Two years earlier, Sun Quan attempted to take control of Hefei fortress, but failed due to a sudden plague and the staunch resistance put up by Cao Cao's forces under Zhang Liao.
Before Cao Cao's massive army arrived at the battlefield, Sun Quan's second-in-command, Lü Meng, had already started to strengthen the defences of Ruxu fort, leaving the transportation and retreat route open for Sun.
The development was not as optimistic as Cao had expected, so he set up numerous camps across a river, and prepared for a long-term war.
The battle is featured as a playable stage in Koei's video game Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends.
If the player is playing on Sun Quan's side, he can use Gan Ning's night raid to win the battle.