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. They retreated over 70 miles, finally stopping to rest and eat at Ma Jia Ping and Gu Er Ping. The infantry was exhausted from running over 70 miles on empty stomachs.

  Just as they finished eating, a messenger arrived to report that the Chu army was approaching. King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu were shocked to hear that the Chu king's army had arrived, with General Zhaolie leading 50,000 cavalrymen just three miles away at Xing Long Village.

  General Sima Cuo advised King Huiwen of Qin: "Since General Zhaolie has arrived first with his 50,000 cavalrymen, it is likely that a large infantry force will follow. Our army is newly defeated and cannot engage in battle again. Moreover, our soldiers are all hungry and exhausted, and the infantry cannot retreat further. I suggest that we order the infantry to hold off General Zhaolie's cavalry while the cavalry quickly finishes their meal and protects Your Majesty as you flee to Han Zhong."

  King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu ordered the entire infantry (32,000 Qin soldiers and 38,000 Shu soldiers) to form a defensive line at Gu Er Ping to block General Zhaolie's cavalry. The cavalry was given five minutes to finish their meal.

  Five minutes later, General Zhaolie's 50,000 light cavalry arrived at Gu Er Ping. The Qin and Shu infantry formed a defensive line, but it was unstable, and they hastily fired arrows to block the Chu cavalry's advance.

  Meanwhile, the 30,000 Qin and Shu cavalrymen quickly finished their meal, wrapped up their food in cloth, and mounted their horses to protect King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu as they fled westward. The king and the marquis only cared about escaping with their lives and did not 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 depleted, and General Zhaolie 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 by one.

  After two or three more charges, all 70,000 Qin and Shu infantrymen had fallen, with only a few escaping on foot. By this time, King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu's 30,000 cavalrymen had retreated over 20 miles to Qi Xing Ba.

  General Zhaolie led his 50,000 Chu cavalrymen in pursuit, and King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu heard that they were being chased. They did not dare to stop for a moment and fled westward with all their might.

  Meanwhile, the Chu king's 30,000 iron cavalry and 50,000 infantry had also arrived at Gu Er Ping.

  King Huiwen of Qin and the Marquis of Shu had 30,000 cavalrymen escape through Maja Pass. Sima Cuo saw that this was a narrow road, which must be taken by the Chu army in pursuit, so he led 3,000 cavalrymen to block the Chu army's cavalry here. Before Sima Cuo's formation was set up, Zhao She had already led his main force of light cavalry past Huilong Village, less than a mile away from Sima Cuo. As soon as Zhao She saw this, he charged forward on horseback, killing towards the Qin army's cavalry.

  Although Maja Pass is flat, the terrain is not very large, and it is difficult for a large number of people to fight, so the advantage of the Chu army's main force of cavalry cannot be exerted. It depends on who is brave and can endure the narrow road. Sima Cuo saw Zhao She killing him, and he rode his horse and raised his knife to fight Zhao She.

  The two men fought with guns and knives, fighting twenty rounds without a winner. Zhao She and Sima Cuo were originally evenly matched in martial arts, and it was indeed a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, Sima Cuo had fought with King Hui of Chu before, and his palm and tiger's mouth were shattered, and his arms were injured. Although he did not hurt his chest, as long as he used too much force, his armpits would ache secretly.

  Zhao She saw that Sima Cuo was in pain, so he struck with a long spear, and Sima Cuo raised his knife to block it. Because of his injury, he had no strength in his hand, and his body stumbled. Zhao She saw this and struck three times with his spear, fast as lightning. Sima Cuo couldn't resist, and he swung his knife in vain, defeated and fled.

  After Sima Cuo was defeated, no one in the Qin army's cavalry could withstand Zhao She. They only saw Zhao She's long spear, left and right, striking down the Qin army's cavalrymen one by one. The Chu army's cavalry saw this and rushed forward with their guns and knives, charging and killing fiercely. The Qin army's cavalry couldn't resist Zhao She and the Chu army's cavalry attack, and they finally fled in defeat.

  In the Battle of Maja Pass, Zhao She's Chu army cavalry killed 1,000 Qin army cavalrymen under Sima Cuo.

  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 battle of one against ten, and was undoubtedly a suicidal move.

  However, it could delay for some time, allowing Qin Huiwen King and Shu Hou's 25,000 cavalry to escape far away. It was indeed the case that even though they knew it was death, they had no choice but to use their lives to protect their lord. This was Sima Cuo's clever plan of sacrificing pawns to save the general.

  The defeat at Shi Quan Drum Son Ping was a loss of 70,000 Qin and Shu infantry, who became ghosts under the swords 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 escape more than 20 miles ahead.

  Alas! It was indeed a defeat like a mountain collapse, and the road to dusk was exhausted.

  Only to see Zhao Yue pat the horse, hold up the gun and rush over, 10,000 Chu army iron cavalry followed to 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 strong, Sima Cu's 1,000 cavalry were all scattered, 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 in the back 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 something happens to the king, even if you die, it's hard to avoid blame. I hope you can quickly escape from the back door and catch up with the king." Sima Cu listened and said: "If not for your reminder, I almost made a big mistake." He then took 300 Qin army cavalrymen and hastily escaped from the back door, rushing towards the road where King Huiwen of Qin was escaping.

  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 brief delay, King Huiwen of Qin and others could run an additional 20 miles or more, 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 Nanzheng City."

  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 Nanzheng.

  By the time 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 Xinzheng (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 army also arrived in Bao Han to transport grain. 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." 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 stayed in Bao Han (Hanzhong City) and prepared to respond 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 strength 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 Yu 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 Yu 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 Yu 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. Over 10,000 war horses were unable to escape.

  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 separately attacking 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 Yu led the Chu army into Nanzheng and saw that the Shu army had already escaped over the mountain by grabbing onto vines. He ordered his soldiers to cut off the vines, block the roads behind the mountain, and 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).

  Thus, the ten-day Battle of Bo Han ended with a Chu victory and a Qin-Shu defeat. In this battle, the Chu army killed 195,000 soldiers from 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 carts. As a result of this battle, King Huai of Chu expanded his territory by over 400 miles from Ankang City to Lüeyang County, gaining control of ten cities (counties): Bo Han (Hanzhong City), Hanyin, Ziyang, Zhenba, Ningqiang, Shiquan, Xixiang, Chenggu, Nanzheng, Ningqiang, and Lüeyang. Meanwhile, King Huiwen of Qin had proclaimed 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 forced to flee in disarray, barely escaping capture by the Chu army. From then on, whenever King Huiwen of Qin heard the names "Hanzhong Commandery" and "King Huai of Chu", he would be filled with 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. He abolished Yong Prefecture and ordered its governor to take office in Hanzhong, relocating the prefectural seat from Xunyang to Ankang as a subordinate administrative division of Hanzhong Prefecture. In Bao Han, he hosted a banquet to reward 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 down to Jinghan. Therefore, we are both Jing and Han. Today, we have returned to our ancestors' homeland, which has now been restored to me, King of Chu. This place is neither Bao nor Zheng, but Han. I will establish a prefectural seat here and make our ancestors' hometown prosperous.

  This is the middle reaches of the Han River, so from today on, this place shall be officially renamed Hanzhong Prefecture." The Chu soldiers cheered, waving their long spears and shouting: "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 settled the wounded soldiers in Hanzhong for recuperation. 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.