却说魏主曹叡令张郃为先锋，与司马懿一同征进；一麺令辛毗、孙礼二人领兵五万，往助曹真。二人奉诏而去。
Beside sending Chang Ho as van-leader, Ts‘ao Jui appointed two other captains, Hsin P‘i and Sun Li, to assist Ts‘ao Chên. Each led five legions. Ssŭma’s army was twenty legions strong. They marched out through the pass and made a camp.
且说司马懿引二十万军，出关下寨，请先锋张郃至帐下曰：「诸葛亮生平谨慎，未敢造次行事。若吾用兵，先从子午谷迳取长安，早得多时矣。他非无谋，但恐有失，不肯弄险。今必出军斜谷，来取郿城。若取郿城，必分兵两路，一军取箕谷矣。
When encamped, the Commander-in-chief summoned the leader of the van to his tent and admonished him, saying, “A characteristic of Chuko Liang is his most diligent carefulness; he is never hasty. If I were in his place I should advance through the Tzuwu Valley to capture Ch‘angan and so save much time. It is not that he is unskilful, but he fears lest that plan might miscarry, and he will not sport with risk. Therefore he will certainly come through the Hsieh Valley, taking Meich'êng on the way. That place captured, he will divide his force into two, one part to take Chi Valley. I have sent orders to guard Meich'êng strictly and on no account to let its garrison go out to battle. The captains Sun Li and Hsin P‘i are to command the Chi Valley entrance, and should the enemy come they are to make a sudden attack.” “By what road will you advance?” asked Chang.
吾已发檄文，令子丹拒守郿城，若兵来不可出战；令孙礼、辛毗截住箕谷道口，若兵来则出奇兵击之。」郃曰：「今将军当于何处进兵？」懿曰：「吾素知秦岭之西，有一条路，地名街亭，傍有一城，名列柳城；此二处皆是汉中咽喉。诸葛亮欺子丹无备，定从此进。
“I know a road west of Ts‘inling valley called Chieht‘ing, on which stands the city Liehliuch'êng. These two places are the throat of Hanchung. Chuko Liang will take advantage of the unpreparedness of Ts‘ao Chên and will certainly come in by this way. I and you will go to Chieht‘ing, whence it is a short distance to Yenp‘ing Pass, and when K‘ung-ming hears that the road through Chieht‘ing is blocked and his supplies cut off, he will know that Shênsi is in danger, and will retire without losing a moment into Hanchung. I shall smite him on the march, and I ought to gain a complete victory. If he should not retire, then I shall block all the smaller roads and so stop his supplies. A month’s starvation will kill off the men of Shu, and Chuko will be my prisoner.”
吾与汝迳取街亭，望阳平关不远矣。亮若知吾断其街亭要路，绝其粮道，则陇西一境，不能安守，必然连夜奔回汉中去也。彼若回动，吾提兵于小路击之，可得全胜；若不归时，吾却将诸处小路，侭皆垒断，俱以兵守之。一月无粮，蜀兵皆饿死，亮必被吾擒矣。
Chang Ho took in the scheme and expressed his admiration of the prescience of his chief.
」张郃大悟，拜伏于地曰：「都督神算也！」懿曰：「虽然如此，诸葛亮不比孟达。将军为先锋，不可轻进。当传与诸将：循山西路，远远哨探。如无伏兵，方可前进。若是怠忽，必中诸葛亮之计。」张郃受计引军而行。
Ssŭma continued, “However, it is not to be forgotten that Chuko is quite different from Mêng, and you, as leader of the van, will have to advance with the utmost care. You must impress upon your captains the importance of reconnoitring a long way ahead and only advancing when they are sure there is no ambush. The least remissness will make you the victim of some ruse of the enemy.”
却说孔明在祁山寨中，忽报新城探细人来到。孔明急唤入问之。细作告曰：「司马懿倍道而行，八日已到新城，孟达措手不及；又被申耽、申仪、李辅、邓贤为内应，孟达被乱军所杀。今司马懿撤兵到长安，见了魏主，同张郃引兵出关，来拒我师也。
Chang Ho, having received his instructions, marched away. Meanwhile a spy had come to K‘ung-ming in Ch‘ishan with news of the destruction of Mêng Ta and the failure of his conspiracy. Ssŭma, having succeeded there, had gone to Ch‘angan when he had marched through the pass.
」孔明大惊曰：「孟达作事不密，死固当然。今司马懿出关，必取街亭，断吾咽喉之路。」便问：「谁敢引兵去守街亭？」言未毕，参军马谡曰：「某愿往。」孔明曰：「街亭虽小，干系甚重：倘街亭有失，吾大军皆休矣。
K‘ung-ming was distressed. “Mêng’s destruction was certain,” said he. “Such a scheme could not remain secret. Now Ssŭma will try for Chieht‘ing and block the one road essential to us.”
汝虽深通谋略，此地奈无城郭，又无险阻，守之极难。」谡曰：「某自幼熟读兵书，颇知兵法。岂一街亭不能守耶？」孔明曰：「司马懿非等闲之辈；更有先锋张郃，乃魏之名将：恐汝不能敌之。」谡曰：「休道司马懿、张郃，便是曹叡亲来，有何惧哉！
So Chieht‘ing had to be defended, and K‘ung-ming asked who would go. Ma Su offered himself instantly. K‘ung-ming urged upon him the importance of his task. “The place is small, but of very great importance, for its loss would involve the loss of the whole army. You are deeply read in all the rules of strategy, but the defence of this place is difficult, since it has no wall and no natural defences.” “I have studied the books of war since I was a boy, and I may say I know a little of the art of war,” Ma replied. “Why alone is Chieht‘ing so difficult to hold?”
若有差失，乞斩全家。」孔明曰：「军中无戏言。」谡曰：「愿立军令状。」孔明从之。谡遂写了军令状呈上。
“Because Ssǔma I is an exceptional man, and also he has a famous second in Chang Ho as leader of the van. I fear you may not be a match for him.”
孔明曰：「吾与汝二万五千精兵，再拨一员上将，相助你去。」即唤王平分付曰：「吾素知汝平生谨慎，故特以此重任相托。汝可小心谨慎。此地下寨必当要道之处，使贼兵急切不能偷过。安营既毕，便划四至八道地理形状图本来我看。凡事商议停当而行，不可轻易。
Ma replied, “To say nothing of these two, I would not mind if Ts‘ao Jui himself came against me. If I fail, then I beg you to behead my whole family.” “There is no jesting in war,” said K‘ung-ming. “I will give a written pledge.” The general agreed, and a written pledge was given and placed on record. K‘ung-ming continued, “I shall give you two legions and a half of veterans and also send an officer of rank to assist you.”
如所守无危，则是取长安第一功也。戒之！戒之！」二人拜辞引兵而去。孔明寻思，恐二人有失，又唤高翔曰：「街亭东北上有一城，名列柳城，乃山僻小路：此可以屯兵扎寨。与汝一万兵，去此城屯扎。但街亭危，可引兵救之。」高翔引兵而去。
Next he summoned Wang P‘ing and said to him, “As you are a careful and cautious man I am giving you a very responsible position. You are to hold Chieht‘ing with the utmost tenacity. Camp there in the most commanding position so that the enemy cannot steal by. When your arrangements are complete, draw a plan of them and a map of the local topography and let me see it. All my dispositions have been carefully thought out and are not to be changed. If you can hold this successfully it will be of the first service in the capture of Ch‘angan. So be very, very careful.”
孔明又思高翔非张郃对手，必得一员大将，屯兵于街亭之右，方可防之！遂唤魏延引本部兵去街亭之后屯扎。延曰：「某为前部，理合当先破敌，何故置某于安闲之地？」孔明曰：「前锋破敌，乃偏裨之事耳。
After these two had gone and K‘ung-ming had reflected for a long time, it occurred to him that there might be some slip between his two leaders, so he called Kao Hsiang to him and said, “North-east of Chieht‘ing is a city named Liehliuch‘êng and near it an unfrequented hill path. There you are to camp and make a stockade. I will give you a legion for this task, and if Chieht‘ing should be threatened you may go to the rescue.” After Kao Hsiang had left, and as K‘ung-ming knew his man was not a match for his opponent Chang Ho, he decided there ought to be additional strength on the west in order to make Chieht‘ing safe. So he summoned Wei Yen and bade him lead his troop to the rear of Chieht‘ing and camp there.
今令汝接应街亭，当阳平关冲要道路，总守汉中咽喉，此乃大任也。何为安闲乎？汝勿以等闲视之，失吾大事。切宜小心在意！」魏延大喜，引兵而去。孔明恰才心安，乃唤赵云、邓芝分付曰：「今司马懿出兵，与往日不同。汝二人各引一军出箕谷，以为疑兵。
But Wei Yen thought this rather a slight, and said, “As leader of the van I should go first against the enemy; why am I sent to a place where there is nothing to do?”
如逢魏兵，或战、或不战，以惊其心。吾自统大军，由斜谷迳取郿城：若得郿城，长安可破矣。」二人受命而去。孔明令姜维作先锋，兵出斜谷。
“The leadership of the van is really a second-rate task. Now I am sending you to support Chieht‘ing and take post on the most dangerous road to Yenp‘ing Pass. You are the chief keeper of the throat of Hanchung. It is a very responsible post and not at all an idle one. Do not so regard it and spoil my whole plan. Be particularly careful.” Wei Yen, satisfied now that he was not being slighted, went his way. K‘ung-ming’s mind was at rest, and he called up Chao Yün and Têng Chih, to whom he said, “Now that Ssŭma I is in command of the army the whole outlook is different. Each of you will lead a force out by Chi Valley and move about so as to mislead the enemy. Whether you meet and engage them or not you will certainly cause them uneasiness. I am going to lead the main army through Hsieh Valley to Meich'êng. If I can capture that, Ch‘'angan will fall.” For this march Chiang Wei was appointed leader of the van.
却说马谡、王平二人兵到街亭，看了地势。马谡笑曰：「丞相何故多心也？量此山僻之处，魏兵如何敢来！」王平曰：「虽然魏兵不敢来，可就此五路总口下寨；即令军士伐木为栅，以图久计。」谡曰：「当道岂是下寨之地？
When Ma Su and Wang P‘ing had reached Chieht‘ing and saw what manner of place it was, Ma Su smiled, saying, “Why was the minister so extremely anxious? How would the Wei armies dare to come to such a hilly place as this?” Wang P‘ing replied, “Though they might not dare to come, we should set our camp at this meeting of many roads.”
此处侧边一山，四麺皆不相连，且树木极广，此乃天赐之险也。可就山上屯军。」平曰：「参军差矣：若屯兵当道，筑起城垣，贼兵纵有十万，不能偷过；今若弃此要路，屯兵于山上，倘魏兵骤至，四麺围定，将何策保之？」谡大笑曰：「汝真女子之见！
So Wang ordered his men to fell trees and build a strong stockade as for a permanent stay. But Ma Su had a different idea. “What sort of a place is a road to make a camp in? Here is a hill standing solitary and well wooded. It is a heaven-created point of vantage, and we will camp on it.”
兵法云：『凭高视下，势如劈竹。』若魏兵到来，吾教他片甲不回！」平曰：「吾累随丞相经阵，每到之处，丞相侭意指教。今观此山，乃绝地也。若魏兵断我汲水之道，军士不战自乱矣。」谡曰：「汝莫乱道！孙子云：『置之死地而后生。
“You are wrong, Sir,” replied Wang. “If we camp on the road and build a strong wall the enemy cannot possibly get past. If we abandon this for the hill, and the men of Wei come in force, we shall be surrounded, and how then be safe?” “You look at the thing like a woman,” said Ma Su, laughing. “The rules of war say that when one looks down from a superior position one easily overcomes the enemy. If they come I will see to it that not a breastplate ever goes back again.”
』若魏兵绝我汲水之道，蜀兵岂不死战？以一可当百也。吾素读兵书，丞相诸事尚问于我，汝奈何相阻耶？」平曰：「若参军欲在山上下寨，可分兵与我，自于山西下一小寨，为犄角之势。倘魏兵至，可以相应。」马谡不从。
“I have followed our general in many a campaign, and always he has carefully thought out his orders. Now I have studied this hill carefully, and it is a critical point. If we camp thereon and the enemy cut off our water supply we shall have a mutiny.” “No such thing,” said Ma Su. “Sun Wu says that victory lies in desperate positions. If they cut off our water will not our men be desperate and fight to the death? Then everyone of them will be worth a hundred. I have studied the books, and the minister has always asked my advice. Why do you presume to oppose me?”
忽然山中居民，成群结队，飞奔而来，报说魏兵已到。王平欲辞去。马谡曰：「汝既不听吾令，与汝五千兵自去下寨。待吾破了魏兵，到丞相麺前须分不得功！」王平引兵离山十里下寨，划成图本，星夜差人去禀孔明，具说马谡自于山上下寨。
“If you are determined to camp on the hill, then give me part of the force to camp there on the west so that I can support you in case the enemy come.” But Ma Su refused. Just then a lot of the inhabitants of the hills came running along saying that the Wei soldiers had come. Wang was still bent on going his own way, and so Ma said to him, “Since you will not obey me, I will give you half a legion and you can go and make your own camp, but when I report my success to the minister you shall have no share of the merit.”
却说司马懿在城中，令次子司马昭去探前路；若街亭有兵把守，即当按兵不行。司马昭奉令探了一遍，回见父曰：「街亭有兵守把。」懿叹曰：「诸葛亮真乃神人，吾不如也！」昭笑曰：「父亲何故自隳志气耶？男料街亭易取。」懿问曰：「汝安敢出此大言？
Wang P‘ing marched about ten li from the hill and made his camp. He drew a plan of the place and sent it quickly to K‘ung-ming with a report that Ma Su had camped on the hill. Before Ssŭma marched, he sent his younger son to reconnoitre the road and to find out whether Chieht‘ing had a garrison. He had returned with the information that there was a garrison.
」昭曰：「男亲自哨见，当道并无寨栅，军皆屯于山上，故知可破也。」懿大喜曰：「若兵果在山上，乃天使吾成功矣！」遂更换衣服，引百余骑亲自来看。是夜天晴月朗，直至山下，周围巡哨了一遍，方回。马谡在山上见之，大笑曰：「彼若有命，不来围山。
“Chuko Liang is rather more than human,” said his father regretfully when the son gave in his report. “He is too much for me.” “Why are you despondent, father? I think Chieht‘ing is not so difficult to take.”
」传令与诸将：「倘兵来，只见山顶上红旗招动，即四麺皆下。」
“How dare you utter such bold words?” “Because I have seen. There is no camp on the road, but the enemy are camped on the hill.” This was glad news. “If they are on the hill then Heaven means a victory for me,” said his father. Ssŭma changed into another dress, took a small escort and rode out to see for himself. The moon shone brilliantly, and he rode to the hill whereon was the camp and looked all round it, thoroughly reconnoitring the neighbourhood. Ma Su saw him, but only laughed. “If he has any luck he will not try to surround this hill,” said Ma.
却说司马懿回到寨中，使人打听是何将引兵守街亭。回报曰：「乃马良之弟马谡也。」懿笑曰：「徒有虚名，乃庸才耳！孔明用如此人物，如何不误事！」又问：「街亭左右别有军否？」探马报曰：「离山十里有王平安营。」懿乃命张郃引一军，当住王平来路。
He issued an order to his captains that in case the enemy came they were to look to the summit for a signal with a red flag, when they should rush down on all sides. Ssŭma I returned to his camp and sent out to enquire who commanded in Chieht‘ing. They told him Ma Su, brother of Ma Liang. “A man of false reputation and very ordinary ability,” said Ssŭma. “If K‘ung-ming uses such as he, he will fail.”
又令申耽、申仪引两路兵围山，先断了汲水道路；待蜀兵自乱，然后乘势击之。当夜调度已定。次日天明，张郃引兵先往背后去了。司马懿大驱军马，一拥而进，把山四麺围定。马谡在山上看时，只见魏兵漫山遍野，旌旗队伍，甚是严整。蜀兵见之，侭皆丧胆，不敢下山。
Then he asked if there were any other camps near the place, and they told him Wang P‘ing was about ten li off. Wherefore Chang Ho was ordered to go and check Wang P‘ing. This done, the hill was surrounded and the road to the water supply was blocked. Lack of water would cause a mutiny, and when that occurred it would be time to attack. Chang Ho marched out and placed himself between Wang P‘ing and the hill. Then Ssŭma led the main body to attack the hill on all sides.
马谡将红旗招动，军将你我相推，无一人敢动。谡大怒，自杀二将。众军惊惧，只得努力下山来冲魏兵。魏兵端然不动。蜀兵又退上山去。马谡见事不谐，教军紧守寨门，只等外应。
From the summit of his hill Ma Su could see the banners of his enemy all round, and the country about was full of men. Presently the hemming in was complete, and the men of Shu became dejected. They dared not descend to attack although the red flag signalled for them to move. The captains stood huddled together, no one daring to go first. Ma Su was furious. He cut down two officers, which frightened the others to the point of descending and making one desperate rush. But the men of Wei would not fight with them, and they're-ascended the hill.
却说王平见魏兵到，引军杀来，正遇张郃；战有数十余合，平力穷势孤，只得退去。魏兵自辰时困至戌时，山上无水，军不得食，寨中大乱。嚷到半夜时分，山南蜀兵大开寨门，下山降魏。马谡禁止不住。司马懿又令人于沿山放火，山上蜀兵愈乱。
Ma Su saw that matters were going ill, so he issued orders to bar the gates and defend till help should come. When Wang P‘ing saw the hill surrounded he started to go to the rescue, but Chang Ho checked him, and after exchanging a half score encounters Wang was compelled to retire whence he had come.
马谡料守不住，只得驱残兵杀下山西逃奔。司马懿放条大路，让过马谡。背后张郃引兵赶来。赶到三十余里，前麺鼓角齐鸣，一彪军出，放过马谡，拦住张郃；视之，乃魏延也：挥刀纵马，直取张郃。郃回军便走。延驱兵赶来，复夺街亭。
The Wei men kept a close siege. The men in the hill camp, having no water, were unable to prepare food, and disorder broke out. The shouting was audible at the foot of the hill and went on far into the night. The men on the south face got out of hand, opened the gates and surrendered. The men of Wei went round the hill setting fire to the wood, which led to still greater confusion in the beleaguered garrison. At last Ma Su decided to make a dash for safety toward the west.
赶到五十余里，一声喊起，两边伏兵齐出：左边司马懿，右边司马昭，却抄在魏延背后，把延困在垓心。张郃复来，三路兵合在一处。魏延左冲右突，不得脱身，折兵大半。正危急间，忽一彪军杀入，乃王平也。延大喜曰：「吾得生矣！
Ssŭma allowed him to pass, but Chang Ho was sent to pursue and chased him for thirty li . But then there came an unexpected roll of drums. Chang Ho was stopped by Wei Yen while Ma Su got past. Whirling up his sword, Wei Yen dashed toward Chang, who retired within his ranks and fled. Wei followed and drove Chang backward toward Chieht‘ing. The pursuit continued for fifty li , and then Wang found himself in an ambush, Ssŭma I on one side and his son on the other. They closed in behind Wei Yen, and he was surrounded. Chang Ho then turned back, and the attack was now on three sides. Wei Yen lost many men, and all his efforts failed to get him clear of the press. Then help appeared in the person of Wang P‘ing.
」二将合兵一处，大杀一阵，魏兵方退。二将慌忙奔回寨时，营中皆是魏兵旌旗。申耽、申仪从营中杀出。王平、魏延迳奔列柳城，来投高翔。
“This is life for me,” said Wei Yen as he saw Wang coming up, and the two forces joined in a new attack on the men of Wei. So the men of Wei drew off, while Wei Yen and Wang P‘ing made all haste back to their own camps—only to find them in the hands of the enemy.
此时高翔闻知街亭有失，侭起列柳城之兵，前来救应，正遇延、平二人，诉说前事。高翔曰：「不如今晚去劫魏寨，再复街亭。」当时三人在山坡下商议已定。待天色将晚，兵分三路。魏延引兵先进，迳到街亭，不见一人，心中大疑，不敢轻进，且伏在路口等候。
Shên I and Shên Tan then rushed out and drove Wei and Wang toward Liehliuch'êng. There they were received by Kao Hsiang, who had come out to meet his unfortunate colleagues. When Kao Hsiang heard their story, he at once proposed a night attack on the Wei camp and the recovery of Chieht‘ing. They talked this over on the hillside and arranged their plans, after which they set themselves to wait till it was dark enough to start.
忽见高翔兵到，二人共说魏兵不知在何处。正没理会，又不见王平兵到。忽然一声砲响，火光冲天，鼓声震地。魏兵齐出，把魏延、高翔围在垓心。二人侭力冲突，不得脱身。忽听得山坡后喊声若雷，一彪军杀入，乃是王平，救了高、魏二人，迳奔列柳城来。
They set out along three roads; and Wei Yen was the first to reach Chieht‘ing. Not a soldier was visible, which looked suspicious. He decided to await the arrival of Kao Hsiang and they both speculated as to the whereabouts of their enemy. They could find no trace, and the third army had not yet come up.
比及奔到城下时，城边早有一军杀到，旗上大书「魏都督郭淮」字样。原来郭淮与曹真商议，恐司马懿得了全功，乃分淮来取街亭；闻知司马懿、张郃成了此功，遂引兵迳袭列柳城。正遇三将，大杀一阵。蜀兵伤者极多。魏延恐阳平关有失，慌与王平、高翔望阳平关来。
Suddenly a bomb exploded, and a brilliant flash lit up the sky; drums rolled as though the earth was rending, and the enemy appeared. In a trice the armies of Shu found themselves hemmed in. Both leaders pushed here and shoved there, but could find no way out. Then most opportunely from behind a hill rolled out a thunder of drums, and there was Wang P‘ing coming to their rescue. Then the three forced their way to Liehliuch'êng. But just as they drew near to the rampart another body of men came up, which, from the writing on their flags, they recognised as Kuo Huai’s army. Now Kuo was here from unworthy motives. He had talked over Ssŭma’s recall with his colleague Ts‘ao Chên, and, fearing lest the recalled general should acquire too great glory, Kuo had set out to anticipate him in the capture of Chieht‘ing. Disappointed when he heard of his rival’s success there, he had decided to try a similar exploit at Liehliuch'êng. So he had diverted his march thither.
却说郭淮收了军马，乃谓左右曰：「吾虽不得街亭，却取了列柳城，亦是大功。」引兵迳到城下叫门，只见城上一声砲响，旗帜皆竖，当头一麺大旗，上书「平西都督司马懿」。懿撑起悬空板，倚定护心木栏干，大笑曰：「郭伯济来何迟也？
He engaged the three Shu armies at once and slew so many of them that at Wei Yen’s suggestion they all left for Yangp‘ing Pass, which might be in danger. Kuo Huai, pleased with his success, gathered in his army after the victory and said to his officers, “I was disappointed at Chieht‘ing, but we have taken this place, and that is merit of high order.” Thereupon he proceeded to the city gates. Just as he arrived, a bomb exploded on the wall, and, looking up, he saw the rampart bedecked with flags. On the largest banner he read the name of the general, Ssŭma I. At that moment Ssŭma himself lifted a board that hung in front of him and looked over the breast-high rail. He looked down and smiled, saying, “How late you are, friend Kuo!”
」淮大惊曰：「仲达神机，吾不及也！」遂入城。相见已毕，懿曰：「今街亭已失，诸葛亮必走。公可速与子丹星夜追之。」郭淮从其言，出城而去。懿唤张郃曰：「子丹、伯济，恐吾全获大功，故来取此城池。吾非独欲成功，乃侥幸而已。
Kuo was amazed. “He is too much for me,” said he. So he resignedly entered the city and went to pay his respects to his successful rival.
吾料魏延、王平、马谡、高翔等辈，必先去据阳平关。吾若去取此关，诸葛亮必随后掩杀，中其计矣。兵法云：『归师勿掩，穷寇莫追。』汝可从小路抄箕谷退兵。吾自引兵当斜谷之兵。若彼败走，不可相拒，只宜中途截住，蜀兵辎重，可侭得也。
Ssŭma was gracious, and said, “K‘ung-ming must retire now that Chieht‘ing is lost. You join forces with Ts‘ao Chen and follow up quickly.”
」张郃受计，引兵一半去了。懿下令：「迳取斜谷：由西城而进。西城虽山僻小县，乃蜀兵屯粮之所，又南安、天水、安定三郡总路。若得此城，三郡可复矣。」于是司马懿留申耽、申仪守列柳城，自领大军斜谷进发。
Ssŭma called to him his van-leader, and said, “Those two thought we should win too great merit, so they tried to get ahead of us here. We are not the only ones who desire to achieve good service and acquire merit, but we had the good fortune to succeed. I thought the enemy would first try to occupy Yangp‘ing Pass, and if I went to take it then Chuko would fall on our rear. It says in the books on war that one should crush a retreating enemy not pursue broken rebels, so you may go along the by-roads and smite those withdrawing down the Chi Valley, while I oppose the Hsieh Valley army. If they flee, do not fight, but just hold them up on the road and capture the baggage train.” Chang marched away with half the force to carry out his part of this plan, while Ssŭma gave orders to go to Hsieh Valley by way of Hsich'êng, which though a small place, was important as a dépôt of stores for the Shu army, beside commanding the road to the three districts of Nanan, T‘ienshui and Anting. If this place could be captured the other three could be recaptured.
却说孔明自令马谡等守街亭去后，犹豫不定。忽王平使人送图本至。孔明唤入，左右呈上图本。孔明就文几上拆开视之，拍案大惊曰：「马谡无知，坑陷吾军矣！」左右问曰：「丞相何故失惊？」孔明曰：「吾观此图本，失却要路，占山为寨。
Ssŭma left Shên Tan and Shên I to guard Liehliuch'êng and marched his army toward the Hsieh Valley. After K‘ung-ming had sent Ma Su to guard Chieht‘ing he was undecided what to do next. Then arrived the messenger with the plan prepared by Wang P‘ing. K‘ung-ming went over to his table and opened the letter. As he read it he smote the table in wrath. “Ma Su’s foolishness has destroyed the army,” he cried.
倘魏兵大至，四麺围合，断汲水道路，不须二日，军自乱矣。若街亭有失，吾等安归？」长史杨仪进曰：「某虽不才，愿替马幼常回。」孔明将安营之法，一一分付与杨仪。正待要行，忽报马到来，说街亭、列柳城，侭皆失了。孔明跌足长叹曰：「大事去矣！此吾之过也！
“Why are you so disturbed, O Minister?” asked those near.
」急唤关兴、张苞分付曰：「汝二人各引三千精兵，投武功山小路而行。如遇魏兵，不可大击，只鼓噪呐喊，为疑兵惊之。彼当自走，亦不可追。待军退侭，便投阳平关去。」又令张翼先引军去修理剑阁，以备归路。又密传号令，教大军暗暗收拾行装，以备起程。
“By this plan I see that we have lost command of an important road. The camp has been made on the hill, and if the Wei men come in force our army will be surrounded and their water supply interrupted. In two days the men will be in a state of mutiny, and if Chieht‘ing shall be lost how shall we be able to retire?” Here the Chang-shih Yang I said, “I am none too clever I know, but let me go to replace Ma Su.” K‘ung-ming explained to him how and where to camp, but before he could start a horseman brought the news of the loss of Chieht‘ing and Liehliuch'êng. This made K‘ung-ming very sad, and he sighed, saying, “The whole scheme has come to nought, and it is my fault.” He sent for Kuan and Chang, and said, “You two take three companies of good men and go along the road to Wukungshan. If you fall in with the enemy do not fight, but beat drums and raise a hubbub and make them hesitate and be doubtful, so that they may retire. Do not pursue, but when they retire make for Yangp‘ing Pass.”
又令马岱、姜维断后，先伏于山谷中，待诸军退侭，方始收兵。又令心腹人，分路与天水、南安、安定三郡官吏军民，皆入汉中。又令心腹人到冀县搬取姜维老母，送入汉中。
He also sent Chang I to put Chienko in order for retreat and issued instructions for making ready to march. Ma Tai and Chiang Wei were told to guard the rear, but they were to go into ambush in the valleys till the army was on the march. Trusty men were sent with the news to T‘ienshui, Nanan and Anting that the officers, army and people might go away into Hanchung. He also sent to remove to a place of safety the aged mother of Chiang Wei.
孔明分拨已定，先引五千兵去西城县搬运粮草。忽然十余次飞马报到，说司马懿引大军十五万，望西城蜂拥而来。时孔明身边并无大将，止有一班文官，所引五千军，已分一半先运粮草去了，只剩二千五百军在城中。众官听得这个消息，侭皆失色。
He also sent Chang I to put Chienko in order for retreat and issued instructions for making ready to march. Ma Tai and Chiang Wei were told to guard the rear, but they were to go into ambush in the valleys till the army was on the march. Trusty men were sent with the news to T‘ienshui, Nanan and Anting that the officers, army and people might go away into Hanchung. He also sent to remove to a place of safety the aged mother of Chiang Wei. All these arrangements made, K‘ung-ming took five companies and set out for Hsich'êng to remove the stores. But messenger after messenger came to say that Ssŭma I was advancing rapidly on Hsich'êng with a large army. No leader of rank was left to K‘ung-ming; he had only the civil officials and the five companies, and as half this force had started to remove the stores, he had only two and a half companies left.
孔明登城望之，果然尘土冲天，魏兵分两路望西城县杀来。孔明传令，教将旌旗侭皆藏匿；诸将各守城铺，如有妄行出入，及高声言语者，立斩；大开四门，每一门上用二十军士，扮作百姓，洒扫街道，如魏兵到时，不可擅动，吾自有计。
“He knows my reputation for carefulness and that I play not with danger. Seeing things as they were made him suspect an ambush, and so he turned away. I do not run risks, but this time there was no help for it. Now he will meet with Kuan and Chang, whom I sent away into the hills to wait for him.” They were still in the grip of fear, but they praised the depth of insight of their chief and his mysterious schemes and unfathomable plans. “We should simply have run away,” said they. “What could we have done with two companies and a half even if we had run? We should not have gone far before being caught,” said K‘ung-ming.
孔明乃披鹤氅，戴纶巾，引二小童携琴一张，于城上敌楼前，凭栏而坐，焚香操琴。
His officers were all frightened at the news of near approach of the enemy. K‘ung-ming himself went up on the rampart to look around. He saw clouds of dust rising into the sky. The Wei armies were nearing Hsich'êng along two roads. Then he ordered all the banners to be removed and concealed, and said if any officer in command of soldiers in the city moved or made any noise he would be instantly put to death. Next he threw open all the gates and set a score of soldiers dressed as ordinary people cleaning the streets at each gate. When all these preparations were complete, he donned the simple Taoist dress he affected on occasions and, attended by a couple of lads, sat down on the wall by one of the towers with his lute before him and a stick of incense burning.
却说司马懿前军哨到城下，见了如此模样，皆不敢进，急报与司马懿，懿笑而不信，遂止住三军，自飞马远远望之。果见孔明坐于城楼之上，笑容可掬，焚香操琴。左有一童子，手捧宝剑；右有一童子，手执麈尾。城门内外有二十余名百姓，低头洒扫，旁若无人。
His officers were all frightened at the news of near approach of the enemy. K‘ung-ming himself went up on the rampart to look around. He saw clouds of dust rising into the sky. The Wei armies were nearing Hsich'êng along two roads. Then he ordered all the banners to be removed and concealed, and said if any officer in command of soldiers in the city moved or made any noise he would be instantly put to death. Next he threw open all the gates and set a score of soldiers dressed as ordinary people cleaning the streets at each gate. When all these preparations were complete, he donned the simple Taoist dress he affected on occasions and, attended by a couple of lads, sat down on the wall by one of the towers with his lute before him and a stick of incense burning.
懿看毕大疑，便到中军，教后军作前军，前军作后军，望北山路而退。次子司马昭曰：「莫非诸葛亮无军，故作此态？父亲何便退兵？」懿曰：「亮平生谨慎，不曾弄险。今大开城门，必有埋伏。我兵若进，中其计也。汝辈岂知？宜速退。」于是两路兵侭退去。
Ssŭma’s scouts came near the city gate and saw all this. They did not enter the city, but went back and reported what they had seen. Ssŭma I smiled incredulously. But he halted his army and rode ahead himself. Lo! it was exactly as the scouts had reported; K‘ung-ming sat there, his face all smiles. A lad stood on one side of him bearing a sword and on the other a boy with the ordinary symbol of authority, a yak’s tail. Just inside the gates a score of persons with their heads down were sweeping as if no one was about. Ssŭma hardly believed his eyes and thought this meant some peculiarly subtle ruse. So he went back to his armies, faced them about and moved toward the hills on the north. “I am certain there are no soldiers behind this foolery,” said his second son. “What do you retire for, father?”
孔明见魏军远去，抚掌而笑。众官无不骇然。乃问孔明曰：「司马懿乃魏之名将，今统十五万精兵到此，见了丞相，便速退去，何也？」孔明曰：「此人料吾平生谨慎，必不弄险；见如此模样，疑有伏兵，所以退去。吾非行险，盖因不得已而用之。
“Chuko is always most careful and runs no risks. Those open gates undoubtedly mean an ambush, and if our men enter the city they will fall victims to his guile. How can you know? No; our course is to retire.” Thus were the two armies turned back from the city, much to the joy of K‘ung-ming, who laughed and clapped his hands as he saw them hastening away. The officials gasped with astonishment, and they asked K‘ung-ming to explain the phenomenon of a great army marching off at the sight of a single man. So he told them.
此人必引军投山北小路去也。吾已令兴、苞二人在彼等候。」众皆惊服曰：「丞相之玄机，神鬼莫测。若某等之见，必弃城而走矣。」孔明曰：「吾兵止有二千五百，若弃城而走，必不能远遁。得不为司马懿所擒乎？」后人有诗赞曰：
“He knows my reputation for carefulness and that I play not with danger. Seeing things as they were made him suspect an ambush, and so he turned away. I do not run risks, but this time there was no help for it. Now he will meet with Kuan and Chang, whom I sent away into the hills to wait for him.” They were still in the grip of fear, but they praised the depth of insight of their chief and his mysterious schemes and unfathomable plans. “We should simply have run away,” said they. “What could we have done with two companies and a half even if we had run? We should not have gone far before being caught,” said K‘ung-ming.
瑶琴三尺胜雄师，诸葛西城退敌时。
A three-foot lute outmatched a mighty host, when Zhuge at West City turned the foe away.
十五万人回马处，后人指点到今疑。
Where one hundred fifty thousand wheeled their steeds, men point and marvel to this very day.
言讫，拍手大笑曰：「吾若为司马懿，必不便退也。」遂下令，教西城百姓，随军入汉中；司马懿必将复来。于是孔明离西城望汉中而走。天水、安定、南安三郡官吏军，陆续而来。
Quite open lay the city to the foe, But Chuko’s lute of jasper wonders wrought; It turned aside the legions' onward march For both the leaders guessed the other’s thought. “But if I had been in his place I should not have turned away,” said K‘ung-ming, smiling and clapping his hands. He gave orders that the people of the place should follow the army into Hanchung, for Ssŭma would assuredly return.
却说司马懿望武功山小路而走。忽然山坡后喊杀连天，鼓声震地。懿回顾二子曰：「吾若不走，必中诸葛亮之计矣。」只见大路上一军杀来，旗上大书「右护卫使虎翼将军张苞」。魏兵皆弃甲抛戈而走。
They abandoned Hsich'êng and returned into Hanchung. In due course the officials and soldiers and people out of the three districts also came in. It has been said that Ssŭma I turned aside from the city. He went to Wukungshan. Presently there came the sounds of an army from behind the hills. The leader turned to his sons, saying, “If we do not retire we shall yet somehow fall victims to this Chuko Liang.”
行不到一程，山谷中喊声震地，鼓角喧天，前麺一杆大旗，上书「左护卫使龙骧将军关兴」。山谷应声，不知蜀兵多少；更兼魏军心疑，不敢久停，只得侭弃辎重而去。兴、苞二人皆遵将令，不敢追袭，多得军器粮草而归。
Then appeared a force advancing rapidly, the banners bearing the name of Chang Pao. The men of Wei were seized with sudden panic and ran, flinging off their armour and throwing away their weapons. But before they had fled very far they heard other terrible sounds in the valley and soon saw another force, with banners inscribed “Kuan Hsing.” The roar of armed men echoing up and down the valley was terrifying, and as no one could tell how many men there were bearing down on them the panic increased. The Wei army abandoned all the baggage and took to flight. But having orders not to pursue, the two Shu generals let their enemies run in peace, while they gathered up the spoils. Then they returned.
司马懿见山谷中皆是蜀兵，不敢出大路，遂回街亭。此时曹真听知孔明退兵，急引兵追赶。山背后一声砲响，蜀兵漫山遍野而来；为首大将，乃是姜维、马岱。真大惊，急退军时，先锋陈造已被马岱所斩。真引兵鼠窜而还，蜀兵连夜皆奔回汉中。
Then appeared a force advancing rapidly, the banners bearing the name of Chang Pao. The men of Wei were seized with sudden panic and ran, flinging off their armour and throwing away their weapons. But before they had fled very far they heard other terrible sounds in the valley and soon saw another force, with banners inscribed “Kuan Hsing.” The roar of armed men echoing up and down the valley was terrifying, and as no one could tell how many men there were bearing down on them the panic increased. The Wei army abandoned all the baggage and took to flight. But having orders not to pursue, the two Shu generals let their enemies run in peace, while they gathered up the spoils. Then they returned. Seeing the valley apparently full of men of Shu, Ssŭma dared not leave the main road. He hurried back to Chieht‘ing.
却说赵云、邓芝伏兵于箕谷道中。闻孔明传令退军，云谓芝曰：「魏军知吾兵退，必然来追。吾先引一军伏于其后，公却引兵打吾旗号，徐徐而退，吾一步步自有护送也。」
At this time Ts‘ao Chên, hearing that the army of Shu was retreating, went in pursuit. But at a certain point he encountered a strong force under Ma Tai and Chiang Wei. Valley and hill seemed to swarm with enemies, and Ts‘ao became alarmed. Then his van-leader was slain by Ma Tai, and the soldiers were panic-sticken and fled in disorder.
却说郭淮提兵再回箕谷道中，唤先锋苏颙分付曰：「蜀将赵云，英勇无敌，汝可小心隄防。彼军若退，必有计也。」苏颙欣然曰：「都督若肯接应，某当生擒赵云。」遂引前部三千兵，奔入箕谷。看看赶上蜀兵，只见山坡后闪出红旗白字，上书「赵云」。苏颙急收兵退走。
Meanwhile the men of Shu were hastening night and day along the road into Hanchung. Chao Yün and Têng Chi, who had been lying in ambush in Chi Valley, heard that their comrades were retreating. Then said Chao Yün, “The men of Wei will surely come to smite us while we are retreating. Wherefore let me first take up a position in their rear, and then you lead off your men and part of mine, showing my ensigns. I will follow, keeping at the same distance behind you, and thus I shall be able to protect the retreat.” Now Kuo Huai was leading his army through the Chi Valley. He called up his van-leader Su Yung and said to him, “Chao Yün is a warrior whom no one can withstand. You must keep a most careful guard lest you fall into some trap while they are retreating.” Su Yung replied, smiling, “If you will help me, O Commander, we shall be able to capture this Chao Yün.
行不到数里，喊声大震，一彪军撞出；为首大将，挺枪跃马，大喝曰：「汝识赵子龙否！」苏颙大惊曰：「如何这里又有赵云？」措手不及，被赵云一枪刺死于马下，余军溃散。云迤逦前进，背后又一军到，乃郭淮部将万政也。
So Su Yung, with three companies, hastened on ahead and entered the valley in the wake of the Shu army. He saw upon a slope in the distance a large red banner bearing the name of Chao Yün. This frightened him, and he retired. But before he had gone far a great uproar arose about him, and a mighty warrior came bounding forth on a swift steed, crying, “Do you recognise Chao Yün?” Su Yung was terrified. “Whence came you?” he cried. “Is there another Chao Yün here.”
云见魏兵追急，乃勒马挺枪，立于路口，待来将交锋。蜀兵已去三十余里。万政认得是赵云，不敢前进。云等得天色黄昏，方才拨回马缓缓而退。郭淮兵到，万政言赵云英勇如旧，因此不敢近前。淮传令教军急赶，政令壮士数百骑赶来。
He could make no stand, and soon fell victim to the spear of the veteran. His men scattered, and Chao Yün hurried on after the main body.
行至一大林，忽听得背后大喝一声曰：「赵子龙在此！」惊得魏兵落马者百余人，余者皆越岭而去。万政勉强来敌，被云一箭射中盔缨，惊跌于涧中。云以枪指之曰：「吾饶汝性命回去！快教郭淮赶来！」万政脱命而回。云护送车仗人马，望汉中而去，沿途并无遗失。
But soon another company came in pursuit, this time led by one Wan Chêng. As they came along Chao Yün halted in the middle of the road. By the time Wan had come close the other Shu soldiers had gone about thirty li along the road. However, when Wan drew nearer still and saw who it was standing in his path, he hesitated and finally halted. Presently he turned back and retired altogether, confessing on his return that he had not dared to face the old warrior, who seemed as terrible as ever. However, Kuo Huai was not content and ordered him to return to the pursuit of the retreating army. This time he had many horsemen with him. Presently they came to a wood, and, as they entered, a loud shout arose in the rear, “Chao Yün is here!” Terror seized upon the pursuers, and many fell from their horses. The others scattered among the hills. Wan Chêng braced himself for the encounter and went on. Chao shot an arrow which struck the plume on his helmet. Startled, he tumbled into a water-course. Then Chao pointed his spear at him and said, “Be off! I will not kill you. Go and tell your chief to come quickly, if he is coming.”
曹真、郭淮复夺三郡，以为己功。
Wan fled for his life, while Chao continued his march as rear-guard, and the retreat into Hanchung steadily continued. There were no other episodes by the way. Ts‘ao Chen and Kuo Huai took to themselves all the credit of having recovered the three districts.
却说司马懿分兵而进，此时蜀兵侭回汉中去了。懿引一军复到西城，因问遗下居民及山僻隐者，皆言孔明止有二千五百军在城中，又无武将，只有几个文官，别无埋伏。武功山小民告曰：「关兴、张苞，只各有三千军，转山呐喊，鼓噪惊追，又无别军，并不敢厮杀。
Wan fled for his life, while Chao continued his march as rear-guard, and the retreat into Hanchung steadily continued. There were no other episodes by the way. Ts‘ao Chen and Kuo Huai took to themselves all the credit of having recovered the three districts.
」懿悔之不及，仰天叹曰：「吾不如孔明也！」遂安抚了官民，引兵迳还长安，朝见魏主。叡曰：「今日复得陇西诸郡，皆卿之功也。」懿奏曰：「今蜀兵皆在汉中，未侭剿灭。臣乞大兵并力收川，以报陛下。」叡大喜，令懿即便兴兵。
Before the cautious Ssŭma was ready to pursue the army of Shu it had already reached Hanchung. He took a troop of horse and rode to Hsich‘êng and there heard from the few people who had formerly sought refuge in the hills, and now returned, that K‘ung-ming really had had no men in the city, with the exception of the two and a half companies, that he had not a single military commander, but only a few civil officers. He also heard that Kuan and Chang had had only a few men whom they led about among the hills making as much noise as they could. Ssŭma felt sad at having been tricked. “K‘ung-ming is a cleverer man than I am,” said he with a sigh of resignation. He set about restoring order, and presently marched back to Ch‘angan. He saw his master Ts‘ao Jui, who was pleased with his success and said, “It is by your good service that Shênsi is again mine.” Ssŭma replied, “But the army of Shu is in Hanchung undestroyed; wherefore I pray for authority to go against them that you may recover Shu also. Ts‘ao Jui rejoiced and approved, and authorised the raising of an army. But then one of the courtiers suddenly said, “Your servant can propose a plan by which Shu will be overcome and Wu submit.” The captains lead their beaten soldiers home, The victors plan new deeds for days to come. Who offered this plan? Succeeding chapters will tell.
忽班内一人出奏曰：「臣有一计，足可定蜀降吴。」正是：
Then one from the ranks stepped forth to memorialize: "I have a plan, enough to settle Shu and make Wu yield." — It was exactly this:
蜀中将相方归国，魏地君臣又逞谋。
Shu's generals and ministers had but just returned home; Wei's sovereign and ministers were already framing schemes anew.
未知献计者是谁，且看下文分解。
But who it was that offered this plan must be told in the next chapter.