s were cut off。
After some days； and when the soldiers of Shu began to feel the pinch of hunger； Guo Huai came to see what progress his general was making。
At sight of the position he rejoiced exceedingly； and when he returned to camp he said to Chen Tai； 〃In this high country the city must be short of water； which means that the besieged must e out for supplies。 Let us cut off the streams that supply them； and they will perish of thirst。〃
So the Wei soldiers were set to work to divert the streams above the city； and the besieged were soon distressed。 Li Xin led out a strong force to try to seize the water sources and fought stubbornly； but was at length worsted and driven back within the walls。 After that Li Xin and Gou Ai joined their forces and made another attempt to go out and fight。 But the Yongzhou troops surrounded them； and a melee ensured until Li Xin and Gou Ai fought their way back to the city。
Meanwhile the soldiers were parched with thirst。
Gou Ai discussed the circumstance with Li Xin； saying； 〃I do not understand the delay of mander Jiang Wei's reinforcements。〃
Li Xin said； 〃Let me try to fight my way out and get help。〃
So the gates were opened； and Li Xin rode out with some twenty horsemen。 These were opposed and had to fight every inch of the way； but eventually Li Xin won though severely wounded。 All his followers had fallen。
That night a strong north wind brought a heavy fall of snow； and the besieged were thus temporarily relieved from the water famine。 They melted the snow and prepared food。
Li Xin； severely wounded； made his way west along the hill paths。 After two days he fell in with Jiang Wei。
He dismounted； prostrated himself； and told his story： 〃Qushan had been surrounded