Lü Meng
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Lü Meng (呂蒙; 178 - 219) was a renowned general of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He served as one of the commanding generals in battles like the invasion of Jingzhou that led to the death of Guan Yu.
[edit] Life
Lü Meng was born in Fupo of Ru'nan (Present-day Fuyang, Anhui) in 178. Originally a sub-officer of Deng Dang, officer of Sun Ce, Lü Meng took Deng's position upon the death of the latter. He then fought in various campaigns for Sun Quan like the Battle of Red Cliffs. It is said that he focused entirely on martial skills until he was admonished by Sun Quan, after which he took up scholarly pursuits also, taking lessons from Lu Su and became a capable strategist. Once, Lu Su tested Lü Meng and was impressed by Lü Meng's answer, leading Lu Su to re-evaluate Lü Meng's capabilities. This incident gave birth to a Chinese proverb "looking at someone with a new eye after parting for three days" (士別三日，刮目相看).
When Lu Su died, Lü Meng took over his command and became the chief strategist of Wu. Later, he proposed the invasion of Jingzhou, which was controlled by Wu's ally Shu Han. He recommended the scholar Lu Xun, who would eventually succeed him. He first feigned illness and placed the then-unknown Lu Xun in command, tricking Guan Yu into leaving the province unguarded against Wu as Guan attacked the Wei city of Fancheng in the north. Then, Lü Meng led his men into Jingzhou under the disguise of merchant boats and captured the province by forcing its defenders Fu Shiren and Mi Fang to surrender. Guan Yu, having nowhere to return to, attempted to flee to Sichuan but was captured on the way. Guan Yu and his son Guan Ping were then executed by Sun Quan.
After Guan Yu was executed, Lü Meng fell to illness, and died at the age of 41 despite efforts from Sun Quan. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, however, he is possessed by the angered spirit of Guan Yu and is killed. Some also claim Lü Meng was poisoned by some of Guan Yu's followers.
[edit] Fictional portrayals
The fictional character Ryomou Shimei of the anime and manga series Ikki Tousen is based on Lü Meng.
Lü Meng is also a playable character in the Dynasty Warriors series, and belongs to the Kingdom of Eastern Wu. He wields a ji (Chinese halberd) in battle. His fighting style is somewhat more suited for duelling an enemy general one-on-one than multiple foes.
