red his officers； civil and military； to consult。 Zhang Zhao was the first speaker。
〃We know Guan Yu has captured one leader and slain another。 This has added greatly to his fame and reputation。 Cao Cao was going to move the capital rather than risk an attack。 We also know that Fancheng is in imminent danger。 Cao Cao has asked for our help； but when he has gained his end； I doubt whether he will hold to his promise。〃
Before Sun Quan had replied they announced the arrival of Lu Meng； who had e in a small ship from Lukou with a special message。 He was at once called in and asked what it was。
Said Lu Meng； 〃The armies of Guan Yu being absent at Fancheng； the opportunity should be taken to attack Jingzhou。〃
〃But I wish to attack Xuzhou in the north。 What of this plan？〃 said Sun Quan。
〃It would be better to attack Jingzhou； and so get control of the Great River。 Cao Cao is far away to the north and too occupied to regard the east。 Xuzhou is weakly held and could be taken easily； but the lie of the land favors the use of an army rather than a navy force。 If you capture it； it will not be easy to hold。 But once you hold Jingzhou； you can evolve other schemes。〃
〃Really； my desire was to attack Jingzhou； but I wished to hear what you would say to the other plan。 Now； Sir； make me a plan speedily； and I will act upon it。〃
So Lu Meng took his leave and went back to Lukou。 But soon they heard that Guan Yu had had beacon towers erected at short distances all along the Great River； and that the army of Jingzhou was being put into most efficient condition。
〃If this is so； it is hard to make a plan that will ensure success；〃 said Lu Meng。 〃I have already advised my master to attack Jingzhou； but I am unable to meet this plication。