He said, “Our First Ruler was not on friendly terms with Wu. But that is all changed, as is demonstrated by these banquets, and our present Emperor is disposed to be very friendly. It is hoped that the former enmity may be entirely forgotten and the two countries swear eternal friendship and alliance in their common end — the destruction of Wei. I look to you, Sir, to speak in favor of this league.”
Zhang Wen said that he would support the plan. The wine went merrily round, and as the envoy became mellow, he laughed freely and swaggered and put on a proud demeanor.
Next day the Latter Ruler gave Zhang Wen rich presents of gold and studs and prepared a parting banquet for him in the south guest-chamber, and all the court assembled to take leave of him. The Prime Minister paid him assiduous attention and pressed him to drink. While this banquet was in progress, a man suddenly came in as if he were already drunk, made a proud sort of salutation to the company and at once took a seat.
His conduct seemed strange to Zhang Wen, who asked, “Who is the new comer, Sir Prime Minister?”
“He is a man named Qin Mi, a Doctorate Academician of Yiazhou,” replied Zhuge Liang.
“He may be that,” said Zhang Wen with a laugh, “but I wonder if he has any learning at all inside him.”
Qin Mi listened without changing countenance, and said, “Since our children are all learned, of course I am more so.”
“What may have been your special studies, Sir?” said Zhang Wen.
“Everything: astronomy on one hand, geography on the other, the three teachings and the nine systems, all the philosophers, history all through, and all sacred books and traditions. There is nothing I have not read.”
“Since you talk so big,” said Zhang Wen, “I should like to ask you a few questions on celestial matters. Now has the sky a head?”
“Yes; it has a head.”
“Where is it?”
“In the western quarter; the Odes say, 'God turns his head kindly toward the west,' and further it follows from this that the head is in the west.”
“Well; has the sky ears?” “Oh, yes. The sky is above and listens to all things below. The Odes say, 'The crane calls from the midst of the marsh, its cry is heard by the sky.' How could the sky hear without ears?”
“Has the sky feet?”
“It has; the Odes say, 'Heaven treads down difficulties.' If there were no feet, how could it tread?”
“Has heaven a name?”
“Why not?”
“Then what is it?”
“Liu.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because the Emperor's family name is Liu, and he is the Son of Heaven. That is how I know.”
“Does the sun spring from the east?”
“Though it does, yet it sets in the west.”
All this time Qin Mi's repartees had flashed back clear and perfect; they came so naturally as to astonish all the guests. Zhang Wen had no word to reply to them.
Then it became Qin Mi's turn, “You are a famous scholar in your own land, Sir; and since you have asked so many questions about Heaven, I take it you are I well up in all celestial matters. When original chaos resolved into its two elements, negativity and positivity (yin and yang), the lighter portion rose and became sky, and the grosser sank and solidified into earth. When Gong Gong's rebellion was crushed, his head struck the Imperfect Mountain, the pillar, which upholds heaven, was broken and the bonds of earth were destroyed. Heaven fell over to the northwest, and earth sank into the southeast. Since heaven was ethereal and had floated to the top, how could it fall over? Another thing I do not know is what is beyond the ether. I should be glad if you would explain, Master.”
Zhang Wen had no reply ready, but he rose from his place and bowed his acknowledgment, saying, “I knew not that there was so much ability in this land. I am happy to have heard such a discourse. Now all obstructions have disappeared, and I see quite clearly.”
But Zhuge Liang, fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him with fair words, saying, “This is all play upon words, the sort of puzzles one propounds at a merry feast. You, honored Sir, know that the tranquillity and safety of states are no matters to joke with.”
The envoy bowed. Then Deng Zhi was ordered to return to Wu and thank its ruler for his courtesy, and he was to accompany Zhang Wen. So both, having taken leave of the Prime Minister, set out on their journey to the east.
In the meantime Sun Quan was beginning to feel perplexed at the long delay of his envoy. He had summoned a council to discuss this question, when the report came that his own envoy had returned, and Deng Zhi was with him. They were brought in forthwith; and Zhang Wen, having made his obeisance, began to discourse upon the virtue of the Ruler of Shu and Zhuge Liang and to lay before his lord the proposal for a league of peace. Deng Zhi, the Chair of the Secretariat, was empowered to discuss this matter.
Turning to Deng Zhi, Sun Quan said, “Would it not be a happy result if tranquillity should be restored to the empire by the destruction of Wei, and Wu and Shu should share its administration?”
