Faced with Zhuge Liang's conclusion, everyone was first taken aback, then asked for the reason.
Zhuge Liang told them what he had seen and heard along the way, then analyzed the situation for them:
"Jiangdong has clearly learned of our army's intention to advance south, which is why they have set their defenses in Danyang Commandery."
"However, our army is now advancing together with Jing Province's naval forces. The enemy at Danyang is caught between our two armies. That is why Zhou Yu sent out his troops first, intending to defeat Jing Province's naval forces before anything else."
"Now that they have deployed their troops without moving, it is clear that Sir has already foiled this plan. Therefore, if he wishes to win, he must instead strike our Chaohu troops first!"
"Earlier, when I saw the enemy army heading north, I did not yet understand their intentions and thought only that they meant to ambush Jing Province's naval forces."
"But now that Jing Province's naval forces have not moved, Zhou Yu has withdrawn the troops at Spring Valley first. Clearly, he means to lure our army there and then destroy us with surprise troops."
"If our army underestimates the enemy and rashly advances, Zhou Yu's surprise troops will surely defeat us!"
After hearing his analysis, everyone was startled. Zhou Yu truly was crafty as a thief.
Had Zhuge Liang not been here, their naval forces would not have known the reason behind it and might truly have been defeated by Zhou Yu.
Still shocked, they naturally asked Zhuge Liang what plan he had to deal with this.
Hearing this, Zhuge Liang directly told them:
"Though the current situation is the enemy's scheme, it may not be without an opportunity to defeat them!"
"This matter must first be discussed with Commander