When Zhuge Liang presents his last assignment, which is to capture Cao Cao on the road to Huarong, Guan Yu volunteers. Zhuge Liang does not agree. Then Guan Yu makes a military pledge, where he says himself willing to stand trial if he lets Cao Cao get away. Now Zhuge Liang agrees. On the twentieth day of winter, Cao Cao receives secret reports that Huang Gai and Gan Ning will surrender this evening. Consequently, Cao Cao leads his civil and military officials to the naval camp to welcome Huang Gai. Huang Gai’s boat does not arrive until late at night. Cheng Li realises that Huang Gai is swindling them, and tells Cao Cao, who becomes shocked.
諸葛亮發令最後一差，關公討令要到華容道捉曹，諸葛亮不同意，關公立下軍令狀，如放走曹操甘當軍法治罪，諸葛亮答應。曹操冬月二十接到黃蓋、甘寧的密稟今晚來投降。曹操領文武官員下水寨迎接黃蓋。等到三更黃蓋的船才到，程昱看出黃蓋來行詐，告之曹操，曹操大驚。