Lu Su and Kongming took their leave of Xuande and Liu Qi, boarding a boat bound for the commandery of Chaisang. As they traveled together on the river, Lu Su cautioned Kongming, “When you meet General Sun, you must not, under any circumstances, tell him the true number of Cao Cao’s troops.” Kongming replied with a smile, “You need not remind me, Zijing. I already have my responses prepared.” When the boat reached the shore, Lu Su arranged for Kongming to rest at a government inn while he went ahead to see Sun Quan.
Sun Quan was then assembled in his hall with all his civil and military officers, debating affairs of state. Hearing that Lu Su had returned, he urgently summoned him and asked, “Zijing, you went to Jiangxia to investigate the situation. What did you learn?” Lu Su replied, “I have grasped the general outline, but I beg leave to report in detail.” Sun Quan handed Lu Su a document, saying, “Cao Cao sent an envoy with this letter yesterday. I dismissed the envoy and am now meeting with my advisors, but we have reached no decision.” Lu Su took the letter and read it. It said:
“I, Cao Cao, have recently received the Emperor’s command to punish the guilty. My banners have pointed south, and Liu Cong has surrendered without a fight. The people of Jing Province have submitted to my authority. Now, commanding a million brave soldiers and a thousand able generals, I propose to hunt with you at Jiangxia, to jointly destroy Liu Bei, divide his lands, and forge an eternal alliance. Do not hesitate; send your reply swiftly.”
After reading, Lu Su asked, “What is your Lordship’s intention?” Sun Quan replied, “No decision has been made.” Zhang Zhao stepped forward and said, “Cao Cao commands a million men and acts under the Emperor’s authority to subdue all regions. To oppose him would be to defy Heaven’s will. Our only advantage against Cao Cao has been the Yangtze River. Now that he holds Jing Province, that defensive line is shared with us. We cannot match his power. In my humble opinion, surrender is the only safe course of action.” The assembled advisors all echoed, “Zibu’s words are in perfect accord with Heaven’s will.” Sun Quan sank into silent contemplation. Zhang Zhao pressed on, “My Lord, do not hesitate. If you surrender, the people of Jiangdong will be safe, and the six commanderies south of the river will be preserved.” Sun Quan bowed his head and remained silent.
A moment later, Sun Quan rose to change his robes, and Lu Su followed him. Knowing Lu Su’s intent, Sun Quan took his hand and asked, “What do you advise?” Lu Su replied, “The words of those men just now are a great disservice to you, General. Any of them could surrender to Cao Cao, but you, my Lord, cannot.” Sun Quan asked, “Why do you say this?” Lu Su explained, “If men like me surrender, we would be sent back to our villages, and through our official ranks, we could still become provincial governors. But if you, my Lord, surrender, where would you be? At best, you would receive a noble title, a single carriage, a single horse, and a few attendants. How could you then rule as a sovereign lord over a realm? Their advice serves only themselves. You must not listen to them. You must decide your grand strategy quickly.” Sun Quan sighed, “Their arguments have deeply disappointed me. Your counsel, Zijing, aligns perfectly with my own thoughts. Heaven has sent you to me! But Cao Cao has recently absorbed Yuan Shao’s forces and now the armies of Jing Province. I fear his power is too great to oppose.” Lu Su said, “I have brought Zhuge Liang, the younger brother of Zhuge Jin, from Jiangxia. My Lord can question him and learn the true situation.” Sun Quan was surprised, “Is the Crouching Dragon himself here?” Lu Su replied, “He is resting at the government inn.” Sun Quan said, “It is late today. We shall not meet now. Tomorrow, gather all my civil and military officers. Let him first see the talented men of Jiangdong, and then I will receive him for formal discussion.”
Lu Su accepted the order and departed. The next day, he went to the inn to see Kongming and reminded him again, “When you see my master, you must not speak of Cao Cao’s vast numbers.” Kongming laughed, “I will adapt my words to the situation. There will be no mistake.” Lu Su then led Kongming to the council hall. There, they found over twenty officials, including Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong, all dressed in formal court robes and caps, seated in solemn rows. Kongming greeted each of them in turn, inquiring after their names. After the formalities, he was seated as a guest. Zhang Zhao and the others, observing Kongming’s elegant bearing and commanding presence, guessed that he had come to argue for an alliance. Zhang Zhao decided to test him first. “I am but an insignificant scholar of Jiangdong,” he began. “I have long heard that you, Master, while living in seclusion at Longzhong, compared yourself to the great ministers Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Is this true?” Kongming replied calmly, “That was merely a modest comparison I made of myself.”
Zhang Zhao pressed on, “Recently, I heard that Lord Liu Bei paid three visits to you in your thatched cottage, and in obtaining your service, he felt as a fish finds water. He hoped to sweep across Jing Province. Yet now, that province has fallen to Cao Cao. What is your strategy now?” Kongming thought to himself, “Zhang Zhao is Sun Quan’s chief advisor. If I cannot defeat him, how can I persuade Sun Quan?” So he replied, “Taking the lands of Jing Province would have been as easy as turning over my hand. But my lord, Liu Bei, practices true benevolence and righteousness. He could not bear to seize the inheritance of a kinsman, so he refused. The child Liu Cong listened to treacherous counsel and surrendered in secret, allowing Cao Cao to become so powerful. Now my lord has garrisoned Jiangxia, where he has other grand plans, not to be understood by ordinary men.”
Zhang Zhao retorted, “If that is the case, your words and deeds contradict each other, Master. You compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Guan Zhong served Duke Huan of Qi, making him hegemon over all the feudal lords, uniting the realm. Yue Yi propped up the failing state of Yan and conquered over seventy cities of Qi. These two were truly men of great talent who could save the age. While you were in your thatched cottage, you merely enjoyed the breeze and the moon, clasping your knees in idle contemplation. Now that you serve Liu Bei, you should work for the people’s welfare, rooting out chaos and destruction. Before you joined Liu Bei, he was already roaming the land and carving out territories. After obtaining your service, everyone looked up to him. Even a child would say that the fierce tiger had grown wings, and that the Han dynasty was about to be restored and the Cao clan destroyed. Court officials and reclusive scholars alike were waiting with bated breath, expecting you to sweep away the clouds from the sky, restore the light of the sun and moon, and save the people from their misery, placing the realm on a bed of peace. Yet, since you joined Liu Bei, at the first appearance of Cao Cao’s army, you have abandoned your armor and fled before him. You could not repay Liu Biao by protecting the people, nor could you help the orphan Liu Qi hold his territory. You abandoned Xinye, fled to Fancheng, were defeated at Dangyang, and now you have fled to Xiakou with nowhere to rest. It seems that after Liu Bei obtained you, his situation is worse than before. Is this how Guan Zhong and Yue Yi would have acted? I speak bluntly; I hope you will not take offense.”
Kongming listened and then laughed softly. “Can the flock of common birds understand the ambition of the roc that soars ten thousand miles?” he asked. “Consider a man suffering from a grave illness. First, he must be given thin gruel and mild medicine. Only when his vital organs are regulated and his body is calm can he take strong medicine and rich food to cure the root of the disease. If you were to administer harsh drugs and rich foods before his energy has stabilized, you could not hope for a safe recovery. My lord, Liu Bei, was defeated at Runan and had to take refuge with Liu Biao. He had fewer than a thousand soldiers and only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun as his generals. This was like a man at the peak of his illness. Xinye is a small, remote town with few people and scarce food. Liu Bei only borrowed it as a temporary shelter; he never intended to hold it permanently. With incomplete armor, weak walls, untrained troops, and insufficient daily rations, he still managed to burn Cao Cao’s camp at Bowang and flood the enemy at the River Bai, striking such terror into the hearts of Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren that their souls nearly fled. I doubt that Guan Zhong or Yue Yi themselves could have done better. As for Liu Cong’s surrender, Liu Bei knew nothing of it. And he could not bear to seize his kinsman’s legacy in the chaos—this is true benevolence and righteousness. At the defeat at Dangyang, he saw tens of thousands of people who had flocked to his cause, carrying the old and the young. He could not bear to abandon them, so he advanced only ten li a day, refusing to hurry to Jiangling, choosing to share their fate. This, too, is true benevolence and righteousness. When the few fight the many, victory and defeat are common. The founder of the Han dynasty, Gao Zu, was defeated many times by Xiang Yu, yet he triumphed in one battle at Gaixia. Was that not due to the excellent strategies of Han Xin? Han Xin served Gao Zu for a long time, yet he did not win every battle. The great affairs of state and the safety of the realm depend on a master strategy. They are not like the boasts of glib-tongued men who claim to be unmatched in debate but are utterly useless when faced with real challenges. Such men are the true laughingstock of the realm.” This speech left Zhang Zhao speechless, unable to utter a single word in reply.
Suddenly, a man from the assembly stood up and asked in a loud voice, “Now that Lord Cao commands a million troops and a thousand generals, his might is like that of a dragon or a tiger, and he is about to swallow up Jiangxia. What do you think of this?” Kongming looked at the speaker; it was Yu Fan. Kongming replied, “Cao Cao has gathered together the remnants of Yuan Shao’s ant-like forces and the troops of Jing Province. Even if his army numbered a million, I would not fear him.” Yu Fan sneered, “You suffered a great defeat at Dangyang, and now you are barely holding on at Xiakou, begging for help from others, yet you still claim not to be afraid. This is truly a boast meant to deceive!” Kongming retorted, “How could Liu Bei’s few thousand righteous troops stand against a million brutal, oppressive soldiers? He retreated to Xiakou to bide his time. Now, you in Jiangdong have well-trained troops and ample provisions, and you hold the natural barrier of the Yangtze River. Yet you want your lord to bend his knee and surrender to a traitor, without any regard for the laughter of the world. By this logic, it is Liu Bei who truly does not fear the traitor Cao!” Yu Fan was silenced.
Another man in the assembly asked, “Has Kongming come to Jiangdong to use his silver tongue like Su Qin and Zhang Yi, trying to persuade us?” Kongming looked at him; it was Bu Zhi. Kongming replied, “You, Bu Zishan, consider Su Qin and Zhang Yi to be mere persuaders, but you do not know that they were true heroes. Su Qin wore the seals of six states as their prime minister, and Zhang Yi served as the prime minister of Qin twice. Both had strategies to support states and save their nations. They were not like those who fear the strong and bully the weak, who tremble before swords and blades. You men hear Cao Cao’s empty, deceitful words and immediately beg for surrender. How dare you laugh at Su Qin and Zhang Yi?” Bu Zhi was silenced.
Suddenly, another man asked, “Kongming, what do you think of Cao Cao?” Kongming looked; it was Xue Zong. Kongming replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han dynasty. Why even ask?” Xue Zong countered, “You are mistaken. The Han dynasty has passed down to this day, but its mandate is exhausted. Lord Cao already holds two-thirds of the realm, and the people’s hearts are with him. Liu Bei, not recognizing the will of Heaven, insists on fighting him. This is like striking a rock with an egg. How can he not be defeated?” Kongming’s voice grew stern. “Xue Jingwen, how dare you utter such fatherless, lordless words! A man born between Heaven and Earth takes loyalty and filial piety as his foundation. Since you are a minister of Han, when you see one who is not a true subject, you should swear to destroy him—that is the way of a minister. Cao Cao’s ancestors enjoyed the Han’s bounty, yet instead of repaying it, he harbors treasonous intentions. This is the universal outrage of the realm! And you claim that Heaven’s mandate has passed to him! You are truly a man without father or lord! I have nothing more to say to you. Say no more!” Xue Zong’s face turned red with shame, and he could not answer.
Another voice rose from the assembly, “Cao Cao may hold the Emperor hostage to command the feudal lords, but he is still a descendant of the Han Chancellor Cao Can. Liu Bei claims to be a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, but there is no proof. He is merely a weaver of straw mats and a seller of sandals. How can he contend with Cao Cao?” Kongming looked; it was Lu Ji. Kongming smiled, “Are you not the Lu Ji who was caught hiding oranges in his lap at Yuan Shu’s banquet? Please sit and hear my words. Since Cao Cao is a descendant of Chancellor Cao Can, his family has served the Han for generations. Now he monopolizes power, bullies his sovereign, and acts with tyranny. He is not only a rebel against the Han but also a traitor to his own ancestors. Liu Bei is a true descendant of the imperial house. The current Emperor has recognized his lineage and granted him a title. How can you say there is no proof? The founder of the Han dynasty, Gao Zu, was a village constable, yet he ended up ruling the realm. How is weaving mats and selling sandals a disgrace? Your views are those of a child and not worthy of discussion with a man of learning!” Lu Ji was left speechless.
Another man in the assembly suddenly said, “Kongming’s words are all sophistry and not proper arguments. There is no need to debate further. Let me ask, Kongming, what classical texts have you studied?” Kongming looked; it was Yan Jun. Kongming replied, “To search for phrases and pick out sentences—that is the way of a pedantic scholar. How can such a man build a state or accomplish great deeds? Consider Yi Yin, who plowed the fields of Shen, or Jiang Ziya, who fished at the Wei River. Consider Zhang Liang, Chen Ping, Deng Yu, or Geng Yan. All of these men had the talent to support the cosmos. I have never heard what classical texts they studied. Would you have them behave like bookworms, fussing over brushes and ink, arguing over black and white, and playing with words?” Yan Jun hung his head in defeat and could not answer.
Suddenly, another man shouted, “You are fond of big talk, but you may not have real learning. I fear the true scholars will laugh at you!” Kongming looked; it was Cheng Deshu of Runan. Kongming replied, “There are two kinds of scholars: the noble and the base. The noble scholar is loyal to his lord and loves his country. He upholds righteousness and hates evil, ensuring that his virtue benefits his generation and his name is remembered in later ages. The base scholar only concerns himself with trivial literary skills. He writes poems in his youth and studies the classics until his hair turns white. Though he may write a thousand words, he has not a single strategy in his heart. Consider Yang Xiong, who was famous for his writings but bowed to the usurper Wang Mang and died by throwing himself from a tower. That is a base scholar. Even if he wrote ten thousand words a day, what use is he?” Cheng Deshu was silenced. The assembly was stunned to see Kongming’s responses flowing like a river, and all of them turned pale.
At this moment, two more men, Zhang Wen and Luo Tong, were about to challenge Kongming when a man burst in from outside and shouted, “Kongming is a genius of our age! Why do you all try to trap him with words? This is no way to treat a guest. Cao Cao’s great army is at our borders, and you waste time arguing instead of planning how to repel the enemy!” Everyone looked; it was Huang Gai, styled Gongfu, a native of Lingling and the officer in charge of grain supplies for Jiangdong. Huang Gai said to Kongming, “I have heard that it is better to remain silent than to gain advantage by much talk. Why not present your golden words to my lord instead of debating with these men?” Kongming replied, “These gentlemen do not understand the affairs of the world and kept questioning me. I had no choice but to answer.” So Huang Gai and Lu Su led Kongming inside. At the inner gate, they met Zhuge Jin. Kongming bowed. Zhuge Jin said, “Younger brother, since you have come to Jiangdong, why did you not come to see me?” Kongming replied, “Elder brother, I now serve Liu Bei. It is proper to put public duty before private matters. My public business is not yet finished, so I dare not attend to private affairs. I hope you will understand.” Zhuge Jin said, “Come and talk with me after you have seen the Lord of Wu.” With that, he departed.
Lu Su whispered to Kongming, “Remember what I told you. Do not make a mistake.” Kongming nodded in acknowledgment. They were led into the main hall, where Sun Quan came down the steps to greet him, treating him with great courtesy. After the formal greetings, Kongming was given a seat. The civil and military officials stood in two rows. Lu Su stood beside Kongming, watching his every word. Kongming conveyed Liu Bei’s respects and then secretly observed Sun Quan. He saw a man with green eyes and a purple beard, a truly majestic figure. Kongming thought to himself, “This man has an extraordinary appearance. He can only be provoked, not persuaded. When he asks me questions, I will use words to provoke him.” After tea was served, Sun Quan said, “I have long heard Master Lu speak of your talents. Now I am fortunate to meet you. I beg your instruction.” Kongming replied, “I am a man of no talent and little learning. I am unworthy of your esteemed question.”
Sun Quan asked, “You were recently at Xinye, assisting Liu Bei in his battle against Cao Cao. You must know the true strength of his army.” Kongming replied, “Liu Bei’s troops are few and his generals are scarce. Xinye is a small city with no grain. How could he contend with Cao Cao?” Sun Quan asked, “How many troops does Cao Cao have?” Kongming said, “His cavalry, infantry, and naval forces total over a million.” Sun Quan was shocked, “Is this not an exaggeration?” Kongming replied, “It is no exaggeration. Cao Cao had 200,000 Qingzhou troops from Yanzhou. After defeating Yuan Shao, he gained another 500,000 to 600,000. He has recently recruited 300,000 to 400,000 fresh troops from the Central Plains. Now he has also acquired 200,000 to 300,000 troops from Jing Province. By this count, his forces are no less than 1,500,000. I said a million for fear of alarming the men of Jiangdong.”
Lu Su, standing nearby, turned pale and shot a warning glance at Kongming, but Kongming pretended not to see. Sun Quan asked, “How many battle-hardened generals does Cao Cao have?” Kongming replied, “He has over a thousand strategists and generals of great skill and experience.” Sun Quan asked, “Now that Cao Cao has pacified Jing Province, does he have further ambitions?” Kongming said, “He is already setting up camps along the river and preparing warships. If he does not intend to take Jiangdong, where else would he go?” Sun Quan pressed, “If he has designs on swallowing us up, I ask you to decide for me: should we fight or not?” Kongming replied, “I have a word to say, but I fear you will not listen.” Sun Quan said, “I would hear your esteemed opinion.”
Kongming said, “In the past, when chaos erupted in the realm, you rose in Jiangdong, and Liu Bei gathered troops south of the Han River, both contending with Cao Cao for the empire. Now Cao Cao has eliminated his greatest enemies and has largely pacified the land. He has recently taken Jing Province, and his might shakes the world. Even a hero has no place to use his talents, which is why Liu Bei has fled here. I advise you to assess your own strength. If you can oppose Cao Cao with the forces of Wu and Yue, then you should break with him immediately. If you cannot, then why not follow the advice of your advisors, lay down your arms, and submit to him in the north?” Before Sun Quan could answer, Kongming continued, “You, General, pretend to submit while harboring doubts. If you hesitate in a crisis, disaster will soon be upon you!”
Sun Quan asked, “If what you say is true, why does Liu Bei not surrender to Cao Cao?” Kongming replied, “In the past, Tian Heng was merely a strongman of Qi, yet he held to his honor and would not submit. How much more so for Liu Bei, who is a descendant of the imperial house, whose talent and virtue overshadow the age, and whom all men admire! If his cause fails, it is the will of Heaven. How could he ever bow down and serve another?”
Upon hearing this, Sun Quan’s face changed color with rage. He rose abruptly, flicked his sleeves, and retreated into the inner hall. The assembled officials laughed and dispersed. Lu Su scolded Kongming, “Master, why did you say such things? Fortunately, my lord is magnanimous and did not rebuke you to your face. Your words greatly insulted him.” Kongming looked up and laughed, “Why is he so intolerant? I have a plan to defeat Cao Cao, but he did not ask me, so I did not speak.” Lu Su said, “If you truly have a good plan, I will ask my lord to seek your advice.” Kongming said, “I regard Cao Cao’s million troops as nothing more than a swarm of ants. With a wave of my hand, they will be ground to dust!”
Upon hearing this, Lu Su went into the inner hall to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan was still furious and said to Lu Su, “Kongming has insulted me too greatly!” Lu Su replied, “I also rebuked him for it, but he laughed and said that you, my Lord, cannot tolerate others. He claims to have a plan to defeat Cao Cao but would not reveal it lightly. Why not ask him?” Sun Quan’s anger turned to joy. “So Kongming has a good strategy and was only provoking me with his words. My shallow view nearly ruined a great matter.” He then went back to the main hall with Lu Su and invited Kongming to continue their conversation. Sun Quan apologized to Kongming, “I was rude just now. I hope you will not take offense.” Kongming also apologized, “My words were offensive. I beg your forgiveness.” Sun Quan invited Kongming into the inner hall and ordered wine to be served.
After several rounds of wine, Sun Quan said, “The men Cao Cao has hated most in his life are Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Liu Bei, and myself. Now the other heroes are gone, and only Liu Bei and I remain. I cannot let the entire land of Wu be controlled by another. My decision is made. No one but Liu Bei can stand against Cao Cao. But Liu Bei has just suffered a defeat. How can he withstand this crisis?” Kongming replied, “Although Liu Bei has just been defeated, Guan Yunzhang still commands ten thousand elite troops, and Liu Qi commands no fewer than ten thousand soldiers from Jiangxia. Cao Cao’s troops are exhausted from their long march. In his pursuit of Liu Bei, his light cavalry covered three hundred li in a single day and night. This is what is called ‘the arrow at the end of its flight cannot pierce the finest silk.’ Furthermore, the northerners are not accustomed to naval warfare. The people of Jing Province who have submitted to Cao Cao have done so out of coercion, not from their hearts. If you, General, will unite your strength with Liu Bei, you will surely defeat Cao Cao. Once Cao Cao is defeated, he will retreat north. Then the strength of Jing Province and Wu will grow, and the foundation for a three-way division of the realm will be laid. The moment of success or failure is now. I beg you to decide.” Sun Quan was overjoyed. “Your words have opened my eyes. My mind is made up. I have no more doubts. We will discuss raising an army immediately to destroy Cao Cao together!” He then ordered Lu Su to convey this decision to all the civil and military officials and to escort Kongming back to the inn to rest.
When Zhang Zhao learned that Sun Quan intended to raise an army, he gathered his colleagues and said, “We have fallen into Kongming’s trap!” He hurried to see Sun Quan and said, “We have heard that you, my Lord, intend to take up arms against Cao Cao. Do you think you can compare with Yuan Shao? In the past, when Cao Cao had few troops and generals, he still defeated Yuan Shao in one battle. Now he commands a million men on his southern campaign. How can we take him lightly? If you listen to Zhuge Liang’s words and rashly start a war, it will be like carrying firewood to put out a fire.” Sun Quan bowed his head and said nothing. Gu Yong added, “Liu Bei was defeated by Cao Cao, so he wants to use the troops of Jiangdong to resist him. Why should you, my Lord, be used by him? I beg you to listen to Zibu’s advice.” Sun Quan sank into deep thought and could not decide. Zhang Zhao and the others left.
Lu Su then entered and said, “Zibu and the others have again advised you not to move the army, insisting on surrender. These are men who care only for their own skins and families, planning only for themselves. I beg you not to listen to them.” Sun Quan remained lost in thought. Lu Su pressed on, “If you hesitate, my Lord, you will surely be misled by these men.” Sun Quan said, “Withdraw for now. Let me think it over.” Lu Su withdrew. At that time, the military officers all wanted war, while the civil officials all wanted surrender. The debates were endless and inconclusive.
Sun Quan retreated to his private chambers, unable to eat or sleep, tormented by indecision. Seeing his distress, Lady Wu, his mother, asked, “What is troubling you so much that you cannot eat or sleep?” Sun Quan replied, “Cao Cao has stationed his army on the Jiang and Han rivers, with designs on the south. I have asked my civil and military officials. Some want to surrender, others want to fight. If I fight, I fear we are outnumbered. If I surrender, I fear Cao Cao will not tolerate me. Thus, I am torn.” Lady Wu said, “Have you forgotten the dying words of my sister?” These words struck Sun Quan like a thunderbolt, as if he had awakened from a drunken stupor or a dream. A single thought came to him.
Thus it was that recalling his mother’s final words would lead the young commander Zhou Yu to earn his glory on the battlefield. What were those words? Read on to find out.