f timber and boulders that blocked the mouth. Wei Yan led Wutu Gu on and on till he had enticed the King into the valley, when he took up a position to escape. Then the burning began. They say that what is good for water is not much good for fire, and the oil-soaked rattan, excellent as a protection against swords and arrows, was most inflammable, catching fire at sight. The Mangs were so stubborn that the only way was to use fire, or we should never have scored a victory. But I much regret that the destruction of the people of Wugo has been so complete.”

The officers were deeply moved.

Then Meng Huo was summoned. He appeared and fell upon his knees. His limbs were freed from the bonds, and he was sent into a side tent for refreshment. But the officers told off to entertain him received certain secret orders.

The chief prisoners were Meng Huo, Lady Zhurong, Meng You, and Dai Lai. There were many of his clan as well. As they were eating and drinking, a messenger appeared in the door of the tent and addressed the King: “The Prime Minister is ashamed and does not wish to see you again, Sir. He has sent me to release you. You may enlist another army if you can and once more try a decisive battle. Now you may go.”

But instead of going Meng Huo began to weep.

“Seven times a captive and seven times released!” said the King. “Surely there was never anything like it in the whole world. I know I am a barbarian and beyond the pale, but I am not entirely devoid of a sense of propriety and rectitude. Does he think that I feel no shame?”

Thereupon he and all his followers fell upon their knees and crawled to the tent of the Commander-in-Chief and begged pardon, saying, “O Minister, you are the majesty of Heaven. We people of the south will offer no more opposition.”

“Then you yield?” said Zhuge Liang, sighing.

“I and my children and grandchildren are deeply affected by your all-pervading and life-giving mercy. Now how can we not yield?”

Zhuge Liang asked Meng Huo to come up into the tent and be seated, and he prepared a banquet of felicitation. Also he confirmed Meng Huo in his kingship and restored all the places that had been captured. Everyone was overwhelmed with Zhuge Liang's generosity, and they all went away rejoicing. A poem has praised Zhuge Liang's action:

He rode in his chariot green,

In his hand just a feather fan,

Seven times he released a king

As part of his conquering plan.

Having chosen a beautiful spot

Where the valleys debauch on the plain,

Lest his kindness should ever be forgot,

The vanquished erected a fane.

The High Counselor Fei Yi ventured to remonstrate with Zhuge Liang on his policy.

He said, “You, O Minister, have led the army this long journey into the wilds and have reduced the Mang country, and have brought about the submission of the king; why not appoint officials to share in the administration and hold the land?”

Zhuge Liang replied, “There are three difficulties. To leave foreigners implies leaving a guard for them; there is the difficulty of feeding a guard. The Mangs have lost many of their relatives. To leave foreigners without a guard will invite a calamity; this is the second difficulty. Among the Mangs, dethronements and murders are frequent, and there will be enmities and suspicions. Foreigners and they will be mutually distrustful; this is the third difficulty. If I do not leave our people, I shall not have to send supplies, which makes for peace and freedom from trouble.”

They had to agree that the policy was wise.

The kindness of the conqueror was rewarded by the gratitude of these southern people, and they even erected a shrine in his honor, where they sacrificed at the four seasons. They called him their “Gracious Father", and they sent gifts of jewels, cinnabar, lacquer, medicines, plowing cattle, and chargers for the use of the army. And they pledged themselves not to rebel.

When the feastings to the soldiers were finished, the army marched homeward to Shu. Wei Yan was in command of the advanced column. He marched to the River Lu. But on his arrival the clouds gathered and a gale blew over the face of the waters. Because of the force of the gale, the army could not advance. Wei Yan then returned and reported the matter to his chief. Zhuge Liang called in Meng Huo to ask what this might mean.

The Mangs beyond the border have yielded now at last,

The water demons raging mad won't let the Shu men go past.

The next chapter will contain Meng Huo's explanation.