««« Chapter 51 »»» Cao Ren Withstands The South Land; Zhuge Liang Angers Zhou Yu.

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1 Guan Yu would have died there but for his elder brother, who said to Zhuge Liang, "We three pledged ourselves to live and die together. Although my brother Guan Yu has offended, I cannot bear to break our oath. I hope you will only record this against him and let him atone later for the fault by some specially meritorious service."	» Super Dian Wei -- Zhuge - "Ok then! I'll kill you as well!" » heartofbattle -- Lol... that's funny. » Seraph -- It is ironic that ZL would let this go so lightly -- Given what he does later to the next person that royally screws up his commands. On the other hand, it's pretty obvious ZL is counting on this. He already predicted Guan wouldn't do the deed, and probably asked Liu Bei to step in so that no one lost faith in ZL's discipline.
2 So the sentence was remitted.
3 In the meantime, Zhou Yu mustered his officers and called over his soldiers, noted the special services of each, and sent full reports to his master. The soldiers who had surrendered were all transported across the river. All this done they spread the feast of victory.	» guanping -- it made a great deal about this when Kongming did this » DongDal -- Yeah... -- But what you gonna do about it? » guanping -- just observing
4 The next step was to attack and capture Nanjun. The van of the army camped on the river bank. There were five camps and the Commander-in-Chief's tent was in the center. He summoned his officers to a council. At this moment Sun Qian arrived with congratulations from Liu Bei.
5 Zhou Yu received him and, having saluted in proper form, Sun Qian said, "My lord sent me on this special mission to felicitate the General on his great virtue and offer some unworthy gifts."
6 "Where is Liu Bei?" asked Zhou Yu.
7 "He is now encamped at Youkou, the mouth of River You."
8 "Is Zhuge Liang there?" asked Zhou Yu, taken aback.
9 "Both are there," said Sun Qian.
10 "Then return quickly, and I will come in person to thank them."
11 The presents handed over, Sun Qian was sent back forthwith to his own camp. Then Lu Su asked Zhou Yu why he had started when he heard where Liu Bei was camped.
12 "Because," replied Zhou Yu, "camping at the mouth of River You means that he has the intention of taking Nanjun. Having spent much military energy and spared no expenditure, we thought the territory should fall to us easily. Those others are opposed to us, and they wish to get the advantage of what we have already accomplished. However, they must remember that I am not dead yet."	» guanping -- Nice way of repaying Wu back for saving Liu Bei » DongDal -- Well Zhou Yu signed the contract. -- If his ruse worked so well that his allies thought he was dead, he's only got himself to blame. » guanping -- then Shu will give it back? Since he is clearly alive » DongDal -- Why? -- They're the ones who took the city, not Zhou Yu. » guanping -- on the assumption that Zhou Yu was dead -- Zhou Yu is clearly alive » DongDal -- Like I said. -- It was Zhou Yu who overlooked that detail. » guanping -- he can't send a letter saying "Oh I'm alive chaps" for it would would easily be cuaght -- Since he then beat Cao Ren and was at the walls, he would take it. Shu should give it back if they only took it becuase they belive Zhou Yu was dead » DongDal -- But Zhou Yu did fail in his attack. -- According to that Shu were allowed to have a go in taking the city. Was it their fault the defenders were attacking Wu at the time? Nope. » guanping -- I concede he failed though the reason Shu gave was lame and could easily been countered -- Cao Ren would have left a strong garission in case of a Wu ploy. Cao Hong and Niu Jin perhaps? Somebody would have spotted a battle for the city wouldn't they? » DongDal -- Not when you're surrounded by enemy soldiers. -- It's surprising what you miss when you're in the middle of a full scale battle. » guanping -- garrison closes gates, shoot downs on Shu soldiers and sends messages to Cao Ren -- yep a complete walkover is going to happen there. If battle lasted for one day, then shortest seige ever. If battles lasted many days, message would have arrived to Cao Ren » DongDal -- Perhaps there was a defector or spy? » guanping -- only trusted men tended to be given command of such an important post -- a spy would need to be smarter then Kongming(novel one) and stronger then Guan Yu(novel) to hand over a city. A defector... hard to see Cao Ren or Dun leaving anyone they didn't trust to guard against possible invasion for Wu or Shu. » DongDal -- Perhaps about 5 normal soldiers then. -- Who could sneak into the gate lock and then open the gate letting the troops in. » guanping -- without anyone, including its guards noticing? -- It could be closed in time anyway and the attack repelled. In all three places as well. It would still be a costly fight for Shu. » DongDal -- Is there any other explanation? » guanping -- history aside? -- It is was probably the most plusible one or very very lucky » DongDal -- Most probably the first. -- As what Shu had in great generals, they lacked in luck. » guanping -- in some ways Shu lucky to surive but in others unlucky like in Jing -- I still think Mao could have come up with something less fishy » DongDal -- And risk tarnishing Shu's reputation? -- Unthinkable! » guanping -- still very fishy
13 "How can you prevent them?" asked Lu Su.
14 "I will go myself and speak with them. If all goes well, then, let it be so. In case it does not, then I shall immediately settle up with Liu Bei without waiting for Nanjun to be taken."
15 "I should like to accompany you," said Lu Su.
16 The commander and his adviser started, taking with them a guard of three thousand light horse. Having arrived at Youkou, they sought out Sun Qian, who, in turn, went in to see Liu Bei and told him Zhou Yu had come to render thanks.
17 "Why has he come?" asked Liu Bei of his Directing Instructor.
18 "He is not likely to come out of simple politeness. Surely he has come in connection with Nanjun."
19 "But if he brings an army, can we stand against it?" asked Liu Bei.
20 "When he comes, you may reply thus and thus."
21 Then they drew up the warships in the river and ranged the soldiers upon the bank. When the arrival of Zhou Yu was formally announced, Zhao Zilong, with some horsemen, went to welcome him. When Zhou Yu saw what bold soldiers they looked, he began to feel uncomfortable, but he went on his way. Being met at the camp gates by Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, he was taken in to the chief tent, where the ceremonies were performed and preparations for a banquet had been made.	» guanping -- I wonder if Mao means that Zhou Yu fears a plot -- or means look how great Shu's normal soldiers are compared to Wu's » DongDal -- Possibly both.
22 Presently Liu Bei raised his cup in felicitation on the recent victory gained by his guest. The banquet proceeded.
23 After a few more courses Zhou Yu said, "Of course you are camped here with no other idea than to take Nanjun?"
24 Liu Bei said, "We heard you were going to take the place and came to assist. Should you not take it, then we will occupy it."
25 Zhou Yu laughed, saying, "We of the South Land have long wished for this territory. Now that it is within our grasp, we naturally shall take it."	» guanping -- anyone can with Shu taking helping -- I mean look how great Shu has done before hand » DongDal -- Circumstances were against them. -- Namely, a friggin' huge army. » guanping -- maybe Liu Bei should have gone to vist Liu Biao.... -- keep Liu Zhong off the throne and keep Jing secure. Or something. Still Liu Bei's record as a commander is rather bad » DongDal -- He had advised Liu Biao over the matter before. » guanping -- yes but if he is there when Liu Biao dies, he can quickly gain control for sake of Liu Qi. » DongDal -- Not really. -- The Cai's were very powerful. He would have had a job and a half to get Liu Qi to lead Jing. » guanping -- not as powerful as that -- but with some clever manovering, Liu Bei could keep Liu Zhong from getting the throne. Sending a message to the Han saying Liu Biao made Liu Qi his sucessor would have been one way. Cao Cao would allow it becuase he would invade anyway. » DongDal -- Not if it meant a Liu Bei symphasizer getting into power. -- He would get Liu Zhong in to increase his power. » guanping -- not much Cao Cao could do once the will came -- he would have still been confiedent of taking Jing » DongDal -- Would have been more difficult though. -- This time Liu Bei would have had a leg to stand on. » guanping -- Far more difficult but Wu also wanted Jing -- Liu Bei is between two dangerous oppenants. Now that would have been intresting to see, Sun uan of Wu, Liu Bei of Jing, Cao Cao of Wei » DongDal -- And Yi? » guanping -- Yi was either local lords with nodding submission to Liu Biao or Liu Biao's.... whoever grabs it » DongDal -- So Liu Bei might have gained Yi anyway? » guanping -- yes in the diffrent circumstances -- or Wu might have
26 Liu Bei said, "There is always some uncertainty. Cao Cao left Cao Ren to guard the region, and you may be certain that there is good strategy behind Cao Ren, to say nothing of his boldness as a warrior. I fear you may not get it."	» guanping -- Cao Ren was one of the best of the time
27 "Well, if we do not take it then, Sir, you may have it," said Zhou Yu.
28 "Here are witnesses to your words," said Liu Bei, naming Lu Su, Zhuge Liang, and those at table. "I hope you will never repent what you have just said."
29 Lu Su stammered and seemed unwilling to be cited as one of the witnesses, but Zhou Yu said, "When the word of a noble person has gone forth, it is ended. He never regrets."	» cFodder -- *shakes head* Sometimes I pity Zhou Yu... -- Poor guy... just doesn't realize what he's dealing with. At least Lu Su had sense enough not to poke the sleeping dragon. » VGuyver -- Zhou yu, poor fellow. -- Got to give Zhou yu credit, unlike Lu Su, he at least understood the threat that was Zhuge Liang to Wu. But Zhuge Liang was just too much, not to mention Huang Gai was probably smarter. » guanping -- Zhou Yu was a genuis -- a match for anyone milatry wise. I mean he has a powerful army, morale is high after Zhou Yu masterminded Chi Bi... unless Wu withdraw from the attack, Shu have no way of winning here. Well unless they broke thier word » JinYuofWu -- Zhou Yu's Genius Plan -- It is because of Zhou Yu that the Three Kingdoms ever existed. Were it not for him, Cao Mengde would have already taken over the throne as he would have gain the southern lands. Zhuge Liang did not plan a huge role in it, however Zhou Yu was the true victor. If it he had not fought, all would have suffered. Zhuge Liang had no intention of fighting Cao Cao and therefore used Wu. Even Zhuge Liang feared Zhou Yu's ability. By these facts at the battle of Chi Bi that Zhou Yu is truly smarter and greater than Zhuge Liang, and that Zhou Yu is only of the most famous ones around.
30 "This speech of yours, Sir, is very generous," interjected Zhuge Liang. "The South Land shall try first. But if the place does not fall, there is no reason why my lord should not capture it."	» guanping -- apart from how nice it would be to let Wu have it » DongDal -- Zhuge Liang isn't really the nicest of people. » Yunsung -- Pragmatism accepts niceties only as long as they abet said pragmatism.
31 The two visitors then took their leave and rode away.
32 As soon as they had left, Liu Bei turned to Zhuge Liang and said, "O Master, you bade me thus reply to Zhou Yu. But though I did so, I have turned it over and over in my mind without finding any reason in what I said. I am alone and weak, without a single foot of land to call my own. I desired to get possession of Nanjun that I might have, at least, a temporary shelter, yet I have said that Zhou Yu may attack it first. If it falls to the South Land, how can I get possession?"
33 Zhuge Liang laughed and replied, "First I advised you to attack Jingzhou, but you would not listen. Do you remember?"
34 "But it belonged to Liu Biao, and I could not bear to attack it then. Now it belongs to Cao Cao, I might do so."	» guanping -- Liu Biao distrusted Liu Bei in history -- just something I felt like saying » DongDal -- And yet he defended Jing for him. » guanping -- he was kept on the border to Cao Cao -- now it was in Liu Bei's intrest that Jing didn't fall or Cao Cao get him » DongDal -- Probably why he was put on the border. -- To defend Jing. » guanping -- and to keep him loyal -- Liu Bei was able to lead men, that much was clear but he was considered some what of a loose cannon. So keep him away from court, to face a man that wants Liu Bei dead. After 5 years and near death, Liu Biao trusted Liu Bei with his kids, possibly to try and stop the power struggle to come. » DongDal -- Slight miscalculation. -- Liu Biao should have curbed the Cai's power in some way. » guanping -- Difficult task -- The court was loyal to Liu Biao first. Cai was able to make Liu Zhong look like the talented one. Cai Mao had power but not as much as the book makes out, he just too advantage of an opertunity that came his way » DongDal -- If the court was that loyal, -- Then why didn't they leave when Liu Zhong came to power? » guanping -- two possible reasons -- they felt Liu Zhong best choice(Liu Qi was supposdly weak, maybe full of vice?) or they feared Liu Qi would be Liu Bei's puppet » DongDal -- And Liu Zhong wasn't Cao Cao's? » guanping -- no Liu Zhong had nothing to do with Cao Cao before -- he surrendered for good reason. Namly Cao Cao, Liu Qi, Sun Quan and Liu Bei vs him was on the cards » DongDal -- Backfired on him though. -- It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if he joined with Liu Bei or Sun Quan. » guanping -- Porbably both would make sure he would be no trouble -- espically Liu Bei. He might have made a fairly good civil officer » DongDal -- Could have been. -- He was meant to be able after all.
35 "Do not be anxious," replied the adviser. "Let Zhou Yu go and attack it. Some day, my lord, I shall make you sit in the high place thereof."
36 "But what design have you?"
37 "So and so," said Zhuge Liang, whispering.
38 Liu Bei was satisfied with the reply, and only strengthened his position at Youkou.
39 In the meantime Zhou Yu and Lu Su returned to their own camp, and the latter said, "Why did you tell Liu Bei that he might attack Nanjun?"
40 "I can take it with a flick of my finger," replied Zhou Yu, "but I just manifested a little pretended kindliness."
41 Then he inquired among his officers for a volunteer to attack the city. Jiang Qin offered himself, and was put in command of the vanguard, with Xu Sheng and Ding Feng as helpers. He was given five thousand of veterans, and they moved across the river. Zhou Yu promised to follow with supports.
42 On the other side Cao Ren ordered Cao Hong to guard Yiling, and so hold one corner of an ox-horn defense.
43 When the news came that the South Land's force had crossed the River Han, Cao Ren said, "We will defend and not offer battle."
44 But General Niu Jin said impetuously, "To let the enemy approach the walls and not offer battle is timidity. Our troops, lately worsted, need heartening and must show their mettle. Let me have five hundred of veterans, and I will fight to a finish."
45 Cao Ren could not withstand this offer, and so the five hundred went out of the city. At once Ding Feng came to challenge the leader, and they fought a few bouts. Then Ding Feng pretended to be defeated, gave up the fight, and retreated into his own lines. Niu Jin followed him hard. When he had got within the South Land's formation, at a signal from Ding Feng, the army closed round and Niu Jin was surrounded. He pushed right and left, but could find no way out. Seeing Niu Jin in the toils, Cao Ren, who had watched the fight from the wall, donned his armor and came out of the city at the head of his own bold company of horsemen and burst in among the forces of the South Land to try to rescue his colleague. Beating back Xu Sheng, Cao Ren fought his way in and presently rescued Niu Jin.
46 However, having got out, Cao Ren saw several score of horsemen still in the middle unable to make their way out, whereupon he turned again to the battle and dashed in to their rescue. This time he met Jiang Qin on whom Cao Ren and Niu Jin made a violent attack. Then his brother Cao Chun came up with supports, and the great battle ended in a defeat for the troops of the South Land.	» Tiamatty -- Impressive -- You have to have respect for Cao Ren here. These weren't men of reknown trapped in there, they were just normal soldiers. Yet still he risks his life to save them. Not everyone would do that. » guanping -- Not just one of the best ever officers of Wei -- but a man who was loyal to his men.
47 So Cao Ren went back victor, while the unhappy Jiang Qin returned to report his failure. Zhou Yu was very angry and would have put to death his hapless subordinate but for the intervention of the other officers. Then Zhou Yu prepared for another attack where he himself would lead.	» JiaXuAdvocate -- Zhou Yu would then need to agree to his contract of leaving this city to Liu Bei? » guanping -- only if Wu withdrew from attacking » Tiamatty -- Not necessarily -- "The South Land shall try first. But if the place does not fall, there is no reason why my lord should not capture it." Wu tried. Wu failed. They can try again if they'd like, but the fact that they already lost means it's now open to Shu to make their attempt too. Zhou Yu gave Zhuge Liang too much credit - he should've known Liang would interpret that to mean the first failure would open the door to Shu. » guanping -- Ah but they lost a battle -- not a failure in a seige...a very loose interpretation that. » DongDal -- Perhaps Zhou Yu is at fault. -- For allowing it to be interpreted that way. » Tiamatty -- Precisely -- He should've known Zhuge Liang would go with the interpretation that served him, not the one that benefits Wu. Wu failed, Shu succeeded. Through manipulation, yes, but what else is new? A lot of good leaders do. » guanping -- but Shu is honest and honrouble -- ah it was a sucker punch for Wu but a clever one. Now Wu will go hire a lawyer... » DongDal -- Only if they were American.
48 But Gan Ning said, "General, do not be in too great hurry. Let me go first and attack Yiling, the supporting angle of the ox-horn formation. After that the conquest of Nanjun will be easy."
49 Zhou Yu accepted the plan and Gan Ning, with three thousand troops, went to attack Yiling.
50 When news of the approaching army reached him, Cao Ren called to his side Chen Jiao, who said, "If Yiling be lost, then Nanjun is lost too. So help must be sent quickly."
51 Thereupon Cao Chun and Niu Jin were sent by secret ways to the aid of Cao Hong. Cao Chun sent a messenger to the city to ask that they should cause a diversion by a sortie at the time the reinforcements should arrive.
52 So when Gan Ning drew near, Cao Hong went out to meet and engage him. They fought a score of rounds, but Cao Hong was overcome at last, and Gan Ning took the city. However, as evening fell the reinforcements under Cao Chun and Niu Jin came up, and the captor was surrounded in the city he had taken. The scouts went off immediately to tell Zhou Yu of this sudden change of affairs which greatly alarmed him.	» HailGanNing -- hey! -- ning cant do everything you know!!!! and remember cao hong was a STRONG fighter, it doesnt take a wuss to beat him, it takes a real warrior. » DongDal -- True... Even the might of He - Man was unable to overcome Cao Hong.
53 "Let us hasten to his rescue," said Cheng Pu.
54 "Our place is of the greatest importance," said Zhou Yu, "and I am afraid to leave it undefended lest Cao Ren should attack."
55 "But Gan Ning is one of our first leaders and must be rescued," said Lu Meng.
56 "I should like to go myself to his aid, but whom can I leave here in my place?" said Zhou Yu.
57 "Leave Ling Tong here," said Lu Meng. "I will push on ahead, and you can protect my advance. In less than ten days we shall be singing the paean of victory."
58 "Are you willing?" said Zhou Yu to the man who was to act for him.
59 Ling Tong said, "If the ten-day period is not exceeded, I may be able to carry on for that time. I am unequal to more than that."
60 Ling Tong's consent pleased Zhou Yu who started at once, leaving ten thousand troops for the defense of the camp.
61 Lu Meng said to his chief, "South of Yiling is a little-used road that may prove very useful in an attack on Nanjun. Let us send a party to fell trees and barricade this road so that horses cannot pass. In case of defeat, the defeated will take this road and will be compelled to abandon their horses, which we shall capture."	» Tenma -- Lu Meng starts to show some brains. » guanping -- the bodyguard of Sun Ce has learnt well thanks to Lu Su
62 Zhou Yu approved, and the men set out. When the main army drew near Yiling, Zhou Yu asked who would try to break through the besiegers, and Zhou Tai offered himself. He girded on his sword, mounted his steed, and burst straight into the Cao Hong's army. He got through to the city wall.
63 From the city wall Gan Ning saw the approach of his friend Zhou Tai and went out to welcome him. Zhou Tai told him the Commander-in-Chief was on the way to his relief, and Gan Ning at once bade the defenders prepare from within to support the attack of the rescuers.
64 When the news of the approach of Zhou Yu had reached Yiling, Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Niu Jin had sent to tell Cao Ren, who was at Nanjun, and at the same time they prepared to repel the assailants.
65 As the army of the South Land came near, they at once attacked. Simultaneously Gan Ning and Zhou Tai went out to attack on two sides, and the troops of Cao Hong were thrown into confusion. The soldiers of the South Land fell on lustily, and the three leaders all fled by a bye road, but, finding the way barred with felled trees and other obstacles, they had to abandon their horses and go afoot. In this way the troops of the South Land gained some five hundred steeds.
66 Zhou Yu, pressing on as quickly as possible toward Nanjun, came upon Cao Ren and his army marching to save Yiling. The two armies engaged and fought a battle which lasted till late in the evening. Then both drew off, and Cao Ren withdrew into the city.
67 During the night he called his officers to a council.
68 Then said Cao Hong, "The loss of Yiling has brought us to a dangerous pass. Now it seems the time to open the guide-letter of the Prime Minister, and see what plans he arranged for our salvation in this peril."
69 "You but say what I think," replied Cao Ren.	» JiaXuAdvocate -- It must run in the family... » GeneralZhangLiao -- Cao Ren rips open letter -- "This is a chain letter, reply with 3 gold pieces and forward it to 5 friends Signed, a friend" Cao Ren- Uuuuh... okay, we're screwed now Cao Hong- Wait, my lord!! I have a plan *Whisper, whisper* Cao Ren- A cunning plan *forwards 500000 copies to Zhou Yu* That will deplete his forces somewhat =P » GreenTurbanMan -- add -- Don't forget... Letter: If you don't, then Zhuge will help all your enemies! » BraveZilong -- Yiling -- Cao Ren opens the letter- Letter "If you happen to lose Nanjun, just go to Yiling" Cao Ren "shit!"
70 Whereupon he tore open the guide-letter and read it. His face lighted up with joy, and he at once issued orders to have the morning meal prepared at the fifth watch. At daylight the whole army moved out of the city through three gates, but they left a semblance of occupation in the shape of banners on the walls.
71 Zhou Yu went up to the tower of observation and looked over the city. He saw that the flags along the battlements had no guards behind them, and he noticed that all troops carried bundles at their waists behind so that they were ready for a long march.
72 Thought Zhou Yu to himself, "Cao Ren must be prepared for a long march."
73 So Zhou Yu went down from the tower of observation and sent out an order for two wings of the army to be ready. One of these was to attack and, in case of its success, the other was to pursue at full speed till the clanging of the gongs should call them to return. He took command of the leading force in person, and Cheng Pu commanded the other. Thus they advanced to attack the city.
74 The armies being arrayed facing each other, the drums rolled out across the plain. Cao Hong rode forth and challenged, and Zhou Yu, from his place by the standard, bade Han Dang respond. The two champions fought near two score bouts, and then Cao Hong fled. Thereupon Cao Ren came out to help him, and Zhou Tai rode out at full speed to meet him. These two exchanged a half score passes and then Cao Ren tied.	» HailGanNing -- dont screw with tai, cao ren :-P
75 Cao Ren's army fell into confusion. Thereupon Zhou Yu gave the signal for the advance of both his wings, and the forces of Cao Ren were sore smitten and defeated. Zhou Yu pursued to the city wall, but Cao Ren's troops did not enter the city. Instead, they went away northwest. Han Dang and Zhou Tai pressed them hard.
76 Zhou Yu, seeing the city gates standing wide open and no guards upon the walls, ordered the raiding of the city. A few score horsemen rode in first, Zhou Yu followed and whipping his steed. As he galloped into the enclosure around the gate, Chen Jiao stood on the defense tower. When he saw Zhou Yu enter, in his heart he applauded the god-like perspicacity of the Prime Minister Cao Cao.	» guanping -- praise for Cao Cao...*faint* » DongDal -- Well since it's a guy from Wu praising him. -- It probably doesn't count. » guanping -- actully thought it was Wei guy doing praising » DongDal -- It was Zhou Yu doing the praising wasn't it? » guanping -- seems more like Chen Jioa. When he saw Zhou Yu enter is key phrase -- Chen Jiao stood on the defense tower. When he saw Zhou Yu enter, in his heart he applauded the god-like perspicacity of the Prime Minister Cao Cao. » DongDal -- Oh yeah.
77 Then was heard the clap-clap of a watchman's rattle. At this signal the archers and crossbowmen let fly, and the arrows and bolts flew forth in a sudden fierce shower, while those who had won their way to the van of the inrush went headlong into a deep trench. Zhou Yu managed to pull up in time, but turning to escape, he was wounded in the left side and fell to the ground. Niu Jin rushed out from the city to capture the chief, but Xu Sheng and Ding Feng at the risk of their lives got him away safe. Then the troops of Cao Ren dashed out of the city and wrought confusion among the troops of the South Land, who trampled each other down and many more fell into the trenches. Cheng Pu tried to draw off, but Cao Ren and Cao Hong came toward him from different directions, and the battle went hardly against the soldiers of Zhou Yu, till help came from Ling Tong, who bore back their assailants. Satisfied with their success, Cao Ren led his forces into the city, while the losers marched back to their own camp.	» Rahonavis -- Proof -- This is a passage that pretty much rings true about Zhou Yu being an Admiral (Naval Officer). There are no Naval officers with the likes of Zhou Yu, but he's not capable of leading a land unit. » LuBoyan -- Maybe not in person... -- But he was good in helping Sun Ce secure the south. » HailGanNing -- yep -- But you have to understand, cao ren was a defensive leader who was always on the offensive, when he had to defend a city, it was almost a sure chance he could hold it for awhile, but he gets such a bad reputation because he was always doing offensive missions, in which were not good for his types of strategy. » guanping -- you base not good on land on one battle? -- Zhou Yu was facing Cao Ren, one of the best. He was still winning however.
78 Zhou Yu, sorely wounded, was taken to his own tent and the army physician called in. With iron forceps, he extracted the sharp bolt and dressed the wound with a lotion designed to counteract the poison of the metal. But the pain was intense, and the patient rejected all nourishment.
79 The physician said, "The missile had been poisoned, and the wound will require a long time to heal. You, General, must be kept quiet and especially free from any irritation, which will cause the wound to reopen."	» JiaXuAdvocate -- i.e. Don't pull a Sun Ce on us! » HailGanNing -- haha yea!! -- sun ce could have lived man!!! can you imagine what would have happened with wu if he didnt get angry and deepressed after seeing his wound. » HailZhouTai -- well, Sun Ce had such a temper that he probably would have risked his own life once more. » Seraph -- Cruel irony -- Oh untimely death, how you mock the living. er... yea.... Wouldn't it suck to see Wu's founders both go in the same (avoidable) way?
80 Thereupon Cheng Pu gave orders that each division was to remain in camp. Three days later, Niu Jin came within sight and challenged the men of the South Land to battle, but they did not stir. The enemy hurled at them taunts and insults till the sun had fallen low in the sky, but it was of no avail and Niu Jin withdrew.
81 Next day Niu Jin returned and repeated his insulting abuse. Cheng Pu dared not tell the wounded general. The third day, waxing bolder, the enemy came to the very gates of the stockade, the leader shouting that he had come for the purpose of capturing Zhou Yu.
82 Then Cheng Pu called together his officers, and they discussed the feasibility of retirement into the South Land that they might seek the opinion of Sun Quan.
83 Ill as he was, Zhou Yu still retained control of the expedition. He knew that the enemy came daily to the gates of his camp and reviled him, although none of his officers told him. One day Cao Ren came in person, and there was much rolling of drums and shouting. Cheng Pu, however, steadily refused to accept the challenge and would not let anyone go out.
84 Then Zhou Yu summoned the officers to his bedside and said, "What mean the drums and the shouting?"
85 "The soldiers are drilling," was the reply.
86 "Why do you deceive me?" said Zhou Yu angrily. "Do I not know that our enemies come day by day to our gates and insult us? Yet Cheng Pu suffers this in silence and makes no use of his powers and authority."
87 He sent for Cheng Pu and, when he arrived, asked him why he acted thus.
88 "Because you are ill, and the physician said you were on no account to be provoked to anger. Wherefore, although the enemy challenged us to battle, I kept it from you."
89 "And if you do not fight, what think you should be done?" said Zhou Yu.
90 And they all said they desired to return to the South Land till he had recovered from his wound, when they would make another expedition.
91 Zhou Yu lay and listened. Suddenly he sprang up, crying, "The noble person who has eaten of his lord's bounty should die in his lord's battles. To return home dead and wrapped in a horse's hide is a happy fate. Am I the sort of people to bring to nought the grand designs of my lord?"
92 So speaking he proceeded to gird on his armor, and he mounted his horse. The wonder of the officers only redoubled when their General placed himself at the head of some hundreds of horsemen and went out of the camp gates toward the enemy, then fully arrayed. Cao Ren, their general, stood beneath the great standard.
93 At sight of the opponents, Cao Ren flourished his whip and began to hurl abuse at them, "Zhou Yu, you babe! I think your fate has met you. You dare not face my army!"	» LoUiSpH -- Um sir... -- I think Zhou Yu is a man... He may have long hair, a girly face and a fine look by shaving his legs, but he's a man. » guanping -- I think he manys baby
94 The stream of insult never ceased.
95 Presently Zhou Yu could stand it no longer. Riding out to the front he cried, "Here I am, base churl. Look at me!"
96 The whole Cao Ren's army were taken aback. But Cao Ren turned to those about him and said, "Let us all revile him!"	» Seraph -- Cao Ren: -- Your mother was a hampster, and your father smelt of elderberry! You silly Wu kerniggit!
97 And the whole army yelled insults.
98 Zhou Yu grew angry and sent Pan Zhang out to fight. But before he had delivered his first blow, Zhou Yu suddenly uttered a loud cry, and he fell to the ground with blood gushing from his mouth.
99 At this Cao Ren's army rushed to the battle, and the army of the South Land pressed forward to meet them. A fierce struggle waged around Zhou Yu's body, but he was borne off safely and taken to his tent.
100 "Do you feel better?" asked Cheng Pu anxiously.
101 "It was a ruse of mine," whispered Zhou Yu in reply.	» Seraph -- Blood gushing from your mouth? -- That's a pretty extreme ruse. I don't think they had those fake blood capsules back in the day.
102 "But what avails it?"
103 "I am not suffering, but I did that to make our enemies think I was very ill and so oppose them by deceit. I will send a few trusty men to pretend desertion and tell them I am dead. That will cause them to try a night raid on the camp, and we shall have an ambush ready for them. We shall get Cao Ren easily."	» darkknight -- good effects... -- to make blood fall from his mouth » Rahonavis -- so perhaps his gums were bleeding LOL » Etherie -- O.o Maybe he bit his tongue really hard. » LoUiSpH -- naaa, just Ketchup.
104 "The plan seems excellent," said Cheng Pu.
105 Soon from the tent there arose the sound of wailing as for the dead. The soldiers around took up the cry and said one to another, "The General is dead of his wound!" and they all put on the symbols of mourning.
106 Meanwhile Cao Ren was consulting with his officers.
107 Said he, "Zhou Yu lost his temper, and that has caused his wound to reopen and brought on that flow of blood. You saw him fall to the ground, and he will assuredly die soon."
108 Just then there came in one who said that a few men had come over from the enemy asking to be allowed to join the army of Cao Ren. Among them were two of Cao Cao's men who had been made prisoners. Cao Ren sent for the deserters and questioned them.
109 They told him, saying, "Zhou Yu's wound reopened at his anger, and he died in the camp that day. The leaders are all clothing in white and in mourning. We desert because we have been put to shame by the second in command."
110 Pleased at this news, Cao Ren at once began to arrange to make a night attack on the camp and, if possible, get the head of the dead general to send to the capital.
111 "Success depends upon promptitude, so act without delay," said Chen Jiao.
112 Niu Jin was told off as Van Leader, Cao Ren himself led the center, while the rear was commanded by Cao Hong and Cao Chun. Chen Jiao and a small force were left to guard Nanjun.
113 At the first watch they left the city and took the way toward Zhou Yu's camp. When they drew near, not a soldier was visible in the camp, but flags and banners and spears were all there, evidently to keep up an appearance of preparation. Feeling at once that they had been tricked, they turned to retreat.
114 But a bomb exploded, and this was the signal for an attack on all four sides. Han Dang and Jiang Qin pressed in from the east; Zhou Tai and Pan Zhang, from the west; Chen Wu and Lu Meng, from the north; and Xu Sheng and Ding Feng, from the south. The result was a severe defeat for the raiders, and the army of Cao Ren was entirely broken and scattered abroad so that no one part of the beaten army could aid the other.
115 Cao Ren, with a few horsemen got out of the press and presently met Cao Hong. The two leaders ran away together, and by the fifth watch they had got near Nanjun. Then they heard a beating of drums, and Ling Tong appeared barring the way. There was a small skirmish, and Cao Ren went off at an angle. But he fell in with Gan Ning, who attacked him vigorously. Cao Ren dared not go back to Nanjun, but he made for Xiangyang along the main road. The forces of the South Land pursued him for a time and then desisted.	» HailGanNing -- yep -- good old gan ning for ya. » CaoCaofan -- can't be too good. he let Cao Ren get away! » MasterLiang -- Why would you kill Cao Ren? -- You would be denying yourself possible victory in the future. » guanping -- easy, Cao Cao would struggle to replace Cao Ren » MasterLiang -- With who, a mule? -- When does Ren ever win? » guanping -- not in the book becuase he achivments are never put in it -- an oversight... kind off one of the best off scene. Like Jia Xu right now. But even in the book, his skill is admired to make up for it. Oh and Cao Ren actully did beat Liu Bei earlier
116 Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu then made their way to Nanjun where they were startled to see flags on the walls and every sign of occupation.
117 Before they had recovered from their surprise, there appeared one who cried, "Pardon, General! I had orders from the Directing Instructor to take this city. I am Zhao Zilong of Changshan."	» Seraph -- Owned! -- Still, it's a little shameful for Liu Bei & co to take Wu's work. Not very honorable, Bei. » DongDal -- Zhou Yu had supposedly died. -- And since Zhou Yu agreed to let them have a go if he failed... » guanping -- well then Shu will see they are wrong and give everything back and apolgise -- besides Wu did not retreat so Wu did not lose » DongDal -- Yes they did. -- Cao Ren bitch slapped them to Beijing. » guanping -- where was the Wei defenders when Shu attacked? -- Cao Ren gave them a minor defeat. Besides they got in the city, thus Wu wins! On technicallity » DongDal -- On a technicallity. -- Cao Ren burned Wu's army to buggery. » guanping -- um no he cuased minor damage -- still where was the Wei defenders when Wu attacked? » DongDal -- Um... -- Defending? » guanping -- I meant Shu attacked -- wouldn't Shu have been held up till Cao Ren learnt the news and thus Zhou Yu » DongDal -- I think -- Cao Ren ordered a complete attack on Wu in order to gain a major advantage. With the thought of Zhou Yu dead he though he could take the risk. » guanping -- Cao Ren was not that stupid -- you always, always left a defence behind. Espically when repelling an invasion. It kinds of jars doesn't it? All three cities left no defence what so ever. I can't think of many things more unlikly » DongDal -- Perhaps there was some. -- But not enough to defend against Shu. It was a surprise attack after all. » guanping -- 3 cities so undefended that they get in immediatly and at the same time -- come on, Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren where expirenced, they would have lef a strong guard in the cities when they left. Shu had perhaps 50,000, split into four(a defence force) somehow takes 3 cities in one go with so much ease. It takes time to get in a city. Shu can not have got in that easily » DongDal -- Stuff happens. -- Perhaps the soldiers were loyal to Liu Biao and so Shy showed them Liu Qi and they revolted. A small possibility but it could have happened. » guanping -- soldiers where loyal to thier pay -- Cao Ren pprobably used Wei soldiers rather then Jing at such a time. Possible but really unlikly. » DongDal -- Well I dunno. -- The most likely is that there was a huge lack of men. » guanping -- regarding history, Zhou Yu took it all and then it was given to Liu Bei as a loan -- something like that. Here, the novel could have made things slightly more belivable then this. Wei had a lot of men to move at will... Cao Cao would have given Cao Ren men to help bring Jing compelty under Wei control » DongDal -- Where from? -- They were still defending at He Fei. » guanping -- Zhang Liao with Yu Jin and Li Dian(that is three very good commanders.) -- Zhang Liao would be a legend in Wu. Li Dian was said to be a great commander and concillator. Yu Jin was one of the best commanders, he was histroically better then Guan Yu. Xiahou Dun was a good commander who was training as an adminstrateor. Cao Ren was one of the best of his time.Cao Hong comptent enough officer, Niu Jin showed talent and he had a decent enough advsior. Cao Cao had plenty in reserve, Xiahou Yuan for example or Zhang He. I made one mistake. Nazhong(the whole thing they fought for, Zhou Yu/Cao Ren while Zhou Yun turned up.) was actully one of Wu's most important parts that got lent to Liu Bei. Which was very genrous. Zhou Yu took a lot of Jing but Cao Ren held about a third still. » DongDal -- He was good. » guanping -- Cao Ren or Zhou Yu? » DongDal -- Cao Ren. -- For defending Jing from Shu and Wu. » guanping -- He is underated in the novel -- He still lost some part of Jing to Wu but that had to be expected » DongDal -- After Chi Bi, yep. Definetly. » guanping -- Jing was not settled and he could not get help from He Fei -- while he lost land in Jing(he must have hated that archer which only managed to wound Zhou Yu.) Wu was taking land all the way up to He Fei. Wei was looking to consolidate I guess. » MaTseng -- Actually -- Cao Ren was a great defender, he was able to hold back zhou yu sun quan and even guan yu with the help of reinforcements later on. I don't remember anything about him losing any land that hadn't already been won at chi bi which was Jiang Ling he held his ground at Xiang Yang even though he was surronded by Wu and Shu, Shu having Jiang Ling and Shong Yong (later) and Wu having Jiang Xia (yes Liu Bei gave this to them after he took jiang ling) so i say he did a great job and in my view can be considered one of the best defenders even though he didn't do so good against Guan Yu but the thing to rememeber is he did survive and with the help of Man Chong didn't surrender. » guanping -- The whole Jing area -- Wei had some area around He Fei which allowed them to take it( some Sun betrayed Wu or something) It had Jing for most part. Yi taken by local lords. Nanjun was Wu land in history and Liu Bei had own or two minorplaces but got given the vital Nanjun » VGuyver -- underrated -- Cao ren was probably one of Cao Cao's most trusted generals, friend, and relitive (Cousins). Also, he foguht all over china and was very skilled, Cao hong wasn't half bad either, but nothing like Cao Ren. » MaTseng -- but remember -- Cao ren was only assigned to defend the Xiang Yang region not the Jing area as a whole it had nothing to do with him that cao cao lost southern jing to sun quan/liu bei
118 Zhou Yu was fiercely angry and gave orders to assault the city, but the defenders sent down flights and flights of arrows, and his troops could not stay near the rampart. So he withdrew and took counsel. In the meantime he decided to send Gan Ning with a force of several thousand to capture Jingzhou City, and Ling Tong with another army to take Xiangyang. Nanjun could be taken later.
119 But even as these orders were being given, the scouts came in hurriedly to report, saying, "After Nanjun fell, Zhuge Liang, suddenly forging a military commission, induced the guards of Jingzhou City to leave it and go to the rescue of Cao Ren. Whereupon Zhang Fei occupied the capital."
120 Soon after another messenger came, saying, "Xiahou Dun, at Xiangyang, received from Zhuge Liang dispatches, supported by a commission in due form, saying that Cao Ren was in danger and needed help, whereupon Xiahou Dun marched off, and Guan Yu seized that city."	» HailGanNing -- wow zhuge liang is a jerk -- yes, it takes a real man to fight and earn cities, it takes a pathetic jerk like zhuge liang to steal them from people that actually worked for them. » Tenma -- Genius -- lol It takes a genius to get another army to do the work for you, and then trick 2 other generals to leave their cities so they could be taken easily. Zhou Yu wasn't smart enough to plan this or see it, mainly because as Zhuge Liang stated, Zhou Yu belongs on the water, not land. Zhuge Liang is a genius; and just because he stole all the cities from Wu, doesn't mean you gotta be hating. That deserves respect, taking 3 cities without losing a single soldier. » MasterLiang -- Good move.. -- Zhou Yu did say that if he failed, Liu Bei could have them. He hasn't been doing so well, and Zhuge decided it was time to take Zhou Yu at his word. In other words, he fufilled one of Sun Tzus' great maxims, "The greatest victories are one without battle". » ManwithaGoldenEyebal -- Zhuge Liang once said... -- "Take Jingzhou and Jizhou... and ally with the South Land against the giant Cao Cao" or something like that. Now he has taken Jingzhou, but is enraging the South Land! » CaoCaofan -- Good strategy, stupid move- -- Sure he was using his head to come up with this strategy BUT now Wu is gunna be pissed! He is breaking the ties with Wu just for a couple cities, not very smart! Also that was a cowardly and unhonourable thing to do! He said they'd try to take it after Wu failed! Instead he waits for Wu to be moments from taking the city then moves in like a big jerk who is not true to his word! I don't like Zhuge Liang or the Shu kingdom very much at all!!! Zhou did not see this coming because he thought Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were honourable! » SIIIS -- Zhuge Liang is a genius!! -- Zhou Yu is a jerk: have you all forgotten that Zhou Yu tried very hard to wipe Zhuge Liang off the face of the earth but was outsmarted on all occassions. Zhuge Liang, knowing this, had to take the cities. Imagine Zhou Yu (who is the one who lacks honour) will let him or Liu Bei live? It was a life and death situation for Zhuge Liang, either take the cities or perish in the hands of an honourless and despicable character named Zhou Yu. » DongDal -- True -- Besides if you had a choice of taking the cities with no casaulties what so ever wouldn't you take it? Most people realised that this alliance was nessecary for both sides and couldn't risk an outright war when Cao Cao is still at your border. » roflcopter -- you're forgetting something. the deal was if zhou yu failed. -- the deal was not if he ultimately failed, but if he failed. on his first attempt at taking the city, he actually did fail. of course, he would have succeeded on his second attempt, which zhuge liang knew, but on his first attempt he did not. calling zhuge liang dishonorable (and yes, it's dishonorable, not unhonorable, just for future reference) is ignoring this. it wasn't exactly the most honorable thing to do, but it isn't exactly dishonorable, either. also, even though they may be only a few cities that they are getting out of the deal, they are obviously extremely important, which is why both wu and shu wanted them. as for zhou yu, i wouldn't exactly call him dishonorable, either. he's just extremely angry that zhuge liang foils his plots in every instance. zhou yu is an extremely intelligent and honorable man, yet he is proud. he does not like to admit that zhuge liang is superior to him (in the novel, i know that they were fairly equal in real life, so don't whine). zhou yu wants zhuge liang dead because he realizes that liang is a large threat to wu's dominance, which was stated several times both in the novel and in the side notes. » guanping -- Wu can feel cheated but Kongming can feel delighted -- Personally I think Wu where cheated but it is difficult to tell. » Drackor -- The difference between Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang... -- They are both Geniuses, but this is an example of the difference between them. Zhuge Liang is Clever and Crafty. While Zhou Yu is Clever but far from Crafty. Like it was pointed out, Zhuge Liang said to Zhou Yu that if he failed. It was never stipulated how many tried Zhou Yu got. Try 1) Yu Failed. By all rights He should have honored the agreement between the two of them and marched his army home and let Shu try. Instead he persued and almost achieved victory, so Zhuge acted and took advantage. Score: Zhuge Liang- 2 Zhou Yu- 0 » guanping -- real diffrence -- Zhuge Liang was a political and civil genuis who upheld Shu, Zhou Yu was a milatry genuis who created Wu, secured it, won Chi Bi and then took over two thirds of Jing. Then gave Liu Bei some of it » DongDal -- Begs the question as to why. » guanping -- to start of with as an ally I guess -- Liu Bei was then supposed to lead the van against Yi, turns it down, takes Yi himself. Sun Yi sent against Liu Zhang's Shu but blocked by Liu Bei. Jiont attack against Liu Zhang turned down by Liu Bei so Wu leaves it. Liu Bei takes over Shu. Um guessing Wu thought Liu Bei could be useful ally? » DongDal -- Bit of a mistake. -- Thinking that Liu Bei would completely be reliant upon Wu. » guanping -- not exactly though he was at the beggining -- more an ally that didn't cheat them » DongDal -- Why did they think that state of affairs would continue? » guanping -- easy -- Wei. Bigger then both of them and Shu's attacks might succeded but it would irrate Wei enough to stop a full on attack » DongDal -- Same as Wu then. » guanping -- Wu where a seroius threat to Wei for so long » DongDal -- Not serious enough to mount a major offensive since Cao Pi. » guanping -- they luanched many as did Wei -- it just gets overlooked » DongDal -- But they weren't on the scale of Chi Bi though. » guanping -- One around time of Yi Ling was on the scale of three massive armies -- Wei and Wu fought constantly. » DongDal -- Wasn't that when Cao Pi was fooled by the defector? » guanping -- Your thinking of Cao Xiu and that was one of the battles » Drackor -- Some things never change.... -- Oh how I missed reading the extensive arguements between the two of you Guanping and DongDal. I think I was away for way too long. :P » DongDal -- There'll be plenty more to come. -- Of that I can assure you.
121 Thus the two cities that Zhou Yu wanted had fallen, without the least effort, into the hands of his rival Liu Bei.
122 "How did Zhuge Liang get this military commission with which he has imposed on the generals?" asked Zhou Yu.
123 Cheng Pu replied, "He seized that of Chen Jiao and so has got all this region into his power."	» guanping -- Very very lucky
124 Zhou Yu uttered a great cry, for at that moment his wound had suddenly burst open.	» Seraph -- psst -- I don't think this is another ruse guys. Poor Zhou Yu. His character is really taking some shots
125 A city falls, but not to us the gain; The guerdon is another's; ours the pain.
126 The next chapter will say what befell Zhou Yu.	» guanping -- Mao does well here to maipluate things so Jingzhou looks bad on Wu -- very long sighted. » DongDal -- This guy should have been a spin doctor. -- With his skill he might have saved the Tories. » guanping -- I quite like thier old spin doctor -- he is funny. Still even in the novel Jingzhou is unclear as to who is at fualt

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