In the year 219, Guan Yu attacked Fancheng, and Sun Quan appointed Lu Meng to take Jingzhou. Lu Meng used the strategy of crossing the river in white clothes to seize Jingzhou, and then captured Guan Yu alive in Mai Cheng. After Guan Yu was brought to Jianye, Sun Quan had him executed and sent his head to Cao Cao. In 220, Cao Pi replaced the Han dynasty. Sun Quan proclaimed himself King of Wu. In 221, Liu Bei declared himself emperor and immediately raised troops to attack Eastern Wu, claiming to avenge Guan Yu, but in reality to争夺 Jingzhou. Sun Quan decisively appointed 39-year-old Lu Xun as Grand Commander to fight against Liu Bei. Lu Xun defeated Liu Bei with a fire attack at Yiling. In 223, Liu Bei passed away from illness, and Zhuge Liang sent Deng Zhi across the river to negotiate peace for the northern expedition. Sun Quan maintained good relations with Shuhan, jointly attacking Cao Wei. In 224, Cao Pi's large army attacked Eastern Wu. Sun Quan ordered General Xu Sheng to use a fire attack to heavily defeat Cao Pi. In 226, Cao Pi died from severe injuries and illness. Not long after, Sun Quan personally led troops to attack Jiangxia, but failed due to the steadfast defense of Governor Wen Pin.