却说蜀汉建兴六年秋九月，魏都督曹休被东吴陆逊大破于石亭，车仗马匹，军资器械，并皆罄侭。休惶恐之甚，气忧成病，到洛阳，疸发背而死，魏主曹叡敕令厚葬。司马懿引兵还。众将接入问曰：「曹都督兵败，即元帅之干系，何故急回耶？
It was in the autumn of the sixth year that the Wei army was defeated, with very great loss, by Lu Hsün of Wu. Ts‘ao Hsiu’s mortification brought on an illness from which he died in Loyang. By command of the king he received most honourable burial.
」懿曰：「吾料诸葛亮知吾兵败，必乘虚来取长安。倘陇西紧急，何人救之？吾故回耳。」众皆以为惧怯，哂笑而退。
Then Ssŭma I brought the army home again. The other officers went to welcome him and asked why he hurried home after a defeat, which affected him also as Master of the Forces. He replied that he came for reasons of strategy, because of K‘ung-ming’s probable intentions. They listened and smiled; for they thought he was afraid.
却说东吴遣使致书蜀中，请兵伐魏，并言大破曹休之事：一者显自己威风，二者通和会之好。后主大喜，令人持书至汉中，报知孔明。时孔明兵强马壮，粮草丰足，所用之物，一切完备，正要出师；听知此信，即设宴大会诸将，计议出师。
Letters from Wu came to Shu proposing a joint attack on Wei and detailing their recent victory. In these letters two feelings were gratified—that of telling the story of their own grandeur and prowess, and furthering the design of a treaty of peace. The king was pleased and sent the letters to K‘ung-ming in Hanchung. At that time the army was in excellent state, the men hardy, the horses strong. There were plentiful supplies of all kinds. K‘ung-ming was just going to propose a new war.
忽一阵大风，自东北角上而起，把庭前松树吹折。众皆大惊。孔明就占一课，曰：「此风主损一大将！」诸将未信。正饮酒间，忽报镇南将军赵云长子赵统、次子赵广，来见丞相。孔明大惊，掷杯于地曰：「子龙休矣！」二子入见，拜哭曰：「某父昨夜三更病重而死。
On receipt of the letter he made a great banquet to discuss an expedition. A severe gale came on from the north-east and brought down a fir tree in front of the general’s shelter. It was an inauspicious omen to all the officers, and they were troubled. K‘ung-ming cast lots to know what portent was intended, and announced the loss of a great leader. They hardly believed him. But before the banquet ended two sons of Chao Yün came and wished to see K‘ung-ming. K‘ung-ming, deeply affected, threw aside his wine cup and cried, “That is it; Chao Yün is gone.”
」孔明跌足而哭曰：「子龙身故，国家损一栋梁，去吾一臂也！」众将无不挥泪。孔明令二子入成都麺君报丧。后主闻云死，放声大哭曰：「朕昔年幼，非子龙则死于乱军之中矣！」即下诏追赠大将军，谥顺平侯，敕葬于成都锦屏山之东；建立庙堂，四时享祭。
When the two young men came in they prostrated themselves and wept; their father had died the night before at the third watch. K‘ung-ming staggered and burst into lamentation. “My friend is gone; the country has lost its great beam and I my right arm.” Those about him joined in, wiping away their tears. K‘ung-ming bade the two young men go in person to Ch'êngtu to bear the sad tidings to the king. And the king also wept. “Tzŭ-lung was my saviour and friend; he saved my life when I was a child in the time of great confusion,” cried the king. An edict was issued creating the late general “Marquis of Shun-p‘ing” and permitting burial on the east of Chinp‘ing Hill. A temple was ordered to his memory and sacrifices. From Ch‘angshan came a captain, tiger-bold, In wit and valour he was fitting mate For Kuan and Chang, his exploits rivalling E‘en theirs. Han Waters and Tangyang recall His name. Twice in his stalwart arms he bore The prince, his well-loved leader’s son and heir. In storied page his name stands out, writ large, Fair record of most brave and loyal deeds.
后人有诗曰：
A later poet wrote:
常山有虎将，智勇匹关张。
A fierce general from Changshan came, In wisdom and valor, he rivaled Guan and Zhang.
汉水功勋在，当阳姓字彰。
His merits at the Han River still remain, At Dangyang, his fame shone bright and plain.
两番扶幼主，一念答先皇。
Twice he upheld the infant lord so young, To answer the late emperor, his heart was strung.
清史书忠烈，应流百世芳。
The clear annals record his loyal might, His fragrant name shall last a hundred generations bright.
却说后主思念赵云昔日之功，祭葬甚厚，封赵统为虎贲中郎将，赵广为牙门将，就令守坟，二人辞谢而去。忽近臣奏曰：诸葛丞相将军马分拨已定，即日将出师伐魏。后主问在朝诸臣，诸臣多言未可轻动。后主疑虑未决。忽奏丞相令杨仪赍出师表至。
The king showed his affectionate gratitude to the late leader, not only in according him most honourable burial, but in kindness to his sons, the elder, T‘ung, being made a “Fiercely-energetic” Chunglong General and the younger Kuang Ya-mên General. He also set guards over the tomb.
后主宣入，仪呈上表章。后主就御案上拆视。其表曰：
When the two sons had left, the ministers reported to the king that the dispositions of the army were complete, and the leader proposed to march against Wei without delay. Talking this over with one and another, the king found the courtiers much inclined to a cautious policy and somewhat fearful. And the doubts entered into the king’s mind so that he could not decide. Then came a memorial from K‘ung-ming, and the messenger, Yang I, was called into the presence and gave it to the king. He spread it on the imperial table and read: “The late Emperor was anxious lest the rebels should set up a rival empire and the legitimate Ruler’s domain be restricted. Wherefore he laid upon me, thy minister, to destroy them. Measuring my powers by his perspicacity he knew that I should attack and oppose my talents, inadequate as they might be, to their strength, for, if I did not, the royal domain would be destroyed. It was a question whether to await destruction without effort, or to attack? Wherefore he assigned me the task confidently. Thenceforward this task occupied all my thoughts.
先帝虑汉贼不两立，王业不偏安，故托臣以讨贼也。以先帝之明，量臣之才，故知臣伐贼，才弱敌强也。然不伐贼，王业亦亡。惟坐而待亡，孰与伐之，是以托臣而弗疑也。臣受命之日，寝不安席，食不甘味。思惟北征，宜先入南；
When the two sons had left, the ministers reported to the king that the dispositions of the army were complete, and the leader proposed to march against Wei without delay. Talking this over with one and another, the king found the courtiers much inclined to a cautious policy and somewhat fearful. And the doubts entered into the king’s mind so that he could not decide. Then came a memorial from K‘ung-ming, and the messenger, Yang I, was called into the presence and gave it to the king. He spread it on the imperial table and read: “The late Emperor was anxious lest the rebels should set up a rival empire and the legitimate Ruler’s domain be restricted. Wherefore he laid upon me, thy minister, to destroy them. Measuring my powers by his perspicacity he knew that I should attack and oppose my talents, inadequate as they might be, to their strength, for, if I did not, the royal domain would be destroyed. It was a question whether to await destruction without effort, or to attack? Wherefore he assigned me the task confidently. Thenceforward this task occupied all my thoughts.
故五月渡泸，深入不毛，并日而食，臣非不自惜也。顾王业不可偏安于蜀都，故冒危难以奉先帝之遗意，而议者谓为非计。今贼适疲于西，又务于东，兵法乘劳，此进趋之时也。谨陈其事如左：
“Considering that the south should be made secure before the north could be attacked, I braved the heat of summer and plunged deep into the wilds. Sparing not myself nor regarding privation, urged by the one consideration, that the royal domain should not be confined to the capital of Shu, I faced dangers in obedience to the late Emperor’s behest. But there are critics who may say that I failed. Now the rebels have been weakened in the west and have become involved in the east. The rule of war is to take advantage of the enemy’s weakness, and so now is the time to attack. I shall discuss the various circumstances in order.
高帝明并日月，谋臣渊深，然涉险被创，危然后安；今陛下未及高帝，谋臣不如良、平，而欲以长策取胜，坐定天下：此臣之未解一也。
“The enlightenment of the Founder of the Hans rivalled the glory of the sun and moon; his counsellors were profound as the ocean abyss. Nevertheless, he trod a hazardous path and suffered losses, only attaining repose after passing through great dangers. Your Majesty does not reach his level, nor do your counsellors equal Chang Liang and Ch'ên P‘ing, yet, while they desire victory, they would sit idle, waiting till the empire should become settled. This attitude is beyond my comprehension.
刘繇、王朗各据州郡。臣论安言计，动引圣人，群疑满腹，众难塞胸；今岁不战，明年不征，使孙权坐大，遂并江东：此臣之未解二也。
“Liu Yu and Wang Lang each occupied a district. They passed their time in talking of tranquillity and discussing plans, quoting the sayings of the sages till they were filled with doubts and obsessed with difficulties. So this year was not the time to fight, nor next year the season to punish, and, thus talking, it came about that Sun Ts'ê grew powerful and possessed himself of all Chiangtung. This sort of behaviour I cannot understand.
曹操智计，殊绝于人，其用兵也，彷佛孙吴；然困于南阳，险于乌巢，危于祁连，逼于黎阳，几败北山，殆死潼关，然后伪定一时耳。况臣才弱，而欲以不危而定之，此臣之未解三也。
“In craft Ts‘ao Ts‘ao surpassed all men. He could wield armies like the great strategists of old, Sun Wu and Wu Ch‘i. Yet he was hemmed in in Nanyang, was in danger at Wuch‘ao, was in difficulties at Ch‘ilien, was hard pressed in Liyang, was nearly defeated at Peishan and nearly killed at Ch‘angkuan. Yet, after all these experiences, there was a temporary and artificial state of equilibrium. How much less can I, a man of feeble powers, bring about a decision without running risks? I fail to understand.
曹操五攻昌霸不下，四越巢湖不成。任用李服，而李服图之；委任夏侯，而夏侯败亡。先帝每称操为能，犹有此失，况臣驽下，何能必胜？此臣之未解四也。
“Ts‘ao Ts‘ao failed in five attacks on Changpa, and four times crossed the Ch‘aohu without success. He employed Li Fu, who betrayed him, and put his trust in Hsiahou, who was defeated and died. His late Majesty always regarded Ts‘ao Ts‘ao as an able man, and yet he made such mistakes. How then can I, in my worn-out condition, necessarily conquer? I do not understand why.
自臣到汉中，中间期年耳。然丧赵云、杨群、马玉、阎芝、丁立、白寿、刘郃、邓铜等，及麹长屯将七十余人。突将、无前，賨叟、青姜，散骑、武骑一千余人。此皆数十年之内，所纠合四方之精锐，非一州之所有。若复数年，则损三分之二也。当何以图敌？
“Only one year has elapsed since I went into Hanchung, yet we have lost Chao Yün, Yang Chün, Ma Yü, Yen Chih, Ting Li, Pai Shou, Liu Ho, Têng T‘ung, and others, and leaders of rank and captains of stations, to the number of near four score, all men unsurpassed in dash and valour, and more than a thousand of the irregular horse and trained cavalry of the Sou (aborigines) of Ts‘ung and the Tanguts of Tsinghai (Gobi Desert), whose martial spirit we have fostered these ten years all about us, and not only in one district. If we delay much longer, two-thirds of this will have dissipated, and how then shall we meet the situation? I do not understand delay.
此臣之未解五也。
“No need to fear anything with such a man,” said Ts‘ao Jui, laughing.
今民穷兵疲，而事不可息；事不可息，则住与行，劳费正等；而不及早图之，欲以一州之地，与贼持久：此臣之未解六也。
“The people are poor and the army exhausted indeed, and confusion does not cease. If confusion does not cease, then, whether we go on or stand still the drain is the same. Yet it seems that attack should not be made yet! Is it that the rebels are to be allowed to obtain a permanent hold on some province? I do not understand the arguments.
夫难平者，事也。昔先帝败军于楚，当此之时，曹操拊手，谓天下已定。然后先帝东连吴越，西取巴蜀，举兵北征，夏侯授首。此操之失计，而汉事将成也。然后吴更违盟，关羽毁败，秭归蹉跌，曹丕称帝。凡事如是，难可逆料。
The first companies of the army of Shu sent out their scouts as far as Ch'ênts‘ang. They came back and reported that a rampart had been built and behind it was a captain named Hao Chao in command. The rampart was very strong and was further defended by “deerhorns.” And they thought it would be well to give up all thought of taking it and go out to Ch‘ishan by T‘aipailing, where was a practicable, though winding, road.
臣鞠躬侭瘁，死而后已，至于成败利钝，非臣之明所能逆覩也。
“A stable condition of affairs is indeed difficult to obtain. Once, when the late Emperor was defeated in Ch‘u, Ts‘ao Ts‘ao patted himself on the back and said that the empire was settled. Yet, after that, the late Emperor obtained the support of Wu and Yüeh on the east, took Pa and Shu on the west and undertook an expedition to the north, wherein Hsiahou lost his life. So Ts‘ao Ts‘ao’s calculations proved erroneous, and the affairs of Han seemed about to prosper. But, still later, Wu proved false to pledges, our Kuan was defeated, we sustained a check at Tzukuei—and Ts‘ao P‘ei assumed the imperial style. Such events prove the difficulty of forecast. I shall strive on to the end, but the final result, whether success or failure, whether gain or loss, is beyond my powers to foresee.”
后主览表甚喜，即敕令孔明出师。孔明受命，起三十万大兵，令魏延总督前部先锋，迳奔陈仓道口而来。
The king was convinced, and by edict directed K‘ung-ming to start on the expedition. He marched out with thirty legions of well-trained men, Wei Yen leading the first division, and made all haste to Ch'ênts‘ang.
早有细作报入洛阳。司马懿奏知魏主，大会文武商议。大将军曹真出班奏曰：「臣昨守陇西，功微罪大，不胜惶恐。今乞引大军往擒诸葛亮。臣近得一员大将，使六十斤大刀，骑千里征𩧻马，开两石铁胎弓，暗藏三个流星锤，百发百中；有万夫不当之勇。乃陇西狄道人；
The news soon reached Loyang, and Ssŭma I informed the King of Wei, who called his council. Then Ts‘ao Chên stepped forth and said, “I failed to hold Shênsi, and my disgrace is terrible to bear. But now I beg to be given another command that I may capture Chuko Liang. Lately I have found a stalwart soldier for a leader, a man who wields a sixty catty sword, rides a swift and savage steed, bends the two hundred catty bow and carries hidden about him when he goes into battle three meteor maces with which his aim is certain. So valorous is he that none dare stand against him. He comes from Shênsi and is named Wang Shuang. I would recommend him for my leader of the van.”
姓王，名双，字子全。臣保此人为先锋。」叡大喜，便召王双上殿。视之，身长九尺，麺黑晴黄，熊腰虎背。叡笑曰：「朕得此大将，有何虑哉！」遂赐锦袍金甲，封为虎威将军前部大先锋。曹真为大都督。真谢恩出朝，遂引十五万精兵，会合郭淮、张郃分道把守隘口。
Ts‘ao Jui approved at once and summoned this marvel to the hall. There came a tall man with a dusky complexion, hazel eyes, strong as a bear in the hips and with a back supple as a tiger’s. “No need to fear anything with such a man,” said Ts‘ao Jui, laughing. He gave the new hero rich presents, a silken robe and golden breastplate, and gave him the title “Tiger-majesty” General. And he became leader of the van of the new army. Ts‘ao Chên took leave of his master and left the court. He collected his fifteen legions of veterans and, in consultation with Kuo Huai and Chang Ho, decided upon the districts and the points to be guarded.
却说蜀兵前队哨至陈仓，回报孔明，说：「陈仓道口已筑起一城，内有一将郝昭把守，深沟高垒，遍排鹿角，十分谨严；不如弃了此城，从太白岭鸟道出祁山甚便。」孔明曰：「陈仓正北是街亭，必得此城，方可进兵。」命魏延引兵到城下，四麺攻之。
The first companies of the army of Shu sent out their scouts as far as Ch'ênts‘ang. They came back and reported that a rampart had been built and behind it was a captain named Hao Chao in command. The rampart was very strong and was further defended by “deerhorns.” And they thought it would be well to give up all thought of taking it and go out to Ch‘ishan by T‘aipailing, where was a practicable, though winding, road. But K‘ung-ming said, “Due north of Ch'ênts‘ang is Chieht‘ing, so that I must get this city in order to advance.”
连日不能破，魏延复来告孔明，说城难破。孔明大怒，欲斩魏延。忽帐下一人告曰：「某虽无才，随丞相多年，未尝报效。愿去陈仓城中，说郝昭来降，不用张弓只箭。」众视之，乃部麹鄞祥也。孔明曰：「汝用何言以说之？」详曰：「郝昭与某同是陇西人氏，自幼交契。
Wei Yen was sent to surround the city and take it. He went, but days passed without success. Therefore he returned and told his chief the place was impregnable. In his anger, K‘ung-ming was going to put his general to death, but a certain Yin Hsiang, who said he was a close friend of Hao’s, suddenly asked to be allowed to try the effect of persuasion.
某今到彼，以利害说之，必来降矣。」孔明即令前去。
“How do you think you will persuade him?” said K‘ung-ming. “What will you say?” “We are both from Shensi and pledged friends from boyhood. If I can get to see him I will so lay matters before him that he must surrender.”
鄞祥骤马，迳到城下叫曰：「郝伯道故人鄞祥来见。」城上人报知郝昭。昭令开门放入，登城相见。昭问曰：「故人因何到此？」祥曰：「吾在西蜀孔明帐下，参赞军机，待以上宾之礼。特令某来见公，有要言相告。」昭勃然变色曰：「诸葛亮乃我国之雠敌也！
He got permission to try, and rode quickly to the wall. Then he called out, “Friend Hao, your old chum Yin has come to see you.” Asentry on the wall told Hao Chao, who bade them let the visitor enter and bring him up on the wall. “Friend, why have you come?” asked Hao. “I am in the service of Shu, serving under K‘ung-ming as an assistant in the tactical department. I am treated exceedingly well, and my chief has sent me to say something to you.”
吾事魏，汝事蜀，各事其主！昔时为昆仲，今时为雠敌！汝再不必多言，便请出城！」鄞祥又欲开言，昭已出敌楼上了。魏兵急催上马，赶出城外。祥回头视之，见昭立定护心木栏干。祥勒马以鞭指之曰：「伯道贤弟，何太情薄耶？
Hao was rather annoyed, and said, “Chuko is our enemy. I serve Wei while you serve Shu. Each serves his own lord. We were brothers once, but now we are enemies; so do not say any more.”
」昭曰：「魏国法度，兄所知也，吾受国恩，但有死而已。兄不必下说词，早回见诸葛亮，教快来攻城，吾不惧也！」
And the visitor was requested to take his leave. He tried to reopen the conversation, but his friend left him and went up on the tower. The Wei soldiers hurried him on to his horse and led him to the gate. As he passed out he looked up and saw his friend leaning on the guard rail. He pulled up his horse, pointed with his whip at Hao, and said, “My friend and worthy brother, why has your friendship become so thin?” “Brother, you know the laws of Wei,” replied Hao. “I have accepted their bounty, and if that leads to death, so be it. Say no more, but return quickly to your master and tell him to come and attack. I am not afraid.”
祥回告孔明曰：「郝昭未等某开言，就先阻却。」孔明曰：「汝可再去见他，以利害说之。」祥又到城下，请郝昭相见。昭出到敌楼上。祥勒马高叫曰：「伯道贤弟，听吾忠言。汝据守一孤城，怎拒数十万之众？
So the abashed Yin had to return and report failure. “He would not let me begin to explain,” said he. “Try again,” said K‘ung-ming. “Go and really talk to him.”
今不早降，后悔无及，且不顺大汉而事奸魏，抑何不知天命，不辨清浊乎？愿伯道思之。」郝昭大怒，拈弓搭箭，指鄞祥而喝曰：「吾前言已定，汝不必再言，可速退，吾亦不射汝！」鄞祥回见孔明，具言郝昭如此光景。孔明大怒曰：「匹夫无礼太甚！
So the go-between soon found himself once more at the foot of the wall. Hao presently appeared on the tower, and Yin shouted to him, “My worthy brother, please listen to my words while I explain clearly. Here you are holding one single city; how can you think of opposing ten legions? If you do not yield, you will be sorry when it is too late. Instead of serving the great Hans, you are serving a depraved country called Wei. Why do you not recognise the decree of Heaven? Why do you not distinguish between the pure and the foul? Think over it.”
岂欺吾无攻城之具耶？」随叫土人问曰：「陈仓城中多少人马？」土人告曰：「虽不知的数，约有三千人。」孔明笑曰：「量此小城，安能御我！休等他救兵到，火速攻之！」
Then Hao began to get really angry. He fitted an arrow to his bow and he called out, “Go! or I will shoot. I meant what I said at first, and I will say no more.” Again Yin returned and reported failure to K‘ung-ming. “The fool is very ill-mannered,” said K‘ung-ming. “Does he think he can beguile me into sparing the city?” He called up some of the local people and asked about the forces in the city. They told him about three companies. “I do not think such a small place can beat me,” said K‘ung-ming. “Attack quickly before any reinforcements can arrive.”
于是军中起百乘云梯。一乘上可立十数人，周围用木板遮护。军士各把短梯软索，听军中擂鼓，一齐上城。郝昭在敌楼上，望见蜀兵装起云梯，四麺而来，即令三千军各执火箭，分布四麺；待云梯近城，一齐射之。孔明只道城中无备，故大造云梯，令三军鼓噪呐喊而进；
Thereupon the assailants brought up scaling ladders, upon the platforms of which a half score men could stand. These were surrounded by planks as protection. The other soldiers had short ladders and ropes, and, at the beat of the drum, they attempted to scale the walls.
不期城上火箭齐发，云梯侭焚，梯上军士多被烧死。城上矢石如雨，蜀兵皆退。孔明大怒曰：「汝烧吾云梯，吾却用『冲车』之法！」于是连夜安排下冲车。次日，又四麺鼓噪呐喊而进。郝昭急命运石凿眼，用葛索穿定飞打，冲车皆被打折。
But when Hao saw the ladders being brought up he made his men shoot fire-arrows at them. K‘ung-ming did not expect this. He knew the city was not well prepared for defence, and he had had the great ladders brought up and bade the soldiers take the wall with a rush. He was greatly chagrined when the fire arrows set his ladders on fire and so many of his men were burned. And as the arrows and stones rained down from the wall, the men of Shu were forced to retire. K‘ung-ming angrily said, “So you burn my ladders; then I will use battering rams” ("battering carts"). So the rams were brought and placed against the walls and again the signal given for assault. But the defenders brought up great stones suspended by ropes, which they swung down at the battering rams and so broke them to pieces. Next the besiegers set to work to bring up earth and fill the moat, and three companies were set to excavating a tunnel under the ramparts. But Hao Chao cut a counter-trench within the city and turned that device.
孔明又令人运土填城壕，教廖化引三千锹镢军，从夜间掘地道，暗入城去。郝昭又于城中掘重壕横截之。如此昼夜相攻，二十余日，无计可破。孔明心中忧闷。忽报：「东边救兵到了，旗上书『魏先锋大将王双』。」孔明问曰：「谁可迎之？」魏延曰：「某愿往。
So the struggle went on for near a month, and still the city was not taken. K‘ung-ming was very depressed. That was not all. The scouts reported the coming of a relief force, the flags of which bore the name of Wang Shuang. Some one had to try to turn him back, and Wei Yen offered himself. “No,” said K‘ung-ming; “you are too valuable as leader of the van.” Hsieh Hsiung offered his services; they were accepted, and he was given three companies. After he had gone, K‘ung-ming decided to send a second force, and for command of this one Kung Ch‘i volunteered and was accepted. He also had three companies. Then K‘ung-ming feared lest there would be a sortie from the city to aid the relief force just arriving, so he led off the army twenty li and made a camp.
」孔明曰：「汝乃先锋大将，未可轻出。」又问：「谁敢迎之？」裨将谢雄应声而出。孔明与三千军去了。孔明又问曰：「谁敢再去？」裨将龚起应声要去。孔明亦与三千军去了。孔明恐城内郝昭引兵冲出，乃把人马退二十里下寨。
The first body sent against Wang Shuang had no success; its leader fell almost immediately under Wang’s great sword. The men fled and Wang pursued, and so came upon Kung, who had come to support his colleague. He met a similar fate, being slain in the third bout. When the defeated parties returned, K‘ung-ming was anxious and called up three leaders to go out to check this Wang, They went and drew up in formal array, and then Chang I rode to the front. Wang Shuang rode to meet him, and they two fought several bouts. Then Wang Shuang ran away and Chang I followed. His colleague, Wang P‘ing, suspected this flight was but a ruse, so he called to Chang to stop. Wang Shuang then turned and hurled one of his meteor hammers, which hit Chang I in the back, so that he fell forward and lay over the saddle. Wang Shuang rode on to follow up this advantage, but the two colleagues of Chang I interfered and checked him. Wang Shuang’s whole force then came on and slew many of the men of Shu. Chang I was hurt internally and vomited blood at times. He came back and told K‘ung-ming that Wang Shuang was very terrible and no one could stand up to him. Beside there was a strong camp at the city with double walls and a deep moat.
却说谢雄引军前行，正遇王双；战不三合，被双一刀劈死。蜀兵败走。双随后赶来。龚起接着，交马只三合，亦被双所斩。败兵回报孔明。孔明大惊，忙令廖化、王平、张嶷三人出迎。两阵对圆，张嶷出马。王平、廖化压住阵角。王双纵马，来与张嶷交马数合，不分胜负。
Having lost two captains, and a third being wounded, K‘ung-ming called up Chiang Wei and said, “We are stopped this way; can you suggest another road?”
双诈败便走，嶷随后赶去。王平见张嶷中计，忙叫曰：「休赶！」嶷急回马时，王双流星锤早到，正中其背。嶷伏鞍而走，双回马赶来。王平、廖化截住，救得张嶷回阵。王双驱兵大杀一阵，蜀兵折伤甚多，嶷吐血几口，回见孔明，说：「王双英雄无敌。
When the defeated parties returned, K‘ung-ming was anxious and called up three leaders to go out to check this Wang, They went and drew up in formal array, and then Chang I rode to the front. Wang Shuang rode to meet him, and they two fought several bouts. Then Wang Shuang ran away and Chang I followed. His colleague, Wang P‘ing, suspected this flight was but a ruse, so he called to Chang to stop. Wang Shuang then turned and hurled one of his meteor hammers, which hit Chang I in the back, so that he fell forward and lay over the saddle. Wang Shuang rode on to follow up this advantage, but the two colleagues of Chang I interfered and checked him. Wang Shuang’s whole force then came on and slew many of the men of Shu.
如今二万兵就陈仓城外下寨，四麺立起排栅，筑起重城，深挖濠堑，守御甚严。」孔明见折二将，张嶷又被打伤，即唤姜维曰：「陈仓道口，这条路不可行，别有何策？」维曰：「陈仓城池坚固，郝昭守御甚密；又得王双相助，实不可取。
“Yes,” said Chiang, “The place is too well protected and, with this Wang as defender, cannot be taken. I would propose to move away to some suitable place and make a strong camp. Then try to hold the roads so that the attack on Chieht‘ing may be prevented. Then if you will send a strong force against Ch‘ishan I can do something which will give us success.”
不若令一大将，依山傍水，下寨固守；可抓曹真也。」孔明从其言，即令王平、李恢引二千兵守街亭小路；魏延引一兵守陈仓口。马岱为先锋，关兴、张苞为前后救应使。从小径出斜谷，望祁山进发。
K‘ung-ming agreed. He sent Wang P‘ing and Li K‘uei to hold the side road to Chieht‘ing, and Wei Yen was sent to guard the way from Ch'ênts‘ang. And then the army marched out of Hsieh Valley by a small road and made for Ch‘ishan.
却说曹真因思前番被司马懿夺了功劳，因此到洛口分调郭淮、孙礼东西把守；又听得陈仓口告急，已令王双去救，闻知王双斩将立功，大喜，乃令中护军大将费耀，权摄前部总督，诸将各自把守译口。忽报山谷中捉得细作来见。曹真令押入，跪于帐下。
Now Ts‘ao Chên still remembered bitterly that in the last campaign Ssŭma I had filched from him the credit he hoped to obtain. So when he reached Lok‘ou he detached Kuo Huai and Sun Li and sent them to hold positions east and west. Then he had heard that Ch'ênts‘ang was threatened, so had sent Wang Shuang to its relief, and now to his joy he heard of his henchman’s success. He placed Fei Yao in command of the van and stationed other captains at strategic and commanding points.
其人告曰：「小人不是奸细，乃有机密来见都督，误被伏路军捉来，乞退左右。」真乃去其缚，左右暂退。其人告曰：「某乃姜伯约心腹人也，蒙本官遣送密书。」真曰：「书安在？」其人于贴肉衣内取出呈上，真拆视之，曰：
Then they caught a spy. He was taken into the presence of the general to be questioned. The man knelt down and said, “I am not really a spy in the bad sense. I was bringing a secret communication for you, Sir, but I was captured by one of the parties in ambush. Pray send away your attendants.” The man’s bonds were loosed and the tent cleared. The captive said, “I am a confidant of Chiang Wei, who has entrusted me with a secret letter.” “Where is the letter?”
「罪将姜维百拜，呈书大都督曹麾下：维念世食魏禄，忝守城边；叨窃厚恩，无门补报。昨日误遭诸葛亮诡计，陷身于巅崖之中。思念旧国，何日忘之？今幸蜀兵西出，诸葛亮甚不相疑。赖都督亲提大兵而来，如遇敌人，可以诈败。
The man took it from among his garments and presented it to Ts‘ao Chên, who read:—“I, Chiang Wei, your guilty captain, make a hundred prostrations to the great leader Ts‘ao, now in the field. I have never forgotten that I was in the employ of Wei and disgraced myself; having enjoyed favours, I never repaid them. Lately I have been an unhappy victim of Chuko Liang’s wiles and so fell into the depths. But I never forgot my old allegiance; how could I forget? Now happily the army of Shu has gone west, and Chuko Liang trusts me. I rely upon your leading an army this way. If resistance be met, then you may simulate defeat and retire, but I shall be behind and will make a blaze as signal. Then I shall set fire to their stores, whereupon you will face about and attack. Chuko Liang ought to fall into your hands. If it be that I cannot render service and repay my debt to the state, then punish me for my former crime.
维当在后，以举火为号，先烧蜀人粮草，却以大兵翻身掩之，则诸葛亮可擒也。非立功报国，实欲自赎前罪。倘蒙照察，速需来命。」
“If this should be deemed worthy of your attention, then without delay communicate your commands.”
曹真看毕大喜曰：「此天使吾成功也！」遂重赏来人，便令回报，依期会合。真唤费耀商议曰：「今姜维暗献密书，令吾如此如此」。耀曰：「诸葛亮多谋，姜维智广，或者是诸葛所使，恐其中有诈。」真曰：「他原是魏人，不得已而降蜀，又何疑乎？
The letter pleased Ts‘ao Chên, and he said, “This is heaven-sent help to aid me in an achievement.” He rewarded the man and bade him return to say that it was accepted. Then he called Fei Yao to his councils and said, “I have just had a secret letter from Chiang Wei telling me to act in a certain fashion.” But Fei Yao replied, “Chuko Liang is very crafty and Chiang Wei is very knowing. If by chance Chuko has planned all this and sent this man we may fall into a snare.” “But Chiang Wei is really a man of Wei; he was forced into surrender. Why are you suspicious?”
」耀曰：「都督不可轻进，只守定本寨。某愿引一军接应姜维，如成功，归都督；倘有奸计，某自支当。」真大喜，遂令费耀引兵五万，望斜谷而进。行了两三程，屯下军马，令人哨探。当日申时分，回报：「斜谷道中，有蜀兵来也。」耀忙催进兵。
“My advice is not to go, but to remain here on guard. Let me go to meet this man, and any service I can accomplish will redound to your credit. And if there be any craft I can meet it for you.”
蜀兵未及交战先退，耀令兵追之，蜀兵又来，方欲对阵，蜀兵又退。如此者三次。俄延至次日申时分，魏军一日一夜，不曾敢歇，只恐蜀兵攻击。方欲屯军造饭，忽然四麺喊声大震，鼓角齐鸣，蜀兵漫山遍野而来。
Ts‘ao Chên approved this and bade Fei Yao take five legions by way of Hsieh Valley. He told him to halt after the second or third stage and send out scouts. This was done, and the scouts reported that the Shu army was coming through the valley. Fei Yao at once advanced, but before the men of Shu got into contact with him they retired. Fei Yao pursued. Then the men of Shu came on again. Just as Fei Yao was forming up for battle the Shu army retreated again. And these manœuvres were repeated thrice, and a day and a night passed without any repose for the Wei army.
门旗开处，闪出一辆四轮车，孔明端坐其中，令人请魏军主将答话。耀纵马而出；遥见孔明，心中暗喜，回顾左右曰：「如蜀兵掩至，便退后走。若见山后火起，却回身杀去，自有兵相接应。」分付毕，耀马出呼曰：「前者败将，今何赶又来！
At length rest was imperative, and they were on the point of entrenching themselves to prepare food when a great hubbub arose all around, and with beating of drums and blaring of trumpets the whole country was filled with the men of Shu. Suddenly there was a stir near by the great standard, and out came a small four-wheeled chariot in which sat K‘ung-ming. He bade a herald call the leader of the Wei army to a parley. Fei Yao rode out and, seeing K‘ung-ming, he secretly rejoiced. Turning to those about him, he bade them retire if the men of Shu came on and look out for a signal. If they saw a blaze they were to turn and attack, for they would be reinforced. Then he rode to the front and shouted, “You rebel leader in front there; how dare you come here again?”
」孔明曰：「汝唤曹真来答话！」耀骂曰：「曹都督乃金枝玉叶，安肯与反贼相见乎！」
K‘ung-ming replied, “Go and call Ts‘ao Chên to a parley.” “My chief, Ts‘ao Chên, is of the royal stock; think you that he will come to parley with rebels?”
孔明大怒，把羽扇一招，左有马岱，右有张嶷，两路兵冲出。魏兵便退。行不到三十里，望见蜀兵背后火起，喊声不绝。两军杀出，左有关兴，右有张苞。山上矢石如雨，往下射来。魏兵大败。费耀知是中计，集退军望山谷中而走，人马困乏。
K‘ung-ming angrily waved his fan, and there came forth Ma Tai and Chang I and their men with a rush. The Wei army retired. But ere they had gone far they saw a blaze in the rear of the advancing host of Shu and heard a great shouting. Fei Yao could only conclude that this was the signal he was looking for, and so he faced about to attack. But the enemy also turned about and retired. Fei Yao led the pursuit, sword in hand, hastening to the point whence the shouting came. Nearing the signal fire, the drums beat louder than ever, and then out came two armies, one under Kuan Hsing and the other under Chang Pao, while arrows and stones rained from the hill-tops. The Wei men could not stand it and knew not only they were beaten, but beaten by a ruse. Fei Yao tried to withdraw his men into the shelter of the valley to rest, but the enemy pressed on him, and the army of Wei fell into confusion. Pressing upon each other, many fell into the streams and were drowned.
背后关兴引生力军赶来，魏兵自相践踏及落涧身死者，不知其数。耀逃命而走，正遇山坡口一彪军，乃是姜维。耀大骂曰：「反贼无信！吾不幸误中汝奸计也！」维笑曰：「吾欲擒曹真，误赚汝矣。速下马受降！」耀跃马夺路，望山谷中而走。
Fei Yao could do nothing but flee for his life. Just as he was passing by a steep hill there appeared a cohort, and the leader was Chiang Wei. Fei Yao began to upbraid him for his treachery and craftiness. Wei replied, “You are the wrong victim; we meant to capture Ts‘ao Chên not you. You would do well to yield.” But Fei only galloped away toward a ravine. Suddenly the ravine filled with flame. Then he lost all hope. The pursuers were close behind, so he put an end to his own life.
忽见谷中火光冲天，背后追兵又至。耀自刎身死，余众侭降。孔明连夜驱兵，直至祁山前下寨，收住军马，重赏姜维。维曰：「其恨不得杀曹真也。」孔明亦曰：「可惜大计小用矣。」
Of the men of Wei many surrendered. The Shu army pressed home their advantage and, hastening forward, reached Ch‘ishan and made a camp. There the army was mustered and put in order. Chiang Wei received a reward, but he was chagrined that Ts‘ao Chên had not been taken. “My regret is that I did not slay Ts‘ao Chên,” said he. “Indeed, yes,” replied K‘ung-ming. “It is a pity that a great scheme should have had so poor a result.”
却说曹真听知折了费耀，悔之不及，遂与郭淮商议退兵之策。于是孙礼、辛毗星夜具表申奏魏主，言蜀兵又出祁山，曹真损兵折将，势甚危急。叡大惊，即召司马懿入内曰：「曹真损兵折将，蜀兵又出祁山，卿有何策，可以退之？」懿曰：「臣已有退诸葛亮之计。
Ts‘ao Chên was very sad when he heard of the loss of his captain. He consulted Kuo Huai as to a new plan to drive back the enemy. Meanwhile, flying messengers had gone to the capital with news of K‘ung-ming’s arrival at Ch‘ishan and the defeat. Ts‘ao Jui called Ssŭma I to ask for a plan to meet these new conditions. “I have a scheme all ready, not only to turn back K‘ung-ming, but to do so without any exertion on our part. They will retire of their own will.” Ts‘ao Chên’s wits are dull; so he Fights on Ssŭma’s strategy. The strategy will appear in the next chapter.
不用魏军扬武耀威，蜀兵自然走矣。」正是：
"No need for Wei's hosts to flaunt their might and pride, Shu's soldiers will naturally scatter and hide." And truly:
已见子丹无胜术，全凭仲达有良谋。
Already seen: Zidan had no art to win, All rests on Zhongda's stratagem within.
未知其计如何，且看下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.