Book of Wu · Biographies of Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lü Meng

Zhou Yu, courtesy name Gongjin, was from Shu in Lujiang. His grandfather's collateral kinsman Zhou Jing and Zhou Jing's son Zhou Zhong both served Han as Grand Commandant.

Zhou Yu's father Zhou Yi was Magistrate of Luoyang. Grown, Zhou Yu was tall and handsome. When Sun Jian joined righteous armies against Dong Zhuo, he moved his family to Shu. His son Sun Ce, the same age as Zhou Yu, became his close friend. Zhou Yu gave him a great house south of the road, entered his hall to bow to his mother, and shared all possessions. Zhou Yu visited his paternal uncle Zhou Shang, Administrator of Danyang. As Sun Ce reached Liyang to cross east, he urgently wrote Zhou Yu, who brought troops to meet him. Delighted, Sun Ce said: “With you, all is harmonious!” Together they took Hengjiang and Dangli, crossed the river, defeated Ze Rong and Xue Li at Moling, took Hushu and Jiangcheng, and entered Qu'a. Liu Yao fled, and Sun Ce's force reached tens of thousands. He told Zhou Yu: “These men suffice to take Wu and Kuaiji and pacify the Shanyue. Return to guard Danyang.” Zhou Yu did so. Soon Yuan Shu replaced Zhou Shang with his younger cousin Yuan Yin; Zhou Yu and Zhou Shang returned to Shouchun. Yuan Shu wished to make Zhou Yu a general, but seeing his enterprise would fail, Zhou Yu requested the chiefship of Juchao as a route east. Yuan Shu agreed, and Zhou Yu returned from Juchao to Wu in Jian'an 3.

Sun Ce personally welcomed him, appointed him General of the Household Who Establishes Might, and immediately gave him two thousand soldiers and fifty horses.

At twenty-four, Zhou Yu was called young Zhou (Zhou Yu) throughout Wu. Since his kindness and trust were known in Lujiang, he was sent to guard Niuzhu and later concurrently governed Chungu. Planning to take Jing Province, Sun Ce made him Central Protector of the Army and concurrent Administrator of Jiangxia. He joined the attack on Wan and took it. There they obtained Lord Qiao's two daughters, both outstanding beauties. Sun Ce married the elder, Zhou Yu the younger.

They advanced near Xunyang, defeated Liu Xun, attacked Jiangxia, and returned to settle Yuzhang and Luling. Zhou Yu remained at Baqiu.

In the fifth year Sun Ce died and Sun Quan took charge. Zhou Yu brought troops to the funeral and stayed at Wu, managing affairs as Central Protector of the Army alongside Chief Clerk Zhang Zhao.

In the eleventh year, he commanded Sun Yu and others against the Ma and Bao camps, beheaded their leaders, captured more than ten thousand people, and returned to guard Guanting [parenthesized in the source]. Administrator of Jiangxia Huang Zu sent Deng Long with several thousand troops into Chaisang. Zhou Yu pursued, captured him alive, and sent him to Wu. In spring of the thirteenth year, Sun Quan attacked Jiangxia with Zhou Yu as commander of the vanguard. In the ninth month, Lord Cao (Cao Cao) entered Jing Province, and Liu Cong surrendered with his followers. Acquiring their fleet, Lord Cao (Cao Cao) had several hundred thousand sailors and infantry, frightening the officers and soldiers. Sun Quan consulted his followers. All said: “Lord Cao (Cao Cao) is a wolf and tiger, but claims the title Han chief minister, commands the Son of Heaven, and campaigns in the court's name. Resisting him is therefore improper. Our great defense is the Yangzi, yet he now has Jing Province and its territory. Liu Biao built thousands of armored ships and fighting vessels, all now coming downstream with infantry advancing by land. The river's defenses are shared, and the disparity in numbers is enormous. Better receive him.” Zhou Yu said:

“Not so. Cao Cao claims to be Han's chief minister but is actually its enemy. With your divine martial talent and your father and brother's achievements, you hold thousands of li east of the river, elite troops, and contented heroes. You should advance across the realm to remove Han's wickedness. How could you submit when Cao Cao delivers himself to death? Consider: even if the north were secure, without internal worries, allowing a long contest, could he match us in ships? In fact the north remains unsettled, and Ma Chao and Han Sui west of the passes threaten his rear. Abandoning horses for boats to compete with Wu and Yue is not the central people's strength. It is also bitterly cold, with no fodder for horses. Troops driven far through unfamiliar rivers and lakes must become ill. Cao Cao embraces all these military dangers. Today is the time to capture him. Give me thirty thousand elite troops to advance to Xiakou, and I guarantee his defeat.”

Sun Quan said: “The old bandit has long wished to depose Han and establish himself, restrained only by the two Yuans, Lü Bu, Liu Biao, and me. Those heroes are gone; I alone remain. We cannot coexist. Your advice to fight perfectly matches my heart. Heaven has given you to me.”

Defeated by Lord Cao (Cao Cao), Liu Bei intended to withdraw south across the river. Meeting Lu Su at Dangyang, they planned together. Liu Bei advanced to Xiakou and sent Zhuge Liang to Sun Quan, who sent Zhou Yu, Cheng Pu, and others to join him. They encountered Lord Cao (Cao Cao) at Red Cliffs. His army was already ill; at the first engagement it withdrew in defeat to the northern bank. Zhou Yu remained south. His officer Huang Gai said: “Outnumbered, we cannot sustain a long contest. But their ships are joined head to stern; fire can drive them away.” They filled several dozen armored fighting vessels with firewood and grass, soaked them with oil, covered them with curtains, and raised command flags. Huang Gai first wrote falsely offering surrender.

Fast boats were tied behind the great vessels. Advancing together, they drew the enemy's attention: everyone craned to watch Huang Gai surrender. He released the ships and set them ablaze simultaneously. A fierce wind spread fire into the riverside camps. Soon smoke and flames filled heaven, with many men and horses burned or drowned. The defeated army withdrew to Nan Commandery.

Liu Bei and Zhou Yu pursued together. Lord Cao (Cao Cao) left Cao Ren and others at Jiangling and returned directly north.

Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu advanced into Nan Commandery, confronting Cao Ren across the great river. Before battle,

Zhou Yu sent Gan Ning ahead to Yiling. Cao Ren detached cavalry to besiege him. Receiving urgent appeals, Zhou Yu followed Lü Meng's plan, left Ling Tong guarding the rear, and went with Lü Meng to relieve Gan Ning. Once relieved, they crossed to the northern bank and fixed a great battle. Riding along the ranks himself, Zhou Yu was struck in the right side by a stray arrow and returned severely wounded. Hearing he lay bedridden, Cao Ren advanced in battle order. Zhou Yu rose, inspected the camps, and stirred the troops. Cao Ren withdrew.

Sun Quan made Zhou Yu Assistant General and concurrent Administrator of Nan Commandery, assigning Xiajun, Hanchang, Liuyang, and Zhouling as revenue districts, stationed at Jiangling. Liu Bei, General of the Left and concurrent Governor of Jing Province, governed from Gong'an. When he visited Sun Quan at Jing, Zhou Yu memorialized: “Liu Bei is an ambitious hero with tiger-like generals Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He will not long submit to another. Move him to Wu, build fine residences, and provide beauties and pleasures. Separate those two generals into different places, letting someone like me command them in battle. Great affairs can then be settled. Giving territory to support him and gathering all three on the frontier is like giving a dragon clouds and rain: he will not remain in a pond.” With Lord Cao (Cao Cao) northward, Sun Quan wished to gather heroes and doubted Liu Bei could be controlled suddenly, so refused. Governor of Yi Province Liu Zhang was threatened by Zhang Lu. Zhou Yu visited Sun Quan: “Cao Cao has just been defeated and worries about internal affairs, leaving no time to fight you. Let me advance with the General of Rousing Might (Sun Yu) to take Shu, annex Zhang Lu, and leave Sun Yu to hold it, allied with Ma Chao. Returning, I shall join you at Xiangyang to press Cao Cao and plan against the north.” Sun Quan agreed. Zhou Yu returned toward Jiangling to prepare but died of illness en route at Baqiu.

He was thirty-six. Sun Quan mourned in plain dress, moving his attendants. As the coffin returned to Wu, he met it at Wuhu and supplied all expenses. Later he ordered: “Guests and retainers of the late Generals Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu must not be investigated.”

Sun Ce had treated Zhou Yu as a friend, and the Grand Consort (Lady Wu) <Sun Quan's mother, honored posthumously> instructed Sun Quan to regard him as an elder brother. Sun Quan was then a general, and officers and guests used simple ceremony, but Zhou Yu alone first observed full reverence and a minister's duty. Broad-minded and generally successful in winning men, he nevertheless initially quarreled with Cheng Pu.

From youth Zhou Yu mastered music. Even after three cups, he always noticed errors and turned toward them. People therefore sang: “When the tune goes wrong, young Zhou (Zhou Yu) turns.”

Zhou Yu had two sons and a daughter, who married Crown Prince Sun Deng. His son Zhou Xun married a princess and became Commandant of Cavalry, showing his father's spirit but dying early. Zhou Xun's younger brother Zhou Yin first became Commandant Who Promotes the Enterprise, married a woman of the ruling clan, and commanded a thousand troops at Gong'an. In Huanglong 1 he became Marquis of the Capital District, later exiled for crime to Luling. In Chiwu 2, Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi jointly memorialized:

“The late General Zhou Yu's son Zhou Yin received adornment and favor, enfeoffment and command, but failed to preserve his blessings and seek achievement, instead indulging desires and inviting punishment. Zhou Yu was formerly trusted as the ruler's heart within and fighting claws without, bearing commands into arrows and stones, exhausting loyalty and treating death as homecoming. He crushed Cao Cao at Wulin, drove Cao Ren from Ying's capital, spread the state's authority throughout China, and won the submission of Jing's peoples. Even Zhou's Fang Shu and Han's Han Xin and Ying Bu could not surpass him. Ancient emperors prized ministers who repelled danger. Thus Emperor Gao of Han (Liu Bang) swore at enfeoffment: ‘Even should the Yellow River become a belt and Mount Tai a whetstone, the state shall endure and extend to your descendants.’ Written in red, confirmed by oath, stored in the ancestral temple, and transmitted forever, this meant meritorious descendants should continue through generations, not merely sons and grandsons but distant progeny. Such earnest repayment encouraged servants to die without regret. “Zhou Yu has not long been dead, yet Zhou Yin has become a commoner: all the more grievous. Your Majesty respects antiquity and restores broken lines. We plead for his remaining guilt to be forgiven, troops and title restored, so the cock that missed dawn may crow again and the guilty minister demonstrate future service.”

Sun Quan replied: “Gongjin (Zhou Yu)'s old achievements and heartfelt service are unforgettable. Young and without merit, Zhou Yin received elite troops, marquisate, and command because I remembered his father. Yet he relied on this, indulged drunkenness and lust, and ignored repeated warnings. My bond with Gongjin (Zhou Yu) resembles yours with me. Could I ever stop wishing his son to succeed? Pressed by Zhou Yin's crimes, I cannot yet recall him, wishing hardship to teach him. Your earnest invocation of Han Gaozu (Liu Bang)'s river-and-mountain oath shames me. Though my virtue cannot equal his, I wish to approach it; circumstances alone prevented agreement. With Gongjin (Zhou Yu) as father and you as intermediaries, if Zhou Yin reforms, what need is there for worry?” Zhuge Jin and Bu Zhi repeatedly petitioned, joined by Zhu Ran and Quan Cong. Sun Quan agreed, but Zhou Yin died of illness.

Zhou Yu's nephew Zhou Jun also became Assistant General with a thousand officers and men because of Zhou Yu's founding merit. After his death, Quan Cong recommended his son Zhou Hu as general. Sun Quan replied: “Driving away Cao Cao and opening Jing Province were Gongjin (Zhou Yu)'s achievements, always remembered. Hearing Zhou Jun had died, I already intended to employ Zhou Hu, but learned his conduct was dangerous. Employing him would create disaster, so I stopped. Could I ever cease remembering Gongjin (Zhou Yu)?”

Lu Su, courtesy name Zijing, was from Dongcheng in Linhuai. His father died at his birth, and he lived with his grandmother. Wealthy and generous, he neglected household business as the realm descended into disorder, distributed goods, sold land, relieved the poor, and gathered gentlemen, winning local affection. As Chief of Juchao, Zhou Yu visited him with several hundred men and sought supplies. Lu Su had two granaries of three thousand hu each and pointed to one as a gift. Zhou Yu recognized his exceptional character, and they formed a friendship like that of Zichan and Ji Zha. Hearing his reputation, Yuan Shu appointed him Chief of Dongcheng. Seeing Yuan Shu lacked order and could accomplish nothing, Lu Su brought old and young with more than a hundred spirited youths south to Zhou Yu at Juchao. When Zhou Yu crossed east, Lu Su accompanied him.

He left his family at Qu'a. When his grandmother died, he returned to bury her at Dongcheng.

His friend Liu Ziyang (Liu Ye) wrote: “Heroes everywhere are rising; your talents especially suit this age. Quickly return to fetch your aged mother and do not linger at Dongcheng. Zheng Bao now holds more than ten thousand followers at Lake Chao in fertile territory. Many Lujiang people join him; why should we not? His position can gather still more. Lose no time.” Lu Su approved. After the burial he returned to Qu'a, intending to go north, but Zhou Yu had moved his mother to Wu. Lu Su explained his plan. Sun Ce had died and Sun Quan remained at Wu. Zhou Yu said: “Ma Yuan told Guangwu (Liu Xiu) <Martial Brilliance; a posthumous title>, ‘Not only rulers choose ministers; ministers also choose rulers.’ Our present lord honors worthies and unusual talent. Ancient secret discussions say the successor to the Liu house must arise in the southeast. Calculating circumstances, he will answer the appointed time and establish an imperial foundation. Now is the moment for ambitious men to attach themselves to dragon and phoenix. I understand this; do not concern yourself with Liu Ye's advice.” Lu Su agreed. Zhou Yu recommended him as talent suited to assist the age, whose like should be sought broadly, never allowed to leave.

Sun Quan met Lu Su and delighted in their conversation. After the guests departed and Lu Su took leave, Sun Quan recalled him alone, joined couches to drink, and asked privately: “Han is endangered and the realm disturbed. Inheriting my father and brother's work, I hope for the achievements of Duke Huan (Jiang Xiaobai) and Duke Wen (Ji Chong'er) <hegemonic lords who upheld the Zhou royal house>. How can you assist?” Lu Su replied: “Emperor Gao (Liu Bang) wished humbly to serve Emperor Yi (Xiong Xin) but could not because Xiang Yu obstructed him. Today's Cao Cao is yesterday's Xiang Yu. How can you become another Huan or Wen? Han cannot revive, and Cao Cao cannot quickly be removed. Establish a firm eastern position, one leg of the tripod, and observe the realm's openings. There is no reason to hesitate: the north has many troubles. Exploit them to eliminate Huang Zu and attack Liu Biao, possess the entire Yangzi, then proclaim imperial rule and plan for the realm. This is Emperor Gao (Liu Bang)'s enterprise.” Sun Quan said: “I exert myself hoping only to assist Han. Such words are beyond my intention.” Zhang Zhao criticized Lu Su as insufficiently humble, young, and careless, unfit for employment. Sun Quan paid no heed, honored him more, and supplied his mother with clothes, curtains, and household goods, restoring their former wealth. [Translator's note: The supplied 極 before “paid no heed” is treated contextually as referring to Sun Quan.]

After Liu Biao died, Lu Su advised: “Jing and Chu adjoin us, their waterways connected northward, bordered by Yangzi and Han and protected by hills. Strong as a metal fortress, with broad fertile lands and wealthy people, they offer imperial resources. Liu Biao has just died; his sons were never harmonious and his generals are divided. Liu Bei, a world-class ambitious hero at odds with Cao Cao, was Liu Biao's guest, resented for ability and not employed. If he and Liu Biao's followers unite, ally with them; if divided, make another plan. Let me offer condolences to the sons, comfort influential officers, and persuade Liu Bei to gather their men and oppose Cao Cao with one purpose. He will gladly agree. If successful, the realm may be settled. Unless we hurry, Cao Cao may precede us.” Sun Quan immediately sent him.

At Xiakou, hearing Lord Cao (Cao Cao) was advancing on Jing Province, Lu Su hurried day and night. By Nan Commandery, Liu Cong had surrendered and Liu Bei was fleeing southward. Lu Su went directly to meet him at Changban in Dangyang, proclaimed Sun Quan's intentions, described the east's strength, and urged alliance. Liu Bei rejoiced. Zhuge Liang accompanied him; Lu Su said, “I am Ziyu (Zhuge Jin)'s friend,” and they formed a friendship. Liu Bei went to Xiakou and sent Zhuge Liang to Sun Quan, while Lu Su returned with his report.

Hearing Lord Cao (Cao Cao) would come east, Sun Quan consulted his generals. All urged submission; Lu Su alone was silent. When Sun Quan rose to change clothes, Lu Su followed beneath the eaves. Knowing his intention, Sun Quan took his hand: “What do you wish to say?” Lu Su replied: “Their proposals would mislead you; they cannot plan great affairs. I could submit, but you cannot. If I submit, Cao Cao will send me home and grade my rank. I could at least become a junior provincial officer, ride in an ox-cart with attendants, associate with gentlemen, and rise to provincial or commandery office. But where would you go after submission? Decide the great plan early and reject their advice.” Sun Quan sighed: “They deeply disappointed me. Your clear plan matches mine. Heaven has given you to me.”

Zhou Yu was on a mission to Poyang, and Lu Su urged his recall. Zhou Yu received command; Lu Su became Commandant Who Assists the Army, helping plan strategy. After Lord Cao (Cao Cao)'s defeat, Lu Su returned first. Sun Quan gathered the generals to welcome him. As he entered to bow, Sun Quan rose respectfully: “Zijing (Lu Su), is descending from my horse to greet you with its saddle enough honor?” Lu Su approached: “Not yet.” Everyone was astonished. Seated, he slowly raised his whip: “When your power and virtue extend throughout the seas, unite the Nine Provinces, and accomplish an imperial enterprise, summon me in a cushioned carriage with soft wheels. Only then will I be honored.” Sun Quan clapped and laughed.

Later Liu Bei visited Sun Quan at Jing and requested control of Jing Province. Lu Su alone advised lending it to him to resist Lord Cao (Cao Cao) together.

Hearing Sun Quan had given Liu Bei territory to establish himself, Lord Cao (Cao Cao), then writing, dropped his brush. Gravely ill, Zhou Yu memorialized: “The realm remains troubled; I worry day and night. Anticipate what has not occurred, then enjoy peace. Cao Cao is our enemy and Liu Bei nearby at Gong'an. The frontier is close and people unattached; a good commander must secure it. Lu Su has sufficient wisdom and strategy. Let him replace me. Then I shall have no remaining concern at death.”

Lu Su became Commandant Who Rouses Martial Might and inherited Zhou Yu's more than four thousand men and four revenue counties. Cheng Pu became Administrator of Nan Commandery. Lu Su first stayed at Jiangling, then moved down to Lukou. His authority and kindness spread, his force increased to more than ten thousand, and he became Administrator of Hanchang and Assistant General. In the nineteenth year he joined Sun Quan in taking Wan and became General Who Crosses the River.

Earlier, Governor of Yi Province Liu Zhang's administration was weak. Zhou Yu and Gan Ning urged Sun Quan to take Shu. Consulted, Liu Bei, privately planning it himself, falsely replied: “Liu Zhang and I rely on imperial kinship to support Han. Hearing that he has offended you frightens me. Please pardon him. If not, I shall loose my hair and retire to the forest.” Later Liu Bei attacked him westward, leaving Guan Yu. Sun Quan said: “That crafty fellow dares deceive me!” As neighbors, Guan Yu and Lu Su repeatedly faced suspicion and border disorder, which Lu Su soothed through friendship. After Liu Bei secured Yi Province, Sun Quan requested Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. Refused, he sent Lü Meng to seize them. Liu Bei returned to Gong'an and sent Guan Yu to contest them. Lu Su faced him at Yiyang and invited a meeting, troops at least a hundred paces away, with only the generals bearing single blades. Lu Su rebuked Guan Yu: “Our state lent your house land because your defeated army arrived from afar without resources. Now you have Yi Province yet intend no repayment, refusing even our request for three commanderies.” Before he finished, someone said: “Land belongs to virtue. How can ownership be fixed?” Lu Su sharply silenced him. Rising with his blade, Guan Yu said: “This concerns the state. What does this man know?” He signaled the man to leave.

Liu Bei then divided the territory at the Xiang River, and the armies withdrew.

Lu Su died at forty-six in Jian'an 22. Sun Quan mourned and attended his burial; Zhuge Liang also observed mourning.

At his imperial accession altar, Sun Quan looked back and told the ministers: “Lu Zijing (Lu Su) spoke of this long ago. He truly understood circumstances.” Lu Su's posthumous son Lu Shu, on growing up, was judged by Ruxu Commander Zhang Cheng certain to reach high office. During Yong'an he became General Who Displays Martial Might, Marquis of the Capital Village, and Commander of Wuchang. During Jianheng he received acting credentials and became Commander of Xiakou, governing strictly and competently. He died in Fenghuang 3; his son Lu Mu inherited and commanded his troops. [Translator's note: The supplied 遺 is written 遣 in 遣腹子, and 願 before “told” is uncertain; the contextual senses are retained.]

Lü Meng, courtesy name Ziming, was from Fubei in Runan. Young, he crossed south and joined his brother-in-law Deng Dang, a general of Sun Ce repeatedly campaigning against the Shanyue. At fifteen or sixteen, Lü Meng secretly followed him into battle. Deng Dang was astonished and could not stop him by scolding. He told Lü Meng's mother, who angrily wished to punish him. Lü Meng said: “Poverty is hard to endure. If by chance I earn merit, wealth and rank may follow. Without entering the tiger's den, how can one obtain its cub?” She pitied and released him. An official under Deng Dang despised his youth: “What can that boy do? He merely feeds flesh to tigers.” Meeting him later, he insulted him again. Furious, Lü Meng drew his blade and killed him, fled to fellow townsman Zheng Chang, then surrendered through Colonel Yuan Xiong, who found an opportunity to speak for him. Sun Ce summoned him, admired him, and placed him among his attendants. Several years later Deng Dang died. Zhang Zhao recommended Lü Meng as successor, and he became Separate-Unit Army Major. On taking charge, Sun Quan planned to merge small commands with few troops. Lü Meng secretly bought red uniforms and leg-bindings on credit. On inspection day his well-trained men stood brilliantly arrayed. Delighted, Sun Quan increased his troops. He served with distinction in Danyang and became Commandant Who Pacifies the North and concurrent Chief of Guangde. In the Huang Zu campaign, Huang Zu sent commander Chen Jiu with a fleet. Leading the vanguard, Lü Meng personally beheaded Chen Jiu. The army exploited victory against the city. Hearing Chen Jiu dead, Huang Zu abandoned it and fled, but was captured in pursuit. Sun Quan said: “Success came from capturing Chen Jiu first.” Lü Meng became General of the Household Who Sweeps the Wilderness and received ten million coins. [Translator's note: The supplied 彼堅子 and 旦 before the tiger-den proverb contain difficult graphs; the clear contextual senses are translated without changing the source.]

That year he joined Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu in defeating Lord Cao (Cao Cao) at Wulin and besieging Cao Ren in Nan Commandery. Yi Province officer Xi Su surrendered with his force. Zhou Yu proposed adding them to Lü Meng's command, but Lü Meng praised Xi Su's courage and usefulness: “Coming from afar in admiration of our influence, he should gain, not lose.” Sun Quan approved and restored his troops. Zhou Yu sent Gan Ning to Yiling, where Cao Ren besieged him. The generals thought their force too small to divide. Lü Meng told Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu: “Leave Ling Gongji (Ling Tong); I will go with you. Relief will not take long, and I guarantee he can hold ten days.” He also advised sending three hundred men to block a difficult road with timber, allowing capture of enemy horses during retreat. Zhou Yu agreed. Reaching Yiling, they fought that day and killed more than half the enemy. Retreating by night, the cavalry encountered the blocked road, abandoned horses, and fled on foot. Pursuit captured three hundred horses, carried back on joined boats. The officers and soldiers felt their strength doubled. They crossed the river, established camps, and attacked until Cao Ren withdrew. Occupying Nan Commandery and pacifying Jing Province, they returned. Lü Meng became Assistant General and concurrent Magistrate of Xunyang.

Replacing Zhou Yu, Lu Su traveled to Lukou and passed Lü Meng's camp, still thinking little of him. Someone said: “General Lü (Lü Meng)'s achievements grow daily. Do not judge him by old impressions; visit him.” Over wine, Lü Meng asked: “You bear grave responsibility beside Guan Yu. What plans guard against surprise?” Lu Su casually replied: “Respond appropriately when events arise.” Lü Meng said: “Though east and west are one family, Guan Yu is truly a bear and tiger. How can plans not be prepared?” He outlined five strategies. Lu Su crossed his mat, stroked his back, and said: “Lü Ziming (Lü Meng), I did not know your strategy reached this level!” He bowed to Lü Meng's mother and departed as a friend.

Lü Meng camped near Cheng Dang, Song Ding, and Xu Gu. When all three died, leaving young heirs, Sun Quan assigned their troops to him. Lü Meng firmly refused, saying their service could not be discarded because the sons were young. After three memorials, Sun Quan agreed. Lü Meng selected teachers to guide them. Such was his habitual concern.

Wei appointed Xie Qi of Lujiang Agricultural Supervisor of Qichun, stationed at Tianxiang in Wan, repeatedly raiding the frontier. Lü Meng tried to entice him over; refused, he attacked at an opening and forced him back. Subordinates Sun Zicai, Song Hao, and others brought their old and young to surrender. Later, opposing Lord Cao (Cao Cao) at Ruxu, Lü Meng repeatedly offered unusual plans and urged fortresses on both sides of the water mouth, making the defenses excellent.

Unable to take the position, Lord Cao (Cao Cao) withdrew.

Lord Cao (Cao Cao) made Zhu Guang Administrator of Lujiang at Wan, greatly expanding rice fields and secretly recruiting Poyang rebel leaders as internal allies. Lü Meng said: “Wan's fields are fertile. One harvest will swell his force; after several years Cao Cao's design will appear. Remove it early.” He explained the circumstances, and Sun Quan personally campaigned against Wan, asking the generals for plans.

Lü Meng recommended Gan Ning to lead the scaling assault and followed with elite troops. Attacking at dawn, he personally held the drumstick and beat the drum. Soldiers leapt upward and took the city by breakfast. Zhang Liao reached Jiashi but withdrew on hearing it had fallen. Sun Quan appointed Lü Meng Administrator of Lujiang, assigned him the captured men and horses, and separately granted six hundred agricultural households at Xunyang and thirty officials. Before a year passed after his return, Luling rebels rose and other generals failed. Sun Quan said: “A hundred birds of prey do not equal one osprey,” and sent Lü Meng. He executed the chief offenders and released the rest as commoners.

Liu Bei had placed Guan Yu over Jing territory. Sun Quan ordered Lü Meng west against Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. Two commanderies submitted upon receiving his letters; only Administrator of Lingling Hao Pu held out. Liu Bei came from Shu to Gong'an and sent Guan Yu to contest them. At Lukou, Sun Quan sent Lu Su with ten thousand men to Yiyang and urgently recalled Lü Meng from Lingling. Earlier, after taking Changsha, Lü Meng passed Ling and brought Deng Xuanzhi of Nanyang, an old friend of Hao Pu, to persuade him. Receiving the recall, he concealed it. That night he instructed his generals for a morning assault and told Deng Xuanzhi:

“Hao Zitai (Hao Pu) has heard of loyalty and wishes to practice it, but does not know the times. The General of the Left (Liu Bei) is at Hanzhong surrounded by Xiahou Yuan. Guan Yu is in Nan Commandery, personally confronted by our sovereign. Recently Fan Ben's camp was broken; his relief for Ling was defeated by Sun Gui. These are things you saw yourself. Their front and rear are overturned; they cannot save themselves, much less help here. Our elite soldiers all desire to risk their lives, and reinforcements follow continuously. Zitai (Hao Pu), with only a day or evening left, waits for impossible relief, like a fish in an ox-hoof print hoping for Yangzi and Han. If he could unite his soldiers and hold an isolated city until aid came, that would be something. But I have assessed our strength: this city will fall within a day. What does dying afterward accomplish, while bringing his hundred-year-old mother to white-haired execution? Painful indeed! He must lack outside news and think relief reliable. Visit and explain fortune and disaster.” [Translator's note: Lü Meng's statements about Liu Bei and Guan Yu are the deception exposed in the next segment, not independent historical narration.]

Deng Xuanzhi conveyed this, and the frightened Hao Pu agreed. Returning first, Deng Xuanzhi said Hao Pu would follow. Lü Meng ordered four commanders to choose a hundred men each and occupy the gates as soon as Hao Pu emerged. He welcomed him by the hand and took him aboard. After speaking, he produced the recall letter and laughed, clapping his hands. Discovering Liu Bei was at Gong'an and Guan Yu at Yiyang, Hao Pu wished to sink into the earth with shame and resentment. Leaving Sun He [parenthesized in the source] in charge, Lü Meng marched that day to Yiyang. Liu Bei sought agreement; Sun Quan returned Hao Pu and others, dividing at the Xiang River and restoring Lingling. Xunyang and Yangxin became Lü Meng's revenue districts.

Returning, the army campaigned against Hefei. When Zhang Liao and others attacked during withdrawal, Lü Meng and Ling Tong defended Sun Quan at risk of death. Later Lord Cao (Cao Cao) again advanced strongly against Ruxu. Sun Quan made Lü Meng commander, holding the earlier fortress with ten thousand strong crossbows. Before the enemy vanguard's camp was finished, Lü Meng defeated it, and Lord Cao (Cao Cao) withdrew. Lü Meng became Protector of the Army of the Left and General of Tiger Might.

After Lu Su died, Lü Meng moved west to Lukou and received all his more than ten thousand men and horses. He also became Administrator of Hanchang, drawing revenues from Xiajun, Liuyang, Hanchang, and Zhouling. Neighboring Guan Yu, he knew that fierce hero aspired to annex territory and held the upper river, a situation hard to sustain. Lu Su and others had thought Cao Cao's survival required mutual support against a shared enemy. Lü Meng secretly proposed: “Let the General Who Conquers the Enemy (Sun Jiao) hold Nan Commandery, Pan Zhang occupy Baidi, and Jiang Qin lead ten thousand mobile troops along the river wherever needed. I shall hold Xiangyang for the state. Then why fear Cao Cao or rely on Guan Yu? Guan Yu and his ruler pride themselves on deceit and force, repeatedly changing course; they cannot be trusted as confidants. He has not turned east because our sovereign is wise and we remain. If we do not act while strong, how can we exert ourselves after falling?” Sun Quan accepted and also discussed taking Xu Province. Lü Meng replied: “Cao Cao is far north of the Yellow River, newly victorious over the Yuans and settling You and Ji, without time to look east. Xu's garrison is reportedly small and can be overcome. But its open land suits swift cavalry. Take Xu today, and Cao Cao will contest it within ten days. Even seventy or eighty thousand defenders would worry us. Better take Guan Yu and possess the whole Yangzi.” Sun Quan especially approved. On replacing Lu Su at Lukou, Lü Meng outwardly doubled his generosity and renewed friendship with Guan Yu. [Translator's note: The chronology implied by the reference to recent Yuan victories is retained as the source gives it.]

When Guan Yu attacked Fan, he left forces at Gong'an and Nan Commandery. Lü Meng memorialized: “His strong rear guards show he fears my attack. I am often ill; let me return some men to Jianye under that pretext. He will withdraw his guards to Xiangyang. Our army can then sail day and night into the empty rear, take Nan Commandery, and capture him.” He claimed grave illness; Sun Quan openly summoned him back but secretly planned with him. Guan Yu believed it and gradually withdrew troops to Fan. Wei sent Yu Jin, whom Guan Yu captured with tens of thousands of men and horses. Claiming shortage, Guan Yu seized grain at Xiang Pass without permission. Sun Quan then advanced, sending Lü Meng first. At Xunyang, Lü Meng hid elite troops in vessels with ordinary-clothed men rowing in merchant disguise. Traveling day and night, they seized and bound all Guan Yu's river lookouts, so he heard nothing. At Nan Commandery, Shi Ren and Mi Fang surrendered.

Occupying the city, Lü Meng obtained the families of Guan Yu and his officers and soldiers, comforted them, and prohibited interference with households or demands for goods. One soldier from his own Runan took a civilian's rain hat to cover official armor. Though the armor was public property, Lü Meng judged this a military offense; shared birthplace could not override law. He wept and executed him. The army trembled and touched nothing left on roads. Morning and evening, trusted attendants visited elders, asked their needs, provided medicines to the sick and clothing and grain to the hungry and cold. Guan Yu's treasury was sealed for Sun Quan. Returning, Guan Yu repeatedly sent messengers. Lü Meng treated them generously, let them visit every household, and sent handwritten letters as proof. Back among Guan Yu's troops, they exchanged private inquiries and learned their families were safe and better treated than usual, losing the will to fight. Sun Quan arrived. Isolated, Guan Yu fled to Maicheng and west to Zhang District, his followers abandoning him. Sun Quan sent Zhu Ran and Pan Zhang to block his routes; father and son were captured, and Jing Province settled.

Lü Meng became Administrator of Nan Commandery and Marquis of Chanling.

He received a hundred million coins and five hundred jin of gold. He firmly declined the money, but Sun Quan refused. Before investiture was issued, his illness returned. At Gong'an, Sun Quan brought him into an inner hall and tried every treatment, offering a thousand jin of gold to anyone who could cure him. Acupuncture brought Sun Quan distress. Wishing to see him often but fearing to trouble him, he peered through an opening in the wall. If Lü Meng could eat a little, Sun Quan rejoiced and laughed with attendants; otherwise he sighed and could not sleep. On improvement, an amnesty was issued and ministers congratulated him. But the illness worsened. Sun Quan visited and had Daoists pray beneath the stars for his life. Lü Meng died in the inner hall at forty-two. Sun Quan grieved deeply and reduced his customary enjoyments. Before death, Lü Meng placed all granted gold and treasures in the treasury and ordered their return at his death, requiring a frugal funeral. Hearing this, Sun Quan grieved still more.

Young, Lü Meng neglected books and generally dictated his memorials on great affairs. Administrator of Jiangxia Cai Yi once accused him over troop matters, but he bore no resentment. After Gu Shao of Yuzhang died, Sun Quan asked about a successor. Lü Meng recommended Cai Yi as a conscientious official. Sun Quan laughed: “Do you wish to be Qi Xi?” and appointed him. Gan Ning was violent, loved killing, and often displeased Lü Meng and disobeyed Sun Quan. When Sun Quan grew angry, Lü Meng pleaded: “The realm remains unsettled; fighting generals like Gan Ning are rare. Tolerate him.” Sun Quan treated him well and obtained his service. Lü Meng's son Lü Ba inherited, with three hundred households to guard the tomb and fifty qing of exempt land. Lü Ba died and his elder brother Lü Cong inherited; after Lü Cong's death, younger brother Lü Mu succeeded.

Discussing Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lü Meng with Lu Xun, Sun Quan said:

“Gongjin (Zhou Yu) was heroic, courageous, and exceptionally strategic, defeating Mengde (Cao Cao) and opening Jing Province. Hard to succeed, he is now succeeded by you. He invited Zijing (Lu Su) east and introduced him to me. Our first conversation immediately reached imperial strategy: one delight. Later Mengde (Cao Cao), strengthened by Liu Cong's surrender, boasted of hundreds of thousands advancing by water and land. At consultation none first offered a fitting answer; Zibu (Zhang Zhao) and Wenbiao (Qin Song) urged a welcoming dispatch. Zijing (Lu Su) opposed them and urged Gongjin (Zhou Yu)'s recall and command to resist: a second delight. His decisive strategy surpassed Zhang Yi and Su Qin. Though advising me to lend Xuande (Liu Bei) land was one shortcoming, it cannot erase two strengths. The Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan) <a founding Zhou statesman and regent> did not demand perfection in one man; I likewise prize Lu Su's strengths and often compare him to Deng Yu. “As a youth, Ziming (Lü Meng) seemed merely brave and willing to undertake hard tasks. Growing and learning, he developed extraordinary strategy, second to Gongjin (Zhou Yu), though inferior in brilliant discussion. In planning against Guan Yu, he surpassed Zijing (Lu Su). Zijing (Lu Su) wrote: ‘Rising emperors always have men to clear the road; Guan Yu need not be feared.’ Unable to deal with him inwardly, he spoke grandly outwardly. I forgave him without harsh demands. Yet his military discipline, obedience to orders, proper performance within his command, and roads free from theft were excellent.”

The appraisal says: Lord Cao (Cao Cao), using Han's chief ministry and the Son of Heaven's authority to sweep away heroes, had newly taken Jing and threatened the east. Everyone doubted. Zhou Yu and Lu Su displayed independent judgment beyond the multitude: extraordinary talents indeed. Lü Meng united courage and planning, discerning military opportunities. His deception of Hao Pu and capture of Guan Yu were his finest achievements. Though initially rash and guilty of reckless killing, he ultimately mastered himself and possessed the breadth of a gentleman of the state. Was he merely a fighting general? Sun Quan's assessment of their strengths and weaknesses is just, and is therefore recorded.