As Sima Zhao heard that Zhuge Dan had joined forces with Wu troops for a decisive battle, he summoned Pei Xiu, a Gentleman Attendant, and Zhong Hui, a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, to discuss how to break the enemy. Zhong Hui said, “The Wu forces are aiding Zhuge Dan purely for gain. If we tempt them with profit, victory will be ours.” Sima Zhao agreed and ordered Shi Bao and Zhou Tai to lead two armies into ambush at Stone City, with Wang Ji and Chen Qian commanding elite troops behind them. He then ordered the lieutenant general Cheng Cui to lead tens of thousands of men to feign an attack, while Chen Jun was instructed to gather carts, oxen, horses, donkeys, and mules loaded with rewards for the troops, scattering them across the battlefield. If the enemy approached, they were to abandon these goods.
That day, Zhuge Dan ordered the Wu general Zhu Yi to position on his left and Wen Qin on his right. Seeing the Wei ranks disorganized, Zhuge Dan drove his forces forward in a massive charge. Cheng Cui feigned a retreat, and Zhuge Dan pursued, slaughtering as he went. When he saw oxen, horses, donkeys, and mules scattered across the fields, the southern troops scrambled to seize them, losing all will to fight. Suddenly, a cannon blast rang out, and two armies attacked from both sides—Shi Bao on the left, Zhou Tai on the right. Zhuge Dan was horrified and tried to retreat, but Wang Ji and Chen Qian’s elite troops arrived. Zhuge Dan’s army was utterly routed. Sima Zhao then led reinforcements. Zhuge Dan fled with his defeated troops into Shouchun, closing the gates for a determined defense. Sima Zhao ordered his forces to surround the city on all sides and press the attack.
Meanwhile, the Wu forces retreated to Anfeng, and the Wei emperor’s carriage halted at Xiangcheng. Zhong Hui said, “Although Zhuge Dan has been defeated, Shouchun still has plenty of grain and supplies. Moreover, the Wu troops are stationed at Anfeng, forming a pincer with the city. If we besiege them on all sides, they will hold firm if we are slow, but fight to the death if we press hard. The Wu forces might seize the opportunity to attack us from both sides—this will do us no good. Instead, we should besiege three sides, leaving the southern gate open as a road for the enemy to flee. When they try to escape, we can strike and achieve total victory. The Wu troops have come from afar; their grain supplies will not last. If I lead light cavalry to cut off their rear, they can be broken without a battle.” Sima Zhao patted Zhong Hui on the back and said, “You are truly my Zifang!” He then ordered Wang Ji to withdraw the troops from the southern gate.
Now, the Wu forces were camped at Anfeng. Sun Chen summoned Zhu Yi and rebuked him, saying, “You cannot even save a single city like Shouchun—how can we hope to conquer the Central Plains? If you fail again, you will be executed!” Zhu Yi returned to his camp to discuss the matter. Yu Quan said, “The southern gate of Shouchun is not besieged. I wish to lead a force through that gate to aid Zhuge Dan in defending the city. General, you challenge the Wei troops to battle, and I will sally forth from the city—attacking from both sides, we can break the Wei army.” Zhu Yi agreed. Quan Yi, Quan Duan, Wen Qin, and others all volunteered to enter the city. Together with Yu Quan, they led ten thousand troops through the southern gate into Shouchun. The Wei troops, lacking orders, dared not engage rashly and allowed the Wu forces to enter, reporting the matter to Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao said, “This is an attempt to coordinate with Zhu Yi in a pincer attack to break our army.” He summoned Wang Ji and Chen Qian and instructed them, “You will lead five thousand troops to cut off Zhu Yi’s route and attack him from behind.” The two men took their orders and departed. Zhu Yi was leading his troops forward when suddenly shouts erupted from behind—Wang Ji on the left, Chen Qian on the right, both armies attacking. The Wu forces were utterly defeated. Zhu Yi returned to see Sun Chen, who raged, “A general who suffers repeated defeats—what use are you?” He ordered his guards to drag Zhu Yi out and behead him. He then rebuked Quan Yi, the son of Quan Duan, saying, “If you cannot drive back the Wei troops, do not come to see me again, you or your father!” With that, Sun Chen returned to Jianye.
Zhong Hui said to Sima Zhao, “Now that Sun Chen has withdrawn, there are no outside reinforcements. The city can be besieged.” Sima Zhao agreed and urged his troops to press the siege. Quan Yi led his forces, intending to enter Shouchun, but seeing the overwhelming power of the Wei army and finding no path forward or back, he surrendered to Sima Zhao. Sima Zhao appointed him as a Lieutenant General. Grateful for Sima Zhao’s kindness, Quan Yi wrote a letter to his father, Quan Duan, and his uncle, Quan Yi, stating that Sun Chen was unworthy and that it would be better to surrender to Wei. He shot the letter into the city with an arrow. Quan Yi received the letter and, together with Quan Duan, led several thousand men to open the gates and surrender. Zhuge Dan, feeling anxious and depressed in the city, was approached by his strategists Jiang Ban and Jiao Yi, who advised, “The city has little grain but many soldiers; we cannot hold out long. Let us lead the Wu and Chu troops in a decisive battle against the Wei army.” Zhuge Dan raged, “I want to defend, but you want to fight—are you plotting against me? Speak again, and you will die!” The two men looked up to heaven and sighed, “Zhuge Dan is doomed! We had better surrender early to avoid death.” That night, during the second watch, Jiang Ban and Jiao Yi scaled the wall and surrendered to Wei. Sima Zhao gave them important posts. As a result, even the bravest soldiers in the city dared not speak of fighting.
Inside the city, Zhuge Dan saw the Wei troops building earthen ramparts on all sides to block the Huai River. He hoped the river would flood, washing away the ramparts, so he could drive his troops to attack. But from autumn to winter, there was no rain, and the Huai River did not flood. As grain in the city began to run out, Wen Qin, holding the inner city with his two sons, saw the soldiers growing weak from hunger. He went to Zhuge Dan and said, “The grain is completely exhausted, and the soldiers are starving. It would be better to release all the northern troops from the city to save on food.” Zhuge Dan flew into a rage and shouted, “You want me to get rid of all the northern troops—are you plotting against me?” He ordered his guards to drag Wen Qin out and behead him. Wen Yang and Wen Hu, seeing their father killed, drew their short swords, killed several dozen men in an instant, leaped onto the city wall, vaulted down, crossed the moat, and fled to the Wei camp to surrender. Sima Zhao, remembering the grudge of Wen Yang’s single-handed retreat years before, wanted to execute them. Zhong Hui advised, “The crime lies with Wen Qin, and he is already dead. The two sons, driven by desperation, have come to us. If you kill surrendered generals, you will only harden the resolve of those still in the city.” Sima Zhao agreed, summoned Wen Yang and Wen Hu into his tent, comforted them with kind words, and bestowed fine horses and brocade robes upon them. He appointed them as Lieutenant Generals and enfeoffed them as Lords of the Inner Pass. The two sons bowed in thanks, mounted their horses, and circled the city, shouting, “We two have been pardoned and granted noble titles by the Grand General. Why don’t you surrender soon?” Hearing this, the people in the city discussed among themselves, “Wen Yang was an enemy of the Sima clan, yet he is still given important posts. How much more so for us?” Thus, all were inclined to surrender. When Zhuge Dan heard of this, he was furious and patrolled the city day and night himself, ruling by terror and execution.
Zhong Hui, knowing that the hearts of the people in the city had turned, entered Sima Zhao’s tent and said, “Now is the time to attack the city.” Sima Zhao was overjoyed and roused his three armies. They gathered on all sides and launched a simultaneous assault. The defending general Zeng Xuan surrendered the northern gate, allowing the Wei troops to enter the city. Zhuge Dan, realizing the Wei forces had breached the walls, hastily led several hundred of his followers to flee through a small alley. At the drawbridge, he collided with Hu Fen, who raised his blade and cut Zhuge Dan down from his horse. His several hundred followers were all captured. Wang Ji led his troops to the western gate, where he encountered the Wu general Yu Quan. Wang Ji shouted, “Why not surrender now?” Yu Quan replied in fury, “I received orders to go forth and rescue others in distress. Since I cannot save them, to surrender to another would be an act of dishonor I will not commit!” He threw his helmet to the ground and cried out, “To die on the battlefield is a fortunate end for a man in this life!” He then charged forward with his blade, fighting fiercely for over thirty bouts. But exhausted and with his horse spent, he was cut down by the chaos of the enemy troops.
A poet of the time lamented: When Sima Zhao besieged Shouchun in those years, countless surrendered troops bowed in the dust of his chariot. Though the East Wu had many heroic men, none could match Yu Quan, who dared to die for honor.
Sima Zhao entered Shouchun and had Zhuge Dan’s entire household beheaded, exterminating his clan to the third degree. His soldiers brought forward several hundred of Zhuge Dan’s captured troops, bound in ropes. Sima Zhao asked, “Will you surrender?” The captives all shouted, “We are willing to die with Lord Zhuge—we will never surrender to you!” Sima Zhao was enraged and ordered his guards to tie them all up outside the city. He questioned each one, “If you surrender, you will be spared.” But not a single man spoke of surrender. They were killed one by one, and to the very end, not one yielded. Sima Zhao sighed deeply in admiration and ordered them all to be buried.
A poet of the time praised: Loyal ministers swore never to cling to life—the soldiers of Zhuge Gongxiu’s camp. The song of the fallen should not yet cease; their legacy rivals that of Tian Heng of old.
Now, most of the Wu troops surrendered to Wei. Pei Xiu said to Sima Zhao, “The families of the Wu troops are all in the southeast, along the Jiang and Huai rivers. If we keep them here, they may cause trouble in time. It would be better to bury them alive.” Zhong Hui countered, “Not so. In ancient warfare, the highest principle was to preserve the state intact, executing only the chief culprit. To bury them all alive is inhumane. Better to release them back to Jiangnan to demonstrate the magnanimity of the Central Kingdom.” Sima Zhao said, “An excellent argument.” He then released all the Wu troops to return to their own land. Tang Zi, fearing Sun Chen, dared not go back and also surrendered to Wei. Sima Zhao gave him an important post and assigned him to the Three River region. With Huainan pacified, Sima Zhao was about to withdraw his troops when a sudden report arrived that Jiang Wei of Shu Han had led his army to attack the Great Wall, aiming to intercept his grain supplies. Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed and hastily consulted his officials on how to respond.
At this time, it was the twentieth year of the Yanxi reign of Shu Han, which was then changed to the first year of the Jingyao era. Jiang Wei, stationed in Hanzhong, selected two generals from Sichuan to train his troops daily: Jiang Shu and Fu Qian. Both were bold and courageous, and Jiang Wei held them in high regard. Suddenly, word came that Zhuge Dan of Huainan had risen in rebellion against Sima Zhao, with Sun Chen of East Wu aiding him. Sima Zhao had mobilized the full forces of both capitals, taking the Wei Empress Dowager and the Wei emperor with him on campaign. Jiang Wei was overjoyed and said, “This time, my great plan will succeed!” He then submitted a memorial to the Later Ruler, requesting permission to raise an army and attack Wei. When the Palace Counselor Qiao Zhou heard of this, he sighed and said, “Recently, the court has been indulging in wine and women, trusting the eunuch Huang Hao, neglecting state affairs, and seeking only pleasure. Jiang Wei repeatedly seeks to campaign, showing no regard for the soldiers—the state is in danger!” He then composed an essay titled “On the State of Enmity” and sent it to Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei opened and read it. The essay said: Someone asked, “In ancient times, how did the weak overcome the strong?” The answer: “A great state without troubles often grows negligent; a small state with worries constantly seeks improvement. Negligence breeds chaos; improvement brings order—this is a constant principle. Thus, King Wen of Zhou nurtured his people and, with few, conquered many; Goujian of Yue cared for his subjects and, though weak, destroyed the strong.
This is the method.” Another asked, “In former times, when Chu was strong and Han was weak, they divided the realm at the Hong Canal. Zhang Liang believed that if the people’s will was settled, it would be hard to move them, so he led troops to pursue Xiang Yu and finally destroyed him. Was this necessarily like the examples of King Wen and Goujian?” The answer: “In the era of Shang and Zhou, kings and nobles held their positions for generations, and the bonds between ruler and minister were long fixed. At that time, even a Han Gaozu could not have seized the realm by the sword. After Qin abolished the feudal lords and established prefectures, the people grew weary of Qin’s corvée labor, and the realm crumbled. Then heroes rose and contended. Now, we and our enemy have both passed through dynastic changes. This is not the boiling chaos of the end of Qin; it truly resembles the situation of the Six Kingdoms contending. Thus, we can emulate King Wen, but it is hard to imitate Han Gaozu. Act only when the time is right; rise only when the numbers align. Hence, the armies of Tang and Wu conquered without needing a second battle—truly, they valued the people’s toil and judged the hour carefully. If we push for endless military campaigns and meet with misfortune, even the wisest cannot devise a plan.” Jiang Wei finished reading and raged, “The arguments of a pedantic scholar!” He threw the essay to the ground and then raised the Sichuan army to attack the Central Plains. He asked Fu Qian, “In your estimation, which route should we take?” Fu Qian replied, “The Wei forces store their grain at the Great Wall.
We should take the Luo Valley directly, cross the Shen Ridge, and reach the Great Wall. First, burn their grain supplies, then strike straight for Qinchuan. The Central Plains can be taken in no time.” Jiang Wei said, “Your view matches my own plan perfectly.” He immediately led his troops to take the Luo Valley, crossed the Shen Ridge, and advanced toward the Great Wall.
Now, the general defending the Great Wall was Sima Wang, a cousin of Sima Zhao. The city had ample grain but few troops. When Sima Wang heard that the Shu army was approaching, he hastily led the two generals Wang Zhen and Li Peng to set up a camp twenty li from the city. The next day, the Shu army arrived, and Sima Wang led his two generals out to form a battle line. Jiang Wei rode out and said to Sima Wang, “Sima Zhao has moved the emperor into his army—this is no different from the treachery of Li Jue and Guo Si. I come by the clear command of the court to call you to account for your crimes. Surrender now. If you remain foolish and stubborn, your entire clan will be wiped out!” Sima Wang shouted back, “You have no respect! You repeatedly invade our superior state. If you do not retreat soon, I will ensure not a single piece of your armor returns!” Before he finished, Wang Zhen, behind Sima Wang, spurred his horse forward with his spear. From the Shu ranks, Fu Qian rode out to meet him. Before ten bouts had passed, Fu Qian feigned a flaw, and Wang Zhen thrust his spear forward. Fu Qian dodged, seized Wang Zhen alive from his horse, and carried him back to his own lines. Li Peng, enraged, galloped forward with his blade to rescue him. Fu Qian deliberately slowed his horse, and when Li Peng drew near, he hurled Wang Zhen to the ground. Secretly drawing a four-sided iron club, he turned as Li Peng raised his blade to strike. With a single blow to Li Peng’s face, he smashed his eyeballs out, killing him on the spot. Wang Zhen was stabbed to death by the Shu troops. Jiang Wei drove his army forward in a massive assault. Sima Wang abandoned his camp and fled into the city, closing the gates and refusing to come out. Jiang Wei gave the order, “The troops shall rest tonight to preserve their strength. Tomorrow, we must enter the city.” At dawn the next day, the Shu troops surged forward in a fierce charge, swarming to the city walls. They used fire arrows and cannons to strike the city. The thatched-roofed houses on the walls caught fire, and the Wei troops fell into chaos. Jiang Wei then ordered dry brushwood piled beneath the walls, and they set it all ablaze. Flames roared into the sky. The city was about to fall, and the Wei troops inside wailed in despair, their cries echoing across the fields.
Just as the assault was underway, a sudden clamor arose from behind. Jiang Wei reined in his horse and looked back, seeing the Wei troops shouting and waving their banners, advancing in a mighty tide. Jiang Wei ordered the rear ranks to become the vanguard and took his position beneath his banner to await them. From the Wei ranks, a young general, fully armored, rode out with his spear, about twenty years old, his face as fair as powdered jade, his lips as red as vermilion. He shouted in a stern voice, “Do you recognize General Deng?” Jiang Wei thought to himself, “This must be Deng Ai.” He spurred his horse forward to meet him. The two fought with all their might, exchanging thirty to forty bouts with no clear victor. The young general’s spear technique was flawless, leaving no opening. Jiang Wei thought, “If I don’t use a trick, how can I win?” He turned his horse and fled toward a mountain path. The young general gave chase. Jiang Wei hung his steel spear on his saddle, secretly drew his carved bow and feathered arrow, and shot. The young general, sharp-eyed, saw it coming. As the bowstring twanged, he leaned forward, dodging the arrow. Jiang Wei looked back and saw the young general already upon him, thrusting his spear. Jiang Wei dodged, and the spear passed under his arm. He seized it. The young general abandoned his spear and fled back to his own lines. Jiang Wei sighed, “What a pity! What a pity!” He turned his horse and gave chase. As he neared the enemy camp gate, a general rode out with his blade, shouting, “Jiang Wei, you wretch, do not pursue my son! Deng Ai is here!” Jiang Wei was startled. So the young general was Deng Ai’s son, Deng Zhong. Jiang Wei marveled inwardly. He wanted to fight Deng Ai but feared his horse was spent. He pointed at Deng Ai and said, “Today I have come to know both father and son. Let us both withdraw our troops and settle this tomorrow.” Deng Ai, seeing the battlefield was unfavorable, reined in his horse and replied, “Very well, let us both withdraw. A man who uses trickery is no true warrior.” Thus, both armies retreated. Deng Ai set up camp by the Wei River, while Jiang Wei encamped between two mountains. Seeing the Shu army’s positioning, Deng Ai wrote a letter to Sima Wang, saying, “We must not engage in battle; we should only hold firm in defense. Wait until the troops from Guanzhong arrive. By then, the Shu army’s grain will be exhausted, and we can attack from three sides—victory will be certain. I am sending my eldest son, Deng Zhong, to help you defend the city.” Meanwhile, he sent a messenger to Sima Zhao requesting reinforcements.
Now, Jiang Wei sent a man to Deng Ai’s camp with a challenge for a decisive battle the next day. Deng Ai pretended to agree. The next day, before the fifth watch, Jiang Wei ordered his three armies to prepare their meals. At dawn, they formed their battle lines and waited. But Deng Ai’s camp lay silent, with banners furled and drums stilled, as if empty. Jiang Wei waited until evening and then returned. The next day, he sent another challenge, accusing Deng Ai of breaking his word. Deng Ai received the messenger with wine and food, replying, “A slight illness has delayed our meeting. We will do battle tomorrow.” The next day, Jiang Wei again led out his troops, but Deng Ai still did not emerge. This continued for five or six rounds. Fu Qian said to Jiang Wei, “There must be a plan behind this. We should be on guard.” Jiang Wei replied, “He is surely waiting for the troops from Guanzhong to arrive, so he can attack us from three sides. I will now send a letter to Sun Chen of East Wu, urging him to attack in concert with us.” Suddenly, a scout reported, “Sima Zhao has attacked Shouchun, killed Zhuge Dan, and the Wu troops have all surrendered. Sima Zhao is now returning to Luoyang with his army and is about to lead reinforcements to the Great Wall.” Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed and said, “This campaign against Wei has turned into nothing but a painted cake—better to retreat.”
Truly, it was: Already he sighed that four campaigns had failed to yield results; now he lamented that a fifth would not succeed. What would become of his retreat? Let the next chapter unfold.