Chapter 43

Zhuge Liang Wages a Battle of Words with the Scholars; Lu Su Prevails Against All Dissent

Now Lu Su and Kongming took leave of Xuande and Liu Qi, boarded a boat, and set out for Chaisang Commandery. As they traveled, Lu Su conferred with Kongming, saying, “When you meet General Sun, you must on no account tell him truthfully how numerous Cao Cao’s soldiers and generals are.” Kongming replied, “There is no need for you to remind me, Zijing. I shall know how to answer.” When the boat reached shore, Su asked Kongming to rest for a while at the posthouse, then went ahead to see Sun Quan. Quan was in the main hall, gathered with his civil and military officers to deliberate on affairs. Hearing that Lu Su had returned, he hastily summoned him and asked, “Zijing, what did you discover in Jiangxia concerning their true condition?” Su replied, “I have learned the general situation, but allow me to report it at leisure.” Quan showed him Cao Cao’s proclamation and said, “Yesterday Cao sent an envoy bearing this document. I dismissed the envoy for the time being, and we are now assembled to debate the matter, but no decision has yet been reached.” Lu Su took the proclamation and read it. In substance, it said: “I have lately received the Emperor’s command and, in obedience to his edict, have marched to punish the guilty. When my banners pointed south, Liu Cong laid down his arms; the people of Jing and Xiang submitted at the mere report of my coming. I now command a million valiant soldiers and a thousand foremost generals, and wish to join the General in a hunt at Jiangxia, that together we may chastise Liu Bei, divide his territories between us, and establish an enduring alliance of friendship. I trust you will not hesitate, but will speedily favor me with your reply.”

When Lu Su had finished reading, he asked, “What is my lord’s honored judgment?” Quan replied, “No conclusion has yet been reached.” Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao commands a host of a million and borrows the Son of Heaven’s name to campaign throughout the realm. To resist him would be rebellion. Moreover, the chief advantage by which my lord might have resisted Cao was the Yangtze. Now that Cao has acquired Jingzhou, he shares with us the strategic fastness of the river, and his power cannot be opposed. In my humble opinion, submission is the surest course for absolute safety.” All the other advisers said, “Zibu’s words accord perfectly with Heaven’s will.” Sun Quan pondered in silence. Zhang Zhao continued, “My lord need not entertain further doubts. If you submit to Cao Cao, the people of Eastern Wu will be secure, and the six commanderies south of the Yangtze may be preserved.” Sun Quan lowered his head and said nothing.

After a while, Quan rose to change his clothes, and Lu Su followed behind him. Knowing what Su intended, Quan took him by the hand and said, “What would you have me do?” Su replied, “What the others said just now gravely misleads you, General. All the others may surrender to Cao Cao; you alone, General, may not.” Quan asked, “Why do you say so?” Su replied, “If men like me surrender to Cao, he will send me back to my native district, and as I rise through successive offices, I shall at least retain the governorship of a commandery or province. But if you surrender to Cao, General, where can you go? Your rank will be no higher than that of a marquis; your carriage will number no more than one, your mount no more than a single horse, and your retinue no more than a few men. How could you ever again face south upon the throne and style yourself lord? The others’ counsels are each framed for their own advantage and must not be heeded. You should decide your great policy without delay.”

Quan sighed and said, “The arguments of the others have deeply disappointed me. Zijing, your exposition of our grand strategy accords exactly with my own view. Heaven itself has bestowed you upon me! Yet Cao has newly acquired Yuan Shao’s multitudes and, more recently, the forces of Jingzhou. I fear his power is too great to resist.” Su said, “When I went to Jiangxia, I brought back Zhuge Liang, the younger brother of Zhuge Jin. He is here now. My lord may question him and thereby learn the true state of affairs.” Quan said, “Is Master Sleeping Dragon here?” Su replied, “He is now resting at the posthouse.” Quan said, “It is late today, so I shall not meet him yet. Tomorrow I will assemble my civil and military officers beneath my command, first let him behold the finest men of Jiangdong, and then ascend the hall to deliberate.”

Lu Su accepted the command and departed. The next day he went to the posthouse to see Kongming and again cautioned him: “When you meet my lord today, you must on no account say that Cao Cao’s army is numerous.” Kongming smiled and said, “I shall adapt myself to circumstances and will certainly make no mistake.” Su then conducted Kongming to the audience chamber. There he found Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and a company of more than twenty civil and military officers, all in lofty caps and broad sashes, their garments arranged, sitting solemnly upright. Kongming met them one by one and asked each man’s name. When the courtesies were complete, he took the guest’s seat. Zhang Zhao and the others observed Kongming’s free and elegant bearing and his lofty, commanding presence, and concluded that he must have come to persuade them. Zhang Zhao was the first to challenge him, saying, “I am but an insignificant scholar of Jiangdong. I have long heard that while you lay secluded in Longzhong, you compared yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Is this truly so?” Kongming replied, “That is merely one modest comparison I have made in my life.” Zhao said, “I recently heard that Liu of Yuzhou visited your thatched cottage three times and was fortunate enough to secure your services. He considered himself like a fish that had found water and intended to sweep across Jing and Xiang. Yet now, in a single day, all that territory has fallen to Cao Cao. I do not know what master plan this reveals.”

Kongming thought to himself that Zhang Zhao was the foremost adviser under Sun Quan, and unless he first confounded him, he could never hope to persuade Sun Quan. He therefore answered, “In my view, taking the lands along the Han River would have been as easy as turning over one’s palm. My lord, Liu of Yuzhou, practices benevolence and righteousness in his own person and could not bear to seize the inheritance of a member of his own clan; he therefore firmly refused it. Liu Cong was a mere child who trusted slanderous counsels and secretly surrendered, thereby allowing Cao Cao to run rampant. My lord now has his troops stationed at Jiangxia and has other excellent designs in hand, though they are not such as ordinary men can comprehend.”

Zhao said, “If that is so, then your words and deeds contradict each other. You compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Guan Zhong served Duke Huan as minister, made him hegemon over the feudal lords, and brought order to all beneath Heaven. Yue Yi supported the feeble state of Yan and captured more than seventy cities of Qi. These two were true talents capable of saving their age. While you were in your thatched cottage, you did nothing but loftily enjoy the wind and moon, sitting erect with your arms clasped about your knees. Now that you have entered the service of Liu of Yuzhou, you ought to have brought benefits to the living, removed their afflictions, and exterminated rebellious villains. Before Liu of Yuzhou obtained your services, he still ranged freely throughout the realm and held cities and territory. Once he obtained you, all men looked up in expectation. Even children three feet tall declared that the fierce tiger had grown wings and that they would soon see the House of Han restored and the Cao clan destroyed. The old ministers of the court and recluses in the mountains and forests all wiped their eyes and waited, believing that the clouds obscuring the high heavens would be swept away, the radiance of the sun and moon would again be seen, the people would be rescued from fire and flood, and the realm would be laid in peace upon a cushioned couch—and that now was the time. Yet after you attached yourself to Yuzhou, no sooner did Cao Cao’s army appear than you cast aside armor and spears and fled at the mere report of his coming. Above, you could not requite Liu Biao by bringing peace to the common people; below, you could not assist his orphaned son in defending his territory. Instead, you abandoned Xinye, fled to Fancheng, suffered defeat at Dangyang, and ran to Xiakou, with nowhere left to shelter. Thus, after gaining your services, Yuzhou has fared worse than before. Did Guan Zhong and Yue Yi truly act in this manner? These are the blunt words of a simple man; I trust you will not take offense!”

When Kongming had heard him out, he laughed softly and said, “When the great roc soars ten thousand miles, how can common birds comprehend its ambition? Consider a man afflicted with a grave and lingering illness. One must first give him thin gruel to drink and mild medicine to take. Only when his inner organs have been brought into harmony and his body has gradually recovered may he be nourished with meat and treated with powerful drugs. Then the root of the illness will be wholly removed and his life preserved. But if, before his vital currents have recovered their balance, one administers potent medicine and rich food and expects him to remain safe, the task will indeed be difficult. My lord, Liu of Yuzhou, after his army was defeated at Runan, sought refuge with Liu Biao. His soldiers numbered fewer than a thousand, and his generals consisted only of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun. His condition was precisely like that of a patient weakened to the point of utter exhaustion. Xinye is a small, remote mountain county, sparse in people and meager in grain. Yuzhou merely borrowed it as a temporary shelter; could he truly have intended to sit there and defend it forever? His arms and armor were incomplete, his walls and defenses insecure, his army untrained, and his grain insufficient from one day to the next. Yet he burned Cao’s camp at Bowang and used the waters of the White River, striking terror into the hearts of Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, and their kind. In my humble view, the military achievements of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi did not necessarily surpass these. As for Liu Cong’s surrender to Cao Cao, Yuzhou genuinely knew nothing of it beforehand. Moreover, he could not bear to seize the inheritance of a clansman amid the turmoil. This was true supreme benevolence and righteousness. In the defeat at Dangyang, Yuzhou saw hundreds of thousands of people who had rallied to his righteous cause following him, supporting the aged and carrying the young. Unable to bear abandoning them, he advanced only ten li a day, gave no thought to seizing Jiangling, and willingly shared defeat with them. This too was supreme benevolence and righteousness. When the few oppose the many, victory and defeat are ordinary turns of war. In former times the High Emperor was repeatedly defeated by Xiang Yu, yet achieved success in the single battle at Gaixia. Was this not due to Han Xin’s excellent strategy? Han Xin served the High Emperor for a long time, yet did not win victory after victory. The great designs of a state and the security or peril of its altars of soil and grain require a master strategist. They cannot be compared to the empty boasts of glib debaters, who deceive men with hollow reputations, surpass everyone when sitting in discussion or standing in discourse, yet when faced with changing circumstances cannot accomplish one thing in a hundred. Such men are truly the laughingstock of the realm!” This speech left Zhang Zhao without a single word in reply.

Suddenly one man among those seated raised his voice and asked, “Duke Cao now has a million soldiers encamped and a thousand generals arrayed beneath him. With the sweep of a dragon and the gaze of a tiger, he means to swallow Jiangxia whole. What do you make of that?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Yu Fan. Kongming replied, “Cao Cao has gathered Yuan Shao’s ant-swarm troops and coerced Liu Biao’s rabble. Though they number several million, they are nothing to fear.” Yu Fan sneered. “Your army was defeated at Dangyang, your stratagems exhausted at Xiakou, and now you come wretchedly begging aid from others, yet still claim to feel no fear. This is truly deceiving men with grandiose words!” Kongming replied, “How could Liu of Yuzhou, with a few thousand troops of benevolence and righteousness, oppose a million brutal men? He withdrew to defend Xiakou only to await the proper time. But now Jiangdong has seasoned troops, abundant provisions, and the strategic fastness of the Yangtze, yet you would still have your lord bend the knee and surrender to a traitor, heedless of the ridicule of the realm. Judged by this, Liu of Yuzhou is indeed one who does not fear the traitor Cao!” Yu Fan could make no reply.

Another man among those seated asked, “Does Kongming intend to emulate the tongues of Zhang Yi and Su Qin and come persuade Eastern Wu?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Bu Zhi. Kongming said, “Bu Zishan regards Su Qin and Zhang Yi merely as debaters, not knowing that they were heroes as well. Su Qin wore the seals of chancellor to six states, and Zhang Yi twice served as chancellor of Qin. Both possessed strategies for supporting and preserving the states of men. They cannot be compared to those who fear the strong and bully the weak, who dread the knife and shrink from the sword. You gentlemen hear Cao Cao utter empty, deceitful words and at once take fright and plead for surrender. How dare you mock Su Qin and Zhang Yi?” Bu Zhi fell silent and said nothing.

Suddenly another man asked, “What sort of man does Kongming consider Cao Cao to be?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Xue Zong. He replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han. Why is there any need to ask?” Zong said, “Your words are mistaken. The succession of the Han has continued until the present, but its allotted span is nearing its end. Duke Cao now possesses two-thirds of the realm, and all men give him their allegiance. Liu of Yuzhou fails to recognize Heaven’s time and obstinately insists on contending with him. It is precisely like striking a stone with an egg. How could he avoid defeat?” Kongming sternly cried, “Xue Jingwen, how dare you utter such words, which acknowledge neither father nor sovereign? A man born between Heaven and Earth must take loyalty and filial devotion as the foundation of his conduct. Since you are a minister of Han, whenever you see one who acts as no true subject, you should swear to join in destroying him. Such is the way of a minister. Cao Cao’s ancestors presumptuously enjoyed the stipends of Han, yet he gives no thought to repaying the dynasty. Instead, he harbors treasonous ambitions to usurp the throne, arousing the common indignation of the entire realm. Yet you attribute his success to Heaven’s allotted course. You are truly a man without father or sovereign! You are unworthy of conversation. Speak no more!” Xue Zong’s face was covered with shame, and he could not answer.

Another man among those seated immediately asked, “Though Cao Cao holds the Son of Heaven in his power to command the feudal lords, he is nonetheless descended from Cao Shen, Chancellor of State. Liu of Yuzhou may claim descent from Prince Jing of Zhongshan, but there is no evidence by which it can be verified. To all appearances, he is merely a fellow who once wove mats and sold sandals. How is he worthy to contend with Cao Cao?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Lu Ji. Kongming laughed and said, “Are you not the young Master Lu who hid oranges in his robe at Yuan Shu’s banquet? Be seated and listen to a word from me. Since Cao Cao is descended from Chancellor Cao, his family has served as ministers of Han for generations. Yet now he monopolizes authority, runs riot, and insults both sovereign and father. Thus he not only has no sovereign, but also despises his ancestors. He is not only a rebellious minister of the House of Han, but also a traitorous son of the Cao clan! Liu of Yuzhou is a stately scion of the imperial house. The present Emperor examined the genealogical register and conferred rank upon him. How can you claim that there is no evidence? Moreover, the High Ancestor began as a village constable and ultimately possessed the realm. What shame is there in weaving mats and selling sandals? Your view is that of a child, unworthy to be discussed with a lofty scholar!” Lu Ji was left speechless.

One man among those seated suddenly said, “Everything Kongming says is specious sophistry, none of it sound argument. There is no need to continue. Let me ask instead: which of the Classics has Kongming studied?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Yan Jun. Kongming replied, “Those who search out chapters and pluck out phrases are the pedants of their age. How could they establish a state or accomplish great affairs? In ancient times, Yi Yin plowed the fields of Shen, and Ziya fished on the River Wei. Men such as Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, and men such as Deng Yu and Geng Yan, all possessed talents capable of sustaining the world. Yet I do not know which Classics they studied throughout their lives. Did they imitate petty scholars, confining themselves to brush and inkstone, counting black and debating yellow, playing with phrases and trifling with ink?” Yan Jun lowered his head in dejection and could make no reply.

Suddenly another man cried in a loud voice, “You delight in grandiose talk, but may possess no genuine learning. I fear you merely make yourself the laughingstock of scholars.” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Cheng Deshu of Runan. Kongming answered, “Among scholars there are gentlemen and petty men. The gentleman scholar is loyal to his sovereign and loves his country, upholds the right and abhors the wicked, striving to extend his beneficence to his own age and leave his name to later generations. The petty scholar, however, concerns himself only with trivial ornament and devotes himself solely to literary composition. In the freshness of youth he writes rhapsodies; with whitening head he pores over the Classics. Though a thousand words may flow from his brush, not one useful plan resides in his breast. Yang Xiong, for example, won fame throughout the age for his writings, yet stooped to serve Wang Mang and could not escape death by throwing himself from the Pavilion. Such is what is called a petty scholar. Though he write ten thousand words a day, what value is there in him?” Cheng Deshu could not reply.

When the others saw Kongming answering as swiftly as flowing water, they all changed color. Zhang Wen and Luo Tong, who were also seated there, were about to question and challenge him when suddenly a man entered from outside and cried sternly, “Kongming is a rare genius of the present age. For you gentlemen to assail him with your tongues violates the courtesy due a guest. Cao Cao’s great army is pressing upon our borders, yet instead of devising a plan to repel the enemy, you do nothing but wage a battle of words!” They looked at the speaker and saw that it was Huang Gai, styled Gongfu, a native of Lingling, who then served as Eastern Wu’s officer of provisions. Huang Gai said to Kongming, “I have heard that gaining advantage through many words is inferior to remaining silent. Why do you not present your words of metal and stone to my lord instead of debating with these gentlemen?” Kongming replied, “These gentlemen do not understand the affairs of the age and have challenged me one after another. I had no choice but to answer.”

Huang Gai and Lu Su then conducted Kongming inside. At the middle gate they happened to encounter Zhuge Jin, and Kongming saluted him. Jin said, “Worthy younger brother, since you have come to Jiangdong, why did you not visit me?” Kongming replied, “Since I have entered Yuzhou’s service, reason demands that public affairs come before private matters. As my official business is not yet complete, I dared not attend to family concerns. I hope, elder brother, that you will forgive me.” Jin said, “When you have met the Marquis of Wu, come and speak with me.” With that, he departed.

Lu Su said, “You must not forget what I urged upon you just now.” Kongming nodded his assent. He was conducted into the hall, where Sun Quan descended the steps to welcome him and treated him with exceptional courtesy. When the formal salutations were complete, Kongming was given a seat. The civil and military officers stood in two rows. Lu Su stood beside Kongming, intent upon hearing what he would say. When Kongming had conveyed Xuande’s sentiments, he stole a glance at Sun Quan and saw blue eyes, a purple beard, and an imposing, majestic appearance. Kongming thought to himself, “This man’s physiognomy is extraordinary. He can only be provoked, not persuaded. When he questions me, I shall use words to provoke him.”

When tea had been served, Sun Quan said, “I have often heard Lu Zijing speak of your talents. Now that I am fortunate enough to meet you, I venture to ask for your instruction.” Kongming replied, “I am untalented and unlearned, and unworthy of your enlightened inquiry.” Quan said, “You recently assisted Liu of Yuzhou at Xinye in his struggle against Cao Cao, so you must know the strengths and weaknesses of Cao’s army in detail.” Kongming replied, “Liu of Yuzhou had few soldiers and generals, while Xinye was a small city without provisions. How could he have held out against Cao Cao?” Quan asked, “How many troops does Cao have altogether?” Kongming replied, “His cavalry, infantry, and naval forces number somewhat more than a million.” Quan asked, “Can that figure be a deception?” Kongming replied, “It is no deception. Cao Cao already had two hundred thousand Qingzhou troops in Yanzhou. After defeating Yuan Shao, he gained another five or six hundred thousand. He newly recruited three or four hundred thousand troops in the Central Plain, and now has acquired another two or three hundred thousand from Jingzhou. By this reckoning, his forces number no fewer than one million five hundred thousand. I said one million only because I feared alarming the gentlemen of Jiangdong.”

Hearing this, Lu Su, who stood nearby, changed color and signaled Kongming with his eyes, but Kongming pretended not to see. Quan asked, “And how many fighting generals does Cao Cao have under his command?” Kongming replied, “His resourceful and farsighted advisers, and his generals practiced and seasoned in war, surely number more than one or two thousand!” Quan asked, “Now that Cao Cao has subdued Jing and Chu, does he entertain further ambitions?” Kongming replied, “At this very moment he is laying camps along the river and preparing warships. If he does not intend to take Jiangdong, what land can he be waiting to seize?” Quan said, “If he intends to annex us, I ask you to decide for me whether we should fight or refrain from fighting.” Kongming replied, “I have one thing to say, but fear you will be unwilling to heed it, General.” Quan said, “I wish to hear your lofty judgment.” Kongming replied, “Formerly, when the realm was in great disorder, you, General, rose in Jiangdong, while Liu of Yuzhou gathered his followers south of the Han, and together you contended with Cao Cao for the realm. Cao has now cut down the chief obstacles, and the country is almost pacified. Recently he also destroyed Jingzhou, and his might has shaken all within the seas. Even if heroes remain, they have nowhere to employ their prowess. Therefore Yuzhou fled here. I hope, General, that you will weigh your strength and act accordingly. If, with the multitudes of Wu and Yue, you are able to contend with the Central Plain, it would be best to break with Cao Cao at once. If you are unable, why not follow the counsels of your advisers, halt your troops, bind up your armor, face north, and serve him?”

Before Quan could answer, Kongming continued, “Outwardly, General, you assume the name of submission, but inwardly you harbor doubts and contrary intentions. If, when matters are urgent, you fail to decide, calamity will be upon you within days!” Quan said, “If what you say is true, why does Liu of Yuzhou not surrender to Cao?” Kongming replied, “In ancient times Tian Heng was merely a brave man of Qi, yet he upheld righteousness and refused humiliation. How much less could Liu of Yuzhou—a scion of the imperial house, a hero whose talents surpass the age, and a man revered by all worthy men—submit? If his undertaking does not succeed, that is the will of Heaven. How could he ever abase himself beneath another?”

When Sun Quan heard these words, his expression suddenly changed in anger. He swept his robe aside, rose, and withdrew into the rear hall. The others all sneered, then dispersed. Lu Su reproached Kongming, saying, “Why did you speak such words, Master? Fortunately, my lord is broad-minded and magnanimous and did not rebuke you to your face. Your words treated him with far too much contempt.” Kongming threw back his head and laughed. “How can he be so incapable of tolerating others? I have a plan of my own to defeat Cao Cao, but since he did not ask me, I deliberately said nothing.” Su replied, “If you truly have an excellent plan, I shall ask my lord to seek your instruction.” Kongming said, “I regard Cao Cao’s million soldiers as nothing but a swarm of ants! One motion of my hand, and they will all be ground to powder!”

When Lu Su heard this, he immediately entered the rear hall and saw Sun Quan. Quan’s anger had not yet subsided. Turning to Su, he said, “Kongming has insulted me intolerably!” Su replied, “I too reproached Kongming for this, but he laughed instead and said that my lord was incapable of tolerating others. He has a plan to defeat Cao, but refuses to reveal it lightly. Why does my lord not ask him for it?” Quan’s anger changed to delight. “So Kongming has an excellent plan and deliberately used words to provoke me. In my momentary shallowness, I nearly ruined a great undertaking.” He then returned to the hall with Lu Su and again invited Kongming to converse. On seeing him, Quan apologized, saying, “Just now I rashly offended your dignity. I trust you will not hold it against me.” Kongming also apologized, saying, “My words were offensive. I beg your forgiveness.” Quan invited Kongming into the rear hall and had wine set out to entertain him.

After several rounds of wine, Quan said, “The men Cao Cao has hated throughout his life are Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu of Yuzhou, and myself. Now those several heroes have been destroyed, and only Yuzhou and I remain. I cannot take all the lands of Wu and submit them to another’s control. My decision is made. No one but Liu of Yuzhou can stand with me against Cao Cao. Yet after Yuzhou’s recent defeat, how can he withstand this danger?” Kongming replied, “Though Yuzhou has lately been defeated, Guan Yunchang still commands ten thousand picked troops, while Liu Qi leads no fewer than ten thousand fighting men of Jiangxia. Cao Cao’s host has come from afar and is weary. During the recent pursuit of Yuzhou, his light cavalry traveled three hundred li in a single day and night. This is what is meant by saying, ‘At the end of its flight, the strongest crossbow bolt cannot pierce the thinnest silk of Lu.’ Moreover, men of the north are unpracticed in naval warfare. The soldiers and people of Jingzhou who have attached themselves to Cao did so only under compulsion, not from their true hearts. If you, General, can sincerely join strength and purpose with Yuzhou, Cao’s army will certainly be defeated. Once defeated, Cao must return north. Then the power of Jing and Wu will grow strong, and the three-legged balance will take form. The moment that determines success or failure lies today. The decision rests with you alone, General.”

Quan was overjoyed and said, “Your words, Master, have suddenly cleared away the thicket that blinded me. My mind is made up, and I have no further doubts. This very day I shall deliberate on raising troops so that together we may destroy Cao Cao.” He then ordered Lu Su to communicate this resolve to the civil and military officers and to escort Kongming back to the posthouse to rest.

When Zhang Zhao learned that Sun Quan intended to raise troops, he said to the others, “He has fallen into Kongming’s scheme!” He hurried in to see Quan and said, “We have heard that my lord intends to raise troops and contend with Cao Cao. Let my lord consider how he compares with Yuan Shao. In former days Cao Cao had few soldiers and generals, yet still defeated Yuan Shao in a single onslaught. How much less may he be taken lightly today, when he commands a million men and is marching south? If you heed Zhuge Liang’s words and recklessly mobilize your troops, it will be what is called carrying firewood to extinguish a blaze.” Sun Quan merely lowered his head and said nothing. Gu Yong said, “Because Liu Bei was defeated by Cao Cao, he now wishes to borrow the forces of Jiangdong to resist him. Why should my lord allow himself to be used by Liu Bei? I beg you to heed Zibu’s counsel.”

Sun Quan pondered, still undecided. Zhang Zhao and the others withdrew, and Lu Su entered to see him, saying, “Zhang Zibu and the others have just urged my lord once more not to mobilize, insisting instead upon surrender. These are all ministers who seek to preserve their own bodies and protect their wives and children; their counsels are devised for their own benefit. I beg my lord not to heed them.” Sun Quan remained deep in thought. Su continued, “If my lord continues to hesitate, he will certainly be misled by the others.” Quan replied, “Withdraw for the moment and allow me to think the matter over thoroughly.” Lu Su then withdrew. At this time, some of the military officers favored war, while all the civil officials favored surrender, and their clashing arguments produced no agreement.

Now Sun Quan withdrew into his private apartments, where he could neither sleep nor eat, remaining hesitant and undecided. Lady Wu saw his condition and asked, “What matter weighs upon your mind, that you have given up both sleep and food?” Quan replied, “Cao Cao has now stationed his army along the Yangtze and the Han, and intends to descend upon the lands south of the river. When I question my civil and military officers, some favor surrender and others favor war. If I choose to fight, I fear our few cannot withstand his multitude. If I choose to surrender, I fear Cao Cao will not spare me. Therefore I hesitate and cannot decide.” Lady Wu said, “Why do you not remember your elder aunt’s dying words?” Like a drunkard suddenly sobered, like a dreamer newly awakened, Sun Quan recalled those words. Indeed: “He called to mind the dying words of the Mother of the State, and thereby brought Zhou Yu forth to win the glory of war.” What those words were will be revealed in the chapter that follows.

Zhuge Liang Wages a Battle of Words with the Scholars; Lu Su Prevails Against All Dissent

Lu Su and Kongming took leave of Xuande and Liu Qi, boarded a boat, and headed for Chaisang Commandery. As they traveled, Lu Su said to Kongming, “When you meet General Sun, you must not tell him the truth about how numerous Cao Cao’s troops and generals are.” Kongming replied, “There is no need for you to remind me, Zijing. I know how to answer him.” When the boat reached shore, Lu Su asked Kongming to rest for the time being at the posthouse, then went ahead to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan was in the main hall, conferring with his civil and military officers. When he heard that Lu Su had returned, he promptly summoned him and asked, “Zijing, what did you discover about the true situation on your journey to Jiangxia?” Lu Su replied, “I have learned the general situation, but allow me to report it in detail later.” Sun Quan showed him Cao Cao’s proclamation and said, “Yesterday Cao Cao sent an envoy here with this document. I dismissed the envoy for the time being, and we are now assembled to discuss the matter, but have not yet reached a decision.” Lu Su took the proclamation and read it. It said in essence:

I have lately received the Emperor’s command and obeyed his edict to punish the guilty. When my banners pointed south, Liu Cong surrendered without a struggle, and the people of Jingzhou and Xiangyang submitted at the mere report of my coming. I now command a million valiant troops and a thousand senior generals. I wish to join you in a hunt at Jiangxia, destroy Liu Bei together, divide his territory between us, and establish a lasting and friendly alliance. I trust you will not hesitate, but will send me your reply without delay.

When Lu Su finished reading, he asked, “What is my lord’s considered opinion?” Sun Quan replied, “I have not yet reached a decision.” Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao commands a million men and uses the Son of Heaven’s name to campaign throughout the realm. To resist him would be defiance of the imperial will. Moreover, the chief strategic advantage that allowed my lord to resist Cao Cao was the Yangtze River. Now that Cao Cao has taken Jingzhou, he shares the Yangtze’s natural defenses with us, and his power cannot be opposed. In my humble opinion, submission is the surest course for complete security.” All the other advisers said, “Zibu’s words are entirely in accord with Heaven’s will.” Sun Quan brooded in silence. Zhang Zhao continued, “My lord need not harbor so many doubts. If you submit to Cao Cao, the people of the Eastland will be safe, and the six commanderies south of the Yangtze can be preserved.” Sun Quan lowered his head and said nothing.

After a while, Sun Quan rose to change his clothes, and Lu Su followed behind him. Knowing what Lu Su intended, Sun Quan took his hand and said, “What do you think I should do?” Lu Su replied, “What the others said just now will gravely mislead you, General. They may all surrender to Cao Cao, but you alone cannot.” Sun Quan asked, “Why do you say that?” Lu Su replied, “If men like me surrender to Cao Cao, he will send me back to my native district, and through successive promotions I would still rise to the rank of commandery governor. But if you surrender to Cao Cao, General, where could you go? Your rank would be no higher than marquis; you would have no more than one carriage, one horse, and a few attendants. How could you still face south and style yourself sovereign? The others are each thinking only of themselves. You must not listen to them. You should settle your great plan at once.”

Sun Quan sighed and said, “The others’ arguments have greatly disappointed me. Zijing, the great plan you have explained agrees exactly with my own view. Heaven itself has bestowed you upon me! But Cao Cao has newly acquired Yuan Shao’s forces and recently gained the troops of Jingzhou as well. I fear his power is now too great to resist.” Lu Su said, “When I went to Jiangxia, I brought back Zhuge Jin’s younger brother, Zhuge Liang. He is here now. My lord may question him and learn the true situation.” Sun Quan said, “Is Master Sleeping Dragon here?” Lu Su replied, “He is resting at the posthouse.” Sun Quan said, “It is late today, so I will not meet him yet. Tomorrow, assemble the civil and military officers beneath my command tent. First let him meet the outstanding men of the Eastland, and afterward we will enter the hall to discuss affairs.”

Lu Su accepted the command and left. The next day, he went to the posthouse to see Kongming and again urged him, “When you meet my lord today, you must not say that Cao Cao has a great many troops.” Kongming smiled and said, “I will adapt to circumstances. I certainly will not make a mistake.” Lu Su then led Kongming to the command headquarters. Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and a group of more than twenty civil and military officers were already there, wearing lofty caps and broad sashes, their robes arranged as they sat upright. Kongming met them one by one and asked each man’s name. When the courtesies were complete, he sat in the guest’s place. Seeing Kongming’s elegant bearing and imposing presence, Zhang Zhao and the others guessed that he had surely come to persuade them. Zhang Zhao was the first to provoke him, saying, “I am only an insignificant scholar of the Eastland. I have long heard that while you lived in seclusion at Longzhong, you compared yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Is that truly so?” Kongming replied, “That is only a modest comparison I have made throughout my life.” Zhang Zhao said, “I recently heard that Liu, Governor of Yuzhou, paid three visits to your thatched cottage and was fortunate enough to obtain your service. He felt like a fish returned to water and intended to sweep across Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Yet now, all at once, that territory belongs to Cao Cao. I wonder what your guiding strategy was.”

Kongming thought to himself that Zhang Zhao was the foremost adviser under Sun Quan, and unless he first confounded him, there would be no persuading Sun Quan. He therefore replied, “In my view, taking the territory along the Han River would have been as easy as turning over my hand. My lord Liu, Governor of Yuzhou, personally practices benevolence and righteousness and could not bear to seize the inheritance of a member of his own clan, so he firmly refused it. Liu Cong was a mere child who trusted slanderous counsel and secretly surrendered, allowing Cao Cao to run rampant. My lord is now stationed at Jiangxia and has another excellent plan, one that ordinary men cannot comprehend.”

Zhang Zhao said, “If that is so, then your words and deeds contradict each other. You compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Guan Zhong served as Duke Huan’s minister, made him hegemon over the feudal lords, and brought the whole realm into order. Yue Yi supported the feeble state of Yan and captured more than seventy cities of Qi. Those two men truly possessed the ability to save their age. While you were in your thatched cottage, you merely lived proudly at ease amid the wind and moonlight, clasping your knees as you sat aloof. Now that you have entered the service of Liu, Governor of Yuzhou, you should bring benefits to the people, eliminate their suffering, and destroy the rebels who bring disorder. Before Liu of Yuzhou obtained your service, he still moved freely throughout the realm and held cities and territory. Once he obtained you, everyone looked up to him. Even children three feet tall said that the fierce tiger had grown wings, and expected to see the Han restored and the Cao clan destroyed at once. Former ministers of the court and recluses of the mountains and forests all rubbed their eyes and waited, believing that this was the moment when the clouds obscuring the high heavens would be swept aside, the brilliance of the sun and moon revealed, the people rescued from fire and flood, and the whole realm laid upon a peaceful bed. Yet after you joined Yuzhou, the moment Cao Cao’s army appeared, you threw away armor and spears and fled at the mere report of its approach. Above, you were unable to repay Liu Biao by bringing peace to the common people; below, you were unable to assist his orphaned son in holding the territory. Instead, you abandoned Xinye, fled to Fancheng, were defeated at Dangyang, and ran to Xiakou, with nowhere left to shelter. Thus, after obtaining your service, Yuzhou has actually fared worse than before. Did Guan Zhong and Yue Yi truly act like this? These are the blunt words of a foolish man. I hope you will not take offense!”

When Kongming had heard him out, he laughed softly and said, “When the great peng soars ten thousand miles, how could common birds comprehend its ambition? Suppose a man is suffering from a grave and lingering illness. He must first be given thin rice gruel to drink and mild medicine to take. Once his internal organs are in harmony and his body gradually recovers, he may be nourished with meat and treated with powerful medicine. In that way, the root of the illness will be wholly removed and the man’s life preserved. But if, before his vital energies and pulse have stabilized, one immediately gives him strong medicine and rich food, it will truly be difficult to keep him safe. My lord Liu, Governor of Yuzhou, had previously been defeated at Runan and taken refuge with Liu Biao. He had fewer than a thousand soldiers and only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun as generals. This was precisely like the moment when an illness has brought a man to the extremity of weakness. Xinye is a remote little mountain county, sparsely populated and poor in grain. Yuzhou merely borrowed it as a temporary refuge. Could he truly have intended to sit and defend it forever? His armor and weapons were incomplete, his city walls insecure, his troops untrained, and his provisions insufficient from one day to the next. Even so, he burned the enemy camp at Bowang and used the waters of the White River, striking terror into the hearts of men like Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren. In my humble opinion, even Guan Zhong and Yue Yi could not necessarily have surpassed such use of troops. As for Liu Cong’s surrender to Cao Cao, Yuzhou truly knew nothing of it beforehand. Moreover, he could not bear to take advantage of the disorder to seize the inheritance of one of his own clan. This was genuine supreme benevolence and righteousness. At the defeat at Dangyang, Yuzhou saw that hundreds of thousands of people who had rallied to his righteous cause were following him, supporting the old and carrying the young. He could not bear to abandon them, so he traveled only ten miles a day, gave no thought to pressing ahead and taking Jiangling, and willingly shared defeat with them. This too was supreme benevolence and righteousness. When the few face the many, victory and defeat are common turns of war. In former times, the High Emperor was repeatedly defeated by Xiang Yu, but achieved success in the single battle at Gaixia. Was that not due to Han Xin’s excellent strategy? Han Xin served the High Emperor for a long time, yet he did not win every battle. The great plans of a state and the safety or peril of its altars depend upon a master strategist. Such a man cannot be compared with empty braggarts who deceive others with a hollow reputation, who are unsurpassed when discussing affairs from their seats or making speeches on their feet, but who, when circumstances demand a response, prove incapable in every single instance. They are truly the laughingstock of the world!” This speech left Zhang Zhao without a single word in reply.

Suddenly, one man among those present raised his voice and asked, “Lord Cao now has a million troops encamped and a thousand generals arrayed beneath him. He advances like a dragon and glares like a tiger, ready to swallow Jiangxia whole. What do you make of that?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Yu Fan. Kongming said, “Cao Cao has gathered Yuan Shao’s ant swarm of soldiers and coerced Liu Biao’s rabble into his service. Even if they numbered several million, there would be nothing to fear.” Yu Fan sneered and said, “Your army was defeated at Dangyang, your plans exhausted at Xiakou, and now you come humbly begging others for help, yet still claim to feel no fear. This is truly deceiving people with empty boasts!” Kongming said, “How could Liu of Yuzhou’s few thousand benevolent and righteous troops oppose a million cruel and violent men? He withdrew to defend Xiakou because he is waiting for the proper time. The Eastland now has crack troops, plentiful grain, and the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, yet you still wish to make your lord bend his knee and surrender to a rebel, heedless of the whole world’s ridicule. Judged by this, Liu of Yuzhou truly does not fear the rebel Cao!” Yu Fan could not reply.

Another man among those present asked, “Does Kongming intend to imitate the tongues of Zhang Yi and Su Qin and come here to persuade the Eastland?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Bu Zhi. Kongming said, “Zishan, you regard Su Qin and Zhang Yi as mere debaters, not realizing that they too were heroes. Su Qin wore the seals of office as chief minister of six states, while Zhang Yi twice served as chief minister of Qin. Both possessed strategies to support and preserve the states of others. They cannot be compared with men who fear the strong and bully the weak, or who dread blades and shrink from swords. The moment you gentlemen heard Cao Cao’s hollow and deceitful words, you became frightened and called for surrender. How dare you laugh at Su Qin and Zhang Yi?” Bu Zhi fell silent and had nothing to say.

Suddenly, another man asked, “What kind of man does Kongming consider Cao Cao to be?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Xue Zong. Kongming replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han. Why is there any need to ask?” Xue Zong said, “Your words are mistaken. The Han has been handed down through many reigns, but its allotted span is now nearing its end. Lord Cao already possesses two-thirds of the realm, and all hearts turn toward him. Liu of Yuzhou does not understand the times decreed by Heaven and stubbornly insists on contending with him. That is like striking a rock with an egg. How could he avoid defeat?” Kongming sternly cried, “Xue Jingwen, how dare you utter such words, denying both father and sovereign? A man living between Heaven and Earth must take loyalty and filial devotion as the foundation of his conduct. Since you are a subject of the Han, whenever you see a disloyal subject, it is your duty as a minister to swear to destroy him. Cao Cao’s ancestors enjoyed the Han’s stipends without deserving them. Instead of thinking how to repay the dynasty, he harbors treasonous ambitions to usurp the throne, provoking the common outrage of the whole realm. Yet you claim that Heaven’s allotted course belongs to him. You truly acknowledge neither father nor sovereign! You are not worth speaking with! Say no more!” Xue Zong’s face filled with shame, and he could not answer.

Another man among those present immediately asked, “Although Cao Cao holds the Son of Heaven hostage to command the feudal lords, he is still a descendant of Cao Shen, the Chancellor of State. Although Liu of Yuzhou claims descent from Prince Jing of Zhongshan, there is no evidence to verify it. Plainly, he is nothing more than a weaver of mats and seller of sandals. How is he worthy to contend with Cao Cao?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Lu Ji. Kongming laughed and said, “Are you not young Master Lu, who hid oranges in his robe while seated at Yuan Shu’s banquet? Please sit quietly and listen to a few words from me. Since Cao Cao is a descendant of Chancellor Cao, his family has served as Han subjects for generations. Yet now he monopolizes power, runs wild, and bullies his sovereign and father. Thus, not only does he acknowledge no sovereign, he also dishonors his ancestors. He is not merely a rebellious minister of the Han, but an unfilial traitor to the Cao clan as well! Liu of Yuzhou is an august descendant of the imperial house, and the present Emperor consulted the genealogical register and conferred a title upon him. How can you say there is no evidence to verify his descent? Moreover, Gaozu began as a village police chief and ultimately possessed the realm. Why should weaving mats and selling sandals be considered a disgrace? Yours is the understanding of a child, unworthy of conversation with a man of distinction!” Lu Ji was left speechless.

One man among those present suddenly said, “Everything Kongming has said is forced sophistry, not sound argument. There is no need to say more. But may I ask which classics Kongming has studied?” Kongming looked at him and saw that it was Yan Jun. Kongming said, “Those who hunt through chapters and pluck out phrases are the pedantic scholars of this world. How could they establish a state and accomplish great affairs? In ancient times, Yi Yin plowed the fields of Shen, and Ziya fished along the Wei River. Men such as Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, and men like Deng Yu and Geng Yan, all possessed the talent to sustain the realm, yet I do not know which classics they studied throughout their lives. Could they have imitated petty scholars, confining themselves to brush and inkstone, splitting hairs over words and merely playing with phrases and showing off their pens?” Yan Jun lowered his head in dejection and could not reply.

Suddenly, another man said loudly, “You enjoy making grand claims, but you may not possess genuine learning. I fear you will only make yourself an object of ridicule among scholars.” Kongming looked at the man and saw that it was Cheng Deshu of Runan. Kongming replied, “There are gentlemen among scholars, and there are petty men. A gentleman scholar is loyal to his sovereign and loves his country, upholds what is right and detests what is evil, and strives to ensure that his benefits reach his own age and his name endures for generations. A petty scholar, however, devotes himself only to trivial ornamentation and specializes in literary flourishes. In his youth he composes rhapsodies; when his hair is white, he still burrows into the classics. Though a thousand words flow from his brush, he has not a single strategy in his breast. Take Yang Xiong, for example. His writing brought him fame throughout the world, yet he humbled himself to serve Wang Mang and could not avoid throwing himself from a tower to his death. He is what may be called a petty scholar. Even if such a man composed ten thousand words every day, what value would they have?” Cheng Deshu could not answer.

When the others saw Kongming answering as fluently as a flowing stream, they all lost color. Zhang Wen and Luo Tong, who were also seated there, were about to question and challenge him when a man suddenly entered from outside and cried sternly, “Kongming is an extraordinary talent of this age. For you gentlemen to assail him with your tongues is no way to show respect to a guest. Cao Cao’s great army is approaching our borders, yet instead of devising a plan to repel the enemy, you merely engage in a war of words!” Everyone looked and saw that the man was Huang Gai, courtesy name Gongfu, a native of Lingling who was then serving as the Eastland’s officer of provisions. Huang Gai said to Kongming, “I have heard that profiting through many words is inferior to remaining silent and saying nothing. Why do you not offer your words of enduring value to my lord instead of debating with these men?” Kongming replied, “These gentlemen do not understand the affairs of the age and kept challenging me with questions. I had no choice but to answer.”

Huang Gai and Lu Su then led Kongming inside. When they reached the central gate, they happened to meet Zhuge Jin, and Kongming saluted him. Zhuge Jin said, “Worthy younger brother, since you have come to the Eastland, why did you not come to see me?” Kongming replied, “Since I serve Yuzhou, propriety requires that I put public business before private affairs. Until my official business is complete, I dare not attend to private matters. I hope you will forgive me, elder brother.” Zhuge Jin said, “Come and speak with me after you have met the Marquis of Wu.” With that, he left.

Lu Su said, “Do not forget what I urged you to do just now.” Kongming nodded his agreement. Lu Su led him into the hall, where Sun Quan descended the steps to welcome him and treated him with the greatest courtesy. When they had exchanged salutations, Sun Quan gave Kongming a seat. The civil and military officers stood in two rows. Lu Su stood beside Kongming, watching closely to see what he would say. After conveying Xuande’s message, Kongming glanced covertly at Sun Quan. He had blue-green eyes, a purple beard, and a majestic appearance. Kongming thought to himself, “This man has an extraordinary physiognomy. He can only be provoked, not persuaded. When he questions me, I will use my words to provoke him.”

After tea had been served, Sun Quan said, “I have often heard Lu Zijing speak of your abilities. Now I am fortunate enough to meet you, and I venture to ask for your instruction.” Kongming replied, “I have little talent or learning and am unworthy of your discerning question.” Sun Quan said, “You were recently at Xinye, assisting Liu of Yuzhou in battle against Cao Cao, so you must know the true strength and weakness of his army.” Kongming said, “Liu of Yuzhou had few soldiers and generals, while Xinye was a small city without provisions. How could he have held out against Cao Cao?” Sun Quan asked, “How many troops does Cao Cao have altogether?” Kongming replied, “His cavalry, infantry, and naval forces total approximately one million.” Sun Quan asked, “Is that not an exaggeration?” Kongming replied, “It is no exaggeration. Cao Cao already had two hundred thousand Qingzhou troops in Yanzhou. After defeating Yuan Shao, he acquired another five or six hundred thousand. He newly recruited three or four hundred thousand in the Central Plains, and has now gained another two or three hundred thousand troops from Jingzhou. By that reckoning, he has no fewer than one and a half million. I said one million only because I feared frightening the gentlemen of the Eastland.”

Standing nearby, Lu Su turned pale at these words and stared meaningfully at Kongming, but Kongming pretended not to see him. Sun Quan asked, “How many battle-tested generals does Cao Cao have under his command?” Kongming replied, “He has resourceful and farsighted advisers and seasoned generals skilled in war—far more than one or two thousand!” Sun Quan asked, “Now that Cao Cao has pacified Jingzhou and Chu, does he have any further ambitions?” Kongming replied, “He is presently establishing camps along the river and preparing warships. If he does not intend to take the Eastland, what territory is he waiting to seize?” Sun Quan said, “If he intends to annex my land, then whether to fight or not to fight is a question I ask you to decide for me.” Kongming replied, “I have one thing to say, but I fear you will be unwilling to heed it, General.” Sun Quan said, “I would like to hear your wise opinion.” Kongming said, “Previously, the realm was in great disorder, so you, General, rose in the Eastland, while Liu of Yuzhou gathered forces south of the Han River, both contending with Cao Cao for the realm. Cao Cao has now swept away the greatest obstacles and has nearly pacified the land. Recently, he newly conquered Jingzhou, and his might shakes all within the seas. Even if heroes remain, they have nowhere to employ their valor. That is why Yuzhou fled here. I hope you will assess your own strength and decide accordingly. If you can use the forces of Wu and Yue to oppose the Central Plains, you would do better to break with Cao Cao at once. If you cannot, why not follow the advice of your assembled counselors, halt your troops, bind up your armor, face north, and serve him?”

Before Sun Quan could answer, Kongming continued, “Outwardly, you claim that you will submit, General, but inwardly, you harbor doubts and divided intentions. If you fail to decide when the crisis is urgent, disaster will arrive within days!” Sun Quan said, “If what you say is true, why does Liu of Yuzhou not surrender to Cao Cao?” Kongming replied, “In ancient times, Tian Heng was merely a brave man of Qi, yet he still upheld righteousness and refused humiliation. How much more is this true of Liu of Yuzhou, a descendant of the imperial house, an incomparable hero admired by all worthy men? If his cause does not succeed, that is Heaven’s will. How could he ever abase himself beneath another?”

When Sun Quan heard these words, his expression abruptly changed in anger. He swept his robe aside, rose, and withdrew into the rear hall. The others all laughed scornfully and dispersed. Lu Su rebuked Kongming, saying, “Why did you speak such words, Master? Fortunately, my lord is broad-minded and magnanimous and did not rebuke you to your face. Your words showed the greatest contempt for him.” Kongming threw back his head and laughed. “How can a man be so incapable of tolerating others? I have a plan of my own to defeat Cao Cao, but since he did not ask me, I deliberately said nothing.” Lu Su said, “If you truly have an excellent plan, I will ask my lord to seek your instruction.” Kongming replied, “I regard Cao Cao’s million men as nothing more than a swarm of ants! With a single wave of my hand, I can grind them all into powder!”

On hearing this, Lu Su immediately entered the rear hall to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan’s anger had not yet subsided. Turning to Lu Su, he said, “Kongming has insulted me intolerably!” Lu Su replied, “I also rebuked Kongming for it, but he laughed and said that my lord was incapable of tolerating others. Kongming has a plan to defeat Cao Cao but refuses to reveal it lightly. Why do you not ask him for it, my lord?” Sun Quan’s anger turned to delight. “So Kongming has an excellent strategy and deliberately used his words to provoke me. In a moment of shallow understanding, I nearly ruined a great undertaking.” He and Lu Su immediately returned to the hall and again invited Kongming to speak with them. On seeing Kongming, Sun Quan apologized. “Just now, I rudely offended your dignity. I hope you will not hold it against me.” Kongming also apologized. “My words were offensive. I beg your forgiveness.” Sun Quan invited Kongming into the rear hall and had wine set out for him.

After several rounds of wine, Sun Quan said, “The men Cao Cao has always hated are Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu of Yuzhou, and myself. Now those other heroes have been destroyed, leaving only Yuzhou and me. I cannot use the whole land of Wu merely to place myself under another man’s control. My decision is made. No one but Liu of Yuzhou can stand with me against Cao Cao. Yet after Yuzhou’s recent defeat, how can he withstand this crisis?” Kongming replied, “Although Yuzhou has recently been defeated, Guan Yunchang still commands ten thousand crack troops, while Liu Qi leads no fewer than ten thousand fighting men from Jiangxia. Cao Cao’s forces have come from afar and are exhausted. In their recent pursuit of Yuzhou, his light cavalry covered three hundred miles in a single day and night. This is what is meant by, ‘At the end of its flight, even a powerful crossbow bolt cannot pierce the thinnest Lu silk.’ Moreover, northerners are unaccustomed to naval warfare. The soldiers and people of Jingzhou who have joined Cao Cao did so only because circumstances compelled them, not because it was their true desire. If you, General, can sincerely join strength and purpose with Yuzhou, Cao Cao’s army will certainly be defeated. Once Cao Cao’s army is defeated, it will surely return north. Jingzhou and Wu will then grow strong, and the three-legged balance of power will take shape. The decisive moment for success or failure is today. It is for you alone, General, to judge.”

Sun Quan was delighted and said, “Your words, Master, have suddenly cleared away everything that obstructed my understanding. My mind is made up, and I have no further doubts. This very day, I will discuss raising troops so that together we may destroy Cao Cao.” He then ordered Lu Su to communicate this decision to the civil and military officers and escort Kongming back to the posthouse to rest.

When Zhang Zhao learned that Sun Quan intended to raise troops, he said to the others, “He has fallen into Kongming’s scheme!” He hurried in to see Sun Quan and said, “We have heard that my lord intends to raise troops and contend with Cao Cao. Consider how you compare with Yuan Shao, my lord. In the past, when Cao Cao had few troops and generals, he was still able to defeat Yuan Shao in a single onslaught. Now he commands a million men and is campaigning southward. How can he be taken lightly? If you listen to Zhuge Liang’s words and recklessly mobilize your troops, it will be what is called carrying firewood to put out a fire.” Sun Quan merely lowered his head and said nothing. Gu Yong said, “Liu Bei was defeated by Cao Cao, so he wishes to borrow the Eastland’s troops to resist him. Why should my lord allow himself to be used by Liu Bei? I urge you to heed Zibu’s words.”

Sun Quan pondered without reaching a decision. After Zhang Zhao and the others left, Lu Su entered and said, “Zhang Zibu and the others have again urged my lord not to mobilize the troops and have strongly advocated surrender. These are ministers concerned only with preserving their own bodies and protecting their wives and children. Their plans are for their own benefit. I urge my lord not to listen to them.” Sun Quan continued to brood. Lu Su said, “If my lord remains undecided, the others will certainly lead you astray.” Sun Quan replied, “Withdraw for the time being and allow me to think it over carefully.” Lu Su then withdrew. At the time, some of the military officers wanted to fight, while all the civil officials wanted to surrender. Their arguments were divided and tumultuous.

Sun Quan withdrew into his private residence, where he could neither eat nor sleep in peace, wavering and unable to decide. When Lady Wu saw him in this state, she asked, “What weighs upon your mind so heavily that you have given up both food and sleep?” Sun Quan replied, “Cao Cao has now stationed his troops along the Yangtze and Han rivers and intends to descend upon the south. When I ask my civil and military officers, some want to surrender and others want to fight. If I choose to fight, I fear our few cannot withstand his many. If I choose to surrender, I fear Cao Cao will not tolerate me. That is why I remain undecided.” Lady Wu said, “Why do you not remember what my elder sister said as she lay dying?” Sun Quan woke as if from drunkenness and came to his senses as though emerging from a dream. At last, he recalled those words. Indeed:

He called to mind the state mother’s dying word,And thus was Zhou Yu led to win glory in war.

What exactly had she said? Read on to learn how the story unfolds.