The Third Visit

[Liu Bei]

Winter 188

Third time is a chime right? Another season passes and Liu Xuande prepares for another attempt in meeting the Sleeping Dragon. From the first in the delightful weather of spring, to the blazing sun in Summer, now the snow of winter.

Xuande had came along way since meeting with Sima Hui, he had stabalized his city and set up many encampments outside as temperory shelters for the many people who had seeked refuge in his city. He had aquired the service of a young warrior named Liao Hua, who brought with him one hundred men, who would soon lay the foundations for Xuande's necessary armed force.

Now Xuande was travelling the same route with Liao Hua, crossing into Longzhong he was taken in by the beauty of the surrounding when enshrouded in the whiteness of the snow, it looked even more reclusive and peaceful as it did before.

Without realizing it Xuande took a different path while lost in the landscape, the paths were blanketed in snow and his admiration led him astray, as he was brought to a small building which flew a wine pennant. The two men guided their horses towards the tavern and dismounted, hitching them to enclosed shed designed for horses, the horses were outfitted in cloth over their hides so they were safe in the chill weather.

Xuande and Liao Hua, hoping for just a brief respite from the cold and a little wine to ward of the chill of the winter cold, they brushed the snow off of their cloaks, then headed into the tavern and occupied a table, Hua called over the waiter and requested some wine, which was produced quickly and laid out before them with cups.

Xuande and Liao Hua let the drink run it's heat throughout them and were about to resume the journey but as they got up and scholary looking gentleman occupying another table stood up and bowed, preventing their departure.

He bowed with a salute and said, "You must be Lord Liu Bei, my worthy brother has spoken of." Xuande hastily returned the salutation, "Who's brother are you?" The scholar invited Xuande to his table where the three men sat down.

"I am Ma Liang, styled Jichang, a native of Yicheng, near Xiangyang. I am a sworn brother of Zhuge Kongming of these parts." Xuande hastily bowed but Ma Liang quickly told him to desist, and then continued, "He has mentioned your mighty name as of late, and now I have the honour of meeting you here." Xuande said, "It's a pleasure to meet you Ma Liang, I happen to be going to seek an audience with Kongming, do you happen to know whether he is home today or not?" "I have not seen him for a couple of days but, he and I returned from a jaunt around the countryside then. I will take my leave Lord Liu, our paths will cross again soon however." Ma Liang stood and bowed, then throwing his cloak over his shoulder wandered off on foot.

Xuande paid his tab for the wine and enthusiastically resumed his journey, returning the way he came and heading to Wulong Ridge. He and Liao Hua dismounted at the bridge over the stream and lead their horses to the gate. Where Xuande knocked and hoped that the master was present this time around...

[Lu Xiang]

The knock rang throughout the esate, it wasn't long before the door was answered once more by the housekeeper. The young man dressed in blue opened the door welcoming Liu Bei and his company inside.

"Come in, Come in."

He announced, bowing himself at last. Before swiftly shutting the cool winters breeze outside; time fly by ever so swiftly. To think that Liu Bei had been here already two occasions before to be let down.

"Master Zhuge is currently sleeping, it seems his exploration takes it out of him - however you are welcome to stay until he wakes up or I can wake him up for you if you desire."

The housekeeper bowed gently before wandering off to fetch some warm drinks for the men who had travelled so far in the cold winter. Once the housekeeper wandered off, it was clear to see a young man turned to his side sleeping quietly in the corner of the estate. Sleeping rather restlessly and turning about not to mention sleeping during the day.

[Liu Bei]

Xuande greeted the young man for the third time with a salute and a bow, as he was ushered into the courtyard, he replied to the young man, "Since the master is here today, I have not travelled for naught. Leave him to his peace, I don't mind waiting." Xuande stood with Liao Hua, he saw in the corner of his eye, exposed behind a door curtain was a scholar sleeping assuming it was Kongming, he kept a keen eye on the area, waiting for the right ime to announce himself.

In the meantime he stood with Liao Hua, chatting idly, quietly enough to not disturb Kongming's slumber however.

[Lu Xiang]

The young housekeeper returned with hot wine and food for the men who had travelled along the fearsome cliffs in winter to request an audience with the Sleeping Dragon for the third time. Small tables and cushions were prepared to make the man feel comfy and home-like before the housekeeper left them in peace to talk.

It could've been hours, nobody could tell in the winter. Time flowed by so slowly awaiting a dragon to arise from his dreams, and what spectacular dreams they would be. He stirred several times but to Liu Bei's dissapointment he didn't awake for several more hours. The gentle rustling of sheets before finally a man appeared at the door, a little sleep-struck with his face is disfigurement from the rough sleep he recieved but nonetheless he was awake.

The housekeeper sprinted in after hearing the awakening of his lord, he got down upon all fours before bowing.

"My lord you are awake! Master Liu Bei and his company are here to see you."

Zhuge Liang's eyebrows wavered, Liu Bei? The man who had left him the left. Delightful. He smiled at the young man that he presumed was Liu Bei before bowing his head.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Master Liu Bei; I have read you letter and I was outstanded at your attributes of virtue. I aplogise for my absences on your last two visits and now my lack of manners upon this visit. Please allow me to prepare myself for an audience with you."

He said bowing his head, honouring the man before dismissing himself to freshen up and dress up a little bit. He would not dishonour Liu Bei with such a poor return of favours.

[Liu Bei]

Xuande rose from his seat excitedly, as did Liao Hua and the two men bowed to Kongming almost instantly to hearing his voice. Liu Bei said nothing, but motioned for Liao Hua to wait, while he went forward to wait for Kongming to be ready to recieve him.

Liu Bei felt lively all of a sudden he tidied up his robes and stood attentive at the base of the building.

[Lu Xiang]

Kongming freshened up, putting on some more attractive robes before doing his hair and then presenting himself back to Liu Bei.

"Apologies for my lateness; but presentation is gift - is it not?"

He laughed before bowing extending his arm to Liu Bei to invite him into his garden where a silent tranquil talking area awaited in which Liu Bei could finally have his audeince with Zhuge Liang. Liu Bei lead first before Zhuge Liang bowed and knelt down, taking the opposite pillow beside him.

"Once more, I cannont express my rudeness - I hope I can make it up to you. We had the misfortune in missing eachother on several occasions, but here we are... Can I offer you a drink?"

He asked, picking up the small flask of warm tea. Zhuge Liang wasn't one for alcoholic drinks; he was inclined to believe that they dulled the brain, he only drank if it was needed to or to be polite.

"So what brings you here, Master Liu Bei? Not only once, but thrice. Any normal man would've given up the first time."

Kongming laughs before taking a strong sip of his tea to get the body and mind working; after only recently waking up. He silently awaits Liu Bei's reply - glad to finally meet the figure in person, having only known him through reputation and his letter.

[Liu Bei]

Liu Bei allowed Zhuge Liang to lead him to the garden, where they took their places. To Kongming's apology Xuande replied softly, "There is nothing to apologize for. To meet a worthy man, one must toil will all of his heart, much like King Wen of Zhou when he recognised the ability of Jiang Ziya."

Xuande accepted the tea from Kongming but set it to the side rather than drink it right away. Then answered Kongming's final question, "Master Sima Hui, guided me to search for you, I asked around and was lead to believe you had made yourself hidden on this ridge. Master Sima's earnest recommendation was for me to search for you and seek your council on the matters of the empire."

Xuande took a small sip of the tea presented to him and then he finished his answer, "Duke Huan of Qi tried five times, before he managed to gain an audience with Guan Zhong, how could I be expected to do any less in seeking out such a rare individual this time?" Xuande waited Kongming's reply.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowing his head, at the kind comments from Liu Bei taking another sip of his tea before placing the cup back down.

"You do me too well, Master Liu Bei. I am nothing more then a humble farmer. Not comparable to Guan Zhong or Jiang Ziya."

Zhuge Liang bowed his head once more, thanking him for the compliments and his answer to his question.

"Ah, Sima Hui. A fine specimin. A smart and intelligent individual. He pointed you in this direction, did he? Hmm. Tell me more about yourself Master Liu Bei; no doubt you've heard of me but what is it that you desire in this war-torn world?"

Zhuge Liang questioned, interested in the man rather then his own establishments. Zhuge Liang didn't consider himself an interesting person; he was used to himself - growing up around people who acted the same way as him. He trained his mind every night and worked the farm every morning. Perhaps he was just ignorant, but he could not conclude why he was "rare".

"I applaud you once again, I heard of your achievement of gaining Governor of Xin Ye. A fine city; I'm sure you will lead the city and its people to great glory. But still, you puzzle me with your audience - What do you will with a simple farmer?"

He asked finally before returning to his tea, stroking his face with his long tended to nails, his feminine-like figure extending them before coiling them around the cup and drinking the remenant of the drink.

[Liu Bei]

Xuande clasped his hands, and replied, "Indeed his late majesty, Emperor Ling, blessed myself, a commoner with a city to govern, but it is not without it's share of challenges."

Liu Bei sighed as he continued, "With the recent rebellions from the Yellow Turbans, the land is divided. The north war torn, destroying the lives of many innocents. They flee south to avoid the mass fighting, my city on the border of Jing, has received many, we cannot house so many in so little space and with such little funding, and seperation from a divided court. It pains me, but what relief I can offer is too little."

"I have neither the strength to defend them, nor the wisdom to find an aternative to the crisis. What of the time when I should have to defend them? I despair at such a thought." A rolled down Xuande's cheek as he went on, "Sima Hui spoke of setting me on the path to my destiny. What he meant by that remains vague to me, he directed me to your reverence, what would you have me do, master?" So saying Xuande lowered his head and said no more, as he wiped aside his tear.

[Lu Xiang]

A smile plastered upon Zhuge Liang's lips before he laughed in joy that such a man had been selected for the job. It was rare for such a commoner to achieve a position, normally it was ruled by riches or power - this man started with neither.

"What a grand story, you are much deserving no doubt. I can clearly tell that the Emperor's decision was correct. Challenges are merely obstacles to overcome; the Emperor would not have given you this oppotunity if he did not consider you capable."

Zhuge Liang explained, gently pouring himself some more tea. He was feeling a little parched. Maybe all his sleeping had taken it out of him. He stroked his face again before carrying on.

"A noble and virtuous man, taking in people that are not your own and giving them aid. Somebody we can all look up to and aspire to be in such times of hardship. I long fled from the North; that Cao Cao is nothing but a nuisance in my eyes - However in the South I can live in tranquility and in peace at last."

Zhuge Liang laughs gently, lifting up the fan that has been laying on the table and gently cooling himself - even in the winter.

"The Han is slowly collapsing, there is no doubt about that. I admire you for your strong efforts and looking after the people when their own government rejects them. We all have our limits Master Liu Bei; your efforts are far more then any of the other lords - rest assured."

Kongming smiled, clearly his throat before carrying on.

"Strength is something we all possess, whether it is the strength of good will like yourself or the strength of physical power. Wisdom comes with experience; even you are wise to some extent."

Zhuge Liang explained, explaining his understandings upon people and strength. It was just his view upon the psychological power.

"Your destiny? Hmm.. It is rare for Master Sima Hui to select people.. you must be special. But please do not call me Master; I am nothing more then a simple farmer. I have no way in this world of war."

He finished before sipping his tea again and listening to Liu Bei's response.

[Liu Bei]

"Though the Han has reached a time as low as it did two hundred years ago, when Wang Mang usurped the throne, the dynasty is still repairable. I will not forget my debt to the royal house, as a distant relative of the reigning Emperor I cannot just leave it, after four hundred years of glory, my ancestors and I are the Han, bound by name and blood."

To Kongming's objection to Xuande addressing him as 'master' he said, "Jiang Ziya, known to all was but a mere fisherman, but King Wen, negating his status took him to court and named him his Prime Minister on the basis of his superb knowledge. I on the other hand, don't have the talent to sustain the royal house, and my meagre wisdom can barely sustain a small city like Xinye."

Xuande continued after taking a short break with a sip of his tea, "With the lords amassing power sufficent enough to hold themselves up independantly, the south will not always know peace, I pray you mast...Kongming, to consider the people of this land, and assist me in upholding the dynastic shrines of the Han. I have nothing to offer however except a friendly ear to listen to your advice..."

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge's eyes widened, he was a relative of the Imperial bloodline? How interesting. He bows alot lower paying his respects.

"Apologies for my ignorance, I did not know of your heritage. How very interest to have someone as esteemed as you Master Liu Bei, you bring glory to my estate. Now I see clearly why you are like you are. This is making sense now, more tea?"

He asks, listening to the man before gently pouring him some more tea to keep him with the conversating. He wasn't without knowledge - clearly. Zhuge Liang wraps his fingers around his beard before replying.

"I apologise Master Lord Liu Bei, but I am no fisherman nor am I worthy of the title of Prime Minister. I am nothing more then a simple humble man, I have no interest in the current wars nor am I a mastermind like you portray me."

He laughed, as Liu Bei idolized him for more then he was. It was nice to be complimented; but maybe Liu Bei was taking it a little far. Exclaiming Zhuge to be the next Jiang Ziya. How strange. Though Zhuge Liang couldn't help but to feel in a state of de ja vu. He had been sleeping restless lately, a dragon appeared. He had been meaning to see an oracle about it to understand the repeating dream, but had lacked the energy or the time to do so.

"It is true, people flock to men of power during times of desperation. As the great pillars of old come down, new ones are needed to be put in place. I had anticipated the invasion of the south; And I understand your struggle for peace for this country. Your offer is greatly recieved however. I shall try my best to grant you the best advice. What is it you are asking of me however? I am no officer, nor am I a warrior of brave."

[Liu Bei]

Xuande dismissed the honour of bringing honour to Kongming's estate, "I am unconfirmed by His Majesty no one recognises me, how can I accept such an honour?" He accepted the offer of a refill to his cup of tea.

"Kongming, you have hidden in seclusion for your entire life, leading a carefree life from what I understand, yet you have vast knowledge of the goings on in the empire. You discredit your vast learning, and the recommendation of Master Sima." Liu Bei took a sip, accepting the warmth of the cup in his hands, easing him in the chill of the day.

Xuande answered Kongming's question and acception into services with a low bow, saying, "If you would assist me master, ignoring my lack of status and significance, I would be eternally grateful. I would have you at my side as we would attempt to restore the house of Han to it's former glory; like Emperor Guangwu of old!"

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang stroke his face, before standing up - It was a rare and dishonourable thing to do, however he had reason. His fan in hand, he gently turned to face Liu Bei; though his eyes were set much higher - into the clouded heavens. His tassles flailed in the cold winter breeze and his cloak flapped around a bit.

"Unconfirmed? That's a pity, you live in such "seclusion" as myself then? Understanding my Empire is a recreational study for myself; nothing I can suspend your cause or the Han into so called glory. It would seem even Sima Hui has bitten off a bit more then he can chew this time - I am a busy man with my travels and my farming and produce. Accepting this would be a honour but also a burden."

He responded, not inclinded just yet to agree with Master Liu Bei. Though the offer was nice, and it would be a good experience. Zhuge Liang was a humble man; he had never been to war before or controlled a city. His eyes swung back from the skies to the man.

"I apologise once more, your offer is kind and you are a man of great virtue who will go far, no doubt. But my ambitions do not extend far enough to accept. Please do forgive me, Master."

[Liu Bei]

Hearing Kongming's words, Xuande felt dead inside...He knew his position was untendable right now, but he never expected to be rejected so. He sat in his position staring into his cup, his shoulders leant forward, his will broken Xuande said nothing, not a word...but dropped his head as tears of sorrow welled up in his eyes.