忍辱负重 — “To endure humiliation and heavy burdens”

In 221 AD, despite the objections of generals like Zhao Yun, Liu Bei, the ruler of Shu, launched an expedition to attack Eastern Wu. His goals were to reclaim Jingzhou (present-day Jiangling, Hubei), a strategic stronghold seized by Eastern Wu, and to avenge Guan Yu, who was killed after losing Jingzhou. Sun Quan of Eastern Wu sent envoys to seek peace, but Liu Bei refused. Consequently, Sun Quan appointed Lu Xun, then only 38 years old, as the Grand Commander, leading an army of 50,000 to confront Liu Bei.

Early the next year, Liu Bei's forces advanced both by land and water, reaching Yiling (southeast of present-day Yichang, Hubei). Along the Yangtze River, stretching six to seven hundred li on the south bank, he established dozens of military camps, creating a formidable presence. Lu Xun, observing the high morale of the Shu army and their advantageous position, chose to hold his ground and avoid direct engagement.

At one point, a unit of Eastern Wu's army was surrounded by Shu forces at Yidao (northwest of present-day Yichang, Hubei) and requested Lu Xun's reinforcement. Lu Xun declined to send troops, explaining to his generals that Yidao had strong defenses and ample provisions, and that once his strategy materialized, the siege would naturally be lifted. Lu Xun's subordinates, including veteran generals and Sun Quan's relatives, were angered by his perceived cowardice, as he neither attacked the Shu army nor relieved Yidao. They were reluctant to follow his command.

Lu Xun then convened a meeting of his generals, pressing his hand on his sword as he spoke: "Liu Bei is renowned throughout the land, and even Cao Cao feared him. Now he leads his army to attack us; he is a formidable enemy. I hope all generals will prioritize the greater good, work together, and jointly eliminate the invading enemy to repay the state's kindness. Although I am merely a scholar, our lord has appointed me Grand Commander to lead the army, and I shall fulfill my duties. The state has asked you to submit to my command because I possess some merits, capable of bearing humiliation and heavy burdens. Military orders are paramount; those who violate them will be dealt with according to military law. Everyone must not transgress!" Lu Xun's words silenced all the generals, and from then on, they dared not disobey his orders.

Lu Xun remained steadfast in his defensive strategy for seven or eight months. Once the Shu army was exhausted, he seized the opportunity to launch a fire attack with the favorable wind, achieving a decisive victory. Liu Bei fled back to Baidi City, where he soon fell ill and died.