第九十六回

第九十六回 孔明挥泪斩马谡 周鲂断发赚曹休

却说献计者，乃尚书孙资也。曹睿问曰：“卿有何妙计？”资奏曰：“昔太祖武皇帝收张鲁时，危而后济。常对群臣曰：‘南郑之地，真为天狱[1]。’中斜谷道为五百里石穴，非用武之地。今若尽起天下之兵伐蜀，则东吴又将入寇。不如以现在之兵，分命大将据守险要，养精蓄锐。不过数年，中国日盛，吴、蜀二国必自相残害，那时图之，岂非胜算？乞陛下裁之。”睿乃问司马懿曰：“此论若何？”懿奏曰：“孙尚书所言极当。”睿从之，命懿分拨诸将守把险要，留郭淮、张郃守长安。大赏三军，驾回洛阳。

却说孔明回到汉中，计点军士，只少赵云、邓芝，心中甚忧，乃令关兴、张苞，各引一军接应。二人正欲起身，忽报赵云、邓芝到来，并不曾折一人一骑，辎重等器，亦无遗失。孔明大喜，亲引诸将出迎。赵云慌忙下马伏地曰：“败军之将，何劳丞相远接？”孔明急扶起，执手而言曰：“是吾不识贤愚，以致如此！各处兵将败损，惟子龙不折一人一骑，何也？”邓芝告曰：“某引兵先行，子龙独自断后，斩将立功，敌人惊怕，因此军资什物，不曾遗弃。”孔明曰：“真将军也！”遂取金五十斤以赠赵云，又取绢一万匹赏云部卒。云辞曰：“三军无尺寸之功，某等俱各有罪，若反受赏，乃丞相赏罚不明也。且请寄库，候今冬赐与诸军未迟。”孔明叹曰：“先帝在日，常称子龙之德，今果如此！”乃倍加钦敬。

忽报马谡、王平、魏延、高翔至。孔明先唤王平入帐，责之曰：“吾令汝同马谡守街亭，汝何不谏之，致使失事？”平曰：“某再三相劝，要在当道筑土城，安营守把。参军大怒不从，某因此自引五千军离山十里下寨。魏兵骤至，把山四面围合，某引兵冲杀十馀次，皆不能入。次日土崩瓦解，降者无数。某孤军难立，故投魏文长求救。半途又被魏兵困在山谷之中，某奋死杀出。比及归寨，早被魏兵占了。及投列柳城时，路逢高翔，遂分兵三路去劫魏寨，指望克复街亭。因见街亭并无伏路军，以此心疑。登高望之，只见魏延、高翔被魏兵围住，某即杀入重围，救出二将，就同参军并在一处。某恐失却阳平关，因此急来回守。非某之不谏也。丞相不信，可问各部将校。”孔明喝退，又唤马谡入帐。谡自缚跪于帐前。孔明变色曰：“汝自幼饱读兵书，熟谙战法。吾累次丁宁告戒：街亭是吾根本！汝以全家之命，领此重任。汝若早听王平之言，岂有此祸？今败军折将，失地陷城，皆汝之过也！若不明正军律，何以服众？汝今犯法，休得怨吾。汝死之后，汝之家小，吾按月给与禄粮，汝不必挂心。”叱左右推出斩之。谡泣曰：“丞相视某如子，某以丞相为父。某之死罪，实已难逃，愿丞相思舜帝殛鲧用禹[2]之义，某虽死亦无恨于九泉！”言讫大哭。孔明挥泪曰：“吾与汝义同兄弟，汝之子即吾之子也，不必多嘱。”左右推出马谡于辕门之外，将斩。参军蒋琬自成都至，见武士欲斩马谡，大惊，高叫：“留人！”入见孔明曰：“昔楚杀得臣而文公喜[3]。今天下未定，而戮智谋之臣，岂不可惜乎？”孔明流涕而答曰：“昔孙武所以能制胜于天下者，用法明也。今四方分争，兵戈方始，若复废法，何以讨贼耶？合当斩之。”须臾，武士献马谡首级于阶下，孔明大哭不已。蒋琬问曰：“今幼常得罪，既正军法，丞相何故哭耶？”孔明曰：“吾非为马谡而哭。吾想先帝在白帝城临危之时，曾嘱吾曰：‘马谡言过其实，不可大用。’今果应此言。乃深恨己之不明，追思先帝之言，因此痛哭耳！”大小将士，无不流涕。马谡亡年三十九岁，时建兴六年夏五月也。后人有诗曰：

失守街亭罪不轻，堪嗟马谡枉谈兵。辕门斩首严军法，拭泪犹思先帝明。

却说孔明斩了马谡，将首级遍示各营已毕，用线缝在尸上，具棺葬之，自修祭文享祀；将谡家小加意抚恤，按月给与禄米。于是孔明自作表文，令蒋琬申奏后主，请自贬丞相之职。琬回成都，入见后主，进上孔明表章。后主拆视之，表曰：

臣本庸才，叨窃非据，亲秉旄钺，以励三军。不能训章明法，临事而惧，至有街亭违命之阙，箕谷不戒之失。咎皆在臣，授任无方。臣明不知人，恤事多。《春秋》责帅，臣职是当。请自贬三等，以督厥咎。臣不胜惭愧，俯伏待命！

后主览毕曰：“胜负兵家常事，丞相何出此言？”侍中费祎奏曰：“臣闻治国者，必以奉法为重。法若不行，何以服人？丞相败绩，自行贬降，正其宜也。”后主从之，乃诏贬孔明为右将军，行丞相事，照旧总督军马，就命费祎赍诏到汉中。孔明受诏贬降讫，祎恐孔明羞赧，乃贺曰：“蜀中之民，知丞相初拔四县，深以为喜。”孔明变色曰：“是何言也！得而复失，与不得同。公以此贺我，实足使我愧赧耳。”祎又曰：“近闻丞相得姜维，天子甚喜。”孔明怒曰：“兵败师还，不曾夺得寸土，此吾之大罪也。量得一姜维，于魏何损？”祎又曰：“丞相现统雄师数十万，可再伐魏乎？”孔明曰：“昔大军屯于祁山、箕谷之时，我兵多于贼兵，而不能破贼，反为贼所破：此病不在兵之多寡，在主将耳。今欲减兵省将，明罚思过，较变通之道于将来。如其不然，虽兵多何用？自今以后，诸人有远虑于国者，但勤攻吾之阙，责吾之短，则事可定，贼可灭，功可翘足而待矣。”费祎诸将皆服其论。费祎自回成都。孔明在汉中，惜军爱民，励兵讲武，置造攻城渡水之器，聚积粮草，预备战筏，以为后图。细作探知，报入洛阳。

魏主曹睿闻之，即召司马懿商议收川之策。懿曰：“蜀未可攻也。方今天道亢炎，蜀兵必不出。若我军深入其地，彼守其险要，急切难下。”睿曰：“倘蜀兵再来入寇，如之奈何？”懿曰：“臣已算定今番诸葛亮必效韩信暗度陈仓[4]之计。臣举一人往陈仓道口，筑城守御，万无一失。此人身长九尺，猿臂善射，深有谋略。若诸葛亮入寇，此人足可当之。”睿大喜，问曰：“此何人也？”懿奏曰：“乃太原人，姓郝，名昭，字伯道，现为杂号将军，镇守河西。”

睿从之，加郝昭为镇西将军，命守把陈仓道口，遣使持诏去讫。忽报扬州司马大都督曹休上表，说东吴鄱阳太守周鲂，愿以郡来降，密遣人陈言七事，说东吴可破，乞早发兵取之。睿就御案上展开，与司马懿同观。懿奏曰：“此言极有理，吴当灭矣！臣愿引一军往助曹休。”忽班中一人进曰：“吴人之言，反覆不一，未可深信。周鲂智谋之士，必不肯降。此特诱兵之诡计也。”众视之，乃建威将军贾逵也。懿曰：“此言亦不可不听，机会亦不可错失。”魏主曰：“仲达可与贾逵同助曹休。”二人领命去讫。于是曹休引大军径取皖城；贾逵引前将军满宠、东莞太守胡质，径取阳城，直向东关；司马懿引本部军径取江陵。

却说吴主孙权，在武昌东关，会多官商议曰：“今有鄱阳太守周鲂密表，告称魏扬州都督曹休，有入寇之意。今鲂诈施诡计，暗陈七事，引诱魏兵深入重地，可设伏兵擒之。今魏兵分三路而来，诸卿有何高见？”顾雍进曰：“此大任非陆伯言不敢当也。”权大喜，乃召陆逊，封为辅国大将军、平北都元帅，统御林大军，摄行王事，授以白旄黄钺，文武百官，皆听约束。权亲自与逊执鞭。逊领命谢恩毕，乃保二人为左右都督，分兵以迎三道。权问何人，逊曰：“奋威将军朱桓，绥南将军全琮，二人可为辅佐。”权从之，即命朱桓为左都督，全琮为右都督。于是陆逊总率江南八十一州并荆湖之众七十馀万，令朱桓在左，全琮在右，逊自居中，三路进兵。朱桓献策曰：“曹休以亲见任，非智勇之将也。今听周鲂诱言，深入重地，元帅以兵击之，曹休必败。败后必走两条路：左乃夹石，右乃挂车。此二条路，皆山僻小径，最为险峻。某愿与全子璜各引一军，伏于山险，先以柴木大石塞断其路，曹休可擒矣。若擒了曹休，便长驱直进，唾手而得寿春，以窥许、洛，此万世一时也。”逊曰：“此非善策，吾自有妙用。”于是朱桓怀不平而退。逊令诸葛瑾等拒守江陵，以敌司马懿。诸路俱各调拨停当。

却说曹休兵临皖城，周鲂来迎，径到曹休帐下。休问曰：“近得足下之书，所陈七事，深为有理，奏闻天子，故起大军三路进发。若得江东之地，足下之功不小。有人言足下多谋，诚恐所言不实。吾料足下必不欺我。”周鲂大哭，急掣从人所佩剑欲自刎。休急止之。鲂仗剑而言曰：“吾所陈七事，恨不能吐出心肝。今反生疑，必有吴人使反间之计也。若听其言，吾必死矣。吾之忠心，惟天可表！”言讫，又欲自刎。曹休大惊，慌忙抱住曰：“吾戏言耳，足下何故如此！”鲂乃用剑割发掷于地曰：“吾以忠心待公，公以吾为戏，吾割父母所遗之发，以表此心！”曹休乃深信之，设宴相待。席罢，周鲂辞去。忽报建威将军贾逵来见，休令入，问曰：“汝此来何为？”逵曰：“某料东吴之兵，必尽屯于皖城。都督不可轻进，待某两下夹攻，贼兵可破矣。”休怒曰：“汝欲夺吾功耶？”逵曰：“又闻周鲂截发为誓，此乃诈也。昔要离断臂，刺杀庆忌[5]。未可深信。”休大怒曰：“吾正欲进兵，汝何出此言以慢军心！”叱左右推出斩之。众将告曰：“未及进兵，先斩大将，于军不利。且乞暂免。”休从之，将贾逵兵留在寨中调用，自引一军来取东关。时周鲂听知贾逵削去兵权，暗喜曰：“曹休若用贾逵之言，则东吴败矣！今天使我成功也！”即遣人密到皖城，报知陆逊。逊唤诸将听令曰：“前面石亭，虽是山路，足可埋伏。早先去占石亭阔处，布成阵势，以待魏军。”遂令徐盛为先锋，引兵前进。

却说曹休命周鲂引兵而进，正行间，休问曰：“前至何处？”鲂曰：“前面石亭也，堪以屯兵。”休从之，遂率大军并车仗等器，尽赴石亭驻扎。次日，哨马报道：“前面吴兵不知多少，据住山口。”休大惊曰：“周鲂言无兵，为何有准备？”急寻鲂问之。人报周鲂引数十人，不知何处去了。休大悔曰：“吾中贼之计矣！虽然如此，亦不足惧！”遂令大将张普为先锋，引数千兵来与吴兵交战。两阵对圆，张普出马骂曰：“贼将早降！”徐盛出马相迎。战无数合，普抵敌不住，勒马收兵，回见曹休，言徐盛勇不可当。休曰：“吾当以奇兵胜之。”就令张普引二万军伏于石亭之南，又令薛乔引二万军伏于石亭之北，“明日吾自引一千兵搦战，却佯输诈败，诱到北山之前，放炮为号，三面夹攻，必获大胜。”二将受计，各引二万军到晚埋伏去了。

却说陆逊唤朱桓、全琮分付曰：“汝二人各引三万军，从石亭山路抄到曹休寨后，放火为号，吾亲率大军从中路而进，可擒曹休也。”当日黄昏，二将受计引兵而进。二更时分，朱桓引一军正抄到魏寨后，迎着张普伏兵。普不知是吴兵，径来问时，被朱桓一刀斩于马下。魏兵便走。桓令后军放火。全琮引一军抄到魏寨后，正撞在薛乔阵里，就那里大杀一阵。薛乔败走，魏兵大损，奔回本寨。后面朱桓、全琮两路杀来。曹休寨中大乱，自相冲击。休慌上马，望夹石道奔走。徐盛引大队军马，从正路杀来。魏兵死者不可胜数，逃命者尽弃衣甲。曹休大惊，在夹石道中，奋力奔走。忽见一彪军从小路冲出，为首大将，乃贾逵也。休惊慌少息，自愧曰：“吾不用公言，果遭此败！”逵曰：“都督可速出此道。若被吴兵以木石塞断，吾等皆危矣！”于是曹休骤马而行，贾逵断后。逵于林木盛茂处，及险峻小径，多设旌旗以为疑兵。及至徐盛赶到，见山坡下闪出旗角，疑有埋伏，不敢追赶，收兵而回，因此救了曹休。司马懿听知休败，亦引兵退去。

却说陆逊正望捷音，须臾，徐盛、朱桓、全琮皆到。所得车仗、牛马、驴骡、军资、器械，不计其数，降兵数万馀人。逊大喜，即同太守周鲂并诸将班师还吴。吴主孙权，领文武官僚出武昌城迎接，以御盖覆逊而入。诸将尽皆升赏。权见周鲂无发，慰劳曰：“卿断发成此大事，功名当书于竹帛也。”即封周鲂为关内侯，大设筵会，劳军庆贺。陆逊奏曰：“今曹休大败，魏已丧胆，可修国书，遣使入川，教诸葛亮进兵攻之。”权从其言，遂遣使赍书入川去。正是：只因东国能施计，致令西川又动兵。未知孔明再来伐魏，胜负如何，且看下文分解。

[1] 天狱——天然的牢狱。形容地势险恶，出入都极为困难。

[2] 舜帝殛（jí）鲧用禹——相传：鲧治水失败，舜帝杀鲧，又用鲧的儿子禹去治水，终成大功。

[3] 楚杀得臣而文公喜——成得臣是楚国的大将，由于对晋战争失利，回国被迫自杀。晋文公听到这个消息，大为高兴。

[4] 暗度陈仓——陈仓，地名，在今陕西省境。刘邦将进兵攻打项羽，韩信设计：表面上去修栈道的道路，以转移对方的注意；暗中却将兵马偷过陈仓。

[5] 要离断臂，刺杀庆忌——要离，春秋时吴国人，奉吴公子光的命令，去刺吴王僚的儿子庆忌。他为了骗取庆忌的信任，故意砍断了自己的一只手臂，说是公子光砍的。后来果然把庆忌刺杀了。

CHAPTER 96. Shedding Tears, Zhuge Liang Puts Ma Su To Death; Cutting Hair, Zhou Fang Beguiles Cao Xiu.

The proposer of the great plan that was to reunite the empire was the Chair of the Secretariat, named Sun Zi.

“Noble Sir, expound your excellent scheme,” said the Ruler of Wei.

And Sun Zi said, “When your great progenitor, Emperor Cao, first got Zhang Lu, he was at a critical stage in his career, but thenceforward all went well. He used to say the land of Nanzheng is really a natural hell. In the Xie Valley there are one hundred fifty miles of rocks and caves, so that it is an impossible country for an army. If Wei be denuded of soldiers in order to conquer Shu, then for sure we shall be invaded by Wu on the east. My advice is to divide the army among the various generals and appoint each a place of strategic value to hold, and let them train their forces. In a few years the Middle Land will be prosperous and wealthy, while the other two Shu and Wu, will have been reduced by mutual quarrels and will fall an easy prey. I hope Your Majesty will consider whether this is not a superior plan.”

“What does the General think? said Cao Rui to Sima Yi.

He replied, “Minister Sun Zi says well.”

So Cao Rui bade Sima Yi draw up a scheme of defense and station the soldiers, leaving Guo Huai and Zhang He to guard Changan. And having rewarded the army, he the returned to Luoyang.

When Zhuge Liang got back to Hanzhong and missed Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi, the only two generals who had not arrived, he was sad at heart and bade Guan Xing and Zhang Bao go back to afford them assistance. However, before the reinforcing parties could leave, the missing men arrived. Furthermore, they came with their army in excellent condition and not a man short, nor a horse nor any of their equipment.

As they drew near, Zhuge Liang went out of the city to welcome them. Thereupon Zhao Yun hastily dismounted and bowed to the earth, saying, “The Prime Minister should not have come forth to welcome a defeated general.”

But Zhuge Liang lifted him up and took his hand and said, “Mine was the fault, mine were the ignorance and unwisdom that caused all this. But how is it that amid all the defeat and loss you have come through unscathed?”

And Deng Zhi replied, “It was because friend Zhao Yun sent me ahead, while he guarded the rear and warded off every attack. One leader he slew, and this frightened the others. Thus nothing was lost or left by the way.”

“A really great general!” said Zhuge Liang.

He sent Zhao Yun a gift of fifty ounces of gold, and to his army ten thousand rolls of silk.

But these were returned as Zhao Yun said, “All armies have accomplished nothing, and that is also our fault. The rules for reward and punishment must be strictly kept. I pray that these things be kept in store till the winter, when they can be distributed among the army.”

“When the First Ruler lived, he never tired of extolling Zhao Yun's virtues; the First Ruler was perfectly right,” said Zhuge Liang.

And his respect for the veteran was doubled.

Then came the turn of the four unfortunate leaders Ma Su, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang to render account. Wang Ping was called to the Commander-in-Chief's tent and rebuked.

“I ordered you and Ma Su to guard Jieting; why did you not remonstrate with him and prevent this great loss?”

“I did remonstrate many times. I wished to build a rampart down in the road and construct a solid camp, but the Commander would not agree and showed ill temper. So I led five thousand troops and camped some three miles off; and when the army of Wei came in crowds and surrounded my colleague, I led my army to attack them a score of times. But I could not penetrate, and the catastrophe came quickly. Many of our troops surrendered, and mine were too few to stand. Wherefore I went to friend Wei Yan for help, but I was intercepted and imprisoned in a valley and only got out by fighting most desperately. I got back to my camp to find the enemy in possession, and so I set out for Liliu. On the road I met Gao Xiang, and we three tried to raid the enemy's camp, hoping to recover Jieting; but as there was no one soldier there, I grew suspicious. From a hill I saw my colleagues had been hemmed in by the soldiers of Wei, so I went to rescue them. Thence we hastened to Yangping Pass to try to prevent that from falling. It was not that I failed to remonstrate. And you, O Minister, can get confirmation of my words from any of the officers.”

Zhuge Liang bade him retire, and sent for Ma Su. He came, bound himself, and threw himself on the earth at the tent door.

Zhuge Liang got angry, saying, “You have filled yourself with the study of the books on war ever since you were a boy; you know them thoroughly. I enjoined upon you that Jieting was most important, and you pledged yourself and all your family to do your best in the enterprise; yet you would not listen to Wang Ping, and thus you caused this misfortune. The army is defeated, generals have been slain and cities and territory lost, all through you. If I do not make you an example and vindicate the law, how shall I maintain a proper state of discipline? You have offended and you must pay the penalty. After your death the little ones of your family shall be my care, and I will see that they get a monthly allowance. Do not let their fate cause you anxiety.”

Zhuge Liang told the executioners to take Ma Su away.

Ma Su wept bitterly, saying, “Pity me, O Minister, you have looked upon me as a son; I have looked up to you as a father. I know my fault is worthy of death, but I pray you remember how King Shun employed Yu, after executing his father. Though I die, I will harbor no resentment down in the depths of the Nine Golden Springs.”

Zhuge Liang brushed aside his tears and said, “We have been as brothers, and your children shall be as my own. It is useless to say more.”

They led the doomed man away. Without the main gate, just as they were going to deal the fatal blow, High Counselor Jiang Wan, who had just arrived from Capital Chengdu, was passing in. He bade the executioners wait a while, and he went in and interceded for Ma Su.

“Formerly the King of Chu put Minister Chen Dechen to death, and his rival Duke Wen of Jin rejoiced. There is great confusion in the land, and yet you would slay a man of admitted ability. Can you not spare him?”

Zhuge Liang's tears fell, but he said, “Sun Zi maintains that the one way to obtain success is to make the law supreme. Now confusion and actual war are in every quarter; and if the law be not observed, how may rebels be made away with? He must die.”

Soon after they bore in the head of Ma Su as proof, and Zhuge Liang wailed bitterly.

“Why do you weep for him now that he has met the just penalty for his fault?” said Jiang Wan.

“I was not weeping then because of Ma Su, but because I remembered the words of the First Ruler. When in great stress at Baidicheng, he said: 'Ma Su's words exceed the truth, and he is incapable of great deeds.' It has come true, and I greatly regret my want of insight. That is why I weep.”

Every officer wept. Ma Su was but thirty-nine, and he met his end in the fifth month of the sixth year of Beginning Prosperity (AS 228).

A poet wrote about him thus:

That was pitiful that he who talked so glib

Of war, should lose a city, fault most grave,

With death as expiation. At the gate

He paid stern law's extremest penalty.

Deep grieved, his chief recalled the late Prince's words.

The head of Ma Su was paraded round the camps. Then it was sewn again to the body and buried with it. Zhuge Liang conducted the sacrifices for the dead and read the oration. A monthly allowance was made for the family, and they were consoled as much as possible.

Next Zhuge Liang made his memorial to the Throne and bade Jiang Wan bear it to the Latter Ruler. Therein Zhuge Liang proposed his own degradation from his high office.

“Naturally a man of mediocre abilities, I have enjoyed your confidence undeservedly. Having led out an expedition, I have proved my inability to perform the high office of leader. Over solicitude was my undoing. Hence happened disobedience at Jieting and the failure to guard Chi Valley. The fault is mine in that I erred in the use of people. In my anxiety I was too secretive. The 'Spring and Autumn' has pronounced the commander such as I am is blameworthy, and whither may I flee from my fault? I pray that I may be degraded three degrees as punishment. I cannot express my mortification. I humbly await your command.”

“Why does the Prime Minister speak thus?” said the Latter Ruler. “It is but the ordinary fortune of war.”

Minister Fei Yi said, “The ruler must enhance the majesty of the law, for without law how can people support him? It is right that the Prime Minister should be degraded in rank.”

Thereupon an edict was issued reducing Zhuge Liang to the rank of General of the Right Army, but retaining him in the same position in the direction of state affairs and command of the military forces. Fei Yi was directed to communicate the decision.

Fei Yi bore the edict into Hanzhong and gave it to Zhuge Liang, who bowed to the decree. The envoy thought Zhuge Liang might be mortified, so he ventured to felicitate him in other matters.

“It was a great joy to the people of Shu when you, O Minister, captured the four northwest counties,” said he.

“What sort of language is this?” said Zhuge Liang, annoyed. “Success followed by failure is no success. It shames me indeed to hear such a compliment.”

“His Majesty will be very pleased to hear of the acquisition of Jiang Wei.”

This remark also angered Zhuge Liang, who replied, “It is my fault that a defeated army has returned without any gain of territory. What injury to Wei was the loss of Jiang Wei?”

Fei Yi tried again. “But with an army of one hundred thousand bold veterans, you can attack Wei again.”

“When we were at Qishan and Chi Valley, we outnumbered the enemy, but we could not conquer them. On the contrary, they beat us. The defect was not in the number of soldiers, but in the leadership. Now we must reduce the army, discover our faults, reflect on our errors, and mend our ways against the future. Unless this is so, what is the use of a numerous army? Hereafter every one will have to look to the future of his country. But most diligently each of you must fight against my shortcomings and blame my inefficiencies; then we may succeed. Rebellion can be exterminated and merit can be set up.”

Fei Yi and the officers acknowledged the aptness of these remarks. Fei Yi went back to the capital, leaving Zhuge Liang in Hanzhong resting his soldiers and doing what he could for the people, training and heartening his troops and turning special attention to the construction of apparatus for assaults on cities and crossing rivers. He also collected grain and fodder and built battle rafts, all for future use.

The spies of Wei got to know of these doings in the Lands of Rivers and reported to Luoyang. The Ruler of Wei called Sima Yi to council and asked how Shu might be annexed.

“Shu cannot be attacked,” was the reply. “In this present hot weather they will not come out, but, if we invade, they will only garrison and defend their strategic points, which we should find it hard to overcome.”

“What shall we do if they invade us again?”

“I have prepared for that. Just now Zhuge Liang is imitating Han Xin when he secretly crossed the river into Chencang. I can recommend a man to guard the place by building a rampart there and rendering it absolutely secure. He is a nine-span man, round shouldered and powerful, a good archer and prudent strategist. He would be quite equal to dealing with an invasion.”

The Ruler of Wei was very pleased and asked for his name.

“His name is Hao Zhao, and he is in command at Hexi.”

The Ruler of Wei accepted the recommendation, and an edict went forth promoting Hao Zhao to General Who Guards the West, and sending him to command in the county of Chencang.

Soon after this edict was issued, a memorial was received from Cao Xiu, Minister of War and Commander of Yangzhou, saying that Zhou Fang, the Wu Governor of Poyang, wished to tender his submission and transfer his allegiance, and had sent a man to present a memorandum under seven headings showing how the power of the South Land could be broken and to ask that an army be dispatched soon.

Cao Rui spread the document out on the couch that he and Sima Yi might read it.

“It seems very reasonable,” said Sima Yi. “Wu could be quite destroyed. Let me go with an army to help Cao Xiu.”

But from among the courtiers stepped out Jia Kui, who said, “What this man of Wu says may be understood in two ways; do not trust it. Zhou Fang is a wise and crafty man and very unlikely to desert. In this is some ruse to decoy our soldiers into danger.”

“Such words also must be listened to,” said Sima Yi. “Yet such a chance must not be missed.”

“You and he might both go to the help of Cao Xiu,” said the Ruler of Wei.

Sima Yi and Jia Kui went. A large army, led by Cao Xiu, moved to Huancheng. Jia Kui, assisted by General Man Chong and Governor Hu Zhi of Dongwan, marched to capture Yangcheng, and facing the East Pass. Sima Yi led the third army to Jiangling.

Now the Prince of Wu, Sun Quan, was at the East Pass in Wuchang, and there he assembled his officers and said, “The Governor of Poyang, Zhou Fang, has sent up a secret memorial saying that Cao Xiu intends to invade. Zhou Fang has therefore set out a trap for Cao Xiu and has drawn up a document giving seven plausible circumstances, hoping thereby to cajole the Wei army into his power. The armies of Wei are on the move in three divisions, and I need your advice.”

Gu Yong stood forth, saying, “There is only one man fit to cope with the present need; he is Lu Xun.”

So Lu Xun was summoned and made Grand Commander, General Who Pacifies the North, Commander-in-Chief of all the State Armies, including the Royal Corps of Guards, and Associate Assistant in the Royal Duties. He was given the White Banners and the Golden Axes, which denoted imperial rank. All officers, civil and military, were placed under his orders. Moreover, Sun Quan personally stood beside him and held his whip while he mounted his steed.

Having received all these marks of confidence and favor, Lu Xun wanted two persons to be his assistants. Sun Quan asked their names, and Lu Xun said, “There are Zhu Huan, General Who Fortifies Prowess, and Quan Zong, General Who Calms the South. These two should be in command.”

Sun Quan approved and appointed Zhu Huan and Quan Zong as Commander of the Left and Commander of the Right respectively.

Then the grand army, comprising all the forces of the eighty-one counties of the South Land and the levies of Jingzhou, seven hundred thousand troops in total, was assembled and marched out in three divisions, Lu Xun in the center, with Zhu Huan and Quan Zong supporting him left and right with the other two columns.

Then said Zhu Huan, “Cao Xiu is neither able nor bold; he holds office because he is of the blood. He has fallen into the trap laid by Zhou Fang and marched too far to be able to withdraw. If the Commander-in-Chief will smite, Cao Xiu must be defeated. Defeated, he must flee along two roads, one Jiashi on the left, the other Guichi on the right, both of which are precipitous and narrow. Let me and my colleague go to prepare an ambush in these roads. We will block them and so cut off their escape. If this Cao Xiu could be captured, and a hasty advance made, success would be easy and sure. We should get Shouchun, whence Xuchang and Luoyang can be seen. This is the one chance in the thousand.” “I do not think the plan good,” said Lu Xun. “I have a better one.”

Zhu Huan resented the rejection of his scheme and went away angry. Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and certain others to garrison Jiangling and oppose Sima Yi and made all other dispositions of forces.

Cao Xiu neared Huancheng, and Zhou Fang came out of the city to welcome him and went to the general's tent.

Cao Xiu said, “I received your letter and the memorandum, which was most logical, and sent it to His Majesty. He has set in motion accordingly three armies. It will be a great merit for you, Sir, if the South Land can be added to His Majesty's dominions. People say you are insufficient in craft, but I do not believe what they say, for I think you will be true to me and not fail.”

Zhou Fang wept. He seized a sword from one of his escort and was about to kill himself, but Cao Xiu stopped him.

Still leaning on the sword, Zhou Fang said, “As to the seven things I mentioned, my regret is that I cannot show you all. You doubt me because some persons from Wu and Wei have been poisoning your mind against me. If you heed them, the only course for me is to die. Heaven only can make manifest my loyal heart.”

Again he made to slay himself. But Cao Xiu in trepidation threw his arms about him, saying, “I did not mean it; the words were uttered in jest. Why do you act thus?”

Upon this, Zhou Fang, with his sword, cut off his hair and threw it on the ground, saying, “I have dealt with you with sincerity, Sir, and you joke about it. Now I have cut off the hair, which I inherited from my parents, in order to prove my sincerity.”

Then Cao Xiu doubted no more, but trusted him fully and prepared a banquet for him, and when the feast was over Zhou Fang returned to his own.

General Jia Kui came to Cao Xiu, and when asked whether there was any special reason for the visit, he said, “I have come to warn you, Commander, to be cautious and wait till you and I can attack the enemy together. The whole army of Wu is encamped at Huancheng.”

“You mean you want to share in my victory,” sneered Cao Xiu.

“It is said Zhou Fang cut off his hair as a pledge of sincerity; that is only another bit of deceit. According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, Yao Li cut off his arm as a pledge of loyalty before he assassinated Qing Ji; mutilation is no guarantee. Do not trust Zhou Fang.”

“Why do you come to utter ill-omened words just as I am opening the campaign? You destroy the spirit of the army,” said Cao Xiu.

In his wrath he told the lictors to put Jia Kui to death. However, the officers interceded, saying, “Before the march, killing our general is not favorable to the army. O General, spare him until after the expedition.”

And Jia Kui was reprieved; but he was not assigned any part in the campaign, and his troops were left in reserve. Cao Xiu himself went away to the East Pass.

When Zhou Fang heard that Jia Kui had been broken, he rejoiced in his heart, saying, “If Cao Xiu had attended to his words, then Wu would have lost. Heaven is good to me and is giving me the means of achieving great things.”

Then he sent a secret messenger to Huancheng, and Lu Xun knew that the time had come. He assembled the officers for orders.

Lu Xun said, “Shiding, lying over against us, is a hilly country fit for preparing an ambush. It will be occupied as suitable to array our army and await the coming of Wei. Xu Sheng is to be leader of the van, and the army will move there.”

Now Cao Xiu told Zhou Fang to lead the way for his attack. While on march, Cao Xiu asked, “What is the place lying ahead?”

Zhou Fang replied, “Shiding, a suitable place to camp in.”

So a great camp was made there. But soon after the scouts reported that a very large number of soldiers of Wu had occupied the hills. Cao Xiu began to feel alarmed.

“Zhou Fang said there were no soldiers; why these preparations?”

Cao Xiu hastily sought Zhou Fang to ask him, and was told he had gone away with a few riders, no one knew whither.

“I have been deceived and am in a trap,” said Cao Xiu, now very repentant of his easy confidence. “However, there is nothing to fear.”

Then he made his arrangements to march against the enemy, and when they were complete and the array drawn up, Zhang Pu, the leader of the van, rode out and began to rail at the men of Wu.

“Rebel leader, come and surrender!” cried Zhang Pu.

Then rode out Xu Sheng and fought with him. But Zhang Pu was no match for Xu Sheng, as was soon evident, wherefore he led his troops to retire.

“Xu Sheng is too strong,” said Zhang Pu when he saw Cao Xiu.

“Then will we defeat him by a surprise,” said Cao Xiu.

He sent Zhang Pu with twenty thousand troops to hide in the south of Shiding, while another equal party under Xue Qiao was sent north. And Cao Xiu arranged, saying, “Tomorrow I will lead a thousand soldiers to provoke the troops of Wu into battle, then I will feign defeat and lead them to the hills in the north, when a bomb will explode and a three-pronged ambush will bring us victory.”

On the other side Lu Xun called his two generals, Zhu Huan and Quan Zong, and said, “Each of you is to lead thirty thousand troops and take a cross cut from Shiding to the enemy's camp. Give a fire signal on arrival, and then the main army will advance.”

As evening fell these two moved out their troops, and by the middle of the second watch both had got close to the camp of Wei. Zhang Pu, Cao Xiu's general, who was there in ambush, did not recognize that the troops who approached him were enemies, but went as to meet friends and was at once slain by the blade of Zhu Huan. The soldiers of Wei then fled, and Zhu Huan lit his signal fires. Quan Zong, marching up, came across the northern ambush under Xue Qiao. Quan Zong began a battle at once, and the troops of Wei were soon put to flight. Both the armies of Wu pursued, and confusion reigned in Cao Xiu's camp, troops fighting with others of their own side and slaying each other.

Cao Xiu despaired and fled toward Jiashi. Xu Sheng, with a strong force, came along the high road and attacked. And the soldiers of Wei killed were very many. Those who escaped did so by abandoning all their armors.

Cao Xiu was in straits, but he struggled along the Jiashi Road. Here came a cohort into the road from the side. It was led by Jia Kui. Cao Xiu's alarm gave place to shame on meeting Jia Kui.

“I took no notice of what you said, and so this evil came upon me,” said he.

Jia Kui replied, “Sir, you should quickly get out of this road; for if the troops of Wu block it, we shall be in grave danger.”

So Cao Xiu hastened, while Jia Kui protected his retreat. And Jia Kui ordered his soldiers to set flags and banners up among trees and in thickets and along by-paths, so as to give an impression of having many men posted all round. Wherefore when Xu Sheng came in pursuit, he thought the country was full of ambushing men and dared not proceed far. So he gave up the pursuit and retired.

By these means Cao Xiu was rescued, and finally Sima Yi withdrew his army upon the news of Cao Xiu's defeat.

In the meantime, Lu Xun was awaiting news of victory. Soon Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Zong came and reported their successes, and they brought great spoil of carts and bullocks, horses and mules and military material and weapons. And they had also ten thousand prisoners. There was great rejoicing, and Lu Xun with Zhou Fang led the army home into Wu.

On their return Sun Quan, the Prince of Wu, came out with a numerous cortege of officers to welcome the victors, and an imperial umbrella was borne over the head of Lu Xun as they wended their way homeward.

When the officers presented their felicitations, Sun Quan noticed that Zhou Fang had no hair, and Sun Quan was very gracious to him, saying, “This deed of yours, and the sacrifice you made to attain it, will surely be written in the histories.”

He made Zhou Fang the Lord of the Gate Within. Then there were great feastings and greetings and much revelry.

Lu Xun said, “Cao Xiu has been thoroughly beaten, and the soldiers of Wei are cowed. I think now is an occasion to send letters into Shu to advise Zhuge Liang to attack Wei.”

Sun Quan agreed, and letters were sent.

The east, successful in one fight,

Would unto war the west incite.

The next chapter will say if Zhuge Liang once more tried to overcome Wei.