Jiang Wei had presented a counter-strategy to Ma Zun: "Zhuge Liang is certain to have hidden troops behind the commandery, waiting for us to march out so he can seize the city by stealth. Grant me three thousand elite soldiers, and I will lie in ambush along the vital road. You, Grand Administrator, must lead the main force out of the city, but do not go far—only thirty li. Then turn back. Watch for a signal fire. When you see it, we will strike from front and rear, and win a great victory. If Zhuge Liang himself comes, he will surely fall into my hands." Ma Zun approved the plan, gave Jiang Wei the elite troops, and then led his forces out of the city with Liang Qian, leaving only Liang Xu and Yin Shang to guard the city. As expected, Kongming had indeed sent Zhao Yun with a detachment to hide in the mountain passes, waiting for the men of Tianshui to leave so he could seize the city by surprise. That day, a scout reported to Zhao Yun that Ma Zun, the Grand Administrator of Tianshui, had marched out, leaving only civil officials to defend the city. Zhao Yun was overjoyed and sent word to Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang, ordering them to intercept Ma Zun on the main road. These two detachments were also part of Kongming's pre-arranged ambush.
Zhao Yun led five thousand troops straight to the walls of Tianshui Commandery and shouted, "I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan! You have fallen for our plan! Surrender the city now and avoid slaughter!" From the walls, Liang Xu laughed loudly and replied, "You have fallen for Jiang Boyue's plan and do not even know it!" Just as Zhao Yun prepared to attack, a great shout erupted, and flames shot up from all directions, lighting the sky. A young general, spear in hand, rode forward on his warhorse and called out, "Do you see Jiang Boyue of Tianshui before you?" Zhao Yun thrust his spear and charged at Jiang Wei. They exchanged only a few blows, but Jiang Wei's spirit and skill seemed to double with each passing moment. Zhao Yun was astonished and thought to himself, "Who would have thought such a man existed in this place!" As they fought, two columns of troops attacked from both sides—Ma Zun and Liang Qian had turned their forces back. Zhao Yun, caught between two enemies, could not protect his front and rear. He cut a path through and fled with his defeated soldiers, with Jiang Wei in hot pursuit. Fortunately, Zhang Yi and Gao Xiang arrived with their troops to cover his retreat and bring him back.
Zhao Yun returned to Kongming and reported that he had fallen into the enemy's trap. Kongming asked in alarm, "Who is this man who saw through my secret plan?" A man from Nan'an replied, "His name is Jiang Wei, styled Boyue, a native of Ji County in Tianshui. He is devoted to his mother, skilled in both letters and arms, and has both wisdom and courage in abundance. He is truly a hero of our age." Zhao Yun also praised Jiang Wei's spear technique, saying it was unlike anything he had seen. Kongming said, "I came to take Tianshui, but I never expected to find such a man." He then mobilized the main army and advanced.
Jiang Wei returned to Ma Zun and said, "Zhao Yun has been defeated, so Zhuge Liang will surely come himself. He will expect our army to be inside the city. We should divide our forces into four detachments: I will lead one and hide east of the city to cut off his advance. You, Grand Administrator, will lead another and lie in ambush outside the city walls, along with Liang Xu and Yin Shang. Liang Xu will command the commoners to defend the walls." The plan was set.
Kongming, concerned about Jiang Wei, took personal command of the vanguard and marched toward Tianshui. As they neared the city, Kongming issued an order: "When attacking a city, the first day must be used to inspire the troops. Beat the drums and charge straight up the walls. If we delay, our momentum will falter, and the city will be hard to take." So the main army advanced directly to the city walls. Seeing the banners on the walls neat and orderly, they did not dare attack rashly. They waited until midnight, when suddenly flames erupted from all sides and shouts shook the ground. No one could tell where the enemy was coming from. On the walls, the defenders also beat drums and shouted in response. The Shu troops scattered in confusion. Kongming quickly mounted his horse, protected by Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, and fought his way out of the encirclement. Looking back, he saw a line of torches to the east, stretching like a long serpent. He sent Guan Xing to investigate, who reported, "That is Jiang Wei's army." Kongming sighed and said, "Victory does not depend on numbers, but on how a commander deploys his men. This man is a true talent!" He withdrew his troops to camp and thought for a long time. Then he summoned a man from Anding and asked, "Where is Jiang Wei's mother now?" The man replied, "She lives in Ji County." Kongming called Wei Yan and said, "Take a detachment and make a great show of force, feigning an attack on Ji County. If Jiang Wei comes, let him enter the city." He then asked, "What is the most strategic place here?" The man from Anding answered, "Tianshui's grain and supplies are all stored in Shanggui. If Shanggui falls, their supply lines will be cut." Kongming was delighted and ordered Zhao Yun to lead a force against Shanggui. Kongming set up camp thirty li from the city. Soon, a report reached Tianshui that the Shu army had split into three columns: one to besiege the commandery, one to take Shanggui, and one to take Ji County. When Jiang Wei heard this, he pleaded with Ma Zun: "My mother is in Ji County. I fear for her safety. I beg you to give me troops to save the city and protect her." Ma Zun agreed and ordered Jiang Wei to take three thousand men to defend Ji County, while Liang Qian took another three thousand to defend Shanggui.
Jiang Wei led his troops toward Ji County. Ahead, a column of Shu troops was drawn up, led by Wei Yan. The two generals exchanged a few blows, and then Wei Yan feigned defeat and fled. Jiang Wei entered the city, closed the gates, and led his men in defense. He paid his respects to his mother and did not venture out to fight. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun also allowed Liang Hu into Shanggui without a fight. Kongming then sent men to Nan'an to bring Xiahou Mao to his tent. Kongming asked, "Do you fear death?" Xiahou Mao trembled and knelt, begging for his life. Kongming said, "Jiang Wei of Tianshui is currently defending Ji County. He has sent me a letter saying he will surrender if his life is spared. I will spare you now, but will you persuade Jiang Wei to submit?" Xiahou Mao replied, "I am willing to try." Kongming gave him fresh clothes and a horse, and let him go without any escort. Xiahou Mao escaped the camp and tried to find his way, but he did not know the roads. As he traveled, he met several people fleeing. He asked them what was happening, and they replied, "We are commoners from Ji County. Jiang Wei has surrendered the city to Zhuge Liang. The Shu general Wei Yan set fires and looted, so we abandoned our homes and are heading to Shanggui." Xiahou Mao asked, "Who is defending Tianshui?" The locals said, "Grand Administrator Ma Zun." Hearing this, Xiahou Mao spurred his horse toward Tianshui. He saw more commoners, men and women carrying children, all fleeing, and they all told the same story.
Xiahou Mao reached the gates of Tianshui and called out. The guards on the wall recognized him and hurriedly opened the gates. Ma Zun, astonished, bowed and asked what had happened. Xiahou Mao recounted Jiang Wei's supposed betrayal and repeated what the commoners had said. Ma Zun sighed, "I never thought Jiang Wei would defect to Shu!" Liang Xu said, "He may have said that to save the Grand Administrator, but it could be a false surrender." Xiahou Mao replied, "He has already surrendered. How can it be false?" As they debated, the first watch of the night arrived, and the Shu army attacked again. In the firelight, they saw Jiang Wei beneath the walls, spear in hand, shouting, "I wish to speak with Grand Administrator Xiahou!" Xiahou Mao and Ma Zun went to the wall and saw Jiang Wei brandishing his weapon and calling out, "I surrendered for your sake, Grand Administrator! Why have you abandoned your promise?" Xiahou Mao replied, "You received the favor of Wei. Why did you surrender to Shu? What promise did I ever make you?" Jiang Wei answered, "You wrote a letter telling me to surrender to Shu! Why do you deny it now? You wanted to save yourself and trap me instead! I have now surrendered to Shu and been made a high general. Why would I ever return to Wei?" With that, he ordered his troops to attack the city, and they fought until dawn before withdrawing. In truth, the man impersonating Jiang Wei in the night was part of Kongming's ruse. He had ordered a soldier who resembled Jiang Wei to pretend to be him and attack the city, and in the firelight, no one could tell the difference.
Kongming then led his troops to attack Ji County. The city had little grain, and the soldiers were short of food. From the walls, Jiang Wei saw Shu troops transporting grain in large and small carts into Wei Yan's camp. He led three thousand men out of the city and charged directly at the grain convoy. The Shu soldiers abandoned their carts and fled. Jiang Wei seized the grain wagons and was about to return to the city when a column of troops blocked his path, led by the Shu general Zhang Yi. They exchanged a few blows, and then Wang Ping arrived with another force, attacking from both sides. Jiang Wei, exhausted and unable to hold out, cut a path and tried to return to the city, but the walls were already flying Shu banners—Wei Yan had taken it by surprise. Jiang Wei fought his way toward Tianshui with only a dozen riders left. He encountered Zhang Bao, who attacked him again, and Jiang Wei was reduced to a single horse and spear. He reached the gates of Tianshui and called out. The guards on the wall saw it was Jiang Wei and hurriedly reported to Ma Zun. Ma Zun said, "This is Jiang Wei trying to trick us into opening the gates!" He ordered the guards to rain arrows down on him. Jiang Wei looked back and saw the Shu army approaching. He fled toward Shanggui. When he reached the walls, Liang Qian saw him and shouted, "Traitor! How dare you try to trick me into opening the gates! I know you have surrendered to Shu!" He ordered a volley of arrows. Jiang Wei could not explain himself. He looked up to heaven and sighed, tears streaming from his eyes. He turned his horse and headed toward Chang'an. He had not gone far when he reached a dense forest. With a great shout, thousands of troops emerged, led by Guan Xing, who blocked his path.
Jiang Wei, his men and horse exhausted, could not fight. He reined in his horse and turned to flee. Suddenly, a small carriage emerged from the side of a hill. The man inside wore a silk headband and a crane-feather cloak, and he held a feather fan in his hand. It was Kongming. Kongming called out, "Boyue, why do you not surrender now?" Jiang Wei thought for a long time. Ahead was Kongming, behind him was Guan Xing, and there was no escape. He dismounted and surrendered. Kongming hurriedly descended from his carriage to greet him, took Jiang Wei's hand, and said, "Since I left my thatched cottage, I have searched far and wide for a worthy man to whom I could pass on my life's learning. I regretted that I had never found such a person. Now that I have met you, Boyue, my wish is fulfilled." Jiang Wei was overjoyed and bowed in thanks.
Kongming then returned to camp with Jiang Wei and convened a council to discuss the capture of Tianshui and Shanggui. Jiang Wei said, "In Tianshui, Yin Shang and Liang Xu are close friends of mine. Let me write two secret letters and shoot them into the city. This will cause internal strife, and the city will fall." Kongming agreed. Jiang Wei wrote two secret letters, tied them to arrows, rode to the city walls, and shot them inside. A soldier picked them up and presented them to Ma Zun. Ma Zun was greatly suspicious and consulted Xiahou Mao: "Liang Xu and Yin Shang are in league with Jiang Wei and plan to act as traitors from within. You must decide quickly." Xiahou Mao said, "Kill them." Yin Shang learned of this and said to Liang Xu, "We might as well surrender the city to Shu and seek advancement." That night, Xiahou Mao repeatedly sent for Liang Xu and Yin Shang to speak with them. They knew the situation was urgent, so they donned their armor, mounted their horses, took up their weapons, led their personal troops, and threw open the city gates to let the Shu army in. Xiahou Mao and Ma Zun, in panic, led a few hundred men out the west gate and fled to the Qiang tribesman territories. Liang Xu and Yin Shang welcomed Kongming into the city. After calming the populace, Kongming asked how to take Shanggui. Liang Xu said, "My younger brother Liang Qian holds that city. I will persuade him to surrender." Kongming was delighted. That day, Liang Xu went to Shanggui and called for Liang Qian to come out and surrender to Kongming. Kongming rewarded them generously, appointing Liang Xu as Grand Administrator of Tianshui, Yin Shang as Magistrate of Ji County, and Liang Qian as Magistrate of Shanggui. After these arrangements, Kongming mobilized his forces and advanced. His generals asked, "Why does the Chancellor not capture Xiahou Mao?" Kongming replied, "Letting Xiahou Mao go is like releasing a duck. But gaining Jiang Wei is like capturing a phoenix!"
After taking the three cities, Kongming's prestige soared. Prefectures and commanderies far and near submitted to him at the mere sight of his banners. Kongming reorganized his army, brought all the troops from Hanzhong, advanced to the Qishan Mountains, and camped by the western bank of the Wei River. Scouts reported this to Luoyang.
At that time, it was the first year of the Taihe era under Emperor Cao Rui of Wei. As the emperor held court, a close minister reported, "The Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou has lost three commanderies and fled to the Qiang territories. The Shu army has now reached Qishan, with its vanguard on the western bank of the Wei. We beg Your Majesty to send troops to repel the enemy." Cao Rui was alarmed and asked his ministers, "Who can lead the campaign to drive back the Shu army?" Minister of Education Wang Lang stepped forward and said, "I recall that the late Emperor always used Grand General Cao Zhen, and wherever he went, he was victorious. Why not appoint him Grand Commander to repel the Shu army?" Cao Rui approved and summoned Cao Zhen, saying, "The late Emperor entrusted you with the care of the realm. Now that the Shu army is invading, can you bear to stand by?" Cao Zhen replied, "My talents are shallow and my wisdom meager. I am unworthy of the post." Wang Lang said, "You are a pillar of the state. You cannot refuse. Though I am old and dull, I would like to accompany you on this campaign." Cao Zhen then said, "I have received great favor and dare not refuse. But I ask for one man as my deputy." The emperor said, "Choose him yourself." Cao Zhen recommended Guo Huai, styled Boji, a native of Yangqu in Taiyuan, who held the title of Marquis of Sheting and served as Provincial Inspector of Yong Province. The emperor agreed and appointed Cao Zhen as Grand Commander, granting him the ceremonial axe and tally. Guo Huai was made Deputy Commander, and Wang Lang was appointed Army Advisor. Wang Lang was then seventy-six years old. They selected two hundred thousand troops from the eastern and western capitals and placed them under Cao Zhen's command. Cao Zhen appointed his cousin Cao Zun as Vanguard Commander and General Zhu Zan as Deputy Vanguard Commander. In the eleventh month of that year, the army set out, and Emperor Cao Rui personally escorted them beyond the west gate before returning.
Cao Zhen led the main army to Chang'an, crossed the Wei River, and set up camp on the western bank. He met with Wang Lang and Guo Huai to discuss strategy. Wang Lang said, "Tomorrow, we will array our ranks in perfect order, with banners unfurled. I will go out and speak just a few words. I guarantee that Zhuge Liang will bow in surrender, and the Shu army will retreat without a fight." Cao Zhen was overjoyed. That night, he gave orders: "Prepare breakfast at the fourth watch. By dawn, the ranks must be orderly, the men imposing, and the banners and drums in proper sequence." A challenge was sent to the Shu camp. The next day, the two armies faced each other, drawn up in battle formation before the Qishan Mountains. The Shu troops saw that the Wei army was far more formidable than Xiahou Mao's forces had been.
After the drums and horns had sounded on both sides, Minister of Education Wang Lang rode out on his horse. To his left was Commander Cao Zhen, to his right was Deputy Commander Guo Huai. The two vanguard commanders held the formation steady. A scout rode forward and shouted, "Let the opposing commander speak!" The Shu army's banners parted, and Guan Xing and Zhang Bao emerged, one on each side, and reined in their horses. Behind them, ranks of valiant generals lined up. In the center, beneath the banners, a four-wheeled carriage appeared. Kongming sat upright in the carriage, wearing a silk headband and a crane-feather cloak, holding a feather fan, dressed in plain white robes with a black sash. He looked out calmly. Kongming raised his eyes and saw three command canopies before the Wei ranks, with names written on the banners. In the center was a white-bearded old man—the Army Advisor and Minister of Education, Wang Lang. Kongming thought to himself, "Wang Lang will surely try to persuade me with words. I must respond as the moment demands." He ordered his carriage driven forward beyond the formation and sent an officer to announce, "The Chancellor of Han wishes to speak with the Minister of Education." Wang Lang rode forward. Kongming clasped his hands in salute from the carriage, and Wang Lang bowed slightly from his horse in return. Wang Lang said, "I have long heard of your great reputation, and I am fortunate to meet you today. Since you understand the Mandate of Heaven and recognize the times, why do you raise an army without just cause?" Kongming replied, "I act on the emperor's decree to punish rebels.
How can you say there is no just cause?" Wang Lang said, "The cycles of Heaven shift, and the vessels of power change hands, passing to those who possess virtue. This is the natural order of things. In the days of Emperors Huan and Ling, the Yellow Turbans rose in rebellion, and chaos spread across the land. In the years of Chuping and Jian'an, Dong Zhuo committed treason, and Li Jue and Guo Si continued his atrocities. Yuan Shu usurped the throne at Shouchun, Yuan Shao proclaimed himself hegemon at Ye. Liu Biao occupied Jing Province, and Lü Bu devoured Xu Province like a tiger. Bandits swarmed like wasps, and tyrants soared like eagles. The state was as precarious as a pile of eggs, and the people were in desperate straits. Our Grand Progenitor, the Martial Emperor, swept the six directions and conquered the eight wilds. The hearts of the people turned to him, and all lands admired his virtue. This was not achieved by force alone—it was the will of Heaven. Our Founder, the Civil Emperor, possessed divine wisdom and sacred martial prowess. He accepted the great mandate, conforming to Heaven and uniting with men. He followed the example of Yao's abdication to Shun and ruled over the Central Plains, commanding all nations. Is this not the will of Heaven and the hearts of men? You, sir, possess great talent and bear great ambition, comparing yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Why do you stubbornly defy the laws of Heaven and the feelings of men? Have you not heard the ancients say: 'He who follows Heaven prospers; he who defies Heaven perishes.' Now our great Wei has a million armored soldiers and a thousand able generals.
How can the glow of a rotting firefly compare to the bright moon of Heaven? You should lay down your arms, remove your armor, and surrender with proper ceremony. You will not lose the chance to be enfeoffed as a marquis. The state will be at peace, and the people will be happy. Would that not be wonderful?"
Kongming laughed loudly from his carriage and said, "I thought that a great and aged minister of Han would surely offer profound discourse. I never expected such base words! Let me speak, and let all the armies listen: In the days of Emperors Huan and Ling, the Han dynasty declined. Eunuchs sowed disaster. The state was in chaos, and calamities plagued the years. Rebellion stirred in every direction. After the Yellow Turbans came Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si, and others, one after another. They kidnapped and tormented the Han emperor and slaughtered the people. In the temples of the court, rotten timber served as officials; in the halls of the palace, beasts in human form devoured the state's grain. Men with the hearts of wolves and the deeds of dogs crowded the paths of power. Flatterers and sycophants filled the ranks of government. Thus, the altars of the state crumbled into ruins, and the people were plunged into misery. I have long known of your deeds. You were born on the shores of the Eastern Sea. You entered office as a Filial and Incorrupt (Xiàolián, a Han-dynasty civil service recommendation based on filial piety and incorrupt conduct) candidate. Your duty was to support the ruler and aid the state, to bring peace to Han and restore the Liu clan. But instead, you helped the rebel and conspired to usurp the throne! Your crimes are deep and heavy, unforgivable by Heaven and Earth! The people of the realm wish to eat your flesh! Fortunately, Heaven's will has not abandoned the flame of Han. The Illustrious Emperor Liu Bei established his rule in Western Sichuan. I now act on the decree of his successor to raise an army and punish the rebels. You, a sycophantic minister, should hide your head and shrink away, scheming only for food and clothing. How dare you stand before the ranks of soldiers and prattle about the Mandate of Heaven? You white-haired fool! You gray-bearded old traitor! Soon you will return to the Nine Springs below. What face will you have to meet the twenty-four emperors of Han? Begone, old villain! Send out your rebel ministers to fight me and decide the outcome!" Wang Lang heard this, and his chest swelled with rage. He let out a great cry and fell from his horse, dead.
A poet of the time praised Kongming: His armies marched forth from Western Qin, / A hero unmatched among ten thousand men. / With a gentle wag of his three-inch tongue, / He cursed the old traitor to his death.
Kongming pointed his fan at Cao Zhen and said, "I will not press you now. Reorganize your army, and we will decide the battle tomorrow." With that, he turned his carriage and withdrew. Both armies then retreated. Cao Zhen had Wang Lang's body placed in a coffin and sent back to Chang'an. Deputy Commander Guo Huai said, "Zhuge Liang will expect us to be in mourning tonight, so he will surely attack our camp. We should divide our forces into four columns: two columns will take the mountain paths and, by stealth, attack the Shu camp; the other two will lie in ambush outside our camp, one on each side, to strike the enemy when they come." Cao Zhen was delighted and said, "This plan matches my own thinking." He summoned the two vanguard commanders, Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, and ordered them: "Each of you will take ten thousand troops and circle behind the Qishan Mountains. When you see the Shu army heading for our camp, advance and attack their camp. If the Shu army does not move, withdraw and do not attack rashly." The two commanders received their orders and led their troops away. Cao Zhen said to Guo Huai, "You and I will each take a column and hide outside our camp. Inside the camp, we will pile up brushwood and leave only a few men. When the Shu army arrives, we will light a signal fire." The generals then took their positions and prepared.
Back in his tent, Kongming first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan. He said, "Each of you will take your own troops and attack the Wei camp." Wei Yan objected, "Cao Zhen is a seasoned commander. He will surely expect us to attack during their mourning and will have prepared defenses." Kongming smiled and said, "I want Cao Zhen to know we are coming. He will have hidden troops behind the Qishan Mountains, waiting for us to pass so they can attack our camp. That is why I am ordering you two to advance, but when you reach the far side of the mountain, stop and set up camp at a distance. Let the Wei troops come to attack our camp. Watch for the signal fire. Then divide your forces: Wei Yan, you will block the mountain pass; Zhao Yun, you will turn back and attack the Wei troops. You will surely encounter them. Let them flee, then pursue and attack. They will fall into confusion and kill each other. You will win a complete victory." The two generals received their orders and left. Kongming then summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and said, "Each of you will take a column and hide on the main road behind the Qishan Mountains. Let the Wei troops pass, then follow their path and attack the Wei camp." They received their orders and left. He then ordered Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Ni to hide outside the camp and attack the Wei troops from all sides. Kongming set up a false camp with empty stockades, piled brushwood in the center for the signal fire, and led his officers to a position behind the camp to observe the action.
That evening, the Wei vanguard commanders Cao Zun and Zhu Zan left their camp and advanced cautiously. Around the second watch, they saw movement in the distance, faintly visible in the moonlight ahead of the mountains. Cao Zun thought to himself, "Deputy Commander Guo Huai is truly a divine strategist!" He urged his troops forward. By the time they reached the Shu camp, it was nearly the third watch. Cao Zun charged in first—only to find the camp empty. He realized it was a trap and ordered an immediate retreat. Then the signal fire blazed up inside the camp. Zhu Zan's troops arrived, and in the darkness, they clashed with each other. The army fell into chaos. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan met and realized they had been killing their own men. As they tried to regroup, shouts erupted from all sides as Wang Ping, Ma Dai, Zhang Ni, and Zhang Yi attacked. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, with about a hundred of their personal guards, fled toward the main road. Suddenly, drums and horns sounded, and a column of troops blocked their path. The leading general was Zhao Zilong of Changshan, who shouted, "Where do you think you are going, rebel generals? Come and die!" Cao Zun and Zhu Zan fought their way through and fled. Then more shouts arose as Wei Yan arrived with another column. Cao Zun and Zhu Zan, thoroughly routed, fled back toward their own camp. The guards at the Wei camp, thinking the Shu army was attacking, hurriedly lit the signal fire. Cao Zhen attacked from the left, and Guo Huai attacked from the right, and in the confusion, they began slaughtering each other. From behind, three columns of Shu troops attacked: Wei Yan in the center, Guan Xing on the left, and Zhang Bao on the right. They inflicted a great slaughter. The Wei army fled for more than ten li, and many Wei generals were killed. Kongming had won a complete victory and then withdrew his troops.
Cao Zhen and Guo Huai gathered what was left of their shattered army and held a council. Cao Zhen said, "Our Wei forces are now isolated, and the Shu army is overwhelming. What plan can we use to drive them back?" Guo Huai replied, "Victory and defeat are common in war. Do not despair. I have a plan that will leave the Shu army unable to protect its front and rear. They will surely retreat on their own." Truly: The Wei generals, though valiant, could not succeed; / They sought reinforcements from the western lands. The reader will have to wait and see what this plan was.