To conceal malicious intentions or treachery behind a friendly or amiable facade; to be outwardly pleasant but inwardly dangerous or deceitful.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Jingzhou's crucial geographical location made it a hotly contested strategic point. In 217 AD, Lu Su passed away due to illness. The 'honeymoon period' of the Sun-Liu alliance against Cao Cao had come to an end. At that time, Guan Yu was guarding Jingzhou. Sun Quan had long harbored ambitions to seize Jingzhou, but the timing wasn't right.
Shortly after, Guan Yu launched an attack on Fancheng, which was controlled by Cao Cao. Fearing potential problems in his rear, he left a significant force stationed in Gong'an and Nan Commandery to defend Jingzhou. Lu Meng, a senior general under Sun Quan, believed the time was ripe to take Jingzhou. However, being ill, he suggested that Sun Quan appoint the then-unknown young general Lu Xun to take his place and guard Lukou.
Upon assuming command, Lu Xun showed no obvious ambition. He devised a strategy of feigned goodwill with Guan Yu while secretly preparing for battle. He sent a letter to Guan Yu, in which he lavishly praised Guan Yu, stating that his achievements and prestige were on par with Duke Wen of Jin and Han Xin. Lu Xun modestly described himself as a mere scholar, too young to bear such a great responsibility, and asked Guan Yu for much guidance.
Guan Yu, being arrogant, conceited, and dismissive of others, laughed heartily after reading Lu Xun's letter, exclaiming, "No worries about Jiangdong anymore!" He immediately transferred most of the troops defending Jingzhou to focus entirely on attacking Fancheng. Lu Xun also secretly sent word to Cao Cao, arranging for a joint attack to sandwich Guan Yu.
Sun Quan, convinced that the time to capture Jingzhou was ripe, dispatched Lu Meng as the vanguard to advance towards Jingzhou. Lu Meng concealed elite troops inside warships disguised as merchant vessels. Traveling day and night, they launched a surprise attack and captured the southern area. Upon receiving the news, Guan Yu hastily led his troops back, but it was too late; Sun Quan's army had already occupied Jingzhou. Guan Yu was forced to retreat to Maicheng.