The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 419 Sima Yi Dies at Wuzhang Plains in Regret; Fake Li Yi Frightens Away a Million Fierce Soldiers

The Wei River wept, and the Wei camp was draped in white mourning clothes.

A memorial tablet for Cao Zhen was set up in front of the central command tent.

Sima Yi, dressed in mourning clothes, prostrated himself on the ground and wept bitterly, his cries echoing throughout the army.
"Alas, Grand Commander! Pillar of the nation."

"With such a sudden collapse, has Heaven failed to protect the Great Wei?"

Overwhelmed with emotion, he kowtowed to the ground, blood staining his clothes.

All the generals who saw it wept.

However, in the secret tent that night, the candlelight flickered red.

Sima Zhao ground the ink and handed over the brush; Sima Yi wielded the brush swiftly, writing a memorial whose every word was piercing to the heart.
"Cao Zhen, relying on his bravery, advanced recklessly, disregarding my advice, which led to the defeat at Mumen..."

"We beg the King of Wei to strip him of his rank and emoluments as a warning to others."

He then secretly instructed his trusted confidants:

"Cao Zhen's former subordinates, all direct descendants of the Xiahou clan, shall be transferred to Longxi to guard the border within three days."

The news reached the outpost.

Xiahou Ba was caressing Cao Zhen's remaining armor when he heard the news, and his eyes widened in fury.

He cleaved the corner of the table in two with a sword and roared:

"That old scoundrel Sima! Killing the governor wasn't enough; he had to eliminate him completely!"

The subordinate quickly covered his mouth:

"General, be careful what you say! The commanders guarding the plank road have all been replaced by Sima family confidants."

"Why not hurry to Chengdu to see the King of Wei?"

Xiahou Ba pondered for a long time before agreeing.

That night, the moon was bright and the wind was gentle.

Xiahou Ba led 500 personal guards in an attempt to detour through Chencang.

Upon reaching Dasanguan, they saw thick smoke billowing from the cliffs—

Zhang Yi, holding Sima Yi's order, was burning down the last section of the plank road pontoon bridge.

In the firelight, Zhang Yi cupped his hands and shouted:

"By order of Chancellor Sima, to guard against a surprise attack by the Han army, the Guanzhong Pass is temporarily closed!"

The guard slumped to the ground:

"General, the way back is blocked!"

Xiahou Ba sighed deeply, then looked up at the sky and smiled bitterly:

"Sima Yi forced me into a deadly situation. Could it be the will of Heaven?"

Suddenly, an old soldier kowtowed and wept as he remonstrated:

"As Emperor Guangwu once said, 'A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on.' Now, Zhuge Liang's benevolence and virtue are known throughout the land. Why don't you, General..."

"shut up!"

Xiahou Ba interrupted sharply, his hand on the sword hilt trembling violently.

After a long while, he looked south towards Chengdu, tears streaming down his face.
"My family has received great favors from Cao Wei for generations, and it is not right for us to betray our lord..."

"However, the Sima family, for their own personal vendetta, put the fate of the entire nation on the brink of disaster."

"He has already shown signs of usurpation."

"What Ba is doing today is not betraying Wei, but rather saving Wei's dynasty by eliminating the traitors!"

The ancient road in Longxi is slippery with frost.

When Jiang Wei was patrolling the border, he suddenly saw startled birds flying in the forest and quickly ordered the crossbowmen to draw their triggers.

A troop of battered Wei soldiers staggered out, their leader discarding his armor and halberd, and holding aloft Cao Zhen's military tally:

"I am Xiahou Ba, the General Who Conquers the West of Wei, and I have come here to submit to Han!"

Jiang Wei's silver spear was pointed directly at his throat:

"Xiahou Miaocai's son, how could he possibly surrender to the Han? Could it be a feigned surrender?"

Xiahou Ba calmly drew his sword, the sound resounding as he did so.

"Sima Yi burned the mountain pass, forcing loyal officials to commit suicide."

"Ba Jin is like a stray dog, only wishing to see Commander Zhuge once, and to show his heart to prove his sincerity!"

Jiang Wei was overjoyed, so he discarded his spear and personally helped Xiahou Ba to his feet.

"Zhongquan's arrival is a sign of Heaven's assistance to the Han Dynasty!"

"Rongwei will introduce you to the Grand Commander."

Upon arriving at the Han camp, Zhuge Liang rushed out of his tent after hearing the report and saw Xiahou Ba emaciated.

He then personally took off his brocade robe and draped it over her shoulders.

Both Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei attached great importance to Xiahou Ba's defection.

They treated him very well.

There are three main reasons,
First, bringing your own investment to a project is always welcome.

Secondly, Xiahou Ba was a member of the imperial clan and a high-ranking official, and his return to the Han dynasty had a very important political influence.

If Zhuge Liang could make a big deal out of this incident, it would be very effective in winning over the public opinion.

Third, Xiahou Ba had lived in Shu for many years and was familiar with the local geography.

In this way, the future war to conquer Shu will have a good guide.

Xiahou Ba, moved by Zhuge Liang's sincerity, prostrated himself and wept bitterly, recounting Sima Yi's evil deeds.

Kongming patted his back and sighed:
"General, you are a man of great wisdom and righteousness. This is truly a blessing for the Han Dynasty."

Suddenly he said seriously:
"However, Liang has something he must tell you—"

“Your father, General Xiahou Yuan, died in battle, not because of any fault in the battle.”

The tent fell silent instantly.

Xiahou Ba trembled violently, and when he looked up, he saw Zhuge Liang's clear gaze.

After a long silence, he kowtowed deeply:

"The Grand Commander is upright and honest; how could a tyrant dare to harbor personal grudges?"

"I am willing to be the vanguard, to punish the traitors and appease the world!"

Jiang Wei hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and handed the vanguard seal to Xiahou Ba:
"Now that the general has arrived, the geography of Sichuan is in our grasp."

"Liang will also submit a memorial to the imperial court to commend you for your achievements!"

That night, the Han camp added 3,000 cooking stoves.

Sima Yi leaned against the couch, his face ashen, occasionally letting out a few suppressed coughs.

A scroll of memorials lay open on the table; it was a secret report about Xiahou Ba's defection to the Han.

"Father, the medicine is ready."

Sima Zhao walked lightly into the room, carrying a bowl of thick, dark medicine.

Sima Yi slightly raised his hand, gesturing for it to be placed aside, his voice hoarse:

"Xiahou Ba has arrived at the Qi camp. Zhuge Liang treated him as an honored guest and appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry."

Sima Zhao frowned slightly:
"The Xiahou Yuanrang clan has no prior enmity with my Sima family. Why is Father making such a fuss about this?"

Sima Yi slowly sat up straight, and his deep-set eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light:
"Zhao'er, you've commanded the Imperial Guards for so many years, yet you're still so naive?"

"Although Cao Zhen is dead, his influence remains."

"Xiahou Xuan was stationed in Chengdu and commanded a large army."

"Now that Xiahou Ba has defected to the enemy, it is a golden opportunity."

He picked up the bowl of medicine, drank it all in one gulp, and the bitterness made his lips twitch slightly.

“My Sima family is burdened with a blood feud, and now I am seriously ill and I am afraid I am unable to help.”

"Shi'er died on foot in battle, sacrificing his life for his country."

"Now the hopes of the entire Sima family rest on your shoulders."

"To survive in this world, one cannot be soft-hearted like a woman."

It is said: Xiahou cut off the way back from the plank road, revealing his true intentions; Zhuge Liang accepted the remaining ministers.

Let me talk about two things.

Chengdu, the Palace of the King of Wei.

Sima Yi's memorial impeaching Cao Zhen was quickly sent back to Chengdu.

The memorial detailed how Xiahou Ba betrayed Wei and joined Han, and news came from Guanzhong that Qi and Han had appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry.

The Xiahou clan holds significant military power; if anyone were to follow suit, the Great Wei would be in grave danger!
Cao Rui frowned deeply:

"The Xiahou clan has been loyal since King Zhuangqi; the fault lies solely with Xiahou Ba."

"Why should the entire clan be implicated?"

Just then, Attendant-in-Ordinary Zhao Yan stepped forward:
"Your Majesty, I recall King Zhuang saying something in the past:"

"Sima Zhongda has the appearance of an eagle's gaze and a wolf's look, which is not the appearance of a subject."

"Now that Prime Minister Sima is so eager to settle scores with the Xiahou clan, I fear he may have ulterior motives."

There was silence in the hall for a moment.

Huang Quan's interjections were all marked as follows:

"However, it is an undeniable fact that Xiahou Ba has defected to the enemy, and we must take precautions as soon as possible."

"Once things change, it will be too late to regret it."

Cao Rui pondered for a long time, then sighed deeply:
"I do not doubt Sima Zhongda, but the Xiahou clan is deeply rooted and powerful."

"If we act rashly, a mutiny may break out."

Qiao Zhou suggested:
"Your Majesty only needs to issue a secret edict, authorizing Prime Minister Sima to investigate Xiahou's troops."

“A promotion in name only, a demotion in reality, and a gradual reduction of power can be achieved without alarming any parties.”

Cao Rui pondered for a long time before finally nodding:
"I will do as you say, but we must be careful and not let the situation become unstable."

With Cao Rui's tacit approval,

Sima Yi then used the pretext of reorganizing the army to begin purging the Xiahou clan's power.

At the western suburbs of the Wei River, the 30,000 elite troops originally under Cao Zhen's command were reorganized.

Sima Yi sat in the central command tent, coughing from time to time, yet his authority remained undiminished.

"General Cao Zhen's troops have long been stationed on the border and have made great contributions."

Sima Yi made a declaration to his generals.

"By order of His Majesty, generals of all ranks are hereby promoted and transferred to positions in the interior."

An uproar erupted in the tent.

It was ostensibly a promotion, but in reality, it was a reduction of power; all the generals knew this perfectly well.

Deputy General Xiahou Jie stepped forward:

"Prime Minister! Our army has been stationed in Hanzhong for many years and is familiar with the border defenses."

"A sudden transfer could be detrimental to national defense!"

Sima Yi said calmly:

"General Xiahou is overthinking it."

"The state has already made arrangements, so you need not worry."

Having said that, he waved for the guards to come forward.

Xiahou Jie's eyes widened in anger:

"Could it be that the Prime Minister doubts the loyalty of the Xiahou family?"

"Our people shed blood and sweat for the Cao Wei dynasty; how can we tolerate such suspicion!"

Sima Yi's eyes turned cold:
"What is your interpretation of Xiahou Ba's defection to the enemy?"

"Why should the entire clan be implicated for the mistake of one person?" Xiahou Jie protested.

Sima Yi rose to prominence suddenly; though old, he still possessed great authority.
"Take it!"

Dozens of armored soldiers poured into the tent.

Xiahou Jie drew his sword to fight back, and chaos immediately broke out inside the tent.

The air was thick with the stench of blood, and in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Xiahou Jie and his confidants had all been executed.

Sima Yi remained expressionless and gave the order:

"All officers of the Xiahou clan above the rank of commander-in-chief shall be dismissed and investigated."

"If anyone resists, kill them without mercy."

This purge quickly spread to the entire army on the front lines.

The disciples and former officials of the Xiahou clan were either demoted or imprisoned, and more than a hundred generals in the army were replaced.

Throughout the entire front-line camp, the bloodstains on the execution ground had not dried for days, and cries of agony continued unabated.

Sima Zhao stood on the city tower, watching the execution scene in the distance, his face showing reluctance.

Deng Ai, however, sneered and said:

"Why is my lord so sentimental? Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles."

"This is not a woman's kindness."

Sima Zhao shook his head, "But my father once taught me that only by winning people's hearts can one unify the world."

"This is why Liu Bei was able to establish an imperial dynasty and revive the Han dynasty three times."

"However, Father's harshness today may have alienated the people."

Deng Ai said:
“What you say, sir, is not without reason.”

"However, the Prime Minister's health is deteriorating day by day."

"The eldest son has unfortunately perished in battle. The Prime Minister's actions today have their own good intentions."

Sima Zhao was about to speak again when suddenly a fast horse galloped up to the city walls, and the messenger shouted:
"The Prime Minister urgently summons the two young masters!"

Deng Ai and Sima Zhao hurriedly returned to their military tent.

Sima Yi was waiting on his couch, with a military deployment map spread out in front of him.

"Now, most of Cao Zhen's senior generals have been placed under house arrest by me."

"However, the defense of the western front cannot be left without a leader for even a day. I have already petitioned Your Majesty."

"Deng Ai was appointed General Who Guards the West, and Sima Zhao was appointed General Who Pacifies the West."

"The two of you can jointly govern Hanzhong."

At this point, Sima Yi couldn't help but sigh again.

If Sima Shi had not died, the position of General Who Guards the West should have been given to him.

If his own people were still alive, he would arrange suitable positions for them in the army.

This way, after eliminating Cao Zhen's troops, they wouldn't face a situation where no one could take their place.

A look of joy flashed in Deng Ai's eyes, but Sima Zhao frowned and said:

"Father, such haste may invite criticism."

"Time waits for us not."

Sima Yi coughed several times, his face flushed.

"I am old and frail, and my health is failing me."

"If we don't make arrangements soon, our Sima family will surely become prey to others."

He pointed to the map and patiently gave them directions:

Although Cao Zhen has left, his former subordinates are still here.

"After you two take up your posts, you should openly show favor and secretly cultivate your own trusted confidants."

"Within three years, we must firmly control the military power in Hanzhong."

The two men accepted the order, and Sima Yi then secretly instructed Deng Ai, saying:

"Zhao'er is too naive and inexperienced."

"You have followed me for many years, so I should secretly assist you."

"Dissidents in the military should not be allowed to cause trouble."

Deng Ai understood, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying:

"Don't worry, Prime Minister, I understand."

Sima Yi gazed intently at the man he had personally promoted:
"The future of the Wei dynasty rests in your hands."

"Remember, those who achieve great things are decisive when necessary."

"Just go."

After speaking, Sima Yi leaned back on the tiger-skin couch in the military tent.

His complexion was sallow and papery, and his cheeks were sunken.

The autumn wind howled outside the tent, swirling up withered leaves that rustled against the tent.

After months of brutal purges, the Xiahou clan's influence in the army has been completely eradicated.

Sima Yi took full control of the frontline military command.

But the price of this victory made his already ailing body even more vulnerable.

"Father, drink your medicine."

Sima Zhao carefully handed a bowl of thick, dark medicine to the bedside.

Sima Yi struggled to sit up, his hand trembling slightly as he took the medicine bowl.

Just as he was about to drink the medicine, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the tent.

"Report——!"

The scout lifted the curtain and entered, kneeling on one knee.

"Qi general Wei Yan led 5,000 soldiers to challenge the Prime Minister in front of the camp, loudly calling out his name."

"The language was extremely disrespectful!"

Sima Zhao snorted softly:
"Hmph! Ignore him!"

Unexpectedly, the medicine bowl in Sima Yi's hand trembled slightly, and a few drops of medicine spilled out.

He suppressed a cough that threatened to erupt and said in a deep voice:

"No!"

"Zhuge Liang's move was intended to test my condition."

He turned to look at Wang Ping, who was standing to the side:

"Zijun, you will lead three thousand elite troops into battle."

"Only defeat is allowed, victory is not."

"It is imperative to make Zhuge Liang believe that I am still commanding the army and have not shown any signs of illness."

Wang Ping cupped his hands and said:
"Rest assured, Prime Minister, Ping will not fail in his trust."

After speaking, he turned and left the tent, his armor clanging.

Outside the tent, war drums thundered and the sounds of battle never ceased.

About an hour later, Wang Ping returned to camp to report.

His armor was stained with blood, and his left arm was injured.

"This subordinate acted according to the plan, fought Wei Yan for thirty rounds, and then pretended to be defeated and retreated."

"Wei Yan pursued them for three miles before stopping, seemingly as a test."

Sima Yi nodded in approval and ordered the military doctor to treat Wang Ping's wounds.

After everyone left, he finally couldn't help but cough violently, and blood appeared in his handkerchief.

Sima Zhao hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, his eyes filled with worry.

Sima Yi waved his hand to indicate that it was alright, and whispered:
"Summon the physician immediately and prepare another dose of potent medicine."

"I need to hold out for at least ten days until the court makes proper arrangements."

"...Ugh! Cough cough cough..."

Before he could finish his words, he started coughing violently again.

at the same time,

In the Han army camp, Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan as he listened to Wei Yan's report.

"This humble general saw that the Wei army's banners were well-ordered, and although Wang Ping was defeated in battle."

"But their retreat was orderly, not like the general's serious illness."

Zhuge Liang frowned slightly and turned to a general in the tent:
"General Xiahou Ba, what was Sima Yi's condition like when you left Wei?"

Xiahou Ba stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a loud voice:

"General, before Ba left Chengdu, Sima Yi was already terminally ill."

"Rumors circulated in the army that he could only be conscious for three hours a day and could not take any medicine."

"Today's situation suggests that they are simply putting on a brave front."

Zhuge Liang lightly paused his feather fan, his gaze piercing:

"Sima Yi was cunning and deceitful, and most skilled at disguise."

"The exact nature of his condition is still unknown."

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly said:

"Bring me pen and ink."

Presented with writing implements by his left and right, Zhuge Liang wielded his brush with great skill, his strokes flowing like dragons and snakes.

After writing it, he put the letter into a brocade pouch and instructed:
"Send an envoy to the Wei camp and make sure to hand it over to Sima Yi in person."

Li Yan advised:

"Grand Commander, Sima Yi is a cunning and treacherous old man. I'm afraid this letter will be ineffective."

Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan and sighed softly:

"Everyone has their pains, and Sima Yi's pain lay in the old hatred of his family."

"My attempt to win their hearts and minds may reveal their true strength or weakness."

Inside the Wei army's main tent, Sima Yi had just taken a strong medicine and was barely able to continue reviewing military reports.

Suddenly, news arrived that a Han envoy was requesting an audience.

Sima Zhao angrily said:

"With the two armies at war, the arrival of the Qi envoy at this time must be a trick by Zhuge Liang."

"Father need not receive me."

Sima Yi shook his head:
"Zhuge Liang's dispatch of an envoy must have had a profound purpose."

"Xuan."

The Han envoy entered the tent and presented a brocade pouch:
"This is a letter personally written by my lord, Zhuge Liang, who instructed me to present it to Prime Minister Sima in person."

Sima Zhao wanted to receive the messenger, but the messenger said:
"The Governor-General has given an order that must be personally delivered by the Prime Minister."

The generals in the tent all advised Sima Yi not to read it, fearing that the letter contained a poisonous plot.

Sima Yi sneered:
"Would a mere villager like Zhuge Liang resort to such despicable means?"

He then personally accepted the brocade pouch.

Upon opening the letter, one sees ink stains on the paper, beginning with ordinary greetings.

However, the further he read, the paler Sima Yi's face became.

The letter mentions the horrific massacre of the Sima clan by Li Yi.

It details how Sima Yi fled in disarray and suffered the pain of his entire family being wiped out.

The book states briefly:

To the esteemed Prime Minister Zhongda:

"Looking at the Luo River from the cold Guanzhong Pass, I suddenly recall the old days of Jian'an."

"The Sima of Hanoi, a family with seven generations of official rank."

"However, Prime Minister Li set the court ablaze, and his clan scattered like stars."

"He alone, dressed in black robes and barefoot, fled to the capital region."

"At that time, smoke and dust obscured the sun. When he looked back in a panic, the ancestral hall was in ruins. Was this not a warning from Heaven?"

"During the turbulent twenty years, you secluded yourself in Sichuan, working the fields in Jiannan by day and weeping by the Jinjiang River at night."

"I have heard that you have allied with the southern barbarians and secretly forged weapons and armor."

"However, Hanzhong repeatedly ventured out of Qishan, but was ultimately trapped by the treacherous Chencang Road."

"The oath-taking ceremony before Yong'an Palace was thwarted by the isolated city of Chengdu." "The blood feud of yesteryear remains unavenged, and my hair is already streaked with the snow of Minshan."

"Now that you are old, you still hold onto the unfinished game, but on the chessboard, the pieces fall and the sound fades."

"Have you not heard the Chengdu children's rhyme: 'Sima climbed the Shu Road, his black hair turned to withered weeds'?"

"What is even more lamentable is that, even in his old age and suffering from a serious illness, he still held onto the tiger tally."

"In the Chengdu government offices, a trap was secretly set up for the Cao and Xiahou clans."

"The imperial guards were frequently transferred to the side of the palace to serve as henchmen for the private residence."

"When Cao Cao granted you military power, who would have thought that you would be betrayed by him today?"

"The Seven Arts of Yin Fu ultimately turned into poison; is this not a cruel twist of fate?"

"Now, General Xiahou Ba, who is the most loyal minister of the Mingzhu, has crossed the Yinping Pass at night to come and join us."

"The wheat in Longshang is ripe, just right to feed the army."

"The map of the Shu Road is at your fingertips."

"When the royal army marches west in the future, we will use the Chengdu treasury as a public memorial to commemorate your 20 years of unwavering devotion."

"However, I fear that your frail health will prevent you from witnessing the fall of Luocheng."

"Therefore, this book was specially compiled to comfort our ancestors in the afterlife."

"It is the time of Frost's Descent, and the sound of the watchman's clapper is cold."

"I hope you will eat well and wait patiently for Zhong and Deng's iron cavalry to shatter the smoke and clouds of Jianmen Pass."

"—Respectfully written by Yongliang Acting Governor-General."

Upon reading this, Sima Yi's hands trembled violently.

Those deliberately buried memories surged back:

The screams of his clansmen, the raging fire at the mansion, and his own desperate escape through the night...

And the curses uttered by the soldiers before their deaths during the recent purge of the Xiahou clan.

Zhuge Liang was truly a master of sarcasm and irony.

The entire piece is about "caring" about oneself, yet it sounds so jarring.

The phrase "to comfort Sima Yi in the afterlife" in particular struck a nerve with Sima Yi.

"puff--"

A mouthful of blood gushed out, staining the letter paper crimson.

Sima Yi's vision went black, and he collapsed from the couch to the ground.

"Father!"

"Prime Minister!"

Chaos erupted in the tent as everyone rushed forward to help Sima Yi up.

The physician hurriedly administered acupuncture and medicine, and after a while, Sima Yi slowly regained consciousness.

His gaze was unfocused as he stared at the top of the tent, muttering to himself:

"Zhuge Kongming... truly understands my heart!"

Sima Zhao said with tears in his eyes:

"Father, there's no need to heed Qi Kou's wild words!"

Sima Yi shook his head with difficulty, his breath weak:

"No... Zhuge Liang's letter merely shed light on the knot in my heart..."

“These past few days, I have seen General Xiahou demanding my life every night…”

"The hatred of the extermination of our clan has not been avenged, and now new evils have been added..."

He held Sima Zhao's hand tightly:

"I cannot be brought back to life; my days are numbered."

"You must remember... the Sima family has no way out..."

"Either rise to the highest position in the government and make long-term plans for the revival of the family."

"Either... the entire clan is wiped out... disappearing into the long river of history."

Having finished speaking,
He vomited several more mouthfuls of blood and then fainted.

Two days later,

Sima Yi lay on the couch in the military tent, his breath as faint as a spider's thread.

The flickering candlelight inside the tent illuminated his gaunt face.

His continuous vomiting of blood had left him emaciated.

Only those deep-set eyes still occasionally flashed with a sharp light.

“Zhao’er…”

Sima Yi's voice was hoarse and almost inaudible.

Sima Zhao hurriedly knelt before the bed:

"Father, your son is here."

"Help me up... I need to go see the soldiers."

Sima Zhao was greatly alarmed upon hearing this:

"My father is seriously ill, and the autumn wind is fierce outside the tent. How can he be allowed to catch a cold?"

Deng Ai also stepped forward to offer his advice:

"Prime Minister, please reconsider. The wind is very strong on the banks of the Wei River today, and I fear it may harm your health."

Sima Yi struggled to sit up, his gaze resolute:
"No matter how strong the wind is, I will go."

"The army has just undergone reorganization, and morale is low..."

"If I don't go, the morale of the army will surely fall into chaos."

He paused to catch his breath, then said:

"Bring me my four-wheeled cart, Zhao'er will push me, and Shi Zai will follow."

Sima Zhao and Deng Ai exchanged a glance, knowing that Sima Yi's mind was made up, and dared not try to persuade him further.

The two carefully helped Sima Yi onto the four-wheeled carriage and draped a heavy fur robe over him.

It was late autumn.
A biting wind howled along the banks of the Wei River, and withered yellow leaves tumbled around the camp.

Having just experienced a purge of the Xiahou clan's troops, the entire military camp was shrouded in a somber atmosphere.

When the soldiers saw Sima Yi's carriage, they all knelt down in worship.

Yet no one dared to look directly at Prime Minister Sima, who was known for his iron fist.

Sima Yi forced himself to sit upright in the carriage, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers along the way.

What he saw was a bowed head, trembling hands, and undisguised fear in their eyes.

"Stop."

Sima Yi gave the instructions in a low voice.

The vehicle stopped beside a training ground where hundreds of soldiers were drilling.

Upon Sima Yi's arrival, the training came to an abrupt halt.

Everyone knelt down in unison, and there was complete silence.

Sima Yi sighed deeply and said to Sima Zhao and Deng Ai, who were accompanying him:
"With the morale of the army so high, after my death, you two must firmly grasp military power."

"Although Xiahou's troops have been purged, the old Cao clan in the court is still eyeing them covetously."

Sima Zhao said with tears in his eyes:

"Father need not worry, I will carry on your legacy."

"Consolidate military power and continue the Northern Expedition."

Sima Yi shook his head and smiled bitterly:
"A northern expedition... I'm afraid my Sima family no longer has the strength for it."

"Zhuge Liang was at the height of his power, and Qi Han was also thriving."

"I originally intended to avenge my family and unify the world for Cao Wei, but alas... alas!"

A violent cough interrupted his words, and more blood was seen in the handkerchief.

Deng Ai hurriedly said:
"Prime Minister, the wind is getting strong. Why don't we go back to our tents and rest?"

Sima Yi waved his hand in refusal:
"Push me to a higher place, I want to see the entire camp on the Wei River."

The carriage slowly made its way to the highest point of the military camp.

From here, you can overlook the entire Wei River defense line.

In the distance, the smoke from the Han army camp could still be faintly seen.

Nearby, the Wei army's camp stretched for miles, its banners fluttering in the autumn wind.

Suddenly, a group of generals came down from below.

Upon seeing Sima Yi, they all knelt and bowed.

"Prime Minister!"

The veteran general at the head of the group choked up, saying, "Our army has been stationed in Weibin for many years, suffering repeated defeats and low morale."

"Now that the Prime Minister is seriously ill, the morale of the army is low."

"I implore the Prime Minister to consider the overall situation and order the troops to withdraw and return to Chengdu for rest and reorganization!"

The voice just fell,

Hundreds of soldiers had gathered around, and they all knelt down and shouted:
"We implore the Prime Minister to withdraw the troops!"

Sima Zhao angrily rebuked:

"How dare you! Who would undermine morale?"

Sima Yi raised his hand to stop his son.

He looked down at the dark mass of people below, a trace of sorrow flashing in his eyes.

These were the soldiers who had followed him in his campaigns across the country.

Now they all looked exhausted, and their eyes no longer held any fighting spirit.

And all of this is due to the mistakes of war.

After all, if we keep winning the battle, then everyone can hold on a bit longer.

But the more they fought, the more they lost, and naturally, everyone couldn't hold on any longer.

“Zhao’er, Shizai.”

Sima Yi's voice was weak, "Do you see? The morale of the army has been lost."

"I, Sima Yi, have no hope of revenge in this lifetime."

He looked up to the sky and sighed:

"I can no longer avenge the country and my family."

"...Could this be destiny?"

Just at this time,

The previously gloomy sky suddenly erupted with thunder and lightning, and a torrential downpour began.

Rainwater soaked Sima Yi's robes and slid down his aged face.

Sima Yi suddenly struggled to stand up from the four-wheeled carriage and pushed away Sima Zhao, who was trying to shield him from the rain.

He lay face up, letting the rain wash over him, his voice hoarse yet filled with resentment:

"Oh, heavens, how have you treated me so cruelly?"

This question seemed to have exhausted all his strength.

The voice has not fallen,

Sima Yi swayed and fell straight backward.

"Father!"

Sima Zhao hurriedly stepped forward and hugged him.

Deng Ai also rushed forward.

Sima Yi's eyes were wide open, but he was already dead.

But resentment and anger still lingered in his eyes.

"Prime Minister?"

Deng Ai called out softly, but Sima Yi did not respond.

Only then did they realize that the powerful prime minister who had dominated Sichuan had passed away.

Sima Zhao held his father's body and wept bitterly in the pouring rain.

Deng Ai knelt to one side, her tears mingling with the rain.

He reached out and gently stroked Sima Yi's eyelids, but those eyes could not be completely closed.

It was as if he was still watching over the world he had failed to conquer.

"My father died with his eyes wide open in disbelief..." Sima Zhao choked out.

Deng Ai responded with deep sorrow:

"The Prime Minister has unfulfilled ambitions in his heart, so it is naturally difficult for him to close his eyes in peace."

"However, the second young master should pull himself together. Although the prime minister is gone, his will remains."

The torrential rain continued unabated, and the Wei River surged with turbulent waves.

With Deng Ai's assistance, Sima Zhao carefully placed Sima Yi's body back into the four-wheeled cart.

Upon hearing the news, the soldiers gathered around and knelt in the rain.

To bid farewell to this complex and powerful commander.

Sima Zhao wiped away his tears, straightened his back, and said to Deng Ai:
"Shi Zai, issue an order to the entire army to keep the death a secret."

"We will make an announcement once we have safely returned to Chengdu."

Deng Ai accepted the order, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Sima Zhao's ability to remain calm amidst immense grief is indeed reminiscent of Sima Yi.

In the autumn rain at the Wei River camp, one era has ended, and another is quietly beginning.

Although Sima Yi is dead, the political legacy he left behind will profoundly influence the fate of this land.

His unfulfilled ambitions and hatred will be carried on by his descendants.

……

Autumn is in full swing along the banks of the Wei River.

Sima Zhao and Deng Ai led the Wei army in a slow retreat, and an indescribable sense of oppression hung over the army.

Although Sima Yi's death has not yet been made public, the soldiers seem to have sensed something unusual from this unusual march.

"Shi Zai, do you think the Qi army will pursue us?"

Sima Zhao, mounted on his horse, gazed at the endless marching troops, his brow furrowed.

Deng Ai pondered for a moment:

"Zhuge Liang was cautious in his military tactics, and logically he would not have pursued them easily."

"However, the young and promising generals in the Qi army, such as Jiang Wei and Xiahou Ba, are eager for battle and will likely urge us to send troops."

Sima Zhao nodded:
"My father had this concern before his death, so he set up three ambushes."

"If the Qi army comes to pursue us, we will make sure they never return."

Deng Ai couldn't help but sigh:

"The Prime Minister was a man of brilliant strategy; though dead, he lives on."

As the two were talking, dust suddenly billowed up from behind, and a fast horse galloped up.

The scout dismounted and rushed to report:

"General, the Qi army has already left the camp."

"Approximately five thousand cavalrymen are pursuing our army!"

Sima Zhao and Deng Ai exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of worry and relief.

Sima Yi's prediction came true once again.

Three days ago, in the Han army camp.

Zhuge Liang observed the celestial phenomena at night and saw a general star fall, thus knowing that Sima Yi was dead.

Jiang Weixin happily offered his advice:

"Grand Commander, the celestial signs indicate that Sima Yi is dead, and the morale of the Wei army is low. This is a golden opportunity!"

"I am willing to lead elite troops in pursuit, and we will surely inflict a great defeat on the Wei army!"

Xiahou Ba also excitedly volunteered for battle:
"This humble general is familiar with the Wei army's formations and is willing to serve as the vanguard!"

"The Sima clan slaughtered my entire clan; this hatred is irreconcilable!"

The generals in the tent all volunteered for battle, but Zhuge Liang calmly waved his feather fan, his expression serene.
"The imperial decree ordered our army to hold the Wei River, but now the Wei army has retreated on its own."

"The strategy has been decided, why pursue it further?"

Guan Xing said urgently:

"General! The Wei army has just lost its commander, and morale is low."

"Such a golden opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!"

Zhang Bao also said:

"The soldiers have been holding back for a long time and are eager for battle!"

Zhuge Liang smiled and looked at Lu Xun, who had remained silent:
What does Boyan think?

Lu Xun stroked his short beard and said slowly:
"Although Sima Yi is dead, he was no ordinary person. How can we not guard against pursuit?"

"Zhao and Ai are both extraordinary talents; there may be an ambush."

Zhuge Liang nodded:
"Boyan's view is exactly what I think."

However, the generals were still unwilling to give up. Zhuge Liang pondered for a long time, then suddenly said:

"Since you are all so eager for battle, I have a plan that may defeat the enemy."

He ordered his personal guards to bring something and cover it with brocade.

When the curtain was lifted, a gasp of surprise erupted from inside the tent—

It turned out to be a wooden statue of Li Yi.

The carving is so lifelike that even the majesty between the eyebrows is vividly depicted.

Zhuge Liang explained that Huang Yueying had helped him carve it.

Jiang Wei asked in surprise:

"Prime Minister Li is so busy with state affairs, how could he possibly have time for a statue of his teacher's wife?"

Zhuge Liang laughed and said:
"My wife, Huang, was once seen at a banquet by Prime Minister Li. This sculpture was made from her memory."

Everyone who heard this was deeply moved.

This Mrs. Huang seems to be quite a remarkable person.

Having only met him once, he was able to sculpt such a lifelike portrait of Prime Minister Li from memory.

A look of realization flashed in Lu Xun's eyes:
"Does the Grand Commander intend to use this image to alarm the Wei army?"

"Exactly."

Zhuge Liang lightly tapped the wooden puppet with his feather fan, saying, "Prime Minister Li's prestige shakes the world, and the Wei army fears him like a tiger."

"Now that Sima Yi has just passed away, the Wei army is in a state of unease."

"If they see Prime Minister Li 'personally arrive,' they will surely think that our army has a surprise attack, and their formation will fall into disarray."

The generals were overjoyed upon hearing this.

Zhuge Liang then appointed Jiang Wei as the commander-in-chief, with Xiahou Ba, Guan Xing, and Zhang Bao as his deputies.

He led 5,000 elite soldiers, carrying wooden puppets, to pursue the Wei army.

Wei Yan also wanted to volunteer to pursue the enemy, but Zhuge Liang refused.

Zhuge Liang specifically selected talented young men.

Their fathers were mostly powerful and influential in the court, so they were naturally given priority for such opportunities to make meritorious contributions.

As Jiang Wei was his personally trained disciple and a trusted confidant, he naturally wanted to give him a good opportunity to "gild" his resume.

As for Wei Yan's request, Zhuge Liang simply ignored it.

This middle-aged general is somewhere in between, 1.5 years old.

Let him be idle.

Before his departure, Zhuge Liang gave him special instructions:

"This plan can only scare the enemy; it cannot be used for a prolonged battle."

"If the Wei army is in disarray, pursue them for thirty li and then stop; do not fall into an ambush."

During the Wei army's retreat, Sima Zhao had already laid a trap.

The three ambushes were led by Deng Ai, Zhang Yi, and Wang Ping respectively, waiting for the Han army to catch up.

"Report! The Qi army has arrived ten miles away!"

Scouts report.

Sima Zhao sneered:
"Order all troops to act according to the plan."

However, when the Han army came into view, the Wei vanguard stirred up a commotion.

Before the Han army's ranks, a general rode a white horse, wore a purple robe, and had a dignified expression.

It was none other than the renowned Prime Minister Li!

"Why is Li...Li Yi here?"

The Wei soldiers were terrified and whispered among themselves.

Although it's far away, I can't see it clearly.

But that large banner with the character "Li" on it, and the impressive display, must undoubtedly belong to Prime Minister Li!
Xiahou Ba seized the opportunity to shout:
"Prime Minister Li is personally leading the army; the Wei army should surrender immediately!"

Jiang Wei ordered his soldiers to hold up the puppets, which looked even more lifelike under the sunlight.

Upon seeing this, the morale of the Wei army plummeted.
The once-orderly formation began to falter.

Sima Zhao, seeing this from the rear, was furious:
"Absurd! Li Yi was governing in Luoyang, how could he suddenly be here?"

"This must be a trick by Zhuge Liang!"

However, the ordinary soldiers, unaware of the situation, all thought they had been ambushed when they saw "Li Yi" arrive in person.

Panic spread like a plague.

Before Deng Ai's first ambush could even be launched, it had already thrown itself into disarray.

Seeing the opportunity, Jiang Wei ordered a charge. The Han army charged straight into the Wei army's main camp like tigers descending a mountain.

Xiahou Ba bravely took the lead and headed straight for Sima Zhao's command flag.

"Protect the young master!"

Deng Ai hastily led his personal troops to the rescue, but the army's morale had collapsed, making it difficult to organize an effective resistance.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Sima Zhao had no choice but to order a retreat.

The Wei army was routed, losing all its armor and weapons.

The Han army pursued the enemy for thirty li, killing countless enemies and returning in great victory.

That evening, the Han army celebrated their victory in their camp.

Jiang Wei raised his cup to toast Zhuge Liang:

"The Grand Commander is a genius; a single wooden puppet is worth 100,000 soldiers!"

Zhuge Liang showed no joy, and sighed softly:
"Although this plan succeeds, Sima Zhao and Deng Ai must have already seen through it."

"It may be difficult to achieve the desired effect if used again in the future."

Lu Xun nodded:
"Although Sima Yi is dead, Deng Ai has already inherited his true teachings."

"Although the Wei army was defeated, it still has its strengths."

As expected, after the Wei army retreated to a safe area, Sima Zhao immediately reorganized the army.

Several generals who deserted in the face of battle were executed, and military discipline was restored.

Deng Ai comforted him, saying:
"Young master, there is no need to blame yourself too much. Zhuge Liang is full of tricks and cannot be fathomed by ordinary people."

Sima Zhao gazed intently in the direction of the Shu army, his eyes resolute.

"I will carry on my father's will."

"Today's defeat will be repaid a hundredfold in the future!"

Although the Battle of Wei River has ended, the conflict between the two countries is far from over.

Although Zhuge Liang's puppet strategy brought temporary victory, it also fueled Sima Zhao's deeper desire for revenge. Chaos ensued.
The battle of wits in the world has only just begun to enter a new chapter.

……

(End of this chapter)