Xu Shu looked unhappy, but he forced a smile and said, "When I came to visit before, Kong Ming always slept in the thatched cottage. But this year, he was not there twice. What a pity."
He turned to Liu Qi and introduced him, "Kong Ming is not here. This is his third brother Zhuge Jun."
Zhuge Jun went out and said, "I heard that the general was coming last time, but I missed him. I am very upset. I hope you can forgive me. This time when I go out, in order not to neglect the distinguished guest, I was ordered to wait at home. You two may as well go in and rest for a while."
Xu Shu looked at Liu Qi, feeling torn. He knew in his heart that Zhuge Liang might be avoiding him on purpose, and he would be the first to know if there was any movement in Longzhong.
Liu Qi didn't take it seriously. He handed the horse to the servant and said with a smile, "It's my fault for coming so abruptly. Sorry for disturbing you."
The three of them entered the manor, and this time Zhuge Jun brought them into the thatched cottage. The cottage was very simple and elegant, with an ancient zither placed on the table. On the straw curtain behind it hung a calligraphy: Be indifferent to show your ambition, be calm and achieve your goals.
Liu Qi glanced around and said with a smile, "I once heard people talking about Zhuge's four friends at Shuijing Villa. In addition to you, there are Cui Zhouping and Shi Guangyuan. They often play the zither and travel for fun. Who wouldn't envy such a life?"
"The two have been elusive and haven't been seen for over a year."
Xu Shu used to enjoy this, but after listening to Liu Qi's words, he always felt that there was some irony in hearing this again.
After drinking the tea, Liu Qi took out the map he brought with him and said, "I have heard for a long time that Wolong has great talent and is familiar with military strategies. I have a map here and I came to ask for your advice. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet a sage, so I have to stay here for the time being. I will come to pay my respects to you again after I defeat Cao's army."
Zhuge Jun unfolded it and looked at it. His face changed slightly, and then he smiled and said, "I am a dull boy. I am afraid that it is difficult to reply to my brother with just this map. The general left a poem last time, which touched the hearts of the farmers. Can you write another letter to explain the situation?"
Liu Qi smiled and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking."
There were four treasures of the study on the table, which Xu Shu had sharpened himself. Liu Qi paused for a moment and then wrote:
Qi has long admired the high reputation of Sleeping Dragon and Phoenix Young, but unfortunately, one is sleeping and the other is flying, and he cannot be used by Jingzhou. How sad he is! I have been studying hard for ten years, trying to learn from the heart of the ancient benevolent people, not being happy with things, not being sad with myself. Suddenly, I heard that the emperor's uncle was murdered, and I sat up in shock from my dying illness.
I inherited the ambition of my uncle, reviving the Han Dynasty and saving the common people. I gathered heroes to eliminate the treacherous party, recruited wise men and strengthened the rules and regulations. I worry about the world before I enjoy myself, and I enjoy myself after the world enjoys itself.
Sir, you have the talent of Lu Wang and the strategy of Zi Fang. If you can think about the people of the world, it will be a blessing for the world and the country.
Qi is not overestimating his own abilities, but is willing to establish his mind for the world, establish his destiny for the people, inherit the lost knowledge of the past sages, and bring peace to the world. Please come out and help me, sir, to serve the country and save the country. I will be very lucky.
After Liu Qi finished writing, Xu Shu, who was watching from the side, was moved and said, "I also have a few words to say."
Zhuge Jun took another piece of paper and saw Xu Shu writing furiously: "Every man has his share of responsibility for the fate of his country. If his country is no longer a country, how can he have a family?"
After writing a few lines in a hurry, he was worried about the urgent war at the front, so he stood up and said goodbye to Liu Qi and left.
Zhuge Jun watched the group of people riding their horses across the hill before turning back to his room, only to see Zhuge Liang already standing in the hall, looking at the map with a serious expression.
"Liu Qi also intended to depict a tripartite situation, which is similar to the Xichuan map painted by his brother."
Zhuge Jun walked to the straw curtain and untied the ribbon, and the scroll unfolded. It was exactly the sketch of Zhuge Liang's division of the world into three parts, which was almost the same as Liu Qi's scroll.
Zhuge Liang sighed softly and said with emotion: "Now that the north is pacified, the three-way balance of power has been formed. All the experts in the world can get a glimpse of it. I am not the only one who has seen it. However, what you said in this letter shocked me. Only a genius or a great scholar can say such a thing."
Zhuge Jun was puzzled and said, "Although the words in this letter are sincere, they are just ordinary words. Liu Qi cares about the people and wants to revive the Han Dynasty. As a descendant of the Han Dynasty, he should take responsibility. What's so strange about it?"
Zhuge Liang shook his head slightly, took the letter and read it again, and said slowly: "Liu Qi has realized the truth!"
Zhuge Jun was stunned: "Enlightenment?"
"Establish a mind for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the people, inherit the lost knowledge of the ancient sages, and bring peace to the world for all eternity..."
Zhuge Liang pondered and walked to the door. The bright sunlight made him squint his eyes: "This is the way of the sage!"
Zhuge Jun naturally found it difficult to understand, so he picked up Xu Shu's piece of paper and asked, "What about Mr. Yuanzhi?"
Zhuge Liang retracted his gaze, shook his head and smiled, "Yuan Zhi saw that I refused to show up twice, and he was quite complaining. He laughed at me for living in peace. It's okay."
Zhuge Jun asked, "What do you want to do, brother?"
"It's time to use the four-wheeled cart that my father-in-law prepared for me!" Zhuge Liang let out a long breath and ordered outside the hall: "Prepare the cart!"
"Brother, are you really going to leave the mountain?" Zhuge Jun was surprised and said, "It may take a long time to fight Cao Cao. The wedding date is in March. I am afraid it will be delayed."
Zhuge Liang pointed at Xu Shu's letter and said with a smile: "If Cao Cao marches south, Jingzhou will never have peace. The country will no longer be a country, so how can we have a home? I will go to the front of the army and lend my strength to the army."
Zhuge Liang ordered the boy to pack his luggage and prepare to set out the next day. He arranged everything for Zhuge Jun in an orderly manner, including guarding the fields, growing flowers and grass, and explaining everything clearly down to the smallest detail.
…
Liu Qi seemed to leave Longzhong in a carefree manner, but he was actually in great anxiety. As the lord of Jingzhou, it would be fine if he couldn't get Pang Tong, but if he couldn't invite Zhuge Liang, it would be like he had traveled through time in vain.
Zhuge Liang was concerned about the country and the people, he was just waiting for a wise leader and a platform that would allow him to give full play to his abilities.
Liu Qi's status is more upright than Liu Bei's, and his foundation is stronger, so there is no need for him to be too humble. He should be pretentious when necessary and strong when necessary.
Like Liu Bei, who was submissive and compliant, Zhuge Liang became the one who had the final say. This was extremely irresponsible to everyone. Complete entrustment also meant greater responsibility. Later, Zhuge Liang was worked to death.
A blueprint of a three-legged tripod was used to first dampen Zhuge Liang's arrogance and then resonate with him.
Combined with Gan Ning's previous advice, Zhuge Liang saw his strategic vision and ambition, which were all qualities that a wise leader should possess, but Liu Bei did not have them.
Liu Qi's plan was big enough. It was not just about reviving the Han Dynasty. The Western Regions and Mobei were also on the map. He also racked his brains to come up with some classic words.
His ambition, ability and sincerity are all on the table, making his image more mysterious and majestic. Now he just has to wait for the price to be right.
Liu Qi was full of thoughts, and Xu Shu kept a sullen face and didn't say a word the whole way. Even a clay man has a temper, let alone Xu Shu, who was known for his quick revenge in his early years.
After all, he was a close friend. Even if he was unwilling to take up an official post, he brought Liu Qi here twice and at least showed up to make him feel a little embarrassed.
In the past, the four of them traveled around, lamenting that they were born in troubled times, had no way to serve their country, and could only watch the people suffer but were powerless to do anything.
Now that the opportunity is right in front of us, we are still hesitant. Have all our ambitions been wasted
He was now wholeheartedly assisting Liu Qi, and knowing well Zhuge Liang's talent, he was naturally anxious and angry, and furious at Zhuge Liang for not fighting back.
He was thinking about going to Shuijing Villa again after the war and asking Sima Hui for help to see if he could enlighten Zhuge Liang.
After a few years, no matter whether Liu Qi wins or loses, how can adding icing on the cake compare to providing timely help