第九十三回

第九十三回 姜伯约归降孔明 武乡侯骂死王朗

却说姜维献计于马遵曰：“诸葛亮必伏兵于郡后，赚我兵出城，乘虚袭我。某愿请精兵三千，伏于要路。太守随后发兵出城，不可远去，止行三十里便回。但看火起为号，前后夹攻，可获大胜。如诸葛亮自来，必为某所擒矣。”遵用其计，付精兵与姜维去讫，然后自与梁虔引兵出城等候，只留梁绪、尹赏守城。原来孔明果遣赵云引一军埋伏于山僻之中，只待天水人马离城，便乘虚袭之。当日细作回报赵云，说天水太守马遵起兵出城，只留文官守城。赵云大喜，又令人报与张翼、高翔，教于要路截杀马遵。——此二处兵亦是孔明预先埋伏。

却说赵云引五千兵，径投天水郡城下，高叫曰：“吾乃常山赵子龙也！汝知中计，早献城池，免遭诛戮！”城上梁绪大笑曰：“汝中吾姜伯约之计，尚然不知耶？”云恰待攻城，忽然喊声大震，四面火光冲天。当先一员少年将军，挺枪跃马而言曰：“汝见天水姜伯约乎！”云挺枪直取姜维。战不数合，维精神倍长。云大惊，暗忖曰：“谁想此处有这般人物！”正战时，两路军夹攻来，乃是马遵、梁虔引军杀回。赵云首尾不能相顾，冲开条路，引败兵奔走，姜维赶来。亏得张翼、高翔两路军杀出，接应回去。赵云归见孔明，说中了敌人之计。孔明惊问曰：“此是何人，识吾玄机？”有南安人告曰：“此人姓姜，名维，字伯约，天水冀人也，事母至孝，文武双全，智勇足备，真当世之英杰也。”赵云又夸奖姜维枪法，与他人大不同。孔明曰：“吾今欲取天水，不想有此人。”遂起大军前来。

却说姜维回见马遵曰：“赵云败去，孔明必然自来。彼料我军必在城中。今可将本部军马，分为四枝：某引一军伏于城东，如彼兵到则截之。太守与梁虔、尹赏各引一军城外埋伏。梁绪率百姓在城上守御。”分拨已定。

却说孔明因虑姜维，自为前部，望天水郡进发。将到城边，孔明传令曰：“凡攻城池，以初到之日，激励三军，鼓噪直上。若迟延日久，锐气尽隳，急难破矣。”于是大军径到城下。因见城上旗帜整齐，未敢轻攻。候至半夜，忽然四下火光冲天，喊声震地，正不知何处兵来。只见城上亦鼓噪呐喊相应，蜀兵乱窜。孔明急上马，有关兴、张苞二将保护，杀出重围。回头看时，正东上军马，一带火光，势若长蛇。孔明令关兴探视，回报曰：“此姜维兵也。”孔明叹曰：“兵不在多，在人之调遣耳。此人真将才也！”收兵归寨，思之良久，乃唤安定人问曰：“姜维之母，现在何处？”答曰：“维母今居冀县。”孔明唤魏延分付曰：“汝可引一军，虚张声势，诈取冀县。若姜维到，可放入城。”又问：“此地何处紧要？”安定人曰：“天水钱粮，皆在上邽。若打破上邽，则粮道自绝矣。”孔明大喜，教赵云引一军去攻上邽。孔明离城三十里下寨。早有人报入天水郡，说蜀兵分为三路：一军守此郡，一军取上邽，一军取冀城。姜维闻之，哀告马遵曰：“维母现在冀城，恐母有失。维乞一军往救此城，兼保老母。”马遵从之，遂令姜维引三千军去保冀城，梁虔引三千军去保上邽。

却说姜维引兵至冀城，前面一彪军摆开，为首蜀将，乃是魏延。二将交锋数合，延诈败奔走。维入城闭门，率兵守护，拜见老母，并不出战。赵云亦放过梁虔入上邽城去了。孔明乃令人去南安郡，取夏侯楙至帐下。孔明曰：“汝惧死乎？”楙慌拜伏乞命。孔明曰：“目今天水姜维现守冀城，使人持书来说：‘但得驸马在，我愿归降。’吾今饶汝性命，汝肯招安姜维否？”楙曰：“情愿招安。”孔明乃与衣服鞍马，不令人跟随，放之自去。楙得脱出寨，欲寻路而走，奈不知路径。正行之间，逢数人奔走。楙问之，答曰：“我等是冀县百姓。今被姜维献了城池，归降诸葛亮，蜀将魏延纵火劫财，我等因此弃家奔走，投上邽去也。”楙又问曰：“今守天水城是谁？”土人曰：“天水城中乃马太守也。”楙闻之，纵马望天水而行。又见百姓携男抱女远来，所说皆同。楙至天水城下叫门，城上人认得是夏侯楙，慌忙开门迎接。马遵惊拜问之，楙细言姜维之事，又将百姓所言说了。遵叹曰：“不想姜维反投蜀矣！”梁绪曰：“彼意欲救都督，故以此言虚降。”楙曰：“今维已降，何为虚也？”正踌躇间，时已初更，蜀兵又来攻城。火光中见姜维在城下挺枪勒马，大叫曰：“请夏侯都督答话！”夏侯楙与马遵等皆到城上，见姜维耀武扬威大叫曰：“我为都督而降，都督何背前言？”楙曰：“汝受魏恩，何故降蜀？有何前言耶？”维应曰：“汝写书教我降蜀，何出此言？汝要脱身，却将我陷了！我今降蜀，加为上将，安有还魏之理？”言讫，驱兵打城，至晓方退。原来夜间妆姜维者，乃孔明之计，令部卒形貌相似者，假扮姜维攻城，因火光之中，不辨真伪。

孔明却引兵来攻冀城。城中粮少，军食不敷。姜维在城上，见蜀军大车小辆，搬运粮草，入魏延寨中去了。维引三千兵出城，径来劫粮。蜀兵尽弃了粮车，寻路而走。姜维夺得粮车，欲要入城，忽然一彪军拦住，为首蜀将张翼也。二将交锋，战不数合，王平引一军又到，两下夹攻。维力穷抵敌不住，夺路归城，城上早插蜀兵旗号，原来已被魏延袭了。维杀条路奔天水城，手下尚有十馀骑，又遇张苞杀了一阵，维止剩得匹马单枪，来到天水城下叫门。城上军见是姜维，慌报马遵。遵曰：“此是姜维来赚我城门也。”令城上乱箭射下。姜维回顾蜀兵至近，遂飞奔上邽城来。城上梁虔见了姜维，大骂曰：“反国之贼，安敢来赚我城池！吾已知汝降蜀矣！”遂乱箭射下。姜维不能分说，仰天长叹，两眼泪流，拨马望长安而走。行不数里，前至一派大树茂林之处，一声喊起，数千兵拥出，为首蜀将关兴，截住去路。维人困马乏，不能抵当，勒回马便走。忽然一辆小车从山坡中转出，其人头戴纶巾，身披鹤氅，手摇羽扇，乃孔明也。孔明唤姜维曰：“伯约此时何尚不降？”维寻思良久，前有孔明，后有关兴，又无去路，只得下马投降。孔明慌忙下车而迎，执维手曰：“吾自出茅庐以来，遍求贤者，欲传授平生之学，恨未得其人。今遇伯约，吾愿足矣。”维大喜拜谢。

孔明遂同姜维回寨，升帐商议取天水、上邽之计。维曰：“天水城中尹赏、梁绪，与某至厚。当写密书二封，射入城中，使其内乱，城可得矣。”孔明从之。姜维写了二封密书，拴在箭上，纵马直至城下，射入城中。小校拾得，呈与马遵。遵大疑，与夏侯楙商议曰：“梁绪、尹赏与姜维结连，欲为内应，都督宜早决之。”楙曰：“可杀二人。”尹赏知此消息，乃谓梁绪曰：“不如纳城降蜀，以图进用。”是夜，夏侯楙数次使人请梁、尹二人说话。二人料知事急，遂披挂上马，各执兵器，引本部军大开城门，放蜀兵入。夏侯楙、马遵惊慌，引数百人出西门，弃城投羌胡城而去。梁绪、尹赏迎接孔明入城。安民已毕，孔明问取上邽之计。梁绪曰：“此城乃某亲弟梁虔守之，愿招来降。”孔明大喜。绪当日到上邽唤梁虔出城来降孔明。孔明重加赏劳，就令梁绪为天水太守，尹赏为冀城令，梁虔为上邽令。孔明分拨已毕，整兵进发。诸将问曰：“丞相何不去擒夏侯楙？”孔明曰：“吾放夏侯楙，如放一鸭耳。今得伯约，得一凤也！”

孔明自得三城之后，威声大震，远近州郡，望风归降。孔明整顿军马，尽提汉中之兵，前出祁山，兵临渭水之西。细作报入洛阳。

时魏主曹睿太和元年，升殿设朝。近臣奏曰：“夏侯驸马已失三郡，逃窜羌中去了。今蜀兵已到祁山，前军临渭水之西，乞早发兵破敌。”睿大惊，乃问群臣曰：“谁可为朕退蜀兵耶？”司徒王朗出班奏曰：“臣观先帝每用大将军曹真，所到必克。今陛下何不拜为大都督，以退蜀兵？”睿准奏，乃宣曹真曰：“先帝托孤与卿，今蜀兵入寇中原，卿安忍坐视乎？”真奏曰：“臣才疏智浅，不称其职。”王朗曰：“将军乃社稷之臣，不可固辞。老臣虽驽钝[1]，愿随将军一往。”真又奏曰：“臣受大恩，安敢推辞？但乞一人为副将。”睿曰：“卿自举之。”真乃保太原阳曲人，姓郭，名淮，字伯济，官封射亭侯，领雍州刺史。睿从之，遂拜曹真为大都督，赐节钺；命郭淮为副都督，王朗为军师——朗时年已七十六岁矣。选拨东西二京军马二十万与曹真。真命宗弟曹遵为先锋，又命荡寇将军朱赞为副先锋。当年十一月出师，魏王曹睿亲自送出西门之外方回。

曹真领大军来到长安，过渭河之西下寨。真与王朗、郭淮共议退兵之策，朗曰：“来日可严整队伍，大展旌旗。老夫自出，只用一席话，管教诸葛亮拱手而降，蜀兵不战自退。”真大喜，是夜传令：来日四更造饭，平明务要队伍整齐，人马威仪，旌旗鼓角，各按次序。当时使人先下战书。次日，两军相迎，列成阵势于祁山之前。蜀军见魏兵甚是雄壮，与夏侯楙大不相同。

三通鼓角已罢，司徒王朗乘马而出。上首乃都督曹真，下首乃副都督郭淮，两个先锋压住阵角。探子马出军前，大叫曰：“请对阵主将答话！”只见蜀兵门旗开处，关兴、张苞分左右而出，立马于两边，次后一队队骁将分列。门旗影下，中央一辆四轮车，孔明端坐车中，纶巾羽扇，素衣皂绦，飘然而出。孔明举目见魏阵前三个麾盖，旗上大书姓名，中央白髯老者，乃军师司徒王朗。孔明暗忖曰：“王朗必下说词，吾当随机应之。”遂教推车出阵外，令护军小校传曰：“汉丞相与司徒会话。”王朗纵马而出。孔明于车上拱手，朗在马上欠身答礼。朗曰：“久闻公之大名，今幸一会。公既知天命、识时务，何故兴无名之兵？”孔明曰：“吾奉诏讨贼，何谓无名？”朗曰：“天数有变，神器更易，而归有德之人，此自然之理也。曩自桓、灵以来，黄巾倡乱，天下争横。降至初平、建安之岁，董卓造逆，傕、汜继虐；袁术僭号于寿春，袁绍称雄于邺土；刘表占据荆州，吕布虎吞徐郡：盗贼蜂起，奸雄鹰扬，社稷有累卵之危，生灵有倒悬之急。我太祖武皇帝，扫清六合，席卷八荒。万姓倾心，四方仰德。非以权势取之，实天命所归也。世祖文帝，神文圣武，以膺大统，应天合人，法尧禅舜，处中国以临万邦，岂非天心人意乎？今公蕴大才、抱大器，自欲比于管、乐，何乃强欲逆天理、背人情而行事耶？岂不闻古人云：‘顺天者昌，逆天者亡。’今我大魏带甲百万，良将千员。谅腐草之萤光，怎及天心之皓月？公可倒戈卸甲，以礼来降，不失封侯之位。国安民乐，岂不美哉！”

孔明在车上大笑曰：“吾以为汉朝大老元臣，必有高论，岂期出此鄙言！吾有一言，诸军静听：昔日桓、灵之世，汉统陵替，宦官酿祸，国乱岁凶，四方扰攘。黄巾之后，董卓、傕、汜等接踵而起，迁劫汉帝，残暴生灵。因庙堂之上，朽木为官，殿陛之间，禽兽食禄；狼心狗行之辈，滚滚[2]当道，奴颜婢膝之徒，纷纷秉政。以致社稷丘墟，苍生涂炭。吾素知汝所行：世居东海之滨，初举孝廉入仕，理合匡君辅国，安汉兴刘，何期反助逆贼，同谋篡位？罪恶深重，天地不容！天下之人，愿食汝肉！今幸天意不绝炎汉，昭烈皇帝继统西川。吾今奉嗣君之旨，兴师讨贼。汝既为谄谀之臣，只可潜身缩首，苟图衣食；安敢在行伍之前，妄称天数耶！皓首匹夫！苍髯老贼！汝即日将归于九泉之下，何面目见二十四帝乎！老贼速退！可教反臣与吾共决胜负！”

王朗听罢，气满胸膛，大叫一声，撞死于马下。后人有诗赞孔明曰：

兵马出西秦，雄才敌万人。轻摇三寸舌，骂死老奸臣。

孔明以扇指曹真曰：“吾不逼汝。汝可整顿军马，来日决战。”言讫回车。于是两军皆退。曹真将王朗尸首，用棺木盛贮，送回长安去了。副都督郭淮曰：“诸葛亮料吾军中治丧，今夜必来劫寨。可分兵四路：两路兵从山僻小路，乘虚去劫蜀寨；两路兵伏于本寨外，左右击之。”曹真大喜曰：“此计与吾相合。”遂传令唤曹遵、朱赞两个先锋分付曰：“汝二人各引一万军，抄出祁山之后，但见蜀兵望吾寨而来，汝可进兵去劫蜀寨。如蜀兵不动，便撤兵回，不可轻进。”二人受计，引兵而去。真谓淮曰：“我两个各引一枝军，伏于寨外，寨中虚堆柴草，只留数人。如蜀兵到，放火为号。”诸将皆分左右，各自准备去了。

却说孔明归帐，先唤赵云、魏延听令。孔明曰：“汝二人各引本部军去劫魏寨。”魏延进曰：“曹真深明兵法，必料我乘丧劫寨。他岂不提防？”孔明笑曰：“吾正欲曹真知吾去劫寨也。彼必伏兵在祁山之后，待我兵过去，却来袭我寨。吾故令汝二人引兵前去，过山脚后路，远下营寨，任魏兵来劫吾寨。汝看火起为号，分兵两路：文长拒住山口；子龙引兵杀回，必遇魏兵，却放彼走回，汝乘势攻之，彼必自相掩杀。可获全胜。”二将引兵受计而去。又唤关兴、张苞分付曰：“汝二人各引一军，伏于祁山要路，放过魏兵，却从魏兵来路杀奔魏寨而去。”二人引兵受计去了。又令马岱、王平、张翼、张嶷四将，伏于寨外，四面迎击魏兵。孔明乃虚立寨栅，居中堆起柴草以备火号，自引诸将退于寨后以观动静。

却说魏先锋曹遵、朱赞黄昏离寨，迤逦前进。二更左侧，遥望山前隐隐有军行动。曹遵自思曰：“郭都督真神机妙算！”遂催兵急进，到蜀寨时，将及三更。曹遵先杀入寨，却是空寨，并无一人，料知中计，急撤军回。寨中火起。朱赞兵到，自相掩杀，人马大乱。曹遵与朱赞交马，方知自相践踏。急合兵时，忽四面喊声大震，王平、马岱、张嶷、张翼杀到。曹、朱二人引心腹军百馀骑，望大路奔走。忽然鼓角齐鸣，一彪军截住去路，为首大将乃常山赵子龙也，大叫曰：“贼将那里去？早早受死！”曹、朱二人夺路而走。忽喊声又起，魏延又引一彪军杀到。曹、朱二人大败，夺路奔回本寨。守寨军士，只道蜀兵来劫寨，慌忙放起号火。左边曹真杀至，右边郭淮杀至，自相掩杀。背后三路蜀兵杀到：中央魏延，左边关兴，右边张苞，大杀一阵。魏兵败走十馀里，魏将死者极多。孔明全获大胜，方始收兵。曹真、郭淮收拾败军回寨，商议曰：“今魏兵势孤，蜀兵势大，将何策以退之？”淮曰：“胜负乃兵家常事，不足为忧。某有一计，使蜀兵首尾不能相顾，定然自走矣。”正是：可怜魏将难成事，欲向西方索救兵。未知其计如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 驽（nú）钝——驽，劣马；钝，钝刀。驽钝，自谦才德低劣。

[2] 滚滚——即衮衮，为数繁多、连续不断的意思。

CHAPTER 93. Jiang Wei Goes Over To Zhuge Liang; Zhuge Liang's Reviles Kill Wang Lang.

Jiang Wei propounded his scheme of defense, saying, “Zhuge Liang will lay an ambush behind the city, induce our soldiers to go out and then take advantage of its undefended state to capture it. Now give me three thousand good soldiers, and I will place them in ambush at a certain critical place. Lead your troops out, but go slowly and not further than ten miles, and then turn to retire. However, look out for a signal, and if you see one, attack, for the attack will be double. If Zhuge Liang is there himself, we shall capture him.”

The Governor adopted this plan, gave the needed troops to Jiang Wei, who marched at once, and then Ma Zun went forth himself with Liang Qian. Only two civil officials—Liang Xu and Yin Shang—were left to guard the city.

Zhao Yun had been sent to lie in ambush in a secret place among the hills till the Tianshui army left the city, when he was to rush in and capture it. His spies reported the departure of the Governor, and Zhao Yun sent on the news to those who were acting with him, Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang, that they might attack Ma Zun.

Zhao Yun and his five thousand troops then quickly marched to the city wall and called out, “I am Zhao Yun of Changshan; you have fallen into our trap, but if you will surrender quickly, you will save many lives.”

But instead of being alarmed, Liang Xu looked down and said, “On the contrary, you have fallen into our trap; only you do not know it yet.”

Zhao Yun began his attack on the walls. Soon there was heard a roar, and fire broke out all round, and forth came a youthful leader armed with a spear, riding a curvetting steed.

“Look at me, Jiang Wei of Tianshui!” cried he.

Zhao Yun made at him, but after a few bouts he found Jiang Wei was getting very eager. He was surprised, and wondered, “No one knows there is such an able man in Tianshui.”

As the fight went on, along came the two other forces under Ma Zun and Liang Qian, now returning. As Zhao Yun found he could not prevail, he set to cut an arterial alley through and lead off his defeated troops. He was pursued, but Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang poured forth to save him, and he got away safely.

Zhuge Liang was surprised when he heard what had happened.

“Who is this,” said he, “who has thus seen into the dark depths of my secret plan?”

A man of Nanan, who happened to be there, told him, “He is Jiang Wei from Jicheng. He is very filial to his mother. Civil skill and military prowess, wisdom and courage, he has all. Truly, he is a hero of the age.”

Zhao Yun also praised his skill with the spear, which was superior to any other's.

Zhuge Liang said, “I want to take Tianshui now; I did not expect to find such a man as this.”

The Shu army then advanced in force.

Jiang Wei went back to Ma Zun and said, “Zhao Yun's defeat will bring up Zhuge Liang with the main body. He will conclude that we shall be in the city, wherefore you would better divide your force into four. I, with one party, will go into hiding on the east so that I may cut off our enemies if they come that way. You, O Governor, and Liang Qian and Yin Shang will lie in ambush on the other sides of the city. Let Liang Xu and the common people go up on the wall to make the defense.”

Ma Zun agreed to the plan and prepared everything.

Due to Jiang Wei, Zhuge Liang himself led the main army to Tianshui. When they reached the city, Zhuge Liang gave a general orders: “Attacking a city must be proceeded as soon as the army reaches it; and at the rolling of drums, incite and urge the soldiers to advance with a rush. The keenness of the soldiers will be spoiled by any delay.”

So this time also the army came straight up to the rampart. But they hesitated and dared not attack when they saw the flags flying in such good order and apparently such thorough preparation.

About the middle of the night, fires started up all around and a great shouting was beard. No one could see whence the Wei soldiers were coming, but there were answering shouts from the wall. The soldiers of Shu grew frightened and ran. Zhuge Liang mounted a horse and, with Guan Xing and Zhang Bao as escort, got out of danger. Looking back, they saw many mounted troops with torches winding along like a huge serpent.

Zhuge Liang bade Guan Xing find out what this meant, and Guan Xing report: “These are Jiang Wei's troops.”

Zhuge Liang remarked, “An army owes more to its leading than to its numbers. This Jiang Wei is a true genius.”

Zhuge Liang led the army back to camp, and then he thought for a long time. Suddenly he called up one of the Anding men and said, “Where is the mother of this Jiang Wei?”

“She lives in Jicheng,” replied he.

Zhuge Liang called Wei Yan and said to him, “March off with a body of troops, giving out that you are going to take Jicheng. If Jiang Wei comes up, let him enter the city.”

Then Zhuge Liang asked, “What is the most important place in connection with this place?”

The man from Anding replied, “The storehouse of Tianshui is at Shanggui; if that is taken, the supplies are cut off.”

This was good news, so Zhao Yun was sent to attack Shanggui, while Zhuge Liang made a camp ten miles south of the city.

The spies took the news of the movements of these three forces into Tianshui.

When Jiang Wei heard that one army was to attack his own place, he pleaded with Ma Zun, saying, “My mother is in Jicheng, and I am worried about the attacking force. Let me go to its defense, that I may keep the city and do my duty by my mother at the same time.”

So Jiang Wei received command of three thousand troops and marched toward his home.

When Jiang Wei came near the walls, he saw a cohort under Wei Yan. He attacked. After a show of defense Wei Yan retreated, and Jiang Wei entered the city. He closed the gates and prepared to defend the wall. Then he went home to see his mother.

In the same way Liang Qian was allowed to enter Shanggui.

Then Zhuge Liang sent for his prisoner, Xiahou Mao, and, when he was brought to his tent, Zhuge Liang said suddenly, “Are you afraid of death?”

Xiahou Mao prostrated himself and begged for his life.

“Well, Jiang Wei of Tianshui, who, is now gone to guard Jicheng, has sent a letter to say that he would surrender if only that would secure your safety. Now I am going to let you go if you will promise to induce Jiang Wei to come over to me. Do you accept the condition?”

“I am willing to induce him to yield to you,” said Xiahou Mao.

Zhuge Liang then gave his prisoner clothing and a horse and let him ride away. Nor did he send anyone to follow him, but let him choose his own road.

Having got outside, Xiahou Mao wanted to get away, but he was perfectly ignorant of the roads and knew not which to take. Presently he came across some people, apparently in flight, and he questioned them.

“We are Jicheng people,” said they. “Jiang Wei has surrendered the city and deserted to Zhuge Liang. The troops of Shu are looting and burning, and we have escaped. We are going to Shanggui.”

“Do you know who is holding Tianshui?”

“Governor Ma Zun is in there,” said they.

Hearing this, Xiahou Mao rode quickly toward Tianshui. Presently he met more people, evidently fugitives, leading sons and carrying daughters, who told the same story. By and by he came to the gate of the city, and, as he was recognized, the wardens of the gate admitted him, and the Governor came to greet him and asked of his adventures. He told all that had happened, that Jiang Wei had surrendered and related what the fugitives had said.

“I did not think Jiang Wei would have gone over to Shu,” said the Governor sadly.

“It seems he thought by this to save you, Sir Commander-in-Chief,” said Liang Xu. “I am sure he has made only a pretense of surrendering.”

“Where is the pretense when it is a fact that he has surrendered?” said Xiahou Mao.

They were all perplexed. Then at the third watch the troops of Shu came to begin an attack. The fires round the wail were very bright, and there in the glare was seen Jiang Wei, armed and riding up and down under the ramparts calling out for Xiahou Mao. Xiahou Mao and Ma Zun ascended the wall, whence they saw Jiang Wei swaggering to and fro. Seeing the chiefs on the wall, Jiang Wei called out, “I surrendered for the sake of you, O General; why have you gone back on your word?”

“Why did you surrender to Shu after enjoying so much of Wei's bounty?” said Xiahou Mao. “And why do you talk thus?”

“What do you mean talking thus after writing me a letter telling me to surrender? You want to secure your own safety by involving me. But I have surrendered, and as I am a superior general in their service now, I see no sense in returning to Wei.”

So saying, he urged the soldiers on to the attack. The assault continued till dawn, when the besiegers drew off.

Now the appearance of Jiang Wei in this fashion was but a ruse. Zhuge Liang had found among his men one who resembled Jiang Wei and had disguised him so that Jiang Wei appeared to be leading the attack on the ramparts. In the smoke and fire during the night no one could penetrate the disguise.

Zhuge Liang then led the army to attack Jicheng. The grain in the city was insufficient to feed the people. From the wall Jiang Wei saw wagons of grain and forage being driven into the Shu camp, and he determined to try to secure some. So he led three thousand troops out of the city to attack the train of wagons. As soon as he appeared, the convoy abandoned the carts and fled. Jiang Wei seized them, and was taking them into the city, when he was met by a cohort under the command of Zhang Yi. They plunged into battle. After a short time Wang Ping came to reinforce Zhang Yi, so that Jiang Wei was attacked on two sides. All Jiang Wei's efforts were vain, and he had to abandon the spoil and try to reenter the city.

But as he drew near, he saw the walls were decorated with Shu ensigns, for Wei Yan had captured the place and was in possession. By desperate fighting Jiang Wei got clear and set off for Tianshui. But he only had a few score horsemen left. Presently the small force fell in with Zhang Bao, and at the end of this engagement Jiang Wei found himself alone, a single horseman. He reached Tianshui and hailed the gate. The watchers above the gate knew him and went to tell the Governor.

“This fellow has came to beguile me into opening the gate,” said Ma Zun.

So Ma Zun ordered the defenders to shoot at the fugitive. Jiang Wei turned back, but there were the army of Shu close at hand. He set off as fast as he could for Shanggui. But when he got there Liang Qian hurled a volley of abuse at him.

“You traitor,” cried Liang Qian. “Dare you come to try to cajole me out of my city? I know you have surrendered to Shu.”

Liang Qian's soldiers also began to shoot at the hapless fugitive.

Jiang Wei was helpless. He could not explain the real truth to those who doubted him. Lifting his eyes to heaven, while tears rolled down his cheeks, he whipped up his steed and rode off toward Changan.

Before he had got very far, he came to a spot where were many heavy foliaged trees. From among these appeared a company of soldiers, led by Guan Xing. Weary as were both horse and rider, there was no chance of successful resistance, and Jiang Wei turned back. But soon appeared a small chariot in which sat Zhuge Liang, dressed simply as usual in a white robe and carrying his feather fan.

“Friend Jiang Wei,” said Zhuge Liang, “is it not time to yield?” Jiang Wei stopped and pondered. There was Zhuge Liang, and Guan Xing's troops were behind him. There was no way out. So he dismounted and bowed his head in submission.

Zhuge Liang at once got out of the chariot and bade him welcome, taking him by the hand and saying, “Ever since I left my humble cottage, I have been seeking some worthy person to whom I might impart the knowledge that my life has been spent in acquiring. I have found no one till this moment, and now my desire is attained. You are the one.”

Jiang Wei bowed and thanked him, and they two returned to camp.

Soon after their arrival, the new recruit and Zhuge Liang consulted how to capture Tianshui and Shanggui. Jiang Wei had a scheme.

“The two civil officers in charge of the city, Yin Shang and Liang Xu, are excellent friends of mine,” said he, “and I will write a letter to each, shoot it over the wall tied to an arrow, and ask them to help by raising a revolt within the city.”

They decided upon this, and two secret letters were duly written and sent flying over the ramparts, where they were found and taken to the Governor. Ma Zun was doubtful what action to take and consulted with Xiahou Mao, asking him to decide.

“Put both the men to death,” Xiahou Mao replied.

But Yin Shang heard what was toward and said to Liang Xu, “The best course for us is to yield the city to Shu and trust to them to treat us well as our recompense.”

That evening Xiahou Mao sent many times to summon the two officers to him, but they thought it too great a risk to answer the call. Instead, they armed themselves and rode at the head of their own soldiers to the gates, opened them and let in the troops of Shu. Ma Zun and Xiahou Mao fled by the west gate with a hundred faithful followers and sought refuge with the Qiang tribespeople.

Liang Xu and Yin Shang welcomed Zhuge Liang, who entered the city, restored order, and calmed the people.

This done, Zhuge Liang asked how he might capture Shanggui.

Liang Xu said, “My brother, Liang Qian, holds that city, and I will call upon him to yield it.”

Thereupon Liang Xu rode over to Shanggui and called out his brother to submit. Zhuge Liang rewarded the two brothers and then made Liang Xu Governor of Tianshui; Yin Shang, Magistrate of Jicheng; and Liang Qian, Magistrate of Shanggui.

Next the army prepared to advance. His officers asked, “O Minister, why do you not pursue and capture Xiahou Mao?”

Zhuge Liang replied, “I let him go as I would release a duck; in my friend Jiang Wei I recognized a phoenix.”

Such awe and fear seized upon the country around when these exploits of Zhuge Liang were heard of that many other cities simply opened their gates without making any resistance. Zhuge Liang brought all soldiers from Hanzhong, horse and foot, and marched on to Qishan. When the Shu army reached the west bank of River Wei, the scouts reported their movements in Luoyang, and, at a court held in the first year of the era of Calm Peace (AD 227), a minister told the Ruler of Wei of the threatened invasion.

He said, “Xiahou Mao, the Imperial Son-in-Law, has lost the three cities and fled to the Qiangs. The enemy has reached Qishan, and their advanced columns are on the west bank of River Wei. I pray that an army be sent to repulse them.”

The Emperor, Cao Rui, was alarmed and asked for some general to go out and drive off the enemy.

Minister Wang Lang stepped forward and said, “I observed that whenever General Cao Zhen was sent by the late Emperor on any expedition he succeeded; why not send him to drive off these soldiers of Shu?”

Cao Rui approved of the suggestion, whereupon he called up Cao Zhen and said to him, “The late Emperor confided me to your guardianship; you cannot sit by while the enemy ravages the country.”

Cao Zhen replied, “Your Majesty, my talents are but poor and unequal to the task you propose.”

“You are a trusted minister of state, and you may not really refuse this task. Old and worn as I am, I will use the little strength left me to accompany you,” said Wang Lang.

“After the bounties I have received I cannot refuse,” replied Cao Zhen. “But I must ask for an assistant.”

“You have only to name him, O noble One,” said the Emperor.

So Cao Zhen named Guo Huai, a man of Yangqu, whose official rank was Lord of Sheting; he was also Imperial Protector of Yongzhou.

Thereupon Cao Zhen was appointed Commander-in-Chief, and the ensigns of rank were conferred upon him. Guo Huai was appointed his second, and Wang Lang was created Instructor of the Army. Wang Lang was then already old, seventy-six.

The army of Cao Zhen consisted of two hundred thousand troops, the best from both capitals. His brother, Cao Zun, was made leader of the van with an assistant, Zhu Zan, General Who Opposes Brigands. The army moved out in the eleventh month of that year, and the Ruler of Wei went with it to the outside of the west gate.

Cao Zhen marched by way of Changan and camped on the west bank of the River Wei. At a council, which the Commander-in-Chief called to consider the best mode of attack, Wang Lang asked that he might be allowed to parley with the enemy.

“Let the army be drawn up in complete battle order and unfurl all the banners. I will go out and call a parley with Zhuge Liang, at which I will make him yield to us without a blow, and the army of Shu shall march home again.”

Cao Zhen agreed that the aged counselor should try. So orders were given to take the early meal at the fourth watch and have the men fall in with their companies and files at daylight, all in review order. Everything was to be grand and imposing, the flags fluttering and the drums rolling, every man in his place. Just before this display, a messenger was to deliver a declaration of war.

Next day, when the armies were drawn up facing each other in front of the Qishan Mountains, the soldiers of Shu saw that their enemies were fine, bold warriors, very different from those that Xiahou Mao had brought against them. Then after three rolls of the drums, Minister Wang Lang mounted his horse and rode out, preceded by the Commander-in-Chief and followed by Guo Huai. The two leaders of the van remained in charge of the army. Then an orderly rode to the front and called out in a loud voice, “We request the leader of the opposing army to come out to a parley.”

At this, an opening was made at the main standard, through which came out Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, who took up their stations right and left. Then followed two lines of generals, and beneath the standard, in the center of the array, was seen a four-wheeled carriage wherein sat Zhuge Liang, with turban, white robe and black sash; and the leather fan was in his hand. He advanced with the utmost dignity. Looking up, he saw three commander umbrellas and flags bearing large white characters. In the middle was an aged figure, Minister Wang Lang.

“He intends to deliver an oration,” thought Zhuge Liang. “I must answer as best I may.”

His carriage was then pushed to the front beyond the line of battle, and he directed one of his officers to reply, saying, “The Prime Minister of the Hans is willing to speak with Minister Wang Lang.”

Wang Lang advanced. Zhuge Liang saluted him from the carriage with raised hands, and Wang Lang replied from horseback with an inclination. Then Wang Lang began his oration.

“I am happy to meet you, noble Sir; your reputation has been long known to me. Since you recognize the decrees of Heaven and are acquainted with the conditions of the world, why do you, without any excuse, lead out such an army?”

Zhuge Liang replied, “How mean you no excuse? I hold an edict to destroy rebels.”

Wang Lang replied, “Heaven has its mutations, and change its instruments from time to time; but the supreme dignity comes at last to the person of virtue. This is the inevitable and immutable law. In the days of Emperors Huan and Ling arose the Yellow Scarves rebellion, and the whole earth was involved in wrangling and warfare. Later, in the eras of Inauguration of Tranquillity and Rebuilt Tranquillity, Dong Zhuo arose in revolt, a revolt which Li Jue and Guo Si continued after Dong Zhuo had been destroyed. Next Yuan Shu usurped the imperial style, and his brother Yuan Shao played the man of might and valor in the land of Yejun. Liu Biao occupied Jingzhou, and Lu Bu seized and held Xuzhou. Thus rebels have arisen in the land like swarm of wasps and bold spirits have followed their own will, to the danger of the supreme dignity and the peril of the people.

“Then the Founder of Wei, the Emperor Cao, swept away rebellion, purged the land, and restored order. All hearts turned to him in gratitude, and the people of the four quarters admired his virtue. He gained his position by no manifestation of force; it was simply the will of Heaven. His son and successor, Emperor Pi, was wise and warlike, adequate to the great heritage and fitted to wield supreme power. Wherefore, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the desires of humans, and following the example of the earliest emperors, he took his place as arbiter of the Central Government, whereby the myriad countries are ordered and governed. Can any maintain that it was not the desire of Heaven and the wish of the people?

“Noble Sir, you are a man of natural talent and acquired attainments, worthy, you say yourself, to be compared with Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Why then place yourself in opposition to the decree of Heaven and turn away from the desire of humankind to do this thing? You cannot be ignorant of the wise old saying that he who accords with the Heavens shall flourish, while he who opposes shall be destroyed. “Now the armies of Wei are countless legions, and their able leaders are beyond number. Can the glowworm in the parched stubble rival the glorious moon in the sky? If you will turn down your weapons and throw aside your armors and dutifully yield, you shall not lose your rank. The state will have tranquillity and the people rejoice. Is not that a desirable consummation?”

Zhuge Liang laughed.

Said he, “I regarded you as an old and tried servant of the Han Dynasty and thought you would hold some noble discourse. Could I imagine you would talk so foully? I have a word to say that all the armies may hear. In the days of Emperors Huan and Ling the rule of Han declined, the officers of state were the authors of evil, the government fell into confusion, and misfortune settled on the country. Trouble was rife in every quarter. The rebels you mentioned arose one after another, deposing the emperor and afflicting the people. Because the household officers were corrupt and foolish, and the court officials were as brute beasts, living only that they might feed; because people, wolfishly cruel in their hearts, savagely mean in their conduct, were in office one after another, and slavish flatterers bending slavish knees confounded the administration, therefore the Throne became as a waste heap, and the people were trodden into the mire.

“I know all about you. You came from the eastern seashore; you got into office with a low degree; you properly aided your sovereign and supported the state, cared for the tranquillity of Han and magnified the Lius. But could one have imagined that you would turn and assist rebels and enter into a plot to usurp the Throne? Indeed your crime is great and your guilt heavy. Heaven and earth will not suffer you; the inhabitants of this country would devour you.

“But happily the design of Heaven is to retain the glorious dynasty. The late Emperor Bei continued the line in the Lands of Rivers, and I have been entrusted by the present Emperor with the task of destroying you rebels.

“Since you are such a false and specious minister, you have but to hide your body and cover your head, concern yourself about your belly and your back. Do not come out before the armies to rave about the decrees of Heaven. You fool and rebel! Mark you, today is your last day; this day even you descend to the Nine Golden Springs. How will you stand before the two scores and four emperors of Latter Han that you will meet there? Retire, you rebel! Go tell your rebellious companions to come and fight one battle with me that shall decide the victory.”

Fierce wrath filled the old man's breast. With one despairing cry Wang Lang fell to the earth dead.

This exploit of Zhuge Liang's has been lauded in verse:

In west Qin, when the armies met in the field,

He, the bold one, singly faced a myriad warriors,

And with a simple weapon, just his tongue,

He did to death an old and wicked man.

After Wang Lang had fallen, Zhuge Liang waved the fan toward Cao Zhen and said, “As for you, I leave you alone for this occasion. Go and get your army in order for tomorrow's battle.”

The chariot turned and left the ground; both armies retired for that day. To Cao Zhen fell the melancholy duty of rendering the last services to the aged counselor and setting his coffin on its journey to Changan.

Then said General Guo Huai, “Zhuge Liang will certainly think the army occupied with mourning and make a night attack. Let us anticipate him and set out an ambush about our camp. Let two bodies of our troops be hidden outside and two others take the occasion to raid the camp of the enemy.”

“I thought of such a scheme myself,” said Cao Zhen. “It exactly suits my plans.”

So Cao Zhen gave order to Cao Zun and Zhu Zan: “You are to take ten thousand troops each, get away by the rear of the mountain, and look out for the passing of the soldiers of Shu. When they have gone by, you are to make for their camp. But you are only to attempt a raid if they have left.”

Cao Zun and Zhu Zan took the order and left. Then the Commander-in-Chief arranged with Guo Huai each to lead a force and hide outside the camp to wait for the raid of Shu. Only a few soldiers were to be left within to make a fire if the enemy were seen to be coming. And all generals set about the necessary preparations.

When Zhuge Liang reached his tent, he called to him Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, and said to them, “You two are to make a night attack.”

“Cao Zhen is a man of experience and will be on the lookout,” ventured Wei Yan.

“But that is just what I want; I want him to know we shall attack tonight. He will then put some troops in hiding in rear of the Qishan Mountains, who will make for our camp as soon as they see us pass toward theirs. I am sending you to let yourselves be seen passing the hill. but you are to camp behind it and at a distance. When the soldiers of Wei attack this camp, you will see a signal. Then Wei Yan will hold the approach to the hill, and Zhao Yun will make his way back in fighting order. He will meet the army of Wei returning and will let them pass. The enemy will assuredly fall to fighting among themselves, and we shall finish the battle.”

These two having gone away to carry out their portions of the plan, Zhuge Liang next called up Guan Xing and Zhang Bao: “You are to take each ten thousand troops and hide in the high road to the mountain. When the troops of Wei come, let them pass and then march along the road they came by to their camp that they have just left.”

These two having left, Zhuge Liang placed Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, and Zhang Yi in ambush about the camp.

Within the camp the tents and shelters were left standing as if the camp was occupied, while wood and straw were heaped up ready to give the signal. This done, Zhuge Liang and his officers retired to the rear of the camp to watch proceedings.

On the side of Wei the two van-leaders, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, left at dusk and hastened toward the camp of Shu. About the second watch they saw troops busily moving about in front of the hill.

Cao Zun thought to himself, “Commander Guo Huai is an excellent strategist and of wonderful prevision.”

Then he hastened the march, and in the third watch reached the camp of Shu. He at once dashed into the enclosure, but only to find it totally deserted. Not a man was visible. At once he knew he had stumbled into a trap, and began to withdraw. Then the flames sprang up. Zhu Zan arrived already to fight, and the two bodies of troops, thrown into confusion, fought with each other till the two leaders met, when they found out they were fighting their own men.

As they were restoring order, on came the four bodies of troops of Shu under Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, and Zhang Yi who had lain in ambush ready for them. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, with more than a hundred of those nearest to them, ran away to get to the high road. But before long the rolling drums announced another body of their enemy, and their flight was stopped by Zhao Yun.

“Whither go ye, O rebel leaders?” cried Zhao Yun. “Stop, for here is death!”

But Cao Zun and Zhu Zan still fled. Then came up a force led by Wei Yan and completed the defeat. The soldiers of Wei were wholly beaten and ran away to their own camp. But the guard left in the camp thought they were the enemy come to raid, so they lit the fires, and at this signal Cao Zhen rushed up from one side and Guo Huai from the other, and a fierce fight with their own troops began.

While this was going on, three cohorts under Wei Yan, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao arrived from three points, and a great and confused battle began. The soldiers of Wei were driven off and chased for three miles.

In the fight Wei lost many leaders, and Zhuge Liang gained a great success. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai got together their beaten troops and went back to their own camp.

When they discussed the fight, Cao Zhen said, “The enemy are too strong for us. Have you any plan to drive them away?”

Replied Guo Huai, “Our defeat is one of the ordinary events of war. Let us not be cast down. I have a plan to suggest that will disorder them so that one body cannot help the other, and they will all be compelled to flee.”

Wei leaders fail and sadly send

To pray tribespeople help to lend.

The plan will be unfolded in the next chapter.