Book of Wu · Biographies of Lu Xun and Lu Kang

Lu Xun, courtesy name Boyan, was from Wu County, originally named Yi. His family had long been prominent east of the river.

Orphaned young, Lu Xun lived with his grandfather's kinsman Lu Kang, Administrator of Lujiang. When Yuan Shu planned to attack Lu Kang, Lu Kang sent him and other relatives back to Wu. Several years older than Lu Kang's son Lu Ji, he managed their household.

At twenty-one he entered General Sun Quan's headquarters, serving as clerk in the Eastern and Western Sections, then Agricultural Commandant of Haichang, concurrently managing the county.

After repeated droughts he opened granaries for the poor and encouraged farming and sericulture. Many people hid in Wu, Kuaiji, and Danyang; he proposed recruiting them. Kuaiji mountain chief Pan Lin had long harmed the region without capture. Recruiting his own troops, Lu Xun attacked deep strongholds, winning submission and more than two thousand followers. He next suppressed Poyang leader You Tu and became Commandant Who Establishes Might at Lipu. [Translator's note: The supplied 幕 in the recruitment request appears contextually to stand for 募.]

Sun Quan married his elder brother Sun Ce's daughter to Lu Xun and repeatedly consulted him. Lu Xun advised: “Heroes confront one another and wolves watch for advantage. Only men can defeat enemies and quell disorder, yet old mountain outlaws hold difficult terrain. Without settling the heartland, distant plans are hard. Organize them and select the strong.” Sun Quan made him Commander of the Headquarters Right Division. Danyang chief Fei Zhan received Lord Cao (Cao Cao)'s seal and stirred the Shanyue as internal allies. Lu Xun attacked with fewer troops, multiplying banners, drums, and horns and advancing noisily through hidden valleys at night. Fei Zhan scattered. Organizing the three eastern commanderies, Lu Xun recruited tens of thousands of strong men and assigned the weak to registered households, clearing old outlaws and returning to Wuhu.

Administrator of Kuaiji Chunyu Shi accused him of wrongfully seizing civilians and disturbing the region. Later Lu Xun praised Chunyu Shi to Sun Quan, who asked why he recommended his accuser. He replied: “He wished to protect the people. If I slandered him and confused your hearing in return, that could not endure.” Sun Quan praised such generous conduct. When Lü Meng claimed illness and went to Jianye, Lu Xun asked: “With Guan Yu nearby, why travel far? Is the rear not worrying?” Lü Meng pleaded grave illness. Lu Xun said: “Guan Yu prides himself on courage and slights others. Newly victorious, he thinks only of advancing north and suspects nothing of us. Hearing your illness, he will neglect defense further. Surprise can capture him. Plan well with the sovereign.” Lü Meng answered that Guan Yu's courage, established trust in Jing Province, and recent success made him hard to attack. At the capital, asked for a replacement, he named Lu Xun: “Deep-thinking and fit for heavy responsibility, not yet famous and therefore not feared by Guan Yu. Have him conceal himself outwardly and study opportunities within.” Sun Quan appointed him Assistant General and Right Division Commander at Lukou. He wrote Guan Yu: “Hearing you moved at an opening with disciplined troops and won greatly through a small action, I admire your towering achievement. The enemy's loss benefits our alliance. I rejoice and hope you sweep onward to uphold royal authority. Recently appointed west despite inadequacy, I admire your brilliance and wish your instruction.” He added:

“Capturing Yu Jin and the others has delighted everyone, who judge your achievement sufficient for lasting fame. Even Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong'er) <a posthumous ducal title> at Chengpu and the Marquis of Huaiyin (Han Xin) <his later noble title> against Zhao cannot surpass it. I hear Xu Huang's few cavalry watch your banners. Cao Cao is cunning and angry; he may secretly add men to indulge his will. Though weary, his troops remain fierce. Victory often breeds contempt, and ancient commanders grew more alert after success. Plan broadly to preserve complete victory. An ignorant scholar holding an undeserved post, I delight in neighboring your virtue and offer all I can. Though my advice may not fit, receive its sincerity and consider it.”

Reading the humble letter, Guan Yu felt secure and suspected nothing. Lu Xun fully reported the opportunity. Sun Quan secretly advanced, sending Lu Xun and Lü Meng ahead to take Gong'an and Nan Commandery. Lu Xun pushed directly onward, became concurrent Administrator of Yidu, General Who Comforts the Frontier, and Marquis of Huating. Liu Bei's administrator Fan You abandoned Yidu; officials and local chiefs all submitted. Lu Xun requested gold, silver, and copper seals for the newly attached. This was the eleventh month of Jian'an 24.

He sent Li Yi and Xie Jing with three thousand against Shu's Zhan Yan and Chen Feng. Li Yi led ships and Xie Jing infantry to cut difficult passages, defeating them and capturing Chen Feng alive. They next crushed Administrators Deng Fu of Fangling and Guo Mu of Nanxiang. Zigui's powerful Wen Bu and Deng Kai gathered several thousand local troops to support the west. Xie Jing defeated them; they fled and received Shu commands. Lu Xun enticed Wen Bu back to surrender. Killed, captured, and recruited totaled tens of thousands. Sun Quan made him Protector of the Army of the Right and General Who Guards the West, advancing his fief to Lou.

Some newly returned Jing gentlemen lacked suitable employment. Lu Xun requested broad promotion: “Han Gaozu (Liu Bang) <a designation of Han's founder> and Guangwu (Liu Xiu) <Martial Brilliance; a posthumous title> gathered exceptional men without distinctions of distance. With Jing newly settled, let unrecognized talent advance, so the four seas turn eagerly to our influence.” Sun Quan respectfully accepted.

In Huangwu 1, Liu Bei brought a great army westward against Wu. Sun Quan made Lu Xun Grand Commander-in-Chief with acting credentials over Zhu Ran, Pan Zhang, Song Qian, Han Dang, Xu Sheng, Xianyu Dan, Sun Huan, and fifty thousand men. Liu Bei built dozens of camps from Wu Gorge and Jianping to Yiling and tempted local peoples with gold, silk, and rank. Feng Xi was grand commander, Zhang Nan vanguard, and Fu Kuang, Zhao Rong, Liao Chun, Fu Rong, and others separate commanders. Wu Ban first camped several thousand on open ground as bait. The generals wanted to attack, but Lu Xun suspected deception and waited.

Seeing his trap fail, Liu Bei brought eight thousand hidden men out of the valley. Lu Xun explained why he had refused Wu Ban's bait and memorialized:

“Yiling is the state's gateway, easy to gain but also lose. Losing it endangers not one commandery but Jing Province. We must ensure success. Liu Bei violates Heaven's order, abandoning his refuge to deliver himself. Though inadequate, I rely on your majesty to punish rebellion, and his ruin is near. His earlier campaigns show more failures than successes, no cause for grief. I first feared a combined land and water advance, but he abandoned ships for scattered land camps. Examining his dispositions, no further change is possible. Rest without concern.”

The generals objected: “We should have attacked early. He has penetrated five or six hundred li, facing us seven or eight months and securing every key point. Attack must fail.” Lu Xun replied: “He is cunning and experienced. At first his army concentrated with precise thought and could not be challenged. Long delayed without advantage, his men are tired and discouraged, plans exhausted. Today is the moment.” A first attack failed, and generals complained of wasted lives. Lu Xun said he now understood the means. Each man carried grass for fire, and once one camp fell, all armies attacked together. Zhang Nan, Feng Xi, and local King Shamoke <a tribal royal designation> were beheaded, over forty camps broken. Du Lu, Liu Ning, and others surrendered. Liu Bei climbed Mount Ma'an, surrounded himself with troops, but Lu Xun pressed from four sides, killing tens of thousands. Liu Bei fled at night; relay men carried and burned armor to obstruct pursuit, barely reaching Baidi. Ships, weapons, and supplies were nearly all lost; bodies choked the river. Ashamed and angry, Liu Bei said: “Humiliated by Lu Xun—is this not Heaven?” [Translator's note: The supplied 燒鐃鎧 is difficult; the burning of equipment as a rear obstruction follows its clear context, without reconstructing a different text.]

Earlier Sun Huan, separately fighting Liu Bei's vanguard at Yidao, was surrounded and sought relief. Lu Xun refused, explaining his popular troops, strong city, and ample grain needed no worry: once the main plan unfolded, the siege would lift itself. After victory Sun Huan admitted his earlier resentment and now understood the strategy. Lu Xun's generals included Sun Ce's veterans and ruling kinsmen, proud and unwilling to obey. Laying his hand on his sword, he said:

“Liu Bei is feared throughout the realm, even by Cao Cao, and now stands on our border. You all receive the state's favor and should unite to destroy him, repaying your honors. I am a scholar, but appointed by our lord. You have been placed under me because I possess some small ability and can bear humiliation and responsibility. Each must perform his duty. Military commands have fixed rules and must not be violated.”

Victory, planned chiefly by Lu Xun, won their submission. Sun Quan asked why he had not reported disobedience earlier. He replied: “Your favor and trust exceed my talent. These men are confidants, fighters, or meritorious officers with whom the state must accomplish great affairs. I admire Lin Xiangru and Kou Xun's humility toward others in public service.” Sun Quan laughed in approval and made him General Who Assists the State and concurrent Governor of Jing Province, changing his fief to Jiangling.

With Liu Bei at Baidi, Xu Sheng, Pan Zhang, and Song Qian urged renewed attack to capture him. Lu Xun, Zhu Ran, and Luo Tong warned that Cao Pi was gathering troops, outwardly to help against Liu Bei but inwardly plotting. They returned decisively, and Wei soon attacked on three fronts.

Liu Bei soon died; Liu Shan succeeded and Zhuge Liang governed, restoring alliance with Sun Quan. Sun Quan had Lu Xun communicate appropriate matters to Zhuge Liang and gave him a duplicate seal. Letters to Liu Shan and Zhuge Liang were shown to him for judgment and correction before sealing and dispatch.

In the seventh year, Sun Quan used Zhou Fang of Poyang to deceive Wei's Grand Marshal Cao Xiu, who marched on Wan. Lu Xun received the yellow battle-axe and grand command against him.

Discovering the deception, Cao Xiu was ashamed and trusted his strong army enough to fight. Lu Xun held the center with Zhu Huan and Quan Cong on the wings. Three approaches broke Cao Xiu's ambush and drove him to Jiashi, taking over ten thousand killed or captured and ten thousand loads of cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, and wagons, with nearly all supplies. Returning, Cao Xiu died of an abscess on his back. At Wuchang, Sun Quan covered Lu Xun with his canopy at palace entrances and gave incomparable imperial treasures, then sent him to Xiling.

In Huanglong 1 he became Supreme General-in-Chief and Protector-General of the Right. When Sun Quan toured Jianye that year, leaving the crown prince, imperial sons, Masters of Writing, and nine ministries, he summoned Lu Xun to assist the crown prince and supervise military and state affairs in Jing Province and three Yuzhang-area commanderies. Marquis of Jianchang Sun Lü built an elaborate duck-fighting enclosure. Lu Xun sternly asked why he did not improve himself through classics instead; Sun Lü immediately dismantled it. Colonel of Archers Who Shoot by Sound Sun Song, closest among the noble youths, let troops play without discipline. Lu Xun had his responsible official shorn before him. Xie Jing of Nanyang praised Liu Yi's argument for punishment before ritual. Lu Xun rebuked him: “Ritual's superiority is ancient. Liu Yi uses petty eloquence to distort sages. Serving the Eastern Palace, honor humanity and righteousness instead.” Though stationed outside, he remained devoted to the state and memorialized:

“The laws are severe and many offend. Recent officers deserve blame for carelessness, but the realm is not united and immediate needs require some mercy to steady them. Affairs multiply and ability comes first. Unless guilt involves intolerable wickedness, employ them again to demonstrate service. Sage kings forget faults and record merit to build royal enterprise. Han Gaozu (Liu Bang) overlooked Chen Ping's faults and used his strategy for lasting achievements. Harsh law is no emperor's greatest work, and punishment without pardon no broad method of winning the distant.”

Sun Quan consulted him about expeditions to Yizhou and Zhuya. He replied:

“With the realm unsettled, we need people's strength. Years of warfare have diminished the available population. Your Majesty labors sleeplessly and plans far against Yizhou, but I see no benefit. Raiding ten thousand li through uncertain waves and unfamiliar climates must bring epidemic. Taking present men across barren seas to increase numbers instead decreases them; seeking profit brings harm. Zhuya is remote and dangerous, its people like beasts. Gaining them adds little; lacking them subtracts nothing. Our eastern forces suffice if nurtured before action. King Huan (Sun Ce) <Ardent King; a posthumous royal title> began with less than one brigade and founded a great enterprise; you have expanded it. Arms control disorder, but farming, clothing, and food sustain the people. With war unended and hunger and cold present, nourish soldiers and civilians and lighten taxes. Harmony wins numbers and righteousness encourages courage; then Yellow and Wei rivers can be pacified and the Nine Regions united.” [Translator's note: The historical author's disparaging description is retained as his own argument. The supplied 祖賦 is rendered contextually as taxes.]

Sun Quan attacked Yizhou nonetheless, with gains not covering losses. After Gongsun Yuan broke alliance, he wished a personal expedition. Lu Xun memorialized:

“Gongsun Yuan relies on difficult ground, detains envoys, and withholds fine horses, deserving anger. Untransformed frontier peoples flee to wild edges and defy royal armies, provoking Your Majesty to cross the sea without considering danger. Yet the realm is disturbed and heroes contend. Your divine martial gifts answered the time, defeated Cao Cao at Wulin and Liu Bei at Xiling, and captured Guan Yu in Jing. These were the age's heroes, all overcome. Your influence bends ten thousand li like grass, preparing China's unification. To indulge small anger, disregard the warning about sitting beneath eaves, and slight imperial dignity bewilders me. “One intending ten thousand li does not halt midway; one planning for the four seas does not damage the great for the small. A strong enemy borders us. Your distant expedition invites exploitation and regret too late. Once great affairs succeed, Gongsun Yuan submits without attack. Why prize Liaodong's people and horses while discarding the east's secure foundation? Rest the armies, overawe the great enemy, settle central China, and leave glory to posterity.”

Sun Quan accepted.

In Jiahe 5, while Sun Quan campaigned north, Lu Xun and Zhuge Jin attacked Xiangyang. Lu Xun's confidant Han Bian, returning with a memorial report, was captured by enemy patrols in the Mian. Alarmed, Zhuge Jin wrote: “The sovereign has returned. They have Han Bian and know our strength. Water is low; leave quickly.” Lu Xun answered nothing, urging turnip and bean planting and playing games and archery as usual. Zhuge Jin thought he must have a plan and visited. Lu Xun explained: “Knowing our lord has returned, the enemy can concentrate on us and holds key passages. Our men's spirits stir; first steady them, then use deception to withdraw. Immediate retreat would show fear and invite ruinous pursuit.” He had Zhuge Jin command the ships while he marched troops and horses toward Xiangyang. Fearing him, the enemy hurried back to the city. Zhuge Jin sailed out, and Lu Xun slowly organized a conspicuous force, marched to the ships, and withdrew unmolested. At Baiwei he pretended to hunt, secretly sending Zhou Jun and Zhang Liang against Xinshi, Anlu, and Shiyang in Jiangxia. Shiyang's crowded market panicked; people jammed the gates, which defenders shut only after cutting down their own civilians. Over a thousand were killed or captured.

Lu Xun protected captives from soldiers' intrusion, cared for accompanying families, supplied clothes and grain to those separated from wives and children, comforted and released them. Some gratefully returned together, and neighboring territory cherished him.

Jiangxia Merit Officer Zhao Zhuo, Yiyang garrison officer Pei Sheng, and local King Mei Yi <a frontier ruling designation> brought followers to Lu Xun, who spent freely on their support.

Wei's Administrator of Jiangxia Lu Shi

commanded troops and troubled the frontier, but quarreled with Wen Xiu, son of veteran general Wen Ping. Lu Xun forged a reply: “Your sincere letter explains longstanding hostility with Wen Xiu, leaving no room for coexistence, and your wish to submit. I secretly forwarded it and prepare to receive you. Make prompt preparations and send a fixed date.” Left on the border, it reached Lu Shi through his soldiers. Frightened, he sent his family to Luo. His men ceased trusting him, and he was dismissed. [Translator's note: The supplied 史士 is rendered contextually as officers and soldiers.]

In the sixth year, General of the Household Zhou Zhi requested recruiting in Poyang. Lu Xun warned its unsettled people might rebel, but Zhou Zhi insisted. Wu Ju and others killed him and took counties, joined by old Yuzhang and Luling outlaws. Lu Xun immediately attacked and defeated them, accepted submission, and selected over eight thousand elite troops, settling three commanderies. Inspector Lü Yi then manipulated power. Lu Xun and Pan Jun worried together, weeping in discussion. Sun Quan later executed Lü Yi and deeply blamed himself; see his biography.

Xie Yuan, Xie Hong, and others proposed changes to increase revenue.

Consulted, Lu Xun said:

“The state rests on people, strength on their labor, wealth on their production. Never has a populous people made a weak state or an impoverished people a strong one. Gaining them brings order, losing them disorder. Demanding full results without letting them benefit is difficult. The Odes praises, ‘Suitable to people and men, receiving blessings from Heaven.’ Let kindness secure the people for several years until resources increase, then consider further plans.”

In Chiwu 7 he succeeded Gu Yong as chief minister. The edict said:

“Lacking virtue, I have received the appointed succession, yet the royal Way remains divided and villains fill the roads, leaving me fearful night and day. Your Heaven-given intelligence and brilliant virtue have commanded high armies and rescued the state. Extraordinary achievements deserve extraordinary favor; civil and military qualities must bear the state's weight. Yi Yin exalted Tang (Zi Lü), and Lü Shang assisted Zhou; you combine internal and external responsibility. I appoint you chief minister and send Bearer of Credentials and acting Grand Minister of Ceremonies Fu Chang with seal and ribbon. Display your bright virtue, improve your achievements, obey royal command, and pacify the four quarters. Overseeing the Three Affairs and instructing officials demands reverence. Exert yourself! Your governorship, protector-generalship, and Wuchang responsibilities remain.”

Earlier, vacancies in both palaces led officials to send sons for service. Quan Cong informed Lu Xun, who replied: “Talented sons need not fear lack of employment. Sending them privately for honor is improper; unsuitable ones invite disaster. I hear the two palaces have equal power and must divide factions, a grave ancient warning.” Quan Cong's son Quan Ji indeed attached himself to the King of Lu (Sun Ba) <a royal title> and created intrigue. Lu Xun warned Quan Cong he did not imitate Jin Midi in restraining his son and would ruin his family. Quan Cong refused and became hostile. When Crown Prince Sun He's position became insecure, Lu Xun repeatedly petitioned: “The legitimate crown prince should stand firm as rock; the King of Lu (Sun Ba), a vassal, must have distinct favor and rank so both find proper places and all remain secure.” He asked to visit the capital to argue legitimate succession, but was refused. His nephews Gu Tan, Gu Cheng, and Yao Xin were unjustly exiled for supporting the crown prince. Grand Tutor Wu Can was executed for corresponding with him. Sun Quan repeatedly sent palace envoys to rebuke Lu Xun, who died of anger and distress at sixty-three, leaving no surplus wealth.

He had warned Ji Yan against camp-office demotions and told Zhuge Ke: “I honor those above and support those below. You overbear superiors and despise inferiors. This does not secure virtue.” Foreseeing Yang Zhu's ruin, he urged his elder brother Yang Mu to separate their family branches. Such was his foresight. His eldest son Lu Yan died young; second son Lu Kang inherited. Under Sun Xiu he received the posthumous title Marquis Zhao (Lu Xun) <Illustrious Marquis>.

Lu Kang, courtesy name Youjie, was Sun Ce's daughter's son. At twenty when Lu Xun died, he became Commandant Who Establishes Martial Might with five thousand inherited troops. Returning east for burial, he visited the capital to thank Sun Quan, who questioned him about twenty accusations Yang Zhu had made against Lu Xun. Visitors were barred and palace envoys interrogated him, but he answered every point without consultation, gradually easing Sun Quan's mind. In Chiwu 9 he became General of the Household Who Establishes Integrity and exchanged stations with Zhuge Ke at Chaisang. Before leaving, he repaired walls and buildings and forbade damage to houses, mulberries, or fruit trees. Zhuge Ke found everything like new and was ashamed of his own damaged former camp. In Taiyuan 1 he came to the capital for treatment. Recovering, he took leave. Sun Quan wept: “I believed slander and failed in righteousness toward your father, wronging you. Burn all the questions so no one sees them.” In Jianxing 1 he became General of Rousing Might. In Taiping 2, when Zhuge Dan submitted at Shouchun, Lu Kang became Commander of Chaisang, went to assist, defeated Wei's headquarters commander and Assistant General, and became General Who Conquers the North. In Yong'an 2 he became General Who Guards the Army and Commander of Xiling, from the place written as Guan Yu to Baidi. He received acting credentials in the third year. Under Sun Hao he became General-in-Chief Who Guards the Army and concurrent Governor of Yi Province. In Jianheng 2, after Grand Marshal of the Left Shi Ji died, he commanded Xinling, Xiling, Yidao, Lexiang, and Gong'an from Lexiang. [Translator's note: The supplied 自關羽至白帝 contains Guan Yu's name where a place boundary is expected; no replacement place is invented.]

Hearing of many defects in capital government, Lu Kang worried deeply and memorialized:

“With equal virtue, greater numbers defeat fewer; with equal strength, secure men control endangered ones. Thus strong Qin annexed the six states and Western Chu submitted to Han Gaozu (Liu Bang). The enemy now controls the Nine Domains, not merely west of the passes or Hong Canal. We lack allied support abroad and Western Chu's strength within. Government declines and people are unsettled. Relying only on great rivers and mountains is the least part of defense, not wisdom's first concern. “Reflecting on the Warring States' destruction and the Liu house's recent fall, comparing books and events, I strike my pillow at midnight and forget meals. Huo Qubing refused a mansion while the Xiongnu survived; Jia Yi wept over Han's imperfect Way. How much more I, sprung from the royal house and favored for generations, whose honor and fate are joined with the state in life and death! Service requires offense without deception and devotion beyond self. I respectfully present seventeen proposals.”

The original seventeen proposals are lost and therefore not recorded.

As He Ding manipulated power and eunuchs entered government, Lu Kang memorialized:

“The Changes forbids employing petty men in founding states, and the Tang Documents warns against slander and perversity. Refined poets complain and Confucius sighs for this reason. From the Spring and Autumn age through Qin and Han, ruin has always arisen thus. Petty men do not understand the Way; even complete devotion would not make their shallow judgment sufficient. How much less when treacherous hearts and shifting hatred and love govern them! Fearing loss, they stop at nothing. Entrusting them with discerning responsibility and arbitrary authority cannot produce harmony and purity. “Though present officials contain few exceptional talents, some descend from honorable houses and learned the Way young; others established themselves through pure hardship and have sufficient ability. Assign them according to talent and dismiss the petty. Then custom can be purified and government freed of corruption.”

In Fenghuang 1, Xiling Commander Bu Chan rebelled and sent to Jin. Lu Kang immediately sent Zuo Yi, Wu Yan, and Cai Gong there and ordered tight circumvallations from Red Creek to the old market, facing inward against Bu Chan and outward against relief. Day and night work exhausted everyone. Generals urged an immediate assault before Jin arrived, but Lu Kang said the strong city, ample grain, and defenses he himself designed could not fall quickly; without outer defenses, relief would trap them between enemies. Under Administrator of Yidu Lei Tan's insistence, he permitted one assault to convince them. It failed, and the enclosure was completed. Jin's General of Chariots and Cavalry Yang Hu advanced on Jiangling. Generals opposed Lu Kang's continued upriver focus. He replied: “Jiangling is strong and well supplied. Even if taken, the enemy cannot hold it: a smaller loss. If Xiling joins them, southern mountain peoples rise and danger becomes immeasurable. I would abandon Jiangling to save Xiling, much more when Jiangling is secure.” Earlier he had ordered Jiangling Commander Zhang Xian to dam water over the flat approaches. Yang Hu intended to transport grain on it, falsely announcing he would destroy the dam for infantry. Lu Kang ordered Zhang Xian to break it first despite repeated objections. At Dangyang, Yang Hu learned it was gone and had to shift from boats to costly cart transport.

Jin's Badong Army Supervisor Xu Yin brought a fleet toward Jianping, and Jing Province Inspector Yang Zhao reached Xiling. Lu Kang ordered Zhang Xian to hold Jiangling, Gong'an Commander Sun Zun to patrol the southern bank against Yang Hu, and naval commander Liu Lü and General Who Guards the West Zhu Wan against Xu Yin. He himself opposed Yang Zhao from the enclosure. General Zhu Qiao and Camp Commander Yu Zan defected. Knowing Yu Zan understood the weaknesses and that his local non-Chinese troops lacked training, Lu Kang replaced their sector by night with veterans. Next day Yang Zhao attacked precisely there and suffered arrows and stones, with continuous casualties. After a month, Yang Zhao withdrew secretly. Unable to divide forces for pursuit while Bu Chan watched for openings, Lu Kang merely sounded drums as though pursuing. Terrified, the enemy discarded armor and fled, allowing light troops to rout them. Yang Hu and the others withdrew. Lu Kang took Xiling, exterminated Bu Chan's clan and senior officers, but secured pardons for tens of thousands below them. Repairing the walls, he returned to Lexiang without pride, modest as before and loved by the army.

Additionally appointed Protector-General, Lu Kang heard that Wuchang's Left Division Commander Xue Ying had been imprisoned and memorialized:

“Outstanding men are the state's treasures and precious resources, ordering affairs and purifying the four gates. Minister of Agriculture Lou Xuan, Cavalier Central Attendant-in-Ordinary Wang Fan, and Privy Treasurer Li Xu were all outstanding. Favored at first, they soon suffered execution, clan destruction, or remote exile. Zhou ritual pardons the worthy, and the Spring and Autumn Annals forgives the good. The Documents says, ‘Rather miss a rule than kill the innocent.’ Yet before their guilt was settled, death fell upon loyal men. How painful! Death itself knows nothing afterward, but burning bodies and casting them onto riverbanks is no former kings' proper rule and perhaps what the Marquis of Fu warned against. People grieve together. “Wang Fan and Li Xu are gone beyond regret; I hope Lou Xuan may be recalled and pardoned. Now Xue Ying too is suddenly arrested. His father Xue Zong advised the late emperor (Sun Quan) and tutored Emperor Wen (Sun He) <a posthumous imperial honor>. Continuing his foundation, Xue Ying cultivated reputation and conduct. His present offense is pardonable. I fear insufficient investigation and another execution that further disappoints the people. Extend Heaven's kindness, forgive him, pity prisoners, and clear the penal net. The realm will be fortunate.”

As warfare continued and the people were exhausted, he memorialized:

“The Changes values timing and the Commentary praises observing openings. Tang of Yin (Zi Lü) campaigned because Xia had many crimes; King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) took the battle-axe because Zhou was tyrannical. Without the right time, the jade terrace brought anxious deliberation and Mengjin's army turned back. Instead of enriching the state, strengthening troops, farming and storing grain, employing talent fully, filling offices, clarifying promotion and punishment, teaching officials virtue and treating people humanely before unifying the world, we let generals seek fame through exhausting campaigns. Each costs countless resources; soldiers wither, the enemy does not weaken, and we become gravely ill. Contending for imperial resources while pursuing tiny gains serves treacherous ministers, not the state. Qi and Lu fought three times; Lu won twice yet quickly fell, because their sizes differed. Our gains do not even repay losses. Ancient warning says reliance on arms loses followers. Suspend petty advances, preserve strength, and await openings without regret.”

In spring of the second year he became Grand Marshal and Governor of Jing Province in his existing post.

Ill in summer of the third year, he memorialized:

“Xiling and Jianping are the state's outer defenses. Downstream from two enemy regions, they could face fleets stretching a thousand li, racing with current like stars and lightning. Relief from other divisions cannot rescue sudden collapse. This concerns the state's survival, not a minor border loss. My father Lu Xun called Xiling the western gate, easy to defend yet easy to lose. If it falls, Jing is no longer Wu's; all the state must contest it. “Following his path at Xiling, I requested thirty thousand elite men, but routine practice prevented dispatch. Since Bu Chan, losses have increased. My thousand-li command faces enemies in four places, defending against a strong rival while comforting local peoples, with only several tens of thousands of worn troops. Young princes have no current government responsibilities: tutors and chancellors suffice; troops should not obstruct vital duties. Palace eunuchs maintain recruitment registers where men escaping service hide. Inspect and remove them all to reinforce the frontier, filling my command to eighty thousand, reducing other duties, and making rewards and punishments trustworthy. Even Han Xin and Bai Qi reborn could then devise nothing against us. Without more troops and changed institutions, great success is impossible, my deepest concern. After my death, entrust the western frontier to proper care. Consider these words, and my death will not be oblivion.”

He died that autumn. His sons Lu Yan, Lu Jing, Lu Xuan, Lu Ji, and Lu Yun divided his command, with Lu Yan as Deputy General and Supervisor of Yidao. In Tianji 4, Jin's General Who Soars Like a Dragon Wang Jun sailed east, winning everywhere as Lu Kang had feared. Lu Jing, courtesy name Shiren, had married a princess and become Commandant of Cavalry and Marquis of Piling, then Assistant General and Commander of Central Xia. Studious and self-disciplined, he wrote several dozen essays.

On renxu in the second month Lu Yan was killed by Wang Jun's detached force; on guihai Lu Jing was killed at thirty-one. His wife was Sun Hao's full younger sister; both were Zhang Cheng's grandchildren through daughters.

The appraisal says: Liu Bei was the world's feared hero, yet the young, little-known Lu Xun defeated him completely. I marvel at Lu Xun's strategy and Sun Quan's recognition of talent, which accomplished great affairs. Loyal and earnest, worrying himself to death for the state, he approached the ideal supporting minister. Lu Kang's constancy, clarity, planning, and ability carried his father's spirit. Two generations bore excellence, the whole pattern preserved on a smaller scale: truly one who continued the building!