ao descended from the hill as soon as Jiang Wei moved away； and pursued some distance before returning。
Xiahou Ba forced his way out and rejoined Jiang Wei as soon as he could； and they marched away together。 The losses of Shu in this defeat were very heavy。 On the road they dared not halt to muster or reform； but went helter…skelter into Hanzhong。 In that campaign； though the Shu army were defeated； they had killed Xu Zi and Guo Huai on the other side and had damaged the prestige of Wei。 Thus Jiang Wei's achievement made up for his offense。
After rewarding the Qiangs for their help； Sima Zhao led his army back to Capital Luoyang； where he joined his brother Sima Shi in administering the government。 They were too strong for any of the officers to dare opposition； and they terrorized Cao Fang； the Ruler of Wei； so that he shook with fright whenever he saw Sima Shi at court； and felt as if needles were being stuck into his back。
One day； when the Ruler of Wei was holding a court； Sima Shi came into the hall wearing his sword。 Cao Fang hastily left his Dragon Throne to receive him。
〃What does this mean？ Is this the correct etiquette for a prince when his minister approaches？〃 said Sima Shi； smiling。 〃I pray Your Majesty remember your dignity and listen while the ministers address the Throne。〃
Court business then proceeded。 Sima Shi decided every question without reference to the Ruler of Wei； and when Sima Shi retired； he stalked haughtily down the hall and went home； followed by his escort； which numbered thousands of horse and foot。
When the Ruler of Wei left the court； only three followed him to the private apartments。 They were Minister Xiahou Xuan； Secretary Li Feng； and High Minister Zhang Qi。 Zhang Qi was the father of his c