Now, Sima Yi addressed the Wei Emperor Cao Rui, saying, "Your servant has previously reported to Your Majesty, stating that Zhuge Liang would surely attack Chencang. That is why I recommended Hao Zhao to defend it. Now, as predicted, he has come. If he can invade through Chencang, his grain supply will be greatly facilitated. Fortunately, Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang are holding the city, preventing him from using this route. The other paths are too rugged and treacherous for easy transport. I calculate that the Shu army has only one month's worth of food. Their advantage lies in a swift, decisive battle. Our strategy should be a prolonged defense. Your Majesty should issue an edict commanding Cao Zhen to hold all strategic passes and not to engage the enemy. Within a month, the Shu army will be forced to retreat. Then, we can strike them while they are vulnerable, and Zhuge Liang will be captured." Cao Rui was pleased and said, "Since you have such foresight, why not lead an army yourself to strike them?" Sima Yi replied, "It is not that I value my own life, but I wish to preserve this army to guard against Lu Xun of Eastern Wu. Sooner or later, Sun Quan will declare himself emperor. If he does, fearing Your Majesty will punish him, he will certainly invade first. I wish to keep the army ready to counter him." As he spoke, a courtier reported, "General-in-Chief Cao Zhen has sent a military dispatch." Sima Yi said, "Your Majesty should immediately send someone to warn Cao Zhen: whenever he pursues the Shu army, he must first discern their true situation. He must not advance deep into their territory, lest he fall into Zhuge Liang's trap." Cao Rui immediately issued an edict and sent the Grand Master of Ceremonies, Han Ji, bearing the imperial token to warn Cao Zhen: "Do not engage in battle under any circumstances. Your sole duty is to hold your positions. Only when the Shu army retreats should you attack them." Sima Yi escorted Han Ji out of the city and instructed him, "I am ceding this merit to Zidan (Cao Zhen's style name). When you see him, do not tell him this was my idea. Just say the Emperor has decreed a policy of cautious defense. Those who pursue the enemy must be extremely careful; do not send men who are impulsive or hot-headed." Han Ji took his leave and departed.
Now, Cao Zhen was in his tent holding a council of war when a messenger announced that the Emperor had sent Han Ji with the imperial edict. Cao Zhen came out of his camp to receive him. After receiving the edict, Cao Zhen withdrew and discussed it with Guo Huai and Sun Li. Guo Huai smiled and said, "This is Sima Yi's advice." Cao Zhen asked, "What do you think of this advice?" Guo Huai replied, "It shows a deep understanding of Zhuge Liang's methods. In the future, the man who can truly counter the Shu army will be Sima Yi." Cao Zhen said, "But what if the Shu army does not retreat?" Guo Huai answered, "We can secretly order Wang Shuang to lead his troops on patrol along the smaller roads. That will prevent them from transporting grain. When their food runs out and they retreat, we can pursue them and win a complete victory." Sun Li then proposed, "Let me go to Qishan and pretend to be a grain convoy. The carts will be filled with dry firewood and straw, soaked in sulfur and saltpeter. We will spread a false report that grain has arrived from Longxi. If the Shu army is short of food, they will certainly come to seize it. When they are inside the convoy, we will set the carts on fire, and our ambush forces will attack from outside. Victory will be ours." Cao Zhen was delighted and said, "An excellent plan!" He immediately ordered Sun Li to carry out the plan. He also sent orders for Wang Shuang to patrol the smaller roads, and for Guo Huai to take command of the defenses at Jigu and Jieting. All army units were ordered to hold the strategic points. Cao Zhen also appointed Zhang Hu, the son of the late Zhang Liao, as vanguard commander, and Yue Chen, the son of Yue Jin, as his deputy. They were to hold the main camp and were forbidden to engage the enemy.
Meanwhile, in his camp at Qishan, Zhuge Liang was sending out daily challenges, but the Wei army held their positions and refused to fight. Zhuge Liang summoned Jiang Wei and others for a council. "The Wei army will not engage," he said, "because they know our army is short of food. With Chencang blocking our supply route, and the other paths being too difficult, I calculate we have less than a month's provisions. What are we to do?" As he was pondering, a scout reported, "A Wei grain convoy of several thousand carts has arrived west of Qishan. The officer in charge is Sun Li." Zhuge Liang asked, "What kind of man is this Sun Li?" Someone from Wei who had defected replied, "He once accompanied the Wei Emperor on a hunt at Mount Dashi. A tiger suddenly sprang out and charged the imperial carriage. Sun Li dismounted, drew his sword, and slew it. For this, he was made a general. He is one of Cao Zhen's most trusted men." Zhuge Liang laughed and said, "This is a Wei plan, devised because they think we are starving. Those carts are surely loaded with kindling and tinder. I have made my name with fire attacks; do they think they can trap me with the same trick? If they think we will go to seize their grain carts, they will certainly try to raid our camp. We will turn their own strategy against them." He then summoned Ma Dai and instructed him, "Take three thousand men and go straight to where the Wei army has stored its grain. Do not enter their camp. Instead, set fire from the upwind side. When the carts are ablaze, the Wei army will try to surround our camp." He then ordered Ma Zhong and Zhang Yi to each take five thousand men and encircle the Wei forces, trapping them in a pincer movement. The three officers received their orders and departed. Next, he summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. "The Wei main camp is connected to all the roads in the area," he said. "Tonight, when they see the fire on the western hills, they will come to raid our camp. You two will lie in ambush on either side of their camp. When they march out, you will seize it." Finally, he ordered Wu Ban and Wu Yi, "Each of you will take a force and hide outside our camp. When the Wei army arrives, cut off their retreat." Having given his orders, Zhuge Liang went to a high point on Qishan Mountain to observe the battle.
When Wei scouts learned that the Shu army was planning to seize their grain, they rushed to inform Sun Li. Sun Li sent a fast rider to report to Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen sent word to the main camp, instructing Zhang Hu and Yue Chen: "Watch for the fire on the western hills tonight. When it starts, the Shu army will come to rescue their camp. You will then attack. Do exactly as planned." The two generals received their orders and posted lookouts on the watchtower to watch for the signal fire. Sun Li, meanwhile, had his troops in ambush on the western hills, waiting for the Shu army to arrive. At the second watch that night, Ma Dai led his three thousand men, with their men gagged and horses muzzled, straight to the western hills. There they saw a great number of carts, piled high and arranged in a makeshift camp, with banners planted on them. A southwest wind was blowing. Ma Dai ordered his men to set fire to the southern side of the camp. The carts burst into flames, and the fire rose to the sky. Sun Li, thinking the Shu army had set the signal fire inside his camp, led his entire force in a charge. But then, war drums and battle cries erupted from behind him, and two columns of troops came rushing in. It was Ma Zhong and Zhang Yi, who had encircled the Wei army. Sun Li was terrified. Then, from within the Wei ranks, more shouting arose, and a squad of soldiers charged out from the flames. It was Ma Dai. Attacked from both inside and out, the Wei army was routed. The wind fanned the flames, and men and horses stampeded in chaos, with countless numbers trampled to death. Sun Li, wounded, led his surviving men through the smoke and fire to escape.
Zhang Hu, seeing the fire from his camp, threw open the gates and led his entire force, along with Yue Chen, in a charge against the Shu camp. But when they arrived, the camp was completely empty. As they hurried to withdraw, Wu Ban and Wu Yi attacked from two sides, cutting off their retreat. Zhang Hu and Yue Chen fought desperately to break out of the encirclement and fled back to their own camp. But when they arrived, they found the walls covered with a hail of arrows. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had already seized their camp. The Wei army was utterly defeated, and the survivors all fled to Cao Zhen's camp. Just as they were about to enter, they saw another routed column rushing towards them—it was Sun Li. They all entered the camp together and reported to Cao Zhen, each recounting how they had fallen into the enemy's trap. Hearing this, Cao Zhen ordered the main camp to be heavily fortified, and he refused to give battle again.
The victorious Shu army returned to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang secretly sent orders to Wei Yan, and then gave the command to break camp and prepare to withdraw. Yang Yi objected, "We have just won a great victory and crushed the Wei army's spirit. Why are you suddenly ordering a retreat?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Our army has no food. Our advantage lies in a swift, decisive battle. Now that they refuse to engage, we are at a disadvantage. Although they have suffered a temporary defeat, the Central Plains will surely send reinforcements. If they send light cavalry to attack our supply lines, we will be trapped and unable to return. Now that the Wei army has just been defeated and is too afraid to face us, we can seize this opportunity to withdraw, catching them off guard. My only concern is for Wei Yan's force, which is holding the road at Chencang against Wang Shuang and cannot easily disengage. I have already sent him a secret plan to kill Wang Shuang, so that the Wei forces will not dare to pursue us. Let the rear guard move out first." That night, Zhuge Liang left only the drums and gongs in the camp, with a few men to sound the watches. By the time the night was over, the entire army had withdrawn, leaving only an empty camp.
Now, Cao Zhen was sitting in his camp, dejected, when a messenger announced that General of the Left Zhang He had arrived with his army. Zhang He dismounted, entered the tent, and said to Cao Zhen, "I have received the Emperor's decree and have come to place myself under your command." Cao Zhen asked, "Did you take leave of Sima Yi?" Zhang He replied, "Sima Yi instructed me, saying, 'If our army wins, the Shu army will not leave quickly. But if our army loses, they will leave immediately.' After our defeat, have you sent scouts to check on the Shu army's movements, Commander?" Cao Zhen said, "Not yet." He then immediately sent men to investigate. They found the camp completely empty, with only a few dozen banners left standing. The army had already been gone for two days. Cao Zhen's regret was immeasurable.
Meanwhile, Wei Yan had received his secret orders. At the second watch that night, he broke camp and hurried back toward Hanzhong. A spy quickly informed Wang Shuang. Wang Shuang drove his army forward in hot pursuit. After chasing for over twenty li, they were about to catch up. Seeing Wei Yan's banner ahead, Wang Shuang shouted, "Wei Yan, do not flee!" The Shu soldiers did not even turn their heads. Wang Shuang spurred his horse and gave chase. But then, his own soldiers behind him shouted, "A fire has started in the camp outside the city! We may be falling into an enemy trap!" Wang Shuang reined in his horse and turned back, only to see a great blaze leaping into the sky. He hastily ordered a retreat. As his men moved back, they reached the side of a slope. Suddenly, a single rider burst out from the forest and roared, "Wei Yan is here!" Wang Shuang was startled. Before he could react, Wei Yan's blade flashed down, cleaving him from his horse. Fearing an ambush, the Wei soldiers scattered in all directions. Wei Yan, with only thirty riders, slowly made his way toward Hanzhong. A poet of later times commemorated this event, writing: "Zhuge Liang's brilliant schemes surpassed those of Sun Bin and Pang Juan. His spirit shone like a long star, illuminating the land. His advances and retreats were so mysterious that no one could predict them. At the pass of Chencang, he had Wang Shuang slain."
The truth was that Wei Yan had received a secret plan from Zhuge Liang: he was to hide thirty riders near Wang Shuang's camp. When Wang Shuang set out in pursuit, they were to set fire to his camp. When Wang Shuang turned back, they were to strike him down by surprise. After killing Wang Shuang, Wei Yan led his men back to Hanzhong, reported to Zhuge Liang, and handed over his troops. Zhuge Liang held a grand feast to celebrate, but that is a story for another time.
Zhang He, having failed to catch the retreating Shu army, returned to his camp. A messenger from Hao Zhao in Chencang soon arrived to report that Wang Shuang had been killed. When Cao Zhen heard this, he was overcome with grief. The sorrow made him ill, and he was forced to return to Jiyang to recover. He ordered Guo Huai, Sun Li, and Zhang He to guard the various roads around Chang'an.
Now, the King of Wu, Sun Quan, was holding court when a spy reported, "The Shu Chancellor Zhuge Liang has launched two campaigns. The Wei Commander Cao Zhen has lost many men and generals." At this, many of his ministers urged Sun Quan to raise an army and attack Wei, to seize the Central Plains. Sun Quan hesitated. Zhang Zhao then memorialized, "I have heard that a phoenix has appeared on Mount Dongshan near Wuchang, and a golden dragon has been seen several times in the Great River. Your virtue rivals that of the sage-kings Yao and Shun, and your wisdom matches that of Kings Wen and Wu. You should ascend the throne as Emperor, and then raise the army." The assembled officials all agreed, saying, "Lord Zibu (Zhang Zhao's style name) is right." They selected the day of the Bingyin month in early summer, and built an altar on the southern outskirts of Wuchang. On that day, the officials invited Sun Quan to ascend the altar and assume the imperial title. He changed the era name from Huangwu 8 to Huanglong 1. He posthumously honored his father, Sun Jian, as Emperor Wulie, his mother, Lady Wu, as Empress Wulie, and his elder brother, Sun Ce, as Prince Huan of Changsha. He appointed his son, Sun Deng, as Crown Prince. He named Zhuge Jin's eldest son, Zhuge Ke, as the Crown Prince's Left Supporter, and Zhang Zhao's second son, Zhang Ti, as the Crown Prince's Right Tutor.
Zhuge Ke, whose style name was Yuanxun, was seven feet tall, extremely intelligent, and an excellent conversationalist. Sun Quan was very fond of him. When he was six years old, during a banquet at the Wu court, he was sitting with his father. Sun Quan noticed that Zhuge Jin had a long face, so he ordered a donkey to be brought in and wrote on its face with chalk: "Zhuge Ziyu" (Zhuge Jin's style name). Everyone laughed. Zhuge Ke walked up to the donkey, took the chalk, and added two characters underneath, making it read: "Zhuge Ziyu's Donkey." The entire gathering was astonished. Sun Quan was delighted and gave him the donkey. Another time, during a grand banquet for his officials, Sun Quan ordered Zhuge Ke to serve the wine. When he came to Zhang Zhao, Zhang Zhao refused to drink, saying, "This is not the proper way to treat an elder." Sun Quan said to Zhuge Ke, "Can you make Zibu drink?" Zhuge Ke accepted the challenge and said to Zhang Zhao, "In ancient times, Jiang Shang, at the age of ninety, still held the battle-axe and commanded the army, and never once spoke of being old. Now, on the day of battle, you are always at the rear; but on the day of feasting, you are always at the front. How can you say that you are not being treated with respect for the aged?" Zhang Zhao had no answer and was forced to drink. Because of this, Sun Quan loved him and appointed him to assist the Crown Prince. Zhang Zhao, as the chief advisor to the King of Wu, held a rank above the Three Excellencies, so his son Zhang Ti was made the Crown Prince's Right Tutor. Sun Quan also appointed Gu Yong as Chancellor, and Lu Xun as Grand General, to assist the Crown Prince in guarding Wuchang.
Sun Quan then returned to Jianye. His ministers gathered to discuss plans for attacking Wei. Zhang Zhao memorialized, "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne. It is not yet time to move the army. You should focus on civil affairs, reduce military activities, establish more schools, and pacify the people. Send an envoy to Shu to form an alliance, agreeing to divide the realm between you. Then, we can proceed slowly." Sun Quan agreed and immediately sent an envoy to travel day and night to Shu to see the Later Emperor. After the formalities, the envoy presented his proposal. The Later Emperor, Liu Shan, consulted his ministers. Most of them argued that Sun Quan was a usurper and that the alliance should be broken. Jiang Wan said, "We should ask the Chancellor for his opinion." The Later Emperor then sent a messenger to Hanzhong to consult Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang replied, "Send someone with gifts to Wu to congratulate them. Request that Lu Xun lead an army to attack Wei. Wei will have no choice but to send Sima Yi to oppose him. While Sima Yi is occupied in the south against Wu, I will advance again from Qishan, and Chang'an will be ours." The Later Emperor followed this advice and sent Grand Commandant Chen Zhen with famous horses, jade belts, gold, pearls, and other treasures to Wu to offer congratulations.
Chen Zhen arrived in Wu, presented the state letter to Sun Quan, who was overjoyed. He held a banquet in his honor and then sent him back to Shu. Sun Quan summoned Lu Xun and told him of the alliance with Shu and the plan to attack Wei. Lu Xun said, "This is Zhuge Liang's way of dealing with his fear of Sima Yi. Since we are allied, we cannot refuse. For now, we will create the appearance of raising an army to coordinate with Shu from afar. When Zhuge Liang's attack on Wei becomes critical, we can seize the opportunity to take the Central Plains." He immediately ordered the forces in Jingzhou and Xiangyang to begin training and to select a day to launch the campaign.
When Chen Zhen returned to Hanzhong and reported to Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor was still worried about the difficulty of taking Chencang. He first sent scouts to investigate. They returned and reported, "Hao Zhao, the defender of Chencang, is gravely ill." Zhuge Liang said, "The great task is now within reach." He summoned Wei Yan and Jiang Wei and instructed them, "You two will take five thousand men and march day and night to Chencang. When you see the signal fire, attack the city with all your might." The two generals were not entirely convinced and asked, "When should we set out?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Be ready in three days. You need not take your leave of me; just go." The two received their orders and departed. He then summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and whispered instructions into their ears. Each received their secret orders and left.
Now, when Guo Huai heard that Hao Zhao was gravely ill, he discussed the matter with Zhang He. "Hao Zhao is dangerously ill," he said. "You must go and relieve him immediately. I will write a memorial to the court and await further instructions." Zhang He took three thousand men and rushed to replace Hao Zhao. At that time, Hao Zhao was at death's door. That very night, as he lay groaning in pain, a report came that the Shu army had arrived at the city walls. Hao Zhao urgently ordered his men to the walls to defend. Then, fires broke out at every gate, and chaos erupted within the city. The shock killed Hao Zhao. The Shu army swarmed into the city.
Meanwhile, when Wei Yan and Jiang Wei arrived at Chencang, they saw no banners flying and heard no watchmen. They were astonished and hesitant to attack. Suddenly, a cannon shot rang out from the city wall, and banners were raised on all sides. A single figure appeared on the wall, wearing a silk headband and a feathered fan, a crane-feather cloak over a Daoist robe. He shouted down, "You two are too late!" The two generals looked up and saw it was Zhuge Liang. They hastily dismounted and prostrated themselves, saying, "Your plans are truly divine, Chancellor!" Zhuge Liang ordered the gates opened and let them in. He said to them, "I learned that Hao Zhao was gravely ill. I ordered you to take the city in three days to reassure the troops. Meanwhile, I had Guan Xing and Zhang Bao pretend to be mustering troops while secretly slipping out of Hanzhong. I hid myself in their army and marched double-time to the city, arriving before you could mobilize. I had my agents inside the city start fires and raise a clamor, throwing the Wei soldiers into confusion. Without their commander, they were doomed to chaos. Taking the city was as easy as turning over my hand. The Art of War says, 'Strike where the enemy is unprepared; appear where you are least expected.' This is a perfect example." Wei Yan and Jiang Wei prostrated themselves in admiration. Out of respect for Hao Zhao's loyalty, Zhuge Liang allowed his family to escort his coffin back to Wei.
Zhuge Liang then said to Wei Yan and Jiang Wei, "Do not disarm yourselves yet. Lead your men to attack the San Pass. When the defenders see you coming, they will panic and flee. If you delay, Wei reinforcements will arrive, and the pass will become difficult to take." The two generals took their orders and marched directly to the San Pass. As predicted, the defenders all fled. Just as they were about to dismount and rest on the pass, they saw a great cloud of dust rising in the distance. Wei troops were approaching. The two men looked at each other and said, "The Chancellor's calculations are unfathomable!" They hurried to the tower and saw that the approaching force was led by Zhang He. They immediately deployed their men to hold the strategic points. Seeing the Shu army in control of the pass, Zhang He ordered a retreat. Wei Yan pursued and killed countless Wei soldiers, routing Zhang He's army. Wei Yan then returned to the pass and sent word to Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang himself led the main army out through the Xie Valley from Chencang and captured Jianwei. The rest of the Shu army followed in succession. The Later Emperor also sent the general Chen Shi to assist. Zhuge Liang drove his army back to Qishan and set up camp. He gathered his officers and said, "My previous two campaigns from Qishan were not successful. Now that I am here again, I believe the Wei forces will try to engage us on the same ground as before. They will expect me to attack Yong and Mei, and will send troops to defend them. I have observed that the two commanderies of Yinping and Wudu border Han territory. If we can take them, we can divide the Wei forces. Who will volunteer to take them?" Jiang Wei immediately stepped forward, saying, "I am willing to go." Wang Ping also volunteered, saying, "I too am willing." Zhuge Liang was delighted and ordered Jiang Wei to take ten thousand men to attack Wudu, and Wang Ping to take ten thousand men to attack Yinping. The two generals departed.
When Zhang He returned to Chang'an, he reported to Guo Huai and Sun Li, "Chencang has fallen. Hao Zhao is dead. The San Pass has also been taken by the Shu army. Now, Zhuge Liang has emerged from Qishan again and is advancing on multiple fronts." Guo Huai was alarmed. "If this is true," he said, "he will surely take Yong and Mei!" He left Zhang He to defend Chang'an and ordered Sun Li to protect Yongcheng. Guo Huai himself led his troops day and night to defend Meicheng, while also sending a memorial to Luoyang to request reinforcements.
Now, when the Wei Emperor Cao Rui was holding court, a courtier reported, "Chencang has fallen. Hao Zhao is dead. Zhuge Liang has emerged from Qishan again, and the San Pass has also been taken by the Shu army." Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. Then, another memorial arrived from Man Chong and others, saying, "Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has usurped the imperial title and formed an alliance with Shu. He has sent Lu Xun to train troops at Wuchang, awaiting orders. They are expected to invade at any moment." Hearing of the crisis on two fronts, Cao Rui was at a loss and panic-stricken. As Cao Zhen was still ill, he summoned Sima Yi for a council. Sima Yi memorialized, "In my humble opinion, Eastern Wu will not raise an army." Cao Rui asked, "How do you know this?" Sima Yi replied, "Zhuge Liang has always wanted to avenge the defeat at Yiling. It is not that he does not wish to swallow Wu, but he fears that the Central Plains will attack him while he is vulnerable. That is why he has formed a temporary alliance with Wu. Lu Xun also knows this, so he is merely feigning a military build-up to coordinate with Shu. In reality, he is waiting to see who will win. Your Majesty need not worry about Wu; you need only defend against Shu." Cao Rui said, "Your insight is truly profound!" He then appointed Sima Yi as Grand Commander, with supreme authority over all military forces in the Longxi region. He ordered a courtier to fetch Cao Zhen's commander's seal. Sima Yi said, "I will go and get it myself."
He took his leave of the Emperor and went straight to Cao Zhen's residence. He first sent someone in to announce his arrival, and then entered. After inquiring about Cao Zhen's illness, Sima Yi said, "Eastern Wu and Western Shu are joining forces to invade. Zhuge Liang has now emerged from Qishan and set up camp. Are you aware of this, my lord?" Cao Zhen was startled and said, "My family knows I am gravely ill and have not told me. With the realm in such danger, why have you not been appointed Grand Commander to drive back the Shu army?" Sima Yi replied, "My talents are shallow. I am not worthy of such a position." Cao Zhen said, "Take my seal and assume command." Sima Yi said, "Do not worry, Commander. I am willing to lend a hand, but I dare not accept the seal." Cao Zhen leaped up and said, "If you do not take this responsibility, the Central Plains is doomed! I will go to the Emperor myself, even though I am ill, to recommend you!" Sima Yi said, "The Emperor has already issued the decree, but I dared not accept it." Cao Zhen was overjoyed. "Now that you are taking this command," he said, "you will surely defeat the Shu army." Seeing Cao Zhen insist on surrendering the seal, Sima Yi finally accepted it. He then went to the palace to take his leave of the Emperor and led his army toward Chang'an to engage Zhuge Liang in a decisive battle.
Truly, "The old commander's seal was taken by the new commander; the two armies were now but one."
Whether the outcome would be victory or defeat, let us wait for the next chapter to reveal.