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So orders were given for the time-expired soldiers to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it, a sudden movement of generosity spread among them.

And they said, “Since the Prime Minister loves us so much, we do not wish to go, but will prefer to remain to fight the Wei army to death.”

“But you are due for home; you cannot stay here,” said Zhuge Liang.

They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home.

“Since you wish to stay and fight with me, you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the army of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march.”

So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.

Now the Xiliang troops had traveled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents, the troops of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, soldiers full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The troops of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels.

It was a victory for Zhuge Liang, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards. Just then arrived an urgent letter from Li Yan, then at Baidicheng, and when Zhuge Liang had torn it open he read:

“News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to

attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans.”

Doubts and fears crowded in upon Zhuge Liang's mind as he read. He summoned his officers.

“As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly,” said he. “If I issue orders for the Qishan force to withdraw, Sima Yi will not dare to pursue while we are camped here.”

The Qishan force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Zhang He watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Sima Yi.

“The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason.”

“Zhuge Liang is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful lookout. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good,” said Sima Yi.

Here General Wei Ping stepped forward, saying, “But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us?”

But Sima Yi was obstinate and ignored the protest.

When Zhuge Liang knew that the Qishan troops had got away safely, he called Yang Yi and Ma Zhong and gave them secret orders to lead ten thousand of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Path of Saber Pass and place them in ambush on both sides of the road.

“If the soldiers of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows.”

Wei Yan and Guan Xing were told to attack the rear of the enemy.

These orders given, the walls of Lucheng were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to make some smoke as though there were cooking activities in the city. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Path.

The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Sima Yi went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags, he said, “The city is deserted.”

He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty.

“Then Zhuge Liang is really gone; who will pursue?”

“Let me,” replied Zhang He.

“You are too impulsive,” said Sima Yi.

“I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me today, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?”

“Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point.”

“I know that, and you need not be afraid.”

“Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must be prepared for.”

“A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country; never mind what happens.”

“Then take five thousand troops and start; Wei Ping shall follow with twenty thousand of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three thousand to help where need be.”

So Zhang He set out and advanced quickly. Ten miles out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by Wei Yan, who galloped to the front, crying, “Whither would you go, O rebel leader?”