却说孔明用减兵添灶之法，退兵到汉中；司马懿恐有埋伏，不敢追赶，亦收兵回长安去了；因此蜀兵不曾折了一人。孔明大赏三军已毕，回到成都，入见后主，奏曰：「老臣出了祁山，欲取长安，忽承陛下降诏召回，不知有何大事？」后主无言可对；
By means of the artifice just described, Chuko withdrew his army safely into Hanchung, while Ssŭma retreated upon Ch‘angan. K‘ung-ming distributed the rewards for success and then went to the capital for audience.
良久乃曰：「朕久不见丞相之麺，心甚思慕，故特诏回，别无他事。」孔明曰：「此非陛下本心，必有奸臣谗谮，言臣有异志也。」后主闻言，默然无语。孔明曰：「老臣受先帝厚恩，誓以死报。今若内有奸邪，臣何能讨贼乎？
“Your Majesty recalled me just as I was about to advance upon Ch‘angan; what is the important matter?” said the minister. For a long time the king made no reply. Presently he said, “I longed to see your face once more, that is the only reason." K‘ung-ming replied, “I think my recall was not on your own initiative; some slanderous person has hinted that I cherished ulterior objects.”
」后主曰：「朕因过听宦官之言，一时召回丞相。今日茅塞方开，悔之不及矣。」孔明遂唤众宦官究问，方知是茍安流言；急令人捕之，已投魏国去了。孔明将妄奏的宦官诛戮，余皆废出宫外；又深责蒋琬、费祎等不能觉察奸邪，规谏天子。二人唯唯服罪。
The king, who indeed felt guilty and ill at ease, made no reply, and K‘ung-ming continued, “Your late father laid me under an obligation which I am pledged to fulfil to the death. But if vile influences are permitted to work at home, how can I destroy the rebels without?” “The fact is I recalled you because of the talk of the eunuchs. But I understand now and am unutterably sorry.” K‘ung-ming interrogated the eunuchs and thus found out the base rumours that had been spread abroad by Kou An. He sent to arrest this man, but he had already fled and gone over to Wei. The eunuchs who had influenced the king were put to death, and all the others were expelled from the palace. The Prime Minister also upbraided Chiang Wan and Fei I for not having looked into the matter and set the king right.
孔明拜辞后主，复到汉中，一麺发檄令李严应付粮草，仍运赴军前；一麺再议出师。杨仪曰：「前数兴兵，军力罢敝，粮又不继；今不如分兵两班，以三个月为期：且如二十万之兵，只领十万出祁山，住了三个月，却教这十万替回，循环相转，使兵力不乏。
K‘ung-ming then took leave of the king and returned to the army. He wrote to Li Yen to see to the necessary supplies and began preparations for a new expedition. Yang I said, “The soldiers are wearied by the many expeditions, and the supplies are not regular. I think a better plan would be to send half the army to Ch‘ishan for three months, and at the end of that time exchange them for the other half; and so on alternately. For example, if you have twenty legions, let ten legions go into the field and ten remain. In this way, using ten and ten, their energies will be conserved and you can gradually work toward the metropolis. ”
然后徐徐而进，中原可图矣。」孔明曰：「此言正合我意。吾伐中原，非一朝一夕之事，正当为此长久之计。」遂下令，分兵两班，限一百日为期，循环相转，违限者按军法处治。
“I agree with you,” said K‘ung-ming. “Our attack is not a matter to be achieved in haste. The suggestion for an extended campaign is excellent.” Wherefore the army was divided, and each half went out for one hundred days' service at a time, when it was relieved by the other half. Full penalties were provided for any laxity and failure to maintain the periods of active service.
建兴九年春二月，孔明复出师伐魏。时魏太和五年也。魏主曹叡知孔明又伐中原，急召司马懿商议。懿曰：「今子丹已亡，臣愿竭一人之力，剿除寇贼，以报陛下。」叡大喜，设宴待之。次日，人报蜀兵寇急。叡即命司马懿出师御敌，亲排銮驾送出城外。
In the spring of the ninth year of Chien-Hsing the army once more took the field against Wei. In Wei it was the fifth year of T‘ai-Ho . When the King of Wei heard of this new expedition he called Ssŭma and asked his advice. “Now that my friend Ts‘ao Chên is no more, I am willing to do all that one man can to destroy the rebels against Your Majesty’s authority.” The king was gratified by this ready offer, and honoured Ssŭma with a banquet. Soon after came the news of actual attack and an edict issued for the army to move. The king, riding in his state chariot, escorted Ssŭma I out of the city, and, after the farewells, the general took the road to Chʻangan, where the force was gathering. There was assembled a council of war.
懿辞了魏主，迳到长安，大会诸路人马，计议破蜀兵之策。张郃曰：「吾愿引一军去守雍、郿，以拒蜀兵。」懿曰：「吾前军不能独当孔明之众，而又分兵为前后，非胜算也。不如留兵守上邽，余众悉往祁山。公肯为先锋否？
Chang Ho offered to guard Yung and Mei, but Ssŭma said, “Our leading army is not strong enough to face the enemy’s whole force. Moreover, to divide an army is not generally a successful scheme. The better plan will be to leave a guard in Shangk‘uei and send all the others to Ch‘ishan. Will you undertake the leadership of the van?”
」郃大喜曰：「吾素怀忠义，欲侭心报国，惜未遇知己；今都督肯委重任，虽万死不辞。」于是司马懿令张郃为先锋，总督大军；又令郭淮守陇西诸郡。其余众将各分道而进。
Chang Ho consented, saying, “I have always been most loyal and will devote my energies entirely to the service of the state. So far I have not had an adequate opportunity to prove my sincerity, but now that you confer upon me a post of such responsibility I can only say that no sacrifice can be too great for me, and I will do my utmost.” So Chang was appointed van-leader, and then Kuo Huai was set over Shênsi. Other captains were distributed to other posts, and the march began. The spies ascertained that the main force of Shu was directed toward Ch‘ishan, and the leaders of the van were Wang P‘ing and Chang I. The route chosen for their march was from Ch'ênts‘ang across Chienko, through Sankuan and the Hsieh Valley.
前军哨马报说：「孔明率大军望祁山进发，前部先锋王平、张嶷，迳出陈仓，过剑阁，由散关望斜谷而来。」司马懿谓张郃曰：「今孔明长驱大进，必将割陇西小麦，以资军粮。汝可结营祁山，吾与郭淮巡略天水诸郡，以防贼兵割麦。」郃领诺，遂领四万兵守祁山。
Hearing this, Ssŭma said, “K‘ung-ming is advancing in great force and certainly intends to reap the wheat in Shênsi for his supply. You get sufficient men to hold Ch‘ishan, while I and Kuo Huai go over and foil the enemy’s plan to gather the wheat.”
懿引大军望陇西而去。
So Cang Ho took four legions to hold Ch‘ishan, and Ssŭma set out westwards.
却说孔明兵至祁山，安营已毕，见渭滨已有魏兵提备，乃谓诸将曰：「此必是司马懿也。即今营中乏粮，屡遣人催并李严运米应付，却只是不到。吾料陇上麦熟，可密引兵割之。」于是留王平、张嶷、吴班、吴懿四将守祁山营，孔明自引姜维、魏延等诸将，前到卤城。
When K‘ung-ming reached Ch‘ishan and had settled his men in camp, he saw that the bank of the River Wei had been fortified by his enemy. “That must be the work of Ssŭma I,” remarked he to his captains. “But we have not enough food in camp. I have written to Li Yen to send grain, but it has not yet arrived. The wheat in Shênsi is now just ripe, and we will go and reap it.”
卤城太守素知孔明，慌忙开城出降。孔明抚慰毕，问曰：「此时何处麦熟？」太守告曰：「陇上麦已熟。」孔明乃留张翼、马忠守卤城，自引诸将并三军望陇上而来。前军回报说：「司马懿引兵在此。」孔明惊曰：「此人预知吾来割麦也！
Leaving a guard for the camps, K‘ung-ming, with several captains, went over to Luch'êng. The Prefect of that city knew he could not offer any real defence, so he opened the gates and yielded. Then K‘ung-ming asked him where the ripe wheat was to be found, and Shênshang was named. So a few men were left in the city, and the remainder of the army went to Shênshang. But soon the leading body returned to say that Ssŭma had already occupied that city. “He guessed what I intended to do,” said K‘ung-ming, taken aback.
」即沐浴更衣，推过一般三辆四轮车来，车上俱要一样妆饰。此车乃孔明在蜀中预先造下的。当下孔明下令姜维引一千军护车，五百军擂鼓，伏在上邽之后；马岱在左，魏延在右，亦各引一千军护车，五百军擂鼓。
K‘ung-ming then retired, bathed and put on another dress. Next he bade them bring out three four-wheeled chariots, all exactly alike, that were among the impedimenta of the army. They had been built in Shu some time before. Chiang Wei was told off to lead a company as escort for one chariot, and a half company of drummers were appointed to accompany it. The chariot with its escort and drummers was sent away behind the city. In like manner two other chariots were equipped and sent east and west of the city. Each chariot was propelled by a team of twenty men, all dressed in black, barefooted and with loosened hair. Each one of the team also had a sword or a black seven-starred bannerol.
每一辆车，用二十四人，皂衣跣足，披发仗剑，手执七星皂旛，在左右推车。三人各受计，引兵推车而去。孔明又令三万军各执镰刀、驮绳，伺候割麦。却选二十四个精壮之士，各穿皂衣，披发仗剑，簇拥四轮车，为推车使者。
While the chariots were taking up their positions the remaining men were ordered to prepare ropes and sickles to cut and carry away the grain.
令关兴结束做天蓬模样，手执七星皂旛，步行于车前。孔明端坐于上，望魏营而来。
Next K‘ung-ming selected twenty-four handsome soldiers, whom he dressed and armed like those sent away with the three chariots, save that all carried swords instead of some swords and some bannerols. These were to push his own chariot. Kuan Hsing was told to dress up as a sort of angel and to walk in front of K‘ung-ming’s chariot holding a black seven-starred bannerol. These preparations complete, K‘ung-ming mounted, and the chariot took the road toward the Wei camp.
哨探军见之大惊，莫知是人是鬼，火速报知司马懿。懿自出营视之：只见孔明簪冠鹤氅，手摇羽扇，端坐于车上；左右二十四人，披发仗剑；前麺一人，手执皂旛。隐隐似天神一般。懿曰：「这个又是孔明作怪也！
The appearance of a chariot with such attendants more than startled the enemy’s scouts, who did not know whether the apparition was that of a man or a demon. They hastened to their general and told him. Ssŭma came out himself and saw the cavalcade, and its central figure dressed as a Taoist mystic, with head-dress, white robe and a feather fan.
」遂拨二千人马分付曰：「汝等疾去，连车带人，侭情都捉来！」魏兵领命，一齐赶来。孔明见魏兵追赶来，便教回车，遥望蜀营缓缓而行。魏兵皆骤马追赶，但见阴风习习，冷雾漫漫。侭力赶了一程，追之不上，各人大惊，都勒住马言曰：「奇怪！
“Some of K‘ung-ming’s odd doings,” said he, and he ordered a couple of companies to go out and bring in the chariot, escort and the seated figure. The soldiers went out to do their bidding, but as soon as they appeared, the chariot retired and took a road leading to the rear of the Shu camp. Although the Wei soldiers were mounted, they could not come up with the cavalcade. What they did meet with was a chilly breeze and a cold mist that rolled about them.
我等急急赶了三十里，只见在前，追之不上。如之奈何？」
They found it uncanny and halted, saying one to another, “How extraordinary it is that we have been pressing on and yet we got no nearer. What does it mean?”
孔明见兵不来，又令推车过来，朝著魏兵歇下。魏兵犹豫良久，又放马赶来。孔明复回车慢慢而行。魏兵又赶了二十里，只见在前，不曾赶上，侭皆痴呆。孔明教回过车，朝著魏兵，推车倒行。魏兵又欲追赶。后麺司马懿自引一军到。
When K‘ung-ming saw that the pursuit had ceased, he had his chariot pushed out again to the front and passed within sight of the halted men. At first they hesitated, but presently took up the pursuit once more. Whereupon the chariot again retired, proceeding slowly, but always keeping out of reach. And thus more than twenty li were covered and the chariot was still not captured. Again the soldiers halted, puzzled and perplexed at this incomprehensible chase. But as soon as they stopped, the chariot came again toward them and they retook pursuit.
传令曰：「孔明善会八门遁甲，能驱六丁六甲之神。此乃六甲天书内『缩地』之法也，众军不可追之。」众军方勒马回时，左势下战鼓大震，一彪军杀来，懿急令兵拒之。只见蜀兵队里二十四人，披发仗剑，皂衣跣足，拥出一辆四轮车；
Ssŭma now came up with a strong force. But he also halted, and said to his men, “This K‘ung-ming is a past master in the arts of necromancy and juggling and knows how to call up spirits to his aid. I know this trick of his; it is one of the 'Six Chia ,' and it is vain to pursue.”
车上端坐孔明，簪冠鹤氅，手摇羽扇。懿大惊曰：「方才那个车上坐著孔明，赶了五十里，追之不上，如何这里又有孔明？怪哉！怪哉！」言未毕，右势下战鼓又鸣，一彪军杀来：四轮车上亦坐著一个孔明；左右亦有二十四人，皂衣跣足，披法仗剑，拥车而来。
So they ceased following. But then a roll of drums came from the side of the enemy as if a body of men were approaching. Ssŭma told off some companies to repel them, but there only came into view a small force, and in their midst was a party of men dressed in black, the exact counterpart of the cavalcade he had first sent to pursue. In the chariot sat another K‘ung-ming just like the one that had just disappeared. “But just now he was sitting in that other chariot; how can he be here? It is most wonderful,” said Ssŭma.
懿心中大疑，回顾诸将曰：「此必神兵也！」众军心下大乱，不敢交战，各自奔走。
Shortly after they heard another roll of the drums, and as the sound died away there appeared another body of men, with a chariot in the midst, exactly like the last and also carrying a sitting figure of K‘ung-ming. “They must be magic soldiers,” said Ssŭma. The men were now feeling the strain of these weird appearances and began to get out of hand. They dared not stay to fight such beings, and some ran away. But before they had gone far, lo! another roll of drums, another cohort and another chariot with a similar figure seated therein.
正行之际，忽然鼓声大震，又一彪军杀到：当先一辆四轮车，孔明端坐于上，左右推车使者，同前一般。魏兵无不骇然。司马懿不知是人是鬼，又不知蜀兵多少，十分惊惧，急急引兵奔入上邽，闭门不出。此时孔明早令三万精兵将陇上小麦割侭，运赴卤城打晒去了。
The men of Wei were now thoroughly frightened, and even Ssŭma himself began to feel doubtful whether these appearances should be ascribed to men or devils. He realised, however, that he was in the midst of dangers, and he and his men ran away helter-skelter, never stopping till they reached Shangk‘ui. They entered the city and closed the gates. Having thus driven off the Wei soldiers, K‘ung-ming proceeded to reap and gather the wheat, which was carried into Luch'êng and laid out to dry.
司马懿在上邽城中，三日不敢出城；后见蜀兵退去，方敢令军出哨。于路捉得一蜀兵，来见司马懿。懿问之。其人告曰：「某乃割麦之人，因走失马匹，被捉前来。」懿曰：「前者是何神兵？」答曰：「三路伏兵，皆不是孔明，乃姜维、马岱、魏延也。
Ssŭma remained shut up within the walls for three days. Then, as he saw his enemies retiring, he sent out some scouts, who presently returned with a Shu soldier they had captured. The prisoner was questioned. “I was of the reaping party,” said the man. “They caught me when I was looking for some horses that had strayed.” “What wonderful soldiers were they of yours that one saw here lately?” asked the general. The man replied, “K‘ung-ming was with one party of them, the others were led by Chiang Wei, Ma Tai and Wei Yen. There was a company of fighting men with each chariot and half a company of drummers. K‘ung-ming was with the first party.” “His comings and goings are not human,” said Ssŭma sadly.
每一路只有一千军护车，五百兵擂鼓。只是先来诱阵的车上乃孔明也。」懿仰天长叹曰：「孔明有神出鬼没之机！」忽报副都督郭淮入见。懿接入礼毕。淮曰：「吾闻蜀兵不多，现在卤城打麦，可以击之。」懿细言前事。淮笑曰：「只瞒过一时；今已识破，何足道哉！
He sent for Kuo Huai to talk over plans. Said Kuo, “I hear the men of Shu are very few and they are occupied with gathering the grain; why not smite them?”
吾引一军攻其后，公引一军攻其前，卤城可破，孔明可擒矣。」懿从之，遂分兵两路而来。
Ssŭma told him his last experience of his opponent’s wiles. “He threw dust in your eyes that time,” said Kuo with a smile. “However, now you know. What is the good of more talk? Let me attack the rear, while you lead against the front, and we shall take the city and K‘ung-ming too.” An attack was decided upon.
却说孔明引军在卤城打晒小麦，忽唤诸将听令曰：「今夜敌人必来攻城。吾料卤城东西麦田之内，足可伏兵；谁敢为我一往？」姜维、魏延、马岱、马忠四将出曰：「某等愿往。」孔明大喜，乃命姜维、魏延各引二千兵，伏于东南、西北两处；
While the men were still busy with the wheat, K‘ung-ming called up his captains, and said, “The enemy will attack tonight. There is a suitable place for an ambush in the newly reaped fields, but who will lead for me?”
马岱、马忠各引二千兵，伏于西南、东北两处：「只听砲响，四角一齐杀来。」四将引兵，受计去了。孔明自引百余人，各带火砲出城，伏在麦田之内等候。
Four captains offered themselves, and he posted them, each with two companies, outside the four corners of the city. They were to await the signal and then converge. When these had gone, K‘ung-ming led out a small party of men and hid in the newly reaped fields.
却说司马懿引兵迳到卤城下，日已昏黑，乃谓诸将曰：「若白日进兵，城中必有准备；今可乘夜晚攻之。此处城低壕浅，可便打破。」遂屯兵城外。一更时分，郭淮亦引兵来。两下合兵，一声鼓响，把卤城四麺围得铁桶相似。城上万弩齐发，矢石如雨，魏兵不敢前进。
In the meantime Ssŭma was drawing near. It was dusk when he stood beneath the walls of Luch'êng. Said he to his officers, “If we attacked by daylight we should find the city well prepard, so we will take advantage of the darkness The moat is shallow here, and there will be no difficulty in crossing it.” The men bivouacked till the time should come to attack. About the middle of the first watch Kuo Huai arrived, and his force joined up with the others. This done, the drums began to beat, and the city was quickly surrounded. However, the defenders maintained such a heavy discharge of arrows, bolts and stones from the walls that the besiegers dared not close in.
忽然魏军中信砲连声，三军大惊，又不知何处兵来。淮令人去麦田搜时，四角上火光冲天，喊声大震，四路蜀兵，一齐杀至；卤城四门大开，城内兵杀出：里应外合，大杀一阵，魏兵死者无数。司马懿引败兵奋死突出重围，占住了山头；郭淮亦引败兵奔到山后扎住。
Suddenly from the midst of the Wei army came the roar of a bomb, soon followed by others from different places. The soldiers were startled, but no one could say whence the sounds had proceeded. Kuo Huai went to search the wheat fields, and then the four armies from the corners of the city converged upon the Wei army. At the same time the defenders burst out of the city gates, and a great battle began. Wei lost many men. After heavy fighting Ssŭma extricated his army from the battle and made his way to a hill, which he set about holding and fortifying, while Kuo Huai got round to the rear of the city and called a halt.
孔明入城，令四将于四角下安营。
K‘ung-ming entered the city and sent his men to camp again at the four corners of the walls.
郭淮告司马懿曰：「今与蜀兵相持许久，无策可退；目下又被杀了一阵，折伤三千余人；若不早图，日后难退矣。」懿曰：「当复如何？」淮曰：「可发檄文调雍、凉人马并力剿杀。吾愿引军袭剑阁，截其归路，使彼粮草不通，三军慌乱。那时乘势击之，敌可灭矣。
Kuo Huai went to see his chief, and said, “We have long been at grips with these men and are unable to drive them off. We have now lost another fight, and unless something is done we shall not get away at all.” “What can we do?” asked Ssŭma. “You might write to Yung and Liang to send their forces to our help. I will try my fortune against Chienko and cut off Chuko’s retreat and supplies. That should bring about discontent and mutiny, and we can attack when we see the enemy in confusion.”
」懿从之，及发檄文星夜往雍、凉调拨人马。不一日，大将孙礼引诸郡人马到。懿即令孙礼约会郭淮去袭剑阁。
The letters were sent, and soon Sun Li came leading the men, foot and horse, of the two districts. The new arrivals were sent to help Kuo in the attack on Chienko.
却说孔明在卤城相拒日久，不见魏兵出战，乃唤马岱、姜维入城听令曰：「今魏兵守住山险，不与吾战：一者料吾麦侭无粮；二者令兵去袭剑阁，断吾粮道也。汝二人各引一万军先去守住险要，魏兵见有准备，自然退去。」二人引兵去了。
After many days had passed without sight of the enemy, K‘ung-ming thought it was time to make another move. Calling up Chiang Wei and Ma Tai, he said, “The men of Wei are well posted on the hills and refuse battle because, firstly, they think that we are short of food, and, secondly, they have sent an army against Chienko to cut off our supplies. Now each of you will take a legion and garrison the important points about here to show them that we are well prepared to defend ourselves. Then they will retire.”
长史杨仪入帐告曰：「向者丞相令大兵一百日一换，今已限足，汉中兵已出川口，前路公文已到，只待会兵交换；现存八万军，内四万该与换班。」孔明曰：「既有令，便教速行。」
After these two had gone, Chang Shih and Chang I came to see the general about the change of troops then due. They told him the reliefs had alredy left Hanchung and that despatches from the leading divisions had come in. Four legions were due for relief. “There is the order; carry it out,” replied K‘ung-ming. So the home-going legions prepared to withdraw. Just then came the news of reinforcements for the enemy from Yung and Liang and a report of actual attacks on Luch'êng and Chienko. In the face of such important news, Yang I went to ask if the change of forces was to take place or be postponed for a time.
众军闻知，各各收拾起程。忽报孙礼引雍、凉人马二十万来助战，去袭取剑阁，司马懿自引兵来攻卤城了。蜀兵无不惊骇。杨仪入告孔明曰：「魏兵来得甚急，丞相可将换班军且留下退敌，待新来兵到，然后换之。」孔明曰：「不可。吾用兵命将，以信为本。
K‘ung-ming replied, “I must keep faith with the men. Since the order for the periodical exchange of men has been issued it must be carried out. Beside, the men due for relief are all prepared to start, their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them. In the face of yet greater difficulties I would let them go.”
既有令在先，岂可失信？且蜀兵应去者，皆准备归计，其父母妻子依扉而望；吾今便有大难，决不留他。」即传令教应去之兵，当日便行。众军闻之，皆大呼曰：「丞相如此施恩，我等愿且不回，各舍一命，大杀魏兵，以报丞相！
So orders were given for the time-expired men to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it a sudden movement of generosity spread among them, and they said they did not wish to go, but would prefer to remain to fight.
」孔明曰：「尔等应该还家，岂可复留于此？」众军皆欲出战，不愿回家。孔明曰：「汝等既要与我出战，可出城安营，待魏兵到，莫待他息喘，便急攻之：此以逸待劳之法也。」众兵领命，各执兵器，懽喜出城，列阵而待。
“But you are due for home; you cannot stay here,” said the general. They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home. “Since you wish to stay and fight with me you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the men of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march.” So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.
却说西凉人马倍道而来，走的人马困乏；方欲下营歇息，被蜀兵一拥而进，人人奋勇，将锐兵骁，雍、凉兵抵敌不住，望后便退。蜀兵奋力追杀，杀得那雍、凉兵尸横遍野，血流成渠。孔明出城，收聚得胜之兵，入城赏劳，忽报永安李严有书告急。孔明大惊，拆封视之。
Now the Hsiliang men had travelled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents the men of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, men full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The men of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels. It was a victory for K‘ung-ming, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards.
书云：
Doubts and fears crowded in upon K‘ung-ming’s mind as he read. He summoned his officers:
「近闻东吴令人入洛阳，与魏连和。魏令吴代蜀，幸吴尚未起兵。今严探知消息，伏望丞相早作良图。」
Just then arrived an urgent letter from Li Yen, then at Jungpʻing, and when K‘ung-ming had torn it open he read:—“News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Loyang and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans.”
孔明览毕，甚是惊疑，乃聚众将曰：「若东吴兴兵寇蜀，吾须索速回也。」即传令，教祁山大寨人马，且退回西川；「司马懿知吾屯军在此，必不敢追赶。」于是王平、张嶷、吴班、吴懿，分兵两路，徐徐退入西川去了。
Doubts and fears crowded in upon K‘ung-ming’s mind as he read. He summoned his officers: “As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly,” said he. “If I issue orders for the Ch‘ishan force to withdraw, Ssŭma will not dare to pursue while we are camped here.” The Ch‘ishan force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Chang Ho watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Ssŭma.
张郃见蜀兵退去，恐有计策，不敢来追，乃引兵来见司马懿曰：「今蜀兵退去，不知何意？」懿曰：「孔明诡计极多，不可轻动。不如坚守，待他粮侭，自然退去。」大将魏平出曰：「蜀兵拔祁山之营而退，正可乘胜追之。都督按兵不动，畏蜀如虎，奈天下笑何？
“The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason.” “K‘ung-ming is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful look-out. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good.” Here Wei Yen stepped forward, saying, “But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us.”
」懿坚执不从。
But Ssŭma was obstinate and ignored the protest.
却说孔明知祁山兵已回，遂唤马忠、杨仪入帐，授以密计，令先引一万弓弩手，去剑阁木门道，两下埋伏；若魏兵追到，听吾砲响，急滚下木石，先截其去路，两头一齐射之。二人引兵去了。又唤魏延、关兴引兵断后，城上四麺遍插旌旗，城内乱堆柴草，虚放烟火。
When K‘ung-ming knew that the Ch‘ishan men had got away safely, he called Yang I and Ma Chung and gave them secret orders to lead a legion of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Gate of Chienko and place them in ambush on both sides of the road. “If the men of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows.” Wei Yen and Kuan Hsing were told to attack the rear of the enemy.
大兵侭望木门道而去。
These orders given, the walls of the city were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to raise a blaze as though the city was on fire. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Gate.
魏营巡哨兵来报司马懿曰：「蜀兵大队已退，但不知城中还有多少兵？」懿自往视之，见城上插旗，城中烟起，笑曰：「此乃空城也。」令人探之，果是空城。懿大喜曰：「孔明已退，谁敢追之？」先锋张郃曰：「吾愿往。」懿阻曰：「公性急躁，不可去。
The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Ssŭma went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags he said, “The city is deserted.” He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty. “Then K‘ung-ming is really gone; who will pursue?” “Let me,” replied Chang Ho. “You are too impulsive,” said Ssŭma.
」郃曰：「都督出关之时，命吾为先锋；今日正是立功之际，却不用吾，何也？」懿曰：「蜀兵退去，险阻处必有埋伏，须十分仔细，方可追之。」郃曰：「吾已知得，不必挂虑。」懿曰：「公自欲去，莫要追悔。」郃曰：「大丈夫舍身报国，虽万死无恨。
“I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me to-day, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?” “Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point.” “I know that, and you need not be afraid.” “Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must be prepared for.” “A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country; never mind what happens.” “Then take half a legion and start; Wei P‘ing shall follow with two legions of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three companies to help where need be.”
」懿曰：「公既坚执要去，可引五千兵先行；却教魏平引二万马步兵后行，以防埋伏。吾自引三千兵随后接应。」
So Chang Ho set out and advanced quickly. Thirty li out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by a captain of high rank, who galloped to the front crying, “Whither would you go, O rebel leader?” Chang Ho swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yen, for it was he who led, but after a few passes Wei fled. Chang rode after him along the road he had come by and then stopped and turned again. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.
张郃领命，引兵火速追赶。行到三十余里，忽然背后喊声大震，树林内闪出一彪军，为首大将，横刀勒马大叫曰：「贼将引兵那里去！」郃回头视之，乃魏延也。郃大怒，回马交锋。不十合，延诈败而走。郃又追赶三十余里，勒马回顾，全无伏兵，又策马前追。
“Chang Ho, do not run away!” cried this leader, who was Kuan Hsing. Kuan galloped close, and Chang did not flee. They fought, and after half a score of passes Kuan seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled. Chang Ho followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Chang was fearful of entering in, so he sent forward men to search the thickets. They could find no danger, and Chang again pursued.
方转过山坡，忽又喊声大起，一彪军闪出，为首大将，乃关兴也，横刀勒马大叫曰：「张郃休走！有吾在此！」郃就拍马交锋。不十合，兴拨马便走。郃随后追之。赶到一密林内，郃心疑，令人四下哨探，并无伏兵；于是放心又赶。不想魏延又抄在前麺；郃又与战十余合。
Chang Ho swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yen, for it was he who led, but after a few passes Wei fled. Chang rode after him along the road he had come by and then stopped and turned again. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.
延又败走。郃奋怒赶来，又被关兴抄在前麺，截住去路。郃大怒，拍马交锋。战有十合，蜀兵侭弃衣甲什物等件，塞满道路。魏兵皆下马争取。
But quite unexpectedly Wei Yen, who had formerly fled, got round ahead of Chang and now appeared again. The two fought a half score bouts and again Wei ran. Chang followed, but Kuan also got round to the front by a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Wei. Chang attacked furiously as soon as he was checked, this time so successfully that the men of Shu threw away their war-gear and ran. The road was thus littered with spoil, and the Wei men could not resist the temptation to gather it. They slipped from their horses and began to collect the arms.
延、兴二将，轮流交战。张郃奋勇追赶。看看天晚，赶到木门道口，魏延拨回马，高声大骂曰：「张郃逆贼！吾不与汝相拒！汝只顾赶来，吾今与汝决一死战！」郃十分忿怒，挺枪骤马，直取魏延。延挥刀来迎。
The manœuvres just described continued, Yen and Kuan one after the other engaging Chang and Chang pressing on after each one, but achieving nothing. And as evening fell the running fight had led both sides close to the Wooden Gate Road. Then suddenly Wei’s men made a real stand, and he rode to the front yelling, “Yield, rebel! I have not fought yet and you have had it all your own way so far. Now we will fight to the death.” Chang was furious and nothing loth, so he came on with his spear to meet Wei, who was flourishing his sword. They met; yet again, after a few bouts, Wei threw aside weapons, armour, helmet and all his gear, and even left his horse and went away along the Wooden Gate Road.
战不十合，延大败，侭弃衣甲、头盔、匹马，引败兵望木门道中而走。张郃杀的性起，又见魏延大败而逃，乃骤马赶来。此时天色昏黑，一声炮响，山上火光冲天，大石乱柴滚将下来，阻截去路。郃大惊曰：「我中计矣！
Chang Ho was filled with the lust to kill, and he could not let Wei escape. So he set out after him, although it was already dark. But suddenly lights appeared, and the sky became aglow, and at the same time huge boulders and great baulks of timber came rolling down the slopes and blocked the way.
」急回马时，背后已被木石塞满了归路，中间只有一段空地，两边皆是峭壁，郃进退无路。忽一声梆子响，两下万弩齐发，将张郃并百余个部将皆射死于木门道中。后人有诗曰：
Fear gripped Chang, for he saw he had blundered into an ambush. The road was blocked in front and behind and bordered by craggy precipices. Then, rat-tat-tat! came the sound of a rattle, and therewith flew clouds of arrows and showers of bolts. Chang Ho and many of his officers were killed.
伏弩齐飞万点星，木门道上射雄兵。
Hidden crossbows flew like ten thousand stars, Showering brave troops along the Wooden Gate Pass.
至今剑阁行人过，犹说军师旧日名。
To this day, travelers passing Sword Pavilion Still speak the Prime Minister's ancient name.
却说张郃已死，随后魏兵追到，见塞了道路，已知张郃中计。众军勒回马急退。忽听的山头上大叫曰：「诸葛丞相在此！」众军仰视，只见孔明立于火光之中，指众军而言曰：「吾今日围猎，欲射一『马』，误中一『獐』。汝各人安心而去，上覆仲达，早晚必为吾所擒矣。
With myriad shining bolts the air was filled, The road was littered with brave soldiers killed; The force to Chienko faring perished here; The tale of valour grows from year to year. Soon the second army of Wei came up, but too late to help. From the signs they knew that their comrades had been victims of a cruel trick, and they turned back. But as they faced about a shout was heard, and from the hill-tops came, “I, Chuko Liang, am here!” Looking up they saw his figure outlined against a fire. Pointing to the slain, he cried, “I have been hunting, as you see; only instead of slaying a horse (Ma, for Ssŭma) I have killed a deer (Chang). But you may go in peace, and when you see your general, tell him that he will be my quarry one day.”
」魏兵回见司马懿，细告前事。懿悲伤不已，仰天叹曰：「张隽义身死，吾之过也！」乃收兵回洛阳。魏主闻张郃死，挥泪叹息，令人收其尸，厚葬之。
The soldiers told this to Ssŭma when they returned, and he was deeply mortified, and blamed himself as the cause of the death of his colleague Chang Ho. And when he returned to Loyang the king wept at the death of his brave leader and had his body honourably buried.
却说孔明入汉中，欲归成都见后主。都护李严妄奏后主曰：「臣已备办军粮，行将运赴丞相军前，不知丞相何故忽然班师。」后主闻奏，即命尚书费祎入汉中见孔明，问班师之故。祎至汉中宣后主之意。孔明大惊曰：「李严发书告急，说东吴将兴兵寇川，因此回师。
K‘ung-ming had no sooner reached Hanchung than he prepared to go on to the capital and see his lord. But Li Yen, who was in charge of the capital beside being responsible for supplying the army, said to the king, “Why does the Prime Minister return, for I have kept him fully supplied with all things needed for the army?”
」费祎曰：「李严奏称军粮已办，丞相无故回师，天子因此命某来问耳。」孔明大怒，令人访察，乃是李严因军粮不济，怕丞相见罪，故发书取回，却又妄奏天子，遮饰己过。孔明大怒曰：「匹夫为一己之故，废国家大事！」令人召至，欲斩之。
Then the king sent Fei I into Hanchung to enquire why the army had retired. And when he had arrived and showed the cause of his coming, K‘ung-ming was greatly surprised and showed the letter from Li telling of the alliance and threatened invasion from Wu. Then Fei related the gist of Li’s memorial to the Throne. So K‘ung-ming enquired carefully, and then it came out that Li had failed to find sufficient grain to keep the army supplied and so had sent the first lying letter to the army that it might retire before the shortage showed itself. His memorial to the Throne was designed to cover the former fault.
费祎劝曰：「丞相念先帝托孤之意，姑且宽恕。」孔明从之。费祎即具表启奏天子。后主览表，勃然大怒，叱武士推出李严斩之。参军蒋琬出班奏曰：「李严乃先帝托孤之臣，望乞恩宽恕。」后主从之，即谪为庶人，徙于梓潼郡闲往。
“The fool has ruined the great design of the state just to save his own skin,” cried K‘ung-ming bitterly. He called in the offender and sentenced him to death. But Fei I interceded, saying that the late Emperor had loved and trusted Li Yen, and so his life was spared. However, when Fei made his report the king was wroth and ordered Li Yen to suffer death. But this time Chiang Wan intervened, saying, “Your late father named Li Yen as one of the guardians of your youth.” And the king relented. However, Li was stripped of all rank and exiled. But K‘ung-ming gave Li’s sons employment.
孔明回到成都，用李严子李丰为长史；积草屯粮，讲阵论武，整治军器，存恤将士：三年然后出征。两川人民军士，皆仰其恩德。光阴荏苒，不觉三年。时建兴十二年春二月。孔明入朝奏曰：「臣今存恤军士，已经三年。粮草丰足，军器完备，人马雄壮，可以伐魏。
Preparations then began for an expedition to start in three years. Plans were discussed, provisions were accumulated, weapons put in order and officers and men kept fit and trained. By his kindness to all men K‘ung-ming won great popularity, and the time passed quickly.
今番若不扫清奸党，恢复中原，誓不见陛下也！」后主曰：「方今已成鼎足之势，吴、魏不曾入寇，相父何不安享太平？」孔明曰：「臣受先帝知遇之恩，梦寐之间，未尝不设伐魏之策。竭力侭忠，为陛下克复中原，重兴汉室，臣之愿也。
In the second month of the thirteenth year K‘ung-ming presented a memorial saying, “I have been training the army for three years; supplies are ample and all is in order for an expedition. We may now attack Wei. If I cannot destroy these rebels, sweep away the evil hordes and bring about a glorious entry into the capital, then may I never again enter your Majesty’s presence.” The king replied, “Our state is now firmly established, and Wei troubles us not at all; why not enjoy the present tranquillity, O Father-Minister?” “Because of the mission left me by your father. I am ever scheming to destroy Wei, even in my dreams. I must strive my best and do my utmost to restore you to the ancient capital of your race and replace the Hans in their old palace.”
」言未毕，班部中一人出曰：「丞相不可兴兵。」众视之：乃谯周也。正是：
As he said this a voice cried, “An army may not go forth, O Minister!” Ch‘iao Chou had raised a last protest. K‘ung-ming’s sole thought was service, Himself he would not spare; But Ch‘iao had watched the starry sky, And read misfortune there. The next chapter will give the arguments against fighting.
武侯侭瘁惟忧国，太史知机又论天。
The Martial Lord wore himself out, caring only for the state; The Grand Historian knew the turning tides and spoke of Heaven.
未知谯周有何议论，且看下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.