In the boat on the way to Chaisang, the two travelers beguiled the time by discussing affairs. Lu Su impressed upon his companion, saying, “When you see my master, do not reveal the truth about the magnitude of Cao Cao's army.”
“You do not have to remind me,” replied Zhuge Liang, “but I shall know how to reply.”
When the boat arrived, Zhuge Liang was lodged in the guests' quarters, and Lu Su went alone to see his master. Lu Su found Sun Quan actually at a council, assembled to consider the situation. Lu Su was summoned thereto and questioned at once upon what he had discovered.
“I know the general outline, but I want a little time to prepare my report,” replied Lu Su.
Then Sun Quan produced Cao Cao's letter and gave it to Lu Su.
“That came yesterday. I have sent the bearer of it back, and this gathering is to consider the reply,” said he.
Lu Su read the letter:
“What have you decided upon, my lord?” asked Lu Su as he finished the letter.
“I have not yet decided.”
Then Zhang Zhao said, “It would be imprudent to withstand Cao Cao's hundred legions backed by the imperial authority. Moreover, your most important defense against him is the Great River; and since Cao Cao has gained possession of Jingzhou, the river is his ally against us. We cannot withstand him, and the only way to tranquillity, in my opinion, is submission.”
“The words of the speaker accord with the manifest decree of providence,” echoed all the assembly.
Sun Quan remaining silent and thoughtful.
Zhang Zhao again took up the argument, saying, “Do not hesitate, my lord. Submission to Cao Cao means tranquillity to the people of the South Land and safety for the inhabitants of the six territories.”
Sun Quan still remained silent; his head bent in deep thought. Presently he arose and paced slowly out at the door, and Lu Su followed him. Outside he took Lu Su by the hand, saying, “What do you desire?”
“What they have all been saying is very derogatory to you. A common person might submit; you cannot.”
“Why? How do you explain that?”
“If people like us servants submitted, we would just return to our village, and everything would go on as before. If you submit, whither will you go? You will be created a lord of some humble fief, perhaps. You will have one carriage, no more, one saddle horse, that is all. Your retinue will be some ten. Will you be able to sit facing the south and call yourself by the kingly title of 'the solitary'? Each one in that crowd of hangers-on is thinking for himself, is purely selfish, and you should not listen to them, but take a line of your own and that quickly. Determine to play a bold game!”
Sun Quan sighed, “They all talk and talk; they miss my point of view. Now you have just spoken of a bold game, and your view is the same as mine. Surely God has expressly sent you to me. Still Cao Cao is now the stronger by all Yuan Shao's and Liu Biao's armies, and he has possession of Jingzhou. I fear he is almost too powerful to contend with.”
“I have brought back with me Zhuge Liang, the younger brother of our Zhuge Jin. If you questioned him, he would explain clearly.”
“Is Master Sleeping-Dragon really here?”
“Really here; in the guest-house.”
“It is too late to see him today. But tomorrow I will assemble my officials, and you will introduce him to all my best. After that we will debate the matter.”
With these instructions Lu Su retired. Next day he went to the guest-house and conveyed Sun Quan's commands to the guest, particularly saying, “When you see my master, say nothing of the magnitude of Cao Cao's army.”
Zhuge Liang smiled, saying, “I shall act as circumstances dictate; you may be sure I shall make no mistakes.”
Zhuge Liang was then conducted to where the high officers, civil and military to the number of forty and more, were assembled. They formed a dignified conclave as they sat in stately ranks with their tall headdresses and broad girdles.
