Lu Su departed on his mission and found Zhuge Liang seated in his little craft.
　　“There has been so much to do that I have not been able to come to listen to your instructions,” said Lu Su.
　　“That is truly so,” said Zhuge Liang, “and I have not yet congratulated the Commander-in-Chief.”
　　“What have you wished

　　Zhou Yu was very annoyed by the words of Zhuge Jin, and a fierce hatred for Zhuge Liang took root in his heart. He nourished a secret resolve to make away with Zhuge Liang. He continued his preparations for war, and when the troops were all mustered and ready, he went in for a farewell interview with his lord.
　　“You go on firs

　　The dying message which Lady Wu recalled to Sun Quan's memory was, “For internal matters consult Zhang Zhao； for external policy Zhou Yu.”
　　Wherefore Zhou Yu was summoned.
　　But Zhou Yu was already on the way. He had been training his naval forces on Poyang Lake when he heard of the approach of Cao Cao's hosts and had

　　In the boat on the way to Chaisang, the two travelers beguiled the time by discussing affairs.
　　Lu Su impressed upon his companion, saying, “When you see my master, do not reveal the truth about the magnitude of Cao Cao's army.”
　　“You do not have to remind me,” replied Zhuge Liang, “but I shall know how to reply.”

　　As related in the last chapter two generals appeared in front of Zhao Yun, who rode at them with his spear ready for a thrust. Zhong Jin was leading, flourishing his battle-ax. Zhao Yun engaged and very soon unhorsed him. Then Zhao Yun galloped away. Zhong Shen rode up behind ready with his halberd, and his horse's nose got so close to

　　The last chapter closed with the attack made by Zhang Fei as soon as his brother had let loose the waters on the doomed army. He met with Xu Chu and a combat began, but a fight with such a warrior was not to Xu Chu's taste and he ran away. Zhang Fei followed till he came upon Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, and the three went upstream till th

　　When Liu Bei asked how his adviser hoped to repel Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang replied, “Xinye is a small city and unfitted for our lengthy occupation. Liu Biao is ill and failing fast, so this is the time to take his region as a base where we may be safe against Cao Cao.”
　　“You speak well, but Liu Biao has shown me great kindness, an

　　Now Sun Quan fought against Xiakou. When Huang Zu recognized that he was beaten and could not maintain his position, he abandoned Jiangxia and took the road to Jingzhou. Gan Ning, foreseeing this, had laid an ambush outside the east gate of Jiangxia. Soon after the fugitive, with a small following, had burst out of the gate, he found h

　　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 lear

　　As has been said Xu Shu hastened to the capital. When Cao Cao knew Xu Shu had arrived, he sent two of his confidants, Xun Yu and Cheng Yu to receive the newcomer at the city gate, and so Xu Shu was led first to the Prime Minister's palace.
　　“Why did such an illustrious scholar as you bow the knee to Liu Bei？” said Cao Cao.

　　In hot anger, Cao Ren lost no time in marching out to avenge the loss of so many of his army. He hastily crossed the River Yu to attack Xinye and trample it in the dust.
　　When San Fu got back into the city, he said to Liu Bei, “When Cao Ren, now at Fancheng, hears of his losses, he will try to retrieve them and will come to at

　　Just as Cai Mao was going into the city, he met Zhao Yun and his three hundred coming out. It had happened that, while at the banquet, Zhao Yun had noticed some movement of soldiers and horses and had at once gone to the banquet-hall to see if all was well with his lord. Missing Liu Bei from his place, Zhao Yun had become anxious and g

　　The diggers at the spot whence the golden light proceeded presently unearthed a bronze bird. Looking at it, Cao Cao turned to his companion, saying, “What is the portent？”
　　[e] King Shun was an ideal king in ancient China. King Yao gave him the throne due to his virtues and merits. ……
　　“You will remember that the moth

　　As was said, Cao Pi, having made his way into the Yuans' palace, saw two women there whom he was about to kill. Suddenly a red light shone in his eyes, and he paused.
　　Lowering his sword he said, “Who are you？”
　　“Thy handmaid is the widow of the late Yuan Shao, Lady Liu,” said the elder of the two, “and this is the wi

　　Yuan Shang was puffed up with pride after his victory over Shi Huan and, without deigning to wait the arrival of his brothers, he marched out with thirty thousand troops to Liyang to meet the army of Cao Cao. Zhang Liao came out to challenge him, and Yuan Shang, accepting the challenge rode out with spear set. But he only lasted to the