Lu Xun and the Battle of Yiling: An Analysis of the "Strategy of Arrogant Soldiers" in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Brief Introduction

Lu Xun (183–245), courtesy name Boyan, was an outstanding military strategist and politician during the Eastern Wu period. Within the narrative system of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Lu Xun is regarded as the model of a "scholar-general." His most acclaimed achievement by later generations was commanding the Eastern Wu army to decisively defeat Liu Bei, the Prime Minister of Shu Han, during the Battle of Yiling. The "Strategy of Arrogant Soldiers" (骄兵计) mentioned by users, while not an official name within the Thirty-Six Stratagems, accurately summarizes Lu Xun's core strategic thought in this battle: exploiting the enemy's pride and underestimation following consecutive victories, exhausting their momentum through strategic retreat, and finally delivering a fatal blow. This strategy was not only a military victory but also a classic case of psychological warfare.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Strategic Background and Dilemma: Liu Bei, seeking to avenge Guan Yu, mobilized the nation's full strength to invade Wu. The Shu army initially swept forward like a broken bamboo stalk. Many veteran generals of Eastern Wu were unwilling to submit to Lu Xun's young rank. Facing internal and external pressure, Lu Xun adhered to the principle of "avoid their sharp spirit, strike when they are weary," refusing to be confused by short-term battle results.
2. Psychological Game and Formation of Arrogance: Lu Xun knew Liu Bei was experienced and dared not engage easily. He deliberately showed weakness, leading Liu Bei to mistakenly believe Eastern Wu was cowardly, thereby breeding pride. Liu Bei relaxed his vigilance and camped his army over 700 li connected through mountains and forests, causing fatal loopholes in the defense system.
3. Fire Attack Decisive and Tactical Execution: In 222 AD, Lu Xun spotted the right timing. Utilizing the weaknesses of the summer heat and the Shu army's connected camps being made of flammable vegetation, he launched a fire attack on the connected camps. This tactic not only destroyed the Shu army's combat power but also forced Liu Bei to retreat to Baidicheng, establishing the landscape of the late Three Kingdoms period.
4. Historical Status: This battle was the peak of Lu Xun's military career and established him as a core figure in Eastern Wu's second-generation military leadership, demonstrating steadiness and foresight beyond his years.

Connection to Romance of the Three Kingdoms Content

In Chapters 80 through 83 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Luo Guanzhong described this battle in rich detail, highlighting the implementation process of the "Strategy of Arrogant Soldiers."
* Appointment Turmoil: The novel describes Sun Quan's initial concerns about Lu Xun's young rank. Lu Xun persuaded Sun Quan to appoint him as Grand Commander through a letter analyzing the situation, showcasing his political wisdom and confidence.
* Luring the Enemy Deep: The book details Liu Bei's arrogance after consecutive victories and Lu Xun's calm restraint when his subordinates urged him to battle, highlighting the psychological process of forming "arrogant soldiers." Liu Bei even mocked Lu Xun for not daring to fight, which fell right into Lu Xun's trap.
* Burning the Connected Camps: This is one of the climaxes of the book. Lu Xun ordered soldiers to raid silently at night and set fire to the Shu camps. The flames reached the sky, and the Shu army fell into chaos. Liu Bei fled to Baidicheng and eventually died of illness. This plot vividly reflects the actual execution effect of Lu Xun's strategy.

Conclusion

Lu Xun's "Strategy of Arrogant Soldiers" was essentially a combination of psychological warfare and fire attack. Under the narrative of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this strategy not only showcased Lu Xun's military talent but also served as a warning about the historical law that "arrogant soldiers must fail." For those studying Three Kingdoms military strategy and novel plots, the Battle of Yiling is an indispensable key node, and Lu Xun consequently became one of the most influential generals in the late Three Kingdoms period.