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On the way he discussed the course of action with his adviser, who said, “First you must thank Liu Biao for having saved you from the evil that Cai Mao planned against you at Xiangyang. However, you must not undertake any expedition against the South Land but say you must return to Xinye to put your army in good order.”

With this admonition Liu Bei came to Jingzhou and was lodged in the guest-house. Zhang Fei and the escort camped without the walls. In due course Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang were received, and after the customary salutations, Liu Bei apologized for his conduct at the banquet.

The host said, “Worthy Brother, I know you were the victim of a vile plot; and I should have put the prime mover to death for it, had there not been so universal a prayer for mercy. However, I remitted that penalty. I hope you do not consider that I was wrong.”

“Cai Mao hall little to do with it; I think it was due to his subordinates,” replied Liu Bei.

Liu Biao said, “Jiangxia is lost, as you know; Huang Zu is dead. So I have asked you to come that we might take measures of vengeance.”

“Huang Zu was harsh and cruel and never used his people in the proper way: that was the real cause of his fall. But have you reflected what Cao Cao may do on the north if we attack the south?”

“I am getting old and weak, and I am unable to manage affairs properly; will you aid me, Brother? After I am gone you will have this region.”

“Why do you say this, my brother? Think you that I am equal to such a task?”

Here Zhuge Liang glanced at Liu Bei who continued, “But give me a little time to think it over.”

And at this point he took his leave. When they had reached their lodging, Zhuge Liang said, “Why did you decline his offer of the region.”

“He has always been most kind and courteous. I could not take advantage of his weakness.”

“A perfectly kind and gracious lord,” sighed Zhuge Liang.

Soon after the son of the Imperial Protector, Liu Qi, was announced, and Liu Bei received him and led him in.

The young man began to weep, saying, “My mother cannot bear the sight of me. My very life is in danger. Can you not save me, Uncle?”

“My worthy nephew, this is a family affair. You should not come to me.”

Zhuge Liang who was present, smiled. Liu Bei turned to him to know what he should do.

“This is a family affair; I cannot touch it!” replied Zhuge Liang.

The young man soon left; and when Liu Bei was saying good-bye, he whispered, “I will get Zhuge Liang to return your call, and you can do so and so. He will advise you.”

Liu Qi thanked him and left. Next day when the call was to be returned, Liu Bei pretended to be suffering from colic and made that an excuse to send Zhuge Liang to return the call.

The adviser went, and when he had reached the Palace, dismounted, and was led in, Liu Qi conducted him into one of the inner rooms and when the tea had been brought, said, “I am an object of my stepmother's dislike; can you advise me what to do?” “As a mere stranger guest, I can hardly have anything to do with your own 'bone and flesh' matters. If I did, and the story got abroad, much harm might ensue.”

With this he rose to take leave. But Liu Qi was unwilling to say farewell. He said, “Your glory has turned in my direction; you cannot mean to go away so pointlessly.”

Liu Qi led his visitor into a private chamber and had refreshments brought. While they ate and drank, Liu Qi repeated his first request: what was he to do since his stepmother disliked him.

“It is not the sort of thing I can advise in,” replied Zhuge Liang, as he rose for the second time to take leave.

“Master, if you will not reply, that is well. But why incontinently leave me?”

So the adviser once more seated himself, and Liu Qi said, “There is an ancient writing I should like to show you.”

And he led his visitor to a small upper room.

“Where is the writing?” said Zhuge Liang.

Instead of answering Liu Qi wept, saying, “My stepmother cannot bear me; my life is in danger. O Master, will you not say a word to save me?”

Zhuge Liang flushed and rose to go away. But he found the ladder by which they had mounted had been removed.

Again Liu Qi besought some advice, saying, “Master, you fear lest it may get abroad! Is that why you are silent? Here we are between earth and sky, and what you say will come out of your mouth directly into my ear. No other soul can hear. Now can you tell me what to do?”

“Sow not dissension among relatives,” said Zhuge Liang. “Is it possible for me to make any plan for you?”

“Then is my life indeed in danger,” said the young man. “I will die at your feet.”

So saying, Liu Qi pulled out a dagger and threatened to make an end of himself.

Zhuge Liang checked him, saying, “There is a way.”

“I pray you tell me.”