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 Yongzhou and Liangzhou 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 wele 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 e 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 ing 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 under Wang Ping； Zhang Ni； Hu Ban； and Wu Yi。 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