第九十四回

第九十四回 诸葛亮乘雪破羌兵 司马懿克日擒孟达

却说郭淮谓曹真曰：“西羌之人，自太祖时连年入贡，文皇帝亦有恩惠加之。我等今可据住险阻，遣人从小路直入羌中求救，许以和亲，羌人必起兵袭蜀兵之后。吾却以大兵击之，首尾夹攻，岂不大胜？”真从之，即遣人星夜驰书赴羌。

却说西羌国王彻里吉，自曹操时年年入贡；手下有一文一武：文乃雅丹丞相，武乃越吉元帅。时魏使赍金珠并书到国，先来见雅丹丞相，送了礼物，具言求救之意。雅丹引见国王，呈上书礼。彻里吉览了书，与众商议。雅丹曰：“我与魏国素相往来，今曹都督求救，且许和亲，理合依允。”彻里吉从其言，即命雅丹与越吉元帅起羌兵一十五万，皆惯使弓弩、枪刀、蒺藜、飞锤等器，又有战车用铁叶裹钉，装载粮食军器什物，或用骆驼驾车，或用骡马驾车，号为“铁车兵”。二人辞了国王，领兵直扣西平关。守关蜀将韩祯，急差人赍文报知孔明。

孔明闻报，问众将曰：“谁敢去退羌兵？”张苞、关兴应曰：“某等愿往。”孔明曰：“汝二人要去，奈路途不熟。”遂唤马岱曰：“汝素知羌人之性，久居彼处，可作向导。”便起精兵五万，与兴、苞二人同往。兴、苞等引兵而去，行有数日，早遇羌兵。关兴先引百馀骑登山坡看时，只见羌兵把铁车首尾相连，随处结寨，车上遍排兵器，就似城池一般。兴睹之良久，无破敌之策，回寨与张苞、马岱商议。岱曰：“且待来日见阵，观看虚实，另作计议。”次早，分兵三路：关兴在中，张苞在左，马岱在右，三路兵齐进。羌兵阵里，越吉元帅手挽铁锤，腰悬宝雕弓，跃马奋勇而出。关兴招三路兵径进。忽见羌兵分在两边，中央放出铁车，如潮涌一般，弓弩一齐骤发。蜀兵大败，马岱、张苞两军先退；关兴一军，被羌兵一裹，直围入西北角上去了。

兴在垓心，左冲右突，不能得脱，铁车密围，就如城池，蜀兵你我不能相顾。兴望山谷中寻路而走，看看天晚，但见一簇皂旗，蜂拥而来，一员羌将，手提铁锤大叫曰：“小将休走！吾乃越吉元帅也！”关兴急走到前面，尽力纵马加鞭，正遇断涧，只得回马来战越吉。兴终是胆寒，抵敌不住，望涧中而逃，被越吉赶到，一铁锤打来，兴急闪过，正中马胯。那马望涧中便倒，兴落于水中。忽听得一声响处，背后越吉连人带马，平白地倒下水来。兴就水中挣起看时，只见岸上一员大将，杀退羌兵。兴提刀待砍越吉，吉跃水而走。关兴得了越吉马，牵到岸上，整顿鞍辔，绰刀上马。只见那员将，尚在前面追杀羌兵。兴自思此人救我性命，当与相见，遂拍马赶来。看看至近，只见云雾之中，隐隐有一大将，面如重枣，眉若卧蚕，绿袍金铠，提青龙刀，骑赤兔马，手绰美髯，分明认得是父亲关公，兴大惊。忽见关公以手望东南指曰：“吾儿可速望此路去。吾当护汝归寨。”言讫不见。关兴望东南急走。至半夜，忽一彪军到，乃张苞也，问兴曰：“你曾见二伯父否？”兴曰：“你何由知之？”苞曰：“我被铁车军追急，忽见伯父自空而下，惊退羌兵，指曰：‘汝从这条路去救吾儿。’因此引军径来寻你。”关兴亦说前事，共相嗟异。二人同归寨内，马岱接着，对二人说：“此军无计可退。我守住寨栅，你二人去禀丞相，用计破之。”于是兴、苞二人，星夜来见孔明，备说此事。

孔明随命赵云、魏延各引一军埋伏去讫，然后点三万军，带了姜维、张翼、关兴、张苞，亲自来到马岱寨中歇定。次日上高阜处观看，见铁车连络不绝，人马纵横，往来驰骤。孔明曰：“此不难破也。”唤马岱、张翼分付如此如此。二人去了，乃唤姜维曰：“伯约知破车之法否？”维曰：“羌人惟恃一勇力，岂知妙计乎？”孔明笑曰：“汝知吾心也。今彤云密布，朔风紧急，天将降雪，吾计可施矣。”便令关兴、张苞二人引兵埋伏去讫，令姜维领兵出战：但有铁车兵来，退后便走，寨口虚立旌旗，不设军马。准备已定。

是时十二月终，果然天降大雪。姜维引军出，越吉引铁车兵来，姜维即退走。羌兵赶到寨前，姜维从寨后而去。羌兵直到寨外观看，听得寨内鼓琴之声，四壁皆空竖旌旗，急回报越吉。越吉心疑，未敢轻进。雅丹丞相曰：“此诸葛亮诡计，虚设疑兵耳。可以攻之。”越吉引兵至寨前，但见孔明携琴上车，引数骑入寨，望后而走。羌兵抢入寨栅，直赶过山口，见小车隐隐转入林中去了。雅丹谓越吉曰：“这等兵虽有埋伏，不足为惧。”遂引大兵追赶，又见姜维兵俱在雪地之中奔走，越吉大怒，催兵急追。山路被雪漫盖，一望平坦。正赶之间，忽报蜀兵自山后而出，雅丹曰：“纵有些小伏兵，何足惧哉！”只顾催趱兵马，往前进发。忽然一声响，如山崩地陷，羌兵俱落于坑堑之中，背后铁车正行得紧溜，急难收止，并拥而来，自相践踏。后兵急要回时，左边关兴，右边张苞，两军冲出，万弩齐发，背后姜维、马岱、张翼三路兵又杀到，铁车兵大乱。越吉元帅望后面山谷中而逃，正逢关兴，交马只一合，被兴举刀大喝一声，砍死于马下。雅丹丞相早被马岱活捉，解投大寨来。羌兵四散逃窜。孔明升帐，马岱押过雅丹来。孔明叱武士去其缚，赐酒压惊，用好言抚慰。雅丹深感其德。孔明曰：“吾主乃大汉皇帝，今命吾讨贼，尔如何反助逆？吾今放汝回去，说与汝主：吾国与尔乃邻邦，永结盟好，勿听反贼之言。”遂将所获羌兵及车马器械，尽给还雅丹，俱放回国。众皆拜谢而去。孔明引三军连夜投祁山大寨而来，命关兴、张苞引军先行，一面差人赍表奏报捷音。

却说曹真连日望羌人消息，忽有伏路军来报说：“蜀兵拔寨收拾起程。”郭淮大喜曰：“此因羌兵攻击，故尔退去。”遂分两路追赶。前面蜀兵乱走，魏兵随后追袭。先锋曹遵正赶之间，忽然鼓声大震，一彪军闪出，为首大将乃魏延也，大叫曰：“反贼休走！”曹遵大惊，拍马交锋，不三合，被魏延一刀斩于马下。副先锋朱赞引兵追赶，忽然一彪军闪出，为首大将乃赵云也。朱赞措手不及，被云一枪刺死。曹真、郭淮见两路先锋有失，欲收兵回，背后喊声大震，鼓角齐鸣，关兴、张苞两路兵杀出，围了曹真、郭淮，痛杀一阵。曹、郭二人，引败兵冲路走脱。蜀兵全胜，直追到渭水，夺了魏寨。曹真折了两个先锋，哀伤不已，只得写本申朝，乞拨援兵。

却说魏主曹睿设朝，近臣奏曰：“大都督曹真，数败于蜀，折了两个先锋，羌兵又折了无数，其势甚急。今上表求救，请陛下裁处。”睿大惊，急问退军之策。华歆奏曰：“须是陛下御驾亲征，大会诸侯，人皆用命，方可退也。不然，长安有失，关中危矣！”太傅钟繇奏曰：“凡为将者，智过于人，则能制人。孙子云：‘知彼知己，百战百胜。’臣量曹真虽久用兵，非诸葛亮对手。臣以全家良贱，保举一人，可退蜀兵。未知圣意准否？”睿曰：“卿乃大老元臣，有何贤士，可退蜀兵，早召来与朕分忧。”钟繇奏曰：“向者，诸葛亮欲兴师犯境，但惧此人，故散流言，使陛下疑而去之，方敢长驱大进。今若复用之，则亮自退矣。”睿问何人。繇曰：“骠骑大将军司马懿也。”睿叹曰：“此事朕亦悔之。今仲达现在何地？”繇曰：“近闻仲达在宛城闲住。”睿即降诏，遣使持节，复司马懿官职，加为平西都督，就起南阳诸路军马，前赴长安。睿御驾亲征，令司马懿克日到彼聚会。使命星夜望宛城去了。

却说孔明自出师以来，累获全胜，心中甚喜，正在祁山寨中会聚议事，忽报镇守永安宫李严令子李丰来见。孔明只道东吴犯境，心甚惊疑，唤入帐中问之。丰曰：“特来报喜。”孔明曰：“有何喜？”丰曰：“昔日孟达降魏，乃不得已也。彼时曹丕爱其才，时以骏马金珠赐之，曾同辇出入，封为散骑常侍，领新城太守，镇守上庸、金城等处，委以西南之任。自丕死后，曹睿即位，朝中多人嫉妒，孟达日夜不安，常谓诸将曰：‘我本蜀将，势逼于此。’今累差心腹人，持书来见家父，教早晚代禀丞相：前者五路下川之时，曾有此意；今在新城，听知丞相伐魏，欲起金城、新城、上庸三处军马，就彼举事，径取洛阳；丞相取长安，两京大定矣。今某引来人并累次书信呈上。”孔明大喜，厚赏李丰等。忽细作人报说：“魏主曹睿，一面驾幸长安；一面诏司马懿复职，加为平西都督，起本处之兵，于长安聚会。”孔明大惊。参军马谡曰：“量曹睿何足道！若来长安，可就而擒之。丞相何故惊讶？”孔明曰：“吾岂惧曹睿耶？所患者惟司马懿一人而已。今孟达欲举大事，若遇司马懿，事必败矣。达非司马懿对手，必被所擒。孟达若死，中原不易得也。”马谡曰：“何不急修书，令孟达提防？”孔明从之，即修书令来人星夜回报孟达。

却说孟达在新城，专望心腹人回报。一日，心腹人到来，将孔明回书呈上。孟达拆封视之，书略曰：

近得书，足知公忠义之心，不忘故旧，吾甚喜慰。若成大事，则公汉朝中兴第一功臣也。然极宜谨密，不可轻易托人。慎之！戒之！近闻曹睿复诏司马懿起宛、洛之兵，若闻公举事，必先至矣。须万全提备，勿视为等闲也。

孟达览毕，笑曰：“人言孔明心多，今观此事可知矣。”乃具回书，令心腹人来答孔明。孔明唤入帐中。其人呈上回书。孔明拆封视之，书曰：

适承钧教，安敢少怠。窃谓司马懿之事，不必惧也：宛城离洛阳约八百里，至新城一千二百里。若司马懿闻达举事，须表奏魏主：往复一月间事，达城池已固，诸将与三军皆在深险之地。司马懿即来，达何惧哉？丞相宽怀，惟听捷报！

孔明看毕，掷书于地而顿足曰：“孟达必死于司马懿之手矣！”马谡问曰：“丞相何谓也？”孔明曰：“兵法云：‘攻其不备，出其不意。’岂容料在一月之期？曹睿既委任司马懿，逢寇即除，何待奏闻？若知孟达反，不须十日，兵必到矣，安能措手耶？”众将皆服。孔明急令来人回报曰：“若未举事，切莫教同事者知之，知则必败。”其人拜辞，归新城去了。

却说司马懿在宛城闲住，闻知魏兵累败于蜀，乃仰天长叹。懿长子司马师，字子元，次子司马昭，字子尚，二人素有大志，通晓兵书。当日侍立于侧，见懿长叹，乃问曰：“父亲何为长叹？”懿曰：“汝辈岂知大事耶？”司马师曰：“莫非叹魏主不用乎？”司马昭笑曰：“早晚必来宣召父亲也。”言未已，忽报天使持节至。懿听诏毕，遂调宛城诸路军马。忽又报金城太守申仪家人有机密事求见，懿唤入密室问之，其人细说孟达欲反之事，更有孟达心腹人李辅并达外甥邓贤，随状出首。司马懿听毕，以手加额曰：“此乃皇上齐天之洪福也！诸葛亮兵在祁山，杀得内外人皆胆落。今天子不得已而幸长安，若旦夕不用吾时，孟达一举，两京休矣！此贼必通谋诸葛亮：吾先擒之，诸葛亮定然心寒，自退兵也。”长子司马师曰：“父亲可急写表申奏天子。”懿曰：“若等圣旨，往复一月之间，事无及矣。”即传令教人马起程，一日要行二日之路，如迟立斩。一面令参军梁畿赍檄星夜去新城，教孟达等准备征进，使其不疑。梁畿先行，懿随后发兵。行了二日，山坡下转出一军，乃是右将军徐晃。晃下马见懿，说：“天子驾到长安，亲拒蜀兵，今都督何往？”懿低言曰：“今孟达造反，吾去擒之耳。”晃曰：“某愿为先锋。”懿大喜，合兵一处。徐晃为前部，懿在中军，二子押后。又行了二日，前军哨马捉住孟达心腹人，搜出孔明回书，来见司马懿。懿曰：“吾不杀汝，汝从头细说。”其人只得将孔明、孟达往复之事，一一告说。懿看了孔明回书，大惊曰：“世间能者所见皆同，吾机先被孔明识破。幸得天子有福，获此消息，孟达今无能为矣。”遂星夜催军前行。

却说孟达在新城，约下金城太守申仪、上庸太守申耽，克日举事。耽、仪二人佯许之，每日调练军马，只待魏兵到，便为内应，却报孟达言军器粮草俱未完备，不敢约期起事。达信之不疑。忽报参军梁畿来到，孟达迎入城中。畿传司马懿将令曰：“司马都督今奉天子诏，起诸路军以退蜀兵。太守可集本部军马听候调遣。”达问曰：“都督何日起程？”畿曰：“此时约离宛城，望长安去了。”达暗喜曰：“吾大事成矣！”遂设宴待了梁畿，送出城外，即报申耽、申仪知道，明日举事，换上大汉旗号，发诸路军马，径取洛阳。忽报：“城外尘土冲天，不知何处兵来。”孟达登城视之，只见一彪军，打着“右将军徐晃”旗号，飞奔城下。达大惊，急扯起吊桥。徐晃坐下马收拾不住，直来到壕边，高叫曰：“反贼孟达，早早受降！”达大怒，急开弓射之，正中徐晃头额，魏将救去。城上乱箭射下，魏兵方退。孟达恰待开门追赶，四面旌旗蔽日，司马懿兵到。达仰天长叹曰：“果不出孔明所料也！”于是闭门坚守。

却说徐晃被孟达射中头额，众军救到寨中，取了箭头，令医调治，当晚身死，时年五十九岁。司马懿令人扶柩还洛阳安葬。次日，孟达登城遍视，只见魏兵四面围得铁桶相似。达行坐不安，惊疑未定，忽见两路兵自外杀来，旗上大书“申耽”、“申仪”。孟达只道是救军到，忙引本部兵大开城门杀出。耽、仪大叫曰：“反贼休走！早早受死！”达见事变，拨马望城中便走，城上乱箭射下。李辅、邓贤二人在城上大骂曰：“吾等已献了城也！”达夺路而走，申耽赶来。达人困马乏，措手不及，被申耽一枪刺于马下，枭其首级。馀军皆降。李辅、邓贤大开城门，迎接司马懿入城。抚民劳军已毕，遂遣人奏知魏主曹睿。睿大喜，教将孟达首级去洛阳城市示众；加申耽、申仪官职，就随司马懿征进；命李辅、邓贤守新城、上庸。

却说司马懿引兵到长安城外下寨，懿入城来见魏主。睿大喜曰：“朕一时不明，误中反间之计，悔之无及。今达造反，非卿等制之，两京休矣！”懿奏曰：“臣闻申仪密告反情，意欲表奏陛下，恐往复迟滞，故不待圣旨，星夜而去。若待奏闻，则中诸葛亮之计也。”言罢，将孔明回孟达密书奉上。睿看毕，大喜曰：“卿之学识，过于孙、吴矣！”赐金钺斧一对，后遇机密重事，不必奏闻，便宜行事。就令司马懿出关破蜀。懿奏曰：“臣举一大将，可为先锋。”睿曰：“卿举何人？”懿曰：“右将军张郃，可当此任。”睿笑曰：“朕正欲用之。”遂命张郃为前部先锋，随司马懿离长安来破蜀兵。正是：既有谋臣能用智，又求猛将助施威。未知胜负如何，且看下文分解。

CHAPTER 94. Zhuge Liang Defeats The Qiangs In A Snowstorm; Sima Yi Quickly Captures Meng Da.

The scheme by which Guo Huai proposed to overcome the army of Shu he laid before his colleague, saying, “The Qiang tribes have paid tribute regularly since the days of the Founder of Wei. Emperor Pi regarded them with favor. Now let us hold such points of vantage as we may, while we send secret emissaries to engage their help in exchange for kindly treatment. We may get the Qiangs to attack Shu and engage their attention, while we gather a large army to smite them at another place. Thus attacking, how can we help gaining a great victory?”

A messenger was sent forthwith bearing letters to the Qiang tribespeople.

The King of the western Qiangs was named Cheli Ji. He had rendered yearly tribute since the days of Cao Cao. He had two ministers, one for civil and the other for military affairs, named, respectively, Prime Minister Ya Dan and Chief Leader Yue Ji.

The letter was accompanied by presents of gold and pearls, and when the messenger arrived, he first sought Prime Minister Ya Dan, to whom he gave gifts and whose help he begged. Thus he gained an interview with the King, to whom he presented the letter and the gifts. The King accepted both and called his counselors to consider the letter.

Ya Dan said, “We have had regular intercourse with the Wei nation. Now that Cao Zhen asks our aid and promises an alliance, we ought to accede to his request.”

Cheli Ji agreed that it was so, and he ordered his two chief ministers to raise an army of two hundred fifty thousand of trained soldiers, archers and crossbowmen, spearmen and swordsmen, warriors who flung maces and hurled hammers. Beside these various weapons, the tribesmen used chariots covered with iron plates nailed on. They prepared much grain and fodder and many spare weapons, all of which they loaded upon these iron-clad chariots. The chariots were drawn by camels or teams of horses. The carts or chariots were known as “iron chariots.”

The two leaders took leave of their King and went straightway to Xiping Pass. The commander in charge of the Pass, Han Zhen, at once sent intelligence to Zhuge Liang, who asked, “Who will go to attack the Qiangs?”

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao said they would go.

Then Zhuge Liang said, “You shall be sent; but as you are ignorant of the road and the people, Ma Dai shall accompany you.”

To Ma Dai he said, “You know the disposition of the Qiangs from your long residence there; you shall go as guide.”

They chose out five thousand of veterans for the expedition. When they had marched many days and drew near their enemy, Guan Xing went in advance with a hundred horsemen and got first sight of them from a hill. The Qiangs were marching, the long line of iron chariots one behind another in close order. Then they halted and camped, their weapons piled all along the line of chariots like the ramparts of a moated city. Guan Xing studied them for a long time quite at a loss to think how to overcome them. He came back to camp and consulted with his two colleagues.

Ma Dai said, “We will see tomorrow what they will do when we make our array, and discuss our plans when we know more.”

So the next day they drew up their army in three divisions, Guan Xing's division being in the center, Zhang Bao's in the left, and Ma Dai's in the right. Thus they advanced.

The enemy also drew up in battle order. Their military chief, Yue Ji, had an iron mace in his hand and a graven bow hung at his waist. He rode forward on a curvetting steed boldly enough. Guan Xing gave the order for all three divisions to go forward. Then the enemy's ranks opened in the center and out rolled the iron chariots like a great wave. At the same time the Qiangs shot arrows and bolts, and the men of Shu could not stand against them.

The wing divisions under Ma Dai and Zhang Bao retired, and the Qiangs were thus enabled to surround the center. In spite of every effort, Guan Xing could not get free, for the iron chariots were like a city wall and no opening could be found. The troops of Shu were absolutely helpless, and Guan Xing made for the mountains in hope of finding a road through.

As it grew dark a Qiang leader with a black flag approached, his warriors like a swarm of wasps about him.

Presently the leader cried out to him, “Youthful general, flee not; I am Yue Ji!”

But Guan Xing only hastened forward, plying his whip to urge his steed. Then he suddenly came on a deep gully, and there seemed nothing but to turn and fight. Yue Ji come close and struck at him with the mace. Guan Xing evaded the blow, but it fell upon his steed and knocked it over into water. Guan Xing went into the water too.

Presently he heard a great noise again behind him. Yue Ji and his troops had found a way down into the gully and were coming at him down the stream. Guan Xing braced himself for a struggle in the water.

Then he saw Zhang Bao and Ma Dai coming up on the bank fighting with, and driving off, the Qiangs. Yue Ji was struck by Zhang Bao, and he too fell into the gully. Guan Xing gripped his sword and was about to launch a stroke at Yue Ji as he came up, when Yue Ji jumped out of the water and ran away.

At once Guan Xing caught the steed Yue Ji had left, led it up the bank and soon had it ready to mount. Then he girded on his sword, got on the horse, and joined the battle with his colleagues.

After driving off the Qiangs, Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, and Ma Dai gathered together and rode back. They quickly gained the camp.

“I do not know how to overcome these men,” said Ma Dai. “Let me protect the camp while you go back and ask the Prime Minister what we should do.”

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao started at once and made the best of their way back. They told Zhuge Liang what had happened. He at once sent off Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to go into ambush. After this he went himself with thirty thousand troops and Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao and soon came to Ma Dai's camp. The day after, from the summit of a hill, Zhuge Liang surveyed the country and the enemy, who were coming on in a ceaseless stream.

“It is not difficult,” said Zhuge Liang.

He called up Ma Dai and Zhang Yi and gave them certain orders.

They having gone, he turned to Jiang Wei, saying, “My friend, do you know how to overcome them?”

“The Qiangs only depend upon force or courage; they cannot understand this fine strategy.” was the reply.

“You know,” said Zhuge Liang, smiling. “Those dark clouds and the strong north wind mean snow. Then I can do what I wish.”

The two leaders, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, were sent into ambush, and Jiang Wei went out to offer battle. But he was to retire before the iron chariots. At the entrance to the camp were displayed many flags, but the soldiers that should serve under them were not there.

It was now full winter, the twelfth month, and the snow had come. The army of Shu went out to offer battle; and when the iron chariots came forward, they retired and thus led the Qiangs to the gate of the camp, Jiang Wei going to its rear. The Qiangs came to the gate and stopped to look. They heard the strumming of a lute, but there were no soldiers there; the flags meant nothing. They told Yue Ji, and he suspected some ruse. Instead of entering, he went back to Prime Minister Ya Dan and told him.

“It is a ruse,” said Ya Dan. “Zhuge Liang's base trick is the pretense of a pretense, and you would better attack.”

So Yue Ji led his troops again to the camp gate, and there he saw Zhuge Liang with a lute just getting into his chariot. With a small escort, he went toward the back of the camp. The tribesmen rushed into the camp and caught sight of the light chariot again just as it disappeared into a wood.

Then said Ya Dan, “There may be an ambush, but I think we need not be afraid of these soldiers.”

Hence they decided to pursue. Ahead of them they saw the division under Jiang Wei hastening off through the snow. Yue Ji's rage boiled up at this sight, and he urged his men to go faster. The snow had filled in the roads among the hills, making every part look like a level plain.

As they marched, one reported that some of the enemy were appearing from the rear of the hills. Some thought this meant an ambush, but Ya Dan said it did not matter, and they need not fear. He urged them to hasten.

Shortly after this they heard a roaring as if the hills were rending asunder and the earth falling in, and the pursuers on foot fell one atop of the other into great pits that were invisible in the snow. The iron chariots, being close behind and hurrying along, could not stop, and they went into the pits also. Those still farther in the rear halted, but just as they were facing about, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao came up, one on either side, and attacked. Myriads of bolts flew through the air. Then three other divisions under Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi arrived and confusion was worse than ever.

The Qiang leader, Yue Ji, fled to the rear and was making for the mountains when he met Guan Xing, who slew him in the first encounter. Prime Minister Ya Dan was captured by Ma Dai and taken to the main camp. The soldiers scattered. Hearing of the capture of one leader, Zhuge Liang took his seat in his tent and bade them bring the prisoner. He told the guards to loose his bonds, and he had wine brought to refresh him and soothed him with kindly words.

Ya Dan was grateful for this kindness, and felt more so when Zhuge Liang said, “My master, the Emperor of the Great Hans, sent me to destroy those who are in revolt; why are you helping them? But I will release you, and you will return to your master and say that we are neighbors and we will swear an oath of everlasting friendship, and tell him to listen no more to the words of those rebels.”

Ya Dan was released and so were all the soldiers that had been captured, and all their stuff was given back to them. They left for their own country.

The Qiangs being thus disposed of, Zhuge Liang quickly marched again to Qishan. He sent letters to Capital Chengdu announcing his success.

Meanwhile Cao Zhen anxiously waited for news of his expected allies. Then a scout came in with the news that the army of Shu had broken camp and were marching away.

“That is because the Qiangs have attacked,” said Guo Huai gleefully, and the two made ready to pursue.

Ahead of them the army of Shu seemed to be in confusion. The van-leader Cao Zun led the pursuit. Suddenly, as he pressed on, there came a roll of drums, followed by the appearance of a cohort led by Wei Yan, who cried, “Stop! You rebels!”

But Cao Zun did not obey the summons. He dashed forward to meet the attack. He was killed in the third encounter. His colleague Zhu Zan in similar fashion fell in with a cohort under Zhao Yun, to whose long spear he soon fell victim. The loss of these two made Cao Zhen and Guo Huai hesitate, and they made to retire.

But before they could face about, they heard the drums of an army in their rear, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao came out and surrounded them. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai made a stand for a time, but were soon worsted and fled. The army of Shu pursued the beaten enemy to the banks of River Wei, where they took possession of the Wei camp.

Cao Zhen was greatly chagrined at his defeat and sad at the loss of his generals. He send a report of his misfortune to his master and asked for reinforcements.

At the court of Wei one of the ministers told the story of defeat of Cao Zhen and the allies, and asked the Ruler of Wei to decide upon the next step. Cao Rui was alarmed and asked for someone to say how to drive off the victorious foe.

Thereupon Hua Xin said, “It will be necessary for Your Majesty to go in person. You should call together all the nobles, and each will have to exert himself. Unless this is done, Capital Changan will be lost and the whole country be in danger.”

But Imperial Guardian Zhong Yao opposed him.

Said he, “The knowledge of every leader must exceed that of those led; then only will he be able to control them. Sun Zi the Strategist sums it up very briefly: 'Know the enemy, know thyself; and every battle is a victory.' I know Cao Zhen has had great experience in the field, but he is no match for Zhuge Liang. Still there is such a match, and I will pledge my whole family that he will succeed. But Your Majesty may be unwilling to listen to me.” The Ruler of Wei replied, “You are a minister of high rank and old. If you know any wise person able to repel these soldiers of Shu, call him without delay and ease my mind.”

Then said Zhong Yao, “When Zhuge Liang decided to invade us, he was afraid of the one man I will name. Wherefore he spread calumnies concerning him, raising suspicion in Your Majesty's mind that you might dismiss him. That done, Zhuge Liang invaded. Now employ this man again, and the enemy will retire.”

“Who is it?” asked the Ruler of Wei.

“I mean the Regent Marshal Sima Yi.”

“I have long regretted my action,” said Cao Rui. “Where now is friend Sima Yi?”

“He is at the city of Wancheng, idle.”

An edict was prepared recalling Sima Yi and restoring him to his rank and titles, and conferring upon him the new title Commander-in-Chief and General Who Pacifies the West. All troops of Nanyang were set in motion, and Cao Rui led them to Changan. At the same time Cao Rui ordered Sima Yi to be there to meet him on a certain day. And the orders were sent by a swift messenger to the city of Wancheng.

At this time Zhuge Liang greatly rejoiced at the success he had had. He was at Qishan, busy with plans for other victories, when Li Yan, who was in command at the Palace of Eternal Peace, sent his son Li Feng to the camp. Zhuge Liang concluded that such a visit could only mean that Wu had invaded them, and he was in consequence cast down. However, he summoned Li Feng to his tent, and when asked the object of his mission, Li Feng replied that he had joyful news to impart.

“What is your joyful news?” said Zhuge Liang.

“Formerly Meng Da deserted to Wei, but only because he could do nothing else. Cao Pi thought much of his capabilities, treated him most generously, kept him at his side, gave him titles of General Who Establishes Strong Arms and Lord of Pingyang, and appointed him to the posts of Governor of Xincheng and Commander of Shangyong and Jincheng, and so on. But when Cao Pi died, all was changed. In Cao Rui's court were many who were jealous of Meng Da's influence and power, so that he enjoyed no peace.

“He used to talk about being originally one of the Shu leaders, and he was forced to do so-and-so. Lately he has sent several confidants with letters to my father asking that he would state his case to you as to the happenings when the five armies came upon Shu. Now he is at Xincheng, and, hearing you are attacking Wei, he proposes to lead the army of the three counties about Xincheng, Jincheng, and Shangyong to attack Luoyang while you attack Changan, whereby both capitals will be taken. I have brought with me his messenger and his letters.”

This was good news, and the bearer was fittingly rewarded. But at that moment came the news that Cao Rui was leading an army to Changan and had recalled the banished Sima Yi to office. This piece of bad news saddened Zhuge Liang not a little.

He told Ma Su, who said, “Cao Rui should not be your worry. If he goes to Changan, we will march there and capture him on the road, and there will be an end of him.”

“Do you think I fear him?” said Zhuge Liang bitterly. “But the recall of Sima Yi is another matter; that troubles me. And Meng Da's proposal will avail nothing if he comes across this man. Meng Da is no match for him. He will he captured, and, if he should be, the Middle Land will be hard to conquer.” “Why not put Meng Da on his guard then?” said Ma Su.

Zhuge Liang decided to write, and the letter was dispatched immediately.

Meng Da was then at Xincheng, anxiously expecting the return of his last confidential messenger, when, one day, the man returned and gave him this letter from Zhuge Liang himself:

“Your last letter has convinced me of your loyal rectitude, and I still remember with joy our old friendship. If your plan succeeds, you will certainly stand in the first rank of most worthy ministers. But I scarcely need impress upon you the extreme necessity for most perfect secrecy. Be very careful whom you trust. Fear everyone, guard against everyone. This news of the recall of Sima Yi and the proposed junction of armies at Changan is very serious; and if a word reaches Sima Yi, he will come to you first. Therefore take every precaution and do not regard this as a matter of unimportance.”

“They say Zhuge Liang leaves nothing to chance,” said Meng Da, smiling as he read. “This proves it.”

He lost no time in preparing a reply, which he sent also by a trusty messenger. This letter was like this:

“I acknowledge your most valuable advice, but is it possible that I should be remiss? For my part I do not think the

Sima Yi's affair need cause anxiety, for Wancheng is three hundred miles from Luoyang and four hundred miles from Xincheng. Should he hear anything, it would take a month to send a memorial to the capital and get a reply. My ramparts here are strong and my forces posted in the best positions. Let him come! I am not afraid of the result, so you, O Minister, need feel no anxiety. You have only to wait for the good news of success.”

Zhuge Liang read the letter and threw it on the ground, stamping his foot with rage.

“Meng Da is a dead man;” said he, “a victim of Sima Yi.”

“Why do you say that?” said Ma Su.

“What does the Art of War say? 'Attack before the enemy is prepared; do what he does not expect.' What is the use of reckoning upon a month's delay for sending up a memorial? Cao Rui's commission has already gone, and Sima Yi may strike whom he will. He will not have to wait to memorialize the Throne. Ten days after he hears of Meng Da's defection, he will be upon Meng Da with an army, and Meng Da will be helpless.”'

The others agreed. However, Zhuge Liang sent the messenger back again to say that if the matter had not yet actually started, no other person was to be told of it; for if anyone knew, it would certainly come to nothing. And the man left for Xincheng.

In his idle retreat in Wancheng, Sima Yi had heard of his master's ill-success against the armies of Shu, and the news made him very sad. He lifted up his eyes and sighed.

He had two sons, Sima Shi the elder and Sima Zhao, both clever and ambitious, and both earnest students of military books. One day they were present when their father seemed very cast down, and Sima Shi asked his father the reason.

“You would not understand,” said the father.

“I think you are grieving because the Ruler of Wei does not use you,” replied Sima Shi.

“But they will send for you presently,” said Sima Zhao. The prophecy was not long in fulfillment, for even then the bearer of the command stood at the gate, and the servant announced a messenger from the court bearing a commission.

As soon as he heard its terms, Sima Yi set about ordering the armies of Wancheng. Soon came a messenger from Governor Shen Yi of Jincheng with a secret message for Sima Yi. The messenger was taken into a private chamber, and his message was that Meng Da was on the point of rebellion. The leakage of this news was due to Li Fu, a confidential subordinate of Meng Da, and Deng Xian, Meng Da's nephew. Li Fu and Deng Xian went to confess the plot in exchange for a promise of amnesty.

Sima Yi smote his forehead.

“This is the Emperor's great good fortune, high as heaven itself. Zhuge Liang's army is at Qishan already, and all people's courage is at the brink of breakdown. The Emperor must go to Changan, and if he does not use me soon, Meng Da will carry out his plan; his plot will succeed and both capitals will be lost. Meng Da is surely in league with Zhuge Liang, and if I can seize this Meng Da before he makes any move, that will damp Zhuge Liang's spirits and he will retreat.”

His elder son Sima Shi remarked, “It is necessary to memorialize the Throne.”

“No,” replied his father, “that would take a month, and delay would mean failure.”

Sima Yi gave orders to prepare to advance by double-rapid marches and threatened death to all loiterers. In order to avert suspicion, he sent letters to Meng Da by the hand of Military Adviser Liang Ji to tell Meng Da to prepare to join the expedition.

Sima Yi quickly followed Liang Ji. After two days' march Sima Yi fell in with an army of General Xu Huang over the hills.

Xu Huang got an interview with Sima Yi, and he said, “The Emperor has arrived at Changan to lead an expedition against Shu. Whither is the Commander-in-Chief going?”

Sima Yi, in a low voice, said to him, “Meng Da is on the verge of rebellion, and I am going to seize him.”

“Let me go as your van-leader,” said Xu Huang.

So Xu Huang's troops were joined to the expedition and marched in the van. Sima Yi commanded the center, and his sons brought up the rear.

Two days farther on, some of the scouts captured Meng Da's confidential messenger, and with him Zhuge Liang's reply. Sima Yi promised the man his life if he would tell all he knew. So the messenger told all about the letters and messages he had taken from one to the other.

When Sima Yi read, he remarked, “All able people think the same way. Our plan would have been foiled by Zhuge Liang's cleverness unless, by the good luck of the Emperor, this messenger had been captured. Now Meng Da will be helpless.”

The army pressed on still more rapidly.

Meng Da had arranged for his stroke with Governor Shen Yi of Jincheng and Governor Shen Dan of Shangyong and was awaiting the day he had fixed. But Shen Yi and Shen Dan were only pretending to abet him, although they went on training and drilling their troops to keep up appearances till the soldiers of Wei could arrive. To Meng Da they pretended delay in their transport as the reason for being unable to start. And he believed them.

Just then Liang Ji came, and when he had been ceremoniously received, he produced the order from Sima Yi and said, “The Commander-in-Chief has received the edict of the Emperor to call in all the forces in this area, and he has sent me to direct you to hold your troops in readiness to march.”

“On what day does the Commander-in-Chief start?” asked Meng Da.

“He is just about starting now, and is on the way to Changan” replied Liang Ji.

Meng Da smiled inwardly, for, this being so, he saw success before him. He gave a banquet to Liang Ji; and after Liang Ji took his leave, Meng Da sent to his fellow conspirators—Shen Yi and Shen Dan—to say the first step must be taken next day by exchanging the banners of Wei for those of Han and marching to attack Luoyang.

Then the watchmen reported a great cloud of dust in the distance as though an army was coming. Meng Da was surprised and went up on the ramparts to see for himself. Soon he made out the banner of Xu Huang leading. He ran down from the wall and in a state of trepidation ordered the raising of the drawbridge. Xu Huang still came on and in due time stood on the bank of the moat.

Then Xu Huang called out, “Let the traitor Meng Da yield quickly!”

Meng Da, in a rage, opened upon him with arrows, and Xu Huang was wounded in the forehead. He was helped to a place of safety while the arrows flew down in great numbers. When the soldiers of Wei retired, Meng Da opened the gates and went in pursuit. But the whole of Sima Yi's army soon came up, and the banners stood so thick that they hid the sun.

“This is what Zhuge Liang foresaw!” said Meng Da despairingly. The gates were closed and barred.

Meanwhile the wounded general, Xu Huang, had been borne to his tent, where the arrow head was extracted and the physician attended to him. But that night he died. He was fifty-nine. His body was sent to Luoyang for burial.

Next day, when Meng Da went up on the wall, he saw the city was entirely surrounded as with a girdle of iron. He was greatly perturbed and could not decide what to do. Presently he saw two bodies of troops coming up, their banners bearing the names of his fellow conspirators—Shen Yi and Shen Dan. He could only conclude that they had come to his help, so he opened the gates to them and went out to fight.

“Rebel, stay!” cried they both as they came up.

Realizing that they had been false, he turned and galloped toward the city, but a flight of arrows met him, and the two who had betrayed him, Li Fu and Deng Xian, began to revile him.

“We have already yielded the city!” they cried.

Then Meng Da fled. But he was pursued, and as he and his horse were both exhausted, he was speedily overtaken and slain. They exposed his head, and his soldiers submitted. Sima Yi was welcomed at the open gates. The people were pacified, the soldiers were rewarded and, this done, a report of their success was sent to Cao Rui. Cao Rui ordered the body of Meng Da to be exposed in the market place of Luoyang, and he promoted Shen Yi and Shen Dan and gave them posts in the army of Sima Yi. He gave Li Fu and Deng Xian command of the cities of Xincheng and Shangyong.

Then Sima Yi marched to Changan and camped. The leader entered the city to have audience with his master, by whom he was most graciously received.

“Once I doubted you;” said Cao Rui, “but then I did not understand, and I listened to mischief-makers. I regret it. You have preserved both capitals by the punishment of this traitor.”

Sima Yi replied, “Shen Yi gave the information of the intended revolt and thought to memorialize Your Majesty. But there would have been a long delay, and so I did not await orders, but set forth at once. Delay would have played into Zhuge Liang's hands.”

Then Sima Yi handed in Zhuge Liang's letter to Meng Da, and when the Emperor had read that, he said, “You are wiser than both the great strategists of old—Wu Qi and Sun Zi.”

The Ruler of Wei conferred upon the successful leader a pair of golden axes and the privilege of taking action in important matters without first obtaining his master's sanction.

When the order was given to advance against the enemy, Sima Yi asked permission to name his leader of the van, and nominated Zhang He, General of the Left Army.

“Just the man I wished to send,” said Cao Rui, smiling. And Zhang He was appointed.

Sima Yi took his army off Changan and marched it to the camp of the Shu army.

By strategy the leader shows his skill;

He needs bold fighting men to work his will.

The result of the campaign will appear in the next chapter.