Guo Huai told Cao Zhen, “The Xiyang Qiang have sent tribute year after year since Taizu’s time. Even Emperor Wen bestowed favor on them. We can now hold the mountain passes, send riders by a lesser route directly into Qiang lands, and promise marriage alliance. The Qiang people will surely rise and strike at Shu after they are invited. Why not then smash them with heavy troops, crushing from front and rear? It would be a great victory.”

Cao Zhen agreed and immediately sent men at night with letters into the Qiang lands.

Now in the lands of the Western Qiang, King Cheliji had also sent tribute every year since the time of Cao Cao. He had under him one civil official and one military official: Yadan as the chancellor and Yueji as the marshal. One time, a Wei envoy came with gold and pearls and a written message, entering first to see Yadan and bringing gifts in hand.

He explained that he had come to seek help. Yadan presented him to the king. Cheliji read the letter and called a council of elders. Yadan said, “Since we have always traded amicably with Wei, if the Wei commander asks for aid and offers marriage alliance, our duty is to comply.”

Cheliji followed his counsel and ordered Yadan and Marshal Yueji to raise one hundred and fifty thousand Qiang troops at once. They were all trained in bow and crossbow, spear and saber, javelin and flail. They had war wagons too, iron-plated and rimmed with nails, loaded with grain, weapons, and military stores. Some wagons were drawn by camels, some by mules and donkeys. They were known as “iron-cart troops.”

After bidding farewell to the king, the two men led the army straight toward Xiping Pass.

At the pass the Shu garrison commander Han Zheng sent men at once to report to Kongming. When Zhuge Liang heard the news, he asked the assembled officers, “Who will go to drive off the Qiang troops?” Zhang Bao and Guan Xing both said, “I volunteer to go.”

Kongming replied, “You two should not go as you are; the roads are unfamiliar.” He then called Ma Dai: “You have long known the way and understand the Qiang nature. Go as local guide.”

He raised a selected force of fifty thousand and sent it out with Xing and Bao. Their soldiers marched away together.

After some days of movement they met the Qiang force at daybreak. Guan Xing first rode out with a hundred riders to scout a hill slope. There he saw the Qiang carts linked head to tail in a long chain, every place marked by stockades, the carts carrying spears and bows and blades on every tier, like moving fortresses. Guan Xing studied the arrangement for a long time and found no easy way to break it. He returned to camp to confer with Zhang Bao and Ma Dai.

Ma Dai said, “Wait until tomorrow. Let us see their ranks and note where they are weak, then plan again.”

The next day he divided the force into three divisions. Guan Xing held the center, Zhang Bao the left, and Ma Dai the right. All three advanced together.

In the Qiang formation, Marshal Yueji gripped his iron flail, a precious carved bow at his waist, and spurred out with a shout. Guan Xing ordered all three columns straight ahead.

Then, on both sides of the field, the Qiang opened their ranks and sent forth the iron carts as if they were a flood. The crossbows were fired all at once. Shu’s army broke badly.

Ma Dai and Zhang Bao were forced to retreat first. Guan Xing’s force was then encircled on all sides and pushed to the northwest corner.

In the center of that crush, Guan Xing pushed left and right but could not break away. The iron carts closed around him like walls of a city. The Shu troops could not aid one another.

Guan Xing looked for a path in the valley below. At dusk he saw one dense cluster of black banners rushing in. A Qiang officer rode forward, lifting an iron flail, shouting, “Young master, do not run! I am Marshal Yueji!”

Guan Xing pushed his horse hard and charged to meet him. At the edge of a ravine he reined and turned, then turned back into battle. Yueji kept after him and struck once with the flail. Guan Xing dodged, but the blow struck his horse’s hip. The horse toppled toward the ravine and Guan Xing was thrown into the water.

At that same instant came a crash behind him. Yueji, horse and rider both, tumbled into the water as well.

Guan Xing struggled up in the stream and saw, on the bank, a Qiang officer still cutting down retreating enemies. He drew his sword to strike Yueji, but Yueji jumped into the water and escaped.

Guan Xing took Yueji’s horse, pulled it to shore, reined it in, mounted, and resumed command. He saw that same officer still pursuing at front.

Reflecting that the man had saved his life, he pressed hard after him. Through the mist of cloud and fog he caught sight of a tall general: face dark as a dried jujube, brows like curled silkworms, green silk robe and gold armor, he wielded a Green Dragon saber and rode a scarlet-chested horse, his handsome beard flaring in the wind.

Guan Xing recognized him at once: it was his father, Lord Guan. He was startled.

Guan Yu pointed southeast and shouted, “Go this way at once. I will stay and cover your return.” Then he was gone.

Guan Xing turned and rode rapidly southeast. Near midnight another troop burst upon him: it was Zhang Bao. He asked, “Have you seen your second uncle?”

Guan Xing answered, “How do you know?”

Bao said, “I was pressed by the iron-carts. Suddenly your uncle came down from nowhere, frightened the Qiang troops, and pointed at me, saying, ‘Go this way and rescue my son.’ So he led troops straight on in your direction.”

Guan Xing then told him what had happened; they lamented together at the strange turn and rode back into camp.

Ma Dai came up behind and said, “This force has no way out. I will hold the stockade. You two go to the Chancellor and report. He will decide the remedy.”

Accordingly Guan Xing and Zhang Bao came before Zhuge Liang by night and reported everything.

Zhuge Liang ordered Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to go out and lay ambushes, then brought out thirty thousand men and rode with Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao himself to rest at Ma Dai’s camp.

The next day from the high ridge he watched the enemy: the iron-cart line was unbroken, men and horses darting and crashing. Zhuge Liang said, “This is not difficult to break.” He called for Ma Dai and Zhang Yi and gave each of them detailed instructions. After they departed, he called Jiang Wei.

“Boyue,” he said, “do you know the way to break the carts?”

Jiang Wei answered, “The Qiang rely only on brute force and bravery. They know nothing of subtlety.”

Zhuge Liang smiled. “You understand my thought. Now the sky is full of dense cirrus clouds, the north wind is sharp, and snow is about to fall. Now is the moment.”

He ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao again to withdraw and lay hidden. Then he ordered Jiang Wei to take the force out. Whenever the iron-cart troops advanced, he was to fall back. At the gate he was to leave only banners, no mounts or formed cavalry. The arrangement was finished.

It was late in the twelfth month; as promised, great snow fell.

Jiang Wei led his troops out, and Marshal Yueji brought the iron-carts forward. Jiang Wei withdrew at once. As the Qiang pursued to the stockade, Jiang Wei moved around to the rear of the camp and vanished. From outside, the Qiang watched in perplexity. From the stockade came the sound of zithers and lutes, and tall banners stood empty around the four walls. They reported this back to Yueji.

Yueji hesitated; he did not dare to charge straight in.

Yadan said, “This is Kongming’s trick, setting empty forces in front. You can attack.”

Yueji then brought his force to the stockade. Zhuge Liang appeared and rode with his zither in hand. He and a few riders entered the stockade, turned and rode out.

The Qiang rushed in through the gates and chased past the mountain pass. They saw small carts turning out of sight into the woods. Yadan said, “Even if this is an ambush, there is no need to fear it.”

He therefore drove the main force in pursuit. They saw Jiang Wei’s troops all running in the snow. Yueji grew enraged and pressed them hard.

The mountain road was covered in snow and seemed broad and open. As they rushed on, a report came: Shu troops were emerging from the rear of the mountain.

Yadan said, “Even with this small ambush, what is there to fear?” and kept driving the horses and chariots forward.

Suddenly there was a crash like a mountain collapsing, and the Qiang cavalry fell into pits and ditches all at once. The iron-carts behind them, moving at speed, could not stop in time, and they piled up and trampled one another.

When the rear ranks tried to turn back, Zhang Bao appeared on the right and Guan Xing on the left and charged forward, while ten thousand crossbows fired together. From behind came Jiang Wei, Ma Dai, and Zhang Yi in three directions.

The iron-cart soldiers scattered into confusion.

Marshal Yueji saw that way and tried to flee down the mountain valley, where he met Guan Xing. The two horses came shoulder to shoulder. With one shout Guan Xing raised his blade and cut the marshal down from horseback.

Yadan was captured alive by Ma Dai and brought in. Zhuge Liang ordered his ties removed, gave him wine, and spoke reassuring words in kindness.

Yadan was deeply moved by his humanity.

Kongming said, “My lord is the Emperor of the Great Han. I have been ordered by him to punish rebels. Why have you helped the enemy instead of him? I send you back now. Tell your lord that ours are neighboring states. Let there be an everlasting alliance. Do not listen to the voice of rebellion.”

He ordered all captured Qiang men, carts, and materiel returned, and let them all go home.

All bowed in thanks and left. Zhuge Liang then marched the two armies through the night to the Great Qishan stockade. He ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao to go ahead.

At the same time he sent a report to court of the victory.

Cao Zhen had been waiting for news of the Qiang force day after day. At last a patrolman arrived to report: “Shu troops have withdrawn from their camp and are moving on.”

Guo Huai rejoiced. “It is because the Qiang attacked, so the enemy retreated.” He dispatched pursuit with two routes.

The Shu front was in disarray and Wei troops followed hard.

At the vanguard, General Cao Zun pushed after them when suddenly the drums thundered and a sudden body of troops burst from nowhere.

The leading general was Wei Yan, crying, “Rebel, do not run!” Cao Zun was startled. He pressed his horse to meet him. In less than three passes the two were in melee, and Wei Yan cut him down from the saddle.

The sub-vanguard, Zhu Zan, rushed after. Again a troop broke out, with Zhao Yun at the head. Zhu Zan had no time to answer; Zhao Yun skewered him through with one spear.

Cao Zhen and Guo Huai saw the failure of both lead wings and tried to regroup the army to withdraw. But from behind came a terrible roar of shouts and the combined blasts of horn and drum.

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao charged out from two separate wings and closed around Cao Zhen and Guo Huai, killing heavily.

Cao and Guo escaped only by forcing their battered troops through a gap and running on.

The Shu army won completely. They pursued as far as the Wei River and seized a Wei stockade.

Cao Zhen had lost two of his vanguard commanders and was full of grief; he could only submit an urgent memorial pleading for reinforcements.

Cao Rui held court and heard his ministers.

“Great Commander Cao Zhen has failed repeatedly against Shu and has lost two of his vanguard commanders. The Qiang have also been broken in great numbers. The situation is urgent. He begs for help. How should Your Majesty decide?”

Cao Rui was alarmed. He immediately asked for a plan to draw back the army.

Hua Xin said, “Only if Your Majesty rides in person and gathers the rulers of the states can this be done. If not, Chang’an will be lost and Guanzhong endangered.”

Cao Rui called for Grand Tutor Zhong Yao. He said, “A commander who knows the enemy also knows himself can control men. Master Sun said, ‘Know the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles one can win in a hundred.’ I estimate this: although Cao Zhen has seen war for long, he is no match for Zhuge Liang. Could Your Majesty allow one man to stand forth so the host may be saved?”

Zhong Yao replied, “I have just held this thought. Great Minister, should I recommend that man, this is my all-in recommendation.”

The emperor said, “You are our venerable and senior advisor. Whom do you recommend?”

Zhong Yao answered, “Formerly, when Zhuge Liang first mobilized an invading army, the only thing keeping him back from the throne was fear of this man. He spread rumors that Your Majesty should dismiss him, so that Kongming would dare to press ahead. If we use him again, Zhuge Liang will retreat from fear.”

Cao Rui said regretfully, “That is true; I have regretted this.”

“Where is Zhongda now?”

Zhong Yao said, “I heard recently he is resting in Wan City.”

Cao Rui issued an edict at once, ordered the envoy to carry the decree, restored Sima Yi to office, appointed him Great Commander for Pacifying the West, and gathered troops from the routes of Nanyang to come to Chang’an.

The emperor ordered that he would lead an imperial expedition with cavalry and that Sima Yi was to arrive at the appointed day for a conference.

He then dispatched the commission, and it reached Wan City before long.

Meanwhile Zhuge Liang, from the start of this campaign, had amassed repeated victories and was heartily pleased. He was in the Qishan camp discussing strategy when a report arrived that Li Yan had sent his son Li Feng from Yong’an.

Kongming assumed at once that Eastern Wu had invaded and was startled. He ordered him into the pavilion and asked, “What is it?”

Li Feng said, “I bring good news.”

“What good news?”

He replied, “In former days, Meng Da’s surrender to Wei was forced by circumstance. Cao Pi, who valued him, gave him excellent horses and pearls, held him like a companion in the sedan, made him a Palace Gentleman Attendant on horseback, and appointed him Administrator of Xincheng, with postings at Shangyong and Jincheng. Since Cao Pi died, Cao Rui has succeeded the throne. Many at court now resent him. Meng Da has not been at ease for nights and days and has often told his generals, ‘I was once a Shu general; events have forced me here.’

He has now sent trusted men again to bring letters home to his old father and ordered them to report without delay: when the armies from the five routes descended the river country there had already been this intent; now in Xincheng, he has heard that the Chancellor plans to strike Wei, and he wishes to raise armies from Jincheng, Xincheng, and Shangyong to strike out at once, seizing Luoyang directly. If you can take Chang’an, both capitals of the empire will be secured. He now brings to you several trusted envoys and many letters.”

Kongming was very pleased and rewarded Li Feng and the men. Then a private courier entered and reported, “Emperor Cao Rui has gone to Chang’an in person. He also ordered Sima Yi restored, made Great Commander for Pacifying the West, and ordered armies from their native stations to converge at Chang’an.”

Kongming was alarmed.

Field Officer Ma Su asked, “How can one even begin to mention Cao Rui? If he comes to Chang’an, we could seize him at once. Why are you astonished?”

Kongming replied, “I do not fear Cao Rui. My fear is only Sima Yi alone. Meng Da now plans a great uprising. If he meets Sima Yi, he will fail surely. Meng Da is no equal for Sima Yi and will be captured. Should he be killed, no one will recover the Central Plains easily.”

Ma Su said, “Why not immediately write and tell Meng Da to prepare defenses?”

Kongming agreed and immediately drafted a letter instructing the envoys to report back at once by night.

Meng Da was in Xincheng and was waiting only for his trusted men to return. One day they came and presented Zhuge Liang’s letter.

Meng Da opened it:

“Now I have received your letter and know you still bear loyalty and righteousness and have not forgotten old comradeship. That reassures me greatly.

If this succeeds, you will accomplish one of the greatest services of restoring the Han. Yet you must act with utmost secrecy and never trust information delivered by ordinary men.

Take care! Be alert!

It is rumoured that Cao Rui has again ordered Sima Yi to muster troops from Wan and Luo. Should you rise, he will surely arrive first. Make complete preparation and do not treat this as idle talk.”

Meng Da finished reading and smiled. “People have said Kongming has a complicated mind; now I can see why.” He dictated a return letter and sent his trusted men back.

When they entered Zhuge Liang’s pavilion with the reply, he opened and read it.

“I can only accept your instruction now, and dare not be negligent. I have lately heard that Cao Rui has again ordered Sima Yi to raise the troops of Wan and Luo. If he hears that you have risen, he will surely arrive first. Wan is about eight hundred li from Luo, and Xincheng is about twelve hundred li. If Sima Yi hears of your uprising, he will send a memorial and in one month’s travel return he could be at your gates. By then your defenses are firm and your generals and soldiers are in deep and difficult ground. Once Sima Yi arrives, what is there left for you to fear? Chancellor, be broad-hearted. Do not wait for victory messages only to celebrate.”

Kongming flung the letter down, stamped his feet, and said, “Meng Da will die by the hand of Sima Yi!”

Ma Su asked, “What do you mean by that, Chancellor?”

Kongming said, “The Art of War says: ‘Attack where he is unprepared, strike where he is unexpecting.’ Can a man rely on a full month to think this out? Since Cao Rui has already given Sima Yi command, he will strike as soon as he hears of trouble, without waiting for paperwork. If Meng Da rebels, in less than ten days the army will arrive. How can he answer in time?”

All the officers acknowledged this.

Kongming sent the envoys back urgently and ordered, “If he has not risen yet, tell him not to let anyone else know. If one soul knows, he is lost.”

They withdrew and returned to Xincheng.

Sima Yi stayed at Wan City and heard of Wei troops falling repeatedly against Shu. He lifted his face and sighed long.

His eldest son Sima Shi and second son Sima Zhao were already ambitious and learned in military studies. While he stood beside them they asked, “Father, why this sigh?”

Sima Yi replied, “Do you not know this is no ordinary matter?”

Sima Shi asked, “Is it because Your Majesty fails to employ you?”

Sima Zhao laughed, “Sooner or later he will call you back with decree.”

Before he could continue, a messenger with dispatch arrived.

After reading the imperial command, Sima Yi promptly arranged his troops from all roads of Wan City.

A second message soon came: a man from Jincheng’s household guard, an officer of the Shen family, sought urgent meeting.

Sima Yi brought him into a private room and asked the matter through. He explained in detail Meng Da’s plans to rise. He also said that Meng Da’s confidant Li Fu and his nephew Deng Xian had come out together to accuse him.

Sima Yi struck his hand to his brow and said, “This is the Son of Heaven’s heavenly blessing! Zhuge Liang’s army at Qishan has broken the hearts of men inside and out. The emperor had to come to Chang’an unwillingly. If he does not move at once, both capitals fall in a single day. This rebel surely coordinates with Zhuge Liang. I must strike first, and then Zhuge Liang will surely feel fear and pull back his army.”

Sima Shi said, “Father, send an urgent memorial to the Son of Heaven now.”

Sima Yi replied, “If we wait for the edict, in a month the matter is gone.” He ordered the riders and horse teams to set out at a speed of two days’ march per day, on pain of death for delay. At the same time he had his staff officer Liang Ji carry a dispatch to Xincheng by night, telling Meng Da to prepare for full campaign and remain unalarmed.

Liang Ji rode ahead. Sima Yi moved after him with the army.

After two days of marching, a force came down from the slope. It was Right General Xu Huang. He dismounted and asked, “His Majesty has come to Chang’an and is personally facing Shu. Where does Commander Sima travel?”

Sima Yi replied quietly, “Meng Da has rebelled. I ride to arrest him.”

Xu Huang said, “Then I ask leave to be vanguard.”

Sima Yi rejoiced and merged the troops. Xu Huang took the front, Sima Yi the center, and the two sons the rear.

After two more days of marching, an advanced scouting horse brought in one of Meng Da’s confidants. They searched him and found Kongming’s return letter.

The man was brought before Sima Yi. He read and asked where it came from. “From Meng Da,” the man answered.

Sima Yi said, “I will not kill you. Tell me everything from beginning to end.”

The man recounted in detail the exchange between Kongming and Meng Da.

Sima Yi read Kongming’s letter and was greatly shaken. “Everything a talented man sees is one and the same. My plan has been read by Kongming already. Fortunately heaven favored the Son of Heaven, and I have this message in time. Meng Da has no capacity now.”

He ordered a night march and pressed the troops forward.

Meanwhile Meng Da in Xincheng set a date with Jincheng Administrator Shen Yi and Shangyong Administrator Shen Dan, that he would rise on an appointed day.

Shen Dan and Shen Yi both feigned agreement and each day trained horse and men, waiting for Wei troops to arrive to aid them. But it was all news to Meng Da that their weapons and grain were still unprepared. He did not doubt this and trusted them.

Then Liang Ji arrived in person.

Meng Da welcomed him in and offered hospitality, then sent him out of the city.

Meng Da then informed Shen Yi and Shen Dan: tomorrow we rise, raise the Great Han banners, mobilize all troops, and march directly for Luoyang.

A report then came that a storm of dust rose outside the city. Meng Da climbed the wall to look. He saw a body of troops carrying the banner “Right General Xu Huang” and thundering down toward the gate.

He was startled. He had the drawbridge hauled up.

Xu Huang dismounted and came to the ditch, crying, “Rebel Meng Da! Surrender at once!”

Meng Da, enraged, drew a bow and shot at him. The arrow struck Xu Huang in the forehead, and the Wei general was carried away by his guards.

Arrows rained from the city ramparts, and the Wei troops withdrew.

As Meng Da prepared to open the gate and pursue, banners covered the sky in all directions. Sima Yi’s army had arrived.

Meng Da looked to the sky and sighed, “It has happened exactly as Kongming predicted!” He shut the gates and held fast.

When Xu Huang was taken down by Meng Da’s arrow, the Wei general’s soldiers carried him back to camp, removed the arrowhead, and summoned a physician, but he died by nightfall at age fifty-nine.

Sima Yi’s men brought his body back and had it carried toward Luoyang for burial.

The next morning Meng Da toured the city. He saw Wei troops encircling on all sides like iron jars. He was restless and uncertain.

All at once he saw troops advancing from two routes. Their banners bore, in large characters, “Shen Dan” and “Shen Yi.”

Meng Da believed these were relief troops and rushed to open the city gate and charge.

The two shouted at once, “Rebel, do not run! Surrender now and die!”

As the situation turned, Meng Da seized his horse and made for the interior of the city, but arrows flew from above in chaos.

Li Fu and Deng Xian cried out from the walls: “We have already delivered this city!”

Meng Da cut through whatever route he could. Shen Dan caught up and thrust him from horseback with a spear. He beheaded Meng Da.

The remaining troops surrendered.

Li Fu and Deng Xian opened the gate wide and received Sima Yi into the city.

After seeing the people calmed and rewarding the troops, they dispatched a report to Emperor Cao Rui.

The emperor rejoiced and ordered Meng Da’s head brought to Luoyang as warning to all.

He promoted Shen Dan and Shen Yi and ordered them to follow Sima Yi into further operations. Li Fu and Deng Xian were ordered to hold Xincheng and Shangyong.

Sima Yi then brought his army to camp outside Chang’an. He entered the city and came before the emperor.

Cao Rui said, with relief, “I was confused for a while and was deceived by the enemies’ misinformation. It cannot be repaired now. Had Meng Da’s uprising not been suppressed by you and your men, the two capitals would have perished.”

Sima Yi answered, “I heard Shen Yi and Shen Dan report the matter in secret to me first and feared delay. Therefore I went without waiting for an edict. If we waited to report back, we would have entered Zhuge Liang’s trap.”

He then presented Kongming’s secret letter to Meng Da and the emperor read it.

Cao Rui said, “Your understanding surpasses that of Sun Wu and Wu.” and laughed.

He gave him a pair of golden battle-axes and instructed: for future secret matters of state there was no need to report first, and he might act on suitable judgment.

He ordered Sima Yi to leave the pass and break Shu’s armies.

Sima Yi then asked, “I can name one great general to serve as first assault commander.”

Cao Rui said, “Who is it?”

Sima Yi said, “Right General Zhang He can take that post.”

The emperor smiled. “I intended to use him.”

So he appointed Zhang He as the forward vanguard and ordered him to march with Sima Yi out of Chang’an to break the Shu troops.

It is said:

“One strategist is present and can wield his wit; another asks for a fierce general to give force.

How this battle is decided remains unknown. How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.