“When a hero finds himself in the world, his duty is to work out his destiny, to exert himself and perform his task as best as he can, to press forward among the foremost. At the moment the position is that, if you fail to seize this opportunity, some other will take possession of Yiazhou, and you will regret when too late.”
“And I have heard much of the difficult nature of the country, its many high mountains and numerous streams, and its narrow roads. How could such a country be invaded?”
Then Zhang Song drew the map from his sleeve, saying, “I am so deeply affected by your virtue that I offer you this map of the country, whereby its roads and rivers may be known.”
Liu Bei unrolled the map; it was covered with notes, on the lie of the land, lengths and widths, and such matters. Strategic points on rivers and hills were shown, and store-houses and granaries and treasuries. Everything was plainly stated.
Zhang Song went on, “Sir, you can prepare your plans promptly. I have two friends who will certainly help you. And when they come to see you, you may be perfectly frank with them. Their names are Fa Zheng and Meng Da.”
Liu Bei thanked him with joined hands.
Said he, “As the blue mountains grow not old and the green waters always remain, so shall I never forget. And when I shall have accomplished my task, you shall have no mean reward.”
Replied Zhang Song, “I look for no reward. Having met with an enlightened lord, I felt compelled to unbosom myself to him.” Zhang Song left soon after, and Guan Yu escorted him for several miles.
After arrival in Yiazhou, Zhang Song lost no time in sending for his friends, Fa Zheng and Meng Da. The former was the first to come, and he was told of Cao Cao's arrogance and haughtiness toward humans of parts.
“As for the man himself,” said Zhang Song, “he is a man to grieve with but not a person to rejoice with. I have promised Yiazhou to Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, and I want your especial advice and assistance.”
“I think Liu Zhang is incapable,” said Fa Zheng, “and I have felt drawn to Liu Bei for some time past. So we are in sympathy here.”
Shortly after Meng Da arrived. Meng Da and Fa Zheng were fellow townsmen. When Meng Da entered the room and saw the other two in earnest and secret conversation, he said, “I know what you two are about; you are scheming to hand over Yiazhou to somebody.”
“It is really so; you have guessed right,” said Zhang Song.
“But to whom ought it to go?” said Fa Zheng.
“There is but one: Liu Bei,” said Meng Da.
All three clapped their hands and laughed.
Then said Fa Zheng to Zhang Song, “You will see our lord tomorrow; what about that?”
“I shall recommend that you two be sent to Jingzhou on a mission.”
They thought that a suitable scheme.
And when the lately arrived messenger saw his master and was asked how he had fared, Zhang Song said, “Cao Cao is a rebel who desires to get the whole empire into his hands. I need hardly tell you that. But he also hankers after this region.”
“Then what will become of us?” said Liu Zhang.
“I have a plan to check both our enemies. Liu Bei, the Imperial Uncle, now in Jingzhou, is a relative of yours, and he is generous and well disposed. This is a matter of common knowledge. Cao Cao was simply overwhelmed at the result of the battle at the Red Cliffs, and Zhang Lu more so. Now my plan is that you ally yourself with your distinguished relative against Cao Cao and Zhang Lu.”
“I have been thinking thus for a long-time; can you recommend a suitable emissary?”
“The only ones are Fa Zheng and Meng Da.”
These two were summoned and, meanwhile, a letter was prepared. Fa Zheng was to proceed as emissary to open up friendly relations, and Meng Da would follow in due course with an army to welcome Liu Bei into the Western Land of Rivers.
While still discussing the details of the policy, a person forced his way in, his face all running with sweat, and cried out, “My lord, your land of forty-one counties will be lost to you and pass to another if you listen to Zhang Song.” Zhang Song turned a startled look on the intruder, who was Huang Quan of Xiliang, First Secretary in the Imperial Protector's palace.
The Imperial Protector said, “Why do you use such language? Liu Bei is of my family, and so I am seeking his support.”
