The Three Kingdoms Volume 2 by Luo Guanzhong Read Free Book Online Page A

flight.
He checked his steed and looked around,
The snow lay thick on trees and mounds,
The Sleeping Dragon Ridge lay white
A hill of silver, glistening bright.
    They returned to Xinye.
    Time slipped away very fast and before long spring was near. Then Liu Bei had an auspicious day selected for another journey in search of the sage. The day being fixed he fasted for three days, took a bath and changed his clothes, ready to make the visit. His two brothers viewed the preparations with disapproval and went in together to dissuade him from taking the trip.
The sage and the fighting man disagree,
    A warrior despises humility.
    What they would say to their brother will be told in the next chapter.
Footnotes
    * In Chinese culture the pine tree, as well as the bamboo, often symbolizes loftiness and uprightness.
    † In Chinese culture the crane is often a symbol of longevity.
    * Referring to Lu Shang, chief advisor to the founder of the Zhou Dynasty.
    † Referring to Li Yi-ji, advisor to the founder of the Han Dynasty.
    ‡ Referring to Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty, who was known to have a big nose.
    § Referring to Liu Bang, founder of the Han Dynasty.
    * See Chapter One for details of the event.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

    Zhuge Liang Outlines Plans for Three Kingdoms
    Sun Quan Attacks Huang Zu to Avenge His Father

    U ndaunted by two unsuccessful visits to the sage, Liu Bei prepared for a third visit. His two brothers disapproved of this and went to dissuade him. Guan Yu said, “Brother, you’ve already sought him twice, surely this is showing too much deference. I don’t believe in this fame of his for learning. I think he’s avoiding you because he’s afraid of being found out. Why hold so obstinately to this idea?”
    “You’re wrong, brother. In the old days, Duke Huan of Qi wanted to see the Hermit of the Eastern Hills, but he had to pay five visits before he got to see his face. And now I desire to see the great sage. How can I be less deferential?”
    “I think you’re being deceived,” said Zhang Fei. “How can this rustic be such a marvel of wisdom? You needn’t go this time. If he won’t come, I’ll bring him here with a hemp rope.”
    Liu Bei said angrily, “Have you forgotten the visit by King Wen * to Lu Shang, the old man of the Eastern Sea? If a king could show such deference to a wise man, how can you talk so rudely about the sage? I don’t want you to go this time, so we two shall go without you.”
    “If you’re both going, how can I hold back?” said Zhang Fei.
    “But if you go, you must behave.”
    Zhang Fei promised he would not forget himself and the three set out. When they were half a li from the little cottage, Liu Bei dismounted, deciding to show his respect by approaching the house on foot. Very soon he met Zhuge Jun, whom he saluted at once, inquiring whether his brother was at home.
    “He returned yesterday evening. You can see him today, General.”
    As he said this he departed in a carefree way.
    “Fortune favors me this time,” said Liu Bei, “I’m going to see the master.”
    “That was a rude fellow,” said Zhang Fei. “It wouldn’t have hurt him to conduct us to the house. Why did he go off like that?”
    “Each one has his own business,” said his brother. “What power do we have over him?”
    Soon the three got to the gate of the cottage and knocked. The serving lad came out to inquire and Liu Bei said most politely, “May I trouble you, gentle lad, to inform the Master that Liu Bei wishes to pay his respects to him.”
    “The Master is at home, but he is asleep.”
    “In that case, do not announce me yet. I will wait.”
    He told his two brothers to wait at the door and he himself entered very quietly. There on the couch was the master he sought, lying asleep on his back. Liu Bei stood beneath the steps with joined hands at a respectful distance.
    Quite some time passed and still the sleeper did not wake up. The two brothers, who had grown impatient,