2 : Kongming Uses A Stratagem Apr 2026

When Sima Yi’s vanguard arrived, they stopped in their tracks. Instead of a rain of arrows, they saw four open gates and a few elderly men sweeping the dust. Above them, the legendary strategist sat alone, plucking a serene, elegant melody.

"There is an ambush," Sima Yi whispered, his brow furrowed. "Kongming is a master of traps. This silence is a lure to draw us into the city where his hidden 'millions' await." 2 : Kongming Uses a Stratagem

Sima Yi rode to the front, squinting at the tower. He knew Kongming was a man of extreme caution who never took unnecessary risks. He listened to the music; it was steady, flawless, and devoid of any agitation. When Sima Yi’s vanguard arrived, they stopped in

"Sima Yi knows I am careful," Kongming replied, setting his instrument aside. "I used his own intelligence against him. He could not believe I would be so bold, so he convinced himself I was being clever." "There is an ambush," Sima Yi whispered, his brow furrowed

Approaching him was , leading a massive force of 150,000 elite troops. To fight was suicide. To flee was impossible.

The drums of the Wei army thundered, a rhythmic death knell echoing through the gates of Xicheng. , known as Kongming, stood atop the city wall, watching the horizon. His main army was away on a campaign; he was left with only a handful of civil officials and 2,500 exhausted soldiers.

As the sound of the Wei horses faded, the officials in Xicheng collapsed in relief, drenched in cold sweat. They asked Kongming how he knew it would work.