On receiving Cao Cao’s letter, Sun Quan decides to strike at Guan Yu’s rear. Zhang Zhao urges caution. When Guan Yu captured Yu Jin and beheaded Pang De, Cao Cao even thought of moving the capital. He asks for help now because Fan is in danger, and I fear he will go back on his word once it is over.
Just then Lu Meng comes from Lukou in a small boat. Guan Yu has led his troops to surround Fan, so strike Jing Province while he is far away. Sun Quan asks how it would be to strike Xu Province in the north instead. Lu Meng answers that Xu Province is land that favours fighting on land and not on water, so even if taken it would be hard to hold. Better to take Jing Province first and hold the whole of the Yangzi.
Sun Quan laughs. I wanted Jing Province from the start. What I said before was only to test you. Make your plans for me quickly, and I will raise troops and follow.