Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Xu Shu hastened on his way to Xu Chang. When Cao Cao learned that Xu Shu had arrived, he ordered Xun Yu, Cheng Yi, and a host of other strategists to go out and welcome him. Xu Shu entered the prime minister's residence and paid his respects to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao said, "You are a man of distinguished talent. Why did you humble yourself to serve Liu Bei?"

Xu Shu replied, "In my youth I fled from hardship and drifted about the land. By chance I came to Xin Ye and became close friends with Xuande. My aged mother was still alive, and I was grateful that you thought of her. I cannot express my shame and gratitude."

Cao Cao said, "Now that you are here, you may wait upon your mother morning and evening, and I too may benefit from your wise counsel."

Xu Shu bowed his thanks and withdrew. He went at once to see his mother, weeping as he knelt before her in the hall.

His mother was greatly startled. "Why have you come here?" she asked.

Xu Shu said, "Recently I was serving the Governor of Yu Province in Xin Ye. Because I received a letter from you, I came with all speed."

Madam Xu flew into a rage. She struck the table and cursed him. "Wandering son, you have roamed these rivers and lakes for years. I thought your learning had advanced, but how have you fallen so far below what you were before! Since you have studied, you must know that loyalty and filial duty cannot both be fulfilled. Do you not know that Cao Cao is a traitor who deceives his sovereign and disregards all propriety? Liu Xuande's benevolence and righteousness are spread throughout the realm—moreover, he is of the imperial lineage. Since you serve him, you have found the rightful master. Now, relying on a single forged letter and examining the matter no further, you abandon the light for the dark and bring shame upon yourself. You are truly a fool! What face have I to look upon you? You have disgraced your ancestors and live in vain between heaven and earth!"

Xu Shu was berated until he prostrated himself on the ground, unable to look up. His mother then turned and withdrew behind the screen.

Shortly afterward a servant came out with the news: "The old lady has hanged herself from the beam." Xu Shu rushed in to save her, but she had already stopped breathing.

Later generations composed a praise of Madam Xu:

Virtuous indeed was Madam Xu! Her fame shall endure forever!

She kept her integrity without fail, and brought honor to her house.

She taught her son in many ways, and bore hardship in her own life.

Her spirit was lofty as a mountain; her righteousness came from the depths of her heart.

She praised the Governor of Yu Province and condemned the Martial Lord of Wei.

She feared not the boiling cauldron, nor dreaded the blade and axe.

She dreaded only that her descendants might disgrace their ancestors.

She ranks with those who fell upon their swords and those who cut her loom.

In life she won a noble name; in death she found her proper place.

Virtuous indeed was Madam Xu! Her fame shall endure forever!

When Xu Shu saw that his mother had died, he collapsed to the ground in grief and lay unconscious for a long time before he revived. Cao Cao sent men to offer condolences and gifts, and he himself came to perform the sacrificial rites. Xu Shu buried his mother's coffin on the southern plain of Xu Chang and remained there in mourning, guarding her tomb. Whatever Cao Cao offered him, Xu Shu refused to accept.

At this time Cao Cao wished to deliberate on a campaign to the south. Xun Yu remonstrated: "The weather is too cold for war. Let us wait until spring is warm; then we may advance with a long drive." Cao Cao followed this advice. He diverted the waters of the Zhang River to form a pool, which he called the Black Tortoise Pool, and there he trained his naval forces in preparation for the southern campaign.

Meanwhile, Xuande was arranging gifts and preparing to visit Long Zhong to call upon Zhuge Liang, when suddenly a messenger reported: "There is a scholar at the gate—with tall cap and broad sash, his bearing is extraordinary. He has come specially to pay a visit."

Xuande said, "Could this not be Kongming himself?" He adjusted his robes and went out to greet the visitor. When he looked, it was Sima Hui.

Xuade was overjoyed. He invited Sima Hui into the rear hall and seated him in the highest place, then bowed and asked, "Since I parted from your esteemed countenance, I have been pressed by military affairs and have failed to call upon you. Now that you have condescended to come, it greatly comforts my private admiration."

Sima Hui said, "I heard that Xu Yuanzhi was here, and I came especially to see him."

Xuande said, "Recently, because Cao Cao imprisoned his mother, Madam Xu sent a letter by fast courier summoning him back to Xu Chang."

Sima Hui said, "This is Cao Cao's scheme! I have long heard that Madam Xu is most virtuous. Even though she is imprisoned by Cao Cao, she would never send a letter summoning her son. This letter must be a forgery. Had Yuanzhi not gone, his mother would still be alive. Now that she has gone, his mother will surely die."

Xuade asked in alarm why this was so.

Sima Hui said: "Madam Xu is of lofty principle and would be ashamed to see her son."

Xuade said: "Before Yuanzhi left, he recommended Zhuge Liang of Nanyang. What kind of man is he?"

Sima Hui smiled and said: "Yuanzhi wanted to leave—let him go. Why must he drag another man out to strain his heart and blood?"

Xuade said: "Why do you say this, sir?"

Sima Hui said: "Kongming has four close friends: Cui Zhouping of Bolling, Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, Meng Gongwei of Runan, and Xu Yuanzhi. These four devote themselves to refinement and purity, but Kongming alone takes in the broad view. He would often sit with his knees drawn up, singing to himself, and pointing at the four of them he would say, 'You, sirs, may rise in office to the rank of Regional Inspector or Grand Administrator.' When they asked what Kongming's own ambition might be, Kongming only smiled and did not answer. He often compared himself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi—his talent cannot be measured."

Xuade said: "How many worthy men Yingchuan produces!"

Sima Hui said: "In the past there was Yin Kui, who was skilled in reading the heavens. He used to say that the stars gathered over the Ying region, and that land would surely produce many worthy scholars."

At this time Yun Chang, 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 whole world. If Kongming compares himself to these two, is that not going too far?"

Sima Hui smiled and said: "In my view, he should not be compared to these two. I would compare him to two others."

Yun Chang asked who the two were.

Sima Hui said: "He may be compared to Jiang Ziya, who brought prosperity to the Zhou for eight hundred years, and Zhang Liang, who strengthened the Han for four hundred years."

All present were astonished. Sima Hui descended the steps and took his leave, intending to depart. Xuade could not detain him. Sima Hui went out the door, looked up to the sky, and laughed aloud. "The Sleeping Dragon has found his master, but not his time. What a pity!" With these words, he drifted away.

Xuade sighed and said: "Truly a worthy scholar living in seclusion!"

The next day, Xuade, together with Guan and Zhang and their attendants, went to Long Zhong. In the distance they saw several men by the hillside, hoeing and tilling the fields, and they sang this song:

The gray sky is like a round lid;

The land beneath is like a chessboard.

The world is divided into black and white;

Men come and go, contending for glory and shame.

The glorious rest in peace;

The shamed toil without end.

In Nanyang there lives a recluse,

Who sleeps content and rises not.

Xuande heard the song and reined in his horse, calling out to the farmer and asking, "Who composed this song?" The farmer replied, "It was composed by Mr. Wolong." Xuande asked, "Where does Mr. Wolong reside?" The farmer said, "From the south of this mountain, a long stretch of high ridge—that is Wolong Ridge. In the thatched cottage within the sparse grove in front of the ridge is where Master Zhuge reclines in noble repose." Xuande thanked him and rode on. After a few li, he gazed into the distance at Wolong Ridge, and indeed the scenery was wondrously beautiful. A later poet composed an ancient-style verse describing Wolong's dwelling. The poem reads:

Twenty li west of Xiangyang's walls,

A long high ridge rests upon the stream.

The ridge, winding and curved, presses upon the roots of clouds;

The stream, murmuring and flowing, flings splashes of stone marrow.

Its form resembles a trapped dragon coiled upon the rocks;

Its shape is like a lone phoenix amid the shade of pines.

Half-closed, the wicker gate shuts the thatched cottage;

Within, a noble man lies in repose and does not rise.

Tall bamboo interweave to form a jade screen;

Through all four seasons, the hedge-side wildflowers send forth their fragrance.

Piled upon the bedside are only yellow scrolls;

Those who visit as guests are never commoners without learning.

The gray ape at the gate sometimes presents fruit;

The old crane guarding the door listens to sutras through the night.

In a pouch, a famous brocade-wrapped zither is hidden;

Upon the wall, a precious sword reflects the patterns of pine.

The master within the cottage dwells in solitary refinement;

In leisure, he personally tills the fields with diligence.

He waits only for the spring thunder to startle him from his dream,

Then with a single long cry, he shall bring peace to all under heaven.

Xuande arrived at the cottage, dismounted, and personally knocked on the wicker gate. A boy came out and asked his business. Xuande said, "I am Liu Bei, General of the Left, Lord of Yicheng Pavilion, Governor of Yuzhou, and Imperial Uncle, come to pay my respects to your master." The boy said, "I cannot remember so many names." Xuande said, "Simply say that Liu Bei has come to visit." The boy said, "My master left early this morning." Xuande asked, "Where did he go?" The boy said, "His whereabouts are uncertain—I do not know where he went." Xuande asked, "When will he return?" The boy said, "The date of his return is also uncertain—perhaps three to five days, perhaps ten or more."

Xuande was filled with melancholy. Zhang Fei said, "Since we cannot see him, let us simply go back." Xuande said, "Let us wait a while longer." Yunzhang said, "It would be better to return for now and send someone later to find out." Xuande followed his advice and instructed the boy, "If your master returns, please tell him that Liu Bei came to pay a visit." Then he mounted his horse and rode several li before reining in again to look back at the scenery of Longzhong. Indeed, the mountains were not high yet elegant and graceful; the waters were not deep yet clear and transparent; the land was not vast yet flat and even; the forest was not large yet lush and thriving. Gibbons and cranes dwelt in harmony; pines and bamboos intertwined in verdant beauty. Xuande could not stop gazing at it. Suddenly he saw a man approaching along a narrow mountain path, leaning upon a staff of hazel—his countenance lofty and commanding, his bearing handsome and spirited. He wore a carefree taoist scarf and a robe of black cloth. Xuande said, "This must be Mr. Wolong!" He quickly dismounted and stepped forward to bow, asking, "Are you not Mr. Wolong?" The man said, "Who is this general?" Xuande said, "I am Liu Bei." The man said, "I am not Kongming. I am Kongming's friend, Cui Zhouping of Boling." Xuande said, "I have long heard your great name and am fortunate to meet you. May I ask that we sit upon the ground here and that you instruct me with a few words?"

The two men sat facing each other upon a stone in the forest, with Guan and Zhang standing in attendance at their sides. Zhouping said, "For what reason does the general wish to see Kongming?" Xuande said, "The realm is now in great turmoil and the four directions are in tumult. I wish to see Kongming to seek a strategy for settling the nation and bringing peace to the state." Zhouping laughed and said, "That you take the quelling of disorder as your aim is indeed a benevolent heart. But since ancient times, order and disorder have been ever-changing. When Gaozu rose in rebellion by slaying the serpent and punished the unprincipled Qin, it was a passage from disorder into order. By the time of Emperors Ai and Ping, two hundred years of peace had elapsed; Wang Mang usurped the throne, and there was a passage from order into disorder. Guangwu restored the dynasty and rebuilt the foundations, and there was once again a passage from disorder into order. Now two hundred years have passed, and the people have long been at ease. For this reason, the weapons of war have once again risen on all sides. This is precisely the moment of passage from order into disorder—it cannot be settled in haste. Should the general wish to have Kongming reshape heaven and earth and mend the universe, I fear it would not be easy. It would be a waste of effort. Have you not heard that 'he who follows heaven finds ease, he who opposes heaven finds toil'? 'Where destiny resides, reason cannot seize it away; where fate decrees, man cannot force it otherwise'?"

Xuande said, "What you have said is truly a lofty view. But I, Bei, am of the imperial clan and it is my duty to support the House of Han. How dare I entrust this to destiny and fate?" Zhouping said, "A rustic fellow such as myself is not fit to discuss the affairs of the realm. I spoke presumptuously only because you deigned to ask." Xuande said, "I am grateful for your instruction. But do you know where Kongming has gone?" Zhouping said, "I also wished to visit him, but I know not where he has gone." Xuande said, "Will you accompany me to my humble district?" Zhouping said, "My nature delights in leisure and freedom; I have long had no interest in fame and position. Allow me to see you another day." With that, he made a deep bow and departed. Xuande, Guan, and Zhang mounted their horses and rode on. Zhang Fei said, "We failed to find Kongming again, and instead met this pedantic scholar and chatted with him for ages!" Xuande said, "These were also the words of a recluse."

The three men returned to Xinye. After several days, Xuande sent someone to find out about Kongming. The messenger returned and reported, "Mr. Wolong has returned." Xuande then ordered that his horse be prepared. Zhang Fei said, "He is merely a rustic fellow. Why must my elder brother go in person? Simply send someone to summon him." Xuande rebuked him, saying, "Have you not heard what Mencius said: 'To wish to see a worthy man but not do so by the proper way is like wishing him to enter while shutting the door against him.' Kongming is the greatest sage of our age—how can he be summoned?" Thereupon he mounted his horse and went once more to visit Kongming. Guan and Zhang also rode with him.

It was the depth of winter, the weather bitterly cold, with thick clouds shrouding the sky. After traveling some distance, a sudden north wind blew fiercely, and auspicious snow began to fall in flurried flakes—the mountains looked like clusters of jade, the forests like beds of silver. Zhang Fei said, "The weather is freezing—this is no time for military campaigns. Surely it is not fitting to travel far to see a man of no benefit? Let us return to Xinye to avoid the wind and snow." Xuande replied, "It is precisely my wish that Kongming should know my earnest sincerity. If you brothers fear the cold, you may return first." Zhang Fei said, "I fear not death—should I fear cold? But I fear only that my brother will labor his spirit in vain." Xuande said, "Speak no more—simply follow me." As they approached the thatched cottage, they suddenly heard someone singing beside the road at a wine shop. Xuande reined in his horse and listened. The song went:

"The great man's fame is not yet won—

Alas, long has he missed the spring sun!

Have you not seen the old man of the Eastern Sea leave the thorny wilds,

And in a later carriage be received by King Wen as a friend?

The eight hundred lords gathered without a set date,

The white white fish leaped into the boat as they crossed the Meng Ford?

At Muye, one battle—blood flowed till it floated the pestles,

And the soaring might and glorious deeds crowned him foremost among martial lords?

Have you not seen the wine-sot of Gaoyang rise from among the thatched cottages,

And bow deeply to the noble lord of Mangdang with the high-bridged nose?

His lofty discourse on kingly rule startled men's ears;

He paused from his washing and was seated in honor, admired for his heroic air!

He brought down the seventy-two cities of Qi east of him—

In all the world, no one could match his track!

Had those two men not met a sage Son of Heaven,

Who in this age would know they were heroes?"

When the song was done, another man struck the table and sang. His song went:

"Our Emperor raised his sword to cleanse the world within the seas,

Founded his enterprise and laid his heritage for four hundred years.

In the last days of Huan and Ling, the Fire Virtue declined—

Treacherous ministers and villainous sons turned the great tripod.

A green serpent flew down beside the imperial throne,

And again a demon rainbow descended upon the jade hall.

Bandits gathered on all sides like swarming ants,

A hundred treacherous heroes soared aloft like hawks.

We of our sort sigh long and clap our hands in vain;

When vexed, we come to a village shop and drink village wine.

To perfect oneself in solitude brings peace all day—

Why must one seek a name to last a thousand ages?"

When the two men had finished singing, they clapped their hands and laughed aloud. Xuande said, "Could the Sleeping Dragon be here?" He then dismounted and entered the shop. He saw two men drinking face to face across a table. The one seated in the upper place had a pale face and long whiskers; the one below had a strange, venerable appearance. Xuande bowed and asked, "Which of you two is Master Sleeping Dragon?" The long-whiskered one said, "Who are you, sir, and what business do you have seeking Sleeping Dragon?" Xuande said, "I am Liu Bei. I wish to visit the master, to seek the art of bringing peace and stability to the people." The long-whiskered one said, "We are not the Sleeping Dragon—we are his friends. I am Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan; this gentleman is Meng Gongwei of Runan." Xuande, pleased, said, "I have long heard the great names of you both, and am fortunate to meet you by chance. I have horses with my retinue here—may I invite you both to accompany me to the Sleeping Dragon's manor for a conversation?" Guangyuan said, "We are all lazy, idle fellows of the wilds, ignorant of matters of governing the state and pacifying the people—we are not worth consulting. Please mount your horse, my lord, and go seek Sleeping Dragon."

Xuande then took leave of the two men and rode on toward Sleeping Dragon Ridge. Arriving at the manor, he dismounted and knocked at the gate, asking the boy, "Is the master at home today?" The boy said, "He is reading in the main hall." Xuande was overjoyed and followed the boy inside. Reaching the inner gate, he saw a couplet written in large characters upon the door: "Through simplicity of purpose, one clarifies one's ambition; through tranquility of mind, one reaches far." As Xuande was studying it, he heard the sound of chanting. He stood beside the gate and peered in. There, upon the thatched hall, sat a young man by the brazier, hugging his knees, singing:

"The phoenix soars to a thousand fathoms—

It lodges nowhere but the parasol tree.

The scholar dwells in his corner—

He serves no lord but the one worthy.

Happy to plow the furrows myself,

I love my humble cottage.

I find pride and solace in my lute and books,

Waiting for Heaven's hour."

When the young man had finished singing, Xuande entered the hall and saluted, saying, "I have long admired you, sir, but had no opportunity to pay my respects. Yesterday, on the recommendation of Xu Yuanzhi, I humbly came to your immortal manor, but missed you and returned in vain. Now I have come again, braving the wind and snow, and to behold your venerable countenance is truly a great fortune!" The young man hastily returned the salute and said, "Are you not His Excellency Liu Yuzhou, wishing to see my elder brother?" Xuande, astonished, said, "Are you not the Sleeping Dragon, sir?" The young man said, "I am Zhuge Jun, the younger brother of the Sleeping Dragon. We are three brothers. My eldest elder brother, Zhuge Jin, is currently serving as an advisor to Sun Zhongmou in Jiangdong. Kongming is my second elder brother." Xuande said, "Is the Sleeping Dragon at home today?" Zhuge Jun said: "Yesterday Cui Zhouping invited him, and he went out on an excursion." Xuande asked, "Where has he gone?" Zhuge Jun said, "Perhaps he has taken a small boat and is wandering upon the rivers and lakes; perhaps he is visiting monks and Taoists in the mountain passes; perhaps he is seeking friends among the villages; perhaps he is enjoying his lute and chess in some grotto dwelling. His comings and goings are unknowable—no one knows where he has gone." Xuande said, "Liu Bei's fate is indeed so shallow that twice I have failed to meet this great worthy!" Zhuge Jun said, "Please sit a while—I will offer you tea." Zhang Fei said, "Since the gentleman is not here, let us mount and go, brother." Xuande said, "Since I have come this far, how can I return without a single word?" He then asked Zhuge Jun, "I have heard that your elder brother, Master Sleeping Dragon, is well versed in military strategy and studies the books of war daily—might I ask if this is so?" Zhuge Jun said, "I do not know." Zhang Fei said, "Why ask him such things? The wind and snow are severe—we should return early." Xuande rebuked him to silence. Zhuge Jun said: "Since my elder brother is not here, I dare not detain you long. Another day I will return the courtesy." Xuande said: "How could I presume to expect you to trouble yourself? In a few days, I shall come again. May I borrow brush and paper to write a letter, to leave for your elder brother, as a token of Liu Bei's earnest sincerity?" Zhuge Jun thereupon brought out the four treasures of the study. Xuande warmed the frozen brush, spread the cloud-patterned paper, and wrote:

"I have long admired your lofty name and have twice come to pay my respects, but missed you and returned in vain—what sorrow and disappointment! I humbly consider that I, though a descendant of the Han royal line and undeserving of my title, observing the decline of the court and the collapse of its laws, seeing the warlords bring chaos to the nation and evil cliques deceive the sovereign, my heart and courage are nearly broken. Though I have the sincere desire to rescue the realm, I truly lack the statesman's craft. I look up to your benevolence, loyalty, and righteousness, and earnestly hope you might display the great talent of Lü Wang and apply the grand strategy of Zhang Zifang—how fortunate that would be for the world! How fortunate for the realm! I send this letter first; later, after fasting and bathing, I shall come again in person to pay my respects and pour out my humble thoughts face to face. I hope for your gracious indulgence."

Xuande finished writing the letter and handed it to Zhuge Jun to keep. He bowed and took his leave, going out the gate. Jun saw him off, and Xuande repeatedly expressed his earnest gratitude before parting. He had just mounted his horse and was about to leave when he saw a boy waving his hand beyond the fence and calling out, "The old gentleman is coming!" Xuande looked and saw, west of the small bridge, a man with a warm cap covering his head and a fox-fur robe wrapped around his body, riding a donkey. Behind him followed a young servant dressed in blue, carrying a gourd of wine. They came trudging through the snow, crossed the small bridge, and the man recited a poem aloud. The poem read:

*One night the north wind blew cold,*

*Ten thousand leagues of crimson clouds grew thick.*

*Through the vast sky the snow flew wild,*

*Transforming all the rivers and mountains of old.*

*I raised my face and gazed upon the heavens,*

*Suspecting it was a battle of jade dragons.*

*In countless scales and armor they flew forth,*

*In an instant covering the entire universe.*

*Riding my donkey across the small bridge,*

*Alone I sighed at the frailty of the plum blossoms.*

Xuande heard the song and said, "This must truly be the Sleeping Dragon!" He tumbled down from his saddle, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Sir, braving this cold is no small matter! Liu Bei has long awaited you!" The man hastily dismounted from his donkey and returned the bow. Zhuge Jun said from behind, "This is not my brother the Sleeping Dragon. This is my brother's father-in-law, Huang Chengyan." Xuande said, "The verses you just recited were of the most sublime quality." Chengyan replied, "I was at my young son-in-house reading the *Liangfu Yin* and I remember this poem. Just now, as I crossed the small bridge, I happened upon plum blossoms among the fence, and moved by the sight, I chanted it. I did not expect to be overheard by a distinguished guest." Xuande said, "Have you seen your worthy son-in-law?" Chengyan replied, "Indeed, I have come to see him myself." Upon hearing this, Xuande took his leave of Chengyan and mounted his horse to return. It happened that the wind and snow were blowing harder than ever. He looked back toward Longwo Ridge, filled with melancholy and disappointment. A later poet composed a poem recounting Xuande's visit to Kongming in the wind and snow. The poem read:

*Through a day of wind and snow he sought the worthy and wise,*

*Meeting no one, he returned in vain, his heart wounded with grief.*

*The stream bridge was frozen, the mountain stones slippery,*

*The cold pierced his saddle and horse, the road stretched endlessly.*

*Petuals of pear blossoms fell before his face,*

*Willow catkins madly swirled and struck him full on the face.*

*He turned his head, halted his whip, and gazed afar—*

*A mountain of gleaming silver covered all of Longwo Ridge.*

After Xuande returned to Xinye, the days and months slipped by, and soon it was once again early spring. He then ordered a diviner to cast the yarrow stalks and select an auspicious day. He fasted for three days, bathed and purified himself, changed his robes, and once more went to Longwo Ridge to pay his respects on Kongming. Guan and Zhang were displeased when they heard of it, and together they went in to remonstrate with Xuade. Indeed:

*A lofty worthy had not yet submitted to the hero's ambition,*

*And this act of humility gave rise to suspicion in the minds of men of heroic spirit.*

What they said, we shall leave unknown. Read on in the next chapter.