2 : Kongming Uses A Stratagem ●

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

This became known as the —the ultimate victory of psychological warfare over physical might.

"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

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.

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. Approaching him was , leading a massive force

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.

Fearing a massive counter-attack hidden within the city's alleyways, Sima Yi ordered a total retreat. The 150,000 soldiers turned and marched away in a cloud of dust. This became known as the —the ultimate victory

Kongming turned to his panicked subordinates with a calm, enigmatic smile. "Do not hide," he commanded. "Open the gates wide."