His wife was merry with wine and did not object。 So their lives were spared。
The defeated soldiers returned to their camp。 Zhuge Liang took steps to retrieve the mishap by sending for Ma Dai; Zhao Yun; and Wei Yan; to each of whom he gave special and private orders。
Next day the Mang soldiers reported to the King that Zhao Yun was offering a challenge。 Lady Zhurong forthwith mounted and rode out to battle。 She engaged Zhao Yun; who soon fled。 The lady was too prudent to risk pursuit; and rode home。 Then Wei Yan repeated the challenge; and he also fled as if defeated。 But again the lady declined to pursue。 Next day Zhao Yun repeated his challenge and ran away as before。 Lady Zhurong signaled no pursuit。 But at this Wei Yan rode up and opened a volley of abuse and obloquy。 This proved too much; and she gave the signal to go after him and led the way。 Wei Yan increased his pace; and the lady mander doubled hers; and she and her followers pressed into a narrow road along a valley。 Suddenly behind her was heard a noise; and Wei Yan; turning his head; saw the lady tumble out of her saddle。
She had rushed into an ambush prepared by Ma Dai: Her horse had been tripped up by ropes。 She was captured; bound; and carried off to the Shu camp。 Some of her people endeavored to rescue her; but they were driven off。
Zhuge Liang seated himself in his tent to see his prisoner; and Lady Zhurong was led up。 He bade them remove her bonds; and she was conducted to another tent; where wine was laid before her。 Then a message was sent to Meng Huo to say that she would be exchanged for the two captive leaders。
The King agreed; and Ma Zheng and Zhang Ni were set free。 As soon as they arrived; the lady was escorted by Zhuge Liang himself to the mouth of the ra