“Now seeing that Wu is still unsubdued, all interest centers upon this country, and schemes of settlement should not be nullified by strict adherence to rules and formalities. In war advances are made without thought of reputation, retreats without consideration of avoiding punishment. Though I do not possess the fortitude of the ancients, I shall not be deterred from acting for the benefit of the state by craven and selfish fears for my own reputation.”
In his perplexity Sima Zhao turned to Jia Chong for advice.
Said he, “Deng Ai presumes upon his services to be haughty and imperious; his recalcitrance is very evident. What shall I do?”
“Why not order Zhong Hui to reduce him to obedience?” replied Jia Chong.
Sima Zhao accepted the suggestion and issued an edict raising Zhong Hui to Minister of the Interior. After this the Inspector of the Forces, Wei Guan, was set over both armies, with special orders to keep a watch upon Deng Ai and guard against any attempt at insubordination.
The edict sent to Zhong Hui ran as follows:
When this edict reached Zhong Hui, he called in Jiang Wei and said to him, “Deng Ai has been rewarded more richly than I and is a Grand Commander. But Sima Zhao suspects him of rebellion and has ordered Wei Guan and myself to keep him in order. What does my friend Jiang Wei think ought to be done?”
Jiang Wei replied, “They say Deng Ai's origin was ignoble and in his youth he was a farmer and breeder of cattle. However, he had good luck and has won a great reputation in this expedition. But this is due not to his able plans, but to the good fortune of the state. If you had not been compelled to hold me in check at Saber Pass, he could not have succeeded. Now he wishes the late Ruler of Shu to be created Prince of Fufeng, whereby he hopes to win the goodwill of the people of Shu. But to me it seems that perfidy lies therein. The Duke of Jin suspects him, it is evident.”
Zhong Hui complimented him. Jiang Wei continued, “If you will send away your people, I have something to say to you in private.”
When this had been done and they two were alone, Jiang Wei drew a map from his sleeve and spread it before Zhong Hui, saying, “Long ago, before he had left his humble cot. Zhuge Liang gave this to the First Ruler and told him of the riches of Yiazhou and how well it was fitted for an independent state. Whereupon Chengdu was seized as a first step towards attaining it. Now that Deng Ai has got to the same point, it is small
wonder that he has lost his balance.”
Zhong Hui asked many questions about the details of the features of the map, and Jiang Wei explained in full. Toward the end, he asked how Deng Ai could be got rid of.
“By making use of the Duke of Jin's suspicions,” replied Jiang Wei. “Send up a memorial to say that it looks as if Deng Ai really contemplated rebellion. You will receive direct orders to check the revolt.”
So a memorial was sent to Luoyang. It said that Deng Ai aimed at independence, nourished base designs, was making friends with the vanquished, and was about to revolt.
At this news the court was much disturbed. Then to support his charges, Zhong Hui's soldiers intercepted Deng Ai's letters and rewrote them in arrogant and rebellious terms. Sima Zhao was greatly angered and sent Jia Chong to lead an expedition into the Xie Valley, he ordered Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai, and he himself directing a great march under the leadership of the Ruler of Wei, Cao Huang, whom he compelled to go with him.
Then said Shao Ti, “Zhong Hui's army outnumbers that of Deng Ai by six to one. You need not go; you need only order Zhong Hui to arrest Deng Ai.”
“Have you forgotten?” said Sima Zhao, smiling. “You said Zhong Hui was a danger; I am not really going against Deng Ai, but against the other.”
“I feared lest you had forgotten,” said Shao Ti. “I ventured to remind you, but the matter must be kept secret.”
The expedition set out.
