
Chapter 45: At the Mouth of the Three Rivers, Cao Cao’s Forces Falter; Heroes Gather as Jiang Gan Is Outwitted
Zhou Yu lures Zhuge Liang into Wu’s camp under the pretense of seizing Cao Cao’s supplies at Jutie Mountain, secretly intending to have Cao’s forces eliminate him. Zhuge Liang, aware of Zhou Yu’s plot, feigns compliance while planning to strike by water instead. Meanwhile, Liu Bei sails to meet Zhou Yu, but Guan Yu’s presence thwarts the assassination. Back at camp, Zhou Yu executes Cao Cao’s envoy, provoking Cao’s fury. Naval battles ensue at the Three Rivers’ mouth: Gan Ning’s archery routs Cai Yan, and Wu’s fleet overwhelms Cao’s poorly trained soldiers. Cao rebuilds his river defenses under Mao Jie and Yu Jin. Zhou Yu, cautious of Zhuge Liang’s insight, prepares further stratagems, while Lu Su and Zhuge Liang conspire to secure victory.