Welcome to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms podcast.

This is episode 66.

Last time, we left off with Sun Quan and the Dongwu forces bogged down outside the key city of Hefei,

which was being defended by three of Cao Cao's veteran generals, Zhang Liao, Li Dian, and Yue Jin.

Sun Quan had just lost a battle, and one of his bodyguards was killed in the fighting,

which made him very sad. After Sun Quan returned to camp following his defeat, one of his top generals,

Tai Shih Tsi came to see him with a plan.

One of my soldiers, a man named Ghe Ding, has a sworn brother who is a stable hand for Zhang Liao,

Tai Shih Tsi said.

The stable hand was admonished by Zhang Liao

and is holding a grudge,

so he sent word to us tonight

that he is willing to start a fire in the city

and assassinate Zhang Liao.

I would like to lead some troops to back him up.

Where is Gerdin now?

Sun Quan asked.

He has already sneaked into the city, Tachichich said.

I would like to take 5,000 soldiers on this mission.

However, one of Sun Quan's advisors, Zhuge Jin, advised caution.

Zhang Liao is crafty, he might be prepared,

we must not act rashly, he said.

...