Guo Huai then addressed Cao Zhen: "The Qiang tribes of the Western Regions have paid tribute annually since the time of our founding emperor, and Emperor Wen also showed them favor. We should now occupy the strategic passes and secretly send a messenger through the mountain paths to seek aid from the Qiang, promising them marriage alliances. The Qiang will surely raise an army to strike the Shu forces from the rear. Then we can attack with our main army, catching the enemy in a pincer—how could this not result in a great victory?" Cao Zhen agreed and immediately dispatched a messenger to ride day and night to deliver the letter to the Qiang.
Now, the King of the Western Qiang, Che Liji, had sent tribute annually since Cao Cao's time. He had two chief advisors: one civil, Chancellor Yadan, and one military, Marshal Yueji. When the Wei envoy arrived at the Qiang court bearing gold, pearls, and the letter, he first visited Chancellor Yadan, presented the gifts, and thoroughly explained the request for aid. Yadan then led him to the King and presented the letter and tribute. Che Liji read the letter and consulted with his advisors. Yadan said, "We have long maintained relations with the Wei kingdom. Now that Commander Cao Zhen requests our aid and promises marriage alliances, it is only right that we comply." The King followed his advice and ordered Chancellor Yadan and Marshal Yueji to raise 150,000 Qiang troops. These soldiers were all skilled with crossbows, spears, swords, caltrops, and flying hammers. They also possessed war wagons, reinforced with iron plates and studs, used to carry provisions, weapons, and equipment. Some were pulled by camels, others by mules or horses, and they were called the Iron Wagon Corps. The two men took leave of the King and led their army directly to Xiping Pass. The Shu general guarding the pass, Han Zhen, urgently sent a messenger with a dispatch to inform Zhuge Liang.
Upon receiving this report, Zhuge Liang asked his assembled generals, "Who dares to go and repel the Qiang army?" Zhang Bao and Guan Xing immediately volunteered, "We are willing to go!" Zhuge Liang replied, "The two of you wish to go, but you are unfamiliar with the terrain." He then summoned Ma Dai and said, "You have long known the ways of the Qiang and have lived there for some time. You can serve as their guide." He then raised 50,000 elite troops and sent them with Guan Xing and Zhang Bao. Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, and the others led their forces and departed. After several days of marching, they soon encountered the Qiang army. Guan Xing first led a hundred cavalrymen up a hillside to survey the enemy. He saw the Qiang had linked their iron wagons end to end, forming a mobile fortress wherever they camped. The wagons bristled with weapons, looking like a city wall. Guan Xing watched for a long time but could see no way to break this formation. He returned to camp to discuss the matter with Zhang Bao and Ma Dai. Ma Dai said, "Let us wait until tomorrow to test their battle array, observe their strengths and weaknesses, and then devise a plan." The next morning, they divided their forces into three columns: Guan Xing in the center, Zhang Bao on the left, and Ma Dai on the right. All three columns advanced together. From the Qiang ranks, Marshal Yueji, wielding an iron hammer and with a jeweled bow slung across his waist, galloped out on his warhorse, full of fighting spirit. Guan Xing ordered the three columns to charge forward. Suddenly, the Qiang forces parted to the sides, and from the center, the iron wagons rolled forth like a surging tide, while crossbows and arrows were unleashed in a storm. The Shu army was utterly defeated. Ma Dai and Zhang Bao's forces were the first to retreat, but Guan Xing's column was surrounded by the Qiang and driven into the northwest corner.
Guan Xing found himself trapped in the center of the enemy, charging left and right but unable to break free. The iron wagons formed a tight circle around him like a city wall, and his Shu soldiers were cut off from one another, unable to support each other. He looked toward the mountain valleys for an escape route. As dusk fell, he saw a cluster of black banners swarming toward him. A Qiang general, wielding an iron hammer, shouted, "Young general, do not flee! I am Marshal Yueji!" Guan Xing hurried forward, whipping his horse with all his strength, but he came to a sheer ravine. Forced to turn back, he engaged Yueji in combat. But Guan Xing's heart was chilled with fear, and he could not hold his ground. He fled toward the ravine, but Yueji pursued him and swung his iron hammer. Guan Xing dodged just in time, but the blow struck his horse's flank. The horse stumbled and fell into the ravine, and Guan Xing was thrown into the water. Suddenly, with a great crash, Yueji and his horse also tumbled inexplicably into the water behind him. Struggling to his feet in the stream, Guan Xing saw a great general on the bank who had driven back the Qiang soldiers. Guan Xing raised his blade to cut down Yueji, but the Qiang marshal leaped from the water and escaped. Guan Xing seized Yueji's horse, led it to the bank, adjusted the saddle and bridle, grasped his blade, and mounted. He saw that the mysterious general was still ahead, pursuing the Qiang. Thinking, "This man saved my life—I must meet him," Guan Xing spurred his horse in pursuit.
As he drew near, through the mist and clouds, he dimly discerned a towering general with a face the color of ripe dates, eyebrows like sleeping silkworms, clad in a green robe and golden armor. He wielded the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, rode the legendary Red Hare, and stroked his long beard. Guan Xing recognized him at once—it was his father, Guan Yu. Stunned, Guan Xing saw his father point to the southeast and say, "My son, take this road quickly. I will see you safely back to camp." With these words, he vanished. Guan Xing fled southeast at full speed. Near midnight, a troop of soldiers arrived—it was Zhang Bao. He asked Guan Xing, "Did you see our Second Uncle?" Guan Xing replied, "How do you know of this?" Zhang Bao said, "I was hard-pressed by the iron wagon troops when I suddenly saw our uncle descending from the sky. He frightened the Qiang forces back and pointed, saying, 'Take this road to rescue my son.' So I led my men directly here to find you." Guan Xing then recounted his own experience, and both marveled at the strange event. They returned together to camp, where Ma Dai met them. He said to them, "There is no way to defeat this army with ordinary tactics. I will hold the camp while you two go report to the Chancellor and ask him to devise a plan to break them." So Guan Xing and Zhang Bao rode through the night to see Zhuge Liang and told him everything.
Zhuge Liang then ordered Zhao Yun and Wei Yan each to lead a force into ambush positions. After that, he mustered 30,000 troops, took Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao with him, and personally went to Ma Dai's camp to rest. The next day, he ascended a high vantage point to observe the enemy. He saw the iron wagons stretching in an unbroken line, with men and horses galloping back and forth. Zhuge Liang said, "This is not difficult to break." He summoned Ma Dai and Zhang Yi and gave them secret instructions. The two men departed. Then he called Jiang Wei and asked, "Bo Yue, do you know the method to break this wagon formation?" Jiang Wei replied, "The Qiang rely solely on brute force—how could they understand a clever stratagem?" Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "You understand my thoughts. Now, the clouds are gathering thickly, the north wind is howling, and snow is about to fall. My plan can be put into action." He then ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to lead their troops into ambush positions and commanded Jiang Wei to go out and offer battle. If the iron wagon corps advanced, Jiang Wei was to feign retreat. At the camp gate, they were to set up banners as if the camp were still garrisoned, but leave it empty. All preparations were made.
It was the end of the twelfth month, and as expected, a heavy snow began to fall. Jiang Wei led his troops out, and Yueji advanced with the iron wagon corps. Jiang Wei immediately retreated. The Qiang forces pursued him to the Shu camp, but Jiang Wei slipped out through the rear. The Qiang troops reached the camp entrance and looked inside. They heard the sound of a zither being played within the camp, and saw only empty walls with banners standing upright. They hurried back to report to Yueji. Suspicious, Yueji hesitated to advance rashly. Chancellor Yadan said, "This is one of Zhuge Liang's tricks—a feint to create doubt. We should attack." Yueji led his troops to the camp gate, where he saw Zhuge Liang himself, carrying his zither, mount a small chariot and, with a few riders, enter the camp and flee out the rear. The Qiang soldiers rushed into the camp and pursued him over a mountain pass, where they saw the small chariot disappear into a forest. Yadan said to Yueji, "Even if there are some ambushes, they are nothing to fear." So they led their main army in pursuit. They saw Jiang Wei's troops fleeing ahead through the snow. Enraged, Yueji urged his men forward in hot pursuit. The mountain road was covered with snow, appearing smooth and level. As they pressed on, a report suddenly came that Shu troops had emerged from behind the mountains. Yadan scoffed, "Even if there are a few ambushes, what is there to fear!" He drove his men forward relentlessly. Suddenly, a thunderous crash echoed as the ground gave way, collapsing like a mountain. A vast number of Qiang soldiers plunged into hidden pits.
The iron wagons behind, moving too fast to stop, piled into the pit, crushing those who had fallen. The rear troops tried to turn back, but Guan Xing struck from the left and Zhang Bao from the right, their crossbows firing a hail of bolts. Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi attacked from the rear with three columns. The iron wagon corps fell into complete chaos. Marshal Yueji fled toward the mountain valleys in the rear, only to encounter Guan Xing. They exchanged a single blow. With a mighty shout, Guan Xing raised his blade and cut Yueji down from his horse. Chancellor Yadan was captured alive by Ma Dai and brought bound to the main camp. The Qiang soldiers scattered in all directions. Zhuge Liang ascended his command tent, and Ma Dai brought Yadan before him. Zhuge Liang ordered the guards to remove Yadan's bonds, offered him wine to calm his nerves, and spoke kindly to reassure him. Yadan was deeply moved by this kindness. Zhuge Liang said, "My lord is the Emperor of Great Han, and he has commanded me to punish the rebels. How could you aid the traitors? I will now release you to return and tell your king: our kingdom and yours are neighboring states, and we should form a lasting alliance. Do not listen to the words of rebels." He then returned all the captured Qiang soldiers, along with their wagons, horses, and weapons, to Yadan and let them all go back to their own land. The Qiang bowed in gratitude and departed.
Zhuge Liang then led his three armies through the night back to his main camp at Mount Qi, sending Guan Xing and Zhang Bao ahead with their troops, while dispatching a messenger to carry a memorial to the Shu court announcing the victory.
Now, Cao Zhen had been anxiously awaiting news from the Qiang for days when a scout reported, "The Shu army is striking camp and preparing to march." Guo Huai said joyfully, "This is because the Qiang attack has forced them to retreat." So they divided their forces into two columns and pursued. The Shu troops ahead seemed to be fleeing in disorder, and the Wei forces gave chase. The vanguard commander, Cao Zun, was in hot pursuit when suddenly a great drumroll thundered and a troop of soldiers burst forth. At their head was the great general Wei Yan, who shouted, "Rebel, do not flee!" Startled, Cao Zun spurred his horse forward to engage. Before three exchanges, Wei Yan cut him down with a single stroke of his blade. The deputy vanguard, Zhu Zan, was also leading the pursuit when another troop appeared, led by the great general Zhao Yun. Caught off guard, Zhu Zan was run through by Zhao Yun's spear and killed. Cao Zhen and Guo Huai, seeing both their vanguard commanders lost, tried to order a retreat. But behind them, war cries erupted and drums and horns sounded together. Guan Xing and Zhang Bao attacked from two sides, surrounding Cao Zhen and Guo Huai and inflicting a terrible slaughter. The two Wei commanders managed to cut their way out with the remnants of their army. The Shu forces won a complete victory, pursuing the enemy all the way to the Wei River and seizing the Wei camp. Cao Zhen, grieving the loss of his two vanguard commanders, could only write a memorial to the Wei court requesting reinforcements.
When Emperor Cao Rui held court, a close minister reported, "The Grand Commander Cao Zhen has suffered several defeats against Shu, losing two vanguard commanders and countless Qiang troops. The situation is critical. He has submitted a memorial requesting aid, and we await Your Majesty's decision." Alarmed, Cao Rui urgently asked for a plan to repel the Shu forces. Hua Xin memorialized, "Your Majesty must personally lead the imperial campaign and summon all the feudal lords. Only then will everyone fight with full effort, and we can drive them back. Otherwise, if Chang'an is lost, the entire Guanzhong region will be in danger!" The Grand Tutor, Zhong Yao, then memorialized, "For a general, if his wisdom surpasses others, he can control them. Sunzi said: 'Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will win a hundred battles without a single loss.' In my estimation, although Cao Zhen has long experience in warfare, he is no match for Zhuge Liang. I stake my entire family, high and low, to recommend one man who can repel the Shu army. I await Your Majesty's decision." Cao Rui asked, "You are a senior minister of great age. What worthy man can drive back Shu? Summon him quickly to share my burden." Zhong Yao replied, "In the past, when Zhuge Liang wanted to invade our borders, he feared only this man. So he spread rumors to make Your Majesty suspect him and send him away, and only then dared to advance in force. If we reinstate him now, Zhuge Liang will retreat on his own." Cao Rui asked who this man was. Zhong Yao said, "It is the General of the Chariots and Cavalry, Sima Yi." Cao Rui sighed, "I have regretted this matter myself. Where is Zhongda now?" Zhong Yao replied, "I have heard that Zhongda is living in retirement in Wancheng." Cao Rui immediately issued an imperial edict and sent an envoy with the ceremonial staff to restore Sima Yi to his former rank, adding the title of Pacifier of the West Commander, and ordering him to raise all the armies of the Nanyang region and march to Chang'an. The Emperor himself would lead the imperial campaign and commanded Sima Yi to arrive at the rendezvous on a fixed schedule. The envoy rode day and night toward Wancheng.
Now, since the beginning of his campaign, Zhuge Liang had won victory after victory and was greatly pleased. He was holding a council at his camp on Mount Qi when a report arrived that Li Yan, the commander of Yong'an Palace, had sent his son Li Feng to see him. Zhuge Liang, fearing that Eastern Wu might have invaded, was alarmed and summoned Li Feng into his tent to ask, "What brings you here?" Li Feng replied, "I have come to bring good news." Zhuge Liang asked, "What good news?" Li Feng said, "In the past, when Meng Da surrendered to Wei, it was against his will. At that time, Cao Pi valued his talents and often gave him fine horses, gold, and pearls. He even allowed Meng Da to ride in the same carriage with him, appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant, and made him Grand Administrator of Xincheng, placing him in charge of Shangyong and Jincheng, entrusting him with the entire southwestern region. After Cao Pi's death, Cao Rui ascended the throne, and many at court grew jealous of Meng Da. Day and night, Meng Da was uneasy, often telling his officers, 'I was originally a Shu general, but circumstances forced me here.' He has repeatedly sent trusted men with letters to my father, asking him to inform the Chancellor at the earliest opportunity. When the five armies invaded Shu, he had this intention. Now, at Xincheng, hearing that the Chancellor is attacking Wei, he wishes to raise the troops of Jincheng, Xincheng, and Shangyong, rise up there, and strike directly at Luoyang. If the Chancellor takes Chang'an, both capitals will be secure. I have brought his envoy and all his letters for your perusal." Zhuge Liang was overjoyed and rewarded Li Feng generously.
Suddenly, a spy reported, "The Wei ruler, Cao Rui, is personally marching to Chang'an while simultaneously issuing an edict reinstating Sima Yi to his post as Pacifier of the West Commander, ordering him to raise the local troops and assemble at Chang'an." Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed. The staff officer Ma Su said, "What is there to fear from Cao Rui? If he comes to Chang'an, we can capture him there. Why is the Chancellor so startled?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Do you think I fear Cao Rui? The only man I worry about is Sima Yi. Now that Meng Da is about to launch his uprising, if he encounters Sima Yi, it will surely fail. Meng Da is no match for Sima Yi—he will be captured. If Meng Da dies, the Central Plains will be hard to take." Ma Su said, "Why not quickly send a letter warning Meng Da to be on guard?" Zhuge Liang agreed and immediately wrote a letter, ordering the messenger to ride day and night back to Meng Da.
Now, Meng Da, at Xincheng, was anxiously awaiting the return of his trusted man. One day, the man arrived and presented Zhuge Liang's reply. Meng Da broke the seal and read it. The letter said roughly: "I have received your letter and fully understand your loyalty and righteousness, and that you have not forgotten your old allegiance. I am greatly comforted and pleased. If you accomplish this great deed, you will be the first meritorious minister of the Han restoration. However, you must be extremely cautious and secretive. Do not trust others lightly. Be warned! I have heard that Cao Rui has reinstated Sima Yi and ordered him to raise the armies of Wan and Luo. If he hears of your plans, he will surely arrive first. You must prepare thoroughly—do not regard this as a trivial matter." After reading the letter, Meng Da laughed and said, "People say Kongming is overly cautious. Now I see it's true." He then wrote a reply and sent his trusted man back to Zhuge Liang. When the man was brought into the tent, he presented the letter. Zhuge Liang broke the seal and read it. The letter said: "I have received your esteemed instructions and dare not be the least bit remiss. In my humble opinion, there is no need to fear Sima Yi. Wancheng is about eight hundred li from Luoyang, and Xincheng is twelve hundred li. If Sima Yi hears of my uprising, he must first memorialize the Wei ruler. That process will take a month back and forth. By then, my city will be fortified, and my generals and troops will all be in deep, secure positions. Even if Sima Yi comes, what have I to fear? Let the Chancellor rest easy—await the news of my victory!" After reading this, Zhuge Liang threw the letter to the ground and stamped his foot, crying, "Meng Da will surely die at the hands of Sima Yi!" Ma Su asked, "Why does the Chancellor say that?" Zhuge Liang replied, "The Art of War says, 'Attack where the enemy is unprepared; appear where you are least expected.' How can we calculate a month's time? Since Cao Rui has entrusted Sima Yi with command, he will deal with any threat immediately—why would he wait for a memorial? If Sima Yi learns of Meng Da's rebellion, his army will arrive in less than ten days. How could Meng Da possibly prepare in time?" All the generals acknowledged the wisdom of this. Zhuge Liang urgently sent a message back to Meng Da, saying, "If you have not yet risen, make sure no one involved in the plot knows of it. If they do, it will surely fail." The messenger took his leave and returned to Xincheng.
Now, Sima Yi, living in retirement at Wancheng, had heard of the repeated Wei defeats at the hands of Shu and sighed deeply to heaven. His eldest son, Sima Shi (styled Ziyuan), and his second son, Sima Zhao (styled Zishang), both ambitious and well-versed in military strategy, were standing at his side. Seeing their father sigh, they asked, "Father, why do you sigh?" Sima Yi replied, "How could you understand matters of such importance?" Sima Shi said, "Could it be that you lament the Wei ruler's failure to employ you?" Sima Zhao smiled and said, "Sooner or later, an imperial summons will come for you." Before he had finished speaking, a report arrived that an imperial envoy bearing the ceremonial staff had arrived. After Sima Yi had heard the edict read, he began to mobilize all the armies of the Wancheng region. Suddenly, another report came that a servant of Shen Yi, the Grand Administrator of Jincheng, had arrived with urgent secret information. Sima Yi summoned the man into a private chamber and questioned him. The man detailed Meng Da's plan to rebel. Moreover, Li Fu, a trusted man of Meng Da, and Deng Xian, Meng Da's nephew, had submitted a formal accusation. After hearing this, Sima Yi raised his hand to his forehead and said, "This is the boundless blessing of Heaven on our Emperor! Zhuge Liang's army is at Mount Qi, striking terror into everyone's hearts. Now the Emperor, with no other choice, has gone to Chang'an. If he had not summoned me, and Meng Da had risen up, both capitals would have been lost! This traitor must be in league with Zhuge Liang.
If I capture him first, Zhuge Liang's heart will freeze, and he will retreat of his own accord." His eldest son, Sima Shi, said, "Father, you should quickly write a memorial and report this to the Emperor." Sima Yi replied, "If we wait for an imperial decree, a month will pass, and it will be too late." He immediately issued orders for the army to march, covering two days' distance in one, with the penalty of death for any delay. At the same time, he ordered his staff officer, Liang Ji, to ride day and night to Xincheng with a dispatch ordering Meng Da to prepare for an expedition, so as not to arouse suspicion. Liang Ji departed first, and Sima Yi followed with the main army. After two days of marching, a troop emerged from the side of a mountain—it was Right General Xu Huang. Xu Huang dismounted and greeted Sima Yi, saying, "The Emperor has arrived at Chang'an to personally confront the Shu army. Where is the Commander heading?" Sima Yi lowered his voice and said, "Meng Da has rebelled, and I am going to capture him." Xu Huang replied, "I am willing to serve as your vanguard." Delighted, Sima Yi combined their forces. Xu Huang led the vanguard, Sima Yi commanded the main army, and his two sons brought up the rear. After another two days of marching, the forward scouts captured one of Meng Da's trusted men and seized Zhuge Liang's reply letter, which they brought to Sima Yi. Sima Yi said, "I will not kill you. Tell me everything from the beginning." The man had no choice but to recount all the communications between Zhuge Liang and Meng Da. After reading Zhuge Liang's letter, Sima Yi was shocked and said, "Great minds think alike.
My plan has already been seen through by Kongming. Fortunately, Heaven favors the Emperor, allowing us to obtain this intelligence. Meng Da is now powerless." He then urged his army forward day and night.
Now, Meng Da, at Xincheng, had set a date with Shen Yi, the Grand Administrator of Jincheng, and Shen Dan, the Grand Administrator of Shangyong, for the uprising. The two Shens pretended to agree, and every day they drilled their troops and horses, waiting only for the Wei army to arrive so they could serve as traitors from within. They reported to Meng Da, saying, "Our weapons and provisions are not yet ready, so we dare not set a firm date for the uprising." Meng Da believed them without suspicion. Suddenly, a report arrived that Staff Officer Liang Ji had come. Meng Da welcomed him into the city. Liang Ji relayed Sima Yi's orders: "Commander Sima Yi, by imperial decree, is raising all the armies to drive back the Shu army. You, Grand Administrator, are to gather your local troops and await his orders." Meng Da asked, "When did the Commander set out?" Liang Ji replied, "By now, he should have left Wancheng and be on his way to Chang'an." Overjoyed, Meng Da thought to himself, "My great plan is about to succeed!" He then feasted Liang Ji and saw him out of the city. He immediately sent word to Shen Dan and Shen Yi that they would rise the next day, replace their banners with those of Great Han, and march all their troops directly toward Luoyang. Suddenly, a report came: "A great dust cloud is rising outside the city—we do not know where the troops have come from." Meng Da ascended the city wall to look and saw a troop of soldiers bearing the banner of "Right General Xu Huang" racing toward the city. Startled, Meng Da hastily ordered the drawbridge raised. Xu Huang's horse could not be reined in and carried him straight to the moat's edge, where he shouted, "Rebel Meng Da, surrender at once!" Enraged, Meng Da drew his bow and fired, striking Xu Huang in the forehead. Wei soldiers carried him away. A volley of arrows rained down from the city walls, and the Wei forces withdrew. Meng Da was about to open the gate and pursue when banners blotted out the sun on all sides—Sima Yi's army had arrived. Meng Da looked up to heaven and sighed, "It is exactly as Kongming predicted!" He then closed the gates and prepared for a siege.
Now, Xu Huang, struck in the forehead by Meng Da's arrow, was carried back to camp by his men. The arrowhead was removed, and a physician was called to treat him. But that very night, he died at the age of fifty-nine. Sima Yi ordered his coffin sent back to Luoyang for burial. The next day, Meng Da ascended the city wall and looked around. He saw the Wei army surrounding the city as tightly as an iron bucket. Restless and anxious, he was still in a state of shock when he saw two columns of troops attacking from outside the walls, their banners bearing the names "Shen Dan" and "Shen Yi." Believing they were relief forces, Meng Da hastily led his own troops out of the city gates to join them. But Shen Dan and Shen Yi shouted together, "Rebel, do not flee! Prepare to die!" Realizing the betrayal, Meng Da wheeled his horse and tried to race back into the city, but a hail of arrows rained down from the walls. Li Fu and Deng Xian, standing on the city wall, shouted curses at him: "We have already surrendered the city!" Meng Da tried to cut his way out, but Shen Dan was right behind him. Exhausted and with his horse spent, Meng Da was caught off guard. Shen Dan ran him through with his spear, unhorsing him, and cut off his head. The remaining troops all surrendered. Li Fu and Deng Xian threw open the city gates and welcomed Sima Yi into Xincheng. After comforting the people and rewarding the troops, Sima Yi sent a messenger to report to Cao Rui. The Wei Emperor was overjoyed and ordered Meng Da's head to be displayed in the marketplaces of Luoyang. He promoted Shen Dan and Shen Yi and ordered them to serve under Sima Yi in the coming campaign, while Li Fu and Deng Xian were appointed to guard Xincheng and Shangyong.
Now, Sima Yi led his army to a camp outside the walls of Chang'an and then entered the city to see the Wei Emperor. Cao Rui was overjoyed and said, "I was momentarily blind and fell for the enemy's slanderous scheme. I regret it beyond words. If you had not dealt with Meng Da's rebellion, both capitals would have been lost!" Sima Yi memorialized, "I heard of the rebellion from Shen Yi's secret report. My intention was to memorialize Your Majesty, but I feared the delay of messages back and forth. So, without waiting for your decree, I marched day and night. If I had waited for your permission, Zhuge Liang's plan would have succeeded." He then presented Zhuge Liang's secret letter to Meng Da. After reading it, Cao Rui was overjoyed and said, "Your wisdom surpasses even Sunzi and Wu Qi!" He bestowed upon Sima Yi a pair of golden battle-axes and decreed that in future matters of great secrecy and urgency, Sima Yi need not seek prior approval but could act as he saw fit. He then ordered Sima Yi to march out of the passes and attack Shu. Sima Yi memorialized, "I recommend a great general to serve as vanguard." Cao Rui asked, "Whom do you recommend?" Sima Yi replied, "Right General Zhang He is well suited for this role." Cao Rui smiled and said, "I was just about to employ him myself." He then appointed Zhang He as the vanguard commander to follow Sima Yi from Chang'an in attacking the Shu army.
Truly, the situation was such that: Now that a master strategist had been employed to wield his wisdom, a fierce general was also summoned to display his might. Whether victory or defeat would follow, the next chapter will reveal.