In today's world, Ziwu Campaign has become a topic of great relevance and interest to many people. Over time, Ziwu Campaign has gained significant importance in various areas, generating debates, controversies, research and in-depth analysis. In this article, we will explore in detail the different aspects related to Ziwu Campaign, analyzing its impact on society, its evolution over the years and its relevance in the current context. Through research and detailed examination of various sources, we seek to shed light on Ziwu Campaign and provide the reader with a deep and enriching understanding of this highly relevant topic.
The Ziwu Campaign was a military counter offensive launched in 230 by the state of Cao Wei against his rival state Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. The campaign was initiated by Wei's Grand Marshal, Cao Zhen following the numerous Northern Expeditions and more recently the battle of Jianwei.
Background
Following Zhuge Liang's return after the battle of Jianwei, Liu Shan issued an imperial decree to congratulate him on his recent success. He also restored Zhuge Liang to the position of Imperial Chancellor (丞相).
While in Wei, Cao Rui summoned Cao Zhen to the imperial capital Luoyang, where he promoted him to Grand Marshal (大司馬) for his successful defense of Wei territory against Shu Han's expeditions. During this meeting, Cao Zhen proposed that in response to Shu Han multiple invasions. Cao Wei should launch their own invasion. He also said that if the various generals proceeded along several routes simultaneously then there could be great chance of success. Chen Qun prevailed against such a plan on the basic, that when Cao Cao defeated Zhang Lu, the army already met difficulty with the transport of the provisions. He further said that the Hanzhong territory makes it hard to advance and retreat with great danger for the troops along with a waste of resources. Cao Rui along with Cao Zhen discussed this matter. Cao Zhen in response changed the road that the army would follow to Ziwu. However Chen Qun again spoke against this plan. Cao Rui brought Chen Qun's arguments to Cao Zhen but he was adamant in his decision and the campaign began.
The Campaign
In August 230, Cao Zhen led an army from Chang'an to attack Shu via the Ziwu Valley (子午谷). At the same time, another Wei army led by Sima Yi, acting on Cao Rui's order, advanced towards Shu from Jing Province by sailing along the Han River. The rendezvous point for Cao Zhen and Sima Yi's armies was at Nanzheng County (南鄭縣; in present-day Hanzhong, Shaanxi). Other Wei armies also prepared to attack Shu from the Xie Valley (斜谷) or Wuwei Commandery.
When he heard of Wei recent movements, Zhuge Liang urged Li Yan to lead 20,000 troops to Hanzhong Commandery to defend against the Wei invasion. However, Li Yan did not want to leave his home base and serve under Zhuge Liang, so he refused at first until Zhuge Liang appeased him by allowing his son, Li Feng, to replace him if he did come. Li Yan finally went to Hanzhong Commandery under persuasion and pressure from Zhuge Liang.
Lieutenant-General (偏将军) Xiahou Ba asked to be name as the vanguard of this expedition. He then led a force towards Hanzhong Commandery taking a route through the 330 km Ziwu Trail (子午道), and camped in a crooked gorge, near the Xingshi camp set up earlier by Shu general, Wei Yan. There, Xiahou Ba was identified by the local residents, who reported his presence to the Shu forces led by Li Yan. Xiahou Ba was under heavy attack. As the main army of Cao Zhen had not caught up with the vanguard. Xiahou Ba was put into a dire situation where he relied on his own valor to defend the barricades until reinforcements arrived, only then Xiahou Ba and his soldiers were able to withdraw.
Away from the main operation, Wei Yan led some troops towards Yangxi (陽谿; southwest of present-day Wushan County, Gansu) to encourage the Qiang people to join Shu Han against Wei, Wei did the same and sent Guo Huai along with Fei Yao to counter those uprising. When both armies met on the field, Wei Yan managed to inflict a heavy defeat to the Wei forces which allowed him to rise more troops and prevented Zhang He from joining the expedition.
Following those events, the conflict became a prolonged stalemate with few skirmishes. After more than a month of slow progress and by fear of significant losses and waste of resources, more and more officials sent memorials to end the campaign. Among them were Hua Xin,Yang Fu and Wang Su, son of Wang Lang. The situation wasn't helped by the difficult topography and constant heavy rainy weather lasting more than 30 days. After this, Cao Rui decided to abort the campaign and recalled the officers by October 230.
Aftermath
Although the campaign failed, Cao Zhen's timely retreat allowed Wei to limit their losses. The leading commander of the Wei forces, Cao Zhen himself fell sick on the journey back to Luoyang and became bedridden in the subsequent months. He eventually died of illness in April or May 231. Cao Rui honoured him with the posthumous title "Marquis Yuan" (元侯).
For his success against Guo Huai and Fei Yao. the Shu government promoted Wei Yan to Vanguard Military Adviser (前軍師) and Senior General Who Attacks the West (征西大將軍), and elevated him from a village marquis to a county marquis under the title "Marquis of Nanzheng" (南鄭侯). Li Yan was not permitted to go back to the east. Instead, he became a subordinate of Zhuge Liang to help him during his future expeditions.
Cao Zhen's own son, Cao Shuang, would be the leading commander of a similar expedition in 244 which resulted into the battle of Xingshi.
Notes
^The campaign started in the 7th month of the 3rd year of the Taihe era of Cao Rui's reign. This month corresponds to 28 July to 26 August 230 in the Gregorian calendar.
^The troops retreated in the 9th month of the 3rd year of the Taihe era of Cao Rui's reign. This month corresponds to 25 September to 24 October 230 in the Gregorian calendar.
^Chen Qun said; "Before, when Cao Cao launched a campaign against Zhang Lu. He made sure to have large quantity of both wheat and beans to have the army well provisioned. Yet, before he defeated Zhang Lu, he already met problem with provisions and could not find a solution. Moreover the land is steep, It is difficult to advance or retreat, even more with transport. For sure, our troops would be intercepted and destroyed. If we use a large number of soldiers for this operation, It would be a waste. We must give this matter more consideration."
^Hua Xin memorial is as follows "A long time already passed since the beginning of those conflicts and turmoils in this land. During this time, our great dynasty of Wei succeeded the Mandate of Heaven. Thanks to your Magesty's virtue, our country met providence such as the previous rule of King Cheng and Kang of Zhou. You must cultivate your enlightened rule to others and succeed the Three Kings. There are the two rebels kingdoms but knowing of your ever growing wisdom and the love that the people have for virtuous people. Surely those from far away will join you with their children on their shoulders. One must use weapons only as a last ressort and therefore armies must be used on a few occasions. I hope that your Majesty would cultivate the country's economy and relegate military actions. Moreover an expedition carrying provisions over a thousand li, crossing many pass and advancing deep into the enemy territory is bound to fail. I have heard that most of this year harvest have been used to provision the army. Now a ruler should look at his people as his foundation and what matter more for them is food and clothing. If China does not suffer from disaster and people are joined in heart with their superiors. Then it is a great chance for the Empire and only a matter of time before the surrender of the two rebels. As one of the foremost minister of the State, I grow with each day even weaker. Soon my unworthy life shall end. I fear not seeing you again and therefore must wishes to carry my duty as a servant to his sovereign. I hope you shall take notice of this."
^Yang Fu memorial is as follows "In the past, King Wen of Zhou saw a red crow and during the whole day couldn't eat his meal while King Wu of Zhou seeing a white fish leaped into his boat became fearful along with his subordinates. Those two events were considered as great auspicious signs yet they were afraid, now if one saw calamitous omens, how could he not feel a shiver? Wu and Shu are still not pacified yet we received many ominous omens. What your Majesty should do is looking for wise advices demonstrating yourself as a humble man. Showing to those far away your tolerance while pacifying those near thanks to your frugality. Our soldiers barely started the campaign that came great calamity of rain from the Heavens. For many days, they have suffered trapped in the mountains and defiles. The toil of the transport along with the burden of carrying provisions has already cost us so much. If we continue as such, our plan would fall. The ancient said "To advance when possible and withdraw when faced with difficulty is the way to move armies." To leave our soldiers harassed into valleys with no purpose and nothing to conquer when they advance and no solution for the retreat is not the way for the ruler's army. In the past King Wu withdrew yet defeated Yin, with time he received his Mandate from Heaven. At this moment, the harvest have been bad and the people are starving. A great edict should announced less requisition of food and clothing and all that is used to finance art and trinkets should be reduced. In the past, Shao Xinchen said that in time of peace; one should limit his meals, now that the army's supplies are lacking then even more."
^Wang Su memorial is as follows "I have read that "If one transport food for a thousand li then the army will face hunger, if one must harvest wood before starting fire, then the soldiers will not eat their meal before night." This is for a stable terrain but we are moving through the mountains and valleys where the roads are not stable. Now the toil of this expedition must be severe. Moreover, there have been incessant rains making the road slippery. The army cannot spread out and the provisions are far away and difficult to manage. This is a terrific task for his commander. I have heard that Cao Zhen who started more than a month ago only made it to half of Ziwu. All the army must work for the maintenance of the road, while our enemy awaits us eagerly while the army is already tired. This is against the teaching of strategy. Before King Wu made a campaign against Zhou but retreated soon after. Even closer to us, both Cao Cao and Cao Pi did not cross the Jiang river when they faced Sun Quan. Are they not men of clairvoyance who accepted limit decided by Heaven? If the people heard that you wise ruler hearing the difficulties of rain gave your soldiers rest then you would take use of this opportunity. As they said when one is comforted after difficulties, he forget death."