Lü Meng

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In this Chinese name, the family name is Lü.
Lü Meng
呂りょ蒙こうむ
A Qing dynasty illustration of Lü Meng (1888)
Administrator of Nan Commandery
(南みなみ郡ぐん太守たいしゅ)
In office
219 (219) – January or February 220 (January or February 220)
Administrator of Hanchang (漢かん昌あきら太守たいしゅ)
In office
217 (217)–219 (219)
General of Tiger's Might (虎とら威い將軍しょうぐん)
In office
217 (217) – January or February 220 (January or February 220)
Left Protector of the Army (左ひだり護まもる軍ぐん)
In office
217 (217) – January or February 220 (January or February 220)
Administrator of Lujiang (廬いおり江こう太守たいしゅ)
In office
214 (214)–217 (217)
Prefect of Xunyang (尋ひろ陽ひ令れい)
In office
209 (209)–? (?)
Lieutenant-General (偏へん將軍しょうぐん)
In office
209 (209)–? (?)
General of the Household Who Sweeps Across the Wilderness (橫野よこの中ちゅう郎ろう將しょう)
In office
208 (208)–209 (209)
Chief of Guangde (廣德ひろのり長ちょう)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
Commandant Who Pacifies the North
(平たいら北都ほくと尉じょう)
In office
? (?)–? (?)
Personal details
Born178[a]
Funan County, Anhui
DiedJanuary or February 220 (aged 41)[a]
Gong'an County, Hubei
Children
  • Lü Cong
  • Lü Ba
  • Lü Mu
OccupationMilitary general, politician
Courtesy nameZiming (子こ明あきら)
PeerageMarquis of Chanling
(孱陵侯こう)

Lü Meng (pronunciationⓘ) (178 – January or February 220),[a] courtesy name Ziming, was a Chinese military general and politician who served under the warlord Sun Quan during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. Early in his career, he fought in several battles under the banner of Sun Ce, Sun Quan's elder brother and predecessor. Although he had been noted for his bravery, he was still deemed as nothing more than a "mere warrior" for his lack of literacy skills. Later, with encouragement from Sun Quan, Lü Meng took up scholarly pursuits to improve himself, gradually becoming a learned and competent military leader. In 217, he succeeded Lu Su as the frontline commander of Sun Quan's forces in Jing Province. Two years later, in a carefully calculated military operation, Lü Meng led an invasion of Liu Bei's territories in southern Jing Province, swiftly and stealthily capturing all the lands from Liu Bei's general Guan Yu, who was captured and executed after his defeat. Lü Meng enjoyed his finest hour after the victory but died a few months later because he was already seriously ill before the campaign.[2]

Early life[edit]

Lü Meng was from Fupo County (富とみ陂縣), Runan Commandery (汝なんじ南みなみ郡ぐん), which is located southeast of present-day Funan County, Anhui. His family migrated to the south of the Yangtze River when Lü Meng was young. Lü Meng lived with his brother-in-law, Deng Dang (鄧當), who served as a military officer under Sun Ce. When he was 14 or 15, he secretly followed Deng Dang to the battles against the Shanyue tribes. Deng Dang was shocked to see his teenage brother-in-law in battle, so he scolded Lü Meng and warned him to stop. Lü Meng refused to listen so Deng Dang told Lü Meng's mother about this. When she wanted to punish him, Lü Meng said: "It is difficult to survive in poverty. If we can prove ourselves through hard work, then wealth will come eventually. How can we catch the tiger cub if we don't enter the tiger's den?" Lü Meng's mother sighed and let him have his way.[Sanguozhi 2]

At the time, an official scorned Lü Meng because of his young age and often insulted him by saying things like: "What can he do? His behaviour will only result in him feeding himself to the tigers." Lü Meng killed the official one day when he lost control of his anger. Initially, he took shelter under Zheng Chang (鄭てい長おさむ) but later turned himself in to Yuan Xiong (袁雄), a colonel under Sun Ce. Yuan Xiong pleaded with his lord to spare Lü Meng's life. Sun Ce interviewed Lü Meng and was so impressed with him that he pardoned Lü Meng and appointed him as a close aide.[Sanguozhi 3]

A few years later, after Deng Dang died, Zhang Zhao recommended Lü Meng to replace Deng Dang, so Lü Meng was appointed as a Major of a Separate Command (別べつ部ぶ司馬しば). In the year 200, after Sun Ce was assassinated, his younger brother Sun Quan succeeded him as the warlord ruling the territories in the Jiangdong region. Sun Quan planned to reorganise his army by merging small units into larger garrisons. When Lü Meng heard about it, he collected funds to purchase elaborately designed armour for his troops. When Sun Quan came to inspect Lü Meng's unit, he was so impressed that he placed more soldiers under Lü Meng's command, thus saving Lü Meng's troops from being merged into another unit.[Sanguozhi 4]

Lü Meng participated in Sun Quan's conquest of Danyang Commandery (丹に楊郡; around present-day Xuancheng, Anhui) and made many contributions in battle. He was promoted to Commandant Who Pacifies the North (平ひら北都ほくと尉じょう) and appointed as the Chief (長なが) of Guangde County.[Sanguozhi 5]

Battle of Jiangxia[edit]

Main article: Battle of Jiangxia

In the spring of 208, Lü Meng was assigned to be the navy commandant when Sun Quan launched a campaign against Huang Zu, the Administrator (太守たいしゅ) of Jiangxia Commandery (present-day eastern Hubei). During the battle, Ling Tong and Dong Xi destroyed Huang Zu's two large mengchongs while Lü Meng's unit defeated Huang Zu's navy. Lü Meng killed Huang Zu's subordinate Chen Jiu (陳ちん就) in the midst of battle. Huang Zu attempted to flee after learning of Chen Jiu's death, but was captured by Sun Quan's soldiers. After the battle, Sun Quan deemed Lü Meng's contributions to be the most significant because Chen Jiu's death secured their victory. Lü Meng was promoted to General of the Household Who Sweeps Across the Wilderness (橫野よこの中ちゅう郎ろう將しょう) and awarded 10 million coins.[Sanguozhi 6]

Red Cliffs campaign[edit]

Main articles: Battle of Red Cliffs and Battle of Jiangling (208)

In the winter of 208, Lü Meng participated in the Battle of Red Cliffs, in which the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei defeated the forces of the northern warlord Cao Cao at Wulin (烏がらす林りん; in present-day Honghu, Hubei). Cao Cao perfunctorily retreated to northern China, leaving behind his general Cao Ren to defend Nan Commandery (南みなみ郡ぐん; around present-day Jingzhou, Hubei). Sun Quan's forces, led by Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu, pressed on their attack and besieged Cao Ren in Nan Commandery.[Sanguozhi 7]

Around the time, Xi Su (襲かさね肅), a military officer from Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing), brought along his men to defect to Sun Quan's side. Zhou Yu proposed to Sun Quan to let Lü Meng take charge of Xi Su's troops. However, Lü Meng praised Xi Su as a courageous person and declined to take over command of Xi Su's men. He believed it was disrespectful to do so because Xi Su had come a long way to join them. Sun Quan agreed with Lü Meng and returned Xi Su's troops to him.[Sanguozhi 8]

During the siege of Nan Commandery, Zhou Yu ordered Gan Ning to lead a detachment to take control of Yiling (夷えびす陵りょう; present-day Yichang, Hubei), but Gan Ning came under attack by a separate enemy force led by Cao Ren's subordinates. When Gan Ning sent a messenger to Zhou Yu's camp to request for relief forces, most of Sun Quan's officers saw that they did not have enough men to spare, so they refused to help Gan Ning. Lü Meng, however, insisted on saving Gan Ning. He told Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu: "I suggest we leave Ling Tong behind while I follow you to help Gan Ning. It is imperative that we lift the siege (on Gan Ning) because he may not be able to hold out for long. I assure you that Ling Tong can defend our current position for at least ten days."

Lü Meng also suggested to Zhou Yu to send 300 men to block the enemy's retreat route with huge logs. When the reinforcements arrived at Yiling, they killed over half of the total number of enemy troops and forced the surviving ones to retreat at night. However, the enemy encountered the huge logs and were unable to cross over on horseback, so they had to dismount and proceed on foot. Sun Quan's pursuing forces arrived at the blockade and seized about 300 horses left behind by the enemy, which they transported back to their camp on boats. The morale of Zhou Yu's army improved greatly, so they crossed the Yangtze River, set up a garrison near the enemy base, and then engaged Cao Ren's forces in battle. Cao Ren lost the battle and eventually ordered his troops to abandon their position and retreat. Sun Quan's forces captured Nan Commandery and gained control over central Jing Province (covering present-day Hubei and Hunan). Upon his return, Lü Meng was promoted to Lieutenant-General (偏へん將軍しょうぐん) and appointed as the Prefect (令れい) of Xunyang County (尋ひろ陽ひ縣けん; southwest of present-day Huangmei County, Hubei).[Sanguozhi 9]

Scholarly pursuits[edit]

The Jiang Biao Zhuan (江こう表ひょう傳でん) recorded that Sun Quan once told Lü Meng and Jiang Qin: "Both of you are commanders now so you should enrich yourself with knowledge." Lü Meng replied: "I have many things to attend to in the army, so I am afraid I won't have time to read." Sun Quan then said:[Sanguozhi zhu 1]

"I am not saying that I want you to take up Confucian studies and become a scholar-official. What I hope you can do is to spend a bit of time reading and understanding history. Do you have as many issues to handle as I do? When I was young, I read the Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Rites, Zuo Zhuan and Guoyu, but not the Yijing. Since I succeeded my brother, I have been reading the Three Histories – Records of the Grand Historian, Book of Han and Dong Guan Han Ji – and many military texts, and they have enriched me. The two of you are open-minded and fast-learning, so you can definitely pick up reading. Do you really not want to? You should start with Sun Tzu's The Art of War, the Six Secret Teachings, Zuo Zhuan, Guoyu and the Three Histories. Confucius once said, 'You will gain nothing even if you give up on meals and sleep and keep thinking about something, so why don't you learn?' When Emperor Guangwu was busy with military affairs, he still found time to read. Mengde agrees he is already old but he never gives up on learning. Why don't you give some encouragement to yourselves?"[Sanguozhi zhu 2]

Lü Meng was so inspired by Sun Quan's words that he began to study diligently and acquire more knowledge. He eventually surpassed some Confucian scholars in terms of the number of texts he read.[Sanguozhi zhu 3]

Meeting with Lu Su[edit]

In 210, after Lu Su succeeded Zhou Yu (who died of illness earlier that year) as the frontline commander of Sun Quan's forces, he passed by Lü Meng's garrison on his way to Lukou (陸りく口こう; at Lushui Lake near present-day Chibi, Hubei). Lu Su had all along regarded Lü Meng with contempt, but someone told him: "General Lü's fame and glory are increasing day by day. You shouldn't view him in the same light now as you did in the past. You should visit him soon." Lu Su then headed to Lü Meng's camp. After some drinks, Lü Meng asked Lu Su, "You have received an important appointment and you are going to be stationed near Guan Yu. Have you made any contingency plans to deal with unforeseen circumstances?" Lu Su lackadaisically replied, "I will adapt to the situation when the time comes." Lü Meng then said: "The east and the west may be one family now, but Guan Yu is a person with the might of bears and tigers. How can you not make preparations beforehand?" Lü Meng then proposed five strategies to Lu Su on how to deal with Guan Yu. Lu Su left his seat, came closer to Lü Meng, placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "Lü Ziming, I never knew you had such insights until I came here." He also visited Lü Meng's mother and became friends with Lü Meng.[Sanguozhi 10]

Jiang Biao Zhuan account[edit]

The Jiang Biao Zhuan recorded a slightly different account of the meeting between Lu Su and Lü Meng. Lu Su placed his hand on Lü Meng's shoulder and said: "I heard you were previously a mere warrior. But now, you have taken up scholarly pursuits and you are no longer that Meng under Wu." Lü Meng replied:[Sanguozhi zhu 4]

"When scholars part ways for three days, they will see each other in a different light when they meet again later. Now, as you have succeeded Gongjin, your task will be difficult and you are also going to be neighbours with Guan Yu. Guan Yu is an avid learner and he is familiar with the Zuo Zhuan. He has a loud and confident voice, and a heroic aura around him. However, he is conceited and thinks highly of himself. Now that you are going to be his opponent, you should have some measures to counter him."[Sanguozhi zhu 5]

He then presented three strategies to Lu Su on how to counter Guan Yu. Lu Su respected Lü Meng so he kept the strategies to himself and did not reveal them.[Sanguozhi zhu 6]

The Chinese idioms "Ah Meng from Wu" (吳下ごか阿おもね蒙こうむ; 吴下阿おもね蒙こうむ; wú xià ā méng) and "rub one's eyes and look" (刮目かつもく相しょう看み; guā mù xiāng kàn) originated from this conversation. The former is used to describe an unlearned person who achieves improvement through diligent study [3] while the latter means to see a person in a different light, especially after the person has made remarkable improvement.[4]

Battles of Wan County and Ruxu[edit]

Main article: Battle of Ruxu (213)

Cao Cao appointed Xie Qi (謝しゃ奇き) as the Agricultural Officer (典てん農のう) of Qichun County and ordered him to station at Wan County (皖縣; present-day Qianshan County, Anhui) to harass the border of Sun Quan's domain. Lü Meng tried to induce Xie Qi into surrendering but failed, so he attacked Xie Qi. Xie Qi lost the battle and retreated. His subordinates, Sun Zicai (孫子まごこ才ざい) and Song Hao (宋そう豪つよし), brought along several civilians and surrendered to Lü Meng.[Sanguozhi 11]

In 213, Lü Meng followed Sun Quan to Ruxu (濡須; north of present-day Wuwei County, Anhui) to guard against Cao Cao's advances. Sun Quan wanted to construct a dock at Ruxu, but his subordinates said, "We should land on the other side of the river and attack the enemy, then return to our ships. Why build a dock?" However, Lü Meng supported the idea of building a dock and he said: "Battles are unpredictable and we might not always win. If we lose and the enemy closes in, and we don't have time to retreat to the riverbank, how can we even board our ships?" Sun Quan agreed with Lü Meng and had the dock constructed to make boardings and landings more convenient. With this, Sun Quan's army defended their positions against Cao Cao's approaching forces, who retreated after several failed attempts to overcome the enemy.[Sanguozhi 12][Sanguozhi zhu 7]

Battle of Lujiang[edit]

Around 214, Cao Cao retreated from Ruxu, he appointed Zhu Guang (朱しゅ光ひかり) as the Administrator (太守たいしゅ) of Lujiang Commandery (廬いおり江え郡ぐん; around present-day Lujiang County, Anhui) and ordered him to station at Wan County (皖縣; present-day Qianshan County, Anhui). Zhu Guang developed the area for agricultural use, while bribing bandits from Poyang County to cause trouble in Sun Quan's territories. Lü Meng warned Sun Quan: "The lands in Wan County are very fertile so the enemy's numbers will rise after they gain a bountiful harvest. Within a few years time, Cao Cao's military prowess would have increased significantly, so we should eliminate them soon." Sun Quan heeded Lü Meng's advice and personally led a campaign to attack Lujiang Commandery. Before the battle, Sun Quan summoned all his officers and asked them for their opinions.[Sanguozhi 13]

The officers suggested to pile up earth to form small hills and replenish their equipment. However, Lü Meng disagreed: "It will take several days to build the hills and replenish our equipment. By then, the enemy would have reinforced their defences and their relief forces would have arrived, and we can't defeat them. The rainwater has flowed in, and the water level will subside if we linger on for days. By then, it will be very difficult for our ships to retreat and we may be in danger. As of now, I observe that the fortress's defences are weak, so we can achieve victory if we attack it from all directions when our army's morale is still high. We can retreat via the water route after that. That's the way to secure total victory." Sun Quan heeded Lü Meng's suggestion.[Sanguozhi zhu 8]

Lü Meng recommended Gan Ning to lead the assault on Wan County while he followed behind with the elite troops. When they attacked at dawn, Lü Meng himself beat a war drum to boost the soldiers' morale. They captured the fortress by noon. Around the same time, Cao Cao's general Zhang Liao was leading reinforcements from Hefei to help Zhu Guang. When he reached Jiashi (夾石), he heard that Wan County had fallen to the enemy so he withdrew his troops. Sun Quan praised Lü Meng for his bravery and appointed him as the Administrator of Lujiang Commandery. Lü Meng gained 600 households from Xunyang County (尋ひろ陽ひ縣けん; southwest of present-day Huangmei County, Hubei) for his tuntian system and had 30 more subordinates placed under his command.[Sanguozhi 14]

When Lü Meng returned to Xunyang County, he heard that some bandits were causing trouble in Luling Commandery (廬いおり陵りょう郡ぐん; southwest of present-day Ji'an, Jiangxi), and that many of Sun Quan's officers had been unsuccessful in defeating the bandits. Sun Quan remarked: "A hundred birds of prey are not comparable to one osprey." He then ordered Lü Meng to attack the bandits. Lü Meng achieved success and killed the bandit chiefs but released the others and allowed them to revert to normal civilian life.[Sanguozhi 15]

Sun–Liu territorial dispute[edit]

Main article: Sun–Liu territorial dispute

Around 212, Sun Quan's ally Liu Bei embarked on a campaign to seize control of Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing) from its governor, Liu Zhang. He left Guan Yu behind to defend his territories in southern Jing Province during his absence. After Liu Bei completely took over Yi Province in 214, Sun Quan perceived that he was "lending" territories in Jing Province to Liu Bei per an earlier agreement in 210 so he wanted the territories back because Liu Bei already had a new base in Yi Province. When Liu Bei refused, Sun Quan ordered Lü Meng to lead troops to seize three commanderies – Changsha (長ちょう沙すな), Lingling (零れい陵りょう; around present-day Yongzhou, Hunan) and Guiyang (桂かつら陽よう; around present-day Chenzhou, Hunan).[Sanguozhi 16]

Lü Meng wrote to the administrators of the three commanderies to ask them to submit to Sun Quan. They all agreed except Lingling's administrator, Hao Pu (郝普). Liu Bei returned to Jing Province when he heard of Lü Meng's advances and garrisoned troops at Gong'an County while ordering Guan Yu to lead an army to take back the three commanderies. At the time, Sun Quan was at Lukou (陸りく口こう; at Lushui Lake near present-day Chibi, Hubei) and he sent Lu Su to lead 10,000 troops to Yiyang to block Guan Yu. Sun Quan also sent an urgent order to Lü Meng, ordering him to give up on Lingling and lead his troops to Yiyang to assist Lu Su.[Sanguozhi 17]

When Lü Meng pacified Changsha, he passed by Ling County (酃縣; east of present-day Hengyang, Hunan) and met Deng Xuanzhi (鄧玄之の), an old friend of Hao Pu. He planned to use Deng Xuanzhi to trick Hao Pu into surrendering. That night, Lü Meng summoned all his officers and gave them instructions on how to attack Lingling the following morning, without telling them that Sun Quan had given orders for them to give up on Lingling and move to Yiyang. He lied to Deng Xuanzhi that Liu Bei was besieged in Hanzhong by Cao Cao's general Xiahou Yuan and that Guan Yu was occupied in a battle at Nan Commandery. He then asked Deng Xuanzhi to help him persuade Hao Pu to give up on Lingling. Deng Xuanzhi went to see Hao Pu later and conveyed Lü Meng's message. Hao Pu became afraid when he heard that he had been isolated, so he agreed to surrender and asked Deng Xuanzhi to lead him to Lü Meng. When Lü Meng met Hao Pu, he revealed the truth, clapped his hands and laughed. Hao Pu became wrecked with guilt when he learnt that both Liu Bei and Guan Yu were actually free to reinforce Lingling but it was too late. Lü Meng left Sun He (孫まご河かわ) behind to guard the three commanderies while he headed towards Yiyang per Sun Quan's order.[Sanguozhi 18]

The territorial dispute between Sun Quan and Liu Bei was eventually resolved when both sides agreed to divide Jing Province between their respective domains along the Xiang River. Sun Quan released Hao Pu and returned Lingling Commandery to Liu Bei. Lü Meng received Xunyang (尋ひろ陽ひ) and Yangxin (陽ひ新しん) counties as his personal estate.[Sanguozhi 19]

Battles of Xiaoyao Ford and Ruxu[edit]

Main articles: Battle of Xiaoyao Ford and Battle of Ruxu (217)

In 214, after returning from Jing Province, Lü Meng joined Sun Quan in a campaign to conquer Hefei, which was defended by Cao Cao's general Zhang Liao. By 215, Sun Quan's forces had failed to breach Hefei's walls and had also sustained heavy casualties in the earlier engagements with the enemy. When a plague broke out in his army, Sun Quan decided to withdraw. While retreating, Sun Quan was caught up in a fierce counterattack by Zhang Liao, but managed to break out of the encirclement and reach safety when his officers, including Lü Meng, fought with their lives to protect their lord at all costs.[Sanguozhi 20]

Later, in 217, Cao Cao personally led a large army to invade Sun Quan's garrison at Ruxu (濡須; north of present-day Wuwei County, Anhui). Sun Quan led his forces to resist the enemy and placed Lü Meng in charge of the army. Lü Meng arrived at the dock, which was constructed earlier in 213, and stationed thousands of archers there to rain arrows on the enemy when they approached. He also attacked the camp of Cao Cao's vanguard force before the enemy established a foothold and succeeding in destroying the camp. Cao Cao saw that he could not overcome Sun Quan and eventually retreated. Lü Meng was promoted to General of Tiger's Might (虎とら威い將軍しょうぐん) and appointed as Left Protector of the Army (左ひだり護まもる軍ぐん).[Sanguozhi 21]

Succeeding Lu Su[edit]

In 217, when Lu Su died, Lü Meng took over command of the former's troops, numbering over 10,000, and moved west to the garrison at Lukou (陸りく口こう; at Lushui Lake near present-day Chibi, Hubei). Lü Meng was also appointed as the Administrator (太守たいしゅ) of Hanchang Commandery (漢かん昌あきら郡ぐん; southeast of present-day Pingjiang County, Hunan) and received Xiajun (下しも雋), Liuyang (劉りゅう陽よう), Hanchang and Zhouling (州しゅう陵りょう) counties as his personal marquisate. He was stationed near the Sun-Liu border, which was guarded by Liu Bei's general Guan Yu on the other side. Lü Meng was aware of Guan Yu's military prowess and his intention of seizing Sun Quan's territories in Jing Province. He also knew that Guan Yu was in a strategic position on the upstream of the Yangtze River. He recognised that the temporary stability and truce between Sun Quan and Liu Bei would not last long.[Sanguozhi 22]

Previously, Lu Su had advocated the maintenance of friendly relations between Sun Quan and Liu Bei to sustain their alliance against Cao Cao. Lü Meng wrote a secret letter to Sun Quan:[Sanguozhi 23]

"You can order Sun Jiao to guard Nan Commandery, Pan Zhang to station at Baidicheng, and Jiang Qin to lead 10,000 marines to sail along the river and attack any enemy position. I will personally head to the frontline at Xiangyang. In this way, we will not need to worry about Cao Cao, nor rely on Guan Yu. Besides, Guan Yu and his lord are untrustworthy so you should not be too faithful towards them. Currently, the reason why Guan Yu does not advance east, based on your keen sense of judgment, is because of my existence. Now, we should attack him when our forces are still very powerful, because it will be more difficult to do so later."[Sanguozhi 24]

Sun Quan agreed with Lü Meng and wanted to accept his suggestion. Later, he sought Lü Meng's advice on attacking Cao Cao in Xu Province, to which Lü Meng replied:[Sanguozhi 25]

"Cao Cao is currently far away in Hebei. He has defeated the Yuans not too long ago and is still busy pacifying You and Ji provinces in northern China, so he will not focus on the east. The troops defending Xu Province are not a cause for concern because they can be easily overcome. However, the terrain there is very accessible by land and is suitable for the deployment of cavalry forces. Even if you manage to conquer Xu Province now, Cao Cao will definitely come to claim it back later. By then, even if we have 70,000 to 80,000 men to defend the province, we will still need to be worried. Why do we not attack Guan Yu instead? If we succeed, we will have the Yangtze River to our advantage and our prowess will increase significantly."[Sanguozhi 26]

Sun Quan thought that Lü Meng's advice was appropriate so he heeded it.[Sanguozhi 27]

When Lü Meng was at Lukou, he treated his neighbours generously and maintained friendly ties with Guan Yu.[Sanguozhi 28]

Invasion of Jing Province[edit]

Main articles: Battle of Fancheng and Lü Meng's invasion of Jing Province

In 219, Guan Yu led an army to attack Cao Cao's fortress at Fancheng (樊城; present-day Fancheng District, Xiangyang, Hubei), which was defended by Cao Ren. He left behind his subordinates Shi Ren and Mi Fang to defend Gong'an County and Nan Commandery (南みなみ郡ぐん; around present-day Jingzhou, Hubei) respectively. When Lü Meng heard about that, he wrote to Sun Quan:[Sanguozhi 29]

"When Guan Yu went to attack Fancheng, he left behind many backup forces because he was afraid that I would seize the territories in his absence. I am often ill. Now, I request to return to Jianye under the guise of seeking medical treatment. When Guan Yu learns that I have left Jing Province, he will definitely withdraw the backup forces and move all out towards Xiangyang. When that happens, our troops will sail along the river, travelling day and night, and swiftly attack the weakly defended territories. We can thus conquer Nan Commandery and capture Guan Yu."[Sanguozhi 30]

Sun Quan agreed to Lü Meng's plan and played along by openly approving his request to return to Jianye for medical treatment.[Sanguozhi 31]

Guan Yu fell for the ruse and withdrew the backup forces and advanced towards Fancheng. When Cao Cao heard of the attack at Fancheng, he sent Yu Jin to lead an army to relief Cao Ren, but Yu Jin lost the battle and surrendered to Guan Yu. Guan Yu's troops increased in numbers after his victory so he lacked food supplies. He sent his men to seize grain from one of Sun Quan's depots along the Xiang River. When Sun Quan heard about it, he sent Lü Meng ahead to invade Jing Province while he followed up behind. Lü Meng arrived at Xunyang County (尋ひろ陽ひ縣けん; southwest of present-day Huangmei County, Hubei), where he ordered his elite soldiers to disguise themselves as merchants and sail towards Nan Commandery. On the journey, they captured the watchtowers set up by Guan Yu along the river to prevent the defenders from learning of their approach. Guan Yu was totally unaware of this.[Sanguozhi 32] Shi Ren, who was defending Gong'an County, surrendered to Lü Meng after Yu Fan, an official under Sun Quan, persuaded him to do so. Earlier on, Guan Yu had punished Mi Fang for negligently causing some weapons to be destroyed in a fire. Although the incident was over, Mi Fang still feared Guan Yu. Lü Meng showed understanding towards Mi Fang and convinced him to surrender as well.[Sanguozhi zhu 9][Sanguozhi zhu 10]

After entering Nan Commandery, Lü Meng treated the civilian population well, among whom included family members of Guan Yu's troops. He also gave strict orders to his men, forbidding them from disturbing the people. In one incident, Lü Meng executed one of his soldiers for stealing from a civilian household, even though that soldier was an old acquaintance of his. He shed tears after that. This incident shocked the other soldiers in Lü Meng's unit and they did not dare to defy his orders. Lü Meng won the hearts of the people by showing kindness towards them – he provided necessities such as food and clothing to the elderly and the poor, and distributed medicine to the sick. He also ordered the treasury in the commandery office to be sealed up while they awaited Sun Quan's arrival.[Sanguozhi 33]

Guan Yu was returning to Nan Commandery when he heard that his territories in Jing Province had fallen to Lü Meng. He sent messengers to meet Lü Meng, who brought them on a tour of the city. When the messengers returned to Guan Yu, they spread the word that their families were well. Guan Yu's troops lost their fighting spirit after hearing that Lü Meng treated their families better than how Guan Yu treated them in the past. Guan Yu knew that he had lost and was isolated, so he withdrew to Maicheng (麥むぎ城じょう; around present-day Maicheng Village, Lianghe Town, Dangyang, Hubei). When they reached Zhang District (漳鄉) in the west, Guan Yu's men deserted and surrendered to Sun Quan's forces. Sun Quan sent Zhu Ran and Pan Zhang to block Guan Yu's retreat route. Guan Yu and his son Guan Ping were captured by Sun Quan's forces in an ambush and subsequently executed. Liu Bei lost all his territories in Jing Province to Sun Quan.[Sanguozhi 34]

Death[edit]

For his achievements in the conquest of Jing Province, Lü Meng was appointed as the Administrator (太守たいしゅ) of Nan Commandery. He was also enfeoffed as the Marquis of Chanling (孱陵侯こう) and awarded 100 million coins and 500 jin of gold.[Sanguozhi 35] Earlier on, Sun Quan threw a feast at Gong'an County to celebrate the victory, but Lü Meng did not want to attend because he was ill. Sun Quan laughed and said: "Ziming, you deserve the honour of capturing Guan Yu. You have achieved victory but haven't received any reward yet, so how can you leave now?" He ordered the soldiers to play music, and personally selected subordinates for Lü Meng and the equipment required for the ceremony. After the ceremony, all the soldiers lined up along the path when Lü Meng took his leave, with music playing in the background. That was Lü Meng's finest hour.[Sanguozhi zhu 11]

Lü Meng rejected the coins and gold, but Sun Quan insisted that he accept. He became ill again before he was enfeoffed as a marquis. Sun Quan was at Gong'an County then, so he had Lü Meng brought to his personal residence to stay with him. He also offered 1,000 jin of gold as a reward to any person who could cure Lü Meng.

Sun Quan became more worried as Lü Meng's condition deteriorated over time. He wanted to see Lü Meng but felt that it was too troublesome to keep moving around, so he had a hole drilled in the wall to observe Lü Meng's room. He was happy when he saw Lü Meng having his meals, but could not sleep at night when he saw that Lü Meng did not eat anything. When Lü Meng's condition improved slightly, he was so happy that he ordered his subjects to visit Lü Meng and wish him well. He even invited Taoist priests to perform rituals to increase Lü Meng's lifespan. Despite Sun Quan's efforts, Lü Meng eventually died in Gong'an County at the age of 42 (by East Asian age reckoning). Sun Quan was extremely grieved by Lü Meng's death.

Before Lü Meng died, he had instructed his family to store all their prized possessions – including gifts from Sun Quan – in a vault and return them to his lord after his death. He had also asked for a simple funeral. Sun Quan felt even more sad when found out that Lü Meng had made such arrangements before his death.[Sanguozhi 36]

Family[edit]

Lü Meng's marquis title was inherited by his son, Lü Ba (呂りょ霸). Lü Ba received 50 qing of land[b] and 300 households to help him keep watch over his father's tomb. After Lü Ba died, his elder brother Lü Cong (呂りょ琮) succeeded him and inherited the marquis title. Lü Cong, in turn, passed on the marquis title to his younger brother, Lü Mu (呂りょ睦あつし), after his death.[Sanguozhi 37]

Anecdotes[edit]

Incident with Cai Yi[edit]

In his younger days, Lü Meng was not competent in reading and writing. Whenever he issued orders, he had to verbally instruct his subordinates or ask someone to help him write. Cai Yi (蔡遺), the Administrator of Jiangxia Commandery, scorned him because of that. However, Lü Meng never hated Cai Yi for treating him with contempt. When Gu Shao (顧邵), the Administrator of Yuzhang Commandery, died, Lü Meng recommended Cai Yi to Sun Quan to replace Gu Shao. Sun Quan laughed and asked Lü Meng, "Are you trying to be like Qi Xi?"[c] He heeded Lü Meng's suggestion.[Sanguozhi 38]

Tolerating Gan Ning[edit]

Further information: Gan Ning § Dispute with Lü Meng

Lü Meng was unhappy with Gan Ning, a general under Sun Quan, because of his violent and murderous ways. There was one incident where Lü Meng was so furious with Gan Ning that he wanted to kill him. Gan Ning also infuriated Sun Quan on a number of occasions when he defied his lord's orders. When Lü Meng heard about it, he told Sun Quan: "The Empire has yet to be pacified. Fierce generals like Gan Ning are hard to come by. You should tolerate him." Sun Quan heeded Lü Meng's advice and treated Gan Ning generously. In return, Gan Ning served Sun Quan faithfully until his death.[Sanguozhi 39]

Appraisal[edit]

Sun Quan once said: "A person improves as he grows older. Lü Meng and Jiang Qin are two excellent examples. They have obtained wealth and glory, yet they are willing to pick up reading and scholarly pursuits. They view material wealth lightly and value righteousness."[Sanguozhi zhu 12] On another occasion, he said: "When Ziming was young, I said he was someone who didn't give in to adversity, he was indeed courageous but only so. When he grew older, he became more knowledgeable and resourceful, and was second to Gongjin, but less capable in debate and literary arts as compared to Gongjin. When he defeated and captured Guan Yu, he did better than Lu Zijing."[Sanguozhi 40]

Chen Shou, who wrote Lü Meng's biography in the Sanguozhi, commented on him as follows: "Lü Meng was courageous and witty, decisive and well-versed in military strategy. Deceiving Hao Pu and capturing Guan Yu – those were his finest moments. Initially, he was rash and reckless, but eventually he managed to exercise self-restraint. He possessed the magnanimity of a great statesman and was not a mere warrior! Sun Quan's comments on Lü Meng, both positive and negative, were befitting, hence I included them in this record."[Sanguozhi 41]

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms[edit]

Lü Meng appears as a character in the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which romanticises the historical events before and during the Three Kingdoms period. His death is dramatised in chapter 77 of the novel.

Sun Quan and his subjects are celebrating their conquest of Jing Province, with Lü Meng receiving the highest honour. During the banquet, Guan Yu's spirit suddenly possesses Lü Meng, grabs Sun Quan and shouts, "Green-eyed brat! Purple-bearded coward, do you still recognise me?" Sun Quan's subordinates immediately rush forth to save their lord. The possessed Lü Meng shoves Sun Quan away and sits on his seat. With a furious expression on his face, he booms, "Since defeating the Yellow Turban rebels, I have fought in wars for over 30 years. But I lost my life because you used an evil scheme against me. I can't feast on your flesh when I was still alive, but I can still seize Lü Meng's soul after death! I am Guan Yunchang, the Marquis of Hanshou Village." Sun Quan and the others are so terrified that they sink to their knees. Lü Meng collapses and dies, bleeding from seven body orifices. Everyone is traumatised by the scene they witnessed.[5]

In popular culture[edit]

Lü Meng is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series. In the games, his name is spelled as "Lu Meng" without the diaeresis in the "U" in "Lu". He also appears in all instalments of Koei's strategy game series Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The fictional character Ryomou Shimei of the anime and manga series Ikki Tousen is based on Lü Meng.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Lü Meng's biography in the Sanguozhi recorded that he died of illness at the age of 42 (by East Asian age reckoning).[Sanguozhi 1] The Zizhi Tongjian provided more details by stating that he died in the 12th month of the 24th year of the Jian'an era of the reign of Emperor Xian of Han. This month corresponds to 23 January to 21 February 220 in the Gregorian calendar.[1] Since Lü Meng was 41 when he died, his year of birth should be 178.
  2. ^ One qing was approximately equivalent to 6.67 hectares.
  3. ^ Qi Xi (祁奚) was an official in the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period. He once recommended Xie Hu (解かい狐きつね), whom he had a personal feud with, to serve under his lord, Duke Dao.

References[edit]

Citations from the Sanguozhi
  1. ^ (年とし四よん十じゅう二に，遂とげ卒そつ於內殿どの。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  2. ^ (呂りょ蒙こうむ字じ子こ明あきら，汝なんじ南みなみ富とみ陂人也。 ... 少しょう南みなみ渡わたり，依よ姊夫鄧當。當為とうい孫まご策さく將はた，數かず討山越やまごえ。蒙こうむ年とし十じゅう五ご六ろく，竊隨當とう擊げき賊ぞく，當とう顧見大だい驚おどろき，呵しか叱しか不能ふのう禁止きんし。歸かえり以告蒙こうむ母はは，母はは恚欲罰ばつ之の，蒙こうむ曰：「貧ひん賤難可か居い，脫だつ誤あやま有功ゆうこう，富貴ふうき可か致。且不探さがせ虎穴こけつ，安やす得とく虎とら子こ？」母はは哀あい而舍之の。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  3. ^ (時じ當とう職しょく吏以蒙年ねん小しょう輕けい之の，曰：「彼かれ豎子じゅし何なん能のう為ため？此欲以肉餧虎耳みみ。」他日たじつ與あずか蒙こうむ會かい，又また蚩辱之の。蒙こうむ大だい怒いか，引刀殺ころせ吏，出走しゅっそう，逃邑子こ鄭てい長ちょう家か。出だし因いん校こう尉じょう袁雄自首じしゅ，承うけたまわ間あいだ為ため言ごと，策さく召見奇き之の，引置左右さゆう。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  4. ^ (數すう歲さい，鄧當死し，張ちょう昭あきら薦こも蒙こうむ代だい當とう，拜はい別べつ部ぶ司馬しば。權けん統すべ事ごと，料りょう諸しょ小しょう將兵しょうへい少しょう而用薄うす者しゃ，欲よく并合之の。蒙こうむ陰かげ賒貰，為ため兵へい作さく絳衣行縢むかばき，及簡日び，陳列ちんれつ赫然，兵へい人じん練習れんしゅう，權けん見み之の大だい恱，增ぞう其兵。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  5. ^ (從したがえ討丹楊，所しょ向こう有功ゆうこう，拜はい平ひら北都ほくと尉じょう，領りょう廣德ひろのり長ちょう。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  6. ^ (從したがえ征せい黃き祖そ，祖そ令れい都と督とく陳ひね就逆以水軍ぐん出で戰せん。蒙こうむ勒前鋒ほこさき，親おや梟ふくろう就首，將士しょうし乘じょう勝かち，進攻しんこう其城。祖そ聞就死し，委ゆだね城じょう走はし，兵へい追つい禽之。權けん曰：「事こと之の克かつ，由ゆかり陳ひね就先獲え也。」以蒙為ため橫よこ野中のなか郎ろう將はた，賜たまもの錢ぜに千せん萬まん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  7. ^ (是これ歲さい，又また與あずか周しゅう瑜、程ほど普ふ等とう西にし破やぶ曹公於烏林りん，圍かこえ曹仁於南郡ぐん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  8. ^ (益えき州しゅう將はた襲かさね肅舉軍ぐん來らい附ふ，瑜表以肅兵へい益えき蒙こうむ，蒙こうむ盛もり稱しょう肅有膽きも用よう，且慕化か遠來えんらい，於義宜よろし益えき不ふ宜よろし奪だつ也。權けん善ぜん其言，還かえ肅兵。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  9. ^ (瑜使甘あま寧やすし前ぜん據よりどころ夷えびす陵りょう，曹仁分ぶん衆しゅ攻おさむ寧やすし，寧やすし困こま急きゅう，使つかい使し請救。諸しょ將しょう以兵少しょう不足ふそく分ぶん，蒙こうむ謂いい瑜、普ひろし曰：「留とめ淩公績，蒙こうむ與あずか君きみ行ぎょう，解かい圍かこえ釋しゃく急きゅう，勢いきおい亦また不ふ乆，蒙こうむ保ほ公こう績能十じゅう日にち守也もりや。」又また說せつ瑜分遣ぶんけん三さん百ひゃく人にん柴しば斷だん險けん道どう，賊ぞく走はし可か得とく其馬。瑜從之の。軍ぐん到いた夷えびす陵りょう，即日そくじつ交戰こうせん，所しょ殺ころせ過半かはん。敵てき夜よる遁去，行ぎょう遇ぐう柴しば道どう，騎き皆みな舍しゃ馬うま步あゆみ走はし。兵へい追つい蹙擊，獲え馬ば三さん百ひゃく匹ひき，方ぽう船せん載の還かえ。於是將士しょうし形勢けいせい自じ倍ばい，乃渡江こう立たて屯たむろ，與あずか相あい攻擊こうげき，曹仁退すさ走はし，遂とげ據よりどころ南みなみ郡ぐん，撫なで定てい荊州。還かえ，拜はい偏へん將軍しょうぐん，領りょう尋ひろ陽ひ令れい。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  10. ^ (魯肅代だい周しゅう瑜，當とう之これ陸りく口こう，過か蒙こうむ屯たむろ下か。肅意尚ひさし輕けい蒙こうむ，或ある說せつ肅曰：「呂りょ將軍しょうぐん功名こうみょう日び顯あらわ，不可ふか以故意こい待まち也，君きみ宜むべ顧之。」遂とげ往詣蒙こうむ。酒さけ酣たけなわ，蒙こうむ問とい肅曰：「君きみ受重任じゅうにん，與あずか關せき羽はね為ため鄰，將はた何なに計略けいりゃく，以備不ふ虞おそれ？」肅造次じ應おう曰：「臨時りんじ施ほどこせ宜よろし。」蒙こうむ曰：「今こん東西とうざい雖為一家いっか，而關羽わ實じつ熊くま虎とら也，計けい安やす可か不ふ豫定よてい？」因いん為ため肅畫五ご策さく。肅於是ぜ越えつ席せき就之，拊其背せ曰：「呂りょ子こ明あきら，吾われ不知ふち卿きょう才略さいりゃく所しょ及乃至ないし於此也。」遂とげ拜はい蒙こうむ母はは，結友ゆう而別。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  11. ^ (魏ぎ使し廬いおり江こう謝しゃ奇き為ため蘄春典てん農のう，屯たむろ皖田鄉きょう，數すう為ため邊べ寇。蒙こうむ使つかい人じん誘さそえ之これ，不ふ從したがえ，則のり伺隙襲擊しゅうげき，奇き遂とげ縮退しゅくたい，其部伍ご孫子まごこ才ざい、宋そう豪ごう等とう，皆みな攜負老弱ろうじゃく，詣まい蒙こうむ降ぶ。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  12. ^ (後ご從したがえ權けん拒こばめ曹公於濡須，數すう進しん奇計きけい，又また勸すすむ權けん夾水口みずぐち立たて塢，所以ゆえん備御甚精，曹公不能ふのう下か而退。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  13. ^ (曹公遣や朱しゅ光ひかり為ため廬いおり江こう太守たいしゅ，屯たむろ皖，大開おおひらき稻田いなだ，又また令れい間あいだ人じん招誘鄱陽賊ぞく帥そち，使つかい作さく內應。蒙こうむ曰：「皖田肥こえ美び，若わか一いち收おさむ孰，彼かれ衆しゅ必增，如是にょぜ數すう歲さい，操みさお態たい見み矣，宜むべ早はや除じょ之の。」乃具陳ぐちん其狀。於是權けん親おや征せい皖，引見いんけん諸しょ將しょう，問もん以計策さく。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  14. ^ (蒙こうむ乃薦甘あま寧やすし為ため升ます城じょう督とく，督とく攻おさむ在ざい前まえ，蒙こうむ以精銳せいえい繼ままし之これ。侵おかせ晨進攻しんこう，蒙こうむ手て執と枹なら鼓こ，士卒しそつ皆みな騰あが踊おどり自じ升ます，食しょく時じ破やぶ之これ。旣すんで而張ちょう遼りょう至いたり夾石，聞城已やめ拔，乃退。權けん嘉よしみ其功，即そく拜はい廬いおり江こう太守たいしゅ，所得しょとく人馬じんば皆みな分與ぶんよ之の，別べつ賜たまもの尋ひろ陽ひ屯田とんでん六ろく百ひゃく戶こ，官かん屬ぞく三さん十じゅう人にん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  15. ^ (蒙こうむ還かえ尋ひろ陽ひ，未み期き而廬陵りょう賊ぞく起おこり，諸しょ將しょう討擊不能ふのう禽，權けん曰：「鷙鳥累るい百ひゃく，不ふ如一鶚みさご。」復ふく令れい蒙こうむ討之。蒙こうむ至いたり，誅其首くび惡あく，餘あまり皆みな釋放しゃくほう，復ふく為ため平民へいみん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  16. ^ (是ぜ時じ劉りゅう備令關せき羽わ鎮守ちんじゅ，專有せんゆう荊土，權けん命いのち蒙こうむ西にし取と長ちょう沙すな、零れい、桂かつら三さん郡ぐん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  17. ^ (蒙こうむ移うつり書しょ二に郡ぐん，望もち風ふう歸服きふく，惟おもんみ零れい陵りょう太守たいしゅ郝普城じょう守もり不ふ降くだ。而備自じ蜀しょく親おや至いたり公安こうあん，遣や羽はね爭そう三さん郡ぐん。權けん時じ住じゅう陸りく口こう，使つかい魯肅將しょう萬人屯益陽拒羽，而飛書しょ召蒙，使つかい捨零陵りょう，急きゅう還かえ助じょ肅。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  18. ^ (初はつ，蒙こうむ旣定きてい長ちょう沙すな，當とう之の零れい陵りょう，過か酃，載の南陽なんよう鄧玄之の，玄げん之これ者しゃ郝普之の舊きゅう也，欲よく令れい誘さそえ普ふ。及被書しょ當とう還かえ，蒙こうむ祕ひ之の，夜よる召諸將はた，授以方略ほうりゃく，晨當攻おさむ城じょう，顧謂玄げん之の曰：「郝子太ふとし聞世間あいだ有ゆう忠義ちゅうぎ事ごと，亦また欲よく為之ためゆき，而不知ふち時じ也。左ひだり將軍しょうぐん在ざい漢かん中ちゅう，為ため夏なつ侯こう淵ふち所しょ圍かこえ。關せき羽はね在ざい南みなみ郡ぐん，今こん至尊しそん身み自じ臨之。近こん者しゃ破やぶ樊本屯たむろ，救すくい酃，逆ぎゃく為ため孫まご規ぶんまわし所しょ破やぶ。此皆目め前之まえの事ごと，君くん所しょ親おや見み也。彼方かなた首尾しゅび倒たおせ縣けん，救すくい死し不ふ給きゅう，豈あに有餘ゆうよ力りょく復ふく營此哉？今こん吾われ士卒しそつ精銳せいえい，人にん思おもえ致命ちめい，至尊しそん遣や兵へい，相そう繼つぎ於道。今こん予よ以旦夕ゆう之の命めいじ，待まち不可ふか望もち之の救すくえ，猶なお牛うし蹄中魚ぎょ，兾賴江漢こうかん，其不可ふか恃亦明あかり矣。若子わかこ太ふとし必能一いち士卒しそつ之の心しん，保ほ孤城こじょう之の守もり，尚なお能のう稽延旦夕たんせき，以待所しょ歸き者しゃ，可也かなり。今こん吾われ計けい力ちから度ど慮おもんばか，而以攻おさむ此，曾不移うつり日び，而城必破，城しろ破やぶ之これ後ご，身み死し何なん益えき於事，而令百歲老母戴白受誅，豈あに不ふ痛やめ哉？度ど此家不ふ得とく外がい問とえ，謂いい援可恃，故こ至いたり於此耳みみ。君くん可か見み之これ，為ため陳ひね禍福かふく。」玄げん之の見み普ひろし，具ぐ宣せん蒙こうむ意い，普ひろし懼而聽之。玄げん之の先さき出で報むくい蒙こうむ，普ひろし尋ひろ後ご當とう至いたり。蒙こうむ豫よ勑四將はた，各かく選せん百ひゃく人にん，普ひろし出で，便びん入いれ守もり城門じょうもん。須臾しゅゆ普ひろし出で，蒙こうむ迎むかえ執と其手，與あずか俱下船げせん。語かたり畢，出で書しょ示しめせ之これ，因いん拊手大だい笑わらい，普ひろし見み書しょ，知ち備在公安こうあん，而羽在ざい益えき陽ひ，慙恨入地いりじ。蒙こうむ留とめ孫まご河かわ委い以後いご事ごと。即そく日引ひびき軍ぐん赴益陽ひ。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  19. ^ (劉りゅう備請盟めい，權けん乃歸普ふ等とう，割わり湘水，以零陵りょう還かえ之これ。以尋陽ひ、陽ひ新しん為ため蒙こうむ奉たてまつ邑。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  20. ^ (師し還かえ，遂とげ征せい合あい肥こえ，旣すんで徹てっ兵へい，為ため張ちょう遼りょう等とう所しょ襲かさね，蒙こうむ與あずか淩統以死扞衞。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  21. ^ (後こう曹公又また大出おおいで濡須，權けん以蒙為ため督とく，據よりどころ前まえ所しょ立たて塢，置おけ彊つよし弩いしゆみ萬まん張ちょう於其上じょう，以拒曹公。曹公前ぜん鋒ほこさき屯たむろ未み就，蒙こうむ攻おさむ破やぶ之これ，曹公引退いんたい。拜はい蒙こうむ左ひだり護まもる軍ぐん、虎とら威い將軍しょうぐん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  22. ^ (魯肅卒そつ，蒙こうむ西にし屯たむろ陸りく口こう，肅軍しゅくぐん人馬じんば萬餘盡以屬蒙。又また拜はい漢かん昌あきら太守たいしゅ，食しょく下か雋、劉りゅう陽よう、漢かん昌あきら、州しゅう陵りょう。與あずか關せき羽はね分ぶん土ど接せっ境さかい，知ち羽わ驍雄，有ゆう并兼心しん，且居國こく上流じょうりゅう，其勢難なん乆。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  23. ^ (初はつ，魯肅等とう以為曹公尚なお存そん，禍わざわい難なん始はじめ搆，宜むべ相あい輔協，與あずか之これ同どう仇かたき，不可ふか失しつ也，蒙こうむ乃密陳ひね計けい策さく曰： ...) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  24. ^ (... 「令れい征せい虜とりこ守もり南みなみ郡ぐん，潘はん璋あきら住じゅう白しろ帝みかど，蔣欽將はた游ゆう兵へい萬まん人にん，循江上下じょうげ，應おう敵てき所在しょざい，蒙こうむ為ため國家こっか前ぜん據よりどころ襄じょう陽ひ，如此，何なに憂う於操，何なに賴よりゆき於羽？且羽君臣くんしん，矜其詐いつわり力りょく，所在しょざい反覆はんぷく，不可ふか以腹心待こころまち也。今羽こんば所以ゆえん未み便びん東向こちむき者しゃ，以至尊しそん聖ひじり明あきら，蒙こうむ等ひとし尚なお存そん也。今こん不ふ於彊壯たけし時じ圖ず之の，一旦いったん僵仆，欲よく復ふく陳ちん力つとむ，其可得どく邪よこしま？」) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  25. ^ (權けん深ふか納おさめ其策，又また聊復與論よろん取と徐じょ州しゅう意い，蒙こうむ對たい曰： ...) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  26. ^ (... 「今こん操みさお遠とお在ざい河北かほく，新しん破やぶ諸しょ袁，撫なで集しゅう幽かそけ、兾，未み暇ひま東ひがし顧。徐じょ土ど守兵しゅへい，聞不足ふそく言ごと，往自可か克かつ。然しか地勢ちせい陸りく通どおり，驍騎所しょ騁，至尊しそん今日きょう得う徐じょ州しゅう，操みさお後ご旬しゅん必來爭そう，雖以七なな八はち萬まん人にん守之もりゆき，猶なお當とう懷ふところ憂う。不ふ如取羽わ，全ぜん據よりどころ長江ちょうこう，形勢けいせい益えき張ちょう。」) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  27. ^ (權けん尤ゆう以此言ごと為當ためとう。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  28. ^ (及蒙代だい肅，初はつ至いたり陸りく口こう，外そと倍ばい脩おさむ恩おん厚あつ，與あずか羽はね結ゆい好このみ。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  29. ^ (後こう羽はね討樊，留とめ兵へい將はた備公安やす、南みなみ郡ぐん。蒙こうむ上うわ疏曰： ...) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  30. ^ (... 「羽はね討樊而多留とめ備兵，必恐蒙こうむ圖ず其後故こ也。蒙こうむ常つね有ゆう病びょう，乞分士し衆しゅ還かえ建けん業ぎょう，以治疾やまし為ため名めい。羽はね聞之，必撤備兵，盡つき赴襄陽ひ。大軍たいぐん浮江，晝夜ちゅうや馳はせ上じょう，襲かさね其空虛むなし，則のり南みなみ郡ぐん可か下か，而羽可か禽也。」) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  31. ^ (遂とげ稱しょう病びょう篤あつし，權けん乃露檄げき召蒙還かえ，陰かげ與あずか圖ず計けい。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  32. ^ (羽はね果はて信之のぶゆき，稍やや撤兵てっぺい以赴樊。魏ぎ使し于禁救すくい樊，羽わ盡つき禽禁等とう，人馬じんば數すう萬まん，託たく以糧乏とぼし，擅取湘關米まい。權けん聞之，遂行すいこう，先遣せんけん蒙こうむ在ざい前まえ。蒙こうむ至いたり尋ひろ陽ひ，盡つき伏ふく其精兵へい[][]中ちゅう，使つかい白衣はくい搖ゆら櫓ろ，作さく商賈しょうこ人じん服ふく，晝夜ちゅうや兼行けんこう，至いたり羽わ所しょ置おけ江邊えべ屯たむろ候こう，盡つき收おさむ縛ばく之の，是ぜ故こ羽はね不ふ聞知ぶんち。遂とげ到いた南みなみ郡ぐん，士し仁ひとし、麋おうしか芳よし皆みな降くだ。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  33. ^ (蒙こうむ入にゅう據よりどころ城じょう，盡つき得とく羽わ及將士し家か屬ぞく，皆みな撫なで慰，約やく令れい軍ぐん中ちゅう不ふ得とく干ひ歷れき人家じんか，有ゆう所しょ求もとめ取ど。蒙こうむ麾下きか士し，是ぜ汝なんじ南みなみ人じん，取と民家みんか一いち笠かさ，以覆官かん鎧よろい，官かん鎧よろい雖公，蒙こうむ猶なお以為犯はん軍令ぐんれい，不可ふか以鄉里さと故こ而廢法ほう，遂とげ垂たれ涕斬之の。於是軍ぐん中震ちゅうしん慄，道みち不ふ拾遺しゅうい。蒙こうむ旦暮たんぼ使し親近しんきん存そん恤耆老ろう，問もん所しょ不足ふそく，疾病しっぺい者しゃ給きゅう醫藥いやく，饑寒きかん者しゃ賜たまもの衣糧いりょう。羽はね府ふ藏ぞう財寶ざいほう，皆みな封ふう閉以待まち權けん至いたり。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  34. ^ (羽はね還かえ，在ざい道路どうろ，數すう使つかい人じん與あずか蒙こうむ相聞そうもん，蒙こうむ輒厚遇こうぐう其使，周しゅう游ゆう城中じょうちゅう，家家いえいえ致問，或ある手書しゅしょ示しめせ信しん。羽はね人じん還かえ，私わたし相しょう參さん訊，咸知家門かもん無む恙，見み待まて過か於平時じ，故こ羽はね吏士無む鬬心。會かい權けん尋ひろ至いたり，羽はね自じ知ち孤こ窮きゅう，乃走麥むぎ城じょう，西にし至いたる漳鄉，衆しゅう皆みな委い羽わ而降。權けん使し朱しゅ然しか、潘はん璋あきら斷だん其徑路ろ，即そく父子ふし俱獲，荊州遂とげ定じょう。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  35. ^ (以蒙為ため南みなみ郡ぐん太守たいしゅ，封ふう孱陵侯こう，賜たまもの錢ぜに一いち億おく，黃金おうごん五ご百ひゃく斤きん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  36. ^ (蒙こうむ固辭こじ金きん錢ぜに，權けん不ふ許もと。封ふう爵未下か，會かい蒙こうむ疾やまし發はつ，權けん時じ在ざい公安こうあん，迎むかい置おけ內殿，所以ゆえん治ち護まもる者しゃ萬まん方ぽう，募つの封ふう內有能ゆうのう愈いよいよ蒙こうむ疾やまし者しゃ，賜たまもの千金せんきん。時とき有ゆう鍼加，權けん為ため之の慘むご慼，欲よく數すう見み其顏色しょく，又また恐おそれ勞ろう動どう，常つね穿ほじ壁かべ瞻之，見み小しょう能のう下か食しょく則そく喜き，顧左右さゆう言笑げんしょう，不ふ然しか則のり咄唶，夜よる不能ふのう寐。病やまい中ちゅう瘳，為ため下か赦令，羣臣畢賀。後こう更さら增ぞう篤あつし，權けん自じ臨視，命いのち道士どうし於星辰せいしん下か為之ためゆき請命。年とし四よん十じゅう二に，遂とげ卒そつ於內殿どの。時どき權けん哀あい痛つう甚，為之ためゆき降くだ損そん。蒙こうむ未み死時しにどき，所得しょとく金寶きんぽう諸しょ賜たまもの盡つき付づけ府ふ藏ぞう，勑主者しゃ命いのち絕ぜっ之の日にち皆みな上じょう還かえ，喪も事務じむ約やく。權けん聞之，益えき以悲感かん。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  37. ^ (蒙こうむ子こ霸襲爵しゅうしゃく，與あずか守もり冢三さん百ひゃく家いえ，復田ふくでん五ご十じゅう頃ごろ。霸卒，兄あに琮襲侯こう。琮卒，弟おとうと睦むつみ嗣。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  38. ^ (蒙こうむ少しょう不ふ脩おさむ書しょ傳でん，每まい陳ひね大事だいじ，常つね口くち占うらない為ため牋疏。常つね以部曲事きょくじ為ため江夏えなつ太守たいしゅ蔡遺所しょ白しろ，蒙こうむ無む恨意。及豫章あきら太守たいしゅ顧邵卒そつ，權けん問とい所用しょよう，蒙こうむ因いん薦こも遺のこ奉職ほうしょく佳よ吏，權けん笑わらい曰：「君きみ欲ほし為ため祁奚耶？」於是用よう之の。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  39. ^ (甘あま寧やすし麤暴好こう殺ころせ，旣すんで常つね失しつ蒙こうむ意い，又また時とき違たがえ權けん令れい，權けん怒いか之これ，蒙こうむ輒陳請：「天下てんか未定みてい，鬬將如寧難なん得え，宜むべ容よう忍にん之の。」權けん遂とげ厚あつ寧やすし，卒そつ得とく其用。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  40. ^ (子こ明あかり少時しょうじ，孤こ謂いい不ふ辭じ劇げき易えき，果敢かかん有ゆう膽きも而已。及身長大ちょうだい，學問がくもん開ひらけ益えき，籌略奇き至いたり，可か以次於公瑾，但ただし言げん議ぎ英えい發はつ不ふ及之耳みみ。圖ず取と關せき羽はね，勝しょう於魯子こ敬けい。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  41. ^ (呂りょ蒙こうむ勇いさむ而有謀はかりごと，斷だん識軍計けい，譎郝普ひろし，禽關羽わ，最さい其妙者しゃ。初はつ雖輕果はて妄殺，終おわり於克己おのれ，有ゆう國士こくし之の量りょう，豈あに徒と武將ぶしょう而已乎！孫まご權けん之これ論ろん，優劣ゆうれつ允まこと當とう，故こ載錄さいろく焉。) Sanguozhi vol. 54.
Citations from the Sanguozhi zhu
  1. ^ (江こう表ひょう傳でん曰：初はつ，權けん謂いい蒙こうむ及蔣欽曰：「卿きょう今こん並なみ當とう塗ぬり掌てのひら事ごと，宜むべ學問がくもん以自開ひらき益えき。」蒙こうむ曰：「在ざい軍ぐん中ちゅう常つね苦く多た務つとむ，恐こわ不ふ容よう復ふく讀書どくしょ。」權けん曰： ...) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  2. ^ (... 「孤こ豈あに欲よく卿きょう治ち經けい為ため博士はかせ邪よこしま？但ただし當とう令れい涉獵しょうりょう見み往事おうじ耳みみ。卿きょう言げん多た務つとむ孰若孤こ，孤こ少時しょうじ歷れき詩し、書しょ、禮れい記き、左ひだり傳でん、國語こくご，惟おもんみ不ふ讀易。至いたり統すべ事ごと以來いらい，省三しょうぞう史し、諸家しょか兵書へいしょ，自じ以為大だい有ゆう所しょ益えき。如卿二に人にん，意い性せい朗ろう悟さとる，學がく必得之の，寧やすし當とう不為ふため乎？宜むべ急きゅう讀孫子こ、六ろく韜、左ひだり傳でん、國語こくご及三史し。孔子こうし言ごと『終日しゅうじつ不ふ食しょく，終夜しゅうや不ふ寢ね以思，無益むえき，不ふ如學也』。光武みつたけ當とう兵馬へいば之の務つとむ，手て不ふ釋しゃく卷まき。孟はじめ德とく亦また自じ謂いい老ろう而好學がく。卿きょう何なん獨どく不ふ自じ勉つとむ勗つとむ邪よこしま？」) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  3. ^ (蒙こうむ始はじめ就學しゅうがく，篤志とくし不ふ倦，其所覽らん見み，舊きゅう儒不勝しょう。) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  4. ^ (後こう魯肅上代うえだい周しゅう瑜，過か蒙こうむ言げん議ぎ，常つね欲よく受屈。肅拊蒙背せ曰：「吾われ謂いい大だい弟おとうと但ただし有ゆう武略ぶりゃく耳みみ，至いたり於今者しゃ，學識がくしき英博ひでひろ，非ひ復ふく吳下ごか阿おもね蒙こうむ。」) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  5. ^ (蒙こうむ曰：「士別しべつ三さん日にち，即そく更さら刮目かつもく相しょう待まち。大兄たいけい今いま論ろん，何なん一稱穰侯乎。兄あに今代こんだい公こう瑾，旣すんで難なん為ため繼ままし，且與關せき羽わ為ため鄰。斯人長ちょう而好學がく，讀左傳でん略りゃく皆みな上口うえくち，梗亮有ゆう雄お氣き，然しか性せい頗自負じふ，好こう陵りょう人じん。今いま與あずか為ため對たい，當とう有ゆう單複たんぷく以鄉待まち之の。」) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  6. ^ (密みつ為ため肅陳三さん策さく，肅敬受之，祕ひ而不宣せん。) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  7. ^ (吳くれ錄ろく曰：權けん欲よく作さく塢，諸しょ將しょう皆みな曰：「上岸かみきし擊げき賊ぞく，洗足せんそく入船いりふね，何なに用よう塢為？」呂りょ蒙こうむ曰：「兵へい有利ゆうり鈍どん，戰せん無む百ひゃく勝しょう，如有邂逅かいこう，敵てき步ふ騎き蹙人，不ふ暇ひま及水，其得入船いりふね乎？」權けん曰：「善ぜん。」遂とげ作さく之の。) Wu Lu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  8. ^ (吳くれ書しょ曰：諸しょ將しょう皆みな勸すすむ作土さくど山さん，添攻具ぐ，蒙こうむ趨進曰：「治おさむ攻おさむ具ぐ及土山さん，必歷日び乃成，城しろ備旣脩おさむ，外そと救すくい必至ひっし，不可ふか圖ず也。且乘雨水あまみず以入，若わか留とめ經けい日び，水みず必向盡つき，還かえ道みち艱難かんなん，蒙こうむ竊危之の。今いま觀かん此城，不能ふのう甚固，以三軍ぐん銳氣えいき，四面しめん並なみ攻おさむ，不ふ移うつり時じ可か拔，及水以歸，全勝ぜんしょう之の道也みちや。」權けん從したがえ之これ。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  9. ^ (吳くれ書しょ曰：將軍しょうぐん士し仁ひとし在ざい公安こうあん拒こばめ守もり，蒙こうむ令れい虞おそれ翻こぼし說せつ之の。翻こぼし至いたり城門じょうもん，謂いい守もり者しゃ曰：「吾われ欲ほし與あずか汝なんじ將軍しょうぐん語ご。」仁ひとし不ふ肯相見み。乃為書しょ曰：「明あかり者しゃ防ぼう禍か於未萌もえ，智者ちしゃ圖ず患於將來しょうらい，知得ちとく知ち失しつ，可か與あずか為ため人じん，知ち存知ぞんち亡ほろび，足あし別べつ吉凶きっきょう。大軍たいぐん之これ行ぎょう，斥候せっこう不ふ及施，烽火ほうか不ふ及舉，此非天命てんめい，必有內應。將軍しょうぐん不ふ先見せんけん時じ，時じ至いたり又また不ふ應おう之の，獨どく守もり縈帶之の城しろ而不降くだ，死し戰せん則そく毀宗滅ほろび祀まつ，為ため天下でんか譏そし笑わらい。呂りょ虎とら威い欲よく徑みち到いた南みなみ郡ぐん，斷絕だんぜつ陸りく道どう，生路いくじ一いち塞ふさが，案あん其地形がた，將軍しょうぐん為ため在ざい箕み舌した上じょう耳みみ，奔走ほんそう不ふ得とく免まぬかれ，降くだ則のり失しつ義よし，竊為將軍しょうぐん不安ふあん，幸こう孰思焉。」仁ひとし得とく書しょ，流涕りゅうてい而降。翻こぼし謂いい蒙こうむ曰：「此譎兵へい也，當とう將仁まさひと行ぎょう，留とめ兵備へいび城じょう。」遂とげ將仁まさひと至いたり南みなみ郡ぐん。南みなみ郡ぐん太守たいしゅ麋おうしか芳よし城じょう守もり，蒙こうむ以仁示しめせ之これ，遂とげ降ぶ。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  10. ^ (吳くれ錄ろく曰：初はつ，南みなみ郡ぐん城中じょうちゅう失火しっか，頗焚燒しょう軍ぐん器き。羽はね以責芳よし，芳よし內畏懼，權けん聞而誘さそえ之これ，芳よし潛せん相しょう和わ。及蒙攻おさむ之の，乃以牛うし酒しゅ出で降ぶ。) Wu Lu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  11. ^ (江こう表ひょう傳でん曰：權けん於公安やす大會たいかい，呂りょ蒙こうむ以疾辭やめ，權けん笑わらい曰：「禽羽之の功こう，子し明あきら謀はかりごと也，今こん大功たいこう已やめ捷とし，慶けい賞しょう未み行くだり，豈あに邑邑邪よこしま？」乃增給きゅう步ふ騎き鼓吹こすい，勑選虎とら威い將軍しょうぐん官かん屬ぞく，并南郡ぐん、廬いおり江え二に郡ぐん威儀いぎ。拜はい畢還營，兵馬へいば導しるべ從したがえ，前後ぜんご鼓吹こすい，光耀こうよう于路。) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
  12. ^ (權けん常つね歎曰：「人ひと長ちょう而進益えき，如呂蒙こうむ、蔣欽，蓋ぶた不可ふか及也。富貴ふうき榮さかえ顯あらわ，更さら能のう折節おりふし好學こうがく，耽ふけ恱書傳でん，輕けい財たから尚義ひさよし，所行しょぎょう可か迹，並なみ作さく國士こくし，不ふ亦また休きゅう乎！」) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 54.
Other citations
  1. ^ (孝こう獻けんじ皇帝こうてい癸みずのと建けん安やす二に十じゅう四よん年ねん（己おのれ亥い，公おおやけ元もと二に一いち九きゅう年ねん） ... 十二月じゅうにがつ ... 呂りょ蒙こうむ未み及受封ふう而疾發はつ， ... 病やまい中ちゅう瘳，為ため下か赦令，群臣ぐんしん畢賀，已やめ而竟卒そつ，年ねん四よん十じゅう二に。) Zizhi Tongjian vol. 68.
  2. ^ de Crespigny (2007), p. 627.
  3. ^ "Dictionary definition of 吴下阿おもね蒙こうむ" (in Chinese).
  4. ^ "Dictionary definition of 刮目かつもく相しょう看み" (in Chinese).
  5. ^ Sanguo Yanyi ch. 77.
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