Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast.

This is episode 120.

Last time, Zhuge Liang continued to roll on his northern campaign.

First, he dealt the Wei Minister of the Interior,

such a devastating tongue-lashing, that the guy literally died on the spot. Then he outsmarted

the Wei Grand Commander Cao Zhen and dealt him a big defeat. Cao Zhen was beaten so badly that he

decided to seek help from the Qiang tribes.

The Qiang people, you may remember, resided around the northwestern frontiers of the empire.

They used to be friendly with the Shu general Ma Chao, but ever since Ma Chao was defeated by Cao Cao,

the Qiang had pledged their allegiance to Cao Cao

and subsequently to the kingdom of Wei. The king of the Qiang nation relied on two top

officials. On the civil administration side, he had the prime minister Ya Dan. On the military side, he looked to the commander Yue Ji.

When Cao Zhen's messenger arrived in the territory of the Qiang, he first went to see this

Prime Minister, Yadan, and presented the gifts and told him the purpose of the visit.

Yad then led the envoy to go see the king, who read the letter and consulted with his

staff. We have maintained relations with the Kingdom of Wei, Ya Dan said. Now that Commander Cao

is requesting our aid, it is only right that we should help. The king agreed, and he dispatched

Yadan and Commander Yue Ji with 150,000 men

who were all skilled in archery, spears and sword, studded mace, and flying hammers. They also had

iron wagons, which were war chariots covered in iron armor, and they used these for transporting supplies,

using camels and mules to pool the wagons.

Yadan and Yue Ji took leave of their lord and made straight for Xiping Pass.

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