It happens so every year。 In the hot season； poisonous miasma collects over the waters of the River Lu； especially during the heat of the day。 Anyone who drinks the water will surely die。 Travelers who wish to cross have to wait till night； because the cooler waters do not breathe out the poisonous vapors。 Further； the crossing should be attempted on a full stomach。〃
Zhuge Liang bade the local guides point out the best crossing place。 He sent five hundred well…seasoned soldiers to Ma Dai to lash together poles into rafts at Shakou； and in the night the crossing was safely acplished。 Further； the guides then led two thousand men of Shu over to where the grain road of the Mangs led through a narrow valley； called Jiashan Gorge； where； for part of the way； only single file was possible as the road was only wide enough for a soldier and a horse。
Ma Dai at once occupied this valley and stationed a force there。 And a stockade was put up with tents inside。 Presently a convoy of grain came along； and it was captured； more than a hundred wagons。 The guards ran off to Meng Huo's great camp and told him。
Meng Huo； thinking all was safe during the hot season； was enjoying himself。 Wine and music were the order of the day； and military matters were far from his thoughts。 In his cups he admitted Zhuge Liang was ruseful； but said his army had nothing to fear。
Said he； 〃If I attempt to oppose Zhuge Liang； I shall certainly fall a victim to some wile of his。 However； my waiting policy is a safe one。 With our defenses； and the river to back them； we can wait for the heat to overe these men of Shu； who cannot stand the hot season。 They will have to retreat； and then we can harass them。 And we will capture this Zhuge Liang。〃
He lay back and laughed at the