Chapter 44: Kong Ming Inspires Zhou Yu and Sun Quan with Wisdom to Decisively Defeat Cao Cao

  Chapter 44: Kong Ming Inspires Zhou Yu and Sun Quan with Wisdom to Decisively Defeat Cao Cao

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But when Wu Guotai saw Sun Quan's doubts and indecisiveness, she said, "My elder sister's last words were: 'Bo Fu said on his deathbed:' If you don't decide on internal matters, ask Zhang Zhao, and if you don't decide on external matters, ask Zhou Yu. 'Why don't you ask Gong Jin to ask?' Quan was overjoyed and immediately sent an envoy to Poyang to ask Zhou Yu for a discussion. Originally, Zhou Yu was training his navy in Poyang Lake. When he heard that Cao Cao's army had reached Han, he returned to Chaisang County at night to discuss military affairs. The envoy has not yet been dispatched, but Zhou Yu has already arrived. Lu Su and Yu are the thickest, let's start with a detailed account of the previous matter. Zhou Yu said, "Respected son, rest your worries. Yu has his own opinions. Now we can quickly invite Kong Ming to meet." Lu Su mounted his horse and went.

Zhou Yu just took a break and suddenly reported to Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Zhang Hong, and Bu Tai for a visit. Yu took a seat in the hall and finished warming up. Zhang Zhao asked, "Does the commander-in-chief know the interests of Jiangdong?" Yu replied, "I don't know. Yong and others said," All the discussions are the same. "Yu said," I have also been wanting to surrender for a long time. Please return, sir. I will see you tomorrow morning and make my own decision. "Zhao and others resigned.

In a short while, a group of generals including Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, and Han Dang came to meet again. Yu welcomed in and comforted everyone. Cheng Pu asked, "Does the governor know that Jiangdong will belong to someone else sooner or later?" Yu replied, "I don't know." Pu replied, "We started our own business with General Sun and fought hundreds of battles, only to win six cities and towns. Now, my lord, upon hearing the advice of our advisors, intends to surrender to Cao Cao. This is truly a shameful and regrettable thing! We would rather die than be humiliated. I hope the governor advises my lord to make a decision to raise troops, and we are willing to fight to the death." Yu replied, "Do you agree with what the generals have seen?" Huang Gai angrily stood up and patted his forehead, saying, "My head can be cut off, I swear not to surrender to Cao!" Everyone said, "We are unwilling to surrender!" Yu He said, "I am about to engage in a decisive battle with Cao Cao, and I am willing to surrender! General, please return. Yu has made his own decision when he meets the lord." Cheng Pu and others should not go.

Not long after, a group of civil officials including Zhuge Jin and Lv Fan were waiting for each other. Yu welcomed him in and finished the ceremony. Zhuge Jin said, "My younger brother Zhuge Liang came from Han and said that Liu Yuzhou wanted to ally with Eastern Wu and jointly attack Cao Cao. The civil and military discussions were undecided. As my younger brother was an envoy, Jin dared not say much and waited for the commander-in-chief to decide this matter." Yu asked, "How should we discuss it with the public. Suddenly, a group of people including Lv Meng and Gan Ning came to meet. Yu invited in and also talked about this matter. There are those who want to fight and those who want to surrender, arguing with each other. Yu said, "There's no need to say too much. Tomorrow, everyone will come to the mansion for public discussion." The crowd resigned. Zhou Yu sneered incessantly.

At night, people reported that Lu Zijing had invited Kong Ming to pay his respects. Yu entered through the central gate. After the ceremony, sit down with guests and hosts. Su asked Yu first: "Today, Cao Cao drives people to invade the south and makes two policies of peace and war. My lord can't make a decision. He listens to the general. What is the general's intention?" Yu said: "Cao Cao takes the name of the Son of Heaven, and his teacher can't refuse. He is powerful and should not underestimate the enemy. If you fight, you will lose. If you surrender, you will be easy. I have made a decision. When you see your lord in the coming days, you should send an envoy to surrender." Lu Su was shocked and said: "Your words are wrong. The foundation of Jiangdong has gone through three generations. How can you abandon it to others? Bofu left his words, and entrusted the general with foreign affairs. Now you are ready to fight the general How can we follow the advice of cowards to save the country and rely on Mount Taishan?" Yu said: "Six prefectures in the east of the Yangtze River have infinite spirit; if the disaster of military reform happens, I will blame them, so I am determined to lower my ears

The two argued with each other, and Kong Ming sneered coldly with only his hands on his sleeves. Yu asked, "Sir, why are you laughing?" Kong Ming replied, "If you don't laugh at others, you will respect those who don't understand the times." Su asked, "How can you laugh at me for not understanding the times?" Kong Ming replied, The state is ignorant of the current situation and competes for balance; now it is alone in Jiangxia, with no guarantee of survival. The general has decided to surrender to Cao, which can protect his wife and bring him full wealth. When the country is relocated, it is entrusted to fate. How can we cherish it! "Lu Su angrily said," You have taught our lord to kneel down and be humiliated by traitors Kong Ming said, "I have a plan: I don't have to worry about carrying sheep and wine, collecting soil and offering seals; I don't need to cross the river myself; I just need to send a messenger and a flat boat to send two people to the river. If I get these two people, a million people will all remove their armor and roll up their flags and retreat." Yu said, "What two people can I use to retreat my troops? Tai, also known as the Bronze Sparrow, is extremely magnificent; it selects beautiful women from all over the world to showcase its beauty. As a lecherous person, Cao has long heard that Duke Qiao of Jiangdong has two daughters, the eldest named Da Qiao and the second named Xiao Qiao, who have the appearance of sinking fish and falling geese, and the appearance of shy flowers in the closed moon. Cao once swore, 'I vow to sweep across the four seas and become an emperor.'; I wish to obtain the two famous trees in Jiangdong and set up a bronze sparrow platform to enjoy my old age, even if I die without hatred. Although attracting millions of people to gaze at Jiangnan today, in fact, the two daughters are also attracted to it. Why don't the general go find Duke Qiao and buy these two daughters with a thousand gold, and send someone to give them to Cao Cao? If Cao Cao gets the two daughters and is satisfied, he will be sent to the army. Why not act quickly on Fan Li's plan to offer sacrifices to the West? ”Yu asked, "What evidence is there to prove that Cao Cao wants to obtain two Qiao?" Kong Ming said, "Cao Cao's youngest son Cao Zhi, with the courtesy name Zijian, wrote a poem. Cao also ordered him to write a poem called the 'Bronze Sparrow Terrace Poem'. The meaning of the poem is to declare his family as the emperor and swear to take two Qiao." Yu asked, "Can you remember this poem?" Kong Ming said, "I love its beautiful writing and have tasted it." Yu said, "Please recite it." Kong Ming immediately recited the 'Bronze Sparrow Terrace Poem' and said, "Since the Ming Dynasty, I have been playing around and climbing the terrace to entertain myself. I have seen the vastness of the Tai Mansion. I have observed the holy virtue. The camp is located here. The towering gate is built, and the floating double gates seem too clear. The magnificent view of the central sky is erected, and the flying pavilion is connected to the western city. The long stream of the Zhangzhou River leads to the prosperity of the garden and fruits. The double platforms are erected on the left and right, with jade dragons and golden phoenixes. The two Qiao trees are gathered in the southeast, enjoying the harmony of day and night. The magnificent view of the imperial capital overlooks the floating clouds and clouds. The arrival of Xinqun talents brings forth the auspicious dreams of Xie Feixiong. Admire the harmony of spring breeze and listen to the mournful chirping of hundreds of birds. The Tianyun Wall stands tall, and the family wishes to achieve dual accomplishments, to promote benevolence in the universe, and to show utmost respect in the capital. Only the prosperity of Huan Wen is not enough to be considered holy and wise? Stop it! Beautiful! Huize spreads far and wide. Wing Zuo, I am royal and peaceful. The rules of heaven and earth are measured, and the radiance of the sun and moon is equal. Forever esteemed and boundless, waiting for your longevity under the Eastern Emperor. The Imperial Dragon Flag travels freely, returning to the Luan River and driving to Zhou Zhang. Grace extends to all corners of the world, bringing prosperity to the people. May Sitai remain forever, happy for the end of time without lingering! ”

After hearing this, Zhou Yu was furious and left his seat, pointing north and cursing, "The old thief has deceived me too much!" Kong Ming quickly stopped and said, "In the past, the Han emperor promised to marry a princess, but now why should we cherish the two daughters of the common people?" Yu said, "What the public doesn't know: Da Qiao is the wife of General Sun Bofu, and Xiao Qiao is also Yu's wife. Do you have the principle of bending your body and surrendering to the enemy? It is appropriate to speak, so let's test our ears. Since I left Poyang Lake, I have had the intention of launching a northern expedition. Although I have knives and axes, it is not easy for me! I hope Kong Ming can lend a helping hand and defeat the bandits of Cao together." Kong Ming said, "If I am not abandoned, I am willing to serve the hard work of dogs and horses, and listen to the driving force sooner or later Yu said, "When I come to see the lord tomorrow, I will discuss raising an army." Kong Ming and Lu Su bid farewell and left. The next morning, Sun Quan ascended to the hall. More than thirty civil servants on the left, including Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong; More than thirty military officials on the right, including Cheng Pu and Huang Gai, were dressed in neat attire, with sturdy swords and tassels, and were assigned to stand guard. Shao Qing, Zhou Yu came in to meet. After the ceremony, Sun Quan comforted him and Yu said, "I have heard that Cao Cao has led troops to station on the Han dynasty and sent a letter to this place. What is the lord's intention?" Quan then took the proclamation and read it to Zhou Yu. Yu finished reading and smiled, saying, "The old thief dares to insult me like this because there is no one in the east of the river!" Quan asked, "What is your intention? The greater the power, the more powerful it is. Those who can refuse to operate in the east of the Yangtze River are the ears of the Yangtze River. Nowadays, there are more than a thousand warships operating in the east of the Yangtze River. How can we do it when both land and water advance? It's better to surrender now and plan for the future." Yu said, "This is a Confucian theory! Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in the east of the Yangtze River, there have been three generations. Once the concept of peace and endurance is abandoned, will it be Quan said, "If this is the case, how can we defeat the bandits?" Yu said, "Although Cao Cao is named Han Xiang, he is actually a Han bandit. The general is a powerful and powerful man. He relies on his father and brother for more than his career. He has Jiangdong. He has a good army and sufficient food. He is running around the world to fight for the country. How can he defeat the bandits? Moreover, he has committed many military taboos since he came here: before the northern land was pacified, Ma Teng and Han Sui had to fight for a long time in the southern expedition, which is a taboo; the northern army is not familiar with water warfare, and he uses Pommeled Horse to compete with the Eastern Wu on boats, which is also a taboo; it is also a time of deep winter and cold. There are three taboos to drive the Chinese soldiers to the Jianghu. They refuse to obey the water and soil, and suffer from many diseases. There are four taboos. If many soldiers commit these taboos, they will be defeated. The general will seize the drill today. Yu invited tens of thousands of elite soldiers to garrison Xiakou and defeat it for the general!" Quan Shanran said, "The old thief has been wanting to depose Han and establish himself for a long time. He fears the two Yuan, Lv Bu, Liu Biao, and Gu Er. Although several heroes have been destroyed, only the orphan still exists. The orphan and the old thief swear not to be separated! Your words of attack are in line with your wishes. This day, you have appointed me as your own." Yu said, "As a general, I will fight a bloody battle and never give up. I only fear that the general will be suspicious and uncertain." Quan drew his sword and cut off a corner of the prelude to the case, saying, "There will be officials who will speak of surrendering again, just like this case!" After that, he gave this sword to Zhou Yu, who was appointed as the Grand Commander, Cheng Pu as the Deputy Commander, and Lu. Su is the Colonel of the Zan Army. If the civil and military officials disobey orders, they will be executed with this sword. Yu took the sword and said to the crowd, "I have been ordered by my lord to lead the troops to defeat Cao Cao. All the generals and officials will camp by the river tomorrow to obey the orders. If they delay, they will be executed fifty-four times according to the seven prohibitions." After speaking, he resigned from Sun Quan and stood up to leave the mansion. The various civil and military forces dispersed silently. Zhou Yu returned to the next place and asked Kong Ming to discuss the matter. Kong Mingzhi. Yu said, "Today, the government has decided to seek a good strategy to defeat Cao." Kong Ming said, "General Sun's morale is not yet stable, so we cannot make decisions." Yu said, "What is the meaning of unstable morale?" Kong Ming said, "I am afraid of the large number of Cao's troops and have the intention of being outnumbered. If the general can use the number of troops to ease the situation, it will be beyond doubt, and then great things can be achieved." Yu said, "Your words are very good." So I went back to see Sun Quan again. Quan said, "When Gong Jin arrives at night, there must be an accident. Although there are many of them, they are not to be feared. Yu has obtained 50000 soldiers and is capable of defeating them on his own. May the lord not be worried." Quan Fuyu replied, "Your words are enough to dispel my doubts. My son Bu has no plan and has lost my hope; my only ministers and son Jing are with me. I can choose an army to advance with my son Jing and Cheng Pu on the same day. I will continue to send troops and carry more resources and provisions, serving as a support for the officials and empresses. If the Qing army is not satisfied, they will be left alone. There is no doubt about fighting against the bandits alone. ”Zhou Yu thanked him and thought to himself, "Kong Ming has already anticipated the intentions of Marquis Wu. His plan is even higher than mine. It will be a threat to the east of the Yangtze River for a long time, so it is better to kill him. That's why they invited Lu Su to join them overnight, saying that they want to kill Kong Ming. Su said, 'No. If we kill the wise men before we can break through the bandits, we will go to their aid.' Yu said, 'If this person helps Liu Bei, it will be a threat to the east of the Yangtze River.' Su said, 'Zhuge Jin is his own brother. Isn't it wonderful to recruit this person to work in the east of Wu?' Yu spoke kindly.

The next day at dawn, Yu went to the camp and was promoted to a high position in the central army tent. Standing on both sides with knives and axes, gathering civil and military officials to obey orders. Originally, Cheng Punian was older than Yu, and now Yu Jue sits on top of him. He is not happy in his heart: he is unable to leave due to illness, so his eldest son Cheng Zi will take his place. Yu ordered all the generals to say, "Wang Fa has no relatives, and all the lords are responsible for their respective duties. Currently, Cao Cao exercises more power than Dong Zhuo: imprisoning the emperor in Xuchang and setting up violent troops in the border. I have been ordered to suppress it, and all the lords are fortunate to strive forward. The army will not disturb the people everywhere. Rewards and punishments will be given, and there will be no favoritism." After the order was completed, Han Dang and Huang Gai were sent as the vanguard of the front, leading the warships of their own troops. They set sail on the same day and arrived at the Three Rivers Pass to lower the fortress, not listening to the orders; Jiang Qin and Zhou Tai are the second team; Ling Tong and Pan Zhang are the third team; Tai Shici and Lv Meng are the fourth team; Lu Xun and Dong Xi form the fifth team; Lv Fan and Zhu Zhi were appointed as the patrol officers of the four directions, urging the six commandery armies to advance by land and water, and to seize Qi in a timely manner. The allocation has been completed, and each general will pack up their ships and weapons and set off. Cheng Zi met his father Cheng Pu and said that Zhou Yu had deployed troops and there were laws to stop movements. Pu Da was shocked and said, "I have always been cowardly in deceiving Zhou Lang, and I am not worthy of being a general. Now that I can do this, I am truly a talented general! How can I refuse to accept it?" He then personally went to the camp to apologize. Yu Yixun thanks. The next day, Yu invited Zhuge Jin and said, "Your younger brother Kong Ming has the talent of Wang Zuo. How can he bend down and serve Liu Bei? I am fortunate to have arrived in Jiangdong and would like to trouble you, sir, to spare no effort in causing my younger brother to abandon Liu Bei and serve in Eastern Wu. Isn't it beautiful for the lord to receive good assistance and for my brothers to meet again? Sir, I am fortunate enough to be with you." Jin said, "Since I arrived in Jiangdong, I am ashamed of my lack of merit. Now that the commander-in-chief has orders, I dare not serve." Immediately mounted my horse and rushed to the post office to meet Kong Ming. Kong Ming joined in, crying and bowing, each expressing their feelings. Jin wept and said, "Do you know about Boyi and Shuqi?" Kong Guangliang thought, "This must be taught to me by Zhou Langjiao." He then replied, "The sages of the ancient Yi and Qi." Jin said, "Although Yi and Qi have starved to death at the foot of Shouyang Mountain, the two brothers are still together. I am now breastfeeding with your fellow countrymen, and we are all in charge of our own affairs. We cannot meet at night. Can we live up to the dignity of seeing Yi and Qi as human beings?" Kong Ming said, "What Brother says is true; what Brother guards is true. Brother and Brother are both Han people. Now Liu Huangshu is a nobleman of the Han dynasty. If Brother can go to Dongwu, and With his younger colleague Liu Huangshu, he is truly a Han minister, and his flesh and blood must be reunited. This is a win-win strategy. What do you think of it?" Jin Si said, "I spoke to him, but he spoke to me." Without a word to answer, he stood up and resigned. Return to Zhou Yu and elaborate on Kong Ming's words. Yu asked, "What is the general's intention?" Jin replied, "I have received great favor from General Sun, and I am willing to back you up!" Yu replied, "Since I am loyal to my lord, there is no need for me to say too much. I have my own plan to subdue Confucius and Ming." It is precisely because wisdom and intelligence must be compatible, and talent and talent are difficult to tolerate. After all, Zhou Yu's plan is to subdue Kong Ming. Let's see how it will be resolved later.