Romance, Chapter 98

Chapter 98. Pursuing the Han Army, Wang Shuang Is Slain; Surprising Chencang, the Martial Marquis Wins the Day

Now Sima Yi memorialized, “I once told Your Majesty that Kongming would certainly come out by Chencang, and so Hao Zhao was set to guard it. Now it has turned out just so. If they were to invade by way of Chencang, it would be very easy for them to transport grain. Fortunately Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang are holding it now, and they dare not bring grain by this road. On the other byways, carrying supplies is hard going. By my reckoning the Shu army has grain for only one month on the march, so its advantage lies in a quick battle. Our army need only hold on for a long time.

卻說司馬懿奏曰：“臣嘗奏陛下，言孔明必出陳倉，故以郝昭守之，今果然矣。彼若從陳倉入寇，運糧甚便。今幸有郝昭、王雙守把，不敢從此路運糧。其餘小道，搬運艱難。臣算蜀兵行糧止有一月，利在急戰。我軍只宜久守。

Your Majesty should issue an edict ordering Cao Zhen to hold all the passes and strongpoints firmly and not go out to fight. Within a month the Shu army will leave of its own accord. Then we can strike while they are exposed, and Zhuge Liang can be taken.” Cao Rui said happily, “Since you have such foresight, Minister, why not lead an army yourself and attack them?” Sima Yi said, “It is not that I value my own life and would spare myself. I truly wish to keep this army in reserve to guard against Lu Xun of Eastern Wu.

陛下可降詔，令曹真堅守諸路關隘，不要出戰。不須一月，蜀兵自走。那時乘虛而擊之，諸葛亮可擒也。”睿欣然曰：“卿既有先見之明，何不自引一軍以襲之？”懿曰：“臣非惜身重命，實欲存下此兵，以防東吳陸遜耳。

Before long Sun Quan will surely usurp an imperial title and proclaim himself emperor. Once he has done so, fearing that Your Majesty will attack him, he is certain to invade first. That is why I wish to keep troops ready for him.” While he was still speaking, a courtier suddenly reported, “Commander Cao has sent a report on the military situation.” Sima Yi said, “Your Majesty should send someone at once to warn Cao Zhen: whenever he pursues the Shu army, he must first see where they are weak and where strong, and he must not go deep into dangerous ground and fall into Zhuge Liang’s trap.”

孫權不久必將僭號稱尊；如稱尊號，恐陛下伐之，定先入寇也：臣故欲以兵待之。”正言間，忽近臣奏曰：“曹都督奏報軍情。”懿曰：“陛下可即令人告戒曹真：凡追趕蜀兵，必須觀其虛實，不可深入重地，以中諸葛亮之計。”

Cao Rui at once issued an edict and sent Han Ji, the Minister of Ceremonies, bearing the imperial staff of authority, to warn Cao Zhen: “On no account fight. Devote yourself to careful defence. Wait until the Shu army withdraws, and only then strike.” Sima Yi saw Han Ji out of the city and charged him, “I am yielding this credit to Zidan. When you see Zidan, do not say that this is what I proposed; say only that the Son of Heaven has issued an edict telling him that holding fast is best. Those who pursue must above all be careful; he must not send anyone hot-tempered and impatient to pursue.” Han Ji took his leave and went.

睿即時下詔，遣太常卿韓暨持節告戒曹真：“切不可戰，務在謹守；只待蜀兵退去，方纔擊之。”司馬懿送韓暨於城外，囑之曰：“吾以此功讓與子丹；公見子丹，休言是吾所陳之意，只道天子降詔，教保守爲上。追趕之人，大要仔細，勿遣性急氣躁者追之。”暨辭去。

Meanwhile Cao Zhen had just taken his seat in his tent to discuss affairs when it was suddenly reported that the Son of Heaven had sent Han Ji, the Minister of Ceremonies, bearing the staff of authority. Cao Zhen went out of the camp to receive him and bring him in. When he had received the edict, he withdrew to consult with Guo Huai and Sun Li. Guo Huai laughed and said, “This is Sima Zhongda’s view.” Cao Zhen said, “And what do you make of it?” Guo Huai said, “These words show a deep understanding of how Zhuge Liang uses his troops. In the long run, the one who can hold off the Shu army will surely be Zhongda.”

卻說曹真正升帳議事，忽報天子遣太常卿韓暨持節至。真出寨接入，受詔已畢，退與郭淮、孫禮計議。淮笑曰：“此乃司馬仲達之見也。”真曰：“此見若何？”淮曰：“此言深識諸葛亮用兵之法。久後能御蜀兵者，必仲達也。”

Cao Zhen said, “And if the Shu army does not withdraw, what then?” Guo Huai said, “We can secretly send word to Wang Shuang to lead his troops patrolling the byways; then they will not dare to bring up grain. Wait until their grain is exhausted and their army withdraws, then pursue on the momentum, and we can win a complete victory.” Sun Li said, “I will go to Mount Qi disguised as a grain convoy. The carts will be loaded entirely with dry firewood and thatch soaked with sulphur and saltpetre, and I will have men spread a false report that grain has arrived from Longxi.

真曰：“倘蜀兵不退，又將如何？”淮曰：“可密令人去教王雙，引兵於小路巡哨，彼自不敢運糧。待其糧盡兵退，乘勢追擊，可獲全勝。”孫禮曰：“某去祁山虛妝做運糧兵，車上盡裝乾柴茅草，以硫黃焰硝灌之，卻教人虛報隴西運糧到。

If the men of Shu have no grain, they are sure to come and seize it. When they have come in among the carts, we will set fire to them, while troops in ambush outside join the attack, and victory will be ours.” Cao Zhen was delighted and said, “An excellent plan!” He at once ordered Sun Li to lead troops and carry it out. He also sent word to Wang Shuang to lead his troops patrolling the byways, and had Guo Huai lead troops to take command at the Ji Valley and Jieting, ordering the armies on every route to hold the strategic points. Cao Zhen further made Zhang Hu, son of Zhang Liao, the vanguard and Yue Chen, son of Yue Jin, the deputy vanguard, to hold the forward camp together, and forbade them to go out and fight.

若蜀人無糧，必然來搶。待入其中，放火燒車，外以伏兵應之，可勝矣。”真喜曰：“此計大妙！”即令孫禮引兵依計而行。又遣人教王雙引兵於小路上巡哨，郭淮引兵提調箕谷、街亭，令諸路軍馬守把險要。真又令張遼子張虎爲先鋒，樂進子樂綝爲副先鋒，同守頭營，不許出戰。

Meanwhile, in his camp at Mount Qi, Kongming sent men out every day to challenge the enemy to battle, but the Wei troops held fast and would not come out. Kongming summoned Jiang Wei and the others to confer: “The Wei troops hold fast and will not come out because they reckon that our army has no grain. Now the supply route through Chencang is blocked, and the other byways wind through difficult country. By my reckoning, the grain and fodder with the army will not last a month. What are we to do?” While he was hesitating, it was suddenly reported: “The Wei army of Longxi is moving several thousand carts of grain to the west of Mount Qi, and the officer in charge of the convoy is Sun Li.”

卻說孔明在祁山寨中，每日令人挑戰，魏兵堅守不出。孔明喚姜維等商議曰：“魏兵堅守不出，是料吾軍中無糧也。今陳倉轉運不通，其餘小路盤涉艱難，吾算隨軍糧草，不敷一月用度，如之奈何？”正躊躇間，忽報：“隴西魏軍運糧數千車於祁山之西，運糧官乃孫禮也。”

Kongming said, “What sort of man is he?” A man of Wei told him, “He once accompanied the Ruler of Wei hunting at Mount Dashi. A fierce tiger was suddenly startled from cover and charged straight at the imperial presence; Sun Li leapt from his horse, drew his sword and killed it. From then on he was made Supreme General. He is one of Cao Zhen’s trusted men.” Kongming laughed and said, “The Wei general reckons that we are short of grain, and so he is using this ruse. What is loaded on those carts must be thatch and other kindling.

孔明曰：“其人如何？”有魏人告曰：“此人曾隨魏主出獵於大石山，忽驚起一猛虎，直奔御前，孫禮下馬拔劍斬之。從此封爲上將軍。乃曹真心腹人也。”孔明笑曰：“此是魏將料吾乏糧，故用此計：車上裝載者，必是茅草引火之物。

All my life I have made a speciality of attacks by fire; does he think he can lure me with a trick like this? If they learn that our army has gone to raid the grain carts, they will certainly come to raid our camp. We can turn their plan against them.” He then summoned Ma Dai and instructed him, “Lead three thousand troops straight to the place where the Wei troops have their grain. Do not go into their camp; just set fires on the upwind side. Once the carts are burning, the Wei troops will certainly come to surround our camp.”

吾平生專用火攻，彼乃欲以此計誘我耶？彼若知吾軍去劫糧車，必來劫吾寨矣。可將計就計而行。”遂喚馬岱分付曰：“汝引三千軍徑到魏兵屯糧之所，不可入營，但於上風頭放火。若燒着車仗，魏兵必來圍吾寨。”

He also sent Ma Zhong and Zhang Ni, each with five thousand troops, to surround the place from outside, so as to attack from within and without together. The three received their orders and went. He then summoned Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and instructed them, “The forward camp of the Wei army lies on roads open in all four directions. If fire breaks out on the western hills tonight, the Wei troops will certainly come to raid our camp. You two lie in ambush to the left and right of the Wei camp, and as soon as their troops have left it, raid it.”

又差馬忠、張嶷各引五千兵在外圍住，內外夾攻。三人受計去了。又喚關興、張苞分付曰：“魏兵頭營接連四通之路。今晚若西山火起，魏兵必來劫吾營。汝二人卻伏於魏寨左右，只等他兵出寨，汝二人便可劫之。”

He also summoned Wu Ban and Wu Yi and instructed them, “Each of you lead a force and lie in ambush outside our camp. When the Wei troops come, cut off their retreat.” When Kongming had finished making his dispositions, he himself sat on a height on Mount Qi.

又喚吳班、吳懿分付曰：“汝二人各引一軍伏於營外。如魏兵到，可截其歸路。”孔明分撥已畢，自在祁山上憑高而坐。

The Wei troops learned that the Shu troops meant to come and seize the grain, and hurriedly reported it to Sun Li. Sun Li sent a rider racing to tell Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen sent men to the forward camp to instruct Zhang Hu and Yue Chen: “Watch tonight: when fire rises west of the hills, the Shu troops will surely come to the rescue. Then you may take the troops out and do thus and thus.” The two generals received the plan and posted men up on the watchtower to do nothing but watch for the signal fire. Meanwhile Sun Li had put his troops in ambush west of the hills and waited only for the Shu troops to arrive.

魏兵探知蜀兵要來劫糧，慌忙報與孫禮。禮令人飛報曹真。真遣人去頭營分付張虎、樂綝：“看今夜山西火起，蜀兵必來救應。可以出軍，如此如此。”二將受計，令人登樓專看號火。卻說孫禮把軍伏于山西，只待蜀兵到。

That night, at the second watch, Ma Dai came with his three thousand troops, every man with a gag in his mouth and every horse’s mouth bound, and went straight to the west of the hills. There he saw a great many carts, packed together row upon row and drawn round to form a camp, with banners stuck on them for show. Just then a southwest wind sprang up, and Ma Dai ordered his men to go straight round to the south of the camp and set fires. All the carts caught, and the blaze rose to the sky. Sun Li, thinking only that the Shu troops had got inside the Wei camp and lit the signal fire, hastily led his troops to fall on them all together.

是夜二更，馬岱引三千兵來，人皆銜枚，馬盡勒口，徑到山西。見許多車仗，重重疊疊，攢繞成營，車仗虛插旌旗。正值西南風起，岱令軍士徑去營南放火，車仗盡着，火光沖天。孫禮只道蜀兵到魏寨內放號火，急引兵一齊掩至。

Behind them drums and horns shook the sky as troops came charging in on two routes: it was Ma Zhong and Zhang Ni, and they penned the Wei army in the middle. Sun Li was dismayed. Then shouts were heard among the Wei troops, and a band of soldiers came charging in from the edge of the blaze: it was Ma Dai. Attacked from within and without, the Wei troops were utterly defeated. The fire was fierce and the wind strong; men and horses ran every which way, and countless died. Sun Li led his wounded men off, breaking through the smoke and braving the flames.

背後鼓角喧天，兩路兵殺來：乃是馬忠、張嶷，把魏軍圍在垓心。孫禮大驚。又聽的魏軍中喊聲起，一彪軍從火光邊殺來，乃是馬岱。內外夾攻，魏兵大敗。火緊風急，人馬亂竄，死者無數。孫禮引中傷軍，突煙冒火而走。

Meanwhile Zhang Hu, in his camp, saw the blaze, threw open the camp gates, and with Yue Chen led out all their men and horses to charge the Shu camp; but there was not a soul to be seen in it. As they were hastily pulling their troops back, the forces of Wu Ban and Wu Yi burst out on two routes and cut off their retreat. The two generals, Zhang and Yue, broke hurriedly out of the encirclement and raced back to their own camp, only to find arrows flying like locusts from the earthen walls: Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had seized their camp.

卻說張虎在營中，望見火光，大開寨門，與樂綝盡引人馬，殺奔蜀寨來，寨中卻不見一人。急收軍回時，吳班、吳懿兩路兵殺出，斷其歸路。張、樂二將急衝出重圍，奔回本寨，只見土城之上，箭如飛蝗，原來卻被關興、張苞襲了營寨。

The routed Wei troops all made for Cao Zhen’s camp. Just as they were about to enter, a band of defeated soldiers came racing up: it was Sun Li. They went into the camp together to see Cao Zhen, and each told how they had fallen into the trap. On hearing this, Cao Zhen kept his main camp under close guard and would not go out to fight again. The victorious Shu troops returned to see Kongming. Kongming had a secret plan sent to Wei Yan, and at the same time gave orders to strike camp and move out all together. Yang Yi said, “We have just won a great victory and crushed the spirit of the Wei army. Why do you want to withdraw instead?”

魏兵大敗，皆投曹真寨來。方欲入寨，只見一彪敗軍飛奔而來，乃是孫禮；遂同入寨見真，各言中計之事。真聽知，謹守大寨，更不出戰。蜀兵得勝，回見孔明。孔明令人密授計與魏延，一面教拔寨齊起。楊儀曰：“今已大勝，挫盡魏兵銳氣，何故反欲收軍？”

Kongming said, “Our troops have no grain; our advantage lies in a quick battle. Now they hold fast and will not come out, and it is we who suffer for it. Though they have been beaten for the moment, reinforcements will surely come from the Central Plains, and if they strike our supply line with light cavalry, we shall be unable to get home. Now, while the Wei troops are freshly beaten and dare not look the Shu army in the face, we can do what they do not expect and seize the chance to withdraw. My only worry is Wei Yan’s force, which is holding off Wang Shuang at the mouth of the Chencang road and cannot easily get free. I have already sent him a secret plan telling him to kill Wang Shuang, so that the men of Wei will not dare to pursue.

孔明曰：“吾兵無糧，利在急戰。今彼堅守不出，吾受其病矣。彼今雖暫時兵敗，中原必有添益；若以輕騎襲吾糧道，那時要歸不能。今乘魏兵新敗，不敢正視蜀兵，便可出其不意，乘機退去。所憂者但魏延一軍，在陳倉道口拒住王雙，急不能脫身；吾已令人授以密計，教斬王雙，使魏人不敢來追。

Let the rear divisions set out first, right now.” That night Kongming left only the gongs and drums in the camp to beat the watches. In one night all the troops had withdrawn, leaving nothing but an empty camp. Meanwhile Cao Zhen was sitting gloomily in his camp when it was suddenly reported that Zhang He, General of the Left, had arrived with an army. Zhang He dismounted, entered the tent and said to Cao Zhen, “I have come by imperial command, expressly to take your orders.” Cao Zhen said, “Did you take leave of Zhongda?” Zhang He said, “Zhongda instructed me: ‘If our army wins, the Shu troops will certainly not leave readily; but if our army loses, the Shu troops will certainly leave at once.’

只今後隊先行。”當夜，孔明只留金鼓守在寨中打更。一夜兵已盡退，只落空營。卻說曹真正在寨中憂悶，忽報左將軍張郃領軍到。郃下馬入帳，謂真曰：“某奉聖旨，特來聽調。”真曰：“曾別仲達否？”郃曰：“仲達分付雲：吾軍勝，蜀兵必不便去；若吾軍敗，蜀兵必即去矣。

Now that our army has suffered a setback, Commander, have you sent anyone to scout for news of the Shu troops?” Cao Zhen said, “Not yet.” He then sent men at once to investigate. It was indeed an empty camp, with only a few dozen banners stuck in the ground; the troops had been gone two days. Cao Zhen’s regret came too late.

今吾軍失利之後，都督曾往哨探蜀兵消息否？”真曰：“未也。”於是即令人往探之，果是虛營，只插着數十面旌旗，兵已去了二日也。曹真懊悔無及。

Now Wei Yan, having received the secret plan, struck camp at the second watch that night and hurried back toward Hanzhong. Spies had already informed Wang Shuang, who drove his army forward in force and pursued with all his might. After twenty li or more, just as he was about to overtake them, he saw Wei Yan’s banner ahead and shouted, “Wei Yan, stop running!” The Shu troops did not so much as turn their heads. Wang Shuang whipped on his horse in pursuit. Behind him the Wei soldiers shouted, “Fire has broken out in the camp outside the city! We may have fallen into an enemy trick.”

且說魏延受了密計，當夜二更拔寨，急回漢中。早有細作報知王雙。雙大驅軍馬，併力追趕。追到二十餘里，看看趕上，見魏延旗號在前，雙大叫曰：“魏延休走！”蜀兵更不回頭。雙拍馬趕來。背後魏兵叫曰：“城外寨中火起，恐中敵人奸計。”

As Wang Shuang hurriedly reined in and turned back, he saw a sheet of flame rising to the sky, and in alarm he ordered a withdrawal. As they reached the left side of a hill slope, a single horseman suddenly burst out of the woods, roaring, “Wei Yan is here!” Wang Shuang, taken completely by surprise, had no time to defend himself and was cut from his saddle by a single stroke of Wei Yan’s blade. The Wei soldiers, suspecting an ambush, scattered and fled. Wei Yan had only thirty horsemen with him, and he rode on at an easy pace toward Hanzhong.

雙急勒馬回時，只見一片火光沖天，慌令退軍。行到山坡左側，忽一騎馬從林中驟出，大喝曰：“魏延在此！”王雙大驚，措手不及，被延一刀砍於馬下。魏兵疑有埋伏，四散逃走。延手下止有三十騎人馬，望漢中緩緩而行。

A later poet wrote in his praise:
Kongming’s brilliant plans surpassed Sun Bin and Pang Juan;
Like a long-tailed star he blazed upon the land.
Advancing, retreating, he moved his troops past divining;
At the mouth of the Chencang road Wang Shuang was slain.

後人有詩讚曰：“孔明妙算勝孫龐，耿若長星照一方。
進退行兵神莫測，陳倉道口斬王雙。
”

Wei Yan had in fact received a secret plan from Kongming: first to leave thirty horsemen behind in ambush near Wang Shuang’s camp; then, when Wang Shuang set out in pursuit, they were to go into his camp and set it on fire; and when he turned back to his camp, Wei Yan was to burst out when he least expected it and kill him. Having killed Wang Shuang, Wei Yan led his troops back to Hanzhong to see Kongming and handed over his men and horses. Kongming held a great feast, but of that no more need be said.

原來魏延受了孔明密計：先教存下三十騎，伏於王雙營邊；只待王雙起兵趕時，卻去他營中放火；待他回寨，出其不意，突出斬之。魏延斬了王雙，引兵回到漢中見孔明，交割了人馬。孔明設宴大會，不在話下。

Now Zhang He, having failed to catch the Shu troops, returned to camp. Suddenly a messenger arrived from Hao Zhao in the city of Chencang, reporting that Wang Shuang had been killed. When Cao Zhen heard this he grieved without end, and his grief made him ill. He went back to Luoyang, ordering Guo Huai, Sun Li and Zhang He to guard the roads to Changan.

且說張郃追蜀兵不上，回到寨中。忽有陳倉城郝昭差人申報，言王雙被斬，曹真聞知，傷感不已，因此憂成疾病，遂回洛陽；命郭淮、孫禮、張郃守長安諸道。

Meanwhile Sun Quan, King of Wu, was holding court when spies reported, “Chancellor Zhuge of Shu has sent out his armies twice, and Cao Zhen, the Wei Commander, has lost troops and generals.” So all the ministers urged the King of Wu to raise an army, attack Wei and make a bid for the Central Plains. Sun Quan hesitated and could not decide. Zhang Zhao memorialized, “We have lately heard that phoenixes came in stately dance to the Eastern Hill at Wuchang, and that yellow dragons have appeared again and again in the Great River. My lord, your virtue matches that of Tang and Yu, your brilliance that of King Wen and King Wu. You should take the imperial throne first, and then raise your army.”

卻說吳王孫權設朝，有細作人報說：“蜀諸葛丞相出兵兩次，魏都督曹真兵損將亡。”於是羣臣皆勸吳王興師伐魏，以圖中原。權猶疑未決。張昭奏曰：“近聞武昌東山，鳳凰來儀；大江之中，黃龍屢現。主公德配唐、虞，明並文、武，可即皇帝位，然後興兵。”

The many officials all responded, “Zibu is right.” So the bingyin day of the fourth month, in summer, was chosen, and an altar was built in the southern outskirts of Wuchang. On that day the ministers asked Sun Quan to ascend the altar and take the imperial throne. The eighth year of Huangwu was changed to the first year of Huanglong. His father Sun Jian was given the posthumous title of Emperor Wulie, his mother Lady Wu that of Empress Wulie, and his elder brother Sun Ce that of Prince Huan of Changsha. His son Sun Deng was made Heir Apparent.

多官皆應曰：“子布之言是也。”遂選定夏四月丙寅日，築壇於武昌南郊。是日，羣臣請權登壇即皇帝位，改黃武八年爲黃龍元年。諡父孫堅爲武烈皇帝，母吳氏爲武烈皇后，兄孫策爲長沙桓王。立子孫登爲皇太子。

Zhuge Ke, eldest son of Zhuge Jin, was appointed Left Assistant to the Heir Apparent, and Zhang Xiu, second son of Zhang Zhao, his Right Aide.

命諸葛瑾長子諸葛恪爲太子左輔，張昭次子張休爲太子右弼。

Zhuge Ke, styled Yuanxun, was seven feet tall, exceptionally clever and quick with a reply. Sun Quan was very fond of him. When he was six years old, there was a banquet in Eastern Wu and Zhuge Ke was present at his father’s side. Seeing how long Zhuge Jin’s face was, Sun Quan had a donkey led in and wrote on its face in chalk: “Zhuge Ziyu.” Everyone roared with laughter. Zhuge Ke hurried forward, took the chalk and added two characters beneath, so that it read: “Zhuge Ziyu’s Donkey.”

恪字元遜，身長七尺，極聰明，善應對。權甚愛之。年六歲時，值東吳筵會，恪隨父在座。權見諸葛瑾面長，乃令人牽一驢來，用粉筆書其面曰：“諸葛子瑜”。衆皆大笑。恪趨至前，取粉筆添二字於其下曰：“諸葛子瑜之驢”。

Everyone at the banquet was amazed. Sun Quan was delighted and gave him the donkey. Another day, at a great banquet for the officials, Sun Quan told Zhuge Ke to pour the wine. When he came round to Zhang Zhao, Zhang Zhao would not drink, saying, “This is no way to treat the aged.” Sun Quan said to Zhuge Ke, “Can you make Zibu drink?” Zhuge Ke accepted the charge and said to Zhang Zhao, “Of old, Jiang the Shangfu, at ninety years of age, still held the yak-tail standard and wielded the battle-axe, and never spoke of being old. Now on days of battle you, sir, stay behind; on days of drinking you, sir, are in front. How can you say that we do not treat the aged well?”

滿座之人，無不驚訝。權大喜，遂將驢賜之。又一日，大宴官僚，權命恪把盞。巡至張昭面前，昭不飲，曰：“此非養老之禮也。”權謂恪曰：“汝能強子布飲乎？”恪領命，乃謂昭曰：“昔姜尚父年九十，秉旄仗鉞，未嘗言老。今臨陣之日，先生在後；飲酒之日，先生在前：何謂不養老也？”

Zhang Zhao had no answer and could only force himself to drink. It was for this that Sun Quan loved the boy and had him assist the Heir Apparent. Zhang Zhao had served the King of Wu and ranked above the Three Excellencies, and so his son Zhang Xiu was made the Heir Apparent’s Right Aide. Further, Gu Yong was made Chancellor and Lu Xun Supreme General, to assist the Heir Apparent in holding Wuchang. Sun Quan returned to Jianye. The ministers deliberated together on a plan to attack Wei. Zhang Zhao memorialized, “Your Majesty has only just ascended the precious throne; it is not yet time to move troops.

昭無言可答，只得強飲。權因此愛之，故命輔太子。張昭佐吳王，位列三公之上，故以其子張休爲太子右弼。又以顧雍爲丞相，陸遜爲上將軍，輔太子守武昌。權復還建業。羣臣共議伐魏之策。張昭奏曰：“陛下初登寶位，未可動兵。

We should only cultivate civil virtue and lay aside arms, found more schools to set the people’s hearts at ease, and send an envoy into Chuan to make an alliance with Shu, so that we may share the empire between us and pursue our aims slowly.” Sun Quan followed this advice and at once sent an envoy hurrying day and night into Chuan to see the Latter Ruler. When the ceremonies were over, the envoy set out the matter in detail. On hearing it the Latter Ruler consulted his ministers. The general opinion was that Sun Quan was a usurper and a rebel and that the alliance with him should be broken off. Jiang Wan said, “Let someone be sent to ask the Chancellor.”

只宜修文偃武，增設學校，以安民心；遣使入川，與蜀同盟，共分天下，緩緩圖之。”權從其言，即令使命星夜入川，來見後主。禮畢，細奏其事。後主聞知，遂與羣臣商議。衆議皆謂孫權僭逆，宜絕其盟好。蔣琬曰：“可令人問於丞相。”

The Latter Ruler at once sent an envoy to Hanzhong to ask Kongming. Kongming said, “Have someone take gifts into Wu to offer congratulations, and ask that Lu Xun be sent with an army to attack Wei. Wei will certainly order Sima Yi to resist him. If Sima Yi is facing south against Eastern Wu, I shall go out to Mount Qi again, and Changan can be taken.” The Latter Ruler did as he said and ordered the Grand Commandant Chen Zhen to take fine horses, a jade belt, gold, pearls and other treasures into Wu to offer congratulations.

後主即遣使到漢中問孔明。孔明曰：“可令人齎禮物入吳作賀，乞遣陸遜興師伐魏。魏必命司馬懿拒之。懿若南拒東吳，我再出祁山，長安可圖也。”後主依言，遂令太尉陳震，將名馬、玉帶、金珠、寶貝，入吳作賀。

Chen Zhen reached Eastern Wu, saw Sun Quan and presented the letter of state. Sun Quan was delighted, entertained him at a banquet and sent him back to Shu. Sun Quan then summoned Lu Xun and told him of Western Shu’s proposal that they raise armies together to attack Wei. Lu Xun said, “This is because Kongming fears Sima Yi’s schemes. Since we are allied, we cannot refuse. For now we will make a show of raising troops and support Western Shu from afar. When Kongming is pressing Wei hard, we can seize the chance to take the Central Plains.” Orders were issued at once for troops and horses to be trained throughout Jing and Xiang, and a day was to be chosen to set out.

震至東吳，見了孫權，呈上國書。權大喜，設宴相待，打發回蜀。權召陸遜入，告以西蜀約會興兵伐魏之事。遜曰：“此乃孔明懼司馬懿之謀也。既與同盟，不得不從。今卻虛作起兵之勢，遙與西蜀爲應。待孔明攻魏急，吾可乘虛取中原也。”即時下令，教荊襄各處都要訓練人馬，擇日興師。

Meanwhile Chen Zhen returned to Hanzhong and reported to Kongming. Kongming was still worried that Chencang could not be lightly attacked, and first sent men to scout. They came back to report: “Hao Zhao, in the city of Chencang, is gravely ill.” Kongming said, “Then the great task is done.” He summoned Wei Yan and Jiang Wei and instructed them, “You two take five thousand troops and hurry through the night straight to the walls of Chencang. When you see fire, attack the city with all your strength.” Neither of them quite believed it, and they came back to ask, “On what day should we set out?”

卻說陳震回到漢中，報知孔明。孔明尚憂陳倉不可輕進，先令人去哨探。回報說：“陳倉城中郝昭病重。”孔明曰：“大事成矣。”遂喚魏延、姜維分付曰：“汝二人領五千兵，星夜直奔陳倉城下；如見火起，併力攻城。”二人俱未深信，又來告曰：“何日可行？”

Kongming said, “Have everything ready within three days. There is no need to take leave of me; set out as soon as you are ready.” The two received their orders and went. He then called in Guan Xing and Zhang Bao and whispered in their ears: thus and thus. Each of the two received a secret plan and left. Meanwhile, Guo Huai heard that Hao Zhao was gravely ill, and consulted with Zhang He: “Hao Zhao is gravely ill. You must go at once and take his place. I will write a memorial to the court myself so that other arrangements can be decided.”

孔明曰：“三日都要完備；不須辭我，即便起行。”二人受計去了。又喚關興、張苞至，附耳低言，如此如此。二人各受密計而去。且說郭淮聞郝昭病重，乃與張郃商議曰：“郝昭病重，你可速去替他。我自寫表申奏朝廷，別行定奪。”

Zhang He set out with three thousand troops and hurried to relieve Hao Zhao. Hao Zhao was then critically ill, and that night, as he lay groaning, it was suddenly reported that the Shu army had reached the city walls. Hao Zhao hastily ordered men up onto the walls to defend them. At that moment fires broke out at every gate and the city fell into turmoil. When Hao Zhao heard of it, he died of the shock. The Shu troops poured into the city.

張郃引着三千兵，急來替郝昭。時郝昭病危，當夜正呻吟之間，忽報蜀軍到城下了。昭急令人上城守把。時各門上火起，城中大亂。昭聽知驚死。蜀兵一擁入城。

Meanwhile, when Wei Yan and Jiang Wei led their troops to the walls of Chencang and looked, there was not a single banner to be seen, nor anyone beating the watches. The two were alarmed and puzzled and did not dare attack. Suddenly a bombard boomed on the wall, and banners shot up on all four sides. They saw a man in a silk kerchief with a feather fan, wearing a Taoist robe of crane’s down, who cried out, “You two have come too late!” They looked: it was Kongming.

卻說魏延、姜維領兵到陳倉城下看時，並不見一面旗號，又無打更之人。二人驚疑，不敢攻城。忽聽得城上一聲炮響，四面旗幟齊豎。只見一人綸巾羽扇，鶴氅道袍，大叫曰：“汝二人來的遲了！”二人視之，乃孔明也。

The two hastily dismounted and prostrated themselves on the ground, saying, “Chancellor, your plans are truly divine!” Kongming had them let into the city and said to them, “When I learned by my scouts that Hao Zhao was gravely ill, I ordered you to take your troops and capture the city within three days. That was to keep everyone steady. Meanwhile I had Guan Xing and Zhang Bao slip out of Hanzhong on the pretext of reviewing troops. I hid myself in their army, and we came by forced marches through the night straight to the city walls, so that the enemy had no chance to muster troops.

二人慌忙下馬，拜伏於地曰：“丞相真神計也！”孔明令放入城，謂二人曰：“吾打探得郝昭病重，吾令汝三日內領兵取城，此乃穩衆人之心也。吾卻令關興、張苞，只推點軍，暗出漢中。吾即藏於軍中，星夜倍道徑到城下，使彼不能調兵。

I had long had spies inside the city to help by setting fires and raising shouts, so as to throw the Wei troops into fear and confusion. An army without its commander is bound to fall into disorder by itself. So I took the city as easily as turning over my hand. The Art of War says: ‘Appear where you are not expected; attack where he is unprepared.’ This is exactly what it means.” Wei Yan and Jiang Wei bowed to the ground. Kongming, pitying Hao Zhao’s death, had his wife and children escort his coffin back to Wei in recognition of his loyalty. Then Kongming said to Wei Yan and Jiang Wei, “Do not take off your armour yet, you two. Lead your troops to surprise San Pass.

吾早有細作在城內放火、發喊相助，令魏兵驚疑不定。兵無主將，必自亂矣。吾因而取之，易如反掌。兵法雲：出其不意，攻其無備。正謂此也。”魏延、姜維拜伏。孔明憐郝昭之死，令彼妻小扶靈柩回魏，以表其忠。孔明謂魏延、姜維曰：“汝二人且莫卸甲，可引兵去襲散關。

The men guarding the pass will surely flee in alarm when they learn that troops are coming. If you are even a little late, Wei troops will reach the pass, and it will be hard to take.” Wei Yan and Jiang Wei took their orders and led their troops straight to San Pass. The men guarding the pass did indeed all flee. The two had just climbed up to the pass and were about to take off their armour when they saw, far off beyond the pass, a great cloud of dust rising: Wei troops were coming. They said to each other, “The Chancellor’s divine reckoning is past fathoming!” They hurried up the tower to look: it was the Wei general Zhang He.

把關之人，若知兵到，必然驚走。若稍遲便有魏兵至關，即難攻矣。”魏延、姜維受命，引兵徑到散關。把關之人，果然盡走。二人上關纔要卸甲，遙見關外塵頭大起，魏兵到來。二人相謂曰：“丞相神算，不可測度！”急登樓視之，乃魏將張郃也。

The two then divided their troops to hold the steep roads. When Zhang He saw that the Shu troops held the key routes, he ordered a withdrawal. Wei Yan pursued and cut them down for a while; countless Wei soldiers died, and Zhang He went off badly beaten. Wei Yan returned to the pass and sent word to Kongming.

二人乃分兵守住險道。張郃見蜀兵把住要路，遂令退軍。魏延隨後追殺一陣，魏兵死者無數，張郃大敗而去。延回到關上，令人報知孔明。

Kongming himself led troops out first by way of Chencang and the Xie Valley and took Jianwei. The Shu troops behind him advanced in succession. The Latter Ruler also sent the senior general Chen Shi to help. Kongming drove his great army out to Mount Qi once again. When the camps had been pitched, Kongming gathered his officers and said, “Twice I have come out to Mount Qi without gaining the advantage, and now I am here again. I expect the men of Wei will take their stand on the old battleground to oppose me.

孔明先自領兵，出陳倉斜谷，取了建威。後面蜀兵陸續進發。後主又命大將陳式來助。孔明驅大兵復出祁山。安下營寨，孔明聚衆言曰：“吾二次出祁山，不得其利，今又到此，吾料魏人必依舊戰之地，與吾相敵。

They suspect that I mean to take Yong and Mei, and will surely hold those two places with troops. Now as I see it, the two commanderies of Yinping and Wudu adjoin Han territory. If we can take these cities, we can also divide the strength of the Wei army. Who will dare to take them?” Jiang Wei said, “I wish to go.” Wang Ping responded, “I too wish to go.” Kongming was delighted. He ordered Jiang Wei to take Wudu with ten thousand troops and Wang Ping to take Yinping with ten thousand. The two led their troops away.

彼意疑我取雍、郿二處，必以兵拒守；吾觀陰平、武都二郡，與漢連接，若得此城，亦可分魏兵之勢。何人敢取之？”姜維曰：“某願往。”王平應曰：“某亦願往。”孔明大喜，遂令姜維引兵一萬取武都，王平引兵一萬取陰平。二人領兵去了。

To return to Zhang He: he went back to Changan and saw Guo Huai and Sun Li. “Chencang is lost,” he said, “Hao Zhao is dead, and San Pass has also been seized by the Shu troops. Now Kongming has come out to Mount Qi again and is advancing along separate routes.” Guo Huai was greatly alarmed and said, “In that case he will surely take Yong and Mei!” So he left Zhang He to guard Changan and ordered Sun Li to hold the city of Yong. Guo Huai himself led troops through the night to defend the city of Mei, and at the same time sent a memorial to Luoyang reporting the emergency.

再說張郃回到長安，見郭淮、孫禮，說：“陳倉已失，郝昭已亡，散關亦被蜀兵奪了。今孔明覆出祁山，分道進兵。”淮大驚曰：“若如此，必取雍、郿矣！”乃留張郃守長安，令孫禮保雍城。淮自引兵星夜來郿城守禦，一面上表入洛陽告急。

Meanwhile Cao Rui, Ruler of Wei, was holding court when a courtier memorialized, “The city of Chencang is lost, Hao Zhao is dead, Zhuge Liang has come out to Mount Qi again, and San Pass has also been seized by the Shu troops.” Cao Rui was greatly alarmed. Then it was reported that Man Chong and others had sent a memorial, saying: “Sun Quan of Eastern Wu has usurped the imperial title and allied himself with Shu. He has now sent Lu Xun to Wuchang to train troops and horses and await orders to move. Any day now they will surely invade.”

卻說魏主曹睿設朝，近臣奏曰：“陳倉城已失，郝昭已亡，諸葛亮又出祁山，散關亦被蜀兵奪了。”睿大驚。忽又奏滿寵等有表，說：“東吳孫權僭稱帝號，與蜀同盟。今遣陸遜在武昌訓練人馬，聽候調用。只在旦夕，必入寇矣。”

Hearing that there was danger on two fronts, Cao Rui was at a loss what to do and in great alarm. Cao Zhen had not yet recovered from his illness, so he at once summoned Sima Yi to consult. Sima Yi memorialized, “In my humble judgement, Eastern Wu will certainly not raise troops.” Cao Rui said, “How do you know that, Minister?” Sima Yi said, “Kongming has always wanted to avenge Xiaoting. It is not that he does not wish to swallow Wu; he only fears that the Central Plains would strike him while he is exposed, and so he has made a temporary alliance with Eastern Wu.

睿聞知兩處危急，舉止失措，甚是驚慌。此時曹真病未痊，即召司馬懿商議。懿奏曰：“以臣愚意所料，東吳必不舉兵。”睿曰：“卿何以知之？”懿曰：“孔明嘗思報猇亭之仇，非不欲吞吳也，只恐中原乘虛擊彼，故暫與東吳結盟。

Lu Xun knows this too, and so he is only making a show of raising troops in response, when in fact he is sitting back to watch who wins and who loses. Your Majesty need not guard against Wu; you need only guard against Shu.” Cao Rui said, “A truly lofty insight!” He then appointed Sima Yi Commander-in-Chief, in overall command of the armies on all routes in Longxi, and ordered a courtier to fetch Cao Zhen’s seal as supreme commander. Sima Yi said, “I will go and fetch it myself.”

陸遜亦知其意，故假作興兵之勢以應之，實是坐觀成敗耳。陛下不必防吳，只須防蜀。”睿曰：“卿真高見！”遂封懿爲大都督，總攝隴西諸路軍馬，令近臣取曹真總兵將印來。懿曰：“臣自去取之。”

So he took leave of the emperor, left the court and went straight to Cao Zhen’s residence. He first sent someone in to announce him, and only then went in to see him. When he had asked after his illness, Sima Yi said, “Eastern Wu and Western Shu have joined forces and are raising armies to invade, and now Kongming has come out to Mount Qi again and pitched his camp. Do you know of this, my lord?” Cao Zhen said in surprise, “My family knew how ill I was and kept it from me. With the state in such danger, why has Zhongda not been appointed Commander to drive back the Shu army?”

遂辭帝出朝，徑到曹真府下，先令人入府報知，懿方進見。問病畢，懿曰：“東吳、西蜀會合，興兵入寇，今孔明又出祁山下寨，明公知之乎？”真驚訝曰：“吾家人知我病重，不令我知。似此國家危急，何不拜仲達爲都督，以退蜀兵耶？”

Sima Yi said, “My talents are slight and my wisdom shallow; I am not fit for the post.” Cao Zhen said, “Fetch the seal and give it to Zhongda.” Sima Yi said, “Do not trouble yourself, Commander. I wish to lend you a helping hand, but I dare not accept this seal.” Cao Zhen sprang up and said, “If Zhongda does not take on this charge, the Central States will surely be in danger! I will go to the emperor in spite of my illness and vouch for you!” Sima Yi said, “The Son of Heaven has already graciously commanded it; it is only that I dare not accept.” Cao Zhen was overjoyed and said, “If Zhongda takes on this charge now, the Shu army can be driven back.”

懿曰：“某才薄智淺，不稱其職。”真曰：“取印與仲達。”懿曰：“都督少慮。某願助一臂之力，只不敢受此印也。”真躍起曰：“如仲達不領此任，中國必危矣！吾當抱病見帝以保之！”懿曰：“天子已有恩命，但懿不敢受耳。”真大喜曰：“仲達今領此任，可退蜀兵。”

Seeing that Cao Zhen pressed the seal on him again and again, Sima Yi accepted it at last. He went into the palace to take leave of the Ruler of Wei, and led his army toward Changan to fight a decisive battle with Kongming.

懿見真再三讓印，遂受之，入內辭了魏主，引兵往長安來與孔明決戰。

Indeed:
The old commander’s seal is taken by the new;
Of two armies, only one comes on.
Who won and who lost will be told in the next chapter.

正是：舊帥印爲新帥取，兩路兵惟一路來。
未知勝負如何，且看下文分解。