Three Kingdoms Romance (Complete and Unabridged) by Luo Guanzhong

Author:Luo Guanzhong [Guanzhong, Luo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oak Grove
Published: 2008-03-12T20:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 61. In The River, Zhao Yun Recovers Liu Shan; With One Letter, Sun Quan Repulses Cao Cao.

In spite of the persuasion of Pang Tong and Fa Zheng, Liu Bei steadily refused to sanction the assassination of his host at the banquet, Imperial Protector Liu Zhang, even if thereby he was to gain possession of the Western Land of Rivers.

The next day there was another banquet, this time in the city of Fucheng, whereat host and guest unbosomed themselves freely to each other and became exceedingly friendly and affectionate.

All were mellow with wine, and Pang Tong, talking with Fa Zheng, said, “Since our master will have nothing to do with our scheme, we would better set Wei Yan's sword-play to work and take advantage of the confusion to kill Liu Zhang.”

Wei Yan came in shortly afterward, with his sword drawn, and said, “There being no other entertainment at this banquet, may I show you a little fencing to amuse you?”

Thereupon Pang Tong called up some of the armed guards and ranged them along the lower part of the hall till Wei Yan should fall on.

At these preparations the officers of Liu Zhang stared with questioning eyes toward the chief seats at the upper end, and one of them, Zhang Ren, drew his sword, saying, “An opponent is needed to make fencing a success, so he and I will display our skill at the same time.”

So they began. Presently, at a glance from Wei Yan, Liu Feng came up and took position at his side.

At once three of the commanders of the west followed suit, saying, “And we three will come in too; it may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh.”

But to Liu Bei matters began to take on a serious look. Drawing a sword of a servant, he stood out in the banquet hall and cried, “We brothers have perhaps honored our meeting with a little too much wine; there is nothing to say against that, but this is no Hongmen Banquet, where murder was done. Put up your swords, or I will slay you!”

“Why wear swords at all at a meeting of two brothers?” cried Liu Zhang, at the same time telling his servants to surround his officers and take away their weapons.

Disarmed, they sulkily withdrew, and then Liu Bei called all the generals of Liu Zhang to the upper end of the banquet hall, gave them wine, and said, “You need have no doubts; we two brothers, of the same bone and blood, have talked over the great design, and we are one in purpose.”

The officers bowed and retired.

Liu Zhang took his guest by the hand, saying, “Brother, I shall never forget your kindness.” They sat drinking till late, both feeling very happy. When at length Liu Bei reached his camp, he blamed his strategist for having caused the confusion.

“Why did you endeavor to force me into committing a great wrong?” said Liu Bei. “There must be no repetition of this.”

Pang Tong retired, sighing.

When

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