Chapter 37: Sima Hui Again Recommends a Worthy Scholar; Liu Xuande Pays Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage
Xu Shu hurried on his way to Xuchang. When Cao Cao learned that Xu Shu had arrived, he ordered Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, and other strategists to go and welcome him. Xu Shu entered the prime minister’s residence and paid respects to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, “You are a man of profound wisdom—why did you stoop to serve Liu Bei?” Xu Shu replied, “In my youth, I fled calamity and drifted through the world. By chance, I came to Xinye and formed a deep bond with Liu Xuande. My aged mother is still alive, and I am deeply grateful and ashamed that you, Chancellor, have seen fit to remember her.”
Xu Shu bowed in thanks and withdrew. He hurried to see his mother and knelt weeping at the foot of the hall. Mistress Xu, greatly startled, said, “Why have you come here?” Xu Shu replied, “Recently, I was serving Liu Yuzhou in Xinye when I received a letter from you, Mother, and so I came through the night to reach this place.” Mistress Xu flew into a rage, slammed the table, and cursed, “You disgrace to the family! You have wandered the rivers and lakes for years, and I thought your studies had advanced. How is it that you have become worse than before! Since you have read books, you should know that loyalty and filial piety cannot both be fulfilled. Do you not recognize Cao Cao as a traitor who deceives his sovereign? Liu Xuande’s benevolence and righteousness fill the realm, and he is moreover a descendant of the Han house. Since you have served him, you have found a wise lord. Now, on the strength of a single forged letter, without careful investigation, you abandon the light for the darkness and take on an evil name. What a fool! What face have I left to meet you? You defile our ancestors—you are but a useless creature born between heaven and earth!” She scolded Xu Shu until he prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to raise his head. Mistress Xu herself turned and went behind the screen.
In a short while, a servant came out and reported, “The old lady has hanged herself from a beam.” Xu Shu rushed in to rescue her, but his mother had already breathed her last. Later generations composed a eulogy for Mistress Xu, saying:
“Virtuous indeed is Mistress Xu! Her good name will last through a thousand ages! She kept her integrity unblemished, bringing honor to her family. She taught her son in many ways, but endured hardship herself. Her spirit was as lofty as a mountain, and her principles sprang from the depths of her heart. She praised Liu Yuzhou and reviled Cao Wei Wu. She feared neither boiling cauldrons nor the axe’s blade. Her only dread was that her descendants would shame their forebears. She may be ranked with those who die by the sword, and compared with mothers who cut the loom to teach their sons. Living, she won fame; dying, she found her rest. Virtuous indeed is Mistress Xu! Her good name will last through a thousand ages!”
Virtuous indeed is Mistress Xu! Her good name will last through a thousand ages!
She kept her integrity unblemished, bringing honor to her family.
She taught her son in many ways, but endured hardship herself.
Her spirit was as lofty as a mountain, and her principles sprang from the depths of her heart.
She praised Liu Yuzhou and reviled Cao Wei Wu.
She feared neither boiling cauldrons nor the axe’s blade.
Her only dread was that her descendants would shame their forebears.
She may be ranked with those who die by the sword, and compared with mothers who cut the loom to teach their sons.
Living, she won fame; dying, she found her rest.
Virtuous indeed is Mistress Xu! Her good name will last through a thousand ages!
When Xu Shu saw that his mother was dead, he wept until he fainted, and only after a long time did he revive. Cao Cao sent people with gifts to offer condolences and personally went to pay his respects. Xu Shu buried his mother’s coffin on the southern plain of Xuchang and observed mourning by guarding the grave. He accepted none of the gifts that Cao Cao bestowed. At that time, Cao Cao was considering a southern campaign, but Xun Yu advised him, saying, “The weather is cold, and it is not suitable to use troops. Wait until spring warms up, and then we can advance with full force.” Cao Cao heeded this advice. He then diverted water from the Zhang River to dig a pool, naming it Xuanwu Pool, and trained his navy there in preparation for the southern campaign.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei was preparing gifts, intending to go to Longzhong to visit Zhuge Liang. Suddenly, someone reported, “Outside the gate is a gentleman wearing a tall cap and a broad sash, of extraordinary bearing, who has come specially to see you.” Liu Bei said, “Could this be Kongming?” He straightened his clothes and went out to welcome him. On looking, it was Sima Hui. Overjoyed, Liu Bei invited him inside to sit in the place of honor, bowed, and asked, “Since I parted from your honored presence, I have been so busy with military affairs day and night that I have not been able to pay you a visit. Now that you have graced me with your presence, my admiration is greatly comforted.” Sima Hui said, “I heard that Xu Yuanzhi was here, so I came specially to meet him.” Liu Bei replied, “Recently, because Cao Cao imprisoned his mother, Mistress Xu sent a letter urging him to return to Xuchang, and he has gone.” Sima Hui said, “This is a trick of Cao Cao’s! I have long heard that Mistress Xu is most wise and virtuous. Even if Cao Cao imprisoned her, she would never write to summon her son. That letter must be a forgery. If Yuanzhi had not gone, his mother would have lived; now that he has gone, his mother is sure to die.”
Liu Bei asked in alarm for the reason. Sima Hui said, “Mistress Xu is of high principle and will be ashamed to see her son.” Liu Bei said, “Before Yuanzhi left, he recommended a man from Nanyang, Zhuge Liang. What kind of person is he?” Sima Hui smiled and said, “Yuanzhi might as well have gone on his own—why did he have to drag this man out to wear out his heart and mind?” Liu Bei said, “Master, why do you speak thus?” Sima Hui replied, “Kongming is a close friend of four men: Cui Zhouping of Boling, Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, Meng Gongwei of Runan, and Xu Yuanzhi. These four devote themselves to pure learning, but Kongming alone observes the grand strategy. He once sat hugging his knees and chanting long poems, pointing to the four and saying, ‘If you take office, you may become provincial governors or commandery prefects.’ When the others asked about his own ambition, Kongming only smiled without answering. He often compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, and his talent knows no bounds.” Liu Bei said, “How is it that there are so many worthies in Yingchuan!” Sima Hui said, “In earlier times, Yin Kui was skilled in observing the heavens and said that many stars gathered in the region of Ying, so that place must be rich in worthy men.”
At that moment, Guan Yu, who was standing nearby, said, “I have heard that Guan Zhong and Yue Yi were famous men of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, whose achievements covered the realm. Kongming comparing himself to them—is that not too much?” Sima Hui smiled and said, “In my view, he should not be compared to those two. I would compare him to two others.” Guan Yu asked who they were. Sima Hui said, “He may be compared to Jiang Ziya, who founded the eight-hundred-year dynasty of Zhou, and to Zhang Zifang, who revived the four-hundred-year dynasty of Han.” Everyone was astonished. Sima Hui descended from the steps, took his leave, and was about to go. Liu Bei could not detain him. As Sima Hui went out the gate, he looked up to heaven and laughed loudly, saying, “The Crouching Dragon has found his lord, but not his time—what a pity!” With these words, he drifted away. Liu Bei sighed and said, “Truly a reclusive worthy!” The next day, Liu Bei, together with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and their attendants, went to Longzhong. From afar, they saw several men by the hillside carrying hoes and working in the fields, singing a song:
“The sky is like a round lid, the earth like a chessboard.
The people of the world are divided into black and white, coming and going, contending for glory and shame.
The glorious find ease in themselves, the shamed must toil.
In Nanyang there is a recluse, who lies high and still finds his sleep too short.”
The sky is like a round lid, the earth like a chessboard.
The people of the world are divided into black and white, coming and going, contending for glory and shame.
The glorious find ease in themselves, the shamed must toil.
In Nanyang there is a recluse, who lies high and still finds his sleep too short.
Liu Bei heard the song and reined in his horse. He called to a farmer and asked, “Who wrote this song?” The farmer replied, “It was written by Master Crouching Dragon.” Liu Bei said, “Where does Master Crouching Dragon live?” The farmer said, “South of this mountain is a ridge, which is Crouching Dragon Ridge. In front of the ridge, among the sparse trees, there is a thatched cottage—that is the place where Master Zhuge lies high.” Liu Bei thanked him and urged his horse forward. After a few miles, he saw Crouching Dragon Ridge in the distance, and indeed the scenery was exceptionally clear and serene. Later generations wrote an ancient-style poem describing the dwelling of Crouching Dragon. The poem says:
“Twenty li west of Xiangyang city, a ridge rests by flowing water.
The ridge winds and bends, pressing down on cloud roots; the stream babbles and splashes, spraying stone marrow.
Its form is like a trapped dragon coiled on rock, its shape like a lone phoenix hidden in pine shade.
A half-closed wicker gate shuts in the thatched cottage, where a lofty man lies high and never rises.
Tall bamboos stand in rows like an emerald screen; all year round, wildflowers by the hedge bloom fragrant.
The bedside is piled with scrolls and books; no vulgar persons come to sit in the hall.
A blue ape sometimes knocks at the door to offer fruit; an old crane guards the gate and listens to sutras at night.
A precious zither in ancient brocade, a sword on the wall reflecting pine-wood grain.
The master in his cottage lives in quiet grace, in leisure personally diligent in plowing and sowing.
He waits only for spring thunder to wake his dream, one long shout to settle the realm.”
Twenty li west of Xiangyang city, a ridge rests by flowing water.
The ridge winds and bends, pressing down on cloud roots; the stream babbles and splashes, spraying stone marrow.
The situation was like a trapped coiling on a rock, the form like a solitary phoenix hidden in the shade of pines.
A rustic gate stood half-closed, sealing the thatched cottage, within which a lofty man lay high in slumber, not rising.
Slender bamboos stood interwoven like a screen of emerald, while fragrant wildflowers bloomed by the hedge through all four seasons.
By the bed, scrolls were piled; among the guests, none came who were vulgar.
A blue ape knocking at the door would now and then offer fruit; an old crane guarding the gate listened to scriptures at night.
In the bag, a famed lute was wrapped in ancient brocade; on the wall, a precious sword gleamed with pine-grain patterns.
The master of the thatched cottage dwelt in solitary grace, in leisure personally diligent at plowing and sowing.
He waited only for the spring thunder to awaken from his dream, then with one long cry would pacify the world.
Liu Bei arrived before the cottage, dismounted, and personally knocked at the rustic gate. A lad came out and inquired. Liu Bei said, “I am Liu Bei, the Left General of Han, Marquis of Yicheng Village, Governor of Yuzhou, and Imperial Uncle. I have come specially to pay my respects to the Master.” The lad said, “I cannot remember so many names.” Liu Bei said, “Just say Liu Bei has come to call.” The lad said, “The Master went out this morning.” Liu Bei said, “Where did he go?” The lad said, “His whereabouts are uncertain; I do not know where he went.” Liu Bei said, “When will he return?” The lad said, “His return date is also uncertain—perhaps three or five days, perhaps ten or more.”
Liu Bei was deeply disappointed. Zhang Fei said, “Since we cannot see him, let us just go back.” Liu Bei said, “Let us wait a while.” Guan Yu said, “Better to return for now and send someone later to inquire.” Liu Bei heeded his words and instructed the lad, “If the Master returns, you may say that Liu Bei came to call.” Then he mounted his horse. After riding a few li, he reined in and looked back at the scenery of Longzhong. Indeed, the mountain was not high but elegant, the water not deep but clear; the land was not broad but level, the grove not large but lush; apes and cranes were intimate, pines and bamboos interwoven in green. He could not stop gazing. Suddenly he saw a man with an imposing bearing, handsome and spirited, wearing a Xiaoyao turban and a black hempen robe, leaning on a staff of thorn wood, coming along a path by the hillside. Liu Bei said, “This must be Master Wolong.” He hastily dismounted, stepped forward, bowed, and asked, “Sir, are you not Wolong?” The man said, “Who is the General?” Liu Bei said, “I am Liu Bei.” The man said, “I am not Kongming; I am a friend of Kongming’s, Cui Zhouping of Boling.” Liu Bei said, “I have long heard of your great name; fortunate to meet you. Please sit here for a while and grant me the favor of some instruction.”
The two sat facing each other on a rock in the forest, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei standing in attendance. Cui Zhouping said, “Why does the General wish to see Kongming?” Liu Bei said, “The world is now in great chaos, with turmoil rising on all sides like clouds. I wish to see Kongming to seek a plan to pacify the state and settle the realm.” Cui Zhouping smiled and said, “Your aim is to settle the chaos, which is indeed a benevolent intention. But from ancient times, order and chaos have never been constant. Since Gaozu beheaded the white serpent and rose in revolt, annihilating the tyrannical Qin, this was a transition from chaos to order. By the reigns of Emperors Ai and Ping, after two hundred years of peace, Wang Mang usurped and rebelled, bringing a return from order to chaos. Then Guangwu restored the Han, rebuilding the foundation, and again it went from chaos to order. Now, after another two hundred years, the people have long been at peace, so warfare has again arisen on all sides. This is precisely a time of transition from order to chaos, which cannot be hastily pacified. The General expects Kongming to mediate between heaven and earth and repair the cosmos—I fear it will not be easy, and you will only waste your efforts. Have you not heard: ‘He who follows Heaven’s decree finds ease; he who defies Heaven’s decree toils in vain.’ ‘Where destiny prevails, principle cannot wrest it away; where fate rules, human strength cannot force it’?”
Liu Bei said, “What you have said, sir, is indeed a lofty insight. But I am a descendant of the House of Han, and it is my duty to uphold the Han. How dare I shift this responsibility to destiny and fate?” Cui Zhouping said, “I am but a rustic, unworthy to discuss the affairs of the world with you. Just now, I ventured to speak recklessly in response to your honored question.” Liu Bei said, “I am grateful for your instruction. But do you know where Kongming has gone?” Cui Zhouping said, “I also wished to visit him, but I do not know where he has gone.” Liu Bei said, “Would you, sir, come with me to our humble district?” Cui Zhouping said, “By nature I love leisure and have long had no interest in fame or office. Allow me to meet you again another day.” With that, he made a deep bow and departed. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei mounted their horses and rode on. Zhang Fei said, “We have failed to find Kongming again, and instead met this pedantic scholar, wasting a long time in idle talk!” Liu Bei said, “These too are the words of a recluse.”
The three returned to Xinye. After a few days, Liu Bei sent someone to inquire about Kongming. The messenger reported back, saying, “Master Wolong has already returned.” Liu Bei then ordered horses to be prepared. Zhang Fei said, “For a mere village fellow, why must you, brother, go in person? You could just send someone to summon him.” Liu Bei scolded him, “Have you not heard Mencius say, ‘To wish to see a worthy but not to do so with proper ceremony is like wanting someone to enter and then shutting the door’? Kongming is a great worthy of the age—how can he be summoned?” So he mounted his horse and went again to visit Kongming. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also rode along.
It was now deep winter, with severe cold and thick crimson clouds covering the sky. After riding many li, suddenly a north wind blew bitterly, and auspicious snow began to fall in profusion; the mountains seemed heaped with jade, the forests like silver beds. Zhang Fei said, “In this freezing weather, we would not even use troops, so how is it fitting to go far to see a man of no benefit? Better to return to Xinye and avoid the wind and snow.” Liu Bei said, “I wish precisely to let Kongming know the sincerity of my heart. If you brothers fear the cold, you may go back first.” Zhang Fei said, “I fear not even death—why should I fear cold? I only worry that you, brother, will wear out your spirit to no purpose.” Liu Bei said, “Say no more. Just follow and come along.” As they neared the thatched cottage, they suddenly heard someone singing in a wineshop by the roadside. Liu Bei reined in his horse to listen. The song went:
The hero’s deeds have not yet been achieved—alas, long has he not met a timely age.
Have you not seen the old man of the Eastern Sea leave the brambles, and later sit in King Wen’s carriage behind, drawing near to him?
The eight hundred lords gathered without prior compact, the white fish leaping into the boat crossing the Meng Ford?
At Muye, one battle made blood flow till it floated pestles, and the eagle-like valor stood foremost among the martial ministers?
And have you not seen the drunkard from Gaoyang rise from the wilds, making a long bow to the high-nosed lord of Mangdang Mountain?
His lofty talk of kingly and hegemonic ways startled men’s ears, making him halt his foot-washing and invite him to sit, admiring his heroic style?
To the east, he seized the seventy-two cities of Qi—no one under heaven could match his trail?
If these two had not met a sage and enlightened sovereign, who would know them as heroes even to this day?
The hero’s deeds have not yet been achieved—alas, long has he not met a timely age.
Have you not seen the old man of the Eastern Sea leave the brambles, and later sit in King Wen’s carriage behind, drawing near to him?
The eight hundred lords gathered without prior compact, the white fish leaping into the boat crossing the Meng Ford?
At Muye, one battle made blood flow till it floated pestles, and the eagle-like valor stood foremost among the martial ministers?
And have you not seen the drunkard from Gaoyang rise from the wilds, making a long bow to the high-nosed lord of Mangdang Mountain?
His lofty talk of kingly and hegemonic ways startled men’s ears, making him halt his foot-washing and invite him to sit, admiring his heroic style?
To the east, he seized the seventy-two cities of Qi—no one under heaven could match his trail?
If these two had not met a sage and enlightened sovereign, who would know them as heroes even to this day?
The song ended, and another person began pounding the table and singing. That song went:
Our dynasty’s emperor lifted his sword and pacified the world, founding the enterprise passed down four hundred years.
In the last days of Emperors Huan and Ling, the virtue of Han declined; treacherous ministers and rebel sons seized the reins of government.
A green serpent flew down beside the imperial throne, and again a strange rainbow was seen descending into the Jade Hall.
Swarming bandits gathered from all quarters like ants, and hundreds of ambitious heroes soared like kites.
We may long and shout, but in vain we clap our hands; in our gloom, we go to village taverns to drink village wine.
Cultivating our own virtue, we pass the day in peace—why seek a name that endures through a thousand ages?
Our dynasty’s emperor lifted his sword and pacified the world, founding the enterprise passed down four hundred years.
In the last days of Emperors Huan and Ling, the virtue of Han declined; treacherous ministers and rebel sons seized the reins of government.
A green serpent flew down beside the imperial throne, and again a strange rainbow was seen descending into the Jade Hall.
Swarming bandits gathered from all quarters like ants, and hundreds of ambitious heroes soared like kites.
We may long and shout, but in vain we clap our hands; in our gloom, we go to village taverns to drink village wine.
Cultivating our own virtue, we pass the day in peace—why seek a name that endures through a thousand ages?
The two finished their song, clapped their hands, and laughed heartily. Liu Bei said, “Wo Long must be somewhere around here, I suppose?” He dismounted and entered the tavern. There he saw the two men leaning on the table, drinking facing each other. The one at the head had a pale face and a long beard; the one below had a clear, ancient mien. Liu Bei bowed and asked, “Which of you two gentlemen is Master Wo Long?” The long-bearded man said, “Who are you, and what do you want with Wo Long?” Liu Bei said, “I am Liu Bei. I wish to visit the master and seek methods for relieving the age and settling the people.” The long-bearded man said, “We are not Wo Long; we are both friends of Wo Long. I am Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, and this is Meng Gongwei of Runan.” Liu Bei said happily, “I have long heard of your two honored names; luckily I encounter you by chance. Since my horse is here, I venture to ask you both to come with me to Wo Long’s cottage for a talk.” Shi Guangyuan said, “We are both idle men of the wilds, ignorant of affairs of governing the state and pacifying the people; we do not trouble you to inquire further. Illustrious sir, please mount your horse yourself and go seek Wo Long.”
Liu Bei then took leave of the two men, mounted his horse, and went toward Wo Long Ridge. He dismounted before the cottage and knocked at the gate. He asked the boy, “Is the master at the cottage today?” The boy said, “He is now reading in the hall.” Liu Bei was overjoyed and followed the boy inside. When he reached the middle gate, he saw a large couplet inscribed on it: “Indifference to fame and gain clarifies one’s ambition; tranquility leads to far-reaching goals.” While Liu Bei was looking at it, he suddenly heard a chanting voice. He stood by the side of the gate and peered in. He saw a youth in the thatched hall sitting by the brazier, hugging his knees and singing:
The phoenix soars a thousand fathoms high—no perch but the wutong tree;
The scholar dwells in one corner—no lord but the wise does he serve.
Glad to till the fields himself—how I love my thatched hut!
For a while I entrust my proud thoughts to lute and books, awaiting Heaven’s hour.
The phoenix soars a thousand fathoms high—no perch but the wutong tree;
The scholar dwells in one corner—no lord but the wise does he serve.
Glad to till the fields himself—how I love my thatched hut!
For a while I entrust my proud thoughts to lute and books, awaiting Heaven’s hour.
When the youth finished singing, Liu Bei entered the hall and bowed, saying, “I, Liu Bei, have long admired the master but had no chance to meet you. Yesterday, on the recommendation of Xu Yuanzhi, I respectfully came to your immortal cottage, but missed you and returned empty-handed. Now, braving the wind and snow, I have come specially and am fortunate enough to behold your virtuous countenance—truly a great blessing!” The young man hastily returned the bow and said, “General, are you not Liu Yuzhou, wishing to see my elder brother?” Liu Bei said in surprise, “Are you not Wo Long, sir?” The young man said, “I am Zhuge Jun, Wo Long’s younger brother. We are three brothers. The eldest, Zhuge Jin, is now a staff officer under Sun Zhongmou in Jiangdong. Kongming is my second elder brother.” Liu Bei said, “Is Wo Long at home now?” Zhuge Jun said, “Yesterday he was invited by Cui Zhouping and went out for an idle excursion.” Liu Bei said, “Where did he go for his idle excursion?” Zhuge Jun said, “Perhaps he took a small boat and roamed on the rivers and lakes; or visited monks and Daoists on the mountain peaks; or sought friends among the villages; or enjoyed lute and chess in the grottoes—his comings and goings are unpredictable; I do not know where he has gone.” Liu Bei said, “Is my fate so shallow that I cannot meet the great sage after two attempts?” Zhuge Jun said, “Please sit a while and let me offer tea.” Zhang Fei said, “Since the master is not here, brother, please mount your horse.” Liu Bei said, “Since I have come this far, how can I leave without leaving a word?” He then asked Zhuge Jun, “I hear that your elder brother, Master Wo Long, is well versed in military strategy and tactics and reads military texts daily. Could I hear something about it?” Zhuge Jun said, “I do not know.” Zhang Fei said, “Why ask him! The wind and snow are heavy. Better return early.” Liu Bei scolded him and stopped him. Zhuge Jun said, “My elder brother is not here; I dare not detain your carriage long. Allow me to return the visit another day.” Liu Bei said, “How dare I expect the master to condescend to visit me? In a few days, I shall come again. I ask to borrow paper and brush to write a letter, which I will leave for your elder brother, to express my earnest intentions.” Zhuge Jun then presented the four treasures of the scholar’s studio. Liu Bei breathed on the frozen brush to thaw it, spread the cloud-patterned paper, and wrote a letter:
Liu Bei has long admired your high reputation. Twice I have come to pay my respects, but both times I missed you and returned empty-handed; my regret is beyond words. I privately consider that I am a scion of the Han dynasty, who has unworthily received titles and ranks. I see the court in decline, the laws and discipline collapsing, the warlords troubling the state, and evil factions oppressing the sovereign—my heart and gall are torn asunder. Though I have a sincere desire to support and rescue the state, I truly lack the strategy to govern the age and order the country. I look up to the master’s benevolence, righteousness, and loyalty, hoping you will generously display the great talent of Lü Wang and implement the vast plan of Zhang Zifang—then the realm will be most fortunate! The altars of state will be most fortunate! I first present this letter to express my wishes; later I shall fast and bathe, and come specially to pay homage to your honored face, to pour out my humble sincerity in person. I beg you to examine and forgive me.
Liu Bei finished writing and handed the letter to Zhuge Jun to receive. He bowed and took his leave, going out the gate. Zhuge Jun saw him out. Liu Bei repeatedly expressed his earnest regards and then parted. As he was about to mount his horse, he suddenly saw a boy beckoning from outside the bamboo fence, calling, “The old master has come!” Liu Bei looked and saw, west of the small bridge, a man wearing a warm cap and wrapped in a fox-fur robe, riding a donkey. Behind him followed a lad in blue, carrying a gourd of wine, coming through the snow. As he turned past the small bridge, the man chanted a poem:
A night of north wind’s chill, for ten thousand miles the red clouds hang thick.
In the vast sky, great snow wildly scatters, changing all the old rivers and hills.
Looking up at the void, I suspect jade dragons are fighting.
Scale after scale flies and dances, in an instant filling the whole universe.
Riding the donkey across the small bridge, alone I sigh that the plum blossoms are thin.
A night of north wind’s chill, for ten thousand miles the red clouds hang thick.
In the vast sky, great snow wildly scatters, changing all the old rivers and hills.
Looking up at the void, I suspect jade dragons are fighting.
Scale after scale flies and dances, in an instant filling the whole universe.
Riding the donkey across the small bridge, alone I sigh that the plum blossoms are thin.
When Liu Bei heard the song, he said, “This is truly Wo Long!” He tumbled off his horse, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, “The master has not found it easy to come through the cold! Liu Bei has been waiting a long time!” The man hastily dismounted from his donkey and returned the bow. Zhuge Jun said from behind, “This is not my elder brother Wo Long; it is my elder brother’s father-in-law, Huang Chengyan.” Liu Bei said, “The poem you just chanted was extremely sublime.” Huang Chengyan said, “This old man was reading the Liangfu Yin at my son-in-law’s house and remembered this piece. Just now, crossing the small bridge, I happened to see the plum blossoms by the fence and was moved to recite it. I did not expect to be heard by the honored guest.” Liu Bei said, “Have you seen your worthy son-in-law?” Huang Chengyan said, “Indeed, this old man has also come to see him.” Upon hearing this, Liu Bei took leave of Huang Chengyan, mounted his horse, and returned. The wind and snow were again heavy. Looking back at Wo Long Ridge, his heart was filled with melancholy. A later poet wrote a poem specifically about Liu Bei visiting Kongming in wind and snow:
In wind and snow filling the sky, he sought the worthy man;
He did not meet him and returned empty, his heart full of grief.
The stream bridge froze, the mountain stones slippery;
Cold air invaded saddle and horse, the road long.
Petal after petal of pear blossoms fell from above;
Facing him, willow catkins wildly flew.
Turning his head, he reined in his whip and gazed far—
On Wo Long Ridge piled high in sparkling silver snow.
In wind and snow filling the sky, he sought the worthy man;
He did not meet him and returned empty, his heart full of grief.
The stream bridge froze, the mountain stones slippery;
Cold air invaded saddle and horse, the road long.
Petal after petal of pear blossoms fell from above;
Facing him, willow catkins wildly flew.
Turning his head, he reined in his whip and gazed far—
On Wo Long Ridge piled high in sparkling silver snow.
After Liu Bei returned to Xinye, time gradually passed, and before he knew it, the new spring had arrived. He then ordered a diviner to consult the yarrow stalks and select an auspicious day. He fasted for three days, bathed in incense and changed his clothes, and then went again to Wo Long Ridge to visit Kongming. When Guan Yu and Zhang Fei heard about it, they were displeased, and together they came in to remonstrate with Liu Bei. Truly:
The high sage had not yet submitted to the hero’s ambition;
Humbling oneself to seek the worthy only made the warrior suspicious.
The high sage had not yet submitted to the hero’s ambition;
Humbling oneself to seek the worthy only made the warrior suspicious.
Not knowing what they said, we must await the next chapter for the explanation.