Approaching him was , leading a massive force of 150,000 elite troops. To fight was suicide. To flee was impossible.
Kongming turned to his panicked subordinates with a calm, enigmatic smile. "Do not hide," he commanded. "Open the gates wide." 2 : Kongming Uses a Stratagem
This became known as the —the ultimate victory of psychological warfare over physical might. Approaching him was , leading a massive force
"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." Approaching him was
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.