第九十二回

第九十二回 赵子龙力斩五将 诸葛亮智取三城

却说孔明率兵前至沔阳，经过马超坟墓，乃令其弟马岱挂孝，孔明亲自祭之。祭毕，回到寨中，商议进兵。忽哨马报道：“魏主曹睿遣驸马夏侯楙，调关中诸路军马，前来拒敌。”魏延上帐献策曰：“夏侯楙乃膏粱子弟[1]，懦弱无谋。延愿得精兵五千，取路出褒中，循秦岭以东，当子午谷而投北，不过十日，可到长安。夏侯楙若闻某骤至，必然弃城望横门邸阁而走。某却从东方而来，丞相可大驱士马，自斜谷而进。如此行之，则咸阳以西，一举可定也。”孔明笑曰：“此非万全之计也。汝欺中原无好人物，倘有人进言，于山僻中以兵截杀，非惟五千人受害，亦大伤锐气。决不可用。”魏延又曰：“丞相兵从大路进发，彼必尽起关中之兵，于路迎敌，则旷日持久，何时而得中原？”孔明曰：“吾从陇右取平坦大路，依法进兵，何忧不胜！”遂不用魏延之计，魏延怏怏不悦。孔明差人令赵云进兵。

却说夏侯楙在长安聚集诸路军马。时有西凉大将韩德，善使开山大斧，有万夫不当之勇，引西羌诸路兵八万到来，见了夏侯楙，楙重赏之，就遣为先锋。德有四子，皆精通武艺，弓马过人：长子韩瑛，次子韩瑶，三子韩琼，四子韩琪。韩德带四子并西羌兵八万，取路至凤鸣山，正遇蜀兵。两阵对圆，韩德出马，四子列于两边。德厉声大骂曰：“反国之贼，安敢犯吾境界！”赵云大怒，挺枪纵马，单搦韩德交战。长子韩瑛，跃马来迎，战不三合，被赵云一枪刺死于马下。次子韩瑶见之，纵马挥刀来战。赵云施逞旧日虎威，抖擞精神迎战。瑶抵敌不住，三子韩琼，急挺方天戟骤马前来夹攻。云全然不惧，枪法不乱。四子韩琪见二兄战云不下，也纵马抡两口日月刀而来，围住赵云。云在中央独战三将。少时，韩琪中枪落马，韩阵中偏将急出救去。云拖枪便走，韩琼按戟，急取弓箭射之，连放三箭，皆被云用枪拨落。琼大怒，仍绰方天戟纵马赶来，却被云一箭射中面门，落马而死。韩瑶纵马举宝刀便砍赵云，云弃枪于地，闪过宝刀，生擒韩瑶归阵，复纵马取枪杀过阵来。韩德见四子皆丧于赵云之手，肝胆皆裂，先走入阵去。西凉兵素知赵云之名，今见其英勇如昔，谁敢交锋？赵云马到处，阵阵倒退。赵云匹马单枪，往来冲突，如入无人之境。后人有诗赞曰：

忆昔常山赵子龙，年登七十建奇功。独诛四将来冲阵，犹似当阳救主雄。

邓芝见赵云大胜，率蜀兵掩杀，西凉兵大败而走。韩德险被赵云擒住，弃甲步行而逃。云与邓芝收军回寨，芝贺曰：“将军寿已七旬，英勇如昨。今日阵前力斩四将，世所罕有！”云曰：“丞相以吾年迈，不肯见用，吾故聊以自表耳。”遂差人解韩瑶，申报捷书，以达孔明。

却说韩德引败军回见夏侯楙，哭告其事，楙自统兵来迎赵云。探马报入蜀寨，说夏侯楙引兵到。云上马绰枪，引千馀军，就凤鸣山前摆成阵势。当日，夏侯楙戴金盔，坐白马，手提大砍刀，立在门旗之下。见赵云跃马挺枪，往来驰骋，楙欲自战。韩德曰：“杀吾四子之仇，如何不报！”纵马轮开山大斧，直取赵云。云奋怒挺枪来迎，战不三合，枪起处，刺死韩德于马下，急拨马直取夏侯楙。楙慌忙闪入本阵。邓芝驱兵掩杀，魏兵又折一阵，退十馀里下寨。楙连夜与众将商议曰：“吾久闻赵云之名，未尝见面。今日年老，英雄尚在，方信当阳长坂之事。似此无人可敌，如之奈何？”参军程武乃程昱之子也，进言曰：“某料赵云有勇无谋，不足为虑。来日都督再引兵出，先伏两军于左右。都督临阵先退，诱赵云到伏兵处，都督却登山指挥四面军马，重叠围住，云可擒矣。”楙从其言，遂遣董禧引三万军伏于左，薛则引三万军伏于右：二人埋伏已定。

次日，夏侯楙复整金鼓旗幡，率兵前进。赵云、邓芝出迎。芝在马上谓赵云曰：“昨夜魏兵大败而去，今日复来，必有诈也。老将军防之。”子龙曰：“量此乳臭小儿，何足道哉！吾今日必当擒之！”便跃马而出。魏将潘遂出迎，战不三合，拨马便走。赵云赶去，魏阵中八员将一齐来迎。放过夏侯楙先走，八将陆续奔走。赵云乘势追杀，邓芝引兵继进。赵云深入重地，只听得四面喊声大震，邓芝急收军退回。左有董禧，右有薛则，两路兵杀到。邓芝兵少，不能解救。赵云被困在垓心，东冲西突，魏兵越厚。时云手下止有千馀人，杀到山坡之下，只见夏侯楙在山上指挥三军。赵云投东则望东指，投西则望西指，因此赵云不能突围，乃引兵杀上山来。半山中擂木炮石打将下来，不能上山。赵云从辰时杀至酉时，不得脱走，只得下马少歇，且待月明再战。却才卸甲而坐，月光方出，忽四下火光冲天，鼓声大震，矢石如雨，魏兵杀到，皆叫曰：“赵云早降！”云急上马迎敌。四面军马渐渐逼近，八方弩箭交射甚急，人马皆不能向前。云仰天叹曰：“吾不服老，死于此地矣！”忽东北角上喊声大起，魏兵纷纷乱窜，一彪军杀到，为首大将持丈八点钢矛，马项下挂一颗人头。云视之，乃张苞也。苞见了赵云，言曰：“丞相恐老将军有失，特遣某引五千兵接应。闻老将军被困，故杀透重围。正遇魏将薛则拦路，被某杀之。”云大喜，即与张苞杀出西北角来。只见魏兵弃戈奔走，一彪军从外呐喊杀入，为首大将提偃月青龙刀，手挽人头。云视之，乃关兴也。兴曰：“奉丞相之命，恐老将军有失，特引五千兵前来接应。却才阵上逢着魏将董禧，被吾一刀斩之，枭首在此。丞相随后便到也。”云曰：“二将军已建奇功，何不趁今日擒住夏侯楙，以定大事？”张苞闻言，遂引兵去了。兴曰：“我也干功去。”遂亦引兵去了。云回顾左右曰：“他两个是吾子侄辈，尚且争先干功，吾乃国家上将，朝廷旧臣，反不如此小儿耶？吾当舍老命以报先帝之恩！”于是引兵来捉夏侯楙。当夜三路兵夹攻，大破魏军一阵。邓芝引兵接应，杀得尸横遍野，血流成河。夏侯楙乃无谋之人，更兼年幼，不曾经战，见军大乱，遂引帐下骁将百馀人，望南安郡而走。众军因见无主，尽皆逃窜。兴、苞二将闻夏侯楙望南安郡去了，连夜赶来。楙走入城中，令紧闭城门，驱兵守御。兴、苞二人赶到，将城围住，赵云随后也到，三面攻打。少时，邓芝亦引兵到。一连围了十日，攻打不下。忽报丞相留后军住沔阳，左军屯阳平，右军屯石城，自引中军来到。赵云、邓芝、关兴、张苞皆来拜问孔明，说连日攻城不下。

孔明遂乘小车亲到城边周围看了一遍，回寨升帐而坐，众将环立听令。孔明曰：“此郡壕深城峻，不易攻也。吾正事不在此城，汝等如只久攻，倘魏兵分道而出，以取汉中，吾军危矣。”邓芝曰：“夏侯楙乃魏之驸马，若擒此人，胜斩百将。今困于此，岂可弃之而去？”孔明曰：“吾自有计。此处西连天水郡，北抵安定郡，二处太守，不知何人？”探卒答曰：“天水太守马遵，安定太守崔谅。”孔明大喜，乃唤魏延受计，如此如此；又唤关兴、张苞受计，如此如此；又唤心腹军士二人受计，如此行之。各将领命，引兵而去。孔明却在南安城外，令军运柴草堆于城下，口称烧城。魏兵闻知，皆大笑不惧。

却说安定太守崔谅，在城中闻蜀兵围了南安，困住夏侯楙，十分慌惧，即点军马约共四千，守住城池。忽见一人自正南而来，口称有机密事。崔谅唤入问之，答曰：“某是夏侯都督帐下心腹将裴绪。今奉都督将令，特来求救于天水、安定二郡。南安甚急，每日城上纵火为号，专望二郡救兵，并不见到，因复差某杀出重围，来此告急。可星夜起兵为外应。都督若见二郡兵到，却开城门接应也。”谅曰：“有都督文书否？”绪贴肉取出，汗已湿透，略教一视，急令手下换了乏马，便出城望天水而去。不二日，又有报马到，告天水太守已起兵救援南安去了，教安定早早接应。崔谅与府官商议，多官曰：“若不去救，失了南安，送了夏侯驸马，皆我两郡之罪也。只得救之。”谅即点起人马，离城而去，只留文官守城。崔谅提兵向南安大路进发，遥望见火光冲天，催兵星夜前进。离南安尚有五十馀里，忽闻前后喊声大震，哨马报道：“前面关兴截住去路，背后张苞杀来！”安定之兵，四下逃窜。谅大惊，乃领手下百馀人，往小路死战得脱，奔回安定。方到城壕边，城上乱箭射下来。蜀将魏延在城上叫曰：“吾已取了城也！何不早降？”原来魏延扮作安定军，夤夜赚开城门，蜀兵尽入，因此得了安定。

崔谅慌投天水郡来。行不到一程，前面一彪军摆开，大旗之下，一人纶巾羽扇，道袍鹤氅，端坐于车上。谅视之，乃孔明也，急拨回马走。关兴、张苞两路兵追到，只叫：“早降！”崔谅见四面皆是蜀兵，不得已遂降，同归大寨，孔明以上宾相待。孔明曰：“南安太守与足下交厚否？”谅曰：“此人乃杨阜之族弟杨陵也，与某邻郡，交契甚厚。”孔明曰：“今欲烦足下入城，说杨陵擒夏侯楙，可乎？”谅曰：“丞相若令某去，可暂退军马，容某入城说之。”孔明从其言，即时传令，教四面军马各退二十里下寨。崔谅匹马到城边叫开城门，入到府中，与杨陵礼毕，细言其事。陵曰：“我等受魏主大恩，安忍背之？可将计就计而行。”遂引崔谅到夏侯楙处，备细说知。楙曰：“当用何计？”杨陵曰：“只推某献城门，赚蜀兵入，却就城中杀之。”

崔谅依计而行，出城见孔明，说：“杨陵献城门，放大军入城，以擒夏侯楙。杨陵本欲自捉，因手下勇士不多，未敢轻动。”孔明曰：“此事至易。今有足下原降兵百馀人，于内暗藏蜀将扮作安定军马，带入城去，先伏于夏侯楙府下，却暗约杨陵，待半夜之时，献开城门，里应外合。”崔谅暗思：“若不带蜀将去，恐孔明生疑。且带入去，就内先斩之，举火为号，赚孔明入来，杀之可也。”因此应允。孔明嘱曰：“吾遣亲信将关兴、张苞随足下先去，只推救军杀入城中，以安夏侯楙之心。但举火，吾当亲入城去擒之。”时值黄昏，关兴、张苞受了孔明密计，披挂上马，各执兵器，杂在安定军中，随崔谅来到南安城下。杨陵在城上撑起悬空板，倚定护心栏，问曰：“何处军马？”崔谅曰：“安定救军来到。”谅先射一号箭上城，箭上带着密书曰：“今诸葛亮先遣二将，伏于城中，要里应外合。且不可惊动，恐泄漏计策，待入府中图之。”杨陵将书见了夏侯楙，细言其事。楙曰：“既然诸葛亮中计，可教刀斧手百馀人，伏于府中。如二将随崔太守到府下马，闭门斩之，却于城上举火，赚诸葛亮入城。伏兵齐出，亮可擒矣。”安排已毕，杨陵回到城上言曰：“既是安定军马，可放入城。”关兴跟崔谅先行，张苞在后。杨陵下城，在门边迎接，兴手起刀落，斩杨陵于马下。崔谅大惊，急拨马奔到吊桥边，张苞大喝曰：“贼子休走！汝等诡计，如何瞒得丞相耶！”手起一枪，刺崔谅于马下。关兴早到城上，放起火来，四面蜀兵齐入。夏侯楙措手不及，开南门并力杀出。一彪军拦住，为首大将乃是王平，交马只一合，生擒夏侯楙于马上，馀皆杀死。

孔明入南安，招谕军民，秋毫无犯，众将各各献功。孔明将夏侯楙囚于车中。邓芝问曰：“丞相何故知崔谅诈也？”孔明曰：“吾已知此人无降心，故意使入城。彼必尽情告与夏侯楙，欲将计就计而行。吾见来情，足知其诈，复使二将同去，以稳其心。此人若有真心，必然阻当，彼忻然同去者，恐吾疑也。他意中度二将同去，赚入城内杀之未迟；又令吾军有托，放心而进。吾已暗嘱二将，就城门下图之，城内必无准备，吾军随后便到，此出其不意也。”众将拜服。孔明曰：“赚崔谅者，吾使心腹人诈作魏将裴绪也。吾又去赚天水郡，至今未到，不知何故。今可乘势取之。”乃留吴懿守南安，刘琰守安定，替出魏延军马去取天水郡。

却说天水郡太守马遵，听知夏侯楙困在南安城中，乃聚文武官商议。功曹梁绪、主簿尹赏、主记梁虔等曰：“夏侯驸马乃金枝玉叶，倘有疏虞，难逃坐视之罪。太守何不尽起本部兵以救之？”马遵正疑虑间，忽报夏侯驸马差心腹将裴绪到。绪入府，取公文付马遵，说：“都督求安定、天水两郡之兵，星夜救应。”言讫，匆匆而去。次日又有报马到，称说：“安定兵已先去了，教太守火急前来会合。”马遵正欲起兵，忽一人自外而入曰：“太守中诸葛亮之计矣！”众视之，乃天水冀人也，姓姜名维，字伯约。父名冏，昔日曾为天水郡功曹，因羌人乱，没于王事。维自幼博览群书，兵法武艺，无所不通；奉母至孝，郡人敬之；后为中郎将，就参本郡军事。当日姜维谓马遵曰：“近闻诸葛亮杀败夏侯楙，困于南安，水泄不通，安得有人自重围之中而出？又且裴绪乃无名下将，从不曾见，况安定报马，又无公文，以此察之，此人乃蜀将诈称魏将。赚得太守出城，料城中无备，必然暗伏一军于左近，乘虚而取天水也。”马遵大悟曰：“非伯约之言，则误中奸计矣！”维笑曰：“太守放心。某有一计，可擒诸葛亮，解南安之危。”正是：运筹又遇强中手，斗智还逢意外人。未知其计如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 膏粱子弟——膏，肥肉；粱，精粮。膏粱子弟，指过惯骄奢享受生活的富贵人家子弟。

CHAPTER 92. Zhao Yun Slays Five Generals; Zhuge Liang Takes Three Cities.

Zhuge Liang's army marched northward, passing through Mianyang, where stood Ma Chao's tomb. In honor of the dead Tiger General, Zhuge Liang sacrificed there in person, Ma Chao's cousin—Ma Dai—being chief mourner for the occasion.

After this ceremony, when the Commander-in-Chief was discussing his plans, the spies came in to report: “The Ruler of Wei, Cao Rui, has put in motion all western forces under Xiahou Mao.”

Then Wei Yan went in to offer a plan, saying, “Xiahou Mao is a child of a wealthy family, soft and stupid. Give me five thousand troops, and I will go out by Baozhong, follow the line of the Qinling Mountains east to the Ziwu Valley and then turn north. In ten days I can be at Changan. Hearing of my intent, Xiahou Mao will hasten to vacate the city. Then he must flee by way of Royal Gate. I will come in by the east, and you, Sir, can advance by the Xie Valley. In this way and all west of Xianyang will be ours in just one move.”

Zhuge Liang smiled at the suggestion.

“I do not think the plan quite perfect,” said he. “You are gambling by thinking there is no northerner worth considering guarding Changan. If anyone suggests sending a force across to block the exit of the mountains, I am afraid we should lose five thousand troops, to say nothing of the check to our elan. The plan will not do.”

“If you, O Minister, march by the high road, they will bring against you the whole host within the passes and will thus hold you indefinitely; you will never get to the Middle Land.”

“But I shall go along the level road on the right of Longyou. I cannot fail if I keep to the fixed rules of war.”

Wei Yan withdrew, gloomy and dissatisfied.

Then Zhuge Liang sent Zhao Yun orders to the advanced guard to move.

Xiahou Mao was at Changan preparing his force. There came to him a general from Xiliang, named Han De, a man of great valor, whose weapon was a mighty battle-ax called “Mountain Splitter.” He brought with him eighty thousand of the Qiang tribesmen and offered his services. They were gladly accepted, and his army was made the van of the attack.

This Han De had four sons, all very expert in archery and horsemanship. They were named Han Ying, Han Yao, Han Qiong, and Han Qi, and they came to serve under their father. Han De led his sons and the eighty thousand troops by the road to Phoenix Song Mountain, where they were near the army of Shu, and here they drew up the array.

When the battle line was in order, the father, with his four sons, rode to the front and began to revile their enemy, shouting, “Rebels and raiders! How dare you invade our territory?” Zhao Yun quickly lost his temper, rode forward and challenged. The eldest son, Han Ying, accepted and galloped out; but he was slain in the third bout. Immediately his brother Han Yao went out, whirling his sword. But now Zhao Yun's blood was up, and the old dash and vigor came upon him so that the young man had no chance to win the battle. Then the third son, Han Qiong, took his great halberd and dashed out to his brother's aid. Zhao Yun had now two opponents; nevertheless he held his own, nor blenched nor failed a stroke. Seeing that his two brothers were nearing defeat, the fourth son Han Qi went to join in the fray with his pair of swords that he had named “Sun and Moon.” And there was the veteran warrior with three against him, and he still kept them at bay.

Presently a spear thrust got home on Han Qi, who fell. Another general then coming out to take his place. Zhao Yun lowered his spear and fled. Han Qiong then took his bow and shot three arrows at the fugitive, who turned them aside so that they fell harmless. Angry at this, Han Qiong again seized his halberd and went in pursuit. But Zhao Yun took his bow and shot an arrow that wounded his pursuer in the face. So Han Qiong fell and died. Han Yao then galloped up and raised his sword to strike, but Zhao Yun slipped past, got within his guard and made Han Yao a prisoner. Zhao Yun quickly galloped into his own array with his captive, dropped him and then, dashing out, recovered his spear, which had fallen when he seized his man.

Han De was overwhelmed with the loss of all his sons and went behind the battle array. His Qiang tribesmen were too frightened at the prowess of Zhao Yun to be of any use in battle, and no one dared to meet the old warrior. So they retired, while Zhao Yun rode to and fro among them slaying at his will.

I thought of brave old people, of Zhao Yun,

Who, spite of numbered years three scores and ten,

Was marvelous strong in battle; who one day

Slew four opposing generals, as great as

When at Dangyang he had saved his lord.

Seeing the successful battle that Zhao Yun was waging, Deng Zhi led on his troops to join in the fight. This completed the discomfiture of the Xiliang army, and they ran away. Han De, seeing the danger of being captured, threw off his armor and went on foot. The soldiers of Shu drew off and returned to their camp.

In camp Deng Zhi felicitated his veteran colleague.

“For a man of seventy years, you are unique and wonderful,” said he. “You are as much the hero as you ever were. It is almost an incomparable feat to have slain four generals in one day.”

“Yet the Prime Minister thought me too old and did not wish to employ me. I had to give him a proof.”

The captive Han Yao was sent to the main body with the messenger who bore an account of the victory.

In the meantime, Han De led his defeated army back to his chief, to whom he related his sad story with many tears. Then Xiahou Mao got angry and decided to lead his own army out against Zhao Yun.

When the scouts reported his coming, Zhao Yun took his spear and mounted his steed. He led one thousand troops out to Phoenix Song Mountain, at the foot of which he made his array. Xiahou Mao was wearing a golden casque, riding a white horse, and carrying a huge sword. From his place beneath the great standard, he saw Zhao Yun galloping to and fro. He was going out to give battle, when Han De checked him.

“Is it not mine to avenge my four sons?” said Han De.

Han De seized his mountain-splitter ax, and rode directly at the warrior, who advanced with fury. The contest was but short, for in the third encounter Zhao Yun's spear thrust brought Han De to the earth. Without waiting a moment he made for Xiahou Mao, who hastily dashed in behind his ranks and so escaped. Then Deng Zhi led on the main body and completed the victory. The force of Wei retired three miles and made a camp.

This first battle having gone against him, Xiahou Mao called his officers to consult.

He said, “I have heard Zhao Yun long ago, but have never met face-to-face. Now though that warrior is old, he still has incredible prowess. The story of Dangyang where he alone fought against a whole host and came out victor is really not fabricated. But what to be done against such a champion?”

Then Cheng Wu, son of Cheng Yu, said, “My opinion is that this Zhao Yun, though brave in the field, is lacking in the council chamber. Really he is not greatly to be feared. Give battle again soon, but first prepare a two-pronged ambush. You can retreat and so draw him into it. Then go up on the hill top and direct the attack from that point of vantage so that he may be hemmed in on all sides and be captured.”

The necessary plans for this were made, and two parties of thirty thousand each, led by Dong Xi and Xue Ze, went into ambush right and left. The ambush laid, Xiahou Mao advanced once more to attack, drums rolling and flags flying. As soon as he appeared, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi went to meet him.

Deng Zhi said, “The army of Wei were beaten only yesterday. This renewed attempt must mean that they are trying some trick. You should be cautious, General.”

“I do not think this youth, with the smell of mother's milk still on his lips, worth talking about. We shall surely capture him today.”

Zhao Yun pranced out, and Pan Sui came to meet him from the side of Wei. But Pan Sui made no stand and quickly ran away. Zhao Yun plunged in to try to capture Xiahou Mao. Then there came out to stop him no less than eight generals of Wei, all of whom passed in front of Xiahou Mao. But one by one they too fled. Zhao Yun pressed forward at full speed, Deng Zhi coming up behind.

When Zhao Yun had got deeply involved, with the battle raging all around him, Deng Zhi decided to retire. This was the signal for the ambush to come out, Dong Xi from the right and Xue Ze from the left. Deng Zhi was so hampered that he could not attempt to rescue his colleague. Zhao Yun was thus entirely surrounded. However, he struggled on, losing men at every dash, till he had but one thousand troops left. He was then at the foot of the hill whence Xiahou Mao was directing operations, and observing his enemy from this point of vantage, Xiahou Mao sent troops to check Zhao Yun whithersoever he went. Zhao Yun decided to charge up the hill, but was stopped by rolling bulks of timber and tumbling rocks.

The battle had lasted long, and Zhao Yun was fatigued. So he halted to rest a time, intending to renew the struggle when the moon should be up. But just as he had taken off his armor the moon rose and, with it, his enemies began to attack with fire as well, and the thunder of the drums was accompanied by showers of stones and arrows. The oncoming host shouted, “Zhao Yun! Why don't dismount and be bound?”

However, Zhao Yun did not think of that, but got upon his steed to strive once more to extricate himself. And his enemies pressed closer and closer, pouring in flights and flights of arrows. No advance was possible, and the end seemed very near.

“I refused the repose of age,” sighed he, “and now my end will come to me here!”

Just then he heard new shouting from the northeast, and the array of Wei became disordered. To his joy, Zhao Yun saw Zhang Bao coming toward him, the octane-serpent halberd in his hand, and a man's head hanging at his bridle.

Soon Zhang Bao reached the veteran general's side and cried, “The Prime Minister feared some misfortune had befallen you, so he sent me to your help; I have five thousand troops here. We heard that you were surrounded. On the way I met Xue Ze and slew him.”

Zhao Yun's courage revived, and he and the young general went on toward the southwest, driving the soldiers of Wei before them in disorder. Soon another cohort came in from the side, the leader wielding the green-dragon saber.

This was Guan Xing, and he cried, “The Prime Minister sent me with five thousand troops to your aid. On the way I encountered Dong Xi and slain him. Here is his head; and the Prime Minister is coming up too.”

“But why not press on to capture Xiahou Mao since you have had such wonderful success?” cried Zhao Yun.

Zhang Bao took the hint and went forward. Guan Xing followed.

“They are as my own children,” said Zhao Yun to those who stood near. “And they press on wherever there is merit to be won. I am an old leader and high in rank, but I am not worth so much as these two youths. Yet will I risk my life once more for the sake of my old lord the First Ruler.”

So he led the remnant of his troops to try to capture Xiahou Mao.

During that night the army of Wei was smitten till corpses covered the earth and gore ran in rivers. Xiahou Mao was unskillful, and young, and inexperienced in battle. His army was in utter rout, and he could not think but only flee. At the head of a hundred cavalries, he made for Nanan. His army, leaderless, scattered like rats.

Zhang Bao and Guan Xing set out for Nanan. At the news of their coming, Xiahou Mao closed the city gates and urged his soldiers to defend. Zhao Yun soon joined the generals, and they attacked on three sides. Deng Zhi arrived also, and the city was quite surrounded.

After vain efforts for ten days, they heard the news: “The Prime Minister has stationed the rear army in Mianyang, the left army in Yangping Pass, the right army in Shicheng. He himself is leading the central army toward Nanan.”

The four generals went to visit Zhuge Liang and told him their failure at the city. He got into his light chariot and rode out to view the city, after which he returned and summoned the officers to his tent.

Zhuge Liang said, “The moat is deep, the walls are steep; wherefore the city is well defended and difficult to take. My present plan omits this place. If you persist in the attack and the Wei armies march to try for Hanzhong, our army will be in danger.”

“Consider what the capture of Xiahou Mao would mean,” said Deng Zhi. “He is an Imperial Son-in-Law, and worth more than slaying a hundred ordinary leaders. We have begun the siege, and I do not like to raise it.”

Zhuge Liang said, “I have other plans. West of this lies Tianshui and north Anding; does any one know the governors of these two places?”

“Ma Zun is the Governor of Tianshui, Cui Liang that of Anding,” replied a scout. Zhuge Liang then called to him one by one—Wei Yan, Zhang Bao, Guan Xing, and two trusted subordinates—and gave each certain instructions. They left to carry out their orders.

Next Zhuge Liang ordered the soldiers to pile up beneath the walls heaps of firewood and straw, saying he was going to burn the city. The defenders on the wall derided him.

Cui Liang, the Governor of Anding, was much frightened when he heard that Xiahou Mao was besieged, and began to see to his own defenses. He mustered his four thousand soldiers, resolved to defend his city as long as possible. Then there came a man from the south direction, who said he had secret letters.

Cui Liang had him brought into the city, and, when questioned, the man said, “I am one of Xiahou Mao's trusted soldiers and named Pei Xu. I was sent to beg for help from Tianshui and Anding. The city of Nanan is hard pressed; every day we have raised fires to call the attention of your cities to our plight, but our signals have all failed. No one has come. I was ordered to fight my way through the besiegers and come to tell you. You are to give assistance immediately, and our General will open the gates to help you.”

“Have you a letter from the General?” asked Cui Liang.

A letter was produced from inside the man's dress, all moist with perspiration. After the Governor had read it, the soldier took it back and went on to Tianshui.

Two days later a mounted messenger came to say: “Governor Ma Zun of Tianshui with his troops have already started for Nanan. The troops of Anding should march at once to their aid.”

Cui Liang took the advice of his officers. Most of them said, “If you do not go, and Nanan is taken, we shall he blamed for giving up the Imperial Son-in-Law. He must be rescued.”

Thereupon Cui Liang marched; the civil officers were left in charge of the city. The army took the high road to Nanan. They saw flames shooting up to the sky all the time, and the Governor urged the army to march faster. When fifteen miles from the city, there was heard the drums of an attacking force, and the scouts came to say that the road ahead was held by Guan Xing, while Zhang Bao was coming up quickly in their rear.

At this news the soldiers scattered in all directions. Cui Liang had a hundred men left with whom he tried to cut his way out that he might return to his own city. He got through. But when he came to his own city, a flight of arrows greeted him from the wall, and Wei Yan shouted to him, saying, “I have taken the city; you would better yield!”

This was what had happened. Wei Yan and his soldiers, disguised as an Anding soldiers, in the darkness of the night had beguiled the wardens of the gate into opening it, and the men of Shu had got in.

Cui Liang set off for Tianshui. But one march away a cohort came out, and beneath the great flag he saw a light chariot. In the chariot sat a man in Taoist robe with a feather fan in his hand. Cui Liang at once recognized Zhuge Liang, but as he turned, up came Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, who summoned him to surrender. As he was entirely surrounded, no other course was open to him, so he gave in. He went to the great camp with Zhuge Liang, who treated him with courtesy.

After a time Zhuge Liang said, “Is the Govenor of Nanan a friend of yours?”

“He is one Yang Ling, a cousin of Yang Fu. Being neighboring counties, we are very good friends.” “I wish to trouble you to persuade him to capture Xiahou Mao; can you?”

“If you, O Minister, order me to do this, I would ask you to withdraw your troops and let me go into the city to speak with him.”

Zhuge Liang consented and ordered the besiegers to draw off seven miles and camp. Cui Liang himself went to the city and hailed the gate. He entered and went forthwith to his friend's residence. As soon as he had finished the salutations, he related what had happened.

“After the kindness we have received from Wei, we cannot be traitors,” said Yang Ling. “But we will meet ruse with ruse.”

He led Cui Liang to the Commander-in-Chief and told the whole story.

“What ruse do you propose?” asked Xiahou Mao.

“Let us pretend to offer the city, and let the army of Shu in. Once they are in, we can massacre them.”

Xiahou Mao agreed to plot the scheme. Cui Liang went back to Zhuge Liang's camp, where he said, “Yang Ling wants to offer the Prime Minister the city. He also wants to capture Xiahou Mao, but he is so afraid of having few soldiers that he has made no hasty move.”

“That is simple enough,” replied Zhuge Liang. “Your hundred troops are here. We can mix with them some of my generals dressed as your officers and so let them get into the city. They can hide in Xiahou Mao's dwelling and arrange with Yang Ling to open the gates in the night. And my grand army will come in to make the capture for you.”

Cui Liang thought within himself, “If I do not take the Shu generals, they will arouse suspicion. I would rather take them and will kill them as soon as they get within the walls. Then, I will give the signal and beguile Zhuge Liang to enter, and so dispose of him.”

So Cui Liang consented to Zhuge Liang's proposal, and Zhuge Liang gave him instructions, saying, “I will send my trusty Guan Xing and Zhang Bao with you. You will pass them off as the rescuers just to set Xiahou Mao's mind at rest. But when you raise a fire, I shall take that as my signal and come in.”

At dusk the two trusty generals, having received their secret orders, put on their armor, mounted, took their weapons, and got in among the Anding troops. Cui Liang led the small force to the gate. Yang Ling was on the wall. The drawbridge was hoisted. He leaned over the guard rail and scanned those below.

“Who are you?” asked he.

“We are rescuers from Anding.”

Now Cui Liang shot an arrow over the wall, to which a secret letter was bound, saying, “Zhuge Liang is sending two generals into the city that they may help him to get in, but do nothing till we get inside lest the ruse gets known and the game be spoiled.”

Yang Ling went to show this letter to Xiahou Mao, who said, “Then Zhuge Liang is going to be our victim. Put a company of ax and bill men in the palace, and as soon as these two generals get inside, shut the gates and fall on. Then give the signal. As soon as Zhuge Liang gets inside the gate, seize him.” All arrangements being made, Yang Ling went back to the wall and said, “Since you are Anding troops, you may be allowed in.”

The gate was thrown open and, while Guan Xing followed close after Cui Liang, Zhang Bao was a little way behind. Yang Ling came down to the gate to welcome them. As soon as Guan Xing got near, he lifted his sword and smote Yang Ling, who fell headless; Cui Liang was startled and lashed his steed to flee.

Zhang Bao cried, “Scoundrel! Did you think your vile plot would be hidden from the eyes of our Prime Minister?”

With that Cui Liang fell from a spear thrust of Zhang Bao. Then Guan Xing went up on the wall and lit the fire. Soon the army of Shu filled the city. Xiahou Mao could make no defense, so he tried to fight his way through the south gate. There he met Wang Ping and was captured. Those with him were slain.

Zhuge Liang entered the city and at once forbade all plunder. The various generals reported the deeds of valor. The captive Commander-in-Chief was placed in a prisoner's cart.

Then Deng Zhi asked, “O Minister, how did you know the treachery of Cui Liang?”

“I knew the man was unwilling in his heart to yield, so I sent him into the city that he might have a chance to weave a counter plot with Xiahou Mao. I saw by his manner he was treacherous, and so I sent my two trusty generals with him to give him a feeling of security. Had he been true to me, he would have opposed this; but he accepted it gaily and went with them lest I should suspect him. He thought they could slay my two leaders and entice me in. But my two leaders already had orders what to do. Everything turned out as I thought, and as they did not expect.”

The officers bowed their appreciation of his wonderful insight.

Then Zhuge Liang said, “I sent one of my trusty people to pretend he was a certain Pei Xu of Wei and so deceive this Cui Liang. I also sent another to Tianshui to do the same, but nothing has happened yet; I do not know the reason. We will take this opportunity to capture that place.”

It was decided to take Tianshui next, and thither they moved. Wu Yi and Liu Yan were to guard Nanan and Anding. Wei Yan was ordered to move toward Tianshui.

When Ma Zun, Governor of Tianshui, heard of Xiahou Mao's being besieged in Nanan, he called a council at which one party—headed by Yin Shang and Liang Xu—were strongly of opinion that a rescue should be attempted.

“If anything sinister happens to the Imperial Son-in-Law, 'Golden Branch' and 'Jade Leaf' as he is, we shall be held guilty of having made no attempt to save him. Wherefore, O Governor, you must march all the forces you have to his rescue,” said Yin Shang and Liang Xu.

Ma Zun found decision difficult, and while thinking over what was best to do, the arrival of Pei Xu, a messenger from Xiahou Mao, was announced. Pei Xu was taken to the Governor's residence and there produced his dispatch and asked for aid. Soon came another man saying that the Anding troops had set out and calling upon Ma Zun to hasten. This decided him, and he prepared his army.

Then an outsider came in and said, “O Governor, you are the sport of one of Zhuge Liang's wiles.”

All looked at him with surprise. He was one Jiang Wei. His father was Jiang Jiong, a former local official who had died in the Emperor's service while quelling one of the Qiang rebellions. Jiang Wei was well up in books, seeming to have read everything, and was also skilled in all warlike exercises. He had studied books on war. He was a very filial son and much esteemed. He held military rank of General.

Jiang Wei said to the Governor, “I hear Zhuge Liang is attacking Xiahou Mao, who is now in Nanan most closely besieged. How then can this messenger have got out? Pei Xu is an unknown officer whom no one has heard of, and the other messenger from Anding bears no dispatch. The fact is the men are imposters sent to beguile you into leaving your city undefended so that it may be the more easily captured.”

The Governor began to understand. He said, “Were it not for you, I would fall into a ruse.”

Then Jiang Wei said, “But do not be anxious; I have a scheme by which we can capture Zhuge Liang and relieve Nanan.”

The fates all changing bring the man that's needed,

And warlike skill comes from a source unheeded.

The next chapter will unfold the ruse proposed by Jiang Wei.