Wuxiang Marquis uses four stratagems.
The King of the Southern Barbarians is captured five times.

Kongming drove himself in a small cart and came with several hundred riders to scout the road. Ahead there was a river called Xi’er River. Its current was slow, and there was not a single boat or raft. Kongming ordered timber to be felled for rafts to cross, but every piece of wood sank the moment it touched the water. Kongming asked Lu Kai, and Lu Kai said, “I have heard that upstream on Xi’er River there is a mountain full of bamboo. The bamboo grows in great clumps. Send men to cut some, and they can build a bamboo bridge across the river so cavalry and troops may cross.” Kongming immediately dispatched thirty thousand men into the mountain. They felled tens of thousands of poles, floated them downstream, and at a narrow stretch of river built a bamboo bridge more than ten zhang wide. Then he camped his army on the north bank in one long line. The river itself became a moat, the floating bridge the gate, and earthen banks the walls; after crossing south the army laid out three great camps in a line and waited for the barbarian soldiers.

Later, Meng Huo came with tens of thousands of barbarian troops, angry and roaring. As he approached Xi’er River, Meng Huo led one force of ten thousand cave-clan fighters in front, directly bashing against the foremost camp. Kongming, with a linen kerchief on his head, a crane-feathered robe on his shoulders, and a feather fan in hand, rode out in a four-horse carriage, encircled by leading generals. Kongming saw Meng Huo in rhinoceros-hide armor, a vermilion helmet, a dao-pai in his left hand and a knife in his right, riding a red-maned bull and cursing aloud. With him were more than ten thousand cave troops all brandishing knives and shields, rushing forward and clashing in close mêlée. Kongming immediately ordered the troops back into their own camp, sealed all four sides shut, and forbade fighting out. The barbarians, bare-bodied and nearly bare, came to the gate and shouted insults.

The generals were furious and came to report, “We are willing to ride out and fight a death struggle!” Kongming refused. Again and again they sought to fight; Kongming said, “The southern barbarians do not follow court order. Their cruelty is at its peak now. We cannot meet them in open battle. We should hold fast for several days, wait until their arrogance is exhausted. I have a fine plan to break them.”

So the Shu army held firm for several days. On high ground, Kongming watched and saw the barbarians already growing careless. He gathered the generals and asked, “Do you dare to go out and fight?” They all gladly consented. Kongming first summoned Zhao Yun and Wei Yan into his tent, whispered the plan to them, and sent them forward first. He then summoned Wang Ping and Ma Zhong into his tent for the plan. He also summoned Ma Dai and instructed him, “I will abandon these three camps and withdraw across the north bank. As soon as my army retreats, you should tear apart the floating bridge, move it downstream, and then bring Zhao Yun’s and Wei Yan’s cavalry across the river to reinforce.” Ma Dai accepted the plan and left.

Kongming then summoned Zhang Yi: “When our whole army withdraws, leave many campfires burning in camp. Meng Huo will notice and surely pursue. You, then, cut off his rear.” Zhang Yi accepted and withdrew. Kongming only ordered Guan Suo to guard the carriage. The whole army withdrew, and many lights were left burning in camp. The barbarians saw this and did not dare to charge.

The next morning at first light, Meng Huo arrived with a large force at the Shu camp and saw three great camps, all without men or horses, with food carts and arms left inside in hundreds. Meng You said, “Kongming has abandoned camp and fled. Is there some plan behind this?” Meng Huo replied, “I judged that Kongming would not leave his baggage and go unless there was an urgent matter in the realm. If not Wu invading, then Wei must be attacking. He has feigned readiness for the sake of stratagem, leaving carts and armaments and burning lights as a decoy. We should pursue at once and not miss the chance.” So Meng Huo led his front line onward until he reached the bank of Xi’er River.

On the north bank he saw ranks of banners still in neat order and bright as embroidered silk, and along the river a woven city of stockades. The barbarians’ sentries saw this and none dared to advance. Meng Huo said to Meng You, “This is Kongming, frightened by our pursuit. He has come only this far to the north bank and will surely move on in one or two days.” He set the barbarians to camp at the bank, then sent men up the mountain to cut bamboo for rafts in case of crossing. He moved the fighting troops to the front of the camp. He did not yet know the Shu soldiers had already entered his own territory.

That day a fierce wind rose. Firelight flared in every watch and drums sounded; Shu troops struck suddenly. The cave-clan barbarians began to clash among themselves. Meng Huo was greatly startled and quickly ordered his kinsmen and cave men to cut a path and run straight back to the old camp. Suddenly a detachment broke out of the camp: Zhao Yun. Meng Huo then rushed back to Xi’er River and took a secluded mountain path to flee. Another mass of troops broke out: Ma Dai. Meng Huo now had only a few dozen broken soldiers left and fled toward the mountain valleys. Seeing torchlight and dust rising from the south, north, and west, he did not dare to go forward and instead ran east.

Not long after he rounded a mountain pass, in front of a great grove he saw a small cart with a few attendants. On the cart sat Kongming, laughing aloud: “Great King Meng Huo of the southern barbarians! Heaven’s fate has brought you this far; I have been waiting for you a long time!”

Meng Huo fumed. Looking about him, he said, “I have been caught by this man’s trick! I have been humiliated three times. Now we finally meet.” He commanded, “Men, push on! Cut him down with men and cart in one crash.” A number of riders charged hard. Meng Huo rode in front and shouted, but when he reached the place before the grove he stamped down, heard a crash, and collapsed. A pit had opened under his foot and the whole place gave way. All four sides collapsed with him. From within the grove Wei Yan emerged, brought out hundreds of troops, and bound them all with ropes.

Kongming then returned to camp, pacified the barbarians and the cave chiefs. By now most were already home. Apart from the dead and wounded, all others surrendered at once. Kongming met them with wine and meat, spoke gently, and sent everyone away.

Soon after, Zhang Yi brought in Meng You. Kongming said, “Your brother is a fool. You should have counseled him. You have now been captured by me four times. How can you show yourself before men again?”

Shame covered Meng You’s face. He knelt on the ground and begged not to die. Kongming said, “I will not kill you today. I will spare your life and urge you to counsel your brother.” He told the guards to unbind him and release Meng You.

Not long after, Wei Yan brought in Meng Huo. Kongming grew angry and said, “You are captured again this time. What excuse can you offer?” Meng Huo replied, “I was deceived by stratagem. I cannot die in peace.” Kongming shouted to the guards to bring him out and execute him. Meng Huo showed no fear. He looked at Kongming and said, “If you dare release me again, I will certainly settle the grievance of four humiliations.”

Kongming laughed, ordered him unbound, gave him wine to settle his mind, and had him sit in the tent. He asked, “I have treated you with ceremony four times, yet you still refuse to submit. Why?” Meng Huo replied, “Though I am from outside the court order, I do not think the Chancellor lays only deceitful plans; how could I submit?”

Kongming asked, “If I release you again, could you still fight?” Meng Huo said, “If you catch me again, then at that time I will yield sincerely, offer whatever this cave holds for your army’s supplies, and swear never to rebel.”

Kongming smiled and sent him away. Meng Huo gladly thanked him and left. He gathered several thousand strong men and headed southward. Soon he saw dust rising where a detachment appeared; it was his brother Meng You, who had regrouped the broken soldiers to come and avenge him. The two brothers embraced and wept, recounting what had happened.

Meng You said, “My army has lost again and again, and the Shu army has won again and again. We cannot stand against it. We should only withdraw into the caves and not come out; the Shu soldiers cannot endure this heat and will surely give up.” Meng Huo asked, “Where can we hide?” Meng You replied, “To the southwest there is a cave called Tulong Cave. Its lord is Great King Duo Si, and he is very close to our family. We could enter there.”

So Meng Huo first sent Meng You to Tulong Cave to meet Great King Duo Si. Duo Si hastily brought cave soldiers out to welcome him. When Meng Huo arrived, they saluted. He completed the formal respects and recounted what had happened. Duo Si said, “Great King, calm yourself. If the Shu soldiers come, not one will return home with horse and rider. They and Kongming will all die here.”

Meng Huo was delighted and asked for counsel. Duo Si said, “There are only two ways into this cave. One goes northeast, the road Meng Huo took. The ground there is level and firm, the water sweet, and both men and horses can pass. If we block the entrance with timber and stone, even one million cannot enter. The other way goes northwest, steep and difficult, with narrow tracks. Though there are little trails, venomous snakes and fierce scorpions hide there. At dusk, miasma rises in the wild, and it eases only around the Si and Wu hours. Only in the Wei, Shen, and You hours can one travel. The water there is undrinkable, and horses and men cannot move well. This place also has four poisoned springs. One is called Mute Spring; its water is somewhat sweet. Whoever drinks it loses his speech and in no more than ten days dies. Another is Extinguish Spring, and this water is no different from hot broth. Whoever bathes in it gets rotted skin and flesh, and when bone is seen, death follows. A third is Black Spring; its water is faintly clear, and anyone touched by it turns black in hands and feet and dies. The fourth is Soft Spring; its water is as cold as ice. If one drinks it, the throat has no warmth, the body grows soft like cotton, and death follows. Here there are no insects or birds. Only General Fubo once came here, and since then no one has.”

“Now we can fortify the northeast road and hold this very cave. If the Shu troops see this road blocked, they must come by the western path; once there and seeing those four springs, even one million troops will be lost. Why then use swords and lances?” Meng Huo asked. Duo Si then showed the way by pointing, “Today we have only this place to stand.” Meng Huo added, touching his forehead, “Now at least I have some place to stand. How could the divine calculations of Chancellor Zhuge fail to arrange this? These four waters can repay the grievances of those we have lost!” From then on, Meng Huo and Meng You held a feast with Great King Duo Si all day.

After several days without seeing Meng Huo’s forces, Kongming gave orders for the whole army to leave Xi’er River and move southward. It was June heat, and the heat was like fire. A later verse says:

Mountains and marshes are about to dry and wither, and radiant heat covers the great sky.
who can know what the heat is beyond earth and heaven?

Another verse says:

The Red Emperor holds office, and even shadowed clouds dare not rise.
Moist heat makes a lone crane gasp; sea-borne heat startles the giant sea-turtle.
I sit by the stream and hesitate to leave, and lazily toss my sleeves among bamboo.
How can a guest on the sands put on armor once more and march long?

Kongming led the army forward when a scout horse rode in and reported, “Meng Huo has retreated into Tulong Cave and not come out. He has blocked the approach with barricades; there are guards inside. The mountain is rough, the ridges high, and we cannot advance.” Kongming asked Lu Kai. Lu Kai said, “I once heard this cave has one path, but I do not know the details.” Jiang Wan said, “Meng Huo has already lost courage after being captured four times. How would he dare to come out again? With this heat, horses and men exhausted, marching on this is of no benefit; better to return to the country and disperse the army.” Kongming said, “If we do that, we would follow Meng Huo’s plan. Once we leave, he will seize the moment and pursue. We have come this far; there is no reason now to turn back.” So he ordered Wang Ping to lead several hundred troops as the vanguard. He also ordered newly surrendered barbarian soldiers to lead the route, enter by a northwest footpath, and bring the army in.

They came to one spring and men and horses were thirsty and all tried to drink. Wang Ping searched and reported the path. By the time he arrived at the large camp, none could speak; they could only point to their mouths.

Kongming was alarmed and, with a small carriage and a few people, rode forward to inspect. They came to a clear pool with no bottom in sight, cold mist rising from it, so that no soldier dared test it. Kongming dismounted, climbed high, and looked. Four sides of ridges and peaks enclosed the place; no bird or sparrow could be heard. He suddenly saw an ancient temple on a distant ridge. Clinging to vines and gorse he climbed there. In a stone chamber stood a general seated upright and a stone stele beside him; it was the temple of Han’s Fubo General Ma Yuan, whom the locals had established here when pacifying the barbarians.

Kongming knelt again and prayed: “I received the Late Emperor’s solemn charge and now bear an imperial command. I have come to pacify the barbarians. When the southern land is at peace, then I will punish Wei and swallow Wu, and set the Han house at rest. Now my soldiers do not know this land and by mistake drank poison; they have lost their voices. I beg you, divine one, remember the grace of our dynasty, reveal your spirit, and protect the three armies.”

After the prayer he went out in search of locals and, in the distance, noticed an old man coming from across the mountain, leaning on a staff. The old man looked strange. Kongming invited him into the temple, offered formal respect, and sat opposite on stone. Kongming asked, “What is your surname and name, elder?” The old man said, “This old man has long heard of the Han Chancellor’s splendor and is fortunate to see you. The southern barbarians have all survived by your mercy, and their gratitude is deep.”

Kongming asked about the springs, and the old man answered, “The water the troops drank was from Mute Spring. After drinking, speech fails and death comes in several days. Outside that are three other springs: one to the southeast where the water is coldest and, if drunk, the throat has no warmth and the body becomes weak and dies, called Soft Spring; one due south where the water splashed on the body makes hands and feet black and brings death, called Black Spring; one to the southwest where it boils like broth and if one bathes in it, skin and flesh peel away to death, called Extinguish Spring. These four springs gather poisonous air. No cure exists. A heavy miasma rises here; only in the Wei, Shen, and You hours may one move. In the other hours, miasma is dense and whoever touches it dies at once.”

Kongming said, “In this case the barbarian lands cannot be pacified. If they are not pacified, how can Wei and Wu be absorbed and the Han restored? Having failed my late emperor’s trust, I should die rather than live.” The old man said, “Chancellor, do not worry. I can point out a place that will remove this.” Kongming asked, “What insight do you have, elder? Please tell me.” The old man said, “A few li to the west there is a valley. Enter it another twenty li to a stream called Wanan Creek. At its head is a tall hermit called Wanan Yinzhe. He has left this stream for more than twenty years. Behind his hut is a spring called Anle Spring. Whoever is poisoned can drink it and be cured. If one has scabies or miasma, bathing in Wanan Creek is harmless. Also before the hut grows a herb called ‘Xieyeunxiang’: if one keeps one leaf in the mouth, miasma cannot cling. Chancellor, go quickly and ask for these things.” Kongming thanked him and asked, “I cannot repay the kindness that saves life. Tell me your surname.” The old man said, “I am the mountain spirit of this place, sent by General Fubo, and have come to guide you.”

After he finished, he stepped into the temple wall and vanished behind the rear stones. Kongming marveled but had no measure left, knelt again before the temple spirit, then took the old road back to the big camp.

The next day, Kongming prepared incense and gifts, brought Wang Ping and all the mute troops, and hurried day and night toward where the mountain spirit had said, winding along the path. In a small valley path they walked twenty li or more. They saw tall pines, great cypresses, and strange bamboo, surrounding a homestead. In a low fenced yard stood a few thatched huts, and a sweet fragrance rose in the air.

Kongming was rejoiced. At the front of the estate he knocked, and a small child came out. Kongming had not yet finished asking names when another man appeared, with a bamboo hat, grass sandals, white robe, and a yellow belt of ribbon. He had blue eyes and blond hair. Laughing, he said, “Are you not the Han Chancellor?” Kongming said with a smile, “How did the recluse know?” The recluse replied, “For long I have heard the Han Chancellor’s great banners marching south. How could I not know?” He invited Kongming into his grass hall. After greetings, they sat as hosts and guests.

Kongming said, “I have received the charge from Emperor Zhaolie and now bear my lord’s sacred command. I have brought a great army here to bring these southern lands under Han ways. But Meng Huo slipped into the caves, and my soldiers, by mistake, drank water from Mute Spring. Last night the spirit of General Fubo manifested and spoke clearly. He told that the hermit had a medicinal spring to cure this. Please have pity and grant sacred water to save what remains in my troops.” The recluse said, “This old wastrel of the hills has no standing. Why should you force the Chancellor’s journey? The spring is right behind this hut. Bring water and drink.”

So a child led Wang Ping and the others, including the mute soldiers, to the streambank. They drew water and drank; immediately foul saliva came out and they could speak again. The child then led all the army to bathe in Wanan Creek. In the hut, the recluse served ginkgo tea and pineflowers to wait on Kongming. He advised, “There are venomous snakes and fierce scorpions in these cave lands. Willow petals drift in the stream and spring water, and that water cannot be drunk. Dig out a fresh spring and draw from earth if one wants water.”

Kongming asked for Xieyeunxiang. The recluse told all troops to gather it freely: each person should hold one leaf in the mouth, and miasma will not invade. Kongming asked for the recluse’s name. He smiled and said, “I am Meng Jie, Meng Huo’s brother.”

Kongming was stunned. Meng Jie added, “Do not doubt, Chancellor. Allow me to say a few words: Our parents had three sons. The eldest is this old man Meng Jie, then Meng Huo, then Meng You. Our parents are dead. The two younger are fierce and unruly, not submitting to court order. I counseled and counseled, but they did not obey. So I changed my surname and name and withdrew into this reclusion. Now this younger brother has rebelled, and you have labored so far into an uncivilized land. To receive such a manhood, Meng Jie deserves ten thousand deaths. Therefore I ask to beg pardon before you first.”

Kongming sighed, “I have now seen true examples of Robber Zhi and Liu Xiahui again.” He said, “May I petition the Son of Heaven and make you a king?” Meng Jie answered, “I fled here to escape desire for office. Could I still be lured by wealth and rank?” Kongming gave him plenty of gold and silk, but Meng Jie resolutely refused.

Kongming lamented, gave him farewell bows, and went back.

Later, a verse was written:

A great recluse lives in secluded closed gates, where Wuhou once broke all the southern barbarians.
Even now, where no men live among ancient trees, cold smoke still locks the old mountain.

Back at the main camp, Kongming ordered digging for water. They dug twenty or more zhang, but there was not even a drop. In more than ten places it was the same. The army was alarmed. At midnight Kongming offered incense and implored Heaven:

“Your servant Liang is unworthy and only by the Han fortune has he been given life. He received the charge to pacify the barbarians. Now on the road we have no water; men and horses are parched with thirst. If Heaven does not remove Han’s blessing, then send us sweet spring water. If Fortune has ended, let us die here.”

The next dawn, every well he had ordered was full, with clear sweet water. Later, a verse says:

He led the great army to pacify the barbarian land, his heart set on the true way and fitting heaven’s decree.
Gently and reverently he bowed at the well, and the benign spring welled up in the night.

With water for horses and troops secured, the army entered Tulong Cave from a small path and set camp below it. The barbarians learned of this and reported to Meng Huo: “The Shu army is not infected by miasma, nor are they plagued by thirst. All the springs have no effect.” Great King Duo Si heard this but did not believe it. He and Meng Huo climbed to a high mountain and looked. They saw Shu troops in perfect health, with large tubs and small panniers carrying grain water and feed, feeding and watering horses and cooking.

Duo Si saw this and all his hair rose; he looked back at Meng Huo and said, “These are divine troops!” Meng Huo said, “You and your brother and I should settle this with a final death struggle. If we die in this field, who would accept surrender in chains?” Duo Si said, “If the Great King’s army is defeated, my wives and sons are finished as well. We should slaughter oxen and horses, reward cave soldiers, and charge directly against the Shu camp through fire and water without avoidance. Then we may win.”

So he granted rewards to all barbarians. As he was about to depart, news came that Yang Feng, lord of Yinye Cave and one of its twenty-one caves, had arrived with thirty thousand soldiers to help in battle. Meng Huo rejoiced and said, “With neighboring troops helping me, I must win.” He then met with Great King Duo Si and went out to greet them.

Yang Feng brought in his men and said, “I have thirty thousand elite soldiers, all in iron armor, able to cross mountains and leap ridges. They can oppose one million Shu troops. I have five sons, all with complete warrior training, and I wish to help the Great King.” He ordered his five sons to bow. Each had a hulking frame and tiger-like body, majestic with force.

Meng Huo rejoiced and set seats for Yang Feng and his sons. As the wine reached half full, Yang Feng said, “There is little joy in the army. I have a barbarian maiden who goes with the troops, dancing knife-and-shield, to aid some laughter.” Meng Huo was pleased and agreed. After a while, dozens of barbarian maidens in loose hair and bare feet entered dancing from outside the tents. The entire tribe clapped hands and sang in chorus. Yang Feng told two sons to carry cups. The two sons stepped to Meng Huo and Meng You with cups and approached. As they took the cups and were about to drink, Yang Feng shouted loudly once. Immediately the two sons dragged Meng Huo and Meng You from their seats. Great King Duo Si moved as if to leave, and was already seized by Yang Feng. The barbarian maidens barred the tents; no one dared come near.

Meng Huo said, “When a rabbit dies, foxes grieve, and all creatures pity their kind. You and I are lords of different caves and had no ancient rancor. Why have you harmed me?” Yang Feng answered, “My brothers, sons, and nephews all know the life given by Chancellor Zhuge and can only repay him. You have rebelled again. Why not capture and present you?”

So all cave barbarians returned to their homeland. Yang Feng and his men brought Meng Huo, Meng You, and Great King Duo Si to Kongming’s camp. He ordered them to be brought in and, kneeling under the tent, said, “All our sons and nephews feel indebted to the Chancellor’s grace. That is why we captured Meng Huo, Meng You, and others and presented them.”

Kongming rewarded him richly, then ordered Meng Huo brought forward. He laughed and said, “Are you persuaded this time?” Meng Huo answered, “I could not submit because your skill could not break us, but because my own cave people turned against each other. If you wish to kill me, kill me. I still do not submit.”

Kongming said, “You drew me into waterless land and set Mute Spring, Extinguish Spring, Black Spring, and Soft Spring, all toxic. Yet my army suffered no harm. Is that not Heaven’s will? Why do you remain so attached to stubbornness?” Meng Huo answered, “My ancestors reside in Silver Pit Mountain with three river dangers and strong mountain gates. If you capture me there, my family line will surrender with all its heart.”

Kongming said, “I release you again. Return, reorganize your army and troops, and meet me again for decisive battle. If I catch you then and you still do not submit, I will exterminate your nine clans.” He shouted for attendants, had him unbound, and released Meng Huo. Meng Huo knelt and left again. Kongming also released Meng You and Great King Duo Si, gave them wine and food to calm their fear. Neither dared to meet him directly, and he ordered horse and mount to take them back.

It is no easy matter to stand deep within dangerous ground, and extraordinary stratagems are not devised by chance.
How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.