“The sky knows not two suns,” replied Deng Zhi, “nor can the people recognize two kings. If Wei be destroyed, no one can say upon whom the divine command will devolve. But one who becomes a prince must perfect his virtue, and those who become ministers must be wholly loyal. In this way strife will cease.”
Sun Quan smiled, saying, “And your sincerity is beyond question.”
Deng Zhi was dismissed with rich gifts, and after this Wu and Shu were good friends.
The negotiations between his two rivals were reported in Capital Luoyang without loss of time, and Cao Pi was very angry.
“If they have made an alliance, it can only mean that they cherish the intention of swallowing the Middle Land. My best move is to strike first.”
He called a great council. This council lacked the presence of Regent Marshal Cao Ren and High Counselor Jia Xu, who had both died.
In the council Counselor Xin Pi stepped forward and said, “The country is extensive, but the population so sparse that no successful army could be raised just now. My advice is to wait ten years, spending that period in forming an army and in cultivating the land till stores and weapons shall have been accumulated. Then both our rivals may be destroyed.”
“This is only the distorted opinion of a perverted pedant. Having made this league, Shu and Wu may fall upon us at any moment. This matter cannot be postponed for ten years,” said the Ruler of Wei.
An edict appeared commanding the enlistment of soldiers and the formation of an army to subdue Wu.
Sima Yi then said, “Battleships are necessary, as Wu is protected by the Great River. Your Majesty must lead small and big vessels. The navy can advance by way of River Huai, taking Shouchun. When you reach Guangling, the river is to be crossed and Nanxu is to be captured. Then Wu will be subdued.”
This plan was accepted, and the construction of dragon ships was put in hand and went on day and night. Ten were built two hundred spans long to carry two thousand marines each. They also collected three thousand fighting ships.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Yellow Dawn (AD 224) the various generals assembled, and Cao Zhen was appointed leader of the first corps. Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Ping, and Xu Huang were Chief Commanders; Xu Chu and Lu Qian were guards of the center army; and Cao Xiu commanded the rear guard; the strategists were Liu Ye and Jiang Ji. In all, land and marine forces numbered over three hundred thousand troops. When the starting day was decided upon, Sima Yi was made Chair of the Secretariat and left in the capital with the powers of Regent Marshal.
The spies told the Prince of Wu's attendants of the dangers, and the latter hastened to inform the Prince.
They said, “Cao Pi is leading the dragon fleet and commanding three hundred thousand marines and ground forces against the South Land, and the danger is very great.” When Sun Quan met his council, Gu Yong said, “My lord, you can call upon Shu for help according to the treaty. Write to Zhuge Liang and get him to send out an army through Hanzhong so as to divert part of Wei's army. Also you send an army to Nanxu to oppose them there.”
“I shall have to recall Lu Xun,” said the Prince. “He is the only man to undertake this great task.”
“Do not move him if you can help it; he is necessary for the protection of Jingzhou.”
“Yes, I know; but there is no other strong enough to help me.”
At these words Xu Sheng advanced, saying, “I know I am not very able, but I desire to be given an army to meet this danger. If Cao Pi crosses the river in person, I will make him prisoner and present him at the gate of your palace. If he does not come over here, I will slay so many of his soldiers that his army shall not dare even to look southward.”
Sun Quan was pleased to find a willing volunteer, and replied, “Noble Sir, what anxiety need I feel if I have your protection?”
Xu Sheng was given the title of General Who Protects the East and made Chief Commander of all the forces in Nanxu and Jianye. As soon as he had received his orders, he retired. He gave command to gather enormous quantities of weapons, and had many flags and banners made for the protection of the river banks.
But another impetuous young leader was anxious to take more vigorous measures, and he stood forth, saying, “My lord has laid upon you, O General, a heavy responsibility; but if you really desire to destroy the invading force and capture Cao Pi, you should send an army to meet him on the north side in the South of River Huai. I fear failure if you wait till the northern troops have come this far.”
The young man was Sun Shao, nephew of the Prince of Wu. He had already the title of General Who Possesses Wide Prestige, and was in command at Guangling. Though young and impetuous, he was very valiant.
“Cao Pi's army is strong and its leaders famous. I hold that we may not cross the river to meet him, but wait the arrival of his ships on the other side. Then I shall carry out my plan,” said Xu Sheng.
