Sima Zhao said to his aide Shao Ti, "All the court officials say Shu cannot be attacked—this shows their fear. If they were forced into battle, defeat would be certain. But Zhong Hui alone proposed the campaign against Shu, which proves he has no fear. A man without fear will surely break Shu. Once Shu is broken, the hearts of its people will be shattered. A defeated general cannot speak of courage; a minister of a fallen state cannot plan for survival. Even if Zhong Hui later harbors treacherous intentions, how could the people of Shu aid him? As for our own Wei soldiers, they will be victorious and eager to return home—they will not follow Zhong Hui in rebellion. There is nothing to worry about. This is between you and me—do not let it leak out." Shao Ti bowed in admiration.
Zhong Hui had already established his camp. He entered his command tent and assembled his generals to receive their orders. Present were the army supervisor Wei Guan, the protector of the army Hu Lie, and over eighty commanders including Tian Xu, Pang Hui, Tian Zhang, Yuan Qing, Qiu Jian, Xiahou Xian, Wang Mai, Huangfu Kai, and Ju An. Zhong Hui announced, "We need a vanguard commander—one who will open roads through mountains and build bridges over rivers. Who dares take this role?" A man stepped forward and declared, "I am willing to go." Zhong Hui looked and saw it was Xu Yi, son of the fierce general Xu Chu. The assembly said, "No one is more suited for the vanguard than this man." Zhong Hui summoned Xu Yi and said, "You are a general born of a tiger's bloodline. Your father and you are both renowned. The other generals also recommend you. Take the vanguard seal. Lead five thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry, and march straight for Hanzhong. Divide your forces into three routes: you take the central route through Xie Gorge; the left army goes through Luo Gorge; the right army through Ziwu Gorge. These are treacherous mountain paths. You must have your men fill in the roads, repair the bridges, and break through the rocks—let nothing obstruct your advance. If you disobey, military law will be enforced." Xu Yi accepted the order and led his troops forward. Zhong Hui followed with over one hundred thousand men, marching day and night.
Meanwhile, Deng Ai was in Longxi. Having received the imperial decree to attack Shu, he ordered Sima Wang to block the Qiang tribesmen. He also summoned the Inspector of Yong Province, Zhuge Xu; the Grand Administrator of Tianshui, Wang Qi; the Grand Administrator of Longxi, Qian Hong; and the Grand Administrator of Jincheng, Yang Xin—each to bring their own troops and await his command. When the forces had assembled, Deng Ai had a dream that night. He dreamed he climbed a high mountain and looked toward Hanzhong. Suddenly, a spring burst forth from beneath his feet, and the water surged upward. He awoke with a start, drenched in sweat. He sat until dawn, then summoned his bodyguard Yuan Shao, who was well-versed in the Book of Changes. Deng Ai recounted his dream. Yuan Shao replied, "The Book of Changes says: 'Water on a mountain is called the Jian hexagram.' The Jian hexagram means: 'Favorable in the southwest, unfavorable in the northeast.' Confucius said: 'Jian is favorable in the southwest—going forward brings merit; unfavorable in the northeast—that path leads to an impasse.' General, this campaign will surely conquer Shu. But it is a pity that the hexagram also suggests difficulty and delay—you may not return." Deng Ai listened, his face darkening with displeasure. Suddenly, a letter from Zhong Hui arrived, requesting Deng Ai to raise his troops and meet at Hanzhong. Deng Ai then ordered the Inspector of Yong Province, Zhuge Xu, to lead fifteen thousand troops and cut off Jiang Wei's retreat. Next, he ordered the Grand Administrator of Tianshui, Wang Qi, to lead fifteen thousand troops and attack Ta Zhong from the left. The Grand Administrator of Longxi, Qian Hong, was to lead fifteen thousand troops and attack Ta Zhong from the right. He also ordered the Grand Administrator of Jincheng, Yang Xin, to lead fifteen thousand troops and cut off Jiang Wei's rear at Gansong. Deng Ai himself led thirty thousand troops to support them as needed.
When Zhong Hui's army marched out, hundreds of officials saw them off outside the city. Banners blotted out the sun; armor gleamed like frost. The men were strong, the horses spirited, and their presence was awe-inspiring. Everyone praised the sight. Only the Chancellor's advisor Liu Shi smiled faintly, saying nothing. The Grand Commandant Wang Xiang saw Liu Shi's cold smile and, grasping his hand from horseback, asked, "Will these two men, Zhong Hui and Deng Ai, pacify Shu?" Liu Shi replied, "They will surely break Shu. But I fear neither of them will return to the capital." Wang Xiang asked why, but Liu Shi only smiled and did not answer. Wang Xiang asked no further.
As the Wei army advanced, spies soon reported to Jiang Wei in Ta Zhong. Jiang Wei immediately submitted a memorial to the Later Ruler: "I beg Your Majesty to issue an edict ordering the Left Chariot and Cavalry General Zhang Yi to guard Yang'an Pass, and the Right Chariot and Cavalry General Liao Hua to guard Yinping Bridge. These two positions are the most critical. If they are lost, Hanzhong will not be saved. At the same time, send an envoy to Wu to request aid. I will personally lead the troops from Ta Zhong to resist the enemy." At this time, the Later Ruler had changed the reign title from the sixth year of Jingyao to the first year of Yanxing and spent his days in the palace enjoying himself with the eunuch Huang Hao. When he received Jiang Wei's memorial, he summoned Huang Hao and asked, "Now Wei has sent Zhong Hui and Deng Ai with a great army, advancing from different directions. What should we do?" Huang Hao replied, "This is just Jiang Wei trying to win merit and fame. That's why he submitted this memorial. Your Majesty, be at ease and do not worry. I have heard that in the city there is a spirit medium who worships a god that can foretell fortune and misfortune. Summon her and ask." The Later Ruler agreed. He set up incense, flowers, candles, and sacrificial offerings in the rear hall. He ordered Huang Hao to bring the medium into the palace in a small carriage and seat her on the dragon throne. After the Later Ruler burned incense and prayed, the medium suddenly let down her hair, bared her feet, and leaped and danced dozens of times around the hall, spinning around the altar. Huang Hao said, "The god has descended. Your Majesty, dismiss your attendants and pray personally." The Later Ruler sent away all his servants, bowed again, and prayed. The medium shouted, "I am the Earth God of Western Sichuan. Your Majesty, you delight in peace and prosperity—why trouble yourself with other matters? In a few years, the lands of Wei will also belong to Your Majesty. Do not worry." Having spoken, she collapsed to the ground and lay unconscious for a long time before reviving. The Later Ruler was overjoyed and rewarded her generously. From then on, he deeply believed in the medium's words and ignored Jiang Wei's advice. He spent each day feasting and amusing himself in the palace. Jiang Wei repeatedly sent urgent memorials, but Huang Hao concealed them all. Thus, great matters were neglected.
Zhong Hui's great army wound its way toward Hanzhong. The vanguard commander, Xu Yi, eager to claim the first merit, led his troops to Nanzheng Pass. Xu Yi said to his officers, "Once we pass this pass, we will be in Hanzhong. There are not many men guarding it. We can storm it with all our might." The officers received their orders and charged forward together. But the defending Shu general, Lu Xun, had long known the Wei army was coming. He had hidden soldiers on both sides of the wooden bridge in front of the pass, armed with the ten-shot repeating crossbows left by the Martial Marquis. When Xu Yi's troops rushed the pass, a gong sounded, and arrows and stones rained down like a storm. Xu Yi hastily retreated, but dozens of his cavalrymen were struck down. The Wei army suffered a great defeat. Xu Yi reported back to Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui himself led over a hundred armored guards to inspect the pass. As he approached, arrows and bolts flew down at once. Zhong Hui turned his horse to retreat, but the defending general Lu Xun led five hundred men charging down from the pass. Zhong Hui spurred his horse across the bridge. The earth on the bridge crumbled, trapping his horse's hoof and nearly throwing him off. The horse could not free itself. Zhong Hui abandoned his horse and fled on foot. As he ran down the bridge, Lu Xun caught up and thrust his spear at him. But a Wei soldier named Xun Kai turned and shot an arrow, striking Lu Xun from his horse. Zhong Hui rallied his men and seized the pass. The soldiers on the walls, with their own Shu troops in front of the pass, dared not fire their arrows. Zhong Hui scattered them and took the mountain fortress. He immediately appointed Xun Kai as protector of the army and rewarded him with a full set of armor and a battle horse.
Zhong Hui summoned Xu Yi to his tent and rebuked him: "As the vanguard commander, it was your duty to open roads through mountains and build bridges over rivers—to repair the roads and bridges for the army's advance. When I reached that bridge, my horse's hoof was trapped, and I nearly fell into the river. If not for Xun Kai, I would have been killed. You have violated military law and must be punished accordingly!" He ordered his guards to take Xu Yi out and behead him. The other generals pleaded, "His father, Xu Chu, rendered great service to the court. We beg the Commander-in-Chief to spare him." Zhong Hui angrily replied, "If military law is not made clear, how can I command the army?" He ordered the execution to proceed, and Xu Yi's head was displayed as a warning. All the generals were horrified.
Meanwhile, the Shu generals Wang Han defended Le City and Jiang Bin defended Han City. Seeing the overwhelming strength of the Wei army, they dared not engage and simply closed their gates and held their positions. Zhong Hui issued an order: "Speed is the essence of war—we cannot delay." He ordered the forward commander Li Fu to besiege Le City and the protector of the army Xun Kai to besiege Han City. He himself led the main army to attack Yang'an Pass. The defending Shu general Fu Qian discussed battle plans with his deputy, Jiang Shu. Jiang Shu said, "The Wei army is vast and their momentum unstoppable. It would be better to hold the pass and defend." Fu Qian replied, "No. The Wei army has come from afar and must be exhausted. Though numerous, they are not to be feared. If we do not go down and fight them, Han City and Le City will be lost." Jiang Shu remained silent and did not answer. Suddenly, a report came that the main Wei force had arrived before the pass. Jiang Shu and Fu Qian went to the wall to look. Zhong Hui raised his whip and shouted, "I have come with one hundred thousand men. If you surrender now, you will be promoted according to your rank. If you stubbornly resist, when I break through this pass, I will destroy you all—jade and stone alike!" Fu Qian flew into a rage. He ordered Jiang Shu to guard the pass while he himself led three thousand men down to attack. Zhong Hui pretended to flee, and the Wei army withdrew. Fu Qian pursued, but when he tried to retreat back into the pass, he saw that the Wei flag had already been raised on the walls. Jiang Shu called out, "I have already surrendered to Wei!" Fu Qian was furious. He cursed loudly, "You ungrateful, treacherous villain! How dare you show your face to the world?" He turned his horse and re-engaged the Wei army. The Wei forces surrounded him from all sides, trapping him at the center. Fu Qian charged left and right, fighting to the death, but could not break free. Of the Shu soldiers he had led, eight or nine out of ten were killed or wounded. Fu Qian looked up to heaven and sighed, "I was born a minister of Shu, and I shall die a ghost of Shu!" He spurred his horse and charged once more. Wounded by several spears, his blood soaked his robes and armor. His horse fell, and Fu Qian took his own sword and cut his own throat. Of him,
history records that in a single day he poured forth his loyal fury, and for a thousand years men would honor his righteous name. Better to die like Fu Qian than to live like Jiang Shu.
Zhong Hui took Yang'an Pass. The stores of grain and weapons within were immense. Overjoyed, he feasted his three armies. That night, the Wei soldiers camped in the city of Yang'an. Suddenly, from the southwest, a great clamor of shouting arose. Zhong Hui hurried out of his tent to look, but there was nothing. The Wei army dared not sleep the entire night. The next night, at the third watch, the shouting came again from the southwest. Zhong Hui was alarmed and puzzled. At dawn, he sent scouts to investigate. They reported, "We scouted more than ten li in every direction, but there was not a single man." Zhong Hui, still uneasy, led several hundred cavalry, fully armed, to scout the southwest himself. They came to a mountain. A murderous aura seemed to rise from all directions. Ominous clouds gathered, and mist shrouded the mountain peak. Zhong Hui reined in his horse and asked his guide, "What mountain is this?" The guide replied, "This is Dingjun Mountain. It was here that Xiahou Yuan fell in battle long ago." Zhong Hui heard this and felt a deep melancholy. He turned his horse to return. As they rounded a slope, a fierce wind suddenly arose. From behind them, several thousand horsemen burst forth, charging with the wind. Zhong Hui was terrified. He spurred his horse and fled, followed by his men. Countless generals fell from their horses. When they reached Yang'an Pass, they discovered that not a single man or horse had been lost—only that their faces were bruised and their helmets had fallen off. They all said, "We saw men and horses charging at us from within the dark clouds. But when they came close, they did not harm us—it was only a whirlwind." Zhong Hui asked the surrendered general Jiang Shu, "Is there a temple on Dingjun Mountain?" Jiang Shu replied, "There is no temple. Only the tomb of Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis." Zhong Hui was startled. "This must be the Martial Marquis revealing his spirit. I must go and pay my respects."
The next day, Zhong Hui prepared a grand sacrifice, slaughtering an ox as an offering. He went personally to the tomb of the Martial Marquis and bowed twice in reverence. After the ceremony, the fierce wind ceased, and the ominous clouds scattered. A gentle breeze began to blow, and a light rain fell. After a while, the sky cleared. The Wei soldiers were overjoyed. They all bowed in thanks and returned to camp. That night, Zhong Hui was resting his head on his desk in his tent when a cool breeze passed by. A man appeared before him. He wore a silk headband and a feather fan, a crane-feather cloak, plain shoes, and a black sash. His face was like polished jade, his lips like vermilion, his brows clear, and his eyes bright. He was eight feet tall and had an ethereal, immortal bearing. The man stepped into the tent. Zhong Hui rose to greet him and asked, "Sir, who are you?" The man replied, "This morning, you came to visit me. I have a few words to tell you. Though the Han dynasty's mandate has declined and Heaven's will cannot be defied, the people of these two Sichuan regions have suffered terribly from the ravages of war. They deserve compassion. After you enter our lands, do not kill the innocent." Having spoken, he flicked his sleeve and departed. Zhong Hui tried to detain him but suddenly awoke—it was only a dream. He knew it had been the spirit of the Martial Marquis and was filled with wonder. He immediately issued an order to the forward army: raise a white banner inscribed with the words "Protect the State, Pacify the People." Wherever they went, if anyone killed a single innocent person, they would pay with their life. As a result, the people of Hanzhong all came out of the cities to bow and welcome him. Zhong Hui comforted them all, and his army did not commit the slightest harm.
A poet of the time lamented: "Myriads of spirit soldiers surrounded Dingjun Mountain, compelling Zhong Hui to bow before the divine one. In life, he devised strategies to support the House of Liu; in death, he left words to protect the people of Shu."
Meanwhile, Jiang Wei was in Ta Zhong. Hearing that the Wei army had arrived in force, he sent messages to Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, and Dong Jue to bring reinforcements. He also divided his own troops and deployed his generals to await the enemy. Suddenly, word came that the Wei army had arrived. Jiang Wei led his troops to meet them. The leading general in the Wei formation was Wang Qi, the Grand Administrator of Tianshui. Wang Qi rode out and shouted, "I now command a million troops and a thousand generals, advancing in twenty columns. They have already reached Chengdu. Why do you not surrender early? Why do you still resist? Do you not know the Mandate of Heaven?" Jiang Wei was enraged. He leveled his spear, spurred his horse, and charged straight at Wang Qi. Before three exchanges, Wang Qi was badly beaten and fled. Jiang Wei pursued him for twenty li. Suddenly, gongs and drums sounded together, and a column of troops deployed before him. Their banner read "Qian Hong, Grand Administrator of Longxi." Jiang Wei laughed. "Such rats are no match for me!" He urged his troops forward in pursuit. After another ten li, Deng Ai himself arrived with his entire force. The two armies joined in chaotic battle. Jiang Wei summoned all his spirit and fought Deng Ai for over ten exchanges, neither gaining the upper hand. Then, from behind, gongs and drums sounded again. Jiang Wei hastily withdrew. His rear guard reported, "All our camps at Gansong have been burned by Yang Xin, the Grand Administrator of Jincheng!" Jiang Wei was greatly alarmed. He ordered a deputy to set up false banners to hold off Deng Ai while he himself led the rear guard and rushed day and night to rescue Gansong. There he encountered Yang Xin. Yang Xin dared not fight and fled into the mountain paths. Jiang Wei pursued him. As they neared a cliff, rocks and logs rained down from above, and Jiang Wei could advance no further. By the time he turned back, his Shu troops had already been defeated by Deng Ai. The main Wei force arrived and surrounded Jiang Wei.
Jiang Wei led his cavalry in a desperate charge, breaking out of the encirclement. He fled into his main camp and held his position, waiting for reinforcements. Suddenly, a fast rider arrived with a report: "Zhong Hui has broken Yang'an Pass. The defending general Jiang Shu surrendered, and Fu Qian died in battle. Hanzhong has fallen to Wei. The defenders of Le City, Wang Han, and Han City, Jiang Bin, knowing Hanzhong was lost, have also opened their gates and surrendered. Hu Ji could not hold out and has fled back to Chengdu to beg for reinforcements." Jiang Wei was stunned. He immediately ordered the camp to be evacuated.
That night, his army reached Jiangchuan Kou. A force blocked their path. The leading Wei general was Yang Xin, the Grand Administrator of Jincheng. Jiang Wei was furious. He charged forward and fought. In a single exchange, Yang Xin was defeated and fled. Jiang Wei drew his bow and shot three arrows, but none found their mark. In his rage, he broke his bow over his knee, leveled his spear, and gave chase. His horse stumbled, throwing Jiang Wei to the ground. Yang Xin turned his horse and came back to kill him. Jiang Wei leaped up and thrust his spear, striking Yang Xin's horse in the head. Wei soldiers rushed up from behind and rescued Yang Xin. Jiang Wei mounted a spare horse and was about to pursue when a report came that Deng Ai's army was approaching from the rear. Trapped between two forces, Jiang Wei gathered his men and attempted to retake Hanzhong. Scouts reported, "Zhuge Xu, the Inspector of Yong Province, has already cut off our retreat." Jiang Wei set up camp in a mountain stronghold. The Wei army encamped at Yinping Bridge. With no way forward or back, Jiang Wei sighed deeply. "Heaven is destroying me!" His deputy, Ning Sui, said, "Though the Wei army has cut off Yinping Bridge, Yong Province must be lightly defended. General, if you take the army through Konghan Gorge and strike directly at Yong Province, Zhuge Xu will be forced to withdraw his troops from Yinping Bridge to save Yong Province. Then you can lead the army to hold Sword Pass, and Hanzhong can be recovered." Jiang Wei agreed. He immediately marched his troops into Konghan Gorge, feigning an attack on Yong Province. Spies reported this to Zhuge Xu. Zhuge Xu was alarmed. "Yong Province is my responsibility. If anything goes wrong, the court will surely punish me." He hastily withdrew his main force from the south to save Yong Province, leaving only a small detachment to hold the bridge. Jiang Wei entered the northern road and marched about thirty li. Guessing that the Wei army had already moved, he turned his troops around, making the rear the vanguard, and marched straight to the bridge. As expected, the main Wei force had already left. Only a few soldiers guarded the bridge. Jiang Wei scattered them with a single charge and burned their stockade. Hearing that the bridge was on fire, Zhuge Xu led his army back. But Jiang Wei had already crossed more than half a day earlier, so Zhuge Xu dared not pursue.
Jiang Wei led his troops across the bridge and continued marching. Ahead, another force appeared. It was Zhang Yi, the Left General, and Liao Hua, the Right General. Jiang Wei asked them what had happened. Zhang Yi said, "Huang Hao believed the words of the spirit medium and refused to send troops. When I heard that Hanzhong was in danger, I raised my own troops and set out. By then, Yang'an Pass had already fallen to Zhong Hui. Hearing that you were besieged, I came to support you." They combined their forces and marched toward Baishui Pass. Liao Hua said, "We are surrounded on all sides, and our supply routes are cut off. It would be better to fall back and hold Sword Pass, then make further plans." Jiang Wei hesitated. Suddenly, word arrived that Zhong Hui and Deng Ai were advancing with over ten columns of troops. Jiang Wei wanted to divide his forces with Zhang Yi and Liao Hua to meet them. Liao Hua said, "Baishui is a narrow place with many roads—not a good ground for battle. It would be better to retreat and save Sword Pass. If Sword Pass is lost, we will have no escape." Jiang Wei agreed. He led his army toward Sword Pass. As they neared the pass, drums and horns suddenly blared, shouts arose, and banners were raised everywhere. A force blocked the entrance to the pass. Indeed: The dangerous heights of Hanzhong were already lost; Now Sword Pass faced a sudden storm of its own.
Whose army this was, let us see in the next chapter.