99-1
蜀汉建兴七年，夏四月，孔明兵在祁山，分作三寨，专候魏兵。
The fourth month of Chien-An , seventh year, found Chuko Liang camped at Ch‘ishan in three camps, waiting for the army of Wei.
第九十九回 诸葛亮大破魏兵 司马懿入寇西蜀
99-2
却说司马懿引兵到长安，张郃接见，备言前事。懿令郃为先锋，戴陵为副将，引十万兵到祁山，于渭水之南下寨。郭淮、孙礼入寨参见。懿问曰：「汝等曾与蜀兵对阵否？」二人答曰：「未也。」懿曰：「蜀兵千里而来，利在速战；今来此不战，必有谋也。
When Ssŭma I reached Ch‘angan, the officer in command, Chang Ho, told him all that had happened. He gave Chang Ho the post of leader of the van, with Tai Ling as his second, and then marched out toward the enemy, camping on the Wei River’s south bank. When the local commanders Kuo Huai and Sun Li went to see the new Commander-in-Chief, he asked if they had fought any battle. “Not yet,” said they. Ssŭma said, “The enemy had a long march; their chance lay in attacking quickly. As they have not attacked they have some deep laid scheme to work out. What news have you from the west?”
99-3
陇西诸路，曾有信息否？」淮曰：「已有细作探知各郡十分用心，日夜隄防，并无他事。只有武都、阴平二处，未曾回报。」懿曰：「吾自差人与孔明交战。汝二人急从小路去救二郡，却掩在蜀兵之后，彼必自乱矣。
Kuo replied, “The scouts say that the greatest care is being taken in every district. But there is no news from Wutu and Yinp‘ing. ” “I must send someone to fight a battle with them. You get away as quickly and privily as you can to the rescue of those two towns, and then attack the rear of the Shu army so as to throw them into disorder.” They set out to obey these orders, and on the way they fell to discussing Ssŭma. “How does Ssŭma compare with Chuko?” said Kuo.
99-4
」二人受计，引五千兵从陇西小路来救武都、阴平，就袭蜀兵之后。郭淮于路谓孙礼曰：「仲达比孔明如何？」礼曰：「孔明胜仲达多矣。」淮曰：「孔明虽胜，此一计足显仲达有过人之智。蜀兵如正攻两郡，我等自后抄到，彼岂不自乱乎？」
“Chuko is by far the better,” replied Sun. “Though Chuko may be the cleverer, yet this scheme of our leader’s shows him to be superior to most men. The enemy may have got those two cities yet; when we unexpectedly fall upon their rear, they will certainly be disordered.” Soon after this a scout came in to say that the two cities were in possession of the enemy, and, further, that the Shu army was not far in front. Said Sun, “There is some crafty scheme afoot. Why are they prepared for battle in the open when they hold two cities? We had better retire.”
99-5
正言间，忽哨马来报：「阴平已被王平打破了，武都已被姜维打破了。前离蜀兵不远。」礼曰：「蜀兵既已打破了城池，如何陈兵于外？必有诈也，不如速退。」郭淮从之。方传令教军退时，忽然一声砲响，山背后闪出一枝军马来，旗上大书「汉丞相诸葛亮」；
His companion agreed, and they issued orders to face about and retreat. Just then a bomb exploded, and, at the same time, there suddenly appeared from the cover of some hills a small body of men. On the flag that came forward they read the name Chuko Liang, and in the midst of the company they saw him, seated in a small chariot. On his left was Kuan Hsing, and on his right Chang Pao. They were quite taken aback. K‘ung-ming laughed and said, “Do not run away. Did you think that your leader’s ruse would take me in? Sending a challenge to fight every day, indeed, while you were to slip round behind my army and attack! I have the two cities, and if you have not come to surrender, then hurry up and fight a battle with me.”
99-6
中央一辆四轮车，孔明端坐于上；左有关兴，右有张苞。孙、郭二人见之，大惊。孔明大笑曰：「郭淮、孙礼休走！司马懿之计，安能瞒得过吾？他每日令人在前交战，却教汝等袭吾军后。武都、阴平吾已取了。汝二人不早来降，欲驱兵与吾决战耶？
By now they were really frightened. Then behind them there rose a shout as of battle, and Wang P‘ing and Chiang Wei began to smite them in the rear, while Kuan and Chang bore down upon them in front. They were soon utterly broken, and the two leaders escaped by scrambling up the hillside. Chang Pao saw them, and was urging his steed forward to catch them, when unhappily he and his horse went over together into a gully. When they picked him up they found that he had been kicked in the head and was badly hurt. K‘ung-ming sent him back to Ch'êngtu.
99-7
」郭淮、孙礼听毕，大慌。忽报背后喊杀连天，王平、姜维引兵从后杀来。兴、苞二将，又引兵从前麺杀来。两麺夹攻，魏兵大败。郭、孙二人弃马爬山而走。张苞望见，纵马赶来；不期连人带马，跌入涧内。后军急忙救起，头已跌破，孔明令人送回成都养病。
It has been said that the two leaders escaped. They got back to Ssŭma’s camp and said, “Wutu and Yinp‘ing were both in the enemy’s possession, and K‘ung-ming had prepared an ambush, so that we were attacked front and rear. We lost the day and only escaped on foot.” “It is no fault of yours,” said the general. “The fact is he is sharper than I. Now go to defend Yung and Mei and remain on the defensive; do not go out to give battle. I have a plan to defeat them.”
99-8
却说郭、孙二人走脱，回见司马懿曰：「武都、阴平二郡已失。孔明伏于要路，前后攻杀，因此大败，弃马步行，方得逃回。」懿曰：「非汝等之罪，孔明智在吾先。可再引兵把守雍、郿二城，切勿出战。吾自有破敌之策。」二人拜辞而去。
These two having left, Ssŭma called in Chang Ho and Tai Ling and said, “K‘ung-ming has captured Wutu and Yinp‘ing. He must restore order and confidence among the people of these places, and so will be absent from his camp. You two will take a legion each, start to-night and make your way quietly to the rear of the Shu army. Then you will attack vigorously. When you have done that I shall lead out the army in front of them and array ready for battle. While they are in disorder I shall make my attack. Their camp ought to be captured. If I can win the advantage of these hills their defeat will be easy.”
99-9
懿又唤张郃、戴陵分付曰：「今孔明得了武都、阴平，必然抚百姓以安民心，不在营中矣。汝二人各引一万精兵，今夜起身，抄在蜀兵之后，一齐奋勇杀将过来；吾却引军在前布阵，只待蜀兵势乱，吾大驱人马，攻杀进去：两军并力，可夺蜀寨也。
These two left, marching one right the other left. They took by-roads and got well to the rear of the Shu army. In the third watch they struck the high road and joined forces. Then they marched toward the enemy. After about thirty li there was a halt in front. The two leaders galloped up to see what had caused it and found many straw-carts drawn across the road.
99-10
若得此地山势，破敌何难？」
“This has been prepared,” said Chang. “We should return.”
99-11
二人受计引兵而去。戴陵在左。张郃在右，各取小路进发，深入蜀兵之后。三更时分，来到大路，两军相遇，合兵一处，却从蜀兵背后杀来。行不到三十里，前军不行。张、戴二人自纵马视之，只见数百辆草车，横截去路。郃曰：「此必有准备。可急取路而回。
Just as they ordered the men to turn about, torches broke into flame all over the hills, the drums rolled, trumpets blared and soldiers sprang out on every side. At the same time K‘ung-ming shouted from the hill-top, “Tai Ling and Chang Ho, listen to my words. Your master reckoned that I should be busy restoring order in the two towns and so should not be in my camp. Wherefore he sent you to take the camp, and you have just fallen into my snare. As you are leaders of no great importance I shall not harm you. Dismount and yield.”
99-12
」才传令退兵，只见满山火光齐明，鼓声大震，伏兵四下皆出，把二人围住。孔明在祁山上大叫曰：「戴陵、张郃可听吾言。司马懿料吾往武都、阴平抚民，不在营中，故令汝二人来劫吾寨，却中吾之计也。汝二人乃无名下将，吾不杀害，下马早降！
Chang’s wrath blazed forth at this, and he pointed at K‘ung-ming, crying, “You peasant out of the woods, invader of our great country! How dare you use such words to me? Wait till I catch you; I will tear you to shreds.” He galloped forward to ascend the hill, his spear ready for the thrust. But the arrows and stones pelted too quickly. Then he turned and dashed in among the soldiers, scattering them right and left. He got clear, but he saw his colleague was not with him. At once he turned back, fought his way to his comrade and brought him out safely. K‘ung-ming on the hill-top watched this warrior and saw he was a right doughty fighting man.
99-13
」郃大怒，指孔明而骂曰：「汝乃山野村夫，侵吾大国境界，如何敢发此言！吾若捉住汝时，碎尸万段！」言讫，纵马挺枪，杀上山来。山上矢石如雨。郃不能上山，乃拍马舞枪，冲出重围，无人敢当。蜀兵困戴陵在垓心。
“I have heard that men stood aghast when Chang Fei fought his great fight with Chang Ho. Now I can judge his valour for myself. He will do harm to Shu one day if I spare him. He will have to be removed.” Then he returned to his camp. By this time Ssŭma had completed his battle line and was waiting the moment of disorder to attack. Then he saw his two captains come limping back dejected and crestfallen. They said, “K‘ung-ming forestalled us; he was well prepared, and so we were quite defeated.”
99-14
郃杀出，不见戴陵，即奋勇翻身又杀入重围，救出戴陵而回。孔明在山上，见郃在万军之中，往来冲突。英勇倍加，乃谓左右曰：「吾尝闻张翼德大战张郃，人皆惊惧。吾今日见之，方知其勇也。若留下此人，必为蜀中之害。吾当除之。」遂收兵回营。
“He is more than human!” exclaimed Ssŭma. “We must retreat.” So the whole army retired into the fortified camps and would not come out. Thus a great victory fell to Shu, and their booty was immense; weapons and horses innumerable. K‘ung-ming led his army back to camp. Thereafter he sent parties to offer a challenge at the gate of the Wei camp every day, but the soldiers remained obstinately behind their shelters and would not appear. When this had continued half a month K‘ung-ming grew sad.
99-15
却说司马懿引兵布成阵势，只待蜀兵乱动，一齐攻之。忽见张郃、戴陵狼狈而来，告曰：「孔明先如此隄防，因此大败而归。」懿大惊曰：「孔明真神人也！不如且退。」即传令教大军侭回本寨，坚守不出。
Then came a messenger from the capital. He was received with all respect, and incense was burnt as propriety demanded. This done, the command was unsealed, and K‘ung-ming read:—“The failure at Chieht‘ing was really due to the fault of Ma Su. However, you held yourself responsible and blamed yourself very severely. It would have been a serious matter for me to have withstood your intentions, and so I did what you insisted on. However, that was a glorious exploit last year when Wang Shuang was slain. This year, Kuo Huai has been driven back and the Ch‘iang have been reduced; the two districts have been recovered; you have driven fear into the hearts of all evil doers and thus rendered magnificent services.
99-16
且说孔明大胜，所得器械马匹，不计其数，乃引大军回寨。每日令魏延挑战，魏兵不出。一连半月，不曾交战。孔明正在帐中议事，忽报天子使侍中费祎赍诏至。孔明接入营中，焚香礼毕，开诏读曰：
“But the land is in confusion, and the original evil has not been destroyed. You fill a great office, for you direct the affairs of the state. It is not well for you to remain under a cloud for any length of time and cloak your grand virtue, wherefore I restore you to the rank of Prime Minister and pray you not to decline the honour.” K‘ung-ming heard the edict to the end and then said, “My task is not yet accomplished; how can I return to my duties as Prime Minister? I must really decline to accept this.”
99-17
街亭之失，咎由马谡﹔而君引愆，深自贬抑。重违君意，听顺所守。前年耀师，馘斩王双﹔今岁爰征，郭淮遁走﹔降集氐、羌，复兴二郡：威震凶暴，功勋显然。方今天下骚扰，元𫫇未枭，君受大任，干国之重，而久自抑损，非所以光扬洪烈矣。今复君丞相，君其勿辞！
Fei I said, “If you decline this you flout the desires of the king and also show contempt for the feelings of the army. At any rate accept for the moment.” Then K‘ung-ming humbly bowed acquiescence. Fei I went away. Seeing that Ssŭma remained obstinately on the defensive, K‘ung-ming thought of a plan by which to draw him. He gave orders to break camp and retire. When the scouts told Ssŭma, he said, “We may not move; certainly there is some deep craftiness in this move.” Chang said, “It must mean that their food is exhausted. Why not pursue?”
99-18
孔明听诏毕，谓费祎曰：「吾国事未成，安可复丞相之职？」坚辞不受。祎曰：「丞相若不受职，拂了天子之意，又冷淡了将士之心。宜且权受。」孔明方才拜受。祎辞去。
“I reckon that K‘ung-ming laid up ample supplies last year. Now the wheat is ripe, and he has plenty of every sort. Transport might be difficult, but yet he could hold out half a year. Why should he run away? He sees that we resolutely refuse battle, and he is trying some ruse to inveigle us into fighting. Send out spies to a distance to see what is going on.”
99-19
孔明见司马懿不出，思得一计，传令教各处皆拔寨而起。当有细作报知司马懿，说孔明退兵了。懿曰：「孔明必有大谋，不可轻动。」张郃曰：「此必因粮侭而回，如何不追？」懿曰：「吾料孔明上年大收，今又麦熟，粮草丰足﹔虽然转运艰难，亦可支吾半载，安肯便走？
They reconnoitred a long way round, and the scouts returned to say that a camp had been formed thirty li away. “Ah; then he is not running away,” said Ssŭma. “Remain on the defensive still more strictly and do not advance.” Ten days passed without further news; nor did the men of Shu offer the usual challenge. Again spies were sent far afield, and they reported a further retreat of thirty li and a new encampment. “K‘ung-ming is certainly working some scheme,” said Ssŭma. “Do not pursue.” Another ten days passed and spies went out. The enemy had gone thirty li farther and encamped.
99-20
彼见吾连日不战，故作此计引诱。可令人远远哨之。」军士探知，回报说：「孔明离此三十里下寨。」懿曰：「吾料孔明果不走。且坚守寨栅，不可轻进。」住了旬日，绝无音信，并不见蜀将来战。懿再令人哨探，回报说：「蜀兵已起营去了。
Chang Ho said, “What makes you so over-suspicious? I can see that K‘ung-ming is retreating into Hanchung, only he is doing it gradually. Why not pursue before it is too late. Let me go and fight one battle.” “No,” said the general. “A defeat would destroy the morale of our men, and I will not risk it. K‘ung-ming’s vile tricks are innumerable.” “If I go and get beaten I will stand the full rigour of military punishment,” said Chang. “Well, if you are set on going, we will divide the army. You take your wing and go, but you will have to fight your best. I will follow to help in case of need.”
99-21
」懿未信，乃更换衣服，杂在军中，亲自来看，果见蜀兵又退三十里下寨。懿回营谓张郃曰：「此乃孔明之计也，不可追赶。」
So Chang got independent command of three legions and took Tai Ling as his second in command, and he had a few score of captains of lower rank. Halfway they camped. Then Ssŭma, leaving a substantial guard for his camp, set out along the same road with five legions.
99-22
又住了旬日，再令人哨探。回报说：「蜀兵又退三十里下寨。」郃曰：「孔明用缓兵计，渐退汉中，都督何故怀疑，不早追之？郃愿往决一战！」懿曰：「孔明诡计极多，倘有差失，丧吾军之锐气。不可轻进。」郃曰：「某去若败，甘当军令。
K‘ung-ming knew the movements of the army of Wei and when Chang’s army camped to rest. In the night he summoned his captains and told them. “The enemy are coming in pursuit and will fight desperately. You will have to fight every one of you like ten, but I will set an ambush to attack their rear. Only a wise and bold leader is fit for this task.” As he closed this speech he glanced at Wei Yen, but this captain hung his head without response. Then Wang P‘ing stepped forth and said he was willing to go on this expedition.
99-23
」懿曰：「既汝要去，可分兵两枝。汝引一枝先行，须要奋力死战﹔吾随后接应，以防伏兵。汝次日先进，到半途驻扎，后日交战，使兵力不乏。」遂分兵已毕。次日，张郃、戴陵引副将数十员、精兵三万，奋勇先进，到中途下寨。
“But if you fail, what then?” said K‘ung-ming. “Then there is the military rule.” K‘ung-ming sighed. “Wang P‘ing is most loyal. He is willing to risk wounds and death in his country’s service. However, the enemy are in two divisions, one coming in front, the other trying to get round to the rear. Wang P‘ing is crafty and bold, but he cannot be in two places at once, so I must have yet another captain. Is it that among you there is no other willing to devote himself to death?”
99-24
司马懿留下许多军马守寨，只引五千精兵，随后进发。
He did not wait long for a reply; Chang I stepped to the front.
99-25
原来孔明密令人哨探，见魏兵半路而歇。是夜，孔明唤众将商议曰：「今魏兵来追，必以死战，汝等须以一当十，吾以伏兵截其后，非智勇之将，不可当此任」。言讫，以目视魏延。延低头不语。王平出曰：「某愿当之。」孔明曰：「若有失，如何？」平曰：「愿当军令。
“Chang Ho is a most famous leader in Wei and valorous beyond all compare. You are not a match for him,” said K‘ung-ming. “If I fail may my head fall at the tent door,” said he. “Since you wish to go, I accept you. Each of you shall have a legion of veterans. You will hide in the valleys till the enemy come up, and you will let them pass. Then you will fall upon their rear. If Ssŭma comes you must divide the men, Chang to hold the rear and Wang to check the advance. But they will fight desperately, and I must find a way to aid you.”
99-26
」孔明叹曰：「王平肯舍身亲冒矢石，真忠臣也！虽然如此，奈魏兵分两枝前后而来，断吾伏兵在中，平纵然智勇，只可当一头，岂可分身两处？须再得一将同去为妙。怎奈军中再无舍死当先之人！」
When they had gone, Chiang Wei and Liao Hua were called, and K‘ung-ming said, “I am going to give you a silken bag. You are to proceed secretly into those mountains in front. When you see that your two colleagues are in great straits with the enemy, then open the bag and you will find a plan of escape.”
99-27
言未毕，一将出曰：「某愿往！」孔明视之，乃张翼也。孔明曰：「张郃乃魏之名将，有万夫不当之勇，汝非敌手。」翼曰：「若有失事，愿献首于帐下。」孔明曰：「汝既敢去，可与王平各引一万精兵伏于山谷中﹔只待魏兵赶上，任他过侭，汝等却引伏兵从后掩杀。
After this he gave secret instructions to four other captains to observe the enemy and, if they seemed confident of victory, to retire, fighting at intervals, till they saw Kuan Hsing and Chang Pao come up, when they could turn and fight their best. Then calling Kuan and Chang, he said to them, “Hide in the valleys with half a legion till you see a red flag flutter out, and then fall on the enemy.” Chang Ho and Tai Ling hurried along like a rain squall till they were suddenly confronted by the men of Shu. Chang dashed toward his enemy, and then they retired, stopping at intervals to fight. The Wei army pursued for about twenty li .
99-28
若司马懿随后赶来，却分兵两头：张翼引一军当住后队，王平引一军截其前队。两军须要死战，吾自有别计相助。」二人受计引兵而去。
It was the sixth moon and very hot, so that men and horses sweated profusely. When they had gone thirty li farther the men and horses were panting and nearly spent. Then K‘ung-ming, who had watched the fighting from a hill, gave the signal for Kuan Hsing to emerge and join battle. The four other leaders all led on their men. Chang and Tai fought well, but they could not extricate themselves and retire.
99-29
孔明又唤姜维、廖化分付曰：「与汝二人一个锦囊，引三千精兵，偃旗息鼓，伏于前山之上。如见魏兵围住王平、张翼，十分危急，不必去救，只开锦囊看视，自有解危之策。」二人受计引兵而去。
Presently, with a roll of drums, Wang P‘ing and Chang I came out and made for the rear to cut the retreat. “Why do you not fight?” shouted Chang Ho when he saw their move. The men of Wei dashed this way and that, but were stayed at every attempt. Then there was heard another roll of drums, and Ssŭma came up in the rear. He at once signalled to his captains to surround Wang P‘ing and Chang I.
99-30
又令吴班、吴懿、马忠、张嶷四将，附耳分付曰：「如来日魏兵到，锐气正盛，不可便迎，且战且走。只看关兴引兵来掠阵之时，汝等便回军赶杀，吾自有兵接应。」四将受计引兵而去。又唤关兴分付曰：「汝引五千精兵，伏于山谷；只看山上红旗飐动，却引兵杀出。
“Our minister is truly wonderful. The battle goes just as he foretold,” cried Chang I. “He will surely send help now, and we will fight to the death.” Thereupon the men were divided into parties. Wang P‘ing led one army to hold up Chang Ho and Tai Ling; Chang I led the other division to oppose Ssŭma. On both sides the fighting was keen and continued all the day. From their station on a hill, Chiang Wei and Miao Hua watched the battle. They saw that the Wei force was very strong and their side was in danger and slowly giving way.
99-31
」兴受计引兵而去。
“Now surely is the moment to open the bag,” said Chiang Wei.
99-32
却说张郃、戴凌领兵前来，骤如风雨。马忠、张嶷、吴懿、吴班四将接著，出马交锋。张郃大怒，驱兵追杀。蜀兵且战且走。魏兵追赶约有二十余里，时值六月天气，十分炎热，人马汗如泼水。走到五十里外，魏兵侭皆气喘。孔明在山上把红旗一招，关兴引兵杀出。
So the bag was opened, and they read the letter. It said that if Ssŭma came and Wang P‘ing and Chang I seemed hard pressed, they were to divide forces and go off to attack Ssŭma’s camp, which would cause him to retire, and then they could attack him. The actual capture of the camp was not of great moment.
99-33
马忠等四将，一齐引兵掩杀回来。张郃、戴凌死战不退。忽然喊声大震，两路军杀出，乃王平、张翼也。各奋勇追杀，截其后路。郃大叫众将曰：「汝等到此，不决一死战，更待何时！」魏兵奋力冲突，不得脱身。忽然背后鼓角喧天，司马懿自领精兵杀到。
So they divided the force and started for the enemy’s camp. Now Ssŭma had really feared that he would fall victim to some ruse of K‘ung-ming, so he had arranged for news to meet him at intervals along the road. He was pressing his men to fight when a messenger galloped up to say that the men of Shu were making for his camp. Ssŭma was frightened and changed colour. He turned on his captains, saying, “I knew K‘ung-ming would plan some trick, but you did not believe me. You forced me to pursue, and now the whole scheme has gone agley.”
99-34
懿指挥众将，把王平、张翼困在垓心。翼大呼曰：「丞相真神人也！计已算定，必有良谋。吾等当决一死战！」即分兵两路：平引一军截住张郃、戴凌，翼引一军力当司马懿。两头死战，叫杀连天。姜维、廖化在山上探望，见魏兵势大，蜀兵力危，渐渐抵当不住。
Thereupon he gathered in his men and turned to retire. The men went hurriedly and got into disorder. Chang I came up behind, and they were routed. Chang Ho and Tai Ling, having but few men left, sought refuge among the hills. The victory was to Shu, and Kuan Hsing came up helping in the rout wherever there appeared a chance to strike. Ssŭma, defeated, hurried to the camp. But when he reached it the men of Shu had already left. He gathered in his broken army and abused his captains as the cause of his failure.
99-35
维谓化曰：「如此危急，可开锦囊看计。」二人拆开视之，内书云：「若司马懿兵来围王平、张翼至急，汝二人可分兵两枝，竟袭司马懿之营，懿必急退，汝可乘乱攻之。营虽不得，可获全胜。」二人大喜，即分兵两路，迳向司马懿营中而去。
“You are all ignorant of the proper way to wage war, and think it simply a matter of valour and rude strength. This is the result of your unbridled desire to go out and give battle. For the future no one of you will move without definite orders, and I will apply strict military law to any who disobey.” They were all greatly ashamed and retired to their quarters. In this fight the losses of Wei were very heavy, not only in men, but in horses and weapons.
99-36
原来司马懿亦恐中孔明之计，沿途不住的令人传报。懿正催战间，忽流星马飞报，言蜀兵两路迳取大寨去了。懿大惊失色，乃谓众将曰：「吾料孔明有计，汝等不信，勉强追来，却误了大事！」即提兵急回。军心惶惶乱走。张翼随后掩杀，魏兵大败。
K‘ung-ming led his victorious army to their camp. He intended to advance still farther, when a messenger arrived from the capital with the sad news that Chang Pao had died. When they told K‘ung-ming he uttered a great cry, blood gushed from his mouth and he fell in a swoon. He was raised and taken to his tent, but he was too ill to march and had to keep his bed. His captains were much grieved. Alater poet sang:— Fierce and valiant was Chang Pao, Striving hard to make a name; Sad the gods should interfere And withhold a hero’s fame! K‘ung-ming wept his end untimely, For he knew a warrior gone, And he needed every helper; His own strength was nearly done.
99-37
张郃、戴陵见势孤，亦望山僻小路而走，蜀兵大胜。背后关兴引兵接应诸路。司马懿大败一阵，奔入寨时，蜀兵已自回去。懿收聚败军，责骂诸将曰：「汝等不知兵法，只凭血气之勇，强欲出战，致有此败。今后切不许妄动，再有不遵，决正军法！」众皆羞惭而退。
K‘ung-ming’s illness continued. Ten days later he summoned to his tent Tung Chüeh and Fan Chien, and said, “I feel dizzy and am too ill to carry on, and the best thing for me is to return into Hanchung and get well. You are to keep my absence perfectly secret, for Ssŭma will certainly attack if he hears.” He issued orders to break up the camp that night, and the army retired into Hanchung forthwith. Ssŭma only heard of it five days later, and he knew that again he had been outwitted.
99-38
这一阵，魏军死者极多，遗弃马匹器械无数。
“The man appears like a god and disappears like a demon; he is too much for me,” sighed he.
99-39
却说孔明收得胜军马入寨，又欲起兵进取。忽报有人自成都来，说张苞身死。孔明闻知，放声大哭，口中吐血，昏绝于地。众人救醒。孔明自此得病卧床不起。诸将无不感激。后人有诗叹曰：
Ssŭma set certain captains over the camp and placed others to guard the commanding positions, and he also marched homeward. As soon as the Shu army was settled in Hanchung, K‘ung-ming went to Ch'êngtu for treatment. The officials of all ranks came to greet him and escort him to his palace. The king also came to enquire after his condition and sent his own physicians to treat him. So gradually he recovered.
99-40
悍勇张苞欲建功，可怜天不助英雄！
The valiant Zhang Bao sought to win great fame, Alas, Heaven would not aid a hero's aim!
99-41
武侯泪向西风洒，为念无人佐鞠躬。
The Martial Lord shed tears into the western breeze, Grieving that none remained to aid him on his knees.
99-42
旬日之后，孔明唤董厥、樊建等入帐分付曰：「吾自觉昏渖，不能理事；不如且回汉中养病，再作良图。汝等切勿走泄，司马懿若知，必来攻击。」遂传号令，教当夜暗暗拔寨，皆回汉中。孔明去了五日，懿方得知，乃长叹曰：「孔明真有神出鬼没之计，吾不能及也！
In Chien-Hsing , eighth year and seventh month, Ts‘ao Chên, the Commander-in-chief in Wei, had recovered, and he sent a memorial to his master, saying, “Shu has invaded more than once and threatened the capital. If this state be not destroyed it will ultimately be our ruin. The autumn coolth is now here. The army is in good form, and it is the time most favourable for an attack on Shu. I desire to take Ssŭma as colleague and march into Hanchung to exterminate this wretched horde and free the borders from trouble.”
99-43
」于是司马懿留诸将在寨中，分兵守把各处隘口；懿自班师回。
Personally, King Jui approved, but he consulted Liu Hua, who replied, “The Commander-in-chief speaks well. If that state be not destroyed it will be to our hurt. Your Majesty should give effect to his desire.”
99-44
却说孔明将大军屯于汉中，自回成都养病﹔文武官僚出城迎接，送入丞相府中，后主御驾自来问病，命御医调治，日渐痊可。
When he came out, a crowd of officers flocked to enquire, saying, “We heard the king has consulted you about an expedition against Shu: what think you?” “No such thing,” said Liu. “Shu is too difficult a country to invade; it would be a mere waste of men and weapons.”
99-45
建兴八年秋七月，魏都督曹真病可，乃上表说：「蜀兵数次侵界，屡犯中原，若不剿除，后必为患。今时值秋凉，人马安闲，正当征伐。臣愿与司马懿同领大军，迳入汉中，殄灭奸党，以清边境。」魏主大喜，问侍中刘晔曰：「子丹劝朕伐蜀，如何？
They left him. Then Yang Chi went into the king and said, “It is said that yesterday Liu Hua advised Your Majesty to fall upon Shu; to-day when we talked with him he said Shu could not be attacked. This is treating Your Majesty with indignity, and you should issue a command to punish him.” Wherefore the king called in Liu Hua and asked him to explain. Liu Hua replied, “I have studied the details; Shu cannot be attacked.”
99-46
」晔奏曰：「大将军之言是也。今若不剿除，后必为大患。陛下便可行之。」叡点头。晔出内回家，有众大臣相探，问曰：「闻天子与公计议兴兵伐蜀，此事如何？」晔应曰：「无此事也。蜀有山川之险，非可易图﹔空费军马之劳，于国无益。」众官默然而退。
The king laughed. In a short time Yang Chi left, and then Liu Hua said, “Yesterday I advised Your Majesty to attack Shu; that being a matter of state policy should be divulged to no person. The essential of a military move is secrecy.” Then the king understood, and thereafter Liu Hua was held in greater consideration. Ten days later Ssŭma came to court, and Ts‘ao Chên’s memorial was shown him.
99-47
杨暨入内奏曰：「昨闻刘晔劝陛下伐蜀，今日与众臣议，又言不可伐，是欺陛下也。陛下何不召而问之？」叡即召刘晔入内问曰：「卿劝朕伐蜀，今又言不可，何也？」晔曰：「臣细详之，蜀不可伐。」叡大笑。少时，杨暨出内。
Ssŭma replied, “The moment is opportune; I do not think there is any danger from Wu.” Ts‘ao Chên was created Minister of War and Commander-in-chief of the Western Expedition, and Ssŭma I was made General and was second in command. Liu Hua was made Master of the Army. These three then left the court, and the army marched to Ch‘angan, intending to dash to Chienko and attack Hanchung.
99-48
晔奏曰：「臣昨日劝陛下伐蜀，乃国之大事，岂可妄泄于人？夫兵者，诡道也：事未发，切宜秘之。」叡大悟曰：「卿言是也。」自此愈加敬重。
The men of Hanchung told K‘ung-ming, then quite recovered and engaged in training his army and elaborating the “Eight Arrays.” All was in an efficient state and ready for an attack on the capital.
99-49
旬日内，司马懿入朝，魏主将曹真表奏之事，逐一言之。懿奏曰：「臣料东吴必不敢动兵，今日正可乘此去伐蜀。」睿即拜曹真为大司马征西大都督，司马懿为大将军征西副都督，刘晔为军师。三人拜辞魏主，引四十万大兵，前行至长安，迳奔剑阁，来取汉中。
When he heard of the intended attack, he called up Chang I and Wang P‘ing and sent them to garrison the old road to Ch'ênts‘ang so as to check the Wei army. The two replied, “It is said the Wei army numbers forty legions, though they pretend to have eighty legions. But they are very numerous, and a thousand men is a very small force to meet them.”
99-50
其余郭淮、孙礼等，各取路而行。
K‘ung-ming replied, “I would give you more, but I fear to make it hard for the soldiers.”
99-51
汉中人报入成都。此时孔明病好多时，每日操练人马，习学八阵之法，侭皆精熟，欲取中原﹔听得这个消息，遂唤张嶷、王平分付曰：「汝二人先引一千兵去守陈仓故道，以当魏兵﹔吾却提大兵便来接应。
The two captains stood looking at each other, not daring to undertake such a task with such a force. “If there be a failure I shall not hold you responsible,” said Kʻung-ming. “Do not say any more, but get off quickly.” The two officers pleaded with him, saying that if he desired to kill them he had better do it, but they dared not go.
99-52
」二人告曰：「人报魏军四十万，诈称八十万，声势甚大，如何只与一千兵去守隘口？倘魏兵大至，何以拒之？」孔明曰：「吾欲多与，恐士卒辛苦耳。」嶷与平麺麺相觑，皆不敢去。孔明曰：「若有疏失，非汝等之罪。不必多言，可疾去。
Kʻung-ming laughed. “How silly you are!” said he. “If I send you, you may be sure there is a meaning in it. I observed the stars yesterday, and I see there will be a tremendous rain this month. The army of Wei may consist of any number of legions, but they will be unable to penetrate into a mountainous country. So there is no need to send a large force. You will come to no harm, and I shall lead the main body into Hanchung and rest for a month while the enemy retreats. Then I shall smite them. My army will be able to account for their four times as many.”
99-53
」二人又哀告曰：「丞相欲杀某二人，就此请杀，只不敢去。」孔明笑曰：「何其愚也！吾令汝等去，自有主见。吾昨夜仰观天文，见毕星躔于太阴之分，此月内必有大雨淋漓。魏兵虽有四十万，安敢深入山险之地？因此不用多军，决不受害。
This satisfied them, and they left, while the main body went out toward Hanchung. Moreover, every station was ordered to lay in a stock of wood and straw and grain enough for a whole month’s use, ready against the autumn rains. A month’s holiday was given, and food and clothing were issued in advance. The expedition was postponed for the present.
99-54
吾将大军皆在汉中安居一月，待魏兵退，那时吾疾出以大兵掩之。以逸待劳，吾十万之众可胜魏兵四十万也。」二人听毕，方大喜，拜辞而去。
When Ts‘ao Chên and Ssŭma I approached Ch'ênts‘ang and entered the city, they could not find a single house. They questioned some of the people near, who said that K‘ung-ming had burned everything before he left. Then Ts‘ao proposed to advance along the road, but Ssŭma opposed, saying that the stars foretold much rain.
99-55
孔明随统大军出汉中，传令教各处隘口，预备干柴草料细粮，俱彀一月人马支用，以防秋雨﹔将大军宽限一月，先给衣食，伺候出征。
“If we get deep in a difficult country and are always victorious it is all very well. But if we lose, we shall not get out again. Better remain in this city and build what shelter we can against the rain.”
99-56
却说曹真、司马懿同领大军，迳到陈仓城内，不见一间房屋﹔寻土人问之，皆言孔明回时放火烧毁。曹真便要从陈仓道进发。懿曰：「不可轻进。我夜观天文，见毕星躔于太阴之分，此月内必有大雨﹔若深入重地，或胜则可，倘有疏虞，人马受苦，要退则难。
Ts‘ao Chên followed his advice. In the middle of the month the rain began, and came down in a deluge so that the sur rounding country was three feet under water. The equipment of the men was soaked, and the men themselves could get no place to sleep. For a whole month the rain continued. The horses could not be fed, and the men grumbled incessantly. They sent to Loyang, and the king himself prayed for fine weather, but with no effect.
99-57
且宜在城中搭起窝铺住扎，以防阴雨。」真从其言。未及半月，天雨大降，淋漓不止。陈仓城外，平地水深三尺，军器侭湿，人不得睡，昼夜不安。大雨连降三十日，马无草料，死者无数，军士怨声不绝。传入洛阳，魏主设坛，求晴不得。黄门侍郎王肃上疏曰：
An officer, Wang Su, sent up a memorial:-“The histories say that when supplies have to be conveyed a long distance the soldiers are starved; if they have to gather brushwood before they can cook then the army is not full fed. This applies to ordinary expeditions in an ordinary country. If, in addition, the army has to march through a difficult country and roads have to be cut, the labour is doubled. Now this expedition is hindered by rain and steep and slippery hills; movement is cramped and supplies can only be maintained with difficulty. All is most unpropitious to the army.
99-58
前志有之：「千里馈粮，士有饥色﹔樵苏后爨，师不宿饱。」此谓平途之行军者也。又况于深入险阻，凿路而行，则其为劳，必相百也。今又加之以霖雨，山坡峻滑，众逼而不展，粮远而难继：实行军之大忌也。闻曹真发已逾月，而行方半谷，治道功大，战士悉作；
“Ts‘ao Chên has been gone over a month and has only got half through the valley. Road making is monopolising all energies, and the fighting men have to work on them. The state of affairs is the opposite to ideal, and the fighting men dislike it. I may quote certain parallels. King Wu attacked Chou; he went through the pass, but returned. In recent times your father and grandfather, attacking Sun Ch'üan, reached the river, and went no farther. Did they not recognise limitations and act accordingly? I pray Your Majesty to remember the grave difficulties caused by the rain and put an end to this expedition. By and by another occasion will arise for using men, and in the joy of overcoming difficulties the people will forget death.”
99-59
是彼偏得以逸待劳，乃兵家之所惮也。言之前代，则武王伐纣，出关而复还﹔论之近事，则武、文征权，临江而不济：岂非顺天知时，通于权变者哉？愿陛下念水雨艰剧之故，休息士卒﹔后日有衅，乘时用之。所谓悦以犯难，民忘其死者也。
The king could not make up his mind, but two other memorials followed, and then he issued the command to return, which was sent to the two generals. They had already discussed the abandonment of the expedition. Ts‘ao Chên had said, “We have had rain for a whole month, and the men are downhearted and think only of getting home again. How can we stop them?” Ssŭma replied, “Return is best.” “If K‘ung-ming pursue, how shall we repulse him?”
99-60
魏主览表，正在犹豫，杨阜、华歆亦上疏谏。魏主即下诏，遣使诏曹真、司马懿还朝。
“We can leave an ambush.” While they were discussing this matter the king’s command arrived. Whereupon they faced about and marched homeward.
99-61
却说曹真与司马懿商议曰：「今连阴三十日，军无战心，各有思归之意，如何禁之？」懿曰：「不如且回。」真曰：「倘孔明追来，怎生退之？」懿曰：「先伏两军断后，方可退兵。」正议间，忽使命来召。二人遂将大军前队作后队，后队作前队，徐徐而退。
Now K‘ung-ming had reckoned upon this month of rain and so had had his men camped in a safe place. Then he ordered the main army to assemble at Ch‘ihp‘i and camp there. He summoned his officers to his tent and said, “In my opinion the enemy must retire, for the king will issue such an order. To pursue needs preparation, and so we will let them retire without molestation. Some other plan must be evolved.”
99-62
却说孔明计算一月秋雨将侭，天尚未晴，自提一军屯于城固，又传令教大军会于赤坡驻扎。孔明升帐唤众将言曰：「吾料魏兵必走，魏主必下诏来取曹真、司马懿回兵。吾若追之，必有准备﹔不如任他且去，再作良图。」忽王平令人报说魏兵已回。
So when Wang P‘ing sent news of the retreat of the enemy the messenger carried back the order not to pursue. It is only lost labour to cover retreat When your enemy does not pursue.
99-63
孔明分付来人，传与王平，不可追袭。吾自有破魏兵之策。正是：
By what means K‘ung-ming intended to defeat Wei will be told in the next chapter.
99-64
魏兵纵使能埋伏，汉相原来不肯追。
Though Wei's troops laid an ambush with skill, The Han Prime Minister would not pursue them still.
99-65
未知孔明怎生破魏，且看下文分解。
But the sequel must be told in the next chapter.