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Indeed Liu Bei was soon so immersed in sensuous pleasure that he gave no thought to return. Zhao Yun and the company under him led an idle life in the front portion of the Eastern Palace, save that at times they went outside the city for archery and horse-racing. And thus passed the year.

Suddenly Zhao Yun remembered the orders he had received and the three bags with the plans in them. It was time to open the second one for the end of the year was nigh. His orders were only to open the third when danger was very near and there appeared no way out.

As already remarked, the year was drawing to a close, and Zhao Yun saw his lord daily becoming more and more the slave of pleasure. Liu Bei never appeared among his guards now. So the bag was opened and in pursuance of the wonderful scheme thereby discovered, Zhao Yun went to the hall of the Palace and asked to see his master.

The maid in attendance went within and said, “Zhao Yun has some important matter on which to see the master.”

Liu Bei called him in and asked what the business was. Zhao Yun assumed an attitude of great concern and said, “My lord, you are living happily secluded in these beautiful apartments; do you never think of Jingzhou?”

“But what is the matter that you seem so disturbed?” asked Liu Bei.

“Today early Zhuge Liang sent a messenger to say that Cao Cao was trying to avenge his last defeat and was leading five hundred thousand troops to attack Jingzhou, which was in great danger. And he wished you to return.”

“I must speak to my wife,” said Liu Bei.

“If you consult her, she will be unwilling for you to return. It would be better to say nothing but to start this evening. Delay may do great damage.”

“Retire for a time; I must act discreetly,” said Liu Bei.

Zhao Yun urged the need to return several times more, but finally went away.

Liu Bei went into his wife's rooms and began to weep silently. Seeing his tears, Lady Sun said, “Why are you so sad, my husband?”

Liu Bei replied, “I have been driven hither and thither all my life. I was never able to do my duty to my parents nor have I been able to sacrifice to my ancestors. I have been very unfilial. The new year is at hand, and its approach disquiets me greatly.”

“Do not try to deceive me,” said Lady Sun. “I heard and I know all. Just now Zhao Yun came to tell you Jingzhou was threatened and you wish to return home. That is why you put forward this excuse.” Then Liu Bei fell on his knees and said, “Why should I dissemble, O Wife, since you know? I do not wish to go, but if Jingzhou be lost, I shall be an object of ridicule to everyone. I do desire to go, but I cannot leave you. Now you know why I am grieved.”

She replied, “I am your handmaid, and whithersoever you go, it is my duty to follow.”

“Yes; your heart is right, but the difficulty is your mother and the Marquis; they will be unwilling. If you would have pity on me and let me go for a time—”

And again the tears gushed forth.

“Do not be so sad, my husband,” said Lady Sun. “I will implore my mother to let us go, and she will surely allow it.”

“Even supposing the Dowager permits, I am sure the Marquis will hinder.”

Lady Sun said nothing for a long time while she weighed the matter thoroughly.

Presently she spoke, “On New Year's Day you and I will go to court and present our congratulations. Then we will give the excuse of a sacrifice on the river bank and go away without formal leave. Will that suit you?”

Liu Bei knelt at her feet and expressed his gratitude.

“I should be never so grateful,” said he. “Dead or alive I would remember your love. But this must be a perfect secret.”

This having been decided and the arrangements made; Liu Bei gave Zhao Yun secret orders, saying, “Lead your company out of the city and be on the road on New Year's morn. We are going away.”

Sun Quan held a grand court on the New Year's Day of the fifteenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 210).

Liu Bei and his bride went into the Dowager Marchioness' presence, and Lady Sun said, “My husband has been thinking of his ancestors, who lie in the county of Zhuo, and grieves that he cannot do his duty by them. Today we wish to go to the river side and offer sacrifice toward the north. It is our duty to inform you.”

“A very filial proceeding,” said the Dowager. “I should not think of stopping you. Although you have never known your husband's parents, yet you may go with him to sacrifice as it is proper for a wife to do.”

Both thanked the Dowager Marchioness and went out, rejoicing at having so far hoodwinked Sun Quan. Lady Sun got into her carriage taking only a little clothing with her, while Liu Bei followed with a small escort. They went out of the city of Nanxu and met Zhao Yun at the place arranged. Then with a guard in front and rear, they left the precincts of the city, traveling as quickly as they could.