ndred soldiers； that he had not a single military mander； but only a few civil officers。 Sima Yi also heard that Guan Xing and Zhang Bao had had only a few troops whom they led about among the hills making as much noise as they could。
Sima Yi felt sad at having been tricked。
〃Zhuge Liang is a cleverer man than I am；〃 said he with a sigh of resignation。
He set about restoring order； and presently marched back to Changan。
He saw the Ruler of Wei； who was pleased with his success and said； 〃It is by your good service that all counties of West Valley Land is again mine。〃
Sima Yi replied； 〃But the army of Shu is in Hanzhong undestroyed。 Therefore； I pray for authority to go against them that you may recover the West River Land also。〃
Cao Rui rejoiced and approved； and authorized the raising of an army。
But then one of the courtiers suddenly said； 〃Your servant can pro