Xu Shu hurried along the road to Xuchang. When Cao Cao learned of Xu Shu's arrival, he ordered Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, and his other strategists to welcome him. Xu Shu entered the Chancellor's residence to pay respects to Cao Cao. Cao Cao said, "You are a man of brilliant understanding. Why would you humble yourself to serve Liu Bei?" Xu Shu replied, "In my youth I fled from disaster and wandered the land, eventually arriving at Xinye, where I developed a deep friendship with Xuande. My aged mother is here, and I am grateful for your kindness toward her—I feel both shame and gratitude." Cao Cao said, "Now that you are here, you can attend to your mother morning and evening, and I too shall benefit from your wise counsel." Xu Shu bowed in thanks and withdrew.
He hurried to see his mother and knelt weeping before her. His mother was greatly startled and asked, "Why have you come here?" Xu Shu answered, "I was recently serving Liu Bei at Xinye when I received a letter from you, so I traveled day and night to come." Lady Xu flew into a rage. She slammed the table and cursed him, saying, "You worthless son! You have wandered the land for years, and I thought your studies had advanced—but you have regressed! You have read the classics, so 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 and flouts authority? Liu Xuande's benevolence and righteousness are known throughout the realm, and he is a scion of the Han imperial house. When you served him, you found the true master. Now, on the strength of a single forged letter, without careful investigation, you abandon the light to plunge into darkness, earning yourself an evil reputation. Truly you are a fool! What face do I have to see you? You have disgraced our ancestors and lived in vain under Heaven!"
She so raged that Xu Shu prostrated himself on the ground, not daring to look up. His mother turned and disappeared behind a screen. Shortly afterward, a servant came out to report, "The old lady has hanged herself from a beam." Xu Shu rushed in to save her, but her breath had already ceased.
A poet of the time composed a eulogy for Lady Xu, of which history records: "Worthy was Lady Xu, her fragrance lingering for a thousand ages. She preserved her integrity without flaw, a benefit to her family. She taught her son with many methods, enduring hardship herself. Her spirit was as firm as a mountain, her righteousness poured from her heart. She praised Liu Bei and denounced Cao Cao. She feared neither boiling cauldron nor axe and blade—only that her descendant might disgrace their ancestors. She stands alongside those who died by the sword, worthy of comparison to the mother who cut her loom. In life she earned her name; in death she found her place. Worthy was Lady Xu, her fragrance lingering for a thousand ages!"
When Xu Shu saw that his mother was dead, he collapsed weeping and lay unconscious for a long time before reviving. 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 remained in mourning at her grave. He refused all of Cao Cao's gifts.
At this time, Cao Cao was considering a southern campaign. Xun Yu advised against it, saying, "The cold weather is not suitable for war. Wait until spring warms, and then we can advance with full force." Cao Cao agreed. He diverted water from the Zhang River to create a lake called Xuanwu Lake, where he trained his navy in preparation for the southern campaign.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei was preparing gifts to visit Zhuge Liang at Wolong Ridge when a servant announced, "A gentleman is at the gate—tall cap and broad sash, with an extraordinary bearing—who has come specially to visit." Liu Bei said, "Could this be Kongming himself?" He straightened his clothes and went out to welcome the visitor. It was Sima Hui. Delighted, Liu Bei invited him into the rear hall, seated him in the place of honor, and bowed, saying, "Since I last saw your immortal countenance, military affairs have kept me so busy that I have failed to visit you. Your arrival now brings me great comfort and fulfills my longing." Sima Hui said, "I heard that Xu Yuanzhi was here, so I came to see him." Liu Bei replied, "Recently, Cao Cao imprisoned his mother, and she sent a letter summoning him back to Xuchang. He has gone." Sima Hui said, "This is Cao Cao's trick! I have long known that Lady Xu is the most virtuous of women. Even if Cao Cao imprisoned her, she would never have written to summon her son. That letter must be a forgery. If Yuanzhi had not gone, his mother might have lived; now that he has gone, she will surely die!" Liu Bei asked in alarm why this was so. Sima Hui explained, "Lady Xu is a woman of high principle. She will be too ashamed to face her son." Liu Bei said, "Before he left, Yuanzhi recommended Zhuge Liang of Nanyang. What kind of man is he?" Sima Hui laughed and said, "If Yuanzhi wanted to leave, he should have just gone.
Why did he have to drag out this man to wear out his heart and blood?" Liu Bei asked, "Sir, why do you say that?" Sima Hui replied, "Kongming is close friends with four men: Cui Zhouping of Boling, Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, Meng Gongwei of Runan, and Xu Yuanzhi himself. These four are meticulous scholars, but Kongming alone grasps the grand picture. He once sat hugging his knees and chanting, then pointed to the four and said, 'You gentlemen may rise to become Provincial Inspectors or Commandery Governors.' When they asked him what his own ambition was, Kongming only smiled and did not answer. He often compares himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi—his talent is immeasurable." Liu Bei said, "How many worthy men come from Yingchuan!" Sima Hui said, "In the past, there was a man named Yin Kui who was skilled in observing the heavens. He once said that the stars gathered over the Yingchuan region, so the land must produce many worthy scholars." Guan Yu, who was present, said, "I have heard that Guan Zhong and Yue Yi were famous men of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, whose achievements shook the world. Is it not too much for Kongming to compare himself to them?" Sima Hui smiled and said, "In my view, he should not compare himself to these two. I would name two others." Guan Yu asked, "Who are they?" Sima Hui said, "He may be compared to Jiang Ziya, who founded the eight-hundred-year Zhou dynasty, and to Zhang Zifang, who brought four hundred years of glory to the Han." Everyone was astonished. Sima Hui rose to take his leave, and Liu Bei could not persuade him to stay.
At the gate, Sima Hui looked up to the sky and laughed loudly, saying, "The Crouching Dragon has found his master, but not the right time—what a pity!" With these words, he drifted away. Liu Bei sighed and said, "Truly a hermit of worth!"
The next day, Liu Bei, together with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and their attendants, set out for Wolong Ridge. From a distance, they saw several farmers working in the fields with hoes, singing a song: "The blue sky is like a round lid; the land is like a chessboard. Men are divided into black and white, coming and going, contending for glory and disgrace. The glorious are at ease; the disgraced are forever busy. In Nanyang there is a recluse, sleeping high, never satisfied!"
Liu Bei heard the song and reined in his horse to call the farmers. He asked, "Who composed this song?" They answered, "The Crouching Dragon gentleman, Master Zhuge." Liu Bei asked, "Where does Master Zhuge live?" The farmers replied, "South of this mountain, along a high ridge called Wolong Ridge. In front of the ridge, among the sparse trees, there is a thatched cottage—that is where Master Zhuge rests." Liu Bei thanked them and urged his horse forward. After a few li, he saw Wolong Ridge in the distance—a scene of extraordinary beauty. A poet of old composed a verse describing the dwelling, of which
history records: "Twenty li west of Xiangyang city, a high ridge rests beside flowing waters. The ridge bends and presses against the clouds; the stream gurgles, splashing over stone. Its posture is like a trapped dragon coiled on rock, its form like a solitary phoenix in the shade of pines. A half-closed wicker gate leads to a thatched cottage, where a lofty man lies sleeping. Tall bamboos intertwine like a green screen; wildflowers scent the hedges in all seasons. By the bed are piled yellow scrolls; no commoner sits among the guests. A gray ape knocks at the door to offer fruit; an old crane guards the gate at night, listening to sutras. In the bag is a famous lute wrapped in ancient brocade; on the wall hangs a seven-star sword. The gentleman in the cottage is solitary and refined, in leisure personally tilling the fields. He waits only for the spring thunder to wake him from his dream, then with a single cry he will pacify the realm."
Liu Bei arrived at the cottage, dismounted, and knocked on the wicker gate himself. A boy came out and asked who he was. Liu Bei said, "I am Liu Bei, General of the Left of Han, Marquis of Yicheng Village, Acting Governor of Yu Province, and Imperial Uncle. I have come specially to pay respects to the master." The boy said, "I cannot remember so many names." Liu Bei said, "Just say Liu Bei has come to visit." The boy replied, "The master went out early this morning." Liu Bei asked, "Where did he go?" The boy said, "His movements are uncertain. I do not know where he went." Liu Bei asked, "When will he return?" The boy said, "His return date is also uncertain—maybe three or five days, maybe ten or more." Liu Bei was deeply disappointed. Zhang Fei said, "Since he's not here, let's just go back." Liu Bei said, "Let us wait a little while." Guan Yu said, "Better to return for now and send someone to inquire later." Liu Bei agreed and instructed the boy, "If your master returns, tell him that Liu Bei came to visit." He mounted his horse and rode a few li, then reined in to look back at the scenery of Wolong Ridge. The mountains were not high but were elegant; the water was not deep but was clear; the land was not vast but was flat; the forest was not large but was lush. Apes and cranes frolicked together; pines and bamboos intertwined in green. As he gazed, he suddenly saw a man of imposing bearing and handsome features, wearing a carefree cap and a black cloth robe, leaning on a staff as he came down a narrow mountain path. Liu Bei said, "This must be the Crouching Dragon gentleman!" He quickly dismounted, stepped forward, and bowed, asking, "Sir, are you not the Crouching Dragon?" The man said, "Who are you, General?" Liu Bei replied, "I am Liu Bei." The man said, "I am not Kongming. I am Kongming's friend, Cui Zhouping of Boling." Liu Bei said, "I have long heard of your great name. I am fortunate to meet you. Please, let us sit on the ground here for a while, and I would like to ask for your instruction." The two sat facing each other on a rock in the forest, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei standing at attention. Cui Zhouping asked, "General, why do you wish to see Kongming?" Liu Bei said, "The realm is in great chaos, and war clouds gather from all sides. I wish to see Kongming to seek a strategy for pacifying the state and settling the realm."
Cui Zhouping smiled and said, "Your aim is to settle the chaos, which shows a benevolent heart. But since ancient times, order and chaos have alternated without end. When the founding emperor of Han killed the serpent and rose in rebellion, overthrowing the tyrannical Qin, that was a transition from chaos to order. By the reigns of Emperors Ai and Ping, after two hundred years of peace, Wang Mang usurped the throne, and order turned to chaos again. Then Emperor Guangwu restored the dynasty, rebuilding the foundation, and chaos turned back to order. Now, after another two hundred years, the people have been at peace for too long, so the flames of war have risen again on all sides. This is precisely a time of transition from order to chaos, and it cannot be settled quickly. If you want Kongming to turn Heaven and Earth around and mend the fabric of the universe, I fear it will not be easy—you will only waste your heart and strength. Have you not heard that those who follow Heaven find ease, while those who defy Heaven find toil? Where fate is fixed, reason cannot change it; where destiny rules, men cannot force it." Liu Bei said, "What you say, sir, is indeed profound. But I am a descendant of the Han house and must support the Han dynasty. How dare I abandon my duty to fate and destiny?" Cui Zhouping said, "I am but a rustic who cannot discuss the affairs of the realm. I spoke recklessly because you asked." Liu Bei said, "I am grateful for your instruction. But do you know where Kongming has gone?" Cui Zhouping said, "I too wished to visit him, but I do not know where he is." Liu Bei said, "Will you come with me to my county?" Cui Zhouping said, "I am fond of leisure and have long had no interest in fame or office. Let us meet another day." With a deep bow, he left. Liu Bei mounted his horse with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei and rode on. Zhang Fei said, "We didn't find Kongming, and we ran into this pedantic scholar and wasted so much time talking!" Liu Bei said, "These are the words of a hermit."
The three returned to Xinye. After a few days, Liu Bei sent someone to inquire about Kongming. The messenger reported back, "The Crouching Dragon gentleman has returned." Liu Bei ordered his horse to be prepared. Zhang Fei said, "Why should you go yourself for a mere villager? Just send someone to summon him." Liu Bei scolded him, "Have you not heard Mencius say, 'To wish to see a worthy without the proper way is like wanting to enter while closing the door'? Kongming is a great sage of our time—how can he be summoned!" He mounted his horse and set out again to visit Kongming. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei followed on horseback. It was the depths of winter; the weather was bitterly cold, and dark clouds gathered thickly. After riding a few li, a bitter north wind began to blow, and snowflakes fell heavily. The mountains were like jade; the forests were dressed in silver. Zhang Fei said, "In this freezing weather, even military campaigns are halted. Why travel so far to see a useless man? Better to return to Xinye and avoid the wind and snow." Liu Bei said, "I want Kongming to see my sincere devotion. If you brothers are afraid of the cold, you may go back first." Zhang Fei said, "I fear not even death—why would I fear the cold? I only fear you will waste your spirit for nothing." Liu Bei said, "Say no more. Just follow me."
As they neared the cottage, they heard someone singing in a tavern by the road. Liu Bei reined in his horse to listen. The song went: "The hero's merit is not yet achieved; alas, he has long missed the spring! Do you not see the old fisherman of the Eastern Sea who left the thorns and brambles, and the rear chariot drew close to King Wen? Eight hundred lords gathered unbidden; a white fish leaped into the boat at Mengjin. At Muye, blood flowed so thick it floated pestles; the eagle's bold deeds crowned the martial ministers. Do you not see the tavern keeper of Gaoyang who rose from the grass and bowed to the long-nosed lord of Mangdang? He spoke of kingly ways and startled the ear; the lord ceased washing and invited him to sit, admiring his heroic spirit. Eastward he took seventy-two cities of Qi, and none in the realm could match his steps. The deeds of these two are still so great—who today will speak of heroes?"
When the song ended, another man tapped the table and sang: "Our emperor drew his sword to cleanse the seas, founding a dynasty that lasted four hundred years. Under Emperors Huan and Ling, the fire virtue waned; treacherous ministers and rebel sons stirred the cauldron. A green serpent flew down beside the throne; again a strange rainbow descended on the jade hall. Bandits swarmed from all sides like ants; a hundred villains spread their eagle wings. We sigh and clap our hands in vain; in boredom we drink village wine at the inn. To perfect ourselves alone and rest in peace each day—why seek eternal fame?"
The two men finished singing and clapped their hands, laughing heartily. Liu Bei said, "The Crouching Dragon must be here!" He dismounted and entered the tavern. He saw two men sitting across a table, drinking: one with a pale face and long beard, the other with a clear, ancient countenance. Liu Bei bowed and asked, "Which of you two gentlemen is the Crouching Dragon?" The long-bearded man said, "Who are you, and why do you seek the Crouching Dragon?" Liu Bei replied, "I am Liu Bei. I wish to visit the master and seek the art of saving the age and comforting the people." The long-bearded man said, "We are not the Crouching Dragon. We are his friends. I am Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, and this is Meng Gongwei of Runan." Liu Bei said joyfully, "I have long heard of your great names. I am fortunate to meet you by chance. I have horses with me—may I invite you both to visit the Crouching Dragon's cottage?" Shi Guangyuan said, "We are but lazy rustics who know nothing of governing the state or comforting the people. Do not trouble yourself with questions. Please go on and seek the Crouching Dragon yourself."
Liu Bei took his leave and rode toward Wolong Ridge. He dismounted at the cottage, knocked, and asked the boy, "Is the master at home today?" The boy said, "He is in the hall reading." Liu Bei was overjoyed and followed the boy inside. At the inner gate, he saw a couplet inscribed on the door: "With simplicity, clarify your ambition; with tranquility, reach far." As Liu Bei was reading this, he heard the sound of chanting. He stood by the side of the door and peered in. In the thatched hall, a young man sat hugging his knees by the brazier, singing: "The phoenix soars a thousand fathoms high, perching only on the wutong tree. The scholar dwells in one corner, serving only the true master. I delight in tilling the fields, loving my cottage. I entrust my pride to lute and books, awaiting Heaven's time."
Liu Bei waited until the song ended, then entered the hall and bowed, saying, "I have long admired you, master, but had no chance to meet. Recently, Xu Yuanzhi recommended you, so I came to your cottage, but missed you and returned empty-handed. Now I have come through wind and snow. To see your countenance is truly a great fortune." The young man hurriedly returned the bow and said, "General, you must be Liu Xuande, who wishes to see my elder brother?" Liu Bei said in surprise, "Are you not the Crouching Dragon either?" The young man said, "I am Kongming's younger brother, Zhuge Jun. There are three brothers in our family: my eldest brother, Zhuge Jin, is now an advisor to Sun Zhongmou in Jiangdong; Kongming is my second brother." Liu Bei asked, "Is the Crouching Dragon at home?" Zhuge Jun said, "Yesterday, Cui Zhouping invited him to go out for a leisurely stroll." Liu Bei asked, "Where did he go?" Zhuge Jun said, "He might take a small boat and drift on the rivers and lakes, or visit monks and Daoists on the mountain peaks, or seek friends in the villages, or enjoy lute and chess in caves—his movements are unpredictable, and I do not know where he is." Liu Bei said, "Is my fate so shallow that I twice miss the great sage?" Zhuge Jun said, "Please sit for a while and have some tea." Zhang Fei said, "Since the master is not here, please, brother, mount your horse." Liu Bei said, "Since I have come this far, how can I leave without a word?" He asked Zhuge Jun, "I have heard that your elder brother, the Crouching Dragon, is well-versed in strategy and studies military texts daily.
May I ask about this?" Zhuge Jun said, "I do not know." Zhang Fei said, "Why ask him? The wind and snow are fierce—better to return early." Liu Bei scolded him to silence. Zhuge Jun said, "My elder brother is not here, so I dare not detain you. Allow me to return the visit another day." Liu Bei said, "I would not dare to trouble you. I will come again in a few days. May I borrow paper and brush to write a letter to leave for your brother, expressing my sincere devotion?" Zhuge Jun brought out the writing materials. Liu Bei breathed on the frozen brush to warm it, smoothed the letter paper, and wrote: "I have long admired your lofty name. Twice I have come to pay my respects, but you were not here, and I returned empty-handed—how great my disappointment! I am a descendant of the Han house, holding a title unworthily. I have seen the dynasty decline and the bonds of order shatter. Warlords throw the state into chaos; evil factions deceive the sovereign. My heart and gall are torn. Though I have a sincere wish to save the age, I lack the strategy. I look up to you, sir, in your benevolence, righteousness, and loyalty, hoping you will generously display the great talent of Lü Wang and the vast plans of Zhang Zifang. Then the realm will be fortunate, and the state will be fortunate! I first write this to convey my feelings. I will fast, bathe, and purify myself before coming to pay my respects in person and pour out my humble heart. I beg your understanding."
Liu Bei finished writing and handed the letter to Zhuge Jun, then bowed and took his leave. Zhuge Jun saw him out, and Liu Bei expressed his deep gratitude before departing. As he was about to mount his horse, he suddenly saw the boy beckoning from outside the hedge, calling, "The old gentleman is coming!" Liu Bei looked and saw, west of a small bridge, a man in a warm cap and a fox-fur robe riding a donkey, followed by a young servant in blue carrying a gourd of wine. They came through the snow. As he crossed the small bridge, he chanted a poem: "A night of north wind, ten thousand li of thick clouds. Snow whirls wildly in the sky, changing the old face of the land. Looking up at the void, I suspect jade dragons are fighting; scales and feathers fly everywhere, covering the universe in an instant. Riding the donkey across the small bridge, I alone sigh at the thin plum blossoms!"
Liu Bei heard the song and said, "This is truly the Crouching Dragon!" He dismounted in haste, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Sir, you have braved the cold—it was not easy! Liu Bei has been waiting a long time!" The man hurriedly dismounted from the donkey and returned the bow. Zhuge Jun, who was behind, said, "This is not my elder brother the Crouching Dragon. This is my brother's father-in-law, Huang Chengyan." Liu Bei said, "The lines you just chanted are extremely refined." Huang Chengyan said, "I was at my son-in-law's home reading the 'Liangfu Yin' and remembered this passage. As I crossed the small bridge, I happened to see the plum blossoms among the hedge, so I recited it out of feeling. I did not expect it to be heard by a distinguished guest." Liu Bei asked, "Have you seen your son-in-law?" Huang Chengyan replied, "I came to see him myself." Liu Bei took his leave and mounted his horse to return. The wind and snow grew fiercer. He looked back at Wolong Ridge, feeling deeply disheartened. A poet of later times wrote a verse about Liu Bei's visit to Kongming in the snow, of which
history records: "A day of wind and snow to seek the worthy; returning empty-handed, his heart full of sorrow. The frozen stream bridges the mountain path, slippery; the cold seeps through saddle and steed along the long road. Pear blossoms fall before his head; willow catkins swirl wildly in his face. Turning back, he halts his whip and gazes far—silver heaps cover Wolong Ridge."
Liu Bei returned to Xinye. Time passed quickly, and soon it was early spring. He ordered a diviner to select an auspicious day, fasted for three days, bathed and changed his clothes, and set out again for Wolong Ridge to visit Kongming. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were displeased when they heard this and came together to dissuade him. Truly: The lofty worthy had not yet submitted to the hero's will; the bending of pride only bred suspicion in the warrior's heart. What they said will be told in the next chapter.