Free The Three Kingdoms Volume 2 by Luo Guanzhong Page A

with his followers and found lodging in the guesthouse. Zhang Fei and the soldiers camped outside the city, while Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang went in to see Liu Biao, and after the customary salutations, Liu Bei apologized for his conduct at Xiangyang.
    Liu Biao said: “Worthy brother, I know you were the victim of a vile plot and at that time I would have put Cai Mao to death if there had not been so wide a pleading for mercy. I hope you don’t blame me for that.”
    “General Cai had little to do with it—I think it was his subordinates’ doing,” replied Liu Bei.
    Liu Biao said, “Jiangxia is lost and Huang Zu is dead, as you know. So I have asked you to come and discuss measures of vengeance.”
    “Huang Zu was harsh and cruel so he could not use his men in the proper way; that was the real cause of his fall. But have you reflected what Cao Cao might do in the north if we attack the south?”
    “I’m getting old and weak and unable to manage affairs properly—will you aid me, brother? After I’m gone you’ll be head of this district.”
    “Why do you say this, brother? How can I be equal to such an important task?”
    At this Zhuge Liang looked meaningfully at Liu Bei, who then continued, “But give me a little time to think of some good plan.”
    He took his leave. When they had reached their lodging, Zhuge Liang asked, “Why did you decline his offer of the district?”
    “He has always been most kind and courteous. I couldn’t bear to take advantage of his weakness.”
    “A kindly and gracious lord indeed,” sighed Zhuge Liang.
    As they were talking the elder son of Liu Biao was announced and Liu Bei welcomed him in. The young man, Liu Qi by name, bowed and then began to weep. “My stepmother hates me and my very life is in danger. Can’t you save me, uncle?”
    “My worthy nephew, this is a family affair. You shouldn’t come to me.”
    Zhuge Liang, who was present, smiled. Liu Bei turned to him for help.
    “This is a family affair—I cannot be involved,” replied Zhuge Liang.
    The young man soon left and when Liu Bei was seeing him out he whispered, “I’ll get Zhuge Liang to return your call and you can talk to him.” Then he whispered something in his ear.
    Liu Qi thanked him and left. The next day, when the call was to be made, Liu Bei pretended to be suffering from stomach ache and made that an excuse to send Zhuge Liang alone on the visit. So the advisor went to Liu Qi’s house and was conducted into the inner hall by the young host. When tea was brought to them, Liu Qi said: “I am an object of my stepmother’s dislike—can you advise me what to do?”
    “As a mere guest I can hardly have anything to do with your own ‘flesh and bone’ matters. If I did, and the story got abroad, much harm might ensue.”
    With this he rose to take leave. But Liu Qi was unwilling to let him go. He said, “Since you have taken the trouble to come, you cannot mean to go away so soon.”
    He led his visitor into a private chamber and had wine brought in. While they drank he repeated his previous plea and begged Zhuge Liang to teach him how to avoid being harmed by his stepmother, who would not tolerate his existence.
    “It is not the sort of thing I can advise on,” replied Zhuge Liang, as he rose for the second time to take leave.
    “Well, it is all right if you will not reply, sir. But why leave so early?”
    So Zhuge Liang once more seated himself and Liu Qi said, “I have an ancient book that I would like to show you.” And he led his visitor to a small building.
    “Where is the book?” asked Zhuge Liang when they had got there.
    Instead of answering Liu Qi bowed to him and said in tears, “My stepmother cannot bear me and my life is in danger. Oh, sir, will you not say a word to save me?”
    Zhuge Liang flushed and rose to go away. But he found the ladder by which they had mounted had been removed. Again Liu Qi begged for some advice: “You were afraid lest what you advised me might