Free The Three Kingdoms Volume 2 by Luo Guanzhong Page B

get abroad. Is that why you kept silent? Here we are, between earth and sky, and what you say will come out of your mouth and go directly into my ear. No other soul can hear. Now you can tell me what to do.”
    “As the saying goes, ‘Do not sow dissension among relatives,’” said Zhuge Liang. “How can I scheme on your behalf?”
    “Then my life is indeed in danger,” said the young man. “I will die at your feet.”
    So saying, he pulled out a dagger and threatened to commit suicide.
    Zhuge Liang checked him. “There is a way,” he said.
    “Please tell me.”
    “Have you not heard of the story of the two brothers, Shen Sheng and Chong Er? * Shen Sheng stayed at home and died, while his brother went away and lived. Now that Huang Zu is gone and no one is guarding Jiangxia, why not ask to be sent there to hold it? Then you will be out of harms way.”
    Liu Qi thanked him again and again. Then he called his people to restore the ladder and he escorted Zhuge Liang down.
    Zhuge Liang returned and related to Liu Bei the whole story, which pleased him very much. The young man soon acted on Zhuge Liang’s advice, but his father would not at first consent to let him go. To settle his doubts he consulted Liu Bei, who said, “Jiangxia is important and your son is the most suitable man to guard it. You must let him go. Then the southeast will be defended by your son and I will look after the northeast.”
    “I hear that Cao Cao has been training a naval force,” said Liu Biao. “I’m afraid he intends to attack us. We must be on our guard.”
    “I know all about it—have no fears,” said Liu Bei.
    He took his leave and went home while Liu Qi received command of 3,000 men and went to guard Jiangxia.
    At this time Cao Cao had abolished the three high offices of the government and exercised their functions himself. He appointed as his secretaries, Mao Jie, Cui Yan, and Sima Yi, the last of whom was a grandson of Sima Jun, and son of Sima Fang. Thus he was firmly established on the civil side.
    He then called his military officers to a council to discuss an expedition against the south. Xiahou Dun spoke first, “Liu Bei is drilling his army at Xinye and is a source of danger. He should be destroyed.”
    Cao Cao was of the same opinion so he appointed Xiahou Dun commander of an army of 100,000 men to leave for Bowang, from where he could observe Liu Bei’s movements in Xinye. Four other officers were assigned to assist him.
    However, the advisor Xun Yu was opposed to this. He said, “Liu Bei is a resourceful warrior and he has lately gained Zhuge Liang as his advisor. We must be cautious.”
    Xiahou Dun retorted, “Liu Bei is a mean rat. I will certainly take him prisoner.”
    “Do not despise him, General,” said Xu Shu. “Now he has Zhuge Liang to help him, he is like a tiger who has grown wings.”
    Cao Cao asked, “Who is this Zhuge Liang?”
    “He is also called ‘Master Sleeping Dragon.’ He is a perfect genius and is so brilliantly talented that he can compare with gods or spirits, the greatest marvel of the age. Do not despise him.”
    “How does he stand compared with you?” asked Cao Cao.
    “How dare I compare with him? I am a mere glowworm spark, whereas he is the glory of the full moon,” replied Xu Shu.
    “You are spreading a myth,” replied Xiahou Dun. “To my mind, this Zhuge Liang is of no account and not worth thinking about. If I do not take him and his master prisoners in the first battle, then I will submit my head to you.”
    “Send me news of your victory as soon as possible to put my heart at ease,” said Cao Cao.
    Xiahou Dun, greatly encouraged, took his leave and soon departed for the expedition.
    The advent of Zhuge Liang and the deference shown him did not please Liu Bei’s sworn brothers, who complained to him: “Zhuge Liang is quite young. How can he have any real learning or talent? You’re treating him much too well. And we haven’t seen any evidence of his