2 : - Kongming Uses A Stratagem

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.

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

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.

This became known as the —the ultimate victory of psychological warfare over physical might. Fearing a massive counter-attack hidden within the city's

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.

"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." Instead of a rain of arrows, they saw

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