When Zhuge Liang learned of Lu Su’s arrival, he and Liu Bei went outside the city to greet him. They received him at the official residence, and after exchanging courtesies, Lu Su spoke: “My lord, hearing of the passing of your noble nephew, has sent me with modest gifts to offer condolences. Grand Commander Zhou Yu also sends his most sincere regards to Imperial Uncle Liu and Master Zhuge.” Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang rose to express their thanks, accepted the gifts, and prepared wine to entertain their guest. Lu Su then said, “Previously, Imperial Uncle made a promise: when the young master passed away, Jing Province would be returned. Now that the young master has indeed departed, surely the province should be handed over. May I ask when the transfer can be arranged?”
Liu Bei replied, “Let us drink first, and we will discuss it.” Lu Su forced down several cups of wine, then raised the question again. Before Liu Bei could answer, Zhuge Liang’s expression turned fierce. He said, “Zijing, you are being most unreasonable! You must give a man time to speak! Since our Gaozu Emperor slew the white serpent and raised the righteous banner, founding this dynasty, the throne has passed down to this day. Unfortunately, treacherous heroes have risen together, each seizing a corner of the land. But Heaven’s way demands that what was divided shall return to its rightful ruler. My master is a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, a great-grandson of Emperor Jing, and uncle to the present Emperor—surely he is entitled to a portion of the realm! Moreover, Liu Biao was my master’s elder brother. Is it not proper for a younger brother to inherit his elder brother’s domain? Your master is the son of a minor official from Qiantang, who has never performed any meritorious service for the court. Now, relying on his power, he occupies six commanderies and eighty-one counties, yet his greed knows no bounds, and he seeks to swallow up the lands of Han. If the realm of Liu belongs to anyone, it belongs to my master, whose surname is Liu! Why should your master, whose surname is Sun, insist on seizing it by force? Besides, at the Battle of Red Cliffs, my master bore the brunt of the labor, and all his generals fought with utmost effort. Was it the achievement of Eastern Wu alone? If I had not borrowed the southeast wind, how could Zhou Yu have displayed even half his skill? Once the south of the Yangtze was broken, let alone placing the Two Qiaos in the Bronze Sparrow Pavilion—even your own families would not have been spared! The reason my master did not answer you immediately was that he considered you, Zijing, a man of high intelligence who would not need detailed explanation. How is it that you fail to see the truth so completely!”
This outburst left Lu Su speechless. After a long pause, he said, “Kongming’s words may have some reason, but they place me, Lu Su, in a most difficult position.” Zhuge Liang asked, “What difficulty?” Lu Su replied, “When Imperial Uncle suffered hardship at Dangyang, it was I who guided Kongming across the river to meet my lord. Later, when Zhou Yu wanted to raise an army to take Jing Province, it was I who stopped him. And when it was agreed that the province would be returned upon the young master’s death, it was I who gave my word. Now, if this promise is broken, how am I to report back? My lord and Zhou Yu will surely hold me responsible. I do not fear death, but I fear that this will provoke Eastern Wu to war, and Imperial Uncle will not be able to sit peacefully in Jing Province. He will only become a laughingstock for all the realm.” Zhuge Liang said, “Cao Cao commanded a million troops and acted in the name of the Son of Heaven, yet I paid him no heed. Do you think I fear that boy Zhou Yu? However, to spare you embarrassment, I will advise my master to draw up a written agreement to temporarily borrow Jing Province as a base. When my master has captured another city, he will return it to Eastern Wu. What do you think of this plan?” Lu Su asked, “Where will Kongming capture a city to return in place of Jing Province?” Zhuge Liang replied, “The Central Plains cannot be taken quickly. Liu Zhang of Western Sichuan is weak and incompetent; my master will take his territory. Once Western Sichuan is captured, then we will return the province.” Lu Su had no choice but to agree. Liu Bei personally wrote out the document and affixed his seal. Zhuge Liang, as guarantor, also affixed his seal. Zhuge Liang then said, “I am one of Imperial Uncle’s men—how can I be the sole guarantor? I ask you, Zijing, to also affix your seal, so that when you see the Lord of Wu, it will appear proper.” Lu Su said, “I know that Imperial Uncle is a man of benevolence and righteousness, and will surely not betray me.” So he affixed his seal and accepted the document. After the feast, he took his leave. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang escorted him to the boat. Zhuge Liang instructed him, “When you return and see the Lord of Wu, speak well of our intentions and do not let him harbor false hopes. If he does not accept our document, I will turn my face against him and seize even all eighty-one counties! For now, let both sides maintain harmony, and not give that traitor Cao Cao cause for laughter.”
Lu Su took his leave and returned by boat. He first went to Cha Sang Commandery to see Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu asked, “Zijing, how did your mission to reclaim Jing Province go?” Lu Su replied, “I have the document here.” He presented it to Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu stamped his foot and exclaimed, “Zijing, you have fallen for Zhuge Liang’s scheme! This is called ‘borrowing land,’ but in truth it is a fraud! He says he will return it after capturing Western Sichuan—who knows when he will take it? If he fails to take Western Sichuan for ten years, he will not return it for ten years! What use is such a document? And you became his guarantor! If he does not return it, you will be implicated. How will you face our lord’s wrath?” Upon hearing this, Lu Su was stunned. After a long silence, he said, “I believe Xuande will not betray me.” Zhou Yu replied, “Zijing, you are an honest man. Liu Bei is a fierce and ambitious hero, and Zhuge Liang is a cunning and treacherous schemer. They are not like you at heart.” Lu Su asked, “If that is so, what can be done?” Zhou Yu said, “Zijing, you are my benefactor. I remember how you once gave me grain from your granary when I was in need—how could I not save you now? Calm your heart and stay a few days. When the scouts I sent north of the river return, I will have another plan.” Lu Su remained anxious and uneasy.
After a few days, a scout returned and reported: “In the city of Jing Province, white banners have been raised for a memorial service. Outside the city, a new grave has been built, and the soldiers are all wearing mourning.” Zhou Yu asked in surprise, “Who has died?” The scout replied, “Liu Xuande’s Lady Gan has passed away. The funeral is being arranged immediately.” Zhou Yu said to Lu Su, “My plan is complete! We will make Liu Bei surrender with his hands tied, and Jing Province will be ours as easily as turning over our hand!” Lu Su asked, “What plan is this?” Zhou Yu replied, “Liu Bei has lost his wife; he will surely remarry. Our lord has a younger sister who is extremely fierce and brave. She has several hundred maidservants who always carry swords, and her chambers are filled with weapons—she is more formidable than any man. I will now write to our lord and suggest that he send a matchmaker to Jing Province to propose that Liu Bei come here to marry into the family. Once we lure him to Nanxu, he will not gain a wife but will be imprisoned. Then we will send someone to demand Jing Province in exchange for Liu Bei. After he hands over the province, I will have another plan. This way, you, Zijing, will be safe.” Lu Su thanked him profusely.
Zhou Yu wrote a letter and sent Lu Su on a fast boat to Nanxu to see Sun Quan. Lu Su first reported on the matter of borrowing Jing Province and presented the document. Sun Quan said, “You have been so foolish! What use is such a document?” Lu Su replied, “Grand Commander Zhou Yu has sent a letter with a plan to reclaim Jing Province.” Sun Quan read the letter, nodded with secret delight, and considered who to send. Suddenly, he thought, “It must be Lü Fan.” He summoned Lü Fan and said, “I have heard that Liu Xuande has lost his wife. I have a younger sister whom I wish to marry to Xuande, to forge a permanent bond of kinship, to unite our hearts in destroying Cao Cao, and to support the Han dynasty. You, Ziheng, must be the matchmaker. Go to Jing Province at once and propose this.” Lü Fan accepted the command, prepared his boat that very day, and set out for Jing Province with a few attendants.
Now, Liu Bei had been grieving day and night since the loss of Lady Gan. One day, while he was conversing idly with Zhuge Liang, a messenger reported that Lü Fan from Eastern Wu had arrived. Zhuge Liang smiled and said, “This is Zhou Yu’s scheme, surely about Jing Province. I will hide behind the screen and listen. Whatever he says, you must agree to. Keep the guest in the official lodging, and we will discuss the matter later.”
Liu Bei ordered Lü Fan to be invited in. After the formalities and tea, Liu Bei asked, “Ziheng, your visit must have a purpose?” Lü Fan replied, “I have recently heard that Imperial Uncle has lost his spouse. I know of an excellent match, so I have set aside all modesty and come as a matchmaker. I wonder what your esteemed opinion might be?” Liu Bei said, “To lose one’s wife in middle age is a great misfortune. Her bones are not yet cold—how can I bear to discuss remarriage?” Lü Fan replied, “A man without a wife is like a house without a beam. How can one abandon human relations midway? My lord, the Lord of Wu, has a younger sister, who is both beautiful and virtuous, and worthy to be your helpmate. If our two houses form a bond of marriage like the states of Qin and Jin, then that traitor Cao Cao will not dare to cast a covetous eye on the southeast. This matter benefits both the family and the state. I beg Imperial Uncle not to hesitate. However, the Dowager Lady Wu loves her youngest daughter dearly and will not allow her to marry far away. She insists that Imperial Uncle come to Eastern Wu for the wedding.” Liu Bei asked, “Does the Lord of Wu know of this?” Lü Fan replied, “How would I dare to propose this without first reporting to the Lord of Wu?” Liu Bei said, “I am nearly fifty years old, with graying hair. The Lord of Wu’s sister is in the prime of her youth. I fear we are not a suitable match.” Lü Fan replied, “The Lord of Wu’s sister, though a woman, has a spirit that surpasses many men. She often says, ‘I will not serve any man who is not a hero under Heaven.’ Now, Imperial Uncle’s fame resounds across the four seas. This is truly a case of a virtuous lady matching a noble gentleman. How can a difference in age be a hindrance?” Liu Bei said, “Please stay a while, and I will give you my answer tomorrow.” That day, he hosted a feast for Lü Fan and lodged him in the guesthouse.
That evening, Liu Bei consulted with Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang said, “I already know his purpose. I have just cast the divination blocks, and they yielded an extremely auspicious omen. My lord should agree. First, send Sun Qian with Lü Fan to see the Lord of Wu and confirm the betrothal. Then choose a day to go and marry.” Liu Bei said, “Zhou Yu has certainly devised this scheme to harm me. How can I walk into such a dangerous place?” Zhuge Liang laughed heartily and said, “Though Zhou Yu is skilled in schemes, how can he surpass my foresight? With a small stratagem, I will render Zhou Yu’s every plan useless. The Lord of Wu’s sister will belong to you, and Jing Province will be safe without a doubt.” Liu Bei remained hesitant and uncertain.
Nevertheless, Zhuge Liang sent Sun Qian to the south of the Yangtze to finalize the marriage arrangement. Sun Qian, following his instructions, went with Lü Fan to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan said, “I am willing to marry my younger sister to Xuande. I have no other intentions.” Sun Qian bowed his thanks and returned to Jing Province to report to Liu Bei, saying, “The Lord of Wu is awaiting my lord to come and complete the marriage.” Liu Bei was still suspicious and dared not go. Zhuge Liang said, “I have already prepared three strategies, and only Zhao Yun can carry them out.” He summoned Zhao Yun and whispered in his ear, “You will escort my lord into Wu. Take these three brocade pouches. Each contains a brilliant plan. Open them in order and follow the instructions.” He gave the three pouches to Zhao Yun, who stored them close to his body. Zhuge Liang then sent someone to Eastern Wu to deliver the betrothal gifts, and everything was arranged.
It was now the tenth month of the fourteenth year of the Jian’an era. Liu Bei, accompanied by Zhao Yun and Sun Qian, took ten fast boats and over five hundred men, leaving Jing Province and heading for Nanxu. All matters in Jing Province were left to Zhuge Liang’s discretion. Liu Bei was deeply uneasy. When they reached Nanxu and the boats docked, Zhao Yun said, “The military strategist instructed us with three strategies, to be followed in order. Now that we have arrived, we should open the first brocade pouch and read it.” So they opened the pouch and read the plan. Zhao Yun then called the five hundred accompanying soldiers and gave them specific orders, one by one. The soldiers carried out their orders. He also instructed Liu Bei to first visit the Elder Qiao. This Elder Qiao was the father of the Two Qiaos and lived in Nanxu. Liu Bei, leading a goat and carrying a jar of wine, went to pay his respects. He told Elder Qiao about the matchmaker Lü Fan and the proposed marriage. The five hundred soldiers, all dressed in red and decorated with festive ribbons, entered Nanxu to purchase goods, spreading the news that Liu Bei was marrying into Eastern Wu. Soon, everyone in the city knew of it. When Sun Quan learned that Liu Bei had arrived, he ordered Lü Fan to entertain him and lodged him in the guesthouse.
Now, Elder Qiao, after meeting Liu Bei, went to see the Dowager Lady Wu to offer his congratulations. The dowager asked, “What happy event?” Elder Qiao replied, “Your daughter has been betrothed to Liu Xuande as his wife. Xuande has already arrived. Why are you kept in the dark?” The dowager was startled and said, “I know nothing of this!” She immediately sent someone to ask Sun Quan about the truth, while also sending people into the city to investigate. The reports all came back: “It is indeed true. The groom-to-be is already resting in the guesthouse. His five hundred soldiers are buying pigs, sheep, and fruits in the city to prepare for the wedding. The matchmakers are Lü Fan for the bride’s side and Sun Qian for the groom’s, both staying in the guesthouse.” The dowager was greatly alarmed. Shortly after, Sun Quan entered the rear hall to see his mother. The dowager beat her chest and wept bitterly. Sun Quan asked, “Mother, why are you so distressed?” The dowager replied, “You treat me as if I am nothing! When your elder sister was dying, what were her final words to you?” Sun Quan, startled, said, “Mother, speak plainly. Why this torment?” The dowager said, “When a son comes of age, he should marry; when a daughter comes of age, she should be wed. This is the eternal principle. I am your mother, and such matters should be reported to me. You are marrying Liu Xuande—why did you hide it from me? Your sister is my daughter!” Sun Quan was shocked and asked, “Where did you hear this?” The dowager replied, “If you want no one to know, do nothing. Everyone in the city knows! And you try to hide it from me!” Elder Qiao added, “I have known for many days. I came today especially to offer my congratulations.” Sun Quan said, “This is not true. This was Zhou Yu’s plan. To take Jing Province, he used this as a pretext to lure Liu Bei here and imprison him, then demand the province in exchange. If Liu Bei refuses, he will be executed. This is a stratagem, not a real intention.” The dowager flew into a rage and cursed Zhou Yu: “You are the Grand Commander of six commanderies and eighty-one counties, yet you have no better plan to take Jing Province than to use my daughter’s name for a ‘beauty trap’! If Liu Bei is killed, my daughter will be a widow before marriage! How will she ever find another match? You have ruined my daughter’s life! What a disgraceful thing you have done!” Elder Qiao said, “If this plan is used, even if Jing Province is taken, it will be a laughingstock for all under Heaven. How can this be done?” Sun Quan was left speechless.
The dowager continued to curse Zhou Yu without stopping. Elder Qiao advised, “Since things have come to this, Imperial Uncle Liu is a kinsman of the Han house. Perhaps we should truly marry him to your daughter, to avoid further shame.” Sun Quan said, “The age difference may be too great.” Elder Qiao replied, “Imperial Uncle Liu is a hero of our time. If you take him as your son-in-law, it will not dishonor your sister.” The dowager said, “I have never met Liu Xuande. Tomorrow, I will meet him at Ganlu Temple. If he does not please me, you may do as you wish. If he pleases me, I will marry my daughter to him myself!” Sun Quan was a filial son and, seeing his mother so determined, immediately agreed. He went out and summoned Lü Fan, instructing him to prepare a feast in the main hall of Ganlu Temple the next day, as the dowager wished to see Liu Bei. Lü Fan said, “Why not order Jia Hua to station three hundred swordsmen in ambush in the corridors? If the dowager is displeased, at a signal, they can rush out and seize him.” Sun Quan then summoned Jia Hua and ordered him to prepare in advance, watching only for the dowager’s reaction.
Now, Elder Qiao took his leave of the dowager and sent word to Liu Bei: “Tomorrow, the Lord of Wu and the dowager will see you in person. Be very careful!” Liu Bei discussed this with Sun Qian and Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun said, “Tomorrow’s meeting bodes more harm than good. I will lead five hundred men to protect you.” The next day, the Dowager Lady Wu and Elder Qiao first arrived at the main hall of Ganlu Temple and took their seats. Sun Quan, followed by his group of advisors, arrived soon after. He then sent Lü Fan to the guesthouse to invite Liu Bei. Liu Bei wore a fine suit of armor hidden under his padded robe, and his attendants followed with swords. He mounted his horse and rode to Ganlu Temple. Zhao Yun, fully armed and armored, led the five hundred soldiers in attendance. When they reached the temple, Liu Bei dismounted and first met Sun Quan. Sun Quan, seeing Liu Bei’s extraordinary bearing, felt a sense of fear and respect. After exchanging courtesies, they entered the main hall to see the dowager. When the dowager saw Liu Bei, she was overjoyed and said to Elder Qiao, “This is truly my son-in-law!” Elder Qiao replied, “Xuande has the appearance of a dragon and a phoenix, the bearing of a son of Heaven. Moreover, his benevolence and virtue are known throughout the realm. The dowager has found an excellent son-in-law—truly a cause for celebration!” Liu Bei bowed in thanks, and they all feasted together in the hall. Shortly after, Zhao Yun entered with his sword, standing by Liu Bei’s side.
The dowager asked, “Who is this man?” Liu Bei replied, “This is Zhao Zilong of Changshan.” The dowager asked, “Is this the man who rescued the young lord at Dangyang and held him to his breast?” Liu Bei replied, “It is.” The dowager said, “A true general!” She then offered him wine. Zhao Yun whispered to Liu Bei, “I have just patrolled the corridors and saw swordsmen lying in ambush. Their intentions are certainly not good. You should inform the dowager.” Liu Bei knelt before the dowager’s table and said with tears, “If you intend to kill Liu Bei, do it here and now.” The dowager asked, “Why do you say this?” Liu Bei replied, “Swordsmen are hidden in ambush in the corridors. If not to kill me, what else?” The dowager flew into a rage and cursed Sun Quan: “Today, Xuande is my son-in-law, and thus my own child. Why have you hidden swordsmen in the corridors?” Sun Quan pretended ignorance and called for Lü Fan to ask. Lü Fan blamed Jia Hua. The dowager summoned Jia Hua and scolded him. Jia Hua stood silent and speechless. The dowager ordered him to be executed. Liu Bei pleaded, “If you kill a general, it will harm the harmony of this marriage, and I will not be able to stay long in your presence.” Elder Qiao also interceded. Only then did the dowager order Jia Hua to be driven away. The swordsmen fled in panic, covering their heads.
Liu Bei went out to change his robes and, in front of the temple, noticed a large stone in the courtyard. He drew a sword from one of his attendants, looked up to Heaven, and prayed: “If Liu Bei is fated to return to Jing Province and achieve the cause of a king or a hegemon, let this sword cleave this stone in two with one blow. If I am to die here, let the sword fail to split the stone.” With that, he raised the sword and brought it down. Sparks flew, and the stone was split in two. Sun Quan, watching from behind, asked, “Xuande, why do you bear such hatred for this stone?” Liu Bei replied, “I am nearly fifty years old, yet I have not been able to rid the realm of traitors. This has always been a source of regret. Now that I have been accepted as the dowager’s son-in-law, this is the greatest opportunity of my life. Just now, I cast a divination with Heaven, asking: if I am to destroy Cao Cao and restore Han, let this stone be broken. And so it happened.” Sun Quan thought to himself, “Is Liu Bei trying to deceive me with these words?” He also drew his sword and said to Liu Bei, “I too will cast a divination with Heaven. If I am to defeat that traitor Cao, let me also break this stone.” But in his heart, he prayed: “If I can take Jing Province and restore the fortunes of Eastern Wu, let this stone be split in two!” He raised his sword and brought it down, and the great stone was also split. To this day, a stone with a cross-shaped crack, known as the “Stone of Regret,” remains at the site. Later generations, viewing this relic, recorded a verse: “When the precious sword fell, the mountain stone was cleft; / Where the golden ring clashed, sparks of fire were born. / The fortunes of two dynasties were Heaven’s decree; / From this, the tripod’s three legs would stand, the world forever torn.”
The two men sheathed their swords and returned to the feast arm in arm. After several more rounds of wine, Sun Qian caught Liu Bei’s eye. Liu Bei excused himself, saying, “I can drink no more. I beg leave to withdraw.” Sun Quan escorted him to the front of the temple. The two stood together, gazing at the landscape of river and mountain. Liu Bei exclaimed, “This is the finest landscape under Heaven!” To this day, a plaque at Ganlu Temple reads: “The Finest Landscape Under Heaven.” Later generations composed a verse in praise: “After rain, the river and hills are wrapped in emerald green, / A realm without care, where joy is most keen. / Where once the heroes of old fixed their gaze, / The cliffs and crags still stand against the wind and waves.”
As they surveyed the scene together, a mighty river wind blew, stirring up waves like rolling snow, with whitecaps reaching to the sky. Suddenly, they saw a small boat on the waves, gliding across the river’s surface as if on level ground. Liu Bei sighed and said, “The men of the south sail boats; the men of the north ride horses.
Truly, this is so.” Sun Quan thought to himself, “Liu Bei says this to mock me for not being used to riding horses.” He ordered his attendants to bring a horse, leaped into the saddle, and galloped down the hill, then whipped the horse and rode back up the slope. Laughing, he said to Liu Bei, “Can a man of the south not ride a horse?” Hearing this, Liu Bei gathered his robes, leaped onto a horse, and galloped down the hill, then raced back up. The two men reined in their horses on the hillside, raised their whips, and laughed heartily. To this day, this place is called “The Slope of the Reined Horses.” Later generations recorded a verse: “Galloping on dragon steeds, their spirit filled the air, / The two men rode side by side, surveying hill and river. / East Wu and West Shu would become kings and hegemons, / The Slope of the Reined Horses stands eternal, a memory forever there.”
That day, the two men rode back side by side. The people of Nanxu all offered their congratulations.
Liu Bei returned to the guesthouse and discussed matters with Sun Qian. Sun Qian said, “My lord should only beg Elder Qiao to hasten the marriage, to avoid any further complications.” The next day, Liu Bei again went to Elder Qiao’s residence, dismounted at the gate. Elder Qiao received him, and after the formalities and tea, Liu Bei said, “There are many in Jiangdong who wish to harm me. I fear I cannot stay long.” Elder Qiao replied, “Xuande, set your heart at ease. I will speak to the dowager on your behalf and have her protect you.” Liu Bei thanked him and returned. Elder Qiao went to see the dowager and told her that Liu Bei feared harm and wished to return quickly. The dowager was furious and said, “My son-in-law—who would dare to harm him?” She immediately ordered that Liu Bei be moved into the official study to stay temporarily, and that a day be chosen for the wedding. Liu Bei himself went to the dowager and said, “I only fear that Zhao Yun will be inconvenienced outside, and that the soldiers will have no one to command them.” The dowager ordered them all to move into the mansion to stay, rather than remain in the guesthouse, to avoid any trouble. Liu Bei was secretly delighted.
Within a few days, a grand feast was prepared, and Lady Sun was married to Liu Bei. When evening came and the guests had departed, two rows of red candles led Liu Bei into the bridal chamber. In the lamplight, he saw the room filled with spears and swords, and the maidservants, all wearing swords and daggers, standing on both sides. Liu Bei was terrified, his soul nearly leaving his body. Truly: “Startled to see the maids standing with swords in hand, / He suspected Eastern Wu had laid an ambush in the land.” What was the meaning of this? Let the next chapter reveal.