Lü Meng

Lü Meng (呂蒙) (178-219), courtesy name Ziming (子明), was a military general serving under the warlord Sun Quan during the late Eastern Han dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period of China. He is best known for his pivotal role in the conquest of Jing Province from Liu Bei's forces, particularly his strategy that led to the capture of Guan Yu.

Originally from Runan Commandery (汝南郡; around present-day Shangcheng County, Henan), Lü Meng joined Sun Ce's forces at a young age. He began as a brave but unlearned warrior, and Sun Quan encouraged him to study and become more knowledgeable. Lü Meng took this advice to heart, devoting himself to learning history and military strategy. His dedication led to his transformation from a rough soldier to a refined and astute commander.

Over the years, Lü Meng participated in numerous campaigns for Sun Quan, demonstrating courage and strategic acumen. He steadily rose through the ranks, proving himself a capable leader in battle.

His most significant achievement was the surprise attack on Jing Province in 219. While Guan Yu was focused on attacking Cao Cao's forces in the north, Lü Meng, acting on Sun Quan's orders, launched a covert invasion of Jing Province. He successfully employed various tactics, including feigned illness to lower Guan Yu's guard and the effective use of local informants to weaken enemy morale. Crucially, he convinced Guan Yu's officers to defect. His conquest of Jing Province resulted in Guan Yu's capture and subsequent execution.

Despite his success, Lü Meng died shortly after the capture of Jing Province in the same year. The cause of his death is not definitively known, but it is often attributed to illness. He was highly regarded by Sun Quan and remembered as one of the most important generals of the Wu kingdom. Lü Meng's story is often used as an example of the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.