Chapter 38 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms marks a dual turning point in the epic: in the west, Liu Bei secures his destiny through Zhuge Liang’s visionary grand strategy; in the east, Sun Quan fulfills a filial vow by destroying his father’s killer.
While one scene unfolds in quiet contemplation beneath thatched eaves, the other erupts in the thunder of battle on the Yangtze River. Together, they crystallize the emerging tripartite order of the Three Kingdoms. Though Luo Guanzhong dramatizes both episodes for literary effect, historical sources like Chen Shou’s Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) confirm their core truths – making this chapter not just fiction, but a hinge of history.
The Third Visit
After two failed attempts, Liu Bei returns to Longzhong for a third visit, now accompanied by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei – both openly skeptical of wasting time on a “rustic scholar.” Undeterred, Liu Bei insists on propriety and patience.
Upon arrival, they find Zhuge Liang asleep in his cottage. Rather than wake him, Liu Bei stands silently in the snow-covered courtyard, waiting respectfully. This act of humility – emphasized in the novel as a test of sincerity – deeply moves Zhuge Liang upon waking.
Their ensuing dialogue becomes the foundation of Shu Han’s future.
The Longzhong Plan
In what is now known as the Longzhong Plan, Zhuge Liang delivers a masterful geopolitical analysis:
- Cao Cao, having “united the North under Heaven,” commands overwhelming military and administrative power – not to be challenged directly.
- Sun Quan, entrenched in Jiangdong (the lower Yangtze) for three generations, enjoys popular support and natural defenses – best treated as an ally, not an enemy.
- Jing Province (central China) and Yi Province (modern Sichuan) – both poorly governed and strategically vital – offer Liu Bei the perfect base.
Zhuge Liang proposes:
“First secure Jing and Yi, form an alliance with Sun Quan, pacify the southern tribes, and await the right moment to strike north and restore the Han.”
This strategy transforms Liu Bei from a wandering warlord into a legitimate contender for empire. Overwhelmed, Liu Bei declares:
“Your words have opened my eyes as if clouds parted to reveal the sun!”
Historically, Chen Shou records this meeting succinctly in the Sanguozhi:
“Liang thus laid out the plan for the three divisions of the realm.”
Though details are sparse, the core framework aligns closely with the novel, underscoring Zhuge Liang’s role as architect of the Three Kingdoms balance.
Touched by Liu Bei’s unwavering sincerity, Zhuge Liang agrees to leave his reclusive life and “devote his utmost” to the cause. See also why even Cao Cao couldn’t win over Zhuge Liang.
It should be noted that the first to propose the “Three Kingdoms” strategy was not Zhuge Liang, but Lu Su. Lu Su had already put forward this strategy to Sun Quan seven years earlier. Although there were differences in their political goals and implementation approaches between Zhuge Liang and Lu Su.
Revenge on the Yangtze: Sun Quan settles a blood debt
While Liu Bei gains a strategist, Sun Quan achieves vengeance.
In the east, Sun Quan launches a major campaign against Huang Zu, governor of Jiangxia and the man who killed his father Sun Jian during the Battle of Xiangyang in 191 CE – a grudge held for nearly two decades.
Huang Zu sends his generals to resist, but Gan Ning, a former pirate turned Huang Zu’s officer, defects mid-battle, guiding Sun Quan’s forces through hidden river routes. The result is a decisive victory: Huang Zu is killed, and Jiangxia falls.
Historical records confirm this event occurred in 208 CE, shortly before the Battle of Red Cliffs. The Sanguozhi notes:
“Sun Quan attacked Huang Zu to avenge his father… and finally slew him.”
Unlike the novel’s romanticized duel scenes, the real battle was a calculated military operation, yet its emotional weight – filial piety fulfilled through force – resonates deeply in Confucian culture.
Converging Fates: Strategy and Bloodshed shape the future
These two narratives – one cerebral, one visceral – converge in timing and consequence:
- Zhuge Liang’s plan ensures Liu Bei will soon seek refuge in Jing Province, where Sun Quan’s victory over Huang Zu has created a power vacuum.
- Sun Quan’s control of Jiangxia positions him as a critical ally (and later rival) in the coming conflict with Cao Cao.
- Together, their actions set the stage for the Battle of Red Cliffs, where the Sun-Liu alliance will halt Cao Cao’s southern advance.
Thus, Chapter 38 is not merely about individual triumphs – it is the birth certificate of the Three Kingdoms order.
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