Romance, Chapter 91

Chapter 91. Sacrificing at the Lu River, the Han Chancellor Leads the Army Home; Setting Out to Attack the Central Plains, the Marquis of Wu Presents a Memorial

Now Kongming led his army home to his own country. Meng Huo, at the head of the cave chiefs and chieftains great and small and all the tribes, bowed in ranks to see him off. When the front army reached the Lu River, it was the ninth month, in autumn. Suddenly dark clouds gathered all around and a violent wind sprang up, so that the troops could not cross. They went back and reported to Kongming, who then asked Meng Huo about it. Meng Huo said, “There has always been a wild spirit in this river that works mischief; all who pass this way must make offerings to it.” Kongming said, “What is used for the offering?”

卻說孔明班師回國，孟獲率引大小洞主酋長及諸部落，羅拜相送。前軍至瀘水，時值九月秋天，忽然陰雲布合，狂風驟起；兵不能渡，回報孔明。孔明遂問孟獲，獲曰：“此水原有猖神作禍，往來者必須祭之。”孔明曰：“用何物祭享？”

Meng Huo said, “In former times, when the wild spirit worked mischief, the people of this country offered it seven times seven, forty-nine human heads, together with black oxen and white sheep. Then the wind would naturally fall and the waves grow calm, and what is more there would be good harvests year after year.” Kongming said, “Now that my work here is done and all is settled, how can I kill even one person needlessly?” So he went in person to the bank of the Lu River to look. Sure enough, a gloomy wind was blowing hard and the waves were surging, so that men and horses alike were frightened. Kongming was much puzzled and at once sought out some local people to ask them about it.

獲曰：“舊時國中因猖神作禍，用七七四十九顆人頭並黑牛白羊祭之，自然風恬浪靜，更兼連年豐稔。”孔明曰：“吾今事已平定，安可妄殺一人？”遂自到瀘水岸邊觀看。果見陰風大起，波濤洶湧，人馬皆驚。孔明甚疑，即尋土人問之。

The local people told him, “Ever since the Chancellor passed this way, night after night nothing is heard by the water but the wailing of ghosts and the howling of spirits. From dusk until dawn the weeping never stops. In the miasmal mists there are countless dark ghosts. That is why they work this mischief, and no one dares to cross.” Kongming said, “This is my fault. Some time ago Ma Dai led over a thousand Shu troops here, and they all died in the water. Besides that, the southerners who were slain were all thrown away in this place.

土人告說：“自丞相經過之後，夜夜只聞得水邊鬼哭神號。自黃昏直至天曉，哭聲不絕。瘴煙之內，陰鬼無數。因此作禍，無人敢渡。”孔明曰：“此乃我之罪愆也。前者馬岱引蜀兵千餘，皆死於水中；更兼殺死南人，盡棄此處。

The wild souls and resentful ghosts cannot find release, and so it has come to this. Tonight I shall go and make the offering myself.” The local people said, “You must follow the old custom and cut off forty-nine human heads as the offering; then the resentful ghosts will disperse of themselves.” Kongming said, “These men became resentful ghosts in the first place because they died. How can I kill living people again? I have my own plan.” He summoned the army cooks and had oxen and horses slaughtered. Flour was kneaded into dough and moulded into the shape of human heads, stuffed inside with beef, mutton and other meats to take their place. These were called mantou.

狂魂怨鬼，不能解釋，以致如此。吾今晚當親自往祭。”土人曰：“須依舊例，殺四十九顆人頭爲祭，則怨鬼自散也。”孔明曰：“本爲人死而成怨鬼，豈可又殺生人耶？吾自有主意。”喚行廚宰殺牛馬；和麪爲劑，塑成人頭，內以牛羊等肉代之，名曰饅頭。

That night, on the bank of the Lu River, an incense table was set up and the offerings laid out. Forty-nine lamps were set in rows, and banners were raised to summon the souls; the mantou and other offerings were arranged on the ground. At the third watch Kongming, in a golden cap and a crane-feather cloak, came in person to preside over the sacrifice and had Dong Jue read the prayer. It ran: “In the third year of Jianxing of the Great Han, on the first day of the ninth month, in autumn, Zhuge Liang, Marquis of Wuxiang, Imperial Protector of Yizhou and Chancellor, respectfully sets out these rites and presents them to the shades of the officers of Shu who died in the service of the throne, and of the southerners who perished, saying: Our Emperor of the Great Han surpasses the Five Hegemons in majesty and continues the Three Kings in enlightenment.

當夜於瀘水岸上，設香案，鋪祭物，列燈四十九盞，揚幡招魂；將饅頭等物，陳設於地。三更時分，孔明金冠鶴氅，親自臨祭，令董厥讀祭文。其文曰：“維大漢建興三年秋九月一日，武鄉侯、領益州牧、丞相諸葛亮，謹陳祭儀，享於故歿王事蜀中將校及南人亡者陰魂曰：我大漢皇帝，威勝五霸，明繼三王。

Lately men from distant parts invaded our borders, and a people of alien customs rose in arms. They brandished the scorpion’s tail to stir up evil and gave free rein to wolfish hearts to spread disorder. I received the royal command to call the remote wilds to account. I raised a great host of fierce warriors and swept away those crickets and ants. Our mighty army gathered like clouds, and the wild rebels melted like ice; no sooner was the sound of splitting bamboo heard than they were like apes that had lost their trees. Now the soldiers and young men were all heroes of the Nine Provinces, and the officials and officers were all champions within the Four Seas. They trained in arms and followed the army, gave themselves to an enlightened ruler and served their lord. Every one of them took part in proclaiming the three commands and in carrying out the seven captures; all were steadfast in their sincerity in serving the state, and all strove in their loyalty to their sovereign.

昨自遠方侵境，異俗起兵；縱蠆尾以興妖，恣狼心而逞亂。我奉王命，問罪遐荒；大舉貔貅，悉除螻蟻；雄軍雲集，狂寇冰消；才聞破竹之聲，便是失猿之勢。但士卒兒郎，盡是九州豪傑；官僚將校，皆爲四海英雄：習武從戎，投明事主，莫不同申三令，共展七擒；齊堅奉國之誠，並效忠君之志。

Who could have foreseen that you would by chance miss your moment in battle and fall into treacherous snares? Some were struck by stray arrows, and their souls were buried in the Yellow Springs; some were wounded by sword and blade, and their spirits returned to the long night. In life you were brave; in death you have won a name. Now we are about to go home singing songs of victory, and the presenting of captives is at hand. If your heroic spirits are still here, you will surely hear this prayer. Follow my banners, go along with my troops, return with us to our own land, and each of you find your native place, there to receive the seasonal offerings of your kin and the sacrifices of your households. Do not become ghosts in a strange land, lingering in vain as souls in foreign parts.

何期汝等偶失兵機，緣落奸計：或爲流矢所中，魂掩泉臺；或爲刀劍所傷，魄歸長夜：生則有勇，死則成名，今凱歌欲還，獻俘將及。汝等英靈尚在，祈禱必聞：隨我旌旗，逐我部曲，同回上國，各認本鄉，受骨肉之蒸嘗，領家人之祭祀；莫作他鄉之鬼，徒爲異域之魂。

I shall report to the Son of Heaven and see that every one of your households shares in his bounty, with clothing and grain given yearly and stipends granted monthly. With this I will repay you and comfort your hearts. As for the local gods of this land and the ghosts of the dead of the south, you shall have your offerings of blood and flesh regularly, and a resting place not far off. The living now stand in awe of Heaven’s majesty, and the dead too have come under the king’s civilizing rule; be at peace, then, and cry out no more. Here I offer my sincere heart and respectfully present these sacrifices. Alas, how sad!

我當奏之天子，使汝等各家盡霑恩露，年給衣糧，月賜廩祿。用茲酬答，以慰汝心。至於本境土神，南方亡鬼，血食有常，憑依不遠；生者既凜天威，死者亦歸王化，想宜寧帖，毋致號啕。聊表丹誠，敬陳祭祀。嗚呼，哀哉！

Humbly I pray: accept this offering!” When the prayer had been read, Kongming lifted up his voice and wept bitterly, in the depths of grief. The whole army was moved, and there was no one who did not shed tears. Meng Huo and his followers all wept as well. Then, amid the sorrowful clouds and resentful mists, several thousand ghostly shapes could dimly be seen, and all of them scattered on the wind. Kongming then ordered his attendants to throw all the offerings into the Lu River. Next day, when Kongming led the whole army to the south bank of the Lu, the clouds had lifted and the mists dispersed, the wind was still and the waves were calm.

伏惟尚饗！”讀畢祭文，孔明放聲大哭，極其痛切，情動三軍，無不下淚。孟獲等衆，盡皆哭泣。只見愁雲怨霧之中，隱隱有數千鬼魂，皆隨風而散。於是孔明令左右將祭物盡棄於瀘水之中。次日，孔明引大軍俱到瀘水南岸，但見雲收霧散，風靜浪平。

The Shu troops all crossed the Lu River safely. Truly it was a case of “whips tapping golden stirrups ringing, men singing songs of victory coming home.” When they reached Yongchang, Kongming left Wang Kang and Lü Kai to hold the four commanderies, and sent Meng Huo back with his people, charging him to govern diligently, to keep his subordinates in hand, to care well for the inhabitants and not to neglect farming. Meng Huo wept, bowed his farewell and departed.

蜀兵安然盡渡瀘水，果然鞭敲金鐙響，人唱凱歌還。行到永昌，孔明留王伉、呂凱守四郡；發付孟獲領衆自回，囑其勤政馭下，善撫居民，勿失農務。孟獲涕泣拜別而去。

Kongming led the main army back to Chengdu himself. The Latter Ruler set out the imperial carriage and came thirty li outside the city walls to meet him. He stepped down from his carriage and stood by the roadside to await Kongming. Kongming hurriedly got down from his own carriage, prostrated himself on the road and said, “That I could not pacify the South more quickly and so caused Your Majesty anxiety is my fault.” The Latter Ruler raised Kongming up, and they rode back side by side. A banquet of great peace was held, and the whole army was richly rewarded. From then on more than two hundred distant states came to court bearing tribute.

孔明自引大軍回成都。後主排鑾駕出郭三十里迎接，下輦立於道傍，以候孔明。孔明慌下車伏道而言曰：“臣不能速平南方，使主上懷憂，臣之罪也。”後主扶起孔明，並車而回，設太平筵會，重賞三軍。自此遠邦進貢來朝者二百餘處。

Kongming petitioned the Latter Ruler and obtained his approval to provide generously, one by one, for the families of those who had died in the service of the throne. The people were glad at heart, and all was pure and peaceful at court and in the country. Meanwhile Cao Pi, the Ruler of Wei, had been on the throne seven years, which was the fourth year of Jianxing in Shu-Han. Earlier Cao Pi had taken as his wife Lady Zhen, the wife of Yuan Xi, Yuan Shao’s second son, whom he had obtained when Ye City was taken. She later bore him a son named Rui, styled Yuanzhong, who was clever from childhood, but Cao Pi did not care for him much.

孔明奏準後主，將歿於王事者之家，一一優恤。人心歡悅，朝野清平。卻說魏主曹丕，在位七年，即蜀漢建興四年也。丕先納夫人甄氏，即袁紹次子袁熙之婦，前破鄴城時所得。後生一子，名睿，字元仲，自幼聰明，不甚愛之。

Later Cao Pi also took as a consort the daughter of Guo Yong of Guangzong in Anping, a woman of great beauty. Her father had once said, “My daughter is a king among women,” and so she was called the Female King. After Cao Pi made her a consort, Lady Zhen fell out of favour, and Consort Guo, scheming to become empress, consulted with Zhang Tao, a favourite minister. At that time Cao Pi was ill, and Zhang Tao falsely claimed that a figure carved of paulownia wood had been dug up in Lady Zhen’s apartments, inscribed with the year, month, day and hour of the Emperor’s birth—a charm to lay a curse on him.

後丕又納安平廣宗人郭永之女爲貴妃，甚有顏色；其父嘗曰：“吾女乃女中之王也。”故號爲女王。自丕納爲貴妃，因甄夫人失寵，郭貴妃欲謀爲後，卻與倖臣張韜商議。時丕有疾，韜乃詐稱於甄夫人宮中掘得桐木偶人，上書天子年月日時，爲魘鎮之事。

Cao Pi was furious. He had Lady Zhen put to death and made Consort Guo empress. As she had no children of her own, she brought up Cao Rui as her son. But although he was much loved, he was not made heir.

丕大怒，遂將甄夫人賜死，立郭貴妃爲後。因無出，養曹睿爲己子。雖甚愛之，不立爲嗣。

When Cao Rui reached the age of fifteen, he was skilled at archery and riding. In the second month of spring that year, Cao Pi took Rui out hunting. As they rode through a mountain hollow, they started a doe and her fawn. Cao Pi brought down the doe with a single arrow, and turning, he saw the fawn racing past in front of Cao Rui’s horse. Cao Pi shouted, “My son, why don’t you shoot it?” Rui wept on horseback and said, “Your Majesty has already killed its mother. How could I bear to kill its young as well?”

睿年至十五歲，弓馬熟嫺。當年春二月，丕帶睿出獵。行於山塢之間，趕出子母二鹿，丕一箭射倒母鹿，回觀小鹿馳於曹睿馬前。丕大呼曰：“吾兒何不射之？”睿在馬上泣告曰：“陛下已殺其母，臣安忍復殺其子也。”

When Cao Pi heard this, he threw his bow to the ground and said, “My son will truly be a humane and virtuous ruler!” And so he made Rui Prince of Pingyuan.

丕聞之，擲弓於地曰：“吾兒真仁德之主也！”於是遂封睿爲平原王。

In the fifth month, in summer, Cao Pi caught a chill that the physicians could not cure. He then summoned three men to his bedchamber: Cao Zhen, Senior General of the Central Army; Chen Qun, Senior General Who Guards the Army; and Sima Yi, Senior General Who Soothes the Army. Cao Pi called for Cao Rui and, pointing to him, said to Cao Zhen and the others, “My illness has grown grave, and I shall not recover. This boy is young. You three must help him well and not fail my wishes.” All three said, “Why does Your Majesty speak so?

夏五月，丕感寒疾，醫治不痊，乃召中軍大將軍曹真、鎮軍大將軍陳羣、撫軍大將軍司馬懿三人入寢宮。丕喚曹睿至，指謂曹真等曰：“今朕病已沉重，不能復生。此子年幼，卿等三人可善輔之，勿負朕心。”三人皆告曰：“陛下何出此言？

We wish to exert ourselves to serve Your Majesty for a thousand autumns and ten thousand years.” Cao Pi said, “This year the city gate of Xuchang collapsed of itself for no reason. That is an evil omen, and so I know that I must die.” As he was speaking, a palace attendant announced that Cao Xiu, Senior General Who Conquers the East, had come into the palace to ask after his health. Cao Pi had him brought in and said, “You are all pillars and cornerstones of the state. If you will join hearts to support my son, I can close my eyes in death!”

臣等願竭力以事陛下，至千秋萬歲。”丕曰：“今年許昌城門無故自崩，乃不祥之兆，朕故自知必死也。”正言間，內侍奏徵東大將軍曹休入宮問安。丕召入謂曰：“卿等皆國家柱石之臣也，若能同心輔朕之子，朕死亦瞑目矣！”

When he had finished speaking, he shed tears and passed away, at the age of forty, after seven years on the throne. Cao Zhen, Chen Qun, Sima Yi, Cao Xiu and the others then went into mourning on the one hand, and on the other set Cao Rui on the throne as Emperor of the Great Wei. His father Cao Pi was given the posthumous title Emperor Wen, and his mother Lady Zhen the posthumous title Empress Wenzhao. 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 Senior General of Swift Cavalry.

言訖，墮淚而薨。時年四十歲，在位七年。於是曹真、陳羣、司馬懿、曹休等，一面舉哀，一面擁立曹睿爲大魏皇帝。諡父丕爲文皇帝，諡母甄氏爲文昭皇后。封鍾繇爲太傅，曹真爲大將軍，曹休爲大司馬，華歆爲太尉，王朗爲司徒，陳羣爲司空，司馬懿爲驃騎大將軍。

The remaining officials, civil and military, were each given titles and honours, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the empire. At that time there was no one to hold the two provinces of Yongzhou and Liangzhou, and Sima Yi sent up a memorial asking to guard Xiliang and the surrounding region. Cao Rui agreed and appointed Sima Yi to command the forces of Yong, Liang and the neighbouring region. Sima Yi received the edict and departed.

其餘文武官僚，各各封贈。大赦天下。時雍、涼二州缺人守把，司馬懿上表乞守西涼等處。曹睿從之，遂封懿提督雍、涼等處兵馬。領詔去訖。

Spies soon brought the news with all speed into Shu. Kongming was greatly alarmed and said, “Cao Pi is dead and the boy Cao Rui is on the throne; none of the others are worth worrying about. But Sima Yi is deep in strategy, and now he commands the forces of Yong and Liang. Once he has them trained, he is sure to be a great menace to Shu. It would be best to raise an army and attack him first.” The Adviser Ma Su said, “The Chancellor has only just returned from pacifying the South, and the army is exhausted. It should be cared for and rested. How can it go on another distant campaign?

早有細作飛報入川。孔明大驚曰：“曹丕已死，孺子曹睿即位，餘皆不足慮：司馬懿深有謀略，今督雍、涼兵馬，倘訓練成時，必爲蜀中之大患。不如先起兵伐之。”參軍馬謖曰：“今丞相平南方回，軍馬疲敝，只宜存恤，豈可復遠征？

I have a plan that would make Sima Yi die by Cao Rui’s own hand. I do not know whether the Chancellor would approve.” Kongming asked what the plan was, and Ma Su said, “Although Sima Yi is a great minister of Wei, Cao Rui has always suspected and feared him. Why not secretly send men to Luoyang, Ye and other places to spread rumours that this man means to rebel? We could also draw up a proclamation to the empire in Sima Yi’s name and post it up everywhere.

某有一計，使司馬懿自死於曹睿之手，未知丞相鈞意允否？”孔明問是何計，馬謖曰：“司馬懿雖是魏國大臣，曹睿素懷疑忌。何不密遣人往洛陽、鄴郡等處，佈散流言，道此人慾反；更作司馬懿告示天下榜文，遍貼諸處。

Once Cao Rui is suspicious, he will surely put the man to death.” Kongming agreed and at once sent men to carry out the plan in secret.

使曹睿心疑，必然殺此人也。”孔明從之，即遣人密行此計去了。

Now one day a notice was suddenly found posted on the city gate of Ye. The gatekeepers took it down and brought it to Cao Rui. He looked at it, and it read: “Sima Yi, Senior General of Swift Cavalry and Commander of the forces of Yong, Liang and neighbouring regions, respectfully proclaims to the empire in good faith: Formerly the Grand Progenitor, Emperor Wu, when he founded the dynasty, intended to set up Zijian, Prince Si of Chen, as master of the altars of the state. Unhappily, treacherous slanderers gathered on every side, and the hidden dragon has long remained in obscurity.

卻說鄴城門上。忽一日見貼下告示一道。守門者揭了，來奏曹睿。睿觀之，其文曰：“驃騎大將軍總領雍、涼等處兵馬事司馬懿，謹以信義佈告天下：昔太祖武皇帝，創立基業，本欲立陳思王子建爲社稷主；不幸奸讒交集，歲久潛龍。

The imperial grandson Cao Rui, who has never shown virtue in his conduct, has presumptuously taken the place of honour, betraying the Grand Progenitor’s last wishes. Now, in response to Heaven and in accord with the people, I shall raise an army on a fixed day to fulfil the hopes of the multitudes. On the day this notice arrives, let all submit to the new sovereign. Whoever does not comply shall have his clan destroyed to the ninth degree! This notice is given in advance; let all take heed.”

皇孫曹睿，素無德行，妄自居尊，有負太祖之遺意。今吾應天順人，剋日興師，以慰萬民之望。告示到日，各宜歸命新君。如不順者，當滅九族！先此告聞，想宜知悉。”

When Cao Rui had finished reading it, he turned pale with alarm and hastily questioned his ministers. The Grand Commandant Hua Xin said, “This is exactly why Sima Yi sent up a memorial asking to guard Yong and Liang. The Grand Progenitor, Emperor Wu, once said to me, ‘Sima Yi has the stare of a hawk and the backward glance of a wolf. He must not be given military power; in time he will surely be a great disaster for the state.’ Today the signs of rebellion have already appeared. You should put him to death at once.” Wang Lang said, “Sima Yi is deeply versed in strategy and well understands the moments of battle, and he has always harboured great ambitions. If he is not removed early, in time he is sure to bring disaster.”

曹睿覽畢，大驚失色，急問羣臣。太尉華歆奏曰：“司馬懿上表乞守雍、涼，正爲此也。先時太祖武皇帝嘗謂臣曰：司馬懿鷹視狼顧，不可付以兵權；久必爲國家大禍。今日反情已萌，可速誅之。”王朗奏曰：“司馬懿深明韜略，善曉兵機，素有大志；若不早除，久必爲禍。”

Cao Rui then issued an edict to raise an army and lead the campaign in person. Suddenly the Grand General Cao Zhen stepped out from the ranks and said, “You must not. When Emperor Wen entrusted his orphan to a few of us, it was because he knew that Sima Zhongda had no disloyal intent. Now, before we know whether this is true or false, to send troops against him in haste would only drive him to rebel. It may be that spies from Shu or Wu are working a scheme to sow discord, so that we, lord and ministers, fall into confusion among ourselves while they seize the chance to strike. That we cannot tell.

睿乃降旨，欲興兵御駕親征。忽班部中閃出大將軍曹真奏曰：“不可。文皇帝託孤於臣等數人，是知司馬仲達無異志也。今事未知真假，遽爾加兵，乃逼之反耳。或者蜀、吳奸細行反間之計，使我君臣自亂，彼卻乘虛而擊，未可知也。

I beg Your Majesty to consider it.” Cao Rui said, “And if Sima Yi really is plotting rebellion, what then?” Cao Zhen said, “If Your Majesty has doubts, you could copy the ruse of Emperor Gaozu of Han, who pretended to make an excursion to Yunmeng. Let the imperial carriage go to Anyi; Sima Yi is sure to come out to meet you. Watch what he does, and seize him right in front of your carriage.” Cao Rui agreed. He left Cao Zhen in charge of the state and, taking a hundred thousand of the Imperial Guard himself, went straight to Anyi. Sima Yi, not knowing the reason, wished to show the Son of Heaven his might, so he put his forces in order and came to meet him at the head of several tens of thousands of armoured men.

陛下幸察之。”睿曰：“司馬懿若果謀反，將奈何？”真曰：“如陛下心疑，可仿漢高僞遊雲夢之計。御駕幸安邑，司馬懿必然來迎；觀其動靜，就車前擒之，可也。”睿從之，遂命曹真監國，親自領御林軍十萬，徑到安邑。司馬懿不知其故，欲令天子知其威嚴，乃整兵馬，率甲士數萬來迎。

A courtier reported, “Sima Yi has indeed come with more than a hundred thousand troops to resist us. He truly means to rebel.” Cao Rui hastily ordered Cao Xiu to go ahead with troops to meet him. When Sima Yi saw the troops approaching, he supposed only that the Emperor had come in person, and he prostrated himself by the road to welcome him. Cao Xiu came forward and said, “Zhongda, you received from the late Emperor the heavy charge of caring for his orphan. Why have you rebelled?” Sima Yi turned pale with shock, sweat pouring all over his body, and asked the reason.

近臣奏曰：“司馬懿果率兵十餘萬，前來抗拒，實有反心矣。”睿慌命曹休先領兵迎之。司馬懿見兵馬前來，只疑車駕親至，伏道而迎。曹休出曰：“仲達受先帝託孤之重，何故反耶？”懿大驚失色，汗流遍體，乃問其故。

Cao Xiu told him everything that had happened. Sima Yi said, “This is a scheme by spies from Wu and Shu to sow discord, to make us, lord and ministers, destroy one another so that they can seize the chance to attack. I will go and see the Son of Heaven myself and clear this up.” He hastily withdrew his troops, went before Cao Rui’s carriage, prostrated himself and said, weeping, “I received from the late Emperor the heavy charge of caring for his orphan. How would I dare harbour disloyalty? This must be a treacherous scheme of Wu and Shu. I ask leave to take a single brigade and first destroy Shu, then attack Wu, to repay the late Emperor and Your Majesty and prove my heart.”

休備言前事。懿曰：“此吳、蜀奸細反間之計，欲使我君臣自相殘害，彼卻乘虛而襲。某當自見天子辨之。”遂急退了軍馬，至睿車前俯伏泣奏曰：“臣受先帝託孤之重，安敢有異心？必是吳、蜀之奸計。臣請提一旅之師，先破蜀，後伐吳，報先帝與陛下，以明臣心。”

Cao Rui was doubtful and could not decide. Hua Xin said, “He must not be given military power. He should be dismissed at once and sent home to his fields.” Cao Rui followed this advice. He stripped Sima Yi of his offices and sent him back to his home district, and ordered Cao Xiu to take overall command of the forces of Yong and Liang. Cao Rui then returned to Luoyang. Meanwhile spies learned of this and reported it in Shu. When Kongming heard it, he was overjoyed and said, “I have long wished to attack Wei, but there was Sima Yi in command of the forces of Yong and Liang.

睿疑慮未決。華歆奏曰：“不可付之兵權。可即罷歸田里。”睿依言，將司馬懿削職回鄉，命曹休總督雍、涼軍馬。曹睿駕回洛陽。卻說細作探知此事，報入川中。孔明聞之大喜曰：“吾欲伐魏久矣，奈有司馬懿總雍、涼之兵。

Now that he has fallen into our trap and been disgraced, what have I to fear!” Next day, when the Latter Ruler held morning court and a great assembly of officials was gathered, Kongming stepped out from the ranks and presented a memorial, the Memorial on Dispatching the Troops. It read: “Your servant Liang says: The late Emperor had not accomplished half of his great undertaking when he passed away midway. Now the empire is divided in three, and Yizhou is worn out and exhausted. This is truly a critical moment, when survival or ruin hangs in the balance. Yet the ministers who attend and guard you are unflagging at court, and loyal and dedicated men forget themselves in the field. This is because they remember the special favour the late Emperor showed them and wish to repay it to Your Majesty.

今既中計遭貶，吾有何憂！”次日，後主早朝，大會官僚，孔明出班，上《出師表》一道。表曰：“臣亮言：先帝創業未半，而中道崩殂；今天下三分，益州罷敝，此誠危急存亡之秋也。然侍衛之臣，不懈於內；忠志之士，忘身於外者：蓋追先帝之殊遇，欲報之於陛下也。

Truly you ought to open wide your sacred ears, to add lustre to the virtue the late Emperor left behind and to spread and strengthen the spirit of dedicated men. You should not belittle yourself without cause, nor cite examples that miss the point, and so block the road of loyal remonstrance. The palace and the Chancellor’s office are one body; in promotion and punishment, in judging good and bad, they should not differ. If there are those who do evil and break the law, or those who are loyal and good, they should be handed over to the proper officials to decide their punishment or reward, and so display Your Majesty’s fair and enlightened rule. There should be no partiality or favouritism that makes the law differ within and without.

誠宜開張聖聽，以光先帝遺德，恢弘志士之氣；不宜妄自菲薄，引喻失義，以塞忠諫之路也。宮中府中，俱爲一體；陟罰臧否，不宜異同。若有作奸犯科，及爲忠善者，宜付有司，論其刑賞，以昭陛下平明之治；不宜偏私，使內外異法也。

The Palace Attendants and Gentlemen of the Palace Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun and others are all good and honest men, loyal and pure in their aims and thoughts. That is why the late Emperor selected them to leave to Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, all matters of the palace, great or small, should be referred to them before they are carried out; then gaps and omissions will surely be made good, and there will be broad benefit. General Xiang Chong is good-natured and fair in character and conduct, and thoroughly versed in military affairs. When he was tried out in former days, the late Emperor praised him as capable, and so by general consent Xiang Chong was recommended and made commander.

侍中、侍郎郭攸之、費禕、董允等，此皆良實，志慮忠純，是以先帝簡拔以遺陛下。愚以爲宮中之事，事無大小，悉以諮之，然後施行，必得裨補闕漏，有所廣益。將軍向寵，性行淑均，曉暢軍事，試用之於昔日，先帝稱之曰能，是以衆議舉寵以爲督。

In my humble opinion, all matters of the camp, great or small, should be referred to him; then the ranks will surely be harmonious, and the able and the less able will each find their proper place. Drawing near to worthy ministers and keeping petty men at a distance—this is why the Former Han flourished. Drawing near to petty men and keeping worthy ministers at a distance—this is why the Later Han declined and fell. When the late Emperor was alive, whenever he discussed this with me, he never failed to sigh with bitter regret over Emperors Huan and Ling! The Palace Attendants, the Masters of Writing, the Chief Clerk and the Adviser are all upright and true ministers who would die for their integrity. I beg Your Majesty to draw near to them and trust them; then the flourishing of the House of Han can be awaited within a count of days.

愚以爲營中之事，事無大小，悉以諮之，必能使行陣和穆，優劣得所也。親賢臣，遠小人，此先漢所以興隆也；親小人，遠賢臣，此後漢所以傾頹也。先帝在時，每與臣論此事，未嘗不嘆息痛恨於桓、靈也！侍中、尚書、長史、參軍，此悉貞亮死節之臣也，願陛下親之、信之，則漢室之隆，可計日而待也。

I was originally a commoner, tilling the fields myself in Nanyang, seeking only to preserve my life in a time of disorder and not to win fame among the lords. The late Emperor, not thinking me too lowly and base, condescended to humble himself and visited me three times in my thatched cottage to consult me on the affairs of the age. I was so moved that I promised to hasten about in his service. Later, when disaster struck, I accepted office at the moment of the army’s defeat and received my orders amid peril and hardship. Since then twenty-one years have passed.

臣本布衣，躬耕南陽，苟全性命於亂世，不求聞達於諸侯。先帝不以臣卑鄙，猥自枉屈，三顧臣於草廬之中，諮臣以當世之事，由是感激，遂許先帝以驅馳。後值傾覆，受任於敗軍之際，奉命於危難之間：爾來二十有一年矣。

The late Emperor knew that I was prudent, and so, when he was dying, he entrusted me with the great task. Since receiving his command I have worried day and night, fearing that I would fail in the charge he gave me and so do harm to the late Emperor’s judgement. That is why I crossed the Lu in the fifth month and went deep into the barren lands. Now the South has been pacified, and we have weapons and armour enough. I ought to lead the three armies and spur them on to pacify the Central Plains in the north. I hope to exhaust my poor, dull abilities to drive out the wicked and the violent, restore the House of Han and return to the old capital. This is the duty by which I repay the late Emperor and show my loyalty to Your Majesty.

先帝知臣謹慎，故臨崩寄臣以大事也。受命以來，夙夜憂慮，恐付託不效，以傷先帝之明；故五月渡瀘，深入不毛。今南方已定，甲兵已足，當獎帥三軍，北定中原，庶竭駑鈍，攘除奸兇，興復漢室，還於舊都：此臣所以報先帝而忠陛下之職分也。

As for weighing gains and losses and offering loyal counsel without reserve, that is the responsibility of Youzhi, Yi and Yun. I beg Your Majesty to entrust me with the task of punishing the rebels and restoring the dynasty; if I fail, punish my crime and report it to the spirit of the late Emperor. If no counsel for the restoration is offered, then censure Youzhi, Yi, Yun and the others for their fault and make their negligence known. Your Majesty too should take thought for yourself, seeking out the good way, discerning and accepting sound advice, and following faithfully the late Emperor’s last edict. I cannot overcome my gratitude for the favour I have received! Now that I am about to go far away, I weep as I write this memorial, and I do not know what I am saying.”

至於斟酌損益，進盡忠言，則攸之、禕、允之任也。願陛下託臣以討賊興復之效，不效則治臣之罪，以告先帝之靈；若無興復之言，則責攸之、禕、允等之咎，以彰其慢。陛下亦宜自謀，以諮諏善道，察納雅言，深追先帝遺詔。臣不勝受恩感激！今當遠離，臨表涕泣，不知所云。”

The Latter Ruler read the memorial and said, “Father Chancellor, you went far on the southern campaign through great hardships and have only just returned to the capital; you have hardly had time to sit down. Now you wish to campaign in the north. I fear it will wear you out.” Kongming said, “I received from the late Emperor the heavy charge of caring for his orphan, and day and night I have never been remiss. Now that the South is pacified, we need have no anxiety about our rear. If we do not seize this moment to punish the rebels and recover the Central Plains, what day are we waiting for?” Suddenly the Grand Astrologer Qiao Zhou stepped out from the ranks and said, “I have observed the heavens by night. The vital energy of the north is at its height and the stars there shine twice as bright. It is not yet time to make a move against it.”

後主覽表曰：“相父南征，遠涉艱難；方始回都，坐未安席；今又欲北征，恐勞神思。”孔明曰：“臣受先帝託孤之重，夙夜未嘗有怠。今南方已平，可無內顧之憂；不就此時討賊，恢復中原，更待何日？”忽班部中太史譙周出奏曰：“臣夜觀天象，北方旺氣正盛，星曜倍明，未可圖也。”

Then he turned to Kongming and said, “The Chancellor is deeply versed in astronomy. Why do you insist on doing this?” Kongming said, “The Way of Heaven is ever changing and never constant. How can one hold rigidly to it? For now I shall station the army at Hanzhong and watch how things move before I act.” Qiao Zhou remonstrated earnestly, but Kongming would not listen. Kongming then left Guo Youzhi, Dong Yun, Fei Yi and others as Palace Attendants to take charge of all affairs within the palace. He also left Xiang Chong as chief general in overall command of the Imperial Guard; Jiang Wan as Adviser; Zhang Yi as Chief Clerk in charge of the affairs of the Chancellor’s office; Du Qiong as Grand Master of Remonstrance; Du Wei and Yang Hong as Masters of Writing; Meng Guang and Lai Min as Libationers; Yin Mo and Li Zhuan as Erudites; Xi Zheng and Fei Shi as Private Secretaries; and Qiao Zhou as Grand Astrologer. More than a hundred officials, civil and military, at court and outside it, jointly managed the affairs of Shu.

乃顧孔明曰：“丞相深明天文，何故強爲？”孔明曰：“天道變易不常，豈可拘執？吾今且駐軍馬於漢中，觀其動靜而後行。”譙周苦諫不從。於是孔明乃留郭攸之、董允、費禕等爲侍中，總攝宮中之事。又留向寵爲大將，總督御林軍馬；蔣琬爲參軍；張裔爲長史，掌丞相府事；杜瓊爲諫議大夫；杜微、楊洪爲尚書；孟光、來敏爲祭酒；尹默、李譔爲博士；郤正、費詩爲祕書；譙周爲太史。內外文武官僚一百餘員，同理蜀中之事。

Kongming received the edict, returned to his headquarters and summoned his officers to hear their orders. Commander of the Front Division: Wei Yan, General Who Guards the North, acting Marshal to the Chancellor, Imperial Protector of Liangzhou and Marquis of Duting. Commander of the Front Army: Zhang Yi, acting Prefect of Fufeng. General of the Standard: Wang Ping, Assistant General. Leader of the Rear Army: Li Hui, General Who Pacifies Han and acting Prefect of Jianning; his second: Lü Yi, General Who Settles the Distant Regions and acting Prefect of Hanzhong. Leader of the Left Army, also in charge of grain transport: Ma Dai, General Who Subdues the North and Marquis of Chencang; his second: Liao Hua, General of the Flying Guard. Leaders of the Right Army: Ma Zhong, General Who Displays Might and Marquis of Boyang Village, and Zhang Ni, General Who Soothes the Rong and Marquis Within the Pass. Acting Director of Strategy of the Central Army: Liu Yan, Senior General of Chariots and Cavalry and Marquis of Duxiang. Supervisor of the Central Army: Deng Zhi, General Who Displays Martial Might. Adviser to the Central Army: Ma Su, General Who Pacifies the Distant Regions. General of the Front: Yuan Chen, Marquis of Duting. General of the Left: Wu Yi, Marquis of Gaoyang. General of the Right:

孔明受詔歸府，喚諸將聽令：前督部——鎮北將軍、領丞相司馬、涼州刺史、都亭侯魏延；前軍都督——領扶風太守張翼；牙門將——裨將軍王平；後軍領兵使——安漢將軍、領建寧太守李恢，副將——定遠將軍、領漢中太守呂義；兼管運糧左軍領兵使——平北將軍、陳倉侯馬岱，副將——飛衛將軍廖化；右軍領兵使——奮威將軍、博陽亭侯馬忠，撫戎將軍、關內侯張嶷；行中軍師——車騎大將軍、都鄉侯劉琰；中監軍——揚武將軍鄧芝；中參軍——安遠將軍馬謖；前將軍——都亭侯袁綝；左將軍——高陽侯吳懿；右將軍——

Gao Xiang, Marquis of Xuandu. General of the Rear: Wu Ban, Marquis of Anle. Acting Chief Clerk: Yang Yi, General Who Pacifies the Army. General of the Front: Liu Ba, General Who Conquers the South. Protector of the Front Army: Xu Yun, Lieutenant General and Marquis of Hancheng Village. Protector of the Left Army: Ding Xian, General of the Household of Steadfast Faith. Protector of the Right Army: Liu Min, Lieutenant General. Protector of the Rear Army: Shangguan Yong, General of the Household in Charge of the Army. Acting Adviser: Hu Ji, General of the Household of Radiant Valour. Acting Adviser: Yan Yan, Remonstrance General. Acting Adviser: Cuan Xi, Lieutenant General. Acting Advisers: Du Yi, Assistant General; Du Qi, General of the Household of Martial Strategy; and Sheng Bo, Commandant Who Pacifies the Rong. Assistant Officer: Fan Qi, General of the Household of Martial Strategy. Army Secretary: Fan Jian. Clerk of the Chancellor’s Office:

玄都侯高翔；後將軍——安樂侯吳班；領長史——綏軍將軍楊儀；前將軍——徵南將軍劉巴；前護軍——偏將軍、漢城亭侯許允；左護軍——篤信中郎將丁咸；右護軍——偏將軍劉敏；後護軍——典軍中郎將官雝；行參軍——昭武中郎將胡濟；行參軍——諫議將軍閻晏；行參軍——偏將軍爨習；行參軍——裨將軍杜義，武略中郎將杜祺，綏戎都尉盛勃；從事——武略中郎將樊岐；典軍書記——樊建；丞相令史——

Dong Jue. Left Guard Commander before the Headquarters: Guan Xing, General of the Soaring Dragon. Right Guard Commander: Zhang Bao, General of the Tiger’s Wing. All the officers listed above followed Zhuge Liang, Commander-in-Chief for Subduing the North, Chancellor, Marquis of Wuxiang, Imperial Protector of Yizhou and Director of Affairs at Court and in the Field. When the assignments had been settled, a dispatch was also sent ordering Li Yan and others to hold the gateway to the Chuan against Eastern Wu. The day chosen for the army to set out against Wei was the bingyin day of the third month, in the spring of the fifth year of Jianxing.

董厥；帳前左護衛使——龍驤將軍關興；右護衛使——虎翼將軍張苞。——以上一應官員，都隨着平北大都督、丞相、武鄉侯、領益州牧、知內外事諸葛亮。分撥已定，又檄李嚴等守川口以拒東吳。選定建興五年春三月丙寅日，出師伐魏。

Suddenly an old general below the tent strode forward and cried in a loud voice, “Old as I am, I still have the courage of Lian Po and the prowess of Ma Yuan. Neither of those two men of old would admit to being old. Why am I not to be employed?” Everyone looked: it was Zhao Yun. Kongming said, “Since I returned to the capital from pacifying the South, Ma Mengqi has died of illness. I grieve for him deeply, as if I had lost an arm. Now, General, you are advanced in years. If the slightest thing went wrong, it would shake the fame of a lifetime and dull the keen spirit of Shu.”

忽帳下一老將，厲聲而進曰：“我雖年邁，尚有廉頗之勇，馬援之雄。此二古人皆不服老，何故不用我耶？”衆視之，乃趙雲也。孔明曰：“吾自平南迴都，馬孟起病故，吾甚惜之，以爲折一臂也。今將軍年紀已高，倘稍有參差，動搖一世英名，減卻蜀中銳氣。”

Zhao Yun cried, “Ever since I followed the late Emperor, I have never retreated in battle; when I met the enemy, I was always first. For a true man to die on the battlefield is good fortune. What regret would I have? I ask to lead the vanguard!” Kongming tried again and again to dissuade him, but could not stop him. Zhao Yun said, “If you will not make me vanguard, I will dash my head against these steps and die!” Kongming said, “If you are set on being vanguard, General, someone must go with you.” Before he had finished speaking, a man answered, “Though I have little talent, I wish to help the veteran general lead a force ahead to defeat the enemy.”

雲厲聲曰：“吾自隨先帝以來，臨陣不退，遇敵則先。大丈夫得死於疆場者，幸也，吾何恨焉？願爲前部先鋒！”孔明再三苦勸不住。雲曰：“如不教我爲先鋒，就撞死於階下！”孔明曰：“將軍既要爲先鋒，須得一人同去。”言未盡，一人應曰：“某雖不才，願助老將軍先引一軍前去破敵。”

Kongming looked and saw that it was Deng Zhi. He was delighted and at once assigned five thousand picked troops and ten lieutenant generals, who set off with Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi.

孔明視之，乃鄧芝也。孔明大喜，即撥精兵五千。副將十員，隨趙雲、鄧芝去訖。

When Kongming marched out, the Latter Ruler led all the officials to see him off ten li beyond the North Gate. Kongming took leave of the Latter Ruler, and with banners covering the plain and spears and halberds standing like a forest, he led the army in a long, winding column toward Hanzhong. Meanwhile the frontier posts learned of this and reported it to Luoyang. That day, when Cao Rui held court, a courtier reported, “The frontier officials report that Zhuge Liang has come out at the head of a great army of more than three hundred thousand and is camped at Hanzhong. He has sent Zhao Yun and Deng Zhi as the vanguard to lead troops across our borders.”

孔明出師，後主引百官送於北門外十里。孔明辭了後主，旌旗蔽野，戈戟如林，率軍望漢中迤邐進發。卻說邊庭探知此事，報入洛陽。是日曹睿設朝，近臣奏曰：“邊官報稱：諸葛亮率領大兵三十餘萬，出屯漢中，令趙雲、鄧芝爲前部先鋒，引兵入境。”

Cao Rui was greatly alarmed and asked his ministers, “Who can lead an army to drive back the men of Shu?” Suddenly a man answered and stepped forward: “My father died at Hanzhong, and the bitter hatred that makes me grind my teeth has never been avenged. Now that the Shu army has invaded our borders, I wish to lead the fierce officers of my own command, and I beg Your Majesty to grant me also the troops west of the passes, so that I may go and destroy Shu. Above, I would serve the state; below, I would avenge my father. I would not regret dying ten thousand deaths!” Everyone looked: it was Xiahou Mao, the son of Xiahou Yuan.

睿大驚，問羣臣曰：“誰可爲將，以退蜀兵？”忽一人應聲而出曰：“臣父死於漢中，切齒之恨，未嘗得報。今蜀兵犯境，臣願引本部猛將，更乞陛下賜關西之兵，前往破蜀，上爲國家效力，下報父仇，臣萬死不恨！”衆視之，乃夏侯淵之子夏侯楙也。

Xiahou Mao, styled Zixiu, was most hot-tempered and also most miserly. As a child he had been adopted as the son and heir of Xiahou Dun. Later, when Xiahou Yuan was slain by Huang Zhong, Cao Cao took pity on Mao and gave him his daughter, Princess Qinghe, in marriage, making him an imperial son-in-law; for this he was respected at court. But though he held military command, he had never been in battle. Now, when he asked to lead the campaign himself, Cao Rui at once appointed him Commander-in-Chief and mobilized the forces of all the regions west of the passes to go out and meet the enemy.

楙字子休，其性最急，又最吝，自幼嗣與夏侯惇爲子。後夏侯淵爲黃忠所斬，曹操憐之，以女清河公主招楙爲駙馬，因此朝中欽敬。雖掌兵權，未嘗臨陣。當時自請出徵，曹睿即命爲大都督，調關西諸路軍馬前去迎敵。

The Minister over the Masses Wang Lang remonstrated, “You must not. The Imperial Son-in-Law Xiahou has never seen battle; it is not fitting to give him so great a responsibility. Besides, Zhuge Liang is full of wisdom and rich in stratagems, and deeply versed in strategy. He must not be taken lightly.” Xiahou Mao said sharply, “Is it that you, Minister, are in league with Zhuge Liang and mean to act as his agent on the inside? From childhood I studied strategy under my father, and I am deeply versed in the art of war. Why do you slight me for being young?

司徒王朗諫曰：“不可。夏侯駙馬素不曾經戰，今付以大任，非其所宜。更兼諸葛亮足智多謀，深通韜略，不可輕敵。”夏侯楙叱曰：“司徒莫非結連諸葛亮，欲爲內應耶？吾自幼從父學習韜略，深通兵法。汝何欺我年幼？

If I do not capture Zhuge Liang alive, I swear I will not come back to face the Son of Heaven!” Wang Lang and the others dared say no more. Xiahou Mao took leave of the Ruler of Wei, hurried through the night to Chang’an, and mobilized more than two hundred thousand troops from all the regions west of the passes to oppose Kongming.

吾若不生擒諸葛亮，誓不回見天子！”王朗等皆不敢言。夏侯楙辭了魏主，星夜到長安，調關西諸路軍馬二十餘萬，來敵孔明。

Indeed:
Just as one would take up the white standard to command the troops,
A yellow-beaked fledgling is handed military power.
Who won and who lost will be told in the next chapter.

正是：欲秉白旄麾將士，卻教黃吻掌兵權。
未知勝負如何，且看下文分解。