Sima
Yi was very pleased to hear that Cao Shuang and his party were to follow the
Ruler of Wei on a visit to the tombs combined with a hunt, for it meant that
the whole enemy faction left the city. Accordingly, Cao Shuang and his three
brothers Cao Xi, Cao Xun, Cao Yan, and his friends He Yan, Deng Yang, Ding Mi,
Bi Gui, Li Sheng, and others left the capital with the Emperor.
As soon as they left, Sima Yi entered with his authority as Imperial
Guardian, gave Gao Rou, Minister of the Interior, provisional command of the
army and sent him to seize the camp of Cao Shuang. A similar command was given
to Wang Guan, Supervisor of the Palace, to replace Cao Xi as Commander of the
Center Army and to occupy his camp.
Having secured his position
thus, Sima Yi and his supporters went to the palace of the Empress Dowager.
They
said to her, "Cao Shuang has betrayed the trust placed in him by the late
Emperor and has ruined the government. His fault must be expiated."
Empress
Guo replied, "What can be done in the absence of the Son of Heaven?"
"I have prepared plans for the destruction of these base ministers
and will see to it that no trouble happens to yourself."
The Empress was much
alarmed, but could only act as she was directed and agree. So two of Sima Yi's
supporters, Commander Jiang Ji and High Minister Sima Fu, copied out the
memorial he had prepared, and it was sent to the Ruler of Wei by the hand of an
eunuch. Then the arsenals were seized.
Soon
the news of the rising came to the knowledge of the family of Cao Shuang, and
his wife, Lady Liu, came out from the inner apartments and summoned Pan Ju,
Commander of the Gates.
She
inquired, "The Master is outside, and Sima Yi is revolting: What does it mean?"
"Your
Ladyship need feel no alarm. Let me go and find out the truth," said Pan
Ju.
Thereupon
Pan Ju, at the head of a several dozen bowmen, went up on the wall and looked
around. At that moment Sima Yi was crossing the court, and Pan Ju bade his men
shoot. Sima Yi could not pass.
But
Sun Qiao, one of his generals, said, "You must not shoot at the Imperial
Guardian; he is on public service."
Thrice
Sun Qiao urged his chief not to let the men shoot, and so Pan Ju desisted. Sima
Yi went across guarded by his son Sima Zhao. Then he went out of the city and
camped on River Luo at the Floating Bridge.
When
the revolution began, one of Cao Shuang's officers, Lu Zhu by name, took
counsel with Military Adviser Xin Chang.
"Now
that this revolt has begun, what should we do?"
"Let
us go to the Emperor with what troops we have," replied Xin Chang.
"Perhaps
the best course," replied Lu Zhu.
And
Xin Chang went into the inner chamber to get ready to start. There he met his
sister, Xin Xianying, who asked the meaning of all this haste.
"His
Majesty is out on a hunt, and Sima Yi has closed the gates of the city. This is
rebellion."
"I
do not think so. He only means to slay Cao Shuang, his rival," replied
she.
"What
will be the outcome of this?" asked her brother.
"Cao
Shuang is no match for Sima Yi," replied she.
"If
Sima Yi asks us to join him, should we?" asked Xin Chang.
Xin
Xianying replied, "You know what a true man should do. When a man is in
danger, there is the greater need for sympathy. To be of Cao Shuang's people
and desert him in an emergency is the greatest of evils."
This
speech decided Xin Chang, who went with Lu Zhu. At the head of a some twenty
horsemen, they forced the gate and got out of the city.
When
their escape was reported to Sima Yi, he thought that Huan Fan would surely try
to follow their example, so he sent to call him.
However,
on the advice of his son, Huan Fan did not answer the summons, but decided to
flee. He got into his carriage and drove hastily to the South Gate.
But
the gate was barred. The Commander of the Gate, Si Fan, was an old dependant of
Huan Fan.
Huan
Fan pulled out from his sleeve a slip of bamboo and said, "The Empress's command:
Open the gate for me."
"Let
me look," said Si Fan.
"What!
How dare you, an old servant of mine, behave thus?"
Si
Fan let Huan Fan pass.
As soon as he had got outside, Huan Fan shouted to Si Fan, "Sima Yi
has raised a revolt, and you had better follow me!"
Si
Fan realized that he had made a mistake, and chase after Huan Fan, but failed
to come up with him.
"So
the 'Bag of Wisdom' has got away too. That is a pity, but what can we do?"
said Sima Yi, when they reported the escape.
"The poor horse always hankers after the old stable and manger. Cao
Shuang would not know how to use Huan Fan," replied Jiang Ji.
Then
Sima Yi called to him Xu Yun and Chen Tai and said, "Go you to Cao Shuang
and say that I have no other intention than to take away the military power
from him and his brothers."
As
soon as they had left, he called Yin Damu and ordered Jiang Ji prepare a letter
to be taken to Cao Shuang by Yin Damu.
Said Sima Yi, "You are
on good terms with the man and are the fittest person for this mission. Tell
him that Jiang Ji and I are concerned solely with the military powers in the
hands of himself and his brothers, as we have sworn pointing to River
Luo."
So
Yin Damu went his way.
Out
in the country Cao Shuang was enjoying the hunting, flying his falcons and
coursing his hounds. Suddenly came the news of the rising in the city and the
memorial against him. He almost fell out of the saddle when they told him.
The
eunuch handed in the memorial to the Ruler of Wei in the presence of Cao
Shuang, who took it and opened it. A minister in attendance was ordered to read
it. It said:
"Sima Yi, General Who Conquers the West and Imperial
Guardian, with bowed head and trepidation, presents this memorial. On my return
from the expedition into Liaodong, His late Majesty summoned Your Majesty, Cao
Shuang, myself and certain others to his bedside, took me by the arm and
impressed upon us all our duty in the years to be.
"Now Cao Shuang has betrayed the trust placed in him,
has disordered the kingdom, usurped power at court, and seized upon power in
the regions. He has appointed Zhang Dang, Administrator of the City, to control
the court and spy upon Your Majesty. He is surely lying in wait to seize the
empire. He has sown dissension in the royal family and injured his own flesh
and blood. The whole land is in confusion, and people's hearts are full of
fear. All this is opposed to the injunctions of His Late Majesty and his
commands to me.
"Stupid and worthless as I am, yet I dare not forget the
words of His Late Majesty. My colleagues, Jiang Ji and Sima Fu, agree that Cao
Shuang is disloyal at heart, and great military powers should not be entrusted
to him or his brothers.
"I have memorialized Her Majesty and obtained her
authority to act.
"All military powers have been wrested from the hands of
Cao Shuang, Cao Xi, and Cao Xun, leaving them only the simple title of
lordships, so that hereafter they may be unable to hinder or control Your
Majesty's actions. If there be any obstruction, the matter shall be summarily
dealt with.
"Although in ill
health, as a precautionary measure I have camped at the Floating Bridge, whence
I write this."When
they had made an end of reading, the Ruler of Wei turned to Cao Shuang and
said, "In the face of such words what mean you to do?"
Cao
Shuang was at a loss and turned to his younger brother, saying, "What
now?"
Cao Xi replied, "I remonstrated with you, but you were obstinate
and listened not. So it has come to this. Sima Yi is false and cunning beyond
measure. If Zhuge Liang could not get the better of him, could we hope to do
so? I see nothing but to yield that haply we may live."
Just
at this moment arrived Adviser Xin Chang and Commander Lu Zhu. Cao Shuang asked
what tidings they brought.
They
replied, "The city is completely and closely surrounded, Sima Yi is camped
on the river at the Floating Bridge, and you cannot return. You must decide how
to act at once."
Then
galloped up Huan Fan, who said, "This is really rebellion. Why not request
His Majesty to proceed to Xuchang till regional troops can arrive and deal with
Sima Yi?"
Cao
Shuang replied, "How can we go to another place when all our families are
in the city?"
Said
Huan Fan, "Even a fool in this crisis would think only of life. You have
the Son of Heaven with you here and command all the forces of the empire. None
would dare disobey you, and yet you march quietly to death."
Cao
Shuang could not decide to strike a blow for safety; he did nothing but snivel.
Huan
Fan continued, "We can reach Xuchang tonight. The stay in Xuchang would be
but brief, and there are ample supplies for years. You have forces at your call
at the South Pass. You hold the seal of Minister of War, and I have brought it
with me. Everything is in your favor. Act! Act at once! Delay is death."
"Do not hurry
me," said Cao Shuang. "Let me think it over carefully."
Then
came Xu Yun and Chen Tai, the two messengers of Sima Yi, and said, "The
Imperial Guardian desires only to strip the military power of the Regent
Marshal. If the Regent Marshal yields, he may return peacefully to the
city."
Still Cao Shuang hesitated.
Next arrived Yin Damu,
saying, "The Imperial Guardian had sworn by River Luo to the singleness of
his aim. Here is letter of Minister Jiang Ji. The Regent Marshal should
relinquish the military power and return to the Palace in peace."
When Cao Shuang seemed
disposed to accept the assurance of Sima Yi, Huan Fan inveighed against it,
saying, "You are a dead man if you listen to the voice of these
people!"
Night found Cao Shuang
still vacillating. As twilight faded into darkness he stood, sword in hand,
sad, sighing and weeping. And morning found him still trying to make up his
mind.
Huan
Fan again urged him to decide upon some course.
"You
have had a whole day and a whole night for reflection and must decide,"
said he.
"I will not fight; I will yield all; being a wealthy man is
enough," said Cao Shuang, throwing down his sword.
Huan
Fan left the tent wailing.
"Cao Zhen might boast of his abilities, but his sons are mere
cattle," said he, weeping copiously.
The
two messengers, Xu Yun and Chen Tai, bade Cao Shuang offer his seal of office
to Sima Yi, and it was brought.
But First Secretary Yang Zong clung to it and would not give it up,
saying, "Alas! That you, my lord, should resign your powers and make such
a pitiful surrender. For surely you will not escape death in the eastern market
place."
"The
Imperial Guardian will surely keep faith with me," said Cao Shuang.
The seal was borne away, and Cao Shuang's generals and soldiers, thus
released from the bonds of discipline, dispersed and the hosts melted away.
When the Cao brothers reached the Floating Bridge, they were ordered to go to
their dwellings, and they went. Their supporters were imprisoned to await the
edicts of the Emperor.
Cao Shuang and his friends,
so lately all-powerful, entered the city alone, without even a servant
following.
As
Huan Fan approached the bridge, Sima Yi, from horseback, pointed his whip
disdainfully at him and said, "What brought you to this?"
Huan Fan made no reply, but with head bent followed the others.
It was decided to request
the Emperor to declare the hunt at an end and order a return to the city. Cao
Shuang, Cao Xi, and Cao Xun were confined in their own house, the gate whereof
was fastened with a huge lock, and soldiers were set to guard it round about.
They were sad and anxious, not knowing what would be their fate.
Then
Cao Xi said, "We have but little food left. Let us write and ask for
supplies. If Sima Yi sends us food, we may be sure he does not intend
harm."
They
wrote, and a hundred carts of supplies were sent.
This cheered them, and Cao Shuang said, "Our lives are safe in the
hands of Sima Yi!"
Sima
Yi had Zhang Dang arrested and put to the question.
Zhang
Dang said. "I am not the only one who has tried to subvert the government.
He Yan, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, Ding Mi, and Bi Gui are all involved in the
plot."
So they were arrested and, when interrogated, confessed that
a revolt had been arranged for the third month. Sima Yi had them locked in one
long wooden collar.
The
Commander of the Gates, Si Fan, testified: "Huan Fan has imposed upon me
with a pretended command from Her Majesty and so has escaped out of the city.
Beside he has said the Imperial Guardian was a rebel."
Then
said Sima Yi, "When a person maligns another and is false, the punishment
for such a crime as he imputes falls upon his own head."
Huan Fan and those with him were thrown into prison.
Presently Cao Shuang and
his brothers, all persons connected with them, and their clans were put to
death in the market place. All the treasures of their houses was sent to the
public treasury.
Now
there was a certain woman of the Xiahou family who had been wife to Wen Shu, a
second cousin of Cao Shuang. Early left a childless widow, her father wished
her to marry again. Lady Xiahou refused and cut off her ears as a pledge of
constancy. However, when the Caos were all put to death, her father arranged another
marriage for her; whereupon she cut off her nose. Her own people were chagrined
at her obstinate determination.
"For
whom are you keeping your vow?" said they. "Man is but as the light
dust upon the tender grass, and what is the good of mutilating your body?"
The
woman replied, weeping, "I have heard that honorable persons do not break
a vow of chastity for the sake of wealth, and the hearts of righteous persons
are constant unto death regardless of all losses. While the house of Cao
enjoyed prosperity, I remained faithful; how much more should I be true now
that it has fallen upon evil days? Can I act like a mere beast of the
field?"
The
story of her devotion came to the ears of Sima Yi, who praised her conduct and
allowed her to adopt a son to rear as her own and so continue the family.
A
poem says:
What is a man to be mindful of?
A grain of dust on a blade of grass;
Such virtue as Lady Xiahou had
Stands out sublime as the ages pass.
This fair young wife of gentle mien
Dared all to maintain her purpose high.
What people though strong in the flush of life
Have equaled her in constancy?
After
Cao Shuang had suffered death, Jiang Ji said to Sima Yi, "Xin Chang and Lu
Zhu and others who had been of his party had forced the gate and joined the rebels.
Yang Zong had opposed the surrender of the seal of the late minister. They
deserve punishment."
However,
no action was taken against them.
"They
are righteous people who serves their master faithfully," said Sima Yi,
and he even confirmed these men in their offices.
Xin
Chang sighed, "Had I not listened to the advice of my sister, I would have
walked in the way of unrighteousness."
A
poet has praised his sister, Xin Xianying.
"You call him lord and take his pay,
Then stand by him when danger nears."
Thus to her brother spoke Xin Xianying,
And won fair fame though endless years.
A
general amnesty was extended to all Cao Shuang's partisans, and no officer was
removed or dismissed for having supported the late order of things. All were
left in possession of their property, and soon all was tranquillity.
However,
it is to be noted that He Yan and Deng Yang met the unhappy end that Guan Lu
had foretold for them.
The seer Guan Lu was deeply read
In all the lore of the ancient sages.
Thus he could see events to come
As clear as those of former ages.
And he perceived the soul of He Yan,
Already in the vale of gloom.
And knew the outer shell of Deng Yang
Was hastening to an early tomb.
After
his recovery of power, Sima Yi was made Prime Minister and received the Nine
Dignities. Sima Yi refused these honors, but the Ruler of Wei insisted and
would take no denial. His two sons were made assistants to their father, and
all state affairs fell under the control of these three.
However,
Sima Yi remembered that one man, Xiahou Ba, a member of the Cao clan, still
commanded at Yongzhou. In his position Xiahou Ba might be a real danger, and he
must be removed. So an edict was issued calling him to Capital Luoyang to
discuss affairs.
Upon
receiving this call, Xiahou Ba was shocked.
But
instead of obeying this call, he declared himself a rebel, and he had a force
of three thousand troops to support him. As soon as this was known, Guo Huai
marched to suppress the malcontent. The two armies were soon face to face, and
Guo Huai went to the front and began to revile his opponent.
"How
could you rebel against the ruling house, you who are of the same clan as our
great founder, and you who have always been treated generously?"
Xiahou Ba replied, "My forefathers served the state right well, but
who is this Sima Yi that he has put to death my kinspeople and would now
destroy me? What is his aim, if it be not to usurp the Throne? If I can cut him
off and so frustrate his design, I shall at least be no traitor to the state."
Guo
Huai rode forward to attack, and Xiahou Ba advanced to the encounter.
They fought some ten bouts,
and then Guo Huai turned and fled.
But this was only a feint
to lead on his enemy, for ere Xiahou Ba had gone far, he heard a shout behind
him and turned to see Chen Tai about to attack. At the same moment Guo Huai
turned again, and thus Xiahou Ba was between two fires. He could effect
nothing, so he fled, losing many troops. Soon he decided that his only course
was to flee to Hanzhong and to surrender to the Ruler of Shu.
Wherefore
he went into Hanzhong to see if haply the Latter Ruler would accept his
services. When Jiang Wei heard of his desire to surrender, he had doubts of
Xiahou Ba's sincerity. However, after due inquiry Jiang Wei was satisfied and
allowed the renegade from Wei to enter the city. After making his obeisance,
Xiahou Ba, with many tears, told the story of his wrongs. Jiang Wei expressed
sympathy.
Said
Jiang Wei, "In the ancient time Wei Zi left the court of King Zhou in
disgust, and this act has assured to him everlasting honor. You may be able now
to assist in the restoration of the House of Han, and you will then stand no
whit inferior to any person of antiquity."
A
banquet was ordered, and while it was being prepared the host talked of affairs
in Capital Luoyang.
Said
Jiang Wei, "The Simas are now most powerful and in a position to carry out
any scheme they planned. Think you that they have any intentions against
Shu?"
"The
old traitor has enough to do with his rebellion; he has no leisure to trouble
about any outside matters. However, two other young leaders in Wei have lately
come to the front, and if Sima Yi sent them against Shu and Wu, it might go ill
with you both."
"And
who are these two?"
"One
is named Zhong Hui, a man of Changsha. He is a son of the former Imperial
Guardian Zhong Yao. As a mere boy he was noted for being bold and smart. His
father used to take him and his brother, Zhong Yu, to court. Zhong Hui was
seven and his brother a year older. Emperor Pi noticed one day that the elder
boy was sweating and asked him the reason. Zhong Yu replied, 'Whenever I am
frightened, the sweat pours out.' Then Emperor Pi said to the other boy, 'You
do not seem frightened.' And Zhong Hui replied, 'I am so frightened that the
sweat cannot come out.' The Emperor was discerned the extraordinary ability of
the boy. A little later Zhong Hui was always studying books on war and tactics,
and became an able strategist, so that he won admiration from both Sima Yi and
Jiang Ji. Zhong Hui is being a secretary in the Palace.
"The
second man is Deng Ai from Yiyang. He was left an orphan very early, but he was
ambitious and enterprising. If he saw lofty mountains or wide marshes, he
always looked for those points where soldiers might be stationed or depots of
provisions made or combustibles laid. People ridiculed him, but Sima Yi saw there
was much to admire and employed the young man on his staff. Deng Ai had an
impediment in his speech, so that he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai', and Sima
Yi used to make fun of him and asked him one day how many there were of him
since he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai'. Deng Ai at once replied, 'There is
only one phoenix when they say 'O Phoenix! O Phoenix!'' This ready repartee
shows the quickness of his intellect, and you may well be on your guard against
him and the other, for they are to be feared."
"I do not think them worth even talking about," replied Jiang
Wei.
Wherefore
he went into Hanzhong to see if haply the Latter Ruler would accept his
services. When Jiang Wei heard of his desire to surrender, he had doubts of
Xiahou Ba's sincerity. However, after due inquiry Jiang Wei was satisfied and
allowed the renegade from Wei to enter the city. After making his obeisance,
Xiahou Ba, with many tears, told the story of his wrongs. Jiang Wei expressed
sympathy.
Said
Jiang Wei, "In the ancient time Wei Zi left the court of King Zhou in
disgust, and this act has assured to him everlasting honor. You may be able now
to assist in the restoration of the House of Han, and you will then stand no
whit inferior to any person of antiquity."
A
banquet was ordered, and while it was being prepared the host talked of affairs
in Capital Luoyang.
Said
Jiang Wei, "The Simas are now most powerful and in a position to carry out
any scheme they planned. Think you that they have any intentions against
Shu?"
"The
old traitor has enough to do with his rebellion; he has no leisure to trouble
about any outside matters. However, two other young leaders in Wei have lately
come to the front, and if Sima Yi sent them against Shu and Wu, it might go ill
with you both."
"And
who are these two?"
"One
is named Zhong Hui, a man of Changsha. He is a son of the former Imperial
Guardian Zhong Yao. As a mere boy he was noted for being bold and smart. His
father used to take him and his brother, Zhong Yu, to court. Zhong Hui was
seven and his brother a year older. Emperor Pi noticed one day that the elder
boy was sweating and asked him the reason. Zhong Yu replied, 'Whenever I am
frightened, the sweat pours out.' Then Emperor Pi said to the other boy, 'You
do not seem frightened.' And Zhong Hui replied, 'I am so frightened that the
sweat cannot come out.' The Emperor was discerned the extraordinary ability of
the boy. A little later Zhong Hui was always studying books on war and tactics,
and became an able strategist, so that he won admiration from both Sima Yi and
Jiang Ji. Zhong Hui is being a secretary in the Palace.
"The
second man is Deng Ai from Yiyang. He was left an orphan very early, but he was
ambitious and enterprising. If he saw lofty mountains or wide marshes, he
always looked for those points where soldiers might be stationed or depots of
provisions made or combustibles laid. People ridiculed him, but Sima Yi saw there
was much to admire and employed the young man on his staff. Deng Ai had an
impediment in his speech, so that he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai', and Sima
Yi used to make fun of him and asked him one day how many there were of him
since he called himself 'Deng-eng-eng-Ai'. Deng Ai at once replied, 'There is
only one phoenix when they say 'O Phoenix! O Phoenix!'' This ready repartee
shows the quickness of his intellect, and you may well be on your guard against
him and the other, for they are to be feared."
"I do not think them worth even talking about," replied Jiang
Wei.
Thus the Latter Ruler's consent was given. Then Jiang Wei
left the court and betook himself, with Xiahou Ba, into Hanzhong to prepare for
a new expedition.
"We will first send an
envoy to the Qiangs to make a league with them," said Jiang Wei.
"Then we will march out by the Xiping Pass to Yongzhou, where we will
build up two ramparts in Qushan in Qushan Mountains and garrison them. The
position is a point of vantage. Then we will send supplies beyond the pass by
land and waterways, and advance gradually, according to the plan devised by the
late Prime Minister."
In the autumn of the year
(AD 249) they sent the two Shu generals, Li Xin and Gou Ai, with fifteen
thousand troops, to construct the two ramparts in Qushan in Qushan Mountains,
of which Gou Ai was to hold the eastern and Li Xin the western.
When
the news reached Yongzhou, the Imperial Protector, Guo Huai, sent a report to
Luoyang and also dispatched Chen Tai with a force of fifty thousand troops to
oppose the troops of Shu. When that army arrived, Li Xin and Gou Ai led their
troops to meet it. But their armies were too weak to stand such a large force,
and they once more retired into the city.
Chen Tai ordered his army
to lay siege and occupy the road that led to Hanzhong, so that supplies were
cut off.
After
some days, and when the soldiers of Shu began to feel the pinch of hunger, Guo
Huai came to see what progress his general was making.
At sight of the position he rejoiced exceedingly, and when he returned
to camp he said to Chen Tai, "In this high country the city must be short
of water, which means that the besieged must come out for supplies. Let us cut
off the streams that supply them, and they will perish of thirst."
So
the Wei soldiers were set to work to divert the streams above the city, and the
besieged were soon distressed.
Li Xin led out a strong
force to try to seize the water sources and fought stubbornly, but was at
length worsted and driven back within the walls.
After
that Li Xin and Gou Ai joined their forces and made another attempt to go out
and fight.
But
the Yongzhou troops surrounded them, and a melee ensured until Li Xin and Gou
Ai fought their way back to the city.
Meanwhile
the soldiers were parched with thirst.
Gou
Ai discussed the circumstance with Li Xin, saying, "I do not understand
the delay of Commander Jiang Wei's reinforcements."
Li
Xin said, "Let me try to fight my way out and get help."
So the gates were opened, and Li Xin rode out with some twenty horsemen.
These were opposed and had to fight every inch of the way, but eventually Li
Xin won though severely wounded. All his followers had fallen.
That night a strong north
wind brought a heavy fall of snow, and the besieged were thus temporarily
relieved from the water famine. They melted the snow and prepared food.
Li
Xin, severely wounded, made his way west along the hill paths. After two days
he fell in with Jiang Wei.
He
dismounted, prostrated himself, and told his story: "Qushan had been
surrounded and cut off water supplies. By luck it snowed, and our soldiers were
partly relieved. But the situation was very urgent."
"The
delay is not due to my slackness. The Qiang allies we depended upon have not
come," said Jiang Wei.
Jiang Wei sent an escort with the wounded Li Xin to conduct him to
Chengdu, where his wounds could be treated.
Turning
to Xiahou Ba, Jiang Wei asked, "The Qiangs do not come, and the Wei army
is besieging Qushan. General, do you have any plan to propose?"
Xiahou Ba replied, "If we wait for the coming of the Qiangs, it
looks as if we shall be too late to relieve Qushan. It is very probable that
Yongzhou has been left undefended, wherefore I propose that you go toward Ox
Head Hills and work round to the rear of Yongzhou, which will cause the Wei
army to fall back to relieve Yongzhou and so relieve our force."
"The
plan appears excellent," replied Jiang Wei. And he set out.
When
Chen Tai knew that Li Xin had escaped, he said to his chief, "Now that
this man has got out, he will tell Jiang Wei of the danger and Jiang Wei will
conclude that our efforts are concentrated on the ramparts and will endeavor to
attack our rear. Therefore I suggest, General, that you go to River Yao and
stop the supplies of our enemies, while I go to the Ox Head Hills and smite
them. They will retreat as soon as they know their supplies are threatened."
So
Guo Huai marched secretly to River Yao, while Chen Tai went to the hills.
When
the Shu army led by Jiang Wei came near the Ox Head Hills, they heard a great
shouting in front, and the scouts came in to report that the road was barred.
Jiang Wei himself rode out to look.
"So you intended to attack Yongzhou, did you?" shouted Chen
Tai. "But we know it and have been watching for you a long time."
Jiang Wei rode forth to
attack. Chen Tai advanced with a flourish of his sword, and they engaged. Chen
Tai soon ran away.
Then
the soldiers of Shu came forward and fell on, driving the soldiers of Wei back
to the summit of the hills. But they halted there, and Jiang Wei encamped at
the foot of the hills, whence he challenged the enemy every day. But he could
gain no victory.
Seeing
no result after some days of this, Xiahou Ba said, "This is no place to
remain in. We can get no victory and are tempting fate by remaining open to a
surprise. I think we should retire till some better plan can be tried."
Just then it was reported: "The supplies road by River Yao has
fallen into the hands of Guo Huai!"
Shocked with the news,
Jiang Wei bade Xiahou Ba march away first, and he covered the retreat.
Chen
Tai pursued in five divisions along five different roads, but Jiang Wei got
possession of the meeting point and held them all in check, finally forcing them
back on the hills. But from this position Chen Tai ordered his troops to shoot
heavy discharges of arrows and stones so that Jiang Wei was forced to abandon
his position. He went to River Yao, where Guo Huai led his force out to attack.
Jiang Wei went to and fro smiting where he could, but he was surrounded and
only got out by a desperate effort and after suffering more than half of his
force.
Jiang
Wei hastened toward Yangping Pass, but fell in with another body of the enemy,
at the head of which he saw a fierce, youthful leader, who at once rode out
furiously to attack. This leader had a round face, long ears, and a square
mouth with thick lips. Below his left eye was a large hairy mole. It was the
elder son of Sima Yi. He was General of the Flying Cavalry, Sima Shi.
"Simpleton!
How dare you stand in my way?" yelled Jiang Wei, as he rode forward with
his spear set.
Sima Shi met the attack, and a few bouts were fought before Sima Shi
fled.
Jiang Wei came off victor
and so was free to continue his way. Presently he reached the pass and was
welcomed within its sheltering walls. Sima Shi soon followed and attacked the
Pass after his arrival, but those within the ramparts replied with the multiple
crossbows which threw ten bolts at each discharge. For the army of Shu had made
these engines of war after the design left by Zhuge Liang.
Owing to superior weapons, Shu defeated Wei,
Wei would never recover what was lost that day.
What befell Sima Shi will be told in the next chapter.
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Xiahou
Yue & Xiahou He & Xiahou Ba & Yue Chen & Sima Yi &
Zhang Hu & Sima Zhao & Guo Huai & Sima Shi & Tôn Lễ
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Gao
Rou & Yang Yi
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Lady Xiahou & Xin
Xianying |