As the previous chapter closed, Zhou Yu had suffered a crushing defeat, ambushed by Guan Yu, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan—three armies Zhuge Liang had pre-positioned. Huang Gai and Han Dang barely managed to rescue him back to his boat, but countless naval forces were lost. Gazing up at the hilltop where Liu Bei and Lady Sun, with their retinue of carriages and servants, stood watching, how could Zhou Yu not seethe with rage? His arrow wound, still unhealed, burst open from the fury, and he collapsed unconscious. The generals revived him, and the fleet fled. Zhuge Liang ordered no pursuit, returning with Liu Bei to Jing Province to celebrate and reward the troops.
Zhou Yu retreated to Chaisang. Jiang Qin and his men returned to Nanxu to report to Sun Quan. Sun Quan, burning with anger, wished to appoint Cheng Pu as Commander-in-Chief and raise an army to seize Jing Province. Zhou Yu also submitted a memorial, begging for war to avenge the humiliation. Zhang Zhao advised against it: "You cannot do this. Cao Cao broods day and night over his defeat at Red Cliffs, but he fears the alliance between Sun and Liu, so he dares not act. If you, my lord, let a moment's rage drive you to attack an ally, Cao Cao will surely exploit your weakness and strike. The state would be in grave danger." Gu Yong added, "Do you think Xuchang lacks spies? If Cao Cao learns of discord between Sun and Liu, he will send envoys to win over Liu Bei. Liu Bei, fearing our wrath, might well surrender to Cao. If that happens, when will the lands south of the river ever know peace? The better plan is to send an envoy to Xuchang, nominating Liu Bei as Provincial Governor of Jing Province. When Cao Cao hears this, he will fear a strengthened alliance and hesitate to attack the southeast. This will also prevent Liu Bei from harboring resentment against you. Then we can send a trusted agent to sow discord between Cao and Liu, setting them against each other. While they fight, we can seize our opportunity. That is the wiser course." Sun Quan said, "Your words, Yuantan, are excellent. But who can serve as envoy?" Gu Yong replied, "There is a man here whom Cao Cao respects and admires. He would be perfect." Sun Quan asked who. Gu Yong said, "Hua Xin is here. Why not send him?" Sun Quan, delighted, immediately dispatched Hua Xin with the nomination memorial to Xuchang. Hua Xin accepted the mission and journeyed directly to Xuchang to see Cao Cao. Learning that Cao Cao was gathering his officials at Yejun to celebrate the completion of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, Hua Xin went to Yejun to await an audience.
Ever since his defeat at Red Cliffs, Cao Cao had constantly plotted revenge, but the alliance between Sun and Liu made him cautious. In the spring of the fifteenth year of the Jian'an era, the Bronze Sparrow Terrace was completed. Cao Cao convened a grand assembly of civil and military officials at Yejun to celebrate. The terrace stood directly overlooking the Zhang River. At the center was the Bronze Sparrow Terrace; to the left, the Jade Dragon Terrace; to the right, the Golden Phoenix Terrace. Each rose a hundred feet high, connected by two bridges above. A thousand gates and ten thousand doors gleamed with gold and jade. On this day, Cao Cao, wearing a golden cap studded with gems, a green brocade robe, a jade belt, and pearl-encrusted shoes, sat high above. Civil and military officials stood in attendance below the terrace.
Cao Cao wished to watch his military officers compete in archery. He ordered an attendant to hang a war robe of red Sichuan brocade on a willow branch, set up a target a hundred paces away, and divide the officers into two teams: the Cao clan members in red, the rest in green. Each man carried a carved bow and long arrows, mounted his horse, and awaited the command. Cao Cao issued the order: "Whoever hits the red center of the target shall be awarded the brocade robe. Whoever misses shall drink a cup of water as penalty." No sooner had the order been given than a young general from the red team galloped forward. The crowd recognized him as Cao Xiu. Cao Xiu raced his horse back and forth three times, nocked an arrow, drew his bow to the full, and let fly. The arrow struck the red center perfectly. Drums and gongs thundered as the crowd cheered. Cao Cao, watching from the terrace, was overjoyed. "This is my family's thousand-li colt!" he exclaimed. Just as he was about to send for the robe to be given to Cao Xiu, a rider from the green team burst forth, shouting, "Premier, the brocade robe should go to an outsider first! The clan should not jump the line!" Cao Cao saw it was Wen Ping. The officials said, "Let us see Wen Zhongye's archery." Wen Ping nocked his arrow, spurred his horse, and fired—also hitting the red center. The crowd cheered again, drums and gongs clashing. Wen Ping shouted, "Bring the robe quickly!" But from the red team, another general galloped out, crying sternly, "Wen Lie shot first—why should you take it?
Watch me settle this for you both!" He drew his bow to the full, fired, and also struck the red center. The crowd cheered in unison. It was Cao Hong. As Cao Hong moved to take the robe, another general from the green team rode out, raising his bow and shouting, "What's so special about your three shots? Watch me!" The crowd saw it was Zhang He. Zhang He wheeled his horse, twisted around, and shot backward—again hitting the red center. Four arrows now clustered together in the red center. Everyone praised, "Excellent archery!" Zhang He said, "The brocade robe should be mine!" Before he finished, a general from the red team galloped out, shouting, "What's so remarkable about a backward shot? Watch me take the center!" The crowd saw it was Xiahou Yuan. Xiahou Yuan spurred his horse to the boundary, twisted his body, and fired—his arrow lodged precisely among the other four. Drums and gongs thundered. Xiahou Yuan reined in his horse, resting his bow, and shouted, "Does this shot win the brocade robe?" From the green team, a general shouted in response, "Leave that brocade robe for me, Xu Huang!" Xiahou Yuan said, "What archery trick do you have to take it from me?" Xu Huang replied, "Hitting the red center is nothing special. Watch me take the robe itself!" He nocked an arrow, aimed at the willow branch from afar, and fired. The arrow cut the branch cleanly, and the brocade robe fell to the ground. Xu Huang snatched it up, draped it over his shoulders, galloped to the terrace, and shouted, "Thank you for the robe, Premier!" Cao Cao and all the officials praised him.
As Xu Huang turned to ride back, a green-robed general suddenly leaped out from beside the terrace, shouting, "Where are you taking that brocade robe? Leave it for me, now!" The crowd saw it was Xu Chu. Xu Huang said, "The robe is already mine. How dare you seize it by force?" Xu Chu did not answer but charged to take it. The horses drew close. Xu Huang struck at Xu Chu with his bow. Xu Chu grabbed the bow with one hand and dragged Xu Huang from his saddle. Xu Huang quickly abandoned the bow, twisted around, and dismounted. Xu Chu also dismounted. The two grappled, wrestling and pummeling each other. Cao Cao hastily sent men to separate them. The brocade robe was already torn to shreds. Cao Cao ordered both men to come up to the terrace. Xu Huang glared with fury; Xu Chu gnashed his teeth. Both still wanted to fight. Cao Cao laughed and said, "I was merely testing your courage! Do you think I begrudge a single brocade robe?" He then ordered all the generals to come up to the terrace, where each was given a bolt of Shu brocade. The generals all thanked him. Cao Cao commanded them to sit in order of rank. Music played in competition, and dishes of land and sea were laid out. Civil and military officials took turns toasting, cups passing back and forth in a grand exchange.
Cao Cao turned to the civil officials and said, "Our military men have entertained us with archery, showing their valor. But you, gentlemen, are all scholars steeped in learning. Now that we have ascended this lofty terrace, should you not offer fine verses to commemorate this glorious occasion?" The officials bowed and said, "We obey your command." A group of civil officials—Wang Lang, Zhong Yao, Wang Can, and Chen Lin—presented poems. The verses praised Cao Cao's immense virtue and merit, suggesting he was destined to receive the Mandate of Heaven. Cao Cao read them all, then laughed and said, "Your excellent works flatter me too much. I was born simple and ignorant, first recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt (Xiàolián, a Han-dynasty civil service recommendation based on filial piety and incorrupt conduct) candidate. When chaos erupted across the realm, I built a study fifty li east of Qiao County, intending to read in spring and summer, hunt in autumn and winter, and wait for the world to be at peace before taking office. But the court summoned me to be a Colonel of the Standard Army, so I changed my plans. I devoted myself to punishing rebels for the state and winning merit. My only wish after death was to have an inscription on my tombstone reading: 'The Tomb of Marquis Cao, Former General Who Conquers the West for Han.' That would have fulfilled my life's ambition. Thinking back, since I punished Dong Zhuo, suppressed the Yellow Turbans, eliminated Yuan Shu, defeated Lü Bu, destroyed Yuan Shao, and pacified Liu Biao, I have settled the realm. Now I am Chancellor, the highest honor a subject can attain. What more could I desire? If I were not here, who knows how many would declare themselves emperor or king? Some see my power and foolishly suspect me of treason. That is a grave mistake. I often recall Confucius's praise of King Wen's supreme virtue—these words are engraved on my heart. But if I were to relinquish my troops and retire to my fief of Wuping, that is truly impossible. For if I lay down my military command, I would be vulnerable to attack. If I fall, the state would be in peril. So I cannot pursue empty fame and invite real disaster. You gentlemen surely understand my intentions." All the officials rose and bowed, saying, "Not even Yi Yin or the Duke of Zhou surpassed you, Premier." A poet of later times reflected: "When the Duke of Zhou feared slander, and Wang Mang feigned humility—had they died in those moments, who would have known their true hearts?"
Cao Cao drank several cups in a row and, growing tipsy, called for brush and ink, intending to compose a poem for the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. But just as he set brush to paper, a report arrived: "Hua Xin, envoy from Eastern Wu, presents a memorial nominating Liu Bei as Provincial Governor of Jing Province. Sun Quan has married his sister to Liu Bei, and most of the nine commanderies north of the Han River now belong to Liu Bei." Cao Cao was so startled that his hands trembled and he dropped the brush. Cheng Yu asked, "Premier, you faced arrows and stones in the midst of ten thousand troops without flinching. Why does news of Liu Bei taking Jing Province shake you so?" Cao Cao replied, "Liu Bei is a dragon among men, but he never had water to swim in. Now he has Jing Province—the trapped dragon has entered the ocean. How can I not be alarmed?" Cheng Yu said, "Does the Premier know Hua Xin's true purpose?" Cao Cao said, "No." Cheng Yu explained, "Sun Quan fears Liu Bei and wanted to attack him, but he worried you would strike from the rear. So he sent Hua Xin with this nomination—to soothe Liu Bei and block your ambition." Cao Cao nodded. "You are right." Cheng Yu continued, "I have a plan to make Sun and Liu devour each other. Then, Premier, you can strike and destroy both enemies in one blow." Cao Cao, delighted, asked for the plan. Cheng Yu said, "Eastern Wu relies on Zhou Yu. If you, Premier, nominate Zhou Yu as Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery and Cheng Pu as Grand Administrator of Jiangxia, while keeping Hua Xin at court with a high post, Zhou Yu will surely become an enemy of Liu Bei. While they fight each other, we can seize the opportunity. Is that not excellent?" Cao Cao said, "Zhongde, your words match my thoughts exactly." He then summoned Hua Xin to the terrace and rewarded him generously. That day, when the feast ended, Cao Cao led his civil and military officials back to Xuchang. He submitted a memorial nominating Zhou Yu as Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery and Cheng Pu as Grand Administrator of Jiangxia. Hua Xin was appointed Junior Minister of Justice and kept in Xuchang.
When the imperial envoy reached Eastern Wu, Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu each accepted their posts. Now that Zhou Yu governed Nan Commandery, his desire for revenge burned hotter. He submitted a memorial to Sun Quan, begging him to order Lu Su to demand the return of Jing Province. Sun Quan commanded Lu Su, "You once guaranteed the loan of Jing Province to Liu Bei. Now he delays and delays. When will he return it?" Lu Su replied, "The agreement clearly states: he will return it after taking Western Sichuan." Sun Quan scolded him, "He talks of taking Western Sichuan but never moves his troops. Will we wait until we are old and gray?" Lu Su said, "I am willing to go and speak with him." He then took a boat to Jing Province.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were amassing grain and training troops in Jing Province. Scholars from near and far flocked to them. Suddenly, Lu Su's arrival was announced. Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang, "What does Zijing want this time?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Sun Quan's nomination of you as Provincial Governor was a ploy to deter Cao Cao. Cao Cao's appointment of Zhou Yu as Grand Administrator of Nan Commandery is meant to set us against each other so he can profit. Now Lu Su comes because Zhou Yu, having received his post, wants to demand Jing Province." Liu Bei asked, "How should I answer him?" Zhuge Liang said, "When Lu Su brings up Jing Province, my lord, you must burst into loud weeping. When your tears flow most bitterly, I will come out and mediate."
The plan set, they received Lu Su into the residence. After the formalities, they sat down. Lu Su said, "Now that the Imperial Uncle has become the son-in-law of Eastern Wu, I am your subject. How dare I sit?" Liu Bei smiled and said, "Zijing, you are an old friend. Why be so modest?" Lu Su then took his seat. After tea, Lu Su said, "I come on the direct orders of the Lord of Wu, solely about Jing Province. The Imperial Uncle has borrowed it for some time but has not yet returned it. Now that our two houses are bound by marriage, you should, out of kinship, hand it over soon." Liu Bei, hearing this, covered his face and wept bitterly. Lu Su, startled, asked, "Imperial Uncle, why this?" Liu Bei continued sobbing without pause.
Zhuge Liang emerged from behind a screen and said, "I have been listening for some time. Zijing, do you know the reason for my lord's tears?" Lu Su said, "I truly do not." Zhuge Liang said, "Is it not obvious? When my lord first borrowed Jing Province, he promised to return it after taking Western Sichuan. But upon reflection, Liu Zhang of Yi Province is my lord's clansman—both are flesh and blood of the Han house. If we raise an army to take his cities, we fear the world's scorn. If we do not take it, and return Jing Province, where would my lord find refuge? If we do not return it, it would be discourteous to his brother-in-law. The matter is truly a dilemma, and so the tears flow from his wounded heart." As Zhuge Liang spoke, Liu Bei's sorrow was truly stirred. He beat his chest and stamped his feet, wailing loudly. Lu Su tried to comfort him: "Imperial Uncle, do not grieve. Discuss this with Kongming and find a long-term plan." Zhuge Liang said, "I beg Zijing to return and speak to the Lord of Wu. Do not begrudge a few words. Tell him of this painful dilemma and ask for more time." Lu Su said, "What if the Lord of Wu refuses?" Zhuge Liang replied, "The Lord of Wu has married his own sister to the Imperial Uncle. How could he refuse? I trust you will speak well on our behalf."
Lu Su, a kind and generous elder, saw Liu Bei's genuine grief and could only agree. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang bowed in thanks. After the feast, they saw Lu Su to his boat. Lu Su went directly to Chaisang and reported everything to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu stamped his foot and said, "Zijing, you have fallen for Zhuge Liang's trick again! When Liu Bei relied on Liu Biao, he always planned to swallow him up. How could he hesitate to take Western Sichuan from Liu Zhang? This stalling will only bring trouble upon you, my friend. I have a plan that will ensure Zhuge Liang cannot escape my calculations. You must go again." Lu Su said, "I would hear this excellent plan." Zhou Yu said, "Zijing, do not go to see the Lord of Wu. Go back to Jing Province and tell Liu Bei: Since Sun and Liu are now one family through marriage, if Liu Bei cannot bear to take Western Sichuan, Eastern Wu will raise an army and take it for him. When we take it, we will give it to him as a dowry, and he can return Jing Province to us." Lu Su said, "Western Sichuan is far away and difficult to take. Commander, is this plan not unwise?" Zhou Yu laughed and said, "Zijing, you are truly a kind man. Do you think I actually intend to take Western Sichuan for him? I am using this as a pretext. My real target is Jing Province. This way, Liu Bei will be unprepared. When our Eastern Wu army passes through Jing Province on the way to 'take Sichuan,' we will demand supplies. Liu Bei will surely come out of the city to greet and reward the troops. Then we will strike and kill him, seize Jing Province, avenge my humiliation, and save you from disaster."
Lu Su was overjoyed and set off again for Jing Province. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang discussed the matter. Zhuge Liang said, "Lu Su has not seen Sun Quan. He went to Chaisang and plotted with Zhou Yu. This is a trap to lure us. When he speaks, my lord, just nod when I nod, and agree to everything." The plan was set. Lu Su entered and paid his respects. After the formalities, he said, "The Lord of Wu greatly praises the Imperial Uncle's virtue. He has discussed with his generals and decided to raise an army to take Western Sichuan on your behalf. After taking it, we will exchange it for Jing Province, with Western Sichuan as the dowry. But when the army passes through, we will need some supplies." Hearing this, Zhuge Liang quickly nodded and said, "How generous of the Lord of Wu!" Liu Bei clasped his hands and thanked him, saying, "This is all due to Zijing's kind words." Zhuge Liang said, "When your mighty army arrives, we will come far to greet and reward you." Lu Su was secretly delighted. After the feast, he took his leave and returned.
Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang, "What does this mean?" Zhuge Liang laughed heartily and said, "Zhou Yu's death is near! Even a child could see through this trick!" Liu Bei asked how. Zhuge Liang said, "This is the 'borrowing a passage to destroy Guo' strategy. In name, he takes Sichuan; in truth, he wants Jing Province. When you come out to reward the army, he will seize you and attack the city, catching us off guard." Liu Bei asked, "What should we do?" Zhuge Liang said, "Do not worry, my lord. Just prepare the hidden crossbow to catch the tiger and set the bait to hook the giant turtle. When Zhou Yu arrives, even if he doesn't die, he will be nine-tenths gone." He then summoned Zhao Yun and gave him secret orders: "Do this and this. I will handle the rest." Liu Bei was overjoyed. A poet of later times wrote: "Zhou Yu devised a plan to take Jing Province, but Zhuge Liang foresaw it first. He thought the bait on the Yangtze was safe, not knowing the hidden hook beneath."
Lu Su returned to Zhou Yu and reported that Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were delighted and were preparing to come out of the city to reward the army. Zhou Yu laughed loudly and said, "This time, he has fallen for my trap!" He ordered Lu Su to report to Sun Quan and sent Cheng Pu to lead reinforcements. Zhou Yu's arrow wound had healed, and his body was strong. He made Gan Ning the Vanguard Commander, took the second position himself with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng, and made Ling Tong and Lü Meng the rear guard. With fifty thousand troops by land and water, they advanced toward Jing Province. Zhou Yu, laughing frequently in his boat, believed Zhuge Liang had taken the bait. When the vanguard reached Xiakou, Zhou Yu asked, "Are there any men from Jing Province to welcome us?" Someone reported, "Imperial Uncle Liu has sent Mi Zhu to see you, Commander." Zhou Yu summoned Mi Zhu and asked about the reward arrangements. Mi Zhu said, "My lord has prepared everything." Zhou Yu asked, "Where is the Imperial Uncle?" Mi Zhu replied, "He is waiting outside the gates of Jing Province to toast you, Commander." Zhou Yu said, "We are undertaking a long expedition for your lord's sake. Do not be stingy with the reward." Mi Zhu acknowledged the order and returned.
The war boats lined the river in close formation, advancing in order. As they approached Gong'an, there was not a single military vessel or any sign of a welcoming party. Zhou Yu urged the boats to move faster. When they were about ten li from Jing Province, the river surface was eerily still. Scouts reported back: "On the walls of Jing Province, two white flags are flying, and not a single person is in sight." Zhou Yu grew suspicious. He ordered the boats to dock and went ashore himself, mounting his horse. Accompanied by Gan Ning, Xu Sheng, Ding Feng, and three thousand elite troops, he rode directly toward Jing Province. When they reached the city walls, there was no movement at all. Zhou Yu reined in his horse and ordered his men to call out at the gate. Someone on the wall asked who they were. The Wu soldiers replied, "Commander Zhou Yu of Eastern Wu is here in person." Before the words were finished, a sudden clang of wooden clappers rang out. On the walls, the soldiers raised their spears and swords in unison. Zhao Yun appeared on the watchtower and said, "Commander, what is the true purpose of this expedition?" Zhou Yu said, "I am taking Western Sichuan for your lord. Do you not know this yet?" Zhao Yun replied, "Military Strategist Zhuge Liang foresaw your 'borrowing a passage to destroy Guo' trick. That is why I am stationed here. My lord has a message: 'Liu Zhang and I are both of the Han imperial clan. How could I bear to betray our kinship and take his land? If Eastern Wu truly intends to take Shu, I will let my hair down and retreat into the mountains, rather than break faith with the world.'" Hearing this, Zhou Yu wheeled his horse to retreat. Just then, a man carrying a command flag reported from before his horse, "We have detected four armies converging on us from all sides! Guan Yu is advancing from Jiangling, Zhang Fei from Zigui, Huang Zhong from Gong'an, and Wei Yan from the small road at Chanling. The number of troops is unknown, but the war cries shake the land for over a hundred li, and all shout that they are coming to capture Zhou Yu!" Zhou Yu let out a great cry from his saddle. His arrow wound burst open again, and he fell from his horse.
Truly, "One move too high to counter; many calculations all come to naught."
Whether Zhou Yu lived or died, the next chapter will reveal.