Zhou Yu - Khabar Asia

Pang Tong Presents the Linked-Chain Naval Strategy

Chapter 47: Kan Ze Secretly Brings a Feigned Surrender Letter; Pang Tong Cleverly Teaches the Linked-Chain Strategy

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Kan Ze carries Huang Gai’s forged surrender letter to Cao Cao, only for Cao Cao to unmask the ruse and nearly execute him. Pang Tong, dwelling in disguise by the riverside, emerges to present his “linked-chain” plan: binding warships with iron hooks to prevent scattering in fire attacks. Impressed, Cao Cao orders his blacksmiths to forge the great hooks overnight. Meanwhile, Jiang Gan professes loyalty to Zhou Yu but secretly conveys Pang Tong’s strategy and Wu’s internal dissent back to Cao Cao, who agrees to press the assault. As Wu prepares to defend, Cao Cao readies his fleet for the decisive battle on the river.

Chapter 46: Borrowing Arrows with Strange Tactics; Huang Gai Endures Punishment to Present a Secret Plan

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Lu Su brings Zhou Yu’s directive to Zhuge Liang, who predicts Cao Cao’s scrutiny and knows that Cai Mao and Zhang Yun’s deaths leave Wu secure. Zhou Yu then tasks Zhuge Liang with producing 100,000 arrows in three days. Secretly, Zhuge Liang borrows 20 boats, links them amid thick river fog, and beats drums to draw Cao’s archers to shoot. When the fog clears, each boat is bristling with five to six thousand arrows, totaling over 100,000. Backbone shaken, Cao Cao regrets his waste. Returning, Zhuge Liang admits that true generals study heaven and earth, foreseeing even the fog. Zhou Yu, witnessing the feat, praises his rival’s divine insight and pledges loyalty.

Chapter 45: At the Mouth of the Three Rivers, Cao Cao’s Forces Falter; Heroes Gather as Jiang Gan Is Outwitted

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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.

Chapter 44: Zhuge Liang Outsmarts Zhou Yu; Sun Quan Resolves to Crush Cao Cao

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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.