Chapter 54 of the main text: Watching the groom Liu Huangshu's bridal chamber in the Taifo Temple of Wu Kingdom and continuing their courtship

 Chapter 54 of the main text: Watching the groom Liu Huangshu's bridal chamber in the Taifo Temple of Wu Kingdom and continuing their courtship

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But when Kong Ming heard that Lu Su had arrived, he went out of the city with Xuande to greet him, received him at the public office, and finally met him. Su said, "Upon hearing that my nephew has passed away, my lord has sent someone to offer sacrifices. Governor Zhou has repeatedly paid tribute to Liu Huangshu and Mr. Zhuge." Xuande and Kongming stood up to express their gratitude, received the gift, and offered wine as a gesture of respect. Su said, "The former imperial uncle said, 'If the young master is not here, he will return to Jingzhou. Now that the young master has passed away, he will definitely return. I don't know when the delivery can be made.' Xuande said, 'Let's drink wine together and have a discussion.' Su forced himself to drink a few glasses and then opened his mouth to ask. Before Xuande could answer, Kong Ming changed his color and said, "Zijing is unreasonable and needs to speak up to others! I am the son of a small official in Qiantang, who has not made any achievements in the court. Unfortunately, both traitors and rebels have risen up, each occupying their own territory. It is inevitable that the Way of Heaven will return to its rightful place. My master is the great grandson of Emperor Xiaojing after Prince Jing of Zhongshan, and now the uncle of the emperor. How can we divide the land? Liu Jingsheng is my master's brother, and his brother inherits his brother's business. What's wrong with him? Your master is the son of a small official in Qiantang, who has no merit in the court. Now, relying on his power, he occupies six counties and eighty-one states, and he is greedy and wants to annex Han territory. The main surname is Liu, but there is no distinction. Your main surname is Sun, but you are determined to fight fiercely. And in the Battle of Red Cliffs, our main character was hardworking, and all the generals fought with their lives. Isn't it just your Eastern Wu? If it weren't for me borrowing the southeast wind, Zhou Lang'an could have made half of his contribution? Once Jiangnan was destroyed, let alone Er Qiao who was placed in the Copper Sparrow Palace. Although his family was young, they could not be protected. If my master does not agree immediately, I will take Zijing as a wise man, without further explanation. He Gong didn't pay much attention! ”One conversation left Lu Zijing speechless; After a while, he said, "Kong Ming's words may not be reasonable; it is very inconvenient to deal with Lu Su." Kong Ming said, "What's wrong with it?" Su said, "When my uncle was suffering in the sun, Su led Kong Ming across the river to meet my lord. Later, Zhou Gongjin wanted to raise an army to take Jingzhou, but Su blocked it. When my son passed away and returned to Jingzhou, Su took responsibility again. But now there is no need to preface, teach Lu Su how to reply. My lord and Zhou Gongjin will definitely be punished. Su died without hatred, only afraid of angering Eastern Wu and provoking war. My uncle cannot sit in Jingzhou, and he will be ridiculed by the world. Ming said," Cao Cao commands a million people and uses the name of the emperor, but I don't mind. How can I be afraid of Zhou Lang and his son? If I'm afraid that Mr. Zhou may not look good on his face, I advise my master to write a paper document and temporarily borrow Jingzhou as the base. When my master obtains the city, I will hand it over to Eastern Wu. What about this argument Su said, "Where does Kong Ming want to capture and return Jingzhou to me?" Kong Ming replied, "The Central Plains are urgent and cannot be planned; Liu Zhang in Xichuan is weak, so my lord will plan it. If he plans to capture Xichuan, then he will return it." Su had no choice but to obey. Xuande personally wrote a document on a piece of paper and stamped it. The guarantor Zhuge Kongming also pledged his signature. Kong Ming said, "Liang is from Uncle Huang's place. Is it true that he is acting as a guarantor for himself? Mr. Fanzi Jing also pledged a word, and it will look good when he sees Marquis Wu again." Su said, "I know Uncle Huang is a person of benevolence and righteousness, so I will not betray him." So he pledged his word and received the document. After the banquet, I bid farewell. Xuande and Kongming were sent to the side of the ship. Kong Ming instructed, "When Zijing returns to see Marquis Wu, he will speak kindly and express his intentions. He will take a break from his life and indulge in delusions. If he does not approve of my documents, I will flip over my face and even seize 81 provinces. As long as the two families are harmonious, I will stop teaching Cao and the bandits to laugh at him

Su Zuo bid farewell to the ship and returned, first meeting Zhou Yu in Chaisang County. Yu asked, "How about Zijing's expedition to Jingzhou?" Su replied, "There are documents here." He presented them to Zhou Yu, and Yu paused and said, "Zijing's plan of borrowing land is just a mix of words. He said he would take Xichuan and return it. Do you know when he will take Xichuan? If he can't take Xichuan for ten years and doesn't return it for ten years? How can you use such documents? If he doesn't return it, he will have to burden his feet. What can the lord do if he is punished?" Su listened to this and stayed for a while, saying, "I'm afraid Xuande won't betray me." Yu replied, "Zijing is an honest person. Liu Bei is a notorious hero. Zhuge Liang, a cunning disciple of Zhuge Liang, may not have the same heart as his master," Su said.

After a few days, Xi Zuo reported, "Raise banners and do good deeds in Jingzhou city. Don't build new graves outside the city. Soldiers should all show filial piety." Yu Jing asked, "Are there not many people left?" Xi Zuo replied, "Liu Xuande lost Lady Gan and arranged for a funeral on the same day. Yu Su said to Lu Su," My plan is done: bind Liu Bei's hands and let Jingzhou regain control! "Su replied," Plan for the general to leave safely. Go to Jingzhou as a matchmaker and say that Liu Bei has come to marry Liu Bei. After earning the Southern Xu, his wife cannot be seduced and he is imprisoned, but someone is sent to demand Jingzhou in exchange for Liu Bei. When he delivers the city of Jingzhou, I have no other plans. There must be nothing to do with Zijing. "Lu Su thanked him.

Zhou Yu wrote a letter and selected a fast ship to send Lu Su to meet Sun Quan in Nanxu. He first mentioned the matter of borrowing Jingzhou and submitted the letter. Quan said, "But you are so confused! How can he use such a document?" Su said, "Governor Zhou has submitted a letter here, saying that with this plan, we can get Jingzhou." After reading it, Quan nodded with joy and wondered who could go. Suddenly, he said, "It's not possible without Lv Fan." He then summoned Lv Fan and said, "I've heard recently that Liu Xuande has lost his wife. I have a younger sister who wants to marry Xuande as her husband, and we will forever form a marriage alliance to defeat Cao and support the Han dynasty. It's not possible without Ziheng as a mediator. Let's go to Jingzhou immediately." Fan ordered him to pack up his boat and bring several servants to Jingzhou on the same day. But Xuande lost Lady Gan and was troubled day and night. One day, while chatting with Kong Ming, someone reported that the Eastern Wu envoy Lv Fan had arrived. Kong Ming smiled and said, "This is Zhou Yu's plan, and it must be for the sake of Jingzhou. Liang only listened behind the screen. But when he spoke, the lord agreed. The people who stayed behind should rest in the inn and not discuss

Xuande Sect invites Lv Fan to join. After the ceremony, sit down and have tea. Xuan De asked, "When Ziheng comes, will he give an order? Uncle Huang, do not doubt it. However, Lady Tai Wu of our country loves her young daughter very much and refuses to marry her far away. She must ask Uncle Huang to marry her in Eastern Wu." Xuande said, "Does Marquis Wu know about this matter?" Fan said, "How dare I make a second decision without first reporting it to Marquis Wu!" Xuande said, "I am already half a hundred years old, with gray hair on my temples; The younger sister of Marquis Wu, in her prime: afraid she is not a spouse. ”Fan said, "The younger sister of Marquis Wu, although a woman, has the ambition to surpass a man. As the saying goes, if she is not a hero in the world, I will not do anything about it. Nowadays, the imperial uncle is famous all over the world, and it is said that a lady is worthy of a gentleman. Do not judge each other based on their age!" Xuande said, "I will stay a little longer and repay you tomorrow." He held a banquet to treat her and kept it in the palace.

Tonight, discuss with Kong Ming. Kong Ming said, "I already know the purpose of coming. I can predict the changes in time and obtain a great omen of good fortune. My lord can agree. First, I will teach Sun Qian and Lv Fan to return to the Marquis of Wu and make a promise. We will go and get married on a certain day.

Kong Ming actually taught Sun Qian to travel to Jiangnan to discuss marriage matters. Sun Qian took the words and went to Jiangnan with Lv Fan to meet Sun Quan. Quan said, "I am willing to marry my younger sister Xuande without any ulterior motives." Sun Qian thanked him and returned to Jingzhou to meet Xuande, saying, "The Marquis of Wu is waiting for the Lord to marry." Xuande suspected that he dared not go. Kong Ming said, "I have set three strategies, and it is not feasible without Zilong." He then called Zhao Yun to approach him and whispered, "When you enter Wu, you should receive these three sachets. There are three wonderful plans in the sachets, and you should proceed in sequence." Kong Ming was about to collect the three sachets and paste them with Yun's flesh. Kong Ming first sent people to recruit in Eastern Wu, and everything was complete.

In the winter of October of the 14th year of Jian'an reign. Xuande, Zhao Chang, and Sun Qian took ten fast boats and accompanied more than 500 people, leaving Jingzhou and heading south towards Xu. All matters concerning Jingzhou are subject to the jurisdiction of Kong Ming. Xuande felt uneasy in his heart. When we arrived in southern Xuzhou, the ship had docked and the clouds said, "The military adviser will divide the three clever plans and proceed in sequence. Now that we have arrived here, let's first open the first brocade bag to see." So we opened the bag and looked at the plan. He called five hundred accompanying soldiers and distributed them one by one. The troops led them away and taught Xuande to go first and see Qiao Guolao, who was the father of Er Qiao and lived in Nanxu. Xuande took care of the sheep and wine, went to pay his respects first, and talked about Lv Fan as a matchmaker and marrying his wife. Accompanied by five hundred soldiers, all dressed in red and adorned with colorful decorations, they entered the comprador objects of Southern Xu. Legend has it that Xuande became a son-in-law of Eastern Wu, and everyone in the city knows about his affairs. Sun Quan knew that Xuande had arrived and taught Lv Fan to treat him well, and he rested in the pavilion.

But when Qiao Guolao saw Xuande, he went to see Wu Guotai to congratulate him. Guo Tai asked, "What's the good news?" Qiao Guolao said, "Ling Ai has already promised Liu Xuande as his wife. Now that Xuande has arrived, why are they hiding it from each other?" Guo Tai was surprised and said, "I don't know about this!" He then asked Marquis Wu to inquire about the truth and falsehood, while first sending people to investigate in the city. Everyone reported, 'If this is the case, my son-in-law has already rested at the inn, and five hundred accompanying soldiers are buying pigs, sheep, and fruits in the city, preparing to get married. The matchmaker is Lv Fan, and the matchmaker is Sun Qian, both of whom are treating each other in the inn.' The Empress was surprised. In the blink of an eye, Sun Quan entered the back hall to see his mother. Guo Tai pounded her chest and cried loudly. Quan asked, "Why is my mother troubled?" The Grand Tutor replied, "You treat me like nothing! When my sister was in danger, what should I say to you?" Sun Quan was startled and said, "My mother has something to say. Why bother like this?" The Grand Tutor replied, "Marriage is necessary for men and women, and it has always been the case throughout history. As your mother, I must report this matter to you. How can you hide it from me when you hire Liu Xuande as your son-in-law? My daughter must be mine!" Quan was surprised and asked, "Where did you get these words from?" The Grand Tutor replied, "If you want to know, unless you don't. Which one of the people in the whole city doesn't know? You're hiding it from me!" Qiao Guolao said, "I've known about it for many days now, and I'm here to congratulate you." Quan said, "No. This is Zhou Yu's plan. Because he wants to take Jingzhou, he named it and asked Liu Bei to come and imprison him here. If he doesn't comply, Liu Bei will be beheaded first. This is a strategy, not a practical idea. ”Guo Tai was furious and cursed Zhou Yu, saying, "As the commander-in-chief of the six commanderies and eighty-one prefectures, you have no plan to go to Jingzhou, but you have named my daughter and used a beauty scheme! If you kill Liu Bei, my daughter will be a widow. How can you talk about marriage tomorrow? You will waste my daughter's life! You are so pretentious!" Qiao Guolao said, "If you use this scheme, you will get Jingzhou and be laughed at by the whole world. How can this be done!" Sun Quan was speechless.

The National Assembly kept cursing Zhou Yu. Qiao Guolao advised, "The situation is like this. Liu Huangshu is a Han family member, so it's better to really hire him as a son-in-law to avoid embarrassment." Quan said, "I'm afraid he's not quite the age." Guolao said, "Liu Huangshu is a hero in the world. If we hire this son-in-law, it won't humiliate our younger sister." Guotai said, "I've never known Liu Huangshu. Let's meet tomorrow at Ganlu Temple. If you don't agree with me, I'll do as you please; if you agree with me, I'll marry my daughter to him!" Sun Quan, who is a filial person, immediately agreed when he saw his mother's words, went out to call Lv Fan, and distributed it to the abbot of Ganlu Temple to hold a banquet tomorrow. The Prime Minister wants to see Liu Bei. L ü Fan said, "Why don't you have Jia Hua's troops lead three hundred swordsmen and lie down in the two corridors? If the Empress Dowager doesn't like it, raise the horn and come out on both sides to take him down." Quan then called Jia Hua and prepared in advance, depending on the Empress Dowager's actions. But Qiao Guolao resigned from the return of Wu Guotai and sent someone to report to Xuande, saying, 'When the Marquis of Wu and Guotai meet in person tomorrow, I will be very concerned!' Xuande discussed with Sun Qian and Zhao Yun. The next day, Wu Guotai and Qiao Guolao sat down in front of the abbot of Ganlu Temple, saying, "There will be many misfortunes and few good fortune in this meeting. Yun will lead five hundred troops to protect us. Sun Quan led a group of strategists, who then arrived, but taught Lv Fan to invite Xuande to the inn. Xuande wore a fine armor inside and a cotton robe outside. He followed closely behind with a sword on his back and mounted his horse to throw himself into the Ganlu Temple. Zhao Yun was fully equipped and led 500 troops along. Dismount in front of the temple and meet Sun Quan first. Quan Guan Xuande has extraordinary appearance and a sense of fear in his heart. After the two of them finished their ritual, they entered the abbot to meet with the Grand Preceptor. Upon seeing Xuande, the Empress Dowager was overjoyed and exclaimed to Qiao Guolao, "He is truly my son-in-law!" The Empress Dowager replied, "Xuande has the demeanor of a dragon and phoenix, a symbol of the heavens and the sun; he also displays benevolence and virtue throughout the world. The Empress Dowager is truly blessed to have such a great son-in-law!" Xuande thanked him and held a banquet with the abbot. In a moment, Zilong entered with his sword and stood beside Xuande. The Grand Preceptor asked, "Who is this?" Xuande replied, "Zhao Zilong from Changshan." The Grand Preceptor replied, "Could it be that Dangyang Changban is holding Adou?" Xuande replied, "Yes." The Grand Preceptor replied, "The true general!" He then gave him wine. Zhao Yun said to Xuande, "But I was patrolling under the corridor and saw that there were knife and axe makers lurking in the room, so I must have no good intentions. You can inform the Grand Preceptor." Xuande knelt before the Grand Preceptor and cried, saying, "If you kill Liu Bei, please execute him." The Grand Preceptor asked, "Why did you say this; Fan Tujia Hua; Guo Tai called Jia Hua to scold, but Hua remained silent. Guo Tai ordered him to be executed. Xuande warned, "If we were to kill a general, it would be detrimental to our family and we would be trapped in a difficult situation for a long time." Qiao Guolao also advised. Guo Taifang rebuked Jia Hua. The knife and axe makers all rushed away with their heads in their arms.

Before Xuande changed his clothes and left the hall, he saw a stone under the courtyard. Xuande drew the sword from the follower and looked up at the sky, wishing, "If Liu Bei can return to Jingzhou and become a king and ruler, he can swing the stone in two pieces with one sword. If he dies here, the sword will not cut open the stone. Sun Quan saw from behind and asked, "How does Duke Xuande hate this stone?" Xuande replied, "I am nearly fifty years old and cannot eliminate the bandits for the country. My heart is constantly filled with self hatred. This is the fate of my life when I was summoned by the imperial court to become my son-in-law. Just then, I asked the heavens for divination, as if defeating Cao Xinghan and cutting off this stone. This is how it turned out." Quan thought to himself, "Could Liu Bei hide this from me?" He also drew his sword and said to Xuande, "I also ask the heavens for divination. If we defeat the bandits of Cao, we will also cut off this stone." However, he secretly wished, "If we regain Jingzhou and prosper Eastern Wu, we will cut the stone in half! The sword falls, and the giant rock also opens. There are still cross shaped "hate stones" left to this day. Later generations praised this scenic spot with a poem, saying, "When the sword fell, the mountains and rocks broke, and the golden ring rang with flames. The prosperity of the two dynasties lasted for days. From then on, the heavens and earth were in full swing

The two abandoned their swords and entered the table together. After several rounds of drinking, Sun Qian looked at Xuande and Xuande said, "I can't handle the alcohol, so I'll leave." Sun Quan left the temple and the two stood side by side, enjoying the scenery of the mountains and rivers. Xuande said, 'This is the first kingdom in the world!' To this day, the Ganlu Temple plaque says, 'The first kingdom in the world.'. There is a poem by later generations that praises it: "When the rain falls in the mountains and rivers, the green snails are embraced, and the realm is carefree and joyful the most. Where the heroes of the past gathered their eyes, the cliffs still withstand the storm

The second time the two of them looked together, the river wind was strong, the waves rolled snow, and the white waves lifted the sky. Suddenly, a small boat appeared on the waves, sailing on the river like flat ground. Xuande sighed and said, "People from the south can ride boats, while people from the north can ride horses. I believe it's true." Upon hearing this, Sun Quan thought to himself, "Liu Bei's words make me uncomfortable riding horses." He ordered him to lead the horse from left to right, jump onto the horse, and gallop down the mountain with a whip. He smiled and said to Xuande, "Can't people from the south ride horses?" Upon hearing this, Xuande lifted his clothes and jumped onto the horse's back, flew away from the mountain, and galloped up again. The two of them immediately stood on the hillside, whipping their whips and laughing heartily. Until now, this place is called 'Zhumapo'. There is a poem by later generations that goes: "The galloping dragon and foal have many qualities, and the two of them look at the mountains and rivers together with their reins. Eastern Wu and Western Shu became kings and kings, and they will still be stationed on Ma Slope for eternity." On that day, the two of them returned together with their reins. The people of Nanxu all congratulated.

Xuande returned to the inn and discussed with Sun Qian. Qian said, "My lord is only pleading with Mr. Qiao to end his marriage early and avoid any other troubles." The next day, Xuande dismounted in front of Mr. Qiao's house. After the elders joined in, the ceremony was over, and the tea was over, Xuande announced, "Many of the people on the left bank of the Yangtze River are critical to Liu Bei, and they may not be able to stay for a long time." The elders said, "Xuande, please relax. I am announcing to the Prime Minister that I will be his protector." Xuande thanked him and returned. Qiao Guolao went to meet with the Grand Preceptor and said that Xuande was afraid of someone plotting murder and urgently needed to return. Guo Tai was furious and said, 'My son-in-law, who dares to harm him!' He immediately moved into the academy for temporary residence and chose a date to finish his marriage. Xuande reported to the Grand Preceptor, 'I am afraid that Zhao Yun will be inconvenient outside and there will be no one to restrain the soldiers.' The Grand Preceptor's teachings all moved into the mansion to rest and stay in the post office to avoid any trouble. Xuande secretly enjoys it.

Within a few days, there was a grand banquet where Lady Sun married Xuande. At night, when the guests dispersed, two rows of red torches led Xuande into the room. Under the light, but seeing clusters of guns and knives; The attendants and maidservants are all wearing swords and hanging knives, standing beside each other.? Xuande's soul is detached from his body. Exactly: I was surprised to see the maid standing with a horizontal sword, suspecting that it was an ambush set up by Eastern Wu. After all, for what reason, let's see the breakdown in the following text.