Early life

Lu Su was from Dongcheng County (東城縣), Linhuai Commandery (臨淮郡), which is located southeast of present-day Dingyuan County, Anhui. He lost his father not long after he was born, so he lived with his grandmother. Lu Su was very generous with his family's wealth as he used it to help the needy. Wei Zhao's Book of Wu (吳書) described Lu Su as having a stalwart and extraordinary appearance. He had great ambitions since he was young and was very fond of strategy.

Towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, when chaos broke out throughout China due to the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Dong Zhuo's tyranny, Lu Su sold his family's lands and properties and used the money to help the poor. He also spent his time associating with other reputable and talented persons. He was well-loved by his fellow townsfolk.

The Book of Wu gave another account of Lu Su's life during that chaotic period. Apart from practising sword-fighting, horse-riding and archery, he also hired a group of young men as his retainers, and provided them with clothing and food. They often went to the hills to hunt and practise military arts. The elders of the clan remarked: "We got this wild boy because the Lu clan is in decline!"

Moving to Jiangdong

Around 196, when Zhou Yu was nominally serving as the Chief (長) of Juchao County under the warlord Yuan Shu, he wanted to leave Yuan Shu and travel east to the Jiangdong (or Wu) region to join Sun Ce, who had recently conquered some territories in Jiangdong over the past few years. Along the way, Zhou Yu and his militia, numbering a few hundred men, visited Lu Su and requested for supplies. At the time, Lu Su owned two large granaries, each capable of storing 3,000 hu of grain. He pointed at one granary and gave it to Zhou Yu. Realising that Lu Su was no ordinary person, Zhou Yu thanked and befriended him. The third-century historian Chen Shou compared their friendship to that of Gongsun Qiao and Ji Zha (季札) during the Spring and Autumn period. The Chinese idiom "pointing at a granary and presenting it" (t zhǐ qūn xiāng zèng), which means to generously provide aid to someone, originated from this anecdote.

When Yuan Shu heard of Lu Su's fame, he wanted to recruit him to serve as the Chief of Dongcheng County (東城縣; present-day Suining County, Jiangsu). However, Lu Su refused because he saw that Yuan Shu's administration was ill-disciplined and predicted that Yuan Shu would ultimately meet his downfall. He told his followers, "The central government has collapsed. Robbers and bandits are rampant. The areas around the Huai and Si rivers are no longer safe. I heard the lands in Jiangdong are fertile and they have a prosperous population and powerful armed forces. We can take shelter there. Are you willing to accompany me to that paradise and wait until stability is restored in central China?" They unanimously agreed to follow him.

Lu Su led his followers and some civilians southward to Juchao County to join Zhou Yu. He ordered able-bodied young men to guard the rear while the others continued moving forward. The local authorities sent some armed horsemen to stop Lu Su and his followers from leaving. When the riders caught up with them, Lu Su turned back and said, "All of you are capable men, so you should understand what's going on. The Empire is now in a state of chaos. While you won't be rewarded for your efforts (even if you manage to stop us), you will also not be punished for failing to stop us. Do you really want to force us to fight?" He then placed a shield upright on the ground and fired an arrow at it. The arrow pierced through the shield. The horsemen realised that they could not stop Lu Su so they gave up and left. Lu Su and his followers then crossed the Yangtze River with Zhou Yu and arrived in Jiangdong, where they met Sun Ce, who also saw great potential in Lu Su.

In Jiangdong, Lu Su lived in Qu'e County (曲阿縣; in present-day Danyang, Jiangsu) for some time before making a short trip back to Dongcheng County later to attend his grandmother's funeral.

Nearly leaving Jiangdong

Liu Ye, a friend of Lu Su, once wrote a letter to him: "Warlords and heroes have emerged all over the Empire. I believe the time has come for me to put my talents to good use. I am in a rush to fetch my mother but I will be stopping at Dongcheng County for a while. I heard that recently there is one Zheng Bao (鄭寶) who has rallied thousands of followers in Chaohu and gained control over some very fertile lands. Many people in Lujiang Commandery are planning to join him – including myself. As of now, he is still gathering followers. You should act fast and not miss this opportunity." Lu Su agreed with what Liu Ye told him. After his grandmother's funeral, Lu Su returned to Qu'e County and planned to leave Jiangdong and head north to join Zheng Bao. However, after he found out that Zhou Yu had fetched his mother to Wu Commandery (around present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu), he gave up his plan to leave Jiangdong and headed to Wu Commandery to meet Zhou Yu.

In 200, after Sun Ce was assassinated, his younger brother Sun Quan succeeded him as the warlord controlling the Jiangdong territories. When Lu Su arrived in Wu Commandery, Zhou Yu told him, "In the past, Ma Yuan once told Emperor Guangwu, 'In this era, not only do lords choose their subjects; subjects also choose the lords they wish to serve.' The new lord Quan welcomes and respects persons of virtue and talent. He has recruited many extraordinary people. Besides, I also heard a saying that in the past, philosophers predicted that the successor to the Liu clan's empire Han dynasty will rise in the southeast. As you can see, these events are already in motion. This is the time for heroes to rise up and showcase their talents and abilities, and contribute to the construction of a new empire to receive the Mandate of Heaven. Having said this, I don't think you need to take Liu Ye's words to heart." Lu Su heeded Zhou Yu's advice and remained in Jiangdong.

The historian Chen Shou, who wrote Lu Su's biography, believed that Zhou Yu recommended Lu Su to Sun Quan because he knew that his lord needed to widely recruit more of such talents to accomplish his goal of building up his power bloc. Therefore, he could not afford to let Lu Su leave with Liu Ye.

Drafting a plan for Sun Quan

Sun Quan immediately summoned Lu Su to meet him, and was pleased to see Lu Su. When the other guests were leaving after the meeting, Lu Su also took his leave but Sun Quan called him back. They shared a table and had a private conversation over drinks. Sun Quan asked, "The Han dynasty is in decline and there is turmoil everywhere. I have inherited the work of my father and elder brother, and I intend to make achievements like those of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin. I am honoured to have your noble patronage. What advice do you have for me?" Lu Su replied: Sun Quan replied, "Now, I am doing my best to support the Han dynasty. What you said can't be achieved."

Zhang Zhao, a senior adviser to Sun Quan, felt that Lu Su was not humble enough so he often spoke ill of Lu Su in front of their lord. Pointing out that Lu Su was too young and neglectful, Zhang Zhao advised Sun Quan to refrain from entrusting Lu Su with important responsibilities. However, Sun Quan ignored Zhang Zhao and continued to treat Lu Su respectfully and regard him highly. He gave new clothes and curtains to Lu Su's mother and restored Lu Su's family to their prior status as a wealthy family.

Formation of the Sun–Liu alliance

When Liu Biao died in 208, his younger son Liu Cong succeeded him as the Governor of Jing Province (covering present-day Hubei and Hunan). Upon receiving news of Liu Biao's death, Lu Su told Sun Quan, Sun Quan then sent Lu Su as his representative to Jing Province.

When Lu Su reached Xiakou (夏口; present-day Hankou, Hubei), he heard that Cao Cao and his forces were advancing towards Jing Province so he travelled day and night in the hope of reaching Xiangyang (Jing Province's capital) in the shortest time possible. When he arrived at Nan Commandery (南郡; around present-day Jingzhou, Hubei), he received news that Liu Cong had already surrendered to Cao Cao, and that Jing Province was now under Cao Cao's control. At the same time, Liu Bei had been defeated at the Battle of Changban and was trying to cross the Yangtze and head further south. Lu Su met Liu Bei at Changban (長阪; in present-day Dangyang, Hubei), where he conveyed Sun Quan's intentions to Liu Bei and pointed out that Jiangdong was very stable. Liu Bei was delighted. Lu Su also met and befriended Liu Bei's adviser Zhuge Liang; he told Zhuge Liang that he was a friend of Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang's elder brother. Liu Bei moved to Xiakou, where he instructed Zhuge Liang to follow Lu Su to meet Sun Quan and discuss the formation of a Sun–Liu alliance against Cao Cao.

Contradiction

Pei Songzhi, who annotated Lu Su's biography, argued that Lu Su was actually the first person to propose forming a Sun–Liu alliance against Cao Cao. When Lu Su told Zhuge Liang that he was Zhuge Jin's friend, Zhuge Liang would probably have already heard of Lu Su but had yet to meet him in person. Pei Songzhi pointed out that Zhuge Liang's biography in the Shu Shu (蜀書; Book of Shu) recorded: "Zhuge Liang persuaded Sun Quan with his argument on forming an alliance. Sun Quan was very pleased." Going by the Shu Shu account, the first person who suggested the Sun–Liu alliance should be Zhuge Liang instead of Lu Su. Pei Songzhi commented that the historians in Eastern Wu and Shu Han gave conflicting accounts on who was the first person who conceived the idea of the Sun–Liu alliance because they wanted their respective states to claim that credit. Pei Songzhi also remarked that this was one of the flaws in the Sanguozhi because the author Chen Shou wrote both Lu Su and Zhuge Liang's biographies but the two biographies contradict each other on this point.

Urging Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao

In late 208, when Sun Quan received news that Cao Cao was planning to lead his forces across the Yangtze to invade Jiangdong, he discussed with his subjects on how to deal with Cao Cao. Everyone present at the meeting advised Sun Quan to surrender and welcome Cao Cao; only Lu Su remained silent. When Sun Quan left the meeting for a change of clothes, Lu Su hurriedly left his seat and followed his lord. Sun Quan sensed that Lu Su had something to say so he held Lu Su's hand and asked him, "What do you want to tell me?" Lu Su replied, Sun Quan sighed, "I am very disappointed with those gentlemen. Your thoughts are exactly the same as mine. That's why I say you are Heaven's gift to me."

Alternative accounts

The Wei Shu (魏書; Book of Wei) and the Jiuzhou Chunqiu (九州春秋) gave different accounts on how Lu Su urged Sun Quan to go to war with Cao Cao. They recorded that Lu Su attempted to use reverse psychology to persuade Sun Quan by saying, "Cao Cao is truly a formidable foe. He has engulfed Yuan Shao's territories and his forces are very powerful. If he uses the might of a victorious army to invade a weak and chaotic state, he'll definitely win. Why don't we dispatch our troops to assist him, while you send your family to Ye (Cao Cao's base in northern China)? If not, we'll be in danger." When a furious Sun Quan wanted to execute Lu Su, the latter said, "We are in dire straits. Since you have other plans, why don't you assist Liu Bei instead of executing me?" Sun Quan agreed with Lu Su's idea, so he ordered Zhou Yu to lead his forces to help Liu Bei.

The fourth-century historian Sun Sheng commented that both Wei Zhao's Book of Wu and the Jiang Biao Zhuan (江表傳) recorded that Lu Su urged Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao and build his own empire. When Liu Biao died, Lu Su advised Sun Quan to observe the developments. There was no mention of Lu Su using reverse psychology to persuade Sun Quan to go to war with Cao Cao. Sun Sheng pointed out that there were many others among Sun Quan's subjects who urged their lord to surrender, so it made no sense for Sun Quan to single out Lu Su. He concluded that the accounts on Lu Su's use of reverse psychology are absurd and unreliable.

Battle of Red Cliffs

At the time, Zhou Yu was in Poyang County so Lu Su advised Sun Quan to quickly summon Zhou Yu back to discuss their plans on how to counter Cao Cao's impending invasion. When Zhou Yu returned, he also urged Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao. This resulted in Sun Quan arriving at his final decision to go to war with Cao Cao. Sun Quan put Zhou Yu in command of his military forces and appointed Lu Su as Colonel Who Praises the Army (贊軍校尉) to assist Zhou Yu in formulating the battle plan.

In the winter of 208, the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei defeated Cao Cao's forces at the decisive Battle of Red Cliffs. When Lu Su returned after the battle, Sun Quan hosted a grand reception for him and said: "Zijing, I dismounted from my horse and received you on foot. Is this enough to illuminate your glory?" Lu Su replied: "No." All the others present at the scene were startled by Lu Su's response. After taking his seat, Lu Su raised his horsewhip and said: "I hope that our lord will spread his might and virtues throughout the Four Seas, expand his territories to cover the Nine Provinces, and successfully build an empire. When he has achieved that and he comes to receive me on a carriage, I will be the first to feel honoured." Sun Quan clapped his hands and laughed.

Handing over Jing Province to Liu Bei

In 210, Liu Bei travelled to Jing (京; present-day Zhenjiang, Jiangsu) to meet Sun Quan and request for the governorship of Jing Province. Only Lu Su advised Sun Quan to "lend" Jing Province to Liu Bei so as to strengthen the Sun-Liu alliance against Cao Cao.

At the time, Lü Fan urged Sun Quan to hold Liu Bei hostage in Jiangdong and prevent him from returning to Jing Province. However, Lu Su objected: "No. My lord, you may have received the blessings of Heaven, but Cao Cao is still a foe to be reckoned with. As we have recently taken control of Jing Province, we haven't earned the trust and support of its people yet. It's better to 'lend' it to Liu Bei and let him help us pacify the area. The best strategy to adopt now is to create more enemies for Cao Cao and less enemies for ourselves." Sun Quan agreed with Lu Su.

Cao Cao was writing when he received news that Sun Quan had "lent" Jing Province to Liu Bei. He dropped his brush upon hearing that.

Succeeding Zhou Yu

In 210, when Zhou Yu became critically ill, he wrote to Sun Quan:

The Jiang Biao Zhuan (江表傳) provided a longer, but generally similar, account of Zhou Yu's message to Sun Quan before his death. Zhou Yu wrote:

After Zhou Yu's death, Lu Su was appointed as Colonel of Vehement Martial Might (奮武校尉) and succeeded Zhou Yu. He took charge of the 4,000 troops and the four counties which used to be under Zhou Yu's control. Cheng Pu succeeded Zhou Yu as the Grand Administrator (太守) of Nan Commandery (南郡; around present-day Jingzhou, Hubei). Lu Su was at Jiangling County initially, so he moved to Lukou (陸口; in present-day Jiayu County, Hubei) and garrisoned there. Lu Su governed with justice and benevolence, and the number of troops under his command increased to over 10,000. He was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant-General (偏將軍) and appointed as the Administrator of Hanchang Commandery (漢昌郡; around present-day Pingjiang County, Hunan).

In 214, Lu Su accompanied Sun Quan on a campaign at Wan County (皖縣; present-day Qianshan County, Anhui), a garrison under Cao Cao's control. After Sun Quan's forces emerged victorious, Lu Su was reassigned as General Who Crosses the River (橫江將軍).

Sun–Liu territorial dispute

Background

Before Zhou Yu died, he, along with Gan Ning and others, had constantly urged Sun Quan to seize Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing) from its governor, Liu Zhang. However, Zhou Yu died of illness while making preparations for an invasion of Yi Province. When Sun Quan asked Liu Bei for his opinion, Liu Bei, who secretly had the intention of seizing Yi Province for himself, lied to Sun Quan: "Liu Zhang and I are members of the imperial clan, so we should strive to uphold the Han dynasty with the aid of our ancestors' blessings. Now, when I heard that Liu Zhang has offended his neighbours, I feel afraid and don't dare to probe further. I hope you can show leniency towards him. If you don't, I will retire and return to the countryside." Liu Bei revealed his true intentions later when he attacked Liu Zhang himself and eventually seized control of Yi Province. During the campaign against Liu Zhang, Liu Bei left his general Guan Yu behind to guard Jing Province in his absence. When Sun Quan heard about Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province, he angrily remarked: "This cunning barbarian dares to trick me!"

At the same time, tensions were rising at the Sun–Liu border in Jing Province as both sides became more suspicious of each other. Lu Su tried to reduce the tensions by being friendly towards Liu Bei's side. After Liu Bei took over Yi Province, Sun Quan asked him to return three commanderies in southern Jing Province – Changsha (長沙), Lingling (零陵; around present-day Yongzhou, Hunan) and Guiyang (桂陽; around present-day Chenzhou, Hunan) – but Liu Bei refused. Sun Quan then ordered his general Lü Meng to lead his forces to seize the three commanderies by force. When Liu Bei found out, he returned to Gong'an County and sent Guan Yu to lead an army to stop Lü Meng.

Negotiations

At Yiyang, Lu Su invited Guan Yu to attend a meeting to discuss the dispute. During the negotiations, both sides stationed their soldiers more than 100 paces away from the meeting area and the officers present at the talks were each armed with only a blade weapon. Lu Su told Guan Yu: Before Lu Su could finish what he was saying, an unnamed person interrupted him and said: "Whoever has the ability to govern the land shall have control over it. Isn't it so?" Lu Su angrily rebuked that person in a firm and stern tone. Guan Yu drew his sword, stood up and said, "This is a state-level problem. We can't hope to understand it." He left after that.

Wu Shu account

Wei Zhao's Book of Wu provided more details on the meeting. Prior to the talks, Lu Su's subordinates feared that Guan Yu would try to harm Lu Su, so they advised Lu Su against attending the meeting. However, Lu Su replied: "It's better for us to settle this issue in a peaceful manner. Liu Bei may have acted against our lord's interests, but we haven't agreed on who is right and who is wrong. Do you think Guan Yu will dare to do something as rash as killing me at this point in time?"

Lu Su then met Guan Yu, who told him:

Lu Su replied: Guan Yu did not respond to what Lu Su said.

Liu Bei eventually agreed to divide Jing Province between his and Sun Quan's domains along the Xiang River. Both sides withdrew their forces.

Death

Lu Su died at the age of 46 (by East Asian age reckoning) in 217. Sun Quan mourned his death and attended his funeral. Zhuge Liang also held a memorial service for Lu Su.

Descendants

Lu Su's son, Lu Shu (魯淑), was born physically strong. Zhang Cheng once remarked that Lu Shu would become very outstanding in the future. Between 258 and 264, during the reign of Sun Xiu, Lu Shu served as General of Illustrious Martial Might (昭武將軍) and Area Commander (督) of Wuchang, and was named as a Marquis of a Chief Village (都亭侯). Between 269 and 271, during the reign of Sun Xiu's successor, Sun Hao, Lu Shu was reassigned as the Area Commander of Xiakou (夏口). Lu Shu was known for being very disciplined and competent in his duties. He died in 274.

Lu Shu's son, Lu Mu (魯睦), inherited his father's marquis title and military post.

Appraisal

Wei Zhao's Book of Wu (吳書) described Lu Su as follows: Lu Su was a strict person who rarely indulged in material pleasures, led a frugal life, and had no interest in common hobbies. He maintained good military discipline and executed orders without fail. Even when he was in the army, he was often seen reading books. He was proficient in arguing and writing. He could think far and possessed an exemplary sense of judgment. He was the best after Zhou Yu.

Sun Quan once told Lü Meng:

In 229, when Sun Quan was attending a ceremony to declare himself emperor and establish the state of Eastern Wu, he told his subjects: "In the past, Lu Zijing often spoke about what is happening now. Indeed, he had good foresight."

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Lu Su appeared as a character in the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which romanticises the historical events before and during the Three Kingdoms period. In the novel, Lu Su's role is significantly downplayed as compared to his historical counterpart, such that he is mainly used as a foil between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu to highlight their intelligence, especially for the former. He is also used to add minor comic relief to the rivalry between Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, particularly in the events leading to the Battle of Red Cliffs. Besides, he is also portrayed as an honest and sententious man who is often easily cheated and taken advantage of, resulting in his maladroit handling of the territorial dispute over Jing Province between Liu Bei and Sun Quan.

In popular culture

Lu Su was first introduced as a playable character in the eighth instalment of Koei's Dynasty Warriors video game series and Warriors Orochi 4, being voiced by Taiten Kusunoki. Chinese actor Hou Yong portrayed Lu Su in the two-part epic war film Red Cliff (2008-2009) directed by John Woo.

生平

少壯輕狂

幼時出生後不久，父親就去世了，由祖母撫養成人。魯肅家庭財產顯富，性格好交施與，身體及樣貌魁梧奇特，少年的時候有壯烈的節操，喜歡用奇計。天下將要禍亂，所以學習擊劍和騎射，招集少年，給他們衣服食物，往來於南山之中狩獵，暗中部署，並講授武事及訓練習兵。父老鄉親都說：「魯氏衰落，正因為生了這個狂兒！」當時天下已經大亂，魯肅不治理家事，標價賣出田地，以財賑濟貧窮的人和結交有志之士為責任，非常得鄉土之人歡心。

斛米之交

周瑜當時是袁術勢力的居巣長，率領數百人有意找魯肅問候，並請求糧食物資。魯肅家有兩個圓形的糧倉各存有三千斛米，魯肅即用手指指其中一個糧倉贈給周瑜，周瑜覺得魯肅與眾不同，遂即與他結交為如子產和季札那樣密不可分的好友情誼。袁術聽到魯肅的名聲，任命他為東城長。

英風雅奇

後來魯肅看到袁術治理的地方沒有綱紀，不足以成立大事。偕同老弱和輕俠少年等百餘人，南遷到周瑜的居巢。當時群雄並起，中州受到擾亂，魯肅遂對他的部屬說：「中國崩解，寇賊暴亂嚴重，淮、泗之間並非留下生活繁衍後代的地方，我聽聞江東肥沃的土地有萬里，百姓富足兵力強盛，可以避禍，不知道各位會否相隨一起到那片樂土，留意時勢的變化嗎？」屬下大家都從命。於是使細小身弱的在前行，強壯的在後，男女三百多人一起步行。當時州郡的騎兵在後方追至，魯肅等人慢慢移行，保持膽力統帥兵士，並對追兵說：「你們大家都是大丈夫，應當解除大問題。今日天下大亂，有功也沒有獎賞，無功也沒有懲罰，為什麼要相逼呢？」說罷魯肅又立盾牌於前，搭弓引射，箭都射穿了盾牌。追兵也覺得魯肅所說的話合理，而且自己的能力也無法制約魯肅，於是引兵撤退。當時周瑜向東遷徙投奔孫策，魯肅便一起同行，留家庭在曲阿。魯肅渡江遇見了孫策，周瑜將魯肅引薦給了孫策，孫策認為他是雅奇的人。正當要啟用魯肅時，正逢魯肅的祖母逝世，魯肅請求孫策為祖母回到東城安葬守喪。

擇君而仕

魯肅在江東很長一段時間，而正值他的好友劉子揚（可能是劉曄，劉子揚也可能是另一個人，因為劉曄最後把鄭寶誅殺了）給他寫書來信說道：「今天天下豪傑群雄並起，以閣下的才幹和姿色，與當今大局相適。應當快點將母親接走，沒必要滯留在東城。今大勢附近有位叫鄭寶的人，現屯在巢湖，擁兵萬眾餘人，所處地肥沃豐富，廬江很多閒人依附他就職，更何況我們這類人呢？縱觀他的形勢，又會聚集博士多識的人，機不可失，閣下請速速前來。」魯肅答應他的邀請。安葬完祖母回到曲阿，打算向北移行。不過周瑜已經把魯肅的母親遷迻到吳郡，魯肅對周瑜說出具體情況。然而孫策當時去世，孫權還在吳郡居住，周瑜對魯肅說道：「當年馬援答覆光武帝：當今的時勢，不但只有君主可以選擇臣子，臣子也可以選擇君主。如今主上親賢士重人才，接納奇才錄用異士，況且我聽聞先世仙人的秘論，承著運勢取代劉氏的人必定起興於東南，推算曆法留意局勢，應驗曆數，最終會構建起帝皇的基業，協合上天的安排，這是烈士依附帝皇各處奔走成就功業的時刻。你已經來到這裡了，閣下也毋須介懷劉子揚所說的話呢！」魯肅聽從他的看法。周瑜再次舉薦魯肅給孫家（孫權），在舉薦的時候說到魯肅的才能適合輔佐當今世代，應當廣求與魯肅相類的人才，如果要成就功業，是不可以令這樣的人才流失到外地的。

壟劃之籌

孫權即刻與魯肅相見，與魯肅交談非常愉悅。賓客大家都請辭告退，魯肅亦作告辭離開，但孫權唯獨讓魯肅回來，將榻床合起來二人對飲，孫權密議說道：「如今漢室已經快要傾倒，四方受到如同烏雲一樣侵擾，孤繼承父兄的留下來的基業，希望有齊桓公和晉文公的功業。君既然惠顧於我，請問如何輔佐我呢？」魯肅對孫權說道：「當年漢高祖微不足道地打算尊奉義帝而沒有所成，是因為項羽所害的緣故。今天的曹操猶如當年的項羽，將軍你何只會是齊桓公和晉文公呢？以我魯肅的私見，漢室是不可復興，曹操也不可能一下子消滅。為將軍所計劃，惟有鼎足江東，以觀天下局勢的變化。以此形式規模自立也不會惹來忌恨。為何呢？正因為北方是多戰亂多事發生的地方，可以憑藉這種局勢乘勢發展，剿滅黃祖，進兵討伐劉表，劃長江所有的地方佔為己有，然後建立國號稱帝圖取天下，這就如同高帝建立的大業。」孫權則回答：「如今我是盡力的一方，冀望可以匡扶漢室，你所說的我可能不及。」

張昭非議魯肅不夠謙遜，多有出言詆毀，又對孫權說魯肅年紀小且為人粗疏，不可啟用。但孫權卻並不介意這些，反而加重看待魯肅，與諸葛瑾同為賓客禮待起用，並賜給魯肅母親衣服幃帳，家居各類雜物，魯肅家就如以前般富有。

固國強兵

建安十三年（208年），劉表病故，魯肅又向孫權進言：「荊楚之地與我國江東鄰接，水流順延到北方，外連接江、漢之地，內隔著山陵，有如金城一樣的堅固。沃野之地有萬里，士民可以得到富足，如果據有此地，等同建立了帝皇基業的基礎資本。劉表今天雖亡，兩個兒子素來不和，軍中諸將各有依附派別。加上天下梟雄的劉備和曹操有私怨，故此寄于劉表，劉表不喜歡其才能而不用。如果劉備與我們同心協力，上下齊同，則應該安定撫慰，與他結盟。如果有背離異樣，應該另覓打算，以這樣成就大事。我魯肅請求奉命前往荊州，為劉表弔唁，並慰勞其軍中的將領，及勸劉備安撫劉表部下，同心一意，共抗曹操，劉備必定歡答應。如果能夠成功，則天下可定。如今不快點去那裡，恐怕曹操會先到。」孫權隨即令魯肅去起行。魯肅到了夏口，聽聞曹操已經出發荊州，魯肅星夜兼程趕路。當到了南郡，劉表兒子劉琮已經降曹。劉備慌張逃竄，打算向南渡江。魯肅走捷徑迎見他，在當陽長阪與劉備相見，向劉備傳達孫權的旨意，及陳述江東的實力，勸劉備與孫權聯合，甚得劉備的歡心。當時諸葛亮跟隨劉備，魯肅對諸葛亮說：「我與子瑜是好朋友（諸葛瑾是諸葛亮的兄長，子瑜是他的字）」即刻二人結交為好友。劉備接著到夏口，派遣諸葛亮到江東會見孫權和魯肅答覆。

視畫分明

當時孫權得知曹操打算向江東出兵，並與諸將議論，大家都勸孫權歸降奉迎，唯獨是魯肅不說話。孫權起立去更衣，魯肅追著他到屋簷之下，孫權知道魯肅的意思並執著他的手說：「卿有什麼想說呢？」魯肅對孫權說：「觀察方才眾人的提議，都是專門誤害將軍的，不足以與他們討論大事。今我魯肅可以奉迎曹操，但將軍是不可以。為什麼這樣說呢？今我魯肅奉迎曹操，曹操定會將我歸返到所屬的鄉土，品評我的名聲及地位，在曹操之下從事一名小官，坐牛車，有隨從，與交遊士大夫，慢慢積累升官，免不了做個州郡。但如果將軍奉迎曹操，他會將你安置在哪裡？希望能夠早點定大計，不要採納衆人的建議。」孫權嘆息說：「這群人持有的建議，非常令孤失望；如今卿闡闢的大計，正和孤一樣，這是上天將卿賜給我也。」諸葛亮傳記載魯肅從頭到尾都沒有出現，孫權是「擁軍在柴桑，坐觀成敗」，把一切功勞歸於諸葛亮自己所為。

當時周瑜受到命令到鄱陽，魯肅勸人追周瑜返回議論。接著任命周瑜和行事，以魯肅為贊軍校尉，輔助策劃方案策略。

而裴松之的《魏書》及《九州春秋》記載，曹操征討荊州，孫權大驚，魯肅實際想勸孫權抵抗曹操，並激孫權說：「曹公，是厲害的敵人。剛兼併袁紹，兵馬精銳甚強，乘著戰勝的威勢，討伐喪亂的國家，必定可以攻克。不如派兵幫助，再送將軍的家眷到鄴城，如果不這樣，將有危險。」孫權大怒，打算斬魯肅，魯肅再說：「今事態已經危急，既然有其他的打算，為什麼不派兵援助劉備，而要斬我呢？」孫權頓時明白，之後派周瑜幫助劉備。

東晉的孫盛則認為：吳書和江表傳記載，魯肅一見孫權就說與曹操對抗又討論帝皇的戰略，劉表死後，魯肅作為使者去觀察變化，不可能無緣無故激說孫權勸迎投降曹操。當時勸迎投降曹操的人有很多，為什麼只斬魯肅呢？所以魏國所寫的《魏書》及《九州春秋》的記載是不可信。《三國志集解》分析《三國志》書中充斥著溢美魏晉兩國的歷史，誇大其詞醜化敵國的事情。

闡談闊論

之後赤壁之戰大破曹軍，曹操敗走，魯肅從前線遂即率先返回軍中，孫權大請各位將軍迎接魯肅。魯肅將要入殿內拜見孫權，孫權起身以禮相還，並說道：「子敬，孤扶著馬鞍下馬向你相迎，這樣能足以顯揚卿的功勞嗎？」魯肅邊疾走邊說：「未能。」眾人聽到回答後，無不驚愕，魯肅就坐，緩緩舉起鞭說：「希望至尊的威德加附於四海，統括九州，實現帝業，再以安車軟輪召見魯肅，這樣才算彰顯我也。」孫權拍掌歡笑。

弘略遠圖

建安十三年（208年），南郡爭奪戰，周瑜、程普、甘寧、呂蒙、凌統等與曹仁、徐晃、樂進、文聘等敵將雙方殭持接近一年，劉備乘機在兩軍對峙的時候率兵攻下荊南四郡（桂陽、武陵、零陵、長沙），後來曹操派李通接應撤退的曹仁，關羽在北道截擊，但被文聘及樂進所擊退。戰後，劉備向孫權借地立足，周瑜分荊州武陵南岸給劉備，劉備在油口（油江口）設立營地，並將油口的孱陵改名為公安，但後來劉備嫌地少不利於自己發展，便謁見孫權求取要荊州數郡，周瑜、呂範等人不同意將戰略重地借給劉備，但惟獨魯肅勸諫孫權借給他，一起共抗曹操。曹操當聽聞孫權借地給劉備發展，寫書的時候筆子都跌到地上。

漢晉春秋記載，呂範勸將劉備留下，魯肅說：「不可以。將軍（孫權）雖然神武命世（命世是指傑出的人），然而曹操威望和實力確實強大，而我們剛來到荊州，恩信還沒有確立，適宜將地借給劉備，使他安撫也。讓曹操多一個敵人，而使我們樹立一個同黨，這樣是上計啊。」孫權立刻答應。

承任繼上

之前，周瑜受病所困，上疏說到：「當今天下正多有戰事，在我周瑜心中日夜所憂，希望至尊能夠預先考慮還沒有發生的事情，然後再安康樂享。當今既與曹操為敵人，劉備又近在公安，接近邊境的百姓又未能依附，應派遣良將鎮撫當地。魯肅的智慧和謀略足以擔任，請求讓他代替周瑜。周瑜隕踣（逝世的委婉詞語）之日，我再沒有所眷懷。」即拜魯肅為武校尉，代周瑜領兵；周瑜軍士所衆四千餘人，所掌管的奉邑四縣皆歸屬魯肅。又令程普接領周瑜為南郡太守，但後來因為借給劉備而轉為江夏太守。魯肅當初住江陵，後來屯於陸口，大施聲威恩澤之行，軍眾增加萬餘人，拜漢昌太守和偏將軍。

建安十九年（214年），跟從孫權攻破皖城，轉升為橫江將軍。

先禮後兵

建安二十年（215年），在這之前（208年）時，益州牧劉璋法度維繫猶豫頽廢，周瑜和甘寧一起勸諫孫權入蜀，孫權諮詢劉備意見，打算約劉備一起圖取益州，並派遣使者對劉備說道：「米賊張魯在巴、漢兩地自居為王，曹操一直都有留意住，有圖取益州的打算。劉璋不懂軍事，不能自守，若曹操得蜀地，荊州則會很危險。今打算先攻取劉璋，再進攻張魯，首尾相連，統一南方（吳楚）。就算有十個曹操，也沒有所憂慮。」。不過劉備心裡暗藏獨自圖取益州劉璋的打算，仍然謊稱說：「益州民強富壯，土地也有險阻，劉璋雖然弱，但是足以自守。如今在蜀、漢大規模發兵，這樣逆勢之運會留於萬里，如果行使戰爭攻取，雖然一定不會失利，但孫、吳就會有麻煩。議論者見曹操在赤壁失敗，都說用武力使人屈服的他，不會再有遠征的想法；但今勢三分天下曹操已經有其二，他已有再次通過戰爭來獲得滄海的打算，一直靜觀吳會，哪會肯坐著防守到老呢！而同盟無故自己互相攻伐大家，這樣會給曹操有機可乘，乘我們的間隙乘虛而入，這個不是長遠的計策。而且我劉備與劉璋同為宗室，希望憑藉英靈，以匡扶漢室。如今劉璋得罪將軍（孫權）左右，我內心獨懼且肅立不安，不敢聽從我所聽到的說話去做（攻蜀），希望您能加恩寬恕對待。如果我的請求沒有得到答覆，我劉備必定披頭散髮回到山林。」但後來劉備向西圖取吞併劉璋領地，孫權知道後憤怒地說：「狡猾之徒竟然敢使詐。」

資治通鑒記載，孫權不答應劉備的回覆，強行並派孫瑜率水軍到夏口。劉備不讓軍隊通過，且對孫瑜說：「如果你取蜀，我劉備必定披頭散髮回到山林，我不能失信於天下啊！」留關羽屯兵鎮守於荊州江陵，張飛屯於秭歸，諸葛亮據守南郡，劉備親自到孱陵（公安）駐守，孫權惟有讓孫瑜回來，但後來劉備獨吞蜀地，孫權憤怒地說：「狡猾之徒竟然敢使詐。」。

及後關羽與魯肅在鄰界，雙方軍隊多次發生互相猜疑，戰場經常出現糾紛摩擦，魯肅經常以歡好的態度安撫雙方。劉備在當時已經得到益州，孫權派諸葛瑾為使者向劉備索求長沙、零陵、桂陽三郡，劉備不接受旨意，則說：「等我取得涼州後，平定涼州，定當以整個荊州給予（將手上荊州給與吳）。」孫權憤怒，孫權遂即派遣呂蒙率衆將進兵圖取；孫權從秭歸進駐到陸口，呂蒙以閃電式攻取了三郡，孫權並置長吏於三郡，留孫河（一說是孫茂，孫河早在204年已死）駐留三郡，而呂蒙則與孫皎、潘璋等人從三郡引軍轉戰到益陽支援魯肅，劉備知道後親自返回到公安，劉備便派遣關羽爭奪回三郡，關羽將三郡長吏儘數驅逐。魯肅被派往到益陽與關羽對峙，並邀請關羽相見，提出大家在各駐兵馬百步騎上前交涉，但請將軍單刀到會。魯肅打算親自與關羽相會交談，衆將恐怕會發生什麼變數，大家都勸他不要前往，魯肅說：「今日的事情，應該互相把事情說清楚。劉備有負我們國家，是非還沒有定論，關羽亦豈敢以私怨殺我？」之後急行去赴會關羽。

單刀赴會

在談判對話中，魯肅數次怒斥關羽：「國家本以心將土地借給你們，是因為你們兵敗從遠方而來，而且又沒有立足的資本。現在你們已經得到益州，既然沒有奉還土地的意思，但今日只求三郡，又不答應從命。」說話還沒有完，坐上有一人說：「擁有此土地者，只有大德的人才配擁有，這樣再清楚不過！」魯肅嚴厲大聲地叱喝，言辭和神色十分嚴切。關羽拿刀起身說：「這個是我們國家的家事，這個人知道什麼！」關羽用眼示意他離開。

《吳錄》記述是，關羽說：「烏林一戰，左將軍劉備身在軍旅作戰，睡覺的時候也不脫鞋子，竭盡全力破魏，豈能說徒勞無功也沒有一塊地，而足下來這裡打算收回土地嗎？」魯肅說：「並非如此。開始與劉豫州在長阪坡相見，他自己的部衆連一校（1000人）都不足，計策窮盡也極其憂慮，意志和勢頭已經被摧毀得成弱勢，只有向遠方逃竄，想不到會有今天的成就。主上（孫權）可憐豫州沒有棲身之所，不惜地把當地（蒼梧）及士族人才劃給劉備治理，使有所庇護遮蔭的地方以接濟幫助他的困難，而豫州自私自利且矯飾矯情，損害道義及破壞友好關係。今已經以假意得到西川州郡，又打算兼併荊州的土地，這樣連凡夫俗子也不能容忍的行為，何況更是統治一方人物的領袖也！魯肅聽聞貪而放棄義，這樣的行為必然會開始起禍。你與兒子家屬擔當重鎮大任，卻不能明白這個道理和處分，以義為輔助的時候，反而持強淩弱以圖取力爭，師出無名且難成大事，將來又如何獲取救助呢？」關羽無言以對。當時曹操打算攻取漢中，劉備懼怕兩面受敵丟失益州及荊州，派遣伊籍為使前去向孫權求和。孫權派諸葛瑾覆命報告結果，雙方達成湘水之盟，並歸還零陵郡給劉備，以湘水為界，東邊的長沙、桂陽、江夏為孫權擁有，西邊的南郡、零陵、武陵為劉備所擁有，遂即兩軍停戰。孫權留呂岱鎮守長沙，濮陽逸為長沙太守。

建安二十一年（216年），曹操封為魏王，而孫曹兩軍在濡須對峙。在這個時候，長沙郡安成縣的縣長吳碭與中郎將袁龍響應關羽的號召在攸縣同醴陵縣再次發起叛亂。孫權抽不開身，派遣鎮守陸口的魯肅到長沙郡幫助呂岱，魯肅討伐佑縣，而呂岱討伐醴陵縣。最終吳碭被魯肅打敗而突圍逃跑，敗走到故鄉交州。而袁龍則被呂岱砍殺，平定了長沙郡叛亂。

糾韻病離

建安二十二年（217年），魯肅病逝，享年46歲。孫權為其舉辦喪事，親臨為其喪葬。諸葛亮也為他發喪。孫權在稱帝封尊號的時候，登壇對衆卿家說：「當初魯子敬早已經預料到會這樣，這果然是明於見時勢也。」。其墓葬據傳在京口，晉成帝之後被郗鑒之兄的女婿王伯陽填平。

魯肅為人方正嚴肅，不善於玩賞配飾，內外節儉，不喜歡流俗的喜好。治軍和整頓必行使禁令，雖然在軍旅，但是手不釋卷。又擅長談論及能譔寫文辭，思慮及度量宏遠，擁有超過他人的能力。周瑜之後，魯肅為首冠。

逸聞

• 魯肅認為呂蒙是武夫出身而輕視他，在他前往陸口期間，經過呂蒙屯軍處，有人向魯肅說：「呂將軍功名日顯，不能以昔日眼光看待，先生應與他洽談一下。」魯肅聽從其建議，決定造訪呂蒙。呂蒙置酒接待，酒酣之時，呂蒙問魯肅：「先生受主公重任，現要與關羽鄰接，你將有甚麼計略，以備不測？」魯肅隨意應說：「隨機應變。」呂蒙便說：「如今東西雖共為一家，但關羽終歸乃熊虎之士，計略又豈能不事先預定？」又說：「兄長如今代公瑾之任，既有相當難度，又與關羽此等人物為鄰。關羽此人長而好學，讀左傳略時，皆琅琅上口，朗讀時聲線梗亮而有雄氣；可是其性格頗為自負，喜歡凌駕於人上。如今與其為對手，實該有方略去應付他。」然後，呂蒙便向魯肅籌畫五條祕策（或說呂蒙只陳三策），魯肅大為驚佩，秘受呂蒙所贊畫的策略，更越席走到呂蒙身邊，以手拊其背說：「我昔日以為大弟只懂得武略，但以今日的情況而言，大弟學識英博，已非當日的吳下阿蒙了。」呂蒙便回答：「士別三日，即更刮目相待。」。

• 孫權遷都建業，與文武大臣開大會時，向嚴畯說：「我以往曾經將魯子敬比作鄧禹（漢光武帝劉秀將他比作蕭何一樣的首席謀臣），將呂子衡（呂範）比作吳漢，而你們眾人都未有作出回應，現在有甚麼結論了嗎？」嚴畯退席後便向孫權說：「臣未能解通您的暗示，如果您只是純粹讚譽魯肅與呂範的話，這兩個比喻就似乎有點言過其實。」孫權解釋說：「當年鄧禹見光武帝的時候，光武帝只是受命於更始帝，擔任大司馬撫軍於河北，尚未有成為帝王的志向。鄧禹便勸勉他鼓起復興漢業之心，因此光武立國可說是由鄧禹之論以開其端的。魯肅為人英爽，又多計略，首次跟我談論大事時，便已論及成就霸業之計，這一點與鄧禹十分相似，因此我以其為比喻。呂子衡為人忠篤亮直，雖然有崇尚奢華的毛病，但他能做到處處以公務為先，因此這並不能成為他的缺點。自從他離開袁術跟從兄長以來，吾兄作大將，他就擔任部曲，此後經常為兄長的事情憂心，更請求自為都督，協助兄長管理軍務，一直勤奮不已，這一點與吳漢十分相似，因此我又以其為比喻。這兩個比喻都有其根據，並不是純粹因我個人好惡而隨意提出的。」嚴畯聽罷方才感服。

• 據干寶《搜神記》記載，孫權病時，派人到府上觀看不祥，巫啟看見一條鬼的絹巾，像是大臣將帥。當夜，孫權夢見魯肅進來，穿著差不多的衣巾。

子孫

• 魯淑，魯肅遺腹子，封侯

• 魯睦，魯肅之孫，嗣侯

評價

• 孫權：「此諸人持議，甚失孤望；今卿廓開大計，正與孤同，此天以卿賜我也。」「昔魯子敬嘗道此，可謂明於事勢矣。」「孤亦子敬英爽有殊略，孤始與一語，便及大計，與禹相似，故比之。」「孤與宴語，便及大略帝王之業，此一快也。後孟德因獲劉琮之勢，張言方率數十萬眾水步俱下。孤普請諸將，咨問所宜，無適先對，至子布、文表，俱言宜遣使修檄迎之，子敬即駁言不可，勸孤急呼公瑾，付任以眾，逆而擊之，此二快也。且其決計策，意出張蘇遠矣；後雖勸吾借玄德地，是其一短，不足以損失二長也。周公不求備於一人，故孤忘其短而貴其長，常以比方鄧禹也。子敬答孤書云：『帝王之起，皆有驅除，羽不足忌。』此子敬內不能辦，外為大言耳，恕之，不苟責也。然其作軍，屯營不失，令行禁止，部界無廢負，路無拾遺，其法亦美也。」

• 張昭：「年少粗疏，未可用。」

• 陳壽：「少有壯節，好為奇計。家富于財，性好施與。」「曹公乘漢相之資，挾天子而掃群桀，新蕩荊城，仗威東夏，于時議者莫不疑貳。周瑜、魯肅建獨斷之明，出眾人之表，實奇才也」。

• 周瑜：「魯肅智略足任，乞以代瑜。」「魯肅忠烈，臨事不苟，可以代瑜。」

• 《吳書》：「又善談論，能屬文辭，思度弘遠。周瑜之後，肅為之冠。」

• 陸機：「周瑜、陸公、魯肅、呂蒙之疇入為腹心，出作股肱。」

• 袁宏：「昂昂子敬，拔跡草萊。荷簷吐奇，乃構雲台。」

• 嚴從：「周瑜、魯肅，咸起諸生，鶚視烏林，鷹揚赤壁。然肅為布衣，當襄漢之際，標賣田宅，分財結士，以求人傑：此其志不小也。公瑾推第於孫策，子敬輟粟於周郎：咸有異於人者也。」

• 孫元晏：「斫案興言斷眾疑，鼎分從此定雄雌。若無子敬心相似，爭得烏林破魏師。」

• 周曇：「輕財重義見英奇，聖主賢臣是所依。公瑾窘飢求子敬，一言才起數船歸。」

• 章如愚：「至于三國，各自據其土而成鼎峙之勢，亦諸人之力也。故在魏，則荀攸、賈詡之算無遺策，郭嘉、劉曄之才策謀畧，管寧之淵雅高尚，毛玠之典選清正；在吳，則周瑜、魯肅之儔入為腹心，出為股肱，甘寧、凌統之徒奮其威，黃蓋、蔣欽之屬宣其力；在蜀，則諸葛孔明之長于治國，費禕、董允之志慮忠純，向寵之性行均淑，皆一時之人傑也。」

• 洪邁：「孫吳奄有江左，亢衡中州，固本于策、權之雄略，然一時英傑，如周瑜、魯肅、呂蒙、陸遜四人者，真所謂社稷心膂，與國為存亡之臣也。」

• 陳亮：「又二百餘年，遂為三國交據之地，諸葛亮由此起輔先主，荊楚之士從之如雲，而漢氏賴以複存于蜀；周瑜、魯肅、呂蒙、陸遜、陸抗、鄧艾、羊祜皆以其地顯名。」

• 林光朝：「當時稱之為長才無或異辭者，吳有周瑜、魯肅、呂蒙、陸遜，蜀有諸葛孔明，是皆一方雋才也。」

• 程公許：「蜀將如關、張、龐統，吳將如周瑜、魯肅，志長命短，天下重惜之。而馬超、黃忠、趙雲、費禕、呂蒙、程普、步騭、甘寧輩皆智勇絕倫，足以當一面。」

• 劉祁：「已而諸豪割據，士大夫各欲擇主立功名，如荀攸、賈詡、程昱、郭嘉、諸葛亮、龐統、魯肅、周瑜之徒，爭以智能自效。」

• 王義山：「某仰惟某官學通六藝，忠貫三精，其謀略則荀攸、賈詡之密，其經濟則周瑜、魯肅之英，其吟嘯則謝安、庾亮之雅，其牧御則羊祜、陸遜之仁。」

• 江用世：「夫肅在當時，其智計上不參公瑾，次似不敵子布，而何其有成畫于胸中至與孔明隆中之籌相印合也？」

• 王夫之：「身任天下之重，舍敦信而趨事會，君子之所賤，抑英雄之所恥也，功隳名辱而身以死亡，必矣。欲合孫氏于昭烈以共圖中原者，魯肅也；欲合昭烈于孫氏以共拒曹操者，諸葛孔明也；二子者守之終身而不易。子敬以借荊資先主，被仲謀之責而不辭；諸葛欲諫先主之東伐，難于盡諫，而嘆法正之死。蓋吳則周瑜、呂蒙亂子敬之謀，蜀則關羽、張飛破諸葛之策，使相信之主未免相疑。然二子者，終守西吊劉表東乞援兵之片言，以為金石之固于心而不能自白，變故繁興之日，微二子而人道圮矣。」「然而肅之心未遽忿羽而墮其始志也，以義折羽，以從容平孫權之怒，尚冀吳、蜀之可合，而與諸葛相孚以制操耳。身遽死而授之呂蒙，權之忮無與平之，羽之忿無與制之，諸葛不能力爭之隱，無與體之，而成謀盡毀矣。肅之死也，羽之敗也。操之幸，先主之孤也。悲夫！」

• 王士楨：「將相江東美，英風壓上流。魯公最忠烈，慷慨借荊州。」

• 屈大均：「漢唐以來善兵者率多書生，若張良、趙充國、鄧禹、馬援、諸葛孔明、周瑜、魯肅、杜預、李靖、虞允文之流，莫不沉酣六經，翩翩文雅，其出奇制勝如風雨之飄忽，如鬼神之變怪。」

• 呂思勉：「周瑜、魯肅，亦皆可謂為好亂之士也。徒以二三剽輕之徒，同懷行險徼幸之計，遂肇六十年分裂之禍，豈不哀哉。」

• 黎東方：「孫權下面，懂得政治、深知非聯絡劉備便不能抵抗曹操，以保持江東的「獨立王國」，進一步問鼎中原的，只有魯肅一人。」

• 白壽彞：「魯肅始終不渝地堅持孫劉聯盟，是因為他看到了聯盟的維持與鞏固，關係到江東生死存亡的長遠利益，這是他目光遠大的過人之處。魯肅一生的活動，証明了他是江東最傑出的政治家、軍事家和外交活動家。」

• 龍步根：「東吳謀臣魯肅，不僅具有一個大政治家的膽略、卓識和政治的、軍事的和外交的才能；而且還具有不為一已私利，忠誠于國家大業的可貴品質。因此，在三國眾多英雄人物中，東吳的魯肅可說是叱吒風雲的「人傑」了。「推魏氏百勝之舉，開孫權偏王之業，威震天下，名馳四海」。在那個精英薈萃的時代，為東吳立下了不朽的勳業。但這樣一位傑出的政治家，在《三國演義》中，卻被寫成一個忠厚而略顯平庸的長者，成為諸葛亮和周瑜之間鬥智的陪襯，這是不符合歷史的真實性的。」「魯子敬的這種高貴品德，不正是人們感到魯肅形象的可親可敬嗎？這非周瑜、張昭所能及也。」

• 張大可：「魯肅是東吳名將，他有智有勇，堪與周瑜媲美，若論高瞻遠矚，深謀遠慮，恐較周瑜還略勝一籌；但在《三國演義》中、戲劇舞台上，魯肅恰似一位仁慈的長者，忠厚有餘，才智不足，經常為周瑜、諸葛亮鬥智施謀所戲弄，顯出一副愚相，然而，《三國演義》和戲劇舞台，都是藝術創造，不是史實記載，從藝術角度看，可稱生花妙筆，若從史學角度講，可是歷史的顛倒和歪曲。曾在歷史風雲變幻中活躍一時的魯肅，他的心計絕不後人。《三國志》的作者陳壽贊他「建獨斷之明，出眾人之表，實奇才也」。《吳書》說他「善談論，能文屬辭，思度弘遠，有過人之明」（《魯肅》傳及裴注）。這才是史家的實錄。」

• 尹韻公：「諸葛亮和魯肅一樣，都是三國時代最有眼光的傑出外交家。」

• 周思源：「魯肅大智大勇、臨危不懼、多謀善斷、坦蕩豪爽、能言善辯、堪稱一代豪傑。」

• 易中天：「魯肅是一個很俠義，很豪爽的人……而且魯肅也是一個很有政治頭腦的人。」

•

後世功過評論

《中國軍事通史:三國軍事史》引述孫權在反思中認為，魯肅勸他出借荊州，導致劉備坐大，是魯肅一短。

孫權與陸遜論周瑜、魯肅、呂蒙等人的時候評價到，魯肅勸他把荊州借給劉備，是魯肅的一個短處，實際上魯肅無法處理內務，對外只能說大話，自己聽過他在書信所說的話就算了，也不追究他的過失。

禚夢庵《三國志人物論集》提到魯肅雖為孫權重臣，但對劉備亦多迴護，認為他有意無意中扶持劉備。 日後聯盟矛盾產生衝突，為荊州發生戰爭。張偉保對三國志點評提到魯肅不能阻止劉備和孫權為荊州開戰，主要是雙方的戰略部署中，荊州是一個必爭之地。。

人物相關

• 岳陽樓

:孫權與劉備爭奪荊州，大將魯肅率軍駐守戰略要地巴丘，在洞庭湖操練水軍，作為屯軍備戰的營壘。魯肅在瀕臨洞庭湖處，建造了檢閱水軍的閱軍樓，此即今岳陽樓前身。

• 龜山魯肅墓

:武漢漢陽龜山古稱大別山，後因紀念魯肅改為魯山，到明朝才改成現在的名字。魯肅墓原位于龜山南麓，1955年因修建長江大橋而遷至山腰的鼎園。

藝術形象

三國演義

• 三國演義，魯肅則是一個老實好人且思維愚慢的親劉派，在孫權下推舉諸葛瑾，協助諸葛亮說服孫權共同抗曹，不忍心周瑜陷害諸葛亮，多次幫助諸葛亮脫險。之後，魯肅就被描繪成諸葛亮跟周瑜鬥智時的愚弄對象。在周瑜死後接替成為水軍大都督，單刀會談則不能達成，反被關羽要挾而離場。而他的逝世在書中只是借曹操收到情報作簡單描述。

動漫遊戲

• 真三國無雙系列 （光榮公司開發，楠大典配音）

• 三國志

• 三國演義

• 《橫山光輝三國志》（橫山光輝）

• 《蒼天航路》（王欣太）

• 《火鳳燎原》（陳某）

影視作品

• 香港麗的電視台電視劇《三國春秋》（1976年）：由陳曙光飾演魯肅。

• 亞洲電視（ATV）《諸葛亮》（1985年）：由宋邦桂飾演魯肅。

• 香港亞洲電視電視劇《諸葛亮》（1985年）：由李亨飾演魯肅。

• 中國太原電視台電視劇《關公》（1993年）：由張繼釗飾演魯肅。

• 中國中央電視台電視劇《三國演義》（1994年）：由曹力、馬玉良、宋邦桂飾演魯肅。

• 台灣華視電視劇《三國英雄傳之關公》（1996年）：由施羽飾演魯肅。

• 電影《一代梟雄曹操》（1999年）：由谷峰飾演魯肅。

• 中國電視劇《臥龍小諸葛》（2001年）：由于和偉飾演魯肅。

• 中國中央電視台電視劇《武聖關公》（2004年）：由金小平飾演魯肅。

• 電影《赤壁》（2008年）/電影《赤壁：決戰天下》：由侯勇飾演魯肅。

• 中國電視劇《三國》（2010年）：由霍青飾演魯肅。

• tvb電視劇《回到三國》（2012年）：由鄧永健飾演魯肅。

• 中國電視劇《武神趙子龍》（2016年）：由王坤飾演魯肅。

• 電影《新解釋·三國志》（2020年）：由半海一晃飾演魯肅。

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