As Kongming prepared to lead his army back to the capital, Meng Huo gathered all the chieftains and tribal leaders of the various caves to kneel and bid him farewell. When the vanguard reached the Lu River, it was the ninth month of autumn. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and a fierce wind arose with such violence that the troops could not cross. The officers reported this to Kongming, who then summoned Meng Huo for an explanation. "This river has long been plagued by a malevolent spirit," Meng Huo replied. "All who cross it must offer a sacrifice." "What kind of sacrifice is required?" Kongming asked. "In the old days, when this spirit brought calamity upon our kingdom, we would sacrifice forty-nine human heads, along with a black ox and a white ram. Only then would the wind calm and the waves settle, and the harvests would be bountiful for years afterward." Kongming shook his head. "Now that the campaign is over and peace has been restored, how could I kill even a single man without cause?" He went personally to the riverbank to observe the situation. There, he saw that the dark wind had indeed grown even stronger, and the waves churned violently, terrifying both men and horses. Troubled by what he saw, Kongming sought out a local man to question. The local informed him, "Ever since Your Excellency passed through here, every night we hear the sound of ghosts wailing and spirits howling by the river. From dusk until dawn, the weeping never ceases. Countless restless spirits haunt the miasmic mists, and it is they who cause this calamity. No one dares to cross." Kongming sighed deeply. "This is my fault. Earlier, Ma Dai led over a thousand Shu soldiers to their deaths in these waters. Combined with the Southerners who were slain in battle and abandoned here, their vengeful souls and angry spirits cannot find release, and so this has come to pass. Tonight, I shall personally conduct a sacrifice." The local man said, "But the old custom requires the sacrifice of forty-nine human heads to appease the angry spirits." Kongming replied, "It is precisely because men die and become angry ghosts that we should not kill more living men to feed them. I have a plan." He ordered his cooks to slaughter oxen and horses, then knead dough into the shape of human heads, stuffing them with meat from the cattle and sheep as a substitute. He called these "steamed heads." That night, on the banks of the Lu River, he set up an incense altar, arranged the sacrificial offerings, placed forty-nine lanterns in a row, and raised banners to summon the wandering souls. The stuffed dough heads and other offerings were laid out upon the ground. At the third watch, Kongming, wearing a golden cap and a crane-feather cloak, personally presided over the ceremony. He ordered Dong Jue to read the sacrificial address. The address read as follows:
On the first day of the ninth month, in the third year of the Jianxing era of the Great Han Dynasty, I, Zhuge Liang, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Imperial Chancellor, reverently present these offerings to the departed souls of the Shu officers and soldiers who died in the service of the state, as well as to the spirits of the Southerners who perished in this campaign:
Our Emperor of the Great Han, whose might surpasses the Five Hegemons and whose wisdom rivals the Three Sage Kings, decreed that we campaign against the distant southern peoples who had invaded our borders and stirred up rebellion. In obedience to the imperial command, I led a mighty host to punish their transgressions, sweeping away the rebels like an army of ants before a great wind. Our valiant troops gathered like clouds, and the wild bandits melted away like ice. Scarcely had the sound of victory been heard when the enemy's resistance crumbled. But all the soldiers and officers under my command were heroes from across the nine provinces—men who took up arms to serve a wise lord, who trained under strict discipline and fought through seven captures and releases. They were united in their loyalty to the state and their devotion to their sovereign. Yet, by an unfortunate turn of fate, some of you fell into the enemy's traps and lost your lives. Some were struck by stray arrows, your souls descending to the Nine Springs. Others were cut down by sword and blade, your spirits wandering into the endless night. In life, you were brave; in death, you have won renown. Now, as the army prepares to return in triumph, bearing our captives with us, I pray that your heroic spirits will hear my words. Follow our banners and our ranks as we return to our homeland, so that each of you may be reunited with your native villages, receive the offerings of your flesh and blood, and enjoy the sacrifices of your families. Do not remain as ghosts in a foreign land or as spirits in a strange domain. I shall petition the Son of Heaven to grant your families grace and favor, providing them with yearly clothing and grain and monthly stipends. This is my humble compensation to comfort your souls. As for the local earth gods and the ghosts of the Southern dead, you have been granted regular blood sacrifices and need not wander far. The living have come to fear the might of Heaven, and the dead should likewise submit to the King's transforming grace. Be at peace, and do not wail or cry out in anguish. I offer this sincere token of my devotion. Alas, how sorrowful! Humbly I present this sacrifice.
When the address was finished, Kongming wept aloud, his grief so profound and heartfelt that it moved the entire army, and not a single man could hold back his tears. Even Meng Huo and his followers wept. Then, from within the clouds of sorrow and mist of resentment, thousands of ghostly figures could be seen fading away with the wind. Kongming ordered his attendants to cast all the sacrificial offerings into the Lu River.
The next day, Kongming led the main army to the southern bank of the river. The clouds had scattered, the mist had cleared, the wind was still, and the waves were calm. The Shu soldiers crossed the Lu River safely, their whips ringing against their golden stirrups as they sang songs of victory. When they reached Yongchang, Kongming left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to govern the four commanderies. He then sent Meng Huo back to his own people, instructing him to govern diligently, treat his subjects well, and not neglect the farming season. Meng Huo, weeping with gratitude, bowed and took his leave.
Kongming led the army back to Chengdu. The Later Emperor came out with his imperial carriage thirty li beyond the city walls to welcome him. The Emperor descended from his carriage and stood by the roadside to await Kongming. Startled, Kongming quickly dismounted and prostrated himself in the road, saying, "Your servant was unable to pacify the south swiftly, causing Your Majesty anxiety. This is my crime." The Later Emperor helped Kongming to his feet and they rode back together in the same carriage. A great feast of peace was held, and the army was richly rewarded. From then on, over two hundred distant kingdoms sent tribute and came to court. Kongming petitioned the Emperor to grant special care and compensation to the families of all those who had died in the service of the state. The people were overjoyed, and both court and countryside enjoyed peace and order.
Now, Cao Pi had ruled Wei for seven years, which corresponded to the fourth year of the Jianxing era of Shu Han. Earlier, Cao Pi had taken Lady Zhen as his wife. She had been the wife of Yuan Xi, Yuan Shao's second son, and was captured when Cao Cao conquered Ye City. She later bore a son named Cao Rui, whose style name was Yuanzhong. The boy was intelligent from a young age, but Cao Pi did not love him deeply. Later, Cao Pi took a daughter of Guo Yong of Guangzong in Anping as a noble consort. She was exceptionally beautiful. Her father had once said, "My daughter is the queen among women," so she became known as the Queen. After Cao Pi took her as his consort, Lady Zhen fell out of favor, and Consort Guo began plotting to become empress. She conspired with a favored minister named Zhang Tao. When Cao Pi fell ill, Zhang Tao falsely claimed that a wooden doll had been dug up from Lady Zhen's palace, inscribed with the Emperor's birth date and time, indicating that she was practicing black magic against him. Cao Pi flew into a rage, ordered Lady Zhen to be put to death, and installed Consort Guo as his empress. Since she had no children of her own, she adopted Cao Rui as her son. Although she loved him dearly, she did not have him named heir to the throne.
By the time Cao Rui was fifteen, he was skilled in archery and horsemanship. In the second month of that spring, Cao Pi took him on a hunting trip. As they rode through a mountain valley, a doe and her fawn were startled from cover. Cao Pi shot an arrow that struck the doe dead. He then turned to see the fawn running toward Cao Rui's horse. "My son, why do you not shoot it?" Cao Pi called out. Cao Rui, still on his horse, wept and replied, "Your Majesty has already killed its mother. How could I bear to kill its child as well?" Hearing this, Cao Pi threw his bow to the ground and exclaimed, "My son is truly a benevolent ruler!" He then created Cao Rui the Prince of Pingyuan.
In the fifth month of summer, Cao Pi fell ill from a chill. Despite medical treatment, he did not recover. He summoned Grand General of the Central Army Cao Zhen, Grand General of the Pacifying Army Chen Qun, and Grand General of the Pacifying Army Sima Yi to his bedchamber. He called Cao Rui to him and, pointing to him, said to the three ministers, "My illness is now grave, and I will not recover. This boy is young. You three must assist him well. Do not betray my trust." The three replied, "Why does Your Majesty speak thus? We swear to serve you with all our strength until the end of your days." Cao Pi said, "This year, the gates of Xuchang collapsed for no reason. It is an ill omen, and so I know that I am fated to die." As he spoke, a eunuch announced that Grand General of the Eastern Expedition Cao Xiu had come to pay his respects. Cao Pi summoned him and said, "You are all pillars of the state. If you can unite your hearts to support my son, I will die with my eyes closed." With these words, he wept and passed away. He was forty years old and had reigned for seven years. Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, Cao Xiu, and the others mourned him and then proclaimed Cao Rui the Great Emperor of Wei. They posthumously honored Cao Pi as Emperor Wen and his mother, Lady Zhen, as Empress Wenzhao. Zhong Yao was made Grand Tutor, Cao Zhen Grand General, Cao Xiu Grand Marshal, Hua Xin Grand Commandant, Wang Lang Minister of Education, Chen Qun Minister of Public Works, and Sima Yi General of the Chariots and Cavalry. All other civil and military officials received promotions and honors. A general amnesty was declared throughout the empire. At this time, the two provinces of Yong and Liang lacked capable commanders to defend them. Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting to be placed in charge of the defense of Western Liang and the surrounding regions. Cao Rui approved this, appointing Sima Yi as the commander of the armies of Yong and Liang. Sima Yi received his commission and departed.
Spies soon brought this news to Shu. Kongming was greatly alarmed. "Cao Pi is dead, and the boy Cao Rui has taken the throne," he said. "The others are of no concern, but Sima Yi is deeply strategic. Now that he commands the armies of Yong and Liang, once he has trained them, he will surely become a great threat to Shu. We should attack him before that happens." The military advisor Ma Su said, "Now that Your Excellency has just returned from pacifying the south, our army is exhausted. We should give them rest, not send them on another long campaign. I have a plan that will make Sima Yi die at Cao Rui's own hands. May I ask if Your Excellency approves?" Kongming asked what the plan was. Ma Su replied, "Sima Yi is a great minister of Wei, but Cao Rui has always harbored suspicions about him. Why not secretly send men to Luoyang, Ye Commandery, and other places to spread rumors that Sima Yi is plotting rebellion? We could also forge a proclamation from Sima Yi to the realm and post it everywhere. If Cao Rui becomes suspicious, he will surely put Sima Yi to death." Kongming agreed and immediately sent men to carry out this plan in secret.
One day, a proclamation was found posted on the gates of Ye Commandery. The gatekeeper tore it down and presented it to Cao Rui. When Cao Rui read it, its contents were as follows:
"I, Sima Yi, General of the Chariots and Cavalry and Commander of the Armies of Yong and Liang, do hereby proclaim to all under Heaven on the basis of faith and righteousness: In days past, the Martial Emperor, our founder, established this great enterprise. His wish was to make Prince Chen Si, Cao Zhi, the heir to the state. But unfortunately, treacherous slanderers gathered around him, and for many years the true dragon has remained hidden. The imperial grandson, Cao Rui, has never possessed virtue. He has presumptuously taken the throne, betraying the Martial Emperor's last wishes. Now, in accordance with Heaven's will and the people's hopes, I shall raise an army on an appointed day to satisfy the expectations of the multitude. When this proclamation arrives, let all men submit to the new sovereign. Those who refuse shall have their entire clans exterminated! This is hereby announced for your information."
Cao Rui was stunned with terror. He hastily questioned his ministers. Grand Commandant Hua Xin said, "This is precisely why Sima Yi requested to be placed in command of Yong and Liang. In the past, the Martial Emperor once told me, 'Sima Yi has the eyes of a hawk and the gaze of a wolf. He must never be given military power, or he will surely become a great calamity to the state.' Now that his treasonous intentions have surfaced, we should execute him without delay." Minister of Education Wang Lang added, "Sima Yi is deeply versed in strategy and military tactics. He has always harbored great ambitions. If we do not remove him now, he will surely become a disaster." Cao Rui then issued a decree to raise an army and personally lead a campaign against him. But suddenly, Grand General Cao Zhen stepped forward from the ranks and said, "This cannot be. Emperor Wen entrusted his orphan son to several of us, knowing full well that Sima Yi had no treacherous intentions. Now we do not know whether this is true or false. To attack him hastily would be to force him into rebellion. It may be that Shu or Wu spies have planted this as a scheme of sowing discord, hoping to throw our court into chaos so that they might strike while we are divided. I beg Your Majesty to consider this carefully." Cao Rui asked, "But if Sima Yi truly is plotting rebellion, what then?" Cao Zhen replied, "If Your Majesty is suspicious, you could follow the example of Han Gaozu's ruse of a pleasure trip to Yunmeng. If you make a royal progress to Anyi, Sima Yi will surely come to greet you. You can observe his behavior and, if he seems guilty, seize him at your carriage." Cao Rui agreed. He ordered Cao Zhen to oversee the government in his absence and personally led 100,000 Imperial Guardsmen to Anyi.
Unaware of the true reason for the Emperor's visit, Sima Yi decided to display his authority. He assembled his troops and led tens of thousands of armored soldiers to welcome the Emperor. A close minister reported to Cao Rui, "Sima Yi has indeed brought over 100,000 troops to resist us. He truly harbors rebellious intentions!" Alarmed, Cao Rui ordered Cao Xiu to lead a force to intercept him. When Sima Yi saw the approaching army, he assumed the imperial carriage was coming and knelt by the roadside to greet it. Cao Xiu rode out and demanded, "Zhongda, you were entrusted with the care of the late Emperor's orphan son. Why have you rebelled?" Sima Yi turned pale with shock and broke out in a cold sweat. He asked what had happened, and Cao Xiu told him the whole story. Sima Yi said, "This is a scheme of Shu and Wu spies to sow discord between us, so that we might destroy each other and they can attack us while we are weakened. I must see the Emperor myself to clear this up." He hastily dismissed his troops and prostrated himself before Cao Rui's carriage, weeping as he said, "I was entrusted with the care of the late Emperor's orphan son. How could I dare harbor any disloyal thoughts? This must be a plot of Wu and Shu. I beg to be allowed to lead a single army to first destroy Shu and then attack Wu, to avenge the late Emperor and prove my loyalty to Your Majesty." Cao Rui was still uncertain. Hua Xin then said, "Do not give him military power. Dismiss him from his post and send him back to his fields." Cao Rui followed this advice. He stripped Sima Yi of his rank and sent him home, appointing Cao Xiu to command the armies of Yong and Liang. Then Cao Rui returned to Luoyang.
Spies soon learned of these events and reported them back to Shu. Overjoyed, Kongming said, "I have long wanted to attack Wei, but I was held back by Sima Yi commanding the armies of Yong and Liang. Now that he has fallen for our scheme and been dismissed, what do I have to fear?" The next day, at the Later Emperor's morning court, Kongming stepped forward from the ranks and presented a memorial, the "First Memorial on the Northern Expedition." The memorial read:
"Your servant, Liang, speaks: The late Emperor founded his great enterprise, but died before it was half-completed. Now the realm is divided into three, and Yi Province is worn and weary. This is truly a time of crisis, a season of survival or extinction. Yet the ministers in the palace do not slacken in their duties, and loyal soldiers give their all outside the court, for they remember the late Emperor's extraordinary favor and wish to repay it to Your Majesty. It is fitting that Your Majesty should broaden your wisdom and hearing to glorify the late Emperor's legacy and inspire the spirit of your loyal subjects. You should not belittle yourself or use inappropriate analogies, which would block the path of loyal remonstrance. The palace and the government are one body. There should be no difference in how rewards and punishments are meted out. If any man commits a crime or does a good deed, he should be judged by the proper authorities to demonstrate Your Majesty's fair and enlightened rule. You should not show favoritism, causing different laws within and without the court. The attendants Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun are all honest and loyal men of pure intent. The late Emperor selected them and left them for Your Majesty. I believe that all matters within the palace, great or small, should be discussed with them before being carried out. This will surely fill any gaps and bring many benefits. General Xiang Chong is virtuous and just, and he understands military affairs. When he was tested in the past, the late Emperor praised his ability. Therefore, the council recommended him as the commander of the camps. I believe that all matters within the army, great or small, should be discussed with him. This will surely bring harmony to the ranks and ensure that good and bad are properly distinguished. To draw close to worthy ministers and distance oneself from petty men—this was how the Former Han flourished. To draw close to petty men and distance oneself from worthy ministers—this was how the Later Han declined. When the late Emperor was alive, he often discussed this with me, and never did he fail to sigh and lament the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling. The attendants Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun, the Minister of the Interior, the Chief Clerk, and the Adjutant are all loyal ministers who would die for their principles. I beg Your Majesty to draw close to them and trust them. Then the prosperity of the Han house may be achieved in a measurable time.
I was originally a commoner, tilling my fields in Nanyang, merely trying to preserve my life in a chaotic age, not seeking fame among the feudal lords. The late Emperor did not consider me humble. He stooped low and visited me three times in my thatched cottage, consulting me on the affairs of the world. I was deeply moved and agreed to serve him. Later, when our cause suffered a great defeat, I was given my task at a time of defeat and received my orders in a moment of crisis. Twenty-one years have passed since then. The late Emperor knew that I was cautious, so on his deathbed he entrusted me with the great responsibility. Since receiving that command, I have worried day and night, fearing that I might fail in my charge and bring shame to the late Emperor's judgment. That is why I crossed the Lu River in the fifth month and penetrated deep into the barren lands. Now the south has been pacified, and our armor and weapons are sufficient. It is time to encourage and lead the three armies to the north to pacify the Central Plains. I shall exhaust my humble abilities to sweep away the treacherous and evil, restore the Han house, and return it to its ancient capital. This is how I will repay the late Emperor and fulfill my duty of loyalty to Your Majesty. As for weighing the gains and losses and offering the most loyal advice, that is the duty of Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun. I beg Your Majesty to entrust me with the task of attacking the rebels and restoring the dynasty. If I fail, punish me for my crime to inform the late Emperor's spirit. If there is no advice for the restoration, then blame Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun for their slowness. Your Majesty should also plan for yourself, seek the good path, examine and accept wise words, and deeply remember the late Emperor's final edict. I am overwhelmed by your grace and gratitude. Now, as I prepare to depart, I shed tears as I write this memorial, not knowing what more to say."
After reading the memorial, the Later Emperor said, "My foster father has just returned from the arduous southern campaign. You have barely sat down to rest in the capital, and now you wish to launch a northern expedition. I fear it will exhaust your spirit." Kongming replied, "I received the late Emperor's great trust. I have never been idle day or night. Now that the south is pacified, I have no internal worries. If I do not seize this opportunity to attack the rebels and restore the Central Plains, when will I ever do so?" Suddenly, the Grand Astrologer Qiao Zhou stepped forward and said, "I observed the stars last night. The northern region's vital energy is at its peak, and its stars shine with double brightness. It is not yet time to attack." He turned to Kongming and said, "Your Excellency is deeply versed in astronomy. Why do you insist on this course?" Kongming replied, "The Way of Heaven is ever-changing. How can we be bound by it? For now, I will station the army at Hanzhong and observe the situation before acting." Qiao Zhou repeatedly remonstrated, but Kongming would not listen.
Kongming then left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, and Fei Yi as Palace Attendants to oversee all affairs within the palace. He left Xiang Chong as Grand General to command the Imperial Guard. Jiang Wan was made Adjutant, Zhang Yi Chief Clerk to oversee the Chancellor's office, Du Qiong Remonstrance Counselor, Du Wei and Yang Hong Ministers of the Interior, Meng Guang and Lai Min Libationers, Yin Mo and Li Zhuan Erudites, Xi Zheng and Fei Shi Secretaries, and Qiao Zhou Grand Astrologer. Over a hundred civil and military officials, both within and without the court, were appointed to manage the affairs of Shu. After receiving the imperial decree, Kongming returned to his residence and summoned his generals to receive their orders:
The Vanguard Commander was Wei Yan, General Who Pacifies the North, Chancellor's Military Advisor, Provincial Inspector of Liang, and Marquis of Duting. The Vanguard General was Zhang Yi, Grand Administrator of Fufeng. The Gate Commandant was Wang Ping, a Lieutenant General. The Rear Army Commander was Li Hui, General Who Pacifies Han and Grand Administrator of Jianning, with his deputy, Lü Yi, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands and Grand Administrator of Hanzhong, who was also in charge of grain transport. The Left Army Commander was Ma Dai, General Who Pacifies the North and Marquis of Chencang, with his deputy, Liao Hua, General Who Flies Like a Hawk. The Right Army Commander was Ma Zhong, General Who Excites Valor and Marquis of Boyangting, and Zhang Ni, General Who Pacifies the Rong and Marquis Within the Passes. The Acting Central Army Master was Liu Yan, General of the Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Duxiang. The Central Army Supervisor was Deng Zhi, General Who Exalts Martial Prowess. The Central Army Advisor was Ma Su, General Who Pacifies Distant Lands. The Front General was Yuan Lin, Marquis of Duting. The Left General was Wu Yi, Marquis of Gaoyang. The Right General was Gao Xiang, Marquis of Xuandu. The Rear General was Wu Ban, Marquis of Anle. The Chief Clerk was Yang Yi, General Who Pacifies the Army. The Front General was Liu Ba, General Who Conquers the South. The Front Protector was Xu Yun, Lieutenant General and Marquis of Hanchengting. The Left Protector was Ding Xian, General of the Household of Trustworthiness. The Right Protector was Liu Min, Lieutenant General. The Rear Protector was Guan Yong, General of the Household of the Central Army. The Acting Adjutants were Hu Ji, General of the Household Who Manifests Martial Prowess; Yan Yan, Remonstrance General; Cuan Xi, Lieutenant General; Du Yi, Lieutenant General; Du Qi, General of the Household Who Manifests Strategy; and Sheng Bo, Chief Commandant Who Pacifies the Rong. The Attendant was Fan Qi, General of the Household Who Manifests Strategy. The Army Secretary was Fan Jian. The Chancellor's Secretary was Dong Jue. The Left Guard Commander of the Tent was Guan Xing, General of the Soaring Dragon. The Right Guard Commander was Zhang Bao, General of the Winged Tiger. All these officers were to serve under the command of Zhuge Liang, the Grand Commander Who Pacifies the North, Imperial Chancellor, Marquis of Wuxiang, Governor of Yi Province, and Overseer of All Affairs.
Once the assignments were complete, Kongming also sent a dispatch to Li Yan and others to guard the river crossing into Shu and hold off any attack from Wu. The campaign against Wei was set to begin on the third day of the third month of spring, in the fifth year of the Jianxing era.
Suddenly, an old general strode forward from the ranks and said in a stern voice, "Though I am old, I still have the courage of Lian Po and the might of Ma Yuan. Neither of those ancients considered themselves too old for battle. Why do you not use me?" The gathering looked and saw that it was Zhao Yun. Kongming said, "Since I returned to the capital after pacifying the south, Ma Chao has died of illness. I deeply regret his loss, for it feels as though I have lost an arm. Now you, General, are advanced in years. If anything should go wrong, it would shake your lifelong reputation and diminish the spirit of Shu." Zhao Yun replied sternly, "Since I first followed the late Emperor, I have never retreated in battle and have always been the first to face the enemy. A great man who dies on the battlefield is fortunate. What regret would I have? I wish to be the vanguard commander!" Kongming repeatedly tried to dissuade him, but Zhao Yun would not be moved. "If you do not let me be the vanguard," he said, "I will dash my head against the steps and die!" Kongming finally said, "If you insist on being the vanguard, you must have someone to accompany you." Before he could finish, one man stepped forward and said, "Though I am untalented, I am willing to assist the old general and lead a force to break the enemy." Kongming looked and saw that it was Deng Zhi. Overjoyed, Kongming assigned five thousand elite troops and ten deputy generals to accompany Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi on their mission.
As Kongming set out on the campaign, the Later Emperor led the hundred officials to see him off ten li outside the north gate. After bidding the Emperor farewell, Kongming led his army, whose banners darkened the fields and whose spears and halberds were as thick as a forest, toward Hanzhong. When border scouts learned of this, they reported it to Luoyang. On that day, Cao Rui was holding court when a close minister reported, "The border officials say that Zhuge Liang is leading over 300,000 troops to garrison Hanzhong. He has sent Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi as the vanguard commanders, and they are already entering our territory." Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. He asked his ministers, "Who can lead an army to repel the Shu forces?" A man immediately stepped forward and said, "My father died in Hanzhong, and I have never been able to avenge that bitter hatred. Now that the Shu army has invaded our borders, I beg to lead my own fierce generals, along with troops from west of the Pass granted by Your Majesty, to attack Shu. I will serve the state above and avenge my father below. I would die ten thousand deaths without regret!" The gathering looked and saw that it was Xiahou Mao, the son of Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Mao, whose style name was Zixiu, was extremely hot-tempered and extremely stingy. From childhood, he had been adopted by Xiahou Dun as a son. After Xiahou Yuan was slain by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao, taking pity on him, married his daughter, the Princess Qinghe, to Xiahou Mao, making him an imperial son-in-law. Thus, he was respected at court. Although he held military authority, he had never been in battle. Now, he volunteered for the campaign, and Cao Rui appointed him Grand Commander, ordering him to mobilize all the armies west of the Pass to meet the enemy. Minister of Education Wang Lang remonstrated, "This cannot be. The Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou has never experienced battle. To give him such a great responsibility is inappropriate. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is full of stratagems and deeply versed in military tactics. He cannot be taken lightly." Xiahou Mao shouted, "Minister, are you perhaps in league with Zhuge Liang, planning to act as his agent from within? I have studied strategy under my father since childhood and am deeply versed in the art of war. How dare you look down on me because of my youth? If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear never to see the Son of Heaven again!" Wang Lang and the others dared not speak further. Xiahou Mao took leave of the Wei Emperor and hurried to Chang'an, where he mobilized over 200,000 troops from west of the Pass to confront Kongming.
Truly, it was a case of one who wished to wield the white banner and command the troops, but instead placed military authority in the hands of a beardless youth.
Whether victory or defeat would follow, the next chapter will reveal.