Kongming weeps and beheads Ma Shu. Zhou Fang cuts his hair and tricks Cao Xiu.

Now the man giving a plan was Sun Zi of the Shangshu office. Cao Rui asked, “What excellent scheme have you?” Sun Zi submitted, “When the martial Emperor Taizu subdued Zhang Lu, he helped him only after a brush with ruin; he once told all ministers, ‘The lands of Nanzheng are truly a heavenly prison.’ Middle-slanting Valley is five hundred li of rocky ravines and is not ground for military use. Now, if we mobilize all soldiers in the realm to strike at Shu, then Eastern Wu will raid as well. Better to keep the present army divided, assigning major generals to hold critical fortresses and preserve strength and resolve. In a few years, Zhongguo will grow stronger; Wu and Shu must wear each other down by then. At that time, if we move, is it not surely a winning chance? I beg Your Majesty to decide.”

Cao Rui then asked Sima Yi, “How do you judge this?” Sima Yi reported, “The Minister Sun’s words are entirely sound.” Cao Rui followed him, ordered Sima Yi to dispatch the generals to hold key passes, left Guo Zhun and Zhang He in charge of Chang'an, gave them three full carts of reward, then turned back to Luoyang.

Now Kongming returned to Hanzhong and took the roll of his soldiers. Only Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi were still unaccounted for, and his heart was greatly troubled. He ordered Guan Xing and Zhang Bao, each commanding one force, to move as reinforcements. As the two were about to depart, it was reported that Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi had arrived, and had not lost a single man or horse; no supplies or baggage were missing. Kongming was very happy and personally led the officers out to meet them.

Zhao Yun hurried down and knelt, saying, “Why should the Chancellor come so far to receive the commander of a broken army?” Kongming at once helped him up and took his hand, saying, “This is my fault for not knowing who was able or unable. Other commanders suffered losses, yet you, Zilong, did not lose one man or horse. Why so?”

Deng Zhi said, “I led the army forward first; Zilong held back alone, cutting officers and gaining merit. The enemy was startled and frightened. Therefore we did not abandon a single supply or object.”

Kongming said, “You are truly a general.” He gave Zhao Yun fifty jin of gold and ten thousand bolts of silk for Yun’s soldiers. Zhao Yun said, “Three armies have not gained a single inch of service. We all share blame. If I now take a reward, the Chancellor’s rewards and punishments would be unclear. Also, please put it in storage and, when winter comes, distribute it to all the armies. That would not be late.” Kongming sighed, “The late emperor, while he lived, often praised Zilong’s virtue. It is just so now.” He then doubled his respect and reverence for him.

Soon there came word that Ma Shu, Wang Ping, Wei Yan, and Gao Xiang had arrived. Kongming first called Wang Ping into his tent and rebuked him: “I had ordered you and Ma Shu together to guard Jieting. Why did you not remonstrate with him, resulting in this disaster?”

Wang Ping said, “I twice urged that we fortify and hold the road with an earth wall. The staff officer was furious and refused. So I took five thousand men down the mountain ten li to camp. Wei troops arrived in a rush and closed around us on all four sides. I charged out to break through more than ten times, but none entered.

The next day the earthwork collapsed. Countless men surrendered. I could not hold alone with my force, so I sought help from Wei Wenchang (Wei Yan). Halfway, we were trapped in a mountain valley by Wei troops; I fought my way out with my life. When we reached our camp, the Wei army had already occupied it. As we moved on toward Liucheng, we met Gao Xiang, so I split into three columns to raid a Wei camp and hoped to recover Jieting. Then I saw Jieting had no reserve troops; my heart was doubtful.

From the heights I looked out and saw Wei Yan and Gao Xiang both surrounded by Wei troops. I cut into the encirclement and saved the two generals, then I and the staff officer gathered together. I feared to lose Yangping Pass, so I returned immediately to hold it. This was not because I had not remonstrated. If the Chancellor will not believe me, let him question the commanders of all divisions.”

Kongming sent him away, then called Ma Shu. Ma Shu had bound his own hands and knelt at the front of the tent.

Kongming’s face changed. “You grew up reading military books and knowing war methods well. I have warned and admonished you repeatedly. Jieting is my foundation. I gave you this heavy duty under penalty of your whole family. If you had listened earlier to Wang Ping, could this misfortune have happened? Now our army is defeated, officers are slain, ground is lost, and a fortress is occupied. All this is your fault. If you do not understand proper military law, how can you lead men? You have broken the law; do not resent me. After your death, your household is poor; I will provide grain pay each month. You need not worry.” He shouted for the attendants to bring him out and behead him.

Ma Shu wept, “The Chancellor has treated me like a son; I have regarded the Chancellor as a father. My capital crime is truly inescapable. I beg Your Excellency to remember Emperor Shun punishing Gun and Yü’s righteousness; even in death, I will have no resentment!” He ended and wept bitterly.

Kongming, with tears in his eyes, said, “I stand with you in brotherhood, and your son is my son. You need not burden me with words.”

The attendants took Ma Shu outside the chariot gate and set to behead him. Jiang Wan had come from Chengdu. Seeing soldiers ready to execute Ma Shu, he was greatly alarmed and urgently called out to stop them, then entered and said to Kongming, “In the old state of Chu, Chancellor Wen rejoiced at killing a loyal minister. The realm is still unsettled, and here is a man of strategic mind. Should we not be reluctant to shed him?”

With tears, Kongming replied, “In former times, Sun Wu was able to win the world through clear law. In these days, the four regions are in chaos and war has just begun. If law were discarded when needed, how could we suppress the enemies? He must be executed.”

Before long an executioner brought in Ma Shu’s severed head and set it under the stairs.

Kongming wept without ceasing. Jiang Wan asked, “Young as I am, I have often erred. Now that military law has been correctly enforced, why does the Chancellor weep?”

Kongming said, “I do not weep for Ma Shu. At Baidi City, when the late emperor faced danger he once told me, ‘Ma Shu speaks beyond his true ability and should not be employed heavily.’ That now proves true. I deeply blame myself for not understanding, and I remember the late emperor’s clarity, and that is why I cry.”

Every general and soldier, whether high or low, wept. Ma Shu’s age was thirty-nine. It was the fifth month of the sixth year of Jianxing.

Later people wrote:

Losing Jieting was no light guilt; Ma Shu talked of war in vain. Beheading at the chariot gate follows strict military law; even through tears he still remembered the late emperor’s clarity.

So Kongming, having executed Ma Shu, showed the severed head to each camp, sewed it back onto his body with thread, prepared a coffin, and buried him. He drafted and recited a sacrificial text in his rites. He gave comfort and monthly stipends of grain and pay to Ma Shu’s poor household.

Then Kongming drafted a memorial and ordered Jiang Wan to submit it to the latter ruler, asking to step down one rank from Chancellor.

Jiang Wan returned to Chengdu and entered the audience hall before the ruler, presenting Kongming’s memorial. The ruler opened it and read:

I am by no means exceptional, yet I seized office through presumption. I personally held command and disciplined the three armies. I could not properly instruct the statutes, and when matters arose I misplanned, so that at Jieting I disobeyed command and at Jigu I failed to give warning. All blame is mine: I am not clear and I do not know men; in judging affairs I was dark. On the season of inquiry and accountability, where can sin escape? I beg to demote myself three grades and examine this grave failing. Shame cannot be borne by me. I bow and await the command.

The ruler finished reading and said, “Victory and defeat are ordinary in war. Why does the Chancellor speak this way?” Court Attendant Fei Yi replied, “I have heard it said: the one who governs a state must value law above all. If law is not enforced, how can men be controlled? The Chancellor has failed in battle; he should demote himself, and that is proper.”

The ruler accepted this and issued an edict: Kongming would be reduced to Right General, but continue to carry out Chancellor business and, as before, command all horses and troops. He ordered Fei Yi to issue the decree in Hanzhong. After the edict of demotion reached him, Fei Yi, fearing Kongming might be ashamed, offered congratulations: “The people of Shu know the Chancellor once recovered the four commanderies and rejoice deeply.”

Kongming’s face grew dark. “What words are those? To regain and to lose are alike. If you congratulate me for this, it is enough to make me ashamed.” Fei Yi said, “I hear now that the Chancellor has obtained Jiang Wei; the Son of Heaven is greatly pleased.”

Kongming said angrily, “My fault is great: after a defeated army returns, not even a span of land was won. What loss to Wei in taking one Jiang Wei?” Fei Yi asked, “Could the Chancellor once again lead a northern invasion against Wei?”

Kongming replied, “When the great army was stationed at Qishan and Jigu, our troops were more than the enemy’s, but we could not break them; instead we were broken. This was not a question of numbers but of the commanding general. Now we should reduce troops and remove generals, punish ourselves clearly, and think out ways to adapt for the future. If not, what use has a great army? From now on, if there are anyone in the state with far-reaching concern, let them concentrate on exposing my failings and pointing out my shortcomings. Then the affair can be settled, the enemy destroyed, and accomplishment will stand ready.”

All of Fei Yi’s generals accepted the argument. Fei Yi returned to Chengdu. In Hanzhong, Kongming, mindful of soldiers and people, urged training and weapons drills, built siege engines and river-crossing devices, gathered grain, and prepared boats for future plans.

A covert observer reported all this in Luoyang.

When Cao Rui heard it, he at once summoned Sima Yi to discuss taking back Sichuan. Sima Yi said, “Shu cannot be attacked now. At present the realm is in midsummer heat; Shu soldiers will not venture out. If our army goes deep into their land, they will hold their strong points and be very hard to force down.”

Cao Rui said, “If the army comes again to raid, what then?”

Sima Yi said, “I have already calculated that this time Zhuge Liang will repeat Han Xin’s covert crossing at Chen Cang. Send one man to the Chen Cang road gate and have him build defenses there; that will never fail. He is nine chi tall, ape-armed, and excellent with the bow, and he has deep stratagem in him. If Zhuge Liang invades, this one alone can meet him.”

Cao Rui asked happily, “Who is this man?” Sima Yi said, “He is from Taiyuan, surname Hao, named Zhaodao, courtesy name Baodao. He is now General Zaba and garrisoned at Hexi.”

Cao Rui accepted this and promoted Hao Zhaodao as General Who Guards the West, commanding him to hold the Chen Cang road gate. He sent an order immediately.

Then a report came in: Cao Xiu, Army Marshal and Grand Commander of Yangzhou, had submitted a memorial saying that Zhou Fang, Administrator of Shenyang, wished to surrender his commandery. He had secretly conveyed seven points. He said Wu could be broken and asked for immediate dispatch of troops to seize him.

Cao Rui, on the imperial bed, opened it and read it with Sima Yi.

Sima Yi said, “This is very reasonable, and Wu will fall. I will take a force and assist Cao Xiu.” A man in the ranks then reported, “The words from Wu are inconsistent and unreliable; Zhou Fang is a man of plotting and strategy and would never truly surrender. This is only a ploy to lure troops.” It was General Jianwei, Jia Kui.

Sima Yi said, “This warning too cannot be ignored, and the opportunity can also not be missed.” Cao Rui said, “Zhongda should aid Jia Kui in helping Cao Xiu.” The two departed with orders.

Then Cao Xiu led a major army straight to Wancheng. Jia Kui brought General Man Chong and Hu Zhi, Administrator of Dongwan, and moved on to Yangcheng, straight toward Dongguan; Sima Yi took his main force and went straight for Jiangling.

Now Sun Quan, at Wuchang East Pass, gathered many officials and discussed: “Now Zhou Fang of Shenyang has submitted a secret memorial saying that Cao Xiu, Supreme Commander of Yangzhou, means to invade. Zhou Fang, with deceitful words, has presented seven points by secret message, drawing Wei troops deep so that an ambush may catch them. Wei troops now come by three routes. What is your high suggestion, each of you?”

Gu Yong said, “Such a great responsibility would be more than even Lu Boyan would dare undertake.” Sun Quan rejoiced, summoned Lu Xun, made him General Who Assists the State and Supreme Commander for Pacifying the North, gave him full command of the main army, and entrusted him with sovereign affairs in this matter. He handed him the white-feathered yellow battle-sceptre; all civil and military officials were to obey him. Sun Quan himself held the reins and ran with him.

After ritual thanks, Sun Quan asked him for two adjutants. Lu Xun said, “General Zhu Huan and General Quan Cong are suitable for assistance.” Sun Quan approved and ordered Zhu Huan as left grand commander and Quan Cong as right grand commander. Therefore Lu Xun led the southern eighty-one commanderies and the Jinghu regions, more than seven hundred thousand men. He placed Zhu Huan on the left, Quan Cong on the right, and kept himself in the center, advancing by three routes.

Zhu Huan offered: “Cao Xiu is trusted by personal appointment, but he is no general of intelligence and courage. If we let Zhou Fang’s baiting words stand and let him go deep into important terrain, your commander-in-chief will strike and he will surely be defeated. After his defeat he will have only two exits: Jiaoshi on the left and Guiche on the right. Those two paths are mountain shortcuts and tiny tracks, steep and perilous.

I ask to have me and Quan Cong each lead a corps, lie in ambush on the heights, first block those routes with timber and heavy stones, and capture Cao Xiu. If he is taken, we can ride fast and directly reach Shouzhou; this is an age-defining moment to take a long look toward Xu and Luoyang.”

Lu Xun said, “This is not the best plan. I have my own way.” Thus Zhu Huan retired in displeasure.

Lu Xun ordered Zhuge Jin and the rest to hold Jiangling and resist Sima Yi. All routes were adjusted into place.

Now Cao Xiu’s army reached Anhcheng. Zhou Fang came out to greet him and came straight to his command tent.

Cao Xiu asked, “I have received your written words. The seven points you presented are profound and proper, and I have transmitted them to the Son of Heaven; therefore I have set out a great army in three routes. If you obtain land in Jiangdong, your merit is no small thing. Some say you are full of schemes, and truly I fear your words may be untrue. I assume you are not deceiving me.”

Zhou Fang burst into tears and quickly drew the sword from his attendant, intending to slash his own throat. Cao Xiu hastily stopped him.

Zhou Fang held the sword and said, “The seven matters I put forward I could not bring myself to express with my heart and liver. Since this doubt appears, surely some man from Wu has set me up for a ruse. If I were to accept this and listen, I would have to die. Only Heaven can prove my loyalty.” He finished, and again tried to cut himself.

Cao Xiu panicked and held him: “I only spoke playfully. Why would you do this?”

Zhou Fang used the sword to cut his hair and throw it to the ground, saying, “I serve your peace with a loyal heart. If you take this as a jest, I cut the hair left by my parents as a witness of this heart.”

Cao Xiu now fully believed and arranged a banquet. After it ended, Zhou Fang took leave.

Soon there came word that General Jianwei, Jia Kui, had arrived to see him. Cao Xiu admitted him and asked, “Why have you come?”

Jia Kui replied, “I estimate that Wu troops will all garrison at Anhcheng. The inspector should not rush in. Wait for me to strike in two flanking attacks, and the enemy army can be broken.”

Cao Xiu shouted angrily, “Do you want to steal my merit?” Jia Kui said, “I have also heard Zhou Fang’s hair-cut vow. This is deceit. In old days, Yao Li cut off his arm to stab Qingji; still we did not trust such a move.”

Cao Xiu grew angry: “I was already preparing to mobilize; with this speech you slow my army’s spirit!” He shouted for attendants and ordered Jia Kui beheaded.

The other generals reported, “Before we even march, to execute one of our generals is harmful for the army. Please allow him to remain.” Cao Xiu agreed, kept Jia Kui’s troops in camp for use, and himself took one army to take Dongguan.

When Zhou Fang heard that Jia Kui had been stripped of command authority, he rejoiced privately, saying, “If Cao Xiu had listened to Jia Kui, Wu would lose! Today he makes me victorious.” He quietly sent a messenger to Anhcheng to tell Lu Xun.

Lu Xun called his generals and gave orders: “The Shiting pass in front is only mountain road but enough for ambush. Go now to occupy the broader spots and form battle arrays there to meet the Wei army.” He ordered Xu Sheng as vanguard and sent him forward.

Now Cao Xiu ordered Zhou Fang to advance.

While on the road, Cao Xiu asked, “Where is the way ahead?” Zhou Fang answered, “Ahead lies Shiting. It is fit to post troops.” Cao Xiu followed; he moved the entire army, chariots and equipment to Shiting and made camp.

The next day scouts reported, “Ahead there are unknown Wu troops, holding the mountain mouth.” Cao Xiu was greatly startled: “Zhou Fang said there were no troops. Why are they now prepared?” He urgently asked for Zhou Fang, and a report came that Zhou Fang, who had only brought several tens of men, had gone somewhere unknown.

Cao Xiu deeply regretted: “I have fallen into the enemy’s scheme. Even so, I need not still fear.” He ordered Zhang Pu as vanguard, with several thousand men to fight the Wu troops.

The two lines met face to face. Zhang Pu spoke from horseback, “Bandit general, surrender at once!” Xu Sheng rode out to meet him. They fought many rounds. Zhang Pu could not hold his line and wheeled back his horse, then reported to Cao Xiu that Xu Sheng was not to be overcome.

Cao Xiu said, “I shall defeat him with unexpected force.” He ordered Zhang Pu to take twenty thousand men and hide to the south of Shiting. He ordered Xue Qiao to take another twenty thousand and hide to the north of Shiting.

“Tomorrow I myself will bring one thousand men into a sharp fight, then feign defeat and lure them forward before Beishan. When the signal cannon is fired, we strike from three sides. We will gain a great victory.” The two generals, having understood the plan, took twenty thousand each and sank into ambush that night.

Now Lu Xun called Zhu Huan and Quan Cong and said, “Both of you take three thousand men. Move by the Shiting mountains and circle behind Cao Xiu’s camp, using fire as signal. I will lead the main army along the middle route and capture Cao Xiu.” At dusk the two obeyed and advanced.

By the second watch, Zhu Huan’s force, having come straight to Wei’s camp rear, encountered Zhang Pu’s hidden troops. Zhang Pu, not knowing they were Wu, came asking who they were and was cut down in one blow from horse to horse. The Wei troops ran, while Zhu Huan ordered the rear unit to raise fire.

Quan Cong’s force then circled to the rear of the Wei camp and collided directly with Xue Qiao’s formation, where they fought hard at once. Xue Qiao lost and fled; the Wei army suffered heavy losses and retreated to its camp. Behind them, both Zhu Huan and Quan Cong closed in with killing.

In Cao Xiu’s camp all became disorderly; men struck one another. Cao Xiu mounted and fled along the Jiachi route. Xu Sheng charged a main body of cavalry and horsemen straight along the direct route.

Wei deadmen were uncountable; those who fled cast away armor and clothing. Cao Xiu was in great fear. In the Jiachi gorge he ran in agony. Suddenly a band of troops surged from a side path with a great general in the lead—Jia Kui.

Cao Xiu, breathless, said to himself, “I ignored your words, and this defeat has truly come.”

Jia Kui said, “The Inspector must leave this path quickly. If the Wu block it with timber and stones, we all are in danger.” Cao Xiu then spurred hard and galloped on, Jia Kui trailing behind.

In a place where trees were lush and the path steep and narrow, Jia Kui set up many banner flags as false troops. When Xu Sheng arrived, he saw flash of flags from the hillside and thought ambush waited there. He did not dare to chase, but drew his men back. So Cao Xiu was saved. Sima Yi, hearing of Cao Xiu’s defeat, withdrew as well.

Now Lu Xun was waiting for good news. Soon Xu Sheng, Zhu Huan, and Quan Cong all arrived with chariots, horse teams, donkeys and mules, supplies and weapons beyond counting, and tens of thousands of defectors.

Lu Xun rejoiced greatly and then returned with Zhou Fang and the generals to Wu, disbanding and withdrawing the forces.

Sun Quan sent civil and military officials from Wuchang out to receive him and, with a ceremonial canopy, brought him into the city. He promoted all the generals. Seeing Zhou Fang with no hair left, Sun Quan comforted him: “You cut your hair and made this great matter happen; your merit belongs in bamboo and silk.” He made Zhou Fang Marquis within the Pass and held a grand feast to reward the troops.

Lu Xun submitted, “Now that Cao Xiu has been defeated badly and Wei soldiers are shaken, we may repair the state letters and send envoys into Shu ordering Zhuge Liang to advance and strike at Wei again.” Sun Quan approved and sent messengers with letters into Sichuan.

As it is: Because the Eastern realm can lay such designs, West Sichuan must again raise troops for war. How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.