In AD 208, Cao Cao abolished the traditional “Three Excellencies” and revived the title of Chancellor – a position he assumed himself, consolidating absolute power. By July, he launched a massive southern expedition to conquer Jingzhou (Jing Province).
The Flight from Jingzhou
At Fancheng, Liu Bei received word of Cao Cao’s advance. Before he could prepare a defense, a messenger from Xiangyang arrived with shocking news:
“Liu Biao is dead. His younger son, Liu Cong, has secretly surrendered to Cao Cao – and already sent the letter of submission!”
Enraged, Liu Bei cursed Liu Cong’s cowardice. Zhuge Liang urged immediate action:
“Seize Xiangyang now – Jing Province will be yours!”
But Liu Bei refused:
“Liu Biao entrusted his sons to me. I cannot betray that trust. We must retreat to Jiangling.”
The Battle of Changban
Fearing Cao Cao’s notorious brutality – especially after the massacres in Xu Province – over 100,000 civilians from Xiangyang joined Liu Bei’s exodus. Burdened by refugees, his column crawled at barely ten li per day toward Jiangling.
Cao Cao, having accepted Liu Cong’s surrender without resistance, learned of Liu Bei’s escape and dispatched 5,000 elite cavalry – riding 300+ li per day – to intercept him. At Changban (Dangyang), they struck like a storm.
Liu Bei’s forces were shattered. In the chaos, his family was scattered – only Zhao Yun’s heroic efforts saved his infant son, A Dou. Exhausted and grieving, Liu Bei barely escaped southward.
Xu Shu’s departure and Lu Su’s arrival
As Liu Bei caught his breath, Xu Shu approached in tears:
“My mother has been captured by Cao’s troops. To save her, I must go north.”
Though heartbroken, Liu Bei released him. Xu Shu added:
“With Zhuge Liang by your side, you need not worry. He surpasses me greatly.”
Lu Su’s Vision and Sun Quan’s Ambition
Just then, news came: Lu Su, envoy of Sun Quan of Eastern Wu, had crossed the Yangtze and requested an audience at Dangyang.
Lu Su, a close friend of Zhou Yu, had long advised Sun Quan:
“The Han is beyond saving. Your path is to secure Jiangdong, await opportunity, and found an empire like Gaozu.”
When Cao Cao turned south, Lu Su foresaw the threat to Wu and proposed an alliance with Liu Bei. Sun Quan agreed and sent him to assess the situation.
Meeting Liu Bei, Lu Su cut straight to the point:
“Why flee to distant Cangwu? Join forces with Sun Quan – he commands six commanderies, strong armies, and wise counsel.”
Turning to Zhuge Liang, he added:
“Your elder brother Zhuge Jin serves Sun Quan. You two can reunite while forging this alliance – a perfect opportunity!”
Zhuge Liang immediately urged Liu Bei:
“Let me cross the river.”
Liu Bei eagerly consented.
Zhuge Liang’s diplomacy in Chaisang
In Chaisang, Zhuge Liang met Sun Quan, who welcomed him warmly. But Zhuge Liang employed a bold “provocation strategy”:
“If you can resist Cao Cao, act now. If not, surrender. This indecision invites disaster.”
Stung, Sun Quan retorted:
“Why doesn’t Liu Bei surrender?”
Zhuge Liang replied with icy scorn:
“Liu Bei is a Han imperial kinsman and hero of the age – how could he bow to Cao Cao, when even Tian Heng, a mere warrior of Qi, chose death over submission?”
The words struck deep. Sun Quan flushed red and declared:
“I will not hand Jiangdong and my 100,000 troops to another!”
Zhuge Liang then laid out the strategic reality:
- Liu Bei still had tens of thousands of elite troops.
- Cao Cao’s army was exhausted from forced marches.
- Northerners could not fight on water.
- Jing Province’s people resented Cao Cao’s rule.
“If you join forces, Cao Cao will be defeated and driven north. Jing and Wu will both be saved.”
Sun Quan was convinced:
“You speak truth! I will ally with Liu Bei.”
The Council of War
The next day, Sun Quan convened his court – just as Cao Cao’s letter arrived:
“I command 800,000 troops. Meet me in Jiangdong to settle supremacy.”
Panic spread. Senior minister Zhang Zhao led the surrender faction:
“Cao Cao holds the emperor’s mandate. Resisting him is treason. With his new navy, the Yangtze is no longer safe. We should submit.”
Most civil officials echoed him. Only Lu Su remained silent; the generals glowered but stayed quiet.
Distraught, Sun Quan left to the toilet – only to find Lu Su following.
“They speak for themselves,” Lu Su warned. “If I surrender, I may still be an official. But you – your land, your legacy – will vanish.”
Sun Quan sighed:
“You alone understand my heart.”
Lu Su urged:
“Summon Zhou Yu.”
Zhou Yu’s Strategic Clarity
Zhou Yu, commanding troops in Poyang, arrived swiftly. At the council, he dismantled Cao Cao’s myth:
- Northern unrest left Cao Cao vulnerable.
- Land-based cavalry was useless in naval warfare.
- Winter scarcity crippled supply lines.
- Northern soldiers would sicken in southern humidity.
“Give me 50,000 elite troops, and I will crush him.”
Sun Quan slammed the table:
“Cao Cao has destroyed all rivals – now only I remain. We are enemies to the death!”
To silence dissent, he drew his sword and chopped off a table corner:
“Anyone who says ‘surrender’ will share this fate!”
Zhou Yu later reassured Sun Quan privately:
“Cao Cao has at most 150,000–160,000 men. The 70,000–80,000 Jing troops who surrendered are unreliable. Unity matters more than numbers.”
Touched, Sun Quan embraced him:
“Only you and Lu Su see as I do. You are heaven-sent.”
Though unable to muster 50,000 immediately, Sun Quan provided 30,000 seasoned troops, ships, grain, and weapons.
“Go first. I will follow. If needed, I will fight Cao Cao myself.”
The alliance takes shape
Thus, the Sun-Liu alliance was forged. Sun Quan appointed:
- Zhou Yu as Left Commander,
- Cheng Pu as Right Commander,
- Lu Su as Chief Military Advisor.
That night, their 30,000-strong fleet sailed west to rendezvous with Liu Bei – setting the stage for the Battle of Red Cliffs, where fire, strategy, and unity would defy overwhelming odds.
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