««« Chapter 88 »»» Crossing River Lu: The Mang King Is Bound The Second Time; Recognizing A Pretend Surrender: Meng Huo Is Captured The Third Time.

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1 The officers did not approve of the release of the King of the Mangs, and they came to the tent of Zhuge Liang and said, "Meng Huo is the most important personage of all the Mangs, and his capture is the key to restoring order in the south. Why then, O Minister, did you release him?"
2 "I can capture him just as easily as I can get something out of my pocket. What I want to do is to overcome and win his heart, so that peace may follow of itself."
3 They listened, but they had no great confidence in the success of the policy of conciliation.	» ChaoYun -- Why is it time and time again people doubt Zhuge Liang? -- it's happened so often, shu generals not being confident in Zhuge's plans, but i've yet to see them fail, surely they'd see by now? » Carmaine -- It seems to happen quite often with strategists in general, actually. -- At ChiBi, Cheng Pu doubted Zhou Yu and at Yiling, the Wu veterans doubted Lu Xun.
4 In the meantime Meng Huo had reached the River Lu, and there he fell in with some of his defeated leaders, who were trying to get news of their King's fate.
5 They were surprised, but glad, to see him, and asked, "How were Your Highness able to get back?"
6 The King lied, saying, "They confined me in a tent, and I broke out in the night. I slew more than ten guards and ran. And then I met one of their sentries, killed him, and that is how I got this horse."	» Fushida -- Bravo! -- Ancient improv, can it get any better than this folks??! » toocold -- ...and then -- "...and then there were 2 tigers... no 3 tigers. Wait no they were dragons and I killed them and rode them back." "how did you ride them back if they were dead?" "shut up you" sorry it popped into my head » Diabolos -- but wait... That's not all. -- There were also four sea monsters, and a hundred screaming demons, who said they would claim my soul, but I fought them off with my bare hands. Aren't I great?
7 They never doubted his word, and very joyfully they hurried him over the river to a camping place. Then all the notables assembled from the various ravines, and the soldiers that had escaped death were mustered and got into shape as a fighting force.
8 The two leaders in the late campaign, Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan, were in one of the ravines, and Meng Huo sent to ask them to come. They were afraid, but they could not disobey, and they came with an escort.
9 When all had assembled, the King proclaimed as follows: "I know Zhuge Liang is too full of ruses for us to conquer him in a fight; we should only fall victims to other base devices. However, we must remember that his soldiers have marched far and the weather is sultry, which are factors in our favor. Beside, River Lu is our rampart. We will have boats and rafts on the south side, and we will build a mud wall. With such good defenses we can afford to wait and see what the enemy intends."
10 His speech met with approval, and his plan was carried out. The wall was supported by the hills and strengthened by fighting turrets, upon which were placed large bows and crossbows and arrows and stones. The defenses looked as if they were permanent. Moreover, each ravine sent supplies in plenty. And having made these preparations, Meng Huo felt comfortable and safe.
11 Zhuge Liang had advanced, and his leading division was now close to the river.
12 Spies came back to report: "No boats or rafts can be found to cross, and the current is too strong to think of fording. Beside, we can see the formidable defenses on the farther bank, the mud wall and the turrets all fully manned."
13 The weather was burning hot, for it was the fifth month, and the soldiers could not tolerate their armor nor even their clothing.
14 When Zhuge Liang had inspected the river, he returned to his tent and assembled his officers, to whom he read this order: "The enemy is securely established on the south bank ready to repel our attack. Yet, having come so far, we cannot return empty. For the present you will all seek what shelter you can find in the forests, and rest and refresh your troops."
15 Then he sent Lu Kai to a distance to select a cool stretch of thirty miles, and there he made four stockades. Within the stockades he built huts for the soldiers and sheds for the horses, so that they were sheltered from the intense heat. The four camps were stationed by Wang Ping, Zhang Ni, Zhang Yi, and Guan Suo.
16 However, Jiang Wan, observed these shelters and went to Zhuge Liang, saying, "These shelters of Lu Kai are very unsuitable. He has made the same mistake as that which led to the defeat of the First Ruler at the hands of Wu. He has not taken into account the surroundings of the stockades; and if the Mangs should come over and start a fire, there could be no rescue."
17 "Do not anticipate trouble," said the Commander-in-Chief, smiling. "I have provided against all such dangers."
18 Jiang Wan did not know what the chief meant to do, but he said no more. Then Ma Dai arrived from the River Lands, and he brought summer medicines and further supplies of grain. He saw Zhuge Liang, and then proceeded to distribute the supplies he had brought according to orders.
19 Then Zhuge Liang said, "What force have you brought?"
20 "Three thousand," replied Ma Dai.
21 "My people are weary and worn out. I want to use yours. You have no objections?"
22 "Of course not. They are equally government troops. They are ready even to die for you if you wish."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- light bulb -- 3 thousand fanatically loyal, disciplined and fresh troops. Hmmm... Now what could I do with those...
23 "This Meng Huo is established on the river, and we have no means of crossing. But I am anxious to intercept his supplies, so that his troops may mutiny."
24 "How can you do it?"
25 "Some fifty miles lower down River Lu there is a place called Shakou, where the current is slow and shallow because of sand. You could cross there on rafts. I wish you and your soldiers to cross and cut the road of supplies. After that you are to arrange with the two leaders---Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan---whose lives I spared, to be your allies on the inside, and we shall succeed."
26 Ma Dai went off gladly enough, and marched his troops to Shakou, where they set about the crossing at once. And as the water was shallow, they did not trouble to make rafts, but just tucked up their clothes and waded in. But half-way across, the men began to fall over; and when they had been rescued and taken to the bank, many of them began to bleed from the nose and mouth and died. In great alarm, Ma Dai sent hasty messages to Zhuge Liang, who called in the native guides and asked what this meant.
27 They told him, "It happens so every year. In the hot season, poisonous miasma collects over the waters of the River Lu, especially during the heat of the day. Anyone who drinks the water will surely die. Travelers who wish to cross have to wait till night, because the cooler waters do not breathe out the poisonous vapors. Further, the crossing should be attempted on a full stomach."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Does this have a modern day interpretation; like some weird disease? » Yorak -- Deadly poison nerve gas smoke! » RoninDragon -- Miasma, by all that I know, is still around today. -- o_o Look it up in a good dictionary, and it would be able to inform you better than I would. Basically what he's telling him is "The water sucks, don't drink it." » Diabolos -- gas masks -- "Quickly men, grab your gas masks, pick up your spears, and cross that river!!" » cFodder -- There are precedences -- Swamp gas is fairly common, and wreaks to high heaven but is otherwise harmless. Perhaps more applicable are rare occurrences where carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide gas pockets can become trapped beneath lake beds. Occassionally one of these pockets are released and the gas cloud can be quite lethal as the gas displaces pretty much all oxygen at ground level (heavier than air). Sometime ago I recall reading a case where one such bubble completely wiped out more than a thousand people in a village in Africa (in addition to every other living creature in the area). This is the closest thing I can think of, but if this were a case of small gas pockets being slowly released (from a riverbed which I can't picture working), this very well may be the truthful basis of what is depicted here.
28 Zhuge Liang bade the local guides point out the best crossing place. He sent five hundred well-seasoned soldiers to Ma Dai to lash together poles into rafts at Shakou, and in the night the crossing was safely accomplished. Further, the guides then led two thousand men of Shu over to where the grain road of the Mangs led through a narrow valley, called Jiashan Gorge, where, for part of the way, only single file was possible as the road was only wide enough for a soldier and a horse.
29 Ma Dai at once occupied this valley and stationed a force there. And a stockade was put up with tents inside. Presently a convoy of grain came along, and it was captured, more than a hundred wagons. The guards ran off to Meng Huo's great camp and told him.
30 Meng Huo, thinking all was safe during the hot season, was enjoying himself. Wine and music were the order of the day, and military matters were far from his thoughts. In his cups he admitted Zhuge Liang was ruseful, but said his army had nothing to fear.
31 Said he, "If I attempt to oppose Zhuge Liang, I shall certainly fall a victim to some wile of his. However, my waiting policy is a safe one. With our defenses, and the river to back them, we can wait for the heat to overcome these men of Shu, who cannot stand the hot season. They will have to retreat, and then we can harass them. And we will capture this Zhuge Liang."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- the fool -- If Zhuge Liang could hear that boast, I can't imagine how much he'd laugh.
32 He lay back and laughed at the thought.
33 However, one chief, more prudent than the others, stood forth and said, "Remember the shallows at Shakou. It would be very serious if the soldiers of Shu got across there secretly. It ought to be guarded."
34 "You belong to these areas. Do you not know that I want the enemy to try to get across there? Why, they will all perish in the water."
35 "But what if the natives tell them to cross only in the night?"
36 "Do not be so anxious," said Meng Huo. "Our own people will not help the enemy that far."	» Fushida -- The irony... -- His two generals... his people... no, they'd never betray he who slaughtered his way out of a massive Shu camp. » _anonymous -- Irony -- Kind of sounds like the Iraqi Information Minister, eh? » Fushida -- Well... -- to me, it sounds more like Bush, but don't mind the Canuck folks... ya've never listened to canadians before, so don't start... » IloveNDfootball -- No, it sounds like the information minister. -- Let's avoid Bush on here. Too controversial. But... everyone can enjoy Mister "There are no Americans in Baghdad!" » MasterLiang -- hehehe... -- "No there are no warriors from Shu-Han here! We ar crushing the foreginer!" *sounds of battle* "That is nothing! Anyway, victory is ours!" (cries of "Flee! Flee! All is lost!) "Hehe... er.. a game.. played by inocent street children... but anyway.." (creepy nanman street children) When victory doth Liang Bring Meng Huo denies Everything! "Hehe... er... a game, see? Back to what I was saying..." (tackled by twenty Shu warriors) "See? *grunt* Begging... *urgh* for mercy.. *choke*" (tackled by Wei Yan, Huang Zhon and Zhao Zihlong) "Even... there greatest generals.. *gag* surrender.. Vict-" (is crushed by stampeding elephants, mauled by tigers, beaten with sticks by monkeys) "-ory..is...mine"
37 It was just then that intelligence came: "The troops of Shu, unknown in number, have crossed the river and, moreover, have seized the Jiashan Gorge. The flags show the words 'General Who Pacifies The North, Ma Dai'."
38 Meng Huo affected indifference.
39 "This sort of fellow is not worth talking about," said he.	» RoninDragon -- This is on par with -- Johnny Reb: "It's only Sherman, don't pay him any mind." » MasterLiang -- for once, I agree... -- Johnny #2-Look! He's going into Atlanta to do a fireworks display! :)
40 He sent General Mangya Chang with three thousands troops to recapture the gorge and reopen the grain road.
41 When Ma Dai saw the Mang soldiers approaching, he placed two thousand troops in front of the hills and drew up the troops in formal array. Then Mangya Chang rode out to give battle. This was but a small engagement, as the general of the tribespeople fell at the first stroke of Ma Dai's sword. The Mangs ran away at once.
42 They returned to the King's camp and told him what had happened. Whereupon he called up all his generals and asked for another to go up against Ma Dai.
43 "I will go," cried Dongtu Na.
44 The King gave him three thousand troops. After he had gone, Meng Huo thought it would be wise to keep others from crossing the river. So he sent a force of three thousand under Ahui Nan to guard Shakou.
45 Dongtu Na duly arrived at the gorge and made a camp. Ma Dai came out to meet him. Among the soldiers in his cohort were some who recognized the leader of the Mangs and told Ma Dai certain things about how he had been captured and liberated.
46 So Ma Dai galloped toward him, shouting, "O you ingrate! How could you forget the debt to the Prime Minister? Have you known no shame?"
47 Dongtu Na was very greatly ashamed and turned red in the face, and turned his horse before striking a blow. Ma Dai followed and fell on, slaying many of the Mangs. Then both sides withdrew.
48 Dongtu Na went back and told the King that Ma Dai was too strong for him.
49 But Meng Huo was angry, and cried, "You are a traitor! I know Zhuge Liang was good to you, and that is why you would not fight."
50 Meng Huo ordered Dongtu Na out to execution. However, the notables and chiefs interceded, and the death penalty was remitted, but the unhappy leader was severely beaten, one hundred strokes with the heavy staff.	» clownjeckal -- ouch -- oww wouldnt that suck 100 strokes with a heavy staff
51 The chiefs were mostly on the side of the beaten general and against the King's policy.
52 They went to the tent of Dongtu Na and said, "Though we live in the Mang country, we have never had any thoughts of rebellion against the Imperial Government, nor has the Middle Kingdom ever encroached upon our land. We must own that Meng Huo's superior power forced us into this rising, and we could not help ourselves. Zhuge Liang is too clever for us, and no one can guess what he may do. Even Cao Cao and Sun Quan fear him; how much more must we? Moreover, we have received kindness at his hands and owe him our lives. We ought to show our gratitude. Now let us at all risks slay this Meng Huo and submit to Zhuge Liang so that our people may not suffer."
53 Dongtu Na said, "I do not know your inner sentiments."
54 At this, all those who had been prisoners and released cried with one voice, "We desire to go to Meng Huo."
55 Thereupon Dongtu Na took in his hand a sharp sword, placed himself at the head of more than a hundred malcontents, and rushed into the great camp. At that moment Meng Huo was, as usual, intoxicated and lay in his tent. The mutineers rushed in. They found two generals on guard.
56 "You also received kindness from Zhuge Liang and ought to repay it," cried Dongtu Na.
57 They replied, "You do not have to slay him. Let us carry him a prisoner to the Prime Minister."
58 So they bound the King securely, took him down to the river, and crossed in a boat to the northern bank. There they halted, while they sent a messenger to Zhuge Liang.
59 Now Zhuge Liang knew what had been happening, and he had issued orders for every camp to prepare their weapons. All being ready, he told the chiefs to bring up their prisoner, and bade the others return to their camps. Dongtu Na went first and told the matter to Zhuge Liang, who praised his zeal and gave him presents. Then he retired with the chiefs, and the executioners brought in Meng Huo.
60 "You said once before that if you were captured again, you would give in," said Zhuge Liang, smiling. "Now will you yield?"
61 "This capture is not your work," replied Meng Huo. "It is the work of these minions of mine who want to hurt me. I will not yield on this."
62 "If I free you again, what then?"
63 "I am a Mang, and so I am not wholly ignorant of war. If you, O Minister, let me return to my ravines, I will muster another army and fight a decisive battle with you. If you capture me again, then I will incline my heart and own myself beaten and yield. I will not go back on my promise again."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- the fool -- No Meng Huo, you are ingnorant of just about everything. » JiaGai -- Let's be fair -- He has never experienced Zhuge Liang's cleverness, nor has he actually heard of his fearsome reputation. Cao Cao initially thought poorly of him and paid for it. He learned. Meng Huo is much in the same position right now. » IloveNDfootball -- You have to admit -- This guy has a thick head. It took Cao Cao twice. Him, it took 7.
64 "If you refuse to yield next time you are captured, I shall hardly pardon you."
65 At Zhuge Liang's orders the cords were loosed and refreshments were brought for the prisoner.
66 "Remember," said Zhuge Liang, "I have never failed yet. I have never failed to win a battle or to take a city I have assaulted. Why do you Mangs not yield?"	» Solid -- "I have never failed yet. I have never failed to win a battle or to take a city I have assaulted" -- No other great strategist in the World could say that, not even Alexander or Genghis Khan or Napoleon. » guanping -- even Kongming lost sometimes -- the best aren't perfect remember that » cFodder -- Actually... -- Alexander the Great is credited with the distinction of having never lost a battle - perhaps more recent works I'm not aware of have done away with this preconception. Egypt's greatest pharoah, Thutmoses III also claimed the distinction of having never lost a battle. Now its possible (likely even) that in both cases the claims were exaggerated at the behest of the leaders and their supporters - but Zhuge Liang here is no different.
67 Meng Huo only nodded his head; he said nothing. After the wine, Zhuge Liang and Meng Huo rode round the camps together, and the King saw all the arrangements and the piles of stores and heaps of weapons.
68 And after the inspection Zhuge Liang said, "You are silly not to yield to me. You see my veteran soldiers, my able generals, my stores of all kinds and war gear. How can you hope to prevail against me? If you will yield, I will inform the Emperor, and you shall retain your kingship, and your sons and grandsons shall succeed as perpetual guardians of the Mang country. Do you not think it would be well?"
69 Meng Huo replied, "If I did yield, the people of my valleys would not be content. If you release me once more, I will see to it that my own people keep the peace and bring them round to unanimity of feeling, and then they will not oppose any more."
70 Zhuge Liang was glad, and they returned to the main camp to feast until dusk, when Meng Huo took his leave. Zhuge Liang ordered a craft and went to see him across River Lu.
71 But Meng Huo's first act on his return to his own camp was to send one of his people to Dongtu Na's and Ahui Nan's camps, and pretend to ask them to come to meet a messenger from Zhuge Liang. When the two generals came, Meng Huo ordered assassins who had been placed hidden to do away with the two leaders. Their corpses were thrown into a gully. Then he sent his friends to guard the most important strategic points, while he marched to fight a battle with Ma Dai. But when he got near the valley, he saw no signs of the enemy.	» RoboSSS -- Wow -- How naive were they? To simply return to camp after turning against their leader? It may just be me, but finding out what would happen to him would have been on the top of my To-do list, especially considering how "kind" Zhuge Liang was being. Poor fools. » ZhaoZilongfan -- Poor fools indeed -- however, they may have thought that Meng Huo had finally seen the light; there is no beating Zhuge Liang.. » Flying Flash Swallow -- Another idea -- More likely they thought Meng Huo was dead and that they would be rewarded. About the only one that expects Zhuge Liang to keep releasing Meng Huo is the Sleeping Dragon himself. » lethalinjection -- They did not return... -- The text says that Meng Huo told them to come meet a messenger from Zhuge Liang! He decieved them into coming! They would not come otherwise.
72 He questioned the inhabitants, and they said, “The Shu army, with all their stores, recrossed the river last night and joined the main body in the northern bank.”
73 Meng Huo then returned to his own ravine and discussed matters with his brother, Meng You, saying, "I know all the details of the enemy's force from what I saw in their camp."
74 And Meng Huo gave his brother certain instructions, which Meng You at once began to carry out. Meng You loaded a hundred men with gold and jewels and pearls and ivory and rhinoceros horn, crossed River Lu, and was on his way to the main camp of the Shu army, when he heard the sound of drums and a cohort under Ma Dai poured out to stop him. Meng You did not expect to meet an enemy, and was surprised. But Ma Dai only asked what he had come for. And when he had heard, Meng You was detained while a message was sent to Zhuge Liang.
75 The messenger arrived while a council was in progress, the matter under discussion being how to pacify the Mangs.
76 They announced, “The brother of Meng Huo has come bearing gifts of gold and pearls.”
77 Zhuge Liang turned to Ma Su, saying, "Know you why this man has come?"	» Drunken Master -- Yoda Zhuge Liang has become. » Explainer -- LOL, now that you point it out » Flying Flash Swallow -- grammar humor -- Dangling participles he should not use. » Drunken Master -- Heh, I made the all-knowing Explainer laugh. -- I must be getting better. Hehe. Humorous I am, yes yes. ::wacky cackle:: » MasterLiang -- Perhaps... -- He wore that hat to hide pointed ears? *at wuzhang plains* JiangWei: "Master Liang, you can't die! ZGL: "Strong am I in the Tao... but not that strong..." Wow... throw Cao Cao an inhaler, and we have StarWars: The Three Kingdoms Edition.
78 "I dare not say plainly, but let me write it," said Ma Su.
79 "Write it, then."
80 So Ma Su wrote and handed the paper to his chief, who had no sooner read it than he clapped his hands with joy, crying, "What you say is exactly what I think. But you may know I have already made arrangements for the capture of Meng Huo."	» Ragnarok -- Cao Cao? -- This is the second time he's done it for Ma Su. "Exactly What i think". Then why did you ask him in the first place? » _Gongsun Zan -- It's just clarification thats all. -- He is also seeing if Ma Su does have brains. » Ragnarok -- No No... -- Cao Cao always asked the adviser's and said "Exactly as i thought!" This is similiar. He always asks then claims he had thought of it already. » Super Dian Wei -- Even though this is all true, it IS Zhuge Liang. -- He probably already thought of this and what Ma Su would be wearing before asking. » _The Hurricane -- Remember that the book changes many things to make the story better. -- This includes giving credit to some people over others, this is probably the case here with Ma Su and Zhuge Liang. Just like how Huang Gai doesn't get credit for the fire attack and Zhou Yu did... » Junts -- Agreed -- Agreed, though my response was general to these constant 'Oh hes taking the credit' lines, it took me 88 chapters worth of them to register to point out why. I'm sure in many cases these guys knew what they basically wanted to do, and were getting unbiased opinions to make sure they were not mislead. I've done the same myself, though not in military matters. If you bias your advisor with your own opinion and reasons for it, you won't get their pure viewpoint, because they'll be considering yours more recently. Cao Cao and Zhuge Liang and others cannot give their opinions openly, because they realize that many advisors will simply say 'yes yes, that is best' for fear of being punished for being wrong, or reward for agreeing. So they ask opinions first, or even pose wrong plans, to see if they're getting honest opinions, or yes-men answers from their trusted advisors. » JiaGai -- Interesting notion -- Entirely possible, though in the case of Ma Su, it's more like a father asking his son ("well boy, whaddya think we should do today?") and expecting him to give the right answer ("Gosh dad, I think going fishing would be great"). Zhuge Liang was gonna do what he was gonna do anyway. In a way, it's like being a yes-man in reverse. I often think "exactly what I think" lines are basically the author's way of saying "yes, I agree with you." » Drunken Master -- Ahh! -- Junts, what the hell are you doing here? ::is Strong Bad on the Sim:: Errr, yeah, the "exactly what I think" thing isn't necessarily a bad thing. Cao Cao abuses it by saying, "You're right, but I thought of it first and was just clarifying." Zhuge Liang goes, "Hmmm, I'm thinking this, and I want to know if you say the same thing." Good ole Kongming... » RoninDragon -- Why differentiate between Cao Cao and Zhuge Liang? -- If they're both doing the same thing, and Zhuge Liang is credited as being a genius and only asking opinions of other advisors to get a pure opinion, why is Cao Cao just taking credit like an arrogant fool? Cao Cao DID write a treatise or two on war, and even though they were ridiculed by his enemies, that doesn't make him horrible at it. Cao Cao was, in my opinion, miraculously intelligent in his own right. He was also less of a jerk than Zhuge. >.> » guanping -- what do you have against sleeping dragon ronin? -- I do agree that it is harsh how we view Cao Cao as just bieng a git and kongming telling the truth » lethalinjection -- Poor Ronin... -- lol, my screenname on a game called gunbound is RoninMaster and I always get criticized. anywayz... RoninDragon is right! Cao Cao wrote a treatise on war known as Meng Da or something of the sort, but threw it away when he was criticized for it as a "piece of trash." However Zhuge Liang wrote 24 war manuals!!! I am not kidding even!, and Zhuge liang also invented many devices to make work for farmers easier!! I don't think he was that much of a jerk though! Although it is mean to the heroes of the time to differenciate between any, and rather we should hold them all in honor! @_@ *woa!* » cFodder -- I'm surprised no one else is struck as well -- With all the talk about the way Zhuge Liang talks down to Ma Su and just about everyone else, I'm surprised no one is struck as I am between the personality similarities between Liang and a certain fictional detective. Period and setting differences notwithstanding the discussion could be substituted almost word for word into a Holmes-Watson exchange. Its uncanny. Almost makes one wonder if Arthur Canon Doyle had found himself a copy of The Three Kingdoms when he first set to writing the Holmes character. Well, except that Watson is almost certainly wrong in all of his analyses and suggestions.
81 Then Zhao Zilong was called, and some orders were whispered into his ear. Next Wei Yan came, and he also went off with secret orders. Wang Ping, Ma Zheng, and Guan Suo also came, and left with particular instructions. All these things done, the bearer of gifts was called.
82 Meng You came and bowed low at the door of the tent, saying, "The brother of my house, Meng Huo, having received great kindness at your hands in sparing his life, feels bound to offer a paltry gift. He has presumed to collect a few pearls and some gold and other trifling jewels by way of something to give your soldiers. And hereafter he will send tribute to your Emperor."
83 "Where is your brother at this moment?" asked Zhuge Liang.
84 "Having been the recipient of your great bounty, he has gone to the Silver Pit Ravine to collect some treasures. He will soon return."
85 "How many soldiers have you brought?"
86 "Only about a hundred. I should not dare to bring any large number. They are just porters."
87 They were brought in for Zhuge Liang's inspection. They had blue eyes and swarthy faces, auburn hair and purple beards. They wore earrings, their hair was fuzzy, and they went barefoot. They were tall and powerful.
88 Zhuge Liang made them sit down, and bade his generals press them to drink and treat them well and compliment them.
89 Meanwhile, Meng Huo was anxious about the reception that would be given to his brother and the treatment of his gifts, so he sat in his tent expecting the messenger at any moment. Then two men came, and he questioned them eagerly.
90 They said, "The presents have been accepted, and even the porters have been invited to drink in the tent and have been regaled with beef and flesh in plenty. O King, your brother sends the news that all will be ready at the second watch for the attack. He will support you from within."
91 This was pleasing news, and Meng Huo prepared his thirty thousand troops ready to march out to the camp. They were divided into three divisions.
92 The King called up his chieftains and notables, and said, "Let each army carry the means of making fire, and as soon as they arrive let a light be shown as a signal. I am coming to the main camp to capture Zhuge Liang."
93 With these orders they marched, and they crossed River Lu at sunset. The King, with a hundred generals as escort, pressed on at once toward the main camp of Shu. They met with no opposition. They even found the main gate open, and Meng Huo and his party rode straight in. But the camp was a desert; not a soldier was visible.
94 Meng Huo rode right up to the large tent and pushed open the flap. It was brilliantly lighted with lamps, and lying about under their light were his brother and all his men, dead drunk. Zhuge Liang had ordered Ma Su and Lu Kai to entertain Meng You and his men with wine and dance performances. The wine they had been pressed to drink while the plays were going on had been heavily drugged, and they had fallen down almost as soon as they had swallowed it. One or two who had recovered a little could not speak: They only pointed to their mouths.
95 Meng Huo then saw that he had been the simple victim of another ruse. However, he picked up his brother and the others and started off to return to his main army.
96 But as he turned, torches began to flash out and drums to beat. The Mangs were frightened and took to their heels. But they were pursued, and the pursuing cohort was led by Wang Ping. The King bore away to the left to escape, but again a cohort appeared in front of him; Wei Yan was there. Meng Huo tried the other side, and was stopped by Zhao Zilong. He was in a trap and attacked on three sides and no fourth to escape by. He abandoned everything, making one wild rush for the River Lu.
97 As he reached the river bank, he saw a bark on the river with Mang soldiers on board. Here was safety. He hailed the boat and jumped on board as soon as it touched the bank. No sooner had he embarked than suddenly he was seized and bound. The boat, which Ma Dai had provided and prepared, was part of the general plan, and the Mang soldiers therein were Ma Dai's soldiers disguised.
98 Many of Meng Huo's troops accepted the chance of surrender held out by Zhuge Liang, who soothed them and treated them well and did not injure one of them.	» lethalinjection -- I don't see why everyone criticizes Zhuge Liang. -- This passage of the story itself indicates he was a decent person, and earlier he treats the porters well... He seems to be a nice guy, not a jerk... » LiaoHua -- Well he does have a record of being a jerk -- To point out one when he embarrasses Guan Yu acting like he finished Cao Cao knowing that he really didn't » MasterLiang -- Merely proving his omniscience -- There were still a few doubters of his ability in the Shu camp. This was to silence them. » WUuuu -- this was well after any doubts were quenched -- so that is a poor reason for Zhuge to have behaved thus. » MasterLiang -- He apparently disagreed with you WU -- Otherwise, he wouldn't have done it. Think of it as an office prank. He angers Guan Yu by saying "Your going to fail your duty by letting him escape", get him to go after Cao Cao, get him to sign a notice AGREEING TO HIS OWN EXECUTION if he fails, and sends him on his way. Then he tells everyone "He's gonna let him go. I know it already." He comes back,expecting death. ZGL rubs it in. I would be smug in his place as well. WUuuu, if you remember, people in Shu doubt Zhuges ability even into the Northern Campaign. (his officers scoff at his plans)Now, while he is realativly new, this doesn't surprise me in the least. While your doubts are quenched, theirs are not, and ZGL wants everyone to know, once and for all "IM THE BIG GUY NOW". Egotistic? Yep. Can you blame him? » WUuuu -- yes I can blame him -- he causes the survival and freedom of his countries greatest enemy to satisfy his own ego by this logic. This makes Zhuge a complete ass. » MasterLiang -- He "read it in the stars" -- He says that "the stars have said it is not his time". He knew that no matter what he did, Cao Cao was getting away, so he might as well send Guan Yu and show off. Besides, if Cao Cao dies then, what happens to the Northland? Who controls the emperor? Who distracts Wu, and keeps them from hunting down Liu Bei and hacking him to bits? Cao Caos survival was neccasary to maintain the balance of power ZGL envisioned. It was simply not the time. » WUuuu -- which is a ridiculous position to take -- the whole point of Liu Bei was supposedly not to rule the empire but to restore the Han. The Sun's never prove themselves a threat to the Han, Cao Cao does. Regardless of what Zhuge read in the stars you send someone with the best chance of destroying Cao Cao just incase the signs are wrong so you can rid yourself of the threat. The signs warned Dong Zhuo of his impending doom, only by misreading them was he killed. Similar things could occur with Cao Cao, yet by sending Guan Yu Zhuge avoids even that possibility. » MasterLiang -- Its part of the fictional element of the story. -- Zhuge believed that no matter what happened, Cao Cao leaves alive. So he sent Guan Yu to handle the situation. Its all in the chapter; thats exactly what it says. If Cao Cao dies, IT MEANS NOTHING. Another despot takes his place in the north. Liu Bei did not have the forces to march against Cao Cao, and Zhou Yu was hot on their heels, looking to wipe them out before they could do Wu any harm. Cao Cao leaves alive, or Chi Bi means NOTHING to Liu Beis dreams. "Regardless of what Zhuge read in the stars you send someone with the best chance of destroying Cao Cao just incase the signs are wrong so you can rid yourself of the threat." The book paints him as infallable: Therefore, he could not have misread the signs. So no worry with that one. "Similar things could occur with Cao Cao, yet by sending Guan Yu Zhuge avoids even that possibility." Since Cao Cao will get away anyway, why not send Guan Yu and wreak some psychological damage? » Seraph -- Cao Cao living would not not not be a good thing for Liu Bei. -- I strongly disagree with the statement that Cao would be quickly replaced. As it was, Cao was still relatively new (remember, he had only recently crushed Yuan). If he is destroyed, Wei splinters, period. It will never come into existance. Ma Teng would march unopposed to rescue the emporer from the North west, while various groups split the north up. I don't think Zhou Yu would go after Liu Bei immediately, and I will tell you why. (this is all within the context of the book, i.e. questionable history) 1) Liu Bei is immensly popular. Not only that, but Zhuge Liang is credited with winning Red Wall, also read SAVING WU. To kill/ pursue/ harass him would be a very bad political move for both Suns and Zhou at that time in the immediate aftermath, especially when Liu's forces just killed the dictator invading their lands. 2) THERE IS A POWER VACUUM JUST ACROSS THE RIVER!!!!!!!! I cannot emphasize that enough. At worst, Zhou would be faced by a weak feudal lord while Wu quickly secures that land. This leaves Zhuge and Liu time to carve out their own land. Alternatively, should Zhou go after Jingzhou like he later does THERE IS A POWER VACUUM JUST ACROSS THE RIVER begging to be taken over by Liu and co. This means land and troops for Liu that is desperately needed, while keeping a relative of his in power to the west. Wu would be surrounded by Liu's that would be relatively willing to work together to at least protect Shu shoudl Zhou invade. I don't feel like writing more, but you get my point. Cao dying is advantageous to all parties but Cao. » MasterLiang -- I disagree -- 1) Liu Bei is popular with the peasantry, not with the people in power. Zhuge Liang IS credited with Red Cliffs and Saving Wu... which is why Zhou Yu went after him. While I agree it would look bad from a PR standpoint (though not as severe as you think) Zhou Yu is not going to wait for Zhuge Liang to help Liu Bei into a position of power, out of spite if nothing else, or perhaps through the jealousy and rage that got him killed. 2)Yes. There is. And there is a virtuous member of the imperial family who has the greatest genius of the day to guide him right next door. I already gave you my reasons for believing Zhou goes west before he goes north. I also believe Liu Bei IS dumb enough to insist on charging of to save Emperor Xian himself, no matter the danger. Do you think he could make it to Changan, through Cao Cao's old holdings, with Zhou Yu at his heels and Ma Teng racing ahead? Do you think he would really sit back and build his powerbase when there is something virtous and stupid that he could be doing? » WUuuu -- I agree with seraph -- 1) Liu Bei is popular with the Emperor. Is that the peasantry? Also since Zhuge is credited atleast partially with Red Cliffs, then it would be disastorous for Wu to go after him outright. Think about it. 2) I don't get where you're comming from, even were Liu Bei retarded, he still has Zhuge and soon Pang Tong by his side. I cannot argue here why Zhuge is indeed falliable because it would be spoilers, but leave it be that he does indeed make many mistakes from here on out. The mistake you're making is trusting the author's word instead of going by what the text shows. » MasterLiang -- You are forgetting a few things. -- 1) We know how much the emperors opinion matters, don't we? Besides, Zhou Yu DID go after him right after Red Clifs, so how is it so much harder to believe now that Zhuge has proved himself even more dangerous to Zhou Yu by killing Cao Cao? 2) Yes he did, and he disregards their advice as well - remember Jingzhou? No matter how right I think he was in turing it down, he still ignored Zhuges advice. » JiaGai -- Just a side point I wanted to make -- Guan Yu was indebted to Cao Cao for sparing his life and the lives of Liu Bei's wives, as well as for treating him well. If it is true that Zhuge Liang fully believed Cao Cao would escape the pursuing Wu/Shu armies, sending Guan Yu made sense. Guan Yu would repay his debt to Cao Cao and that would be one less liability in the future. » AnhTran -- I agree with jiagai. -- Sending Guan Yu was the best choice not only to repay his dept to Cao Cao, but u must understand Zhuge Liang knows no matter what cao would of escape sending zhao yun or zhange fei would of been sending them to their deaths. If cao cao couldn't of been killed, then why would you risk zhang/zhao?. zhuge sent guan yu because he was sure guan yu wouldn't of capture cao cao, and therefore Guan Yu wouldn't disturb what the stars foretold, and at that time guan yu and zhange fei still didn't respected zhuge much and wouldn't that be a great way to earn guan yu's trust and respect and making him fear you at the same time? What zhuge did was brilliant. Throughout the book everything he did was right, its only people like liu bei that end up fucking up all his plans. Either way the will of heaven could not be change. as for what everyone is going for about what would happen if cao cao died, what zhuge liang said in the book was what would of happen. NO doubt, we are only readers; they were the students of war. Don't waste ur time by making up history and adding ur opinon to cold facts that went down in the books. » WUuuu -- Fate in the course of the novel is mutable -- Fate favors those who read the signs correctly, and everyone, good or bad, gets signs. It is possible to read signs incorrectly though, as Dong Zhuo and Sun Jian both do. Zhuge appears infalliable up to this point, but that does not mean he is infalliable. As fate can be shown as mutable, it would be worth the chance to try and kill Cao Cao when he had the chance, instead of sending a guaranteed failure. Zhou Yu did not outright go after him after Red Cliffs, he did it in a way that would still allow deniability. He disregards advice in several sitiations when it would go against propriety, though by this point he has begun to change from that (as seen through his adventures with Liu Zhang), but either way it's irrelevant. Propriety isn't being challenged in the case at discussion. » JiaGai -- It's entierly possible Zhuge Liang wanted Cao Cao to survive. -- He's already touted his vision of three kingdoms (if I recall correctly) and Cao Cao would play into that. He isn't quite as firmly as established as he'll be later on and if he fell, it would leave a power vaccum eagerly filled by other warlords. Despite his military might, Cao Cao was a known factor. The "devil" that Zhuge Liang knew. Therefore, despite the very real threat he posed, he was predictable and could be compensated for. That might not be the case if someone else took control. » MasterLiang -- Exactly what I thought! -- You and I are of the same mind JiaGai! :) That is a possibility that I did not consider, though it does make sense. However, in that context, would it not be wiser to have several lesser "devils" than the one big one he knows? All of the established warlords are pretty well known - would he not fare evenly, if not better against them? » WUuuu -- that is partially what I'm getting at Master Ma Liang -- the sentence that starts with "however." Try for the numerous lesser warlords. Get rid of the big snake with all the protection and the emperor in his palm. Atleast do your best to make it so, even if the stars tell you otherwise: why not try? » AnhTran -- omfg, its like explainging things to a 5 year old child. -- wuuu.... zhuge had already predicted what would of happend if cao cao died. Wu at that point would invade the north and shu was to weak to challenge Wu at the race for land( which would of happen if cao cao died) think about it. if cao cao (some how died) and the north be spit by different lords. Wouldn't that defeat the propose of the 3 kingdoms zhuge wanted? It would place china just like it was back in the beginning of the book. zhuge knew cao cao couldn't of been capture. the story has much to do with heavens will. you have to take a look at this example and realize that if cao cao time wasn't up, then whats the point of risking your powerful generals lives? (zhang fei, zhao yun) and remember at that point Shu only had 3 able generals losing one would be like losing a right arm at that point, so even if it was possible (Not) why would you risk it?? by sending guan yu he insured that guan yu would repay his debt to cao cao and keep his plan of the triangle (Wei, Wu, Shu) he had planned everything out ahead of time before he went into service, as he mentioned to lui bei on the third visit. why would he change it all now to take a gamble by spitting 1 huge power to many power over the land in chaos again. there was no "IF" when zhuge liang sent guan yu. You think there is because the thought of killing cao cao was to good to pass up. But the stars don't lie. Zhuge knew who were going to die from reading the stars and he knew Pang Tong would of died from reading the stars. Its very simple and clear. and as for if zhuge liang was infallable, think about it. its not his fault others don't listen ( ma su, pang tong) the disscussion was either. HE was infallable, not ma su or pang tong, so you can't use those for examples, because as brilliant as he was he, could not change the way people think (obviously) » MasterLiang -- Ok, I see you point Wu -- In the context of the novel, he had to "follow the will of heaven" but he could have taken a shot at it, although as Jia pointed out, did he prefer the evil he knew over the evil(s) he didn't? Anh makes one other interesting point; Zhuge Liang's three Kingdoms strategy involved a balance of power between three kingdoms (thus, three kingdoms strategy). » WUuuu -- This is supposedly Liu Bei's ideal. -- His goal is to set the Emperor back in his (arguably) rightful position of power. Wu was not attempting to overthrow or manipulate the Han and there is nothing to suggest that they might. This also assumes that any number of other variables don't take place. Many of Zhuge Liang's prophecies are self fullfilling. He predicts that it is not Cao Cao's time to die, and it gives him an out when Guan Yu fails does what is obvious Guan will do due to his character. Instead of taking a chance, Zhuge takes the safe out. He predicts failure, then ensures failure will occur instead of trying to prevent it. Self fulfilling prophecy. » MasterLiang -- I disagree with one point you made there; Liu Beis' ambition -- "I am the Son of Heaven and this is my Chariot!" It has become my belief that he preached his code of restoring the Han to further his own intrests. I am willing to believe that Emperor Xian would have gladly abdicated the throne in favor of Liu Bei, and no one would complain. That's where the Mr Nice Guy act comes in. Liu Bei's ideal is just to maintain the moral high ground so that he can take power. » WUuuu -- I agree with that completely -- Liu Bei's claim was to uphold the monarchy, and this is what the pro Liu Bei people argue... that he lacked ambition and just wanted to restore the Han. » IloveNDfootball -- Unfortunately, Cao Cao's death would cause the worst possible thing to happen. -- If Cao Cao falls, the north falls into chaos. Yuan Shao's old men revolt. Ma Teng enters the fray. You can bet that Cao Pi and Cao Zhi will war over succession, with maybe Cao Zhen getting into. The few Turbans left join in. Sun Quan either hunts down Liu Bei or joins the land grab in the north. Who knows, maybe a few of Dong Zhuo's old men went into hiding and they come out. What if the emperor is killed in the fighting, or murdered by Li Jue and Guo Si version 2.0. So, we could have the emperor dead, the Han dead, and the one man making a claim to the throne dead. And who knows what will happen with the barbarians to the north and south, and what will happen to Yizhou, with a war between Zhang Lu and Liu Zhang.
99 The remains of the conflagration were stamped out, and in a short time Ma Dai brought along his prisoner. At the same time Zhao Zilong led in his brother, Meng You. Wei Yan, Ma Su, Wang Ping, and Guan Suo also brought their prisoners, chiefs or notables, to the camp of the Prime Minister.
100 Zhuge Liang looked at the King and laughed.
101 "That was but a shallow ruse of yours to send your brother with presents to pretend to submit to me. Did you really think I should not see through it? But here you are once more in my power. Now do you yield?"
102 "I am a prisoner owing to the gluttony of my brother and the power of your poisonous drugs. If I had only played his part myself and left him to support me with soldiers, I should have succeeded. I am the victim of fate and not of my own incapacity. No, I will not yield."	» clownjeckal -- wow, this guy just seems to know of every reason of y he shouldnt yield. -- i mean its not like it was his fault for making such a stupid plan » Super Dian Wei -- He is thinking really fast in these situations... -- "How am I gonna get outta this one?" When desperation kicks in, the human persona can achieve stupendous things, some physical, some mental. Meng's brain was working so fast, that he came up with a solution rather quickly. » Shokyo -- And then his head exploded? :3 » GeneralZhangLiao -- Hehe -- *pictures the scene of Meng Huo's head exploding* » lethalinjection -- lol -- Zhuge Liang: Will you not yield this time? Meng Huo: thinking thinking Zhuge Liang: Huh? what's wrong? Meng Huo : THINKING THINKING! zhuge Liang: Omg, guyz RUNNNNN!!!!!!1 MENG HUO: THINKING THINKING THINKING THINKING!!!!!! Tent explodes while Zhuge and his men are in mid jump, barely make it out alive!!
103 "Remember this is the third time. Why not?" said Zhuge Liang.
104 Meng Huo dropped his head and made no answer.
105 "Ah, well. I will let you go once more," said Zhuge Liang.
106 "O Minister, if you will let me and my brother go, we will get together our family and clients and fight you once more. If I am caught that time, then I will confess myself beaten to the ground, and that shall be the end."
107 "Certainly I shall scarcely pardon you next time," said Zhuge Liang. "You had better be careful. Diligently tackle your Book of Strategy; look over your list of confidants. If you can apply a good plan at the proper moment, you will not have any need for late regrets."	» TomMurch -- Honourable, but cruel. -- If Zhuge Liang had not allowed Meng Huo to retreat each time, much blood would have been saved. Mostly Nanman blood, of course, but still - Zhuge was risking his men's lives with this policy of 'attacking their spirits'. Actually asking his foe to learn a better strategy seems quite mad in this day, where war is seen as more evil than it was 1800 years ago. » VGuyver -- Ha, manipulation. -- You're looking at the little picture. As insane as it may sound, he was clever, think about it, remember what Zhuge Said? If you were to remove Mang, another would simply replace him and attack later, and if you were to simply let him go, Mang would attack later. So destroy Mang's spirit for battle, earn his repect, and teach him a lesson, that he can't win at all if he attacks or threatens Shu. By doing what he did, Zhuge liang in the long run helped Shu and probably samed more lives in the end as well as Shu's resources. Sadly, Shu calapsed anyway after he and Jiang Wei were out of the of the picture.
108 Meng Huo and his brother and all the chiefs were released from their bonds. They thanked Zhuge Liang for his clemency and went away.
109 By the time the released prisoners had got back to the river, the army of Shu had crossed to the farther side and had captured the Mang defenses, the Shu flags fluttering in the breeze. As Meng Huo passed the camp, he saw Ma Dai sitting in state.
110 Ma Dai pointed his sword at the King as he passed, and said, "Next time you are caught, you will not escape."
111 When Meng Huo came to his own camp, he found Zhao Zilong in possession and all in order. Zhao Zilong was seated beneath the large banner, with his sword drawn, and as the King passed.
112 Zhao Zilong also said, "Do not presume on the kindness of the Prime Minister because you have been generously treated."
113 Meng Huo grunted and passed on. Just as he was going over the frontier hills, he saw Wei Yan and a company drawn up on the slopes.
114 Wei Yan shouted, "See to it: We have got into the inmost recesses of your country and have taken all your defensive positions. Yet you are foolish enough to hold out. Next time you are caught, you will be quite destroyed. There will be no more pardons."
115 Meng Huo and his company ran away with their arms over their heads. Each one returned to his own ravine.
116 In the fifth moon, when the sun is fierce, Marched the army into the wild land, To the River Lu, bright and clear, But deadly with miasma. Zhuge Liang the leader cared not, Pledged was he to subdue the south, Thereby to repay the First Ruler's deference with service. Wherefore he attacked the Mangs. Yet seven times he freed their captured king.
117 After the crossing of the river, the Shu soldiers were feasted.
118 Then Zhuge Liang addressed his officers: "I let Meng Huo see our camp the second time he was our prisoner, because I wanted to tempt him into raiding it. He is something of a soldier, and I dangled our supplies and resources before his eyes, knowing he would try to burn them and that he would send his brother to pretend to submit that thereby he could get into our camp and have a chance to betray us. I have captured and released him three times, trying to win him over. I do not wish to do him any harm. I now explain my policy that you may understand I am not wasting your efforts and you are still to work your best for the government."
119 They all bowed, and one said, "O Prime Minister, you are indeed perfect in everyone of the three gifts: Wisdom, benevolence, and valor. Not even Lu Wang or Zhang Liang can equal you!"	» Explainer -- Lu Wang and Zhang Liang -- Lu Wang was a master strategist, founding minister of Zhou Dynasty, counselor to King Wen. Before joining King Wen, Lu Wang had been a fisher, who mediated on a river bank on political events. Zhang Liang, aka Zhang Zifang, the master strategist for Liu Bang. His family had served the state of Han as chief ministers during the Warring States period. It is said that he received the strategy book of Lu Wang (founding minister of Zhou) from a mysterious old man. When he was young, Zhang Liang plotted to assasinate the First Emperor, but failed. He later rebeled against Qin. Joined Liu Bang (BC 206) to fight against Qin and then Chu. Recommended Han Xin to Liu Bang. Zhang Liang's insights had earned him the name "The Teacher of Emperor". After Liu Bang won the empire, Zhang Liang was enobled as Lord of Liu, but did not take office, instead he resigned from political life and traveled. Many of his collegues later revolted against Liu Bang and were put down one by one.
120 Said Zhuge Liang, "How can I expect to equal our men of old? But my trust is in your strength, and together we shall succeed."
121 This speech of their leader's pleased them all mightily.
122 In the meantime Meng Huo, upset at the three captures, hastened home to his own Silver Pit Ravine, whence he sent trusted friends with gifts to the Eight Nations and the Ninety-three Sees and all the Mang quarters and clans to borrow shields and swords and warriors and braves. He got together one hundred thousand soldiers. They all assembled on an appointed day, massing like clouds and sweeping in like mists gathering on the mountains, each and all obeying the commands of the King Meng Huo.
123 And the scouts knew it all, and they told Zhuge Liang, who said, "This is what I was waiting for, that the Mangs should have an opportunity of knowing our might."
124 Thereupon he seated himself in a small carriage and went out to watch.
125 O let our enemy's courage glow That our greater might may show.
126 The story of the campaign will be continued in the next chapter.

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