ter。
Main Next to Chapter 98 》》
Romance of Three Kingdoms … by Luo Guanzhong … Chapter 98
Chapter 98
Pursuing The Shu Army； Wang Shuang Meets His Death；
Raiding Chencang； Zhuge Liang Scores A Victory。
Now Sima Yi spoke to the Ruler of Wei； saying； 〃I have said repeatedly that Zhuge Liang would e against us by way of Chencang； wherefore I set Hao Zhao to guard it。 If an Zhuge Liang did invade； he could easily obtain his supplies by that road。 But with Hao Zhao and Wang Shuang on guard there； he will not dare to e that way。 It is very difficult to get supplies any other way。 Therefore I can give the invaders a month to exhaust their food。 Hence their advantage lies in forcing a battle； ours is postponing it as long as possible。 Wherefore I pray Your Majesty order Cao Zhen to hold passes and positions tenaciously and on no account to seek battle。 In a month the enemy will have to retreat； and that will be our opportunity。〃
Cao Rui was pleased to hear so succinct a statement； but he said； 〃Since； Noble Sir； you foresaw all this so plainly； why did you not lead an army to prevent it？〃
〃It is not because I grudged the effort； but I had to keep the army here to guard against Lu Xun of Wu。 Sun Quan will declare himself 'Emperor' before long。 If he does； he will be afraid of Your Majesty's attack； and so he will try to invade us first。 I shall be ready to defend our frontier。 The army is prepared。〃
Just then one of the courtiers announced dispatches from Cao Zhen on military affairs； and Sima Yi closed his speech； saying； 〃Your Majesty should send someone especially to caution the mander to be careful not to be tricked by Zhuge Liang； not to pursue rashly； and never to penetrate deeply into the enemy country。〃