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第134部分(第2页)

〃Friend Cheng Yu; you are a man after my own heart。〃

Wherefore Cao Cao summoned the emissary from the South Land and overwhelmed him with gifts。 That day was the last of the feastings and merry…makings; and Cao Cao; with all the pany; returned to the capital where he forthwith presented a memorial assigning Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu to the governorships of Nanjun and Jiangxia; and Hua Xin was retained at the capital with a post of ministry。

The messenger bearing the missions for their new offices went down to the South Land; and both Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu accepted the appointments。 Having taken over his mand; the former thought all the more of the revenge he contemplated and; to bring matters to a head; he wrote to Sun Quan asking him to send Lu Su and renew the demand for the rendition of Jingzhou。

Wherefore Lu Su was summoned; and his master said to him; 〃You are the guarantor in the loan of Jingzhou to Liu Bei。 He still delays to return it; and how long am I to wait?〃

〃The writing said plainly that the rendition would follow the occupation of Yizhou。〃

Sun Quan shouted back; 〃Yes; it said so! But so far they have not moved a soldier to the attack。 I will not wait till old age has e to us all。〃

〃I will go and inquire?〃 said Lu Su。

So he went down into a ship and sailed to Jingzhou。

Meanwhile Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were at Jingzhou gathering in supplies from all sides; drilling their troops; and training their armies。 From all quarters people of learning flocked to their side。 In the midst of this they heard of Lu Sus ing; and Liu Bei asked Zhuge Liang what he thought。

Zhuge Liang replied; 〃Just lately Sun Quan concerned himself with getting you appointed Imperial Protector of Jingzhou: That was calculated to inspire Cao Cao with fear。 Cao Cao obtained for Zhou Yu the governorship of Nanjun: That was designed to stir up strife between our two houses and set us fighting so that he might acplish his own ends。 This visit of Lu Su means that Zhou Yu; having taken over his new governorship; wishes to force us out of this place。〃

〃Then how shall we reply?〃

〃If Lu Su introduces the subject; you will at once set up loud lamentations。 When the sound of lamentation is at its height; I will appear and talk over your visitor。〃

Thus they planned; and Lu Su was duly received with all honor。

When the salutations were over and host and guest were about to be seated; Lu Su said; 〃Sir; now that you are the husband of a daughter of Wu; you have bee my lord; and I dare not sit in your presence。〃

Liu Bei laughed。 〃You are an old friend;〃 said he。 〃Why this excessive humility?〃

So Lu Su took his seat。 And when tea had been served; the guest said; 〃I have e at the order of my master to discuss the subject of Jingzhou。 You; O Imperial Uncle; have had the use of the place for a long time。 Now that your two houses are allied by marriage; there should be the most friendly relations between you two; and you should hand it back to my master。〃

At this Liu Bei covered his face and began to cry。

〃What is the matter?〃 asked the guest。

Liu Bei only wept the more bitterly。

Then Zhuge Liang came in from behind a screen; saying; 〃I have been listening。 Do you know why my lord weeps so bitterly?〃

〃Really I know not。〃

〃But it is easy to see。 When my lord got the temporary occupation of Jingzhou; he gave the promise to return it when he had got the West River Land。 But reflect。 Liu Zhang of Yizhou is my lords younger brother; and both of them are blood relations of the ruling family。 If my lord were to move an army to capture another region; he fears the blame of the ignorant。 And if he yields this place before he has another; where could he rest? Yet while he retains this place; it seems to shame you。 The thing is hard on both sides; and that is why he weeps so bitterly。〃

The close of Zhuge Liangs speech seemed to move Liu Bei to greater grief; for he beat his breast and stamped his feet and wept yet more bitterly。

Lu Su attempted to console him; saying; 〃Be not so distressed; O Uncle。 Let us hear what Zhuge Liang can propose。〃

Zhuge Liang said; 〃I would beg you to return to your master and tell him all。 Tell him of this great trouble; and entreat him to let us stay here a little longer。〃

〃But suppose he refuses: What then?〃 said Lu Su。

〃How can he refuse since he is related by marriage to my master?〃 said Zhuge Liang。 〃I shall expect to hear glad tidings through you。〃

Lu Su was really the first of generous people。 Seeing Liu Bei in such

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