The second chapter of “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is titled “The Gathering at the Red Cliffs.” This chapter recounts the famous Battle of Red Cliffs, one of the most significant events in the Three Kingdoms period.
The chapter begins with the continued rise of Cao Cao, who has now become the de facto ruler of the Han dynasty. Cao Cao has amassed a powerful army and is preparing to attack the southern kingdom of Wu, led by the ruler Sun Quan. Liu
Bei, who is still seeking to overthrow Cao Cao and restore the Han dynasty, sees this as an opportunity to strike a blow against Cao Cao and proposes an alliance with Sun Quan.
Liu Bei sends his strategist, Kong Ming, to Sun Quan’s capital to negotiate the alliance. Sun Quan agrees to the proposal, and the two sides prepare for war. However, Kong Ming realizes that they are at a disadvantage in terms of
manpower and military strength, and he devises a plan to turn the tide in their favor.
Kong Ming’s plan involves using fire to destroy Cao Cao’s fleet, which is anchored on the Yangtze River. He sends a message to Zhou Yu, Sun Quan’s military commander, asking him to prepare a fleet of ships and to supply arrows and oil.
Zhou Yu agrees, and the two sides combine forces to launch a surprise attack on Cao Cao’s fleet.
The attack is successful, and Cao Cao’s fleet is destroyed in a massive blaze. Cao Cao is forced to retreat, and the alliance between Liu Bei and Sun Quan is cemented. The victory at Red Cliffs becomes a turning point in the war, as it
cripples Cao Cao’s military power and prevents him from unifying the country.
The chapter also includes a number of other subplots, including the story of the two Qiaos, two sisters who become influential figures in the Wu court, and the story of Lu Su, a talented diplomat who helps to forge the alliance between
Liu Bei and Sun Quan.
In conclusion, the second chapter of “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is a thrilling account of the Battle of Red Cliffs, a decisive moment in the Three Kingdoms period. It demonstrates the power of strategy and tactics in warfare and
the importance of alliances and diplomacy in achieving victory. The chapter also introduces several key characters who will play significant roles in the rest of the novel.