««« Chapter 49 »»» On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire.

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1 In the last chapter Zhou Yu was seized with sudden illness as he watched the fleets of his enemy. He was borne to his tent, and his officers came in multitudes to inquire after him.
2 They looked at each other, saying, "What a pity our general should be taken ill, when Cao Cao's legions threaten so terribly! What would happen if Cao Cao attacked?"
3 Messengers with the evil tidings were sent to Sun Quan, while the physicians did their best for the invalid. Lu Su was particularly sad at the illness of his patron and went to see Zhuge Liang to talk it over.
4 "What do you make of it?" said Zhuge Liang.	» SionXu -- weird no one thinks about this... -- Zhuge Liang is worryed about Zhou Yu, don't you think that's odd? » Super Dian Wei -- sigh... -- Zhou Yu could potentially difuse a ruse of Zhuge Liang, seeing as Zhou Yu was a premier mind of his time. Also, Zhuge Liang might be thinking of a ruse right now, and the actions of Zhou Yu might contribute to the planning process. Why would ANYBODY think this is odd?
5 "Good luck for Cao Cao; bad for us," said Lu Su.
6 "I could cure him," said Zhuge Liang laughing.
7 "If you could, Wu would be very fortunate," said Lu Su.
8 Lu Su prayed Zhuge Liang to go to see the sick man. They went, and Lu Su entered first. Zhou Yu lay in bed, his head covered by a quilt.
9 "How are you, General?" said Lu Su.
10 "My heart pains me. Every now and again I feel faint and dizzy."
11 "Have you taken any remedies?"
12 "My gorge rises at the thought. I could not."
13 "I saw Zhuge Liang just now, and he says he could heal you. He is just outside, and I will call him if you like."
14 "Ask him to come in."
15 Zhou Yu bade his servants help him to a sitting position, and Zhuge Liang entered.
16 "I have not seen you for days," said Zhuge Liang. "How could I guess that you were unwell?"
17 "How can anyone feel secure? We are constantly the playthings of luck, good or bad."
18 "Yes. Heaven's winds and clouds are not to be measured. No one can reckon their comings and goings, can they?"
19 Zhou Yu turned pale and a low groan escaped him, while his visitor went on, "You feel depressed, do you not? As though troubles were piling up in your heart?"
20 "That is exactly how I feel," said Zhou Yu.
21 "You need cooling medicine to dissipate this sense of oppression."
22 "I have taken a cooling draught, but it has done no good."
23 "You must get the humors into good order before the drugs will have any effect."
24 Zhou Yu began to think Zhuge Liang knew what was really the matter and resolved to test him.
25 "What should be taken to produce a favorable temper?" said Zhou Yu.
26 "I know one means of producing a favorable temper," replied Zhuge Liang.
27 "I wish you would tell me."
28 Zhuge Liang got out writing materials, sent away the servants, and then wrote a few words:
29 "To defeat Cao Cao You have to use fire; All are in your wish, But wind from the east."
30 This he gave to the sick general, saying, "That is the origin of your illness."
31 Zhou Yu read the words with great surprise, and it confirmed his secret opinion that Zhuge Liang really was rather more than human. He decided that the only course was to be open and tell him all.
32 So he said, "Since you know the cause of the disease, what do you recommend as treatment? The need of a remedy is very urgent."
33 "I have no great talent," said Zhuge Liang, "but I have had to do with humans of no ordinary gifts from whom I have received certain magical books called 'Concealing Method'. I can call the winds and summon the rains. Since you need a southeast breeze, General, you must build an altar on the Southern Hills, the Altar of the Seven Stars. It must be nine spans high, with three steps, surrounded by a guard of one hundred and twenty humans bearing flags. On this altar I will work a spell to procure a strong southeast gale for three days and three nights. Do you approve?"	» Yorak -- To the person who asked a few chapters ago, "what's next?"... -- Here it is: Scholar, strategist, advisor, astrologer, meteorologist... and to top it all off, he's a wizard. As for the actual southeast winds, folklore has it that Zhou Yu heard about the southeast wind from some old fisherman who could read the weather and knew when the winds would blow. » Rahonavis -- Southeast Winds -- As you've also seen the abilities of Zhuge Liang, now he's going ask for favorable winds.... so what is he a wizard? Yorak's answer as a meteorologist is most near to the truth. A good Daoist has certain powers to invoke nature, but in this instance he's more or less doing an offering to appease the spirits. It's just becoz The Chinese are very superstitious. In fact being somewhat of a meteorologist, he had guessed there are changes in the weather and realised it would come at an advantageous time. The Mayan and Aztec Indians were great meteorologists, Zhuge Liang is somewhat like that. He would've possessed no more power than the average shamman. It was a great act though. » Ragnarok -- Indeed. -- Zhuge Liang did not summon the wind, but rather, knew of their coming. It makes me wonder, why does he say he will make the wind blow? He has proved that he is more than happy to pass up his own glory for the sake of Zhou Yu. Yet now he makes himself out to be something he is not, which would in turn, further add to the pressure and jealousy already placed on Zhou Yu. » noise -- Re: Jealousy -- As they will become enemy afterword, Zhuge Liang wanted Zhou Yu to fear him. Remember how Guan Yu bragged about Zhang Fei to Cao Cao? » WUuuu -- No, no -- As far as the novel is concerned Zhuge Liang really did summon the wind. He is a supernatural character, and just that much larger than life. In real life Zhuge doesn't summon anything, Zhou Yu finds out about the winds from a fisherman. » yingchuan -- We must have forgot what Zhou Yu always try to deal with Zhuge. -- What other excuses could be better than summoning the wind to escape from the house arresting? » CaoCaofan -- WUuuu is right- -- in the novel he summoned but not historically! it would be impossible! » MasterLiang -- Actually, the thing with the old fisherman was a folk tale, or so I've heard. -- So my guess is, they got real, real lucky. » generalwhoeatspizza -- Scare Tactic -- I think Zhuge Liang was doing this to scare Zhou Yu. I mean, Zhuge Liang knew the wind was coming, so he stages an elaborate "ritual" to "summon" the wind. It works too. When the wind blows, Zhou Yu basically craps himself. » MaTseng -- depends on how you look at it. -- if you look at it realistically it would have been impossible to predict the weather and if zhuge liang did it he probably crapped himself more then zhou yu would have. » guanping -- if Zhuge knew the weather -- wouldn't Cao Cao or one Wei officer there have known? At that wouldn't a Wu local officer have known? » DongDal -- Unlikely. -- It was a different climate in the south of the country. Only the people who lived in the south would have known the weather patterns. » guanping -- but wouldn't a Wu officer have known? -- Perhaps a few Wei officers from Jing but mostly Wu officers should have known right? » DongDal -- Definetly mabye. -- But they would have actually had to have known about weather predicting first. » guanping -- according to the book only Kongming can do it, Zhnag Jiao aside -- where he learnt it from and why he never tuaght it to anyone is the question. Zhou Yu could have asked locals and got a pretty good answer from them » Tiamatty -- Predicting the wind -- It's hard to predict wind patterns. However, it is possible, with enough knowledge - or just experience. I find the folklore about asking a fisherman likely. People who fish for a living get to know the weather. It's not anything definite; they just KNOW what's going to happen. They probably asked a bunch of the local fishermen, who mostly agreed when the southeast wind would blow. » guanping -- pity they didn't meantion the rain
34 "Never mind three whole days," said Zhou Yu. "One day of strong wind will serve my purpose. But it must be done at once and without delay."	» guanping -- Zhuge Liang must have ended uup being relived at that -- it rained on the second and third day
35 "I will sacrifice for a wind for three days from the twentieth day of the moon. Will that suit you?"
36 Zhou Yu was delighted and hastily rose from his couch to give the necessary orders. He commanded that five hundred men should be sent to the mountains to build the altar, and he told off the guard of one hundred and twenty to bear the flags and be at the orders of Zhuge Liang.
37 Zhuge Liang took his leave, went forth, and rode off with Lu Su to the mountains where they measured out the ground. He bade the soldiers build the altar of red earth from the southeast quarter. It was two hundred and forty spans in circuit, square in shape, and of three tiers, each of three spans, in all nine spans high.
38 On the lowest tier he placed the flags of the twenty-eight "houses" of the heavens and four constellations: On the east seven, with blue flags; on the north seven, with black flags; on the west seven, with white flags; and on the south seven, with red flags.
39 Around the second tier he placed sixty-four yellow flags, corresponding to the number of the diagrams of the Book of Divination, in eight groups of eight.
40 Four men were stationed on the highest platform, each wearing a Daoist headdress and a black silk robe embroidered with the phoenix and confined with wide sashes. They wore scarlet boots and square-cut skirts. On the left front stood a man supporting a tall pole bearing at its top a plume of light feathers to show by their least movement the wind's first breathing. On the right front was a man holding a tall pole whereon was a flag with the symbol of the seven stars to show the direction and force of the wind. On the left rear stood a man with a sword, and on the right rear a man with a censer.
41 Below the altar were forty-four men holding flags, umbrellas, spears, lances, yellow banners, white axes, red banderoles, and black ensigns. And these were spaced about the altar.
42 On the appointed day Zhuge Liang, having chosen a propitious moment, bathed his body and purified himself. Then he robed himself as a Daoist, loosened his locks, and approached the altar.	» guanping -- I thought he was a follower of Confuscoius?
43 He bade Lu Su retire, saying, "Return to the camp and assist the General in setting out his forces. Should my prayers avail not, do not wonder."
44 So Lu Su left him. Then Zhuge Liang commanded the guards on no account to absent themselves, to maintain strict silence, and to be reverent. Death would be the penalty of disobedience.
45 Next, with solemn steps he ascended the altar, faced the proper quarter, lighted the incense, and sprinkled the water in the basins. This done he gazed into the heavens and prayed silently. The prayer ended he descended and returned to his tent. After a brief rest he allowed the soldiers by turns to go away to eat.
46 Thrice that day he ascended the altar and thrice descended, but there was no sign of the wind.
47 During that time, Zhou Yu, with Cheng Pu and Lu Su and other military officials on duty, sat waiting in the tent till the wished-for wind should blow and the attack could be launched. Messengers were also sent to Sun Quan to prepare to support the forward movement.
48 Huang Gai had his fire ships ready, twenty of them. The fore parts of the ships were thickly studded with large nails, and they were loaded with dry reeds, wood soaked in fish oil, and covered with sulfur, saltpeter, and other inflammables. The ships were covered in with black oiled cloth. In the prow of each was a black dragon flag with indentations. A fighting ship was attached to the stern of each to propel it forward. All were ready and awaited orders to move.
49 Meanwhile Cao Cao's two spies, Cai He and Cai Zhong, were being guarded carefully in an outer camp far from the river bank and daily entertained with feasting. They were not allowed to know of the preparations. The watch was so close that not a trickle of information reached the prisoners.
50 Presently, while Zhou Yu was anxiously awaiting in his tent for the desired wind, a messenger came to say that Sun Quan had anchored at a place thirty miles from the camp, where he awaited news from the Commander-in-Chief.
51 Lu Su was sent to warn all the various commanders to be ready, the ships and their weapons, sails and oars, all for instant use, and to impress upon them the penalties of being caught unprepared. The soldiers were indeed ready for the fight and yearning for the fray.
52 But the sky remained obstinately clear, and as night drew nigh no breath of air stirred.
53 "We have been cajoled," said Zhou Yu. "Indeed what possibility is there of a southeast wind in midwinter?"
54 "Zhuge Liang would not use vain and deceitful words," replied Lu Su.
55 Towards the third watch, the sound of a movement arose in the air. Soon the flags fluttered out. And when the Commander-in-Chief went out to make sure, he saw they were flowing toward the northwest. In a very short time the southeast wind was in full force.	» Explainer -- The Art of War says weather is very important -- In modern warfare, watching weather is the duty of all war planners. To quote the current Gulf War 2: Blowing sand cut visibility in the Persian Gulf, where the United States and Britain have assembled an armada of carriers, guided missile cruisers and other warships, to about 500 yards. Maj. Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, said, "We always watch the weather because it has an effect on flying conditions and really a lot of the activities you can see. Everything takes a little bit longer."
56 Zhou Yu was, however, frightened at the power of the man whose help he had invoked.
57 He said, "Really the man has power over the heavens and authority over the earth. His methods are incalculable, beyond the ken of god or devil. He cannot be allowed to live to be a danger to our land of the south. We must slay him soon to fend off later evils."	» guanping -- how come Zhuge Liang lost? They never got to Chang An -- aimed at Mao not Zhou Yu » DongDal -- Lost at what? » guanping -- if Kongming was that good....wouldn't Shu-Han have won? -- that was my point » DongDal -- Crappy circumstances. -- He had to be called back sometimes, incompentent subordinantes and a stupid leader. » guanping -- or not taking advice -- or being unable to command a seige or being to inflexible in plans » DongDal -- I think. -- Some of them intertwined. Relying to heavily on Ma Su made him inflexible. » guanping -- not really -- his plans, he would not change them and if something went wrong,he was defeated. Ma Su was just given to high a postion for his first battle » DongDal -- Which was a pity. -- Ma Su had proven himself against the Nanman and then he went and screwed it up. » guanping -- His theory was good -- the practicality was wrong however. I think he could have been a vital part of Shu. » DongDal -- Apparently... -- He was meant to be Zhuge Liang's successor orginally. » guanping -- quite likly -- Ma Liang was senoir milatry man with Pang Tong and Fa Zheng's deaths. He doesn't seem that talented to me but Ma Su does. Kongming made a mistake by making him sign a succeded or death warrent. I mean Wang Ping in command at Jie Ting and Ma Su as advisor... even Zhang He would find it hard
58 So Zhou Yu resolved to commit a crime to remove his dangerous rival.	» guanping -- or trying to do his duty -- why not cost Shu one of its finiest minds? Wu doesn't trust Liu Bei anyway » DongDal -- Which is odd. -- They have no real reason too. Liu Bei can hardly go over to Cao Cao any time he feels like. » guanping -- Call it a premptive attack -- remember Liu Bei's reputation?(as unfair or fair as it is.) They worry that Liu Bei will be a rather... worrying ally » DongDal -- Best keep as an ally for now at least. -- Before making any threatening moves. » guanping -- perhaps... -- should have wait till Cao Cao retreated then beat up Liu Bei. Then take Yi and Shu... » guanping -- delete » DongDal -- Yep. -- It was a stupid move when Cao Cao was still in the vincinity. » guanping -- it was? Don't you mean would have been » DongDal -- Oh yeah. -- That's what I meant ^^;
59 He called two of the generals of his guard, Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, and said to them, "Each of you take a party of one hundred troops, one along the river, the other along the road, to the altar on the mountains. As soon as you get there, without asking questions or giving reasons, you are to seize and behead Zhuge Liang. Rich reward will be given when you bring his head back."
60 Xu Sheng and Ding Feng went off on their errand, the former leading dagger and ax-men going as fast as oars could propel them along the river, the latter at the head of archers and bowmen on horseback. The southeast wind buffeted them as they went on their way.
61 High was raised the Seven Stars Altar, On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon For an eastern wind, and straightway Blew the wind. Had not the wizard Exercised his mighty magic Nought had Zhou Yu's skill availed.
62 Ding Feng first arrived. He saw the guards with their flags, dropped off his steed, and marched to the altar, sword in hand. But he found no Zhuge Liang.
63 When he asked the guards, they told him, saying, "He has just gone down."
64 Ding Feng ran down the hill to search. There he met his fellow Xu Sheng, and they joined forces.
65 Presently a simple soldier told them, saying, "The evening before a small, fast boat anchored there near a sand spit, and Zhuge Liang was seen to go on board. Then the boat went up river."
66 So Xu Sheng and Ding Feng divided their party into two, one to go by water, the other by land.
67 Xu Sheng bade his boatmen put on all sail and take every advantage of the wind. Before very long he saw the fugitive's boat ahead, and when near enough, stood in the prow of his own and shouted, "Do not flee, O Instructor of the Army! The General requests your presence."
68 Zhuge Liang, who was seated in the stern of his boat, just laughed aloud, saying, "Return and tell the General to make good use of his soldiers. Tell him I am going up river for a spell and will see him again another day."
69 "Pray wait a little while," cried Xu Sheng. "I have something most important to tell you!"
70 "I knew all about it, that Zhou Yu would not let me go and that he wanted to kill me. That is why Zhao Zilong was waiting for me. You had better not approach nearer."
71 Seeing the other ship had no sail, Xu Sheng thought he would assuredly come up with it and so maintained the pursuit.
72 Then when he got too close, Zhao Zilong fitted an arrow to the bowstring and, standing up in the stern of his boat, cried, "You know who I am, and I came expressly to escort the Directing Instructor. Why are you pursuing him? One arrow would kill you, only that would cause a breach of the peace between two houses. I will shoot and just give you a specimen of my skill."	» guanping -- two detachments vs two men -- yeah Zhao Yun will hold them all off himself... with no hands! » DongDal -- And with a blindfold!
73 With that he shot, and the arrow whizzed overhead cutting the rope that held up the sail. Down came the sail trailing in the water and the boat swung round. Then Zhao Zilong's boat hoisted its sail, and the fair wind speedily carried it out of sight.
74 On the bank stood Ding Feng. He bade his comrade come to the shore and said, "Zhuge Liang is too clever for anyone; and Zhao Zilong is bravest of the brave. You remember what he did at Dangyang, at the Long Slope Bridge. All we can do is to return and report."	» guanping -- heh -- too clever for anyone but Sima Yi, Cao Zhen/Zhang, Zhang He, Zhou Yu...now as to Ziglong comment... why do we never hear such about Wei or Wu officers? » DongDal -- Because the novel is biased towards Shu silly. :p
75 So they returned to camp and told their master about the preparations that Zhuge Liang had made to ensure safety. Zhou Yu was indeed puzzled at the depth of his rival's insight.
76 "I shall have no peace day or night while he lives," said Zhou Yu.
77 "At least wait till Cao Cao is done with," said Lu Su.
78 And Zhou Yu knew Lu Su spoke wisely.
79 Having summoned the leaders to receive orders, first Zhou Yu gave orders to Gan Ning: "Take with you the false deserter Cai Zhong and his soldiers, and go along the south bank, showing the flags of Cao Cao, till you reach the Black Forest just opposite the enemy's main store of grain and forage. Then you are to penetrate as deeply as possible into the enemy's lines and light a torch as a signal. Cai He is to be kept in camp for another purpose."
80 The next order was: "Taishi Ci is to lead two thousand troops as quickly as possible to Huangzhou and cut the enemy's communications with Hefei. When near the enemy, he is to give a signal. If he sees a red flag, he will know that our lord, Sun Quan, is at hand with reinforcements."
81 Gan Ning and Taishi Ci had the farthest to go and started first.
82 Then Lu Meng was sent into the Black Forest with three thousand troops as a support to Gan Ning who was ordered to set fire to Cao Cao's depot. A fourth party of three thousand troops was led by Ling Tong to the borders of Yiling and attack as soon as the signal from the forest was seen. A fifth party of three thousand under Dong Xi went to Hanyang to fall upon the enemy along the River Han. Their signal was a white flag; and a sixth division of three thousand commanded by Pan Zhang would support them.
83 When these six parties had gone off. Huang Gai got ready his fire ships and sent a soldier with a note to tell Cao Cao that he was coming over that evening. Four naval squadrons were told off to support Huang Gai.
84 The four squadrons, each of three hundred ships, were placed under four commanders: Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin, and Chen Wu. Twenty fire ships preceded each fleet. Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu went on board one of the large ships to direct the battle. Their guards were Ding Feng and Xu Sheng. Lu Su, Kan Ze, and the advisers were left to guard the camp. Cheng Pu was greatly impressed with Zhou Yu's ordering of the grand attack.	» guanping -- Zhuge Liang never did as good as this -- Well done Zhou Yu » DongDal -- Did so good at what? » guanping -- a milatry plan -- or an attack » DongDal -- Didn't do to bad though. » guanping -- no he didn't to bad -- perhaps just not good enough » DongDal -- Too true.
85 Then came a messenger bearing a mandate from Sun Quan making Lu Xun Leader of the Van. He was ordered to go to Qichun. Sun Quan himself would support Lu Xun. Zhou Yu also sent two command units, one to the Western Hills to make fire signals, and the other to the Southern Hills to hoist flags.
86 So all being prepared they waited for dusk.
87 Liu Bei was at Xiakou anxiously awaiting the return of his adviser. Then appeared a fleet, led by Liu Qi, who had come to find out how matters were progressing.	» guanping -- half true -- he was actully waiting to see if Wu attacked... how little trust he had in Kongming's diplomacy » DongDal -- Well... -- Wu had little reason to fight in Chi Bi other than pride. They could have easily surrendered to Wei and be none the worse. » guanping -- considering Wu apporched first with offer of an alliance... » DongDal -- Odd that... -- They're the ones to ask for an alliance and then they're the ones who treat Liu Bei with suspicion. » guanping -- mmmmmmmm -- also odd that Wu asks for alliance and Liu Bei treats them with suspcion. In history, Wu did try to be good ally's. At least at the start till things pretty much broke down » DongDal -- When did Liu Bei treat them with suspicion? -- Apart from after they tried to kill him. » guanping -- well he treated Wu badly "I can not allow family to be attacked." then goes and defeats Liu Zhang -- anyway by constalty waiting for Wu to attack him at Chi Bi. He was so scared despite Wu having taken him in and treated him well. Maybe he knew his reputation » DongDal -- I believe -- The constant threat of Wu attacking him might have had something to do with that. They would have gained a lot more by joining with Cao Cao than Liu Bei. » guanping -- It was about equal for surrender or fight -- if Wu and Liu Bei been firmer allies, it would have been to both sides benfit. However remember Wu made first move towards an allaince » DongDal -- I wonder... -- If Liu Bei hadn't been at Jing at the time and thus depriving Wu of an ally, would they have fought Cao Cao regardless? » guanping -- Would Wu have fought Cao Cao? -- In the end I guess... they where probably waiting for Liu Biao's death to make inroads to Jing. Perhaps try take Yi and Shu. » DongDal -- But with no ally... -- And Cao Cao, gaining control of Jing, would they have took the risk? » guanping -- Ah but Wu would have probably fought with him over Jing before Cao Cao can settle it -- Yi and Liu Zhang's Shu would only need a reserve army
88 Liu Bei sent to call him to the battle tower and said, "The southeast wind had begun to blow, and that Zhao Zilong had gone to meet Zhuge Liang."
89 Not long after a single sail was seen coming up before the wind, and Liu Bei knew it was Zhuge Liang, the Directing Instructor of the Army.
90 So Liu Bei and Liu Qi went down to meet the boat. Soon the vessel reached the shore, and Zhuge Liang and Zhao Zilong disembarked.
91 Liu Bei was very glad, and after they had inquired after each other's well-being, Zhuge Liang said, "There is no time to tell of any other things now. Are the soldiers and ships ready?"
92 "They have long been ready," replied Liu Bei. "They only await you to direct how they are to be used."
93 The three then went to the tent and took their seats.
94 Zhuge Liang at once began to issue orders: "Zhao Zilong, with three thousand troops is to cross the river and go to the Black Forest by the minor road. He will choose a dense jungle and prepare an ambush. Tonight, after the fourth watch, Cao Cao will hurry along that way. When half his troops have passed, the jungle is to be fired. Cao Cao will not be wholly destroyed but many will perish."
95 "There are two roads," said Zhao Zilong. "One leads to the southern regions and the other to Jingzhou. I do not know by which he will come."
96 "The south road is too dangerous. Cao Cao will certainly pass along the Jingzhou road, so that he may get away to Xuchang."
97 Then Zhao Zilong went away.
98 Next Zhuge Liang said to Zhang Fei, "You will take three thousand troops over the river to cut the road to Yiling. You will ambush in the Hulu Valley. Cao Cao, not daring to go to South Yiling, will go to North Yiling. Tomorrow, after the rain, he will halt to refresh his troops. As soon as the smoke is seen to rise from their cooking fires, you will fire the hill side. You will not capture Cao Cao, but you will render excellent service."
99 So Zhang Fei left. Next was called Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Liu Feng. They were to take command of three squadrons and go along the river to collect beaten soldiers and their weapons.
100 The three left. Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Qi, "The country around Wuchang is very important, and I wish you to take command of your own troops and station them at strategic points. Cao Cao, being defeated, will flee thither, and you will capture him. But you are not to leave the city without the best of reasons."	» guanping -- yet he didn't.... » DongDal -- Perhaps he didn't want Liu Qi to come to harm. -- He was their link to Jing after all. » guanping -- Good idea
101 And Liu Qi took leave.
102 Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Bei, "I wish you to remain quietly and calmly in Fankou, in a high tower, to watch Zhou Yu work out his great scheme this night."
103 All this time Guan Yu has been silently waiting his turn, but Zhuge Liang said no word to him.
104 When Guan Yu could bear this no longer, he cried, "Since I first followed my brother to battle many years ago, I have never been left behind. Now that great things are afoot, is there no work for me? What is meant by it?"
105 "You should not be surprised. I wanted you for service at a most important point, only that there was a something standing in the way that prevented me from sending you," said Zhuge Liang.
106 "What could stand in the way? I wish you would tell me."
107 "You see Cao Cao was once very kind to you, and you cannot help feeling grateful. Now when his soldiers have been beaten, he will have to flee along the Huarong Road. If I sent you to guard it, you would have to let him pass. So I will not send you."
108 "You are most considerate, Instructor. But though it is true that he treated me well, yet I slew two of his most redoubtable opponents, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, by way of repayment, beside raising a siege. If I happened upon him on this occasion, I should hardly let him go."
109 "But what if you did?"
110 "You could deal with me by military rules."
111 "Then put that in writing."
112 So Guan Yu wrote a formal undertaking and gave the document to Zhuge Liang.
113 "What happens if Cao Cao does not pass that way?" said Guan Yu.
114 "I will give you a written engagement that he will pass." Then Zhuge Liang continued, "On the hills by the Huarong Valley, you are to raise a heap of wood and grass to make a great column of smoke and mislead Cao Cao into coming."
115 "If Cao Cao sees a smoke, he will suspect an ambush and will not come," said Guan Yu.
116 "You are very simple," said Zhuge Liang. "Do you not know more of war's ruses than that? Cao Cao is an able leader, but you can deceive him this time. When he sees the smoke, he will take it as a subterfuge and risk going that way. But do not let your kindness of heart rule your conduct."	» Notorious -- Why didn't ZhuGeLiang ask Zhang Fei to go and chop Cao Cao head or even Zhao Zi Long? » _Adagio -- Because Cao Cao cannot be killed at that time. -- The situation of north is not steady, and once Cao Cao died, it will become even worse. » _I luv ND football -- Unstable North -- Indeed. Cao Cao's death will allow a sudden attack by Wu to conquer the north. The tiny kingdom of Shu dared not eliminate Wei at that time. In fact, if Cao Cao died here, Shu would not stand a chance at all. » Ragnarok -- He could not. -- The whole point of the many ambushes was to weaken Cao Cao's huge following thus enabling Guan Yu's unit to finally destroy him. As strong as Zhang Fei and Zhao Zilong are. They cannot penetrate an army numbering tens of thousands with only a few thousand. Zhuge said himself, that they would not be able to destroy Cao Cao himself, but many of them will perish. » CaoCaofan -- NOOO! iluvND football is right... -- if Cao Cao was to be killed, Wu would very Easily destroy Shu! Zhuge Liang realizes this so he sends Guan Yu to "kill" Cao Cao!
117 Thus was his duty assigned Guan Yu, and he left, taking his adopted son Guan Ping, his general Zhou Cang, and five hundred swordsmen.
118 Said Liu Bei, "His sense of rectitude is very profound. I fear if Cao Cao should come that way, my brother will let him pass."
119 "I have consulted the stars lately, and the rebel Cao Cao is not fated to come to his end yet. I have purposely designed this manifestation of kindly feeling for Guan Yu to accomplish and so act handsomely."	» Seraph -- Read: -- If he dies, we're screwed. Let's just kick him in the balls a couple of times and let him go, or Wu will destroy us. » guanping -- and hope Wu don't find out or even Mao would be unable to make us look good over Jingzhou » DongDal -- Well it isn't as if Cao Cao is going to brag about this. » guanping -- Wu pursued correct? -- They also had thier own spies » DongDal -- Didn't they stop at Chi Bi though? -- It was a very confused event. Plus any spies with the army might have been killed during the ambushes. » guanping -- good argument -- Wu did not pursue that hard, probably becuase it was rather odd to see Cao Cao retreat again all of a sudden and they didn't belive his letter. » DongDal -- Which letter? » guanping -- Cao Cao sent a letter to Zhou Yu -- explaining why he was withdrawing » DongDal -- Wasn't that with Sun Quan? » guanping -- Sun Quan was far behind Zhou Yu -- Zhou Yu was the one the letter was adressed to. » DongDal -- Oh right. -- I was thinking of when Cao Cao made a second attempt in invading Wu.
120 "Indeed there are few such far-seeing humans as you are," said Liu Bei.	» Shokyo -- Duh! » Oathkeeper -- No kidding
121 The two then went to Fankou whence they might watch Zhou Yu's evolutions. Sun Qian and Jian Yong were left on guard of Xiakou.
122 Cao Cao was in his great camp in conference with his advisers and awaiting the arrival of Huang Gai. The southeast wind was very strong that day, and Cheng Yu was insisting on the necessity for precaution.
123 But Cao Cao laughed, saying, "The Winter Solstice depends upon the sun and nothing else. There is sure to be a southeast wind at some one or other of its recurrences. I see nothing to wonder at."	» Kveltulfr -- That was foolish. -- Wasn't he just saying a chapter or two ago that he'd plan against fire if the winds were in a direction that made it a real threat? » WUuuu -- He got cocky -- and as wel all know thats the fastest way to get killed in this novel. » guanping -- I think he was partly drunk at the time -- but cockiness wil get you killed in war
124 Just then they announced the arrival of a small boat from the other shore with a letter from Huang Gai. The bearer of the letter was brought in and presented it. Cao Cao read it:
125 "Zhou Yu has kept such strict watch that there has been no chance of escape. But now some grain is coming down river, and I, Huang Gai, have been named as Escort Commander which will give me the opportunity I desire. I will slay one of the known generals and bring his head as an offering when I come. This evening at the third watch, if boats are seen with dragon toothed flags, they will be the grain boats."
126 This letter delighted Cao Cao who, with his officers, went to the naval camp and boarded a great ship to watch for the arrival of Huang Gai.	» Shokyo -- He's real gullilable. » CaoCaofan -- i beg to differ -- Cao Cao had no reason to see Huang Gai's defection as a ploy! #1 He had spies in Wu's camp that witnessed the beating of Huang Gai! #2 He was advised by Pang Tong, someone who should have had no reason to hate Cao Cao, to employ Huang Gai. Cao Cao saw this as good advice since he also likes to attain new generals of talent! #3 He received the letter which stated that Huang Gai finally got a chance to escape Wu by "highjacking" the grain ships, and that he was going to bring the head of a general to prove his allegiance!! #4 His advisers did minimal to advise against employing Huang Gai!! For these reasons I defend Cao Cao's decision! » Seraph -- Then again -- Huang Gai was one of Wu's oldest and most loyal servants. He stuck with them after Sun Jian died, after Sun Ce died... I would be very, very suspicious of accepting, much less using him. » guanping -- Hung Gai was a fine mind -- he would have flurished in Wei and even loyal men can only be pushed so far. Cao Cao had little reason to suspect a trap » DongDal -- Other than. -- Huang Gai was loyal to the Sun family for the last 20 odd years. A beating wouldn't change that to that. » guanping -- Cao Cao was often wary of defectors -- so why he wasn't here is a mystoery » DongDal -- Overconfidence I think. -- Some of his other actions shows it as well. » guanping -- this is probably only bit I can blame Cao Cao for -- letting Huang Gai get close » DongDal -- After defeating the Yuans. -- He seems to gain overconfident. Unlike Yuan Shao though it doesn't destroy him. » guanping -- well it wasn't a full scale invasion or he might have been more cautoius » DongDal -- I thought it was. » guanping -- hit and hope. -- wouldn't it be more his style to pacify Jing before facing Wu? Remember he was pursuing Liu Bei when Wu drew up against him. Now Cao Cao either went after Liu Bei with a million man army(overkill if not stupid) or these where moblized at very short notice. It makes no sense for him to have a million man army. Nor is it possible in those days. 200,000 patch work army(by that I mean a mix of all sorts of troops) is far more reasnoable » DongDal -- A huge gamble. -- But if it had worked the Empire would have been Cao Cao's. » guanping -- not huge as such -- but Zhou Yu can't find way to defeat Cao Cao so jions main force under Sun Quan... Cao Cao gains foothold and perhaps death of Liu Bei
127 In the South Land, when evening fell, Zhou Yu sent for Cai He and bade the soldiers bind him.
128 The unhappy man protested, saying, "I have committed no crime!"
129 But Zhou Yu said, "What sort of a fellow are you, think you, to come and pretend to desert to my side? I need a small sacrifice for my flag, and your head will serve my purpose. So I am going to use it."
130 Cai He being at the end of his tether unable to deny the charge suddenly cried, "Two of your own side, Kan Ze and Gan Ning, are also in the plot!"
131 "Under my directions!" said Zhou Yu.
132 Cai He was exceedingly repentant and sad, but Zhou Yu bade them take Cai He to the river bank where the black standard had been set up and there, after the pouring of a libation and the burning of paper, Cai He was beheaded, his blood being a sacrifice to the flag.
133 This ceremony over, the ships started, and Huang Gai took his place on the third ship. He merely wore breast armor and carried a keen blade. On his flag were written four large characters Van Leader Huang Gai. With a fair wind his fleet sailed toward the Red Cliffs.
134 The wind was strong and the waves ran high. Cao Cao in the midst of the central squadron eagerly scanned the river which rolled down under the bright moon like a silver serpent writhing in innumerable folds. Letting the wind blow full in his face, Cao Cao laughed aloud for he was now to obtain his desire.	» Kelpie -- What beautiful imagery -- You can so easily picture this scene. » LuBoyan -- Imagery -- It seems rare sometimes, only found in descriptions of characters and some settings, but when its there, it's very good.
135 Then a soldier pointing to the river said, "The whole south is one mass of sails, and they are coming up on the wind."
136 Cao Cao went to a higher point and gazed at the sails intently, and his officers told him that the flags were black and dragon shaped, and indented, and among them there flew one very large banner on which was a name Huang Gai.	» Ledrug -- Dragon shaped? -- Dragon shaped flag is a dubious, especially considering that Chinese dragons are sort of serpents on steroid, that means the flag would be in like 30:1 aspect ratio. Original text says "blue dragon tooth banners", which should mean vertical hanging flags, square on top and reducing to two or three triangles at the bottom, thus looking like a tooth, with dragon patterns.
137 "That is my friend, the deserter!" said he joyfully. "Heaven is on my side today."
138 As the ships drew closer, Cheng Yu said, "Those ships are treacherous. Do not let them approach the camp."
139 "How know you that?" asked Cao Cao.
140 And Cheng Yu replied, "If they were laden with grain, they would lie deep in the water. But these are light and float easily. The southeast wind is very strong, and if they intend treachery, how can we defend ourselves?"
141 Cao Cao began to understand. Then he asked who would go out to stop the approaching fleet, and Wen Ping volunteered, saying, "I am well used to the waters."	» Ragnarok -- Well used to the waters? -- Huang Gai has a few small boats, is it really that hard to overcome them when theres hundreds of thousands of men at his command? and secondly, Wen Ping at this point has one recorded naval experience, and that was the failure to overcome Zhou Tai even with superior numbers. Wen Ping really isn't the man to send. » Tenma -- You have to remember -- that Wen Ping lived in the same city as Cai Mao and the other guy that was got (can't remember his name at the moment). Wen Ping therefore was trained in naval warfare, just as Cai Mao was. You also have to remember that Cao Cao's ships were chained together. How was he supposed to attack Huang Gai's ship? He had to send a small ship to try and intercept it. » guanping -- or delay Huang Gai till the ships where un chained
142 Thereupon Wen Ping sprang into a small light craft and sailed out, followed by ten cruisers which came at his signal.
143 Standing in the prow of his ship, Wen Ping called out to those advancing toward them, "You southern ships are not to approach! Such are the orders of the Prime Minister. Stop there in mid stream!"
144 The soldiers all yelled to them to lower their sails. The shout had not died away when a bowstring twanged, and Wen Ping rolled down into the ship with an arrow in the left arm. Confusion reigned on his ship, and all the others hurried back to their camp.
145 When the ships were about a mile of distant, Huang Gai waved his sword and the leading ships broke forth into fire, which, under the force of the strong wind, soon gained strength and the ships became as fiery arrows. Soon the whole twenty dashed into the naval camp.
146 All Cao Cao's ships were gathered there, and as they were firmly chained together not one could escape from the others and flee. There was a roar of bombs and fireships came on from all sides at once. The face of the three rivers was speedily covered with fire which flew before the wind from one ship to another. It seemed as if the universe was filled with flame.	» CaoCaofan -- Damn! He realized it too late!
147 Cao Cao hastened toward the shore. Huang Gai, with a few troops at his back, leaped into a small boat, dashed through the fire, and sought Cao Cao. Cao Cao, seeing the imminence of the danger, was making for the land. Zhang Liao got hold of a small boat into which he helped his master; none too soon, for the ship was burning. They got Cao Cao out of the thick of the fire and dashed for the bank.	» guanping -- Was Cao Cao swimming when Zhang Liao picked him up?
148 Huang Gai, seeing a handsomely robed person get into a small boat, guessed it must be Cao Cao and pursued.
149 He drew very near and he held his keen blade ready to strike, crying out, "You rebel! Do not flee. I am Huang Gai."	» Seraph -- See -- Don't trust the veteran betrayer. This is such a fabulously written scene, all from Wei's point of view. We know what's going to happen, but it is just soooo well written.
150 Cao Cao howled in the bitterness of his distress. Zhang Liao fitted an arrow to his bow and aimed at the pursuer, shooting at short range. The roaring of the gale and the flames kept Huang Gai from hearing the twang of the string, and he was wounded in the shoulder. He fell and rolled over into the water.
151 He fell in peril of water When flames were high; Ere cudgel bruises had faded, An arrow struck.
152 Huang Gai's fate will be told in the next chapter.

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