««« Chapter 36 »»» Shan Fu's Strategy: Fankou Is Captured; Xu Shu's Affection: Zhuge Liang Is Recommended.

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1 In hot anger, Cao Ren lost no time in marching out to avenge the loss of so many of his army. He hastily crossed the River Yu to attack Xinye and trample it in the dust.	» _pizzlet -- Cao Cao -- At this point I think Cao Cao deserves the empire. He's the only one out and about that has any ambition. Liu Bei, Liu biao, and Sun Quan all just build defenses, while Cao Cao was defeating Yuan Shao and the Wuhuan. » Notorious -- post -- Well, Its easy to do the attacking when you got the resources and able officers and of course Son of Heaven under your control. Liu Bei is as Ambitious, but have no army, no home, no resources, only a handful of able officers but not even one Adviser. » _RJ -- Ambition... -- What good is it if you're dead before you can even found your capital city? There's probably a bit of relevance in "Biting off more than you can chew", I mean it's not like Liu Bei was born with any power, besides what he could get with his charisma and family name... Which was not very much :-P » DeadEyedOne -- Yeah, Bei Biao and Quan sit back building defences and reinforcing their army... -- whilst Cao wastes resources launching one campaign after another, losing troops every time. Damn, those three are thick, look at the fun they could be having... Who's to say defence isn't a strategy? Look at both sides please people, I implore you. I keep pointing this out but noone pays heed. » darkknight -- you don't just fight battles for fun.... -- when you win battles you capture land from from your opponents. you capture enemy troops like when cao cao got 300,000 troops in 100 days. you also get horses, armour, flags, food, wood, metal and weapons. so DeadEyedOne please look at both sides I, implore you. I keep pointing this out but you don't pay heed. » someone -- good point darkknight, but... -- you also lose these things when you go to battle. The longer a campaign takes the more you lose. Over a long period of time it could become more than you get back. Plus, who's saying that you are absolutely going to win? You could lose every thing altogether. On the other hand just defending isn't a good strategy either. Nothing gets done, and if the people find you to be a ruler of little production they could rebel. It also wastes time. Liu Bei was having a discussion with Liu Biao about how he was growing old and fat(or something like that), and didn't have a land of his own. Without an attack on a land somewhere he wouldn't get one. » Flying Flash Swallow -- Initiative -- Initiative is very important in war, and if you sit on your rear you don't have it. There is no such thing as a perfect defense, and an aggressive policy like Cao Cao's did allow him to gain power while Liu Biao saw opportunities pass by. Sure he's safe for now, but if he's not willing to to take action he's already lost. Nothing ventured, nothing lost but also nothing gained. » Elemental -- A good defense is a good offense, like they say. -- Plus, Cao Cao was very powerful, he controlled the emperor and had the title of prime minister. » WUuuu -- But -- Cao Cao got those posts and that power through his ambition. Liu Bei or Liu Biao could have put themselves in Cao Cao's situation as prime minister had they taken initiative. » JiaGai -- Warlords and power -- Liu Bei's one and only political card at the time was his tie to the Imperial Liu bloodline. He had no backing in the Imperial court and being related to the Emperor meant nothing so long as Cao Cao was in control. Liu Bei had nothing but whatever forces follow him from place to place. Liu Biao on the other hand, had a cadre of competent officers as well as a sizable chunk of property in the VERY coveted Jing province. He was a fairly powerful man who, if had the ambition, might have made something of himself. Cao Cao gained power by seizing the Emperor and controlling him. He was able to grasp that opportunity when it presented itself, but honestly, how many other men had that chance? It's as much luck as it was ambition. Cao Cao had power fall into his lap and made the best of it. » WUuuu -- I thought -- That had Cao Cao not acted either Liu Biao or Liu Bei would have been able to rescue the emperor in much the same way and thus set themselves up as prime minister. I guess I'm mistaken in my memory, so what was it then? » JiaGai -- Unfortunately, Liu Biao has no ambition. -- All he wants is to maintain what he has. Liu Bei may or may not have done what Cao Cao did if he was in his position. I can see him doing it to be honest, being an Imperial scion, but I can also see him refusing it. » WUuuu -- At this point there seem to be two options... -- The Han can continue to rule while wielding no power, as the Prime Minister (Cao Cao or whoever else is strong and cunning enough) wields all real power. The Han has personally lost all power and cannot rule anymore. The constant rebellions reinforce that. The other option is that: The warlords all gobble each other up until only the strongest and smartest survive, and then a new Dynasty (or whatever form of government) is ushered in. I can't see any turn of events from the start of this novel where one of these two situations doesn't occur. Liu Bei might have turned down what Cao Cao accepted, but these statements he is making around this point make it seem like he would refuse until the situation was ripe for him to sieze power, and then that would have been his mistake, for Cao Cao wouldn't have missed his chance. » Rahonavis -- Luck of the draw -- Cao Cao was lucky enuf to surround himself with able advisors and good generals, His ruthlessness brought him the seat of power. He was an able chief, a good and decent strategist and he controlled the royal household of Han. Liu Bei on the other hand had no such luck. He was willing and able, moral and just and with a few able general managed to hang on in the rat race. Until such times.... as he could find himself a good strategist, tactician and advisor and setup house, there was little hope of Liu Bei ever suceeding. People say. If there's a will there's a way, but when the forces of fate are against you or until fortune decides to smile upon you, there not really much u can do. Liu bei has been sitting around waiting and hoping for that miracle to happen while Cao Cao, Yuan Shu/Shao, and Sun Ce has been out land grabbing. They all want to be king of the hill. » MasterLiang -- Liu Bei had ambition, but no resources. -- He also started lower on the ladder than the Suns and Cao Cao, and so has to deal with the elitism of his peers. His only decent territory thus far (Xuzhou) was stolen out from under him, first by Lu Bu, than by Cao Cao. He really hasn't had any oppourtunity yet. » IloveNDfootball -- And the situation was not good -- Would you make a land grab that would put you almost directly between the warring Caos and Yuans?
2 When Shan Fu got back into the city, he said to Liu Bei, "When Cao Ren, now at Fancheng, hears of his losses, he will try to retrieve them and will come to attack us."
3 "What is the counter move?" asked Liu Bei.
4 "As he will come with all his force, his own city will be left undefended. We will surprise it."
5 "By what ruse?"
6 The adviser leaned over and whispered to his chief. Whatever the plan was, it pleased Liu Bei, who made arrangements. Soon the scouts reported Cao Ren crossing the river with a mighty host.
7 "Just as I guessed," said Shan Fu, hearing of it.
8 Then he suggested that Liu Bei should lead out one army against the invaders. Liu Bei did so, and, when the formation was complete, Zhao Zilong rode to the front as champion and challenged the other side.
9 Li Dian rode out and engaged. At about the tenth bout Li Dian found he was losing and retired toward his own side. Zhao Zilong pressed after him, but was checked by a heavy discharge of arrows from the wings. Then both sides stopped the battle and retired to their camps.	» WUuuu -- Zhao Zilong -- Man, he doesnt ever seem to lose these challenges. » Rahonavis -- Mighty Zilong -- Nope Zhao Zilong is one of those formidable warriors who is a force to be reckoned with. » LiaoHua -- For those of u who think dueling can win the battle -- Although Zilong won the duel he did not win that skirmish. » WUuuu -- It Can win a battle, doesn't mean it will every time. » caobrad -- booya -- Dueling has nothing to do with winning the battle. it is more of a personal honor thing. To Zhao Zilong it probable look like he was running away from him, trying to dishonoring him. » WUuuu -- It has alot to do with winning a battle often -- It has a huge effect on the army's morale. If you are a barely trained peasent drafted into the army, and your lord loses immediately in a duel, what would that do to your morale? Do you think you might be a bit more inclined to run? » LuBoyan -- Remeber Xiahou Dun? -- In his famous duel where he lost an eye, he attacked the enemy side and wreaked havoc, all by himself. Wei Yan does the same, and Zhao Zilong later stands against entire armies alone. A duel can, and often does turn the tide of a battle because of the emphasis on leadership and honor that the people have. » ZhaoZilongfan -- It has an effect on moral -- that is how it influences the battle » guanping -- rember most the army where peasants -- if you see your leader beaten you're going to run. If he wins you might just go and attack yourself » CaoCaofan -- i definitely agree -- If I was a soldier and my leader was killed before the battle even actually began, I would be quite discouraged. However if he won it, it would influence me to try harder and do all I can for my leader. Caobrad you are wrong, I don't see how Zhou Yun would feel dis-honored by causing his enemy to run away in fear of him!! » lethalinjection -- Scattered and Routed! -- Basically duels CAN have an effect on a battle. Similarly to how something I stated earlier, there are MANY MANY conditions in battle! Morale is one of the most important, but it isn't the only condition of a battle. Depending on a leaders leadership, his army can be completely routed after losing a duel, or if he has great leadership he can reorganize his army, or completely avoid the duel without a loss of morale! Earlier I quoted Sun Tzu who stated that there are 6 main factors of battle. Heaven-Affects the weather, and other conditions, the side who has heaven on their side will win! (For example fires, storms, and drastic unexpected events are controlled by heaven) Earth-Most notably the terrain, and "know-how" of the area. (For example when Zhuge Liang set to destroy the rebels of Nanman he did not know the region which was a great disadvantage to him!) The Commander-This one should be obvious, a commander affect the troops by making good advise based on that of his advisor and careful consideration of the conditions. Moral Law- Here is where duels come in, and yes morality, honor, and the path of righteousness are what's contained in this category. If the soldiers see that their commander is strong and think in their minds that he can protect them they will fight will! Also if the soldiers think in their minds that they are fighting for right and an end to the chaos, they will fight bravely. Otherwise they will desert, and/or not fight well! (This affects morality in simple terms) Discipline and Organization-This basically means leadership! If all the platoons in an army are well organized, disciplined, and the right balance between discipline and praise are added than the army will have the advantage of discipline and organization! Numbers- Finally the obvious, numbers may be thought to effect the battle the most, but strategy, routing the enemy by defeating the enemy, a just cause, or/and extremely well-drilled troops can overcome a disadvantage in numbers!
10 Li Dian reported to his chief: "Our enemy are brave, very full of spirit, and we will be hard to overcome. We had better retreat to Fancheng and wait for reinforcements."
11 Cao Ren angrily replied, "You damped the army's spirit before we started, and now you betray us. You have been bought, and you deserve death."	» SDragon -- What the hell is the matter with Cao Ren? -- Li Dian is one of the most capable officer; if Cao Ren killed him, Cao Cao will personally deal with Cao Ren. » JiaGai -- Li Dian isn't playing how Cao Ren wants him to. -- So he makes a threat (which he can back up because he's in charge right now).
12 Cao Ren called in the executioners, and they led away their victim. But the other officers came to intercede, and Li Dian was spared. However, he was transferred to the command of the rear, while Cao Ren himself led the attack.	» MightyWarriorDave -- Yuan Shao -- Cao Ren is starting to remind me of Yuan Shao, not listening to any advice, going into a very tough battle, and getting rid of anyone on his side who opposes his plan. Does he not realize how good Liu Bei is?
13 Next day the drums beat an advance and Cao Ren, having drawn up his soldiers, sent a messenger over to ask if Liu Bei recognized his plan of battle array.
14 So Shan Fu went on a hill and looked over it.
15 Then he said to Liu Bei, "The arrangement is called 'The Eight Docked Gates,' and the names of the gates are Birth, Exit, Expanse, Wound, Fear, Annihilation, Obstacle, and Death. If you enter by one of the three Birth, Exit, or Expanse you succeed. If by one of the gates Wound, Fear, or Annihilation, you sustain injuries. The other two gates Obstacles and Death will bring the end. Now, though the eight gates are all there quite correct, the central key-post is lacking, and the whole formation can be thrown into confusion by entry from the southeast and exit due west." (See the Yin Yang)	» Drunken Master -- i dont get it. why would Cao Ren request Liu Bei to say what the formation was? -- i mean, what the heck's the point in that? also, i'd like to know what exactly this formation looks like. heck, if someone could execute it in this, maybe i could execute it in Ages of Empire... sweetness... ::drools:: » _Rj -- Confusion -- I think the paragraph meant that Cao Ren called over one of his own guys to see if Liu Bei was positioning himself accordingly... Or maybe he intended for him to be a spy :-P » _Strifeheart -- Gates -- Wouldn't it make more sense if Obstacles was one of the ones that injured you and Annihilation killed you? » Elemental -- Why do you need the gates birth, exit, and expanse? -- Wouldn't it be better if there were no exits? » Shokyo -- To make it sound impressive? -- Well, he knows what he's going on about. Is there anything like this is The Art of War or any other war manual? » Rahonavis -- Military Formations -- Here is one of the strangest but most perplexing of infantry formations. The formation is based on the use of PaiGua and the Yin Yang of Taichi. Having studied something about military maneuvers and the ancient usage of PaiGuas it is something to be reckoned with. There are 8 gates (figure of speech) each of the gates are made up with a company of infantry formed up into circles, each of the circles are self supporting and interlocking. The circle of men within each company rotate opposite to each other (i.e. 8 concentric rings of men, each ring of men rotate clock wise and anticlock wise) and each company of men rotate in the same manner. If an army charges in without understanding how the rings work, they would be trapped within the ring. If a ring is broken, it can be reformed very quickly into another segment making it continuous. A warrior trapped within the ring would need to fight with almost every man in the company in order to break free of that ring. (Assuming he hit each soldier once) If he breaks out, the other companies will re-adjust to form additional rings and he's have to repeat the process all over again. Eventually the warrior will go down in exhaustion. The rings of the PaiGua can also expand and collapse it's size according to need. Unless u are a soldier who knows the ins and outs of a PaiGua, u will perish within the formation. That's why the gates are also named Birth, Exit, Expanse, Wound, Fear, Annihilation, Obstacle, and Death. Without knowing which gate is which or where's the beginning or end will lead to death. Hope this helps to explain the idea of using a PaiGua Ying Yang formation. » Shokyo -- Wo... -- That really helps. Thanks Rahonavis ^-^ » Super Dian Wei -- ........You lost me at Pai Gua.... » Rahonavis -- Sorry about that -- It's hard to understand without the use of graphics but I think the paragraph I wrote is self explanatory. Just read it slower and formulate it or try actually drawing on paper and you'll get the picture. The basics are as follows: 8 blocks of soldiers(150-300 men per block), each block formed in 3 circles one within the other, each ring rotating counter to each other. All 8 blocks form 1 huge circle. The blocks of men rotate, so does the huge circle. U open the huge circle to let in the cavalry and close after they've entered. Now do u get the picture? » Super Dian Wei -- ............how would that work then? -- It sounds like about 2000 guys walking in differnet circles and different directions. Just gather up your army and charge at it, and they all die...right? » Rahonavis -- Formation rendering... Okay, bear with me for a moment... -- A Cavalry unit will and can charge this to break in. But that is what they want u to do. Imagine if u will... (u are the cav unit charging) u charge the circles, the circles break up correct? The idea of a cavalry charge is to punch a hole in the enemy's defense, and once u breach a hole, the rest of your troops pour in. It's just like breaching a wall. Here where the problem lies, the block u just attacked is meant to cave in under pressure (they willingly collapse) you follow thru with your Cav unit. The unit u just broke reforms and now your whole Cav unit is enveloped. To break out, ur Cav unit must try to engage at least one block and one direction becoz strength is crucial right? The movement of the rings within a block and the successive movements of other units moving all seemingly in different direction causes confusion to both ur men and horses. (Horses r not stupid, they WILL NOT charge sharp pointy weapons arrayed en mass) So u engage ur unit to break free by charging one direction at 1 unit, as each ring breaks up under your charge they reform into different rings and for the trapped Cav unit, u'd have to practically fight every man in that unit. PaiGua is created using 8 gates, as the unit breaks from fighting the Cavalry, it will reform into a new gate, so as the Cav unit breaks thru one unit, it is met by another and another and another, eventually both horse and rider will go down from exhaustion. The gates of PaiGua are never permanent, it's constantly moving and changing. As each unit reforms what u get is Unit 1 (GATE 1) will maneuver and change into Unit 5 (GATE 5), Unit 3 (GATE 3) will change into Unit 8 (GATE 8), Unit 6 (GATE 6) will become Unit 1, and so on it never ends unless everyone in the infantry unit is killed. If it sounds confusing to u, it is because it really is. » Rahonavis -- One additional note on formations -- Have u seen a traditional Daoists PaiGua? Notice the symbols on the outer edges of the YinYang. Try and rearrange all the symbols on the PaiGua and rotate the symbols individually then rotate the the whole PaiGua after doing so, rearrange each individual symbols again and rotate the PaiGua, now u might understand how confusing it is. With each new pattern change, u are the Cav unit in the center trying to break out, u have to fight and deal with new formations all the time and try to cope with the changes. Get the picture? Check out the picture on the link of the paragraph. note the center and the 8 gates. » toocold -- wow -- my god wow » Super Dian Wei -- Ok then...what if you used your archers against the eight arrays? -- Bunch of guys walking in circles shouldn't be that hard to pick off. » Rahonavis -- Good thinking -- Super Dian Wei, u are a good thinker but it may not work that way. This formation could be arrayed pretty much out of bow shot range and u wouldn't know it until u started launching the cavalry units. As soon as u moved your Cav units out, the opposition will move accordingly. The army also is not composed of only 1 division, but many divisions, a division can be sent to counter bows with shield bearers backed by their own bowmen and u can have a shoot out. But the minute u launch your shock troops (cavalry) the trap is sprung. I'd personally make use of both cavalry and artillery, but unfortunately in those day artillery weren't too popular. » Pluvius -- to Drunken Master -- Cao Ren is taunting Liu Bei, thinking that he won't even know what the formation is, much less be able to defeat it. » dgr81 -- impressive -- i'm impressed. by both cao ren and rahonavis. » LiaoHua -- Its not impressive for Cao Ren, its just overconfidence » guanping -- I believe Cao Ren was trying out Lui Bei's strategist -- Most men would have no idea how to beat the formation anyway, so it was a fairly safe bet for Cao Ren » gambit -- Cao Ren -- I interpret this as: Cao Ren has chosen and setup a very complex, advanced formation, and he's now bragging to Liu Bei 'Take a look at these apples!' It's like doing a triple-sow-cow or a really complicated cheerleader formation. It's amusing that such a complex formation has such a simple counter strategy.
16 Wherefore certain orders were issued and Zhao Zilong, leading five hundred troops, rode out on his prancing steed to break the array. He burst in, as directed, at the southeast and, with great clamor and fighting, reached the center. Cao Ren made for the north, but Zhao Zilong, instead of following him, made a dash westward and got through. Thence he turned round to the southeast again and smote till Cao Ren's army was in disarray. Liu Bei gave a general advance signal, and the victory was complete. The beaten enemy retired.	» _Trooper -- Battle -- These men of Liu Bei astound me! Cao Ren had thousands of soldiers to demolish Liu's few thousand, and yet Liu Bei comes out in victory quite often! Would you rather fight in numbers, or fight with such great skill of Liu Bei? » JiaXuAdvocate -- Timing -- I would think with all the "convection" of the troops circling, there would have to be appropriate timing involved, along with a Southeast to West probe. Arbitrarily taking some time to fight and move I think would put disrupting the organization at risk, and may not happen. » caoxer -- Great skill of Liu Bei??? -- Excuse me but most of the direct credit should go to Shan Fu and Zhao Yun Zilong. Liu Bei should also get credit but only because of his hiring of Shan Fu and listening to all of his advice. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate Liu Bei, I just think the credit should go where credit is due. P.S.I would rather fight along with the great skill of a very capable general such as Zhang Liao than be in a huge force with incompetent officers. » CaoCaofan -- good point -- Everyone is giving Liu Bei all the credit (unless they mean Liu Bei as a generalization) even though this whole time he's just kinda sitting around watching Zhou Yun do all the dirty work! » IloveNDfootball -- They mean Liu Bei's force.
17 Shan Fu forbade pursuit, and they returned. The loss of the battle convinced Cao Ren of the wisdom of his colleague Li Dian, and he sent for Li Dian to consult.
18 "They certainly have some very able person in Liu Bei's army since my formation was so quickly broken," said Cao Ren.	» MightyWarriorDave -- It's about time -- Now he's starting to learn.
19 "My chief anxiety is about Fancheng," said Li Dian.
20 "I will raid their camp this night," said Cao Ren. "If I succeed, we will decide upon what should be done next. If I fail, we will return to Fancheng."
21 "Their camp will be well prepared against such a thing, and you will fail," said Li Dian.
22 "How can you expect to fight successfully when you are so full of doubts?" said Cao Ren, angrily.	» JiaGai -- Sheesh -- Cao Ren just admitted that Li Dian was right about Liu Bei being a dangerous enemy, and then goes back to not listening to him. You'd think at this point he'd be a little more receptive to advice. » MightyWarriorDave -- nevermind -- nevermind » Shokyo -- What can we say? -- He's an arrogant sod. » WUuuu -- Arrogant -- Of course he is, he's a Cao » Tenma -- Cao Ren -- As I recall from reading the books, I don't ever remember Cao Ren actually WINNING a battle. He lost most of them as I recall yet he was still hailed as a great fighter and general. Most likely only because he was a Cao. » CaoCaofan -- Wrong. The Caos are not all arrogant! -- Cao Cao is actually quite humble when it comes to taking advice from his strategists or opinions from people he respects! » MasterLiang -- Um...no. -- The Cao family OOZES with arrogance. » Tiamatty -- Cao arrogance -- Most of them can back it up. Cao Cao could be arrogrant, sure. He was also brilliant, and the most powerful man in China. Cao Ren was a renowned general, a skilled warrior and competent leader. His victories just don't get much book time. Cao Pi was a great administrator. The Caos are cocky, sure, but they've got the talents to back it up. » SNDiablos -- -the caos are arrogant- -- but so is lu bu, the sun family, the liu family and many others » MaTseng -- your allowed to be arrogant when you've done something to be it. » guanping -- I prefer being confident in your abilties -- they proved themselves so no wonder there wgo might be bigger then ours » SNDiablos -- they all did something all right -- not all them get praised for doing good stuff though » guanping -- they played vital parts in bring peace to most of China -- no mean feat » MaTseng -- they all got praise equal to how it affected people -- you only get praise if you've done something to get praise. » DongDal -- Or if you've got a knife to their throat. » MaTseng -- true -- or you bribe someone.
23 He held no more converse with his cautious colleague, but himself took command of the van and set out. Li Dian was relegated to the rear. The attack on the enemy's camp was fixed for the second watch.
24 Now as Shan Fu was discussing plans with his chief a whirlwind from the northeast went by, which Shan Fu said, "There will be a raid on the camp tonight."	» _Trooper -- Weather -- How can you judge the events of the future by a mere foul wind? If a whirlwind passes, you get attacked. Where is the connection made? » lord_alden -- Gah. -- There is an art of divination by weather patterns. If the weather becomes auspicious beyond what you have either 1.) Previously predicted, or 2.)Is definitely astray from what normal weather would come, then you could easily extrapolate what the possibilities were. Being a strategist of an army, that wasn't hard. What inauspiscions come from strategy? Surprise attack, and rear attack.
25 "How shall we meet it?" said Liu Bei.
26 "The plans are quite ready," was the reply.
27 Shan Fu whispered them to the chief. So at the second watch, when the enemy arrived, they saw fires on all sides, the stockades and huts burning. Cao Ren understood at once that all hope of a surprise was vain, and he turned to get away as quickly as possible. This was the signal for Zhao Zilong to fall on, and that cut Cao Ren's return road. He hastened north toward the river, and reached the bank, but, while waiting for boats to cross the stream, up came Zhang Fei and attacked.	» Notorious -- post -- Lots of whisphering happening, maybe scared of spies all around
28 By dint of great efforts and with the support of Li Dian, Cao Ren got into a boat, but most of the soldiers were drowned in the stream. As soon as he got to the farther shore, he bolted for Fancheng. He reached the wall and hailed the gate, but, instead of a friendly welcome, he heard the rolling of drums, which was soon followed by the appearance of a body of troops. Guan Yu led them.
29 "I took the city a long time ago!" shouted Guan Yu.	» Tenma -- Amusing -- This line just makes me laugh. » Tiamatty -- "What the hell took you so long?" -- PWNED!
30 This was a severe shock to Cao Ren, who turned to flee. As soon as he faced about, Guan Yu attacked and killed many of his force. The remnant hastened to Xuchang. On the road the beaten general wondered who had advised his opponents with such success, and he asked the natives for the answer.
31 While the defeated Cao Ren had to find his way back to the capital, Liu Bei had scored a great success. Afterwards he marched to Fancheng, where he was welcomed by Magistrate Liu Mi, himself a scion of the ruling family, who had been born in Changsha. Liu Mi received Liu Bei as a guest in his own house and gave banquets and treated him exceedingly well.
32 In the train of the Magistrate, Liu Bei saw a very handsome and distinguished-looking young man, and asked who he was.
33 Liu Mi replied, "He is my nephew, Kou Feng, son of Lord Kou of Luo. I have taken care of him after his parents died."
34 Liu Bei had taken a great liking for the lad and proposed to adopt him. His guardian was willing, and so the adoption was arranged. The young man's name was changed to Liu Feng. When Liu Bei left, he took his adopted son with him. Liu Feng was then made to bow before Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as uncles.	» liuffeng -- go liu feng!!
35 Guan Yu was doubtful of the wisdom of adopting another son, saying, "You have a son. Why do you think it necessary to adopt another? It may cause confusion."
36 "How? I shall treat him as a father should, and he will serve me as befits a son."
37 Guan Yu was displeased.	» JiaXuAdvocate -- Hypocrisy? -- Isn't Guan Ping & Guan Xing both Guan Yu's adopted son & bio son, respectively? I would think a parallel can be made here. » JiaGai -- These situations are reversed. -- Guan Yu was childless when he adopted Guan Ping and later sired children. Liu Bei already has a son, which is why Guan Yu protests this. He already has an heir, yet he adopts an elder child which can cause confusion in the lineage. After all, which is the true heir, the older adopted son or the younger sired son who was born before the adoption? » Shokyo -- For some strange reason I am reminded of Edmund from King Lear... -- At the start of the play, he gives a huge speech about being the illegitimate child. Don't ask why I'm reminded of it, I just... am. » JiaXuAdvocate -- Though the order is switched... -- I think it would be more confusing to have an adopted first, blood second, since it would be more divisive as to how to give preference. If it's blood first, adopted second, tradition says go with first by both primogeniture and in keeping the bloodline. The second would be a backup, or relegated to "red headed stepchild" if they don't match up. » JiaGai -- Simple in theory, not in practice. -- Just because it's expected that the eldest born child will be heir, doesn't mean that it will be accepted. Look at Yuan Shao to how badly you can screw things up as far as heirs go. Liu Feng is older and is capable of both making a name for himself as well as gain support. Though Shan is the rightful blood heir, when he becomes of age will people trust the unproven child or the adopted one that has? » JiaXuAdvocate -- Good points! -- I definitely agree with you JiaGai. It is true that there are exceptions to tradition (which are appropriate when the blood child is weak). I still think, however, Guan Yu may have ignored his own experiences in giving his opinion here, knowing that having a "backup" may be suitable for different circumstances. I suppose the way things played out he was intervined divinely and opined the way he did. » LiaoHua -- Heirs -- Liu Bei is in command correct, so Guan Yu addopting a son wouldn't matter him being an heir or not, being that he is only a general.
38 Then Liu Bei and Shan Fu began further discussions of strategy, and they decided to leave Zhao Zilong with one thousand soldiers to guard Fancheng, and they returned to Xinye.
39 In the meantime Cao Cao's defeated generals had gone back. When they saw the Prime Minister, Cao Ren threw himself on the ground weeping and acknowledging his faults. He told the tale of his losses.
40 "The fortune of war," said Cao Cao. "But I should like to know who laid Liu Bei's plans."
41 "That was Shan Fu," said Cao Ren.
42 "Who is he?" asked Cao Cao.
43 Cheng Yu said, "The man is not Shan Fu. When young this man was fond of fencing and used to take up the quarrels of other people and avenge their wrongs. At the end of Emperor Ling, he killed a man to avenge his friend, and then he let down his hair, muddled his face, and was trying to escape when a lictor caught him and questioned him. He would not reply. So they carted him through the streets beating a drum and asking if anyone recognized him. Nobody dared own to knowing him, even if they did so. However, his comrades managed to release him secretly, and he ran away under some other name. Then he turned to study and wandered hither and thither wherever scholars were to be found. He was a regular disputant with Sima Hui. His real name is Xu Shu and he comes from Yingchuan. Shan Fu is merely an assumed name."	» MasterCheng -- Yay, Xu Shu! -- Xu Shu is my favorite strategist in the entire novel. » cFodder -- I think I like Lu Su better... -- Largely because he got to play a somewhat larger role in the story - but the two characters do strike something of a resonant chord. » Seraph -- Xu Shu -- Great mind, narrow vision. It is a shame such a genius fell for a simple ruse... still, it did give us another great mind entirely. Xu Shu and Lu Su strike me a s similar, as cFodder pointed out. Both are well-meaning characters that get tricked by manipulative forces despite their great intelligence. » guanping -- Xu Shu was not as good as Lu Su nor as noble or nice in anyway » DongDal -- Still managed to give Xiahou Dun a whooping.
44 "How does he compare with yourself?" asked Cao Cao.
45 "Ten times cleverer."	» _Shadout Mapes -- Funny Moment -- Wow! 10 times cleverer! *cracks up* » RauUsu -- That says a lot. » JiaXuAdvocate -- Yes, Xu Shu is the bestest person. I, Cheng Yu, am least cleverest. » Tiamatty -- Humble -- Cheng Yu gets points for not being too sure of himself. He knows he's not a match for Xu Shu, and he admits it. Good for you, dumbass! » guanping -- Or it was a be very careful warning of this man » SNDiablos -- -funny part is when xu shu says that zhuge liang has no equal and that- -- he is ten times smarter than him no one listens to him ya know? » guanping -- Perhaps they don't rate Xu Shu now -- or think he is really overexgrating/trying to scare them off
46 "It is a pity. If able people gather to Liu Bei, his wings will soon grow. What is to be done?"
47 "Xu Shu is there now. But if you wanted him, it would not be difficult to call him," replied Cheng Yu.
48 "How could I make him come?" said Cao Cao.
49 "He is noted for his affection for his mother. His father died young, leaving his mother a widow with one other son. Now that son is dead, and his mother, Lady Xun, has no one to care for her. If you sent and got his mother here and told her to write and summon her son, he would surely come."
50 Cao Cao sent without loss of time and had the old lady brought to the capital, where he treated her exceedingly well.
51 Presently he said, "I hear you have a very talented son, who is now at Xinye helping on that rebel Liu Bei against the government. There he is like a jewel in a muck heap: It is a pity. Supposing you were to call him, I could speak of him before the Emperor, and he might get an important office."
52 Cao Cao bade his secretaries bring along paper and ink, with which Lady Xun could write to her son.
53 "What sort of a man is Liu Bei?" asked she.
54 Cao Cao replied, "A common sort of person from Zhuo, irresponsible enough to style himself Imperial Uncle, and so claiming some sort of connection with the Hans. He is neither trustworthy nor virtuous. People say he is a superior man as far as externals go, but a mean man by nature."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Using his mother. That's just sick. » WUuuu -- Its not like he's torturing her man... -- yet anyway... » Rahonavis -- Tricks of the trade -- Wining by trickery or gile is still winning. Using someone's mother and by trickery get who you want to come work for you is a good move. Luckily she's not as dumb as Cao Cao would've liked her to be. » Pluvius -- What was it that Cao Cao said about deceit being expected in war? » Laguna Cottage -- There are big wars and little wars... -- If we use too base a tactic in little wars, we taint our reputation. » WUuuu -- Cao Cao's reputation is pretty set by this point -- He's doing what he always does: take the most expedient way to victory. » Pluvius -- To Cao Cao, there is no such thing as a "little war." -- Not exactly a dumb standpoint to take. » liemnthuy -- sigh -- no wonder xu shu is ten times better denz cheng yu; manz that advisor (cheng yu) is stupid. did cheng yu expect xu shu is willin to advise cao cao when he come over his side knowin dat he was threatened to? i bet u he wouldnt even give cao cao 1 strategy. » LiaoHua -- It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword » Yunsung -- I'd like to see you cut off my head with a pen... -- Yes, propoganda is extremely important. The greatest, farthest reaching, and most impressive weapon a person has is his/her reputation. » lethalinjection -- Cao Cao's motive... -- I have generally known Cao Cao for recognizing talent in people's intelligence, political views, artistic abilities, leadership, charisma, etc., but in this paragraph he totally makes Liu Bei sound like a worthless peasant bum! excluding out all of his talents. » roflcopter -- yeah, that was the point.
55 Lady Xun answered in a hard voice, "Why do you malign him so bitterly? Everyone knows he is a descendant of one of the Han princes and so related to the House. He has condescended to take a lowly office and is respectful to all people. He has a reputation for benevolence. Everyone, young and old, cowherds and firewood cutters, all know him by name and know that he is the finest and noblest man in the world. If my son is in his service, then has he found a fitting master. You, under the name of a Han minister, are really nothing but a Han rebel. Contrary to all truths, you tell me Liu Bei is a rebel, whereby you try to induce me to make my son leave the light for darkness. Are you devoid of all sense of shame?"	» Flying Flash Swallow -- I think I've found someone I agree with. » lethalinjection -- Amazing! -- Even after hearing a completely biased account by Cao Cao, she still realizes Liu Bei is a great talented man! Amazing! » WUuuu -- What's so amazing? -- she said it's common knowledge. Big deal, she can listen to street gossip. » BraveZuMao -- maybe those street children are making an entrance.
56 As Lady Xun finished speaking, she picked up the inkstone to strike Cao Cao. This so enraged him that he forgot himself and the need for caution and bade the executioners lead off the old woman and put her to death.	» WUuuu -- Now THAT was a Bastard move. » grandmasteryuri -- not really... she deserved it. i'd have done the same. » LordSunQuan -- i wouldn't. why would you have done it? » grandmasteryuri -- so an old woman tries to stab u, and you are just gonna let her go?? » LordSunQuan -- she was old though -- maybe put her in prison but not execution, she would have no chance against him so why kill her, she was maybe confused and thought he was someone else. you never now but execution isn't the answer. » Michael M. Pettit -- It's a different time ... -- Not to mention that she kinda verbally ripped Cao Cao a new one and sang of Liu Bei's praises. And all that before she decided to get physical. These days, it would be assault against a high official and she'd just be apprehended. But this is a time where one of the punishments in military law is execution. And of course, some would argue that this is more or less staged to make Liu Bei look good and Cao Cao look rotten. Me, I couldn't really say. Kinda had to be there, I guess. » jetjagyr -- that's pretty harsh... -- How much damage is a little old lady gonna be able to do you anyway? I mean, most of us and definately not Cao Cao needs to seriously worry about being offed by someone's gramma. I agree with Michael that Cao Cao was being painted in a negative light again. » Pluvius -- Keep in mind that Cao Cao is a human being. -- Human beings can get pissed off, especially when their lives have been threatened. He's giving this order out of anger, not due to any rational consideration. » liemnthuy -- go woman go -- man, how funny if cao cao was stabbed n killed. lol. that would be a really funny endin to the wei empire » JiaXuAdvocate -- Yeah -- (56) "...And after 50 bouts Cao Cao was felled off his chair with an inkstone cutting his head in twain. The Old gimp rode her dilu wheelchair carrying (half) the head of the late Prime Minister through the central market, with the imperial partisans rejoicing. (57){POEM celebrating the "Old gimp's" efforts} There once was a man from Beijuo Who lost his Jia of Guo An old lady he pissed A gravestone he kissed And joined his advisor in duo (58) Xu Shu, being one of disordered morals, remonstrated with his mother to stop her haughty demeanor. (59) Liu Bei Annexed the rest of the kingdom,THE END." » CaoCaofan -- sentencing her to death was resonable -- Cao Cao didn't do anything to wrong or stupid here. The women very well could've killed him, if he was not expecting it and she just out of nowhere stabbed him. she could've got him. So he was angry that she after being treated well treated tried to kill him. He did what many others would have! » IloveNDfootball -- Kill an old women? How many people do that? » Kveltulfr -- Kill a would-be assassin? Plenty. » MasterLiang -- She picked up an INKSTONE. INK. STONE. -- An eighty year old woman is going to beat Cao Cao to death with an inkstone? Are you nuts? » Kveltulfr -- You're right. I'm sorry. -- I rescind my previous comment. Cao Cao got angry and lost his head. If he had executed the old woman, it would have been cruel and unjustified. » guanping -- um killing somone with an Ink stone is possible. -- I admit that prison would have been best choice but well prison seemed to be a death sentence anyway. » DongDal -- She's 80 years old -- Hardly the most danegerous person to be wielding an inkstone now is she? » Hammerhead -- Respect -- Still, he shouldn't have killed her. He should have some respect for the elders, besides I doubt she could do anything to him. » Laguna Cottage -- What if an 80-year-old lady hits our president with a stone in his head? » CaoCaofan -- RESPECT?!!-- -- Do you mean the same respect a citizen should have for the Han Prime Minister!!?!! She had it coming, you can't try to kill someone as powerful as Cao Cao and not expect to face severe consequence!! » DongDal -- She knew that -- And tried anyway. Got to give the woman credit on her courage.
57 Adviser Cheng Yu, however, stopped this act, saying, "This old lady wished to die. But if you kill her, your reputation will be damaged and hers enhanced. Beside that will add a keen desire for revenge to the motives which led Xu Shu to labor in the interest of Liu Bei. You had better keep her here so that Xu Shu's body and his thoughts may be in different places. He can not devote all his energies to helping our enemy while his mother is here. If you keep her, I think I can persuade the son to come and help you."
58 So the outspoken old lady was saved. She was given quarters and cared for. Daily Cheng Yu went to ask after her health, falsely claiming to being a sworn brother of her son's, and so entitled to serve her and treat her as a filial son would have done. He often sent her gifts and wrote letters to her so that she had to write in reply. And thereby he learned her handwriting so that he could forge a "home" letter. When he could do this without fear of detection, he wrote one and sent it by the hand of a trusty person to Xinye.	» MightyWarriorDave -- Nice strategy! » LiaoHua -- In this sense he's almost like the Cheng Yu in Kessen II -- its pretty clever » CaoCaofan -- yeah, great idea Cheng Yu!! » lethalinjection -- Xu Shu vs. Cheng Yu -- Xu Shu might be 10 times cleverer, but Cheng Yu is still a smart guy and a great advisor!
59 One day a man arrived inquiring for one Shan Fu. He claimed to have a letter from home for him. The soldiers led the man to Shan Fu. The man said he was an official carrier of letters and had been told to bring this one. Shan Fu quickly tore it open and read:
60 "On your brother's death recently I was left alone: No relative was near, and I was lonely and sad. To my regret, the Prime Minister Cao Cao inveigled me into coming to the capital, and now he says you are a rebel, and he has thrown me into bonds. However, thanks to Cheng Yu, my life has been spared so far, and, if you would only come and submit too, I should be quite safe. When this reaches you, remember how I have toiled for you and come at once, that you may prove yourself a filial son. We may together find some way of escape to our own place and avoid the dangers that threaten me. My life hangs by a thread, and I look to you to save me. You will not require a second summon."
61 Tears gushed from Xu Shu's eyes as he read, and with the letter in his hand he went to seek his chief, to whom he told the true story of his life.	» RauUsu -- His eyes were gushing? -- Larger than life indeed. I imagine that after your eyes "gush" for a while you get some nasty cottoneyes.
62 "I heard that Liu Biao treated people well and went to him. I happened to arrive at a time of confusion. I saw he was of no use, so I left him very soon. I arrived at the retreat of Sima Hui the Water Mirror late one night and told him, and he blamed me for not knowing a master when I saw one. Then he told me of you and I sang that wild song in the streets to attract your attention. You took me; you used me. But now my aged mother is the victim of Cao Cao's wiles. She is in prison, and he threatens to do worse. She has written to call me, and I must go. I hoped to be able to render you faithful service, but, with my dear mother a captive, I should be useless. Therefore I must leave you and hope in the future to meet you again."
63 Liu Bei broke into loud moans when he heard that his adviser was to leave.	» Etherie -- Don't worry Liu Bei -- It's like losing a toy, but buying a newer, shinier, and better one! » TiangFu -- Re: It's like losing a toy, but buying a newer, shinier, and better one! -- Is that better one Zhuge Liang? » Tenma -- Doesn't Matter -- If Liu Bei had retained Xu Shu, he may have still gotten Zhuge Liang. That's TWO good toys, and just imagine how much damage they could have done. Sad moment... = /
64 "The bond between mother and son is divine," said Liu Bei, "and I do not need to be reminded where your duty lies. When you have seen your venerable mother, perhaps I may have again the happiness of receiving your instruction."
65 Having said farewell, Xu Shu prepared to leave at once. However, at Liu Bei's wish, he consented to stay over the night.
66 Then Sun Qian said privately to his master, "Xu Shu is indeed a genius, but he has been here long enough to know all our secrets. If you let him go over to Cao Cao, he will be in his confidence, and that will be to our detriment. You ought to keep him at all costs and not let him go. When Cao Cao sees Xu Shu does not come, he will put the mother to death, and that will make Xu Shu the more zealous in your service, for he will burn to avenge his mother's death."	» DeadEyedOne -- Sun Qian really IS a very crap advisor » JiaGai -- Well, put it this way. -- How do you trust a man who has, at the very least, become partially aquainted with your forces, when you know he's about to become an officer for the enemy? Sun Qian raises that question. However, the second part of his advice is kind of iffy. The emotional reaction of a man is very hard to gauge, especially when dealing with the grief of paternal loss. It may very well have ended as Sun Qian claimed... or it could have turned Xu Shu completely against Liu Bei. Hard to say which. » Rahonavis -- Advises -- Sun Qian is not a bad guy, he's just concerned and he cares about the outcome should Xu Shu go to Cao Cao. He has good intentions but it would not be something that Liu Bei is willing to do. Liu Bei is definitely too honorable to do a underhand blow as such. Remember when Xu Shu first met Li Bei and the little test he did on Liu Bei about Dilu, Liu Bei's horse. That's the type of character Liu Bei is. » heartofbattle -- Liu Bei and Cao Cao -- I agree with you JiaGai and Rahonavis completely. And to add to that, this is where the fine line separates Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Cao Cao would have kept Xu Shu in this situation (this is similar to when Cao Cao had Guan Yu and was hoping Yuan Shao would execute Liu Bei). As far as comparing Cao Cao with Liu Bei, just take it like this: They both are great leaders, but compare Cao Cao with the bad guy in a wrestling match who will do low blows if he has to to win the match, and Liu Bei is the good guy in the wrestling match. Hope I didn't sound a bit confusing there...
67 "I cannot do that. It would be very cruel and vile to procure the death of his mother that I might retain the son's services. If I kept him, it would lead to a rupture of the parental lien, and that would be a sin I would rather die than commit."
68 Both were grieved and sighed.
69 Liu Bei asked the parting guest to a banquet, but he declined, saying, "With my mother a prisoner I can swallow nothing, nay, though it were brewed from gold or distilled from jewels."
70 "Alas! Your departure is as if I lost both my hands," said Liu Bei. "Even the liver of a dragon or the marrow of a phoenix would be bitter in my mouth."	» Flying Flash Swallow -- Yum! Phoenix marrow! » DeadEyedOne -- lol » Hybrid -- Mmmm.. -- I could go for some of that right now, I could. » Rahonavis -- Yummy -- I donno about u guys but I'd think Dragon Liver might be a little tough, chewy perhaps. As for phoenix marrow, that's like game hen marrow. Too little for too big an effort. » RauUsu -- I would imagine that dragon liver is very spicy. » Shokyo -- Dragon liver and pheonix marrow -- They're mythical creatures; holy, out-of-this, whatever. They would taste perfect supposedly. The Chinese Hearth God was also a dragon called Tsao Wang. He protects families from bad luck and keeps fires alight. At the new year, to assist his ascent to heaven, fireworks are set off and a small sacrifice is made. An everyday ritual was to take a picture of him, smear honey on his lips that he may speak sweet words to the Jade Emporor, and to burn the picture. » JiaGai -- Just as a side note about marrow. -- People seem to enjoy eating marrow. I've seen people break bones in half to suck the marrow out. » GGdown -- Dragon and Phoenix -- It seems to me that this is Liu Bei trying to find a replacement for his lost advisor. He has heard of the geniuses called Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix. Possibly he is hinting to Shan Fu that one of these would be a nice replacement for the loss of his services? » MaChaoMaster -- Liu or Luo -- It might just be something Luo Guanzhong added into there, or it could be something Liu Bei was hinting about. Good thinking though.
71 They looked into each other's eyes and wept. They sat silent till dawn. When all was ready for the journey, the two rode out of the city side by side. At Daisy Pavilion they dismounted to drink the stirrup cup.	» Drunken Master -- more humor -- i'm sorry, but i have to point this out: two guys, looking into each other's eyes and weeping, then they ride out together to "Daisy Pavilion"? » Rahonavis -- Sad Humor -- U have to laugh because of the very icky translations. Although I understand perfectly what is happening and what the scenario is, translating a language 'directly' ends up with some very weird results. It's not the fault of the translator nor writer.
72 Liu Bei lifted the goblet and said, "It is my mean fortune that separates me from you, but I hope that you may serve well your new lord and become famous."
73 Xu Shu wept as he replied, "I am but a poor ignorant person whom you have kindly employed. Unhappily I have to break our intercourse in the middle, but my venerable mother is the real cause. Though Cao Cao use all manner of means to coerce me, yet will I never plan for him."	» magicman -- self deprecation -- it seems that everybody insults themselves and their abilities... » Explainer -- LOL -- In my business management class, when the students discuss about cultural differences, they also mention that many Asians (not to be generalized) tend to like appearing humble, all the while they know their worth and do expect praise and acknowledgement. Imagine if Cao Cao says, "I'm worthless." And a court official says, "I agree!" That would be a disaster. This makes it more difficult to gauge people, and we have to rely on guesswork and subtle expressions. It's comical to read this paragraph and feel people have not changed over 1800 years. » Michael M. Pettit -- Very true ... -- It's really more like modesty on steroids, or part of a strict background. I live in a very diverse neighborhood, and have met all kinds of people. Some were brought up to be proud of what they can do and shout it out to the world, and others (who, yes, are mostly Asian in my experience) were brought up to be proud of what they can do, but not go on about it because that's foolishness, or egotism, or arrogance, or things like that. Most people of today, I think, prefer to be humble because they know too many bad people who shoot off their mouths (athletes, druggies, the arrogant genius, etc.) and don't wanna be like them. It's something I work on. But yes ... at times, it's hard to tell whether it's being humble or if it's crossed the line into the unhealthy behavior of self-depreciation. And yes ... people haven't really changed over 1800 years. Not comical, but interesting when you bring it up. » JiaGai -- It's all about perception. -- What a man is, is far less important as what others think that man is. Reputation and face mean a great deal to people today. Think of all the famous people who have less than stellar reputations and how little respect they sometimes recieve because of it. When we label people a certain way, we find it difficult to alter our perceptions of that person, whether it is true or not. The old adage about first impressions rings very true. Now take this to a culture that is innately built on perceptions of worth. A man is a representative of not only himself but his bloodline and it's important to keep up pretenses for the sake of face and reputation. Humility is thought of as a virtue, thus a man should project humility in his speech and his actions, regardless how he feels deep inisde. » Rahonavis -- Perception it is -- Very true with what JiaGai said, however I'd add one more note to this. Humility is indeed a virtue (Ghandi is a good example) in the mind of Asians it is better to let people see what u are and what u are capable off without being boastful. Bragging is a strict NO NO. So in 1800 years Asians haven't really changed, and it probably won't for another 1000 years. » lethalinjection -- Does anybody realize the extreme hilarity of the last few paragraphs! -- First Liu Bei talks about eating Yummy Phoenix marrow, and Dragon Liver, then two men hold hands, weep, and ride off to daisy pavilion!, then Xu Shu must stop the "intercourse" that he and Liu Bei have been having due to thoughts of his mother! I almost peed my pants it was so funny! » DongDal -- Well a bit of comic relief is helpful. -- Especially since Mi Heng is dead.
74 "After you are gone, I shall only bury myself in the hills and hide in the forests," said Liu Bei.
75 Xu Shu said, "I had in my heart for you the position of leader of the chieftains, but my plans have been altogether upset by my mother. I have been of no advantage to you, nor should I do any good by remaining. But you ought to seek some person of lofty wisdom to help you in your great enterprise. It is unseemly to be downcast."
76 "I shall find none to help better than you, my master."
77 "How can I permit such extravagant praise?" said Xu Shu. "I am only a useless blockhead."	» _xshu -- blockhead -- hehe blockhead... » Etherie -- Quick, Liu Bei! Now is the time for you to say, "Yes, yes you are." » TiangFu -- LoL
78 As he moved off, he said to the followers, "Officers, I hope you will render the Princely One good service, whereby to write his name large in the country's annals and cause his fame to glow in the pages of history. Do not be like me, a person who has left his work half done."	» yuanthedestroyer -- aww, I always liked Xu Shu. I felt so bad for Xu Shu.
79 They were all deeply affected. Liu Bei could not bring himself to part from his friend. He escorted him a little further, and yet a little further, till Xu Shu said, "I will not trouble you, O Princely One, to come further. Let us say our farewell here."
80 Liu Bei dismounted, took Xu Shu by the hands, and said, "Alas! We part. Each goes his way, and who knows if we shall meet again?"	» RauUsu -- Read this paragraph, with the mindset that you have not read anything else on this page. -- Mix in a little crude teenage humor. And you get a very humorous couple of sentences. » LiaoHua -- lol -- This sounds alot like a line in Romeo and Juliet
81 His tears fell like rain and Xu Shu wept also. But the last goodbyes were said. When the traveler had gone, Liu Bei stood gazing after the little party and watched it slowly disappear. At the last glimpse he broke into lamentation.
82 "He is gone! What shall I do?"
83 One of the trees shut out the traveler from his sight, and Liu Bei pointed at it, saying, "Wish that I could cut down every tree in the countryside!"
84 "Why?" said his officers.
85 "Because they hinder my sight of Xu Shu."
86 Suddenly they saw Xu Shu galloping back.
87 Said Liu Bei, "He is returning: Can it be that he is going to stay?"
88 So he hastened forward to meet Xu Shu, and when they got near enough, he cried, "This return is surely for no slight reason."	» MaChaoMaster -- Xu Shu: I completely forgot my shoes... sorry.
89 Checking his horse, Xu Shu said, "In the turmoil of my feelings, I forgot to say one word. There is a person of wonderful skill living about seven miles from the city of Xiangyang. Why not seek him?"
90 "Can I trouble you to ask him to visit me?"
91 "He will not condescend to visit you. You must go to him. But if he consents, you will be as fortunate as the Zhou when they got the aid of Lu Wang, or the Han when Zhang Liang came to help."	» Explainer -- Lu Wang and Zhang Liang -- Lu Wang, aka Jiang Ziya, Taigong Wang, a master strategist, founding minister of Zhou Dynasty, counselor to King Wen. Before joining King Wen, Lu Wang had been a fisher, who mediated on a river bank on political events. Zhang Liang, aka Zhang Zifang, the master strategist for Liu Bang. His family had served the state of Han as chief ministers during the Warring States period. It is said that he received the strategy book of Lu Wang from a mysterious old man. When he was young, Zhang Liang plotted to assasinate the First Emperor, but failed. He later rebeled against Qin. Joined Liu Bang (BC 206) to fight against Qin and then Chu. Recommended Han Xin to Liu Bang. Zhang Liang's insights had earned him the name "The Teacher of Emperor". After Liu Bang won the empire, Zhang Liang was enobled as Lord of Liu, but did not take office, instead he resigned from political life and traveled. Many of his collegues later revolted against Liu Bang and were put down one by one.
92 "How does the unknown compare with yourself?"
93 "With me? Compared with him I am as a worn-out carthorse to a palomino, an old duck to a phoenix. This man often compares himself with the ancient sages Guan Zhong and Yue Yi but, in my opinion, he is far their superior. He has the talent to measure the heavens and mete the earth. He is a man who overshadows every other in the world."	» Explainer -- Guan Zhong and Yue Yi -- Guan Zhong was the prime minister of Duke Huan of Qi. He formed salt and iron monopolies, set up a tax system, and created a central army for Qi. Under the leadership of Duke Huan and Guan Zhong, Qi became a leader of northern states in the Spring and Autumn (BC 770-476). Yue Yi was a great general of Yan. Yue Yi helped Yan overcome Qi, which was a dominant state during the Warring States period (BC 475-221).
94 "I would know his name."
95 "He belongs to Langye, and his name is Zhuge Liang. He is of the family of the former General Zhuge Feng. His father, Zhuge Gui, was the Deputy Governor of Taishan but died young, and the young fellow went with his uncle Zhuge Xuan to Jingzhou. Imperial Protector Liu Biao was an old friend of his uncle, and Zhuge Liang became settled in Xiangyang. Then his uncle died, and he and his younger brother, Zhuge Jun, returned to their farm in Nanyang and worked as farmers. They used to amuse themselves with the composition of songs in the Liangfu style.	» _... -- Enter Zhuge Liang. -- The old guy who uses a fan. » JiaGai -- Old guy? -- Not quite. He's actually pretty young right now. Also, he hasn't entered the picture quite yet, though this is his first mention by name in the novel. » RaistlinsDaughter -- Biographys -- For all you fans out there this site: www.kongming.net Has alot of interesting information on the people of the Three Kingdoms as well as DW4 game data. Biographys are in the links on the right of the page. » Elemental -- Zhuge Liang's only around 25 at this point... -- How is he old? » Rahonavis -- Comment -- Zhuge Liang died at 68, so Zhuge Liang at this stage would be in his early 20s or round about. » someoneunknown -- no actually -- Actually Zhuge Liang died at the age of 54, so by taking a guess i would have to agree with you that he's in his early 20s though. » liuffeng -- how old is liu bei -- is liu bei older than zhuge liang. i think he is younger but i'm not sure » AnhTran -- Liu Bei is nearly twice the age of Zhuge Liang at this point. » tleilaxu -- 207 AD: Zhuge Liang is 27, Liu Bei is 48.
96 "On their land was a ridge of hills called the Sleeping Dragon, and the elder of the brothers took it as a name and called himself Master Sleeping Dragon. This is your man. He is a veritable genius. You ought really to visit him. And if he will help you, you need feel no more anxiety about peace in the empire."	» Solens -- Sleeping Dragon -- Take note that Sleeping Dragon is only a nickname, like here because of the location. Zhuge Liang and Kong Ming are names determined at birth. Zhuge is his xin4, or surname, Liang is his name, or ming2, while Kong Ming is his stylename, zi4. » IloveNDfootball -- I'm not sure -- I don't think a style name is taken at birth. I was under the impression that it was taken later. » MasterLiang -- I was under the impression styles were assumed or given as a sign of education, nobility, or fame. » tleilaxu -- surnames -- Zhuge and Sima are both unusual surnames as they have two characters
97 "Water Mirror spoke that time of two persons, Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix, and said if only one of them could be got to help me all would be well. Surely he, whom you speak of, is one of them."
98 "Young Phoenix is Pang Tong of Xiangyang, and Sleeping Dragon is Zhuge Liang."	» Hybrid -- Yeah! -- Pang Tong! WHOO!! Break out the schnaps! » heartofbattle -- Can I get some opinions on strategists? -- Who would win if Pang Tong and Sima Yi strategized against each other? » Yunsung -- I'd say Pang Tong. -- He was Zhuge Liang's equal, more than capable enough to handle Sima Yi. Pang was also much more ruthless than Zhuge Liang, and would willingly sacrifice his own soldiers if it meant a victory.
99 Liu Bei jumped with delight, "Now at last I know who the mysterious ones are. How I wish they were here! But for you I should have still been an unclued man," said he.	» heartofbattle -- Liu Bei -- Liu Bei: I now know who they are!! (shoves Xu Shu away) Xu Shu: but... Liu Bei: Oh yeah, thanks for your help, but you're now hindering me from restoring the Han, go on, get!! (For the 1-dimensional folks... I'm not insulting Liu Bei... it's just a joke):P
100 Someone has celebrated in verse this interview where Xu Shu from horseback recommended Zhuge Liang:
101 Liu Bei heard that his able friend Must leave him, with saddened heart, For each to the other had grown very dear, Both wept when it came to part. But the parting guest then mentioned a name That echoed both loud and deep, Like a thunder clap in a spring-time sky, And there wakened a dragon from sleep.
102 Thus was Zhuge Liang recommended to Liu Bei, and Xu Shu rode away.
103 Now Liu Bei understood the speech of the hermit Water Mirror, and he woke as one from a drunken sleep. At the head of his officers, he retook the road to the city and having prepared rich gifts set out, with his brothers, for Nanyang.
104 Under the influence of his emotions at parting, Xu Shu had mentioned the name and betrayed the retreat of his friend. Now he thought of the possibility that Zhuge Liang would be unwilling to play the part of helper in Liu Bei's scheme, so Xu Shu determined to go to visit him. He therefore took his way to Sleeping Dragon Ridge and dismounted at the cottage.
105 Asked why he had come, Xu Shu replied, "I wished to serve Liu Bei of Yuzhou, but my mother has been imprisoned by Cao Cao, and has sent to call me. Therefore I have had to leave him. At the moment of parting I commended you to him. You may expect him speedily and I hope, Sir, you will not refuse your aid but will consent to use your great talents to help him."
106 Zhuge Liang showed annoyance and said, "And so you have made me a victim of the world's sacrifice."	» JiaXuAdvocate -- Like he had anything better to do. -- I suppose his complacency must have been quite extreme. That of course, along with his prescience knowing that his great task is about to begin. His annoyance probably showed like wanting to hit the snooze button for just another few months. » LiaoHua -- lol -- Xu Shu: Zhuge Liang, ZHUGE LIANG you have to go and do great things to help Liu Bei beat Cao Cao! Zhuge Liang: (groan) five more years Xu Shu: FIVE YEARS! Five years and Cao Cao will rule China now go! Zhuge Liang: Ah man you suck! » guanping -- Poor Xu Shu -- the poor guy is suffering so much
107 So saying, Zhuge Liang shook out his sleeves and left the room. The guest shamefacedly retired, mounted his horse, and hastened on his way to the capital to see his mother.	» Rahonavis -- Zhuge Liang -- Zhuge Liang is behaving as if he didn't care one bit, when he knew the 'time' is almost upon him. He was happy and content to be where he's at and didn't really want to be involved in the politics or care for the struggles of the outside world. He was a semi recluse, a hermit, a scholar and a man wise well beyond his years. So when Xu Shu asked him to help, he was reluctant.
108 To help the lord he loved right well, He summoned the aid of another When he took the distant homeward way At the call of a loving mother.
109 What was the sequel will appear in the following chapters.

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