The official who offered the plan was Imperial Secretary Sun Zi. Cao Rui asked, “What is your excellent strategy?” Sun Zi replied, “When the Martial Emperor, our late father, conquered Zhang Lu, he faced great peril before succeeding. He often told his ministers, ‘The land of Nanzheng is truly a prison ordained by Heaven. The Xie Valley Road, stretching five hundred li through a stone tunnel, is no place for waging war.’ If we now raise the full might of the realm to attack Shu, then Eastern Wu will surely invade us. A better course would be to use our current forces, assigning our generals to hold the strategic passes and conserve our strength. Within a few years, our Central Kingdom will grow strong, while Wu and Shu will inevitably turn on each other. Then we can strike—would that not be a superior plan? I beg Your Majesty to decide.” Cao Rui then asked Sima Yi, “What do you think of this?” Sima Yi replied, “Imperial Secretary Sun speaks most wisely.” Cao Rui accepted the advice, ordering Sima Yi to deploy the generals to guard the strategic points, leaving Guo Huai and Zhang He to hold Chang’an. After a grand reward for the three armies, the emperor returned to Luoyang.
Meanwhile, Kongming returned to Hanzhong and began counting his troops. He was deeply troubled to find only Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi missing. He ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to each lead a force to reinforce them. Just as they were about to depart, word arrived that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had returned—and not a single man or horse was lost, nor any equipment or supplies abandoned. Kongming was overjoyed and personally led his generals out to welcome them. Zhao Yun hurriedly dismounted and knelt, saying, “A defeated general does not deserve the Chancellor to come so far to greet him.” Kongming quickly helped him up, took his hand, and said, “It was my failure to recognize the worthy from the unworthy that led to this disaster! Every other unit suffered losses, yet Zilong lost not a single man or horse. How is this possible?” Deng Zhi reported, “I led the vanguard forward, while Zilong alone held the rear. He slew enemy generals and achieved great feats, terrifying the foe. Thus, not a single piece of equipment was abandoned.” Kongming exclaimed, “A true general indeed!” He then presented Zhao Yun with fifty catties of gold and ten thousand bolts of silk to distribute among his men. Zhao Yun declined, saying, “The army has achieved nothing worthy of merit; we are all at fault. If I were to accept a reward, it would mean the Chancellor’s rewards and punishments are not clear. Please store these in the treasury, to be distributed to the troops this winter.” Kongming sighed, “When the late Emperor was alive, he often praised Zilong’s virtue. Now I see it for myself!” And he held Zhao Yun in even higher esteem.
Suddenly, word came that Ma Su, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang had arrived. Kongming first summoned Wang Ping into his tent and rebuked him, “I ordered you to guard Jieting with Ma Su. Why did you not advise him against his errors, leading to this disaster?” Wang Ping replied, “I urged him repeatedly to build an earthen rampart on the main road and set up camp there to hold the position. But the Military Advisor grew angry and refused to listen. I therefore took five thousand men and set up camp ten li away from the mountain. When the Wei army suddenly arrived, they surrounded the mountain on all sides. I led my men in over ten charges but could not break through. The next day, the defense collapsed, and countless men surrendered. My isolated force could not hold, so I sought help from Wei Yan. On the way, I was trapped in a valley by Wei forces and fought desperately to break out. By the time I returned to our camp, it had already been taken by the Wei army. When I reached Lie Liu Fort, I met Gao Xiang, and we divided our forces into three groups to raid the Wei camp, hoping to retake Jieting. Seeing no patrols on the road to Jieting, I grew suspicious. I climbed a height to observe and saw Wei Yan and Gao Xiang surrounded by Wei troops. I fought my way into the encirclement to rescue them, and we rejoined the Military Advisor. Fearing the loss of Yangping Pass, I hurried back to defend it. It was not that I failed to advise him. If the Chancellor does not believe me, he can ask the other officers.” Kongming dismissed him and then summoned Ma Su into his tent.
Ma Su entered, bound himself, and knelt before the tent. Kongming’s face darkened, and he said, “You have studied the art of war since childhood and are well-versed in military strategy. I warned you repeatedly: Jieting is our foundation. You took on this heavy responsibility, staking your entire family’s fate. If you had listened to Wang Ping’s advice, how could this disaster have occurred? Now, with our army defeated, our generals lost, and our territory surrendered, the fault is entirely yours! If I do not enforce military law clearly, how can I command the respect of the troops? You have broken the law, so do not blame me. After your death, your family will be provided for monthly with grain and stipends—do not worry about them.” He ordered the guards to take Ma Su out and behead him. Ma Su wept and said, “The Chancellor has treated me like a son, and I have regarded you as a father. My crime deserves death, and I cannot escape it. I only ask that you recall how Emperor Shun executed Gun but employed his son Yu. Though I die, I will have no regrets in the underworld!” He then wept bitterly. Kongming wiped away his tears and said, “Our bond is as close as brothers. Your son is my son. Say no more.” The guards led Ma Su outside the camp gate to be executed. Just then, Imperial Secretary Jiang Wan arrived from Chengdu. Seeing the guards about to kill Ma Su, he was greatly alarmed and shouted, “Stay the execution!” He entered to see Kongming and said, “In ancient times, when Chu executed Dechen, Duke Wen of Jin rejoiced. Now, with the realm still unsettled, to execute a man of wisdom and strategy—is that not a great loss?” Kongming wept as he replied, “Sun Wu was able to conquer all under Heaven because he enforced his laws strictly. Now, with chaos raging on all sides and war just beginning, if I abolish military discipline, how can I punish the rebels? He must be executed.” Moments later, the guards presented Ma Su’s head before the steps. Kongming wept bitterly. Jiang Wan asked, “Now that Ma Su has been punished according to military law, why does the Chancellor weep?” Kongming replied, “I do not weep for Ma Su alone. I recall the late Emperor’s words when he was dying at Baidi City. He told me, ‘Ma Su’s words exceed his ability; do not entrust him with great tasks.’ Now, those words have come true. I weep from deep regret at my own lack of wisdom, remembering the late Emperor’s counsel.” All the officers, high and low, were moved to tears. Ma Su died at the age of thirty-nine, in the summer of the sixth year of Jianxing.
A poet of the time lamented: The loss of Jieting was a crime not light; how pitiful that Ma Su’s talk of war was in vain. At the camp gate, his head was severed to enforce strict law, but Kongming wiped his tears, still thinking of the late Emperor’s wisdom.
After executing Ma Su, Kongming had the head displayed to all the camps. He then sewed the head back onto the body, provided a coffin, and buried him with proper rites. He composed a eulogy and offered sacrifices. He took special care of Ma Su’s family, providing them with monthly grain. Kongming then wrote a memorial and ordered Jiang Wan to present it to the Later Emperor, requesting that his own rank as Chancellor be demoted. Jiang Wan returned to Chengdu, entered the court, and presented Kongming’s memorial. The Later Emperor opened and read it. The memorial read: “Your subject is but a mediocre talent, unworthy of the high position I hold. I took up the commander’s staff and battle-axe to inspire the three armies, but I failed to enforce discipline and clarify the laws, nor did I act with due caution. This led to the violation of orders at Jieting and the failure at Ji Valley. The blame rests entirely on me, for I assigned tasks without proper judgment. My wisdom is insufficient to recognize men, and my handling of affairs is often blind. The Spring and Autumn Annals holds commanders responsible for their defeats. I am guilty of this. I beg to be demoted three ranks to atone for my fault. I am deeply ashamed and await Your Majesty’s judgment.” The Later Emperor read it and said, “Victory and defeat are common in war. Why does the Chancellor speak thus?” Attendant Fei Yi replied, “I have heard that in governing a state, upholding the law is paramount. If the law is not enforced, how can men be led? The Chancellor has suffered defeat and demotes himself—this is only right.” The Later Emperor agreed and issued an edict demoting Kongming to General of the Right, while still acting as Chancellor and commanding the armies as before. He ordered Fei Yi to deliver the edict to Hanzhong.
After Kongming accepted the demotion, Fei Yi, fearing Kongming might feel ashamed, congratulated him, saying, “The people of Shu are overjoyed that the Chancellor has recently captured four counties.” Kongming’s face darkened, and he said, “What nonsense is this! To gain and then lose is the same as not gaining at all. To congratulate me on this only fills me with shame.” Fei Yi then said, “I have heard that the Chancellor has recently acquired Jiang Wei, and the Emperor is greatly pleased.” Kongming replied angrily, “Our army was defeated and returned without gaining an inch of land. This is my great crime. What does it matter to Wei if we gain one Jiang Wei?” Fei Yi continued, “The Chancellor now commands hundreds of thousands of elite troops. Can we attack Wei again?” Kongming said, “When our great army was stationed at Mount Qi and Ji Valley, we outnumbered the enemy, yet we could not defeat them. Instead, we were defeated. The problem lies not in the number of troops but in the commander. Now I must reduce the number of soldiers and generals, clarify punishments, reflect on my mistakes, and devise better strategies for the future. If I do not, what use is a large army? From now on, let anyone who cares for the state’s future freely criticize my faults and point out my shortcomings. Then affairs can be settled, the rebels can be destroyed, and success will be within reach.” Fei Yi and the other generals all admired his words. Fei Yi then returned to Chengdu.
In Hanzhong, Kongming cherished his soldiers and loved the people. He trained his troops, studied military tactics, built siege and river-crossing equipment, stockpiled grain and fodder, and prepared war rafts for future campaigns. Spies reported these activities to Luoyang. When Wei ruler Cao Rui heard of this, he summoned Sima Yi to discuss a strategy for conquering Shu. Sima Yi said, “Shu cannot be attacked yet. The weather is scorching hot, and the Shu army will not march. If our forces penetrate deep into their territory, they will hold the strategic passes, and we will find it difficult to take them quickly.” Cao Rui asked, “What if the Shu army invades us again?” Sima Yi replied, “I have calculated that this time, Zhuge Liang will surely imitate Han Xin’s strategy of secretly crossing Chencang. I recommend a man to go to the Chencang Pass, build a fort, and defend it. With him there, we will be safe without fail. This man is nine feet tall, has arms like an ape, is an expert archer, and is deeply strategic. If Zhuge Liang invades, this man can surely stop him.” Cao Rui was overjoyed and asked, “Who is this man?” Sima Yi replied, “He is from Taiyuan, named Hao Zhao, styled Bofang. He currently holds the rank of a miscellaneous general, guarding the lands west of the Yellow River.” Cao Rui agreed, promoted Hao Zhao to General Who Pacifies the West, and ordered him to guard the Chencang Pass. He sent an envoy with the edict.
Suddenly, word arrived that the Grand Commander of Yang Province, Cao Xiu, had submitted a memorial stating that Zhou Fang, the Grand Administrator of Poyang in Eastern Wu, wished to surrender his commandery. Zhou Fang had secretly sent a message detailing seven points on how to defeat Eastern Wu, urging an immediate attack. Cao Rui spread the memorial on his imperial bed and studied it with Sima Yi. Sima Yi said, “These words make perfect sense. Wu can be destroyed! I beg to lead an army to assist Cao Xiu.” Suddenly, an official stepped forward and said, “The words of the men of Wu are treacherous and unreliable. We must not trust them easily. Zhou Fang is a man of strategy; he will never truly surrender. This is a trick to lure our army.” Everyone looked—it was General Who Establishes Might, Jia Kui. Sima Yi said, “We must not ignore this advice, but we must also not miss this opportunity.” The Wei ruler said, “Zhongda, you and Jia Kui may assist Cao Xiu.” The two accepted the order and departed. Cao Xiu then led his main army directly toward Wan City. Jia Kui led the Former General Man Chong and the Grand Administrator of Dongguan, Hu Zhi, to take Yang City and advance toward East Pass. Sima Yi led his own forces directly toward Jiangling.
Meanwhile, Sun Quan, the ruler of Wu, was at East Pass in Wuchang, meeting with his officials. He said, “The Grand Administrator of Poyang, Zhou Fang, has sent a secret memorial, stating that the Wei Grand Commander of Yang Province, Cao Xiu, intends to invade us. Zhou Fang has devised a ruse, secretly presenting seven points to lure the Wei army deep into our territory, where we can set an ambush and capture them. Now the Wei army is advancing in three columns. What strategies do you have?” Gu Yong stepped forward and said, “This great task cannot be entrusted to anyone but Lu Boyan.” Sun Quan was delighted. He summoned Lu Xun, appointed him General Who Assists the State and Commander of the Northern Pacification Army, in charge of the Imperial Guard and acting with the authority of the king. He bestowed upon him the white yak-tail banner and the yellow battle-axe, and all civil and military officials were to obey his commands. Sun Quan personally held the whip for Lu Xun’s carriage. After Lu Xun accepted the command and expressed his gratitude, he recommended two men as left and right commanders to lead the forces against the three columns. Sun Quan asked who they were. Lu Xun replied, “General Who Rouses Might, Zhu Huan, and General Who Pacifies the South, Quan Cong. They can serve as my assistants.” Sun Quan agreed, appointing Zhu Huan as Left Commander and Quan Cong as Right Commander. Lu Xun then mobilized the forces of all eighty-one prefectures south of the Yangtze, along with the armies of Jing and Hu, totaling over seven hundred thousand men. He ordered Zhu Huan on the left, Quan Cong on the right, and took the center himself, advancing in three columns. Zhu Huan offered a plan: “Cao Xiu holds his position due to his family ties, not because of wisdom or courage. Now he has been lured by Zhou Fang’s words deep into our territory. If the Commander attacks him, Cao Xiu will surely be defeated. After his defeat, he will flee by one of two routes: the left path leads to Jiashi, the right to Guache. Both are narrow, treacherous mountain paths. I am willing to join with Quan Zihuang, each leading a force to ambush the mountain passes. We will first block the roads with firewood and boulders, and Cao Xiu can be captured. If we capture Cao Xiu, we can drive straight ahead and take Shouchun as easily as turning over our hand, then threaten Xuchang and Luoyang. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity!” Lu Xun replied, “This is not a good plan. I have a better strategy in mind.” Zhu Huan left, nursing resentment. Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin to hold Jiangling against Sima Yi. All the other units were deployed as needed.
Meanwhile, Cao Xiu’s army arrived at Wan City. Zhou Fang came to greet him and entered Cao Xiu’s camp. Cao Xiu asked, “I received your letter detailing seven points, which seem very reasonable. I reported them to the Emperor, and he raised a great army to advance in three columns. If we gain the lands south of the Yangtze, your contribution will be great. Some say you are full of schemes, and they fear your words may not be trustworthy. But I believe you will not deceive me.” Zhou Fang burst into tears, snatched a sword from one of his attendants, and tried to cut his own throat. Cao Xiu quickly stopped him. Zhou Fang, holding the sword, said, “I poured my heart into those seven points, wishing I could bare my very soul. Now you doubt me—surely there is a Wu spy spreading rumors to sow discord. If you listen to them, I am as good as dead. My loyalty is known only to Heaven!” He then tried to cut his throat again. Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed and grabbed him, saying, “I was only joking! Why do you take it so seriously?” Zhou Fang then used the sword to cut off his hair and threw it to the ground, saying, “I treated you with utmost loyalty, and you mock me! I cut off the hair my parents gave me to prove my sincerity!” Cao Xiu was now fully convinced and held a feast in his honor. After the feast, Zhou Fang took his leave. Suddenly, word arrived that Jia Kui had come to see him. Cao Xiu ordered him in and asked, “What brings you here?” Jia Kui said, “I believe the Wu forces are all concentrated at Wan City. The Grand Commander should not advance recklessly.
Let me attack from both sides, and we can crush the enemy.” Cao Xiu angrily replied, “Are you trying to steal my glory?” Jia Kui said, “I have also heard that Zhou Fang cut off his hair as a pledge. This is a trick. In ancient times, Yao Li cut off his arm to assassinate Qing Ji. Do not trust him so easily.” Cao Xiu was furious and said, “I am about to advance, and you speak such words to demoralize the army!” He ordered the guards to take Jia Kui out and behead him. The other generals pleaded, “We have not yet advanced, and to kill a general now would be bad for the army. Please spare him for now.” Cao Xiu relented, but he kept Jia Kui’s troops in his own camp for his own use, while he led his own army to take East Pass. When Zhou Fang learned that Jia Kui had been stripped of his command, he secretly rejoiced, saying, “If Cao Xiu had listened to Jia Kui’s advice, Wu would have been defeated! Heaven is granting me success!” He then secretly sent a messenger to Wan City to inform Lu Xun. Lu Xun summoned his generals and ordered, “Ahead lies Stone Pavilion. Though it is a mountain road, it is suitable for an ambush. Go quickly and occupy the open ground at Stone Pavilion, form your battle lines, and await the Wei army.” He ordered Xu Sheng to lead the vanguard and advance.
Cao Xiu ordered Zhou Fang to lead the advance. As they marched, Cao Xiu asked, “What place lies ahead?” Zhou Fang replied, “Ahead is Stone Pavilion. It is a good place to camp.” Cao Xiu agreed and led his main army, along with wagons and equipment, to camp at Stone Pavilion. The next day, scouts reported, “Ahead, an unknown number of Wu troops are holding the mountain pass.” Cao Xiu was greatly alarmed and said, “Zhou Fang said there were no troops. Why are they prepared?” He quickly sent for Zhou Fang. Someone reported that Zhou Fang had led a few dozen men away to an unknown destination. Cao Xiu bitterly regretted, “I have fallen for his trick! But even so, there is no need to fear!” He ordered his general Zhang Pu to lead the vanguard with several thousand men to engage the Wu army. The two armies drew up in battle formation. Zhang Pu rode out and shouted, “Surrender, you rebel!” Xu Sheng rode out to meet him. After only a few exchanges, Zhang Pu could not withstand the assault. He reined in his horse and withdrew his troops, returning to report to Cao Xiu that Xu Sheng was an unstoppable warrior. Cao Xiu said, “I will defeat him with a surprise attack.” He ordered Zhang Pu to lead twenty thousand men to ambush south of Stone Pavilion, and Xue Qiao to lead twenty thousand men to ambush north of Stone Pavilion. “Tomorrow, I will personally lead a thousand men to provoke battle, feign defeat, and lure the enemy to the foot of the northern mountain. Then we will fire a signal cannon and attack from three sides, ensuring a great victory.” The two generals received their orders and led their twenty thousand men each to set up their ambushes that evening.
Meanwhile, Lu Xun summoned Zhu Huan and Quan Cong and ordered them, “Each of you will lead thirty thousand men, circle around Stone Pavilion via the mountain paths, and attack the rear of Cao Xiu’s camp. Set fire as the signal. I will lead the main army from the center. We can capture Cao Xiu.” That evening, at dusk, the two generals received their orders and advanced. At the second watch, Zhu Huan’s forces were circling toward the rear of the Wei camp when they encountered Zhang Pu’s ambush. Zhang Pu, not recognizing them as Wu troops, rode forward to question them. Zhu Huan cut him down with a single stroke of his blade. The Wei troops fled. Zhu Huan ordered his rear forces to set the signal fires. Quan Cong’s forces, circling toward the rear of the Wei camp, ran directly into Xue Qiao’s formation. A fierce battle erupted there. Xue Qiao was defeated and fled, and the Wei army suffered heavy losses as they fled back to their camp. From the rear, Zhu Huan and Quan Cong’s forces attacked together. Chaos erupted in Cao Xiu’s camp, with the troops colliding into each other. In panic, Cao Xiu mounted his horse and fled toward the Jiashi Road. Xu Sheng led the main army, advancing from the main road. Countless Wei soldiers were killed, and those who fled abandoned their armor. Cao Xiu, terrified, fled desperately along the Jiashi Road. Suddenly, a column of troops burst out from a side path. The leading general was Jia Kui. Cao Xiu’s panic subsided slightly, and he said in shame, “I did not heed your advice, and now I have suffered this defeat!” Jia Kui said, “Grand Commander, hurry out of this road! If the Wu troops block it with wood and stone, we are all doomed!” Cao Xiu then spurred his horse forward, while Jia Kui covered the rear. Jia Kui set up many banners in the dense forests and along the treacherous mountain paths to create the illusion of an ambush. When Xu Sheng arrived, he saw the tips of banners flashing from the hillside and, suspecting an ambush, dared not pursue. He withdrew his troops. Thus, Cao Xiu was saved. When Sima Yi heard of Cao Xiu’s defeat, he also withdrew his forces.
Lu Xun was awaiting news of victory when soon Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Cong all arrived. The captured wagons, oxen, horses, mules, donkeys, military supplies, and weapons were beyond count, along with tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers. Lu Xun was overjoyed. He immediately led Grand Administrator Zhou Fang and the other generals to return in triumph to Wu. Sun Quan, the ruler of Wu, led his civil and military officials out of Wuchang City to welcome them. He covered Lu Xun with his own imperial canopy as they entered the city. All the generals were promoted and rewarded. Seeing that Zhou Fang had no hair, Sun Quan consoled him, saying, “By cutting off your hair, you accomplished this great deed. Your name and merit will be recorded on bamboo and silk!” He immediately enfeoffed Zhou Fang as a Marquis of Guannei. A grand feast was held to reward the army and celebrate. Lu Xun then memorialized, “Now that Cao Xiu has been heavily defeated, Wei is terrified. We should send an envoy to Shu with a state letter, urging Zhuge Liang to attack Wei.” Sun Quan agreed and sent an envoy with a letter to Shu. And so it was: Because the eastern kingdom could execute a clever plan, it caused the western land to again raise its army.
As for whether Kongming would once again attack Wei, and whether he would succeed or fail, read the next chapter to find out.