««« Chapter 104 »»» A Falling Star: The Prime Minister Ascends To Heaven; A Wooden Statue: The Commander-In-Chief Is Terrified.

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1 The unhappy Wei Yan did not suffer the edge of the sword, for Zhuge Liang stayed the stroke, saying, "It is my fate---not his fault."
2 So Jiang Wei put up his sword.
3 Zhuge Liang spat a few mouthfuls of blood, then sank wearily upon his couch.
4 Said he, "Sima Yi thinks I am dead, and he sent these few troops to make sure. Go and drive them off."	» AdmiralThrawn -- necessary -- the generals need to ask the prime minister for permission to drive off the enemy army attacking them. What else are they suppose to do? A wee bit too reliant on the old Taoist i'd say
5 Wei Yan left the tent and led out a small party to drive away the troops of Wei, who fled as they appeared. He chased them to more than seven miles and returned. Then Zhuge Liang sent Wei Yan to his own camp and bade him keep a vigilant lookout.
6 Presently Jiang Wei came in, went up to the sick man's couch, and asked how he felt.
7 Zhuge Liang replied, "My death is very near. My chief desire has been to spend myself to the utmost to restore Han to its glory and to regain the Middle Land. But Heaven decrees it otherwise. My end is not far away. I have written a book in twenty-four chapters, 104,112 words, treating the Eight Needfuls, the Seven Cautions, the Six Fears, and the Five Dreads of war. But among all those about me there is no one fit to receive it and carry on my work save you. I pray you not to despise it."
8 He gave the treatise to Jiang Wei, who received it sobbing.
9 "I have also a plan for a multiple crossbow, which I have been unable to execute. The weapon shoots ten bolts of eight inches length at every discharge. The sketches are quite ready, and the weapons can be made according to them."	» Junts -- Crossbow -- Zhuge Liang invents the Cho-Ko-Nu? Seriously? » Shokyo -- inventions -- I think he also made a sort of ancient Chinese tank type thing (a chariot covered in armor or something) and the wooden ox for emergency supplies. » darkknight -- zhuge liang -- he also made the wheelbarrow » Seraph -- About the Cho-Ku-No -- In the forums, someone said that he actually stole the idea from the Mangs and refined it to what was used vs. Wei. It seems resnable to me... just thought I'd through it out there. And is it true he made the wheelbarrow? I think that's a stretch... » Super Dian Wei -- (Rolls Eyes) -- Yes, and today, every american and chinese farmer alike must pay homage to him with the blood of forty chickens because of his uncanny ability to invent the wheelbarrow. » JiaGai -- Wheelbarrow? -- Just like the wheel, the bow, the spear and other tools and weapons, there are just some things cultures, separated by geography as they are, invent and innovate on their own depsite glaring similarities between such items, merely because they WORK. Any idiot will eventually realize that sharp rock makes a nice knife but hey, tie it to the end of a pole and now you can stab and cut from a safer distance! Whether the "Wooden Ox" were wheelbarrows or a variation thereof historically is debatable, but I doubt Zhuge Liang was the first to think of it (wheelbarrows, that is). » Super Dian Wei -- Super Dian Wei says: wooden ox = railcar with wooden "ox like" camo. » Flying Flash Swallow -- hehe -- So wooden oxen are less suspicious than railcars? » Albedo -- But you can't tell... -- the oxen camoflage covering it looks SO realistic, you just might try to shoot it for it's meat.
10 Jiang Wei took the papers with a deep bow.
11 The dying man continued, "There is no part of Shu that causes anxiety, save the Yinping Mountains. That must be carefully guarded. It is protected naturally by its lofty precipices, but it will surely be the cause of great losses."
12 Next Zhuge Liang sent for Ma Dai, to whom he gave certain whispered instructions, and then said, "You are to follow out my instructions after my death."
13 Soon after, Yang Yi entered the tent and went to the couch. He received a silken bag containing certain secret orders.
14 As Zhuge Liang gave it to him, he said, "After my death, Wei Yan will turn traitor. When that happens and the army is in danger, you will find herein what to do."
15 Just as these arrangements were finished, Zhuge Liang fell into a swoon, from which he did not revive till late in the evening. Then he set himself to compose a memorial to the Latter Ruler.
16 When this reached the Latter Ruler, he was greatly alarmed and at once sent Chief Secretary Li Fu to visit and confer with the dying minister.
17 Li Fu traveled quickly to the Wuzhang Hills and was led to the tent of the Commander-in-Chief. He delivered the Latter Ruler's command and inquired after the sick man's welfare.
18 Zhuge Liang wept, and he replied, "Unhappily I am dying and leaving my task incomplete. I am injuring my country's policy and am in fault to the world. After my death you must aid the Emperor in perfect loyalty, and see that the old policy is continued, and the rules of government maintained. Do not lightly cast out the people I have employed. My plans of campaign have been confided to Jiang Wei, who can continue my policy for the service of the state. But my hour draws near, and I must write my testament."
19 Li Fu listened, and then took his leave.
20 Zhuge Liang made one final effort to carry out his duties. He rose from his couch, was helped into a small carriage, and thus made a round of inspection of all the camps and posts. But the cold autumn wind chilled him to the bone.
21 "I shall never again lead the army against the rebels," said he. "O Azure Heaven, when will this regret end?"
22 Zhuge Liang returned to his tent. He became rapidly weaker and called Yang Yi to his bedside.
23 Said he, "Ma Dai, Wang Ping, Liao Hua, Zhang Yi, Zhang Ni may be depended on to the death. They have fought many campaigns and borne many hardships; they should be retained in the public service. After my death let everything go on as before, but the army is to be gradually withdrawn. You know the tactics to be followed, and I need say little. My friend Jiang Wei is wise and brave; set him to guard the retreat."
24 Yang Yi received these orders, weeping.
25 Next, writing materials were brought in and the dying minister set himself to write his testament. It is here given in substance:
26 "Life and death are the common lot, and fate cannot be evaded. Death is at hand, and I desire to prove my loyalty to the end. I, thy servant Zhuge Liang, dull of parts, was born into a difficult age, and it fell to my lot to guide military operations. I led a northern expedition, but failed to win complete success. Now sickness has laid hold upon me and death approaches, so that I shall be unable to accomplish my task. My sorrow is inexpressible.
27 "I desire Your Majesty to cleanse your heart and limit your desires, to practice self-control and to love the people, to maintain a perfectly filial attitude toward your late father and to be benevolent to all the world. Seek out the recluse scholars that you may obtain the services of the wise and good; repel the wicked and depraved that your moral standard may be exalted.	» MasterLiang -- Oh if only.... -- But this is like asking a cow to dye itself green and learn to do ballet.
28 "To my household belong eight hundred mulberry trees and a hundred acres of land; thus there is ample provision for my family. While I have been employed in the service of the state, my needs have been supplied from official sources, but I have not contrived to make any additions to the family estate. At my death I shall not leave any increased possessions, even an excess roll of silk, that may cause Your Majesty to suspect that I have wronged you."
29 Having composed this document, the dying man turned again to Yang Yi, saying, "Do not wear mourning for me, but make a large coffer and therein place my body, with seven grains of rice in my mouth. Place a lamp at my feet and let my body move with the army as I was wont to do. If you refrain from mourning, then my leadership star will not fall, for my inmost soul will ascend and hold it in place. So long as my star retains its place, Sima Yi will be fearsome and suspicious.	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Zhuge Liang -- Even in death he serves Shu.
30 "Let the army retreat, beginning with the rearmost division; send it away slowly, one camp at a time. If Sima Yi pursues, array the army and offer battle, turn to meet him and beat the attack. Let him approach till he is very near and then suddenly display the wooden image of myself that I have had carved, seated in my chariot in the midst of the army, with the generals right and left as usual. And you will frighten Sima Yi away."
31 Yang Yi listened to these words intently. That night Zhuge Liang was carried into the open and gazed up at the sky.
32 "That is my star," said he, pointing to one that seemed to be losing its brilliancy and to be tottering in its place. Zhuge Liang's lips moved as if he muttered a spell. Presently he was borne into his tent and for a time was oblivious of all about him.
33 When the anxiety caused by this state of coma was at its height, Li Fu arrived.
34 He wept when he saw the condition of the great leader, crying, "I have foiled the great designs of the state!"
35 However, presently Zhuge Liang's eyes reopened and fell upon Li Fu standing near his couch.
36 "I know your mission," said Zhuge Liang.
37 "I came with the royal command to ask also who should control the destinies of the state for the next century," replied Li Fu. "In my agitation I forgot to ask that."
38 "After me, Jiang Wan is the most fitting man to deal with great matters."
39 "And after Jiang Wan?"
40 "After him, Fei Yi."
41 "Who is next after Fei Yi?"
42 No reply came, and when they looked more carefully, they perceived that the soul of the Prime Minister had passed.
43 Thus died Zhuge Liang, on the twenty-third day of the eighth month in the twelfth year of Beginning Prosperity, at the age of fifty and four (AD 234).	» _Sephiroth -- *Sigh*R.I.P. Zhuge Liang. -- I used to be Zhuge Liang for a little while, I changed my name for a reason. But Zhuge Liang rest in peace, he was my most favorite officer of the entire Romance Of The Three Kingdoms Era. It gives me a hard time to read when he died. » JiaGai -- Death of Zhuge Liang -- So passes Zhuge Liang. Like Liu Bei, his obsession led him to death, but no one can ever question his loyalty, devotion or ability. It's a regret that both men came to their ends by ignoring advice while leading ill-fated campaigns to crush their respective enemies. Rest in peace, Sleeping Dragon. » Flying Flash Swallow -- the Sleeping Dragon -- There he goes, the greatest strategist that ever lived. He had the choice to live happily in obscurity all his life or to faithfully serve Han and the people. It is a testament to his nobility that he served the people. His only fault was not to love too wisely, but too well. Liu Bei could surely find no fault. Farewell, Zhuge Liang, the Sleeping Dragon. » darkknight -- goodbye -- he was the smartest man to ever walk the earth. i thought he was older than 54. Rest in peace oh enlightened one. » Super Dian Wei -- Hey... I got one.... -- Who do you guys think was smarter: Zhuge Liang or Confucius? Anybody? » Albedo -- I'd say Confucius -- because there is a word for him (confused), he invented fireworks among many other things, and they have Confucianists roaming the world. » Seraph -- His greatest fault -- I would think his greatest fault was not removing that ignoramous idiot Liu Shan from power... Oh how things would have changed had Zhuge then later Jiang Wei ruled Shu. No more Huang Hao, no more being called back. Hell, perhaps even victory! Sleeping Dragon, that was your failure. » Jiankang -- Zhuge Liang: A critical review of his life and his work -- Zhuge Liang was a genius militarily. A master of tactics and strategy. He also read people pretty well (except for Ma Su, of course). I thoroughly enjoyed the many episodes against the Mangs. BUT. His star was fading fast. I don't know what happened towards the end, but he no longer became infallible. He could claim that every time he was about to achieve total victory, he was sent back either through a false letter about a Wu attack or a recall by Liu Shan. [What's this Art of War basic about a general in the field takes command from noone, not even his liege!] The bottomline is he never achieved total victory. (Not to mention his last mistake when he picked the camp that Sima Yi felt was not a threat, instead of the one where Sima Yi was afraid he was going to take up.) Total victory against another military genius such as Sima Yi is hard to expect, but Zhuge Liang's obsession with attacking Wei lead him to his greatest failure of all. As Prime Minister and charged with looking after Liu Shan as though he is his own son, Zhuge Liang failed. He was on so many expeditions that he did not have a chance to secure the infrastructure at Chengdu (Shu Capital). As Prime Minister, his number one goal ought to be an efficient government where talented people came to render good service to the empire. [Li Sai Man of the Tang Dynasty, for instance, built his academy to train generals and other scholars.] Were there no people of talent at Shu? As the serrogate father of Liu Shan, he ought to be training and teaching that punk how to be a man. Instead, he either failed in these two parts of his job or he was totally derelict and just concerned himself with the conquest of Wei. My suspicion is that there was a lot of intrigue and assasinations going on at Chengdu. How was it that Guan Xing suddenly dies? And then the backup prime ministers that Zhuge Liang picked also die so suddenly? Zhuge Liang... genius at war, great as advisor, failure in building a good government, failure in being a good foster father. I still like him, but he's overrated. -Jian Kang » Kojin -- Another one bites the dust -- SO LONG ZHUGE LIANG!!!!! HA HA HA HA HA!!! SIMA YI IS THE NEW VICTOR!!!!!! But he still was great.... as a corspe! » MasterLiang -- Rest Easy, Zhuge Liang. -- JianKang, althought Luo doesn't show it, Zhuge Liang was probably the greatest civilian administrator of his day. His greatest failure was not his refusal to remove Liu Shuan or the appointment of Ma Su, but his desire to manage everyone and everything. He was a great administrator, but the stress of it all was difficult to deal with. Sima Yi could not have held out forever. Kojin, you're right. As a corpse, he had one last ruse up his sleeves. Now Sima Yi can get to the task of killing... you know... hehehehehe... » mattamatics -- I wish he would just kill Liu Shan, put Liu Chan in charge and then go bye-bye. » IloveNDfootball -- Many Things -- To begin with, a reply to mattamatics. Liu Shan, Liu Chan, same thing. I believe you are referring to Liu Feng, unfortunately slain at the orders of Liu Bei for letting Guan Yu die. Next , the dead body ruse was brilliant. Now, to the heart of this post. First, the false Wu letter. The way I read that was that Kongming quickly saw through the letter, and realized that his influence was being threatened, and had to act fast to retain control. Finally, a poem for the Sleeping Dragon. His star fading Hope dying Weep, those who dream for the glory days of the Han The last star in your constellation has fallen Its bright burning days are gone The Dragon's long ascent is gone It returns to its cave to die (By the way, the Dragon is a reference to Shu, based on the poem falsely attributed to Liu bei to try and get him killed.) » Yunsung -- Liu Chan was Liu Shan's son, ND. -- And yeah... Chan would've made a good ruler. Unfortunately, he's only about 5 at this time. Read on to find out about him. (Heehee, I sound like Guanzhong) » BraveZuMao -- Very Nice ND -- I enjoyed that one and hope this can compare to it: Master of thought Legend of Shu Zhuge Liang Did all he could do Fought with Wei Held back Wu Loyal through life To his master Liu Time had run out His time was now through Great Liang We mourn for you R.I.P Zhuge, you were the King » mattamatics -- yep, liu chan was liu shan's son -- Boy, I just corrected a established forumer. -grins- » JiaGai -- Actually -- Liu Shan's name translation is up to debate. Some say it's Chan, some say it's Shan. If I remembered the exact argument behind both sides, I'd detail them, but I don't. So nyeah. » TheYellowDwarf -- Liu Shan -- Adou's name is definitely Shan. Chan (Japanese Zen) is only associated with Zen Buddhism. If you take Liu Feng's Feng, and Liu Shan's Shan, the Feng Shan ceremony (if any played ROTK IX) is where the emperor burns a memorial of his accomplishments to Heaven to show his greatness and benevolence. Hehe. » Spikku -- Definately a meeting of the minds between Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi... -- It sucks one went before the other, but it proves who had the brains and the endurance to go on with a war campaign...
44 The poet Du Fu wrote some verses on his death.	» BmwHuaSu -- Finaly!! -- this is what u get sucker for cuaseing the deth of caoren, zhanghe, xiahouYuan, ZhangLiao, alot of wei officers. well atleast now ZL can be a happy corpse. I mean i am sorta sad to see him die, i would have liked him more if he just stayed home and drank tea all day, and watched the sky or something.. but if he did stay home he probaly would have lived longer. this is like the beginings of many hero's. they choose wether or not they want to live the life of a hero, but die early, or live long and boring.mnay of the geek myths are like this. » MasterLiang -- Yep. -- He gets poetry.
45 A bright star last night falling from the sky, This message gave, "The Master is no more." No more in camps shall bold men tramp at his command; At court no statesman ever will fill the place he held; At home, his clients miss their patron kind; Sad for the army, who were lonely in this world. In the green wood stones and creeks are crying, No more of his lute, birds have hushed singing.
46 And Bai Juyi also wrote a poem:
47 Within the forest dim the Master lived obscure, Till, thrice returning, there the prince his mentor met. As when a fish the ocean gains, desire was filled Wholly the dragon freed could soar aloft at will. As king's son's guardian none more zealous was; As minister, most loyally he wrought at court. His war memorials still to us are left, And, reading them, the tears unconscious fall.	» UsefulIdiot -- Du Fu & Bai Juyi -- Two very famous poets in Tang dynasty.
48 Now in past days, Commander Liao Li in Changshui had a high opinion of his own abilities and thought himself perfectly fitted to be Zhuge Liang's second. So he neglected the duties of his proper post, showed discontent and indiscipline, and was constantly slandering the minister. Thereupon Zhuge Liang degraded him and transferred him to Minshan.
49 When Liao Li heard of Zhuge Liang's death, he shed tears and said, "Then, after all, I shall remain a barbarian!"
50 Li Yan also grieved deeply at the sad tidings, for he had always hoped that Zhuge Liang would restore him to office and so give him the opportunity of repairing his former faults. After Zhuge Liang had died, he thought there was no hope of reemployment, and so he died.
51 Another poet, Yuan Weizhi, also wrote in praise of the great adviser.
52 He fought disorder, helped a weak king; Most zealously he kept his master's son. In state-craft he excelled Guan Zhong, Yue Yi, In war-craft he overpassed Wu Qi, Sun Zi. With awe the court his war memorials heard, With majesty his Eight Arrays were planned. Virtue and wisdom both filled in his heart, For thousand autumns, his fame would still stay.
53 Heaven grieved and earth mourned on the night of Zhuge Liang's death. Even the moon was dimmed, as Zhuge Liang's soul returned to Heaven.
54 As the late commander had directed, Jiang Wei and Yang Yi forbade the mourning of his death. His body was placed in the coffer as he had wished, and three hundred of his trusted leaders and soldiers were appointed to watch it.
55 Secret orders were given to Wei Yan to command the rearguard, and then, one by one, the camps were broken up and the army began its homeward march.
56 Sima Yi watched the skies. One night a large red star with bright rays passed from the northeast to the southwest and dropped over the camps of Shu. It dipped thrice and rose again. Sima Yi heard also a low rumbling in the distance.
57 He was pleased and excited, and said to those about him, "Zhuge Liang is dead!"
58 At once he ordered pursuit with a strong force. But just as he passed his camp gates, doubts filled his mind and he gave up the plan.
59 "Zhuge Liang is a master of mysteries: He can get aids from the Deities of the Six Layers. It may be that this is but a ruse to get us to take the field. We may fall victims to his guile."	» shenlong -- even in death, zhuge liang is still messing with sima yi's head. » Seraph -- It must suck to have to go head-to-head with Zhuge Liang. -- Sima Yi did very well though, and outlasted him in the end. Go Sima Yi!
60 So he halted. But he sent Xiahou Ba with a few dozen scouts to reconnoiter the enemy's camps.
61 One night as Wei Yan lay asleep in his tent, he dreamed a dream. In his vision two horns grew out of his head. When he awoke he was much perplexed to explain his dream.
62 Marching General Zhao Zhi came to see him, and Wei Yan said, "You are versed in the Book of Changes. I have dreamed that two horns grew upon my head, and would trouble you to expound the dream and tell me its portent."
63 Zhao Zhi thought a moment and replied, "It is an auspicious dream. Dragon and Jilin both have horns on the head. It augurs transformation into an ascending creature."
64 Wei Yan, much pleased, said, "If the dream proves true as you said, I will thank you with very generous gifts."
65 Zhao Zhi left and presently met Fei Yi, who asked whence he came.
66 "From the camp of our friend Wei Yan. He dreamed that he grew horns upon his head, and I have given him an auspicious interpretation. But really it is inauspicious. However, I did not wish to annoy him."
67 "How do you know it is inauspicious?"
68 "The word for horn is composed of two parts, 'knife' above and 'use' below, and so means that there is a knife upon his head. It is a terrible omen."
69 "Keep it secret," said Fei Yi.
70 Then Fei Yi went to the camp of Wei Yan, and when they were alone, he said, "The Prime Minister died last night in the third watch. He left certain final orders, and among them, that you are to command the rearguard to keep Sima Yi at bay while the army retreats. No mourning is to be worn. Here is your authority, so you can march forthwith."
71 "Who is acting in place of the late minister?" asked Wei.
72 "The chief command has been delegated to Yang Yi, but the secret plans of campaign have been entrusted to Jiang Wei. This authority was issued from Yang Yi."
73 Wei Yan replied, "Though the Prime Minister is dead, I am yet alive. Counselor Yang Yi is only a civil officer and unequal to this post. He ought to conduct the coffin home while I lead the army against Sima Yi. I shall achieve success, and it is wrong to abandon a whole plan of campaign because of the death of one man, even if that be the Prime Minister."
74 "The Prime Minister's orders were to retire, and these orders are to be obeyed."
75 "If the Prime Minister had listened to me, we should now have been at Changan. I am the Van Leader, General Who Conquers the West, and Lord of Nanzheng. I am not going to act as rearguard for any civil official," said Wei Yan, angry.
76 "It may be as you say, General, but you must not do anything to make us ridiculous. Let me go back to Yang Yi and explain, and I may be able to persuade him to pass on to you the supreme military authority he holds."
77 Wei Yan agreed, and Fei Yi went back to the main camp and told Yang Yi what had passed.
78 Yang Yi replied, "When near death the Prime Minister confided to me that Wei Yan would turn traitor. I sent him the authority to test him, and now he has discovered himself as the Prime Minister foretold. So I will direct Jiang Wei to command the rearguard."
79 The coffer containing the remains of Zhuge Liang was sent on in advance, and Jiang Wei took up his post to cover the retreat.
80 Meanwhile Wei Yan sat in his tent waiting for the return of Fei Yi and was perplexed at the delay. When the suspense became unbearable, he sent Ma Dai to find out the reason.
81 Ma Dai returned and told him: "Jiang Wei is covering the retreat, and that most of the army has already gone."
82 Wei Yan was furious.
83 "How dare he play with me, the pedantic blockhead?" cried he. "But he shall die for this!"
84 Turning to Ma Dai, Wei Yan said, "Will you help me?"
85 Ma Dai replied, "I have long hated Yang Yi; certainly I am ready to attack him."
86 So Wei Yan broke camp and marched southward.
87 By the time Xiahou Ba had reached the Shu camps, they were all empty, and he hastened back with this news.
88 "Then Zhuge Liang is really dead! Let us pursue," said Sima Yi, much irritated at being misled.
89 "Be cautious," said Xiahou Ba. "Send an subordinate leader first."
90 "No, I must go myself this time."
91 So Sima Yi and his two sons hastened to the Wuzhang Hills. With shouts and waving flags, they rushed into the camps, only to find them quite deserted.
92 Sima Yi said to his sons, "You are to bring up the remaining force with all speed, whereas I will lead the vanguard."
93 Sima Yi hastened in the wake of the retreating army. Coming to some hills, he saw them in the distance and pressed on still harder. Then suddenly a bomb exploded, a great shout broke the stillness, and the retiring army turned about and came toward him, ready for battle. In their midst fluttered a great banner bearing the words, Prime Minister of Han, Lord of Wuxiang, Zhuge Liang.
94 Sima Yi stopped, pale with fear. Then out from the army came some score of generals of rank, and they were escorting a small carriage, in which sat Zhuge Liang as he had always appeared, in his hand the feather fan.
95 "Then Zhuge Liang is still alive!" gasped Sima Yi. "And I have rashly placed myself in his power."
96 As he pulled round his horse to flee, Jiang Wei shouted, "Do not try to run away, O rebel! You have fallen into one of the Prime Minister's traps and had better stay!"
97 The soldiers, seized with panic, fled, throwing off all their gear. They trampled each other down, and many perished. Their leader galloped fifteen miles without pulling rein. When at last two of his generals came up with him, and had stopped his flying steed by catching at the bridle, Sima Yi clapped his hand to his head, crying, "Have I still a head?"	» noise -- Have I still a head? -- This is a great line :-). » MasterLiang -- LMAO! -- Head games indeed! » mattamatics -- Have I still got a head? -- I can just see him go, "Good, it's still there" and right about then it falls off.
98 "Do not fear, Commander, the soldiers of Shu are now far away," they replied.
99 But he still panted with fear, and only after some time did he recognize that his two companions were Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Hui. The three found their way by by-roads to their own camp, whence scouts were sent out in all directions.
100 In a few days the natives brought news: "The Shu army had really gone, and as soon as the retiring army entered the valley, they raised a wailing for the dead and hoisted white flags. Zhuge Liang was really dead, and Jiang Wei's rearguard consisted of only one thousand troops. The figure in the carriage was only a wooden image of the Prime Minister."
101 "While he lived, I could guess what he would do; dead, I was helpless!" said Sima Yi.
102 The people had a saying that "A dead Zhuge Liang can scare off a live Sima Yi."	» Solid -- A great saying
103 In the depth of night a brilliant star Fell from the northern sky; Doubts stayed Sima Yi When he would pursue His dead, but fearsome enemy. And even now the western people, With scornful smile, will say "Oh, is my head on my shoulder still? It was nearly lost today."
104 Now indeed Sima Yi knew that his rival was no more, so he retook the pursuit. But when he reached the Red Hills, the Shu army had marched too far away.
105 As he took the homeward road, he said to his officers, "We can now sleep in comfort."
106 As they marched back, they saw the camps of their enemies, and were amazed at their skillful arrangement.
107 "Truly a wonderful genius!" sighed Sima Yi.
108 The armies of Wei returned to Changan. Leaving officers to guard the various strategic points, Sima Yi himself went on to Luoyang to see the audience.
109 Yang Yi and Jiang Wei retired slowly and in good order till they neared the Plank Trail, when they donned mourning garb and began to wail for their dead. The soldiers threw themselves on the ground and wailed in sorrow. Some even wailed themselves to death.	» HeroOfChaos -- wail to death??? -- WTF how can you wail yourself to death? » ZhangDun -- Probably. They wailed for so long and so much that they forgot to breathe and died of asphyxiation. » jolteony -- You can't asfixiate yourself that easy. -- With asfixiation by wailing you get unconscious and your body begins to breathe again. You can only wail to death if you really wanna die. » MasterMaChao -- no i think your all missing the point here -- Although it says wail i think it just means that they mourned for the deaths and with that comes depression, suicide, not eating or drinking etc. that will bring on death and that is what is meant by it truely.
110 But as the leading companies entered upon the Plank Trail, they saw a great blaze in front, and, with a great shout, a cohort came out barring the way. The leaders of the retreating army were taken aback and sent to inform Yang Yi.
111 The regiments of Wei are nowhere near, Then who are these soldiers that now appear?
112 The next chapter will tell who they were.

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