Yet Zhuge Liang had released Meng Huo, and the officers came into his tent to ask, “Meng Huo is the chief of the southern tribes. Since he is now in our hands, the south is as good as pacified. Why did the Chancellor release him?” Zhuge Liang smiled and said, “I captured this man as easily as taking something from my sleeve. Once his mind submits, there will be peace naturally.” The officers heard this and still did not believe it.

That day Meng Huo reached the Lu River and at once ran into scattered remnants of the tribal soldiers, who came to scout. When they saw him, they were surprised and happy, and bowed and asked, “How did Your Highness get back?” Meng Huo replied, “Shu soldiers kept watch over me in camp, and I killed more than ten of them, then escaped in the dark of night. While traveling I met a scout cavalry unit, also killed it, and took this horse. That is how I got away.”

All of them rejoiced greatly. They carried Meng Huo across the Lu River and camped behind stockades, then assembled the chiefs of all their caves, calling in turn the tribal warriors he had released before. They gathered over one hundred thousand riders. At this time Dongtuna and A Huanan were already in their caves. Meng Huo sent for them; the two, frightened, had no choice but to bring their cave warriors as well.

Meng Huo issued orders: “I now understand Zhuge Liang’s plan. We must not fight. If we do, we will fall into his trick. The troops from the Central Plain have marched far and are worn out, and the heat is oppressive in these days. Could their men hold out for long? Here by the Lu River’s danger we will seize every raft and canoe and keep them on the south bank, then raise earth fortresses and deep moats, raised walls and high ramparts. Let us see how Zhuge Liang puts his plan into action!”

All the chiefs followed his order, hauling all boats and rafts to the south bank and raising earth fortifications. They chose ground by cliff and hillside and drove up high signal towers; atop those towers they placed crossbows, catapults, and stone-throwing devices, preparing to hold out for a long time. Grain and fodder were all supplied from each cave. Meng Huo thought this a perfect plan and felt entirely at ease.

Now Zhuge Liang advanced his troops swiftly. The forward detachment had already reached the Lu River when a scout horseman flew back: “There are no boats or rafts in the river. The current runs fast, and along the opposite bank they have built earth forts in a line, each with tribal guards.” It was in the fifth month, the heat pressing down, and in the southern lands the air was especially fierce and oppressive. The men’s armor, the horses’ gear, all of it was unbearable.

Zhuge Liang inspected the riverfront himself and returned to his own camp, where he gathered the generals in the tent and announced, “Meng Huo has stationed his men on the south bank, with deep moats and high walls to resist us. Now that we have marched here, how can I return empty-handed? Each of you lead your troops to the shade of hills and trees, choose the thickest stretches of forest, and keep your men and horses there to rest.”

He ordered Lu Kai, one hundred li from the Lu River, to pick cool spots and set up four camps. Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, Zhang Yi, and Guan Suo each guarded one camp. Inside and outside they raised grass shelters to cover the horses so both men and mounts could cool themselves and avoid the heat.

From among the staff, Jiang Wan looked and entered to ask Zhuge Liang, “I see these camps Lu Kai built are poor. They are exactly like the ground where the former emperor was defeated by Eastern Wu. If the tribal soldiers cross the Lu River at night and raid the camps, what then if they use fire? How could we rescue ourselves?” Zhuge Liang smiled and said, “Do not be so doubtful. I have a subtle calculation.” Jiang Wan and the others still did not understand.

Soon news came that Ma Dai had arrived from Shu with cooling draughts and grain. Zhuge Liang ordered him in. After saluting, Ma Dai distributed rice and medicine to the four camps. Zhuge Liang asked, “How many soldiers did you bring?”

Ma Dai answered, “Three thousand.”

Zhuge Liang said, “My army is spent and exhausted from repeated battles. I want to use your force, but I do not know whether you will go forward.”

Ma Dai said, “They are all imperial troops. What distinction is there between then and now? If the Chancellor wishes to use them, I will not refuse even if I must die.”

Zhuge Liang said, “Now Meng Huo blocks the Lu River and has no way to cross. I want to cut his supply route first and let his own force disorder itself.”

Ma Dai asked, “How can we cut it?”

Zhuge Liang said, “One hundred and fifty li from here, at the lower flow is Shakou. The water is slower there and can be crossed by rafts. Take your whole base force of three thousand and cross there, straight into the tribal caves, and first cut off their grain. Then join Dongtuna and A Huanan, the two cave lords, who will be our inner allies. Do not make a mistake.”

Ma Dai left joyfully and pushed ahead with his men to Shakou, driving them into the river and fording. The water was shallow, and most did not use rafts. Many crossed in their undershirts, and in passing many stumbled and drowned; blood came from mouth and nose as they were hauled back to shore.

Ma Dai was startled and returned overnight to report to Zhuge Liang. The Chancellor immediately called for local guides. One said, “These are the hot-season fumes of the Lu River. In daylight they are fierce. A man crossing is sure to inhale them and die. Even drinking this water can be fatal. If we must cross, wait for the stillness of night when the water cools and the fumes subside. If we cross after a full meal, no harm will come.”

So Zhuge Liang told the guides to lead the way and selected five to six hundred of the strongest soldiers to go with Ma Dai to Shakou. They built wooden rafts and crossed the river at midnight; indeed, there was no harm. Ma Dai led two thousand picked soldiers, followed by guides, taking the shortest route toward the supply choke point at the mountain cleft called Jia Shan Pass. Jia Shan Pass had steep walls on either side and only one track between them, wide enough for one horse at a time.

Ma Dai occupied Jia Shan Pass, arranged his troops, and raised an outpost fortification. The cave tribes did not know this. As they were bringing in grain supplies, Ma Dai intercepted them from front and rear, seized more than a hundred carts, and the tribesmen reported this to Meng Huo’s main camp.

At that time Meng Huo sat in camp and drank all day and took pleasure in himself, ignoring military affairs. He said to the chiefs, “If I face Zhuge Liang in battle, I will surely fall into his trickery. Now I rely on this danger from the Lu River, on the deep moats and high walls, and wait. Shu’s men cannot endure this cruel heat; they will surely retreat. Then we will strike from behind and capture Zhuge Liang.” He finished speaking and laughed harshly.

At once, a chief in his unit said, “Shakou is shallow; if Shu troops slip over there secretly, it will be very harmful. We should divide our army to guard it.”

Meng Huo laughed. “You are a local of this place; how could you not know? I am waiting for Shu to cross this water. If they cross, they will surely die in it.”

The chief said again, “If a local told us how to cross at night, what then?”

Meng Huo said, “No need for such suspicion. Who in my lands would help the enemy?” While he was still speaking, suddenly there was report: an unknown number of Shu troops had secretly crossed the Lu River and cut off the Jia Shan supply route. Their banner read “General Who Pacifies the North, Ma Dai.”

Meng Huo laughed, “How could this minor fellow be a matter of concern?” He ordered his deputy Mang Yachang to quickly lead three thousand men into Jia Shan Valley.

Now Ma Dai saw the tribal troops had arrived and put two thousand in front of the mountain. The two formations faced each other; Mang Yachang rode out to meet him. Their lines clashed once, and Ma Dai cut him down from horseback with one slash.

The tribesmen broke and ran back to report to Meng Huo. He called for all the commanders and asked, “Who dares go against Ma Dai?” Before anyone finished, Dongtuna stepped out and said, “I volunteer.”

Meng Huo rejoiced and set out with three thousand men. He feared someone else might cross the Lu River again, so he also sent A Huanan with three thousand to hold Shakou.

Now Dongtuna led his men to the lower camp of Jia Shan Pass. Ma Dai rode out to meet them. Men in the band recognized him and described his words and deeds to Ma Dai. Ma Dai drove his horse forward and shouted, “You traitor with no sense, no loyalty! The Chancellor spared your life, and you now betray him. How can you not be ashamed?”

Dongtuna’s face was covered with shame, and he had no answer. He withdrew without fighting. After only one skirmish, Ma Dai rode back.

When Dongtuna returned, he told Meng Huo, “Ma Dai is truly heroic; we cannot stand against him.”

Meng Huo grew furious: “I know you have benefited from Zhuge Liang’s mercy. That is why you did not fight and withdrew. It is a plan to sell the battle line!” He shouted and ordered him executed. The chiefs begged and begged again, and only then was his life spared, though he was beaten a hundred with clubs and sent back to his own camp.

Many chiefs came and told Dongtuna, “Though we live among the barbarian lands, we have never dared to offend China. China has never invaded us before either. Now, because of Meng Huo’s pressure, we were forced to rebel. How can we understand the mind of Zhuge Liang? Even Cao Cao and Sun Quan still fear him; what of us tribal folk? Besides, we all owe him our lives. We have nothing with which to repay it. If we surrender our lives and kill Meng Huo, then throw ourselves to Zhuge Liang, we can spare our villages and households from suffering.”

Dongtuna said, “I do not know what is in your hearts?” Among them were men who Zhuge Liang had once released, and together they answered with one voice, “We are willing.”

Then Dongtuna took up his steel sword, brought a hundred men, and rode straight for the great camp.

At that moment Meng Huo was heavily drunk in his own tent. Dongtuna came with his men, knives in hand. Two generals stood beneath the tent. Dongtuna pointed to them with his blade and said, “You too owe your lives to the Chancellor, and now should return him your service.”

The two replied, “It need not be done by you. I will capture Meng Huo alive and present him to the Chancellor.”

So they all entered the tent and seized Meng Huo. He was bound securely and taken to the Lu River bank. They boarded a boat and crossed to the north bank, sending word to Zhuge Liang first.

Zhuge Liang already had intelligence from spies and so had sent secret orders: he instructed all camp officers and soldiers to tidy their arms and armor, then bring the chief who captured Meng Huo forward while everyone else returned to their own camps to wait. Dongtuna entered the central command first and explained everything.

Zhuge Liang greatly praised him and rewarded him with kind words, then sent Dongtuna back with the chiefs while giving orders for axe-bearers to bring Meng Huo forward. Zhuge Liang smiled and asked, “Earlier you said: capture him once more and he will submit. What of him now?”

Meng Huo answered, “This is not your doing. It is because men under me slaughtered each other. How could I therefore submit?”

Zhuge Liang said, “Now I will release you again. What then?”

Meng Huo replied, “Though I am a tribesman, I know enough of warfare. If the Chancellor truly means to let me return to my cave, I will raise men and fight this matter out again. If he captures me this time, then I will submit with heart and entrails, and not dare to turn again.”

Zhuge Liang said, “This time if he is captured alive and still refuses to submit, there will be no leniency.” He told the men to remove his ropes and again gave him food and wine, seating him beside him in the tent.

Zhuge Liang said, “Since I left my thatched hut, I have won every battle and taken every stronghold. Why do your tribesmen not submit?”

Meng Huo was silent.

After drinking, Zhuge Liang called him to ride out with him. They looked over the outlying camps, stockades, stored grain and weapons. Zhuge Liang said, “You do not submit, and that is sheer folly. I have soldiers and warriors so fine, and so much grain and equipment. How can you ever beat me? If you submit now, I will report this to the Son of Heaven and have your position kept. Your sons and grandsons will forever keep peace in your lands.”

Meng Huo said, “Though I might submit, how do I make those in my caves accept it? If the Chancellor lets me return, I can call my own men home and then we can be all of one heart and breast.”

Zhuge Liang was pleased and again rode back to Meng Huo’s main camp. They drank until evening, and Meng Huo then took leave. Zhuge Liang personally escorted him to the Lu River bank and sent him back by boat to his camp.

Meng Huo returned and first stationed axe-men beneath his tent. He sent his inner retainers to Dongtuna’s and A Huanan’s camps and claimed that Zhuge Liang had a mission there. He lured both of them under the great camp’s tent and then killed them all, dumping the bodies in a ravine.

Meng Huo immediately sent trusted men to guard the pass and then led his troops out of Jia Shan Pass to meet Ma Dai, but he found no one there. When he asked locals about the troops, they all said that the grain had been moved in the night, forded back across the Lu River, and returned to the great camp.

Meng Huo came back into his cave and discussed with his younger brother, Meng You: “Now I know Zhuge Liang’s strengths and deceit. You can do this and that.”

Meng You took his brother’s plan, led a hundred tribal soldiers, and loaded gold, jewels, treasures, ivory, and rhinoceros horn before crossing the Lu River and going straight to Zhuge Liang’s main camp.

As they just set foot across the river, drums and horns sounded all at once and a line of troops formed, with Ma Dai at their head. Meng You was shocked.

Ma Dai asked after them and ordered a report to be sent to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang was in his tent with Ma Su, Lu Kai, Jiang Wan, and Fei Wei, discussing how best to pacify the tribes, when a man entered and reported that Meng Huo had sent his brother Meng You with gifts.

Looking back, Zhuge Liang asked Ma Su, “Do you know their purpose?”

Ma Su said, “I dare not state it plainly. Let me write in secret and present it to the Chancellor to see if it accords with his intent.”

Zhuge Liang agreed. After writing, Ma Su presented the note. Zhuge Liang read it, clapped his hands, and laughed aloud. “My plan to capture Meng Huo has already been set in motion. What you have now seen matches exactly what I intended.” He then called in Zhao Yun and whispered instructions at his ear, then called Wei Yan and whispered as well, then called Wang Ping and Ma Zhong and Guan Suo and gave each precise directions in secret.

Each received the plan and moved as instructed. Then they called Meng You into the tent.

Meng You knelt again before the tent and said, “My brother Meng Huo owes the Chancellor his life-grant and has nothing else to offer, so I have brought some gold, jewels, and treasures as provisions for rewarding the troops. Later, if this is accepted, I will bring more tribute appropriate for the Son of Heaven.”

Zhuge Liang said, “Where is your brother now?”

Meng You said, “To return the favor of the Chancellor’s mercy, he has gone straight to Yinkeng Mountain to gather more treasure. He will return soon.”

Zhuge Liang asked, “How many did you bring?”

Meng You replied, “I did not dare bring too many. Only a hundred and some men, all of them carriers of goods.”

Zhuge Liang ordered all of them into the tent. They were men with sharp eyes and dark faces, gray hair, purple-bearded, gold rings on their ears, wild hair, and bare feet, with tall, powerful bodies.

Zhuge Liang then had them sit with the guests, told the officers to urge wine, and received them with respectful courtesy.

Again, back in his own camp, Meng Huo watched only for a return message. Then word came that two men had returned. He summoned them and made them report: “Zhuge Liang was pleased with the gifts and brought all of the companions into his tent. He had oxen slaughtered, sheep killed, and set a banquet. The two great lords secretly told us: this second watch tonight, with inside and outside action, we will make the great event happen.”

Meng Huo heard this and rejoiced greatly, then ordered thirty thousand tribal soldiers divided into three teams. He told each cave chief, “All soldiers bring firebrands. Tonight when you reach the Shu camp, use fire as the signal. I will seize the central camp myself and take Zhuge Liang captive.”

Many tribal commanders carried out the plan. At dusk they crossed the Lu River in groups from the left side and came on. Meng Huo led one hundred of his most trusted men straight for Zhuge Liang’s main camp. On the way, no troop blocked them. When they reached the gate, Meng Huo and his men spurred straight into the camp.

But it was empty. Not a man could be seen. Meng Huo dashed into the central tent, where lamps still burned brightly. Meng You and the men of the tribes were all drunk and collapsed. In truth, Zhuge Liang had told Ma Su and Lu Kai to manage them, and actors had been set up to perform lively skits, with repeated invitations to drink; drugs had been mixed in the wine, and all had fallen into stupefaction, motionless like those dead drunk.

Meng Huo asked only among those who were still awake, and those only pointed with their mouths.

Recognizing he had fallen for the trap, he quickly rescued Meng You and all his men, and was on his way back to his detachment when a roar of voices broke out ahead and flames rose at once. A column of troops arrived: Shu general Wang Ping. Meng Huo was startled. As he ran for the left formation, flames shot up and another column came, led by Wei Yan. Then another wave of fire came as a third column arrived, led by Zhao Yun.

The three columns closed in together. With no way out on four sides, Meng Huo abandoned his soldiers and fled on horseback toward the Lu River. There he saw a few tribal men with a small boat waiting on the water. He ordered them near the bank. Just as men and horse were getting in, one war cry rose and he was seized. It was, indeed, Ma Dai, who had taken soldiers in our plan and, pretending to be tribesmen, rowed this boat and drawn in Meng Huo.

Then Zhuge Liang accepted the barbarians under surrender. Countless surrendered. Zhuge Liang comforted each one and harmed none.

He ordered all remaining fires put out.

Soon Ma Dai brought in Meng Huo. Zhao Yun brought Meng You. Wei Yan, Ma Zhong, Wang Ping, and Guan Suo brought in the cave lords.

Zhuge Liang pointed at Meng Huo and laughed. “You sent your brother first to feign surrender with ritual gifts; how could I be fooled by it?”

Meng Huo said, “It was my brother’s hunger and greed that misled him into poisoning. He spoiled this great undertaking. If I had come myself and he answered with force, it would surely have succeeded. This is bad fortune, not my inability. How can I still submit?”

Zhuge Liang said, “This is the third time. How can you still refuse?”

Meng Huo lowered his head in silence.

Zhuge Liang laughed again. “I will let you go once more.”

Meng Huo said, “If the Chancellor will release my brothers back, let me gather my household and close kin and then fight once with full force against him. If he captures me then, I will submit with full heart and entrails, without turning.”

Zhuge Liang replied, “If you are taken again, there will be no light mercy. You should attend carefully to the Art of War, and gather your trusted men and form good plans quickly, so you do not regret it later.”

So he ordered the guards to remove Meng Huo’s ropes, and also released Meng You and all cave chiefs together. They all bowed and thanked him before leaving.

By then the Shu troops had already crossed the Lu River. Once Meng Huo and the others had crossed, they saw ranks of troops and banners at the bank, dense with flags. When Meng Huo reached the front of the camp, Ma Dai sat high in his saddle and pointed with his sword, saying, “Now that you have been caught, there will be no easy release!”

When Meng Huo reached his own camp, Zhao Yun had already raided it and deployed the troops in order. He sat beneath the main banner and held his sword as he spoke: “The Chancellor treated you with such grace. Do not forget this great kindness!”

Meng Huo nodded repeatedly and withdrew. As he came out the boundary slope, Wei Yan led one thousand picked soldiers and formed a line on the hillside. He sat his horse and shouted in a loud voice, “We have already broken into your den and taken your strategic heights. You still cling to blindness and resist the grand army! This time you are taken and will be reduced to ten thousand pieces. I will not treat you lightly.”

Meng Huo and his men ducked their heads and ran for home.

Later people praised in verse:

In the fifth month I rode southward into unbroken lands, The moonlit Lu River swelled with ranking miasma. I vow to repay three summons with boldness and strength, Why should I fear seven hard expeditions against the southern tribes?

Yet when Zhuge Liang had crossed the Lu River, finished his encampment, and given his whole army a grand reward, he gathered the officers in his tent and said, “As he was taken the second time, I had wanted him to inspect each camp and test their weaknesses. I intended for him to come and raid the camp. I know Meng Huo understands military tactics fairly well. I showed off my troops, grain, and arms so that he would see where my lines were weak and try fire attack. By sending his brother in false surrender, he meant only internal coordination. I have captured him three times and not killed him because I truly wished for his heart to yield, not for his tribe to be destroyed.”

“I now tell you plainly. You need not hold back in your labor. Turn your hearts to serving the state.”

The officers knelt and said, “Chancellor, your wisdom, humanity, and courage are all complete. Not even Zi Ya and Zhang Liang can match you.”

Zhuge Liang said, “How could I dare to compare with the ancients? This success comes from your strength and our shared work.” The officers under his command listened and rejoiced.

Yet Meng Huo, stirred by the sting of three captures, returned in fury to the Silver Pit Cave and immediately sent trusted men with gold, jewels, and treasures to Bafan, Jiushansan Dian, and other tribal settlements and clans.

There, rugged tribal fighters armed with shields and blades—tens of thousands strong—massed from all sides, their columns pressing in like clouds and mist. The mountain-pass scouts learned of this and came to report. Zhuge Liang smiled and said, “I had wished to see all the tribesmen arrive so they might witness my strength.” He then mounted a small cart and rode out.

Thus it was:

If the cave lords were not fierce and commanding, how could the strategist’s methods be seen as supreme?

How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.