Three Kingdoms Volume 10: War of Words [1 ed.] 9788998341602

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Wei Dong Chen • Xiao Long Liang

War of Words

Vol.

10

Vol.

10

Three Kingdoms Many centuries ago, China was made up of several provinces that frequently waged war with one another for regional supremacy. In 221 BC, the Qin Dynasty succeeded in uniting the warring provinces under a single banner, but the unity was short-lived, only lasting fifteen years. After the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty was established in 206 BC, and unity was restored. The Han Dynasty would last for hundreds of years, until the PostHan Era, when the unified nation once again began to unravel. As rebellion and chaos gripped the land, three men came forward to take control of the nation: Bei Liu, Cao Cao, and Quan Sun. The three men each established separate kingdoms, Shu, Wei, and Wu, and for a century they contended for supremacy. This was known as the Age of the Three Kingdoms. Written more than six hundred years ago, Three Kingdoms is one of the oldest and most seminal works in all of Eastern literature. An epic story spanning decades and featuring hundreds of characters, it remains a definitive tale of desperate heroism, political treachery, and the bonds of brotherhood.

Wei Dong Chen and Xiao Long Liang have chosen to draw this adaptation of Three Kingdoms in a manner reminiscent of the ancient Chinese printing technique. It is our hope that the historical look of Three Kingdoms will amplify the timelessness of its themes, which are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

vol. 10

War of Words Created by

WEI DONG CHEN

Wei Dong Chen, a highly acclaimed and beloved artist, and an influential leader in the “New Chinese Cartoon” trend, is the founder of Creator World in Tianjin, the largest comics studio in China. Recently the Chinese government entrusted him with the role of general manager of the Beijing Book Fair, and his reputation as a pillar of Chinese comics has brought him many students. He has published more than three hundred cartoons, which have been recognized for their strong literary value not only in Korea, but in Europe and Japan as well. Free spirited and energetic, Wei Dong Chen’s positivist philosophy is reflected in the wisdom of his work. He is published serially in numerous publications while continuing to conceive projects that explore new dimensions of the form.

illustrated by

XIAO LONG LIANG

XiaoLong Liang is considered one of Wei Dong Chen’s greatest students. One of the most highly regarded cartoonists in China today, XiaoLong’s fantastic technique and expression of Chinese culture have won him the acclaim of cartoon lovers throughout China. His other works include “Outlaws of the Marsh” and “A Story on the Motorbike.”

Original Story “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” by Luo, GuanZhong Editing & Designing Design Hongs, Jonathan Evans, KH Lee, YK Kim, HJ Lee, JS Kim, Lampin, Qing Shao, Xiao Nan Li, Ke Hu © Chen, Wei Dong 2013 All rights reserved. Original Chinese edition published by Anhui Fine Arts Publishing House. Scanning, uploading, and electronic distribution of this book is prohibited.

Characters

volume 10

BEI LIU Following a stirring victory against Cao Cao, Bei Liu is once more on the run, along with his family and subjects. The human cost of the ongoing war against Cao Cao is taking a toll on Bei Liu, and his desperate emotional state almost leads him to kill his own son. Later, Liang Zhuge devises a plan in which Bei Liu will ally with Quan Sun to defeat Cao Cao. But if Bei Liu has learned anything in his life, it’s that it can be hard to tell friends from foes.

YUN ZHAO Following the battle with Cao Cao, Yun Zhao pledges an oath to protect Bei Liu’s family from Cao Cao’s remaining forces. When Yun Zhao is unable to prevent the death of one of his charges, he takes on an entire army in a fit of rage, afterwards recommitting himself to Bei Liu’s cause.

LIANG ZHUGE Liang Zhuge is a famous and reclusive advisor whose wisdom has led to a string of victories for Bei Liu. However, Liang Zhuge’s tactical prowess often runs into resistance from Bei Liu’s adamant refusal to compromise his morals, so the advisor must often alter his strategies to accommodate his master. When the time comes for Bei Liu to form an alliance with Quan Sun, Liang Zhuge is sent to broker the agreement and win the trust of Yu Zhou, Quan Sun’s most trusted advisor.

QUAN SUN Inheriting the mantle of his father and brother, Quan Sun has quickly found himself one of the most powerful men in China. With such power come offers of an alliance from both Cao Cao and Bei Liu. Quan Sun deliberates a long time on the matter before he is finally convinced by Liang Zhuge to join Bei Liu. However, the alliance is not formed out of a desire to make peace with Bei Liu. Rather, Liang Zhuge successfully exploits Quan Sun’s pride to convince him that defeating Cao Cao is the only path forward.

YU ZHOU Once Quan Sun is convinced to join Bei Liu and fight against Cao Cao, he appoints Yu Zhou as senior commander of the military. Yu Zhou is a cunning strategist, but he knows his powers of persuasion are no match for Liang Zhuge’s, so he plots to have Bei Liu’s advisor eliminated. When Liang Zhuge pledges to come up with 100,000 arrows in three days’ time for Quan Sun’s army ahead of a major battle against Cao Cao, Yu Zhou believes he has the excuse he needs to kill him after Zhuge’s inevitable failure. But Liang Zhuge did not become one of the most revered thinkers in China for nothing, and Yu Zhou would do well not to underestimate him.

SU LU Su Lu is another of Quan Sun’s advisors. It was Su Lu who convinced Quan Sun to enter negotiations with Liang Zhuge about joining forces, and it is Su Lu who remains the strongest supporter of the alliance. But he becomes increasingly marginalized as Yu Zhou assumes control, and his apprehensions mount as it becomes clear that he and Yu Zhou view the alliance in very different ways.

Characters

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SHANGXIANG SUN ShangXiang Sun is Quan Sun’s rambunctious and strong-willed younger sister. She begs her older brother to let her join the battle against Cao Cao, and when Quan Sun refuses to allow it, she conveys her admiration for Bei Liu. Such admiration poses a threat to Quan Sun as he vies for the affection of the public.

JIN ZHUGE Jin Zhuge is Liang Zhuge’s older brother and one of Quan Sun’s advisors. When Jin Zhuge learns that his brother has pledged to come up with 100,000 arrows for Quan Sun in three days, he fears that his brother has signed a death warrant. He begs his brother to recant the pledge and vow to serve Quan Sun, but Liang Zhuge’s refusal suggests a dangerous sibling rivalry is in the works.

CAO CAO Cao Cao is the prime minister of China, a wealthy and powerful man who counts the emperor among the many people he controls. Until recently Cao Cao was an almost invincible force on the battlefield. However, when Liang Zhuge joined up with Bei Liu the tables were turned. Now, Cao Cao must decide if he will join forces with Quan Sun to defeat Bei Liu once and for all. However, such choices must be made with a calm and clear head, and Cao Cao has been less than calm since he started losing battles.

GAN JIANG Gan Jiang is one of Cao Cao’s advisors. He is dispatched to the eastern territories to forge an alliance with Quan Sun by appealing to his childhood friend, Yu Zhou. But Yu Zhou has ideas of his own, and soon Gan Jiang is relaying information that will cost the lives of those around him, and maybe even his own.

Chapter 1

Yun Zhao’s Unstoppable Devotion 208 AD

Summary Cao Cao, still smarting from a recent defeat

determination to fulfill his pledge leads him

to Bei Liu, has redoubled his efforts and

to fight Cao Cao’s army single-handedly.

raised another battle force to pursue Bei Liu

Yun Zhao fights through the ranks of Cao

and his followers from FanCheng. Taking

Cao’s men, rejoins Fei Zhang at ChangBan

his people with him has slowed Bei Liu

Bridge, and sets out to return Bei Liu’s son

down, and attacks by Cao Cao’s forces cost

to him. Fei Zhang remains behind, and his

Bei Liu his wives and a son. Yun Zhao, who

aggressive behavior keeps Cao Cao’s army

has pledged to save Bei Liu’s loved ones,

at bay.

manages to save one of his sons, and his

Zhuo

XiLiang ChangShan

BeiHai

LuoYang

ChengDu

XuZhou

a ShouChun

River Han

HanZhong

GuanDu XuChang

ChangAn

B The Great River

FanCheng ChangBan HanJin ChaiSang

KuaiJi

DongTing Lake YuZhang ChangSha

a

Cao Cao leads an army of 500,000 in pursuit of Bei Liu.

B

Bei Liu flees for the south, losing many of his people, as well as his wives and a son, along the way.

All right people, let’s move! One foot in front of the other!

Cao Cao’s army is right behind us! Move it or lose it! Let’s go!

010

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Cao Cao had suffered a crushing defeat to Bei Liu, thanks to the tactical genius of Liang Zhuge. But when Cao Cao regrouped, Bei Liu elected to evacuate the cities of FanCheng and XinYe and took every citizen with him. When Cao Cao’s restored army heard of the refugee exodus, they sought to wipe out Bei Liu and his followers.

Come on!

Move faster!

011

!! ! H H A A W

WAAHH!!!

Quiet! You’ll give away our position!

Keep crying, and you’ll get your first spanking!

012

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Well …

SNIFF...

WAAHH!!!

HUH?

ZHInG

013

WHUMP

Aaaaah

!

Rumble

014

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EEEK!

Yaah! Splat

UGH! Shunk Tumble

They killed the child’s mother...

WAAHH!!!

015

You gutless cowards! You’re attacking innocent civilians! Why don’t you come at a real soldier? I’ll personally dispatch you to the gates of hell!

Aargh!

KRONCH!

My Lord!

016

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Yun Zhao!

!

h!!

Wa

Wah!! Mommy... sob, sob

b, so iff sn

Will. You. Please. Shut. Up?

017

Mommy GOnE! sob

Sh... Don’t cry, child. It will be all right.

SOB...

Sigh Yun Zhao! Where have you been?

B... SOB, SO

018

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

I thought you’d joined forces with Cao Cao or something.

WHAT?!

I also am responsible for Lady Mi and Chan Liu. I must go now and find them.

Don’t insult me, brother. I am responsible for Lady Gan and Wong Gan. It slowed me down.

Wong Gan Lady Gan

Are you insane? You can’t go back out there by yourself.

I’ll go with you. Lead the way!

019

You need to stay here and guard the bridge. It’s the only way to stop Cao Cao’s army.

no! This is my oath to keep. I swore to protect Bei Liu’s wives and children. I can’t ask you to risk your life to help me. I need to do this alone.

Good luck! And if I’m not back by sundown, leave here without me!

HYAH!

P

CLOP CLOP CLO 020

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Good luck...

Gah! I can’t believe I doubted Yun Zhao’s honor like that. I am such a complete idiot.

021

Moan

022

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GUHH...

What monsters could do this to innocent people?

023

My Lord! koff Please... Help me...

Please, sir... My son, he...

Help us!

All of you! Search the grounds for survivors and get them out of here!

But My Lord! It’s not safe to go out there alone.

Very well.

It’s not safe to go anywhere under the sun, it seems!

024

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

We can’t help that. But we can help them. If we don’t, we fight for nothing!

Search high and low! And get anyone who is still breathing away from here and to safety!

Yes, My Lord! Take care of yourself, My Lord!

CLOP CLOP CLOP

025

Cao Cao, you’re pure evil. your army must have come from the guts of hell.

But by the time I’m done with you, your armies will wipe up the blood they have spilled before crawling back into the smoldering pit they came from! So help me, you will pay for what you’ve done!

WHOOSH

!

Look! Straight ahead! Who is that?

En Xiahou

I can’t quite make out his face. Can you see who’s riding toward us?

I can see enough. Enough to put a permanent hole in his head.

027

HAWOOSH

ZHInG

WHAM

028

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

KRONG

WHOMP GAH!

UGH!

029

HRK!

Good horse. now listen to me, you maggot, because I’ll only say it once--

Where are Lady Mi and Chan Liu?

OO

F!

HUH?

I... have no idea!

030

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

!

We don’t have any hostages! We were offered rewards for collecting enemy heads, so that’s what we’re looking for.

KLINK

NG I H S

031

Wait a minute. I know this sword.

What? no! I swear, I won’t--

GRK! You must be En XiaHou. And if I spare your life, Cao Cao will know who I was looking for.

NYEH!

WHOOSH 032

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

CLOP CLOP CLOP It’s okay, my baby...

Sh...

033

Lady Mi!

Please forgive me, My Lady. I’ve failed to protect you.

no, no, it’s okay. You’re here now.

Here, take Chan...

Lady Mi

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

no! You’re coming with us! I will not abandon you.

It’s okay. I’ve got him. He’s safe now.

Yes ...

now leave here. And leave me.

I can’t!

You must! I’m not going to make it.

I would slow you down too much. Just... promise me you’ll take care of him. It’s too late. This wound is fatal.

035

My Lady, listen to me. I can save you both. I MUST save you both! I swore an oath to do just that!

HUH?

Look! The army is already upon us!

? But there’s nobody-My Lady! Stop!!!

036

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

FWOOP

Lady Mi!

STRRCH

Oh, no... I’ve failed...

RRRIP

Easy, little Chan. They will have to kill me 100 times before I let them harm you.

037

Look, there’s one now!

Enemy soldier, dead ahead! That reward is ours!

SHOOM KLANG

038

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

WHAM FSSHH I am not just any enemy soldier! I am Yun Zhao! And the only reward you’ll be getting today is a hasty trip to the afterlife!

039

Who is that?

040

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Form ranks and charge! Take out his horse first!

WHOMP

KLANK

KLUNG USH H S U SH

U

041

RAAARRR

Holding Chan Liu in his arms, Yun Zhao cut a bloody swath through an entire army with nothing but a sword and a spear.

Where do you think you’re going?

HYOOSH

ACK 044

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

nowhere. But I know where you’re going.

AH!

NYEH!

SMACK

045

WHINNY

CLOP

KRONG

H S A KR 046

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

ERK

Whoa!

HA HA! Jin Zhong

Shen Zhong

047

NYEH! Hya!

Come on, boy! Up!

Jump, you stupid mule! Hya!!!

048

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

I’m not kidding, our lives depend on you!

FWOOM

P M O H W

ACK!

YAAHH!!!

This is the most impressive thing I’ve seen in ages. He’s fighting his way through my soldiers armed with nothing but a couple of weapons and his skill.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

You said his name is Yun Zhao? Enemy or not, you cannot deny he is dazzling to watch.

Everyone listen up! The enemy commander Yun Zhao is not to be killed! I prefer he be taken alive!

But My Lord! Yun Zhao has killed as many as 50 of our best troops! You cannot spare his life! Imagine what it would do to the army’s morale.

Ha!

I’d rather destroy a priceless work of art!

not since Bu Lu have I seen something like this. The men will have to cope.

If he breaks free, we won’t chase him.

051

Come on, Yun Zhao. Where are you?

The sun is about to set.

Listen up! Ride your horses in circles and kick up as much dust as you can.

CLOP CLOP

If that army shows, they must think there are lots of us.

Yes, sir!

052

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

?

Ha! I spoke not a moment too soon. Here they come.

Cross this bridge and you will meet death!

053

Oh, pipe down.

It’s Yun Zhao! I’ve found Chan Liu.

!

Ha ha! About time! Welcome back!

not so fast! Orders or no orders, you’re a dead man!

054

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

KRUNCH

UGH!

NYEH!

Anyone else tries to lay a finger on Yun Zhao, and I’ll smash his face in too! Any takers?

WHAM

I’ve got this.

All right. Be care­ ful, my bro­ther. Get Chan out of here. I’ll take care of the dregs.

055

GUH...

HOLD UP! MAKE WAY!

056

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

And you must be Fei Zhang! Yu Guan Okay, spoke very who highly of would you. like to end this tubby little pest?

UH...

UM...

…

My Lord!

058

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Let me-no! I’ll take care of this gutter rat!

Jie Xiahou

Fei Zhang! Do you know what happens to those who stand in Cao Cao’s way?

Let me guess... they get to fight really small men holding really big spears?

059

! ! ! E I D

Eeeek!

!

WHOA...

Whoa... Easy...

CLOP CLOP 061

H! E Y N

WHOMP GUH...

GRRK!

062

Three Kingdoms Volume 10

My Lord! Enough of this foolery! Sound the charge, and let’s send our full force after him!

That’s not a good idea. You see that dust cloud over there?

It’s probab­ly a regi­m ent ready and waiting to ambush us. We must fall back.

Ha! I drove them all away myself! Let’s blow this bridge and get out of here.

FALL BACK!

FALL BACK!

Huh? Yes, sir!

063

sob, sob The heavens must think I’m some kind of a joke. There is no other reason for this cruelty.

All I wanted to do was save people. Save my country.

Yet all I do is create more orphans. A generation of lost children, and it’s my fault.

Look at this little boy. So innocent. He doesn’t deserve to know this kind of pain. I’m sorry, my child.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

You can take revenge on me in the next life.

HEY!

My Lord! What do you think you’re doing?

WHOOMP

I don’t care how upset you are, he doesn’t deserve that!

This is the cost of war. Stop blaming yourself.

I swore to protect him. I plan to uphold my pledge.

I wage the war. I deserve the blame.

065

... B O S SOB,

Despite being completely distraught by the deaths of those around him, Bei Liu was able to meet up with reinforcements led by Yu Guan and Liang Zhuge. Together they set out for JiangXia, where they began planning for the next step.

Yun Zhao

Chapter 2

A War of Words 208 AD

Summary Quan Sun and Bei Liu are faced with a

with the full knowledge that Quan Sun

dilemma: both have ambitions to take

will turn his sword on them. Liang Zhuge

control of the nation, but neither can

is dispatched to Quan Sun’s homeland,

achieve this on his own. An alliance is

Wu, and charged with forging the alliance

required. Cao Cao has already offered to

under terms favorable to Bei Liu. This leads

join forces with Quan Sun against Bei Liu,

to an extensive war of words between

but Quan Sun’s advisors convince him to

Liang Zhuge and Quan Sun’s advisors,

ally with Bei Liu. They believe that Bei Liu

but results in Liang Zhuge’s successful

will be easier to deal with once Cao Cao is

manipulation of Quan Sun, who agrees to

out of the picture. Meanwhile, Liang Zhuge

attack Cao Cao almost entirely with his own

advises Bei Liu to agree to the alliance, but

forces.

GuanDu XuChang

ChangAn

XuZhou

ShouChun HanZhong

HeFei

XiangYang ChangBan

ChengDu

a JiangXia

KuaiJi

B

Red Cliffs YuZhang

ChaiSang Lake PoYang

ChangSha

a

Bei Liu and his followers take refuge in

JiangXia. Meanwhile, Cao Cao takes control

B

Liang Zhuge sets out for ChaiSang to

meet with Quan Sun and form an alliance.

of almost two-thirds of Jing Province.

The Strategic value of Jing province Jing Province is one of the central territories

you Bing

Liang

Si Li

Ji n ya

yu

Qing Xu

of China. Its strategic value is that one must pass through it to get almost anywhere in the country. In other words, if one wished to move goods or soldiers, one would

Jing yi

yang

have to pass through this land. Because of its central location along all major trade routes, Jing Province is also a land of great

Jiao

affluence.

Quan Sun’s camp How big is Cao Cao’s army these days?

Well, he’s recouped his losses since the battle of XinYe.

He’s got more than one million men between cavalry, infantry, and navy.

Meanwhile Quan Sun and his advisors were weighing an alliance request sent by Cao Cao. There was much division among them, since it wasn’t so much a request as a threat.

He has rebuilt his strength far faster than we could have predicted. The momentum is in his favor. It would be wise to form this alliance.

I disagree, My Lord. Bei Liu is like lips to our teeth. We’re stronger, but he protects us. If we join Cao Cao, we’ll be targeted the second Bei Liu is out of the way.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Hm.

not true, My Lord.

So you suggest we fight against an army of one million?

That’s like fighting a forest fire with a bucket of oil. Pointless!

Bei Liu has defeated Cao Cao’s at least three times now. And he’s done it with only a handful of soldiers.

And let’s not forget that Bei Liu is stronger than he once was now that he’s joined forces with Biao Liu’s eldest son.

Consider for a moment what it would mean for us to form an alliance with Bei Liu instead of Cao Cao. We would be able to withstand Cao Cao’s military threat, and we would gain a foot­ hold in JingZhou.

Huh. So you say.

071

My Lord?

My Lord, straight trees can have crook­ ed roots. I think--

nobody seems to care what I have to say. Very well, then...

Do what you will.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Let him go. He’ll be fine. Wait a minute--

Besides, I totally agree with you, Su Lu. We cannot withstand Cao Cao’s threat on our own.

Let me worry about that. Bei Liu’s most trusted advisor, Liang Zhuge, is a man of rare wisdom. He will be concerned with tomorrow’s victory, not yesterday’s grudges.

On the other hand... Biao Liu has never liked us. Bei Liu inheriting his mantle will make an alliance difficult.

Can we convince him?

I will depart for JiangXia to attend Biao Liu’s funeral and find out for myself.

073

Bei Liu’s camp So we’re expecting guests from Quan Sun’s lands?

My Lord! I’m sorry to interrupt, but Master Biao Liu’s funeral is about to begin.

Thank you. I’ll be there in a moment.

That’s what the scouts tell me. Apparently for the funeral. But that’s a lie. I think Cao Cao has threatened them.

You see, Quan’s territory, Wu, has many natural barriers for defense. But they could not withstand an attack from Cao Cao’s full army.

But being Cao Cao’s ally is almost worse than being his enemy. I expect they’ve come to ask if we’ll join forces with them. We should say yes.

But Quan Sun is just as prideful and ambitious as Cao Cao, am I wrong?

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

Don’t you think he’d go after us as soon as Cao Cao is no longer a threat?

Ha ha ha! Oh, yes! Absolutely. I’m sorry, did I not make that part clear? He’d definitely attack us next.

Joining forces with Quan Sun would be like handing him the keys to the city. But don’t worry, ambition and pride are easy to capitalize upon. And I already have a plan for how to handle this.

You already have a plan? Of course you do!

HA HA HA ! My Lord! Su Lu has just arrived. He says he comes to pay official respect to Biao Liu on Quan Sun’s behalf. Remind me never to challenge you at games of prediction.

075

Days later, Liang Zhuge went to meet Quan Sun in ChaiSang. My word! Quan Sun certainly I’ve knows how never seen to welcome such precision a guest. in the formation of ranks. It is a humbling sight to see.

Liang Zhuge was brought to Wu Province to discuss the possibility of an alliance between Bei Liu and Quan Sun. The intention was to form a unified front against Cao Cao, who had continued to attack the southern territories and now controlled most of JingZhou. Cao Cao had been sending out word that his army numbered more than 1 million soldiers. But Liang Zhuge knew that those numbers were in dispute, and he intended to use that uncertainty to his advantage.

Ha ha ha! Why, thank you, Commander Zhuge. You are kind to say that. But you must know that Bei Liu’s army is the envy of the land. They are admired for their compassion as well as their cunning.

Ha! not likely. Clearly you haven’t heard about Cao Cao’s forces.

True, we make do with what we have and put a high value on protecting our people. But I must admit I envy the sheer size of your fleet.

You could probably take on Cao Cao’s army all by yourself!

He has not taken defeat lying down. He has rebuilt. His army is now so vast that either of us standing against him alone will result in certain death.

077

Listen, even despite this fact, there is a great deal of disagreement among Quan Sun’s advisors on how to handle Cao Cao.

We must choose our words carefully, or this alliance will never happen.

Ha ha ha! Don’t worry, Su Lu. I know exactly which words to use and which ones to avoid.

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Quan Sun’s Council

Please forgive the delay, My Lord. Quan Sun will be joining us soon.

As Liang Zhuge sat and waited for Quan Sun, he mentally prepared himself for a war of words with Quan Sun’s advisors. 079

Greetings. My name is Zhao Zhang. It is an honor to meet you in person, Liang Zhuge. We have heard many remarkable things about you.

I’m flattered. And the honor is mine.

now that you’re here, I’ve been meaning to ask... Bei Liu took control of JingZhou not long after you joined his ranks. It was something he had taken ages to do.

And yet the city fell to Cao Cao in less than a day. What happened?

The thing about JingZhou is that control of the city tends to turn over faster than a falling leaf. The reason Bei Liu took so long is because he is a righteous and benevolent man who wanted to honor Biao Liu’s family and his memory.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

And the reason Cao Cao won it so quickly is because Biao Liu’s son, Cong, is a lessthan-adequate military commander. Rest assured, Bei Liu is hatching a plan even now to retake the city, Despite appearances.

I’ve mentioned before the remarkable things we’ve heard about you. Surely you have heard such things. You must know that your reputation in these matters is second to none.

Oh, really?

It seems to me you’re more words than action.

But look at what has happened to Bei Liu! despite a string of victories, he abandoned XinYe and FanCheng as soon as Cao Cao regrouped and attacked. He fled, and along the way he lost many wives and children. I heard he even tried to kill his own son!

As soon as you joined forces with Bei Liu, the whole nation assumed it was just a matter of time before Cao Cao’s reign would end.

So I’m not exactly sure I know what you mean when you say who has he is a righteous the situation and benevolent under control. man I’d say the opposite is true!

081

I am not surprised to hear you say that. Birds do not often know the mind of the wind.

When fighting disease you can do one of two things, fight the pain or fight the cause of the illness. It will take more than just battles to remedy the plague of Cao Cao.

To that end, Commander Bei Liu has earned the love of the people during his long years of fighting for the nation. He was building his military strength too, but XinYe was not big enough for what he needed, so he left.

But let’s not forget that this man defeated almost the entirety of Cao Cao’s army with only 1,000 soldiers, an abandoned city, and a river. ...Or that he saved every living soul in that city. The heavens themselves could not resist being moved by that.

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Three Kingdoms Volume 10

A man who can do that does not deserve to be secondguessed by a man like you.

Someone who sits around all day and talks.

Fan Yu

How dare you--

Wait a minute!

It does you no good to brag about past achievements when you’ve been defeated by the threats of today.

Cao Cao’s army now numbers more than one million men. Even Bei Liu couldn’t stop that.

Cao Cao says his army is that big. But most of them are Shao Yuan and Cong Liu’s remaining troops.

It’s patchwork, not a real army. If you surrender to them despite the defensive advantage this land affords you, the world will mock your memory.

083

And just so we’re clear, despite the setbacks, Bei Liu does not fear Cao Cao like you do.

ZHI BU

Forgive me, but your tongue is wagging fast enough to reverse the course of a river. It seems like bluffing to me.

Commander Bei Liu and I have stood up to Cao Cao’s aggression, we’ve defeated him multiple times, and we’ve protected the people along the way.

You’re so spooked by a threat that you’ve already spent days, if not weeks, discussing the possibility of surrender. You’re in no position to ques­ tion my words.

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I don’t bluff.

Hm... .

Liang Zhuge, if I may...

A passionate answer, but the wrong one. He installed the emperor and was made prime minister by His Majesty.

Zong Xue

Let me ask you one thing.

What is your opinion of Cao Cao, the man?

He is a thief who stole the Han Dynasty.

He presides over at least half the nation, and is popular among those he rules.

In contrast, Bei Liu rules but a small portion of the nation, and his people suffer every time he picks a fight with Cao Cao.

The emperor is nothing more than Cao Cao’s hostage, And the royal court consists entirely of his puppets.

The situation is so dire that the emperor has sent a royal decree, written in his own blood, asking Bei Liu to get rid of Cao Cao. Does that sound like the action of an emperor in control of his prime minister?

085

Every person in this room has pledged an oath of loyalty to more than one generation of Quan Sun’s family. But do not forget you are also sworn subjects of the Han Dynasty.

To even consider siding with Cao Cao makes you traitors.

Enough!

WHAM

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You may speak with great eloquence, Liang Zhuge...

Jun Yan But pretty words cannot disguise lame excuses!

You don’t even know how to make a proper argument! Tell me, where did you study reason? You completely misconstrue the texts!

HA! HA HA HA HA

087

What…

Where did I study? Is that supposed to be some kind of insult? Perhaps you forget that the texts emphasize the importance of putting them into practice, not reciting them perfectly.

What’s so funny?

Perhaps you also forget that history is written by those who have measured their worth in terms of action.

Well, I...

I...

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And never once have I heard any of those men challenged in public based on their grasp of some ancient piece of text.

I don’t believe this...

Be wary. JingZhou is his leverage. He will try to offer it to you.

Don’t be seduced by his bribe.

A room full of the best minds we have, and no one can match Liang Zhuge.

My Lord, I think it’s time for you to get in there.

Ha ha!

Don’t worry. I’ll show you how this sort of thing is done.

089

Quiet, please!

Here he comes!

Commander Quan Sun has arrived!

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Please be seated.

My Lord. It is an honor.

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So, Liang Zhuge. Let’s forgo the small talk and get down to business, yes?

As you know, we’ve received a special request from Cao ­Cao, and it puts us in a very delicate position.

Ask me a­n honest question, and you shall receive an honest answer.

I’m interested to hear your honest opinion on the matter.

Cao Cao has asked us to join forces with him. But the request also mentions that his army numbers more than one million. That seems like a threat.

Is there any truth to Cao Cao’s claim about the size of his army?

Well...

093

We know that Cao Cao’s army numbers at least 800,000. What we don’t know is whether or not that number includes the 500,000 troops he inherited after defeating Shao Yuan.

We also don’t know if that number includes 300,000 of Cong Liu’s men. If not, then you’re looking at an army of potentially more than 1.5 million soldiers.

! Why is he inflating the number?

CAN’T BE DONE...

NO WAY...

... SSIBLE

IMPO

What can you tell me about his gener­ als?

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That there are too few of them commanding far too many men. But Cao Cao’s strategists are among the greatest alive.

Incredible.

And why do you think we should not fear such a vast army?

With all due respect, your father was known as the Tiger of the East, was he not? You are the son of a legendary soldier, but I don’t see his resolve in you.

An army that big should not frighten someone like you. And if you join forces with Bei Liu, there will be even less reason to worry.

And yet I sit here today and hear many cowardly voices speak of surrender.

Such trembling makes me afraid for the future of our nation.

095

Shut your mouth!

How dare you!

Quiet! All of you!

I’ll have you know that I value each person’s opinion.

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What good is it to surround yourself only with those who agree with you?

In matters of war and peace, I think it is better to hear voices on both sides of the argument.

My Lord, there is a fine line between differing opinions and pointless bickering. In this case, talking about it does you no good.

You might as well join Cao Cao already. It’s the only way you can all save your necks.

Ha! I’m going to choose to ignore that insult and instead ask a simple question: If Cao Cao’s so easy to beat, why doesn’t Bei Liu do it?

And really, that’s what you care about, isn’t it?

I can see this is a lost cause. You’d rather kneel to a traitor than stand up for your nation.

I’ll tell you what... You don’t want to fight Cao Cao, but you don’t want to join him, yes? All you have to do is put two things on a boat and send it to him. He’ll go home immediately.

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Huh.

Upon completion of one of his palaces, Cao Cao composed a poem called “Let Me Feast on Two Whores of the East.”

Is that a fact?

As you’re well aware, Cao Cao is an unrepentant womanizer.

And what are the two things?

So all you have to do is put two of your finest women on a boat and send them to Cao Cao. He’ll take out his aggression on them and leave you alone.

That’s it! Let’s see you insult me with a sword in your throat!

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SHING

My Lord, stop!

SHOONK

Wait. Why is My Lord so upset? Was it something I said?

I guess you don’t know this, but that poem of Cao Cao’s is about Quan Sun’s sister-in-law and Yu Zhou’s wife.

099

I did not know that. If I had, I would not have mentioned it.

Oh, dear...

I was only trying to answer your questions honestly. Please forgive me.

Silence! Save your softer words for someone who cares to hear them. I know you’re trying to get under my skin. It’s working.

But it doesn’t matter. I’ve decided what I’m going to do about Cao Cao.

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WHOOSH

SLAM

!

Listen up, all of you!

Anyone who argues that we should join Cao Cao will be put to death!

…

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Watch this, Liang Zhuge! You will see My resolve firsthand!

Yu Zhou! Take this sword!

FWIP

THMP

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I am appointing Yu Zhou supreme commander of the armed forces. An order from him is an order from me.

Yu Zhou, your task is to defeat the tyrant Cao Cao and bring me his head!

It would be my pleasure, My Lord.

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All right, all of you listen up! Dang Han, Gai Huang...

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

Hm...

You two will command the first regiment. Take the fleet of 500 ships and patrol the river.

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It will be done.

Qin Jiang! Tai Zhou! You will take charge of the second regiment.

Zhang Pan! Tong Ling! You will lead the third regiment.

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Ci Taishi! Meng Lu!

The fourth regiment is yours.

Xi Dong! Xun Lu! The rearguard is yours to command.

Each unit will be led by two generals. Fan Lu and Zhi Zhu will lead scouting patrols.

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

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Yu Zhou had waited his entire life for this moment.

Well, Liang Zhuge.

My generals have been appointed and my army stands ready to fight. So let’s talk about the next steps.

Do you question my resolve now?

Ha ha! I guess you can’t anticipate everything, can you? Just tell me what Commander Bei Liu’s plan is.

My Lord, you move with amazing haste. next steps? I can barely find my footing!

That will draw him into your territory.

If he can’t move, he will lose.

After which we will move in behind his forces and trap him here.

The plan is simple. You will declare a full-scale war against Cao Cao’s forces.

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I see. So Bei Liu plans to take advantage of our diminished forces, is that it?

Ha! I understand your suspicion, but you have no reason to worry.

First, Cao Cao’s forces don’t stand a chance against your army, so I rather doubt your strength will be diminished. Second, as I’ve said before, Bei Liu is a benevolent and righteous man. And if you defeat Cao Cao’s forces, he will give you control of JingZhou.

My Lord, don’t do it...

If you don’t believe me, take me as your prisoner. You are welcome to keep me until such time as you assume control of JingZhou.

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Ha ha ha! That is very selfless of you, Liang Zhuge. But I don’t think it’s necessary to take you as a hostage.

anyway, I do think you have a rather optimistic outlook on the battle. Do you have a secret plan?

I don’t need a secret plan.

Commander Yu Zhou is skilled enough to handle Cao Cao.

Hmph.

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ShangXiang Sun

Chapter 3

A Delicate Alliance 208 AD

Summary When Quan Sun agrees to an alliance

she expresses her admiration for Bei Liu.

with Bei Liu against Cao Cao, his first order

At the same time, Yu Zhou invites Bei Liu

of business is to give Yu Zhou complete

to Wu Province under circumstances

control of his armed forces. Yu Zhou is a

suspicious enough the Yu Guan insists on

skilled military commander, but he is rightly

accompanying him as a guard. Gan Jiang,

intimidated by the way Liang Zhuge can

an advisor to Cao Cao, is sent to convince

exert his influence so fiercely with little

Yu Zhou, his childhood friend, to join forces

more than words.

with his master, however, Yu Zhou has



Meanwhile, there is much intrigue

something else in mind. All the while, Liang

in the build-up to the new battle. Quan

Zhuge has been wandering the territory,

Sun’s younger sister asks her brother to

observing the terrain and asking some

let her join the fight, and when he refuses

interesting questions about the weather...

An alienating measure

When Liang Zhuge ar r ives in Wu to

is important for Yu Zhou to sew the seeds

persuade Quan Sun to enter an alliance

of doubt in Cao Cao’s mind about his naval

with Bei Liu against Cao Cao, Cao Cao’s

forces’ capability. So Yu Zhou exploits

armed forces outnumbered Bei Liu’s and

his childhood friendship with Gan Jiang,

Quan Sun’s forces combined. So, from Liang

planting misinformation that makes its

Zhuge’s perspective, it was imperative

way back to Cao Cao. The result is that Cao

that he not fail in his mission; if Quan Sun

Cao is highly suspicious of the few men

were to join forces with Cao Cao, it would

under his command who know how to

spell the end of Bei Liu. Once Liang Zhuge

fight on water. This suspicion has lethal

succeeds, and Yu Zhou is put in charge of

consequences, the result of which is that

waging war against Cao Cao, it becomes

Cao Cao is at an even greater disadvantage

imperative that Yu Zhou determines the

when the time comes to do battle on the

arena of the battle. Since Cao Cao’s forces

YangZi River.

are comprised largely of the ground troops



of defeated enemies, Yu Zhou knows it

most effective tactics in warfare, because it

is to their advantage to fight on water,

allows one to attack an enemy in the very

where Quan Sun’s army will be the superior

place that can’t be fought into: the enemy’s

fighting force.

mind.



In order for this scheme to work, it

An alienating measure is one of the

Quan Sun’s camp

Hello, there, my brother!

Shangxiang Sun

Huh? Sister!

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F WM P

I thought I told you not to come in here.

You’ve told me a lot of things over the years.

But we are family. Does it surprise you that I’m defiant? Why are you so secre­tive, anyway?

Because I separate my public life from my private life! And this is no place to have a private talk!

Fine. Have it We’ll talk your about some­ way. thing public. I would like to fight in the battle.

115

Absolute­ly not. Out of the question. Don’t get me wrong, you have learned a few things, and your martial arts skills are decent. But you’re no match for Cao Cao, his generals, or his soldiers.

Cao Cao’s army isn’t nearly the fighting force it used to be. They’ve been waging wars for ages now. They’re probably depleted.

Hmph. I’m not afraid of any of them!

You are being foolish.

Yes, but refusing to do something because you can’t be sure of the outcome is no way to achieve victory. And it’s not like your army isn’t favored in a fight. You know I can fight. What are you so afraid of?

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I don’t care what you say. I’m going to war. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one to present Cao Cao’s head to you.

The outcome of a war is not decided by the things you mentioned. nor, for that matter, is your fate.

Will you please stop it with these childish dreams? If you don’t behave yourself, I’m going to tell Mother to lock you in the dungeon.

Oh? You have a new idea?

See? Go ahead! I dare you.

You won’t do it. And I won’t give up.

Ha! none of your business. Great man? This isn’t over. By the way, I’m glad you’re forming an alliance with Bei Liu. He’s a great man.

He is a former peasant who has been idolized in public. And lucky in battle.

The hell he is.

Oh? I hear otherwise. So does everyone else. Even Cao Cao rates him highly.

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Do you have any idea how angry you are making me?

Knock it off! You are a silly little girl with nothing but silly little thoughts.

Bleah!

WHA...?

Get out! Before I throw you out!

Don’t be so jealous and pouty! not everyone can be Bei Liu!

I really don’t like her.

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SIGH...

Where’s my page? Send him in!

Tell Yu Zhou the plan is being thrown out. Tell him to attack as he pleases.

Yes, sir!

In a fit of wounded pride, Quan Sun burned the battle plans drawn up by Liang Zhuge and Bei Liu. He was no longer holding up his end of the alliance.

119

Meanwhile, Bei Liu was in JiangXia... Well, brother? What does it say?

It’s a message from Quan Sun. He’s asking me to lead a regiment of troops to help him out at the front lines of the battle.

I don’t know. Sounds like another fake party.

Sounds like fun!

Let me lead the regiment! I’ll wipe them out and be back by dinner.

Can I go?

Yu Zhou is as cunning as he is dishonest. We shouldn’t just rush to his aid. This is likely a trick to capture or kill you.

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But you also can’t turn down a request for help at this stage of things. If you do, it will jeopardize the battle and the alliance. not to mention Liang Zhuge’s life.

Don’t worry About it. I will accompany Bei Liu.

I know.

My Lord, if indeed their intention is to kill you--

Either we will both return home safely, or no one will return home ever again.

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So Bei Liu and Yu Guan went to Yu Zhou’s camp...

My Lord, it is a great honor to finally meet you in person.

The pleasure is mine. The reputation of Quan Sun’s generals is unsurpassed.

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Thank you for seeing me. I know you are a busy man.

Where all men like him deserve to be.

If I may ask, where is Liang Zhuge?

Using his knowledge and skills to train soldiers of course! Ha ha!

Commander Yu Guan, it is an honor. Won’t you sit and drink?

Thank you for the offer, but I prefer to stand. I’m not the most fun to drink with, anyway.

What, are you saying you’re a mean drunk?

123

Let’s just say when liquor is flowing around me, blood flow is never far behind.

Meanwhile, Liang Zhuge was hatching a plan... I was asking about the wind.

Come again?

It’s calm. Usually it’s quite breezy. The wind is normally out of the southeast, yes?

Which means the southeast wind has died down a bit, yes?

But this time of year, the clouds are higher and the birds fly lower.

Oh, yes.

And when that happens, it becomes quite foggy, doesn’t it?

Yes. It’s what keeps this area cool and dry.

Know­ ledge is power.

That’s right!

Here, your next round is on me.

It’s amazing that you know that.

125

We’ve got a serious problem!

My Lord!

Commander Bei Liu has arrived, and Yu Zhou has a team of assassins planning an ambush!

Who is with Bei Liu?

Commander Yu Guan!

Make sure a ship is prepared to take Bei Liu home as soon as his business is concluded. Is that so? Ha ha ha! Then you can relax, my friend. There is nothing to worry about.

Yes, My Lord.

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What choice do I have?

You’re just going to let them go like that?

I didn’t know Bei Liu was going to bring Yu Guan. As long as they are together, there’s no way to kill Bei Liu.

So what now?

We remain patient. There will be another chance. Perhaps this isn’t worth it after all.

Su Lu

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You are a good-natured person, Su Lu. I respect that. But our enemies do not. They see good­ness as some­thing to take advan­ tage of.

Bei Liu and Liang Zhuge are ambitious men. That makes them our enemies.

Hang on, I thought Cao Cao was our enemy.

Then why do we want to ally with Bei Liu?

It’s a defensive measure.

He is.

But Cao Cao is as good as dead as far as I’m concerned.

It keeps him from forming an alliance with Cao Cao. Such a thing would mean certain attack.

Once he’s out of the picture, there will be a lot of land and military strength up for grabs. And the only ones left to vie for it are us and Bei Liu.

129

We warned him not to fall for it, but it didn’t help.

We must try to think three steps ahead from now on. We’ve already been outwitted by Liang Zhuge, haven’t we? He walked right into our palace and convinced Quan Sun to go to war.

My Lord! A visitor for you.

You’re right.

Ha ha ha! Is that so?

Who is it?

It’s like a moth who can’t resist a flame...

He didn’t give his name. He said you two shared the same teacher.

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MEANWHILE, AT THE HARBOR...

I thank you for the offer, but I will stay. When you get back, send Yun Zhao to take my place.

Then I’ll go.

Very well. But be very careful, Liang Zhuge. Especially of Yu Zhou.

I wouldn’t worry about him, My Lord. Yu Zhou is clever, but he is transparent. I can see right through his lies.

That’s good to hear.

Whatever plan he has up his sleeve, I’ll be five steps ahead of him.

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That’s one of Cao Cao’s advisors. What’s he doing here?

Gan Jiang

I don’t know. He’s probably here to win over Yu Zhou. It’s not going to work.

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Yu Zhou threw a welcoming party for Gan Jiang.

SZZZ

SWIS H

HISSS

Life on this earth is for man to do his best...

And when he’s distinguished himself, he’s earned his last rest...

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Our hours are few, our labors are long...

SHWOOSHWOO

So drink up and sing the madman’s song!

Here’s to feeling good at the end of days! Ha ha!

Well, Gan Jiang? What do you think of my dance?

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Ha ha ha!

What do I think? I think it’s A master terrific! swordsman and a master dancer!

Ha! Very rare.

Come here, old friend!

It’s so nice of you to come and see me!

THONK

135

Ha ha ha! I agree on both counts! Well put, my friend! It’s so nice to sit and speak with someone who appreciated what all my hard work has created!

Can I ask you a question, as an old friend?

You passed our army coming here. What did you think of it?

I think it is to be feared.

And did you happen to see our supply base, as well?

I did. It is to be envied.

Are you sure it’s okay that we talk this openly? I mean, I’m an advisor to Cao Cao--

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Of course, none of this is for me. It is all for Quan Sun. I would sooner cut off my own head than betray my loyalty to him.

WHAM

Gan Jiang, I’ve known you for more than ten years. Which means we were friends before we were advisors!

So no one is to mention Cao Cao, war, or the armies of the east.

Ha ha ha! Well? What do you say?

Everyone listen up! You may all be generals...

But this party is for my friend, and we will treat him as such.

If I catch anyone discussing military matters of any kind, he will catch the sharper side of my sword. Is that clear to everyone?

Let’s drink!

137

HWOOT HWOOT

zzz

zzz

Yeach. What a complete slob.

Power has corrupted him.

Look at him. All day, he’s only woken up long enough to vomit and then pass out again.

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Just as well. I have things to do...

Huh... So this is his plan...

HUH?

THMP

139

THMP THMP

My Lord!

My Lord, wake up!

Hm... Wha?

What the...? Who is this? Why is he sleeping next to me?

You said he was an old friend of yours. Remember the party?

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Gan Jiang? Gan Jiang?

Sort of. I had way too much to drink.

You awake?

Don’t bother. He’s passed out cold.

My Lord, the secret envoy has just--

Sh! Quiet, you moron!

Looks like it.

...plot ...Yun Zhang... Cao Cao... fail...

141

Hey.

yawn

Hey, you awake?

Oh, well. night, night... zzz zzz

FWOOP

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Heh. He took the bait.

Yu Zhou

Chapter 4

Liang Zhuge’s Brilliant Deception 208 AD

Summary Quan Sun’s forces begin attacking Cao

100,000 arrows (which will be desperately

Cao’s fortresses along the YangZi River.

needed in a river war against Cao Cao)

Cao Cao is vulnerable to such attacks,

in less than three days. The pledge is so

because his naval forces are not ready for

impossible that Liang Zhuge’s brother,

battle and because he too easily falls for

who is an advisor to Yu Zhou and Quan

Yu Zhou’s deceptions. Liang Zhuge has

Sun, begs his brother to recant the pledge

been assisting Yu Zhou in the build-up to

and beg for his life. But if Liang Zhuge has

war against Cao Cao by training soldiers

proven anything in his time as Bei Liu’s most

and assisting with strategy. Yu Zhou is

senior advisor, it’s that the impossible can

wary of Liang Zhuge and searches for any

be achieved if one is willing to pay as much

excuse to be rid of him once and for all. An

attention to nature as to weapons and

opportunity lands in his lap when Liang

provisions.

Zhuge pledges to supply Yu Zhou with

Later, Quan Sun’s and Cao Cao’s forces met on the Great River. This is Commander ning Gan! Full ahead to Cao Cao’s river fortress! Calling all lieutenants! Sound off!

Dang Han is here, ready to carry out your orders! Let’s send these rats to a watery grave!

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Qin Jiang is here! Give me a target, I’ll take care of the rest!

ZHInG

ZHInG

ZHInG

SPZZ

SHOOM

!

YAAHH!!

S H WM P UGH!

Fire all the arrows you like! I own these waters!

LOOK OUT!

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Cao Cao’s forces were defeated. He did not take it well. Mao Cai! You complete fools!

Yun Zhang !

BAM

Pick your heads up off the floor!

neither of those things led you to victory. Why?

You were chosen to lead because of your knowledge of naval matters and the YangZi River.

Yun Zhang

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Mao Cai

My Lord, please, you must understand. Our forces did not have adequate time to prepare for a river battle! Just give us another chance!

You have one more chance. Don’t waste it.

We won’t, My Lord. Count on that.

Those two are completely useless. Keep a close eye on them until Gan Jiang returns.

Yu Cheng

Yes, My Lord. I trust Gan Jiang will return with useful information.

149

A few days later...

GASP

My Lord! Why have you killed them so soon?

Yu Cheng

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He said he overheard talks of secret envoys. This plan he stole backs up that story. Take a look.

Gan Jiang brought it back with him. Let’s just say he failed to win over Yu Zhou.

Of course I am! And like I said, Gan Jiang himself heard them talking about this.

I don’t know, My Lord. Are you sure that’s what this is?

As for the two “naval commanders” here, I never trusted them anyway. But what if they’re trying to make us kill each other?

Think about it. You just killed the only two men you have who knew anything about water combat. What are we going to do now?

151

Sigh I don’t know. Things are happening very quickly. Let’s just say I didn’t have time to think it through. But I also have no time for regrets.

Brothers? Why do you need them--

Yes, My Lord. I will send for them right away.

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Besides, two can play this game.

Send someone to fetch Mao Cai’s two brothers. Their names are Zhong Cai and He Cai.

Two can play this game. I have a few surprises of my own.

But, um, what do I tell them about these two?

Tell them they were guilty of treason. We can’t allow morale to be undermined, can we?

Meanwhile, in Yu Zhou’s camp... Cao Cao’s naval forces were unorganized before. now they’re in complete disarray. They will be holed up in WuLin for some time before they are anywhere near ready to fight. When they are, they’ll head to the Red Cliffs.

That’s where we’ll meet them in battle. A battle we cannot afford to lose, since we don’t have enough soldiers for a second go-round.

So we will order all forces to gather at the Red Cliffs. It will be an all-or-nothing battle, the one that will decide this war.

153

Cao Cao defeated Shao Yuan with one-tenth of the fighting force. I like to think we stand as good a chance as he did.

I’m not sure about this. Given our lack of strength, it’s a bet-it-all-onone battle. a huge gamble.

Of course, if either of you have any better ideas, I’m all ears.

Look at this map of how his naval forces are arranged. There’s no planning there, only panic. The time is now to wipe them out for good.

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I don’t need to offer an idea. Your ideas are doing a good job of destroying the enemy’s forces already.

I mean, you’ve already taken advantage of your friendship with Gan Jiang. What does that mean?

You used him as a pawn and it led to the deaths of Mao Cai and Yun Zhang, am I right?

Of course, Cao Cao doesn’t know that he’s been played by you. But he will, probably very soon. And when he does, he’ll come after us with even more vigor.

How in the world did he figure that out?

Ha ha ha! Well said, Liang Zhuge. I sometimes think you are capable of seeing what is only visible to the mind’s eye.

How kind of you to say!

155

Tell me, what do you see as the most important weapon in a river battle?

Arrows, without a doubt.

I’ve got a few. Give me an order, and I’ll swear to execute it.

Correct. But we have an arrow shortage. Thoughts?

Okay, here’s the order. I need 100,000 arrows. You have ten days to get them.

!

How about that? Ten days?

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That’s insane. It’ll take you a month.

I’m afraid ten days won’t work. Cao Cao will attack before then.

Ha ha ha!

You’ll need those arrows in three days.

You’ll get 100,000 arrows in three days? You’re out of your mind.

Impossible...

I will get you those arrows by the time I said. If I fail, kill me.

Hmph. Why not just commit suicide?

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My Lord, you failed to kill Bei Liu before. now this insane order.

All right, you heard him. 100,000 arrows in three days. If he fails to deliver, I’ll lop off his head for be­ing a trait­or.

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This is a bad idea.

no, Su Lu. Letting them live would be a mistake.

We need to flush out the poison before it claims a limb.

Perhaps you’re right.

But any enemy of our enemy should be our friend.

But one of our ultimate goals is to overthrow JingZhou. So whether it’s now or later, Bei Liu will be our enemy in the end.

Joining forces with Bei Liu will make it easier for us to deal with Cao Cao.

Whatever you do, don’t underestimate Liang Zhuge.

Let me deal with Liang Zhuge. Sure as there is only one sun in the sky, I will defeat him one day.

If he finds out what you’re planning, he’ll create a world of trouble for us.

My Lord! Zhong Cai and He Cai have just sur­ rendered! Hmph. Just as Liang Zhuge predicted.

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Oh, hi! So good to see you.

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I’ve been meaning to visit, but I’ve been busy.

Save it, broth­ er.

Jin Zhuge I’ve gotten word that you’ve sworn to provide Yu Zhou with 100,000 arrows in a matter of days. Is that correct?

Three days, to be exact.

Yes, it is.

It’s already been two days since you swore. So where are the arrows?

Well, I haven’t come up with them yet.

What you should have done two days ago, you fool! Beg for your life! Yu Zhou values talent. He might spare you.

Let’s go!

We’re going to find Yu Zhou. I can’t bear to watch you die.

What are you going to do?

Don’t you get it? You need to pledge allegiance to Quan Sun and the east. Or you’re dead.

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I thought your visit was out of love of family.

Let go of me. now.

not so you could shill for Yu Zhou and Quan Sun.

Don’t talk like that! I’m trying to save your life!

It’s a very clever charade, I admit. Yu Zhou threatens my life, and you come along with the promise of mercy.

How dare you?

Is that the plan?

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Quit acting like a petulant brat!

Very well. But tell me something. Quan Sun may have a huge army, but he is still the wealthy man from a line of farmers.

On the other hand, Bei Liu comes from a royal bloodline. He’s a true descendant of the Han Dynasty. And he’s the only man who has drawn his sword to defend people as well as conquer land. Why don’t you join us?

Why you impertinent...

I’m done with this.

Sigh Worth a try.

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One day later, Liang Zhuge still had not delivered the 100,000 arrows. Instead, he loaded 20 warships with straw scarecrows and set sail for Cao Cao’s camp.

The wind stops blowing for a few days this time of year, and it gets foggy.

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Who cares about the fog? Today is the last day, and you still haven’t given Yu Zhou any arrows!

That’s what the twenty ships are for. To carry them.

SLAM

Carry them how? You’ve filled the vessels with scare­ crows.

I promise, this will all make sense once we reach Cao Cao’s camp.

Are ... Are you chang­ ing sides?

WHAT? Why in the world are we going to Cao Cao’s camp?

Su Lu

not at all! We need 100,000 arrows. Only Cao Cao has that many. So I’ll get them from him.

I don’t understand this at all. You’re going to get us killed.

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Relax. The fog is much too thick.

If you say so--

Cao Cao wouldn’t risk launching ships when he can barely see what they’d be heading in to.

THMP

THMP THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

?

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THMP

KREAK

THMP

THMP THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

THMP

What...what is that sound? Why is the ship rocking so much?

DRIP

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Are Cao Cao’s soldiers firing arrows at us? Is that what this is?

Ha! Exactly! Thousands of arrows either stuck in the wood of the ship or in the straw on the deck!

This ship isn’t rocking anymore. I’d say we’re past Cao Cao’s camp. The arrows have stopped.

A toast, then! To Cao Cao’s expert archers!

Ha ha!

I must admit, that was a brilliant plan. Utterly insane, but also brilliant. Cheers.

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The scheme was clever, yes, but it didn’t call for tactical military brilliance.

Can you imagine the look on Cao Cao’s face when he finds out he’s been done in by your ingenious scheme? Ha ha ha!

It required know­ledge of the elements, of the wind and air. I got us enough arrows to fight an army of one million, and I did it without firing a single arrow of my own.

… What I mean is, Yu Zhou must devise schemes for combating an army of 1 million soldiers. Compared to that, my tricks are simple.

On the way back, I want them to shout, “Thanks for the arrows!”

But a win is a win. Call up to the crewmen...

HA HA

HA HA! 169

Yu Zhou

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Well, how many?

About 6,000 per ship. Times twenty ships, it’s well over 100,000 arrows.

I don’t believe it...

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LIFE ON THIS EARTH IS FOR MAN TO DO HIS BEST...

AND WHEN HE’S DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF, HE’S EARNED HIS LAST REST...

Well done. But don’t enjoy it too much, Liang Zhuge. Your genius is too great a threat to me. now I know for sure that I have to kill you.

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THREE KINGDOMS: THEMES

WORDS AS WEAPONS

From the beginning of Three Kingdoms, the defining feature of the war for the throne of China has been the way in which wisdom and cunning eventually gives way to actions driven by pride. The great failing of those who have fallen has been their inability to think before acting at the critical moment; it is a failing that has taken the lives of Zhuo Dong, Jian Sun, Ce Sun, Shu Yuan, and Shao Yuan. To this point in the story, what has kept Bei Liu alive – and, in truth, what has kept him from becoming a very powerful man – is his adamant refusal to act impulsively based on pride or ambition. His first priority remains alleviating the pain of the suffering and not causing innocent lives to fall into chaos. This has endeared Bei Liu to the people he has led and has earned him the respect of those who know him only by reputation, but in the arena of war, such virtues are rarely rewarded. What changes Bei Liu’s fortune is the arrival of Liang Zhuge. At first, Liang Zhuge urges Bei Liu to abandon his ideals

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for the sake of winning the war and eventually restoring the peace. When Bei Liu refuses, Liang Zhuge doesn’t withdraw his offer of support; rather, he comes to understand that fighting on behalf of Bei Liu will require weapons that don’t involve sharpened steel. Instead of focusing solely on building up armies and supplies, Liang Zhuge takes the time to learn about the environment where a battle takes place, and even studies the weather patterns, because he knows that his forces will be outnumbered, out-equipped, and without the mandate to win by whatever means necessary. This makes Liang Zhuge the most influential character in the story so far. Since joining Bei Liu, he has won two decisive battles without any kind of distinct military advantage. The first was destroying Cao Cao’s forces by releasing a dammed river. The second was forging a tentative alliance with Quan Sun after an epic battle of wits with his advisors. In addition, Liang Zhuge has changed the entire balance of power in the forthcoming

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battle between Quan Sun’s and Cao Cao’s forces by tricking Cao Cao into firing 100,000 arrows at unmanned ships, arming his enemy in the process. The struggle for control of China has sometimes seemed like an endless loop of people repeating the same mistakes and failures, because one of the dominant themes of the story is how pride and ambition overwhelm wisdom. The introduction of Liang Zhuge suggests a shift in this dynamic, because he above all others seems to understand that wars are not only decided by soldiers killing as many people as possible, and that words can be more deadly than even the sharpest blade.

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“...Invaluable...beautiful artwork...commendable efforts to bring the characters to life.” – Publishers Weekly

Bei Liu was homeless and nearly powerless when he took a risk and asked Liang Zhuge to be his senior military strategist. But the gamble has more than paid off. Liang Zhuge has already changed the balance of power between the three kingdoms, and he will soon prove that some battles can be won without weapons. Based on one of the most popular and influential novels ever written, Three Kingdoms is an epic adventure of heroism and villainy, honor and deceit, and overcoming individual failings to serve a greater purpose.

In collaboration with Tianjin Shenjie Comics, China

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