After Chancellor Zhuge Liang, whose courtesy name was Kongming, returned from the southern campaign and was set to go home, Meng Huo led the chiefs and clan elders of the tribes, both great and small, to accompany him partway and bid him farewell.

When the vanguard reached the Lu River in the autumn of the ninth month, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead, and a wild wind rose at once; the army could not cross, so they reported to Zhuge Liang. He asked Meng Huo why this had happened. Meng Huo answered, “Long ago this river was troubled by a water demon. All who cross it now and then are cursed by it.”

Zhuge Liang asked, “What is fitting for the sacrifice?”

Meng Huo replied, “In former times, because this vengeful spirit caused disaster, men offered seven times seven—forty-nine human heads—and one black ox and one white sheep. Only then did the wind quiet and the waves still, and the region enjoyed harvests for years.”

Zhuge Liang said, “My campaigns are now settled. How could I take an innocent life just for that?” He walked himself to the Lu River bank and looked. As if on cue, dark winds rose and waves surged wildly, making men and horses cry out in alarm.

Zhuge Liang grew suspicious and sought out local elders. They said, “Ever since the Chancellor passed this way, the riverbank has echoed every night with ghostly cries from dusk until dawn. In the drifting fog there are countless hungry spirits. Because of that, all avoid crossing.”

Zhuge Liang said, “This is my guilt and fault. Earlier I led over a thousand troops of Shu here under Ma Dai, and they all died in the water. Worse, we slew the southern men and left them at this very bank. Their enraged souls and restless ghosts cannot be calmed; this is why this happens. Tonight I will personally go and make our expiation.”

A local elder said, “According to the old custom, forty-nine human heads must be offered for the angry spirits to be dispersed.”

Zhuge Liang answered, “It is because one life became an angry ghost that we have this plight now; how can we answer it by killing another life? I have another way.” He ordered the kitchens to slaughter cattle and horses. Their flesh was mixed with flour and shaped into the form of heads, called mantou.

That night at the Lu Riverbank he set out an altar of incense, laid out the offering dishes, put up forty-nine lamps, and raised banners to summon the spirits. He arranged the mantou and other foods on the ground. At the third watch, in crown and crane-cloak, Zhuge Liang performed the rite himself and had Dong Jue read the sacrificial text:

In the first day of the ninth month of autumn, in the third year of Jianxing, I, the Wuxiang Marquis, Governor of Yi Province, and the Chancellor, Zhuge Liang, humbly present this rite and offer it to the wandering spirits of those who died in service to Shu and the southern dead in mourning.

Our Great Han emperor, whose power surpassed the Five Hegemons and who clearly continued the Three Rulers, was attacked from afar by foreign ways that rose in arms. They let wicked spirits loose and indulged in unruly violence. I, under the emperor’s orders, went out to punish the distant wild places; with fierce troops I swept through, removing ants and vermin. As our mighty army gathered like cloud, the raging raiders melted like ice. The crack of the war-crook was heard once, and the fury of the marauders collapsed.

All the soldiers and young lads were peers among the heroes of the nine provinces. Officers and clerks alike were among the brave in the four seas. Trained in warfare and sworn to service, all answered a single command and fought with one mind. By such resolve together we made seven great captures. All of you stood firm in loyalty to the state, and all of you shared zeal for serving the lord.

Alas that you were taken unawares by the enemy’s schemes—one by a stray arrow and swallowed by water, one by a blade and your spirits sent into endless night. Though alive, you had courage; though dead, you gained renown.

Now the songs of triumph are ready to return. You are all still bright spirits; we are sure our prayer is heard. Come with our banners, follow our troops, and return to your homelands. May each of you recognize your native place, receive flesh-and-bone and filial offerings among your own families, and live on in the remembrance of household rites. Do not drift in foreign lands as lonely ghosts, only to become souls of strange places.

I will report this to the Son of Heaven. Each of your kin will all receive his share of grace and yearly clothing and grain; each month, a grain stipend as well. I ask only this in return, to soothe your hearts.

As for the local gods of this land and the dead of the south, blood-offerings are their due, and they have never gone far from this place. If the living tremble at Heaven’s authority, even the dead return to the emperor’s governance. Keep your minds at peace, and do not break into cries of lament.

This is my sincere devotion, and respectfully offered, this sacrifice.

Alas, mourning indeed! May all now still receive our libation.

When he finished reading, Zhuge Liang sobbed out loud, in anguish so deep that the whole army was shaken and all men wept. Meng Huo and his followers all cried too.

Out of the moaning clouds and mourning mist, thousands of ghostly spirits were faintly visible, and then drifted away with the wind. Zhuge Liang then ordered all the ritual items cast into the Lu River.

The next day he brought the whole army to the southern bank of the river. The clouds had cleared, the mist had vanished, and wind and waves were still. The soldiers of Shu crossed the Lu River in perfect safety. Truly, as if in fulfillment of the old saying: whips struck bronze buckles with ringing sound, and men sang songs of victory as they returned.

When they reached Yongchang, Zhuge Liang left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to guard the four commanderies. He assigned Meng Huo to return home with his men and exhorted him to govern diligently, care for the people well, and do not neglect the fields. Meng Huo wept and bowed in parting and departed.

Zhuge Liang then led the main force home to Chengdu. The Later Ruler held the court carriage, rode out thirty li beyond the city gate to receive him, and set up a palace stand by the roadside to honor the Marquis, calling him out.

Zhuge Liang leapt down in panic and prostrated himself, saying, “Your servant has failed to pacify the south swiftly and has made Your Majesty bear anxiety. That is my guilt.”

The ruler lifted him up, returned with him in the same carriage, and arranged a banquet of peace. He bestowed great rewards on the three armies. From then on, more than two hundred distant polities sent tribute to court.

Zhuge Liang reported that all the families of those dead in imperial service be granted every grace. The people were happy, and the court and world settled into tranquility.

At the Wei court, Cao Pi, the Wei sovereign, was in the seventh year of his reign, which was also the fourth year of Jianxing in Shu.

Cao Pi had first taken Lady Zhen as his consort. She had once been Yuan Xi’s wife, the second son of Yuan Shao, taken when Ye was first taken in battle. Later he had one son, Rui, whose courtesy name was Yuanzhong. From childhood Rui was quick-minded, and Cao Pi loved him deeply.

Cao Pi then also took the daughter of Guo Yong from Guangzong in Anping as an honored consort, and she was very handsome. Her father once said, “My daughter is a queen among women,” and so she was called the Queen.

When Lady Guo entered the palace, Lady Zhen lost favor. Lady Guo sought to become empress and plotted with trusted official Zhang Tao. While Cao Pi was ill, Tao claimed he had found a wooden figurine of paulownia wood in Lady Zhen’s quarters; inside was a written note naming the date and time for the rites of enthralment and suggesting rites of demon-binding. Cao Pi was furious and ordered Lady Zhen to die, then established Lady Guo as empress.

As there was no other issue, he raised Cao Rui as his son. Though he loved him very much, he did not name him heir.

When Rui reached fifteen, he was a practiced archer and rider. In that spring’s second month, Cao Pi went hunting with Rui. In a mountain ravine they drove off a doe and a stag. Cao Pi shot down the mother; when he turned, he saw a fawn racing before Rui’s horse.

Cao Pi shouted, “Why did my son not shoot it?”

Rui, in tears, replied from his mount, “Your Majesty has just killed its mother. How could I bear to kill its child as well?”

Cao Pi heard this and threw down his bow: “My son is truly a ruler of benevolent virtue!” He then made Rui Prince of Pingyuan.

In the fifth month of summer, Cao Pi was seized by an illness of cold and weakness, and doctors could not cure him. He summoned Grand General of the Central Army Cao Zhen, General Who Guards the Armies Chen Qun, and General Who Pacifies the Armies Sima Yi, to the inner palace.

Cao Pi called Cao Rui forward and said to Cao Zhen and the rest, “My illness is now heavy and grave. I shall not recover. This child is still young. The three of you must support him well and not disappoint my heart.”

All three answered, “Your Majesty, what makes you speak so? We are ready to expend all we have for Your Majesty, from the first to the tenth thousand years.”

Cao Pi said, “This year the city gates of Xuchang collapsed without cause. It is an ominous sign. I know in my bones that I must die.”

As he spoke, an inner attendant announced that the General Who Conquers the East, Cao Xiu, had come to ask after him. Cao Pi summoned him and said, “You are among the pillars of the state. If you can join in helping my son, I can die in peace.”

When he finished, he wept and died. He was forty years old and had reigned seven years.

Then Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, and Cao Xiu one and all raised mourning and enthroned Cao Rui as Emperor of Wei in the same act.

They posthumously titled Cao Pi as Emperor Wen and Lady Zhen as Empress Wen Zhao.

Zhong Yao was made Grand Tutor, Cao Zhen Grand General, Cao Xiu Grand Marshal, Hua Xin Grand Commandant, Wang Lang Minister over the Masses, Chen Qun Minister of Works, and Sima Yi Grand General of Agile Cavalry.

Other civil and military ministers were each granted posthumous enfeoffments.

An amnesty was proclaimed across the realm.

At that time the frontiers of Yong and Liang lacked men to hold command. Sima Yi submitted a memorial requesting command of forces in the West and the Western part of Liang. Cao Rui approved and named him Inspector of military affairs there.

Soon messengers from the front reached Shu. Zhuge Liang was greatly alarmed: “Cao Pi is dead, and the boy Cao Rui has ascended. We need not fear everything else. Sima Yi has deep cunning, and if he trains those troops in Yong and Liang, he will one day become a great threat to Shu. Better to advance troops first.”

Cao Pi’s old campaigner Ma Su said, “Now that the Chancellor has returned from the south, the horses and soldiers are exhausted and worn. We should care for them, not march so far again. I have a plan: make Sima Yi die by Cao Rui’s own hand. I am not sure whether the Chancellor approves it.”

Zhuge Liang asked what plan he had.

Ma Su answered, “Though Sima Yi is a senior minister of Wei, Cao Rui already distrusts him. Why not quietly send men to Luoyang and Ye and spread rumor that this man plots revolt; then craft an edict in Sima Yi’s name and paste a poster across the realm. Let Rui’s doubts rise. Then he will certainly execute him.”

Zhuge Liang agreed and sent men to carry out the ruse in secret.

In Ye City, one day a notice appeared pasted up on the gate. A guard removed it and brought it to Cao Rui.

Cao Rui read it:

General of Agile Cavalry Sima Yi, in charge of the forces and troops of Yong and Liang, makes this faithful proclamation to the people under Heaven:

The Martial Emperor of the Late Ancestors, Great Founder, established this realm and first intended to enthrone Prince Chen Si as lord of the altars and the state. Through years of slander and intrigue, a hidden dragon has long coiled in silence. The Son of Heaven Cao Rui, naturally without virtue, has dared to claim dignity for himself and has betrayed the late founder’s will.

In Heaven’s mandate and in response to the people, I now march at an auspicious day to satisfy the realm’s many wishes. From the day this notice reaches you, all are to submit at once to the new lord. Those who do not obey this order and remain alien to it will lose even their nine generations.

All this having been announced, I hope all know what must be done.

After Cao Rui finished reading he was stunned and pallid, and he asked the court ministers.

Grand Commandant Hua Xin said, “Sima Yi’s memorial to hold Yong and Liang already aimed at this. Long ago the Martial Emperor, the Great Founder, told me, ‘Sima Yi has an eagle’s eye and a wolf’s regard. Do not trust him with military command; he will surely become disaster in time.’ His rebellious intent is now manifest. He must be executed quickly.”

Wang Lang said, “Sima Yi deeply understands strategy, knows troops well, and has long harbored great ambition. If he is not removed now, he will surely become a calamity.”

Cao Rui then issued an order, considering a campaign in person. At that moment, Grand General Cao Zhen stepped forth from the guard rank and said, “No.

Emperor Wen entrusted his young heir to several of us. We know Sima Yi, style Zhongda, bears no rebel intent. We do not yet know whether this is true. If we immediately send troops in haste, we force him into rebellion. It may be that crafty men of Shu and Wu have spread double-dealing slanders to divide ruler and ministers.

If our lord and ministers fall into disorder, they may then strike from the opening and attack. Your Majesty should examine this well.”

Cao Rui asked, “If Sima Yi does plot treason, how then?”

Cao Zhen said, “If Your Majesty doubts him, imitate the Han Emperor Gao’s stratagem at Yunmeng. Let the Son of Heaven make an inspection at Anyi. Sima Yi will surely come to meet you; observe his conduct and seize him on the road before the carriages.”

Cao Rui followed this. He made Cao Zhen regent, took direct command of ten thousand imperial guards, and rode straight to Anyi.

Sima Yi did not know why the summons had come. Wanting to convey the Son of Heaven’s majesty, he gathered and arrayed his troops and came forward with several ten-thousands of armored men.

When a close courtier reported to him that Sima Yi had indeed brought ten or more ten-thousands and was coming to resist, clearly showing treason, Cao Rui hurriedly ordered Cao Xiu to lead troops out first to receive him.

When Sima Yi saw the troops advancing, he thought only that the Son of Heaven himself had arrived, so he descended in a ready stance by the road and rode forward to meet him. Cao Xiu said, “You bear the late emperor’s charge of entrustment. Why do you rebel?”

Sima Yi was greatly startled and sweated all over, then asked what it was for.

Cao Xiu explained the charge.

Sima Yi said, “This is a crafty plot from spies of Wu and Shu to drive our ruler and ministers into mutual destruction, so they may strike while we are divided. I shall present myself before the Son of Heaven and let him judge.”

He immediately withdrew his force and came before the carriage, knelt in front of the Son of Heaven and cried out in tears, “My lord, I received the late emperor’s entrustment. How could I have any different intent? It must be a rogue plan of Wu and Shu. Allow me to take one touring force, first defeat Shu and then strike Wu, thereby repaying the late emperor and Your Majesty so our loyalty is clear.”

Cao Rui’s doubts did not wholly end. Hua Xin said, “Do not give him military command. He should be dismissed at once and returned to the countryside.”

Cao Rui obeyed this counsel. He removed Sima Yi from office and sent him back to the fields, and appointed Cao Xiu to supervise Yong and Liang’s military forces.

Cao Rui then returned to Luoyang.

A spy soon learned this and reported it in Shu. When Zhuge Liang heard, he was very pleased: “I have long wished to march against Wei, but Sima Yi held the troops of Yong and Liang. He has now been trapped and demoted—what concern remains for me now?”

The next morning the ruler held a court morning audience. Ministers assembled, and Zhuge Liang submitted his memorial.

The text was:

I, your servant, say: The late emperor left his career unfinished, and before it was half complete his life broke in midstream. Today Heaven has divided the realm into three, and Shu’s Yi Province lies ruined. This is truly the critical moment of survival and ruin.

Yet officials serving at court are never lax within; men of loyal purpose and resolute hearts are willing to spend their lives in action outside, for they remember the late emperor’s exceptional favor and seek to repay it before Your Majesty. Therefore Your Majesty must open Your holy hearing, display the late emperor’s residual virtues, and restore the spirits of men of purpose, not belittle yourself without cause. Do not, in idle self-abasement, stretch a comparison to the point of losing meaning and thereby block up paths of loyal remonstrance.

Palace and government are one body; merit and fault in both should be judged by the same standards.

If someone commits treachery or breaks law, if one is loyal and good, this, too, must be passed to the proper offices for punishment and reward. Then Your Majesty’s impartial governance will be manifest. Do not incline to partiality so that inside and outside the court have different laws.

Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun and the others among the court attendants and ministers are upright men, steadfast and true in thought and loyal in intention. This is why the late emperor selected them and left them in trust for Your Majesty. I believe all court and internal matters, large and small, should be referred to their counsel before implementation.

Then what is lacking can be supplied and shortcomings corrected, and the realm will benefit.

General Xiang Chong, with steady and proper conduct, is clear in military affairs and when he has served before he has been praised by the late emperor as competent. He was therefore widely recommended to serve as general supervisor. I think if all matters in camp are handled by him, all tasks large and small will be managed. The troops will move in rhythm and the worthy and unworthy be assigned as they ought.

One should honor the capable minister and keep distant the petty and corrupt; this made the earlier Han flourish.

One keeps the wicked near and the worthy far, and thus the later Han declined. While the late emperor ruled, he discussed this with me every time and never failed to sigh in pain and anger over Huan and Ling.

The Grand Master, Master of the Secretariat, Head Gentleman, and junior staff are all upright men who kept their vows; if Your Majesty gives faith to them and trusts them, then Han’s restoration can be expected soon.

I was once a commoner and plowed my own fields in Nanyang.

In this age of chaos I sought only to preserve my life, not to seek renown among other lords.

The late emperor did not dismiss me as low and base, but by force bent himself low and sought me three times in my thatched cottage to consult me on the affairs of this age. Because of this, I became stirred and moved and afterward agreed to drive him in times of crisis.

Later, when the world was overturned, I accepted responsibility at the edge of defeat, and in this great danger I have carried his command for over twenty years.

The late emperor knew my carefulness. Therefore, in danger he entrusted me with great affairs.

Since being given command, I have spent day and night in worry, fearing my reliance would fail and hurt the late emperor’s brilliance. So I crossed the Lu in the fifth month, and went deep into lands without growth. Now the south is secure, and the troops and supplies are sufficient.

I must reward these men and lead three armies, set our banner northward, and secure the Central Plains in our native way, that I may exhaust my meager ability to remove villains and restore Han, and bring the court back to the old capital.

This is how I would serve both the late emperor’s charge and Your Majesty’s role.

As for weighing and balancing what gains and losses, and giving all the full force of loyal speech, these matters are the charge of Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, and Dong Yun.

If Your Majesty entrusts me with success in suppressing rebels and restoring the realm, then I am fulfilled. If I do not, then punish me for my failure, and report it to the late emperor’s spirit.

If there are no words of restoration, then hold Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, and the rest responsible, so that their arrogance may be exposed.

Your Majesty should also plan for yourself; seek counsel from men of good ways, receive restrained words, and pursue deeply the late emperor’s final edict. I cannot bear the honor and favor in full measure and have no words, for I weep as I present this memorial at such distance.

The ruler read it and said, “The Chancellor has gone far south and crossed many hardships. He has only just returned and not yet steadied his seat; he now asks to march north again. This may wear out spirit and thought.”

Zhuge Liang said, “Your servant has never slacked in either night or day under the late emperor’s charge. The south is now pacified. There need be no worry of inward concerns, for if this is not the time to punish rebels and recover Zhongyuan, when will it be?”

At that moment the court astronomer Qiao Zhou stepped forward and reported, “I have observed the heavenly signs all night. The rising force is strong in the north, and the stars are brighter than usual. It is not yet time.” He then looked at Zhuge Liang, asking, “The Chancellor understands astronomy deeply. Why force this?”

Zhuge Liang answered, “The Way of Heaven changes and is never fixed. How can we cling to fixed signs? I will first encamp in Hanzhong, observe the signs there, and then proceed.”

Qiao Zhou argued earnestly but without success. So Zhuge Liang left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, Fei Yi, and the rest as Grand Attendants to handle affairs in the inner court. He kept Xiang Chong as Grand General to supervise the imperial guard. Chen Zhen was made a Palace Attendant, Jiang Wan an Army Adviser, and Zhang Ye chief clerk in charge of Zhuge Liang’s chancellery.

Du Qiong became Remonstrance Minister; Du Wei and Yang Hong were made secretaries of the Ministry of Works. Meng Guang and Lai Min served as preceptors in the state school. Yin Mo and Li Zuan became scholars. Xi Zheng and Fei Shi were his secretaries. Qiao Zhou was made Grand Astrologer.

More than one hundred civil and military officials inside and outside therefore managed Shu’s government.

After receiving the imperial order to depart, Zhuge Liang gathered his generals and issued assignments:

• Front commander of the vanguard: Wei Yan, who was General Who Guards the North, Inspector of Liang Province, and Marquis of Duting.
• Commander of the forward army: Zhang Yi, who was also Administrator of Fufeng.
• Yamen General, Auxiliary General: Wang Ping.
• Commander of the rear army: Li Hui, who was General Who Pacifies the Han, Administrator of Jianing; deputy commander, Liu Yi, who was General Who Stabilizes the Far Frontier, Administrator of Hanzhong.
• Left logistics commander of transport, simultaneously General Who Pacifies the North and Marquis of Chencang: Ma Dai. Deputy: Liao Hua, Flying Guard General.
• Right commander: Ma Zhong, who was General Who Brings Courage and Marquis of Boyang, as the army commander.
• General Who Pacifies the Barbarians, Marquis of Guannei: Zhang Ni.
• Chief strategist in the middle: Liu Yan, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Marquis of Duxiang.
• Central monitor: Deng Zhi, General Who Raises Arms.
• Central staff officer: Ma Su, General Who Quiets the Far West.
• Front general: Yuan Zhen, Marquis of Duting.
• Left General: Wu Yi, Marquis of Gaoyang.
• Right General: Gao Xiang, Marquis of Xuandu.
• Rear General: Wu Ban, Marquis of Anle.
• Chief clerk: Yang Yi, General Who Pacifies the Armies.
• Front general: Liu Ba, General Who Conquers the South.
• Front palace guard: Xu Yun, Auxiliary General and Marquis of Hancheng.
• Left palace guard: Ding Xian, Gentleman of the Household Guard.
• Right palace guard: Liu Zhi, Auxiliary General.
• Rear palace guard: Guan Yong, Colonel of Army Registers.
• Acting staff officers: Hu Ji, General of Zhaowu Middle Office; Yan Yan, General of Remonstrance; Cuan Xi, Auxiliary General; Du Yi, Auxiliary General; Du Qi, Military Strategist General; and Sheng Bo, Commander Who Pacifies the Barbarians.
• Assistant officer: Fan Qi, Military Strategist General.
• Register clerk: Fan Jian, a Clerk of Military Records.
• Chancellor’s secretary: Dong Jue.
• Commander before the pavilion, left court guard: Guan Xing, General Who Rides the Dragon Banner.
• Right court guard: Zhang Bao, General of the Tiger Wing.

All these officers accompanied Zhuge Liang, now in his full charge as Beiping Great Inspector, Chancellor, Wuxiang Marquis, Governor of Yi Province, and Director of Internal and External Affairs.

After the deployment was set, he issued orders to Li Yan and others to hold the Shucou passes and guard against Eastern Wu.

On the bingyin day of the third month of spring in Jianxing year five, he launched the northern expedition.

Then an elder general stepped forward from the camp rank and spoke in a raised voice, “Though I am now old, I still have the courage of Lian Po and the vigor of Ma Yuan. Both these elders would not yield to age. Why do you not use me?”

The assembly recognized him as Zhao Yun.

Zhuge Liang said, “Since I returned from pacifying the south, Ma Mengqi has died. I regret him greatly and count it as losing one arm. The general is already advanced in years. If he is slightly out of step, even for a moment, it would shake his lifetime reputation and dull Shu’s sharp edge.”

Zhao Yun shouted back: “Since following our former ruler, I have never retreated in battle. When I face an enemy, I go first. A true man has it as good fortune to die on the field. What grievance could I have? I ask only to serve as the leading vanguard of the front.”

Zhuge Liang tried hard to dissuade him twice, but could not.

Zhao Yun replied, “If you do not assign me to be the vanguard, then I will die crashing at your gate!”

Zhuge Liang said, “If General Zhao Yun must be the vanguard, he must have one man to go with him.”

Before he finished, one man answered, “Though I am not worthy, I am willing to go first with the old general and lead a force to break the enemy.”

Zhuge Liang saw this was Deng Zhi. He rejoiced and assigned five thousand elite troops and ten deputy officers to accompany Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi.

When Zhuge Liang went on campaign, the Later Ruler, with a hundred officials, accompanied him out to ten li beyond the northern gate.

Zhuge Liang took leave of the ruler, then with banners covering the fields and spears and halberds thick as a forest, he and the army marched toward Hanzhong, winding forward in long lines.

Back at the border, this fact was reported in Luoyang. It was the day Cao Rui held court when attendants informed him: “The border officers report that Zhuge Liang has taken more than three hundred thousand men and encamped at Hanzhong. He has sent Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi as the leading vanguard of the front to force an invasion.”

Cao Rui was greatly startled and asked the ministers, “Who can lead against them?”

A man answered aloud. “My father died in Hanzhong, and I have a grudge bitten to the teeth that has never been repaid. Now that Shu troops have invaded the border, I wish to take my own division’s fierce horsemen and ask Your Majesty to grant me the troops of Guanzhong, so I may go and break the Shu army. In this way I can serve the state above and repay my father’s vengeance below. I will die ten thousand times with no regret.”

The court saw him and recognized him as Xiahou Mao, son of Xiahou Yuan.

Xiahou Mao’s courtesy name was Zixiu. He was quick-tempered and very stingy. From childhood he was raised alongside Xiahou Dun’s sons. After Xiahou Yuan had been slain by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao pitied him and by taking Lady Qinghe princess married him in as his son-in-law. Therefore he had great respect in court.

Though he wielded military command, he had never once set foot in battle. When he now requested expedition, Cao Rui made him Great Commander and sent out the Guanzhong routes’ armies—more than twenty wan troops—to meet Shu.

It was the perfect time for caution.

Wang Lang submitted remonstrance: “No.

He is an heir by marriage to Xiahou Yuan and has never known battle. This is too great a task for him. Moreover, Zhuge Liang is astute and resourceful and deeply learned in strategy. He is not to be lightly opposed.”

Xiahou Mao shouted, “Is the Minister of Works aligning with Zhuge Liang as an internal accomplice for this?”

“My upbringing with my father taught me deep stratagem and thorough art of war. How dare you call me young and inexperience? If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear I will not face the Son of Heaven again!”

Wang Lang and the others did not dare respond. Xiahou Mao left the Wei ruler and rode through the night to Chang’an, mustering and directing troops from Guanzhong routes—more than two hundred thousand—to oppose Zhuge Liang.

The scene ended:

He longs to command the soldiers with a white plume, yet he leaves the reins of the army to Huangwen.

Who will prevail remains unknown.

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