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Zhuge Liang won Liu Bei’s vow to return Jingzhou after conquering Yi Province. Sun Quan’s marriage proposal and their stone-splitting oath sealed a fragile pact.
Zhou Yu was enraged by Zhuge Liang’s territorial gains but was counseled to prioritize the threat from Cao Cao. Lu Su negotiated with Liu Bei about territories, resulting in a temporary agreement while strategizing for future incursions. Liu Bei’s forces began taking control of various commanderies with Zhao Yun and Zhang Fei leading successful conquests.
Lady Wu urges Sun Quan to consult Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu returns, initially inclined to surrender to Cao Cao, but Lu Su angrily opposes. When Zhuge Liang arrives, he coolly rebukes both sides: surrender secures nothing, and he proposes a stratagem—send Cao Cao the Qiao sisters. By offering Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, whom Cao Cao covets, Wu could force his retreat without fighting. Upon hearing Zhuge Liang recite the “Ode to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace,” Zhou Yu realizes the ruse and vows never to submit. Encouraged, Sun Quan boldly resolves to raise arms against Cao Cao. Thus, Eastern Wu commits to war, forging a crucial alliance and setting the stage for the conflict to come.
Upon entering Sun Quan’s hall, Zhuge Liang faces a barrage of challenges from Eastern Wu’s ministers, each questioning Liu Bei’s worth and Cao Cao’s might. With calm authority, he rebukes their sophistry: Cao Cao’s million troops are strong, but his forces are overextended, weary, and untested on water, whereas Liu Bei still commands capable generals and loyal soldiers. He urges Sun Quan to weigh the moment—either cut ties with Cao Cao now or risk being crushed alone. Provoked by Zhuge Liang’s reasoning, Sun Quan retreats and broods, only to return in resolve: he will join Liu Bei to resist Cao Cao, forging the Sun–Liu alliance that reshapes the balance of power.
After three humble visits, Zhuge Liang unveils the Three-Pronged Plan: Liu Bei will secure Jing and Yi provinces, then ally with Sun Quan to restore the Han.
