The rider of the donkey wore a cap with long flaps down to his shoulders, and his body was wrapped in a fox fur robe. A youth followed him bearing a jar of wine. As he came through the snow he hummed a song:
“Here at last is Sleeping-Dragon,” thought Liu Bei, hastily slipping out of the saddle.
He saluted the donkey rider as he neared and said, “Master, it is hard to make way against this cold wind. I and my companions have been waiting long.”
The rider got off his donkey and returned the bow, while Zhuge Jun from behind said, “This is not my brother; it is his father-in-law Huang Chenyan.”
Liu Bei said, “I chanced to hear the song you were singing; it is very beautiful.”
Huang Chenyan replied, “It is a little poem I read in my son in-law's house, and I recalled it as I crossed the bridge and saw the plum trees in the hedge. And so it happened to catch your ear, Noble Sir.”
“Have you seen your son-in-law lately?” asked Liu Bei.
“That is just what I have come to do now.”
At this Liu Bei bade him farewell and went on his way. The storm was very grievous to bear, but worse than the storm was the grief in his heart as he looked back at Sleeping Dragon Ridge.
After the return to Xinye the time slipped away till spring was near. Then Liu Bei cast lots to find the propitious day for another journey in search of Zhuge Liang. The day being selected, he fasted for three days and then changed his dress ready for the visit. His two brothers viewed the preparations with disapproval and presently made up their minds to remonstrate.
The next chapter will tell what they said.
Nothing discouraged by two unsuccessful visits to the retreat of the sage whose advice he sought to secure, Liu Bei made preparations for a third visit.
His brothers disapproved, and Guan Yu said, “Brother, you have sought him twice; surely this is showing even too much deference. I do not believe in this fame of his for learning; he is avoiding you and dare not submit to the test. Why so obstinately hold this idea?”
“You are wrong, my brother. In the Spring and Autumn Period Prince Huan of Qi paid five visits to the 'Hermit of the Eastern Suburb' before he got to see his face. And my desire to see Zhuge Liang is even greater than his.”
“I think you are mistaken,” said Zhang Fei. “How can this villager be such a marvel of wisdom? You should not go again and, if he will not come, I will bring him with a hempen rope.”
“Have you forgotten the great King Wen's visit to Lu Wang, the old man of the Eastern Sea? If he could show such deference to a wise man, where am I too deferential? If you will not go, your brother and I will go without you,” said Liu Bei.
