Treatise on Military Preparedness, Volume 203: Records of Military Roles

General Man Chong A prominent general of Cao Wei known for his expertise in defense and legal matters. believed that this was certainly a ruse. He did not provide any troops, but instead wrote a reply to Wang Ling Another Wei general who was often at odds with Man Chong., saying: "I understand your desire to avoid disaster and submit to the right path Original: "避禍就順". This refers to the supposed defection of Sun Bu, a general from the rival state of Wu.. This is highly commendable. I wish to send soldiers to welcome you, but if the numbers are few, they will be insufficient for your protection. If the numbers are many, the news of the matter will surely be heard far and wide. For now, let us first make secret plans to fulfill your original intention, and we shall command the situation accordingly when the time comes."

It happened that Man Chong was summoned to court by an imperial letter. He also issued a strict order to his headquarters staff not to give Wang Ling any troops. When Ling requested soldiers and could not obtain them, he instead sent a single commanding officer with seven hundred infantry and cavalry to welcome Sun Bu A general of Eastern Wu who was feigning surrender to lure Wei forces into an ambush.. That night, Sun Bu launched a surprise attack, and more than half of the Wei soldiers were killed or wounded.

Prior to this, Wang Ling had submitted a memorial to the throne claiming that Man Chong was of advanced age and addicted to wine, making him unfit for a regional command. Cao Rui, the Emperor of Wei, intended to recall Chong. However, the Palace Attendant Guo Mou said: " Chong has performed meritorious service at the borders for over twenty years. Since he has been stationed in the Huainan region A strategic area south of the Huai River, the front line between Wei and Wu., the people of Wu have feared him. If the situation is not as stated in the memorial i.e., if Wang Ling is lying about Man Chong's health., we will be inviting the enemy to peer into our weaknesses. You may order him back to court to inquire about eastern affairs as a way to observe him personally." Emperor Rui followed this advice. When Chong arrived, the Emperor saw that his physical health...