Cao Zhen was very sad when he heard of the loss of Fei Yao. He consulted Guo Huai as to a new plan to drive back the enemy.
Meanwhile, flying messengers had gone to the capital with news of Zhuge Liang's arrival at Qishan and the defeat. Cao Rui called Sima Yi to ask for a plan to meet these new conditions.
The strategy will appear in the next chapter.
Now Sima Yi spoke to the Ruler of Wei, saying, “I have said repeatedly that Zhuge Liang would come against us by way of Chencang; wherefore I set Hao Zhao to guard it. If an enemy did invade, he could easily obtain his supplies by that road; but with Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang on guard there, he will not dare to come that way. It is very difficult to get supplies any other way. Therefore I can give the invaders a month to exhaust their food. Hence their advantage lies in forcing a battle; ours is postponing it as long as possible. Wherefore I pray Your Majesty order Cao Zhen to hold passes and positions tenaciously and on no account to seek battle. In a month the enemy will have to retreat, and that will be our opportunity.”
Cao Rui was pleased to hear so succinct a statement, but he said, “Since, Noble Sir, you foresaw all this so plainly, why did you not lead an army to prevent it?”
“It is not because I grudged the effort, but I had to keep the army here to guard against Lu Xun of Wu. Sun Quan will declare himself 'Emperor' before long. If he does, he will be afraid of Your Majesty's attack, and so he will try to invade us first. I shall be ready to defend our frontier. The army is prepared.”
Just then one of the courtiers announced dispatches from Cao Zhen on military affairs, and Sima Yi closed his speech, saying, “Your Majesty should send someone especially to caution the general to be careful not to be tricked by Zhuge Liang, not to pursue rashly, and never to penetrate deeply into the enemy country.”
The Ruler of Wei gave the order, and he sent the command by the hand of Minister Han Ji and gave him authority to warn Cao Zhen against giving battle.
Sima Yi escorted the royal messenger out of the city and, at parting, said, “I am giving this magnificent opportunity to obtain glory to Cao Zhen, but do not tell him the suggestion was mine; only quote the royal command. Tell him that defense is the best, pursuit is to be most cautious, and he is not to send any impetuous leader to follow up the enemy.”
Han Ji agreed and took leave.
Cao Zhen was deep in affairs connected with his army when they brought news of a royal messenger, but he went forth to bid Han Ji welcome; and when the ceremonial receipt of the edict had come to an end, he retired to discuss matters with Guo Huai and Sun Li.
“That is Sima Yi's idea,” said Guo Huai with a laugh.
“But what of the idea?” asked Cao Zhen.
“It means that the man who perfectly understands Zhuge Liang's plans and who will eventually have to be called in to defeat them is our friend Sima Yi.”
“But if the Shu army holds its ground?” “We will send Wang Shuang to reconnoiter and keep on the move along the by-roads so that they dare not attempt to bring up supplies. They must retreat when they have no more to eat, and we shall be able to beat them.”
Then said Sun Li, “Let me go out to Qishan as if to escort a convoy from Xizhou, only the carts shall be laden with combustibles instead of grain. We will sprinkle sulfur and saltpeter over wood and reeds. The troops of Shu, who lack supplies, will surely seize the convoy and take it to their own camp, when we will set fire to the carts. When they are blazing, our hidden men can attack.”
“It seems an excellent plan,” said Cao Zhen.
And he issued the requisite orders: Sun Li to pretend to escort a convoy; Wang Shuang to prowl about the by-roads; Guo Huai and various generals to command in the Chi Valley, Jieting, and other strategic points. Also Zhang Hu, son of Zhang Liao, was made leader of the van, and Yue Chen, son of Yue Jin, was his second. These two were to remain on guard in the outermost camp.
Now at Qishan, Zhuge Liang sought to bring on a battle, and daily sent champions to provoke a combat. But the men of Wei would not come out.
