〃Wu and Wei have no fundamental quarrel； and their dissension has been brought about by Liu Bei。 My master sends me to covenant with you for an attack on Jingzhou； while he goes against Hanzhong。 This double attack being successful； the conquered regions can be divided between us two； and we can both swear to respect each other's territory。〃
Having read the letter； Sun Quan prepared a banquet in honor of Man Chong and then sent him to the guest…house to rest while he discussed the matter with his council of advisers。
Said Gu Yong； 〃Although the messenger's speech was all special pleading； it was correct in form。 I propose that the messenger be allowed to return and that a covenant be made with Cao Cao for joint attack。 In addition； let spies be sent over the Great River to find out Guan Yu's movements； and then we may act。〃
Zhuge Jin said； 〃I hear that since Guan Yu has been in Jingzhou； Liu Bei has found him a wife； who has borne him a son and a daughter。 The daughter is too young to have been betrothed； wherefore let me go to ask her in marriage with your heir。 If Guan Yu agrees； then we can arrange with him to attack Cao Cao。 If Guan Yu refuses； then let us aid Cao Cao in an attack on Jingzhou。〃
Sun Quan took this advice。 So he sent Man Chong away and sent Zhuge Jin to Jingzhou to try to arrange the betrothal。 Zhuge Jin was received。
When the time came to state the reason for his ing； Guan Yu asked him； 〃What have you e for； Zhuge Jin？〃
〃I have e seeking to ally the two houses。 My master； the Marquis of Wu； has a son who is quite clever。 Hearing that you have a daughter； General； I ask her in marriage； hereby the two houses may join in an attack on Cao Cao。 This would be an admirable result； and I pray you consider the pr