Chapter 29

The Little Conqueror Angrily Executes Yu Ji; The Blue-Eyed Youth Inherits the Southland

Now Sun Ce, having made himself master of Jiangdong, possessed seasoned troops and abundant provisions. In the fourth year of Jian’an, he launched a surprise attack on Lujiang, defeated Liu Xun, and ordered Yu Fan to carry a proclamation posthaste to Yuzhang, where Hua Xin, the Administrator of Yuzhang, surrendered. From that time onward, Sun Ce’s power and prestige grew enormously. He therefore sent Zhang Hong to Xuchang to present a memorial reporting his victory. When Cao Cao learned how powerful Sun Ce had become, he sighed and said, “That lion cub is not one with whom a man can easily contend!” He then betrothed Cao Ren’s daughter to Sun Ce’s younger brother, Sun Kuang, thus joining the two families in marriage, and kept Zhang Hong at Xuchang. Sun Ce sought appointment as Grand Marshal, but Cao Cao refused him. Sun Ce resented this and often entertained the thought of attacking the imperial capital at Xu. At this time, Xu Gong, Administrator of Wu Commandery, secretly dispatched an envoy to the capital with a letter to Cao Cao. In substance, it read:Sun Ce is fierce and valiant, much like Xiang Ji. The court should outwardly show him honor and favor, then summon him back to the capital. He must not be allowed to remain in command abroad, lest he become a future menace.

The envoy carried the letter across the river, but was captured by the troops guarding the waterways and escorted before Sun Ce. Sun Ce read the letter and flew into a rage. He beheaded the envoy, then sent men to invite Xu Gong, on the pretense that he wished to discuss official business. When Xu Gong arrived, Sun Ce produced the letter and showed it to him, crying, “Would you deliver me to my death?” He ordered his guards to strangle Xu Gong. All the members of Xu Gong’s household fled and scattered. Three of his retainers longed to avenge their master, but bitterly regretted that no opportunity presented itself.

One day, Sun Ce led his troops on a hunt in the western hills of Dantu. They flushed out a great stag, and Sun Ce spurred his horse up the mountain in pursuit. As he chased it, he suddenly saw three men standing in a grove, armed with spears and bows. Reining in his horse, Sun Ce demanded, “Who are you?” They answered, “We are soldiers under Han Dang. We are here to hunt deer.” Sun Ce had just raised his reins to ride on when one of them leveled his spear and thrust at his left thigh. Sun Ce was greatly startled. He hurriedly drew his sword and struck down from horseback, but the blade suddenly broke away, leaving only the hilt in his hand. Another man had already nocked an arrow and shot, striking Sun Ce squarely in the cheek. Sun Ce pulled the arrow from his face, seized his bow, and shot back at the archer, who fell at the twang of the bowstring. The other two lunged wildly at Sun Ce with their spears, shouting, “We are retainers of Xu Gong, come expressly to avenge our master!” Sun Ce had no other weapon and could only fend them off with his bow as he retreated. The two fought desperately and would not give ground. Sun Ce received several spear wounds, and his horse was wounded as well.

At this desperate moment, Cheng Pu arrived with several men. Sun Ce shouted, “Kill the villains!” Cheng Pu and his followers rushed forward together and hacked Xu Gong’s retainers into mincemeat. When they looked at Sun Ce, they saw blood streaming over his face and found his wounds extremely grave. They cut strips from a robe with a knife, bound up his wounds, and carried him back to the region of Wu and Kuaiji to recuperate. A later poet praised Xu Gong’s three retainers:Young Sun’s wisdom and valor crowned the riverlands,Yet hunting in the hills, he fell into deadly peril.Xu Gong’s three retainers knew how to die for duty;Beside them, Yu Rang’s sacrifice seems nothing strange.

Now after Sun Ce returned wounded, he sent men to seek out Hua Tuo and invite him to provide treatment. But Hua Tuo had already gone to the Central Plains, and only one of his disciples remained in Wu, so Sun Ce ordered the disciple to treat him. The disciple said, “The arrowhead was drugged, and the poison has entered the bone. You must rest quietly for one hundred days before you can be out of danger. If anger inflames your vital energies, the wound will be difficult to cure.”

Sun Ce was by nature exceedingly impatient and wished that he might recover that very day. He had rested for a little more than twenty days when he suddenly heard that a messenger from Zhang Hong had returned from Xuchang. Sun Ce summoned and questioned him. The messenger said, “Cao Cao greatly fears my lord, and the advisers under his command all respect and submit to you. Guo Jia alone remains unconvinced.” Sun Ce asked, “What has Guo Jia said?” The messenger dared not answer. Sun Ce became angry and pressed him relentlessly. The messenger had no choice but to tell him the truth: “Guo Jia once said to Cao Cao, ‘Sun Ce is not worth fearing. He is rash and unguarded, impatient by nature and deficient in strategy; his is merely the courage of a common warrior. One day he will surely die at the hands of some insignificant man.’” When Sun Ce heard this, he flew into a rage. “How dare that fellow presume to judge me! I swear I shall take Xuchang!” Without waiting for his wound to heal, he wished to begin discussing a campaign. Zhang Zhao remonstrated: “The physician forbade my lord to move for one hundred days. Why, over a moment’s anger, should you make light of a body worth ten thousand pieces of gold?”

While they were speaking, a report suddenly came that Yuan Shao’s envoy, Chen Zhen, had arrived. Sun Ce summoned him and questioned him. Chen Zhen explained in full that Yuan Shao wished to form an alliance with Eastern Wu, making it his support from without, so that together they might attack Cao Cao. Sun Ce was overjoyed. That same day, he assembled his commanders in a tower over the city wall and gave a banquet in Chen Zhen’s honor. After they had been drinking for some time, he suddenly noticed his commanders whispering among themselves and descending from the tower one after another. Sun Ce wondered why and asked the reason. His attendants replied, “A certain Immortal Yu is now passing beneath the tower. The commanders merely wish to go and pay their respects to him.”

Sun Ce rose and leaned against the railing to look. He saw a Taoist wearing a cloak of crane feathers and carrying a staff of goosefoot wood. He stood in the middle of the road while all the common people burned incense, prostrated themselves along the way, and bowed to him. Sun Ce said angrily, “What sorcerer is this? Seize him at once and bring him to me!” His attendants said, “This man’s surname is Yu and his personal name is Ji. He resides in the east and travels throughout Wu and Kuaiji. He freely distributes talismanic water and cures people of every illness, never without success. The people of this age call him an immortal. He should not be lightly profaned.” Sun Ce grew still angrier and shouted, “Seize him at once! Whoever disobeys shall be beheaded!”

His attendants had no choice but to descend the tower and escort Yu Ji upstairs. Sun Ce rebuked him: “Mad Taoist! How dare you delude and inflame the people?” Yu Ji replied, “This humble Taoist is a priest of Langya Temple. During the reign of Emperor Shun, I once entered the mountains to gather medicinal herbs and obtained a divine scripture beside the spring at Quyang. It is entitled The Way of the Great Peace and the Blue-Green Covenant. It comprises more than a hundred scrolls, all containing methods for curing human illnesses. Since acquiring it, this humble Taoist has sought only to proclaim Heaven’s transforming doctrine and bring universal relief to the multitudes. I have never taken so much as a hair’s breadth of property from anyone. How, then, can it be said that I delude and inflame the people?” Sun Ce said, “If you take nothing whatever from others, where do your clothing, food, and drink come from? You are of the same breed as Zhang Jiao of the Yellow Scarves. Unless you are put to death now, you will surely become a future menace!” He ordered his attendants to behead him. Zhang Zhao remonstrated: “The Taoist Yu has lived in Jiangdong for several decades and has committed no offense. He must not be killed.” Sun Ce said, “If I kill a sorcerer like this, how is it any different from slaughtering a pig or dog?” All the officers pleaded earnestly with him, and Chen Zhen also urged restraint. Sun Ce’s anger had not abated, but he ordered Yu Ji confined in prison for the time being. The officers all dispersed, and Chen Zhen returned to the posthouse to rest.

Sun Ce returned to his residence, but palace attendants had already reported the affair to his mother, Dowager Lady Wu. She summoned Sun Ce to the rear hall and said to him, “I hear that you have cast Immortal Yu into prison. This man has cured many people of illness; soldiers and civilians alike respect and revere him. You must not harm him.” Sun Ce said, “He is a sorcerer who can use his black arts to delude the multitude. He must be eliminated!” His mother repeatedly tried to dissuade him. Sun Ce said, “Mother, do not listen to the wild talk of outsiders. Your son knows how to deal with this.” He went out and ordered the jailers to bring Yu Ji for questioning. Now the jailers all revered and trusted Yu Ji, and while he was in prison they had removed all his fetters. Only when Sun Ce summoned him did they put the fetters back on and lead him out.

When Sun Ce learned of this, he was furious. He severely punished the jailers and ordered Yu Ji shackled and returned to prison. Zhang Zhao and several dozen others jointly signed a petition, bowed before Sun Ce, and begged permission to stand surety for Immortal Yu. Sun Ce said, “You gentlemen are all learned men. Why do you not understand reason? Formerly Zhang Jin, Inspector of Jiaozhou, placed his faith in a heretical cult. He played zithers and burned incense, and always wrapped his head in a red kerchief, claiming that this could increase the might of his armies. In the end, he was killed by enemy troops. Such practices are utterly useless. You gentlemen simply have not yet awakened to the truth. In seeking to kill Yu Ji, I mean precisely to suppress heresy and awaken the deluded.” Lü Fan said, “I have long known that the Taoist Yu can pray for wind and supplicate for rain. There is now a drought. Why not order him to pray for rain and thereby redeem his offense?” Sun Ce said, “I shall see what this sorcerer can do.” He therefore ordered Yu Ji brought out of prison, had his fetters removed, and commanded him to ascend an altar and pray for rain.

Yu Ji accepted the command. He bathed, changed his clothes, and had himself bound with ropes beneath the blazing sun. The people who came to watch filled the streets and blocked the lanes. Yu Ji said to them, “I shall pray for three feet of beneficent rain to save the multitudes, but in the end I shall not escape death.” The people said, “If your powers prove efficacious, our lord will surely respect and submit to you.” Yu Ji said, “The ordained course of events has reached this point. I fear I cannot escape.”

A short while later, Sun Ce came to the altar in person and issued an order: if no rain had fallen by noon, Yu Ji was to be burned alive. He first had men pile up dry firewood and stand ready. As noon approached, a violent wind suddenly arose. Wherever it passed, dark clouds gradually gathered on every side. Sun Ce said, “It is already nearly noon. There are only dark clouds and no beneficent rain. This proves he is a sorcerer!” He ordered his attendants to carry Yu Ji onto the woodpile and set fire to it on all sides. The flames rose with the wind. Suddenly a column of black smoke shot into the sky. There came a tremendous crash; thunder and lightning burst forth together, and rain poured down in torrents. In moments, the city streets became rivers and all the streams and ravines were full. Fully three feet of beneficent rain had fallen. Yu Ji lay on his back atop the woodpile and gave a mighty shout. The clouds dispersed, the rain ceased, and the sun appeared once more.

The officers and common people together helped Yu Ji down from the woodpile, untied his bonds, and bowed repeatedly in gratitude. When Sun Ce saw officials and civilians alike prostrating themselves in the water without regard for their clothing, he flew into a towering rage and cried, “Fair weather and rain follow the fixed ordinances of Heaven and Earth. This sorcerer merely happened to take advantage of the occasion. How dare you be so deceived and thrown into confusion!” Drawing his jeweled sword, he ordered his attendants to behead Yu Ji at once. The officers remonstrated with all their strength. Sun Ce said furiously, “Do all of you mean to join Yu Ji in rebellion?” The officers dared say no more. Sun Ce ordered a warrior to strike, and with one stroke Yu Ji’s head fell to the ground. A stream of blue-green vapor rose from the corpse and drifted away to the northeast. Sun Ce commanded that the body be exposed in the marketplace as a warning, to punish the crime of sorcery and deception.

That night wind and rain raged together. By dawn, Yu Ji’s corpse had vanished. The soldiers guarding the body reported this to Sun Ce. Sun Ce became enraged and intended to execute them. Suddenly he saw a man slowly walking toward him from the front of the hall. Looking closely, he perceived that it was Yu Ji. Sun Ce flew into a rage and was about to draw his sword and cut him down when he suddenly fainted and fell to the ground. His attendants hurriedly carried him into his chamber, and only after a long while did he revive. Dowager Lady Wu came to visit him in his illness and said, “My son unjustly killed an immortal and has therefore brought this calamity upon himself.” Sun Ce laughed. “Since childhood, your son has followed his father on campaign and slain men beyond counting. How could that ever have brought calamity? By killing this sorcerer, I removed a great danger. How could he instead bring calamity upon me?” His mother said, “Because you refused to believe, matters have come to this. You should now perform good works to avert the evil.” Sun Ce said, “My life is ordained by Heaven. That sorcerer can never bring calamity upon me. Why should I perform rites to avert it?” His mother realized that he would not heed her counsel, so she secretly ordered her attendants to perform charitable works and rites of deliverance on his behalf.

At the third watch that night, Sun Ce lay in his private chamber when a chill wind suddenly arose. The lamp went out and then flared up again. In its light, he saw Yu Ji standing before him. Sun Ce shouted, “All my life I have sworn to exterminate sorcery and falsehood and thereby bring peace to the realm! Since you are now a ghost of the netherworld, how dare you approach me?” He seized the sword beside his bed and hurled it, whereupon the apparition suddenly vanished. When Dowager Lady Wu heard of this, her anxiety and distress deepened. Sun Ce forced himself to walk despite his illness in order to ease his mother’s mind. She said to him, “The Sage said, ‘How abundant is the virtue of ghosts and spirits!’ He also said, ‘Offer prayers to the spirits above and below.’ Matters concerning ghosts and spirits cannot be disbelieved. You unjustly killed Master Yu; how could there be no retribution? I have already ordered a sacrificial service to be held at the Jade Purity Temple in the commandery. You should go there in person to bow and pray. Then you will naturally be restored to health.”

Sun Ce dared not disobey his mother’s command and reluctantly traveled by sedan chair to the Jade Purity Temple. The Taoist priests received him and invited him to burn incense. Sun Ce burned the incense but offered no prayer of repentance. Suddenly the smoke rising from the incense burner did not disperse, but formed a splendid canopy beneath which Yu Ji sat erect. Sun Ce furiously spat at him and cursed him. On leaving the hall, he again saw Yu Ji standing at the temple gate, glaring angrily at him. Sun Ce turned to his attendants and asked, “Do you see that sorcerous ghost?” They all replied, “We see nothing.” Sun Ce grew still angrier, drew his sword, and hurled it at Yu Ji. A man was struck and fell. When the others looked, they saw that it was the common soldier who had killed Yu Ji the previous day. The sword had cut into his skull, and he lay dead with blood streaming from all seven apertures. Sun Ce ordered the body carried away and buried.

By the time Sun Ce left the temple, he again saw Yu Ji walking in through the gate. Sun Ce said, “This temple too is a lair where sorcerers are harbored!” He therefore seated himself before the temple and ordered five hundred warriors to demolish it. Just as the warriors climbed onto the roof and began stripping away the tiles, they saw Yu Ji standing above them, hurling tiles to the ground. Sun Ce became furious. He ordered all the Taoist priests expelled from the temple, then set fire to the buildings and burned them down. When the flames rose, Yu Ji appeared again, standing amid the firelight. Sun Ce returned to his residence in anger and once more saw Yu Ji standing before the gate. Sun Ce refused to enter. Instead, he immediately mustered the three armies, marched outside the city, and pitched camp. He summoned his commanders to discuss raising an army to assist Yuan Shao in a joint attack on Cao Cao. The commanders all said, “My lord’s health is impaired. You must not move rashly. Wait until you have fully recovered; it will not then be too late to send out the army.”

That night Sun Ce lodged in the camp and again saw Yu Ji approaching with disheveled hair. Within his tent, Sun Ce shouted and cursed without cease. The next day, Dowager Lady Wu sent an order summoning him back to the residence. Sun Ce returned to see his mother. When she saw how gaunt and haggard he had become, she wept and said, “My son, you have lost your very likeness!” Sun Ce at once took up a mirror and looked at himself. He saw that his features were indeed terribly wasted and could not help starting in alarm. Turning to his attendants, he said, “How have I become so haggard?”

Before he had finished speaking, he suddenly saw Yu Ji standing in the mirror. Sun Ce struck the mirror and gave a great cry. His wounds burst open, and he fell unconscious to the floor. His mother ordered that he be carried into his bedchamber. After a time, he revived and sighed, “I cannot live again!” He then summoned Zhang Zhao and the others, as well as his younger brother Sun Quan, to his bedside and entrusted his final charge to them: “The realm is now in turmoil. With the people of Wu and Yue and the natural defenses of the Three Rivers, great achievements are possible. Zibu and the others, I pray you will faithfully assist my younger brother.” He then took the seals and ribbons of office and handed them to Sun Quan, saying, “If it is a matter of leading the forces of Jiangdong, making decisions between two battle lines, and contending with the heroes of the realm, you are not my equal. But in elevating the worthy, employing the capable, and enabling each to exert his utmost strength in preserving Jiangdong, I am not your equal. You must remember how difficult it was for our father and elder brother to establish this enterprise, and plan wisely for yourself!”

Sun Quan wept bitterly, bowed, and accepted the seals and ribbons. Sun Ce then said to his mother, “Your son’s allotted years have come to an end, and I can no longer attend upon my honored mother. I now entrust the seals and ribbons to my brother. I pray that Mother will instruct him morning and evening. Take care never to slight or neglect our father’s and brother’s old followers.” His mother wept and said, “I fear your brother is too young to shoulder this great responsibility. What are we to do?” Sun Ce replied, “My brother’s abilities surpass mine tenfold. He is fully equal to this great charge. If internal affairs cannot be decided, consult Zhang Zhao; if external affairs cannot be decided, consult Zhou Yu. I regret that Zhou Yu is not here, for I cannot deliver my charge to him face to face!” He then summoned his younger brothers and instructed them: “After my death, all of you must assist Zhongmou. If anyone in our clan dares harbor a disloyal heart, join together and put him to death. Any kinsman who rebels must not be buried in the ancestral graveyard.” His brothers wept and received his command. He then summoned his wife, Lady Qiao, and said, “By misfortune, you and I must part midway through life. You must serve and care for my honored mother. When your younger sister comes to visit, ask her to convey my words to Zhou Yu: he must devote his whole heart to assisting my brother and must not betray the deep understanding that has always existed between us.” When he had finished speaking, he closed his eyes and died. He was only twenty-six years old. A later poet praised him:Alone he fought throughout the southeast,And men called him the Little Conqueror.His plans were formed like a crouching tiger;His swift decisions soared like a hawk.His might brought peace to the Three Rivers;His fragrant fame spread through the Four Seas.At death he entrusted the great enterprise,Fixing his hopes entirely upon Zhou Yu.

After Sun Ce died, Sun Quan collapsed weeping before the bed. Zhang Zhao said, “This is no time for the General to weep. You must attend to the funeral on the one hand and direct the great affairs of the army and state on the other.” Sun Quan then dried his tears. Zhang Zhao ordered Sun Jing to manage the funeral and invited Sun Quan to come out into the hall to receive the homage and congratulations of all the civil and military officers. Sun Quan had a square jaw, a broad mouth, blue-green eyes, and a purple beard. In former times, the Han envoy Liu Wan had entered Wu and met all the Sun brothers. He afterward said to others, “I have carefully observed the brothers of the Sun family. Though each possesses exceptional talent and distinction, none will enjoy fortune and rank to the end of his natural span. Zhongmou alone has a strange and majestic appearance and an extraordinary bone structure. These are signs of the highest nobility, and he will also enjoy great longevity. None of the others can compare with him.”

At this time, Sun Quan obeyed Sun Ce’s dying command and assumed control of the affairs of Jiangdong. Before arrangements had been fully settled, it was reported that Zhou Yu was returning from Baqiu with his troops. Sun Quan said, “Now that Gongjin has returned, I have no cause for worry.” Zhou Yu had been guarding Baqiu when he heard that Sun Ce had been wounded by an arrow, and so he had set out to inquire after him. As he approached Wu Commandery, he learned that Sun Ce had already died. He therefore hastened day and night to attend the funeral. Zhou Yu immediately went before Sun Ce’s coffin, bowed, and wept. Dowager Lady Wu came out and told him the words of Sun Ce’s final charge. Zhou Yu prostrated himself and said, “How could I dare not exert the strength of a dog or horse and continue in that service until death?”

A short while later, Sun Quan entered. When Zhou Yu had finished paying his respects, Sun Quan said, “I pray that you will not forget my elder brother’s final command.” Zhou Yu knocked his head upon the floor and said, “I am willing to have my liver and brains smeared upon the ground to repay the kindness of the one who understood me.” Sun Quan said, “Now that I have inherited the enterprise of my father and brother, by what strategy may I preserve it?” Zhou Yu replied, “Since ancient times, it has been said, ‘He who wins men prospers; he who loses men perishes.’ The best plan now is to seek the assistance of men of profound wisdom and far-reaching vision. Only then can Jiangdong be secured.” Sun Quan said, “My elder brother’s last words entrusted internal affairs to Zibu and placed all external affairs in the hands of Gongjin.” Zhou Yu said, “Zibu is a worthy and accomplished gentleman, fully capable of bearing great responsibility. I lack ability and fear I may fail beneath the weight of the trust placed in me. I would therefore recommend one man to assist the General.”

Sun Quan asked who the man was. Zhou Yu replied, “His surname is Lu, his personal name Su, and his style Zij­ing. He is a native of Dongchuan in Linhuai. His breast contains military strategy, and his belly conceals subtle designs. He lost his father in early youth and served his mother with utmost filial devotion. His family is exceedingly wealthy, but he has often scattered his wealth to relieve the poor and needy. When I was magistrate of Juchao, I passed through Linhuai with several hundred men. We were short of grain, and I heard that Lu Su’s family had two granaries of rice, each containing three thousand hu. I therefore went to ask for aid. Lu Su at once pointed to one granary and presented the whole of it to me. Such is his generosity. All his life he has delighted in swordsmanship, riding, and archery. He has been residing at Qu’e. When his grandmother died, he returned to bury her at Dongcheng. His friend Liu Ziyang wished to persuade him to go to Chaohu and join Zheng Bao, but Lu Su is still hesitating and has not yet gone. My lord should summon him without delay.”

Sun Quan was overjoyed and immediately ordered Zhou Yu to invite Lu Su into his service. Zhou Yu accepted the command and went in person. After he had met Lu Su and exchanged the proper courtesies, he fully explained how greatly Sun Quan admired him. Lu Su said, “Recently Liu Ziyang invited me to go to Chaohu. I am preparing to join him.” Zhou Yu replied, “Long ago Ma Yuan said to Emperor Guangwu, ‘In the present age, it is not only the ruler who chooses his minister; the minister also chooses his ruler.’ Our General Sun cherishes the worthy, treats scholars with courtesy, welcomes extraordinary talents, and enrolls men of uncommon gifts. Such conduct is rarely seen in the world. You need make no other plans. The right course is simply to come with me and enter the service of Eastern Wu.” Lu Su followed his advice and accompanied Zhou Yu to meet Sun Quan. Sun Quan treated him with the greatest respect and talked with him all day without weariness.

One day, after all the officers had dispersed, Sun Quan kept Lu Su behind to drink with him. When evening came, they shared the same couch and slept with their feet touching. At midnight, Sun Quan said to Lu Su, “The imperial house of Han now totters on the brink of ruin, and disorder fills the four quarters. I have inherited the remaining enterprise of my father and elder brother and aspire to perform deeds like those of Dukes Huan and Wen. What instruction can you give me?” Lu Su replied, “In former times, Emperor Gaozu of Han wished to honor and serve Emperor Yi but could not do so because Xiang Yu stood in his way. Cao Cao today may be compared to Xiang Yu. How, then, can the General hope to become another Duke Huan or Duke Wen? In my humble judgment, the house of Han cannot be restored, nor can Cao Cao be eliminated at a stroke. The only plan for the General is to establish one leg of the tripod in Jiangdong and watch for breaches in the realm. Now, while the north is burdened with many affairs, destroy Huang Zu, advance against Liu Biao, and occupy and defend all the territory reached by the Yangtze River. Afterward, assume the title of emperor and seek to gain the realm. This would be the enterprise of Emperor Gaozu.”

Sun Quan was delighted by these words. He threw on his robe, rose, and thanked Lu Su. The next day, he bestowed lavish gifts upon him, and also presented Lu Su’s mother with clothing, curtains, and other articles. Lu Su in turn recommended another man to Sun Quan. This man was widely learned and richly talented and served his mother with utmost filial devotion. His compound surname was Zhuge, his personal name Jin, and his style Ziyu. He was a native of Nanyang in Langya. Sun Quan received him as an honored guest. Zhuge Jin advised Sun Quan not to maintain relations with Yuan Shao, but to accommodate Cao Cao for the time being and then seek an opportunity to act against him. Sun Quan followed his advice. He therefore sent Chen Zhen back with a letter severing relations with Yuan Shao.

Now when Cao Cao heard that Sun Ce was dead, he wished to raise an army and march south of the Yangtze. Zhang Hong, Attendant Censor, remonstrated: “To attack a man during mourning is not a righteous undertaking. If the attack fails, we shall cast aside friendship and create enmity. Better to take this opportunity to treat him generously.” Cao Cao agreed. He immediately memorialized the throne to appoint Sun Quan General and concurrently Administrator of Kuaiji. He then appointed Zhang Hong Commandant of Kuaiji and sent him to Jiangdong bearing the seals of office. Sun Quan was overjoyed. Having also regained Zhang Hong’s services in Wu, he immediately ordered him and Zhang Zhao to administer the government together. Zhang Hong then recommended another man to Sun Quan. His surname was Gu, his personal name Yong, and his style Yuantan. He had been a disciple of Cai Yong, General of the Household. He was a man of few words who drank no wine and was stern, upright, and honorable. Sun Quan appointed him Assistant Administrator and had him perform the Administrator’s duties. From that time onward, Sun Quan’s power awed Jiangdong, and he deeply won the hearts of the people.

Now Chen Zhen returned to Yuan Shao and reported in full: “Sun Ce is dead, and Sun Quan has succeeded him. Cao Cao has appointed Sun Quan General and joined him as an ally from without.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. He raised more than seven hundred thousand troops from Ji, Qing, You, Bing, and other regions and once again advanced to seize Xuchang. Thus it was:South of the Yangtze, the clash of arms had only just ceased;North in Ji, the weapons of war were rising once again.How victory and defeat would be decided will be told in the next chapter.

The Little Conqueror Angrily Executes Yu Ji; The Blue-Eyed Youth Inherits the Southland

Now Sun Ce, having established his supremacy in Jiangdong, possessed elite troops and ample provisions. In the fourth year of Jian’an, he launched a surprise attack and seized Lujiang, defeated Liu Xun, and had Yu Fan rush a proclamation to Yuzhang. Hua Xin, Administrator of Yuzhang, surrendered. Sun Ce’s power and prestige rose greatly from then on, and he sent Zhang Hong to Xuchang to submit a memorial reporting his victory. When Cao Cao learned how powerful Sun Ce had become, he sighed and said, “That lion cub is difficult to contend with!” He therefore betrothed Cao Ren’s daughter to Sun Ce’s youngest brother, Sun Kuang, joining the two families in marriage. He kept Zhang Hong in Xuchang. Sun Ce requested appointment as Grand Marshal, but Cao Cao refused. Sun Ce resented this and often thought of attacking the imperial capital at Xuchang. At that time, Xu Gong, Administrator of Wu Commandery, secretly sent an emissary to Xuchang with a letter to Cao Cao. In summary, it said:Sun Ce is fierce and brave, much like Xiang Ji. The imperial court should outwardly show him honor and favor while summoning him back to the capital. He must not be allowed to remain in command outside, or he will become a future threat.

The emissary carried the letter across the river but was captured by the troops guarding it and escorted to Sun Ce. Sun Ce read the letter and flew into a rage. He beheaded the emissary, then sent someone to invite Xu Gong to discuss official business under false pretenses. When Xu Gong arrived, Sun Ce showed him the letter and shouted, “Are you trying to send me to my death?” He ordered his guards to strangle Xu Gong. Xu Gong’s family and dependents all fled and scattered. Three of his retainers wanted to avenge him but bitterly regretted that they had no opportunity.

One day, Sun Ce led his troops on a hunt in the western hills of Dantu. They flushed out a large deer, and Sun Ce spurred his horse up the hill in pursuit. As he chased it, he suddenly saw three men standing in the woods, carrying spears and bows. Sun Ce reined in his horse and asked, “Who are you?” They answered, “We are soldiers under Han Dang. We are here hunting deer.” Sun Ce had just lifted his reins to leave when one man leveled his spear and thrust at Sun Ce’s left thigh. Sun Ce was greatly startled. He hurriedly drew his sword and struck down from horseback, but the blade suddenly fell away, leaving only the hilt in his hand. Another man had already nocked an arrow and shot, striking Sun Ce squarely in the cheek. Sun Ce pulled the arrow from his face, took up his bow, and shot back at the archer, who fell at the twang of the bowstring. The other two men raised their spears and stabbed wildly at Sun Ce, shouting, “We are retainers of Xu Gong, and we have come expressly to avenge our master!” Sun Ce had no other weapon and could only fend them off with his bow while retreating. The two fought desperately and refused to give way. Sun Ce was struck by several spear thrusts, and his horse was wounded as well.

At this critical moment, Cheng Pu arrived with several men. Sun Ce shouted, “Kill the villains!” Cheng Pu and his men rushed forward together and hacked Xu Gong’s retainers into pulp. When they looked at Sun Ce, they saw blood streaming all over his face and found that his wounds were extremely grave. They cut strips from a robe with a knife, wrapped his wounds, and carried him back to the Wu-Kuaiji region to recuperate. A later poet praised Xu Gong’s three retainers:Young Sun’s wisdom and courage crowned the riverlands,Yet hunting in the hills brought peril to his path.Xu Gong’s three retainers died to uphold loyalty;Beside them, Yu Rang’s sacrifice was nothing strange.

Now Sun Ce returned wounded and sent men to seek out Hua Tuo to treat him. Unexpectedly, Hua Tuo had already gone to the Central Plains, and only one of his disciples remained in Wu, so Sun Ce ordered the disciple to treat him. The disciple said, “The arrowhead was poisoned, and the poison has entered the bone. You must rest quietly for a hundred days before you will be out of danger. If anger and agitation overcome you, the wound will be difficult to cure.”

Sun Ce was extremely impatient by nature and wished he could recover that very day. After resting for more than twenty days, he suddenly heard that a messenger from Zhang Hong had returned from Xuchang, so he summoned and questioned him. The messenger said, “Cao Cao greatly fears you, my lord, and all the advisers under him admire and respect you. Only Guo Jia is not impressed.” Sun Ce asked, “What has Guo Jia said?” The messenger did not dare answer. Sun Ce became angry and pressed him insistently. The messenger had no choice but to tell the truth: “Guo Jia once said to Cao Cao, ‘Sun Ce is not worth fearing. He is rash and unguarded, quick-tempered and short on strategy. His is merely the courage of an ordinary fighter. One day he is certain to die at the hands of some insignificant man.’” On hearing this, Sun Ce flew into a rage and said, “How dare that common fellow presume to judge me! I swear I will take Xuchang!” Without waiting for his wound to heal, he immediately wanted to discuss mobilizing the army. Zhang Zhao remonstrated, “The physician warned you not to exert yourself for a hundred days, my lord. Why, because of a moment’s anger, do you make light of a body worth ten thousand pieces of gold?”

While they were still speaking, a report suddenly came that Yuan Shao’s envoy Chen Zhen had arrived. Sun Ce summoned him and questioned him. Chen Zhen explained fully that Yuan Shao wanted to ally with Jiangdong as external support so they could attack Cao Cao together. Sun Ce was delighted. That very day, he assembled his generals in the tower above the city gate and held a banquet to entertain Chen Zhen. After they had been drinking for some time, Sun Ce suddenly saw the generals whispering among themselves and filing down from the tower. Puzzled, he asked why. His attendants replied, “A man known as Immortal Yu is passing beneath the tower. The generals merely wish to go pay their respects to him.”

Sun Ce rose and leaned against the railing to look. He saw a Daoist wearing a cloak of crane feathers and carrying a staff of goosefoot wood. The man stood in the middle of the road while all the people burned incense, prostrated themselves along the way, and bowed to him. Sun Ce angrily said, “What sort of sorcerer is this? Seize him at once!” His attendants said, “His surname is Yu and his given name is Ji. He resides in the east and travels throughout Wu and Kuaiji. He freely distributes charm-water and cures people of every illness, and there has never been a case in which it failed. People today call him an immortal. He must not be treated disrespectfully.” Sun Ce became even angrier and shouted, “Seize him at once! Anyone who disobeys will be beheaded!”

His attendants had no choice but to descend the tower and bring Yu Ji up under guard. Sun Ce shouted at him, “How dare you, mad Daoist, delude and incite the people?” Yu Ji said, “This humble Daoist is a priest of Langya Palace. During the reign of Emperor Shun, I once entered the mountains to gather medicinal herbs and found a divine scripture beside the spring at Quyang. It is called The Taiping Qingling Way and consists of more than a hundred scrolls, all containing methods and formulas for curing human illnesses. Since obtaining it, I have devoted myself solely to spreading Heaven’s teachings and bringing relief to all people. I have never taken so much as the smallest thing from anyone. How can it be said that I delude and incite the people?” Sun Ce said, “If you take nothing at all from anyone, where do your clothes, food, and drink come from? You are no different from Zhang Jue of the Yellow Turbans. If you are not put to death now, you are certain to become a future threat!” He ordered his attendants to behead him. Zhang Zhao remonstrated, “Daoist Yu has been in Jiangdong for several decades and has committed no offense. He must not be killed.” Sun Ce said, “If I kill a sorcerer like this, how is it any different from slaughtering a pig or dog?” All the officials pleaded earnestly with him, and Chen Zhen also urged restraint. Sun Ce’s anger still had not subsided, but he ordered Yu Ji imprisoned for the time being. The officials all dispersed, and Chen Zhen returned to the guesthouse to rest.

Sun Ce returned to his residence. Palace attendants had already reported the matter to his mother, Grand Lady Wu. She summoned Sun Ce to the rear hall and said, “I have heard that you have put Immortal Yu in chains. This man has often cured people’s illnesses, and soldiers and civilians alike honor and revere him. You must not harm him.” Sun Ce said, “He is a sorcerer who uses magic arts to delude the masses. He cannot be allowed to live!” His mother repeatedly tried to reason with him. Sun Ce said, “Mother, do not listen to outsiders’ wild talk. I know how to deal with this.” He went out and ordered the jailer to bring Yu Ji for questioning. As it happened, all the jailers revered and believed in Yu Ji, and while he was in prison they had removed all his shackles. Only when Sun Ce summoned him did they put the shackles back on and bring him out.

When Sun Ce discovered this, he was furious and severely punished the jailers. He then had Yu Ji bound in fetters and returned to prison. Zhang Zhao and several dozen others jointly signed a petition, bowed before Sun Ce, and begged him to spare Immortal Yu. Sun Ce said, “You gentlemen are all educated men. How can you fail to understand reason? In the past, Zhang Jin, Inspector of Jiaozhou, believed in a heretical cult. He played zithers and burned incense, and he always wrapped his head in a red kerchief, claiming that this could enhance the army’s might when it marched to battle. In the end, he was killed by enemy troops. Such things are utterly useless. You gentlemen simply have not realized it. In wanting to kill Yu Ji, my purpose is precisely to suppress false teachings and awaken the deluded.” Lü Fan said, “I have always known Daoist Yu to be capable of praying for wind and rain. There is now a drought. Why not order him to pray for rain and thereby redeem his offense?” Sun Ce said, “I will see what this sorcerer can do.” He therefore ordered Yu Ji brought out of prison, had his shackles removed, and commanded him to mount an altar and pray for rain.

Yu Ji accepted the order. He bathed, changed his clothes, and had himself bound with rope beneath the blazing sun. The people who came to watch filled the streets and blocked the alleys. Yu Ji said to them, “I will pray for three feet of sweet rain to save all the people, but in the end I will still not escape death.” The people said, “If your powers prove effective, our lord is certain to respect and accept you.” Yu Ji said, “The course of fate has reached this point. I fear I cannot escape.”

A short while later, Sun Ce came to the altar in person and issued an order: if there was no rain by noon, Yu Ji was to be burned to death. He first had dry firewood piled up in readiness. As noon drew near, a fierce wind suddenly sprang up. Wherever it passed, dark clouds gradually gathered from every direction. Sun Ce said, “It is nearly noon. There are only dark clouds and no sweet rain. This proves he is a sorcerer!” He ordered his attendants to carry Yu Ji onto the woodpile and set fire to it on every side. The flames rose with the wind. Suddenly, a column of black smoke shot into the sky. There was a tremendous crash, thunder and lightning erupted together, and rain poured down in torrents. In moments, the city streets became rivers and every stream and ravine filled to the brim. A full three feet of sweet rain had fallen. Lying faceup on the woodpile, Yu Ji gave a great shout. The clouds dispersed, the rain stopped, and the sun appeared once more.

The officials and common people then helped Yu Ji down from the woodpile, untied his ropes, bowed twice, and thanked him. When Sun Ce saw officials and commoners alike kneeling and bowing in the water without regard for their clothes, he flew into a towering rage and shouted, “Clear weather and rain follow the fixed order of Heaven and Earth. This sorcerer merely happened to take advantage of the occasion. How can you allow yourselves to be so deluded and confused?” He drew his precious sword and ordered his attendants to behead Yu Ji at once. The officials remonstrated with all their strength. Sun Ce angrily said, “Do all of you mean to follow Yu Ji in rebellion?” The officials no longer dared speak. Sun Ce shouted at the guards, and with a single stroke they cut off Yu Ji’s head, sending it tumbling to the ground. A stream of blue vapor appeared and drifted away toward the northeast. Sun Ce ordered Yu Ji’s corpse displayed in the marketplace as a public warning, to punish his sorcery and deception.

That night, wind and rain raged together. By dawn, Yu Ji’s corpse had disappeared. The soldiers guarding it reported this to Sun Ce. Enraged, Sun Ce was about to have them executed when he suddenly saw a man walking slowly across the front of the hall. Looking closely, he saw that it was Yu Ji. Sun Ce flew into a rage and was about to draw his sword and strike him down, but he suddenly collapsed unconscious. His attendants hurriedly carried him into his bedchamber, and only after a long while did he regain consciousness. Grand Lady Wu came to see him and said, “My son, you unjustly killed an immortal, and that is why this disaster has befallen you.” Sun Ce laughed and said, “Since childhood, I have followed Father on campaign and killed people by the hundreds. How could that ever bring calamity upon me? By killing this sorcerer, I eliminated a great threat. How could he instead bring calamity upon me?” His mother said, “Because you refused to believe, matters have come to this. You should now perform good deeds to ward off the calamity.” Sun Ce said, “My life is in Heaven’s hands. That sorcerer can never harm me. Why should anything be done to ward him off?” His mother knew he would not listen, so she secretly ordered her attendants to perform good works and rites to avert the calamity.

At the third watch that night, Sun Ce was lying in his inner residence when a cold, sinister wind suddenly rose. The lamp went out and then lit again. In the lamplight, he saw Yu Ji standing before him. Sun Ce shouted, “All my life I have sworn to destroy sorcery and falsehood so that peace may prevail beneath Heaven! Since you are now a ghost of the underworld, how dare you approach me?” He took the sword beside his bed and hurled it, but Yu Ji suddenly vanished. When Grand Lady Wu heard of this, her anxiety deepened. Sun Ce forced himself to walk about despite his illness in order to ease his mother’s mind. She said to him, “The Sage said, ‘How abundant is the power of ghosts and spirits!’ He also said, ‘I prayed for you to all the divine spirits above and below.’ Matters concerning ghosts and spirits cannot be disbelieved. You unjustly killed Master Yu. How could there be no retribution? I have already ordered a rite to be held at the Jade Purity Temple in the commandery. You should go there in person to bow and pray, and then you will naturally recover.”

Sun Ce did not dare disobey his mother’s command, so he reluctantly rode in a sedan chair to the Jade Purity Temple. The Daoist priests received him and invited him to burn incense. Sun Ce burned the incense but offered no prayer of thanks. Suddenly, smoke rose from the incense burner and did not disperse. It formed a splendid canopy, atop which Yu Ji sat upright. Sun Ce angrily spat curses at him. After leaving the sanctuary, he again saw Yu Ji standing at the entrance, glaring furiously at him. Sun Ce turned to his attendants and said, “Do you see that demon ghost?” They all replied, “We see nothing.” Sun Ce became even angrier, drew his sword, and hurled it at Yu Ji. A man was struck and fell. When the others looked, they saw it was the common soldier who had helped kill Yu Ji a few days earlier. The sword had cut into his skull, and blood flowed from all seven openings of his head as he died. Sun Ce ordered the body carried out and buried.

By the time Sun Ce left the temple, he again saw Yu Ji walking in through its gate. Sun Ce said, “This temple is also a den that harbors sorcerers!” He therefore seated himself in front of the temple and ordered five hundred guards to demolish it. Just as the guards climbed onto the roof and began stripping away the tiles, they saw Yu Ji standing on the roof and flinging tiles to the ground. Sun Ce flew into a rage and ordered all the Daoist priests expelled from the temple, then had the halls set on fire and burned down. When the flames rose, he again saw Yu Ji standing amid the firelight. Sun Ce returned angrily to his residence, only to see Yu Ji standing before its gate. Sun Ce refused to enter. Instead, he immediately mustered the entire army, went outside the city, and established a camp. He summoned his generals for a conference, intending to mobilize the army to assist Yuan Shao in attacking Cao Cao from two sides. The generals all said, “Your lordship is in poor health and must not act rashly. Wait until you have fully recovered. It will not be too late to mobilize then.”

That night, Sun Ce stayed in the camp and again saw Yu Ji approaching with his hair loose. Sun Ce kept shouting and cursing inside his tent. The next day, Grand Lady Wu sent an order summoning Sun Ce back to the residence. Sun Ce returned to see his mother. When she saw how gaunt and haggard he looked, she wept and said, “My son, you have lost your former appearance!” Sun Ce immediately took up a mirror and looked at himself. Sure enough, he saw that he had grown extremely thin and wasted. He could not help being startled and turned to his attendants, saying, “How have I become so haggard?”

Before he had finished speaking, he suddenly saw Yu Ji standing in the mirror. Sun Ce struck the mirror and gave a great cry. His wounds burst open, and he fell unconscious to the floor. His mother ordered him carried into his bedchamber. After a short while, he regained consciousness and sighed, “I cannot live much longer!” He immediately summoned Zhang Zhao and the others, along with his younger brother Sun Quan, to his bedside and gave them his final instructions: “The realm is now in chaos. With the people of Wu and Yue and the natural defenses of the Three Rivers, great achievements are possible. Zibu and the rest of you, please assist my younger brother well.” He then took his seal and sash and gave them to Sun Quan, saying, “When it comes to commanding the forces of Jiangdong, making decisions between two battle lines, and contending for mastery with the heroes of the realm, you are not my equal. But when it comes to elevating worthy men, employing the capable, and enabling each to exert his full strength in defense of Jiangdong, I am not your equal. You must remember how difficult it was for Father and me to establish this enterprise and plan your course well!”

Sun Quan wept bitterly, bowed, and accepted the seal and sash. Sun Ce told his mother, “My allotted years have come to an end, and I can no longer serve my loving mother. I am now giving the seal and sash to my younger brother. I hope, Mother, that you will instruct him morning and evening. You must never slight or neglect the old followers of Father and me.” His mother wept and said, “I fear your brother is too young to bear such great responsibilities. What are we to do?” Sun Ce said, “My brother’s abilities surpass mine tenfold. He is fully capable of bearing this great responsibility. If he cannot decide an internal matter, he may ask Zhang Zhao. If he cannot decide an external matter, he may ask Zhou Yu. I only regret that Zhou Yu is not here, so I cannot instruct him in person!” He then summoned his younger brothers and charged them, “After my death, all of you must support Zhongmou. If anyone in our clan dares harbor disloyal intentions, join together and put him to death. Any blood relative who rebels must not be buried in the ancestral cemetery.” His brothers wept and accepted his command. He then summoned his wife, Lady Qiao, and said, “You and I have had the misfortune to be parted halfway through life. You must serve and care for my honored mother with filial devotion. When your younger sister comes to visit, tell her to convey my words to Zhou Yu: he must devote himself fully to assisting my brother and must not betray the close friendship and understanding we have always shared.” When he had finished speaking, he closed his eyes and died. He was only twenty-six years old. A later poet praised him:He fought alone to rule the southeast lands,And men acclaimed him Little Conqueror.His plans were laid like a crouching tiger;His swift decisions soared like a hawk.His might brought peace throughout the Three Rivers;His fragrant fame was known within the Four Seas.At death he entrusted the great affairs,Fixing his hopes wholly upon young Zhou.

After Sun Ce died, Sun Quan collapsed weeping before the bed. Zhang Zhao said, “This is no time for you to weep, General. You should oversee the funeral arrangements while also attending to the great affairs of the army and state.” Sun Quan then wiped away his tears. Zhang Zhao ordered Sun Jing to manage the funeral and invited Sun Quan into the main hall to receive the obeisances and congratulations of all the civil and military officials. Sun Quan had a square jaw, a large mouth, blue eyes, and a purple beard. In earlier days, when the Han envoy Liu Wan entered Wu and saw all the Sun brothers, he told others, “I have observed every one of the Sun brothers. Though each is talented, spirited, refined, and accomplished, none will enjoy his rank and fortune to the end. Only Zhongmou possesses an extraordinary and imposing appearance and an uncommon frame. These are signs of the highest nobility, and he will also enjoy a long life. None of the others can compare with him.”

At that time, Sun Quan obeyed Sun Ce’s final command and took charge of Jiangdong’s affairs. Before his administration had been fully organized, someone reported that Zhou Yu was leading troops back from Baqiu to Wu. Sun Quan said, “Now that Gongjin has returned, I have nothing to worry about.” Zhou Yu had been defending Baqiu when he learned that Sun Ce had been struck by an arrow and wounded, so he had set out to inquire after him. As he approached Wu Commandery, he heard that Sun Ce had already died, and therefore traveled through the night to attend the funeral. Zhou Yu now wept and bowed before Sun Ce’s coffin. Grand Lady Wu came out and told him the words of Sun Ce’s final instructions. Zhou Yu prostrated himself and said, “How could I dare not render the service of a dog or horse and continue until death?”

A short while later, Sun Quan entered. After Zhou Yu had bowed to him, Sun Quan said, “I hope you will not forget my late brother’s final command.” Zhou Yu knocked his head against the floor and said, “I am willing to spill my liver and brains upon the ground to repay the kindness of the man who understood me.” Sun Quan said, “Now that I have inherited the enterprise of my father and brother, what policy should I follow to preserve it?” Zhou Yu said, “Since ancient times, it has been said, ‘Those who win men prosper; those who lose men perish.’ The best plan now is to seek the assistance of men of great wisdom and far-reaching vision. Only then can Jiangdong be secured.” Sun Quan said, “My late brother’s final words entrusted internal affairs to Zibu and made me wholly dependent upon Gongjin for external affairs.” Zhou Yu said, “Zibu is a worthy and accomplished gentleman, fully capable of bearing great responsibility. I lack ability and fear I may fail under the weight of the trust placed in me. I wish to recommend someone to assist you, General.”

Sun Quan asked who the man was. Zhou Yu said, “His surname is Lu, his given name is Su, and his courtesy name is Zijing. He is from Dongchuan in Linhuai. His breast is filled with military strategy, and profound schemes lie hidden within him. He lost his father when he was young and served his mother with the utmost filial devotion. His family is extremely wealthy, but he has often distributed his fortune to aid the poor and needy. When I was magistrate of Juchao, I passed through Linhuai with several hundred men and found myself short of provisions. Hearing that Lu Su’s family had two granaries of rice, each containing three thousand hu, I went to ask him for help. Lu Su immediately pointed to one granary and gave it to me. Such is his generosity. All his life he has enjoyed swordsmanship, riding, and archery. He now resides at Qu’e. When his grandmother died, he returned to bury her at Dongcheng. His friend Liu Ziyang wants him to go to Chaohu and join Zheng Bao, but Lu Su is still hesitating and has not yet gone. My lord should summon him at once.”

Sun Quan was delighted and immediately ordered Zhou Yu to recruit him. Zhou Yu accepted the command and went in person. After meeting Lu Su and exchanging the proper courtesies, he fully explained Sun Quan’s admiration for him. Lu Su said, “Recently, Liu Ziyang invited me to go to Chaohu, and I am about to join him.” Zhou Yu said, “In former days, Ma Yuan said to Emperor Guangwu, ‘In the present age, it is not only the lord who chooses his minister; the minister also chooses his lord.’ Our General Sun shows personal affection for worthy men, treats scholars with courtesy, welcomes men of remarkable ability, and employs those of extraordinary talent. Such conduct is rarely seen in the world. You need make no other plans. The right course is simply to come with me and enter the service of Jiangdong.” Lu Su followed his advice and accompanied Zhou Yu to meet Sun Quan. Sun Quan treated him with the greatest respect and talked with him tirelessly throughout the day.

One day, after all the officials had departed, Sun Quan kept Lu Su behind to drink with him. That evening, they lay on the same bed with their feet together. At midnight, Sun Quan said to Lu Su, “The Han imperial house is now tottering, and disorder fills every quarter. I have inherited the enterprise left by my father and brother and wish to achieve deeds like those of Dukes Huan and Wen. What counsel can you give me?” Lu Su said, “In former times, Emperor Gaozu of Han wished to honor and serve Emperor Yi but was unable to do so because Xiang Yu stood in his way. The Cao Cao of today may be compared to Xiang Yu. How, then, can you become another Duke Huan or Duke Wen? In my private judgment, the Han imperial house cannot be restored, and Cao Cao cannot be eliminated quickly. The only plan for you, General, is to establish one leg of a three-legged balance in Jiangdong and watch for changes in the realm. Now, while the north is burdened with many affairs, you should destroy Huang Zu, advance against Liu Biao, and occupy and defend all the territory along the Yangtze as far as it extends. After that, proclaim an imperial title and seek mastery of the realm. This would be the enterprise of Emperor Gaozu.”

Sun Quan was overjoyed by these words. He put on his robe, rose, and thanked Lu Su. The next day, he presented Lu Su with lavish gifts and also bestowed clothing, curtains, and other items upon Lu Su’s mother. Lu Su then recommended another man to Sun Quan. This man was widely learned and highly talented and served his mother with the utmost filial devotion. His compound surname was Zhuge, his given name was Jin, and his courtesy name was Ziyu. He was a native of Nanyang in Langya. Sun Quan received him as an honored guest. Zhuge Jin advised Sun Quan not to maintain relations with Yuan Shao but to accommodate Cao Cao for the time being and then take advantage of future opportunities to pursue his own designs. Sun Quan followed his advice. He therefore sent Chen Zhen back with a letter severing relations with Yuan Shao.

Now when Cao Cao heard that Sun Ce had died, he wanted to mobilize his army and march south of the Yangtze. Zhang Hong, Attendant Censor, remonstrated, “To attack a man during a period of mourning would not be a righteous undertaking. If we failed to conquer him, we would abandon friendship and create an enemy. It would be better to take this opportunity to treat him generously.” Cao Cao agreed. He immediately memorialized the throne to appoint Sun Quan General, concurrently serving as Administrator of Kuaiji. He then appointed Zhang Hong Commandant of Kuaiji and sent him to Jiangdong carrying the official seal. Sun Quan was delighted. Having also regained Zhang Hong in Wu, he immediately ordered him and Zhang Zhao to administer state affairs together. Zhang Hong recommended another man to Sun Quan. His surname was Gu, his given name was Yong, and his courtesy name was Yuantan. He had been a student of Cai Yong, General of the Household. He was a man of few words, did not drink wine, and was stern, upright, and honorable. Sun Quan appointed him Assistant and had him carry out the duties of Administrator. From then on, Sun Quan’s might shook Jiangdong, and he won the people’s wholehearted support.

Meanwhile, Chen Zhen returned to Yuan Shao and reported the whole situation: “Sun Ce has died, and Sun Quan has succeeded him. Cao Cao has appointed him General and joined with him as external support.” Yuan Shao flew into a rage. He therefore mobilized more than seven hundred thousand troops from Ji, Qing, You, Bing, and other regions and once again advanced to attack and seize Xuchang. Just as the verse says:The clash of arms south of the Yangtze had only just ceased,When the weapons of war rose once more north of Ji.What the outcome would be remains unknown; listen to the next chapter for the explanation.