第一百一回

第一百一回 出陇上诸葛妆神 奔剑阁张郃中计

却说孔明用减兵添灶之法，退兵到汉中，司马懿恐有埋伏，不敢追赶，亦收兵回长安去了，因此蜀兵不曾折了一人。孔明大赏三军已毕，回到成都，入见后主，奏曰：“老臣出了祁山，欲取长安，忽承陛下降诏召回，不知有何大事？”后主无言可对，良久乃曰：“朕久不见丞相之面，心甚思慕，故特诏回，一无他事。”孔明曰：“此非陛下本心，必有奸臣谗谮，言臣有异志也。”后主闻言，默然无语。孔明曰：“老臣受先帝厚恩，誓以死报。今若内有奸邪，臣安能讨贼乎？”后主曰：“朕因过听[1]宦官之言，一时召回丞相。今日茅塞方开，悔之不及矣！”孔明遂唤众宦官究问，方知是苟安流言，急令人捕之，已投魏国去了。孔明将妄奏的宦官诛戮，馀皆废出宫外，又深责蒋琬、费祎等不能觉察奸邪，规谏天子。二人唯唯服罪。孔明拜辞后主，复到汉中，一面发檄令李严应付粮草，仍运赴军前，一面再议出师。杨仪曰：“前数兴兵，军力罢敝，粮又不继。今不如分兵两班，以三个月为期，且如二十万之兵，只领十万出祁山，住了三个月，却教这十万替回，循环相转。若此则兵力不乏，然后徐徐而进，中原可图矣。”孔明曰：“此言正合我意。吾伐中原，非一朝一夕之事，正当为此长久之计。”遂下令，分兵两班，限一百日为期，循环相转，违限者按军法处治。

建兴九年春二月，孔明复出师伐魏，时魏太和五年也。魏主曹睿知孔明又伐中原，急召司马懿商议。懿曰：“今子丹已亡，臣愿竭一人之力，剿除寇贼，以报陛下。”睿大喜，设宴待之。次日，人报蜀兵寇急。睿即命司马懿出师御敌，亲排銮驾送出城外。懿辞了魏主，径到长安，大会诸路人马，计议破蜀兵之策。张郃曰：“吾愿引一军去守雍、郿，以拒蜀兵。”懿曰：“吾前军不能独当孔明之众，而又分兵为前后，非胜算也。不如留兵守上邽，馀众悉往祁山。公肯为先锋否？”郃大喜曰：“吾素怀忠义，欲尽心报国，惜未遇知己，今都督肯委重任，虽万死不辞！”于是司马懿令张郃为先锋，总督大军。又令郭淮守陇西诸郡，其馀众将各分道而进。前军哨马报说：“孔明率大军望祁山进发，前部先锋王平、张嶷，径出陈仓，过剑阁，由散关望斜谷而来。”司马懿谓张郃曰：“今孔明长驱大进，必将割陇西小麦，以资军粮。汝可结营守祁山，吾与郭淮巡略天水诸郡，以防蜀兵割麦。”郃领诺，遂引四万兵守祁山。懿引大军望陇西而去。

却说孔明兵至祁山，安营已毕，见渭滨有魏军提备，乃谓诸将曰：“此必是司马懿也。即今营中乏粮，屡遣人催并李严运米应付，却只是不到。吾料陇上麦熟，可密引兵割之。”于是留王平、张嶷、吴班、吴懿四将守祁山营，孔明自引姜维、魏延等诸将，前到卤城。卤城太守素知孔明，慌忙开城出降。孔明抚慰毕，问曰：“此时何处麦熟？”太守告曰：“陇上麦已熟。”孔明乃留张翼、马忠守卤城，自引诸将并三军望陇上而来。前军回报说：“司马懿引兵在此。”孔明惊曰：“此人预知吾来割麦也！”即沐浴更衣，推过一般三辆四轮车来，车上皆要一样妆饰。此车乃孔明在蜀中预先造下的。当下令姜维引一千军护车，五百军擂鼓，伏在上邽之后；马岱在左，魏延在右，亦各引一千军护车，五百军擂鼓。每一辆车，用二十四人，皂衣跣足，披发仗剑，手执七星皂旛，在左右推车。三人各受计，引兵推车而去。孔明又令三万军皆执镰刀、驮绳，伺候割麦。却选二十四个精壮之士，各穿皂衣，披发跣足，仗剑簇拥四轮车，为推车使者。令关兴结束做天蓬[2]模样，手执七星皂旛，步行于车前。孔明端坐于上，望魏营而来。

哨探军见之大惊，不知是人是鬼，火速报知司马懿。懿自出营视之，只见孔明簪冠鹤氅，手摇羽扇，端坐于四轮车上。左右二十四人，披发仗剑，前面一人，手执皂旛，隐隐似天神一般。懿曰：“这个又是孔明作怪也！”遂拨二千人马分付曰：“汝等疾去，连车带人，尽情都捉来！”魏兵领命，一齐追赶。孔明见魏兵赶来，便教回车，遥望蜀营缓缓而行。魏兵皆骤马追赶，但见阴风习习，冷雾漫漫。尽力赶了一程，追之不上，各人大惊，都勒住马言曰：“奇怪！我等急急赶了三十里，只见在前，追之不上。如之奈何？”孔明见兵不来，又令推车过来，朝着魏兵歇下。魏兵犹豫良久，又放马赶来，孔明复回车慢慢而行。魏兵又赶了二十里，只见在前，不曾赶上，尽皆痴呆。孔明教回过车，朝着魏军，推车倒行。魏兵又欲追赶，后面司马懿自引一军到，传令曰：“孔明善会八门遁甲，能驱六丁六甲之神。此乃六甲天书内‘缩地’[3]之法也。众军不可追之。”众军方勒马回时，左势下战鼓大震，一彪军杀来。懿急令兵拒之，只见蜀兵队里二十四人，披发仗剑，皂衣跣足，拥出一辆四轮车，车上端坐孔明，簪冠鹤氅，手摇羽扇。懿大惊曰：“方才那个车上坐着孔明，赶了五十里，追之不上，如何这里又有孔明？怪哉！怪哉！”言未毕，右势下战鼓又鸣，一彪军杀来，四轮车上亦坐着一个孔明，左右亦有二十四人，皂衣跣足，披发仗剑，拥车而来。懿心中大疑，回顾诸将曰：“此必神兵也！”众军心下大乱，不敢交战，各自奔走。

正行之际，忽然鼓声大震，又一彪军杀来，当先一辆四轮车，孔明端坐于上，左右前后推车使者，同前一般。魏兵无不骇然。司马懿不知是人是鬼，又不知多少蜀兵，十分惊惧，急急引兵奔入上邽，闭门不出。此时孔明早令三万精兵将陇上小麦割尽，运赴卤城打晒去了。司马懿在上邽城中，三日不敢出城。后见蜀兵退去，方敢令军出哨，于路捉得一蜀兵，来见司马懿。懿问之，其人告曰：“某乃割麦之人，因走失马匹，被捉前来。”懿曰：“前者是何神兵？”答曰：“三路伏兵，皆不是孔明，乃姜维、马岱、魏延也。每一路只有一千军护车，五百军擂鼓。只是先来诱阵的车上乃孔明也。”懿仰天长叹曰：“孔明有神出鬼没之机！”忽报副都督郭淮入见。懿接入，礼毕，淮曰：“吾闻蜀兵不多，现在卤城打麦，可以击之。”懿细言前事。淮笑曰：“只瞒过一时，今已识破，何足道哉！吾引一军攻其后，公引一军攻其前，卤城可破，孔明可擒矣。”懿从之，遂分兵两路而来。

却说孔明引军在卤城打晒小麦，忽唤诸将听令曰：“今夜敌人必来攻城。吾料卤城东西麦田之内，足可伏兵；谁敢为我一往？”姜维、魏延、马忠、马岱四将出曰：“某等愿往。”孔明大喜，乃命姜维、魏延各引二千兵，伏在东南、西北两处；马岱、马忠各引二千兵，伏在西南、东北两处：“只听炮响，四角一齐杀来。”四将受计，引兵去了。孔明自引百馀人，各带火炮出城，伏在麦田之内等候。

却说司马懿引兵径到卤城下，日已昏黑，乃谓诸将曰：“若白日进兵，城中必有准备，今可乘夜晚攻之。此处城低壕浅，可便打破。”遂屯兵城外。一更时分，郭淮亦引兵到，两下合兵，一声鼓响，把卤城围得铁桶相似。城上万弩齐发，矢石如雨，魏兵不敢前进。忽然魏军中信炮连声，三军大惊，又不知何处兵来。淮令人去麦田搜时，四角上火光冲天，喊声大震，四路蜀兵，一齐杀至。卤城四门大开，城内兵杀出。里应外合，大杀了一阵，魏兵死者无数。司马懿引败兵奋死突出重围，占住了山头，郭淮亦引败兵奔到山后扎住。孔明入城，令四将于四角下安营。郭淮告司马懿曰：“今与蜀兵相持许久，无策可退。目下又被杀了一阵，折伤三千馀人，若不早图，日后难退矣。”懿曰：“当复如何？”淮曰：“可发檄文调雍、凉人马并力剿杀。吾愿引军袭剑阁，截其归路，使彼粮草不通，三军慌乱。那时乘势击之，敌可灭矣。”懿从之，即发檄文星夜往雍、凉调拨人马。不一日，大将孙礼引雍、凉诸郡人马到。懿即令孙礼约会郭淮去袭剑阁。

却说孔明在卤城相拒日久，不见魏兵出战，乃唤姜维、马岱入城听令曰：“今魏兵守住山险，不与我战。一者料吾麦尽无粮，二者令兵去袭剑阁，断吾粮道也。汝二人各引一万军先去守住险要，魏兵见有准备，自然退去。”二人引兵去了。长史杨仪入帐告曰：“向者丞相令大兵一百日一换，今已限足，汉中兵已出川口，前路公文已到，只待会兵交换，现存八万军内，四万该与换班。”孔明曰：“既有令，便教速行。”众军闻知，各各收拾起程。忽报孙礼引雍、凉人马二十万来助战，去袭剑阁，司马懿自引兵来攻卤城了，蜀兵无不惊骇。杨仪入告孔明曰：“魏兵来得甚急，丞相可将换班军且留下退敌，待新来兵到，然后换之。”孔明曰：“不可。吾用兵命将，以信为本，既有令在先，岂可失信？且蜀兵应去者，皆准备归计，其父母妻子倚扉而望。吾今便有大难，决不留他。”即传令教应去之兵，当日便行。众军闻之，皆大呼曰：“丞相如此施恩于众，我等愿且不回，各舍一命，大杀魏兵，以报丞相！”孔明曰：“尔等该还家，岂可复留于此？”众军皆要出战，不愿回家。孔明曰：“汝等既要与我出战，可出城安营，待魏兵到，莫待他息喘，便急攻之。此以逸待劳之法也。”众兵领命，各执兵器，欢喜出城，列阵而待。

却说西凉人马倍道而来，走的人马困乏，方欲下营歇息，被蜀兵一拥而进，人人奋勇，将锐兵骁，雍、凉兵抵敌不住，望后便退。蜀兵奋力追杀，杀得那雍、凉兵尸横遍野，血流成渠。孔明出城，收聚得胜之兵，入城赏劳。忽报永安李严有书告急。孔明大惊，拆封视之，书云：

近闻东吴令人入洛阳，与魏连和；魏令吴取蜀，幸吴尚未起兵。今严探知消息，伏望丞相，早作良图。

孔明览毕，甚是惊疑，乃聚诸将曰：“若东吴兴兵寇蜀，吾须索[4]速回也。”即传令，教祁山大寨人马，且退回西川：“司马懿知吾屯军在此，必不敢追赶。”于是王平、张嶷、吴班、吴懿，分兵两路，徐徐退入西川去了。

张郃见蜀兵退去，恐有计策，不敢来追，乃引兵往见司马懿曰：“今蜀兵退去，不知何意？”懿曰：“孔明诡计极多，不可轻动。不如坚守，待他粮尽，自然退去。”大将魏平出曰：“蜀兵拔祁山之营而退，正可乘势追之，都督按兵不动，畏蜀如虎，奈天下笑何？”懿坚执不从。

却说孔明知祁山兵已回，遂令杨仪、马忠入帐，授以密计，令先引一万弓弩手，去剑阁木门道，两下埋伏，“若魏兵追到，听吾炮响，急滚下木石，先截其去路，两头一齐射之”。二人引兵去了。又唤魏延、关兴引兵断后，城上四面遍插旌旗，城内乱堆柴草，虚放烟火。大兵尽望木门道而去。

魏营巡哨军来报司马懿曰：“蜀兵大队已退，但不知城中还有多少兵。”懿自往视之，见城上插旗，城中烟起，笑曰：“此乃空城也。”令人探之，果是空城。懿大喜曰：“孔明已退，谁敢追之？”先锋张郃曰：“吾愿往。”懿阻曰：“公性急躁，不可去。”郃曰：“都督出关之时，命吾为先锋，今日正是立功之际，却不用吾，何也？”懿曰：“蜀兵退去，险阻处必有埋伏，须十分仔细，方可追之。”郃曰：“吾已知得，不必挂虑。”懿曰：“公自欲去，莫要追悔。”郃曰：“大丈夫舍身报国，虽万死无恨。”懿曰：“公既坚执要去，可引五千兵先行，却教魏平引二万马步兵后行，以防埋伏。吾却引三千兵随后策应。”张郃领命，引兵火速望前追赶。行到三十馀里，忽然背后一声喊起，树林内闪出一彪军，为首大将，横刀勒马大叫曰：“贼将引兵那里去！”郃回头视之，乃魏延也。郃大怒，回马交锋。不十合，延诈败而走。郃又追赶三十馀里，勒马回顾，全无伏兵，又策马前追。方转过山坡，忽喊声大起，一彪军闪出，为首大将，乃关兴也，横刀勒马大叫曰：“张郃休赶！有吾在此！”郃就拍马交锋。不十合，兴拨马便走。郃随后追之。赶到一密林内，郃心疑，令人四下哨探，并无伏兵，于是放心又赶。不想魏延却抄在前面，郃又与战十馀合，延又败走。郃奋怒追来，又被关兴抄在前面，截住去路。郃大怒，拍马交锋，战有十合，蜀兵尽弃衣甲什物等件，塞满道路，魏军皆下马争取。延、兴二将，轮流交战，张郃奋勇追赶。看看天晚，赶到木门道口，魏延拨回马，高声大骂曰：“张郃逆贼！吾不与汝相拒，汝只顾赶来，吾今与汝决一死战！”郃十分忿怒，挺枪骤马，直取魏延，延挥刀来迎。战不十合，延大败，尽弃衣甲、头盔，匹马引败兵望木门道中而走。张郃杀得性起，又见魏延大败而逃，乃骤马赶来。此时天色昏黑，一声炮响，山上火光冲天，大石乱柴滚将下来，阻截去路。郃大惊曰：“我中计矣！”急回马时，背后已被木石塞满了归路，中间只有一段空地，两边皆是峭壁，郃进退无路。忽一声梆子响，两下万弩齐发，将张郃并百馀个部将，皆射死于木门道中。后人有诗曰：

伏弩齐飞万点星，木门道上射雄兵。至今剑阁行人过，犹说军师旧日名。

却说张郃已死，随后魏兵追到，见塞了道路，已知张郃中计，众军勒回马急退。忽听得山头上大叫曰：“诸葛丞相在此！”众军仰视，只见孔明立于火光之中，指众军而言曰：“吾今日围猎，欲射一‘马’，误中一‘獐’。汝各人安心而去，上覆仲达：早晚必为吾所擒矣。”魏兵回见司马懿，细告前事。懿悲伤不已，仰天叹曰：“张隽身死，吾之过也！”乃收兵回洛阳。魏主闻张郃死，挥泪叹息，令人收其尸，厚葬之。

却说孔明入汉中，欲归成都见后主。都护李严妄奏后主曰：“臣已办备军粮，行将运赴丞相军前，不知丞相何故忽然班师。”后主闻奏，即命尚书费祎入汉中见孔明，问班师之故。祎至汉中，宣后主之意。孔明大惊曰：“李严发书告急，说东吴将兴兵寇川，因此回师。”费祎曰：“李严奏称军粮已办，丞相无故回师，天子因此命某来问耳。”孔明大怒，令人访察：乃是李严因军粮不济，怕丞相见罪，故发书取回，却又妄奏天子，遮饰己过。孔明大怒曰：“匹夫为一己之故，废国家大事！”令人召至，欲斩之。费祎劝曰：“丞相念先帝托孤之意，姑且宽恕。”孔明从之。费祎即具表启奏后主，后主览表，勃然大怒，叱武士推李严出斩之。参军蒋琬出班奏曰：“李严乃先帝托孤之臣，乞望恩宽恕。”后主从之，即谪为庶人，徙于梓潼郡闲住。

孔明回到成都，用李严子李丰为长史，积草屯粮，讲阵论武，整治军器，存恤[5]将士，三年然后出征。两川人民军士，皆仰其恩德。光阴荏苒，不觉三年，时建兴十二年春二月，孔明入朝奏曰：“臣今存恤军士，已经三年。粮草丰足，军器完备，人马雄壮，可以伐魏。今番若不扫清奸党，恢复中原，誓不见陛下也！”后主曰：“方今已成鼎足之势，吴、魏不曾入寇，相父何不安享太平？”孔明曰：“臣受先帝知遇之恩，梦寐之间，未尝不设伐魏之策。竭力尽忠，为陛下克复中原，重兴汉室，臣之愿也。”言未毕，班部中一人出曰：“丞相不可兴兵。”众视之，乃谯周也。正是：武侯尽瘁惟忧国，太史知机又论天。未知谯周有何议论，且看下文分解。

[1] 过听——误听。

[2] 天蓬——指天蓬元帅，古代神怪传说中的天神。

[3] 缩地——古代神仙传说：东汉人费长房，有仙术，一天之内，能和千里以外几个地方的人见面，说是“缩地术”。

[4] 须索——定要、必须的意思。

[5] 存恤——慰问、抚恤。

CHAPTER 101. Going Out From Longshang, Zhuge Liang Dresses As A God; Dashing Toward Saber Pass, Zhang He Falls Into A Snare.

By means of the artifice just described, Zhuge Liang withdrew his army safely into Hanzhong, while Sima Yi retreated upon Changan. Zhuge Liang distributed the rewards for success and then went to Capital Chengdu for audience.

“Your Majesty recalled me just as I was about to advance upon Changan; what is the important matter?” said the Prime Minister.

For a long time the Latter Ruler made no reply. Presently he said, “I longed to see your face once more, that is the only reason.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “I think my recall was not on your own initiative; some slanderous persons has hinted that I cherished ulterior objects.”

The Latter Ruler, who indeed felt guilty and ill at ease, made no reply, and Zhuge Liang continued, “Your late father laid me under an obligation which I am pledged to fulfill to the death. But if vile influences are permitted to work at home, how can I destroy the rebels without?”

“The fact is I recalled you because of the talk of the eunuchs. But I understand now and am unutterably sorry.”

Zhuge Liang interrogated the eunuchs and thus found out the base rumors that had been spread abroad by Gou An. He sent to arrest this man, but Gou An had already fled and gone over to Wei. The eunuchs who had influenced the Emperor were put to death, and all the other eunuchs were expelled from the Palace. The Prime Minister also upbraided Jiang Wan and Fei Yi for not having looked into the matter and set the Son of God right.

Zhuge Liang then took leave of the Latter Ruler and returned to the army. He wrote to Li Yan to see to the necessary supplies and began preparations for a new expedition.

Yang Yi said, “The soldiers are wearied by the many expeditions, and the supplies are not regular. I think a better plan would be to send half the army to Qishan for three months, and at the end of that time exchange them for the other half; and so on alternately. For example, if you have two hundred thousand troops, let one hundred thousand go into the field and one hundred thousand remain. In this way, using ten legions and ten legions, their energies will be conserved and you can gradually work toward the Middle Land.”

“I agree with you,” said Zhuge Liang. “Our attack is not a matter to be achieved in haste. The suggestion for an extended campaign is excellent.”

Wherefore the army was divided, and each half went out for one hundred days' service at a time, when it was relieved by the other half. Full penalties were provided for any laxity and failure to maintain the periods of active service. In the spring of the ninth year of Beginning Prosperity, the Shu army once more took the held against Wei. In Wei it was the fifth year of Calm Peace (AD 231).

When the Ruler of Wei heard of this new expedition, he called Sima Yi and asked his advice.

“Now that my friend Cao Zhen is no more, I am willing to do all that one man can to destroy the rebels against Your Majesty's authority,” said Sima Yi.

Cao Rui was gratified by this ready offer, and honored Sima Yi with a banquet. Next day an edict was issued for the army to move. The Ruler of Wei, riding in his state chariot, escorted Sima Yi out of the city, and, after the farewells, the general took the road to Changan, where the force was gathering. There was assembled a council of war.

Zhang He offered his services, saying, “I volunteer to guard Yongcheng and Meicheng against the Shu army.”

But Sima Yi said, “Our vanguard army is not strong enough to face the enemy's whole force. Moreover, to divide an army is not generally a successful scheme. The better plan will be to leave a guard in Shanggui and send all the others to Qishan. Will you undertake the leadership of the van?”

Zhang He consented, saying, “I have always been most loyal and will devote my energies entirely to the service of the state. So far I have not had an adequate opportunity to prove my sincerity; but now that you confer upon me a post of such responsibility, I can only say that no sacrifice can be too great for me, and I will do my utmost.”

So Zhang He was appointed van-leader, and then Guo Huai was set over the defense of the counties of Xizhou. Other generals were distributed to other posts, and the march began.

The spies reported: “The main force of Shu is directed toward Qishan, and the Leaders of the Van are Wang Ping and Zhang Ni. The route chosen for their march is from Chencang across San Pass and to the Xie Valley.”

Hearing this, Sima Yi said to Zhang He, “Zhuge Liang is advancing in great force and certainly intends to reap the wheat in Xizhou for his supply. You get sufficient troops to hold Qishan, while Guo Huai and I go to Tianshui and foil the enemy's plan to gather the wheat.”

So Zhang He took forty thousand troops to hold Qishan, and Sima Yi set out westwards to Xizhou.

When Zhuge Liang reached Qishan and had settled his army in camp, he saw that the bank of River Wei had been fortified by his enemy.

“That must be the work of Sima Yi,” remarked Zhuge Liang to his generals. “But we have not enough food in camp. I have written to Li Yan to send grain, but it has not yet arrived. The wheat in Xizhou is now just ripe, and we will go and reap it.”

Leaving Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, Wu Ban, and Wu Yi to guard for the camps, Zhuge Liang, with Wei Yan, Jiang Wei, and several other generals, went over to Lucheng. The Governor of that city knew he could not offer any real defense, so he opened the gates and yielded.

After calming the people, Zhuge Liang asked, “Where is the ripe wheat to be found?” The Governor replied, “Longshang is the place.”

So Zhang Yi and Ma Zhong were left to guard the city, and the remainder of the army went to Longshang.

But soon the leading body returned to say, “Sima Yi has already occupied that city.”

“He guessed what I intended to do,” said Zhuge Liang, taken aback.

Zhuge Liang then retired, bathed and put on another dress. Next he bade them bring out three four-wheeled chariots, all exactly alike, that were among the impedimenta of the army. They had been built in Shu some time before.

Jiang Wei was told off to lead a thousand troops as escort for one chariot, and five hundred drummers were appointed to accompany it. The chariot with its escort and drummers was sent away behind the city. In like manner two other chariots were equipped and sent east and west of the city under Ma Dai and Wei Yan. Each chariot was propelled by a team of twenty-four men, all dressed in black, barefooted and with loosened hair. Each one of the team also had in hand a sword and a black seven-starred flag.

While the chariots were taking up their positions, thirty thousand soldiers were ordered to prepare wagons and sickles to cut and carry away the grain.

Next Zhuge Liang selected twenty-four good soldiers, whom he dressed and armed like those sent away with the three chariots. These were to push his own chariot. Guan Xing was told to dress up as the God of Clouds and to walk in front of Zhuge Liang's chariot holding a black seven-starred flag. These preparations complete, Zhuge Liang mounted, and the chariot took the road toward the Wei camp.

The appearance of a chariot with such attendants more than startled the enemy's scouts, who did not know whether the apparition was that of a human or a demon. They hastened to their general and told him.

Sima Yi came out himself and saw the cavalcade, and its central figure being Zhuge Liang, dressed as a Taoist mystic, with head-dress, white robe and a feather fan. Around the chariot were twenty-four hair-loosened beings, each with a sword in hand; and leading was a being as a heaven-sent god with the seven-starred flag.

“Some of Zhuge Liang's odd doings,” said he.

And Sima Yi ordered two thousand troops, saying, “Chase as fast as you can, and bring in the chariot, escort, and the seated figure.”

The soldiers went out to do their bidding; but as soon as they appeared, the chariot retired and took a road leading to the rear of the Shu camp. Although the Wei soldiers were mounted, they could not come up with the cavalcade. What they did meet with was a chilly breeze and a cold mist that rolled about them.

They found it uncanny and halted, saying one to another, “How extraordinary it is that we have been pressing on and yet we got no nearer. What does it mean?”

When Zhuge Liang saw that the pursuit had ceased, he had his chariot pushed out again to the front and passed within sight of the halted troops. At first they hesitated, but presently took up the pursuit once more. Whereupon the chariot again retired, proceeding slowly, but always keeping out of reach. And thus more than seven miles were covered and the chariot was still not captured. Again the soldiers halted, puzzled and perplexed at this incomprehensible chase. But as soon as they stopped, the chariot came again toward them and they retook pursuit.

Sima Yi now came up with a strong force. But he also halted, and said to his generals, “This Zhuge Liang is a master in the arts of necromancy and juggling and Eight Gates and knows how to call up the Deities of Six Layers to his aid. I know this trick of his; it is the 'Ground Rolling' in the 'Book of Six Layers Deities,' and it is vain to pursue.”

So they ceased following. But then a roll of drums came from the left side as if a body of troops were approaching. Sima Yi told off some companies to repel them, but there only came into view a small force, and in their midst was a party of men dressed in black, the exact counterpart of the cavalcade he had first sent to pursue. In the chariot sat another Zhuge Liang just like the one that had just disappeared.

“But just now he was sitting in that other chariot, which we chased for fifteen miles; how can he be here?” said Sima Yi.

Shortly after they heard another roll of the drums, and as the sound died away there appeared another body of men, with a chariot in the midst, exactly like the last and also carrying a sitting figure of Zhuge Liang.

“They must be heaven-sent soldiers,” said Sima Yi.

The soldiers were now feeling the strain of these weird appearances and began to get out of hand. They dared not stay to fight such beings, and some ran away. But before they had gone far, lo! another roll of drums, another cohort and another chariot with a similar figure seated therein.

The soldiers of Wei were now thoroughly frightened, and even Sima Yi himself began to feel doubtful whether these appearances should be ascribed to humans or devils. He realized, however, that he was in the midst of dangers as he did not know the number of the Shu soldiers, and he and his troops ran away helter-skelter, never stopping till they reached Shanggui. They entered the city and closed the gates.

Having thus driven off the Wei soldiers, Zhuge Liang proceeded to reap and gather the wheat, which was carried into Lucheng and laid out to dry.

Sima Yi remained shut up within the walls for three days. Then, as he saw his enemies retiring, he sent out some scouts, who presently returned with a Shu soldier they had captured. The prisoner was questioned.

“I was of the reaping party,” said the man. “They caught me when I was looking for some horses that had strayed.”

“What wonderful soldiers were they of yours that one saw here lately?” asked the general.

The man replied, “Zhuge Liang was with one party of them, the others were led by Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Wei Yan. There was a thousand of fighting soldiers with each chariot and five hundred drummers. Zhuge Liang was with the first party.”

“His comings and goings are not human,” said Sima Yi sadly.

Then Guo Huai came, and he was called to a council.

Said Guo Huai, “I hear the soldiers of Shu in Lucheng are very few, and they are occupied with gathering the grain; why not smite them?” Sima Yi told him his last experience of his opponent's wiles.

“He threw dust in your eyes that time,” said Guo Huai with a smile. “However, now you know. What is the good of more talk? Let me attack the rear, while you lead against the front, and we shall take the city and Zhuge Liang too.”

An attack was decided upon.

In Lucheng, while the soldiers were still busy with the wheat, Zhuge Liang called up his generals, and said, “The enemy will attack tonight. There is a suitable place for an ambush in the newly reaped fields, but who will lead for me?”

Four generals—Jiang Wei, Wei Yan, Ma Dai, and Ma Zhong—offered themselves, and he posted them, each with two thousand troops, outside the four corners of the city. They were to await the signal and then converge. When these had gone, Zhuge Liang led out a small party of one hundred soldiers and hid in the newly reaped fields.

In the meantime Sima Yi was drawing near. It was dusk when he stood beneath the walls of Lucheng.

Said he to his officers, “If we attacked by daylight, we should find the city well prepared; so we will take advantage of the darkness. The moat is shallow here, and there will be no difficulty in crossing it.”

The troops bivouacked till the time should come to attack. About the middle of the first watch Guo Huai arrived, and his force joined up with the others. This done, the drums began to beat, and the city was quickly surrounded. However, the defenders maintained such a heavy discharge of arrows, bolts and stones from the walls that the besiegers dared not close in.

Suddenly from the midst of the Wei army came the roar of a bomb, soon followed by others from different places. The soldiers were startled, but no one could say whence the sounds had proceeded. Guo Huai went to search the wheat fields, and then the four armies from the corners of the city converged upon the Wei army. At the same time the defenders burst out of the city gates, and a great battle began. Wei lost many troops.

After heavy fighting Sima Yi extricated his army from the battle and made his way to a hill, which he set about holding and fortifying, while Guo Huai got round to the rear of the city and called a halt.

Zhuge Liang entered the city and sent his troops to camp again at the four corners of the walls.

Guo Huai went to see his chief, and said, “We have long been at grips with these soldiers and are unable to drive them off. We have now lost another fight; and unless something is done, we shall not get away at all.”

“What can we do?” asked Sima Yi.

“You might write to Xizhou and Yongzhou to send their forces to our help. I will try my fortune against Saber Pass and cut off Zhuge Liang's retreat and supplies. That should bring about discontent and mutiny, and we can attack when we see the enemy in confusion.”

The letters were sent, and soon Sun Li came leading the troops, foot and horse, of two hundred thousand. The new arrivals were sent to help Guo Huai in the attack on Saber Pass.

After many days had passed without sight of the enemy, Zhuge Liang thought it was time to make another move. Calling up Jiang Wei and Ma Dai, he said, “The soldiers of Wei are well posted on the hills and refuse battle because, firstly, they think that we are short of food, and, secondly, they have sent an army against Saber Pass to cut off our supplies. Now each of you will take ten thousand troops and garrison the important points about here to show them that we are well prepared to defend ourselves. Then they will retire.”

After these two had gone, Yang Yi came to see the general about the change of troops then due.

Yang Yi said, “O Minister, you have ordered the troops to be alternated every one hundred days. Now the time is due, and the replacing troops have already left Hanzhong and that dispatches from the leading divisions have come in. Here we have eighty thousand troops, of which forty will be due for relief.”

“There is the order; carry it out,” replied Zhuge Liang.

So the forty thousand home-going soldiers prepared to withdraw.

Just then came the news: “Sun Li has arrived with reinforcements of two hundred thousand troops from Xizhou and Yongzhou. Guo Huai and Sun Li have gone to attack Saber Pass, and Sima Yi is leading an army against Lucheng.”

In the face of such important news, Yang Yi went to ask if the change of forces was to take place or be postponed for a time.

Zhuge Liang replied, “I must keep faith with the soldiers. Since the order for the periodical exchange of troops has been issued, it must be carried out. Beside, the soldiers due for relief are all prepared to start, their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them. In the face of yet greater difficulties I would let them go.”

So orders were given for the time-expired soldiers to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it, a sudden movement of generosity spread among them.

And they said, “Since the Prime Minister loves us so much, we do not wish to go, but will prefer to remain to fight the Wei army to death.”

“But you are due for home; you cannot stay here,” said Zhuge Liang.

They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home.

“Since you wish to stay and fight with me, you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the army of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march.”

So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.

Now the Xiliang troops had traveled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents, the troops of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, soldiers full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The troops of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels.

It was a victory for Zhuge Liang, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards. Just then arrived an urgent letter from Li Yan, then at Baidicheng, and when Zhuge Liang had torn it open he read:

“News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans.”

Doubts and fears crowded in upon Zhuge Liang's mind as he read. He summoned his officers.

“As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly,” said he. “If I issue orders for the Qishan force to withdraw, Sima Yi will not dare to pursue while we are camped here.”

The Qishan force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Zhang He watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Sima Yi.

“The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason.”

“Zhuge Liang is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful lookout. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good,” said Sima Yi.

Here General Wei Ping stepped forward, saying, “But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us?”

But Sima Yi was obstinate and ignored the protest.

When Zhuge Liang knew that the Qishan troops had got away safely, he called Yang Yi and Ma Zhong and gave them secret orders to lead ten thousand of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Path of Saber Pass and place them in ambush on both sides of the road.

“If the soldiers of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows.”

Wei Yan and Guan Xing were told to attack the rear of the enemy.

These orders given, the walls of Lucheng were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to make some smoke as though there were cooking activities in the city. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Path.

The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Sima Yi went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags, he said, “The city is deserted.”

He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty.

“Then Zhuge Liang is really gone; who will pursue?”

“Let me,” replied Zhang He.

“You are too impulsive,” said Sima Yi.

“I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me today, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?”

“Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point.”

“I know that, and you need not be afraid.”

“Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must be prepared for.”

“A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country; never mind what happens.”

“Then take five thousand troops and start; Wei Ping shall follow with twenty thousand of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three thousand to help where need be.”

So Zhang He set out and advanced quickly. Ten miles out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by Wei Yan, who galloped to the front, crying, “Whither would you go, O rebel leader?”

Zhang He swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yan, but after some ten passes Wei Yan fled. Zhang He rode after Wei Yan along the road for ten miles and then stopped to observe. As he saw no ambush, he turned again and resumed the pursuit. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.

“Zhang He, do not run away!” cried this leader, who was Guan Xing.

Guan Xing galloped close, and Zhang He did not flee. They fought, and after half a score of passes Guan Xing seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled. Zhang He followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Zhang He was fearful of entering in, so he sent forward scouts to search the thickets. They could find no danger, and Zhang He again pursued.

But quite unexpectedly Wei Yan, who had formerly fled, got round ahead of Zhang He and now appeared again. The two fought a half score bouts and again Wei Yan ran. Zhang He followed, but Guan Xing also got round to the front by a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Zhang He. Zhang He attacked furiously as soon as he was checked, this time so successfully that the troops of Shu threw away their war-gear and ran. The road was thus littered with spoil, and the Wei soldiers could not resist the temptation to gather it. They slipped from their horses and began to collect the arms.

The maneuvers just described continued, Wei Yan and Guan Xing one after the other engaging Zhang He and Zhang He pressing on after each one, but achieving nothing. And as evening fell the running fight had led both sides close to the Wooden Path.

Then suddenly Wei Yan made a real stand, and he rode to the front yelling, “Yield, rebel! I have not fought yet and you have had it all your own way so far. Now we will fight to the death.”

Zhang He was furious and nothing loath, so he came on with his spear to meet Wei Yan, who was flourishing his sword. They met; yet again, after some ten bouts, Wei Yan threw aside weapons, armor, helmet and all his gear, and even left his horse, and led his defeated company sway along the Wooden Path.

Zhang He was filled with the lust to kill, and he could not let Wei Yan escape. So he set out after Wei Yan, although it was already dark. But suddenly lights appeared, and the sky became aglow, and at the same time huge boulders and great bulks of timber came rolling down the slopes and blocked the way.

Fear gripped Zhang He, and he cried, “I have blundered into an ambush!”

The road was blocked in front and behind and bordered by craggy precipices. Then, rat-tat-tat! came the sound of a rattle, and therewith flew clouds of arrows and showers of bolts. Zhang He and many of his officers were killed.

With myriad shining bolts the air was filled,

The road was littered with brave soldiers killed;

The force to Saber Pass faring perished here;

The tale of valor grows from year to year.

Soon the second army of Wei under Wei Ping came up, but too late to help. From the signs they knew that their comrades had been victims of a cruel trick, and they turned back. But as they faced about, a shout was heard, and from the hilltops came, “I, Zhuge Liang, am here!”

Looking up they saw his figure outlined against a fire. Pointing to the slain, he cried, “I have gone hunting in this wood, as you see; only instead of slaying a horse, I have killed a deer. But you may go in peace, and when you see your general, tell him that he will be my quarry one day.”

The soldiers told this to Sima Yi when they returned, and he was deeply mortified, saying, “Letting friend Zhang He die is my fault!”

And when he returned to Luoyang, the Ruler of Wei wept at the death of his brave leader and had his body searched and honorably buried.

Zhuge Liang had no sooner reached Hanzhong than he prepared to go on to Capital Chengdu and see his lord.

But Li Yan, who was in the capital, said to the Latter Ruler, “Why does the Prime Minister return, for I have kept him fully supplied with all things needed for the army?”

Then the Latter Ruler sent Fei Yi into Hanzhong to inquire why the army had retired. And when he had arrived and showed the cause of his coming, Zhuge Liang was greatly surprised and showed the letter from Li Yan, saying, “Li Yan wrote to warn that East Wu was about to invade the country.”

Fei Yi said, “Li Yan memorialized to the Throne, saying he had sent you supplies and knew not why Your Excellency returned.”

So Zhuge Liang inquired carefully, and then it came out that Li Yan had failed to find sufficient grain to keep the army supplied, and so had sent the first lying letter to the army that it might retire before the shortage showed itself. His memorial to the Throne was designed to cover the former fault.

“The fool has ruined the great design of the state just to save his own skin,” cried Zhuge Liang bitterly.

He called in the offender and sentenced him to death. But Fei Yi interceded, saying, “O Minister, the First Ruler had loved and trusted Li Yan with his son. Please forgive him this time.”

And so Li Yan's life was spared. However, when Fei Yi made his report, the Latter Ruler was wroth and ordered Li Yan to suffer death. But this time Jiang Wan intervened, saying, “Your late father named Li Yan as one of the guardians of your youth.”

And the Latter Ruler relented. However, Li Yan was stripped of all ranks and relegated to Zitong.

Zhuge Liang went to Chengdu and appointed Li Feng, Li Yan's son, as High Counselor.

Preparations then began for another expedition. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order, and officers and soldiers kept fit and trained. By his kindness to the people, Zhuge Liang waited for three years before beginning marching, and in the Two Lands of Rivers people's hearts filled with joys.

And the time passed quickly. In the second month of the twelfth year (AD 234) Zhuge Liang presented a memorial saying, “I have been training the army for three years; supplies are ample, and all is in order for an expedition. We may now attack Wei. If I cannot destroy these rebels, sweep away the evil hordes and bring about a glorious entry into the capital, then may I never again enter your Majesty's presence.”

The Latter Ruler replied, “Our state is now firmly established, and Wei troubles us not at all; why not enjoy the present tranquillity, O Father-Minister?”

“Because of the mission left me by your father. I am ever scheming to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best and do my utmost to restore you to the ancient capital of your ancestry and replace the Hans in their old palace.”

As Zhuge Liang said this, a voice cried, “An army may not go forth, O Minister!”

Qiao Zhou had raised a last protest.

Zhuge Liang's sole thought was service,

Himself he would not spare;

But Qiao Zhou had watched the starry sky,

And read misfortune there.

The next chapter will give the arguments against fighting.