His sister consented and he went out, and that night told off a party of soldiers to do the foul deed.
Now Liu Bei sat in his lodging by the light of a single candle till about the third watch, when he prepared to retire to bed. He was startled by a knock at his door and in came Yi Ji, who had heard of the plot against his new master and had come in the darkness to warn him. He related the details of the plot and urged speedy departure.
“I have not said farewell to my host; how can I go away?” said Liu Bei.
“If you go to bid him farewell, you will fall a victim to the Cai faction,” said Yi Ji.
So Liu Bei said a hasty good-bye to his friend, called up his escort, and they all mounted and rode away by the light of the stars toward Xinye. Soon after they had left the soldiers arrived at the guest-house, but their intended victim was already well on his way.
Naturally the failure of the plot chagrined the treacherous Cai Mao, but he took the occasion to scribble some calumnious verses on one of the partitions. Then he went to see Liu Biao to whom he said, “Liu Bei has treacherous intentions, as can be seen from some lines written on the wall. And his hurried departure is suspicious.”
Liu Biao felt doubtful, but he went to the guest-house and there on the wall he read this poem:
He should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond. Greatly angered by what he read, Liu Biao drew his sword and swore to slay the writer. But before he had gone many paces, his anger had already died down, and he said to himself, “I have seen much of the man, but have never known him write verses. This is the handiwork of some one who wishes to sow discord between us.”
So saying, he turned back and with the point of his sword scraped away the poem. Then, putting up his sword, he mounted and rode home.
By and bye Cai Mao reminded him, saying, “The soldiers are awaiting your orders to go to Xinye and arrest Liu Bei.”
'There is no hurry,” he replied.
Cai Mao saw his brother-in-law's hesitation and again sought his sister. She said, “Soon there is to be the great gathering at Xiangyang, and we can arrange something for that day.”
Next day Cai Mao petitioned the Imperial Protector, saying, “We have had several fruitful harvests recently. I pray you, Sir, attend the Full Harvest Festival at Xiangyang; it would be an encouragement to the people.”
“I have been feeling my old trouble lately; I certainly cannot go,” replied he, “but my two sons can go to represent me and to receive the guests.”
“They are full young,” replied Cai Mao. “They may make some mistakes.”
“Then go to Xinye and request Liu Bei to receive the guests,” said Liu Biao.
Nothing could have pleased Cai Mao more, for this would bring Liu Bei within reach of his plot. Without loss of time he sent to Liu Bei requesting him to go to preside at the Festival.
It has been said that Liu Bei made the best of his way home to Xinye. He felt that he had offended by that slip in speech, but determined to keep silence about it and attempt no explanation. So he discussed it with nobody. Then came the message asking him to preside at the Festival, and he needed counsel.
Sun Qian said, “You have seemed worried and preoccupied lately, and I think something untoward happened at Jingzhou. You should consider well before you accept this invitation.”
Thereupon Liu Bei told his confidants the whole story.
Guan Yu said, “You yourself think your speech offended the Imperial Protector, but he said nothing to show displeasure. You need pay no attention to the babble of outsiders like Yi Ji. Xiangyang is quite near and, if you do not go, Liu Biao will begin to suspect something really is wrong.”
“You speak well,” said Liu Bei.
Said Zhang Fei, “Banquets are no good; gatherings are no better; it is best not to go.”
“Let me take three hundred horse and foot as escort; there will be no trouble then,” said Zhao Yun.
“That is the best course,” said Liu Bei. They soon set out for the gathering place, and Cai Mao met them at the boundary and was most affable and courteous. Soon arrived the Imperial Protector's sons at the head of a great company of officers, civil and military. Their appearance put Liu Bei more at ease. He was conducted to the guest-house, and Zhao Yun posted his men so as to guard it completely, while he himself, armed, remained close to his chief.
Liu Qi said to Liu Bei, “My father is feeling unwell and could not come, wherefore he begs you, Uncle Liu Bei, to preside at the various ceremonies and give encouragement to the officers who administer the region.”
“Really I am unfit for such responsibilities,” said Liu Bei. “But my brother's command must be obeyed.”
Next day it was reported that the officials from forty-one counties of nine territories of Jingzhou had all arrived.
