Chapter 108
— In The Snow, Ding Feng Wins A Victory; At A Banquet, Sun Jun Executes A Secret Plan.
The Wei counter-strategy is his in full. Secretary at Luoyang, he tells Sima Shi exactly how to handle the siege of Xincheng: 'The city should not try to repulse the attack, but simply hold out as long as possible. When the besiegers have exhausted their provisions, they will be compelled to retire. As they retreat, we can smite them. However, it is necessary to provide against any invasion from Shu.' Every element of it is then carried out, including the retreat-harassment that finishes Zhuge Ke's army.