Lady Wu, seeing Sun Quan’s lingering indecision, spoke to him: “My elder sister’s dying words were these: ‘Bofu (Sun Ce) said on his deathbed: For internal affairs, consult Zhang Zhao; for external affairs, consult Zhou Yu.’ Why not summon Gongjin (Zhou Yu) and ask his counsel?” Sun Quan was delighted and immediately sent an envoy to Poyang to summon Zhou Yu for council. Now, Zhou Yu had been training the navy on Lake Poyang. When he heard that Cao Cao’s great army had reached the Han River, he journeyed day and night back to Chaisang to discuss military strategy. Before the envoy could even depart, Zhou Yu had already arrived. Lu Su, who was closest to Zhou Yu, was the first to greet him, and he recounted all the preceding events in detail. Zhou Yu said, “Zijing, do not worry. I have my own plan. Quickly, invite Kongming to come see me.” Lu Su mounted his horse and left.
Zhou Yu had just begun to rest when he was told that Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, and Bu Zhi had come to see him. Zhou Yu welcomed them into the hall and, after exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Zhao spoke. “Commander, do you know what is at stake for Jiangdong?” Zhou Yu replied, “I do not.” Zhang Zhao continued, “Cao Cao commands a million men, encamped on the Han River. Yesterday, a proclamation arrived, inviting our lord to a hunt at Jiangxia. Though his intent to swallow us is clear, he has not yet shown his hand. We have advised our lord to surrender, to spare Jiangdong from disaster. But Lu Zijing has brought Liu Bei’s military strategist, Zhuge Liang, from Jiangxia. Because he seeks to avenge his own grievances, he has come with persuasive words to provoke our lord. Zijing, however, remains stubbornly deluded. We were waiting for you, Commander, to make the final decision.” Zhou Yu asked, “Do you all share this view?” Gu Yong and the others replied, “We are all in agreement.” Zhou Yu said, “I, too, have long considered surrender. Please, return to your homes. Tomorrow morning, when I see our lord, a final decision will be made.” Zhang Zhao and the others took their leave.
Shortly after, another group was announced: Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, and a host of battle-hardened generals came to call. Zhou Yu welcomed them in and exchanged greetings. Cheng Pu said, “Commander, do you know that Jiangdong will soon belong to another?” Zhou Yu replied, “I do not.” Cheng Pu said, “We have followed General Sun since the founding of our enterprise, through hundreds of great and small battles, to win these six commanderies. Now our lord, listening to the words of his advisors, wishes to surrender to Cao Cao. This is a truly shameful and lamentable affair! We would rather die than suffer such disgrace. We hope you, Commander, will persuade our lord to resolve on war. We are willing to fight to the death.” Zhou Yu asked, “Generals, do you all share this view?” Huang Gai rose in fury, slapping his forehead and shouting, “My head may be cut off, but I swear I will never surrender to Cao!” The others all cried out, “None of us will surrender!” Zhou Yu said, “I, too, am determined to fight Cao Cao to the death. How could I ever agree to surrender? Generals, please return. When I see our lord, a final decision will be made.” Cheng Pu and the others departed.
Not long after, another group of civil officials, led by Zhuge Jin and Lü Fan, arrived to pay their respects. Zhou Yu welcomed them in, and after the formalities, Zhuge Jin said, “My younger brother, Zhuge Liang, has come from the Han River, saying that Liu Xuande wishes to form an alliance with Eastern Wu to jointly attack Cao Cao. Our civil and military officials have not yet reached a decision. Since my brother is the envoy, I dared not speak too much, and have been waiting for you, Commander, to decide the matter.” Zhou Yu asked, “What is your own opinion?” Zhuge Jin replied, “Those who surrender may find peace, while those who fight risk destruction.” Zhou Yu laughed and said, “I have my own plan. Tomorrow, we will all go to the lord’s residence to decide.” Zhuge Jin and the others took their leave. Suddenly, another group was announced: Lü Meng, Gan Ning, and a host of others. Zhou Yu invited them in, and they too discussed the matter. Some advocated for war, others for surrender, and they argued amongst themselves. Zhou Yu said, “Say no more. Tomorrow, we will all meet at the lord’s court for a public debate.” The crowd then departed. Zhou Yu smiled a cold, bitter smile.
That evening, a servant reported that Lu Zijing was leading Kongming to pay a visit. Zhou Yu went out to the middle gate to welcome them in. After exchanging formal greetings, they took their seats as host and guest. Lu Su was the first to speak, asking Zhou Yu, “Now that Cao Cao is driving his forces south, our lord cannot decide between peace and war, and has left the matter entirely to you, General. What is your intention?” Zhou Yu replied, “Cao Cao acts in the name of the Son of Heaven; his army cannot be opposed. Moreover, his power is immense; we cannot take him lightly. If we fight, we will surely lose. If we surrender, we will find peace. My mind is made up. Tomorrow, when I see our lord, I will send an envoy to offer our submission.” Lu Su was stunned. “You are mistaken, my lord! The foundation of Jiangdong has been laid across three generations. How can we abandon it to another in a single day? Bofu’s dying words entrusted external affairs to you. Now, we rely on you to preserve the state, to be our pillar of Mount Tai. How can you follow the counsel of cowards?” Zhou Yu said, “The six commanderies of Jiangdong are vast, but if we suffer the calamities of war, the people will surely blame me. Therefore, I have resolved to surrender.” Lu Su argued, “No! With your heroism, my lord, and the natural defenses of Eastern Wu, Cao Cao may not necessarily succeed.”
The two men argued back and forth, while Kongming sat by, folding his arms and smiling coldly. Zhou Yu asked, “Sir, why do you sneer?” Kongming replied, “I laugh at no one else, but at Zijing, for not understanding the times.” Lu Su said, “Sir, how can you laugh at me for not understanding the times?” Kongming said, “Gongjin’s decision to surrender is entirely reasonable.” Zhou Yu said, “Kongming is a man who understands the times. He must surely share my view.” Lu Su said, “Kongming, how can you say such a thing?” Kongming replied, “Cao Cao is a master of warfare. No one under Heaven dares oppose him. In the past, only Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Liu Biao dared to stand against him. Now, all of them have been destroyed by Cao Cao, and no one remains under Heaven. Only Liu Xuande, blind to the times, stubbornly contended with him. Now he is alone in Jiangxia, his survival uncertain. Your decision to surrender to Cao Cao, General, will protect your wife and children and secure your wealth and rank. The fate of the dynasty is a matter of Heaven’s Mandate. Why should you mourn it?” Lu Su was furious. “Are you teaching our lord to kneel in disgrace before a traitor to the state?” Kongming said, “I have a plan. It requires no leading of sheep or carrying of wine, no surrender of territory or offering of seals. Nor does it require anyone to cross the river in person. Simply send a humble envoy in a small boat to deliver two persons to the river. Once Cao Cao obtains these two, his million-strong army will lay down their arms, furl their banners, and withdraw.” Zhou Yu asked, “Who are these two that can make Cao Cao’s army retreat?”
Kongming replied, “To Jiangdong, losing these two would be like a great tree shedding a single leaf, or a vast granary losing a single grain. But if Cao Cao obtains them, he will be overjoyed and depart.” Zhou Yu pressed further, “Who, exactly, are these two?” Kongming said, “When I lived in seclusion at Longzhong, I heard that Cao Cao had recently built a new tower on the Zhang River, called the Bronze Sparrow Tower, of magnificent splendor. He filled it with the most beautiful women from all under Heaven. Cao Cao is a lecherous man at heart. He has long heard that the Qiao family of Jiangdong has two daughters: the elder called Da Qiao, the younger Xiao Qiao, who possess beauty that can make fish sink and geese fall, and outshine the moon and shame the flowers. Cao Cao once swore an oath: ‘My first wish is to sweep the four seas and achieve imperial dominion; my second wish is to obtain the two Qiao sisters of Jiangdong and place them in the Bronze Sparrow Tower, to delight my old age. Even in death, I would have no regrets.’ Now, though he leads a million men and glares with tiger-like hunger at the south of the Yangtze, it is truly for these two women. General, why not seek out Lord Qiao, buy the two daughters for a thousand pieces of gold, and send them to Cao Cao? Once Cao Cao has these two women, his heart’s desire will be fulfilled, and he will surely withdraw his army. This is the very same strategy Fan Li used when he offered Xi Shi to the King of Wu. Why not do it quickly?” Zhou Yu asked, “Is there any proof that Cao Cao desires the two Qiao sisters?” Kongming replied, “Cao Cao’s youngest son, Cao Zhi, also known by his style name Zijian, can compose essays as fast as his brush touches paper. Cao Cao once ordered him to write a rhapsody, called the ‘Rhapsody on the Bronze Sparrow Tower.’ The meaning of the rhapsody is solely that his house is destined to become the imperial house, and that he swears to take the two Qiao sisters.” Zhou Yu asked, “Can you remember this rhapsody, sir?” Kongming said, “I admired its literary beauty and once memorized it.” Zhou Yu said, “Please, recite it for me.” Kongming immediately recited the “Rhapsody on the Bronze Sparrow Tower”:
“Following the enlightened lord in joyous play, I ascend the layered tower to delight my heart. I see the vast halls thrown open wide, and gaze upon the works of sage-like virtue. Lofty gates rise in jagged splendor; twin watchtowers float in the pure void. A magnificent pavilion stands in mid-air, connected by flying galleries to the western city. Overlooking the long-flowing Zhang River, I look out upon the flourishing gardens and fruits. Twin towers stand, one on the left and one on the right, named the Jade Dragon and the Golden Phoenix. I would seize the two Qiao sisters from the southeast, to share my joys with them from dawn to dusk. I gaze down upon the grand splendor of the imperial capital, and look up at the drifting clouds and floating mists. I rejoice that a host of talents gathers here, harmonizing with the auspicious dream of the flying bear. I look up to the gentle spring breeze and listen to the mournful cries of a hundred birds. The celestial clouds and heavenly walls are now established; the family’s wishes are doubly fulfilled. Let benevolent transformation spread throughout the universe, and let all show reverence to the capital. The flourishing reigns of Lords Huan and Wen—how can they compare to this sage-like brilliance? How glorious! How beautiful! Grace and favor spread far and wide. Assist our imperial house, and pacify the four corners of the earth. Let its measure be equal to Heaven and Earth, and its radiance be shared with the sun and moon. May it be honored and exalted without end, and may its lord’s lifespan match that of the Eastern Emperor. Ride forth with the dragon banner, and let the phoenix carriage return in stately splendor. Let gracious transformation reach the four seas, and let goods be abundant and the people at peace. May this tower stand eternal and everlasting, bringing joy that knows no end!”
When Zhou Yu heard this, he flew into a thunderous rage. He rose from his seat, pointed north, and cursed, “This old villain has insulted me beyond all measure!” Kongming quickly rose to stop him. “In ancient times, when the Chanyu repeatedly invaded the borders, the Han emperor would send a princess for a marriage alliance. Why should we begrudge two common women now?” Zhou Yu said, “You do not know the truth, sir. Da Qiao is the wife of Sun Bofu (Sun Ce), and Xiao Qiao is my own wife!” Kongming feigned a look of panic. “I truly did not know. I have spoken rashly and carelessly. A thousand deaths would not atone for my offense!” Zhou Yu said, “I swear I will never coexist under the same sky with that old villain!” Kongming said, “Think carefully on the matter, to avoid future regret.” Zhou Yu replied, “I received Bofu’s trust. How could I ever bend my knee and surrender to Cao Cao? What I said earlier was merely a test. Ever since I left Lake Poyang, I have had the intention to campaign northward. Even if a knife were held to my throat, my resolve would not change! I hope you, Kongming, will lend me your strength to destroy this traitor Cao together.” Kongming said, “If you do not disdain my humble service, I will gladly exert myself to the utmost, like a horse or a dog, and await your commands day and night.” Zhou Yu said, “Tomorrow, I will see our lord and discuss raising the army.” Kongming and Lu Su then took their leave and departed.
The next morning at dawn, Sun Quan held court. On the left stood the civil officials, more than thirty in number, led by Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong. On the right stood the military officers, also more than thirty, led by Cheng Pu and Huang Gai. Their robes and caps were splendid, their swords and pendants clinked, and they stood in ordered rows. Shortly after, Zhou Yu entered for an audience. After the formal greetings and Sun Quan’s words of comfort, Zhou Yu said, “I have heard recently that Cao Cao has led his army to encamp on the Han River and has sent a dispatch here. What is Your Lordship’s intention?” Sun Quan took out the proclamation and showed it to Zhou Yu. After reading it, Zhou Yu laughed and said, “Does this old villain think there is no one in Jiangdong, that he dares to insult us so?” Sun Quan asked, “What is your view, my lord?” Zhou Yu replied, “Has Your Lordship discussed this with the assembled civil and military officials?” Sun Quan said, “I have been debating this matter for days. Some advise surrender, others war. My mind is not yet settled, which is why I have summoned you, Gongjin, to make the final decision.” Zhou Yu asked, “Who advises surrender?” Sun Quan replied, “Zhang Zibu and others are all of that opinion.” Zhou Yu then turned to Zhang Zhao and said, “I wish to hear the reasoning behind your counsel to surrender, sir.” Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao holds the Emperor hostage and commands the four corners of the realm, always acting in the name of the imperial court. Recently, he has also taken Jing Province, and his might and power have grown even greater. The only thing that Jiangdong can rely on to oppose Cao Cao is the Yangtze River. But now Cao Cao has countless warships and naval vessels. If he advances by both land and water, how can we withstand him? It would be better to surrender for now and plan for the future.” Zhou Yu said, “This is the talk of a pedantic scholar! Since the founding of our state, Jiangdong has passed through three generations. How can we bear to abandon it in a single day?”
Sun Quan asked, “If that is so, what plan should we adopt?” Zhou Yu replied, “Though Cao Cao pretends to be the Chancellor of Han, he is in truth a traitor to Han. You, my lord, with your divine martial talent and heroic spirit, relying on the legacy of your father and elder brother, hold Jiangdong, with well-trained troops and abundant provisions. It is precisely the time for you to stride across the realm and rid the state of its cruel and violent elements. How can you surrender to a traitor? Moreover, Cao Cao’s current campaign violates several fundamental principles of warfare. The north is not yet pacified; Ma Teng and Han Sui are a threat at his rear, yet he persists in a prolonged southern campaign. That is the first violation. The northern troops are not accustomed to water warfare. Cao Cao has abandoned his horses and saddles to rely on boats and oars in a contest with Eastern Wu. That is the second violation. Furthermore, it is the dead of winter, the bitter cold season, and the horses lack fodder. That is the third violation. He drives his central plains soldiers across rivers and lakes into unfamiliar lands, where they will not adapt to the climate and will fall ill. That is the fourth violation. Cao Cao’s army commits these errors. Though numerous, they are doomed to defeat. The time for you, my lord, to capture Cao Cao is now. I request only a few tens of thousands of elite troops to advance to Xiakou and destroy him for you!” Sun Quan rose from his seat in excitement. “That old villain has long wished to depose the Han Emperor and set himself up. His only fears were Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Lü Bu, Liu Biao, and myself.
Now those heroes are all destroyed, and I alone remain. I swear I will never coexist with that old villain! Your words that we must attack him align perfectly with my own resolve. Heaven has sent you to me!” Zhou Yu said, “I will fight a bloody battle for you, my lord, and would gladly die ten thousand deaths. My only fear is that you, my lord, might waver in doubt.” Sun Quan drew his sword and slashed a corner off the table before him. “Let any official or general who dares to speak of surrender again meet the same fate as this table!” Having said this, he presented the sword to Zhou Yu, appointing him Grand Commander-in-Chief, with Cheng Pu as his deputy and Lu Su as Chief of Staff. Any civil or military official who disobeyed orders was to be executed with this sword. Zhou Yu accepted the sword and addressed the assembly. “I have received our lord’s command to lead the army in destroying Cao Cao. All generals and officials are to report to the camp by the river tomorrow to receive their orders. Any who are late or negligent will be dealt with according to the seven prohibitions and fifty-four executions.” Having finished, he took his leave of Sun Quan and rose to leave the court. The assembled civil and military officials departed in silence.
When Zhou Yu returned to his quarters, he immediately invited Kongming to discuss strategy. When Kongming arrived, Zhou Yu said, “The public debate at court today is settled. I now seek your excellent plan to defeat Cao Cao.” Kongming replied, “General Sun’s mind is not yet stable. We cannot make a final decision.” Zhou Yu asked, “What do you mean by ‘his mind is not stable’?” Kongming said, “He is afraid of the size of Cao Cao’s army and feels he is outnumbered. If you can use the actual numbers to ease his mind and make him see clearly, then the great enterprise can be accomplished.” Zhou Yu said, “Your analysis, sir, is excellent.” He then went back to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan asked, “Gongjin, you have come at night. There must be a reason.” Zhou Yu said, “Tomorrow, I will deploy the troops. Does Your Lordship have any doubts?” Sun Quan replied, “My only worry is that Cao Cao’s army is too large and we are outnumbered. I have no other doubts.” Zhou Yu laughed. “I came specifically to ease your mind, my lord. You saw Cao Cao’s proclamation, which spoke of a million men by land and water, and so you became afraid, without investigating the truth of the matter. Let us compare the actual numbers. The troops he brought from the central plains number no more than 150,000 or 160,000, and they are already exhausted. The troops he absorbed from Yuan Shao’s forces amount to only 70,000 or 80,000, and many of them are still suspicious and not loyal. To lead exhausted troops and command suspicious soldiers—though their numbers are great, they are nothing to fear. If I am given 50,000 men, I will have enough to destroy him.
I beg you, my lord, do not worry.” Sun Quan patted Zhou Yu on the back and said, “Gongjin, your words have completely dispelled my doubts. Zibu (Zhang Zhao) is without strategy and has deeply disappointed me. Only you and Zijing (Lu Su) share my resolve. You, along with Zijing and Cheng Pu, are to select the troops and advance immediately. I will continue to send men and supplies to support you from the rear. If your vanguard encounters difficulties, fall back to me. I will personally fight that villain Cao Cao to the death. I have no more doubts.” Zhou Yu thanked him and withdrew, thinking to himself, “Kongming had already foreseen the Marquis of Wu’s heart. His planning is a cut above mine. If he remains, he will eventually become a threat to Jiangdong. I must kill him.” He then sent for Lu Su to come to his tent that night. Zhou Yu spoke of his intention to kill Kongming. Lu Su said, “No. Before we have destroyed the traitor Cao, to kill a worthy scholar would be to remove our own support.” Zhou Yu said, “This man aids Liu Bei. He will surely become a threat to Jiangdong.” Lu Su said, “Zhuge Jin is his elder brother. We could have him persuade Kongming to serve Eastern Wu. Would that not be excellent?” Zhou Yu approved of this plan.
The next morning at dawn, Zhou Yu went to the military camp and ascended the commander’s seat in the central tent. Executioners with swords stood to his left and right, and the assembled civil and military officials were called to order. Now, Cheng Pu was older than Zhou Yu, and he was displeased that Zhou Yu held a higher rank. That day, he feigned illness and did not attend, sending his eldest son, Cheng Zi, in his place. Zhou Yu addressed the generals. “The king’s law shows no favor. Each of you must attend to your duties. Now, Cao Cao has usurped power, even more so than Dong Zhuo. He has imprisoned the Son of Heaven in Xuchang and massed his brutal army on our borders. I have received our lord’s command to punish him. I hope you will all strive with all your might. Wherever the army passes, the people are not to be disturbed. Rewards and punishments will be meted out without favoritism or leniency.” After his orders, he appointed Han Dang and Huang Gai as vanguard commanders, to lead their own ships and advance immediately to set up camp at Three River Mouth, awaiting further orders. Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai were the second division; Ling Tong and Pan Zhang the third; Taishi Ci and Lü Meng the fourth; Lu Xun and Dong Xi the fifth. Lü Fan and Zhu Zhi were appointed as roving inspectors to oversee the six commanderies’ troops, urging them forward by both land and water to rendezvous by the appointed time. Having completed his deployments, the generals each went to prepare their ships and weapons for the march. Cheng Zi returned to his father, Cheng Pu, and told him how Zhou Yu had deployed the troops with perfect method and order. Cheng Pu was greatly surprised. “I have always despised Zhou Yu as weak and unfit to be a general. But if he can do this, he is truly a man of military talent! How can I not accept him?” He then personally went to the camp to apologize for his earlier absence. Zhou Yu also received him humbly.
The next day, Zhou Yu invited Zhuge Jin and said to him, “Your younger brother, Kongming, possesses the talent of a king’s right hand. How can he stoop to serve Liu Bei? Now that he is fortunately here in Jiangdong, I would trouble you, sir, to use your persuasive eloquence to make him abandon Liu Bei and serve Eastern Wu. Then our lord would gain a fine advisor, and you brothers could be reunited. Would that not be wonderful? Please, sir, go at once.” Zhuge Jin said, “Since I came to Jiangdong, I have been ashamed of my lack of merit. Now that the Commander has given me this command, how dare I not exert myself?” He immediately mounted his horse and went straight to the courier station to see Kongming. Kongming welcomed him in, and they wept and bowed to each other, recounting the sorrows of their long separation. Zhuge Jin, weeping, said, “Brother, do you know of Boyi and Shuqi?” Kongming thought to himself, “This must be a scheme of Zhou Yu’s to persuade me.” He then replied, “Boyi and Shuqi were sages of antiquity.” Zhuge Jin said, “Though Boyi and Shuqi starved to death at the foot of Mount Shouyang, the two brothers were together. You and I were born of the same mother, yet we each serve a different lord and cannot be together from dawn to dusk. When we look upon the example of Boyi and Shuqi, can we not feel ashamed?” Kongming replied, “What you speak of, brother, is sentiment. What I hold to, however, is righteousness. You and I are both subjects of Han. Now, Imperial Uncle Liu Xuande is a true descendant of the Han house. If you, brother, would leave Eastern Wu and serve Imperial Uncle Liu alongside me, we would not be ashamed to be called ministers of Han, and we brothers could be reunited. This is a plan that satisfies both sentiment and righteousness. I wonder what you think of it, brother?” Zhuge Jin thought to himself, “I came to persuade him, but he has persuaded me instead.” He had no reply, so he rose and took his leave. Returning to Zhou Yu, he recounted Kongming’s words in detail. Zhou Yu asked, “What is your intention, sir?” Zhuge Jin replied, “I have received deep kindness from General Sun. How could I betray him?” Zhou Yu said, “Since you are loyal to your lord, say no more. I have my own plan to subdue Kongming.” Truly: When wisdom meets wisdom, they should unite; but when talent contends with talent, they find it hard to coexist. What plan would Zhou Yu devise to subdue Kongming? Read on to find out in the next chapter.