The three followed Shi Guangyuan closely. The wind and snow still howled, with ice grains mixed with snowflakes blowing head-on, making it impossible to open their eyes. The surroundings were a vast expanse of white, and even the road under their feet was indistinguishable. They could only faintly feel that Shi Guangyuan beside them walked lightly, and a soft airflow surrounded them, as if isolating part of the wind and snow. What was even more amazing was that it was as if there was wind under their feet, and each step was effortless. The previous difficult trek, which had been deep and shallow, was now as leisurely as a stroll in a garden.
In just the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the sound of wind and snow in their ears suddenly weakened, and the chaotic scene in front of them suddenly cleared up. A scattered village appeared ahead, with blue tiles and white walls covered by thick snow, like wrapped in a layer of silver frost. Curling smoke rose from the chimneys, turning into faint white mist in the winter morning light.
Zhang Fei widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief, scratched his head and shouted: "Mr. Shi, this is incredible! We trekked in the snowfield for three days before, and only covered more than a hundred li. How did we get out of that ghost place in such a short time?"
Shi Guangyuan smiled slightly when he heard this, waved his fly-whisk gently, and the airflow around him gradually dissipated: "General Zhang, you don't know. I used the Earth-Shrinking Technique just now. This is just a minor Taoist spell taught by Mr. Kongming on weekdays. The principle is to use the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to compress the spatial distance of the path ahead. Although it seems like one step, it has actually covered several li." He paused and added: "This technique requires concentrating one's mind and qi to resonate with the surrounding spiritual veins to shorten the journey. It is mostly used for rushing and avoiding dangers, and cannot be regarded as a profound supernatural power."
The three were dumbfounded and filled with amazement. Liu Bei thought to himself that Mr. Kongming actually had such supernatural powers, and he was indeed an unparalleled talent; Guan Yu stroked his beard and nodded, becoming more and more convinced that this trip to seek him was worthwhile; Zhang Fei was even more tongue-tied, wanting to say something but not knowing how to open his mouth, only able to click his tongue repeatedly.
As they walked along the way, the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking were endless. The villagers in the village came and went to work. Although they were dressed in coarse cloth clothes, their faces were filled with peaceful smiles. Children chased and played in the snow, their laughter clear and crisp; old people sat on the thresholds of their own homes, basking in the sun and chatting about daily life. This peaceful and serene scene was in sharp contrast to the desolate farmland and displaced people in the Central Plains due to wars. Along the way, the three had seen countless tragic scenes of corpses lying everywhere and people living in dire straits. At this moment, being in this pure land, their hearts suddenly felt a little warmth and comfort.
After a short while, a courtyard built against the mountain appeared ahead, which was exactly Woyun Thatched Cottage where Zhuge Liang lived in seclusion. The heavy snow in winter covered the entire manor. The bamboo fence, flower beds, and bluestone paths in the courtyard were all wrapped in a thick layer of snow, like an elegant ink wash painting. A stream in front of the door had long been frozen, and the ice surface reflected the flowing clouds in the sky. Several plum trees by the stream were in full bloom proudly, with bright red petals dotted in the white snow, and a faint fragrance floating.
The most striking thing was by the pond outside the courtyard gate, where several big white geese were strutting back and forth. They were pure white all over, with fluffy and clean feathers without a trace of variegation. Their long necks curved like bows, the fleshy bumps on their heads were bright red and plump, and their pair of black and bright eyes were full of agility. When they saw someone approaching, they were not alarmed, but only stretched their necks and quacked a few times. Their voices were loud but not harsh.
"Mr. Kongming has always loved raising geese," Shi Guangyuan explained with a smile. "These geese are humane and can distinguish between good and evil. Mr. often says that observing the posture of geese can help one understand the way of nature; listening to their cries can calm the impetuous heart. These geese have accompanied Mr. for many years and have long been full of spirituality. When ordinary strangers approach, they will be alert and cry. But today, when they see the three of you, they are so peaceful. I think they know that the three of you are like-minded people."
Liu Bei looked at those leisurely white geese, and his admiration for Kongming's elegant taste and state of mind grew stronger. At this moment, a light sound of sweeping the floor came from the courtyard. A young man dressed in blue linen short clothes was holding a bamboo broom, sweeping the snow in front of the study. The young man had clear eyebrows and a delicate face, and he was exactly He Yu'er, Zhuge Liang's book boy.
When He Yu'er saw someone outside the courtyard, he quickly put down the broom, stepped forward to greet them, bowed and saluted: "Greetings to the several gentlemen, my name is He Yu'er. May I ask if you are looking for my master?"
Shi Guangyuan nodded and said: "He Yu'er, this is Duke Liu Bei Xuande, and the two beside him are General Guan Yu and General Zhang Fei. They have specially come to visit Mr. Kongming."
When He Yu'er heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he quickly saluted again: "So it's Duke Xuande and the two generals! I have long admired your names! Unfortunately, my master is taking a nap and hasn't woken up yet. If you don't mind, why not wait in the study first? I will go get some hot tea."
Liu Bei quickly waved his hand, and said respectfully: "It's okay, it's okay. We came to visit Mr. Since Mr. is inconvenient, we should wait. We will wait quietly outside the door and dare not disturb him." After speaking, he straightened his figure and stood on the corridor outside the study door, showing no intention of entering the room at all.
Seeing this, Guan Yu stepped forward to persuade him: "Elder Brother, although the wind and snow outside have stopped, it is still cold. Why not enter the room to wait to avoid catching cold?"
Zhang Fei also echoed: "Yes, Elder Brother! That Mr. Kongming is too arrogant, making so many of us wait for him to sleep! Waiting inside the room is the same, why suffer from the cold here!"
Liu Bei turned to look at the two of them, his tone sincere: "Second Brother, Third Brother, Mr. Kongming is an unparalleled talent. We are eager to seek virtuous people. What is a little cold? If we lose our etiquette due to a moment of impatience, it will instead make us seem insincere. Just wait at ease. When the master wakes up, we will meet him naturally."
Seeing Liu Bei's firm attitude, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stopped persuading him. They each stood beside Liu Bei and waited with him outside the door. Seeing this, He Yu'er secretly admired Liu Bei's sincerity. He quietly entered the room to get three thick capes and handed them to the three: "Duke Xuande, two generals, it's cold outside. Put on the capes to warm yourselves."
The three thanked him, took the capes and put them on. Although they couldn't block the biting cold, they felt a little warmer. Time passed little by little, and fine snow grains began to fall from the sky again, landing on the three's hair, eyebrows, and beards, gradually piling up. After two hours, the three had already turned into white-haired old men, with a layer of white frost on their eyebrows and beards, and a thick layer of snow on the capes on their shoulders. Even their breaths were accompanied by white mist.
At this moment, there was a slight movement in the study. Then, a clear and gentle voice sounded: "Yu'er, has the snow outside stopped?"
He Yu'er quickly replied: "Master, the snow has lightened a bit. Duke Xuande and Generals Guan and Zhang have been waiting outside the door for two hours."
"Oh? Duke Xuande has arrived? Hurry up and help me change my clothes!" Zhuge Liang's voice was a little surprised, and then there was the rustling sound of getting dressed.
After a while, the study door creaked open. Liu Bei and the other two quickly looked up and saw a man dressed in a plain silk scarf and Taoist robe standing inside the door. He was tall and straight, with a handsome face, and between his eyebrows, there was an extraordinary elegant temperament. He wore a blue silk scarf embroidered with faint Bagua patterns on his head, a moon-white Taoist robe with a few ink bamboos embroidered on the hem, and a warm jade pendant tied around his waist, which swayed gently with the wind. His eyes were as deep as a pool, full of wisdom that could see through the world, and the corners of his mouth held a gentle smile. The whole person was like an immortal descending to earth, with an elegant and refined temperament.
When Liu Bei saw this, his heart was agitated. Years of searching and several dangerous encounters had now turned into joy and awe of meeting. He stepped forward quickly, bowed and saluted: "Liu Bei from Zhuojun, I have long admired Mr. Kongming's great name. Being able to meet you today is truly a blessing for three lifetimes!"
Zhuge Liang quickly stepped aside to avoid the salute, cupped his hands and returned the salute: "Duke Xuande is too polite. Liang is just a hermit in the mountains and fields. What virtue and ability do I have to trouble you to visit three times and wait here in the cold? I really feel sorry. Please come in and talk quickly."
The three followed Zhuge Liang into the study. A faint scent of ink and bamboo came to their nostrils. The study was elegant and tidy, with bookshelves on all four walls, filled with bamboo slips and classics, a dazzling array. By the window, there was a bluestone desk, on which several bamboo slips were spread out. Next to it was an inkstone, a wolf hair brush hung on the brush rack, and a pot of green asparagus fern was placed beside the inkstone, adding a bit of vitality to the study. Opposite the desk were several bamboo chairs covered with soft cattail mats.
He Yu'er brought hot tea. The tea soup was clear, with a few tender green bamboo leaves floating in it, which was exactly the local specialty bamboo tea. Liu Bei took a sip gently. The tea soup was mellow and sweet in the mouth, with a faint bamboo fragrance. It slid down his throat, and a warmth spread, dispelling the cold and fatigue all over his body.
After the pleasantries, Zhuge Liang's expression became solemn, and he said slowly: "Duke Xuande, since Emperor Gaozu beheaded the white snake to raise the standard of rebellion, overthrew the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, and established the Han Dynasty, more than four hundred years have passed. At the beginning, during the rule of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, they rested and recuperated, and the world was peaceful; during the reign of Emperor Wu, he expanded the territory, and the prestige of the Han Dynasty spread far and wide. However, since the reign of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, the government has been neglected, eunuchs have held power, the Yellow Turban Rebellion has broken out, and warlords have divided the land. The Han Dynasty has declined, and the people of the world are trapped in dire straits. This is indeed due to the will of heaven, and also due to human mistakes."
He paused, his gaze falling on Liu Bei: "Duke Xuande is a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan, a member of the imperial clan, and is actually the reincarnation of the son of the Red Emperor, bearing the destiny of restoring the Han Dynasty. Since you raised your troops, you have traveled north and south, and your reputation for benevolence and virtue has spread all over the world. Although you have suffered repeated setbacks, you have never forgotten your original intention. This sincerity can be learned from heaven and earth."
When Liu Bei heard this, his heart was greatly shaken. He stood up, cupped his hands and said: "Mr. is truly a god! You have a thorough understanding of Liu Bei's thoughts. But I am stupid by nature, and although I have the ambition to restore the Han Dynasty, I have suffered repeated setbacks and have not been able to lay down a foundation so far. I really live up to the destiny and the expectations of the people. I hope Mr. will not hesitate to teach me and point out a clear path for me!"
Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, raised his hand to signal Liu Bei to sit down, turned around and walked to the desk, took a scroll of blank scroll, dipped his brush in ink, and began to write freely. The wolf hair brush moved freely on the scroll, and the ink was dripping. Soon, a brilliant treatise appeared on the paper, which was the famous "Longzhong Dialogue" handed down from generation to generation. The text said:
"Since Dong Zhuo's time, heroes have risen one after another, and those who occupy multiple provinces and commanderies are countless. Compared with Yuan Shao, Cao Cao was insignificant in fame and weak in troops. Yet Cao Cao was able to defeat Yuan Shao and grow from weak to strong. This was not only due to the will of heaven, but also due to human planning. Today, Cao Cao already has millions of troops, holding the emperor to order the nobles. It is really impossible to compete with him head-on. Sun Quan occupies Jiangdong, which has been passed down for three generations. The land is dangerous and the people are attached to him, and virtuous and capable people serve him. He can be used as an ally but not plotted against. Jingzhou borders the Han and Mian Rivers in the north, controls all the benefits of the South China Sea in the south, connects Wuhui in the east, and communicates with Bashu in the west. This is a land for military use, but its lord cannot defend it. This is probably a gift from heaven to the general. Does the general have the intention to take it? Yizhou is a dangerous fortress with thousands of li of fertile land, a land of abundance. Emperor Gaozu relied on it to achieve imperial hegemony. Liu Zhang is weak and incompetent, and Zhang Lu is in the north. The people are prosperous and the country is rich, but he does not know how to cherish them. Intelligent people are eager to find a wise lord. Since the general is a member of the imperial clan, with integrity and righteousness renowned all over the world, gathering heroes and longing for virtuous people, if you can occupy Jingzhou and Yizhou, guard their dangerous passes, make peace with the various Rong tribes in the west, comfort the Yi and Yue tribes in the south, form an alliance with Sun Quan externally, and rectify the government internally; when changes occur in the world, order a top general to lead the army of Jingzhou to march towards Wan and Luo, and the general himself lead the troops of Yizhou to march out of Qinchuan. Who among the people would dare not welcome the general with food and wine? If this is done, then the hegemonic cause can be achieved, and the Han Dynasty can be restored."
After writing, Zhuge Liang handed the scroll to Liu Bei, his gaze sincere: "Duke Xuande, this is Liang's humble opinion on the general trend of the world. Cao Cao is powerful, and it is impossible to compete with him; Sun Quan has a solid foundation and should be an ally; Jingzhou and Yizhou are military strategic places, and their lords are incompetent. This is exactly the foundation for you to build your career. If you can occupy Jingzhou and Yizhou, rectify the government internally, form an alliance with Sun Quan externally, and send troops from two routes when changes occur in the world, then the hegemonic cause can be achieved, and the Han Dynasty can be restored."
Liu Bei took the scroll and read it carefully. Every word was like a thunderbolt in his heart. Years of confusion and perplexity disappeared in an instant. His eyes suddenly opened up, and a clear path to restore the Han Dynasty appeared in front of him. He was so excited that his hands trembled. He stood up again and bowed deeply to Zhuge Liang: "Mr.'s talent is incomparable to that of gods and ghosts! Today, after hearing Mr.'s profound remarks, I feel as if the clouds have dispersed and the sun has come out! I sincerely ask Mr. to go out of the mountain to assist me in achieving the great cause, restore the Han Dynasty, and save the people of the world from dire straits!"
Seeing this, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also quickly stood up and cupped their hands.
Zhuge Liang looked at Liu Bei's sincere eyes, and his heart was filled with emotion. He stood up to help Liu Bei, his expression firm: "Duke Xuande visited the thatched cottage three times, and his sincerity is evident; you also bear the destiny of restoring the Han Dynasty and care about the people of the world. Although Liang lives in seclusion in the mountains, he also cares about the country and society. I am willing to help you with all my strength to strive for the great cause together!"
When Liu Bei heard this, he was overjoyed, tears filled his eyes, and he tightly held Zhuge Liang's hand: "With Mr.'s assistance, I am like a tiger adding wings! The restoration of the Han Dynasty is hopeful, and the people of the world are hopeful!"
He Yu'er had already prepared wine and food. Several people sat around the desk, drinking and chatting freely. From the general trend of the world to military and political strategies, from the sufferings of the people to the way of governing the country, Liu Bei told everything he knew, and Zhuge Liang explained everything in detail. The snow outside the window began to fall heavily again, rustling on the bamboo branches, while the room was warm and bright with lights. Several people chatted until late at night, still feeling unsatisfied, as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for years, without the slightest sense of strangeness.
As night fell, Liu Bei and the other two rested temporarily in Woyun Thatched Cottage. The snowy night on Wolong Mountain was still quiet, but a storm that was about to change the pattern of the world was quietly brewing in this small thatched cottage.