Book of Wei · Biographies of Wang Ling, Guanqiu Jian, Zhuge Dan, Deng Ai, and Zhong Hui

Wang Ling, courtesy name Yanyun, was from Qi in Taiyuan. His paternal uncle Wang Yun was Han's Minister over the Masses and killed Dong Zhuo. To avenge Dong Zhuo, his generals Li Jue, Guo Si, and others entered Chang'an, killed Wang Yun, and destroyed his household. Wang Ling and his elder brother Wang Chen were both young. They climbed over the city wall, escaped, and fled home. Nominated as Filial and Incorrupt, Wang Ling became Chief of Fagan,

and gradually rose to Administrator of Zhongshan, governing successfully wherever he served. Taizu (Cao Cao) recruited him as a clerk in the Chancellor's office.

When Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) <Civil Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> ascended, he appointed Wang Ling Regular Mounted Attendant, then sent him out as Inspector of Yan Province. Wang Ling and Zhang Liao went to Guangling against Sun Quan. At the river a great wind arose at night, drifting Wu general Lü Fan's ships to the north bank. Wang Ling and the generals struck, capturing men, taking heads, and seizing ships. For this service he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yicheng Village, concurrently General Who Establishes Martial Power, and transferred to Qing Province. After devastation and disorder, the coast lacked settled laws. Wang Ling established government and instruction, rewarded the good, punished the wicked, and created disciplined order. The people could scarcely stop praising him. Later accompanying Cao Xiu against Wu, he met the enemy at Jiashi. Cao Xiu's army suffered defeat, but Wang Ling fought hard to break the encirclement and save him. He then served successively as Inspector of Yang and Yu Provinces, winning soldiers' and people's affection in both. On first reaching Yu, he honored descendants of former worthies and sought unknown gentlemen, issuing detailed instructions whose intentions were excellent. Earlier he had been friendly with Sima Lang and Jia Kui. Governing Yan and Yu, he continued their renowned work. Early in Zhengshi he became General Who Campaigns against the East, with an acting staff supervising Yang Province's armies. In the second year, Wu's senior general Quan Cong invaded Shaopi with several tens of thousands. Wang Ling led the armies against him, fighting over the embankment for several days until the enemy withdrew. He advanced to Marquis of Nan District, with thirteen hundred fifty households, then General of Chariots and Cavalry, with ceremonial status equal to the Three Offices.

At the time, Wang Ling's nephew through his sister, Linghu Yu, became Inspector of Yan Province for his talent, stationed at Ping'a. Uncle and nephew both commanded troops and controlled Huainan's weighty affairs. Wang Ling was promoted to Minister of Works. After Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) <King Xuan; a posthumous royal title> executed Cao Shuang, he advanced Wang Ling to Grand Commandant with an acting staff and axe. Wang Ling and Linghu Yu secretly agreed that the Prince of Qi (Cao Fang) <the territorial title used for this Wei emperor> was unequal to the heavenly throne, while the Prince of Chu (Cao Biao) was older and talented. They wished to install Cao Biao at Xuchang. In the ninth month of the first year of Jiaping, Linghu Yu sent commander Zhang Shi to Baima to communicate with Cao Biao. Wang Ling also sent his retainer Lao Jing to Luoyang to tell his son Wang Guang. Wang Guang said: “Deposition and enthronement are great affairs. Do not lead the way to disaster.”

In the eleventh month, Linghu Yu again sent Zhang Shi to Cao Biao. Before his return, Linghu Yu died of illness.

In the second year, Mars remained in the Southern Dipper. Wang Ling said: “A star within the Dipper means someone will suddenly attain great rank.”

In the spring of the third year, Wu blocked the Tu River. Wishing to use this occasion to rise, Wang Ling prepared the armies and requested to attack, but an edict refused. His secret planning intensified. He sent General Yang Hong to tell Inspector of Yan Province Huang Hua about deposition and enthronement. Huang Hua and Yang Hong jointly reported to Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi). The Grand Tutor led the central army by water against Wang Ling, first issuing a pardon for his offense. He also took Master of Writing Wang Guang east and had him write to explain matters. The great army suddenly reached Baichi, pressing Wang Ling. Knowing his position hopeless, Wang Ling came out alone by boat to meet Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi), sending clerk Wang Yu to apologize and surrender seal, ribbon, staff, and axe. When the army reached Qiutou, Wang Ling bound his hands behind his back at the waterside. By imperial command Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) had a registrar untie him and restore his clothing, met and consoled him, returned his insignia, and sent six hundred infantry and cavalry to escort him to the capital. Reaching Xiang, Wang Ling drank poison and died.

Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) proceeded to Shouchun. Zhang Shi and the others all confessed, and the matter was thoroughly investigated. Cao Biao was ordered to die; all connected persons had their three kin groups exterminated.

Court opinion agreed that by the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, Cui Zhu of Qi and Gui Sheng of Zheng had received posthumous punishment, their bodies exposed and coffins cut open, as recorded in the texts. Wang Ling and Linghu Yu should be treated by the same precedent. Their tombs were opened, coffins split, and bodies exposed in the nearest marketplace for three days. Seals, ribbons, and court dress were burned, and the bodies buried directly in earth.

Yang Hong and Huang Hua advanced to district marquises. Wang Guang possessed lofty aspirations, learning, and conduct. He died aged over forty.

Guanqiu Jian, courtesy name Zhonggong, was from Wenxi in Hedong. His father Guanqiu Xing was Administrator of Wuwei during Huangchu. Attacking rebels and reassuring the obedient, he opened the region west of the Yellow River, his reputation second to Administrator of Jincheng Su Ze. For service against rebel Zhang Jin and rebellious non-Chinese peoples, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoyang District.

Guanqiu Xing entered court as Chief Architect. Guanqiu Jian inherited his father's title and became literary adviser to the Marquis of Pingyuan (Cao Rui). When Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) <Bright Emperor; a posthumous imperial title> succeeded, Guanqiu Jian became a gentleman among the Masters of Writing, then Supervisor of the Feathered Forest Guards. As an old servant of the Eastern Palace, he received exceptional intimacy. Going out as agricultural administrator of Luoyang, he saw farmers taken for palace construction and memorialized: “The realm's urgent enemies are the two hostile states, and its urgent needs food and clothing. If those enemies remain and soldiers and people hunger and freeze, even splendid palaces bring no benefit.” He became Inspector of Jing Province.

During Qinglong, the emperor planned to attack Liaodong. Valuing Guanqiu Jian's ability and strategy, he transferred him to Inspector of You Province, concurrently General Who Crosses the Liao, holding a staff of authority and serving as Colonel Who Protects the Wuhuan. Guanqiu Jian led You Province's armies to Xiangping and camped at Liaosui. Youbeiping's Wuhuan chanyu Kouloudun and Liaoxi's Wuhuan supervising commander, King Hulou, who had formerly followed Yuan Shang to Liaodong, surrendered with more than five thousand men. Kouloudun sent his younger brother Aluopan and others to court with tribute. More than twenty leaders were enfeoffed as marquises or kings and received carriages, horses, and colored silks in graded amounts. Gongsun Yuan came to fight Guanqiu Jian. The campaign went badly, and Guanqiu Jian withdrew [the subject of 不利 is compressed in the source]. The following year the emperor sent Grand Commandant Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) with the central army and Guanqiu Jian's forces, several tens of thousands, against Gongsun Yuan. Liaodong was settled. For his service, Guanqiu Jian advanced to Marquis of Anyi, with thirty-nine hundred households.

During Zhengshi, because Goguryeo repeatedly invaded and rebelled, Guanqiu Jian led ten thousand infantry and cavalry out through Xuantu, attacking by several routes. Goguryeo's king Gong (宮; the name used in the source) led twenty thousand infantry and cavalry to the Biryu River and fought a great battle at Liangkou,

and was repeatedly defeated and put to flight. Guanqiu Jian bound the horses and suspended the carts to ascend Wandu, sacked Goguryeo's capital, and took thousands of heads and captives. Goguryeo's paeja Deukrae repeatedly remonstrated with King Gong (宮),

but the king would not listen. Deukrae sighed: “We shall soon see weeds growing here.” He refused food and died, and the whole country regarded him as worthy. Guanqiu Jian ordered the armies not to damage his grave or cut its trees, and to release his wife and children if captured. King Gong (宮) fled with only his wife and children. Guanqiu Jian withdrew. In the sixth year he campaigned again, and King Gong (宮) fled to Maigou. Guanqiu Jian sent Administrator of Xuantu Wang Qi after him,

passing more than a thousand li through Okjeo to the southern boundary of the Sushen. They carved stone to record their achievements, inscribed Mount Wandu, and engraved the city of Bunae. More than eight thousand people in all were killed or received in submission. More than a hundred men were rewarded with marquisates. Mountains were cut through for irrigation, benefiting the people.

Guanqiu Jian became General of the Left, with an acting staff supervising Yu Province's armies and concurrently its inspector, then General Who Guards the South. After Zhuge Dan's unsuccessful battle at Dongguan, the two were ordered to exchange posts. Zhuge Dan became General Who Guards the South, supervising Yu Province; Guanqiu Jian became General Who Guards the East, supervising Yang Province. When Wu's Grand Tutor Zhuge Ke besieged Hefei's new city, Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin resisted him. Grand Commandant Sima Fu supervised the central army eastward to relieve the siege, and Zhuge Ke withdrew.

Earlier Guanqiu Jian had been close to Xiahou Xuan, Li Feng, and others. Inspector of Yang Province and General of the Front Wen Qin, from Cao Shuang's native district, was bold, forceful, rough, and fierce. Frequently rendering military service, he liked inflating captures to seek favor and rewards. These were often refused, increasing his resentment daily. Guanqiu Jian deliberately treated him generously, and their affection became close. Grateful, Wen Qin devoted himself without divided loyalty. In the first month of the second year of Zhengyuan, a comet several dozen zhang long stretched across the northwestern sky, arising from Wu and Chu's celestial allotments. Delighted, Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin considered it auspicious for themselves. They forged an empress dowager's edict enumerating the offenses of General-in-Chief Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi) <King Jing; a posthumous royal title>, circulated it to commanderies and kingdoms, and raised troops in revolt. They coerced Huainan's commanders, administrators, detached garrisons, officials, and commoners, great and small, into Shouchun. Building an altar west of the city, they smeared their lips with blood and swore a military alliance. They assigned the old and weak to defend the city, personally leading fifty or sixty thousand across the Huai westward to Xiang. Guanqiu Jian held it firmly while Wen Qin operated outside with mobile troops.

The General-in-Chief led the inner and outer armies against them, separately sending Zhuge Dan with Yu Province's armies from Anfeng Ford toward Shouchun, and General Who Campaigns against the East Hu Zun with Qing and Xu's armies between Qiao and Song to cut off retreat. The General-in-Chief camped at Ruyang and sent Army Supervisor Wang Ji with the vanguard to hold Nandun, ordering all armies to fortify firmly and avoid battle. Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin could not fight ahead or return, fearing Shouchun would be raided. At their wits' end, they knew no course. The soldiers' households were all in the north, and morale disintegrated. Surrenderers followed one another; only newly attached Huainan farmers remained usable. The General-in-Chief sent Inspector of Yan Province Deng Ai with more than ten thousand Taishan troops to Lejia, feigning weakness as a lure, and soon arrived himself [the source reads 自洙至; the wording is uncertain]. Unaware, Wen Qin indeed came at night to attack Deng Ai. At dawn, seeing the great army's strength, he withdrew.

The General-in-Chief released swift cavalry in pursuit and heavily defeated Wen Qin, who fled. That day, hearing of the defeat, Guanqiu Jian fled in fear by night and his army collapsed. By Shen County, his attendants and troops gradually abandoned him. Alone with his younger brother Guanqiu Xiu and grandson Guanqiu Zhong, he hid in grass beside the water. Zhang Shu, a commoner under the Commandant of Anfeng Ford, approached and shot him dead, sending his head to the capital. Zhang Shu was enfeoffed as marquis. Guanqiu Xiu and Guanqiu Zhong escaped to Wu. All soldiers coerced by Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin returned in surrender.

Guanqiu Jian's son Guanqiu Dian was Attendant Censor for Judicial Affairs. Knowing in advance that the plot would break out, he privately took his family to Mount Ling at Xin'an. A separate force captured them, and Guanqiu Jian's three kin groups were exterminated.

Wen Qin fled into Wu, which made him Protector-General, holding an acting staff of authority, Senior General Who Guards the North, Governor of You Province, and Marquis of Qiao.

Zhuge Dan, courtesy name Gongxiu, was from Yangdu in Langye and descended from Zhuge Feng. From gentleman among the Masters of Writing, he first became Magistrate of Xingyang,

then entered as gentleman in the Personnel Bureau. Whenever someone recommended a candidate to him, he openly recorded the recommendation and employed the man. Later, whether suitable or not, he publicly discussed the result to praise or blame the recommender. Thereafter officials were all cautious in recommendations. He rose through Palace Assistant Censor-in-Chief and Master of Writing and was friendly with Xiahou Xuan, Deng Yang, and others. They built reputations at court, winning the capital's approval. Critics said Zhuge Dan and Deng Yang cultivated superficial brilliance and gathered empty praise, a tendency that must not grow. Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) disliked this and dismissed Zhuge Dan.

After the emperor died, Xiahou Xuan and the others returned to office early in Zhengshi. Zhuge Dan was restored as Palace Assistant Censor-in-Chief and Master of Writing, then went out as Inspector of Yang Province, concurrently General Who Manifests Martial Power.

During Wang Ling's conspiracy, Grand Tutor Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) secretly led troops east, making Zhuge Dan General Who Guards the East, with an acting staff supervising Yang Province's armies, and Marquis of Shanyang Village. When Zhuge Ke fortified Dongguan, Zhuge Dan was sent with the armies against him, fought unsuccessfully, returned, and transferred to General Who Guards the South.

Later Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin rebelled and sent an envoy to Zhuge Dan, calling on Yu Province's gentlemen and people. Zhuge Dan beheaded him and proclaimed the matter throughout the realm so everyone would know their wicked rebellion. General-in-Chief Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi) campaigned east, sending Zhuge Dan with Yu's armies across Anfeng Ford toward Shouchun. After the rebels' defeat, Zhuge Dan reached Shouchun first. More than a hundred thousand inhabitants, hearing of the defeat and fearing execution, broke through the gates and scattered into mountains and marshes; some fled into Wu. Because Zhuge Dan had long served in Huainan, he was again made Senior General Who Guards the East, with ceremonial status equal to the Three Offices and command over Yang Province. Wu generals Sun Jun, Lü Ju, Liu Zan, and others heard of the disorder as Wen Qin arrived, then led troops with him directly toward Shouchun. Zhuge Dan's armies had already arrived, making attack impossible, so they withdrew. Zhuge Dan sent General Jiang Ban in pursuit, beheading Liu Zan, sending his head, and taking his seal and staff. Zhuge Dan advanced to Marquis of Gaoping, with thirty-five hundred households, and became Senior General Who Campaigns against the East.

Close to Xiahou Xuan, Deng Yang, and others, and seeing Wang Ling and Guanqiu Jian successively exterminated, Zhuge Dan feared for himself. He emptied treasuries in relief to bind people's hearts and generously maintained several thousand intimates and bold adventurers of Yang Province as men prepared to die for him.

In the winter of the first year of Ganlu, Wu intended to advance on Xuyan. Zhuge Dan's troops and horses were considered sufficient, but he again requested a hundred thousand men to defend Shouchun and fortification at Linhuai, inwardly intending to retain Huainan. The court dimly recognized his suspicion. As an old minister, he was to be brought in and assessed. In the fifth month of the second year, he was summoned as Minister of Works. Receiving the edict, he became more frightened and rebelled. He assembled the generals and personally attacked and killed Inspector of Yang Province Yue Chen.

He gathered more than a hundred thousand government troops and agricultural-colony people from Huainan and the commanderies and counties north of the Huai, together with forty or fifty thousand newly attached Yang Province men fit to fight. Storing a year's grain, he shut the city and defended himself. He sent Chief Clerk Wu Gang with his youngest son Zhuge Jing to Wu to seek relief.

Wu rejoiced and sent generals Quan Yi, Quan Duan, Tang Zi, Wang Zuo, and others with thirty thousand men, secretly accompanying Wen Qin to support Zhuge Dan. Wu made Zhuge Dan Protector-General of the Left, holding an acting staff, Grand Minister over the Masses, General of Agile Cavalry, Governor of Qing Province, and Marquis of Shouchun. General Who Guards the South Wang Ji had just arrived and was supervising the armies in surrounding Shouchun, but the circle was incomplete. Tang Zi, Wen Qin, and the others used the northeastern mountains and difficult terrain to break into the city with their troops.

In the sixth month, the imperial carriage campaigned east to Xiang. General-in-Chief Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) led 260,000 men from the inner and outer armies to the Huai, camping at Qiutou. He ordered Wang Ji, General Who Pacifies the East Chen Qian, and others to complete a four-sided siege with double lines inside and out, deep trenches, and high ramparts. Army Supervisor Shi Bao, Inspector of Yan Province Zhou Tai, and others selected picked troops as mobile forces against external enemies. Wen Qin repeatedly sallied against the lines and was driven back. Wu general Zhu Yi twice brought great forces to receive Zhuge Dan and the others, crossing the Lijiang River. Zhou Tai and others met him and repeatedly blunted his advance. Angry that he could not progress, Sun Chen killed Zhu Yi. Food in the city dwindled, no relief arrived, and the defenders had nothing on which to rely. Generals Jiang Ban and Jiao Yi, Zhuge Dan's trusted planners, abandoned him, climbed over the wall, and surrendered to the General-in-Chief.

The General-in-Chief then used a covert divisive scheme, presenting Quan Yi and the others with extraordinary news. They opened the gates and came out with several thousand men. The city was shaken and afraid, not knowing what to do.

In the first month of the third year, Zhuge Dan, Wen Qin, Tang Zi, and others made siege equipment and attacked the southern lines day and night for five or six days, seeking to break out.

From high positions along the siege, the armies used stone-throwing engines and fire arrows to burn and destroy their equipment. Crossbow bolts and stones fell like rain. Dead and wounded covered the ground, and blood filled the trenches. They returned to the city, where food was nearly exhausted. Several tens of thousands surrendered. Wen Qin wished to send all northerners out to save food and hold firmly with Wu's men, but Zhuge Dan refused. Resentment grew. Already at odds and joined only by expediency, the two suspected each other more in the crisis. When Wen Qin came to deliberate, Zhuge Dan killed him. His sons Wen Yang and Wen Hu commanded troops in a smaller enclosure. Hearing of their father's death, they tried to lead troops against Zhuge Dan, but the men would not serve. The brothers fled alone, climbed the wall, and surrendered to the General-in-Chief. Military officials requested their execution. He ordered: “Wen Qin's crime exceeds the reach of execution, and his sons indeed deserve death. Yet they submit in extremity, and the city is not taken. Killing them will harden its resolve.” He pardoned them and had them lead several hundred cavalry around the city, shouting: “Even Wen Qin's sons are not killed. What have the rest to fear?” He petitioned to make both generals and granted each Marquis Within the Passes. Inside the city, delight mingled with confusion, hunger deepened daily, and Zhuge Dan and Tang Zi exhausted their judgment and strength. The General-in-Chief personally approached the siege and advanced on all sides, with drums and shouting as troops climbed the walls. No one inside dared move. Desperate, Zhuge Dan mounted alone and led his immediate followers through a small gate. Troops under Hu Fen, major to the General-in-Chief, intercepted and beheaded him. His head was sent to the capital and his three kin groups exterminated. Several hundred followers were executed for refusing surrender. All said: “To die for Lord Zhuge (Zhuge Dan) brings no regret.” Such was his hold on their hearts.

Tang Zi, Wang Zuo, and the subordinate generals all surrendered with hands bound behind them. Ten thousand Wu soldiers and mountains of weapons and military stores were captured.

At the start of the Shouchun siege, many urged rapid assault. The General-in-Chief considered: “The city is strong and its men numerous. An assault must exhaust us. If an outside enemy comes, we face foes within and without—a dangerous course. Three rebels are gathered in one isolated city. Perhaps Heaven intends their execution together. With a complete strategy I can bind them and control them while seated.” Zhuge Dan rebelled in the fifth month of the second year and was destroyed in the second month of the third. The six armies kept arms at rest behind deep ditches and high ramparts while Zhuge Dan exhausted himself. In the end they won without the burden of an assault [the appraisal of the siege is retained alongside the preceding account of its final attack].

After Shouchun fell, discussants again argued that Huainan had repeatedly rebelled and Wu soldiers' families were south of the Yangzi. They could not be released and should all be buried alive. The General-in-Chief held that ancient warfare valued preserving a state whole and killing only chief villains. Even if Wu's soldiers escaped home, they would display the central state's generosity. None was killed; they were distributed for settlement among nearby commanderies of the Three Rivers region.

Tang Zi was originally from Licheng. During Huangchu, Licheng Commandery rebelled, killed Administrator Xu Ji, and chose Tang Zi as leader. Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) sent armies that defeated them. Tang Zi fled to sea and reached Wu, where he rose to General of the Left, enfeoffed as marquis and holding a staff. Zhuge Dan and Wen Qin were killed, and Tang Zi captured alive. All three rebels were taken, pleasing the realm.

Tang Zi became General Who Secures the Distant; all other subordinate generals received provisional titles and ranks. Wu's men gladly submitted. Moved by this, those in Jiangdong executed none of their families. Among Huainan's commanders, officials, soldiers, and people coerced or seized by Zhuge Dan, only the chief rebels were executed and all others pardoned. Wen Yang and Wen Hu were allowed to encoffin Wen Qin, with a cart and oxen supplied to bury him at the old grave.

Deng Ai, courtesy name Shizai, was from Jiyang in Yiyang. Orphaned young, he was moved to Runan after Taizu (Cao Cao) defeated Jing Province and tended calves for farming households. At twelve he followed his mother to Yingchuan and read the former Chief of Taiqiu Chen Shi's stele: “His writings are a model for the age; his conduct a standard for gentlemen.” Deng Ai named himself Fan and adopted the courtesy name Shize. Because someone in his clan had the same name, he later changed it. A student under a commandant, he could not become an administrative assistant because he stammered and was made a minor official guarding clumps of grass in rice fields. The father of a fellow commandery official pitied his poverty and supplied him generously, but Deng Ai never expressed thanks. Whenever he saw high mountains or broad marshes, he measured and pointed out places for military camps, often provoking laughter. Later, as a leading agricultural official and accounts officer, he met Grand Commandant Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) on a mission. Impressed, Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) recruited him as a clerk,

and was promoted to gentleman among the Masters of Writing.

The state wished to expand farming and store grain for destroying the enemy and sent Deng Ai to inspect from Chen and Xiang eastward to Shouchun. He considered: “The soil is good but water scarce, preventing full use. Channels should be opened to irrigate, accumulate great army stores, and provide transport routes.” He wrote the Discussion of Managing the Rivers to explain his purpose. He also held: “After the Yellow Turbans' defeat, agricultural colonies were established and grain stored at Xu to control all directions. Three regions are now settled, and the task lies in Huainan. Whenever a great army campaigns, more than half its troops transport supplies, with vast expenditure and labor. Between Chen and Cai, land is low and fields fertile. Reduce the rice fields around Xuchang and direct their water east. Station twenty thousand north of the Huai and thirty thousand south. With leave arranged by twelfths [十二分休; the scheme is not fully explained here], forty thousand should always remain, farming while defending. Abundant water regularly yields three times the western harvest. After expenses, five million hu can be stored annually for military use. In six or seven years, thirty million hu can accumulate on the Huai, five years' food for a hundred thousand men. Using this against Wu, no advance will fail.” Sima Xuanwang (Sima Yi) approved and implemented it all. In the second year of Zhengshi, transport channels were expanded. Thereafter, whenever the great armies were raised for southeastern affairs, they traveled downstream by boat to the Yangzi and Huai, with stored food and no water damage. This was Deng Ai's establishment.

Deng Ai went out to advise the western campaigning command and became Administrator of Nan'an. In the first year of Jiaping, he joined General Who Campaigns against the West Guo Huai against Shu's lieutenant general Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei withdrew, and Guo Huai moved west against the Qiang. Deng Ai said: “The enemy has not gone far and may return. Divide the armies to prepare against the unforeseen.” Deng Ai remained north of the Baishui. Three days later Jiang Wei sent Liao Hua from south of the river to camp facing him. Deng Ai told the generals: “Jiang Wei has suddenly returned. Our men are few, and he should cross, yet he builds no bridge. He has Liao Hua hold me here so I cannot return. Jiang Wei must be attacking Taocheng from the east.” Taocheng lay north of the river, sixty li from Deng Ai's camp. He secretly moved by night and reached it directly. Jiang Wei indeed came to cross, but Deng Ai already held the city and avoided defeat. He received Marquis Within the Passes, concurrently General Who Attacks Bandits, and later became Administrator of Chengyang.

At the time, Liu Bao, the Right Worthy King in Bing Province, had consolidated his people into one group. Deng Ai submitted:

“The Rong and Di have beast-like hearts and do not form bonds through righteousness. Strong, they invade violently; weak, they submit. Thus King Xuan of Zhou (Ji Jing) suffered Xianyun incursions, and Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) <Exalted Ancestor; an ancestral imperial designation> was besieged at Pingcheng. Whenever the Xiongnu flourished, they gravely troubled earlier ages. While their chanyu remained outside, none could restrain the high and low among them. He was enticed to attend within the court. The non-Chinese groups thereby lost unified control and had no master over union or dispersal. With the chanyu inside, ten thousand li followed proper order. Now his honor grows distant daily, while the power of outer territories increases. Deep precautions are needed. I hear Liu Bao's group contains rebels. Use this division to make two states and divide its strength. Qubei rendered conspicuous service to the former court, but his son has not inherited the enterprise. Grant the son a distinguished title and settle him at Yanmen. Dividing their states and weakening potential enemies while honoring former achievements is a long-term frontier plan.”

Deng Ai also submitted: “The Qiang and others living together with our people should gradually be moved outside their settlements, exalting instruction in integrity and shame and blocking wrongdoing.” General-in-Chief Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi), newly assisting government, adopted many proposals. Deng Ai became Administrator of Runan. On arrival he sought the official's father who had formerly treated him generously. The man was long dead. Deng Ai sent an official to sacrifice, gave substantial gifts to the man's mother, and recommended his son as accounts officer. Wherever Deng Ai served, wilderness was opened and army and people both prospered.

After Zhuge Ke failed at Hefei's new city and withdrew, Deng Ai told Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi): “Sun Quan has died, and the great ministers are not yet attached. Wu's eminent clans all possess their own troops and rely on force enough to establish their own commands. Zhuge Ke has newly taken government, without his ruler supporting him within. Instead of reassuring high and low and establishing foundations, he competes abroad, harshly employs the people, and commits the whole country's troops against a strong city. Tens of thousands died, and he returns bearing disaster. This is the day he incurs guilt. Wu Zixu, Wu Qi, Shang Yang, and Yue Yi were trusted by their rulers, yet fell after those rulers died. Zhuge Ke has less talent than those four and does not consider the great danger. His downfall can be awaited.” Zhuge Ke was indeed executed after returning. Deng Ai became Inspector of Yan Province, concurrently General Who Inspires Martial Awe. He submitted: “The state's urgent needs are farming and war. A wealthy state has strong troops; strong troops win battles. Agriculture is therefore victory's root. Confucius said ‘sufficient food and sufficient troops,’ placing food first. Without encouragement through rank above, there will be no accumulation below. If performance rewards now rest on storing grain and enriching the people, paths of personal connections will be cut and superficial brilliance blocked at its source.”

When the Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao) <the territorial title used for this Wei emperor> ascended, Deng Ai advanced to Marquis of Fangcheng Village. Guanqiu Jian rebelled and sent a runner with a letter to confuse the multitude. Deng Ai beheaded him, advanced by double marches to Lejia, and built a floating bridge. Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi) arrived and occupied it. Wen Qin's force was defeated beneath the city by the main army that followed [the source reads 文欽以後大軍破敗; its construction is uncertain]. Deng Ai pursued to Qiutou, and Wen Qin fled to Wu. Wu's General-in-Chief Sun Jun and others, claiming a hundred thousand men, intended to cross the Yangzi. General Who Guards the East Zhuge Dan sent Deng Ai to Feiyang. Considering it too distant from the enemy and not strategic, Deng Ai moved without waiting to Futing and sent Administrator of Taishan Zhuge Xu and others to fight at Lijiang, routing them. That year he was recalled as Colonel of the Long Waters. For defeating Wen Qin and the others, he advanced to Marquis of Fangcheng District and acting General Who Pacifies the West. He relieved Inspector of Yong Province Wang Jing's siege at Didao, and Jiang Wei withdrew to Zhongti. Deng Ai was confirmed as General Who Pacifies the West, holding an acting staff and concurrently Colonel Who Protects the Eastern Qiang. Most discussants thought Jiang Wei exhausted and unable to come again. Deng Ai said:

“The defeat west of the Tao was no small loss. An army was broken, commanders killed, granaries emptied, and people displaced, bringing us near destruction. Consider the situation. First, they possess the momentum of victory while we are truly weak. Second, their officers and men know one another and their weapons are sharp, while our commanders have changed, troops are new, and equipment has not been restored. Third, they travel by boat and we by land, differing in effort and ease. Fourth, Didao, Longxi, Nan'an, and Qishan all require defense; they concentrate as one while we divide into four. Fifth, coming through Nan'an and Longxi, they can feed on Qiang grain; if heading to Qishan, a thousand qing of ripe wheat hangs before them as bait. The enemy has cunning calculations. It must come.”

Soon Jiang Wei indeed headed toward Qishan. Hearing Deng Ai was prepared, he turned through Dongting toward Nan'an. Deng Ai held Mount Wucheng against him. Jiang Wei contested the difficult ground unsuccessfully, crossed the Wei eastward that night, and followed the mountains toward Shanggui. Deng Ai fought him at Duangu and heavily defeated him. In the first year of Ganlu, an edict said: “The rebel Jiang Wei has practiced cunning for successive years, unsettling Chinese and non-Chinese peoples and disturbing the west. Deng Ai plans skillfully and exerts loyal courage, killing more than ten commanders and taking thousands of heads. The state's authority shakes Ba and Shu, its martial reputation spreads over the Yangzi and Min. Let Deng Ai become General Who Guards the West, supervising Longyou's armies, advanced to Marquis of Deng. Divide five hundred households to make his son Deng Zhong a village marquis.” In the second year he resisted Jiang Wei at Changcheng, and Jiang Wei withdrew. Deng Ai became General Who Campaigns against the West, successive increases bringing his estate to sixty-six hundred households.

In the third year of Jingyuan, Deng Ai again defeated Jiang Wei at Houhe, and Jiang Wei withdrew to Tazhong. In autumn of the fourth year, an edict ordered the armies against Shu. General-in-Chief Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) assigned all their operations: Deng Ai was to hold Jiang Wei engaged, while Inspector of Yong Province Zhuge Xu blocked his return. Deng Ai sent Administrator of Tianshui Wang Qi and others directly against Jiang Wei's camp, Administrator of Longxi Qian Hong and others ahead to intercept, and Administrator of Jincheng Yang Xin and others to Gansong. Hearing Zhong Hui's armies had entered Hanzhong, Jiang Wei withdrew. Yang Xin pursued to Qiangchuankou, fought a great battle, and defeated him. Hearing Yong Province's army blocked the road at Qiaotou, Jiang Wei entered the northern road through Konghan Valley to emerge behind it. Zhuge Xu withdrew thirty li. After going more than thirty li north, Jiang Wei heard of the withdrawal and promptly returned through Qiaotou. Zhuge Xu hurried to intercept but missed him by a day. Jiang Wei went east to defend Jiange. Zhong Hui could not defeat him. Deng Ai submitted: “The enemy is now broken. Exploit this by taking a side path from Yinping through Han's Deyang Village toward Fu, emerging a hundred li west of Jiange and more than three hundred li from Chengdu, striking at their heart. Jiange's defenders must return to Fu, letting Zhong Hui advance with carts abreast. If they do not return, troops defending Fu will be few. Military records say: ‘Attack where unprepared; emerge where unexpected.’ Strike their emptiness now and victory is certain.”

In the tenth month of winter, Deng Ai traveled more than seven hundred li through uninhabited ground on the Yinping route, cutting mountains to open roads and building bridges and plank ways. High mountains and deep valleys made extreme danger. Supplies were nearly exhausted, and they repeatedly approached disaster. Deng Ai wrapped himself in felt and rolled down. Officers and soldiers climbed trees and followed cliffs in single file. The vanguard reached Jiangyou, where Shu commander Ma Miao surrendered. Shu's General of the Guards Zhuge Zhan returned from Fu to Mianzhu and arrayed against Deng Ai. Deng Ai sent his son Deng Zhong, Marquis of Huitang Village, and others to the right, and Major Shi Zuan and others to the left. Defeated, both withdrew and said: “The enemy cannot yet be attacked.” Deng Ai angrily replied: “Survival or destruction depends on this one action. How can it be impossible?” He rebuked them and was about to execute them. Deng Zhong and Shi Zuan galloped back, fought again, heavily defeated the enemy, and beheaded Zhuge Zhan, Master of Writing Zhang Zun, and others. The army advanced to Luo. Liu Shan sent an envoy with the imperial seal and ribbon and a letter requesting surrender.

Deng Ai reached Chengdu. Liu Shan led the crown prince, other princes, and more than sixty ministers to the camp gate with hands bound behind them and a coffin carried on a cart. Holding his staff, Deng Ai untied them, burned the coffin, accepted submission, and pardoned them. He restrained his troops from plunder, reassured the surrendered, and restored their old livelihoods, winning praise from Shu's people. Following Deng Yu's precedent, he acted under assumed imperial authority to appoint Liu Shan acting General of Agile Cavalry, the crown prince Commandant of Attendant Equipages, and the other princes Chief Commandants of Attendant Cavalry. Shu's officials received royal offices according to rank, or appointments on Deng Ai's staff. Shi Zuan became acting Inspector of Yi Province, and Administrator of Longxi Qian Hong and others administered Shu's commanderies. Deng Ai built a mound of battle dead at Mianzhu to manifest victory. His soldiers killed in action were buried together with Shu's men. Deeply proud and boastful, he told Shu's gentlemen: “You owe today's survival to meeting me. Had you encountered men like Wu Han, you would have been exterminated.” He also said: “Jiang Wei was indeed a hero of his time. Only because he met me did he come to extremity.” The discerning laughed at him.

In the twelfth month, an edict said: “Deng Ai displayed authority and martial power, entered deep into enemy territory, killed commanders, seized banners, and destroyed the chief villains. The ruler who assumed an illegitimate imperial title bowed with a rope around his neck. One evading punishment through generations was settled in a morning. The army did not exceed the season, battles did not last a full day. Sweeping like clouds and rolling up a mat, he pacified Ba and Shu. Even Bai Qi breaking powerful Chu, Han Xin defeating mighty Zhao, Wu Han capturing Ziyang (Gongsun Shu), and Zhou Yafu destroying the Seven States cannot match this achievement. Let Deng Ai become Grand Commandant, with twenty thousand additional households. Two sons shall become village marquises with a thousand households each.”

Deng Ai told Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao):

“War sometimes uses reputation before reality. Exploit Shu's pacification against Wu now. Its people are terrified; this is the time to sweep them away. Yet after a great undertaking, officers and soldiers are exhausted and cannot immediately be employed. Proceed gradually. Retain twenty thousand Longyou troops and twenty thousand Shu troops to boil salt, establish smelting for military and agricultural essentials, and build ships for downstream operations. Then send an envoy explaining advantage and harm. Wu must submit and can be settled without a campaign. Treat Liu Shan generously to attract Sun Xiu, reassure soldiers and people to bring distant men. Sending Liu Shan immediately to the capital would look like exile to Wu and discourage submission. Retain him temporarily until next autumn or winter; by then Wu can be pacified. Enfeoff Liu Shan as King of Fufeng, grant him property, and support his attendants. Dong Zhuo's fortified settlement in that commandery can become his palace. Make his sons dukes and marquises, with estates in its counties, displaying favor to submission. Open Guangling and Chengyang to receive Wu's people. Fearing authority and cherishing virtue, they will submit at your influence.”

Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) sent Army Supervisor Wei Guan to tell Deng Ai: “These matters require a reply. They should not be acted on arbitrarily.” Deng Ai answered again: “I received the command to campaign and followed the plans assigned. The chief enemy has submitted. Acting under delegated imperial authority to confer provisional appointments and reassure the newly attached seemed to fit expediency. Shu has submitted in full, its territory reaching the Southern Sea and adjoining Wu in the east. It should be stabilized quickly. Waiting for state commands would consume months in journeys back and forth. By the Spring and Autumn principle, a grandee beyond the borders may act independently where it secures the altars of state and benefits the country. Wu remains unsubmissive and linked in position with Shu. We cannot lose the opportunity through ordinary restrictions. Military principles say one advances without seeking fame and retreats without avoiding blame. Though lacking the ancients' integrity, I shall never injure the state through fear of suspicion.” Zhong Hui, Hu Lie, Shi Zuan, and others all reported Deng Ai's actions as insubordinate rebellion. A breach consequently formed, and an edict summoned Deng Ai in a cage cart.

After Deng Ai and his son were imprisoned, Zhong Hui reached Chengdu, sent Deng Ai ahead, and then rebelled. After Zhong Hui died, soldiers from Deng Ai's former camp pursued the cage cart, freed him, and brought him back. Wei Guan sent Tian Xu and others against Deng Ai. Meeting him west of Mianzhu, they killed him. Deng Zhong died with him; all other sons at Luoyang were executed. Deng Ai's wife, remaining family, and grandchildren were exiled to the Western Regions.

Before attacking Shu, Deng Ai dreamed he sat on a mountain with running water. He asked Protector of the Army Who Exterminates the Enemy Yuan Shao (爰邵; distinct from Yuan Shao 袁紹), who said: “In the Changes, water on a mountain is the hexagram Jian <Difficulty>. Its statement says: ‘Difficulty favors the southwest, not the northeast.’ Confucius says: ‘The southwest is favorable: going brings achievement. The northeast is unfavorable: the Way ends.’ You must conquer Shu, but may not return!” Deng Ai was troubled and unhappy.

In the first year of Taishi, Jin ascended the throne and issued an edict: “Grand Commandant Wang Ling once plotted to depose the Prince of Qi (Cao Fang), and that prince ultimately proved unable to retain the throne. General Who Campaigns against the West Deng Ai, proud of achievement and failing in proper conduct, truly deserved execution. Yet on receiving the written order, he dismissed his men and accepted guilt with folded hands, differing from those who commit evil to seek survival. The general amnesty now permits return. Those without descendants may establish successors so sacrifices do not cease.” In the third year, Consultant Gentleman Duan Zhuo submitted a memorial defending Deng Ai:

“Deng Ai harbored utmost loyalty yet bore the name of rebellion, pacified Ba and Shu yet suffered extermination. I privately grieve. How regrettable to call him a rebel! Rigid and impatient, he readily offended prevailing standards and could not harmonize with companions, so none would defend him. I dare explain why he did not rebel. Jiang Wei formerly intended to cut off Longyou. Deng Ai repaired defenses, stored grain, and strengthened troops. During drought and famine, he practiced planting in small plots, wore black clothing, and personally held plow and spade to lead officers and soldiers. High and low moved one another, all exerting themselves fully. Holding a staff on the frontier, commanding tens of thousands, he did not shrink from servants' labor or the people's work. Who without loyal diligence could do this? Thus at Luomen and Duangu he defeated a strong enemy with fewer men. The former emperor (Sima Zhao, posthumously honored as Emperor Wen of Jin) knew he could be trusted, entrusted him with victory planned in the ancestral temple, and gave him a far-reaching strategy. Deng Ai received the command and forgot himself, binding horses and suspending carts, casting himself into mortal danger. Courage rose to the clouds; soldiers exploited the momentum and made Liu Shan and his ministers bind their hands and bend their knees. His fame and achievement were complete and should have been written for posterity, transmitting blessings for ten thousand generations. At seventy, what more would an old man seek through rebellion? Trusting the kindness that had nurtured him and harboring no suspicion, he assumed imperial commands and made appointments to secure the state temporarily. Though violating ordinary rules, he accorded with ancient principle. Judging intentions and settling guilt deserved discussion. Zhong Hui envied his authority and fame and fabricated the case. Loyal yet executed, trustworthy yet suspected, his head hung in the horse market and all his sons were killed. Those seeing it wept; those hearing sighed. Your Majesty has risen like a dragon and expanded generosity, removing suspicions and employing households of the executed without restriction. Qin's people pitied Bai Qi's innocence, and Wu's people grieved at Wu Zixu's cruel injustice, erecting shrines to both. The realm's grief for Deng Ai is the same. His head and body lie separated, abandoned in grass and earth. Gather his remains and restore his fields and house. For his conquest of Shu, let his grandson inherit an enfeoffment; close the coffin and settle his posthumous title, leaving no regret in death. Pardon a wronged spirit below the earth and recover trust and righteousness for posterity. Bury one man, and the realm admires the conduct; inter one spirit, and the realm turns to the righteousness. The action is small, those pleased many.”

In the ninth year, an edict said: “Deng Ai rendered meritorious service and did not flee punishment, yet his descendants are commoner dependents. I have always pitied them. Let his eldest-line grandson Deng Lang become Gentleman of the Palace.”

While in the west, Deng Ai repaired frontier defenses and built fortified settlements. During Taishi, great Qiang rebellions repeatedly killed inspectors and cut the Liang Province roads. Officials and people who remained safe all sheltered in Deng Ai's fortifications.

Deng Ai's contemporary from his home region, Zhou Tai (州泰; distinct from Zhou Tai 周泰) of Nanyang, also delighted in establishing achievement and was skilled in warfare. He rose to General Who Campaigns against the Enemy, with an acting staff supervising military affairs south of the Yangzi. He died in the second year of Jingyuan, was posthumously appointed General of the Guards, and received the posthumous title Marquis Zhuang.

Zhong Hui, courtesy name Shiji, was from Changshe in Yingchuan, the youngest son of Grand Tutor Zhong Yao. Quick and intelligent, he matured early.

Central Protector Jiang Ji wrote that “observing a person's pupils is enough to understand him.” When Zhong Hui was five, Zhong Yao sent him to see Jiang Ji, who marveled: “No ordinary person!” As he grew, Zhong Hui possessed talent, calculation, and many arts, studied widely, and mastered the principles of names and distinctions. Working through nights after days, he gained a reputation.

During Zhengshi he became gentleman in the Palace Library, then gentleman among the Masters of Writing and attendant gentleman of the Palace Secretariat.

When the Duke of Gaogui District (Cao Mao) ascended, Zhong Hui received Marquis Within the Passes.

When Guanqiu Jian rebelled and General-in-Chief Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi) campaigned east, Zhong Hui accompanied him and handled confidential matters. General of the Guards Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) followed with the main army. Sima Jingwang (Sima Shi) died at Xuchang. Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) took overall command of the six armies, and Zhong Hui planned within the inner tent. An inner edict instructed Master of Writing Fu Gu to leave the General of the Guards temporarily at Xuchang to support internal and external affairs because the southeast was newly settled, while Fu Gu led the armies back. Zhong Hui and Fu Gu arranged for Fu Gu to memorialize and depart together with the General of the Guards without waiting, camping south of the Luo River. The court then appointed Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) General-in-Chief to assist government. Zhong Hui became Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and Marquis of Dongwu Village, with three hundred households.

In the second year of Ganlu, Zhuge Dan was summoned as Minister of Works. Zhong Hui was at home on mourning leave. Predicting Zhuge Dan must refuse, he hurried to tell Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao), who did not revoke what had already been done.

When Zhuge Dan rebelled, the imperial carriage stayed at Xiang while Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) went to Shouchun. Zhong Hui again accompanied him.

Wu's senior general Quan Cong had been a weighty minister related by marriage to Sun Quan. His son Quan Yi, grandson Quan Jing, and nephews Quan Duan, Quan Pian, and Quan Ji all commanded troops relieving Zhuge Dan. Quan Yi's elder brother's sons Quan Hui and Quan Yi (全儀) remained at Jianye. Quarreling within the family, they took their mother and several dozen households of followers across the Yangzi to surrender to Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao). Zhong Hui devised a plan and secretly composed letters in their names, sending trusted men into the city to tell Quan Yi and the others that Wu was angry at their failure to rescue Shouchun and intended to execute every general's family. This, the letters claimed, was why Quan Hui and Quan Yi (全儀) had fled. Frightened, Quan Yi (全懌) and the others opened the eastern gate and surrendered their troops, all receiving enfeoffment and favor. The city thereby became divided. Zhong Hui's plans contributed much to Shouchun's fall, and his intimacy and favor increased daily. Contemporaries called him Zifang (Zhang Liang). On returning he was promoted to Minister Coachman but firmly declined. As a consultant gentleman in the General-in-Chief's office, he controlled the records office in a trusted role. For service against Zhuge Dan, he advanced to Marquis of Chen but repeatedly refused. An edict said: “Zhong Hui coordinated military affairs, participated in planning, assessed the enemy, and controlled victory. He has meritorious strategy, yet firmly yields favor with sincere words. Repeated requests show an unalterable resolve. Achievement without dwelling upon it was valued by the ancients. Permit his insistence and complete his virtue.” He became Colonel Director of Retainers. Though in an external supervisory post, he coordinated all gains and losses of current government and the granting or removal of contemporary standing. Ji Kang and the others' executions were all his planning.

Because Shu's senior general Jiang Wei repeatedly disturbed the frontier, Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) judged Shu small, its people weary, and resources exhausted, and wished for a great campaign. Zhong Hui alone also considered Shu conquerable. They planned terrain and circumstances together. In the winter of the third year of Jingyuan, Zhong Hui became General Who Guards the West with an acting staff supervising Guanzhong's armies. Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) ordered Qing, Xu, Yan, Yu, Jing, and Yang Provinces to build ships and Tang Zi to construct great seagoing vessels, outwardly appearing to prepare against Wu. In autumn of the fourth year, an edict ordered Deng Ai and Zhuge Xu each to command more than thirty thousand. Deng Ai was to hold Jiang Wei at Gansong and Tazhong; Zhuge Xu was to advance toward Wujie and Qiaotou to cut his retreat. Zhong Hui commanded more than a hundred thousand, entering separately through Xie and Luo Valleys. He sent Standard-Gate General Xu Yi ahead to repair the road. Following, Zhong Hui encountered a broken bridge where his horse's foot sank. He executed Xu Yi. Though Xu Yi was the son of Xu Chu, who had served the royal house meritoriously, he received no pardon. Hearing this, all armies trembled. Shu ordered its fortified camps not to fight but to withdraw into Hancheng and Lecheng. Administrator of Weixing Liu Qin advanced through Ziwu Valley. Armies moving together by several routes reached Hanzhong. Shu Army Supervisor Wang Han held Lecheng and Protector of the Army Jiang Bin held Hancheng, each with five thousand men. Zhong Hui gave Protector of the Army Xun Kai and General of the Front Li Fu ten thousand each to besiege Hancheng and Lecheng respectively, while he went straight west through Yang'an Pass and sent someone to sacrifice at Zhuge Liang's grave. Protector of the Army Hu Lie and others advanced, broke the fortified pass, and captured stored grain and supplies. Returning from Tazhong to Yinping, Jiang Wei gathered troops and intended to reach the pass. Before arrival, hearing it had fallen, he withdrew toward Baishui and joined Shu generals Zhang Yi and Liao Hua to defend Jiange against Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui circulated a proclamation to Shu's commanders, officials, soldiers, and people:

“In former times, Han's destiny declined, the land broke apart, and human lives nearly vanished. Taizu Emperor Wu (Cao Cao), divinely martial and sagely wise, corrected disorder, rescued impending collapse, and created our Chinese realm. Gaozu Emperor Wen (Cao Pi) answered Heaven and followed the people, receiving the mandate and ascending the throne. Liezu Emperor Ming (Cao Rui) renewed brilliance through successive generations and expanded the great enterprise. Yet beyond rivers and mountains, government and customs differ, and common people have not received royal transformation. This was the lingering concern and regret of the Three Ancestors. Our sovereign now possesses reverent, clear sage virtue and continues their work. His assisting chief minister is loyal, serious, discerning, and sincere, laboring for the royal house, spreading government and kindness to harmonize the myriad states, and extending virtue to the hundred foreign peoples so even the Sushen bring tribute. He grieves that Ba and Shu alone remain outside obedient rule and pities their people, whose labor never ends. Thus he commands the six armies reverently to execute Heaven's punishment. The western campaigning, Yong Province, and western guarding armies advance together on five routes. Ancient warfare rested on humanity and was ordered through righteousness. A king's army campaigns without battle. Thus Yu Shun danced with shields and axes and brought the Youmiao to submission, while King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) distributed wealth, opened granaries, and honored village gates. Receiving command, I, the General Who Guards the West, direct this weighty force, hoping to spread instruction through proclamation and save the common people's lives, not to exhaust warfare for one morning's policy. I therefore state briefly the essentials of safety and danger. Listen respectfully. The Former Sovereign of Yi Province (Liu Bei), an outstanding talent born for his age, raised troops in the north but met frustration near Ji and Xu, his destiny controlled by Yuan Shao and Lü Bu. Taizu (Cao Cao) rescued him and formed a great friendship, yet he later betrayed it, abandoning alliance for difference. Zhuge Kongming (Zhuge Liang) repeatedly planned against Qinchuan, and Jiang Boyue (Jiang Wei) repeatedly advanced into Longyou, troubling our borders and invading our Di and Qiang. While our state faced many affairs, it lacked leisure for the Nine Punitive Campaigns. Now borders are settled and the interior peaceful. Strength stored for the right time converges in one direction. Ba and Shu's single province must divide its people among defenses, hardly able to resist the realm's armies. Morale injured at Duangu and Houhe cannot face our imposing formations. Without one peaceful year lately, its exhausted conscripts cannot meet men who come willingly like children. You have all seen this. Shu's chancellor Zhuang was captured by Qin, and Gongsun Shu gave his head to Han. The Nine Provinces' defenses do not belong to one surname forever. You have all heard this. The discerning see danger before form, the wise plan against disaster before beginnings. Thus Weizi left Shang and remained Zhou's honored guest; Chen Ping abandoned Xiang Yu and achieved merit under Han. How could one settle in ease as in poison, cling to salary, and refuse change? Our court now extends Heaven-like kindness, and the assisting chief minister broadens forgiving virtue, favoring before punishing, loving life and hating killing. Wu general Sun Yi brought his troops in submission and received high ministerial rank and exceptional favor. Wen Qin and Tang Zi gravely harmed the state, rebelled against their ruler, joined the enemy, and returned as military leaders. Tang Zi was cornered and captured, and Wen Qin's two sons surrendered. All became generals and marquises; Tang Zi participates in state affairs. Even men submitting from extremity receive great favor. How much more Ba and Shu's worthy and discerning who act upon opportunity! If you examine success and failure deeply, rise above present circumstances, and follow Weizi and Chen Ping, your blessings will match the ancients and reach descendants. Soldiers and people will remain secure in old livelihoods; farmers will not change fields, markets will not shift shops. Leaving the danger of piled eggs for lasting safety—how admirable! But if you steal momentary peace, remain deluded, and refuse return, once the great army moves, jade and stone alike will shatter. Even regret will come too late. Weigh advantage and harm carefully, seek abundant blessings for yourselves, and proclaim this fully so all hear and know.”

Deng Ai pursued Jiang Wei to Yinping, selected picked troops, and intended to pass through Han's Deyang into Jiangyou and along the Zuodan route to Mianzhu and Chengdu, with Zhuge Xu accompanying him. Since his original instructions were to intercept Jiang Wei and westward movement was not in the edict, Zhuge Xu instead advanced toward Baishui and joined Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui sent General Tian Zhang and others by a direct route west of Jiange toward Jiangyou. Before reaching it, at a distance of a hundred li, Tian Zhang defeated three Shu ambush detachments. Deng Ai made Tian Zhang his vanguard and drove forward. Zhong Hui and Zhuge Xu advanced toward Jiange. Wishing sole control of the army, Zhong Hui secretly accused Zhuge Xu of cowardice and failure to advance. Zhuge Xu was summoned back in a cage cart and all his troops assigned to Zhong Hui,

who attacked Jiange, failed, and withdrew, while Shu held its defenses. Deng Ai reached Mianzhu, fought a great battle, and killed Zhuge Zhan. Hearing this, Jiang Wei and the others led their men east into Ba. Zhong Hui advanced to Fu and sent Hu Lie, Tian Xu, Pang Hui, and others after Jiang Wei. Deng Ai moved toward Chengdu, where Liu Shan surrendered and sent an envoy ordering Jiang Wei and the others to submit to Zhong Hui. Reaching Qi County in Guanghan, Jiang Wei had his men lay down all arms and sent his staff and credentials to Hu Lie, then took the eastern road to surrender to Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui reported:

“The enemies Jiang Wei, Zhang Yi, Liao Hua, Dong Jue, and others fled death, intending Chengdu. I sent Major Xiahou Xian, Protector of the Army Hu Lie, and others through Jiange to emerge at Xindu and Dadu and cut their front; military adviser Yuan 𩇕 [the given character's reading is uncertain] and General Gou An followed their rear; military adviser Huangfu Kai and General Wang Mai went south from Fu against their center; I held Fu as support east and west. Jiang Wei and the others commanded forty or fifty thousand infantry and cavalry, armored and armed, filling rivers and valleys, their front and rear continuous for hundreds of li. Relying on numbers, they moved west with carts abreast. I ordered Xiahou Xian and Huangfu Kai to divide troops among advantageous positions and spread a net, blocking the road to Wu southward, Chengdu westward, and escape northward. Gathering like clouds on four sides, advancing front and rear together, they cut every path, leaving nowhere to flee or hide. I also wrote personally to explain and show a path to life. Pressed to extremity and knowing destiny exhausted, the enemies removed armor, threw down weapons, bound their hands, and submitted. Seals and ribbons numbered in tens of thousands, supplies and equipment rose like mountains. Shun danced with shields and axes and the Youmiao submitted; at Muye, Shang's soldiers reversed their weapons. Campaigning without battle is an emperor's flourishing achievement. Preserving a state whole is better than breaking it; preserving an army whole is better than breaking it: these are excellent military principles. Your Majesty's sage virtue matches earlier rulers, while loyal and discerning assistants follow Duke Dan of Zhou (Ji Dan). Through humanity you nurture life, through righteousness punish disobedience. Different customs turn to transformation, none failing to submit. The campaign did not exceed the season, blades were not bloodied, ten thousand li share one influence, and the Nine Provinces one order. I have proclaimed your commands, spread kind transformation, restored their altars of state, secured neighborhoods, remitted taxes, relaxed labor levies, taught virtue and ritual to change customs, and displayed proper standards. The people rejoice and rest at ease. Even the saying ‘When he comes, we shall revive’ cannot surpass this righteousness.”

Zhong Hui restrained his men from plunder and humbly welcomed Shu's officials. His affection and friendship with Jiang Wei were very warm.

In the twelfth month, an edict said: “Where Zhong Hui advances, resistance collapses, with no strong enemy ahead. He controls cities and nets fugitives. Shu's leaders bind their hands and submit. His plans omit nothing, his actions achieve everything. Those surrendered or killed number in tens of thousands. He wins completely, campaigning without battle, expanding and pacifying the west and securing the region. Let him become Minister over the Masses, advanced to county marquis, with ten thousand additional households. Two sons shall become village marquises with a thousand households each.”

Zhong Hui inwardly harbored another ambition. Exploiting Deng Ai's independent actions under assumed imperial authority, he secretly reported signs of Deng Ai's rebellion,

and an edict summoned Deng Ai in a cage cart. Fearing refusal, Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) ordered Zhong Hui to advance to Chengdu. Army Supervisor Wei Guan went ahead with Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao)'s handwritten order to explain matters to Deng Ai's army. All laid down arms, and Deng Ai was put in the cage cart. Deng Ai alone had worried Zhong Hui. Once Deng Ai was captured and Zhong Hui arrived, he alone controlled the great force, his authority shaking the west. Believing his fame and achievement surpassed the age and he could no longer remain beneath another, and holding fierce generals and picked troops, he planned rebellion. Jiang Wei and the others would lead Shu troops through Xie Valley, followed by Zhong Hui's great army. At Chang'an, cavalry would go overland while infantry floated down the Wei into the Yellow River, reaching Mengjin in five days to meet the cavalry at Luoyang. He thought the realm could be settled in a morning. A letter from Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) arrived: “Fearing Deng Ai may refuse summons, I now send Central Protector Jia Chong with ten thousand infantry and cavalry directly into Xie Valley to camp at Lecheng. I myself lead a hundred thousand to Chang'an. We shall meet soon.” Alarmed, Zhong Hui told intimates: “To seize Deng Ai alone, the Chancellor of State knows I can act independently. Such heavy forces must mean he suspects my intentions. We must rise quickly. Success gains the realm; failure leaves Shu and Hanzhong, where I can still be Liu Bei. Since Huainan, my plans have omitted nothing, as the four seas know. With this ability, where should I submit?” He arrived on the fifteenth of the first month of the fifth year. Next day he invited protectors, administrators, standard-gate commanders, cavalry supervisors, higher officers, and Shu's former officials to the Shu court hall to announce mourning for the empress dowager. He forged her final edict ordering him to raise troops and depose Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao), showed it to everyone, had them deliberate and sign tablets, then replaced army commanders with trusted men. All invited officials were locked in Yi Province's bureau rooms. City and palace gates were closed and guarded by armed troops. Commander Qiu Jian had originally served Hu Lie, who recommended him to Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao). Zhong Hui requested him for his own staff and trusted him. Pitying Hu Lie's solitary confinement, Qiu Jian asked permission to admit one personal soldier to fetch food and drink. The standard-gate commanders each received the same allowance. Hu Lie deceived his soldier and wrote to his son: “Qiu Jian secretly reports that Zhong Hui has prepared a great pit and several thousand plain clubs,

intending to summon the outside troops, give each a white headcloth,

appoint them unattached generals, and club them to death in the pit in order.” The commanders' soldiers all spread this story. Overnight it reached everyone. Someone told Zhong Hui: “Kill all standard-gate commanders, cavalry supervisors, and those above.” He hesitated and did not decide.

At midday on the eighteenth, Hu Lie's soldiers and his son beat drums and went out. All the armies, without agreement or anyone urging them, rushed shouting toward the city. Armor and weapons were being issued to Jiang Wei when reports came of noise outside, like a fire, then of troops running toward the city. Alarmed, Zhong Hui asked Jiang Wei: “The troops seem intent on violence. What should we do?” Jiang Wei said: “Simply strike them.” Zhong Hui sent men to kill the confined commanders and administrators. Those within raised furniture to bar the doors. Soldiers hacked at them but could not break through. Soon men outside climbed ladders onto the walls or burned buildings, swarming in like ants while arrows fell like rain. Commanders and administrators escaped over roofs and rejoined their soldiers. Jiang Wei led Zhong Hui's attendants in battle and personally killed five or six. The crowd struck him down, then competed to kill Zhong Hui. Zhong Hui was forty. Several hundred officers and soldiers died.

Deng Ai had been appointed Grand Commandant and Zhong Hui Minister over the Masses, both retaining staffs and army commands, but both died before formally receiving appointment. Zhong Hui's elder brother Zhong Yu died in the winter of the fourth year, news Zhong Hui never learned. His nephew Zhong Yong accompanied him and died with him. His adopted nephew Zhong Yi, and Zhong Jun, Zhong Chan,

and others were imprisoned for execution. Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) petitioned the Son of Heaven to issue an edict: “The grandfather of Zhong Jun and the others, Zhong Yao, served the Three Ancestors, reached the highest offices, assisted the founding mandate, and shares sacrifices in the ancestral court. Their father Zhong Yu held posts within and without with administrative achievements. Chu remembered Ziwen's government and did not extinguish the Dou clan's sacrifices; Jin recorded Cheng and Xuan's loyalty and preserved the Zhao descendants. To extinguish Zhong Yao and Zhong Yu's line for Zhong Hui and Zhong Yong's crimes moves me to pity. Specially pardon the brothers Zhong Jun and Zhong Chan, retaining existing offices and titles. Only Zhong Yi and Zhong Yong's sons shall face execution.” Some say Zhong Yu had secretly warned Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) that Zhong Hui harbored schemes, was unreliable, and should not receive sole authority; thus Zhong Jun and the others were spared.

Before sending Zhong Hui against Shu, Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) received Western Bureau clerk Shao Ti, who said: “You now send Zhong Hui with more than a hundred thousand against Shu. He has no dependent household or weighty family ties [單身無重任 in the source]. Better send someone else.” Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) smiled and said:

“Could I not know this? Shu troubles the realm and prevents the people's rest. Conquering it now is as plain as pointing to my palm, yet everyone says it cannot be attacked. Fear beforehand exhausts intelligence and courage; forcing men in that condition merely makes them enemy captives. Zhong Hui alone agrees with me. Sent against Shu, he must destroy it. Afterward, even if your concern proves true, what can he accomplish? A defeated commander cannot be told of courage, nor a fallen state's grandee consulted about survival, because their hearts are broken. Once Shu falls, its terrified survivors cannot plan with him. Our own soldiers all wish to return and will not join him. If he does evil, he merely exterminates his clan. Do not worry, and take care that no one hears this.”

When Zhong Hui reported Deng Ai's misconduct and Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) prepared to go west, Shao Ti again said: “Zhong Hui has five or six times Deng Ai's troops. Order him to take Deng Ai; there is no need to go yourself.” Sima Wenwang (Sima Zhao) replied: “Have you forgotten your earlier words and now say I need not go? Still, this must not be publicized. I must treat people with trust and righteousness. Unless they betray me, how could I harbor suspicion first? Recently Protector Jia (Jia Chong) asked whether I suspected Zhong Hui. I answered: ‘Now that I send you, should I suspect you too?’ He could not improve on my words. When I reach Chang'an, matters will resolve.” By the army's arrival, Zhong Hui was indeed dead, all as predicted.

Zhong Hui once argued that the Changes contained no interlocking trigrams and discussed whether talent and nature were identical or different. After his death, twenty chapters were found at his house, titled Discourses on the Way, though actually belonging to the school of punishments and names. Their style resembled his.

Around twenty, Zhong Hui was renowned alongside Wang Bi of Shanyang. Wang Bi delighted in discussing Confucian and Daoist thought, with unrestrained literary talent and eloquence. He annotated the Changes and Laozi, became a gentleman among the Masters of Writing, and died in his twenties.

Appraisal: Wang Ling's bearing and integrity were elevated; Guanqiu Jian's talent and discernment outstanding and capable; Zhuge Dan was stern, resolute, and weighty in authority; Zhong Hui refined in calculation and strategy. All gained renown and these honored appointments, yet their hearts were great and ambitions impractical. Failing to consider danger, they brought change as sudden as a released trigger and their clans lay in the dust. Was this not deluded error? Deng Ai was vigorous and strong, establishing achievements, yet blind to preventing danger, and disaster quickly followed. How could he see Zhuge Ke's fate afar but fail to see himself nearby? This is what the ancients called reasoning like the eye.