When Lady Wu observed that Sun Quan was still wavering, she said to him, “Our late sister’s parting words were: ‘For domestic matters, consult Zhang Zhao; for external affairs, consult Zhou Yu.’ Why not send for General Zhou to advise us?” Sun Quan’s face lit up, and he immediately dispatched an envoy to Poyang to summon Zhou Yu. As it happened, Zhou Yu was at Lake Poyang, drilling the naval fleet; when he heard that Cao Cao’s great army had reached the Han River, he raced back to Chaisang Commandery by night to discuss military strategy. Even before the messenger set out, Zhou Yu had already arrived. Lu Su—who was very close to Zhou Yu—received him at the gates and recounted the recent developments in detail. Zhou Yu said, “Tell Zijing not to worry; I have a plan. We must quickly invite Zhuge Liang to meet with us.” Lu Su mounted his horse and rode off at once.
Zhou Yu had only just rested when word arrived that Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, and Bu Zhi had come to probe his intentions. Zhou Yu led them into his hall and seated them in order, exchanging pleasantries. Zhang Zhao said, “Commander, do you grasp the advantages and dangers facing Eastern Wu?” Zhou Yu replied, “I do not, yet.” Zhang Zhao continued, “Cao Cao commands a million soldiers and has encamped on the north bank of the Han. Just yesterday, he dispatched a proclamation requesting that Your Majesty join him at Jiangxia on a hunting expedition. Although he masks his true purpose, clearly he means to swallow us whole. We have counseled surrender as the only way to spare Eastern Wu calamity. But Zijing returned from Jiangxia with Liu Bei’s strategist Zhuge Liang; they have privately stoked Your Majesty’s indignation and offered words to inflame your resolve. Zijing remains stubbornly obstinate. We await your verdict, Commander.” Zhou Yu asked, “Do you all agree on this?” They all nodded. Zhou Yu said, “I too have felt the urge to surrender for some time. But you may all depart; tomorrow morning, when I meet His Majesty, I will have made my decision.” They took their leave.
A while later, word came that Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and other senior officers had arrived. Zhou Yu welcomed them inside and inquired after their health. Cheng Pu said, “Commander, do you understand whether Eastern Wu will sooner or later be subsumed by another power?” Zhou Yu replied, “I do not yet know.” Cheng Pu said, “Since we first followed General Sun in founding this realm, we have fought hundreds of battles, winning six commandery cities by our valor. Now that His Majesty is listening to the words of these scholars and contemplating surrender to Cao Cao, this would be a shameful loss indeed! We would rather die than be disgraced. I beg you to urge His Majesty to resolve to raise the banner of war. We pledge our lives to fight.” Zhou Yu asked, “Do you all agree?” Huang Gai sprang up with a shout, slapping his forehead. “My head may be severed, but I swear I will not submit to Cao Cao!” The others chimed in, “We likewise will not surrender!” Zhou Yu said, “I, too, plan to do battle with Cao Cao; how could I surrender? You may depart. I will see His Majesty tomorrow with my final decision.” Cheng Pu and his comrades withdrew.
Before long, Zhuge Jin and Lü Fan—along with a party of civil officials—arrived to wait. Zhou Yu greeted them politely; once formalities were complete, Zhuge Jin spoke. “My younger brother Zhuge Liang came from the Han River, saying that Liu Yuzhou (Liu Bei) wishes to form an alliance with Eastern Wu to attack Cao Cao. Both civil and military councils have yet to decide. Because my brother acts as an envoy, I dared not speak too freely; I merely await your verdict, Commander.” Zhou Yu replied, “What is your view, Master Zhuge?” Zhuge Jin said, “Those who counsel surrender seek security, while those who counsel war risk great peril.” Zhou Yu laughed. “I have my own plan. Tomorrow, I shall present it before His Majesty.” Zhuge Jin and his party took their leave.
Soon afterward, Lü Meng, Gan Ning, and another group of generals arrived. Zhou Yu bade them enter, and they too discussed the matter—some urging battle, some urging capitulation. Zhou Yu said, “No need for further debate; come tomorrow to the office, and we shall deliberate openly.” They all withdrew. Zhou Yu couldn’t help but smile to himself.
Late that evening, a messenger reported that Lu Su had brought Zhuge Liang to pay respects. Zhou Yu went out the middle gate to welcome them, and after the usual salutations he seated them opposite his own guests. Lu Su first addressed Zhou Yu: “Now that Cao Cao has driven his forces south, Your Majesty’s options are to fight or to submit. His Majesty cannot decide, and thus asks your counsel. What is your view, General?” Zhou Yu replied, “Cao Cao invokes the Son of Heaven’s authority; his army cannot be resisted outright. His strength is vast, so he must not be underestimated. If we fight, we will surely be defeated; if we surrender, we may secure peace. My decision is made: tomorrow, when I meet with His Majesty, I will propose sending an envoy to submit.” Lu Su was taken aback and said, “You are mistaken! Eastern Wu’s realm has endured three generations—how could it be abandoned so casually? Our late sister entrusted you with external affairs. Now you intend to rely on him to preserve the state, yet you follow the counsel of cowards?” Zhou Yu answered, “Eastern Wu’s six commanderies are boundless in importance. If we fall to war, the blame will fall on me. Therefore, I have decided to surrender.” Lu Su said, “That cannot be. With your heroic spirit and Eastern Wu’s natural defenses, Cao Cao cannot be so easily victorious.” The two men argued heatedly, while Zhuge Liang stood quietly, arms folded, smiling.
Zhou Yu asked, “Why are you smiling, Sir?” Zhuge Liang replied, “I am not laughing at others; I laugh because Zijing does not grasp the times.” Lu Su exclaimed, “Sir, how dare you laugh at me for being out of touch?” Zhuge Liang said, “General Zhou Yu’s desire to submit to Cao Cao is most reasonable.” Zhou Yu said, “Sir is well-versed in the present circumstances; he surely shares my perspective.” Lu Su said, “Zhuge Liang, how do you respond?” Zhuge Liang said, “Cao Cao excels supremely in warfare; none in the realm dares oppose him. Only Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Liu Biao once dared stand against him. All of these have been swept away. There remains no one. Only Liu Yuzhou, who does not understand the times, still offers resistance. Alone at Jiangxia, he cannot even preserve his life. If Your Majesty chooses to surrender to Cao Cao, you may protect your family and your wealth. Shifting the fate of the realm to Heaven—what is there to regret?” Lu Su flew into a rage. “Do you teach me to bow and submit to a traitor to our nation?” Zhuge Liang said, “I have one strategy. It does not require offering tokens of submission or traveling in person across the river. We need only send two persons on a simple boat to Cao’s camp. Once Cao obtains these two, his million-strong army will cast down their arms and withdraw.” Zhou Yu asked, “Which two persons, Sir?” Zhuge Liang said: “If Eastern Wu loses these two, it is like a great tree losing a single leaf or the granary losing one grain of millet—hardly a loss. Yet if Cao receives them, he will be overjoyed and return his army. This is the same stratagem used by Fan Li in offering Xi Shi to Wu; why delay?” Zhou Yu asked, “How do we know that Cao Cao covets these two?” Zhuge Liang said, “Cao Cao’s fourth son, Cao Zhi (courtesy name Zijiang), composed a rhapsody called “Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.” In it, he writes plainly: ‘I wish for a sovereign’s dominion over the four seas, and I vow to secure the Beauty Qiao from Eastern Wu, housing her in the Bronze Sparrow Terrace to delight in my old age; even if I die, I will be content.’” Zhou Yu said, “Can you recite this rhapsody from memory?” Zhuge Liang said, “I love its elegant phrasing. I committed it to memory long ago.” Zhou Yu said, “Please recite it.” Zhuge Liang immediately began:
From the days of boasting festivities, we ascend the lofty terrace to gratify our hearts. Behold the wide portals of the Grand Prefecture, observing where the sage’s virtue is cultivated. We build high gates, towering steeply, and along twin pavilions float to the azure firmament. Erect we the splendid hall in the center sky, connecting flying galleries to the western city. Surveying the long flow of the Zhang River, beholding the flourishing orchard. Two pavilions stand on either side, with jade dragons and gilded phoenixes entwined. Grasping the two Qiao beauties from the southeast, delighting in their presence from dawn to dusk. Gazing upon the glory of the imperial capital, surveying the drifting clouds at play. Joyous are the gathered talents, joined in a propitious dream; Soothing is the spring breeze, listening to a hundred birds lament in song. Let this celestial edifice stand ever firm, fulfilling the nation’s hope of unbroken splendor. May the benevolent influence reach across the world, bringing prosperity to all. Let this Terrace endure through the ages, its joy unending—may it never set.
When Zhuge Liang finished, Zhou Yu sprang from his seat, nearly overturning it, and cursed fiercely, “That old villain dares mock me!” Zhuge Liang quickly rose to placate him: “In the past, when the Xiongnu repeatedly invaded our borders, the Han emperor promised a princess in marriage. Now, how could we begrudge giving two girls to secure peace?” Zhou Yu said, “You do not understand: Da Qiao is the wife of General Sun Bofu, and Xiao Qiao is my wife.” Zhuge Liang feigned terror: “I truly did not know! I spoke recklessly—death is my only penalty!” Zhou Yu said, “I have sworn never to coexist with that old villain!” Zhuge Liang said, “You must think this through carefully, lest you regret it.” Zhou Yu said, “As Cao Cao’s dog, I would never bow to him. My words were merely to test you. Ever since I left Lake Poyang, my heart has been set on marching north. Even if they cut off my head, I will never waver! I implore you, Sir, assist with one arm to help us vanquish the Cao traitor.” Zhuge Liang said, “If you choose not to abandon me, then I will serve you faithfully like a hound, morning and night at your command.” Zhou Yu said, “Tomorrow, at our audience with His Majesty, we shall discuss mustering our army.” Having spoken, Zhuge Liang and Lu Su withdrew.
At first light the next morning, Sun Quan mounted the dais. On his left stood Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and more than thirty civil officials; on his right, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and more than thirty military officers—dressed in full regalia, swords girded, standing in orderly ranks. Soon Zhou Yu entered to pay his respects. After formal greetings, Sun Quan inquired, “General Zhou, I have heard that Cao Cao has marshaled his army on the Han River. He sent a proclamation to us yesterday. What do you advise, sir?” Sun Quan handed the proclamation to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu read it, smiled, and said, “That old villain insults us in believing that Eastern Wu has no one of worth!” Sun Quan asked, “What is your counsel?” Zhou Yu said, “Have you met with all the civil and military officers?” Sun Quan replied, “We have deliberated for days: some urge me to surrender, some to resist. I am still undecided, so I have asked you to settle it.” Zhou Yu asked, “Who advised Your Majesty to surrender?” Sun Quan said, “Zhang Zibu and others advocate that.” Zhou Yu immediately questioned Zhang Zhao, “Pray tell us, sir—why do you counsel surrender?” Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao wields the Son of Heaven’s authority to command the lands. Now that he has Jingzhou, his might has grown even greater. Our only bulwark is the Yangtze River. But he stands at its head with his mighty warships; how could we hope to withstand him? Better to surrender for now and plan for later.” Zhou Yu said, “These are the words of a pedantic scholar! Since Eastern Wu’s founding three generations ago, how could we relinquish it in a single day?”
Sun Quan asked, “Then what is your plan?” Zhou Yu said, “Though Cao Cao claims to serve the Han, he is truly a traitor to the Han. General, with your divine valor, riding on the legacy of your forebears in Eastern Wu, commanding well-trained troops and abundant provisions, is now the time to let a traitor triumph? Moreover, Cao Cao’s path here is beset by several strategic taboos. First, the north remains unstable: Ma Teng and Han Sui jeopardize his rear. Second, his northern army is untrained in naval warfare, and he has forsaken horse and saddle to rely on ships in contest with Eastern Wu. Third, it is midwinter, with bitter cold—horses cannot find fodder. Fourth, his troops from the Central Plains are unfamiliar with these waters, and the climate will breed disease. Should he violate these taboos, even a countless host will fail. We must deploy fifty thousand of our finest soldiers, advance to Xia Kou, and defeat him. There is no alternative.” Sun Quan started to rise, saying, “That old villain has long sought to overthrow the Han. Only Yuan Shao, Lü Bu, Liu Biao, or I have ever dared stand against him; now all three have fallen, and I alone remain. I shall never coexist with him! Your counsel to strike first meets my heart’s desire. Heaven surely dispatched you to me.” Zhou Yu said, “I stand ready to lead a blood-bound assault, ten thousand deaths without regret. Yet I fear Your Majesty’s lingering doubts.” Sun Quan pulled his sword and slashed a corner of the sacrificial table, saying, “Should any official again counsel surrender to Cao Cao, let this table share their fate!” With that, he presented the sword to Zhou Yu, appointing him Grand Commander (大都督), Cheng Pu as Deputy Commander, and Lu Su as Cavalry Colonel. Should any officer fail to obey orders, they would meet the same swift justice. Zhou Yu, sword in hand, proclaimed to all, “By order of His Majesty, I lead our forces to conquer Cao. All officers and officials must be ready on the riverbanks tomorrow to receive orders. Whoever delays will face the sternest penalty under the Seven Punishments and Fifty-Four Decapitations.” Having spoken, Zhou Yu took his leave. The gathered officials and officers dispersed in silence.
Zhou Yu returned to his quarters and summoned Zhuge Liang for counsel. Zhuge Liang arrived, and Zhou Yu said, “Today at court the decision has been made. I seek your strategy to destroy Cao.” Zhuge Liang replied, “General, Your Majesty’s heart remains unsettled; no true plan can succeed yet.” Zhou Yu asked, “What do you mean—my heart is unsettled?” Zhuge Liang said, “You fear Cao Cao’s numbers and worry that the few cannot overcome the many. General, if you can dispel those doubts, so that he has no room for hesitation, then this grand undertaking can succeed.” Zhou Yu said, “Your words are wise indeed.” He then rose to see Sun Quan again. Sun Quan said, “General Zhou, you came in the night—surely you bear some crucial matter.” Zhou Yu said, “Tomorrow we must allocate troops and provisions. Does Your Majesty still harbor doubts?” Sun Quan said, “Only that Cao Cao commands countless troops, and we are few in number. Beyond that, I have no concern.” Zhou Yu smiled: “I came specifically to dispel Your Majesty’s doubts. You saw Cao Cao’s proclamation boasting a million water and land forces, and thus feared. But let us examine the truth: The so-called ‘Central Plains soldiers’ number only about 150,000 to 160,000, and they are battle-weary. The troops he gained from the Yuan faction total merely 70,000 to 80,000—many are doubting and unconvinced. A worn force commanded by uncertain hearts, though numerous, should not be dreaded. If I bring fifty thousand of our finest soldiers, we can surely defeat them. Your Majesty need not worry.” Sun Quan patted Zhou Yu’s back: “Your words dispel my doubts fully. Zhang Zibu is without talent—he disappoints me utterly. Only you and Zijing share my purpose. Go with Zijing and Cheng Pu to select troops immediately. I will dispatch fresh forces and provisions in your rear; should you falter, return to me. I shall personally engage the Cao traitor in battle, with no further hesitation.” Zhou Yu thanked him and departed in secret, thinking, “Zhuge Liang has long foretold His Majesty’s mind. His stratagems exceed mine by a head. Sooner or later, he will become a liability to Eastern Wu. Better I strike now than be threatened later.” He sent word to Lu Su that night, saying he intended to eliminate Zhuge Liang. Lu Su replied, “No—if Cao Cao is not yet crushed, to kill a sage now would deprive us of his assistance.” Zhou Yu said, “Zhuge Liang serves Liu Bei; he is certain to become Eastern Wu’s future threat.” Lu Su said, “Zhuge Jin is his elder brother: we can invite him to cooperate in Eastern Wu—would that not be ideal?” Zhou Yu agreed.
At daybreak, Zhou Yu went to the headquarters tent and seated himself on the high dais of the Central Camp. To his left stood axe-bearers; surrounding him were civil officials and military officers awaiting his orders. Cheng Pu—older in rank than Zhou Yu—was inwardly vexed that Zhou Yu now outranked him. That day, Cheng Pu feigned illness and did not appear; instead, he sent his eldest son Cheng Zi to stand in his place. Zhou Yu addressed the officers: “The laws of the realm favor no one; each of you must perform your duties. Now, Cao Cao’s tyranny surpasses even Dong Zhuo’s: he has imprisoned the Son of Heaven in Xuchang and amassed his brutal army on our border. I am commanded to subdue him; I beg you all to press forward courageously. Wherever our forces pass, do not harass the people. Rewards and punishments will be meted impartially.” Having issued his orders, he appointed Han Dang and Huang Gai as vanguard commanders, leading the naval flotilla; they were to depart immediately and fortify the mouth of the Three Rivers, answering only when given orders. Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai formed the second division; Ling Tong and Pan Zhang the third; Taishi Ci and Lü Meng the fourth; Lu Xun and Dong Xi the fifth. Lü Fan and Zhu Zhi were made marshals, patrolling the six commanderies with commands both on land and water to secure them by a set deadline. With tasks assigned, the generals set about readying their ships and arms. Cheng Zi returned to report to his father Cheng Pu that Zhou Yu had mobilized with precise orders. Cheng Pu was astonished: “I once mocked Zhou Lang as timid and unfit to lead; now I see he is truly a general of worth! How can I not submit?” He personally rode to the camp to apologize. Zhou Yu showed humility and accepted his contrition.
The next day, Zhou Yu invited Zhuge Jin and said, “Your younger brother Zhuge Liang possesses talent worthy of a king’s counselor—why does he bow to Liu Bei? Now that he has come to Eastern Wu, will you not implore him to forsake Liu Bei and serve Eastern Wu? Then His Majesty would gain a able minister, and the two of you, siblings reunited—would that not be a splendid outcome? I humbly request you to do so.” Zhuge Jin said, “Since arriving in Eastern Wu, I have not yet repaid even a fraction of the kindness shown me. If the Commander commands me, how could I refuse?” He mounted his horse at once and rode straight to the relay station where Zhuge Liang resided. Zhuge Liang welcomed him, and in tears they embraced and exchanged news. Zhuge Jin wept: “Do you know the story of Boyi and Shuqi?” Zhuge Liang thought, “Surely Zhou Yu instructed him to say this.” He answered, “Boyi and Shuqi were ancient sages.” Zhuge Jin said, “Though Boyi and Shuqi starved to death together at Mount Shouyang, they remained side by side. We, brothers born of the same womb, must serve different masters each day—how can we bear such shame? If we consider Boyi and Shuqi, can we live with ourselves?” Zhuge Liang said, “Brother, you speak of affection; I uphold righteousness. You and I are both Han men. Now that the Imperial Uncle Liu (Liu Bei) is the scion of the Han, if you can leave Eastern Wu to serve him, you would not only fulfill your duty to the Han but also be reunited with your flesh and blood—this is a strategy that honors both affection and duty. What say you?” Zhuge Jin, struck silent, realized that Zhou Yu had taught him these words, yet Zhuge Liang had reframed them. He could not reply, but rose and took his leave. He returned to inform Zhou Yu of Zhuge Liang’s response. Zhou Yu asked, “What does your heart say?” Zhuge Jin said, “Having received great kindness from General Sun, how could I betray him?” Zhou Yu said, “Since your loyalty is to His Majesty, say no more. I have my own design to outwit Zhuge Liang.” As the old saying goes:
When two clever minds meet, they must unite; in rivalry of talents, reconciliation is hard to find.
What exactly will Zhou Yu’s scheme be to ensnare Zhuge Liang? We shall see in the next chapter.
