Chapter 43: Zhuge Liang Debates the Host of Scholars; Lu Zijing Stands Firm Against All Opposition

Now Lu Su and Kongming took leave of Liu Bei and Liu Qi, boarded a boat, and set off for Chaisang Commandery. On the boat, the two discussed matters together. Lu Su said to Kongming, “When you see General Sun, sir, you must on no account tell him the truth—that Cao Cao has many troops and generals.” Kongming replied, “There is no need for Zijing’s reminder; I naturally have my own words in answer.” When the boat reached shore, Lu Su asked Kongming to rest temporarily at the guesthouse, while he himself went first to pay respects to Sun Quan.

Sun Quan had just assembled his civil and military officials in the hall to discuss affairs. Hearing that Lu Su had returned, he hastily summoned him in and asked, “Zijing, you went to Jiangxia to spy out the situation—what is the reality like?” Lu Su said, “I have already learned the general picture, but please allow me to report in detail.” Sun Quan showed Lu Su Cao Cao’s proclamation, saying, “Cao Cao sent an envoy with this document yesterday. I dismissed the envoy first, and now I have gathered everyone to deliberate, but no decision has been reached.” Lu Su took the proclamation and read it. The document’s gist was:

“I have recently received the emperor’s command, bearing the imperial edict to punish the guilty. When my banners pointed south, Liu Cong immediately surrendered with his hands bound; the people of Jing and Xiang have submitted at the mere sight of my authority. Now I command a million elite troops and a thousand senior generals, and I wish to hunt together with you, General, at Jiangxia, jointly punish Liu Bei, divide the land equally, and form an eternal alliance. I hope you will not hesitate but give me a swift reply.”

After reading it, Lu Su said, “What is your intention, my lord?” Sun Quan replied, “No decision has been made yet.” Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao commands a million troops and borrows the emperor’s authority to campaign in all directions. To resist him would be to act against the rightful order. Moreover, the only thing that can enable you, my lord, to withstand Cao Cao’s great force is the natural barrier of the Yangtze River. Now Cao Cao has already taken Jingzhou, and the strategic advantage of the Yangtze is shared with us—the situation leaves no room for resistance. In my humble opinion, surrendering is the only sure plan for safety.” All the other advisors said, “Zibu’s words accord exactly with Heaven’s will.” Sun Quan fell silent, deep in thought. Zhang Zhao continued, “My lord need not hesitate further. If you surrender to Cao Cao, then the people of Eastern Wu will be at peace, and the six commanderies south of the river can also be preserved.” Sun Quan lowered his head and said nothing.

After a while, Sun Quan rose to change his clothes, and Lu Su followed him. Sun Quan, knowing Lu Su’s intent, took his hand and said, “What do you want to say?” Lu Su replied, “The words of those men just now have gravely misled you, General. All of them may surrender to Cao Cao, but only you, General, cannot.” Sun Quan asked, “Why do you say that?” Lu Su said, “If someone like me, Lu Su, surrenders to Cao Cao, he will likely send me back to my hometown, promote me according to seniority, and I would still not lose the rank of a commandery governor. But if you, General, surrender to Cao Cao, where will you find a place for yourself? At best, you would be enfeoffed as a marquis, with one carriage, one horse, and a few attendants—how could you ever face south and call yourself a ruler again? The opinions of those men are each for their own benefit; you must not listen to them. You, General, should decide on a great plan early.”

Sun Quan sighed and said, “These men’s arguments have greatly disappointed me. Zijing, the fundamental plan you have set forth is exactly what I think. Heaven has granted you to me! But Cao Cao has just absorbed Yuan Shao’s forces and recently acquired Jingzhou’s armies—I fear his power is too great to withstand.” Lu Su said, “When I went to Jiangxia, I brought back Zhuge Liang, the younger brother of Zhuge Jin, who is here now. You, my lord, can ask him, and then you will know the true situation.” Sun Quan said, “Is the Sleeping Dragon gentleman here?” Lu Su replied, “He is currently resting at the guesthouse.” Sun Quan said, “It is late today, so let us not meet for now. Tomorrow, assemble the civil and military officials in the tent. First, let him see the talents of our Jiangdong, and then we will ascend the hall to discuss affairs.”

Lu Su received the order and withdrew. The next day, he went to the guesthouse to see Kongming and again cautioned him, “When you see my lord today, you must on no account say that Cao Cao has many troops.” Kongming smiled and said, “I will naturally act according to circumstances and will certainly make no mistake.” Lu Su then led Kongming to the tent. There, he saw Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and the whole company of civil and military officials, more than twenty men, all with tall hats and broad sashes, sitting upright in proper order. Kongming greeted each one in turn, asking their names. After the formalities, he took the guest’s seat. Zhang Zhao and the others, seeing Kongming’s elegant demeanor and imposing bearing, guessed that this man had surely come to lobby. Zhang Zhao first provoked him with a question: “I, Zhang Zhao, am an insignificant person from Jiangdong. I have long heard that you, sir, reposed in seclusion at Longzhong, comparing yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Is this really true?” Kongming said, “That is merely a minor analogy of mine.” Zhang Zhao said, “Recently I heard that Liu Yuzhou visited your thatched cottage three times, and was fortunate enough to obtain you, sir, considering it like a fish getting water, and hoping to sweep through Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Now it has all fallen into Cao Cao’s hands—what plan is this?”

Kongming thought to himself, Zhang Zhao is the foremost advisor under Sun Quan. If I do not first refute him, how can I convince Sun Quan? So he replied, “In my view, taking the land north of the Han River would be as easy as turning over my hand. My lord, Liu Yuzhou, personally practices benevolence and righteousness, and could not bear to seize the inheritance of a clansman, so he firmly declined. That boy Liu Cong, heeding slanderous words, secretly surrendered, enabling Cao Cao to run rampant. Now my lord is encamped at Jiangxia with troops, and has other good plans, which are not to be known by ordinary people.”

Zhang Zhao said, “If that is so, then you, sir, have been inconsistent in word and deed. You compare yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi, made him hegemon over the feudal lords, and unified the realm; Yue Yi propped up the weak state of Yan and captured more than seventy cities from Qi. These two men were truly talents who could save the age. While you, sir, were in your thatched hut, you merely laughed at the wind and moon, hugging your knees in repose. Now that you have followed Liu Yuzhou, you ought to benefit the people, eliminate harm, and destroy the rebels. Moreover, before Liu Yuzhou obtained you, sir, he could still range across the realm and hold cities. Now that he has you, everyone looks up to him; even a child of three feet says it is like a fierce tiger gaining wings, and that we will see the Han restored and the Cao clan destroyed. The old ministers of the court and the recluses of the mountains and forests are all rubbing their eyes in expectation, thinking that sweeping away the clouds from the high heavens, gazing upon the brightness of the sun and moon, rescuing the people from fire and water, and settling the world in peace—all this is at hand. Why is it that since you, sir, attached yourself to Yuzhou, as soon as Cao’s troops came out, he threw away his armor, abandoned his helmet, and fled at the mere sight of the wind? Above, you could not repay Liu Biao by pacifying the people; below, you could not assist the young lord in holding the territory. Instead, you abandoned Xinye, fled to Fancheng, were defeated at Dangyang, and ran to Xiakou, with no place to stand. From this perspective, after Yuzhou obtained you, sir, he is actually worse off than before. Was Guan Zhong or Yue Yi truly like this? I speak bluntly—I hope you will not take offense!”

When Zhuge Liang finished speaking, he smiled faintly and said, “The roc soars for ten thousand miles—how could its ambition be recognized by the flock of common birds? It is like a man gravely ill: first one must give him thin gruel to drink and administer harmonizing medicines; once his organs are regulated and his body gradually at ease, then one may nourish him with meat and treat him with strong remedies. In this way the root of the illness is entirely eradicated, and the man’s life is saved. If one does not wait until the vital energy and blood are soothed and regulated, but instead applies harsh drugs and rich foods, seeking to restore peace—that is truly difficult. My lord, Liu Xuande, formerly suffered defeat at Runan, lodged with Liu Biao, had fewer than a thousand soldiers, and only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun as generals—this was precisely a time of extreme weakness, like a grave illness. Xinye was a remote, poor county with sparse population and scarce provisions; Xuande merely borrowed it as a temporary refuge—how could he truly have intended to sit there forever? Despite incomplete arms, unfortified walls, untrained troops, and interrupted supplies, he still managed to burn the enemy’s stores at Bowang and use the waters of the Bai River, striking terror into the hearts of Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, and the like. I privately believe that the military strategies of Guan Zhong and Yue Yi would not surpass this. As for Liu Cong’s surrender to Cao Cao, Xuande truly knew nothing of it; moreover, he could not bear to seize the ancestral heritage of a kinsman in the chaos—this is great benevolence and great righteousness. At the defeat at Dangyang, Xuande saw tens of thousands of righteous people following him, supporting the old and carrying the young, and he could not bear to abandon them. Traveling only ten li a day, he did not plan to press on to Jiangling but willingly shared their doom—this too is great benevolence and great righteousness. The few cannot withstand the many; victory and defeat are common occurrences. In former times, Emperor Gaozu of Han was repeatedly defeated by Xiang Yu, yet at the Battle of Gaixia he achieved success in one stroke—was this not due to Han Xin’s excellent strategy? Han Xin had long served Gaozu and did not always win. This is because the great plans of state and the safety of the altars depend on chief strategists, not on those who brag and deceive with empty fame, who when sitting or standing to argue are unmatched, yet when faced with an actual crisis are utterly useless. Such men are truly laughed at by the world!” This speech left Zhang Zhao without a single retort.

Suddenly a man among the assembly raised his voice and asked, “Now Cao Cao has amassed a million troops and a thousand generals, like a dragon rearing and a tiger glaring, ready to swallow Jiangxia in one gulp. What do you think of this?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Yu Fan. Zhuge Liang said, “Cao Cao has gathered the ant-like remnants of Yuan Shao and seized the crow-like mob of Liu Biao—even if they number in the millions, they are not worth fearing.” Yu Fan sneered and said, “You were defeated at Dangyang, had no plan at Xiakou, and could only beg for help from others—yet you still say you are not afraid. This is truly a boastful lie to deceive people!” Zhuge Liang replied, “Liu Xuande led a few thousand righteous troops—how could he withstand a million brutal soldiers? He withdrew to Xiakou to await the right moment. Now Jiangdong has ample troops and abundant provisions, and the natural barrier of the Yangtze River—yet you still want your lord to bend the knee and surrender to the rebel, disregarding the laughter of the world. From this it is clear that Liu Xuande is truly the one who does not fear the rebel Cao Cao!” Yu Fan could not answer.

Another man among the assembly then asked, “Are you, Kongming, trying to imitate the eloquence of Su Qin and Zhang Yi to lobby Eastern Wu?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Bu Zhi. Zhuge Liang said, “Bu Zishan thinks Su Qin and Zhang Yi were mere rhetoricians, but he does not know they were also heroes. Su Qin held the seals of six states, and Zhang Yi twice served as chief minister of Qin—both had strategies to uphold the state. They were not the kind who fear the strong, bully the weak, or dread the sword. You people hear Cao Cao’s empty boasts and tremble, begging to surrender—yet you dare to mock Su Qin and Zhang Yi?” Bu Zhi fell silent.

Suddenly another man asked, “Kongming, what kind of man do you consider Cao Cao to be?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Xue Zong. Zhuge Liang replied, “Cao Cao is a traitor to the Han dynasty—why even ask this?” Xue Zong said, “You are mistaken. The Han dynasty has passed down to the present, and its mandate is nearly exhausted. Now Cao Cao already possesses two-thirds of the empire, and people’s hearts all incline toward him. Liu Xuande does not recognize the times and forcibly contends with him—this is like an egg striking a stone—how can he not be defeated?” Zhuge Liang said sternly, “Xue Jingwen, how can you utter such words, devoid of lord and father? A man born between heaven and earth takes loyalty and filial piety as the foundation of his conduct. Since you are a subject of Han, when you see one who is not a true subject, you should swear to destroy him together—this is the way of a minister. Now Cao Cao’s ancestors have enjoyed Han’s emoluments for generations; instead of thinking of repayment, he harbors usurping, rebellious ambitions—this is what all under heaven detest. Yet you use the argument of fate to submit to him—truly a man without lord or father! You are not worthy of conversation! Say no more!” Xue Zong, filled with shame, could not reply.

Then another man from the assembly responded, “Although Cao Cao holds the emperor hostage to command the lords, he is after all a descendant of the Chancellor Cao Can. Liu Xuande is said to be a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, but this cannot be verified; he is plainly nothing but a weaver of straw mats and a seller of sandals—how can he be worthy of contending with Cao Cao?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Lu Ji. Zhuge Liang smiled and said, “Are you not the young Lu who stole oranges at Yuan Shu’s banquet? Please sit quietly and let me say one thing. Since Cao Cao is a descendant of Chancellor Cao, his family has been subjects of Han for generations. Now he monopolizes power and acts arrogantly, bullying his sovereign and father—this not only shows no regard for his lord but also disrespects his ancestors; he is not only a rebel against Han but also a traitor to the Cao family! Liu Xuande is a genuine descendant of the imperial house; the present emperor granted him a title according to the genealogy—how can it be said that there is no verification? Moreover, Emperor Gaozu of Han began as a village head and ended up possessing the empire; what shame is there in weaving mats and selling sandals? This is the view of a child, not worth discussing with a man of high principles!” Lu Ji had nothing to say.

A man from the assembly suddenly said, “What Kongming says is all sophistry, not proper discourse—there is no need to go on. For now, may I ask Kongming, what classics do you study?” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Yan Jun. Zhuge Liang said, “To search out phrases and pick out sentences—this is the way of pedantic scholars. How can it revive the state or achieve great deeds? Moreover, in ancient times, Yi Yin plowed at the edge of the Shen River, Jiang Ziya fished at the Wei River, Zhang Liang and Chen Ping were of that sort, and Deng Yu and Geng Yan were of that line—all had the talent to support the realm. Do we know what classics they studied in their lives? Must one imitate those bookworms, confined to ink and paper, arguing over black and white, playing with words?” Yan Jun, crestfallen, could not reply.

Suddenly another man shouted, “You like to speak big words, but you may not have true talent. I fear you will only be laughed at by true scholars.” Zhuge Liang looked and saw it was Cheng Deshu of Runan. Zhuge Liang replied, “Among scholars, there are gentlemen and petty men. The gentleman-scholar is loyal to his lord and loves his country, upholds righteousness and abhors evil, ensuring his beneficence reaches his time and his fame is handed down to posterity. As for the petty scholar, he devotes himself solely to carving words and polishing phrases, studying ink and brush—composing rhapsodies in youth and poring over classics even in old age. Though he may write thousands of words, in his heart he has not a single plan. For example, Yang Xiong was famous for his literary works, yet he bent his knee to serve Wang Mang and ultimately died by leaping from a tower—this is what is called a petty scholar. Even if he writes ten thousand words a day, what is there to commend?” Cheng Deshu could not respond.

When the assembly saw Zhuge Liang answer so fluently, they were all greatly startled. At this point, Zhang Wen and Luo Tong, who were also present, wanted to ask further questions to embarrass him. Suddenly a man entered from outside and said sternly, “Kongming is a rare talent of our age. You are trying to confound him with words—this is not the proper way to treat a guest. Cao Cao’s great army is pressing on the border, and you do not think of plans to repel the enemy, but waste time in empty debate here!” Everyone looked and saw it was a man from Lingling, named Huang Gai, styled Gongfu, currently serving as Eastern Wu’s granary official. At that moment, Huang Gai said to Zhuge Liang, “I have heard that much empty talk brings little profit—better to say nothing. Why not present your golden words and fine counsel to our lord, instead of debating here with these men?” Zhuge Liang replied, “These gentlemen do not understand the affairs of the day and keep challenging me with questions—I have no choice but to answer.”

So Huang Gai and Lu Su led Kongming inside. When they reached the middle gate, they happened to meet Zhuge Jin, and Kongming bowed to him. Zhuge Jin said, “Since you, worthy younger brother, have come to Jiangdong, why did you not come to see me?” Kongming replied, “I am serving Liu Yuzhou, and it is proper to put public duty before private affairs. Since official business is not yet finished, I dare not attend to personal matters. I hope you, elder brother, will forgive me.” Zhuge Jin said, “After you have seen the Marquis of Wu, come and have a talk.” With that, he left.

Lu Su said, “Do not forget the instructions I just gave you.” Kongming nodded in agreement. Lu Su led him into the main hall. Sun Quan descended the steps to greet him, treating him with great courtesy. After the formalities were completed, Sun Quan offered Kongming a seat. The civil and military officials stood in two rows. Lu Su stood beside Kongming, watching him as he spoke. Kongming conveyed Liu Bei’s intent, then secretly observed Sun Quan: green eyes, purple beard, an imposing appearance. Kongming thought to himself, “This man has an extraordinary bearing. I can only use provocation, not persuasion. When he questions me, I will stir him with words.”

After tea was served, Sun Quan said, “I have often heard Lu Zijing speak of your talents. Today I am fortunate to meet you; I dare to ask for your instruction.” Kongming replied, “I have no learning or ability; I am unworthy of your wise inquiry.” Sun Quan said, “You, sir, were recently at Xinye, assisting Liu Yuzhou in his decisive battle against Cao Cao. You must be well versed in the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses.” Kongming said, “Liu Yuzhou’s troops are few and his generals scarce, and Xinye is a small city without provisions. How could he contend with Cao Cao?” Sun Quan said, “How many troops does Cao Cao have in total?” Kongming said, “Cavalry, infantry, and naval forces amount to about a million.” Sun Quan said, “Surely that is an exaggeration?” Kongming said, “It is no exaggeration. When Cao Cao was in Yanzhou, he had two hundred thousand Qingzhou troops; after pacifying Yuan Shao, he gained another five or six hundred thousand; newly recruited soldiers from the Central Plains number three to four hundred thousand; and now he has acquired two to three hundred thousand troops from Jingzhou. Adding these up, they are no less than one and a half million. I said a million only to avoid alarming the scholars of Jiangdong.”

Lu Su, standing nearby, changed color at these words and motioned to Kongming with his eyes, but Kongming pretended not to notice. Sun Quan said, “How many battle-hardened generals does Cao Cao have?” Kongming said, “Resourceful strategists and seasoned generals number no fewer than one or two thousand!” Sun Quan said, “Now that Cao Cao has pacified Jingchu, does he have further plans?” Kongming said, “He is now encamped along the river, preparing warships. If he does not intend to take Jiangdong, where else would he go?” Sun Quan said, “If he truly intends to swallow us, should I fight or not? Please, sir, decide for me.” Kongming said, “I have a word to say, but I fear you, General, will not heed it.” Sun Quan said, “I would like to hear your esteemed opinion.” Kongming said, “In times past, the realm was in chaos, so you, General, raised troops in Jiangdong, and Liu Yuzhou gathered men in Hannan, both contending with Cao Cao for the empire. Now Cao Cao has eliminated his great enemies, and the land is largely pacified. Recently he has taken Jingzhou, shaking the world with his might. Even heroes have no place to use their strength, which is why Liu Yuzhou has fled here. I hope you, General, will assess your own strength. If you can use the forces of Wu and Yue to resist the Central Plains, it would be better to break off relations with Cao Cao early. If not, why not follow the counsel of your many advisors, lay down your arms, and submit to the north, serving him?”

Before Sun Quan could reply, Kongming continued, “You, General, outwardly pretend to obey, but inwardly harbor indecision. In an urgent matter, you cannot decide, and disaster will soon be upon you!” Sun Quan said, “If it is as you say, why does Liu Yuzhou not surrender to Cao Cao?” Kongming said, “In former times, Tian Heng was merely a stalwart of Qi, yet he held fast to honor and refused to submit. How much more so Liu Yuzhou, a descendant of the royal house, whose talents overshadow the age and whom all scholars admire? If his cause fails, it is Heaven’s will. How could he bow to another?”

Upon hearing these words, Sun Quan flushed with anger, shook his sleeves, rose, and withdrew into the inner hall. The officials laughed and dispersed. Lu Su reproached Kongming, saying, “Why did you say such things, sir? Fortunately, our lord is magnanimous and did not rebuke you to your face. Your words were far too contemptuous of him.” Kongming looked up and laughed, saying, “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 request our lord to seek your advice.” Kongming said, “I see Cao Cao’s million-strong army as nothing but a swarm of ants! With a single wave of my hand, they will all turn to dust!”

Hearing this, Lu Su entered the inner hall to see Sun Quan. Sun Quan’s anger had not subsided; he glared at Lu Su and said, “Kongming has insulted me too much!” Lu Su said, “I also reproached Kongming for this, but he laughed and said that you, my lord, are intolerant. He has a plan to defeat Cao Cao, but he would not reveal it lightly. Why not ask him for his counsel?” Sun Quan’s anger turned to joy, and he said, “So Kongming has a good plan and was only provoking me with words. I was too shortsighted and nearly ruined a great affair.” He then went out again with Lu Su to invite Kongming back for a talk. When Sun Quan saw Kongming, he apologized, saying, “I was rude just now; I hope you will not take offense.” Kongming also apologized, saying, “My words were offensive; I hope you will forgive me.” Sun Quan invited Kongming into the inner hall and set out wine to entertain him.

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 these heroes have been eliminated, leaving only Liu Bei and me. I cannot take the entire land of Jiangdong and submit to another’s control. My mind is made up. Aside from Imperial Uncle Liu, no one can join me in resisting Cao Cao. However, Imperial Uncle Liu has just suffered a defeat; how can he withstand this great crisis?” Zhuge Liang said, “Although Imperial Uncle Liu has recently been defeated, Guan Yu still leads ten thousand elite troops, and Liu Qi commands no fewer than ten thousand Jiangxia soldiers. Cao Cao’s army, having come from afar, is exhausted. Moreover, in pursuing Imperial Uncle Liu, his light cavalry has marched three hundred li in a single day and night. This is what is meant by ‘the strength of a strong crossbow’s arrow at its end cannot penetrate the thin silk of Lu.’ Besides, northerners are not accustomed to fighting on water. The people of Jingzhou who have submitted to Cao Cao do so only under duress, not from their hearts. Now, if you, General, will truly join forces with Imperial Uncle Liu, breaking Cao Cao’s army is certain. Once Cao Cao’s army is broken, he will surely retreat north. Then Jingzhou and Eastern Wu will grow stronger, and a situation of three powers standing like a tripod will take shape. Success or failure hinges on today. I hope you will decide.”

Sun Quan was greatly pleased and said, “Your words, sir, have opened my eyes. My mind is made up; I have no more doubts. Today we will discuss raising troops to destroy Cao Cao together.” He then ordered Lu Su to convey this intent to the civil and military officials and sent Zhuge Liang to rest at the guest quarters.

When Zhang Zhao learned that Sun Quan intended to send out troops, he conferred with the others, saying, “We have fallen into Zhuge Liang’s trap!” He hurried in to see Sun Quan and said, “We hear that you, my lord, are about to raise troops to engage Cao Cao. Do you think you compare to Yuan Shao? In the past, Cao Cao had few troops and generals, yet he defeated Yuan Shao in a single campaign. Now, with a million-strong army on a southern expedition, how can we take him lightly? If you heed Zhuge Liang’s words and act rashly, it would be like carrying firewood to put out a fire.” Sun Quan only lowered his head, silent. Gu Yong said, “Liu Bei, having been defeated by Cao Cao, wants to borrow our Jiangdong forces to resist him. Why should you, my lord, be used by him? I hope you will follow Zibu’s advice.”

Sun Quan hesitated, unable to decide. After Zhang Zhao and the others had withdrawn, Lu Su entered and said, “Just now, Zhang Zibu and the others again advised you not to send troops, advocating surrender. These are ministers who care only for their own safety and the welfare of their families. I hope you, my lord, will not listen to them.” Sun Quan remained hesitant. Lu Su said, “If you, my lord, continue to waver, you will surely be misled by these men.” Sun Quan said, “You may withdraw for now; let me think it over.” So Lu Su withdrew. At that time, some military officers wanted to fight, while all the civil officials were for surrender, and the debate was heated, with no consensus.

Meanwhile, Sun Quan withdrew to his private quarters, restless in both sleep and appetite, unable to make a decision. Lady Wu, seeing Sun Quan in this state, asked, “What matter weighs on your mind, causing you to neglect even sleep and meals?” Sun Quan replied, “Now Cao Cao has stationed his troops along the Yangtze and Han Rivers, with intentions to attack the lands south of the river. I have consulted both civil and military officials; some wish to surrender, others to fight. If I choose to fight, I fear our forces are outnumbered and cannot prevail; if I choose to surrender, I worry that Cao Cao will not tolerate me. Thus I am caught in indecision.” Lady Wu said, “Why do you not remember the words your mother spoke on her deathbed?” Sun Quan, as if awakening from a drunken stupor or emerging from a dream, recalled those words. Indeed:

Thinking back on the queen mother’s dying words,

He summoned Zhou Yu to achieve martial success.

What exactly were those words? Let the next chapter explain.