When the ceremonies proper on receipt of a mandate from the Emperor had been performed, and the gifts distributed as instructed, Ma Su was asked to remain to talk over matters.
Zhuge Liang said, “I have His Majesty's command to conquer these Mangs. I hear you have some advice to offer, and I should be pleased if you would instruct me.”
“Yes; I have one thing to say that may be worth thinking over. These people refuse to recognize our supremacy, because they think their country is distant and difficult. If you should overcome them today, tomorrow they would revolt. Wherever your army marches, they are overcome and submit; but the day you withdraw the army and attack Cao Pi, they will renew their attack. In arms even it is best to attack hearts rather than cities; to fight with sentiment is better than to fight with weapons. It will be well if you can win them over.”
“You read my inmost thoughts,” said Zhuge Liang.
Then Ma Su was retained with the army as Military Adviser, and the army marched on.
When the King of the Mangs, Meng Huo, heard how cleverly Zhuge Liang had got rid of Yong Kai, he called together the leaders of the “Three Ravines” to discuss matters. The chief of the first Ravine was Jinhua Sanjie, of the second Dongtu Na, and of the third Ahui Nan.
These having come to the King's place, he said to them, “Zhuge Liang and his Grand Army has invaded our country, and we must exert our united strength to drive out the invaders. You three must lead your forces, and whoever conquers the enemy shall be chief of chiefs.”
It was arranged that Jinhua Sanjie should march in the center division, Dongtu Na on the left, and Ahui Nan on the right. Each division was fifty thousand tribesmen.
When the scouts made out that the Mang armies were coming, they at once told Zhuge Liang, who called Zhao Yun and Wei Yan to his side, but gave them no orders.
Next he sent for Wang Ping and Ma Zhong, and said to them, “I cannot send Zhao Yun and Wei Yan against the Mangs because they do not know the country. You two are to go, one against each wing, and the two veteran warriors shall support you. Get your troops ready and start tomorrow at dawn.”
Wang Ping and Ma Zhong took the orders and went out.
Then Zhang Yi and Zhang Ni were given orders: “You two are to march against the center army; you are to act with Wang Ping and Ma Zhong tomorrow. I want to send Zhao Yun and Wei Yan, but I am still afraid they do not know the country well.”
Zhang Yi and Zhang Ni also received the orders and went out. Zhao Yun and Wei Yan now began to feel hurt. Noticing this, Zhuge Liang said, “I have no wish to pass you over, you two, but I fear that if you get too deeply into the country and should fall victims to the Mangs, it will have an ill effect on the others.”
“But what if we did know the geography of the country?” said Zhao Yun.
“All I say to you is to be careful how you do anything,” replied Zhuge Liang.
The two soldiers left and went together to the camp of Zhao Yun.
Zhao Yun said, “We are greatly ashamed at being put in the background because we do not know the country. We cannot bear this.”
“Then let us ride out and survey,” said his colleague. “Let us capture a few natives and make them show us the road, and let us defeat these tribesmen.”
They rode off. Before they had gone far they saw a cloud of dust in the distance. Climbing a hill to get a better view, they saw a small party of mounted Mangs coming toward them. The two waited till they were near and then suddenly burst out. The Mangs, taken entirely by surprise, ran away all but a few, who yielded themselves prisoners. The two warriors returned to camp.
The prisoners were given wine and food; and when they had satisfied their hunger, they were questioned.
Said they, “The camp of Chief Jinhua Sanjie is just in front, just by the entrance to the mountains. Near the camp, running east and west, is the Five Valleys. The camps of the other two chiefs — Dongtu Na and Ahui Nan — are behind.”
Having listening to this information, Zhao Yun and Wei Yan got together five thousand troops, took the captured men as guides, and marched out about the second watch. It was a clear night, and the moon gave light to march by.
The first camp was reached about the fourth watch. The Mang soldiers were already awake and preparing their morning meal, as they intended to attack at daylight. Suddenly Zhao Yun and Wei Yan gave a signal of attack, and their troops poured forward. The vigorous and unexpected attack of the two generals threw the camp into confusion. Zhao Yun fought into the center of the camp and encountered Jinhua Sanjie. Both leaders engaged, and Zhao Yun slew Jinhua Sanjie by a spear thrust. Then Zhao Yun dismounted and cut off the head of the Chief.
