n decide。〃
Sun Quan joyfully replied； 〃Your words； Master； open up the road clearly。 I have decided and shall have no further doubts。〃
So the orders were issued forthwith to prepare for a joint attack on Cao Cao。 And Sun Quan bade Lu Su bear the news of his decision to all his officers。 He himself escorted Zhuge Liang to the guest…quarters and saw to his fort。
When Zhang Zhao heard of the decision he met his colleagues and said to them； 〃Our master has fallen into the trap set by this Zhuge Liang。〃
They went in a body to their lord and said； 〃We hear you are going to attack Cao Cao。 But how do you stand when pared with Yuan Shao？ In those days Cao Cao was paratively weak； and yet he overcame。 What is he like today with his countless legions？ He is not to be lightly attacked； and to listen to Zhuge Liang's advice to engage in a conflict is like carrying fuel to a fire。〃
Sun Quan made no reply； and Gu Yong took up the argument。
Gu Yong said； 〃Liu Bei has been defeated； and he wants to borrow our help to beat his enemy。 Why must our lord lend himself to his schemes？ Pray listen to our leader's words。〃
Doubts again surged up in the mind of Sun Quan。
When the troop of advisers had retired； Lu Su came in； saying； 〃They came to exhort you not to fight； but to pel you to surrender。 All this is simply because they wish to secure the safety of their families。 They distort their sense of duty to serve their own ends； and I hope you will not take their advice。〃
Sun Quan being sunk in thought and saying nothing； Lu Su went on； 〃If you hesitate； you will certainly be led astray by the majority and…〃
〃Retire for a time；〃 said his master。 〃I must think it over carefully。〃
So Lu Su left the chamber。 Among the s