beards. They wore earrings, their hair was fuzzy, and they went barefoot. They were tall and powerful.

Zhuge Liang made them sit down, and bade his generals press them to drink and treat them well and compliment them.

Meng Huo was anxious about the reception that would be given to his brother and the treatment of his gifts, so he sat in his tent expecting the messenger at any moment. Then two men came, and he questioned them eagerly.

They said, “The presents have been accepted, and even the porters have been invited to drink in the tent and have been regaled with beef and flesh in plenty. O King, your brother sends the news that all will be ready at the second watch for the attack. He will support you from within.”

This was pleasing news, and Meng Huo prepared his thirty thousand troops ready to march out to the camp. They were divided into three divisions.

The King called up his chieftains and notables, and said, “Let each army carry the means of making fire, and as soon as they arrive let a light be shown as a signal. I am coming to the main camp to capture Zhuge Liang.” With these orders they marched, and they crossed River Lu at sunset. The King, with a hundred generals as escort, pressed on at once toward the main camp of Shu. They met with no opposition. They even found the main gate open, and Meng Huo and his party rode straight in. But the camp was a desert; not a soldier was visible.

Meng Huo rode right up to the large tent and pushed open the flap. It was brilliantly lighted with lamps, and lying about under their light were his brother and all his men, dead drunk. Zhuge Liang had ordered Ma Su and Lu Kai to entertain Meng You and his men with wine and dance performances. The wine they had been pressed to drink while the plays were going on had been heavily drugged, and they had fallen down almost as soon as they had swallowed it. One or two who had recovered a little could not speak: they only pointed to their mouths.

Meng Huo then saw that he had been the simple victim of another ruse. However, he picked up his brother and the others and started off to return to his main army.

But as he turned, torches began to flash out and drums to beat. The Mangs were frightened and took to their heels. But they were pursued, and the pursuing cohort was led by Wang Ping. The King bore away to the left to escape, but again a cohort appeared in front of him; Wei Yan was there. Meng Huo tried the other side; and was stopped by Zhao Yun. He was in a trap; and attacked on three sides and no fourth to escape by, what could he do? He abandoned everything, making one wild rush for the River Lu.

As he reached the river bank, he saw a bark on the river with Mang soldiers on board. Here was safety. He hailed the boat and jumped on board as soon as it touched the bank. No sooner had he embarked than suddenly he was seized and bound. The boat, which Ma Dai had provided and prepared, was part of the general plan, and the Mang soldiers therein were Ma Dai's soldiers disguised.

Many of Meng Huo's troops accepted the chance of surrender held out by Zhuge Liang, who soothed them and treated them well and did not injure one of them.

The remains of the conflagration were stamped out, and in a short time Ma Dai brought along his prisoner. At the same time Zhao Yun led in his brother, Meng You. Wei Yan, Ma Su, Wang Ping, and Guan Suo also brought their prisoners, chiefs or notables, to the camp of the Prime Minister.

Zhuge Liang looked at the King and laughed.

“That was but a shallow ruse of yours to send your brother with presents to pretend to submit to me; did you really think I should not see through it? But here you are once more in my power; now do you yield?”

“I am a prisoner owing to the gluttony of my brother and the power of your poisonous drugs. If I had only played his part myself and left him to support me with soldiers, I should have succeeded. I am the victim of fate and not of my own incapacity. No; I will not yield.”

“Remember this is the third time; why not?” said Zhuge Liang.

Meng Huo dropped his head and made no answer.

“Ah, well; I will let you go once more,” said Zhuge Liang.

“O Minister, if you will let me and my brother go, we will get together our family and clients and fight you once more. If I am caught that time, then I will confess myself beaten to the ground, and that shall be the end.” “Certainly I shall scarcely pardon you next time,” said Zhuge Liang. “You would better be careful. Diligently tackle your Book of Strategy; look over your list of confidants. If you can apply a good plan at the proper moment, you will not have any need for late regrets.”

Meng Huo and his brother and all the chiefs were released from their bonds. They thanked Zhuge Liang for his clemency and went away.

By the time the released prisoners had got back to the river, the army of Shu had crossed to the farther side and had captured the Mang defenses, the Shu flags fluttering in the breeze. As Meng Huo passed the camp, he saw Ma Dai sitting in state. Ma Dai pointed his sword at the King as he passed, and said, “Next time you are caught, you will not escape.”

When Meng Huo came to his own camp, he found Zhao Yun in possession and all in order. Zhao Yun was seated beneath the large banner, with his sword drawn, and as the King passed, he also said, “Do not presume on the kindness of the Prime Minister because you have been generously treated.”

Meng Huo grunted and passed on. Just as he was going over the frontier hills, he saw Wei Yan and a company drawn up on the slopes. Wei Yan shouted, “See to it; we have got into the inmost recesses of your country and have taken all your defensive positions. Yet you are fool enough to hold out. Next time you are caught, you will be quite destroyed. There will be no more pardons.”

Meng Huo and his company ran away with their arms over their heads. Each one returned to his own ravine.

In the fifth moon, when the sun is fierce,

Marched the army into the desert land,

Marched to the River Lu, bright and clear,

But deadly with miasma.

Zhuge Liang the leader cared not,

Pledged was he to subdue the south,

Thereby to repay the First Ruler's deference with service.

Wherefore he attacked the Mangs.

Yet seven times he freed their captured king.

After the crossing of the river, the soldiers were feasted. Then Zhuge Liang addressed his officers: “I let Meng Huo see our camp the second time he was our prisoner, because I wanted to tempt him into raiding it. He is something of a soldier, and I dangled our supplies and resources before his eyes, knowing he would try to burn them and that he would send his brother to pretend to submit that thereby he could get into our camp and have a chance to betray us. I have captured and released him three times, trying to win him over. I do not wish to do him any harm. I now explain my policy that you may understand I am not wasting your efforts and you are still to work your best for the government.”

They all bowed, and one said, “O Minister, you are indeed perfect in every one of the three gifts: wisdom, benevolence, and valor. Not even Lu Wang or Zhang Liang can equal you!”

Said Zhuge Liang, “How can I expect to equal our men of old? But my trust is in your strength, and together we shall succeed.”

This speech of their leader's pleased them all mightily.

In the meantime Meng Huo, puffed up with pride at getting off three times, hastened home to his own ravine, whence he sent trusted friends with gifts to the Eight Nations and the Ninety-three Sees and all the Mang quarters and clans to borrow shields and swords and warriors and braves. He got together one hundred thousand soldiers. They all assembled on an appointed day, massing like clouds and sweeping in like mists gathering on the mountains, each and all obeying the commands of the King Meng Huo.

And the scouts knew it all, and they told Zhuge Liang, who said, “This is what I was waiting for, that the Mangs should have an opportunity of knowing our might.”

Thereupon he seated himself in a small carriage and went out to watch.

O let our enemy's courage glow

That our greater might may show.

The story of the campaign will be continued in the next chapter.