Lu Su and Kong Ming (Zhuge Liang), having taken their leave of Liu Bei and Liu Qi, boarded a boat bound for Chaisang Commandery. As they glided down the river, Lu Su said to Zhuge Liang, “When you meet General Sun, under no circumstances should you tell him outright that Cao Cao’s forces are numerous and well-equipped.” Zhuge Liang replied, “No need to remind me, Zijing—Liang has his own counsels and will know what to say.” When the boat reached the shore, Lu Su invited Zhuge Liang to rest briefly at an official guesthouse, then went ahead to see Sun Quan in person.
At that moment, Sun Quan was gathered in council with his civil and military officers. Hearing that Lu Su had returned, he immediately summoned him and asked, “Zijing went to Jiangxia to gather intelligence. What did he learn of the situation there?” Lu Su replied, “I have learned the broad outlines; I will report fully in person.” Sun Quan unrolled Cao Cao’s proclamation and handed it to Lu Su. “Cao Cao sent this missive here yesterday. I dispatched our envoy earlier; now we shall convene and deliberate.” Lu Su took the paper and read it aloud. It said:
“The Son of Heaven has commanded me to suppress your rebellion. My troops press southward; Liu Cong has surrendered. The people of Jing and Xiang bow to my authority. Now I command a mighty army of one million, led by a thousand generals. I invite your forces to join me at Jiangxia to strike at Liu Bei, and share the spoils. Let us form a lasting alliance. Do not hesitate—send your reply at once.”
Finishing the document, Lu Su asked, “What is Your Majesty’s decision?” Sun Quan said, “Nothing is settled yet.” Zhang Zhao spoke up: “Cao Cao marshals a million troops under the imperial mandate to conquer the realm. If we resist, it will not go well. Yet our powerful natural defense is the Yangtze River—once he controls Jingzhou, the river’s stronghold will be shared between us, making his strength overwhelming. In my humble opinion, we should surrender; that is the only way to safeguard our people. All the strategists agree: ‘Zibu’s advice follows Heaven’s will.’” Sun Quan pondered in silence. Zhang Zhao continued, “By surrendering, Your Majesty will secure peace for the people of the East; the six commanderies south of the river will be protected.” Sun Quan lowered his head, still silent.
Presently, he rose to change clothes, and Lu Su followed. Recognizing Lu Su’s intention, Sun Quan grasped his hand and asked, “What do you think we should do?” Lu Su replied, “What everyone has said just now is deeply mistaken. They all say we can submit to Cao Cao—but Your Majesty yourself cannot accept such terms.” Sun Quan asked, “Why not?” Lu Su explained, “If individuals like me submitted to Cao Cao, our local ties and former positions would be preserved. But if Your Majesty surrendered, where would you have to go? Your rank would be no higher than that of a marquis, you would be given only a single carriage, a single horse, and an escort of but a few men—how could you ever claim sovereignty in the South? These counselors speak only for themselves, seeking to protect their own families. One cannot listen to them. Your Majesty must resolve your grand plan swiftly.” Sun Quan sighed, “Everyone’s judgment has disappointed me terribly. Zijing’s great counsel aligns exactly with my own view. Heaven has indeed sent Zijing to me. But Cao Cao has newly acquired Yuan Shao’s forces and has now won over Jingzhou—his might is formidable. How can we hope to resist?”
Lu Su said, “If you doubt, Your Majesty, I have brought the younger brother of Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang, here. Question him, and you will know the truth.” Sun Quan said, “The Crouching Dragon is here?” Lu Su answered, “He is resting in the guesthouse.” Sun Quan said, “Tonight it is too late to meet him. Tomorrow I will gather the civil and military officers under my banner. First let me see the talents of Jiangdong, then we will ascend the hall to deliberate.” Lu Su took his leave.
The next day, Lu Su led Zhuge Liang to the guesthouse. “When you meet His Majesty, do not say that Cao Cao has many troops,” he reminded him. Zhuge Liang smiled. “Liang will adapt as occasion demands—there will be no mistake.” Lu Su then guided Zhuge Liang to the headquarters. There, he saw Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and over twenty other civil and military officers, all dressed in their formal gowns and sitting upright, awaiting him. Zhuge Liang greeted each in turn and asked their names, then took his seat in the guest’s place. Zhang Zhao, expecting that Zhuge Liang had come to persuade them, opened with a challenge: “I am Zhang Zhao of the minor clans of Jiangdong. I have heard of you, Sir, resting in Longzhong, likening yourself to Guan Zhong and Le Yi. Is there any truth to such lofty claims?” Zhuge Liang replied, “Such comparisons are far beyond my humble ability.” Zhang Zhao continued, “I have also heard that Liu Yuzhou (Liu Bei) paid you three visits to your cottage before winning your service. Now, having you by his side, he fights like a fish in water, intent on sweeping down upon Jing and Xiang. Now he has allied himself with Cao Cao. On whose side do you stand?” Zhuge Liang, realizing that Zhang Zhao was Sun Quan’s foremost strategist, knew he had to refute this quickly if he were to persuade Sun Quan. He replied, “I observe that to take Han territory would be as easy as turning one’s hand. My lord, Liu Yuzhou, practices benevolence and righteousness, unwilling to seize the inheritance of his kin, and so he has declined Cao Cao’s advances. Liu Cong, a mere child, listened to flatterers and secretly surrendered, allowing Cao Cao to grow rampant. Now, my lord has stationed his forces at Jiangxia with a far greater design—nothing so straightforward as overt conquest.”
Zhang Zhao retorted, “If this is so, then your deeds do not match your words. You liken yourself to Guan Zhong and Le Yi. Guan Zhong, serving Duke Huan, dominated the feudal lords and unified the realm. Le Yi propped up a weak Yan, reducing Qi by more than seventy cities. These were of true world-changing talent. But you, Sir, sequester yourself in that thatched hut, reclining against pillows and composing your thoughts. Now that you have entered Liu Yuzhou’s service, you should, with your talents, be lifting the people from hardship and eliminating bandits. Before you joined him, Liu Yuzhou already maneuvered throughout the lands, holding cities. Now that everyone relies upon you, even children of three think you will restore the Han and destroy the Cao. The old ministers of court and the recluses in the mountains all await, expecting you to dispel the clouds shrouding Heaven, revealing the brilliance of the sun and moon, rescuing the people from fire and flood, and placing the world atop your lap. Yet having joined Liu Yuzhou, once Cao Cao’s army strikes, Liu Yuzhou will abandon his armor and weapons, flee in terror, lose all his territory, and die in the fields—nothing remains for him. This man Liu Bei, since enfeoffed as a regional lord, is not that different from you, a source of gossip. How can you be compared to Guan Zhong or Le Yi? Pardon my bluntness!”
Zhuge Liang listened, then smiled quietly and said, “If a roc soars ten thousand li, who among the birds can discern its ambition? Consider a person plagued by disease. First, one administers congee to strengthen his constitution; then with gentler medicines one harmonizes his organs. Once his body is balanced and growing strong, one may give richer foods and stronger remedies so that the root of disease is eradicated and the patient is fully healed. If, however, one immediately prescribes tonics and heavy medicines, seeking instant relief, one courts disaster. My lord Liu Yuzhou, having suffered defeat at Runan, came to depend upon Liu Biao, with his army but a few thousand men; he commands only Guan, Zhang, and Zhao Yun—this is exactly like a patient whose illness has reached its final stage. Xin Ye is a remote county with sparse inhabitants and meager provisions; Yuzhou merely makes temporary refuge there, hardly intending to rest. His troops have incomplete armor, his city is weakly walled, his forces unseasoned, his supplies meager. Yet, when he set fire to Bolang’s ships and diverted the waters of the White River so that Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren trembled, this was a maneuver beyond Guan Zhong and Le Yi. As for Liu Cong’s surrender, Yuzhou had no knowledge of it and, being too benevolent, could not seize his kin’s patrimony—this was true righteousness. When he was defeated at Dangyang, tens of thousands of volunteers, old and young, followed and refused to abandon him, marching ten li a day without thought of moving to Jiangling, gladly sharing his defeat—this too was great benevolence. That the few should fail against the many is the nature of warfare. Remember how Gao Zu suffered multiple defeats at Xiangyu before succeeding at Gaixia—this was only possible through Han Xin’s strategy. Han Xin served Liu Bang for a long time without winning a single victory until the great plan of the state was set; mere wordsmiths could never have done so. They merely sat and talked, but when the moment came, they had no real abilities—nothing but talk. They would have been laughed at by the world.” Having spoken, Zhang Zhao fell silent, without a word to reply.
Suddenly, one man rose and asked, “Now Cao Cao commands a million soldiers under a thousand officers, ready to swallow Jiangxia. What say you, Master?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Yu Fan. He replied, “When Cao Cao crushed the remnants of Yuan Shao at Xiakou, he could barely win. Yet he still declares he fears no one—such boastful deceits! Liu Yuzhou commands only a few thousand righteous troops. How could he withstand a million ruthless soldiers? He is holding onto Xiakou only to bide his time. Now, East Wu has well-trained troops and ample provisions, with the Yangtze as its bulwark. Still you would have him bow to a bandit—calamity will surely follow. By comparison, he indeed fears no Cao Cao.” Yu Fan was left speechless.
Another officer then asked, “Master Zhuge, do you intend to emulate Su Qin or Zhang Yi, the wily orators, as you persuade the East Wu?” Zhuge Liang turned and saw it was Bu Zhi. He answered, “Bu Zishan, likening Su Qin and Zhang Yi to mere rhetoricians—know that Su Qin wore the seals of six states as minister, and Zhang Yi, twice serving Qin—both possessed schemes to rescue the realm, not men who cowered before a stronger foe. You heard Cao Cao’s false proclamations and cowered, pleading for surrender—will you now mock Su Qin and Zhang Yi?” Bu Zhi fell silent.
Then another officer spoke, “Master Zhuge, what do you make of Cao Cao?” Zhuge Liang turned and saw it was Xue Zong. He replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han—what else need be said?” Xue Zong retorted, “Sir, you err. The Han lineage now nears its end. Cao Cao already rules two-thirds of the realm, and the people serve him willingly. Liu Yuzhou fails to grasp the times, foolishly competing. This is like striking a stone with an egg—how can he possibly win?” Zhuge Liang’s voice rose: “Xue Jingwen, how dare you utter such filial impiety? As a man, one lives between Heaven and Earth—loyalty and filial piety are the foundations of one’s being. If you serve the Han, you must pledge to slay every traitor. This is the way of a minister. Now, Cao Cao, having fed at his ancestors’ Han table, repays them with betrayal. He is universally loathed. Yet you invoke ‘the will of Heaven’ to justify him—are you not fatherless and masterless? I refuse to speak further with you. Say no more.” Xue Zong, ashamed and unable to respond, bowed his head.
A voice then challenged, “Though Cao Cao wields the Son of Heaven, he remains but the descendant of Prime Minister Cao Shen. Liu Yuzhou claims descent from the King of Zhongshan, but there is no proof. He is merely a commoner who once wove mats and sold straw sandals. How can he oppose Cao Cao?” Zhuge Liang turned and saw it was Lu Ji. He laughed: “You are none other than Lu Lang, the one who once presented oranges to Yuan Shu! Please be seated and hear my words: Although Cao Cao descends from Prime Minister Cao Shen, that makes him a Han subject—yet he now wields absolute power, oppresses the imperial family, despises his ancestors, and rebels against the Han. He is not only a traitor to the Han but also a murderer within the Cao clan. Liu Yuzhou is a true imperial scion. If we examine the genealogy and bestow titles, how can you say it lacks proof? And remember that Emperor Gaozu himself rose from being a county sergeant to rule the realm. What shame is there in having once sold mats and sandals? Your childish view is not worthy of discourse with a noble scholar.” Lu Ji, at a loss, fell silent.
Another officer sneered, “Master Zhuge, everything you say is clever sophistry—nothing is sound. What does it matter? Pray tell us, which classics have you studied?” Zhuge Liang turned and saw it was Yan Jun. He replied, “Wrongly quoting passages—this is the mark of a decadent Confucian. How can one who quotes only chapters and verses revive the state? Consider Yi Yin in Lu, who tilled the land; consider Jiang Ziya, who fished the Wei; or Zhang Liang and Chen Ping—these men all had schemes to save the realm. Deng Yu and Geng Yan likewise had talents to assist the empire. You quote lines from book and scroll—does that make you anything but a petty scholar, mouthing hollow words and playing with brush and ink?” Yan Jun bowed his head, defeated.
Suddenly, one officer spoke loudly: “You are fond of boasting, but you may lack true learning. I fear you will become the laughingstock of scholars.” Zhuge Liang turned and saw it was Cheng Deshu. He replied, “Within Confucianism there are gentlemen and petty men. The gentleman Confucians are loyal to their sovereigns, love their country, uphold righteousness, and combat evil—seeking to benefit the present and leave a legacy for later generations. The petty Confucians, however, concern themselves only with trivialities, devote themselves to calligraphy, compose verses in their youth, study to exhaustion in their old age—from pen to parchment they pile up countless words, but within their hearts, they have not a single strategic thought. Consider Yang Xiong: he was famed for his writing but ended up serving the tyrant Wang Mang and died in shame. Such is the petty Confucian: even if he writes a thousand lines a day, what good are they?” Cheng Deshu could not reply. All the assembled officers, witnessing Zhuge Liang’s flawless responses, were struck silent.
At this moment, Zhang Wen and Luo Tong were about to challenge him further when a newcomer burst in and said, “Master Zhuge Liang is a rare talent of our time. It is not honorable to engage in debates like this. When Cao Cao’s vast army presses on our borders, should we not be seeking ways to repel the enemy rather than trading words?” All turned to see who it was: a man from Lingling surnamed Huang, styled Gongfu, now serving as the grain officer of Eastern Wu. Huang Gai said to Zhuge Liang, “I have heard that talking yields profit, but sometimes silence is better. Why not lay out solid arguments and reason plainly to Your Majesty instead of squabbling with these men?” Zhuge Liang replied, “Gentlemen, you do not understand the affairs of the world. They ask questions not to hear the truth but to force something from me. I must answer.” With that, Huang Gai and Lu Su escorted Zhuge Liang deeper into the hall, where they encountered Zhuge Jin. Zhuge Liang bowed in greeting. Zhuge Jin said, “Good brother, now that you have arrived in the East, why did you not come to see me first?” Zhuge Liang replied, “Brother, duty comes before family. Until I have finished my mission, I dare not speak of private matters. Please forgive me.” Zhuge Jin said, “Brother, you have first seen our lord—now let us chat.” With that they conversed briefly, and Zhuge Jin went on his way.
Lu Su said, “Remember our instructions—do not err.” Zhuge Liang nodded in acknowledgment. He was led to the main hall, where Sun Quan descended the platform to greet him with utmost courtesy. After Zhuge Liang paid respects, Sun Quan invited him to sit. The civil and military officials stood in two ranks. Lu Su stood beside Zhuge Liang, observing intently. After Zhuge Liang conveyed Liu Bei’s position, he stealthily observed Sun Quan: his eyes bright, beard tinged with purple, his bearing stately. Zhuge Liang thought internally: “This man’s appearance is extraordinary; to move him today I must excite him, not reason him to death. When he asks, I will use fiery rhetoric.”
After tea was served, Sun Quan said, “I have often heard from Lu Zijing of your talents. Now that I meet you, I am eager to learn from you.” Zhuge Liang replied, “I am unworthy and ill-educated, standing unworthy before Your Majesty.” Sun Quan said, “You have been at Xin Ye, where you and Liu Yuzhou fought decisively against Cao Cao’s army. You must know their strengths and weaknesses.” Zhuge Liang said, “Liu Yuzhou’s troops are few, and Xin Ye’s city is small and lacking in provisions. How could he hold against Cao Cao?” Sun Quan asked, “What is the total of Cao Cao’s forces?” Zhuge Liang answered, “Combined cavalry, infantry, and navy, they number over one million.” Sun Quan said, “Surely this is a ruse?” Zhuge Liang said, “It is no deception. Cao Cao already has 200,000 troops from Qingzhou in Yanzhou, and after defeating Yuan Shao he added another 500,000 to 600,000. He recruited 300,000 to 400,000 new recruits in the Central Plains, and now holds 200,000 to 300,000 soldiers in Jingzhou. By my reckoning, no fewer than 1.5 million. I spoke of one million simply to spare the people of Jiangdong fear.” Lu Su, overhearing this, paled, casting a glance at Zhuge Liang. Yet Zhuge Liang merely feigned ignorance.
Sun Quan continued, “How many capable officers and seasoned generals does he have under him?” Zhuge Liang said, “Hundreds of the most resourceful and battle-hardened lieutenants—you cannot count them on your fingers.” Sun Quan asked, “Now that he has pacified Jing and Chu, does he not have further designs?” Zhuge Liang said, “He is preparing warships along the lower river but does not yet aim to attack Jiangdong. If he did, which place would he seize first?” Sun Quan said, “If he intends to annex us, should we battle him or not? Please advise me.” Zhuge Liang said, “I have one suggestion, but I fear Your Majesty may not accept it.” Sun Quan said, “Please speak your counsel.” Zhuge Liang said, “Not long ago, the realm was in chaos, prompting Your Majesty to rise in Jiangdong. Liu Yuzhou drew together the people of Hannan under his banner and contended with Cao Cao. Now that Cao Cao has quelled the major upheaval, he has almost completed his conquests, and with Jingzhou newly subdued, his might shakes the nation. Talented heroes have no place to employ their skills. Hence Liu Yuzhou fled here. I beg Your Majesty to consider your own strength. If you believe that the combined forces of Wu and Yue can withstand the imperial center, then why not immediately cut ties? If you judge that they cannot, why not heed the counsel of those who counsel surrender, lay down arms, and turn your face northward to serve them?” Before Sun Quan could answer, Zhuge Liang added, “If you throw off the cloak of submission and conceal doubt in your heart, the moment is lost and calamity is imminent.” Sun Quan said, “If your words are true, why has Liu Yuzhou not surrendered to Cao Cao?” Zhuge Liang said, “Think of Tian Heng, the bold warrior of Qi—he upheld his honor and died rather than endure humiliation. Much more so Liu Yuzhou, whose royal lineage knows no equal, whose talents exceed the clouds, and whom the people admire. If things do not succeed, that is Heaven’s decree. How could he ever lower himself to serve another?”
Sun Quan, moved by these words, could not help but change color. He brushed off his robe and retreated to a rear chamber. The courtiers all smiled wryly and dispersed. Lu Su reproached Zhuge Liang: “Why say such words? Fortunately our lord’s magnanimity spared you immediate censure. You have grievously insulted him.” Zhuge Liang lifted his head with a smile: “Why so narrow-minded? I have a plan to defeat Cao Cao, but if he does not ask, I will not speak.” Lu Su said, “If indeed you have a worthy strategy, I will beseech His Majesty to request your counsel.” Zhuge Liang said, “I regard Cao Cao’s million troops as no more than ants; with a single gesture, I could crush them all.” At these words, Lu Su went into the inner chamber to see Sun Quan. The latter’s fury had not yet subsided. He turned to Lu Su: “Zhuge Liang has insulted me beyond measure!” Lu Su said, “I too rebuked him, but he only laughed at Your Majesty’s narrow thinking. If you seek a plan to overthrow Cao Cao, why not ask him?” Sun Quan’s anger dissolved into joy: “So Liang truly has a grand strategy! I almost lost the crucial moment through my own folly.” He summoned Lu Su and Zhuge Liang to emerge into the hall, then invited Zhuge Liang to speak further. Sun Quan bowed, “Forgive me for having offended you just now.” Zhuge Liang likewise bowed and said, “I beg Your Majesty’s pardon for my presumptuous words.” Sun Quan led him into the rear chamber, set out a feast, and treated him with utmost respect.
After several toasts, Sun Quan said, “Who are the men Cao Cao most hates? Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu Yuzhou, and me. Of these mighty figures, all but Liu Yuzhou have fallen. If I cannot preserve the land of Wu intact by becoming subordinate to another, then my decision is clear: I must join with Liu Yuzhou and stand against Cao Cao. Yet he was recently defeated—how can he oppose such a force?” Zhuge Liang said, “Though Yuzhou was recently defeated, Guan Yu still commands ten thousand well-trained soldiers, and Liu Qi leads no less than ten thousand men to defend Jiangxia. Cao Cao’s troops have marched far and grown weary; they pursued Yuzhou at light speed, traveling three hundred li in a single day and night—this is a worn bow’s final arrow, unable to pierce fine silk. Moreover, northerners are unskilled in naval warfare. The people of Jing who serve Cao Cao do so out of necessity, not sincere loyalty. If Your Majesty truly unites your hearts with Liu Yuzhou’s, we shall surely defeat Cao Cao’s army. When his forces are crushed, he must turn north in retreat, leaving Jing and Wu strong and on an equal footing. The opportunity for triumph or disaster lies in this moment. Your Majesty must decide.”
Sun Quan, greatly delighted, said, “Your words have opened my eyes. My mind is made up—no more hesitation. Today we shall mobilize, raise our banners, and together destroy Cao Cao!” He instructed Lu Su to convey this edict to all the civil and military officers, then escorted Zhuge Liang back to the guesthouse for rest.
Zhang Zhao, sensing that Sun Quan intended to take up arms, exclaimed to the others, “We have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” He rushed to advise Sun Quan: “Sire, consider carefully: in the past, when facing Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, though outnumbered and outmatched, still defeated him. How could he possibly fare against us now, with a million troops marching south? To rashly mobilize is like adding fuel to the fire.” Sun Quan lowered his head in silence. Gu Yong said, “Liu Bei suffered defeat at Cao Cao’s hands; now he appeals to us for aid. Why should we become his instrument?” Sun Quan fell into deep thought. Zhang Zhao and the others withdrew. Lu Su then entered to exhort Sun Quan: “Those like Zhang Zibu counsel surrender, seeking to preserve themselves and their families. Do not heed them.” Sun Quan still hesitated. Lu Su said, “If you delay, you will be misled by these men.” Sun Quan said, “Leave me for now. I need time to reflect.” So Lu Su withdrew. Within the officer ranks, some generals wished to fight while the civil ministers urged surrender; debate raged.
Sun Quan retired to his private quarters, unable to eat or sleep, still torn. Lady Wu, seeing his distress, asked, “Why do you brood so, unable to rest or eat?” Sun Quan replied, “Cao Cao’s army is camped at Jianghan, seemingly with designs to march on the south. Among my counselors, some advocate surrender, some advocate war. If I wait for battle, I fear we cannot stand against him; if I surrender, I fear he will not spare us. Thus I hesitate.” Lady Wu said, “Do you not remember your sister’s dying words?” Sun Quan was struck as though awakened from a dream: he recalled her last counsel. And so the words that follow:
“Remember Mother’s final words, and Zhou Lang will shine in war.”
