Cao Cao’s army is checked at the Three-River Ford. The assembly of heroes traps Jiang Gan.

Yet it is said that after Zhou Yu, whose courtesy name was Gongjin, heard Zhuge Jin, he turned his resentment against Zhuge Liang, whose courtesy name was Kongming, and plotted to kill him. The next day he gave orders to line up the army commanders and entered audience with Sun Quan. Sun Quan said, “Go on first. I will raise the troops and follow.”

Zhou Yu withdrew and, with Cheng Pu and Lu Su, led the troops out and invited Kongming to accompany them. Kongming readily agreed, and together they boarded the boats, raised sail, and moved toward Xiakou in a steady drift. Fifty or sixty li south of the Three-River Ford, the ships, one after another, came to a halt and moored. Zhou Yu pitched camp in the middle of the line, and on the bank he established a camp below West Hill, stationing troops all around. Kongming settled aboard a single small boat.

Zhou Yu had already assigned the deployments and now sent someone to ask Kongming to discuss military affairs. Kongming arrived at the central command tent and exchanged formal courtesy. Zhou Yu said, “In former days, Cao Cao had fewer troops while Yuan Shao had many, yet Cao prevailed by using Xuyou’s plan and first cutting off the supplies at Wuchao. Now Cao has eight hundred and thirty thousand soldiers, while we have only fifty or sixty thousand. How can we resist him? We must first cut off Cao’s supplies, and only then can we break him. I have found that Cao’s stores of grain are all concentrated at Juite Shan. You have long lived at Han’s camp and know the terrain well. If you are willing, you and Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun and I will send in a thousand troops and go by night to Juite Shan to sever Cao’s food line. Each man would be serving his own lord, so do not fail him through over-caution.”

Kongming thought to himself, “He has said this to keep me from moving and to plan to trap me. If I refuse, I will be mocked. Better to agree, and then devise another plan.” So he answered pleasantly and accepted. Zhou Yu rejoiced greatly, and Kongming withdrew.

Lu Su spoke privately to Zhou Yu. “Why do you have Kongming break the supplies? What is your design?”

Zhou Yu answered, “I want to kill Kongming, but I fear ridicule. So I use Cao Cao’s hand to do it and end this future trouble at the source.”

When Lu Su heard this, he went to see Kongming and tried to read whether he knew what had passed. Kongming showed no sign of distress, and quietly arranged men and horses in readiness to move. Lu Su could not bear it and provocatively said, “Why has Gongjin sent you to seize Cao's grain? What is his intent?”

Kongming laughed. “I am competent in water fighting, foot fighting, horse fighting, and chariot fighting; why should I worry that my achievements will fail? I am not like men of Jiangdong—only you and Zhou there would claim such excellence.”

Lu Su said, “What do you mean, Master by saying that I and Zhou Liang are the only one truly able?”

Kongming replied, “I have heard a rhyme from children in Jiangnan: ‘At the crossing road, Rao Zijing holds the barrier; on river battle by the Yangtze, there is Zhou Lang.’ On land you only know how to block roads, and Master Zhou can only handle water fighting, not land fighting.”

Lu Su reported these words to Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu grew angry. “Do you mean to pretend I cannot fight on land? I will not send him! I myself will lead ten thousand cavalry to Juite Shan and cut off Cao’s supply route.”

Lu Su again told Kongming what Zhou had said.

Kongming smiled. “By setting me to cut grain, General Zhou intends me to be killed by Cao Cao. I mocked him in passing, and he has no room to hold it in. At this critical time, I wish only that Lord Wu and Lord Liu act with one heart; then the enterprise can succeed. If each works to harm the other, then this major effort will end.”

“Cao, who is full of schemes, has always been used to cutting an enemy’s food line. How could he now not keep heavy troops ready? If General Zhou goes, he will be taken and captured. Now we must first resolve the river battle, exhaust the northern army’s sharpness, and then seek another clever way to break it. Please tell him this as kindly as you can.”

Lu Su returned overnight and recounted all Kongming had said. Zhou Yu shook his head and stomped his feet. “This man’s insight exceeds mine by tenfold. If we do not remove him now, he will become our country’s disaster in time!”

Lu Su said, “Now is not the moment for choosing and removing men. Let us put the state first. When Cao is defeated, there will still be time to deal with him.”

Zhou Yu accepted what Lu Su said.

It is said that Liu Bei, whose courtesy name was Xuande, ordered Liu Qi to hold Jiangxia and personally led the other commanders south to Xiakou. From the riverbank he could see banners on Jiangnan’s bank barely visible, spears and halberds dense in rows; clearly, Eastern Wu had already moved troops. He moved all the Jiangxia forces to anchor at Fankou.

Liu Bei assembled everyone and said, “Since Kongming has been in that land for long and now intends to return, I have no news of him and do not know what has happened. Who can go and learn the true state of things and report back?” Mi Zhu said, “I volunteer to go.”

Liu Bei prepared sheep and wine gifts and told Mi Zhu to go to Eastern Wu. In name of offering rewards to the army, he was to gather true information.

Mi Zhu took his charge and, boarding a small boat, drifted downstream directly to the forward camp of Zhou Yu. A sentry reported him to the general. Yu summoned him in.

Mi Zhu bowed twice and conveyed Liu Bei’s respect. He presented the wine gifts. Zhou Yu accepted and gave him a formal banquet.

Mi Zhu said, “Kongming has stayed there for a long time. Now he wishes to return with us.”

Zhou Yu said, “Kongming is still plotting with me how to break Cao. How could he go at once? I also want to meet Governor Liu and discuss this matter, but I cannot leave at once while commanding the whole army. If he is willing, let him come in person; my joy would be complete.”

Mi Zhu agreed, bowed out, and returned. Lu Su asked Zhou Yu, “How did you wish to meet Liu Bei?”

Zhou Yu answered, “Liu Bei is a fierce predatory figure of the age and cannot be left alive. I mean to use this chance to lure him here and kill him for the state’s sake.”

Lu Su urged him repeatedly, but Zhou Yu would not listen. He sent a secret order: “When Liu Bei arrives, hide fifty axe-and-halberd men in the wall-clothes by the screen. Wait for my sign, the cup cast to the ground, and then strike.”

It is said that when Mi Zhu returned and told Liu Bei everything, Zhou Yu had wished him to come to a face-to-face meeting and had other designs. Liu Bei at once commanded the preparation of a fast boat. “Go at once,” he said.

Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, protested: “Zhou Yu is clever and has no letter from Kongming. I fear there is a trick. We should not go lightly.”

Liu Bei said, “I have now allied with Eastern Wu to break Cao Cao together. If Zhou Lang wishes to see me and I refuse, it will not seem that we are allied. If suspicion grows between us, matters will never proceed in harmony.”

Guan Yu answered, “If Brother insists on going, I will go with him.”

Zhang Fei, courtesy name Yide, added, “I will go too.”

Liu Bei replied, “Only Yunchang will follow me. Yide and Zilong stay with the camp. Jian Yong should hold E County. I will return soon.”

After giving orders, he set off with Guan Yu by small boat with more than twenty attendants.

They crossed and soon reached Jiangdong. Liu Bei saw Eastern Wu’s tower war-junks, banners, and armored soldiers arranged in neat left-right ranks and was deeply pleased. The camp messengers rushed in: “Governor Liu has arrived.”

Zhou Yu asked, “How many boats with him?” The messenger replied, “Only one boat, with more than twenty attendants.”

Zhou Yu laughed. “This man’s life is almost finished.” He ordered the hidden blade-men set as planned and then dispatched men to welcome him.

Liu Bei brought Guan Yu and the rest, more than twenty, to the central command tent and exchanged formal courtesies. Zhou Yu invited Liu Bei to sit in the seat of honor. Liu Bei said, “Your reputation is known to the world. Though I am unworthy, why this heavy honor?” He made them sit as host and guest by custom, and Zhou Yu hosted him to a feast.

At that moment Kongming happened to come to the riverbank, and on hearing that Liu Bei had come to meet Zhou Yu, he was startled. He hurried into the central camp tent and quietly watched the scene. He saw Zhou Yu with killing intent in his face and, on both sides of the sleeves of the camp garments, rows of axe-and-halberd men concealed. Kongming gasped inwardly and said, “What can be done now?” and looked back at Liu Bei. Liu Bei sat chatting as if nothing had happened. Behind him stood a man with a drawn sword—Guan Yu.

Kongming said in relief, “My lord is safe,” then did not enter further. He returned to the riverbank and waited.

During the banquet Zhou Yu and Liu Bei drank. After several rounds of cups, Zhou Yu rose and lifted his cup. At once he clearly saw Guan Yu standing behind Liu Bei with his sword drawn. “Who is that man?” he asked urgently.

Liu Bei answered, “My brother is Guan Yu.”

Zhou Yu was startled. “Is he not the one who once cut down Yan Liang and Wen Chou?”

Liu Bei said, “He is.”

Zhou Yu was startled all over, sweat streaming down his back. He filled a cup and handed it to Guan Yu.

After some time Lu Su entered.

Liu Bei said, “Where is Kongming? I beg you, Excellency Zijing, ask him to come for a meeting.”

Zhou Yu replied, “After we break Cao, there will be time to meet Kongming, and there is no need now.”

Liu Bei did not press further. Guan Yu watched Liu Bei with his eyes. Liu Bei understood and stood to leave, saying to Zhou Yu, “I will take my leave for now. The moment the enemy is broken and success secured, I will certainly return to offer congratulations.” Zhou Yu did not detain him and accompanied him to the gate.

After parting from Zhou Yu, Liu Bei and Guan Yu returned to the riverbank and found Kongming already aboard the boat. Liu Bei was overjoyed.

Kongming asked, “My lord, do you know what danger lay in today’s situation?”

Liu Bei answered in surprise, “I do not.”

Kongming said, “Without Guan Yu, you would have been killed by Zhou Yu.”

Only then did Liu Bei fully realize the peril. He asked Kongming to return to Fankou together.

Kongming said, “Though I sit in a tiger’s mouth, I am still as calm as Mount Tai. My lord, prepare your ships and horses and hold them ready. Mark the day: after the twentieth day of the eleventh month, Jiazi. Tell Zilong to take a small boat and wait on the southern bank. Do not make any mistake.”

Liu Bei asked his meaning, but Kongming hurried him to set off at once. As soon as he finished speaking, he returned.

Liu Bei with Guan Yu and their attendants cast off. After they had gone only a few li, they saw fifty or sixty ships coming downstream in formation. On the prow of the foremost boat stood a captain with a cross spear: Zhang Fei.

Fearing Liu Bei might meet harm and Guan Yu be unable to stand it alone, Zhang Fei had come as support. So the three returned together to camp.

Now no further account is given there.

When Zhou Yu had seen Liu Bei off and returned to his camp, Lu Su entered and asked, “You lured Liu Bei here, so why did you not strike?”

Zhou Yu shook his head and stamped his feet. “Guan Yu is a tiger general of this age. He accompanied Liu Bei while seated and traveling together. If I struck now, he would come and ruin me.”

Lu Su was astonished.

A messenger arrived then: Cao Cao had dispatched an envoy with a letter. Zhou Yu summoned him. The messenger presented it; on the outside it was marked, “Han Great Chancellor to Commander Zhou.” Zhou Yu grew angry and would not even open it. He tore it apart and threw it to the ground, then ordered the envoy executed.

Lu Su said, “Between two states in conflict, an envoy is not killed.”

Zhou Yu said, “Beheading the envoy displays force,” and he had him slain, and he sent the head back with an orderly.

He ordered Gan Ning as vanguard, Han Dang on the left wing, Jiang Qin on the right, and he himself directed the rest of the generals to reinforce.

At dawn the next day they prepared provisions; at the fifth watch they would board, beat drums and shout, and advance.

It is said that when Cao Cao heard Zhou Yu had ruined the letter and executed the envoy, he was furious and called Cai Mao and Zhang Yun and other surrendered generals from Jing Province to the front.

Cao himself took command of the rear, drove the warships forward, and came to Three-Jiang Ford. He saw Eastern Wu vessels covering the river.

At their head a giant commander sat on the foredeck and shouted, “I am Gan Ning! Who dares come and settle battle with me?”

Cai Mao ordered his brother Cai Xun forward.

When the two ships drew near, Gan Ning drew bow and set an arrow. It struck Cai Xun as Cai Xun released his own; he fell. Gan Ning then drove his ship forward swiftly. Thousands of crossbow bolts rose and were loosed, and the Cao forces could not stand against it.

On the right sailed Jiang Qin; on the left advanced Han Dang. They drove straight into the Cao formation. Most of Cao’s troops were from Qing and Xu, unused to naval battle. In the vast waters of the Great River their ships could not keep footing.

Gan Ning’s three-way attack and his crews scattered through the water like wind. Zhou Yu sent additional ships to reinforce.

Many in Cao’s army were shot and struck by fire-tipped projectiles. From the fourth watch to the seventh watch, battle continued. Though Zhou Yu gained advantage, he still feared the small force against the overwhelming army and ordered the signal-gong to halt and recall ships.

The Cao army withdrew in defeat. Cao climbed the dry camp and reorganized the troops. He summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun and said, “Eastern Wu has fewer men, yet they have beaten you. The fault is your lack of effort!”

Cai Mao replied, “The Jing troops have not trained for long; and the Qing and Xu forces are unaccustomed to river fighting. That is why we were defeated. First set up a water camp, place Qing and Xu troops in the center, Jing troops outside. Have them train each day until they become exacting in skill before using them.”

Cao said, “Since you both are admirals of the water forces, you can carry out what is convenient. Why must you report to me for this?”

So the two of Cai Mao and Zhang Yun went off to train the water troops.

Along the river they opened twenty-four sluices. Large ships stood outwardly as walls; smaller vessels inside were used for passage. Night came with torches lit, and the sky reflected a red glow over the water. Three hundred or more li of dry camp along the banks burned with unbroken smoke and fire.

Meanwhile Zhou Yu returned victorious to camp and rewarded the three armies, then sent men to report the victory to Lord Wu.

That same night Zhou Yu climbed high and watched. He saw lights in the west, touching the sky. Those nearby reported, “These are the lights of the northern army.” Zhou Yu was startled.

The next day Zhou Yu wished to see Cao’s river camps with his own eyes. He ordered one tall decked ship to be prepared and carried drums and music, with several chosen generals each with powerful bows and crossbows, and all advanced together.

When they reached Cao’s camp edge, he ordered anchor-stones to be dropped and made drums and music sound together on the tower ship. Zhou Yu looked covertly at the water camp and was startled: “He has truly mastered the art of naval force.” He asked, “Who is the water-force admiral?” The attendants answered, “Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.”

Zhou Yu thought, “These two have long lived east of the river and are well versed in naval combat. I must devise a plan first to remove them, and then we can break Cao.”

Just as he watched, a Cao report reached him: Zhou Yu was peering into their camp. Cao ordered boats out to seize him.

Zhou Yu saw the banner and signal movement in Cao’s water camp; he ordered the anchor stones hauled up at once. On both sides all the oars struck together and the ship sped away like an arrow over the river.

By the time Cao’s camp boats launched in pursuit, Zhou Yu’s tower ship was already ten or more li away, beyond reach. He reported back to Cao.

Cao asked his generals, “Yesterday we lost one engagement and our sharpness was blunted; now we have again been deeply observed. What plan can I make now to break him?”

Before he had finished speaking, a man came out from among the attendants in the tent. “I grew up with Zhou Lang and have the persuasive tongue of one who never fails. Let me go to Jiangdong and speak to persuade this man to surrender.”

Cao was pleased and saw him: he was a man from Jiujiang, surname Jiang, given name Gan, courtesy name Ziyi. He served in his household as a court attendant.

Cao asked, “Do you share close ties with Master Zhou?”

Jiang Gan replied, “Trust the Chancellor. If Gan enters Jiangzuo, success is certain.”

Cao asked, “What must be taken with you?”

Gan replied, “Only one child attendant and two servants to row. Nothing more is needed.”

Cao was delighted and celebrated him with wine before sending him off.

Gan wore a felt cap and plain linen robe, took a small boat, and went straight to Zhou Yu’s camp. He had his approach announced: “Friend of old, Jiang Gan arrives.”

Zhou Yu was in council in his tent. Hearing Gan had come he laughed and told the generals, “A spokesman has arrived.” He whispered to them in low voice, “Thus and so.” They all obeyed and withdrew.

Zhou Yu dressed neatly and took several hundred attendants with him, all in brocade robes with flowered caps. They formed around him in a compact formation and came out front and rear.

Jiang Gan came with one blue-clad boy and strode in proudly. Zhou Yu bowed and received him.

Gan said, “Master Gongjin, you are in good health apart from my absence.”

Zhou Yu replied, “You have labored much, Ziyi. You have crossed broad waters to be emissary for the Cao house?”

Gan, startled, said, “I have not seen you for long; I came to renew our old friendship. Why would you suspect I am a spokesman?”

Zhou Yu laughed. “Though I do not match your cleverness in hearing, I can know intent from music and song.”

Gan said, “If this is how you treat an old friend, then ask me to leave.”

Zhou Yu laughed and took him by the arm. “I simply fear my brother is here as Cao’s spokesman. If his heart is pure, why should he go so quickly?”

And he brought him into the tent.

After courtesies were exchanged and they sat, Zhou Yu ordered all Jiangnan’s heroes to be summoned for meeting with Jiang Gan.

Soon scholars and officers entered, all in brocade dress; camp attendants and junior officers wore silver armor. They entered in two lines. After each paid respect and greeted him, Zhou Yu had them sit on both sides and spread a great banquet hall, played music from the army’s victory repertoire, and passed wine in turn.

Zhou Yu told the assembled officers, “This man is my schoolmate and old friend. Though he came from Jiangbei, he is not an emissary of the Cao house. Do not doubt him.”

Then he took off his belt-sword and handed it to Taishi Ci, saying, “Hold my sword while I watch over the wine. Today we feast as friends. If any man brings up Cao Cao and the campaigns of Eastern Wu, execute him at once.”

Taishi Ci agreed and took out his sword, seating himself at table.

Jiang Gan was startled and dared not speak much.

Zhou Yu said, “Since I have taken command I have not drunk a drop. To see an old friend and have no suspicion now, I will drink a full cup.” Speaking so, he laughed and drank deeply. Cups crossed in the hall.

At half-drunk Zhou Yu took Gan by the arm and walked out of the tent together. The guards all stood fully armed, belts tight, holding spears and halberds.

Zhou Yu asked, “My soldiers—isn’t their vigor and strength obvious?”

Gan answered, “They are indeed like tigers and bears.”

Zhou Yu drew Gan to the rear of the tent and showed him the mounds of supplies heaped like mountains.

Zhou Yu asked, “Are my food supplies sufficient?”

Gan answered, “The troops are disciplined and the stores sufficient, as the name claims.”

Feigning drunken laughter, Zhou Yu said, “When Zhou Yu studied with Ziyi, I never imagined this day.”

Gan replied, “With your talent, this does not exceed expectation.”

Zhou Yu clasped Gan’s hand and said, “When a man of high standing lives in the world, he must meet a sovereign who knows him, outwardly sustain lord and minister bonds, inwardly form bonds of flesh and blood. Words must be carried out, plans must be executed, fortune and ruin shared together. Even if Su Qin, Zhang Yi, Lu Jia, and Li Sheng returned again, with mouths like a hanging river and tongues like keen blades, how could they move my heart?” He ended with laughter.

Jiang Gan’s face turned ashen.

Zhou Yu led him back into the tent and continued drinking among the commanders, then pointed and said, “These are all the heroes of Jiangdong. This gathering can be called the Assembly of Heroes.”

After drinking until evening, he lit the lamps. Zhou Yu rose and danced with his sword while singing:

A man who lives in this world should establish merit and fame;
Establishing merit and fame brings solace to his life.
With life thus solaced, I shall drink my fill;
And in my drunkenness, burst into a wild song!

When the song ended, the whole hall laughed with joy. It was late into the night when Gan said, “I cannot withstand this wine.”

Zhou Yu dismissed the feast and let the generals leave. He said, “It has been long since I shared a bed with you. Tonight we sleep as we once did, deep and at ease.” Then he feigned great intoxication and took Gan into the tent to sleep together.

Zhou Yu and Gan lay covered under one covering. Zhou’s breathing came like thunder, and his clothing and bed were in disorder from vomit and weariness.

How could Gan sleep? He tucked his pillow and waited, and when he heard the second-watch drumming in the camp, he rose and saw that the lamp still burned. Looking at Zhou Yu, whose breathing sounded like drums, Gan noticed on the table in the tent a bundle of documents. He rose and secretly looked at it. They were all letters that had come and gone.

Among them was one sealed: “Reverently addressed from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun.” Gan was startled and read it covertly.

Its contents, roughly, said: “The two of us have joined Cao not for rank and profit but because we are forced by circumstance. We have already gained that the northern army is stuck in camp. If there is favorable timing, we will take the head of the bandit Cao and offer it to you. People will arrive morning and evening with news in turn. Do not raise suspicion. I respectfully return this first.”

Gan reasoned, “So this is what it is; Cai Mao and Zhang Yun have joined hands with Eastern Wu.” He hid the letter secretly in his clothing.

When he turned to examine the other letters, Zhou shifted in bed. Gan at once put out the lamp and lay down.

From Zhou’s mouth came a murmured mutter: “Ziyi, within these few days I will make you see the head of the bandit Cao!”

Gan forced an answer.

Zhou said, “Ziyi, hold! I will make you see the bandit Cao’s head!”

Gan asked, and Zhou had already fallen asleep.

Gan lay in bed. As dawn neared the fourth watch, he heard someone enter the tent calling, “Is the commander awake?”

In sleep, Zhou seemed to be waking and asked, “Who sleeps on the bed?”

The man answered, “The commander requested Ziyi to share your bed. How could you forget?”

Zhou, with shame and regret, said, “I do not drink drunk. The day before yesterday we drank and there may have been words I did not know I had uttered.”

The man answered, “Men from Jiangbei have arrived.”

Zhou hissed, “Keep your voice low!” and called, “Ziyi.”

Gan pretended to sleep still. Zhou stepped out of the tent in stealth.

Gan listened from under the bedding and heard someone outside say, “The two commanders, Cai Mao and Zhang Yun, say: ‘Do not act too quickly.’” The rest was low and unclear.

After a short while Zhou returned, called again for “Ziyi.” Gan still made no reply, covering his head and feigning sleep.

Zhou too took off his robes and lay down.

Gan considered, “Zhou Yu is a very careful man; if he could not find the plan by the Gate of Heaven, he must intend harm to me.”

Jiang Gan thought, "Zhou Yu is a meticulous man. If he wakes at dawn and finds the letter gone, he will surely kill me." Before the fifth watch, Gan called to Zhou, but the man was asleep.

Gan put on his hood and scarf, stepped silently out of the tent, and called the boy attendant. He came directly to the gate. A guard asked, “Where is the master going?”

Gan said, “I fear my stay here may hinder the commander’s business. I bid him farewell for now.”

The guard did not stop him.

Gan went down to the boat and rowed swiftly back to Cao Cao.

Cao asked, “How did matters go with Ziyi?”

Gan said, “Zhou Yu is of lofty character. Neither words nor persuasion can move him.”

Cao was angry: “Even now it did not work, and he mocks us!”

Gan said, “Though I cannot persuade Zhou Yu, I have heard one thing that may matter. Let me speak privately.”

Gan took out the letter and explained each item to Cao.

Cao grew furious: “These two traitors have shown such impudence!” He immediately summoned Cai Mao and Zhang Yun to his tent.

Cao said, “I wish you to lead an advance battalion forward.”

Cai Mao said, “The army has not yet been trained; it must not advance too rashly.”

Cao shouted in fury, “If the army had once been trained, my own head would be offered to Zhou Lang!”

Cai and Zhang did not know his meaning. They were frightened and could not answer. Cao called for the soldiers and had them executed.

Soon their heads were brought into the command tent. Cao then understood in full: “I have been outwitted.”

Later a poem was composed in lament:

“Cao Cao, a crafty villain, cannot be faced; For one moment’s tricking, he is ensnared by Zhou. Cai and Zhang sold out their lord to save their own lives; Who could have thought they would this morning perish beneath the sword?”

The other generals, seeing Cai Mao and Zhang Yun executed, asked why.

Though Cao understood he had fallen into a stratagem, he would not admit it and told the generals, “They were careless and negligent of military law. That is why I executed them.”

The assembled commanders sighed repeatedly.

From among them Cao selected Mao Jie and Yu Jin to replace Cai Mao and Zhang Yun as admirals of the water troops.

A spy learned the report and carried it across the river to Eastern Wu. Zhou Yu rejoiced and said, “These are the two I feared most. Now that they are purged, I have no worries.”

Lu Su said, “When one wields troops this way, why should Cao’s army not fall?”

Zhou Yu said, “I suspect the other commanders do not understand this stratagem and that only Zhuge Liang saw through it and could not hide it. Ask Master Zijing to test his words—whether he knows or not—and report back.”

Thus it is said:

The stratagem of counterintelligence succeeds once more; Go, challenge the one who watched quietly from the side.

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