Chapter 5: The Battle of Stone Spring, Qin and Shu's Great Escape, Breaking through Southern Zheng, Chu Huai Ding Hanzhong
Here is the translation:
To make matters worse, King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu were defeated by the Chu army at Han Yin, losing their helmets and armor, and fleeing in disarray for over 70 miles. When they reached Majiapeng and Gupeng, the soldiers and horses were exhausted, especially the infantry, who had run for over 70 miles on empty stomachs and couldn't move anymore.
King Huiwen of Qin looked back and saw that there were no Chu troops pursuing them, so he ordered a halt to rest and feed the horses. Meanwhile, he took stock of his army. After a while, the soldiers reported that the combined forces of Qin and Shu had only 100,000 men left, with 50,000 from Qin (18,000 cavalry and 32,000 infantry) and 50,000 from Shu (12,000 cavalry and 38,000 infantry).
Just as the Qin and Shu armies were finishing their meal, a messenger arrived to report that King Huai of Chu was pursuing them with his main force, and that Zhaoyi had already arrived at Xinglong Village with 50,000 cavalry, just three miles away. King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu were shocked by this news.
Sima Cuo advised King Huiwen of Qin: "Zhaoyi's 50,000 cavalry have arrived first, but they will be followed by a large force of infantry. Our army has just been defeated and is not ready to fight again. Moreover, our soldiers are all hungry and cannot march far. The infantry is in no condition to retreat. Your Majesty should order the infantry to hold off Zhaoyi's cavalry while the cavalry quickly finishes their meal and protects Your Majesty as you flee to Hanzhong."
King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu ordered all the infantry (32,000 from Qin and 38,000 from Shu) to form a defensive line at Gupeng to block Zhaoyi's cavalry. The cavalry was given seven minutes to finish their meal.
Five minutes later, Zhaoyi's 50,000 light cavalry arrived at Gupeng. The Qin and Shu infantry had not yet formed a stable line and hastily shot arrows to block the advance of the Chu cavalry.
Meanwhile, the 30,000 Qin and Shu cavalrymen quickly finished their meal, wrapped up their food with cloth, and mounted their horses to protect King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu as they fled westward. King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu only cared about escaping with their lives and didn't bother about the fate of their 70,000 infantrymen, who were left to die without even a meal.
Ten minutes later, the arrows of the Qin and Shu infantry were almost exhausted, and Zhaoyi ordered his 50,000 iron cavalry to charge in three directions. Alas! The 70,000 starving infantrymen could not withstand the impact of the Chu cavalry's charge and fell down one after another.
After two or three more charges, all 70,000 Qin and Shu infantrymen had fallen, with only a few escaping by running away on their long legs. By this time, King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu's 30,000 cavalrymen had already fled for over 20 miles and reached Qixingba.
Zhaoyi led his 50,000 Chu cavalry in hot pursuit from behind, and King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu heard that Zhaoyi was closing in on them. They didn't dare to stop for a moment and fled westward with all their might.
By this time, King Huai of Chu's 30,000 iron cavalry and 50,000 infantry had also arrived at Gupeng.
King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu had three thousand cavalrymen escape over Maja Pass. Sima Cuo saw that this was a narrow road, which must be taken by the pursuing Chu army, so he led three thousand cavalrymen to block the Chu army's cavalry here. Before Sima Cuo could form his troops, Zhao Ying had already led a large group of light cavalry past Huilong Village, less than a mile away from Sima Cuo. As soon as Zhao Ying saw this, he charged forward on horseback, killing towards the Qin army's cavalry.
Although Maja Pass was flat and open, the battlefield was not very large, making it difficult for large numbers of soldiers to engage in fierce combat. The advantage of the Chu army's large number of cavalrymen could not be fully utilized, so it became a test of bravery and endurance. Sima Cuo saw Zhao Ying approaching and rode his horse forward, raising his sword to fight Zhao Ying.
The two men clashed swords, fighting twenty rounds without either gaining the upper hand. Zhao Ying and Sima Cuo were originally evenly matched in martial arts skills, truly worthy opponents. However, Sima Cuo had previously fought against King Huai of Chu and had suffered injuries to his palms and forearms, which still caused him pain whenever he exerted himself too much.
Zhao Ying took advantage of this, using his long spear to attack Sima Cuo with increasing ferocity, causing Sima Cuo's hands and flanks to ache unbearably. Zhao Ying saw an opportunity and struck with his spear, making a loud noise! Sima Cuo raised his sword to block the blow, but due to his injured arms, he lacked strength, and his body stumbled backward.
Zhao Ying took advantage of this and launched three rapid spear thrusts, which Sima Cuo could not withstand. Sima Cuo feigned a slash with his sword and retreated in defeat. After Sima Cuo's defeat, no one among the Qin army's cavalrymen could resist Zhao Ying. They saw Zhao Ying's long spear striking left and right, causing the Qin army's cavalrymen to fall from their horses.
The Chu army's cavalrymen saw this and charged forward, each one brandishing his spear or sword, rushing towards the Qin army's cavalrymen in a fierce onslaught. The Qin army's cavalrymen could not withstand Zhao Ying and the Chu army's cavalrymen's attacks and ultimately fled in defeat. In the Battle of Maja Pass, Zhao Ying's Chu army cavalry killed over a thousand Qin army cavalrymen.
At this time, the cavalry of Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou had already escaped from Xixiang County. Zhao Yue's light cavalry had chased to Baijia Dam. Although both sides were cavalry, it was unknown how they managed to do so, but Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou's cavalry were slower, while Zhao Yue's light cavalry was faster. The distance between the two sides was getting closer and closer.
When they arrived at Chenggu County, Zhao Yue's light cavalry was about to catch up. Sima Cuo hastily led 3,000 Qin army cavalry, 2,000 Shu army cavalry, and 500 city guards of the Shu army to block the Chu army cavalry in Chenggu County. He ordered that anyone who advanced would live, and anyone who retreated would die, using death to cover up the retreat of Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou's 25,000 cavalry to Bao Han (Hanzhong City).
Zhao Yue's large light cavalry arrived at Chenggu County and saw Sima Cuo standing with his sword drawn. Five thousand iron cavalry were lined up under the city wall, waiting in a strict formation. Zhao Yue ordered 10,000 iron cavalry to be deployed in a line, preparing to charge and kill. The 40,000 cavalry divided into two routes, bypassing Chenggu County on both sides, and rushed straight to Bao Han (Hanzhong City) to capture Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou alive.
Sima Cuo saw the situation and ordered 4,000 cavalry to intercept the Chu army cavalry in two routes. He led 1,000 cavalry and 500 city guards infantry to fight against Zhao Yue's 10,000 iron cavalry. Sima Cuo's 5,000 cavalry intercepted Zhao Yue's 50,000 cavalry, which was a ratio of one to ten. It was undoubtedly a suicidal move.
Although it was so, they could still delay for some time, allowing Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou's 25,000 cavalry to run far away. This was indeed the case. Knowing that it would be death, Sima Cuo had no choice but to use his life to protect his lord. This was Sima Cuo's clever plan of sacrificing pawns to save the general.
The defeat at Shiquan Drum Son Ping was a loss, and the 70,000 Qin and Shu infantry became ghosts under the knives and souls under the guns of the Chu army cavalry. In exchange, Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou escaped to this Chenggu County. Today, they had to abandon these 5,000 cavalry and 500 infantry to let Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou run more than 20 miles ahead.
Alas! It was indeed a defeat like a mountain collapse, and the road was exhausted at dusk.
Only to see Zhao Yue pat the horse, hold up the gun and rush over, 10,000 Chu army iron cavalry followed to cover up and kill, Sima Cu knew that no one in Qin and Shu armies could defeat Zhao Yue, so he had to ride his horse, raise his knife and fight against Zhao Yue again. Unfortunately, the Chu army was too powerful, Sima Cu's 1,000 cavalry were all dispersed, and they didn't dare to fight anymore, so they raised their knives, turned around, and retreated back to the city to resist the enemy. However, only 200 infantrymen and 300 cavalrymen who were behind managed to rush back to the city, while the remaining 700 cavalrymen and 300 infantrymen were all beheaded. Zhao Yue did not order the attack on the city but ordered the Chu army cavalry to bypass the city and head straight for Bao Han (Hanzhong City). Sima Cu saw this and wanted to rush out again to hold back Zhao Yue, but was stopped by a general who said: "General, going out is like a moth flying into fire, it's a waste of life." Sima Cu painfully said: "I will die for the country, if I can delay Zhao Yue's cavalry for more than 10 minutes, the king can run more than 10 miles away." The general said: "What you said is wrong, General. If you go out again, Zhao Yue only needs to send out 1,000 cavalrymen to kill you, and then he will lead his army to chase after the king. If you die, who will protect the king? If the king has any accidents, you will be guilty even if you are dead. I hope you can quickly escape from the back door and catch up with the king." Sima Cu listened and said: "If it weren't for your reminder, I almost made a big mistake." He then led 300 Qin army cavalrymen and hastily escaped from the back door, rushing towards the direction of Qin Huiwen King's escape.
The allied forces of Qin and Shu, with 4,000 cavalrymen, fought to the death against the 40,000-strong Chu army cavalry for just 15 minutes. Although they were all killed, these 15 minutes were crucial for the cavalry. With this 15-minute delay, King Huiwen of Qin and others could run an additional 20 miles, and the Chu army cavalry would have to chase after them for a long time. The remaining 200 Shu soldiers who stayed in the city were also eliminated by the Chu army infantry.
King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu, escorted by 25,000 cavalrymen, ran all the way to Bao Han (Hanzhong City), where 3,000 Shu soldiers were guarding. Just as they were about to enter the city, a general shouted, "Your Majesty cannot enter the city!" King Huiwen and the Marquis of Shu turned around to see Sima Cuo, covered in blood, arriving with 300 Qin cavalrymen.
King Huiwen asked, "Why can't we enter the city?" Sima Cuo replied, "Bao Han is located on a plain, with its back to the Han River, and there are no natural defenses. The 50,000-strong light cavalry of Zhao Xie is already 20 miles away. If Your Majesty enters the city, Zhao Xie's army will surround it as soon as they arrive, and when King Huai of Chu arrives, even with wings, we won't be able to fly out."
King Huiwen asked, "What do you think we should do?" Sima Cuo replied, "For now, our only option is to abandon Bao Han and retreat. Your Majesty can lead the army to quickly flee to Luoyang (County) and defend against the enemy at Longnan. This will ensure our safety. The Marquis of Shu should lead his troops to cross the Han River and guard Nan Zheng (present-day Nan Zheng County)."
King Huiwen said, "Good!" Sima Cuo then led 15,300 Qin cavalrymen to protect King Huiwen as they fled to Luoyang (County), while the Marquis of Shu led 10,000 Shu cavalrymen and 3,000 soldiers guarding Bao Han to cross the Han River and defend Nan Zheng.
When Zhao Xie's Chu army cavalry arrived at Bao Han, King Huiwen had already passed through Mian County and was fleeing towards Luoyang (County), while the Marquis of Shu had also crossed the Han River and was heading towards Xin Zheng (County). Zhao Xie then led his army to occupy Bao Han and wait for King Huai of Chu's arrival before making a final decision.
The next morning, King Huai of Chu led 30,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry to arrive at Bao Han. The day after tomorrow, the third batch of 50,000 Chu troops also arrived in Bao Han with grain supplies. After arriving, King Huai of Chu observed the surrounding terrain with Zhao Yu and said: "Lüyang (County) originally belonged to Bao Han, and it is a plain, not far from Bao Han (Hanzhong City). It is a fortress that blocks the Qin army from entering the Bao Han Plain. We cannot let the Qin army occupy it. The Nan Zheng (County) on the other side of the river has three sides of mountains and one side of water, with a high and steep terrain, and we cannot let the Shu army occupy it. My opinion is that you and I each lead an army, take advantage of the enemy's recent defeat, and catch them off guard before they can stabilize their footing." Zhao Yu said: "Your Majesty! I had this intention, and I was waiting for you to decide." Therefore, King Huai of Chu ordered Zhao Yu to lead 20,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry to quickly cross the Han River and occupy Nan Zheng (County), while he himself led 30,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry to attack Lüyang (County). The rest of the Chu army was left to guard Bao Han (Hanzhong City) and prepare for a response at any time.
Qin Huiwen King arrived in Luoyang yesterday and rested for a night, calming down from the shock. This morning, he got up and said to Sima Cuo with a sigh: "I didn't expect that I would suffer such a great defeat as soon as I became king." Sima Cuo said: "It's not my incompetence, Your Majesty was surprised." Qin Huiwen King said: "It's not your fault, nor is it your mistake. I didn't expect Chu Huai King to be so brave and the Chu army to be so strong."
Just after Qin Huiwen King and others finished their breakfast, a horse rushed in to report: "Report to Your Majesty! Chu Huai King has led his troops to Bao Han (Hanzhong City), and a large number of soldiers are marching towards us." Sima Cuo heard the report and said to Qin Huiwen King: "Your Majesty should lead the army to flee to Longnan (City) quickly, and I will stay here to defend the city and fight a decisive battle with the Chu army."
Qin Huiwen King held Sima Cuo's hands and said: "Your arm injury has not healed, and your energy is not good. You are not a match for Chu Huai King. Don't sacrifice your life in vain here. I would rather give up this city than lose you, the famous general. Take the soldiers and horses to follow me to Longnan (City) quickly." Therefore, Sima Cuo followed Qin Huiwen King to abandon the city and flee to Longnan (City).
Chu Huai King led his troops to Luoyang (County), saw that Qin Huiwen King had abandoned the city and fled to Longnan, and ordered 3,000 infantrymen and 2,000 cavalrymen to garrison Luoyang (County). He himself led the main force back to Bao Han (Hanzhong City).
Here is the translation:
Furthermore, Zhao Yue led 40,000 cavalry and infantry to cross the Han River and advance on Nanzheng. When the King of Shu heard the news, he immediately ordered the city gates closed and personally led 13,000 cavalry and infantry to defend the city walls to the death. Zhao Yue led 40,000 Chu soldiers across the Han River and arrived at Nanzheng, arraying his troops and challenging the enemy to battle. The Shu army neither came out to fight nor surrendered. Zhao Yue had no choice but to order his soldiers to prepare battering rams and cloud ladders to attack the city.
At this time, King Hui of Chu led his main force back to Bao Han (Hanzhong City) and ordered 20,000 infantry to cross the river and attack the city. The King of Shu saw that he was in a precarious situation and could only lead his army to escape from the rear mountain. However, behind Nanzheng were the steep mountains of Mount Song, which soldiers could climb over but war horses could not. More than 10,000 war horses were unable to cross.
The King of Shu had wanted to order his soldiers to kill the war horses so that they would not fall into the hands of the Chu army, but it was already too late. The sound of killing shook the heavens as the Chu army attacked from both the west and east wings, with 50,000 Chu soldiers advancing on the villages of Zhan Dou, Guo Jia Ying (west of Nanzheng County), Xia Jia An, and Xi Ma Xiang (east of Nanzheng County). The King of Shu could only lead his army in a frantic retreat over the rear mountain.
Zhao Yue led the Chu army into Nanzheng and saw that the Shu army had already escaped by climbing down the cliffs. He ordered his soldiers to cut off the ropes and seal off the roads behind the mountain, then dispatched 3,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry to guard Nanzheng. He himself led the main force across the river back to Bao Han (Hanzhong City).
Up to now, the ten-day Battle of Bo Han ended with the victory of the Chu army and the defeat of the Qin-Shu coalition. In this battle, the Chu army killed 195,000 soldiers of the Qin-Shu coalition, including 85,000 Qin soldiers and 110,000 Shu soldiers; captured 35,000 war horses, 190,000 sets of armor and weapons, and a large batch of grain and carts. This battle expanded the territory of King Huai of Chu from Ankang City to Luyang County by more than 400 miles, gaining control over ten cities (counties): Bo Han (Hanzhong City), Hanyin, Ziyang, Zhenba, Ningqiang, Shiquan, Xixiang, Chenggu, Nanzheng, Ningqiang and Luyang. King Huiwen of Qin had declared himself king at the beginning of the year, seeking to dominate the Central Plains and replace King Hui of Wei as the hegemon. However, he was defeated by King Huai of Chu in the Battle of Bo Han and fled in disarray like a fish escaping from a net, almost being captured alive by the Chu army. From then on, whenever King Huiwen of Qin heard the names "Hanzhong Prefecture" and "King Huai of Chu", he would feel a lingering fear.
Thereafter, King Hui of Chu changed the name of Bao Han to Hanzhong Prefecture, with a jurisdiction spanning over 700 li from Luoyang County to Fang County. The Yong Prefecture was abolished and its governor was ordered to take office in Hanzhong. The prefectural seat of the original Yong Prefecture was moved from Xunyang to Ankang as a subordinate county of Hanzhong Prefecture. A banquet was held in Bao Han, where King Hui rewarded his troops for three days.
King Hui raised his wine goblet and addressed all his generals: "The Han River is the ancestral land of my Chu people. In ancient times, our ancestors migrated along the Han River to reach Jinghan. Therefore, we are both Jing and Han. Today, we have returned to our ancestors' homeland, which has now been restored to me, King Hui of Chu. This place is not Bao nor Zheng, but Han. I will establish a prefectural seat here and revive the glory of my ancestors' hometown."
The Chu army cheered in unison, waving their long spears and shouting: "Hanzhong Prefecture!" "Hanzhong Prefecture!"
Three days later, King Huai of Chu appointed Liu Xiang (originally named Liu Yang, father of Liu Bang's great-grandfather) as the Grand General, leading 100,000 Chu troops (40,000 cavalry and 60,000 infantry) to garrison Hanzhong Commandery, and arranged for the wounded soldiers to be treated in Hanzhong. Liu Xiang received the order and issued a decree: 20,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry were stationed in Hanzhong, with 2,000 cavalry and 3,000 infantry from each of Lüeyang, Ningqiang, Nanzheng, Xixiang, and Zhenba, and the remaining 10,000 cavalry and 15,000 infantry were stationed in Hanzhong, distributed among Mianxian, Hanzhong, and Chenggu. 20,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry were stationed in Ankang, with 2,000 cavalry and 3,000 infantry from each of Zhen'an, Ziyang, Zhenping, Fangxian, and Yunxi, and the remaining 10,000 cavalry and 15,000 infantry were stationed in Ankang, distributed among Hanyin, Ankang, and Xunyang. Liu Xiang ordered the soldiers to open up wasteland for farming, practice martial arts, and not slacken. King Huai of Chu made all the arrangements, and then led his 150,000-strong army (50,000 cavalry and 100,000 infantry, having recruited over 70,000 new soldiers from Ankang to Hanzhong due to the successive victories of the Chu army) back to Jingzhou in a grand manner.
