2 : Kongming Uses A Stratagem May 2026

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.

He ordered his soldiers to dress as civilians and sweep the streets in front of the four gates, acting as if the city were merely waking up for a quiet morning. Then, Kongming donned his simple Taoist robe and climbed to the highest point of the gate tower. He sat down, lit a stick of incense, and placed his guqin (zither) across his lap. 2 : Kongming Uses a Stratagem

Kongming turned to his panicked subordinates with a calm, enigmatic smile. "Do not hide," he commanded. "Open the gates wide." Fearing a massive counter-attack hidden within the city's

This became known as the —the ultimate victory of psychological warfare over physical might. Then, Kongming donned his simple Taoist robe and