Zhou Yu, hearing Zhuge Jin’s words, turned his hatred squarely upon Zhuge Liang and resolved to have him assassinated. The next morning, he assembled all the commanders of Eastern Wu’s forces and went to bid farewell to Sun Quan. “You shall lead the advance,” Sun Quan told him, “and I will raise our troops to follow in your wake.” Zhou Yu took leave and, together with Cheng Pu and Lu Su, mobilized the army and invited Zhuge Liang to join them. Delighted, Zhuge Liang accepted. They embarked together, hoisted the sails, and steadily steamed toward Xiakou. Some fifty or sixty li below the Mouth of the Three Rivers, they anchored in order. Zhou Yu himself set up his camp in the center, arraying his troops along the western shore in a solid line of encampments. Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang remained aboard a small lone craft.
Once the camps were established, Zhou Yu sent for Zhuge Liang to discuss strategy. Zhuge Liang came to the central command tent. After exchanging formal greetings, Zhou Yu said, “In former times, Cao Cao’s forces were few while Yuan Shao’s were many, yet Cao Cao triumphed because he employed the stratagem of Xu You to cut off Yuan Shao’s grain at Wuchao. Now, Cao Cao commands 830,000 troops, whereas we have barely fifty- or sixty-thousand. How could we resist him directly? We must first sever his supplies; only then can we destroy him. I have learned that all of Cao Cao’s grain and forage are stockpiled at Jutie Mountain. Sir, you have dwelled for so long on the Han River and know the landscape intimately. I need you, along with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—while I will send a thousand men under my personal command—to ride by water and land through the night to Jutie Mountain and cut off Cao Cao’s supply route. Each man must act without hesitation; do not shirk this duty.”
Zhuge Liang, reflecting inwardly, thought: “He means to keep me occupied so that I cannot move, planning to have me killed. If I decline, he will mock me. Better to accept—and devise my own plan.” With a bright nod, he agreed. Zhou Yu was elated. As Zhuge Liang withdrew, Lu Su quietly asked, “You mean to send Zhuge Liang to seize the grain—what do you really intend?” Zhou Yu replied, “I desire to kill Zhuge Liang, but I fear the censure of others. Instead, I shall let Cao Cao’s troops do the deed, eliminating him as a future threat.” Hearing this, Lu Su hurried to inform Zhuge Liang, to see whether he already knew. Zhuge Liang showed no outward alarm; he calmly arranged his troops and prepared to depart. Lu Su, unable to restrain himself, challenged Zhuge Liang: “Sir, do you think this mission can succeed?” Zhuge Liang smiled: “In naval, infantry, cavalry, and chariot warfare, I am practiced in every art; why should I fear failure? I am no less skilled than the likes of you or General Zhou.”
Lu Su queried, “How can you claim equal skill to us?” Zhuge Liang replied, “I once heard a nursery rhyme among the children of southern lands: ‘On land, rely on Zuijing (Lu Su) to guard the passes; on the water, count on Zhou Lang (Zhou Yu) for naval might.’ You men are indeed masters of the land’s defenses but cannot conduct naval battles, whereas Zhou Yu excels on the water but is untested on land.”
Lu Su brought these words to Zhou Yu, who angrily exclaimed, “How dare he mock me as no good on land! Do not send him. Instead, I myself will lead ten thousand horsemen to seize Jutie Mountain’s granaries!”
Lu Su also conveyed this exchange to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang merely smiled and said, “When General Zhou Yu orders me to cut off Cao Cao’s supplies, he really intends to put me in Cao Cao’s clutches, eliminating me by a stranger’s hand. I spoke those words to taunt him and make him angry so that he would reject me. Now, at the crucial moment of employing men, only if Sun Quan and the Imperial Envoy (Liu Bei) stand together can victory be ours. But if they plot against each other, all is lost. Cao Cao is cunning, and he has long specialized in severing his enemies’ supplies. Why hasn’t he guarded them heavily? If General Zhou Yu goes there now, he will be captured. We must first strike by water to shatter the morale of the northern army, and only then seek another brilliant plan to destroy them. I hope Sir Zijing will inform General Zhou Yu of this.”
That very night, Lu Su hurried to report Zhuge Liang’s words to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu stamped his feet and cried, “This man’s insight surpasses mine tenfold! If I do not eliminate him now, he will be a calamity for our nation!” Lu Su said, “Now is not the time to kill a genius. Let us preserve him for after we defeat Cao Cao; then we need no fear.” Convinced, Zhou Yu agreed to hold off.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei ordered Liu Qi to hold Jiangxia, and personally led his generals eastward toward Xiakou. From a distance, he glimpsed banners on the southern shore and, sensing that Eastern Wu had already mobilized its army, withdrew all the garrisons from Jiangxia and camped at Fankou. Liu Bei addressed his officers, “Zhuge Liang has gone to Eastern Wu and sent no word. I know not how affairs stand. Who will go and reconnoiter their true situation?” Mi Zhu said, “I volunteer.” Liu Bei prepared a gift of wine and sheep and sent Mi Zhu down the river, ostensibly to inspect the troops but in truth to gather intelligence. Mi Zhu took his little skiff and drifted downstream until he reached Zhou Yu’s main camp. The guards reported him, and Zhou Yu summoned him inside. Mi Zhu bowed twice and said, “I bring the utmost respect from the Imperial Envoy, Liu Bei,” presenting the wine and sheep. Zhou Yu accepted the gifts and hosted a feast. Mi Zhu said, “Zhuge Liang is here with me; I wish to bring him back.” Zhou Yu replied, “Zhuge Liang is currently strategizing with me on how to destroy Cao Cao; how could I simply send him off? I, too, wish to see Imperial Envoy Liu Bei in person and plan a grand strategy together, but I cannot leave the army in these dangerous times. If Envoy Liu Bei would kindly travel to me, I would be honored.” Mi Zhu agreed and took his leave.
Lu Su asked Zhou Yu, “What do you mean by inviting Liu Bei to come here?” Zhou Yu said, “Liu Bei is a formidable warlord of the age; he must not be allowed free rein. I will tempt him to come and then slay him, removing a future menace.” Lu Su remonstrated repeatedly, but Zhou Yu would not listen. He secretly gave orders: “When Liu Bei arrives, station fifty assassins in the inner wall of my quarters, hidden under the wall hangings. When I fling a cup—and that will be your signal—they shall spring forth and strike!”
Mi Zhu returned and reported all that Zhou Yu had said. Liu Bei immediately commanded his men to prepare a swift vessel, and without delay he set off that very evening. Guan Yu warned him, “General Zhou is a master strategist. Without a letter from Zhang Zijing, there may be treachery. It is unwise to go forth alone.” Liu Bei replied, “I have allied with Eastern Wu to defeat Cao Cao; if General Zhou invites me but I refuse, that is not the spirit of alliance. If we distrust each other, our plan fails.” Guan Yu said, “If you insist on going, I will accompany you.” Zhang Fei added, “I, too, will come.” Liu Bei said, “Then only you two shall follow. Yueying (Zhou Yu’s wife) and Zhao Yun shall guard the camp. Jian Yong shall hold E County. I shall go and return soon.” Having made these assignments, Liu Bei, with Guan Yu, boarded a small boat and, with a retinue of more than twenty men, rowed across to Eastern Wu.
As they neared the southern bank, Liu Bei saw Eastern Wu’s warships arrayed along the river, their banners and spears forming a heavy guard. His heart swelled with pride. Zhou Yu’s soldiers hastily reported, “Liu Yuzhou (Liu Bei) has arrived.” Zhou Yu asked, “How many ships has he brought?” The soldier replied, “Only one vessel, with more than twenty men.” Zhou Yu laughed, “His fate is sealed!” He then ordered the assassins to lie in wait and brought his own guards out to receive Liu Bei.
Liu Bei and his twenty followers entered the central tent. After the formal greetings, Zhou Yu said, “General Liu, your fame is known throughout the realm. I am unworthy of these honors.” They sat opposite each other in accordance with ceremony. Zhou Yu hosted a feast.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang, arriving quietly at the riverbank, heard that Liu Bei was meeting the commander. Startled, he immediately slipped into the central tent to observe. He saw Zhou Yu’s murderous expression, and, to either side, assassins hidden beneath the wall hangings. Zhuge Liang turned in alarm, but then saw that behind Liu Bei stood Guan Yu, sword in hand. Elated, he thought: “Our lord is safe.” He withdrew back to the riverbank and waited.
Zhou Yu and Liu Bei drank wine together. Several toasts later, Zhou Yu rose to refill his goblet—and to his surprise saw Guan Yu standing poised behind Liu Bei, sword at the ready. “Who is that?” Zhou Yu demanded. Liu Bei said, “He is my brother Guan Yu.” Zhou Yu’s face blanched. “The one who slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou?” he gasped. Liu Bei answered, “The same.” Zhou Yu, sweating profusely, poured a cup and handed it to Guan Yu. Before long, Lu Su entered. Liu Bei asked, “Where is Zhuge Liang? Please summon Zijing to join us.” Zhou Yu replied, “Wait until we have defeated Cao Cao; only then will I bring him.” Liu Bei dared not press further. Guan Yu exchanged a meaningful glance with Liu Bei, who nodded. Rising, Liu Bei bid Zhou Yu farewell. “I shall go for now,” he said. “After we win our victory, I will return to congratulate you.” Zhou Yu did not detain him, but escorted him to the gate.
Liu Bei and Guan Yu rejoined Zhou Liang at the riverside; Zhuge Liang stood at the bow of his small boat. Liu Bei was overjoyed. “My lord,” Zhuge Liang said, “do you realize how close you came to danger today?” Liu Bei, startled, shook his head. “I did not,” he answered. Zhuge Liang said, “Had it not been for Guan Yu, you would have fallen into Zhou Yu’s hands. Now gather our vessels and troops and await further orders. On the twentieth day of the eleventh month, in the cycle of Jiazi, have Zhao Yun bring a single skiff to the southern bank to await us. Do not err.” Liu Bei asked, “Why this date?” Zhuge Liang said, “Wait until the southeast wind arises; then I shall return.” As Liu Bei prepared to ask more, Zhuge Liang urged him to speed his departure. Without another word, Zhuge Liang returned to the riverbank. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and their twenty followers set out. No sooner had they gone a few li than they spied fifty or sixty fast boats approaching from upstream. Upon their bows stood a great general wielding a spear—none other than Zhang Fei. Fearing that Liu Bei might be slain and knowing Guan Yu could not stand alone, Zhang Fei had hurried to rescue them. Thus the three brothers reunited and sailed back to camp, beyond description relieved.
Back in his camp, Zhou Yu was greeted by Lu Su: “You lured Liu Bei here—why did you not strike?” Zhou Yu said, “Liu Bei is accompanied by Guan Yu, the peerless tigrish general of the age. Had I moved against the Envoy, Guan Yu would have slain me upon the spot.” Lu Su was shocked by this admission.
Suddenly, a messenger arrived, bearing a letter from Cao Cao. Zhou Yu summoned him. When the envoy presented the sealed missive—marked “From the Imperial Chancellor of Han, to Commander Zhou: Open at once”—Zhou Yu, enraged, tore it to fragments and hurled it to the ground, ordering the messenger’s execution on the spot. Lu Su protested, “One does not slay a herald during diplomatic conflict.” Zhou Yu snarled, “I shall slay him to demonstrate our resolve!” and commanded the execution. The messenger’s head was delivered to the guards, and his severed corpse was left as a warning.
Zhou Yu then appointed Gan Ning as vanguard commander, Han Dang as left-wing commander, and Jiang Qin as right-wing commander. He himself marshaled the remainder of his forces to meet the enemy. At the fourth watch that night, the troops were roused for battle: drums rolled, war horns sounded, and they advanced.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao, furious at Zhou Yu for having torn up his letter and executed his envoy, summoned Cai Mao, Zhang Yun, and the surrendered generals from Jingzhou to lead the vanguard. Cao Cao himself took personal command of the rear guard. He ordered the warships ahead until they reached the Mouth of the Three Rivers. At dawn, they saw Eastern Wu’s vessels arranged across the river, darkening the water’s surface. The leading officer stood on his prow, crying out, “I am Gan Ning! Who dares challenge me to battle?” Cao Cao ordered his brother, Cai Yan (Cai Mao’s younger brother), to advance. At once, Gan Ning notched an arrow and sent it flying: the bolt struck Cai Yan squarely, and he fell dead. Gan Ning pressed the attack, and soon bows and crossbows rained down upon the enemy. Cao Cao’s men, largely conscripts from Qing and Xu provinces unschooled in naval warfare, could not endure. On the broad river, no ship could hold its position, and Gan Ning’s squadron cut through like sharks shading the water. The naval forces under Jiang Qin and Han Dang struck from the right and left, stabbing into Cao Cao’s formation. After hours of fierce fighting, from the early hour of the snake (9–11 a.m.) until the hour of the goat (1–3 p.m.), Zhou Yu’s forces gained the advantage. Yet fearing they were still too few to press a decisive victory, Zhou Yu sounded the retreat and withdrew his ships.
Cao Cao’s forces, having been repelled, fell back to their encampment. There, Cao Cao summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to berate them: “Eastern Wu’s troops were fewer, yet they defeated you—this is your neglect!” Cai Mao said, “Our Jingzhou water forces have long been dishonored and undisciplined; the Qing and Xu provincial troops know nothing of river warfare. Hence our defeat. We must establish river-defensive encampments: let Qing and Xu troops hold the interior, while the Jingzhou men man the outside. Train them daily until they become adept.” Cao Cao said, “If you are to command the naval forces, do as you think best.” With that, Cao Cao dismissed them to train the fleet. Along the river bank he erected twenty-four river gates, positioning large warships on the outside to form a floating bulwark, with smaller craft inside allowing passage. Each evening they lit bonfires atop the towers, bathing the river in crimson light. Their land encampment stretched over three hundred li, with watchfires never extinguished.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yu returned to his own camp to reward the troops. At once, he sent word to Sun Quan: “We have won a great victory.” That night, from a hilltop watchtower, Zhou Yu saw in the distance a vast sea of flickering lights on the western bank. “Those are the lanterns of the Northern Army,” his officers told him, and Zhou Yu’s heart trembled.
At daybreak, Zhou Yu determined to inspect Cao Cao’s naval encampments personally. He ordered one of his largest tower ships readied, gathered his drummers in the bow, and led a cavalry of crack shot—each with a strong bow and heavy crossbow—onto the vessel, then steamed upriver. As they approached Cao Cao’s lines, Zhou Yu ordered the ship’s siege engines to hurl stone shot from a distance, and the deck erupted in drums and trumpets. From hiding behind his ship’s rail, Zhou Yu peered at the enemy’s camp—and his heart leapt with admiration: “They have mastered the art of river warfare!” he exclaimed. “Who commands their fleet?” his aides asked. “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun,” they replied. Zhou Yu thought: “Each has long dwelt on the southern river; they know how to fight from the water. I must eliminate them both first, and only then can we defeat Cao Cao.”
While Zhou Yu studied the enemy, a courier arrived to report: “Lord Cao says you spied on his camp.” At once, Cao Cao ordered his fleet to seize Zhou Yu. But Zhou Yu, noticing the enemy’s preparations, called off his assault. Hoisting anchor, both sides raced their oars, but by the time Cao Cao’s ships emerged, Zhou Yu’s tower ship had already fled more than ten li downstream and could not be overtaken—Cao Cao’s troops reported back empty-handed.
Cao Cao, angered by this defeat and by the sight of Zhou Yu’s daring reconnaissance, called his generals together. “Yesterday we suffered a reverse and lost our morale; today they have spied upon us. What shall we do?” Before they could answer, a man stepped forward: “I have been sworn brothers in school with Zhou Lang and might turn him to our side with my words.” Cao Cao’s face brightened. Examining him, he saw that he was Jiang Gan, also known as Ziyi, from Jiujiang, serving as an adviser in his staff. “How well do you know Zhou Yu?” Cao Cao asked. Jiang Gan answered, “My lord need not worry. If Ziyi goes to Jiangdong, I shall surely succeed.” Cao Cao asked, “What will you offer him?” Jiang Gan replied, “Only a young boy to accompany him in a small boat—nothing else.” Pleased, Cao Cao hosted a banquet in Jiang Gan’s honor and sent him on his way.
Clad in a simple linen cap and robe, Jiang Gan boarded a small boat and drifted directly to Zhou Yu’s encampment. “Tell General Zhou that his old friend Jiang Gan has come calling,” he said. Zhou Yu, in the command tent debating strategy, heard of Jiang Gan’s arrival and smiled at his officers: “Our pleader has come!” He summoned everyone close and whispered instructions. Smiling, he then rallied his retinue of several hundred—each clad in silk brocade with embroidered caps—and led them out in an ostentatious procession. Jiang Gan arrived in humble dress, accompanied only by a single boy. Zhou Yu greeted him with two bows.
Jiang Gan said, “General Zhou, long time no see—how have you fared?” Zhou Yu replied, “Ziyi, you have come far to offer words on behalf of the Cao family?” Jiang Gan was taken aback: “We have long been apart. I came merely to renew our friendship—why suspect me as an emissary of Cao Cao?” Zhou Yu laughed: “Though I am not as astute as Master Shi Kuang, by hearing the faintest music, I can know its author’s intent.” Jiang Gan said, “If you treat an old friend thus, then please permit me to retire.” Zhou Yu, still smiling, took him by the arm: “My only fear is that you came as Cao Cao’s envoy! If you truly harbor no such intent, why go so soon?” And so they both entered the tent.
After completing the afternoon’s courtesies, Zhou Yu instructed that all Eastern Wu’s finest generals come forth to meet his guest. Soon, civil and martial officers, each arrayed in golden silks, took their places. The guards stood in silver lamellar armor. They lined up on two sides, and a great feast was spread. Music celebrating their victory played, and cups circulated. Zhou Yu addressed them: “This is my old schoolmate, Jiang Gan. Though he has come from the north, he is not Cao Cao’s emissary. Do not doubt him.” Then he gave his sword into the hands of Taishi Ci and said, “You shall wield my sword and oversee the pouring of wine. Should anyone mention Cao Cao or the topic of Eastern Wu’s army and how to oppose it, execute him on the spot.” Taishi Ci agreed, drawing the sword and sitting in silent readiness. Jiang Gan, pale-faced, dared not speak. Zhou Yu said, “I have led the army all these years without tasting wine. But now that I have met my old friend without suspicion, let us drink deeply.” With that, he laughed and made free with the wine. Cups passed round and round.
When they were half-drunk, Zhou Yu took Jiang Gan’s hand and led him outside the tent. On either side, armed soldiers stood fully arrayed in armor, halberds and spears in hand. Zhou Yu said, “Are my soldiers not stately and strong?” Jiang Gan replied, “They resemble a host of tigers and bears.” Zhou Yu led him to the rear of the camp, where huge mounds of grain and forage were stacked like mountains. “What of my supplies—are they not ample?” Zhou Yu asked. Jiang Gan answered, “Truly, your armies are well-trained and provisioned. Your reputation is well-earned.” Zhou Yu feigned drunken laughter: “When Zhou Yu and Jiang Gan studied together long ago, who could have foreseen today? ” Jiang Gan replied, “Your talents, my friend, are indeed unrivaled.” Zhou Yu took Jiang Gan’s hand: “A true man in this world meets a worthy master—on the outside, a hierarchy of lord and subject; but within, a bond of blood and brotherhood. Words must be kept and plans must be heeded, sharing both honor and danger. Suppose the likes of Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Lu Jia, and Li Sheng returned to debate with honeyed tongues and sharpened wits—could they move my heart?” Having spoken, he laughed uproariously. Jiang Gan’s face fell with fear.
They returned inside the tent, and the generals resumed drinking. Zhou Yu rose and pointed to those officers arrayed around them: “These are the heroes of Eastern Wu. Tonight’s gathering may be called a “Meeting of Heroes.”” They drank themselves into high spirits. As dusk deepened, lamps and candles were lit, and Zhou Yu rose to dance and sing. His song rang out:
A true man lives to make his mark; To make his mark fulfills his heart. To fulfill his heart, tonight I shall drink, Given to drunken madness, I shall cry aloud!
At the song’s close, everyone laughed in high spirits. Late into the night, Jiang Gan said, “I cannot hold my cup any longer.” Zhou Yu ordered the feast withdrawn; the officers bid farewell and left. Zhou Yu said to Jiang Gan, “It has been long since we shared a pillow. Let us sleep here together tonight,” and, feigning intoxication, he guided Jiang Gan into his private quarters. Zhou Yu doffed his garments, collapsed upon his bed, and vomited drunkenly. Jiang Gan could not sleep a wink; he lay upon his pillow, listening. At the second watch the drums sounded, and by the flickering embers he saw Zhou Yu breathing heavily as if asleep. Spying a bundle of letters piled upon the small table beside the bed, Jiang Gan rose quietly, extinguished the oil lamp, and studied the papers. Among them was one letter inscribed, “Respectfully from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.” Jiang Gan’s heart leaped, and he furtively read:
“We submit to Cao Cao, not to seek rank and office but to save ourselves from our strained situation. Now that the Northern Army is bottled up in its camp, all we have to do is wait for the opportune moment and present the traitor Cao’s head at your banner. A messenger shall arrive at any time to report. Pray do not suspect us. Respectfully, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.”
Jiang Gan thought, “So these two have conspired with Eastern Wu!” Quickly, he hid the letter in his garment. Before he could examine more, Zhou Yu shifted on his bed, and Jiang Gan hurried to wipe out all evidence. Zhou Yu muttered in his sleep, “Ziyi, within these next few days, I will let you see Cao Cao’s traitor’s head!” Jiang Gan mumbled assent. Zhou Yu mumbled again, “Ziyi—wait—see the head…” but before Jiang Gan could question him, he fell into deeper slumber.
By the fourth watch, someone entered the tent, awakening Zhou Yu from a half-doze. “Commander, are you awake?” the newcomer asked. In his dream, Zhou Yu responded, “Who is that lying on my bed?” The other said, “You had asked Ziyi to share your bed; how could you have forgotten?” Zhou Yu awoke in vexation: “I rarely get drunk; last night I lost control of myself. Did I say anything?” The messenger replied, “A man from north of the river arrived.” Zhou Yu commanded him to lower his voice, then called, “Ziyi!” Jiang Gan pretended to snore, feigning sleep. Zhou Yu came in and touched Jiang Gan, whispering, “I will let you see Cao Cao’s head!” Jiang Gan remained silent. Zhou Yu, convinced, lay down again.
Jiang Gan thought, “Zhou Yu is cunning; if he cannot find that letter in the morning, he will kill me.” He could not sleep and, just before dawn, quietly rose and roused his little attendant. “Boy, gather our boat,” he whispered, then slipped out the gate. A guard shouted, “Where do you go, Sir?” Jiang Gan replied, “I fear I might disrupt Commander Zhou’s affairs. I shall take my leave.” The guard did not deter him. Jiang Gan boarded his boat and rowed back upriver as quickly as he could to report to Cao Cao.
When he returned, Cao Cao asked, “How did Jiang Gan fare in his dealings?” Jiang Gan said, “Zhou Yu’s scope is grand, his bearing lofty. He was moved by no words.” Cao Cao raged, “So this plan has failed. Instead, we are the object of his mockery!” Jiang Gan said, “I may not have swayed Zhou Yu, but I learned something that I wish to report.” Cao Cao ordered his removal of attendants.
Jiang Gan retrieved the hidden letter and read it aloud to Cao Cao. Anger consumed Cao Cao as he heard its contents: “Are these two men so disloyal to us?” He immediately summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. “I wish you to lead the vanguard,” he said. Cai Mao replied, “Our fleet has not yet been properly trained; we cannot advance so hastily.” Cao Cao raged, “If your fleet were so well trained, I would already present Zhou Yu with your heads!” Cai Mao and Zhang Yun could not fathom his meaning; terror left them speechless. Cao Cao roared to his guards, “Seize them and execute them!” In an instant, their heads were delivered. Only then did Cao Cao’s anger subside; he realized he had been tricked. A later observer lamented in verse:
“Cao Cao, the wily hegemon, could not foresee How Zhou Yu’s stratagem would ensnare him; Cai and Zhang sold out their master to save themselves— Who could have thought they would die by the sword today?”
Seeing the heads of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, Cao Cao’s generals asked what had happened. Though he knew he had erred, Cao Cao refused to admit it. He said, “They disregarded military law—so I executed them.” The generals sighed in dismay.
Cao Cao then chose Mao Jie and Yu Jin from among his officers to serve as admirals over the fleet, filling the positions left vacant by Cai Mao and Zhang Yun. Spies were sent to confirm the situation in Eastern Wu, and word soon returned that Zhou Yu rejoiced: “My greatest anxieties have been erased with the removal of those two traitors!” Lu Su said, “With your command of the army thus, how could we fail to break Cao Cao’s forces?” Zhou Yu replied, “I had suspected that none of my generals would detect this plot except Zhuge Liang; yet I thought he might not see it either. Let Zijing test him by speaking of this matter. If he knows, then we shall be assured; if he does not, we must proceed differently.”
Thus, “The stratagem of sowing discord to achieve one’s ends—set it in motion and observe how others react.” But how Lu Su followed up, and what Zhuge Liang’s response might be, remains to be told.
