addle and the arrow passed harmlessly by。
The next time Jiang Wei turned； he saw his pursuer close upon him； and already the spear was threatening his life。 But as the youth thrust； Jiang Wei evaded the blow and caught the shaft under his arm。 Thus deprived of his weapon； the young man made for his own array。
〃What a pity！ What a great pity！〃 cried Jiang Wei； turning to pursue。
He followed the young general close up to the standard。
But just as he came near； a warrior came to the front； shouting； 〃Jiang Wei； you fool； do not pursue my son when I； Deng Ai； am here！〃
Jiang Wei was taken aback； so he had only been contending with Deng Zhong； the son of his real opponent。 Although he was astonished at the skill and vigor of the youth； he now knew that a heavier task lay before him and feared lest his steed was then too far spent for the contest。
So he said to Deng Ai； 〃Seeing things are so； let us both hold off our troops till the morrow； when we will fight。〃
Deng Ai； glancing around； saw that the place was ill…suited for him； so he agreed to wait； saying； 〃Let us lead off our armies then； and whoever shall take any secret advantage is a base fellow。〃
Both sides retired into camp； Deng Ai on the bank of River Wei； and Jiang Wei on the hills。
Deng Ai saw that the army of Shu had the advantage of position； so he wrote off at once to Sima Wang：
〃General； we should not give battle； but wait for reinforcements。 Meanwhile the soldiers of Shu will be consuming their supply of grain； and we will attack on three sides when they begin to be hungry。 I send my son Deng Zhong to you for further help in the defense of the city。〃
Jiang Wei sent a messenger to the Wei camp to deliver a letter of battle； the contes