proceed secretly into those mountains in front。 When you see that Zhang Yi and Wang Ping are in great straits with the enemy; then open the bag and you will find a plan of escape。〃
After this he gave secret instructions to four other generals………Hu Ban; Wu Yi; Ma Zheng; and Zhang Ni………to observe the enemy and; if the enemy seemed confident of victory; to retire; fighting at intervals; till they saw Guan Xing e up; when they could turn and fight their best。
Then calling Guan Xing; he said to them; 〃Hide in the valleys with five thousand troops till you see a red flag flutter out; and then fall on the enemy。〃
Zhang He and Dai Ling hurried along like a rain squall till they were suddenly confronted by Ma Zheng; Zhang Ni; Wu Yi; and Hu Ban。 Zhang He dashed toward his enemy; and then they retired; stopping at intervals to fight。 The Wei army pursued for about seven miles。
It was the sixth moon and very hot; so that soldiers and horses sweated profusely。 When they had gone ten miles farther; the soldiers and horses were panting and nearly spent。 Then Zhuge Liang; who had watched the fighting from a hill; gave the signal for Guan Xing to emerge and join battle。 Ma Zheng; Zhang Ni; Hu Ban; and Wu Yi all led on their troops。 Zhang He and Dai Ling fought well; but they could not extricate themselves and retire。
Presently; with a roll of drums; Wang Ping and Zhang Yi came out and made for the rear to cut the retreat。
〃Why do you not fight to death?〃 shouted Zhang He to his generals when he saw the new dangers。
The soldiers of Wei dashed this way and that; but were stayed at every attempt。 Then there was heard another roll of drums; and Sima Yi came up in the rear。 He at once signaled to his generals to surround Wang Ping and Zhan