Now, the Wei Emperor Cao Rui appointed Zhang He as vanguard commander to march alongside Sima Yi. He also ordered Xin Pi and Sun Li to lead fifty thousand troops to reinforce Cao Zhen. The two officers departed with their orders. Meanwhile, Sima Yi led two hundred thousand men out of the pass and established his camp. He summoned Zhang He to his tent and said, "Zhuge Liang has always been cautious, never acting rashly. If I were commanding his army, I would have taken the Ziwu Valley route straight to Chang'an long ago. He is not without strategy, but he fears failure and refuses to take risks. Now he will certainly march through the Xie Valley to seize Mei County. To take Mei County, he must divide his forces into two columns—one will advance through the Ji Valley. I have already sent dispatches ordering Cao Zhen to hold Mei County and not to engage the enemy if they attack. Sun Li and Xin Pi are to block the Ji Valley pass and strike with surprise forces if the enemy appears." Zhang He asked, "Where should you advance, General?" Sima Yi replied, "I have long known that west of the Qinling Mountains lies a road called Jieting, the Strategic Pass. Beside it is a city named Lie Liu Cheng, or Willow City. Both places are the throat of Hanzhong. Zhuge Liang, believing Cao Zhen unprepared, will surely advance through here. You and I will take Jieting directly, and from there the Yangping Pass will be within reach. If Zhuge Liang learns that we have cut off his vital route at Jieting and severed his supply lines, the entire Longxi region will become untenable, and he will be forced to flee back to Hanzhong under cover of darkness. When he retreats, I will ambush him on the smaller roads and achieve total victory. If he does not retreat, I will block all the small paths with fortifications and troops. Within a month, without food, the Shu army will starve, and Zhuge Liang will fall into my hands." Zhang He was enlightened and bowed in admiration. "Your plans are divine, Commander!" he said. Sima Yi continued, "Even so, Zhuge Liang is no Meng Da. As vanguard, you must not advance recklessly. Pass this order to all officers: scout along the mountain paths far ahead. Only advance if there are no ambushes. If you are careless, you will fall into Zhuge Liang's trap." Zhang He received his orders and led his troops forward.
In his camp at Mount Qi, Zhuge Liang received a report that a scout from Xincheng had arrived. He urgently summoned the man and questioned him. The spy reported, "Sima Yi marched with doubled speed, reaching Xincheng in eight days. Meng Da was caught unprepared, and with Shen Dan, Shen Yi, Li Fu, and Deng Xian acting as traitors within, Meng Da was killed by the chaotic troops. Sima Yi has now withdrawn to Chang'an, met with the Wei Emperor, and is marching with Zhang He to block our army." Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed. "Meng Da's carelessness cost him his life, as was fitting. Now that Sima Yi has emerged from the pass, he will surely seize Jieting and cut our throat." He then asked, "Who dares to lead troops to hold Jieting?" Before he finished speaking, the staff officer Ma Su stepped forward and said, "I am willing to go." Zhuge Liang replied, "Jieting may be small, but its importance is immense. If Jieting is lost, our entire army is doomed. Though you are deeply versed in strategy, this place has no city walls and no natural defenses—it will be extremely difficult to hold." Ma Su said, "I have studied military texts since childhood and am well-versed in the art of war. How could I fail to hold a single pass?" Zhuge Liang cautioned, "Sima Yi is no ordinary man, and his vanguard Zhang He is a famous general of Wei. I fear you may not be able to match them." Ma Su replied, "Never mind Sima Yi or Zhang He—even if Cao Rui himself came, I would have no fear! If I fail, you may execute my entire family." Zhuge Liang said sternly, "In the army, there are no idle words." Ma Su replied, "I am willing to sign a written pledge." Zhuge Liang agreed, and Ma Su wrote out the pledge and presented it. Zhuge Liang then said, "I will give you twenty-five thousand elite troops and assign a senior general to assist you." He summoned Wang Ping and instructed him, "I have always known you to be cautious, so I entrust you with this heavy responsibility. Guard this place carefully. Set up your camp on the main road so that the enemy cannot sneak past. Once the camp is established, draw a map of the surrounding terrain and send it to me. Consult with Ma Su on all matters and do not act rashly. If you hold this position safely, it will be the first step toward capturing Chang'an. Be vigilant!" The two officers took their leave and led their troops away.
Worried that they might fail, Zhuge Liang summoned Gao Xiang and said, "Northeast of Jieting lies a city called Lie Liu Cheng, or Willow City, on a remote mountain path. You can station troops there. I will give you ten thousand men to garrison this city. If Jieting is in danger, come to its aid." Gao Xiang departed with his troops. Still uneasy, Zhuge Liang thought that Gao Xiang was no match for Zhang He and that a senior general was needed to station troops to the right of Jieting. He summoned Wei Yan and ordered him to take his troops and camp behind Jieting. Wei Yan protested, "I am the vanguard. It is my duty to lead the attack. Why are you putting me in a safe position?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Leading the attack is the task of junior officers. I am ordering you to support Jieting, guarding the critical route to Yangping Pass and the throat of Hanzhong. This is a great responsibility, not a safe one. Do not treat it lightly and ruin our plans. Be careful!" Wei Yan was pleased and led his troops away. Only then did Zhuge Liang feel somewhat at ease. He summoned Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi and instructed them, "Sima Yi's campaign this time is different from before. Each of you will lead a force through the Ji Valley as a decoy. If you encounter Wei troops, either fight or avoid battle to confuse them. I will personally lead the main army through the Xie Valley to take Mei County. If Mei County falls, Chang'an can be breached." The two officers received their orders and departed. Zhuge Liang ordered Jiang Wei to serve as vanguard and march through the Xie Valley.
When Ma Su and Wang Ping arrived at Jieting, they surveyed the terrain. Ma Su laughed and said, "Why is the Chancellor so worried? This remote mountain area—how dare the Wei army come here?" Wang Ping replied, "Even if the Wei army does not dare to come, we should set up camp at the junction of these five roads. Have the soldiers cut timber to build palisades for a long-term defense." Ma Su scoffed, "Setting up camp on the main road? Look at that hill over there—it stands alone, surrounded by open ground, and covered with dense forest. This is a natural fortress provided by Heaven! We should station our troops on the hill." Wang Ping argued, "You are mistaken, Staff Officer. If we camp on the main road and build fortifications, even a hundred thousand enemy troops could not sneak past. But if we abandon this vital point and camp on the hill, the Wei army could surround us on all sides. What strategy would we use then?" Ma Su laughed loudly. "You have the mind of a woman! The Art of War says: 'Strike from a height, and the force is like splitting bamboo.' If the Wei army comes, I will ensure that not a single man returns with his armor intact!" Wang Ping retorted, "I have followed the Chancellor on many campaigns, and he has always taught me carefully. This hill is a death trap. If the Wei army cuts off our water supply, the troops will fall into chaos without even fighting." Ma Su snapped, "Do not speak nonsense! Sunzi said: 'Place your men in a death ground, and they will fight for their lives.' If the Wei army cuts off our water, will our Shu soldiers not fight to the death? One man can then match a hundred. I have read the military classics thoroughly, and the Chancellor himself often consults me. How dare you stand in my way?" Wang Ping insisted, "If you insist on camping on the hill, at least give me a separate force to set up a small camp at the foot of the western slope, forming a pincer formation. If the Wei army attacks, we can support each other." Ma Su refused. Suddenly, villagers from the mountains came running in a panic, reporting that the Wei army had arrived. Wang Ping tried to take his leave, but Ma Su said, "Since you refuse to obey my orders, take five thousand men and set up your own camp. When I have crushed the Wei army, do not expect any share of the credit before the Chancellor!" Wang Ping led his troops ten li away from the hill and set up camp. He drew a map and sent it to Zhuge Liang by night, explaining that Ma Su had insisted on camping on the hill.
Meanwhile, Sima Yi was in his city. He ordered his second son, Sima Zhao, to scout ahead. If Jieting was defended, they were to halt their advance. Sima Zhao scouted the area and returned to report, "Jieting is guarded." Sima Yi sighed, "Zhuge Liang is truly a divine strategist. I am no match for him!" Sima Zhao laughed. "Father, why do you lose heart? I believe Jieting can be taken easily." Sima Yi asked, "How dare you speak so boldly?" Sima Zhao replied, "I saw with my own eyes that there is no camp or palisade on the main road. The troops are all stationed on the hill. That is why I know we can break them." Sima Yi was overjoyed. "If the troops are indeed on the hill, then Heaven has granted me success!" He changed into plain clothes and led a hundred cavalry to inspect the area personally. That night, the sky was clear and the moon bright. He rode to the foot of the hill, circled it to scout, and then returned. From the hilltop, Ma Su saw him and laughed. "If that man values his life, he won't dare to surround this hill!" He ordered his officers, "If the enemy comes, watch for the red flag on the summit. When it waves, charge down from all sides."
Back at his camp, Sima Yi sent men to find out which general was defending Jieting. The scouts reported, "It is Ma Su, the younger brother of Ma Liang." Sima Yi smiled. "He has a reputation but no real ability—a mediocrity! How could Zhuge Liang use such a man and not bring disaster upon himself?" He then asked, "Are there any other troops near Jieting?" The scouts reported, "Wang Ping has set up camp ten li from the hill." Sima Yi ordered Zhang He to lead a force to block Wang Ping's path. He also ordered Shen Dan and Shen Yi to surround the hill with two columns, first cutting off the water supply. When the Shu troops fell into chaos, they were to strike. The plans were set that night. At dawn the next day, Zhang He led his troops to the rear. Sima Yi then drove his main army forward, surrounding the hill on all sides. From the hilltop, Ma Su saw the Wei troops spreading across the mountains and plains, their banners and formations orderly and imposing. The Shu soldiers were terrified and dared not descend. Ma Su waved the red flag, but the officers and men pushed each other, none daring to move. Enraged, Ma Su personally executed two officers. The troops, now terrified, forced themselves to charge down the hill to attack the Wei army. The Wei ranks held firm, unmoving. The Shu troops retreated back up the hill. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Ma Su ordered his men to hold the camp gates tightly and await reinforcements from outside.
When Wang Ping saw the Wei army arrive, he led his troops to attack but encountered Zhang He. After several dozen clashes, Wang Ping, outnumbered and exhausted, was forced to retreat. The Wei army besieged the hill from the hour of the Dragon (7-9 AM) to the hour of the Dog (7-9 PM). On the hill, there was no water, and the troops had no food. The camp fell into chaos. By midnight, the Shu soldiers on the southern slope opened their camp gates and descended to surrender to Wei. Ma Su could not stop them. Sima Yi then ordered fires to be set along the hillside, and the Shu troops on the hill grew even more disordered. Ma Su, knowing he could no longer hold out, led his remaining troops in a desperate charge down the western slope to flee. Sima Yi opened a path and let Ma Su pass. Behind him, Zhang He gave chase. After pursuing for over thirty li, war drums and horns sounded ahead. A column of troops emerged, letting Ma Su through and blocking Zhang He. It was Wei Yan. Wei Yan swung his blade and charged straight at Zhang He. Zhang He turned his troops and fled. Wei Yan pursued, retaking Jieting. But after chasing for over fifty li, a great shout arose, and ambush troops sprang out from both sides—Sima Yi on the left, Sima Zhao on the right. They cut behind Wei Yan, trapping him in the center. Zhang He turned back, and the three Wei forces converged. Wei Yan charged left and right but could not break free, losing more than half his men. In the midst of his crisis, a force suddenly broke through—it was Wang Ping. Wei Yan rejoiced, "I am saved!" The two generals joined forces and fought fiercely, forcing the Wei troops to fall back. They then hurried back to their camp, only to find it filled with Wei banners. Shen Dan and Shen Yi emerged from the camp and attacked. Wang Ping and Wei Yan fled to Lie Liu Cheng, or Willow City, to join Gao Xiang. Gao Xiang, having learned of the loss of Jieting, had already mustered all his troops from Willow City to come to the rescue. He met Wei Yan and Wang Ping, who recounted the events. Gao Xiang said, "Let us attack the Wei camp tonight and retake Jieting."
The three men discussed their plan on the hillside. As dusk approached, they divided their forces into three columns. Wei Yan advanced first, reaching Jieting to find it empty. Suspicious, he did not dare advance recklessly but lay in ambush at the crossroads. Soon, Gao Xiang arrived, and the two wondered where the Wei troops had gone. Before they could figure it out, Wang Ping had not yet arrived. Suddenly, a cannon boomed, fires lit up the sky, and war drums shook the earth. Wei troops emerged from all sides, surrounding Wei Yan and Gao Xiang in the center. The two fought desperately but could not break free. Then, a thunderous shout came from behind the hill, and a force charged in—it was Wang Ping. He rescued Gao Xiang and Wei Yan, and the three fled toward Willow City. But as they reached the city walls, another force emerged, its banners bearing the words "Wei Commander Guo Huai." It turned out that Guo Huai had discussed with Cao Zhen, fearing that Sima Yi would claim all the glory, and had been sent to take Jieting. Learning that Sima Yi and Zhang He had already succeeded, Guo Huai had come to attack Willow City. He met the three Shu generals and a fierce battle ensued. Many Shu soldiers were wounded. Fearing that Yangping Pass might be lost, Wei Yan hurried with Wang Ping and Gao Xiang toward Yangping Pass.
Guo Huai regrouped his troops and said to his officers, "Though I did not take Jieting, I have captured Willow City—a great achievement." He led his troops to the city gate and called for it to be opened. Suddenly, a cannon boomed from the city wall, banners rose, and at the head was a large flag reading "Pingxi Commander Sima Yi." Sima Yi leaned over the railing of the suspended platform and laughed. "Guo Boji, why are you so late?" Guo Huai was startled. "Sima Yi's divine plans are beyond my reach!" He entered the city. After their meeting, Sima Yi said, "Now that Jieting is lost, Zhuge Liang will surely retreat. You must pursue him day and night with Cao Zhen." Guo Huai agreed and left the city. Sima Yi summoned Zhang He and said, "Cao Zhen and Guo Huai feared that I would claim all the glory, so they came to take this city. I do not seek sole credit—I was merely fortunate. I expect that Wei Yan, Wang Ping, Ma Su, and Gao Xiang will first try to hold Yangping Pass. If I attack that pass, Zhuge Liang will strike from behind, and I will fall into his trap. The Art of War says: 'Do not attack a retreating army; do not pursue a cornered foe.' You will take a small path to cut off their retreat through the Ji Valley. I will personally block the Xie Valley route. If they flee, do not engage them directly—only intercept them midway. We can seize all of Shu's supplies." Zhang He received his orders and departed with half the army. Sima Yi then ordered a direct advance on the Xie Valley via Xicheng. "Though Xicheng is a remote mountain county, it is where Shu stores its grain and the junction of the three commanderies of Nan'an, Tianshui, and Anding. If we take this city, we can recover all three commanderies." So Sima Yi left Shen Dan and Shen Yi to guard Willow City and led his main army toward the Xie Valley.
Back at Mount Qi, Zhuge Liang had been uneasy since sending Ma Su to hold Jieting. Suddenly, a report arrived that Wang Ping had sent a map. Zhuge Liang summoned the messenger and examined the map on his desk. He slammed his hand down in shock. "Ma Su's ignorance has doomed our army!" His officers asked, "Why is the Chancellor so alarmed?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Looking at this map, I see that he has abandoned the vital road and set up camp on the hill. If the Wei army arrives in force and surrounds him, cutting off the water supply, within two days his troops will be in chaos. If Jieting is lost, where can we go?" The chief clerk Yang Yi stepped forward and said, "Though I am unworthy, I am willing to replace Ma Su." Zhuge Liang gave Yang Yi detailed instructions on how to set up the camp. Just as he was about to depart, a mounted messenger arrived and reported, "Jieting and Willow City are both lost!" Zhuge Liang stamped his foot and sighed deeply. "The great enterprise is lost! This is my fault!" He urgently summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them, "Each of you take three thousand elite troops and march along the small paths of Mount Wugong. If you encounter Wei troops, do not engage them heavily. Only make noise and raise a clamor to confuse them. They will retreat on their own. Do not pursue them. Once our army has fully withdrawn, head for Yangping Pass." He also ordered Zhang Yi to lead troops to repair the Sword Gate Pass for the retreat route. He secretly passed orders for the army to pack their gear quietly for departure. He ordered Ma Dai and Jiang Wei to form the rearguard, hiding in the mountain valleys. Only after all troops had withdrawn were they to fall back. He also sent trusted men to inform the officials and people of Tianshui, Nan'an, and Anding to evacuate to Hanzhong. Another agent was sent to Ji County to fetch Jiang Wei's elderly mother and bring her to Hanzhong.
With all arrangements made, Zhuge Liang led five thousand troops to retreat to Xicheng to transport grain supplies. Suddenly, a dozen urgent reports arrived in succession: "Sima Yi is leading a hundred and fifty thousand troops straight for Xicheng!" At that moment, Zhuge Liang had no senior generals with him—only a group of civil officials. Of the five thousand troops, half had already been sent ahead with the grain, leaving only twenty-five hundred men in the city. The officials turned pale with fear. Zhuge Liang ascended the city wall and saw the dust rising to the sky as the Wei army advanced in two columns toward Xicheng. He issued an order: "Hide all banners. Each soldier is to remain at his post. Anyone who moves about or speaks loudly will be executed. Open all four gates wide. At each gate, have twenty soldiers dressed as commoners sweeping the streets. When the Wei army arrives, do not move recklessly—I have a plan." Zhuge Liang then donned a crane-feather cloak and a silk headband. With two young attendants carrying a zither, he went to the tower above the city gate, sat down by the railing, lit incense, and began to play.
When Sima Yi's forward scouts reached the city and saw this scene, they dared not advance and urgently reported to Sima Yi. Sima Yi laughed in disbelief. He halted his army and rode forward to see for himself. There, on the city tower, sat Zhuge Liang, his face beaming with a smile, burning incense and playing the zither. On his left stood a young attendant holding a sword; on his right, another holding a fly-whisk. Inside and outside the city gates, about twenty commoners were sweeping the streets, heads bowed, as if no one else were there. After watching for a long time, Sima Yi grew deeply suspicious. He returned to his camp and ordered the rear guard to become the vanguard and the vanguard to become the rear, retreating toward the northern mountain road. His second son, Sima Zhao, asked, "Could it be that Zhuge Liang has no troops and is putting on this act? Why are you retreating, Father?" Sima Yi replied, "Zhuge Liang has always been cautious and never taken risks. Opening the city gates wide like this means there must be an ambush. If we advance, we will fall into his trap. You do not understand. We must retreat quickly." So both Wei columns withdrew. Seeing the Wei army retreat into the distance, Zhuge Liang clapped his hands and laughed. His officials were astonished and asked, "Sima Yi is a famous general of Wei, leading a hundred and fifty thousand elite troops. Why did he retreat at the sight of you, Chancellor?" Zhuge Liang replied, "He knows that I am cautious by nature and would never take risks. Seeing this scene, he suspected an ambush and retreated. I did not take a risk for the sake of it—I had no other choice. He will surely take the small northern mountain path. I have already ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to wait for him there." The officials were filled with awe. "The Chancellor's genius is beyond the reach of gods and ghosts. If it were us, we would have abandoned the city and fled." Zhuge Liang said, "I had only twenty-five hundred men. If I had abandoned the city and fled, I could not have escaped far. Would I not have been captured by Sima Yi?"
A poet of the time commemorated this moment: A zither of jade, a mere three feet long, proved mightier than a host of warriors. When Zhuge Liang drove back the enemy from Xicheng, fifteen thousand men turned their horses around. Even today, the locals point to that spot and wonder.
After speaking, Zhuge Liang clapped his hands and laughed again. "If I were Sima Yi, I would not have retreated so hastily." He then ordered the people of Xicheng to follow the army into Hanzhong, as Sima Yi would surely return. So Zhuge Liang left Xicheng and headed for Hanzhong. The officials and people of Tianshui, Anding, and Nan'an followed in succession.
Sima Yi, meanwhile, retreated along the small paths of Mount Wugong. Suddenly, shouts of battle and the thunder of drums erupted from behind the hillside. Sima Yi said to his sons, "If I had not retreated, I would surely have fallen into Zhuge Liang's trap." A force emerged on the main road, its banner reading "Right Guardian General, Tiger Wing General Zhang Bao." The Wei troops threw down their armor and weapons and fled. Before they had gone far, more shouts and drums echoed from the mountain valleys. Ahead, another banner read "Left Guardian General, Dragon Soaring General Guan Xing." The valleys rang with the sound, and the Wei troops, unable to gauge the Shu numbers and already suspicious, dared not linger. They abandoned all their supplies and fled. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, following orders, did not pursue but gathered the abandoned weapons and grain before returning. Seeing Shu troops in the valleys, Sima Yi dared not take the main road and returned to Jieting.
When Cao Zhen learned of Zhuge Liang's retreat, he led his troops in pursuit. But a cannon boomed from behind the hills, and Shu troops poured out across the mountains and plains. At their head were Jiang Wei and Ma Dai. Cao Zhen was horrified. As he hastily retreated, his vanguard Chen Zao was cut down by Ma Dai. Cao Zhen fled like a rat. The Shu army withdrew to Hanzhong that night. Meanwhile, Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi were lying in ambush in the Ji Valley. When Zhao Yun received the order to retreat, he said to Deng Zhi, "The Wei army will surely pursue us when they learn of our withdrawal. I will lead a force to ambush them from the rear. You lead your troops, carrying my banner, and retreat slowly. I will ensure your safe passage step by step."
Guo Huai led his troops back into the Ji Valley. He summoned his vanguard Su Yong and instructed him, "The Shu general Zhao Yun is unmatched in bravery. Be on your guard. If they retreat, there will surely be a trap." Su Yong replied cheerfully, "If you support me, Commander, I will capture Zhao Yun alive." He led three thousand men into the Ji Valley. They soon caught up with the Shu rear guard. Suddenly, from behind a hillside, a red banner with white characters emerged, reading "Zhao Yun." Su Yong hastily ordered a retreat. But before they had gone a few li, a great shout arose, and a force burst forth. At its head, a general leveled his spear and shouted, "Do you recognize Zhao Zilong?" Su Yong was stunned. "How can Zhao Yun be here again?" Before he could react, Zhao Yun's spear pierced him, and he fell dead from his horse. The remaining troops scattered. Zhao Yun advanced slowly, but another force approached from behind—it was Wan Zheng, an officer under Guo Huai. Seeing the Wei pursuers closing in, Zhao Yun reined in his horse, leveled his spear, and stood in the middle of the road, waiting for the enemy to engage. The Shu troops had already retreated over thirty li. Wan Zheng recognized Zhao Yun and dared not advance. Zhao Yun waited until dusk before slowly turning his horse and moving on. When Guo Huai arrived with reinforcements, Wan Zheng reported that Zhao Yun was as fierce as ever and they dared not approach. Guo Huai ordered a swift pursuit. Wan Zheng led several hundred cavalry in pursuit. They reached a large forest when suddenly a thunderous shout came from behind: "Zhao Zilong is here!" The Wei soldiers were so startled that over a hundred fell from their horses, while the rest fled over the hills. Wan Zheng forced himself to fight, but Zhao Yun shot an arrow that struck his helmet crest. Terrified, Wan Zheng fell into a mountain stream. Zhao Yun pointed his spear at him and said, "I spare your life! Go back and tell Guo Huai to come quickly!" Wan Zheng fled back. Zhao Yun then escorted the supply wagons and troops safely to Hanzhong, losing nothing along the way. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai reclaimed the three commanderies and claimed the credit for themselves.
Sima Yi divided his forces and advanced. By then, all Shu troops had withdrawn to Hanzhong. Sima Yi led a force back to Xicheng. He questioned the remaining residents and those who had hidden in the mountains. They all said that Zhuge Liang had only twenty-five hundred troops in the city, no generals, only a few civil officials, and no ambush. The people of Mount Wugong reported, "Guan Xing and Zhang Bao each had only three thousand men. They circled the mountains, shouting and making noise to frighten the pursuers. There were no other troops, and they dared not engage in battle." Sima Yi regretted his decision deeply. He looked up to the heavens and sighed, "I am no match for Zhuge Liang!" He then pacified the local officials and people and led his army back to Chang'an to meet the Wei Emperor. Cao Rui said, "Today, we have recovered the Longxi commanderies—all thanks to your merit." Sima Yi replied, "The Shu army is now in Hanzhong, not yet destroyed. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a large army to conquer Shu and repay your grace." Cao Rui was delighted and ordered Sima Yi to raise an army immediately. Just then, an official stepped forward from the court and said, "I have a plan that can subdue Shu and bring Wu to its knees." Truly: The generals and ministers of Shu had just returned to their kingdom, While the lords and subjects of Wei once more plotted their schemes.
Who was this official offering the plan? Read the next chapter to find out.