〃There is the order； carry it out；〃 replied Zhuge Liang。
So the forty thousand home…going soldiers prepared to withdraw。
Just then came the news： 〃Sun Li has arrived with reinforcements of two hundred thousand troops from Yongzhou and Liangzhou。 Guo Huai and Sun Li have gone to attack Saber Pass； and Sima Yi is leading an army against Lucheng。〃
In the face of such important news； Yang Yi went to discuss with Zhuge Liang。
Said Yang Yi； 〃The Wei army are advancing against our critical points。 Should you； O Prime Minister； postpone for a time the withdrawal of the field troops in order to strengthen our defense？ You can wait for the new troops to arrive first。〃
Zhuge Liang replied； 〃I must keep faith with the soldiers。 Since the order for the periodical exchange of troops has been issued； it must be carried out。 Beside； the soldiers due for relief are all prepared to start； their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them。 In the face of yet greater difficulties I would still let them go。〃
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 cares for 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。
Zhuge Liang was glad and said； 〃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