Now Lu Su and Zhuge Liang, whose courtesy name was Kongming, took leave of Liu Bei and Liu Qi and boarded a boat to Chaisang County. While in the boat the two discussed matters together. Lu Su said to Kongming, “When you meet General Sun, do not speak plainly about the full strength and spread of Cao Cao’s forces.” Kongming answered, “No need for your reminder, Zijing; I have words prepared.”

When the boat reached the bank, Lu Su asked Kongming to rest at the posthouse for a while, and he went first to report to Sun Quan. Sun Quan was already gathering civil and military officers in the hall for deliberation. Hearing that Lu Su had returned, he urgently summoned him and asked, “Zijing, you went to Jiangxia—what is the true state?”

Lu Su replied, “What I learned is partial and can be reported gradually.”

Sun Quan held up the summons sent from Cao Cao and said, “Cao just sent an envoy with this. I had first ordered a messenger out, but before that he arrived. We are all deliberating now and the consensus is not yet fixed.” Lu Su read it. It stated:

I now accept the emperor’s command and with the imperial decree move to punish offenders. My banners point south. Liu Qun has yielded his hands in surrender, and the people of Jing and Xiang, seeing the wind, have come to submit. I now command a host of one million men and a thousand senior commanders. I intend to meet the General at Jiangxia, to strike Liu Bei together, divide the land, and make an enduring alliance. Do not delay in waiting for me. Send your reply at once.

After reading it, Lu Su asked, “How does Your Majesty view this?”

Sun Quan said, “There is no final decision yet.”

Zhang Zhao said, “Cao Cao has a host of one million. He carries the Son of Heaven’s name and nameplate to levy arms against all quarters. If we do not follow, we refuse him. As for my lord’s chances against Cao, the great obstacle is the Yangtze. Since he has now taken Jing Province, the strength of the river now belongs to both sides of the conflict. It cannot be opposed by force. As a poor man’s plan, accepting his terms is the route to ten-thousandfold peace.”

All the strategists declared, “Zibu’s argument accords with Heaven’s will.”

Sun Quan stayed silent. Zhang Zhao added, “My lord need not doubt so much. If we submit to Cao, the people of Wu stay safe and the six southern commanderies are preserved.” Sun Quan lowered his head and said nothing.

Soon after, Sun Quan rose to change clothes. Lu Su followed behind him. Sensing Lu Su’s purpose, Sun Quan grasped his hand and said, “What do you think we should do?”

Lu Su answered, “What everyone said is mistaken. All of them can submit to Cao, only the general cannot.”

Sun Quan asked, “Why do you say so?”

Lu Su said, “Should men like me submit, we may still return to our home districts, and though stripped of office we do not lose all commanderies. But if my lord submits, where can he then go? At best he gets enfeoffed as a marquis, with no more than one carriage, one horse, and only a few attendants. How could he then face south and be called lord?”

“The thoughts of each here serve only their own interests,” he continued. “Do not listen to them. My lord must settle the larger plan at once.”

Sun Quan sighed, “Their arguments have missed my hopes. What you just said, Zijing, is exactly what I think, and it is as though heaven has bestowed that on me through you. Yet Cao Cao has only just absorbed Yuan Shao’s crowd, and has now gained Jing Province’s forces. I fear the momentum is too great for us to resist.”

Lu Su said, “I have already been to Jiangxia and brought Zhuge Liang, the younger brother of Zhuge Jin, so you may ask him directly and know the truth of it.”

Sun Quan asked, “Is the Hidden Dragon here?”

Lu Su said, “He is now resting at the relay station.”

Sun Quan said, “It is late today, and we have not yet met. Tomorrow gather the civil and military officials in the tents first. Let them behold the men of my domain, and then hold the formal council in the hall.”

Lu Su obeyed and left.

The next day, he came to the poststation and saw Kongming, reminding him again: “As agreed, do not state Cao’s actual troop strength in full before my lord.”

Kongming smiled. “I will match the moment and change my words. I will not err.”

Lu Su brought him into the pavilion. Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, and over twenty officers were already seated, robes and crowns properly set, waiting upright. Kongming greeted each one, inquired each name, and after the courtesies were finished sat among the guests. Seeing his lofty, elegant appearance and commanding presence, Zhang Zhao thought, “This man is clearly here to persuade.”

Zhang Zhao began the questioning first. “I am but a minor man of Jiangdong. I have long heard Master had long withdrawn to Longzhong, comparing himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Is there truly cause for such words?”

Kongming replied, “That is but a small likeness of mine.”

Zhang Zhao said, “Recently it is heard that Liu Xuande made three visits to meet you at the thatched cottage, and with good fortune he has obtained you so you may be as fish in water. He was to roll through Jing and Xiang swiftly. Yet now, in one moment, he follows Cao Cao. Is this from your sense of right and wrong?”

Kongming thought inwardly: Zhang Zhao is the foremost counselor of my lord. If he is not first disarmed, how can I persuade Sun Quan?” he thought, and answered:

“From the moment I observe this world, the lands above Han are easy to take up as one turns over one’s palm. Liu Xuande practices benevolence and righteousness in his person and cannot bear to seize the base of his own clan, so he refuses repeatedly. Liu Qun, a simple fool, believed flattering words, surrendered in secret and let Cao Cao run rampant. Liu Xuande has now concentrated troops at Jiangxia; he has an unspoken design and this should not be treated lightly.”

Zhang Zhao objected, “Then your words and deeds contradict each other. You compared yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi yourself. Guan Zhong served Duke Huan and dominated the lords, bringing the world under one rectification; Yue Yi raised weak Yan and brought down more than seventy cities of Qi. Those two men truly restored the world. In the cottage you only laughed at wind and moon, crossed your knees and sat in ease. Now you have taken up service under Liu Xuande, you should bring profit to life and eliminate evil men. Even before he found you, he had already ranged the realm and held cities; now that he has found you, all look up to him. Even a child of three feet, they would say, has wings like a tiger and will see Han restored and the Cao house destroyed. Former ministers and reclusive scholars alike keep their eyes fixed, saying this is the moment when the high heavens clear their clouds and the sun and moon recover their luster, rescuing the people from water and fire and setting the state upon a proper seat.

“So why, now that you have returned, when Cao’s army moves out, do you throw down armor and spears, run from the wind of rumor, abandon your post, abandon New Marsh, go to Fan City, be broken at Dangyang, and run to Xiakou with nowhere to stand? Did not Liu Xuande, once he had you, become less than at first?”

“Did Guan Zhong and Yue Yi ever do as you now claim?”

“Accept this blunt speech in simplicity.”

Kongming had no smile now and replied calmly:

“Can the soaring ambition of a roc over ten thousand li be known by ordinary birds? A person suffering deep damp disease must first be fed gruel and given medicine to soften the channels; once the spleen and bowels are in balance and the body slowly steady, only then should one use meat and stronger remedies. That is how the root of illness is removed and life returned. If one forces the strong medicine while the channels are not ready, seeking quick cure, the outcome is hard indeed.

“My lord Liu Xuande once suffered defeat at Ru-nan and took refuge with Liu Biao. His troops were under a thousand, only Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun as the core. That was the condition of one who had already weakened at root. New Marsh was a remote, small county, the people were few and grain scant. Would he truly sit there to hold forever?

“With weapons incomplete, city walls weak, troops untrained, and grain not enough day by day, yet by burning camp at Bowang and using the waters of Baihe he made Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren lose all nerve. I would say even Guan Zhong and Yue Yi might not have done better in such a use of force.

“As for Liu Qun’s surrender, Liu Xuande truly did not know the timing and still dared not seize his own clan’s base in disorder. That is great benevolence and great righteousness. In the defeat at Dangyang, Liu Xuande saw several tens of thousands of men of faith and followed old and young together, unwilling to leave them behind. He moved ten li a day, did not dare to press toward Jiangling, and shared defeat with all. That too is great benevolence and great righteousness.

“One cannot always triumph over overwhelming odds. In earlier times Gao Emperor lost repeatedly to Xiang Yu and only at Guanhai was he victorious; was that not Han Xin’s fine stratagem? Han Xin served the Great Emperor long and never counted victories lightly. Great state policy and dynastic safety depend on one true grand design, not on bragging men who trade in empty reputations, deceive people with words, and sit at leisure in debate. They cannot answer when circumstances change. Truly, this is a matter for laughter under heaven.”

Zhang Zhao could not answer once after this flow of words.

From the hall, one man shouted, “Cao Gong now has a million men and one thousand commanders; with dragon-and-tiger look, he intends to swallow Jiangxia in one sweep. What is your view?” Kongming looked up and saw it was Yu Fan.

Kongming said, “Cao Cao gathered Yuan Shao’s ant-like troops and forced together Liu Biao’s motley men. Though it were in the millions, it need not alarm us.”

Yu Fan sneered, “He was beaten at Dangyang, came to a dead end at Xiakou, then seeks help from others. To still say he is not to be feared is grand deceit.”

Kongming said, “Liu Xuande has only a few thousand of men rooted in benevolence and justice. How can he stand against Cao’s ferocious mass? He pulled back to Xiakou to await the proper time. Wu now has disciplined troops and enough grain, and has the advantage of the Yangtze. Yet you would still have your lord kneel for submission? What does this do to the shame of the empire?”

Yu Fan had no answer.

Another man from the assembly asked, “Does Kongming seek to act as the tongue of Su Qin and Zhang Yi, persuading Eastern Wu?” Kongming recognized him as Bu Zhi.

Kongming said, “Bu Zhi says Su Qin and Zhang Yi were called rhetoricians, but Su Qin and Zhang Yi were men of towering ability. Su Qin held six kingdoms’ seals; Zhang Yi served Qin twice. They had plans to set states right, not to fear those with blades and avoid swords as cowards.”

Bu Zhi said no more.

Another asked, “What is Cao like as a man?” Kongming looked and saw Xue Zong.

Kongming answered, “Cao Cao is a bandit of Han; why ask further?”

Xue Zong said, “Your words are wrong. Since Han’s cycle has reached the end, heaven’s order turns. Cao has already conquered two-thirds of the realm and all the people incline to him. Liu Xuande does not understand the timing and insists on fighting him—that is like striking stone with an egg. How can he avoid defeat?”

Kongming spoke sharply: “Xue Zong, how can you produce words without father or lord? A man in this world stands on loyalty and filial piety. If you are indeed a Han official and you see one who does not serve his lord, you should swear to strike him down together. That is a minister’s duty. Cao Cao has inherited Han grain and salary from his ancestors, yet he does not seek to repay it and harbors treasonous thoughts, which the world as a whole resents. You call this merely Heaven’s cycle and shift blame; what a man with no father, no lord! You should not continue. Enough.”

Xue Zong, filled with shame, could not answer.

Another from the hall asked next, “Though Cao has carried the Son of Heaven by force, he is still the grandson of Chancellor Cao Shen. Liu Xuande, though he claims descent from the Prince of Zhongshan, can scarcely be proved. He appears to me as a maker of reed mats and sandals. How can he contend with Cao?” Kongming saw it was Lu Ji.

Kongming said, “Are you not Lu, son of Jing’s district, who always carries oranges at others’ tables? Sit and listen first. If Cao Cao is indeed the son of Prime Minister Cao, then he is by status a Han minister. But now he monopolizes power, bullies fathers and lords alike. He is not only faithless to ruler and master, he also insults his ancestors. He is not only a traitor to Han, but even a rebel son of the Cao house.

“Liu Xuande is the scion of the imperial line, the emperor of the day, invested with title according to the genealogy. How can you call him unverified?

“Did not Gaozu rise from a village watch officer and yet end over all beneath heaven? Is making mats and sandals truly such shame? Your childish gaze is not fit to speak with men of lofty purpose.”

Lu Ji was silenced.

Another man spoke out: “All that Kongming says is forceful wordplay and not true argument; no need to continue. Tell us what texts he has studied.” Kongming saw him as Yan Jun.

Kongming replied, “To pluck phrases from chapters is the work of decay-ridden scholars. Can such men revive a realm and settle affairs? In former times, Yi Yin of the Xia dynasty, Jiang Ziya of Wei, Zhang Liang, Chen Ping and others, Deng Yu and Geng Yan— all held talent to set the world right. Why should we demand what classics they studied first? Are they mere scribes, confined to desk and brush, discussing black and yellow, playing with writing and ink?”

Yan Jun bowed his head, lost voice, and could not answer.

Again another called out in a loud tone: “You speak boldly, Master, but perhaps you lack real learning. You may become a scholar to be mocked.” Kongming saw it was Cheng Deshu of Runan.

Kongming said, “There is a difference between gentleman and petty scholar. A gentleman-scholar is loyal to ruler and devoted to state, upholds justice and hates evil, works so his benefits flow to his age and his name endures. The petty scholar cares only for carving insects, polishing brush and ink, composing verse as youth, and exhausting a lifetime in texts. Though a thousand words stand under his brush, one policy is absent in his breast. Think of Yang Xiong, famed for style, who served Wang Mang and still ended at the eaves. Even if he wrote ten thousand words a day, what is it worth?”

Cheng Deshu had no response.

All present saw that Kongming replied freely and fluidly, and all of them fell pale. At that moment two men, Zhang Wen and Luo Tong, wished to keep questioning. Just then one person entered from outside and shouted: “Kongming is an exceptional talent of this age. For men like you to cross-question with mere lips is in no way respectful hospitality to a guest!”

The man was Huang Gai, surnamed Huang, named Gai, courtesy name Gongfu, now Wu’s grain official.

He said to Kongming, “It is known that talking too much for gain is less useful than prudent silence. Why do you not speak of matters of iron and stone before my lord and continue your rhetoric with everyone here?”

Kongming answered, “These gentlemen do not understand affairs of the world, so they cross-question one another and must be answered.”

Then Huang Gai and Lu Su led Kongming in. At the middle gate they encountered Zhuge Jin. Kongming offered courtesy.

Zhuge Jin said, “Since my talented younger brother has come to Jiangdong, why has he not come to visit me?”

Kongming said, “My brother now serves in Xuande’s charge and first completes public duty before private ties. My public affairs are still not finished, so I have not dared to do otherwise. I ask my brother’s forbearance.”

Zhuge Jin said, “Your talented younger brother has seen Lord Wu; now come and talk.” He then withdrew.

Lu Su said, “What I warned at first: do not err. Kongming nodded. He then brought him to the hall.

Sun Quan descended the steps to receive him and treated him with great courtesy. After the exchange of greetings, he was given a seat. The officials stood in two rows around. Lu Su stood at Kongming’s side, watching him speak. After Kongming delivered Xuande’s intent, he glanced at Sun Quan: blue eyes, purple beard, a handsome, imposing presence. Kongming thought privately, “This man is extraordinary in appearance, capable of only being provoked, not reasoned into assent. Let him ask at the right moment and then I can spur him with words.”

After tea was served, Sun Quan said, “I have often heard Zijing speak of your talent. It is good fortune to meet you. May I seek instruction?”

Kongming said, “I am unworthy and not learned. I have brought shame to your inquiry.”

Sun Quan said, “You were recently in New Marsh, where you aided Liu Xuande against Cao. You must know well the true state of his army.”

Kongming said, “Liu Xuande had few men and scant officers. New Marsh is a small city, its grain poor. How could he withstand Cao?”

Sun Quan said, “How many troops does Cao have?”

Kongming said, “Cavalry, infantry, and river forces together are about one million and somewhat above.”

Sun Quan said, “Could this be feigned?”

Kongming said, “Not feigned. In Yan Province alone Cao already had two hundred thousand Qingzhou troops; after subduing Yuan Shao, he obtained another five to six hundred thousand; newly levied troops from the Central Plains number three to four hundred thousand; and now he has gained another two to three hundred thousand from Jing Province. By this reckoning it is not less than one million five hundred thousand. If I spoke in terms of a million, it was only to avoid frightening the men of Wu.”

Lu Su saw this and grew pale; he looked at Kongming, who pretended not to notice.

Sun Quan asked, “How many competent generals serve directly under Cao?”

Kongming said, “Men of genius and strategic brilliance, commanders used to battle, are surely not merely one or two thousand.”

Sun Quan said, “Since Cao has now pacified Jing and Chu, does he have a farther plan?”

Kongming said, “Right now, by the river he has set up camps and prepared warships. He does not yet aim to absorb Jiangdong; he awaits what he might take next.”

Sun Quan asked, “If he bears intention to absorb us, whether we fight or not, please decide for me.”

Kongming said, “I have one word, but I fear the general may not heed it.”

Sun Quan said, “Please speak your high opinion.”

Kongming said, “Earlier, when order in the state had collapsed, you rose in Jiangdong. Liu Xuande gathered benevolent men of the south and contested heaven and earth with Cao over the realm. Now Cao has cut down the great disorder and nearly levelled the crisis. He has now newly broken Jing and his prestige now shakes the world. There is no room for heroes to use their strength there. Therefore your lord has come here by retreat. Measure your strength and act accordingly.

“If you can resist China with Wu and Yue together, then better to cut ties with him now. If not, why not follow what the many counselors advise, keep your arms bound, and face north in service to him?”

Sun Quan said nothing at once.

Kongming continued, “Your lord bears outwardly the name of obedience, but inwardly you still harbor doubts. When urgency arrives and no break comes, disaster comes without end.”

Sun Quan asked, “If this is true, why did Liu Xuande not submit to Cao?”

Kongming said, “In old times Tian Heng, though a mere warrior of Qi, still kept loyalty unsullied. How much more Liu Xuande, the imperial scion and peerless talent, admired by all men. If this matter does not succeed, that is Heaven’s way; how then could he bend himself under another?”

When Sun Quan heard this, he abruptly reddened, rose, swept his robe aside, and retreated to the rear hall. The assembly laughed and drifted away.

Lu Su said to Kongming, “Why did you speak such words? It is fortunate my lord is broad and forbearant and does not rebuke you outright. Your words so far have deeply slighted my lord.”

Kongming looked up and smiled, “Is it wrong he cannot bear all who differ from him? I have my own plan to break Cao. If he does not ask me, I will not speak.”

Lu Su said, “If there is a good plan, I will ask my lord to seek instruction.”

Kongming said, “I regard Cao Cao’s million men as an ant heap. With one raised hand, they all become mere flour dust.”

Hearing this, Lu Su entered the rear hall and spoke with Sun Quan. The anger had not yet passed. Sun Quan, looking at him, said, “Kongming has offended me beyond measure.”

Lu Su said, “I too rebuked him for this. Yet Kongming smiles and says my lord cannot tolerate divergent thought; he will not casually expose his plan against Cao. Why does my lord not demand it?”

Sun Quan’s anger changed to joy and he said, “So there was indeed a sound stratagem in his words, using provocation. I had shallow sight and nearly ruined a major matter.” He then went out once more with Lu Su and invited Kongming back into the hall.

When Sun Quan saw him, he said, “I just committed an offense in insulting your dignity. Forgive me.”

Kongming bowed, “My words were impolite. I beg pardon.”

Sun Quan then invited him to the rear hall and served wine.

After circling through several rounds, Sun Quan said, “Cao’s lifelong dislikes are Lü Bu, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Liu Xuande, and me. Now the five great have fallen, and only Liu Xuande and I remain. I cannot, as ruler of all Wu, be subordinate to one man. My decision is made. No one besides Liu Xuande can stand against Cao. Yet after Liu Xuande’s recent defeat, can he withstand this danger?”

Kongming said, “Though Liu Xuande was recently defeated, Guan Yu still leads one full ten thousand veterans, and Liu Qi commands the Jiangxia fighters, not less than ten thousand. Cao’s host has come far and is weary. As he pursued Liu Xuande, he rode light cavalry three hundred li in a single day and night. This is what people call ‘the power of a snapped crossbow at its end cannot pierce silk from Ru-sock’.

“Further, men from the north do not practice water warfare. The people and soldiers of Jing who serve Cao did so under compulsion, not from the heart. If General can truly unite heart and force with Liu Xuande, breaking Cao’s army is certain.

“If Cao’s army breaks, it must retreat north. Then the strength of Jing and Wu grows, and a three-legged balance will be formed. The point of success and failure is in this moment; the decision is in your lord’s hand.”

Sun Quan was greatly pleased and said, “Master’s words at last open my heart. My intent is fixed and no further doubt remains. From this day I will convene and raise troops to destroy Cao.” He ordered Lu Su to convey this to the civil and military officials, and sent Kongming back to the relay post to rest.

Zhang Zhao learned of Sun Quan’s intention to send troops and said at once, “He has fallen into Kongming’s scheme!” He rushed to report:

“Your lord plans to raise troops and clash with Cao. Compare it with Yuan Shao for a moment. When Cao had few men and few commanders, he could in one drumbeat strike Yuan Shao once; how can we now, with an army of a million, lightly oppose him? If Your Majesty moves by Kongming’s words, this is like setting fire to one’s own thatched house to save a burning field.”

Sun Quan only lowered his head and said nothing. Gu Yong said, “Liu Bei lost to Cao and now seeks to borrow Wu’s troops to resist him. Why should my lord be used by him? Please listen to Zijing.”

Sun Quan remained in thought. Zhang Zhao and others withdrew. Lu Su returned: “The counsel just now was again urging no movement and recommending submission. Those words came from men who seek to save only their own households. Your Majesty should not listen to them.”

Sun Quan was still undecided. Lu Su asked, “If Your Majesty delays, the crowd will surely mislead you.” Sun Quan said, “You should step aside for three moments while I think.” Lu Su stepped aside.

Some generals wanted battle, some civil officials wanted surrender; the arguments flew, none settled.

As for Sun Quan, he withdrew to the inner hall and ate and slept poorly, sleepless and unsettled, wavering all the while. Lady Wu, saw this and asked, “What is your mind, that food and sleep are abandoned?”

Sun Quan said, “Cao has camped between the Yangtze and the Han with intention to descend south. I asked the officials. Some urge submission, some urge war. If war is chosen, I fear I cannot withstand. If surrender is chosen, I fear Cao will not allow peace. That is why I hesitate.”

Wu Guotai said, “Do you remember what my sister spoke at death’s edge?”

Sun Quan seemed to wake from intoxication and start from a dream; at once he recalled those words. The verse was:

Remember your mother’s words on her deathbed; They raise General Zhou to stand and earn battle merit.

How this turned out will be told in the next chapter.